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Public Relations Department and Thai Red Cross Organize Blood Drive By: Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Throughout the pandemic period, waves of COVID-19 outbreaks have been accompanied by reduced visits to blood donation centers. With Thailand now facing its 5th COVID wave, supplies at blood banks have again become insufficient for meeting demand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246127-public-relations-department-and-thai-red-cross-organize-blood-drive/

By: Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Throughout the pandemic period, waves of COVID-19 outbreaks have been accompanied by reduced visits to blood donation centers. With Thailand now facing its 5th COVID wave, supplies at blood banks have again become insufficient for meeting demand. This has prompted the Public Relations Department (PRD) and the Thai Red Cross Society to organize an activity to raise blood supplies available to hospitals nationwide. Civil servants and PRD personnel, as well as members of the public, have been donating their blood on the mobile blood donation vehicle parked inside the PRD compound in Bangkok’s Phaya Thai district. The vehicle was sent by the National Blood Center of the Thai Red Cross Society. The National Blood Center’s off-site blood donation activity takes place at the Public Relations Department headquarters every 3 months. Past donors are notified in advance via SMS, while would-be donors are informed on the National Blood Center’s website. In Yala, a mobile blood donation unit has been set up at the provincial hall in the province’s capital district. Staffed by personnel from Yala Hospital, the unit has been seeing an abundance of visits by donors, who are subjected to strict COVID-19 screening. All donors must be tested using the antigen test kit (ATK) method, with a positive result necessitating an RT-PCR test. A confirmed RT-PCR result would then be followed up by a treatment process for the individual. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates In addition to blood donations, eye donations are also being accepted by the Thai Red Cross Eye Bank.

Private Sector Says Raised COVID Alert Level Will Not Impact Overall Economy By: Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - With the COVID-19 alert level having been raised to Level 4 from 3 last week amid the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant, concerns are circulating about whether tourists will hesitate to travel to Thailand. However, businesses say the latest wave of infections is not causing significant economic losses just yet. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246126-private-sector-says-raised-covid-alert-level-will-not-impact-overall-economy/

By: Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - With the COVID-19 alert level having been raised to Level 4 from 3 last week amid the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant, concerns are circulating about whether tourists will hesitate to travel to Thailand. However, businesses say the latest wave of infections is not causing significant economic losses just yet. Asst Prof Dr Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), acknowledged that the heightened alert level could prompt hesitation among foreign tourists looking to travel to Thailand. However, he noted that Omicron cases were on the rise globally and it was within expectations that the number of COVID infections would rise after the New Year holiday period. The government has also asked employers to implement Work From Home plans and suspended the Test & Go entry scheme for international travelers in order to mitigate the situation. Dr Thanavath also said the spread of the Omicron variant should not have significant effects on economic activity, as more foreign tourists are expected to arrive in the latter half of this year rather than during the first half. Dr Thanavath, who is also the chief advisor to the UTCC’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, explained that the economic impact would depend on whether lockdowns are implemented. He noted that in 2020, lockdowns caused 800 billion to 1 trillion baht in damages, while partial lockdowns in 29 provinces last year during the months of July and August caused about 300 to 500 billion baht in economic losses. The UTCC’s economic forecasting center is currently maintaining its GDP growth target for 2022 at 4%, but Dr. Thanavath said growth may be trimmed to 3.5% if the Omicron situation worsens. Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) Chairman Supant Mongkolsuthree also affirmed that the private sector is not in a panic, but said he wanted to ask that the government avoid implementing some of the disease control measures seen in the past, especially lockdowns. He said he believed the measures were too draconian and affected too many businesses. He also said he did not believe the Omicron variant would cause as much harm as the previous Delta variant, despite being more transmissible. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Government Instructs Provinces to Prepare for New COVID Cases By: Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities have instructed all provincial governors to prepare for a new surge in COVID-19 infections. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246125-government-instructs-provinces-to-prepare-for-new-covid-cases/

By: Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - Authorities have instructed all provincial governors to prepare for a new surge in COVID-19 infections. According to Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered governors to enforce disease control measures in a new fight to prevent and contain the virus. People with mild symptoms will be isolated at home or in their community with support from the National Health Security Office (NHSO) through its home- and community-based isolation program for patients, while state-run healthcare facilities will prepare staff for an increase in the number of new patients who need medical treatment. Provinces have tightened measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. In Ubon Ratchathani province, provincial governor Phongrat Phiromrat asked residents to avoid going out between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM, imposing lockdowns in five villages in Na Yia and Nam Khun districts for 14 days due to an increase in local cases. Chiang Mai officials have ordered the closure of 23 pubs and restaurants for three days after it was discovered that they posed a potential danger for spreading COVID-19. Following the suspension, these companies must have their employees tested every three days and are only allowed to serve alcohol in open-air venues. Police and municipal officials in Pattaya City of Chon Buri Province have meanwhile initiated evening patrols to ensure that nightclubs and restaurants comply with control measures. Meanwhile, officials in Khon Kaen Province have established three new field hospitals and have prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages in all districts. Additionally, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has opened 41 community isolation centers, which could facilitate more than 5,000 patients. Although the BMA has not requested citizens to avoid going out at night, officials have urged members of the public to follow regulations and report any eateries that fail to meet the government measures. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Authorities in Bangkok Say Restaurants Can Serve Alcoholic Drinks Until 9PM By: Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced that alcoholic beverages can be served until 9:00 PM at eateries in the capital with SHA+ certification or that meet Thai Stop COVID 2+ standards. The announcement was signed by Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang and goes into effect (Sunday, 9 Jan). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246123-authorities-in-bangkok-say-restaurants-can-serve-alcoholic-drinks-until-9pm/

By: Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced that alcoholic beverages can be served until 9:00 PM at eateries in the capital with SHA+ certification or that meet Thai Stop COVID 2+ standards. The announcement was signed by Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang and goes into effect (Sunday, 9 Jan). Entertainment outlets, bars, pubs and karaoke venues that want to change their status to restaurants are meanwhile required to seek permission from district offices that will assess their preparedness in accordance with disease control and prevention measures currently in place. They must also meet SHA+ and Thai Stop COVID 2+ standards and only serve alcoholic drinks until 9:00 PM. According to the SHA+ or Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration standards, hygiene and safety measures must all be met while at least 70% of active staff must be fully vaccinated. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Health Ministry Says No Reports of ’Flurona’ in Thailand By: Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health has confirmed that Thailand has had no reported cases of influenza and coronavirus co-infections known as ’flurona.’ Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246122-health-ministry-says-no-reports-of-’flurona’-in-thailand/

By: Natthaphon Sangpolsit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health has confirmed that Thailand has had no reported cases of influenza and coronavirus co-infections known as ’flurona.’ Dr Supakit Sirilak, director-general of the Department of Medical Sciences (DMS), said the name ’flurona’ derives from the words ’flu’ and ’corona.’ The two viruses, both targeting the respiratory system, can lead to cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, fatigue and muscle aches. The director-general said the chance of someone becoming infected with both viruses at the same time is minimal, and that the two viruses cannot merge into one or become a new hybrid variant. He added that the public should follow the health and hygiene protocols currently in place to safeguard themselves against both of these pathogens, which primarily spread through droplets. The National Health Security Office is encouraging senior citizens and those with concerning health conditions to get their flu shots, in addition to the COVID-19 vaccine. Flu and COVID vaccines should be administered 1-2 weeks apart, or as advised by medical professionals. Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view -- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

What’s behind the steep jump in pork prices? As a three-month ban on the export of pigs came into effect on January 6, debate continues over what has led to the sudden surge in pork prices. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246121-what’s-behind-the-steep-jump-in-pork-prices/

As a three-month ban on the export of pigs came into effect on January 6, debate continues over what has led to the sudden surge in pork prices. According to kasetprice.com the price of pork red meat, which was Bt140 per kilogram on December 22 last year, rose to Bt165 on December 30 and jumped to Bt190 on January 6. Consumers are wary of the price spiking even higher for Chinese New Year. Experts believe the current situation is the collective impact of swine diseases, high production cost, abnormal swings in demand and supply, as well as shortsighted government policy. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/whats-behind-the-steep-jump-in-pork-prices/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thailand’s Mu Koh Chang national park closed to tourists until further notice Koh Chang, a popular destination for both Thai and foreign tourists, was closed (Sunday) until further notice by Mu Koh Chang national park, citing rising COVID-19 infections on the island. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246120-thailand’s-mu-koh-chang-national-park-closed-to-tourists-until-further-notice/

Mu Koh Chang national park, a popular resort destination for both Thai and foreign tourists, is only partially closed. On Sunday, the park’s chief issued an order closing “all tourism-related activities”, which was interpreted to include hotels. It is now clear, however, that the closure only affects camp sites and other tourism-related activities in the park until further notice, in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19. In 1982, Mu Koh Chang was declared a national park. It consists of 52 islands, including the main island of Koh Chang and parts of Koh Kood, covering a total area of 650 square kilometres. 70% of the park’s area is sea. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/clarification-thailands-mu-koh-chang-partially-closed/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

African tourists can apply for “Thailand Pass” under “sandbox” program Tourists from African countries will be able to apply for the “Thailand Pass” to enter the country under the “sandbox” program from Tuesday, as Thailand adjusts foreign entry requirements to reflect the changing COVID-19 situation, particularly as concerns the Omicron variant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246119-african-tourists-can-apply-for-“thailand-pass”-under-“sandbox”-program/

Tourists from African countries will be able to apply for the “Thailand Pass” to enter the country under the “sandbox” program from Tuesday, as Thailand adjusts foreign entry requirements to reflect the changing COVID-19 situation, particularly as concerns the Omicron variant. Under the “sandbox” scheme, foreign travellers must stay at accredited hotels in “sandbox” provinces for at least five days, to enable observation of their condition before they travel elsewhere. According to the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign travellers entering Thailand under this alternative quarantine program must be fully inoculated, in accordance with the Thai Public Health Ministry’s regulations, and will be subjected to seven days quarantine instead of 14 days. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/african-tourists-can-apply-for-thailand-pass-under-sandbox-program/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Ghost ship in Gulf of Thailand sinks The mysterious unmanned ship, which was found floating in the Gulf of Thailand about 100 miles off the coast of Songkhla province, sank on Saturday night, despite attempts by the Royal Thai Navy to save it. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246118-ghost-ship-in-gulf-of-thailand-sinks/

The mysterious unmanned ship, which was found floating in the Gulf of Thailand about 100 miles off the coast of Songkhla province, sank on Saturday night, despite attempts by the Royal Thai Navy to save it. Rear Admiral Surasak Pratarnvorapanya, director of the second fleet’s Centre for the Protection of Marine Interests, said today (Sunday) that the vessel could not be towed to the shore due to the rough seas and that it continued to take on water through the several holes on its hull. The abandoned vessel finally sank about 28 nautical miles off the coast of Si Chon district of Nakhon Si Thammarat province, he added. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ghost-ship-in-gulf-of-thailand-sinks/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Thai health system prepared for surge in COVID-19 infections among young children In anticipation of a surge of infections among young children, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, in cooperation with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have set up a child health institute and community and home isolation facilities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246117-thai-health-system-prepared-for-surge-in-covid-19-infections-among-young-children/

In anticipation of a surge of infections among young children, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, in cooperation with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have set up a child health institute and community and home isolation facilities. The Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health is ready to accommodate COVID-infected children aged 5-11, with 70 beds and five negative pressure rooms, according to Dr. Adisai Pattanatang, the institute’s director. Moreover, the institute can provide health care to the group of children undergoing treatment at home or in community isolation facilities and those who require hospitalisation. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-health-system-prepared-for-surge-in-covid-19-infections-among-young-children/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-01-10 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 10 Jan 2022 https://aseannow.com/topic/1246115-thailand-live-monday-10-jan-2022/

Thai PM orders troops to prepare resources to set up field hospitals Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed Thailand’s three armed forces and the police to tighten up COVID-19 safety measures, to prevent clusters of infections among their men, and to prepare the resources needed to set up field hospitals and screening facilities to cope with the surge in COVID-19 infections. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246091-thai-pm-orders-troops-to-prepare-resources-to-set-up-field-hospitals/

Three More Provinces Added to Sandbox Program, Test & Go Pre-approved Applicants Allowed to Enter Thailand BANGKOK (NNT) - The government will add three more provinces to the sandbox program that currently only applies to Phuket and still allows applicants who were already approved under the Test & Go quarantine-free scheme to enter the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246079-three-more-provinces-added-to-sandbox-program-test-go-pre-approved-applicants-allowed-to-enter-thailand/

Ghost ship found floating in Gulf of Thailand A mysterious ship, believed to be a freighter, was found floating in the Gulf of Thailand, about 100 miles from the coast of Songkhla, on Wednesday night by a Thai Navy patrol boat, according to Vice Admiral Sunthorn Kamklai, commander of the Royal Thai Navy’s second fleet. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246096-ghost-ship-found-floating-in-gulf-of-thailand/

Chonburi Public Health Chief inspects business venues with previous clusters in Pattaya amid rising Covid-19 infections locally By Nop Meechukhun Chonburi – Officials from the Chonburi Provincial Public Health were deployed to inspect venues in Pattaya that have been recorded as a previous ‘cluster’ with Covid-19 transmission yesterday night, January 8th, after the province reached the highest number of Covid-19 patients in the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1246098-chonburi-public-health-chief-inspects-business-venues-with-previous-clusters-in-pattaya-amid-rising-covid-19-infections-locally/