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by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health is now aiming to re-categorize COVID-19 as an endemic disease within four months, saying the transition will be facilitated by a “detect, dispense, conclude” protocol that will soon be implemented for outpatients. Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Public Health, explained that under the “detect, dispense, conclude” service, suspected cases will be tested using antigen test kits (ATKs). A positive result will prompt a doctor to dispense medication under three formulas. The first formula employs Favipiravir drugs while the second involves green chiretta. The third formula dispenses treatments for cough, fever or runny nose according to a patients’ symptoms. The new service is expected to facilitate the transition of COVID into a disease that can be self-managed without hospitalization. The new protocol will be provided as an alternative choice for treatment alongside existing channels. “Detect, dispense, conclude” will be implemented on March 1. Kiatiphum said the provinces of Chiang Mai and Phuket have already implemented this treatment protocol with favorable results. Implementation has also been ongoing at various healthcare facilities, such as Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok. The permanent secretary said the protocol enables patients to avoid close contact with others and reduce travel requirements. Certain patients within the “608” group of individuals at high risk of severe symptoms may also opt for this treatment pathway. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-28 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Government Cloud System Accelerated to Support Digital Economy Drive by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and Huawei Technologies (Thailand) to augment the government’s cloud system. Big data management and digital skills training are also being covered under the scope of the MOU. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251698-government-cloud-system-accelerated-to-support-digital-economy-drive/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and Huawei Technologies (Thailand) to augment the government’s cloud system. Big data management and digital skills training are also being covered under the scope of the MOU. The move is part of efforts to transition Thailand into a digital economy. Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said that under the MOU, cloud technology and big data management will be developed through research. Personnel with digital skills will also be developed using Huawei’s digital skills development programs. 2,000 government sector personnel are expected to be trained within three years. Chaiwut said these individuals will help develop a robust government cloud ecosystem and contribute to cloud-related digital skills, big data, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-28 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Authorities Urgently Providing Assistance to Flood-Affected Residents in Deep South by Natthaphon Sangpolsit YALA (NNT) - Authorities have been providing assistance to flood-affected residents in southern provinces, after continuous rainfall caused inundation and river overflow in the provinces of Yala and Narathiwat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251697-authorities-urgently-providing-assistance-to-flood-affected-residents-in-deep-south/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit YALA (NNT) - Authorities have been providing assistance to flood-affected residents in southern provinces, after continuous rainfall caused inundation and river overflow in the provinces of Yala and Narathiwat. According to the Thai Meteorological Department, provinces in the south experienced heavy to very heavy rain during February 23-26, 2022 due to strong northeasterly winds and low-pressure cells in the region. Four districts in Yala province - namely Muang Yala, Raman, Yaha and Krong Pinang - reported flooding while residents in Narathiwat’s Sungai Kolok district were severely affected by overflow from the Golok River. Yala provincial governor Pirom Nittaya recently inspected flood zones in Muang Yala district and ordered officials to assist residents facing 30-60 cm water levels in residential areas due to heavy rainfall. Authorities are also increasing drainage into the Pattani River, while the Pattani Dam in Pattani province has been discharging water to prepare for more rainfall. According to reports, about 11,000 people across some 2,800 households have been affected by recent floods in the province. In Narathiwat province, Sungai Kolok municipality mayor Suchada Phannara disclosed that heavy rainfall has caused water from the Golok River to overflow into nearby areas. Rescuers have evacuated 125 people from 33 households to a nearby center for safety. The mayor noted that officials will have to wait for water levels in the river to recede before deploying pumps to remove flood water from the affected areas. Meanwhile, affected communities have proposed a 3-kilometer expansion to a barrier dam that is already under construction to ensure their protection against overflow. The dam, which prevents overflow from the Golok River, is expected to be complete in two years. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-28 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Authorities Expand Efforts to Eliminate Tuberculosis in Thailand by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has joined hands with Mahidol University to eradicate tuberculosis in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251696-authorities-expand-efforts-to-eliminate-tuberculosis-in-thailand/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has joined hands with Mahidol University to eradicate tuberculosis in Thailand. The DDC and Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital recently signed a new academic cooperation agreement on the elimination of tuberculosis. This agreement renews efforts laid out in the previous cooperation campaign, which ended in May of last year, with a focus on the development of laboratories for tuberculosis research. The agreement aims to enhance the expertise of healthcare professionals in Thailand and abroad, as well as promote research and cooperation to improve diagnostics and treatment for tuberculosis patients. It also aims to support the development of tuberculosis screening management and the creation of a database for tuberculosis patients. Deputy Public Health Minister Satit Pitutacha said that although tuberculosis can be prevented and treated, it is necessary to manage other risk factors such as poverty, fragility and marginalization. Assistance also needs to be provided to vulnerable groups such as inmates, migrant workers and villagers in border areas. Each year, Thailand records around 150 cases of tuberculosis per 100,000 people, or about 105,000 cases. The nation has been largely successful in its tuberculosis control efforts, resulting in its removal last year from the World Health Organization’s list of countries with a high burden for drug-resistant tuberculosis. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-28 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Government Says Free COVID Treatments Still Available in All Areas by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Concerns regarding access to COVID-19 treatments have been raised amid a surge in coronavirus infections. The government has reassured that COVID patients will still be accepted for free treatments everywhere while urging everyone to continue observing the Universal Protection practices. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251695-government-says-free-covid-treatments-still-available-in-all-areas/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Concerns regarding access to COVID-19 treatments have been raised amid a surge in coronavirus infections. The government has reassured that COVID patients will still be accepted for free treatments everywhere while urging everyone to continue observing the Universal Protection practices. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said COVID patients will have the option to receive treatment at home or in community isolation centers, at converted hotels and at hospitals without being charged, in accordance with the National Health Security Act. Patients who face unreasonable or unlawful charges beyond their healthcare coverage are encouraged to lodge complaints with the National Health Security Office by calling its 1330 hotline. The prime minister also encouraged members of vulnerable groups and young children to get vaccinated as soon as possible, including with booster shots, as recommended by the Ministry of Public Health. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-28 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

DDC Recommends Parents Monitor Children’s Post-COVID Symptoms by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Disease Control (DDC) is asking parents to monitor their children for post-Covid symptoms including multi-organ inflammation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251694-ddc-recommends-parents-monitor-children’s-post-covid-symptoms/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Disease Control (DDC) is asking parents to monitor their children for post-Covid symptoms including multi-organ inflammation. DDC Director-General Dr Opas Karnkawinpong said a variety of symptoms found in children and adults with COVID-19, ranging from fatigue to brain conditions, could be linked to Long COVID. Low-rate cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) are also being reported. Dr Opas said MIS-C is caused by a hyperactive immune response triggered by contracting COVI-19. This condition can also be found among autoimmune and immunocompromised patients. The DDC chief’s remarks came following the death of a 2-year-old boy who likely suffered from MIS-C. Parents are urged to continue monitoring their children after their recovery and consult a doctor should any symptoms emerge or re-emerge. Dr Opas reiterated his plea for parents to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible, while noting that booster doses are not yet recommended for them. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-28 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Commerce Ministry Monitors Trade Implications of Russia-Ukraine Conflict by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to be a growing concern around the world, with the Thai Ministry of Commerce setting up an operations center to address the potential trade implications. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251693-commerce-ministry-monitors-trade-implications-of-russia-ukraine-conflict/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to be a growing concern around the world, with the Thai Ministry of Commerce setting up an operations center to address the potential trade implications. Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit recently called an urgent virtual meeting with Thailand’s Office of Commercial Affairs in Moscow to assess the repercussions of the conflict as the situation develops. During the meeting, officials discussed the possible effect of sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and European nations, as well as global oil price fluctuations that affect manufacturing and logistics costs. The minister noted that the situation has yet to directly impact Thailand’s imports or exports. Relevant agencies have been tasked with monitoring for any issues requiring immediate action and to make daily situational reports to the minister. The ministry also cautioned that it was too early to make a well-rounded assessment of the situation, and that more information was still needed. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-28 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

GPO Dismisses Rumors About Favipiravir Shortage by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) has dismissed the rumors that Thailand is facing shortages of Favipiravir tablets for COVID-19 patients. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251691-gpo-dismisses-rumors-about-favipiravir-shortage/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) has dismissed the rumors that Thailand is facing shortages of Favipiravir tablets for COVID-19 patients. Concerning recent speculation about Favipiravir shortages, GPO Deputy Director Sirikul Methivirangsan said the organization currently has 24 million Favipiravir pills in reserve with 60 million more in production. She also noted that some GPO service units also still have Favipiravir pills in reserve. The deputy director further assured that GPO has been continuously distributing antiviral pills to primary service units in accordance with the Public Health Emergency Operation Center’s management policies. These units are responsible for overseeing and distributing Favipiravir to local service centers for treating COVID-19 patients in their respective areas. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-28 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Commerce Ministry Holds FTA Fair to Promote Local Products by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Trade Negotiations under the Ministry of Commerce is holding the annual ‘FTA Fair’ from February 25 to March 3 to promote Thai products and the benefits of free trade agreements (FTAs). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251690-commerce-ministry-holds-fta-fair-to-promote-local-products/

by Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Trade Negotiations under the Ministry of Commerce is holding the annual ‘FTA Fair’ from February 25 to March 3 to promote Thai products and the benefits of free trade agreements (FTAs). Deputy Commerce Minister Sinit Lertkrai said the annual fair would help participants understand the benefits of FTAs. FTAs help stimulate growth for local farmers, community enterprises and potential entrepreneurs. The ministry said the fair will be a key to supporting community enterprises and SMEs by increasing trade opportunities with international partners and penetrating new customer groups looking for health-related and environmentally friendly products. Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the Department of Trade Negotiations, said the annual FTA Fair has received much positive feedback. This year, the department selected farmers, community enterprises and SMEs from provinces nationwide to participate in the fair. Around 40 booths are selling goods such as agricultural products, processed crops, milk tablets, coffee, handicrafts and jewelry. The 2022 FTA Fair also provides consultation on FTAs and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Attendees can also learn how to maximize profits from the existing FTAs through seminars and exhibitions. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-02-28 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Arrest warrants issued for owner and driver of speed boat from which Thai actress fell The Nonthaburi provincial court has issued warrants for the arrests of the owner and the driver of the speed boat from which TV actress Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong fell into the Chao Phraya River and drowned. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251689-arrest-warrants-issued-for-owner-and-driver-of-speed-boat-from-which-thai-actress-fell/

The Nonthaburi provincial court has issued warrants for the arrests of the owner and the driver of the speed boat from which TV actress Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong fell into the Chao Phraya River and drowned. The boat’s owner, Tanupat “Por” Lerttaweewit, and the boat’s driver, Paibul “Bert” Trikanchananan, are facing charges of causing wrongful death by negligence. Tanupat also faces an additional charge of using a boat with an expired license. Pol Lt-Col Uthen Hongthong, who is investigating the case, said that the two suspects, accompanied by a lawyer, reported to the Muang district police station Saturday night to acknowledge the charges and applied for bail. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/arrest-warrants-issued-for-owner-and-driver-of-speed-boat-from-which-thai-actress-fell/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-28 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand’s Rural Doctor Society complains of serious Favipiravir shortage The Rural Doctor Society (RDS) is complaining of a serious shortage of anti-viral Favipiravir medicine, to the extent that several hospitals have restricted its distribution to COVID-19 patients, except to those who are over 80. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251688-thailand’s-rural-doctor-society-complains-of-serious-favipiravir-shortage/

The Rural Doctor Society (RDS) is complaining of a serious shortage of anti-viral Favipiravir medicine, to the extent that several hospitals have restricted its distribution to COVID-19 patients, except to those who are over 80. In its Facebook post yesterday (Saturday), the RDS said that, since last September, Favipiravir had been readily available, because the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) increased production and infections by the Delta variant were reducing steadily. This had prompted the Ministry of Public Health to order state hospitals to prescribe the anti-viral medicine to all who become infected, no matter whether they were asymptomatic or had only mild symptoms. With the steady but rapid spread of Omicron variant infections since last November, the RDS said that several rural hospitals and community isolation facilities are now experiencing serious shortages of Favipiravir. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-rural-doctor-society-complains-of-serious-favipiravir-shortage/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-28 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand to open COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Infection clinics on March 1st COVID-19 patients in Thailand, who are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms, will be able to access medical services at Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) clinics, in addition to home and community isolation facilities, from March 1st, according to Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr.Kiattibhoom Vongrachit Saturday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251687-thailand-to-open-covid-19-acute-respiratory-infection-clinics-on-march-1st/

COVID-19 patients in Thailand, who are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms, will be able to access medical services at Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) clinics, in addition to home and community isolation facilities, from March 1st, according to Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr.Kiattibhoom Vongrachit Saturday. He said that out-patient medical services at ARI clinics are an alternative for people infected with COVID-19 in case they can’t access home or community isolation facilities after testing positive for the virus. At the ARI clinics, he said that patients will have access to COVID-19 tests, examinations, medications and advice from doctors about how to take care of themselves while they are quarantined at home. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-to-open-covid-19-acute-respiratory-infection-clinics-on-march-1st/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-02-28 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 28 Feb 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1251685-thailand-live-monday-28-feb-2022/

Prolonged Russia-Ukraine war could derail Thai economic recovery The impact on Thailand’s economy from the Russia-Ukraine conflict will depend on how long the hostilities go on and whether they will escalate, economic observers have noted. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1251684-prolonged-russia-ukraine-war-could-derail-thai-economic-recovery/