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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404159

134 new Covid-19 cases reported, more than two-thirds from Bangkok

NationalMar 26. 2021

By The Nation

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday reported 134 new cases, six of them overseas travellers in quarantine facilities, travelling from Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Sweden, South Korea and Turkey.

Of the 41 exposed to the disease while visiting high-risk areas, 16 were in Bangkok, 15 in Samut Sakhon, and five each in Tak and Samut Prakan provinces.

Meanwhile, proactive testing led to the discovery of 87 cases — 82 in Bangkok, two each in Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram, and one in Pathum Thani

Four Thais, a Swiss, and a Zimbabwean were found to be infected in quarantine facilities.

Meanwhile, 86 patients have recovered and been discharged.

As of Friday, the number of confirmed cases in Thailand had risen to 28,577. Of these, 25,556 had been contracted locally, including 15,982 who were found via proactive testing, while 3,021 were returnees. So far, 27,032 have recovered and been discharged, 1,453 patients are still in hospitals, and 92 have died.

According to Worldometer, as of 10am on Friday, the number of confirmed cases globally had risen to 126.07 million (up by 622,386), 101.72 million have recovered, 21.58 million are active cases (92,391 in severe condition) and 2.77 million have died (up by 10,474).

Thailand ranks 116th on the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 30.77 million, followed by, Brazil 12.32 million, India 11.84 million, Russia 4.49 million and France 4.42 million.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404158

Private tourism sector wants govt to reopen country from July 1, submits plan

NationalMar 26. 2021

By The Nation

Thai tourism and airline businesses have urged the government to reopen the country from July 1.

The operators led by Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of Thai Hotels Association, met Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn to discuss the government’s vaccination distribution plan and the schedule for reopening the country.

Global attention has now shifted to vaccinating national populations against Covid-19. Many countries, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, the United States and China began their vaccination programmes months ago. It is expected that up to 70 per cent of citizens in these countries will have been inoculated by the end of August. This trend bodes well for Thailand’s tourism sector, they said. According to a survey by travel agencies, many vaccinated tourists have expressed their interest to visit Thailand as soon as quarantine requirements are lifted. The survey results suggested that even if Thailand were to reduce mandatory quarantine to seven days, the shortened period would still dissuade potential visitors from travelling to Thailand, said Marisa.

She said the Thai tourism and airline sectors fully supported the minister’s “sandbox” policy of key tourism destinations to revive tourism and the economy. The group also submitted a plan for the ministry to consider, stating this is a pivotal first step to restoring the country’s economy.

▪︎Permit international travellers who have received Covid-19 vaccination to enter the country without mandatory quarantine, at least in the leading tourist destinations such as Phuket and Samui, starting from July 1.

▪︎Accelerate the vaccination of residents in leading tourist provinces such as Phuket and Samui to at least 70 per cent of total population between April 15 and June 30. Achieving herd immunity will enhance the safety of welcoming travellers from abroad. (Phuket Tourism Sandbox will be proposed to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration on Friday, and at the Cabinet meeting on March 30.

▪︎Allow the private sector to cooperate with the government in Covid-19 vaccine procurement from other sources, in order to acquire adequate vaccine supplies and expedite distribution throughout the country.

▪︎Prioritise the vaccination of approximately 1 million people in the tourism and service sectors (for example hotel staff and airline crew) within June, to ensure safety and enhance the confidence of both workers and visiting tourists.

▪︎Declare a concrete timeline and conditions for reopening the country to international travellers. Leading tourist destinations should be reopened first, aiming for a July 1 reopening. Target to reopen Thailand at large to vaccinated travellers from traditional feeder markets (i.e. through “travel bubble”) in time for the upcoming high seasons. A concrete timeline is necessary so that tourism service providers can effectively ramp up their services.

▪︎Approve the use of IATA Travel Pass, the mobile application that is most convenient for travellers, facilitates verification of Covid-19 vaccination certificates, and enhance safety by screening travellers according to global standards.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404156

Huawei aims to transform Chiang Mai University into 5G Smart Uni

NationalMar 26. 2021

By The Nation (sponsored news)

Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co Ltd on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chiang Mai University (CMU), aiming to transform CMU into a smart university using innovative digital platforms.

The installation of state-of-the-art integrated infrastructure, and the adoption of 5G and other emerging technologies, such as Big Data and Cloud services, is expected to reinforce CMU’s position as the leader in Southeast Asia’s education sector, they said.

The two parties had signed an MoU last November to develop ICT professionals through the Huawei ICT Academy Program, offering practical courses and on-the-job training for CMU students to prepare them for successful careers in the digital era.

Representing a strategic alliance between industry and the education sector, the new MoU was signed by Clinical Prof Niwes Nantachit, president of Chiang Mai University, and Abel Deng, CEO of Huawei Technologies (Thailand), at a ceremony in Chiang Mai, in the presence of Prof Emeritus Kasem Wattanachai, chairman of Chiang Mai University Council, and other senior officials.

The five-year collaboration promotes cooperation for adopting 5G technology to have smart classrooms and solutions for enhanced teaching and learning experiences and a broader engagement in research. The alliance also aims to make CMU an intelligent university by implementing integrated digital technology to enhance learning. The collaboration will facilitate new technologies such as Big Data and Cloud services that will boost the efficiency and connectivity of other CMU departments such as the Faculties of Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, Smart Campus Management Centre, and Information Technology Centre.

Through this MoU, CMU aims to become the leading 5G Smart University in Southeast Asia, and the frontrunner in technology-enhanced higher education and skills development.

“This collaboration [with Huawei] is another important step for CMU. Under this partnership, we will build a more inclusive education system using remote learning solutions. My sincere gratitude goes to Huawei Technologies for accompanying Thailand in its digital journey and for its commitment to drive Thailand’s competitiveness,” Kasem said.

“This new chapter in our ongoing partnership with Huawei will create even more opportunities to provide an even higher level of education. We look forward to nurturing a bigger number of top-tier students in all disciplines who we hope can excel in the future as leaders in different fields. Cutting-edge technologies have become crucial for the education sector, and I would like to thank Huawei Thailand for this excellent opportunity that will help CMU maintain its high ranking and preserve its reputation for producing the most employable graduates in the region,” Niwes said.

“Chiang Mai University is ready for digital transformation under its vision of being a ‘Leading University Committed to Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development’,” said Abel Deng, CEO Huawei Thailand. “We will enable CMU to be a role model for other universities that will perceive the benefits of faster, more reliable and more innovative solutions for the education industry.”

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404155

BOT may reduce forex reserves to delay weakening of the baht

NationalMar 26. 2021

By THE NATION

The baht opened at 31.16 to the US dollar on Friday, weakening from its close of 31.10 on Thursday.

The Thai currency is likely to move between 31.05 and 31.20 during the day, Krungthai Bank market strategist Poon Panichpibool said.

As on previous days, Poon said the baht would continue to fluctuate in line with the dollar, while the Thai currency would likely weaken.

He suggested that investors monitor foreign funds flows in the stock market, as the Thai market has risen compared to other stock markets at the end of this quarter.

The market strategist predicted that some institutions would adjust their investment portfolio by decreasing the proportion of stocks and increasing the share of bonds.

Poon said that investors would sell more and more stocks in the Thai market.

He believed the Bank of Thailand would sell dollars to reduce its foreign exchange reserves and in turn delay the weakening of the baht.

“Thailand would probably decide to reduce its reserves in order to delay the baht weakening, and at the same time avoid being accused of being a currency manipulator by the US,” he added.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404151

Ministry probing death of 60-year-old patient after vaccination

NationalMar 26. 2021

By THE NATION

The Ministry of Public Health is investigating the case of a 60-year-old patient who suffered from abdominal aneurysm and died after receiving a Covid-19 vaccine due to rupture of the aneurysm, Dr Sophon Mekthon, chairman of the government’s subcommittee on Covid-19 vaccine management, said.

Aneurysm is an excessive swelling of the wall of an artery.

This is the first death reported in Thailand since vaccination began on February 28.

“Our guess is that the death might not be related to the vaccine, as an abdominal aneurysm can burst at any time and about 20 per cent of patients display no symptoms prior to the rupture,” he said.

Sophon added that so far there had been only two reports of severe side-effects from vaccination in Thailand. In the other case the patient has developed urticaria after getting the vaccine. Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin rash caused by a reaction to food, medicine or other irritants.

“We are looking into both cases in detail to determine if the symptoms are vaccine-related,” he said.

“Other minor side-effects that are common are fever, muscle pain and redness at the injection areas, which usually go away in 1-2 days,” he said.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404145

Bottlenose dolphin rescued from canal in Trat province

NationalMar 26. 2021

By THE NATION

Staff from the Marine and Coastal Resources Office on Thursday rescued a bottlenose dolphin floating in Khao Saming irrigation canal in Trat province.

Officials tried to corner the dolphin by casting a fishing net and successfully caught it after around one hour. The dolphin was then brought to Trat Navy Supply Base in Laem Ngob district for a health examination by veterinarians.

Preliminary inspection revealed that the dolphin had a cut wound at its mount and was generally exhausted from trying to elude the officials. The dolphin is about 180-200 centimetres long and weighs 120-150 kilograms, while the age and sex are still unknown.

Officials speculated that it might have swam into the canal to hunt for smaller fish and then got injured.

Veterinarians said the dolphin would be kept at the naval base until it was healthy enough to be released back into the sea.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404144

Chatuchak Market set to open six days a week by mid-April

NationalMar 26. 2021

By THE NATION

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to ease lockdown measures at Chatuchak Market.

Merchants will be allowed to open their shops on weekdays, except Monday, Wanlaya Wattanarat, BMA’s deputy permanent secretary, said.

The market had earlier been ordered shut on weekdays and be open only on weekends to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“To help increase revenue for the merchants, the market will open until 8pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, while on Friday, Saturday and Sunday merchants are allowed to remain open until 10pm,” she said.

“Chatuchak will close every Monday for cleaning.”

The BMA also has ordered the market administrator to expand the walkways within the market by removing obstacles and stalls that encroach on walkways to reduce crowdedness in the areas, as well as install lighting to facilitate people’s night-time shopping.

“We expect the market will be ready to open six days a week by around mid-April,” she added.

“After the reopening on weekdays, we are planning to organise promotional activities around the clock tower to attract shoppers, such as cactus or gifts festival.”

The BMA also urged over 10,000 merchants in 31 zones of the market to send one representatives from each zone to participate in meetings with the BMA and market administrator to address any problems they might have and find solutions together.

Wanlaya added that merchants and shoppers at Chatuchak still need to follow Covid-19 preventive measures, including wearing face mask, maintaining social distancing and washing hands regularly.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404143

Hot and hazy day in upper Thailand, rains ease in the South

NationalMar 26. 2021

By THE NATION

A hot to very hot day with haze has been forecast for Friday in the lower North and upper Central regions due to the heat low covering upper Thailand.

Meanwhile, the southerly and southeasterly winds would bring humidity from the Gulf and the South China Sea to the lower North, the lower Northeast, the Central region including Bangkok and its vicinity and the East, resulting in isolated thundershowers in the areas, the Thailand Meteorological Department forecast on Friday.

The easterly winds prevailing over the Gulf and the South is weakening, bringing less rains to the lower South.

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours:

North: Hot to very hot day with haze and thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 21-27 degrees Celsius, highs of 36-41°C.

Northeast: Hot day with haze and thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 22-25°C, highs of 35-37°C.

Central: Hot to very hot day with haze and thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 24-26°C, highs of 36-40°C.

East: Hot day with haze and thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 24-25°C, highs of 34-38°C; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres offshore.

South (east coast): Mostly cloudy with thundershowers in 30 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 22-25°C, highs of 33-35°C; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Mostly cloudy with thundershowers in 30 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 22-26°C, highs of 35-37°C; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres offshore.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Hot day with haze; temperature lows of 24-26°C, highs of 34-38°C.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404133

NHSO pushing reforms to unify national health security

NationalMar 26. 2021

By THE NATION

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) is collaborating with multiple stakeholders to achieve single-payer healthcare reform.

On March 1, the NHSO board chaired by Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul approved the implementation of the “national health security reform” roadmap, aiming to create unity and fairness in Thai health systems as well as ensure sustainable health financing.

The Cabinet acknowledged the roadmap during its meeting in December last year. It sets nine goals to be achieved in the coming years:

1. Unify the healthcare reimbursement system, starting from healthcare claims for health promotion and disease prevention services, primary care, community/home care, and inpatient care. Currently, there are three healthcare schemes – the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), Social Security Scheme, and Civil Servant Medical Benefits Scheme – run separately by various government agencies.
2. Unify government healthcare schemes under the same management, reimbursement system and benefits package, to increase Thailand’s capacity to handle future health crises and emerging diseases. The management will include a shared beneficiary registration system, data exchange between healthcare schemes, and collaborative support for health facilities to improve the quality and standard of health services.
3. Prioritise health promotion and disease prevention programmes. The government shall set the budget for the programme separately from the budgets for medical treatment. The health promotion and disease prevention programmes are currently funded by the government’s health budget, prioritising medical treatment rather than health promotion and disease prevention activities despite their considerable benefits for national health security.
4. Expand the long-term care programme to beneficiaries of all healthcare schemes while increasing its funding to address Thailand’s ageing society. The programme is currently available only for UCS beneficiaries.
5. Health insurance must be compulsory for all migrant workers in Thailand. They shall have different health insurance options.
6. Set targets and indicators to achieve value-based healthcare. Pilot these in selected health facilities or health region areas.

Anutin Charnvirakul

7. Achieve Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) with a single-payer system, and define the reimbursement rates, terms, and criteria acceptable for state and private hospitals.
8. Establish a health database that includes data on people and health services in all healthcare schemes. The data, which shall be shared with relevant parties based on mutual benefits, shall cover vulnerable populations, including elderly and dependent patients.
9. Use data from the reimbursement system to design effective health systems for all stakeholders.

Dr Jadej Thammatacharee, NHSO deputy secretary-general, said the NHSO has set up a subcommittee on unifying the government’s health insurance system to monitor and push the implementation of the reform roadmap. From January 2021 to December 2022, goals one, five, six, and eight mentioned above will be prioritised.

Dr Akejit Changloa, the subcommittee’s chairman, emphasised that health promotion and disease prevention programmes would reduce the burden caused by disease.

“To implement the programme effectively, we need to increase people’s health literacy. We also need to empower vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities and dependent people, to help them move forward with the society,” he said.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404130

Thai export sector shows signs of recovery as global economy wakes from slumber

NationalMar 26. 2021

By THE NATION

Thailand’s international trade has been improving in line with the gradual recovery of the global economy, with Thai exports bringing in more than US$20 billion as of February.

Though overall exports have dropped by 2.59 per cent year-on-year, export in the real sector excluding gold, oil and weaponry, has continued to soar, reflected by a 2.87 per cent growth.

Major industrial products, such as equipment and parts for automobiles and computers, integrated circuits, steel and steel products, chemicals and plastic resin, showed robust recovery.

The recovery of Thailand’s export sector coincides with the upward revision of the global economic outlook by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OCED) to 5.6 per cent growth this year from an earlier estimate of 4.2 per cent.

Moreover, the Global Manufacturing PMI (purchasing managers index) has stood above 50 (53.9) for eight months running as of February.

Products with strong expansion in February are classified into three groups:

• Agriculture and food products like rubber, vegetables and fruits, cassava products, pet food and food seasoning.

• Work-at-home products and home appliances like furniture and parts, microwave ovens, heating appliances, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines and parts, air conditioners and parts, and cellphones and parts.

• Medical goods such as rubber gloves, medical equipment and parts.

Agricultural and agro-industrial product exports rose by 7 per cent year on year. Products that expanded favourably include cassava products (+46.6 per cent); fresh, frozen, canned, and processed vegetables and fruits (+42.9 per cent); rubber (+22.9 per cent); pet food (+20.7 per cent) and food seasoning (+3.4 per cent).

On the contrary, some exports dropped such as sugar (-35.5 per cent); frozen, canned and processed seafood (-10.9 per cent); fresh, frozen and processed chicken (-7.6 per cent) and rice (-4.9 per cent).

Meanwhile, the export of industrial products dropped by 4 per cent year on year, though the export of some things rose such as furniture and parts (+20.2 per cent); oil-related products (+14.8 per cent); computer, equipment and parts (+12.7 per cent); electrical appliances (+12.3 per cent); electronic integrated circuits (+9.5 per cent); automobile, equipment and parts (+3.6 per cent); and rubber products (+24.8 per cent).

Exports of some products dropped such as gold (-93.0 per cent); hard disk drive (-7.2 per cent); textiles (-12.5 per cent); semiconductors, transistors and diodes (-6.6 per cent). For the first two months of 2021, Thai industrial product exports declined by 1.7 per cent year on year.