COVID

  • Covid-19 NewsCOVID-19 SATURDAY: 4,079 infections, 39 deaths, provincial totals

    COVID-19 SATURDAY: 4,079 infections, 39 deaths, provincial totals

    Today, the CCSA reported 4,079 new Covid-19 infections, down 114 since yesterday, and 39 Coronavirus-related deaths, up 11 from yesterday. Since April 1, in the latest wave of the virus in Thailand, a total of 2,135,986 confirmed Covid-19 infections have been reported.   In the 24 hour period since the last count, the CCSA has reported 7,302 recoveries, up 561…

  • Covid-19 NewsPlant-based Baiya vaccine can be adjusted for Omicron variant

    Plant-based Baiya vaccine can be adjusted for Omicron variant

    Baiya Phytopharm says that the plant-based Covid-19 vaccine they have been developing in Thailand can be adjusted to be effective against the Omicron variant. The vaccine is currently in the middle of the human trials phase of testing and the Chief Technology Officer says the vaccine formula can be modified to fight Omicron. Baiya has developed a genetically engineered tobacco…

  • Covid-19 News200 funeral attendees quarantined after deceased diagnosed with Covid-19

    200 funeral attendees quarantined after deceased diagnosed with Covid-19

    Attendees to a large funeral in Phetchabun province have now been isolated after it was discovered that the person who died was infected with Covid-19. The funeral took place in the Nong Phai district of the northern province and was attended by over 200 people who then had to be quarantined. The Nong Phai District Hospital said that they were…

  • Covid-19 NewsThursday Covid Update: 4,203 new cases; provincial totals

    Thursday Covid Update: 4,203 new cases; provincial totals

    49 coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the CCSA today, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 21,084 with 20,990 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 4,203 new Covid-19 cases and 7,939 recoveries. There are now 60,415 people in Thailand being…

  • Thailand NewsPR Thailand reminds of the “VUCA” plan to keep reopening safe

    PR Thailand reminds of the “VUCA” plan to keep reopening safe

    The public relations department posted a reminder on their Facebook page today of the 4 main measures the government is focusing on after reopening Thailand to international tourism at the beginning of last month. The post on the PR Thai Government Facebook page reiterates the criteria they laid out in November using the acronym VUCA to keep the reopening safe…

  • Covid-19 NewsWHO encourages vigilance, vaccinating in the face of Omicron

    WHO encourages vigilance, vaccinating in the face of Omicron

    The need to vaccinate and stay vigilant against Covid-19 as the Omicron variant spreads was stressed by the World Health Organisation in a briefing yesterday. The WHO called on countries to accelerate vaccination programs as much as possible and warn that the Omicron variant may change the course of the pandemic. The Director-General of the WHO says that Omicron could…

  • Covid-19 NewsWednesday Covid Update: 3,618 new cases; provincial totals

    Wednesday Covid Update: 3,618 new cases; provincial totals

    38 coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the CCSA today, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 21,035 with 20,941 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 3,618 new Covid-19 cases and 5,775 recoveries. There are now 64,200 people in Thailand being…

  • Covid-19 NewsResults for 2 travellers infected with Covid-19 in November come out positive for Omicron

    Results for 2 travellers infected with Covid-19 in November come out positive for Omicron

    The test results for two travellers who tested positive for Covid-19 last month have now come back positive for the Omicron variant, but health officials say the patients have already recovered. Following the emergence of the Omicron variant, Thai health officials started reviewing the of the Covid-19 cases involving travellers from overseas during the month of November. The two cases…

  • World NewsMalaysia and China to collaborate in developing Covid-19 vaccine

    Malaysia and China to collaborate in developing Covid-19 vaccine

    The Foreign Minister of Malaysia is reporting that the country will collaborate with China in their research to create a Malaysian Covid-19 vaccine. The minister reported the partnership between China and Malaysia as part of the country’s National Vaccine Development Roadmap. The Prime Minister of Malaysia Ismail Sabri Yaakob recently announced the country’s roadmap plans to bolster confidence in vaccines…

  • Thailand News17 people in close contact with Omicron-infected traveller test negative

    17 people in close contact with Omicron-infected traveller test negative

    Thai health officials now say all of the 17 people who came in close contact with the Omicron-infected traveller during his a hotel have tested negative for Covid-19, although one person is in quarantine after inconclusive test results. The American, who travelled from Spain and entered Thailand under the Test & Go quarantine exemption scheme is the first in Thailand…

  • Covid-19 NewsHotel staff in close contact with Omicron confirmed to be negative in second test

    Hotel staff in close contact with Omicron confirmed to be negative in second test

    The 44-year-old hotel staff member who was in close contact with the first Omicron case in Thailand and tested positive for Covid-19 has now been confirmed negative for the virus, health officials say. The hotel staff member was one of 17 people who came in close contact with the American who travelled from Spain to Thailand through the Test & Go quarantine…

  • Covid-19 NewsHotel staff in close contact to Omicron case tests positive for Covid, variant not confirmed

    Hotel staff in close contact to Omicron case tests positive for Covid, variant not confirmed

    One of 17 people in close contact with the first Omicron case in Thailand tested positive for Covid-19, but lab tests are still being done to confirm the variant. Thai health officials announced yesterday that the first Omicron case was detected in Thailand after an American travelling from Spain, via Dubai, entering under the Test & Go quarantine exemption scheme…

  • Covid-19 NewsFirst Omicron strain reported in Thailand, Test & Go traveller tests positive

    First Omicron strain reported in Thailand, Test & Go traveller tests positive

    The first Covid-19 case involving an Omicron mutation has been reported in Thailand. Health officials say an American who travelled from Spain was found to be infected with a strain that matched the Omicron variant by 99.92%. The man entered Thailand through the Test & Go quarantine exemption scheme. This is a developing story and will be updated. SOURCE: BBC…

  • Covid-19 NewsCovid UPDATE: Still no Omicron, today’s infections drop to 4,000

    Covid UPDATE: Still no Omicron, today’s infections drop to 4,000

    Generally good news on the Covid front in Thailand with the daily new case reports mostly under 5,000 for the past week and the number of deaths also reaching new lows of 30-50 each day, both huge reductions from August this year when the number of daily deaths from Covid were exceeding 300. And for the Omicron trackers, we’re happy…

  • Covid-19 NewsCOVID-19 SUNDAY: 4,704 infections, 27 deaths, provincial totals

    COVID-19 SUNDAY: 4,704 infections, 27 deaths, provincial totals

    Today, the CCSA reported 4,704 new Covid-19 infections, down 1,192 since yesterday, and 27 Coronavirus-related deaths, down 10 from yesterday. Since April 1, in the latest wave of the virus in Thailand, a total of 2,112,368 confirmed Covid-19 infections have been reported. In the 24 hour period since the last count, the CCSA has reported 6,149 recoveries, up 483 from…

  • Covid-19 NewsOmicron variant and surging Covid-19 affect European nations

    Omicron variant and surging Covid-19 affect European nations

    Following on our reporting on Covid-19 and the Omicron variant spreading throughout the US and in Africa and Australasia, here are some updates on European reactions to the new strain and dealing with a renewed Covid-19 threat. ENGLAND & IRELAND The UK Health Security Agency reported 75 more infections of the Omicron variant bringing the total throughout the country to…

  • Covid-19 NewsCOVID-19 SATURDAY: 5,896 infections, 37 deaths, provincial data

    COVID-19 SATURDAY: 5,896 infections, 37 deaths, provincial data

    Today, the CCSA reported 5,896 new Covid-19 infections, up 984 since yesterday, and 37 Coronavirus-related deaths, up 4 from yesterday. Since April 1, in the latest wave of the virus in Thailand, a total of 2,107,664 confirmed Covid-19 infections have been reported. In the 24 hour period since the last count, the CCSA has reported 5,666 recoveries, up 178 from…

  • Covid-19 NewsPM reports no Omicron variant in Thailand yet, New Year’s a go

    PM reports no Omicron variant in Thailand yet, New Year’s a go

    PM Prayut Chan-o-cha spoke out to reassure the people of Thailand that no cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the country as of now. The prime minister said that preventative measures were being strictly followed to keep Thailand safe and to allow New Years festivities to take place as planned. The government has been taking proactive steps to…

  • Thailand NewsCCSA criticises newspaper’s ‘hunt for Africans’ story, clarifies efforts to track travellers

    CCSA criticises newspaper’s ‘hunt for Africans’ story, clarifies efforts to track travellers

    Yesterday’s top headline on the frontpage of the Bangkok Post, “Govt hunts for African visitors,” which contact those who are considered at risk of the Omicron variant, drew criticism from readers as well as the government’s Covid-19 task force. The CCSA made a statement today clarifying its efforts to contact travellers who entered Thailand within the past two weeks from…

  • Covid-19 NewsThursday Covid Update: 4,971 new cases; provincial totals

    Thursday Covid Update: 4,971 new cases; provincial totals

    33 coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the CCSA today, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 20,847 with 20,753 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 4,971 new Covid-19 cases and 5,402 recoveries. There are now 73,726 people in Thailand being…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket officials order quarantine for more than 100 travellers from South Africa

    Phuket officials order quarantine for more than 100 travellers from South Africa

    More than 100 travellers from South Africa who entered Thailand over the past two weeks have been ordered to quarantine for 14 days as a preventative measure following the emergence of the Omicron variant. Nationwide, the Thai Immigration Bureau and the Public Health Ministry are working to track down a total of more than 780 people who travelled from African…

  • Covid-19 NewsWednesday Covid Update: 4,886 new cases; provincial totals

    Wednesday Covid Update: 4,886 new cases; provincial totals

    43 coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the CCSA today, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 20,814 with 20,720 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 4,886 new Covid-19 cases and 6,326 recoveries. There are now 74,190 people in Thailand being…

  • Covid-19 NewsModerna leader says vaccine likely less effective against Omicron

    Moderna leader says vaccine likely less effective against Omicron

    The head of American vaccine maker Moderna said in an interview with Financial Times that their vaccine may not be strongly effective against the new Omicron variant. Stephane Bancel said in an interview published yesterday that it will take months to develop a new version of the vaccine that is tested and confirmed to be effective against the new strain…

  • Thailand NewsMore venues in Thailand require proof of vaccination, or ATK test, at the door

    More venues in Thailand require proof of vaccination, or ATK test, at the door

    Thailand’s future looks… vaccinated. More and more venues and events are embracing the government’s “Covid Free Setting” guidelines which call for not only staff, but customers to be fully vaccinated, or test negative for the virus, to be considered a “Covid free” area. Bangkok’s Khao San Road was blocked off the other weekend with bouncers checking documents and digital vaccination…

  • Covid-19 NewsMonday Covid Update: 4,753 new cases; provincial totals

    Monday Covid Update: 4,753 new cases; provincial totals

    27 coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the CCSA today, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 20,734 with 20,640 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 4,753 new Covid-19 cases and 6,165 recoveries. There are now 77,811 people in Thailand being…

  • Covid-19 NewsUPDATE: Latest news on Omicron – what we know

    UPDATE: Latest news on Omicron – what we know

    World travel destinations are moving to block flights from up to 10 African countries following the discovery of the Omicron Covid-19 variant this week. Officially, the new variant is designated B1.1.529. This is the latest information about the current status on Omicron. The new Covid-19 mutation was first reported to the World Health Organisation on Wednesday this week, by scientists from…

  • Covid-19 NewsCOVID-19 SATURDAY: 6,073 infections, 32 deaths, provincial data

    COVID-19 SATURDAY: 6,073 infections, 32 deaths, provincial data

    Today, the CCSA reported 6,073 new Covid-19 infections, down 486 since yesterday, and 32 Coronavirus-related deaths, half as many as yesterday. Since April 1, in the latest wave of the virus in Thailand, a total of 2,072,086 confirmed Covid-19 infections have been reported. In the 24 hour period since the last count, the CCSA has reported 6,538 recoveries, up 337…

  • Covid-19 NewsNew Covid-19 strain named “Omicron” and a variant of concern

    New Covid-19 strain named “Omicron” and a variant of concern

    Omicron is the new Covid-19 to watch out for, having just received its Greek name and the highest category of classification, “variant of concern”. The B.1.1.529 strain, recently uncovered in southern Africa and already seeing some spread, was given the Omicron name and classified as a variant of concern by the World Health Organisation yesterday. From least worrisome to most…

  • Thailand NewsFriday Covid Update: 6,559 new cases; provincial totals

    Friday Covid Update: 6,559 new cases; provincial totals

    64 coronavirus-related deaths were reported by the CCSA today, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 20,645 with 20,551 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 6,559 new Covid-19 cases and 6,875 recoveries. There are now 80,277 people in Thailand being…

  • Thailand NewsPublic Health Ministry drafts measures for reopening bars next month in 17 provinces

    Public Health Ministry drafts measures for reopening bars next month in 17 provinces

    The Public Health Ministry has reportedly drafted measures for reopening bars and nightclubs in 17 provinces next month and will make a proposal to the CCSA. While entertainment venues nationwide are planned to reopen by mid-January, according to a report in Thai media, the ministry is proposing to open bars in “blue” zones a month earlier on December 16, but…