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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000204

Australian, New Zealand embassies jointly host virtual Anzac Day commemorative service

To commemorate those Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, the Australian and New Zealand embassies came together to jointly host the 2021 virtual Anzac Day Commemorative Service at the Australian Embassy, Bangkok.

The service was recorded and broadcast via the embassy’s Facebook Page “Australian Embassy, Thailand” at 1.30pm on Sunday.

Due to Covid-19 considerations, the Australian government had announced there would be no government-led public overseas Anzac Day services in 2021, including in Thailand.

Still, given the significance of the Anzac Day to Australians and New Zealanders alike, the Australian and New Zealand embassies decided to hold a small, private, commemorative service to mark the occasion, they said.

The service was conducted following local authority health guidelines on Covid-19.

Allan McKinnon, Australia’s ambassador to Thailand, reiterated the importance of Anzac Day for the Australian and New Zealand communities in Thailand. “Anzac Day is a day on which all Australians and New Zealanders in Thailand can join us in pausing, reflecting, and remembering the sacrifice of those who have served, those who continue to serve, and those who will serve in the future.”

James Andersen, Chargé d’ Affaires from the New Zealand Embassy to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, said Anzac Day continued to retain significance, many years after the first Anzacs landed at Gallipoli. “Anzac Day continues to underline how we have a collective responsibility to uphold the values of justice, freedom, peace and respect for human dignity as we remind ourselves that Australians and New Zealanders have given their lives for these values.”

On April 25 each year, Australians throughout the world commemorate Anzac Day, marking the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the World War I.

It was on April 25, 1915 that Australian and New Zealand soldiers first landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula, in Turkey, as part of a larger Allied Force. Facing fierce resistance and near-impossible fighting conditions in battles that lasted for months, many did not return home.

Published : April 25, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000199

Third Covid-19 wave more severe: poll

The third Covid-19 wave is the most severe in Thailand, according to the majority of respondents, Suan Dusit Poll said on Sunday. The online survey on “Thais and the third Covid-19 wave” was conducted between April 16 and 22 on 2,082 respondents nationwide.

Response to key poll questions:

▪︎ Views on the third Covid-19 wave (multiple choice):

– 74.29 per cent said the virus spread quickly

– 67.56 per cent said they had sympathy for medical staff who worked hard

– 67.28 per cent said they were afraid that the government would not able to tackle the situation

– 63.58 per cent said everyone must take care of themselves, such as by staying at home and washing hands regularly

– 62.76 per cent said they were worried about the safety of family members.

▪︎ Uncertainty over the third Covid-19 wave compared to the previous waves:

– 68.40 per cent said this wave was more worrisome than the previous ones

– 19.60 per cent said this wave was as worrisome as the previous ones

– 12.00 per cent said this wave was less worrisome than the previous

▪︎ Opinion on the severity of three Covid-19 waves in Thailand:

– 70.51 per cent said the third wave was the most severe

– 23.34 per cent said all three waves were equally severe

– 4.47 per cent said the first wave was the most severe

– 1.68 per cent said the second wave was the most severe

▪︎ Ways of preventing themselves from getting infected in the third wave (multiple choice):

– 83.90 per cent said wearing face mask and washing hands regularly

– 79.72 per cent said avoid going to risky or crowded places

– 76.50 per cent said following social distancing

– 71.60 per cent said avoid going outdoors

– 65.93 per cent said following the Public Health Ministry’s guidelines

▪︎ Could the government tackle the third Covid-19 wave?

– 39.19 per cent said the government could

– 35.73 per cent said they were not sure

– 25.08 per cent said the government could not

▪︎ How long will it take to control the third wave:

– 50.58 per cent said more than three months

– 22.19 per cent said three months

– 17.82 per cent said two months

– 9.41 per cent said a month

▪︎ Will there be a fourth wave in Thailand?

– 58.89 per cent expected a fourth wave

– 37.61 per cent said they were not sure

– 3.50 per cent said no.

Pornphan Buathong, an analyst at Suan Dusit Poll, advised the government to conduct proactive testing and administer vaccines as soon as possible.

“The fourth wave would emerge in Thailand if the government delays tackling this problem,” she said.

Published : April 25, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000198

Registration opens on May 1 via app for second phase of vaccination

Registration for the next phase of vaccination will start from May 1, the Ministry of Public Health said.

In the first phase of the Covid-19 vaccination plan, medical personnel and public health personnel from the public and private sectors at risk were given priority.

A new version of MorPrompt [Doctor ready] reservation on Line application will launch from April 28 with 12 functions, including registration, vaccination date record, symptom follow-up, and reminder for second vaccine dose, for people willing to be vaccinated. Registrants must be senior citizens aged 60 years and above and patients with seven chronic diseases:

1. Severe chronic respiratory disease

2. Cardiovascular disease

3. Stroke

4. Chronic kidney disease

5. Cancer of all types,

6. Diabetes

7. Obesity.

They will be given the AstraZeneca jab in June and July.

Phase 3 inoculation will start in August for the general population aged 18-59 years with Sinovac, Sputnik V, AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines.

Published : April 25, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000197

11 Covid-19 patients, including pregnant woman, succumb in record deaths on a single day

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Sunday reported 2,438 new cases and 11 deaths, the highest on a single day since the pandemic outbreak.

Of the total, 2,151 people were exposed to the disease while visiting high-risk areas. Proactive testing led to the discovery of 282 cases. Five cases were overseas arrivals in quarantine facilities.

The 11 deaths reported on Sunday comprised eight men and three women. Most of them were overweight, had diabetes, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia, authorities said.

One of them was a 25-week pregnant woman, 32, a resident of Bangkok. She reportedly contracted Covid-19 from visiting a crowded area and started to have fever and cough on April 8. The virus was confirmed on April 15. The patient passed away on April 23 at 10.50pm. The cause of death is under investigation.

Meanwhile, 547 patients have recovered and been discharged in the last 24 hours.

As of Sunday, the number of confirmed cases in Thailand had risen to 55,460. Of these, 52,460 had been contracted locally, including 21,660 who were found via proactive testing, while 3,271 were returnees. So far, 31,113 have recovered and been discharged, 24,207 patients are still in hospitals, and 140 have died.

According to Worldometer, as of 11am on Sunday, the number of confirmed cases globally had risen to 147.06 million (up by 821,674), 124 million have recovered, 19.24 million are active cases (110,159 in severe condition) and 3.11 million have died (up by 13,390).

Thailand ranks 105th on the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 32.79 million, followed by India 16.95 million, Brazil 14.3 million, France 5.47 million, and Russia 4.75 million.

Meanwhile, another 14,675 people got the first shot of their vaccine in the last 24 hours, and 14,033 people got their second, bringing the total vaccine doses given to 949,124.

Published : April 25, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000196

Online petition seeks Anutins exit as Public Health Minister over Covid-19 crisis

An online group, “MorJaMaiThon” [Doctors can’t stand anymore], has launched a campaign demanding the resignation of Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

The campaign, “Call for Minister of Public Health to resign due to the failure to resolve the Covid-19 outbreak”, was launched at midnight on Friday on Change.org.

Within a few hours — as of 9.30am on April 25 — the campaign had drawn more than 45,000 supporters.

The campaigners stated that over the past one year, the Covid-19 outbreak had proved Anutin did not have enough capacity to control the spread of the virus through proper policy-making, resource management, vaccine procurement, or building confidence among medical personnel.

Citing interviews by Anutin, the group said it was clear that there was no proper vision to work in control of the main ministry, especially during the outbreaks that are out of control.

They cited Anutin dismissing the outbreak initially as, “It’s just a common cold.” And when medical personnel were infected, he said: “The doctors were not careful to avoid infection with Covid-19. They should be scolded,” besides other faux pas in many more interviews.

“The public acknowledgement of all these failures prove that we cannot afford to squander our precious time and we must put an end to management that is not effective enough by requesting Anutin to resign and let those who have the ability to take the position at a time when the country is in a crisis,” the campaign states.

Published : April 25, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000194

PM tells state agencies to expand facilities as Covid-19 cases surge

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha on Saturday told government authorities to augment facilities for treating the increasing number of Covid-19 cases.

In a Facebook post, he said that the Public Health Ministry had been told to arrange additional beds to tackle shortage and cooperate with transport agencies on sending patients to hospitals in Bangkok’s perimeter.

“The Public Health Ministry will contact 1,423 patients on transportation to hospitals based on symptoms within 2-3 days,” he said.

Prayut, who also heads the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said the Public Health Ministry had also been told to improve the efficiency of the call centre to cope with increasing patients, allow patients to screen for Covid-19 at field hospitals to reduce congestion in hospitals and increase the number of volunteers.

“If the situation worsens, the quarantine period for asymptomatic patients in hospitals may be reduced to 10 days while they can continue self-isolation in their homes, so as to increase bed availability and relieve the burden on medical staff,” he said.

He said government authorities nationwide have been urged to strictly implement measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.

“Provincial governors have the authority to tighten measures, such as closing premises or imposing curfew, as necessary,” he said.

He promised to continue monitoring the government authorities’ operations in order to solve this crisis based on people’s safety.

Published : April 25, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000193

2.2 million Favipiravir tablets to fight Covid-19 arriving tomorrow from Japan

A consignment of 2.2 million Favipiravir pills ordered from Japan is arriving on April 26. The order was placed after the Ministry of Public Health urged state agencies to prepare for the latest Covid-19 wave.

Dr Surachoke Tangwiwat, the deputy director-general of the Food and Drug Administration, said that Minister of Health Anutin Charnvirakul had told the FDA to expedite the import of 2.2 million Favipiravir tablets.

The FDA joined forces with the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation to coordinate the import of antiretroviral drugs, including Favipiravir from Japan.

The government also plans to stock up on medicines to ensure domestic demand is met.

Published : April 25, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000192

Bangkok tightens lockdown, orders closure of more premises

Bangkok has ordered the temporary closure of more business establishments from April 26 to May 9, in a bid to contain the spread of Covid-19, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said on Sunday.

The decision was made at a meeting of the communicable disease committee, presided over by Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang at City Hall on Saturday.

BMA spokesman Pongsakorn Kwanmuang said after the meeting that most people got infected from workplaces and public gatherings, as they did not follow social distancing, citing an investigation by the Health Department.

The committee approved to close the following premises:

– Theatres

– Water and amusement parks

– Zoos

– Rinks for skating, rollerblading, etc

– Snooker clubs

– Bowling and arcade centres

– Internet cafes

– Swimming pools

– Fitness centres

– Exhibition centres

– Museums

– Libraries

– Nurseries (except in hospitals)

– Elderly care homes (except where overnight admissions are allowed)

– Boxing stadiums and schools

– Martial arts schools

– Tatoo parlours

– Dance studios

– Horse racing courses

– Amulet markets

– Health and beauty centres

– Spa and massage parlours

– Stadiums

– Department stores, shopping malls and community malls (open from 11am to 9pm, and must refrain from holding promotional activities; restaurants must arrange seats two metres apart or use partitions)

– Beauty salons (allow only hair wash and hairdressing,

customers cannot wait in salons)

– Public parks

– Convenience stores (open from 5am to 10pm)

– Refrain from holding parties, camping, TV programme or movie production, religious activities and gatherings with over 20 persons.

“The measure will come into effect for 14 days from April 26 to May 9 or until the change is made,” Pongsakorn said.

He said restaurants outside department stores, shopping malls and community malls can stay open until 9pm and arrange seats two metres apart or use partitions.

“After 9pm, restaurants can provide take-home service until 11pm,” he said.

He urged citizens to wear face masks in public areas, warning that those violating the rule would face punishment under the law.

“In addition, the BMA would improve patient transportation and call centre service in a bid to gain confidence among people,” he added.

Published : April 25, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000191

Hot day with occasional thundershowers forecast for most of Thailand

A hot to very hot day with isolated thundershowers has been forecast for upper Thailand due to a heat low over the area, the Thailand Meteorological Department said on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the southwesterly winds still blow in, carrying moisture from the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand to the North, the Northeast, the Central including Bangkok and its vicinity, and the East regions.

People should beware of the hot to very hot weather, the department said.

The westerly and southwesterly winds are expected to bring thundershowers to the South.

From April 26 to 30, thunderstorms with gusty winds, hail and isolated heavy rains are possible in the upper country due to another high-pressure system from China extending to the Northeast and the South China Sea.

The 24-hour weather forecast for different regions:

North: Hot to very hot with haze; isolated thundershowers and gusty winds over the western and lower portion of Chiang Mai, Tak, Nan, Kamphaeng Phet, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phichit and Phetchabun provinces; minimum temperature 23-28 degrees Celsius, maximum 37-40°C; southwesterly winds 10-20 km/hr.

Northeast: Hot day with isolated thundershowers and gusty winds in Loei, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Mukdahan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani provinces; minimum temperature 23-28°C, maximum 34-37°C; southwesterly winds 10-20 km/hr.

Central: Hot day with isolated thundershowers and gusty winds, mostly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi provinces; minimum temperature 25-26°C, maximum 36-39°C; southwesterly winds 10-20 km/hr.

East: Hot day with isolated thundershowers, mostly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces; minimum temperature 24-27°C, maximum 33-36°C; southwesterly winds 10-30 km/hr; waves below a metre high and above a metre in thundershowers.

South (east coast): Scattered thundershowers in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Yala and Narathiwat provinces; minimum temperature 22-26°C, maximum 32-35°C; southwesterly winds 15-30 km/hr; waves about a metre high and 1-2 metres in thundershowers.

South (west coast): Scattered thundershowers in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun provinces; minimum temperature 23-26°C, maximum 31-34°C; westerly winds 15-35 km/hr; waves 1-2 metres high and about two metres in thundershowers.

Bangkok and its vicinity: Hot day with isolated rain; minimum temperature 25-27°C, maximum 33-38°C; southwesterly winds 10-20 km/hr.

Published : April 25, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000184

Why do some persons vaccinated against Covid-19 get infected again?

The Covid-19 issue is still being monitored by people around the world, as well as those suffering in Thailand. According to ourworldindata.org, the Thai government has inoculated 0.97 per cent of the countrys population. The side-effects of the Covid-19 vaccine are regularly reported.

Dr Nakhon Premsri – director of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) – said that it was better to be vaccinated.

The vaccine does not immediately immunise the patient, but initially protects them from severe conditions.

Nakhon explained that in Brazil, where Covid-19 spread widely and seriously, the Chinese Sinovac vaccine had around 50 per cent efficacy in immunising the frontline doctors and nurses whereas in Turkey, where the virus crisis was not as severe as in Brazil, the same Chinese product had around 80 per cent efficacy.

The NVI director underlined that it was very risky to visit public spaces without wearing a face mask, even if one were inoculated.

“The vaccination is in addition to other practices, such as wearing a mask or social distancing,” he added.

What will happen if several people decide not to take the vaccine?

To this question, Nakhon said that health measures would be implemented for several years, until Covid-19 disappears on its own. During this time, total cases would reach 100 million, with total deaths of over 100,000 in Thailand.

“That is why the vaccine is very important,” he emphasised.

What are the side-effects of vaccination?

Nakhon said that most side-effects happen after 30 minutes of vaccination. And they generally are high fever, fainting, low blood pressure, tightness in the chest and difficulty in breathing.

Published : April 24, 2021

By : The Nation