covid-19

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok hospital director summoned for allegedly smuggling Favipiravir

    Bangkok hospital director summoned for allegedly smuggling Favipiravir

    The Bangkok hospital director who allegedly smuggled hundreds of boxes of Favipiravir antiviral pills, which are used to treat Covid-19, has been summoned by police. Last week, officers seized 390 boxes of Favipiravir and arrested nine people who were allegedly involved in selling the pills on social media at five times higher than the standard price. Officers from the Consumer…

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok officials push hospitality sector to get health and safety certificates

    Bangkok officials push hospitality sector to get health and safety certificates

    With the country reopening and Bangkok lifting restrictions, city officials are pushing for businesses in the hospitality industry to apply for Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certificates. The move, which is part of a project by tourism and health officials, is intended to boost safety confidence among tourists, according to the Bangkok Post. Another key detail… restaurants in Bangkok with…

  • Covid-19 NewsMonday Covid Update: 8,165 new cases; provincial totals

    Monday Covid Update: 8,165 new cases; provincial totals

    55 coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the CCSA today, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 19,260 with 19,166 of those fatalities during the latest wave, which was first recorded on April 1. In the 24-hour period since the last count, the CCSA recorded 8,165 new Covid-19 cases and 9,574 recoveries. There are now 99,227 people in Thailand being…

  • EventsPM Prayut Chan-o-cha says Loy Krathong festivals will be allowed

    PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says Loy Krathong festivals will be allowed

    NOTE: This article was edited on November 1. Thailand’s annual Loy Krathong celebrations have been given the “okay” by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, but under some restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The Thai holiday is on the 12th full moon in the lunar calendar, which falls on November 19 this year. Krathongs made from banana tree trunks and decorated…

  • Covid-19 NewsThailand renews crackdown on illegal migrants ahead of re-opening

    Thailand renews crackdown on illegal migrants ahead of re-opening

    Thailand is cracking down on illegal migrants and those who smuggle them into the country, as authorities try to prevent imported Covid-19 infections. The Defence Ministry says over 30,000 illegal migrants have been intercepted and deported since the beginning of the year. According to a Bangkok Post report, the number arrested continues to rise as the country prepares to re-open…

  • Covid-19 NewsMonday Covid Update: 8,165 new cases and 55 deaths

    Monday Covid Update: 8,165 new cases and 55 deaths

    8,165 new Covid-19 cases and 55 coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the CCSA. 9,574 more people were marked as “recovered” in the 24-hour period since the last count. Thailand now has 99,227 active Covid-19 cases. In the latest and most severe wave of the virus in Thailand, first recorded on April 1, the CCSA has reported 1,891,326 confirmed Covid-19…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket tourism operators expect 1 million visitors in first quarter of 2022

    Phuket tourism operators expect 1 million visitors in first quarter of 2022

    The head of the Phuket Tourist Association is optimistic about Thailand’s re-opening to vaccinated tourists from 63 countries, which starts today. Bhummikitti Raktaengam predicts the southern island will see 1 million foreign tourists in the first quarter of next year. “Bookings in November increased by 20%, while the load factor for some international flights will also rise to 80%, thanks…

  • Tourism NewsThailand re-opens: minimal quarantine for vaccinated tourists from 63 countries

    Thailand re-opens: minimal quarantine for vaccinated tourists from 63 countries

    From today, vaccinated tourists from 63 countries can enter Thailand (by air only) with minimal quarantine requirements. Fully inoculated tourists from approved countries only need to wait in their hotel room for the result of their PCR test and are then free to go where they like. The move has been welcomed by a tourism sector crushed by the Covid-19…

  • Covid-19 NewsCOVID-19 SUNDAY: Deaths dropped, vaccinations data changed again

    COVID-19 SUNDAY: Deaths dropped, vaccinations data changed again

    Today, the CCSA reported 8,859 new Covid-19 infections, down 365 since yesterday, and 47 Coronavirus-related deaths, down 41 from yesterday. Since April 1, in the latest wave of the virus in Thailand, a total of 1,883,151 confirmed Covid-19 infections have been reported.   The death rate in the month of October dropped dramatically, with nearly triple the amount of daily…

  • Covid-19 NewsUS report says the origins of Covid-19 may never be known

    US report says the origins of Covid-19 may never be known

    Without cooperation from China, the origins of the Covid-19 virus may never be known, according to a more detailed version of a report released by US intelligence agencies. A report declassified on Friday said no definitive assessment can be made and some scientists disagree on whether the virus is of natural origin or came from some sort of lab leak.…

  • Politics NewsNew ban on rallies enacted just before November 1 reopening

    New ban on rallies enacted just before November 1 reopening

    In yet another timing coincidence, the Royal Gazette published new rules yesterday placing a ban on rallies and protests just before Thailand reopens to international tourism. As always, the orders were ostensibly put in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the country and to protect incoming tourists from any possible outbreak. The new ban on rallies and similar…

  • Covid-19 NewsCOVID-19 SATURDAY: 88 deaths, provincial data, vaccination update

    COVID-19 SATURDAY: 88 deaths, provincial data, vaccination update

    Today, the CCSA reported 9,224 new Covid-19 infections, up 256 since yesterday, and 88 Coronavirus-related deaths, up 24 from yesterday. Since April 1, in the latest wave of the virus in Thailand, a total of 1,874,292 confirmed Covid-19 infections have been reported. In the 24 hour period since the last count, the CCSA has reported 8,305 recoveries, up 442 from…

  • Covid-19 NewsThailand deemed too wealthy to produce generic Molnupiravir

    Thailand deemed too wealthy to produce generic Molnupiravir

    Thailand has been deemed to be too rich to produce a generic version of the anti-viral drug Molnupiravir that reduces the negative effects of Covid-19 infections. Merck, the producer of the drug, had made an agreement to license the virus-fighting drug to production companies in poor countries to help in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. But the World Bank has…

  • Thailand NewsPM says cooperation needed as Thailand prepares for reopening

    PM says cooperation needed as Thailand prepares for reopening

    PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has stressed the importance of public and business cooperation ahead of next week’s reopening of Thailand’s borders and the relaxing of quarantine requirements for international visitors. The Bangkok Post has reported Prayut has asked for strict compliance with disease controls, and that protesters do not damage the national image, paving the way for a successful reopening. Prayut,…

  • Thailand NewsDDC forecasts potential Covid-19 scenarios amid tourism restart

    DDC forecasts potential Covid-19 scenarios amid tourism restart

    Ahead of next week’s reopening of Thailand’s international borders and the relaxing of quarantine requirements, the Department of Disease Control has provided a rundown of 3 potential Covid-19 scenarios facing the nation. The scenarios – categorised as “green”, “orange” and “grey” – respectively outline the risk of the virus spreading locally against the backdrop of the tourism restart, according to…

  • Transport NewsThailand’s used car market expected to keep growing thanks to Covid-19 pandemic

    Thailand’s used car market expected to keep growing thanks to Covid-19 pandemic

    Thailand’s used car market is expected to keep growing thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year alone, it has grown by 20 to 30%, which is an increase from the pre-Covid years that saw an average growth of 10%. Pinyo Tanawatcharaporn, president of the Association of Used Cars, says normally the used car market sees about 1 to 2 million…

  • Thailand NewsPM orders clampdown on black market Favipiravir trade following arrests

    PM orders clampdown on black market Favipiravir trade following arrests

    PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered a crackdown on the illegal trade of the Favipiravir antiviral drug, used to treat Covid-19, following the seizure of hundreds of boxes destined for the online black market earlier this week. Police arrested nine suspects on Tuesday, carrying out coordinated raids across Bangkok, Saraburi, Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi, with a hospital manager alleged to have…

  • World NewsMalaysia and Singapore talk travel bubbles

    Malaysia and Singapore talk travel bubbles

    Talks are underway between the Malaysian and Singaporean governments, which could pave the way for vaccinated travel lanes between both countries. According to a TTR Weekly report, Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister has confirmed the talks are taking place. Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri says once the deal is done, the Malaysian PM, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, will announce…

  • Covid-19 NewsArmy conscript dies a day after receiving second Covid-19 vaccine shot

    Army conscript dies a day after receiving second Covid-19 vaccine shot

    A 23 year old army conscript died earlier this week after receiving a second Covid-19 vaccine shot, according to the Bangkok Post. According to the report, Khanti Anantasiri, who had no underlying health conditions, died at home in Ratchaburi province on Tuesday afternoon, a day after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine. He had earlier received the Sinovac vaccine. Khanti had complained…

  • Thailand NewsMore Pfizer vaccines for children arrive in Thailand

    More Pfizer vaccines for children arrive in Thailand

    Another batch of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine doses has landed in Thailand, with Department of Disease Control director-general Dr Opas Karnkawinpong confirming the arrival of 1,538,550 doses on Wednesday. As reported by Nation Thailand, Dr Opas said the government has procured the mRNA vaccine for children aged over 12, along with other target groups, with a total of 8 million doses…

  • Covid-19 NewsFriday Covid Update: 8,968 new cases and 64 deaths

    Friday Covid Update: 8,968 new cases and 64 deaths

    8,968 new Covid-19 cases and 64 coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the CCSA today. There are now 99,301 people in Thailand receiving medical treatment for Covid-19. In the latest and most severe wave of the virus, first recorded on April 1, the CCSA has reported 1,865,078 confirmed Covid-19 cases. Out of the new cases, 190 were found in correctional facilities.…

  • Tourism NewsThailand Pass: all systems go for Monday

    Thailand Pass: all systems go for Monday

    The new Thailand Pass system launches on Monday when the country re-opens with minimal quarantine for vaccinated tourists from select countries. The Bangkok Post reports a government spokesman as saying the new system will replace the Certificate of Entry with a more streamlined process. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana says the online system will allow tourists, Thais, and foreign residents of Thailand to…

  • Transport NewsBangkok public transport back to normal capacity on Monday

    Bangkok public transport back to normal capacity on Monday

    Bangkok’s BTS, BRT and Gold Line public transport systems will resume normal operating hours from Monday alongside the government’s move to reopen Thailand’s international borders and lift the nightly curfew in the capital. According to Nation Thailand, Bangkok Mass Transit System director Surapong Laoha-Unya said the resumption of regular services comes with all employees having been fully vaccinated and required…

  • Covid-19 NewsThursday Covid Update: 9,658 new cases; provincial totals

    Thursday Covid Update: 9,658 new cases; provincial totals

    84 coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the CCSA today, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 19,006 with 18,912 of those fatalities during the latest wave, which was first recorded on April 1. In the 24-hour period since the last count, the CCSA recorded 9,658 new Covid-19 cases and 8,526 recoveries. There are now 99,144 people in Thailand being…

  • Tourism NewsTourism minister confident new Thailand Pass system will increase visitor numbers

    Tourism minister confident new Thailand Pass system will increase visitor numbers

    The tourism minister is already praising the yet-to-be-launched Thailand Pass, saying it will lift tourist numbers significantly. Thailand Pass replaces the much-maligned Certificate of Entry from Monday and Pipat Ratchakitprakan is expecting to see visitor numbers rise. “Hotel bookings under the Phuket Sandbox scheme for November went up considerably after October 21, when the list of 46 low-risk countries from…

  • Covid-19 NewsThursday Covid Update: 9,658 new cases and 84 deaths

    Thursday Covid Update: 9,658 new cases and 84 deaths

    9,658 new Covid-19 cases and 84 coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the CCSA. In the 24-hour period since the last count, the CCSA has reported 8,526 recoveries. There are now 99,144 people in Thailand being treated for Covid-19. In the latest and most severe wave of the virus in Thailand, the CCSA has recorded 1,856,110 confirmed Covid-19 cases. Out…

  • Bangkok NewsPrivate sector expresses fear over Covid surge if alcohol ban lifted in Bangkok

    Private sector expresses fear over Covid surge if alcohol ban lifted in Bangkok

    Some members of the private sector have expressed concern about a spike in Bangkok’s infections if the alcohol ban is lifted from December, as planned. According to a Bangkok Post report, the TAT is expecting 300,000 visitors to Bangkok during the last 2 months of the year. This has prompted some to voice concern about the Covid-19 risks, particularly if…

  • Thailand NewsStudent dies after receiving second Covid-19 vaccine shot

    Student dies after receiving second Covid-19 vaccine shot

    A Phang Nga Community College student who developed blood clots after receiving her second Covid-19 vaccine shot has died of a haemorrhagic stroke following brain surgery. As reported by the Bangkok Post, the student, 20 year old Ketsiree Kongkaew, who had had her left leg amputated, died on Monday morning at Songklanagarind Hospital in Hat Yai. Having first received the…

  • Covid-19 NewsWednesday Covid Update: 8,452 new cases; provincial totals

    Wednesday Covid Update: 8,452 new cases; provincial totals

    57 coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the CCSA today, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 18,922 with 18,828 of those fatalities during the latest wave, which was first recorded on April 1. In the 24-hour period since the last count, the CCSA recorded 8,452 new Covid-19 cases and 8,449 recoveries. There are now 98,096 people in Thailand being…

  • Covid-19 NewsOver 98% of new Covid-19 cases in Thailand are Delta variant

    Over 98% of new Covid-19 cases in Thailand are Delta variant

    Expert predictions about the Delta variant of Covid-19 becoming the dominant strain in Thailand by August came true several months ago, but testing shows that the Delta variant is now responsible for 98.6% of all new infections in Thailand. This data from the Department of Medical Science comes as the Delta Plus strain has been found in Thailand and may…