covid-19

  • Covid-19 NewsAsymptomatic Covid patients may be allowed to self-isolate at home

    Asymptomatic Covid patients may be allowed to self-isolate at home

    Thailand’s Health Ministry says asymptomatic Covid-19 patients may be allowed to recover at home, in order to ensure hospital beds can be kept for seriously ill patients. The ministry says it’s preparing a “recover at home” plan, but insists it is not being implemented for the time being as there are currently enough beds available. Just over a week ago,…

  • Thailand NewsCovid UPDATE: 1,390 new infections, 3 new deaths

    Covid UPDATE: 1,390 new infections, 3 new deaths

    Thailand’s CCSA has reported a total of 1,390 new Covid infections today, tallied from Thailand’s 77 provinces in the past 24 hours. The tally is a welcome drop in new case reports after the last 5 days’ record levels of new infections. Yesterday there were 1,767 new infections reported by the CCSA. 3 more people have died of Covid-related illnesses, 14,851…

  • Northern Thailand NewsHospital in north-east suspends non-urgent treatment after patient dies of Covid-19

    Hospital in north-east suspends non-urgent treatment after patient dies of Covid-19

    A hospital in the north-eastern province of Buriram has temporarily closed for non-urgent treatment after a patient died from complications arising from Covid-19. Prakhon Chai Hospital has announced the closure on its Facebook page, saying all non-urgent treatment is suspended for 2 days, to allow for deep cleaning and disinfecting of several wards. All medical staff who had contact with…

  • World NewsDoctors in India see alarming rise in severe Covid symptoms in younger patients

    Doctors in India see alarming rise in severe Covid symptoms in younger patients

    Doctors in India are reporting a worrying rise in the number of young patients being hospitalised with severe Covid-19 symptoms. One medical practitioner in the western state of Gujarat says more young people are developing serious symptoms affecting their lungs, hearts and kidneys, with one hospital opening the state’s first paediatric Covid-19 ward. Other states are reporting a similar increase…

  • Covid-19 NewsWebsite, self-quarantine for post-Songkran Bangkok travellers

    Website, self-quarantine for post-Songkran Bangkok travellers

    Bangkok is taking proactive steps to deal with the likely surge of Covid-19 cases after the Songkran holiday, asking those returning to Bangkok to submit their timelines online and self-quarantine 14 days. Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang is urging all people entering Bangkok to visit a website where they can perform a self-evaluation to assess their Covid-19 risk. The website, bkkcovid19.bangkok.go.th,…

  • Pattaya NewsCovid UPDATE: 1,767 new infections for Sunday. Provincial totals.

    Covid UPDATE: 1,767 new infections for Sunday. Provincial totals.

    1,767 new Covid infections were reported this morning, the highest ever daily report of new cases in Thailand. The spokesperson for the CCSA also reported that there were also 128 people in serious condition, with 28 people on ventilators. 608,521 people have now received at least their first dose of Covid vaccine. Bangkok continues to lead the way in the…

  • Covid-19 NewsShortage of hospital beds for Covid-19 patients worrisome

    Shortage of hospital beds for Covid-19 patients worrisome

    A shortage of hospital beds for Covid-19 patients is spreading throughout Thailand, as the Coronavirus surges through the country, and people are getting desperate to secure a bed for their loved ones. Even celebrities are posting on social media in an attempt to get a space in the rapidly filling hospitals. Government officials say there are enough beds for everyone…

  • Covid-19 NewsSiam Bioscience says July due date of locally-produced AstraZeneca vaccine still feasible

    Siam Bioscience says July due date of locally-produced AstraZeneca vaccine still feasible

    Siam Bioscience Co. says the July due date for delivering its locally-produced Covid-19 AstraZeneca vaccines is still feasible. The company is currently sending vaccine samples to laboratories in Europe and the US for quality inspections. If they are approved, then the samples will be sent to AstraZeneca for final inspections. After that, the vaccines will be registered with Thailand’s Food…

  • Covid-19 NewsGrim milestone: 3 million Covid-19 deaths worldwide

    Grim milestone: 3 million Covid-19 deaths worldwide

    Today marks a grim milestone as the Covid-19 pandemic officially crosses 3 million deaths around the world, with outbreaks still surging in various parts of the world. Over a year into the pandemic, and we are currently seeing over 700,000 new infections and 12,000 deaths per day, with Brazil, India, and France facing growing crises. The 3 million figure reflects…

  • Covid-19 NewsThai Hotel Association pushes “hospitels” – hotels as hospitals

    Thai Hotel Association pushes “hospitels” – hotels as hospitals

    With the third wave of Covid-19 ripping through Thailand, hospitals are rapidly filling up and the Thai Hotels Association has proposed “hospitels” as a creative solution. The portmanteau of “hospital” and “hotel” is the THA’s brainchild for creating more space for the growing number of Covid-19 infections that require treatment or at least observation as Thailand hits record daily case…

  • Covid-19 NewsNo Covid-19 national curfew or lockdown yet for Thailand

    No Covid-19 national curfew or lockdown yet for Thailand

    PM Prayut Chan-o-cha announced that there will be no national curfew or lockdown in Thailand as of yet, despite a growing third wave of Covid-19. More than 10,000 people have been infected this month as clusters that started in Bangkok nightlife venues rapidly spread throughout the entire country. PM Prayut yesterday called for calm from the public while saying that…

  • Thailand NewsCovid-19 brings surge in gold and cryptocurrency investment

    Covid-19 brings surge in gold and cryptocurrency investment

    In the uncertain times of the Covid-19 pandemic, investors are leaning towards safe investments like gold and also the emerging cryptocurrency market. Gold prices hit a 7 week high at over 55,000 baht on Thursday and around April 15 online gold transactions in Thailand doubled. One reason for the rise in gold price is uncertainty, with tensions growing between the…

  • Covid-19 NewsCovid-19 vaccinations for June still on schedule

    Covid-19 vaccinations for June still on schedule

    Covid-19 vaccinations in June are still set to proceed as scheduled according to the Department of Disease Control. They have ensured that production and distribution is on track, especially with AstraZeneca producing 6 million jabs domestically now. Local production in Thailand is ramping up, with 61 million AstraZeneca vaccines planned to be manufactured domestically by Siam Bioscience by the end…

  • Health17 medical staff isolated due to dishonest Covid-19 patient

    17 medical staff isolated due to dishonest Covid-19 patient

    The already-strained Samut Prakan provincial hospital isolated 17 medical staff members today after a patient was dishonest about interaction with a Covid-19 infected patient. The patient was not forthcoming with details about coming in contact with a person that had been diagnosed with the Coronavirus. As a result, the hospital announced the mandatory quarantine of 17 medical staff members who…

  • Covid-19 NewsPhuket begs Kolour attendees to come for Covid-19 testing

    Phuket begs Kolour attendees to come for Covid-19 testing

    Health officials in Phuket put out a public statement this week compelling all foreigners who attended clubs and ‘Kolour’ events to report for Covid-19 testing. As many might expect, the response has been lacklustre at best. Spreading the message around the foreigner and expat community in Phuket, the message is aimed at the multitudes of people, mostly foreign who attended…

  • Covid-19 NewsThai army sets up 2 more field hospitals to help with Covid influx

    Thai army sets up 2 more field hospitals to help with Covid influx

    Thailand’s army is getting ready to deal with the influx of Covid-19 infections as its deputy spokeswoman says 2 more field hospitals are now in place. The hospitals are in Bangkok and Prachuap Khiri Khan to help ease the burden of hospitals in 2 of the hardest hit areas. Already, an army field hospital has been set up at the…

  • Economy NewsThai household debt expected to keep rising- Kasikorn Research

    Thai household debt expected to keep rising- Kasikorn Research

    Despite rolling out Covid-19 vaccines, in which could see a faster return to pre-Covid times, Thailand’s household debt is expected to keep rising. Kasikorn Research analysts say it could, in fact, reach 89-91% by the end of the year. In a recent survey, KResearch says 10.8% of respondents could be stuck in a financial crisis. Of those who may be…

  • Covid-19 NewsThai Health Ministry predicts 5 likely Covid outcomes post-Songkran, warns of risks posed by partying

    Thai Health Ministry predicts 5 likely Covid outcomes post-Songkran, warns of risks posed by partying

    The Public Health Ministry is warning the public that partying and letting ones guard down could see daily Covid-19 infections rise to nearly 3,000. Opas Karnkawinpong from the Disease Control Department says evidence shows that the third wave of the virus which is currently spreading across the country is a result of younger people, aged 20 – 29, socialising frequently…

  • Covid-19 NewsAstraZeneca will remain Thailand’s primary vaccine, insists Health Minister

    AstraZeneca will remain Thailand’s primary vaccine, insists Health Minister

    The Health Minister insists the AstraZeneca vaccine will remain Thailand’s primary Covid-19 jab, despite concerns over rare side-effects. Some countries have suspended its use, while Denmark is the first country in Europe to abandon it completely. However, Anutin Charnvirakul says it’s up to each country to make their own decisions and Thailand is pressing ahead with the jab. “There are…

  • Covid-19 NewsAlcohol sales may be banned in restaurants, but no lockdown for now

    Alcohol sales may be banned in restaurants, but no lockdown for now

    Thailand’s Public Health Ministry says it believes a lockdown is currently unnecessary, despite a record 1,543 new Covid-19 infections yesterday. Of those, only 3 were imported. However, Health Minister Anutin Chanvirakul says the government is confident it can control the spread of the virus without having to lock down the country. “We have seen no point in imposing a lockdown…

  • World NewsIs spraying disinfectant on the Thai-Burmese border effective?

    Is spraying disinfectant on the Thai-Burmese border effective?

    Some controversy exists over the Royal Thai Army attempting to sterilize areas of the Thailand-Myanmar border by spraying disinfectant along the border region. The army sprayed areas set up as a temporary holding facility for many Burmese refugees. The move drew condemnation from critics who claimed the disinfectant was not effective and not worth the expense of implementation. A spokesperson…

  • Covid-19 NewsBangkok officials issue advice for Covid contacts required to self-isolate

    Bangkok officials issue advice for Covid contacts required to self-isolate

    The governor of Bangkok says anyone who has had contact with a Covid-19 patient must self-isolate for 10 days, the incubation period for the virus. Nation Thailand reports that Governor Aswin Kwanmuang has issued advice for those self-isolating, saying they must adhere to the following 4 steps. 1. Sleep in a separate room to other residents 2. Do not eat…

  • Pattaya NewsOfficials confirm Koh Larn will remain open to domestic visitors for now

    Officials confirm Koh Larn will remain open to domestic visitors for now

    Officials in Pattaya and Koh Larn say there are currently no plans to close the island to visitors despite a man who worked briefly at a local restaurant testing positive for Covid-19. It’s understood the worker was employed from April 3 to April 6, before quitting. During his short employment stint, he visited a number of nightlife venues in Pattaya…

  • Covid-19 NewsDenmark becomes first country in Europe to ditch AstraZeneca vaccine

    Denmark becomes first country in Europe to ditch AstraZeneca vaccine

    Denmark has announced that it is abandoning the AstraZeneca vaccine, the first European country to do so, amid concerns about very rare but serious blood clots. The rollout of the vaccine has run into problems in several countries, with its use either temporarily suspended or restricted to older age groups. When concerns first arose over the vaccine’s rare side-effects, Denmark…

  • Covid-19 NewsIndividuals and businesses who spread Covid-19 to be prosecuted

    Individuals and businesses who spread Covid-19 to be prosecuted

    Officials have vowed to take legal action against reckless individuals and irresponsible business owners who spread Covid-19. A number of businesses in Bangkok and Phuket are accused of violating the emergency decree and disease prevention measures by hosting large-scale parties that sparked a rise in infections that has now spread across the country. Meanwhile, the public health chief in the…

  • Covid-19 NewsPartial lockdowns looming for “high-risk” provinces

    Partial lockdowns looming for “high-risk” provinces

    Several high-risk provinces may be heading into partial lockdown in order to bring spiraling Covid-19 infections under control. The Thai government is considering imposing the lockdowns in Bangkok and other central provinces, along with Chiang Mai, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chon Buri. Yesterday, new infections reached a record daily high since the arrival of the pandemic early last year. 1,335…

  • Tourism NewsPattaya tourism remains open without quarantine, for now anyway

    Pattaya tourism remains open without quarantine, for now anyway

    As province after province closes down more sectors, imposing stricter regulations, administers mandatory Covid-19 testing, and enacts quarantines for domestic travellers (in some cases), Pattaya is taking a different approach: heartily welcoming tourists to their city. Colourful Pattaya Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome spoke yesterday saying that everyone from everywhere is welcome in Pattaya, and will not be required to quarantine or…

  • Covid-19 NewsHotel blog suggests Phuket should push ahead with July reopening despite Covid surge

    Hotel blog suggests Phuket should push ahead with July reopening despite Covid surge

    A hotel information blog is claiming that, despite growing Covid-19 numbers, Phuket should stick to its schedule in reopening to travellers without quarantine in July. That’s only 2 and a half months away. In an interview with the Director of Travel and Tourism Consulting at GlobalData, they stressed that while it is crucial to rein in the spread of Covid-19…

  • Covid-19 NewsNorthern Thai provinces starting Covid restrictions as 3rd wave spreads

    Northern Thai provinces starting Covid restrictions as 3rd wave spreads

    Thailand’s northern provinces are starting to impose more self-quarantines or travel restrictions to combat the recent Covid-19 outbreak that has spread quickly throughout northern Thailand. Phichit and Lampang provinces are the latest in northern Thailand to impose a variety of covid-19 restrictions on people entering. A Thailand Interior Ministry told Chiang Rai Times that the longer list emphasises the seriousness…

  • Covid-19 NewsCovid UPDATE: Wednesday’s new infections rise to 1,335 people, 36 people in “serious condition”

    Covid UPDATE: Wednesday’s new infections rise to 1,335 people, 36 people in “serious condition”

    Thailand’s CCSA has announced 1,335 new infections today, after a slight dip in the 10 day surge yesterday. 1,326 of those new infections are local, not imported, and mostly from Bangkok. Today’s tally takes the national total to 35,910 since January 2020 when the first case outside China was detected in Thailand on January 13. The new infections have mostly…