Jonathan Fairfield

As measures are introduced to restrict movement as part of efforts to reduce the number of people infected with COVID-19 in Thailand, more and more of us are making huge changes to our daily routines. The new realities of working from home, temporary unemployment, home-schooling for children, and lack of physical contact with other family members, friends and colleagues take time to get used to. Adapting to lifestyle changes such as these, and managing the fear of contracting the virus and worrying about people close to us who are particularly vulnerable, are challenging for all of us. They can be particularly difficult for people with mental health conditions. Fortunately, there are lots of things that we can do to look after our own mental health and to help others who may need some extra support and care. Here are some tips and advice that we hope you will find useful.

People who test negative from Antigen Test Kit should re-test within three days: Thai govt The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has advised the public that if they get a negative result from an antigen test kit, they should retest in the next three days because they may get the false negative result. The false negative result may occur when people who take the test recently get infected. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1226791-people-who-test-negative-from-antigen-test-kit-should-re-test-within-three-days-thai-govt/

The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has advised the public that if they get a negative result from an antigen test kit, they should retest in the next three days because they may get the false negative result. The false negative result may occur when people who take the test recently get infected. They should also self-observe their symptoms and isolate themselves from public places. If they get a positive result, they should contact 1130 ext. 14, or scan the QR code, or add the Line account @sabaideebot for access to the treatment process. Meanwhile, infected people who wish to go back to their home town should register with the National Health Security Office (NHSO) at 1330 ext. 15. NHSO will coordinate with the Ministry of Public Health and related agencies to arrange a vehicle to take the patients back to their home province, and they will have video calls from medical personnel to consult with them during the journey.

Reusable PPE suits to reduce plastic waste in Thailand One of the essentials during the COVID-19 pandemic is the PPE suit. Since most PPE suits are disposable, they produce an increasing amount of plastic waste. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1226790-reusable-ppe-suits-to-reduce-plastic-waste-in-thailand/

One of the essentials during the COVID-19 pandemic is the PPE suit. Since most PPE suits are disposable, they produce an increasing amount of plastic waste. Environmentalists have now introduced reusable PPE suits, to reduce the environmental impact. The idea is fairly new to most people and the plus side is not just about being environmentally friendly, it also saves cost. According to the Department of Health, there was over 31,700 tonnes of infectious garbage generated between January and June this year. In June, an average of 210 tonnes of infectious waste was recorded on a daily basis. This is due to a continual surge in COVID-19 infections. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/reusable-ppe-suits-to-reduce-plastic-waste-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-08-08 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

100,000 retailers in Thailand face closure due to COVID-19 restrictions A closed sign is seen at the Chu Chocolate Bar & Cafe, days after it was permanently closed due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Bangkok, Thailand, June 1, 2021. Picture taken June 1, 2021. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha The Thai Retailers Association (TRA) has issued a stark warning about the impact the current COVID-19 restrictions are having on the country's retail sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1226789-100000-retailers-in-thailand-face-closure-due-to-covid-19-restrictions/

A closed sign is seen at the Chu Chocolate Bar & Cafe, days after it was permanently closed due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Bangkok, Thailand, June 1, 2021. Picture taken June 1, 2021. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha The Thai Retailers Association (TRA) has issued a stark warning about the impact the current COVID-19 restrictions are having on the country's retail sector. The TRA said 100,000 stores in Thailand face closure due to the current lockdown, with revenue in the retail sector set to contract by 270THB billion. According to TRA vice-president Chatrchai Toungratanapha, Thailand's retail sector is facing a crisis, with the July retail sentiment Index (RSI) shrinking to 16.4 points, its lowest in 18 months, INN reported. Mr Chatrchai said that the RSI has decreased significantly across all retail sectors, with malls and restaurants worst hit. Sales in restaurants were down between 80 and 90 percent in June, Mr Chatrchai said, while sales at convenience stores had fallen up to 25 percent, having been affected by 9pm to 4am curfew, due to late-night hours being one of the peak times for business hours. The situation for Thailand's retail sector looks set to get worse before it improves. According to the TRA, 90 percent of business owners in the retail sector believe the current economical situation will not return to normal until mir 2023 or later. To help support its members, the TRA has called on the government to provide help to retail businesses. Among the measures requested include financial support to help pay rent and staff salaries, as well as 50 percent reduction in utility bills for the next 6 months. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-08-08 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand ranked among the worst countries for internet freedom File photo Reuters Thailand has been ranked among the worst countries in the world for internet freedom. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1226788-thailand-ranked-among-the-worst-countries-for-internet-freedom/

File photo Reuters Thailand has been ranked among the worst countries in the world for internet freedom. According to a new study carried out by cybersecurity and online privacy experts Comparitech, Thailand's internet freedoms are "73% restricted". Thailand, which scored a 8 out 11 for its internet freedom rankings, was on a par with Syria, United Arab Emirates, Eritrea and Belarus. Only, Iran, North Korea and China, which scored 10 and 11, respectively, had a worse ranking than Thailand. Thailand's ranking have fallen significantly since it scored 6 out of 20 in the same study carried out in 2020. Comparitech put Thailand's score down to the censorship of websites, including the likes of Pornhub, which was among the 20 most visited sites for Thai internet users before it was banned last year. As well as the ban on pornography, the political media is also heavily censored, the study said, which was the case for all countries with the same or similar score to Thailand. "All of these countries (in the eighth tier) ban pornography, have heavily censored political media, restrict social media (bans have also been seen in Turkmenistan), and restrict the use of VPNs,” said Comparitech. “Thailand saw the biggest increase in censorship, including the introduction of an online porn ban which saw 190 adult websites being taken down.” Comparitech said it carried out the study by looking restrictions or bans on for the likes of pornography, social media, the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) and messaging apps, as well as the restrictions or censorship of political discussions online. The news comes as Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha this week failed in a bid to crackdown on so-called 'fake news'. The PM had initially wanted to ban any news or information that could "cause fear"among the public. However, critics said the ban was an attempt to stifle free speech and criticism of the government. Despite already being publish in Royal Gazette, Thailand's Civil Court on Friday ruled the ban as unconstitutional. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-08-08 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand reports 19,983 new COVID-19 cases, 138 deaths FILE PHOTO: Health care workers move a dead body to a container after a hospital morgue overwhelmed by COVID-19 deaths begun to store bodies in refrigerated containers, as the country struggles to deal with its biggest outbreak to date, in Pathum Thani, Thailand July 31, 2021. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun/File Photo Thailand on Sunday reported 19,983 new COVID-19 cases, 138 more fatalities and 18,503 new recoveries, according to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1226786-thailand-reports-19983-new-covid-19-cases-138-deaths/

FILE PHOTO: Health care workers move a dead body to a container after a hospital morgue overwhelmed by COVID-19 deaths begun to store bodies in refrigerated containers, as the country struggles to deal with its biggest outbreak to date, in Pathum Thani, Thailand July 31, 2021. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun/File Photo Thailand on Sunday reported 19,983 new COVID-19 cases, 138 more fatalities and 18,503 new recoveries, according to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Sunday's caseload was a slight fall from the record high for cases and fatalities reported on Saturday. However, in general, COVID-19 infections have continued to climb in the country's worst outbreak since the pandemic started, largely attributed to the spread of the Delta variant. Sunday's new cases brings the total number of cases in Thailand since the pandemic started to 756,505 and the total fatalities to 6,066. The Thai government has been trying to secure more vaccines and accelerate vaccine roll-out to create herd immunity. It aims to vaccinate around 70 percent of the nearly 70 million population by the end of the year. As of Friday, the country has administered more than 20 million doses of vaccines, with more than 6 percent of its whole population having been fully vaccinated, according to the CCSA. Also on Friday, Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul claimed Thailand was well on its way to reaching its 70% vaccination target. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-08-08 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Chonburi Governor orders more Covid-19 related temporary targeted closures: Several companies, worker camps, and dormitories The Chonburi Governor, Phakkhrathon Thianchai, has announced yesterday (August 7th) the temporary closure of several companies, worker camps, and dormitories in Banglamung, Si Racha, and the Chonburi area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1226785-chonburi-governor-orders-more-covid-19-related-temporary-targeted-closures-several-companies-worker-camps-and-dormitories/

The Chonburi Governor, Phakkhrathon Thianchai, has announced yesterday (August 7th) the temporary closure of several companies, worker camps, and dormitories in Banglamung, Si Racha, and the Chonburi area. The order was posted by the Chonburi Public Relations office last night. The orders conclude, “Many Covid -19 confirmed cases were being found at companies, worker camps and dormitories in the Banglamung and Chonburi area.” “In order to control the spread of the virus, the Chonburi communicable disease committee has ordered the following temporary closure of the places below.” “1. Foods Swine International Co., Ltd. in Bor Thong from August 7th to August 12th.” Full story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/08/08/chonburi-governor-orders-more-covid-19-related-temporary-targeted-closures-several-companies-worker-camps-and-dormitories/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-08-08 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Screenings and field hospital construction stepped up BANGKOK (NNT) - Field hospitals are being set up nationwide to handle the growing number of COVID-19 patients with the authorities in Bangkok ramping up proactive testing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1226784-screenings-and-field-hospital-construction-stepped-up/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Field hospitals are being set up nationwide to handle the growing number of COVID-19 patients with the authorities in Bangkok ramping up proactive testing. Ratchatewi district office in Bangkok, cooperating with Public Health Service Center 2 at Wat Makkasan, has carried out proactive screening for COVID-19 along Rama 6 road, finding a majority of people from local communities such as Baan Krua Nua and Wat Boromniwas Community volunteering to be tested. The effort received assistance from royal volunteers and will continue until August 8. Meanwhile, Nakhon Si Thammarat Governor Kraisorn Wisitwong chaired the unveiling of the province’s tenth field hospital, set up in a royal disaster relief center in Pak Nakhon sub-district. The site is to take in local green patients as well as those returning from other provinces. The 100-bed site is properly zoned and has all needed facilities. Similarly, Chantaburi Governor Suthi Thongyaem has visited and encouraged local officials, soldiers and volunteers erecting a new field hospital in the province. The contributors worked day and night for nine days to create a 700-bed facility that is later to be expanded to 1,000 beds if necessary. The site is to receive the areas moderately affected green and yellow patients, freeing hospital beds for red patients. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-08-08 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Four Organizations in Thailand Launch Scheme to Help Children Affected by COVID-19 Crisis BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Department of Children and Youth, in cooperation with the Equitable Education Fund (EEF), Child and Adolescent Mental Health Rajanagarindra Institute (CAMRI) and UNICEF Thailand, have launched the “Care Centre for Children with COVID-19” scheme to help children affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1226783-four-organizations-in-thailand-launch-scheme-to-help-children-affected-by-covid-19-crisis/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Department of Children and Youth, in cooperation with the Equitable Education Fund (EEF), Child and Adolescent Mental Health Rajanagarindra Institute (CAMRI) and UNICEF Thailand, have launched the “Care Centre for Children with COVID-19” scheme to help children affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Under the scheme, four foster homes, each with a capacity of 160, have been established to provide temporary accommodation for children whose parents have been infected by the virus, while officials work on finding them a permanent home. Cases of children affected by the COVID-19 fallout can be reported to the care center via the 1300 hotline. Department of Children and Youth Director-General Supatcha Suttipol said more than 65,000 children had been affected by COVID-19 between January and August 4th this year. Many are either infected, have not been treated, are vulnerable to infections, have lost one or both their parents to the virus, have mental disabilities or are likely to fall out of the education system. She added that a mobile application will also be set up to find children who have either lost their parents or are at risk of losing their parents to the virus. The operation will cover the entire country, in cooperation with as many entities as possible. -- © Copyright NNT 2021-08-08 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand Live 8 August: https://aseannow.com/topic/1226782-thailand-live-sunday-8-august-2021-all-news-in-one-click/

Phuket Sandbox murder couldn’t have come at a worse time The murder of the Swiss government lady who arrived as a tourist under the Phuket Sandbox scheme could hardly have come at a worse time for Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1226769-phuket-sandbox-murder-couldn’t-have-come-at-a-worse-time/

Phuket Sandbox murder couldn’t have come at a worse time The murder of the Swiss government lady who arrived as a tourist under the Phuket Sandbox scheme could hardly have come at a worse time for Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1226769-phuket-sandbox-murder-couldn’t-have-come-at-a-worse-time/

Thai anti-govt protesters clash with police in Bangkok A police officer fires a weapon during clashes with demonstrators protesting against what they call the government's failure in handling the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Bangkok, Thailand, August 7, 2021. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun BANGKOK (Reuters) - More than a thousand Thai anti-government protesters clashed with police on Saturday, as they protested against the government's failure to handle coronavirus outbreaks and its impact on the economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1226766-thai-anti-govt-protesters-clash-with-police-in-bangkok/

Thai police detain man over death of Swiss tourist BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai police on Saturday said that a man had been taken into custody for the death of a Swiss tourist on the island of Phuket earlier this week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1226765-thai-police-detain-man-over-death-of-swiss-tourist/

Thai anti-govt protesters clash with police in Bangkok A police officer fires a weapon during clashes with demonstrators protesting against what they call the government's failure in handling the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Bangkok, Thailand, August 7, 2021. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun BANGKOK (Reuters) - More than a thousand Thai anti-government protesters clashed with police on Saturday, as they protested against the government's failure to handle coronavirus outbreaks and its impact on the economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1226766-thai-anti-govt-protesters-clash-with-police-in-bangkok/

A police officer fires a weapon during clashes with demonstrators protesting against what they call the government's failure in handling the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Bangkok, Thailand, August 7, 2021. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun BANGKOK (Reuters) - More than a thousand Thai anti-government protesters clashed with police on Saturday, as they protested against the government's failure to handle coronavirus outbreaks and its impact on the economy. The protesters marched toward Government House, the office of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, demanding his resignation. Police sealed off a road near Victory Monument in the capital Bangkok using containers and shot tear gas and rubber bullets to push protesters back. "We are holding this line," police announced over loud speaker. About a hundred officers were seen in riot gear and shields meters away from where demonstrators had gathered. Street protests against the government have been held in recent weeks by several groups, including Prayuth's former political allies, as frustrations mount over its management of coronavirus outbreaks and the damage pandemic measures have inflicted on the economy. Thailand reported on Saturday a record of nearly 22,000 new COVID-19 infections in a single day and the highest deaths, 212 fatalities. The Southeast Asian country has reported 736,522 total cases and 6,066 deaths from the coronavirus since the pandemic began last year. (Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng and Jiraporn Kuhakan; Editing by Jacqueline Wong) 2021-08-07T170508Z_1_LOV000N4W2XIT_RTRMADV_STREAM-2000-16X9-MP4_THAILAND-PROTESTS-MORE-CLASHES.mp4 -- © Copyright Reuters 2021-08-07 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai police detain man over death of Swiss tourist BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai police on Saturday said that a man had been taken into custody for the death of a Swiss tourist on the island of Phuket earlier this week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1226765-thai-police-detain-man-over-death-of-swiss-tourist/