pizzachang

6 hours ago, Danderman123 said:

The Delta variant has changed everything.

"A government report from England indicates that the fatality rate for the delta variant there is 0.1%, compared with 1.9% for the original coronavirus. The difference is a factor of 19.

But the agency cautions that it is too soon to make comparisons of the risk of death posed by variants."  Interesting, since it is the agency's own published data that indicates the current risk factor.  Like influenza, it was an expected progression in mutations, to reach a point where children are affected. 

14 hours ago, gk10012001 said:

Flue experts estimate that in severe years, 5 to20 % of a population get the flu.  Again, just estimates because they do not test every body that had flu symptoms or of course the entire population.   10 % for a guess would mean maybe 6 million Thais may have had, have or will get the COVID, with or without symptoms?

Well, it is true that everyone will eventually be exposed to this virus, just like most of the rhino or corona viruses. Nothing unusual about that. Typical "influenza vaccines" have in the 30 - 40% range of efficacy. The other important points are, cases are not deaths, and as data from all over the world indicates, that death rate is low, unless you are at risk from other health factors. Logically, inoculating those 'at highest risk' first, and then descending in importance, would likely avoided many of the deaths. Most young, healthy people are not even suffering severe symptoms, mush less dying.  The level of panic and economic disaster seem more devastating, and out of proportion to the lowest death rate of any "pandemic" I.ve ever read about.  I'm certainly not saying that this particular virus is not dangerous, but it bothers me that "cases" are treated as deaths, and the math is ignored. Over the course of my 73 years, I've had the "flu" 2 times and recovered without hospitalization. I'm pretty sure I've already had this "virus', since the only way to be sure is going by WHO published symptoms. About 1 week or less, no hospitalization. I have friends in other countries that had similar experiences. One long-time friend was tested in Japan about two weeks ago; his doctor said "you have adequate covid antibodies to fight the disease."  My friend had not been sick for the last 2 years and had to be specifically tested for work.  The reason I relate what I know is anecdotal, is that these (IMO) are personal experiences and for me they are more "real" than the "level" of panic that has not changed the course of this virus.  

19 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

Great suggestion.

I will talk to the landlord regarding the insulation.

Above my rooms, there is only something like plywood ceiling, and then nothing above that but a metal roof.

Since heat rises, I had thought that not much heat was transferring from the space in the "attic" area down into the rooms below. However, from what you state, maybe my thinking is mistaken.

This might also reduce outside noise level from intruding indoors.

Heat travels to a "colder" environment, so yes, when the temperature inside my house is cooler than in the attic , the heat will transfer. Slowly, because the insulation impedes the transfer. What I've noticed is, on a day like yesterday, the living spaces are much cooler in the morning and as heat builds during the day, there is a slow transfer from attic to living space. As I said, if I install a vent fan in the attic, the transfer would be even slower. In our moo baan, several of the houses have identical layouts - the one with no insulation are so much hotter and get hot as soon as there's direct sun (even thru clouds) The difference is apparent, when I have entered a neighbor's home and then go back to mine...with no a/c running.

Most houses have a aluminum grid frame ceiling,  with gypsum screwed to it.  These will support R36 fiberglass - I used two layers laid in opposite direction to each other.

I insulated my house (R36) on top of the ceiling. Cost of labor & material 4000 ฿.  Electric bill dropped and the house is so much cooler that we have to use 2 heavy blankets in "winter" months.  Most of the year we never turn on the one a/c unit, but when I do have to turn it on in the afternoons during May, June, some days in July, when temps are above 36, the house cools down fairly quick.  I've been told that an auto vent fan in the attic will reduce this heat build-up above the insulation. So, the heat does build up and does come into the living space, but the daytime temp year-round is much cooler than pre-insulation days.

On 8/4/2021 at 2:31 PM, placeholder said:

In the case of Sinovac, that hasn't been determined. Lab tests do show lower antibody levels. But lower antibody levels don't mean that a vaccine is ineffective. T cell response is actually the more important determinant.

Aren't both Sinovac and Sinopharm , "traditional vaccines", using weakened or killed virus?  All flu vaccines are only around 35% effective anyway, yet 35 is way better than zero.  An experimental drug, such as the mRNA, inherently has a higher risk factor, since time will tell if there are cell alterations that were unforeseen.  And enough time has not passed.  In general, isn't it true that people who are not as healthy, have a higher risk?  If you recovered from c19, your T-cell and residual antibodies are most likely sufficient, unless you are in bad health.

19 hours ago, BobinBKK said:

targeted groups

Soldiers first and 3K baht to anyone else.

21 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Restricting grocery hours leads to more overcrowding which leads to increased infection. Let's NOT do this in Thailand!

I'm wondering the same. How does requiring thousands of people to shop in a ,ore limited time-frame, REDUCE virus transmission?

Well, that would insure only millionaires would bother to invest here. What isn't clear, is why would they? If someone is borrowing from a foreign bank to invest here, that also begs the question of which banks would do such a thing 'at this time'?   This actually seems to be a scheme, similar to Hawaii's long-term leasing to hotel chains/investors...with none of the protections.

18 hours ago, RandolphGB said:

Let’s hope he doesn’t listen to the hysterical doom mongers and as much as possible is kept open. 

I agree....It would be hard to explain in a rational way, how reducing the time allotted for food shopping, instead of expanding to 24/7, would help in viral transmission reduction. The opposite effect, crowding and increasing panic, seem like the actual outcome.

I did mine last week, using the monthly deposit method.

To the above lists, I had to add ( CM province) copies of original Thai marriage certificate, copies of every  stamped page in my passport, copies of last 90 day, and the map must be hand  drawn. 

The IO required  ( in the financial portion) a summary letter from my bank, a 12 month print out from the bank, and copies of every page in my bank book and the update on the day of application for this extension. My wife and I had to wait about 45 minutes for a "higher-up" confirmation that it was ok for the IO to make a copy of one passport page to replace the one that I made - one that I made did not show the opposite blank page fully ( a bit lopsided and I included it because I assumed being blank was not pertinent) IO was gracious about pointing this out and making the new copy. Be warned, any passport page should be copied at a % that allows full view. My consideration period will be longer than in the past 12 extensions - I return in mid Sept. equaling 45 or so days, rather than 30. All Immigration personnel were polite and professional. I would have been finished much faster, had I had everything in order. 

23 hours ago, anchadian said:

Although there are record highs for deaths and new cases today in #Thailand, it shouldn’t be overlooked that there is also another new high - 6,327 people were discharged from care and were able to go home. We must be thankful for any good news we can get. Stay safe and #StayHome

At this rate, most of Thailand will be immune by recovery soon. Unless you have been vaccinated or have recovered, does "staying home" simply delay the inevitable?  It is important to look at recoveries and not only "new" cases. 

11 minutes ago, Victornoir said:

In short, limiting opening hours is not only ineffective, but increases risk.

Good, a rational conclusion.  Destroying an economy to save high risk people, seems like it's not very well thought out. Most likely, everyone in the entire world, who is relatively healthy will have immunity, even if they don't get a vaccine. A better solution would have been (IMO) to use resource money to vaccinate the "at risk" population first, then the age group that has the next highest risk, and on down the line. The way this is going and the rhetoric out of "WHO" , seems to imply that there IS NO END of this "pandemic".

10 hours ago, lujanit said:

Here is a radical thought.  Try vaccinating the people with a quality vaccine.  Sinovac doesn't count as a quality vaccine.

Are you a virologist?  What proof do you offer for your claim?

As long as the area doesn't flood, a slab with square steel beam "timber frame" style construction will save on the overall costs (IMO)  A roof typically costs more to build and having the roof and walls stood up in one day, saves a ton of time. Easier to insulate and then you'll save money on electrical expenses. IMO, it is easier to seal against insects & other vermin as well.

Just now, pizzachang said:

Wow, I just went in for my non-O extension and CM Immigration wanted copies of every page in the bankbook, a summary letter from the bank and the bankbook updated on the day I went in- which was Monday, July 12, 2021

And I forgot to mention, a 12 month printout of the deposits, since I use the monthly system.

8 hours ago, sandyf said:

I use HSBC and when I make an international transfer a remittance advice is automatically posted to the account. I just print them off and give them to immigration, they never ask to see my bankbook.

Wow, I just went in for my non-O extension and CM Immigration wanted copies of every page in the bankbook, a summary letter from the bank and the bankbook updated on the day I went in- which was Monday, July 12, 2021

On 7/13/2021 at 8:41 AM, webfact said:

He reminded the public that vaccination cannot stop spread of the virus 100%. 

The % of "at risk" people is well known.

On 7/12/2021 at 6:06 PM, grandpa said:

They have all had double jabs of AZ or Pfizer! Takes a few minutes to do once you get used to it.

So, if the vaccine works so well, why constant testing? Why masks and distancing for those already vaccinated and those who've already recovered? Too many questions with dubious answers.  And I ask again...what is the survival rate?  Extremely high is the answer to that question. Just makes a person wonder, why the emphasis wasn't always on the vulnerable?  The data for who is at risk, has been available for a long time now.

According to every virologist and epidemiologist statements that I've read lately, this is the "normal" life behavior of a virus. More transmissible and less deadly and less hospitalizations are bein reported, especially in the UK, where the course of the virus is ahead of other locations. If certain medical 'experts' in the US, seem to have knowledge about this virus, that others do no, could it be because of their to the origins of this virus? 

What is the survival rate for c19?

On 6/25/2021 at 1:23 PM, Salerno said:

 

What's the cheapest you've found (and will they cover you if dragged off to hospital when asymptomatic?).

I guess I don't understand why insurance would be needed if you are vaccinated.  The "hospitalization rate doesn't seem to be based on any level of sickness, just a positive test, which is odd when the survival rate is so extremely high.

Interesting article. One statement I noticed is disputed among most virologists - that "asymptomatic" people transmit the virus.  Very difficult to do this unless you exchange saliva directly. "Asymptomatic" carriers typically have extremely low virus loads, making it rare. Even though it "could" happen, it's not a legitimate fear.

   Other facts in this article are accurate, especially about "Mueller's Ratchet".  At risk people are still at risk, just as they were in the initial outbreaks. It is more likely to affect people who "could die" from any pre-existing lung condition or a few other illnesses.

https://deltabusinessjournal.com/reducing-the-fear/

The "Delta" variant, while more contagious, is not dangerous to the majority. The UK health services have repeatedly pointed this out. Anyone elderly, with pre-existing disease (lung disease mainly) is the risk group. 

"People drinking alcohol are difficult to control". By now even the medical experts in Thailand should know the "Delta" variant is following the natural course of viruses - more contagious but way less deadly....and this for a "virus" that wasn't that deadly to most of the population, unless you are in the High Risk group.  I'm curious as to what behavior when drinking, leads to "spread of the disease"? I can understand being in a crowded watering hole, and ripping your mask off with wild abandon, trapped inside the deadly 6 foot (183 cm) distance, unable to get away. And the frequent coughers, sneezers and loud laughers, not to mention the karaoke. So why open bars ever? People drinking will always be difficult to control. ????

Interesting.....just have him check only people with elevated body temperatures....24/7?

Actually a better idea than "tracking wristbands".  But a unit of dogs would actually be needed.