Jonathan Fairfield

Tourism Ministry Launches ‘Thailand Trusted Destination’ Campaign By Natthaphon Sangpolsit Krabi (NNT) - The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has launched the “Thailand Trusted Destination” campaign to raise the nation’s tourism standards. Visitors can now look for venues and attractions bearing the campaign’s dancing elephant logo. The logo certifies attractions that meet the standards promoted by the ministry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245176-tourism-ministry-launches-‘thailand-trusted-destination’-campaign/

Chinese backpacker stranded and homeless in Thailand due to COVID-19 lockdowns in China A Chinese backpacking tourist, who travelled to Thailand alone to explore the country about two years ago, became stranded, homeless and broke when China suddenly closed its borders to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1245182-chinese-backpacker-stranded-and-homeless-in-thailand-due-to-covid-19-lockdowns-in-china/

Download the ASEAN NOW 2022 Calendar here. All no alcohol days listed! A big thank you to everyone who submitted images to the photography forum over the past year. There were some amazing photos submitted during 2021. The calendar also includes all Thai and other significant holidays, including no alcohol days. You can download the ASEAN NOW 2022 Calendar here: https://aseannow.com/files/file/796-asean-now-calendar-2022/

‘TWAS the season to be jolly - peace and goodwill takes a backseat in Thailand The mood in Thailand took a big shift this week. Just when it should have been the season to be jolly, that carpet of hope was whipped away as “Grinch Omicron” and its hysterical facilitators stole the festive season. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244432-‘twas-the-season-to-be-jolly-peace-and-goodwill-takes-a-backseat-in-thailand/

Thailand reports 2,532 new COVID-19 cases, 3,771 recoveries and 22 deaths Thailand on Sunday (Dec 26) reported 2,532 new COVID-19 cases, 3,771 recoveries and 22 deaths. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244431-thailand-reports-2532-new-covid-19-cases-3771-recoveries-and-22-deaths/

Thailand on Sunday (Dec 26) reported 2,532 new COVID-19 cases, 3,771 recoveries and 22 deaths. Since the start of the pandemic, Thailand has reported a total of 2,209,970 COVID-19 cases. The death toll now stands at 21,580 since the start of the pandemic. On Saturday, Thailand confirmed 205 cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant. Of those cases, 180 were discovered among international travellers, while 25 were found among the local population. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-12-26 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

More Omicron Cases Reported in Kalasin Local authorities in the province of Kalasin reported 64 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday (Dec 25), with one doctor at Siriraj Hospital saying half of all new infections in January could be the new Omicron variant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244430-more-omicron-cases-reported-in-kalasin/

Local authorities in the province of Kalasin reported 64 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday (Dec 25), with one doctor at Siriraj Hospital saying half of all new infections in January could be the new Omicron variant. The Kalasin cluster has been linked to transmissions among staff and patrons at a pub and restaurant that were visited by a married couple on December 12 after they had contracted the Omicron strain. The husband and wife had returned from Belgium on December 10 and later tested positive for the new variant after their first RT-PCR test turned up negative on arrival. They were admitted to a private hospital in Khon Kaen province on December 18 and remain under close observation in an isolated ward, according to Khon Kaen governor Somsak Jangtrakul. According to Kalasin’s chief provincial public health officer, Aphichai Limanon, at least 19 musicians, wait staff and customers are confirmed to have been infected with the Omicron variant, with another 45 guests still awaiting confirmation. Both the pub and restaurant have since been closed while the provincial disease control committee considers shutting down additional venues to help contain the outbreak. Dr Nitipat Jiarakul, chief of Siriraj Hospital’s Division of Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis Department, meanwhile warned that up to 50% of new COVID cases in Thailand could be caused by the highly infectious Omicron variant by mid-January. He added that the number of new daily infections could be as high as 10,000-20,000 by February. Dr Nitipat noted, however, that the number of severe cases could be as low as 2% compared to the 5% average among patients who contracted previous variants. Exact numbers will ultimately depend on how well the Kingdom handles the COVID situation during the New Year period. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-26 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Health Authorities Celebrate Meeting Goal of 100 Million Jabs The emergence of the Omicron coronavirus variant has prompted many countries to encourage more of their citizens to get vaccinated. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244429-health-authorities-celebrate-meeting-goal-of-100-million-jabs/

The emergence of the Omicron coronavirus variant has prompted many countries to encourage more of their citizens to get vaccinated. While Thailand has been no exception, public health authorities nevertheless took time on Friday (Dec 24) to celebrate having achieved their target of administering 100 million doses of Covid vaccine to the public. Officials are now seeking to ramp up the delivery of booster shots to help fortify people’s immunity against COVID-19. Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over an event to mark Thailand meeting its 100 million-dose target. Honorary plaques were handed out on this occasion to boost the morale among relevant agencies and personnel. The plaques honored the five provinces with the highest 1st dose coverage for vulnerable groups, the five with the highest 1st dose coverage overall, and provinces with exemplary district-level vaccine management. The health minister explained that despite the target being met, provincial and public health authorities must now accelerate the delivery of booster doses as the Omicron variant spreads worldwide. He added that evidence over the past month points to boosters being able to reduce the severity of symptoms as well as the risk of death from COVID-19. The minister also said findings by researchers at Oxford University in the UK indicated that a 3rd shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine is seeing high efficacy in boosting antibody levels against the Omicron strain. He added that he will recommend a 3rd AstraZeneca dose for people who have already been inoculated using AstraZeneca shots for both the first and second shots. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-26 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Indoor Celebration Events Prohibited for New Year The Ministry of Public Health is prohibiting indoor New Year celebration activities and advising organizers to instead host open-air events while maintaining strict COIVD-19 prevention measures. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244422-indoor-celebration-events-prohibited-for-new-year/

The Ministry of Public Health is prohibiting indoor New Year celebration activities and advising organizers to instead host open-air events while maintaining strict COIVD-19 prevention measures. Dr. Kiatipoom Wongrachit, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Public Health, said that despite the decreasing number of cases, the ministry is concerned about the possibility of new outbreaks due to activities and traveling during the New Year holidays. The ministry is advising people to organize small events and ensure that participants are vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19 prior to attending. Events should be held in open-air venues with prevention measures in place, including ensuring that attendees wear masks, practice social distancing and maintain personal hygiene. Dr. Kiatipoom added that private businesses are only allowed to host countdown events or prayer activities at outdoor venues and strictly follow the COVID-Free Setting guidelines. Officials from the ministry will also cooperate with other departments to maintain safety measures and prevent people from drinking alcohol outside of venues or designated time periods to ensure that everyone remains safe during the New Year holidays. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-26 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

No Booster Shot Before Eligibility By Silada Rojratanakiat To combat fear of Omicron’s spreading, Thailand said on Tuesday that it would immediately reimpose tight international travel restrictions. Strengthening entry restrictions is one solution while accelerating the booster vaccination rollout program is another. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244421-no-booster-shot-before-eligibility/

By Silada Rojratanakiat To combat fear of Omicron’s spreading, Thailand said on Tuesday that it would immediately reimpose tight international travel restrictions. Strengthening entry restrictions is one solution while accelerating the booster vaccination rollout program is another. Last week, a seminar hosted by Thailand’s National Vaccine Institute on "How to Cope with the Emergence of a New Virus Strain" confirmed that Omicron has not outwitted the protection provided by vaccines, but boosters are also necessary to prevent Omicron infection. Booster shots are now widely used to promote COVID-19 protection, raising issues regarding why and when they should be given. Are booster shots common for vaccines Immunity against a virus is rarely absolute. Getting three shots is a common option. Objecting to or criticizing a booster is unreasonable. Boosters are common. The most often mentioned boosters are flu boosters. Each year, the vaccine is modified to account for new strains of flu. Additionally, boosters for measles, mumps, and rubella are accessible to the general population. COVID-19 vaccines will very certainly be altered in the future to accommodate a variant, much like a flu shot is. That is to be anticipated. People will continue to get booster doses for the duration of the disease’s presence in the community. If the disease is eliminated, there will be no need for COVID-19 boosters. Smallpox is an ideal example. For decades, the world administered smallpox vaccines, but individuals no longer get them since the virus was mostly wiped from the population owing to the vaccine. However, no booster shot before you are eligible. Waiting a few months between doses helps the immune system "remember". After creating crude antibodies to a new opponent, the body focuses on making stronger antibodies that may be amplified swiftly when triggered by another dose of vaccination or natural infection. After two COVID-19 vaccine shots, patients have freshly formed B and T cells ready to create antibodies and target the coronavirus. To fight against an invasion, those cells need to develop in the body. A dosage delivered too early may restart something that was already functioning. When to get it The timing of the third dosage will likely be determined by the virus’s circulating levels. Experts advise sacrificing peak responsiveness to acquire protection faster if many viruses are spreading. It may come down to a trade-off between optimum protection and acute infection risk. The first two shots of vaccine should also help determine the time, as the time between the second and third doses varies by vaccination type. The Thai government has decided on booster dose timing. Those who had their first two doses of Sinovac or Sinopharm may choose AstraZeneca, Pfizer, or Moderna for their booster four weeks later. Those who had two AstraZeneca doses may choose Pfizer or Moderna for their booster three months later, while those who received two Pfizer or two Moderna doses can choose either vaccine for their booster six months later. Those who received mixed vaccines, such as Sinovac and AstraZeneca or Sinopharm and AstraZeneca, may choose AstraZeneca, Pfizer, or Moderna as their third shot, three months after the second shot. People who have received Sinovac and Pfizer or Sinopharm and Pfizer may select either Pfizer or Moderna for their booster shot, three months after their second jab. Six months after their second jab, those who had AstraZeneca and Pfizer may decide between Pfizer or Moderna for their third injection. Is there a post-booster breakthrough case for COVID-19 Any vaccine is not perfect. People do get breakthrough infections. Some may claim, "I received a booster, but I got COVID anyway." That affects how people perceive the vaccine’s effectiveness. Yes, vaccinated people can become sick, but they do not usually die. That is the vaccine in action. Even though antibody levels naturally decline over time, vaccines continue to protect against severe sickness, hospitalization, and mortality caused by COVID-19, despite the presence of variants such as Delta or Omicron. Kindly keep in mind that immunizations are not intended to completely prevent illness. Rather, the purpose of immunization is to protect against serious illness. It is impractical to expect the vaccine to prevent all symptoms. What to anticipate is the effective prevention of severe instances and hospitalizations. That is the toll taken in terms of human life. It is the economic cost, as well as the cost of the healthcare system. It is also important for unvaccinated people to get vaccinated. Get in line for boosters. They boost immunity and help people avoid becoming sick during an Omicron surge. Nevertheless, the vital point here is that Thailand urgently needs to vaccinate and boost everyone eligible. People must be safeguarded to the greatest extent possible against these novel variants since data on their severity and long-term effects are currently insufficient. People want their freedom restored, and they hope boosters will accomplish this. Boosters, on their own, will not achieve such a thing. Yet, vaccinating those who are not already immunized will ensure that this occurs. As long as the virus persists in unprotected communities in Thailand, new variants may evolve and spread, highlighting the need to put injections into unvaccinated people’s arms. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-26 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Government Pledges to Address Doping Issue Following WADA Ban Failure to comply with international anti-doping regulations has resulted in Thailand being banned from flying its national flag at international sporting events. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244420-government-pledges-to-address-doping-issue-following-wada-ban/

Failure to comply with international anti-doping regulations has resulted in Thailand being banned from flying its national flag at international sporting events. The Thai government is pledging to urgently address the issue, with a new anti-doping bill set to be presented to the Cabinet next week. Authorities are set to address the ban imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Next Tuesday, the Cabinet will review a new anti-doping bill that complies with WADA’s anti-doping guidelines, with its official enactment expected in January. In a parliamentary debate, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the Sports Authority of Thailand had already responded to WADA’s allegations while acknowledging that it was difficult to amend the existing laws. Mr. Phiphat said Thailand, as a sovereign nation, is not bound to fully comply with all the suggestions from WADA. However, the Thai government is eyeing more discussions with the agency after passing the new bill so it can have the ban lifted before the next Asian Games. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-26 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

New Year Spending Hits 12-Year-Low Due to Omicron Fears The rebounding economy, further stimulated by the holiday season, is now facing a major threat amid the rapidly spreading Omicron coronavirus variant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244419-new-year-spending-hits-12-year-low-due-to-omicron-fears/

The rebounding economy, further stimulated by the holiday season, is now facing a major threat amid the rapidly spreading Omicron coronavirus variant. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) said holiday spending this year is now projected to drop to a 12-year low as fears grow over the new strain. The UTCC’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting (UTCC-CEBF) released its economic projections for the 2022 New Year holiday season, anticipating spending to be the lowest in 12 years. From a survey of 1,244 people, the center estimates overall cash flow to be around 85.8 billion baht. Average per-person spending is expected to be 3,300 baht, which is lower than last year’s figure at 5,900 baht. The center also projects lower religious spending, while the tourism sector is likely to take another hit from mass cancellations, with average per-person tourism spending at the all-time low of 5,440 baht. UTCC President Thanawat Polvichai said fears over the Omicron variant are expected to wipe 30-50 billion baht from the holiday season spending. Additionally, this figure could slide by 5-10 billion baht due to possible nationwide cancellations of New Year events. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-26 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

27th TITF Launches with a Focus on “Premium” Domestic Trips The lengthy pandemic has forced tourism businesses to switch from relying on revenue from international visitors to that generated by domestic tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244418-27th-titf-launches-with-a-focus-on-“premium”-domestic-trips/

The lengthy pandemic has forced tourism businesses to switch from relying on revenue from international visitors to that generated by domestic tourists. The 27th Thai International Travel Fair (TITF) is therefore focusing on promoting “premium” domestic activities in order to help stimulate the economy and Thailand’s tourism scene. This year, the TITF is being held under the “premium style” concept, with the organizer and exhibitors aware of the need to rely on domestic tourism amid a subdued international travel scene. The fair is being organized by the Thai Travel Agents Association and offers visitors booths by travel agents, hotels, tourism attractions, car rental firms, airlines, embassies, food vendors and OTOP sellers. Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said after inaugurating the fair at ICONSIAM mall in Bangkok that the past two years have been difficult for tourism businesses. He also said the government’s reopening of Thailand to international travelers has been temporarily put on hold because of the Omicron variant and therefore needs more time to realize income from foreign tourists. He further noted that tourism businesses will need to rely on domestic spending, especially from now until early next year. The minister said tourists who make lengthy trips are being targeted at the 27th TITF, with the fair expected to put 100-300 million baht into circulation. Airlines and other businesses are meanwhile offering promotional discounts aimed at providing income for local communities. 10 such communities, each with distinct identity and uniqueness, are exhibitors at the fair. Visitors can browse some 300 booths at the 27th TITF, on the 7th floor of ICONSIAM, until Sunday (Dec 26). -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-26 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Children Aged 5-11 to Receive Pfizer Vaccine The National Communicable Disease Committee (NCDC) has endorsed the administering of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11, provided that parental consent is given. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244417-children-aged-5-11-to-receive-pfizer-vaccine/

The National Communicable Disease Committee (NCDC) has endorsed the administering of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11, provided that parental consent is given. The committee also endorsed the issuance of the fourth vaccine doses for healthcare personnel, frontline workers and immunocompromised people. Department of Disease Control (DDC) Director-General Opas Karnkawinpong said a meeting of the NCDC endorsed the proposal to vaccinate children aged 5-11. He also said the Pfizer vaccine is currently the only Covid vaccine permitted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in young children. Pfizer will be asked to deliver 10 million additional doses as soon as possible. According to the director-general, the administering of the vaccine in the 5-11 age group will require the use of a system earlier adopted to vaccinate youths aged 12-18, under which schools were used as vaccination sites. The Ministry of Education said there are about 5.04 million children in this age group. The committee has also endorsed providing a fourth COVID vaccine dose to healthcare personnel, frontline workers, immunocompromised individuals, and patients of chronic diseases. Dr. Opas said any administering of this booster will be on a voluntary basis. Healthcare personnel can also opt to have their fourth dose delivered into the skin rather than the muscle, or receive only half the usual dosage. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-26 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand Confirms 205 Omicron Cases A total of 205 COVID-19 patients have been identified as having contracted the Omicron coronavirus variant, including a local cluster of 25 cases. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244416-thailand-confirms-205-omicron-cases/

A total of 205 COVID-19 patients have been identified as having contracted the Omicron coronavirus variant, including a local cluster of 25 cases. Thailand’s health authorities confirmed that all of the cases have been linked to international travelers. The Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) reported the 205 Omicron cases, 180 of which were detected among international travelers, while the remaining 25 were found in the local population. DMS Director-General Dr. Supakit Sirilak said the Delta variant remains the dominant strain in Thailand, with genetic sequencing of samples from international arrivals and the local population from the past week showing 732 Delta cases and 142 Omicron cases. Alpha and Beta cases were no longer detected. The director-general noted that the department is still capable of identifying new variants, including Omicron-like strains. He also cited a study from Hong Kong University that suggested the Omicron variant can spread 70 times faster than the Delta variant, but is less damaging to the lungs. Data from the United Kingdom indicated that the transmission rate of Omicron between family members is also higher than that of Delta. Citing the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Supakit added that currently available vaccines provide less protection against Omicron, but can still prevent serious symptoms, while several studies suggest that booster doses can help strengthen the immune system regardless of the vaccine brand. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-12-26 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Bangkok Making Roads Safer for Holidaymakers Bangkok City Hall has started its road safety campaign for this year’s holiday season, with speeding and drunk driving being the main concerns. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1244414-bangkok-making-roads-safer-for-holidaymakers/