“Successful” Thailand hangs its fate on vaccine quest

[snoop1130]

“Successful” Thailand hangs its fate on vaccine quest

By Tulsathit Taptim

 

People eat lunch at a street food restaurant implementing social distancing measures with plastic dividers on the tables after the Thai government relaxed measures to combat the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, in Bangkok on May 7, 2020. – Thailand began easing restrictions related to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus on May 3 by allowing various businesses to reopen, but warned that the stricter measures would be re-imposed should cases increase again. (Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP)

 

The daily numbers of COVID-19 cases in the country have been encouraging, but the good news remains quite limited, and the biggest nightmare can still come true. What if no vaccine is available in the next two years? What if there will be no vaccine at all?

 

The worst-case scenario features all vaccination candidates failing before or at the last hurdles, but it was often dismissed earlier this year. However, health officials, economists and governments have started to take it seriously. It happened before with HIV/AIDS an outstanding example. Admittedly, HIV/AIDS was not as widespread as COVID-19 and the world easily learned to live with it _ but it was not as economically and socially devastating either.

 

Adapting to COVID-19 is a lot easier said than done. A “no vaccine” scenario showcases occasional or frequent outbreaks and national shutdowns, upended social and religious life, revamped diplomacy and serious political reforms. Imports and exports as well as trade barriers that go with them will have to be seriously and continuously rethought and rearranged. The tourism industry will have to undergo regular and drastic changes.

 

There have been quite a few unsettling observations or pieces of evidence regarding chances for a workable vaccine. Scientists do not even know for sure how likely people who have been infected can get re-infected, although the answer to that question is important when vaccination development is concerned. Also, recent findings have all but established that the virus started circulating in human bodies only late last year, meaning its life in humans is relatively young but it has been spreading much quicker than many people thought and might still have more mutation tricks up its sleeve.

 

Nobody knows for certain what will happen politically in a “no vaccine” Thailand. People here and in many parts of the world have accepted lockdowns on the assumption that the tough measures and the heavy losses of incomes and freedom will be just temporary, and that things will only get better. Having to pay higher electricity fees and food stalls or restaurants having to close down will be a totally different ball game if the misery happens repeatedly.

 

What is worse is that the trouble will not be an economic affair of “fine margins.” Politicians used to squabble over small numbers or slightly-different measures, but that will not be the case. If there is no vaccine, COVID-19 will ensure that all governments need large sums of money similarly, whether they are democratic, dictatorial, conservative or liberal.

 

Rulers may have to come through revolving doors, facing the same sets of problems and having to use virtually similar means to solve them. “New normal” is a term coined for a post-COVID-19 society. Now, the term may have to take the possibility of no vaccine into account. Without a vaccine, “new normal” will also become tough and unpredictable “normal.” Threats of riots are real and will be always lurking.

 

With or without vaccine, things can get more complicated in Thailand. The “Open up” camp will clash bitterly with the “Keep the guards up” one. The deteriorating economy will have to be weighed against, for example, what has been happening in Singapore. Very recently a success story in the global COVID-19 fight, now Singapore has the most cases in Southeast Asia.

 

And Singapore does not have political complications like Thailand. A possible bright side for Thai people is that politics, too, will have to adapt drastically or nobody will win. That is some irony in itself. If people are abhorred by the current state of politics, they are a lot likelier to see a return to the bad old days if a COVID-19 vaccine is developed. But if the worst public health nightmare happens, even politicians will have to adjust, hopefully for the better.

 

Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/successful-thailand-hangs-its-fate-on-vaccine-quest/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2020-05-08

 

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[Crossy]

Those dividers do at least allow couples to dine together and still keep to the rules. The office have similar with very thin cling-film type plastic and the offer very little resistance to normal conversation.

 

[Mavideol]

4 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

If there is no vaccine, COVID-19 will ensure that all governments need large sums of money similarly, whether they are democratic, dictatorial, conservative or liberal.

that's the good and bad thing, the virus doesn't discriminate or segregate

[lkv]

8 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Scientists do not even know for sure how likely people who have been infected can get re-infected, although the answer to that question is important when vaccination development is concerned.

Well not in this case, apparently. 

 

Quick quick, let's vaccinate. Doom and gloom otherwise. 

 

“Successful” Thailand hangs its fate on vaccine quest - a thread title full of dramatism.

[mr mr]

my god is this stuff actually happening ? that divider thing is so stupid it is laughable. so you can sit on a scooter together while on your way to eat but gotta divide while you do ? 

 

<deleted>

 

all of this <deleted> is becoming so mind numbing. social distancing and all that goes along with it is the biggest joke ever played out on humans. 

[nobodysfriend]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Nobody knows for certain what will happen politically

Nobody knows for certain what will happen to the world's economy ...

Nobody knows for certain what will happen about the spread of the virus and it's mutations ...

Nobody knows for certain what will happen if a vaccine is never found ...

Nobody knows for certain what will happen if the virus is here to stay and will never disappear ...

Nobody knows for certain what will happen to human society in a world that has changed forever ...

Nobody knows for certain what will happen ... will there be a future for mankind that is worth living it ... ?

Nobody knows for certain what will happen ... but it is the best to prepare for the worst ...

Nobody knows for certain what will happen to me and you ... ?

Nobody knows ... all one can do is to hope for the best and to act in a way that there is a chance for it to happen ...

 

[Venom]

14 hours ago, Crossy said:

Those dividers do at least allow couples to dine together and still keep to the rules. The office have similar with very thin cling-film type plastic and the offer very little resistance to normal conversation.

 

I guess someone forgot to tell them that Covid virus survives for three days on plastic surfaces. ???? 

[M71]

 

I found the cure for Covid-19 !!

 

 

It's amazing what you can find out while sitting at home during lock down watching old movies.

 

This is the very shortened version of this 2003 movie - it's 3 minutes :

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY6-HvE5YdU

 

Lockdown ✔️

Hydroxychloroquine ✔️

Political pressure ✔️

China ✔️

Masks ✔️

CDC ✔️

Coronavirus ✔️

[Venom]

3 minutes ago, nobodysfriend said:

Nobody knows for certain what will happen to the world's economy ...

Nobody knows for certain what will happen about the spread of the virus and it's mutations ...

Nobody knows for certain what will happen if a vaccine is never found ...

Nobody knows for certain what will happen if the virus is here to stay and will never disappear ...

Nobody knows for certain what will happen to human society in a world that has changed forever ...

Nobody knows for certain what will happen ... will there be a future for mankind that is worth living it ... ?

Nobody knows for certain what will happen ... but it is the best to prepare for the worst ...

Nobody knows for certain what will happen to me and you ... ?

Nobody knows ... all one can do is to hope for the best and to act in a way that there is a chance for it to happen ...

 

Another 54 deaths in Thailand is very possible if there's a second wave! Once the economy is completely destroyed there could be 70 million of Thailand's poor and homeless people being herded like cattle into the food and free handout lines. Nobody knows for certain. 

[Crossy]

9 minutes ago, Venom said:

I guess someone forgot to tell them that Covid virus survives for three days on plastic surfaces. ???? 

 

Indeed, but since nobody is going around touching those surfaces it's not going anywhere.

 

It does seem crazy that I can "sleep" with my wife, travel in the same vehicle with no masks, but not sit at the same table in a restaurant to eat.

 

[DoctorG]

7 minutes ago, Crossy said:

 

Indeed, but since nobody is going around touching those surfaces it's not going anywhere.

 

It does seem crazy that I can "sleep" with my wife, travel in the same vehicle with no masks, but not sit at the same table in a restaurant to eat.

 

As you say, the rules, in most countries, appear to be both arbitrary and inconsistent. 

[alant]

I find it a worry that so many hopes seemed to be vaccine based with the conclusion of the end of life as we know it if an effective one is not found.

This would of course be devastating but there is a danger of willing the outcome of social devastation if no vaccine is effective.

Prior to this pandemic, many earlier pandemics happened and following the peak of the outbreak life was able to slowly to return to normal.

Yes many had died, maybe the infection still cropped up but is it reasonable to think that those who survived the pandemic were, for whatever the reason destined to continue life?

I hope an effective vaccine comes soon but surely we cannot close down society if it doesn't.

[Emdog]

I know! I know! (waving hand like 9 yr old) I know the answer!

We're doomed. Esp if we have to wait for Thai vaccine & actual vaccines not allowed in

 

[Relocated]

14 hours ago, mr mr said:

my god is this stuff actually happening ? that divider thing is so stupid it is laughable.

It is bureaucracy. To comply to the ordinance now it is every where. 

I think it will be lot more effective just to ban all Chinese tourist. 

Don't rely on that cheap tourist.  

[Crossy]

12 minutes ago, DoctorG said:

As you say, the rules, in most countries, appear to be both arbitrary and inconsistent. 

 

IMHO part of the problem is that for simplicity they have a one size fits all rule aimed at the lowest common denominator. As soon as you allow exceptions then it become (more) impossible to police.

[cornishcarlos]

27 minutes ago, Crossy said:

It does seem crazy that I can "sleep" with my wife, travel in the same vehicle with no masks, but not sit at the same table in a restaurant to eat.

 

I don't think these "dividers" are mandatory....

[sandyf]

14 hours ago, mr mr said:

my god is this stuff actually happening ? that divider thing is so stupid it is laughable. so you can sit on a scooter together while on your way to eat but gotta divide while you do ? 

Of course the fact that someone else could sit down wouldn't cross your narrow mind.

Anything for a whinge.

[Crossy]

1 minute ago, cornishcarlos said:

I don't think these "dividers" are mandatory....

 

But social distancing is. Without the divider you couldn't have anyone sat on the opposite side of the table.

[sandyf]

23 minutes ago, DoctorG said:

As you say, the rules, in most countries, appear to be both arbitrary and inconsistent. 

What rules, what countries? Very few allow eating in any form of restaurant.

[cornishcarlos]

1 minute ago, Crossy said:

 

But social distancing is. Without the divider you couldn't have anyone sat on the opposite side of the table.

 

I'm not sure it applies to family members eating together...

Plus outside of BKK (if at all), pretty sure no-one will be enforcing plastic dividers...

[NightSky]

There will be a vaccine, this story is fear mongering and a none starter.

 

the reason why is because covid 19 doesn’t mutate quickly. 

 

That is the simple reason. 

 

there is already a vaccine in the uk being tested on humans.

 

 

[DoctorG]

3 minutes ago, sandyf said:

What rules, what countries? Very few allow eating in any form of restaurant.

I did not reference restaurants in my post. I was talking about general inconsistencies, but the fact that you mention few countries allowing eating in restaurants is in fact an inconsistency. 

[Crossy]

9 minutes ago, cornishcarlos said:

I'm not sure it applies to family members eating together...

Plus outside of BKK (if at all), pretty sure no-one will be enforcing plastic dividers...

 

If you can find the wording that says this in the social distancing rules I shall of course be grateful.

 

The dividers are not necessary, provided you are the prescribed distance from other diners.

[sandyf]

6 minutes ago, DoctorG said:

I did not reference restaurants in my post. I was talking about general inconsistencies, but the fact that you mention few countries allowing eating in restaurants is in fact an inconsistency. 

Only if you believe that every country is in the same position regarding exit strategy.

The reality is somewhat different and each country will do what they consider appropriate. It would be delusional to think that any "consistent" arrangement would suit all.

[dinsdale]

42 minutes ago, Venom said:

I guess someone forgot to tell them that Covid virus survives for three days on plastic surfaces. ???? 

And?? What are you going to lick any spashes off food that gets on it? Can the virus jump off the plastic? Can you see the hand sanitiser? The real point is millions of people all over Thailand are eating together without any barriers and having a glass of beer or not never made any difference. As for the vaccine I've always said if rather than when and used the common cold which is mainly a rhynovirus but coronaviruses are also attributed, as an example. I think treatment must be the priority. 

[GSFISM]

No vaccine for SARS, MERS, Ebola. Why?

No one knows.

No profit me thinks.

Now with millions infected, thousands of fatalities, worldwide shutdown a sizeable profit  can be made. Esp if countries make it mandatory. Or requirement for international travel. 

 

[sandyf]

18 minutes ago, cornishcarlos said:

 

I'm not sure it applies to family members eating together...

Plus outside of BKK (if at all), pretty sure no-one will be enforcing plastic dividers...

The plastic dividers are widely used around here, hospitals, banks, shops as well as food venues. It would be up to the venue concerned if the divider was allowed to be removed from the table, after all it is them that would be held liable.

The bigger problem is people sat side by side. I have seen pictures where tables have been pushed together so diners facing each other are properly spaced and the screens are the other way round, between people sat side by side.

[sandyf]

7 minutes ago, GSFISM said:

No vaccine for SARS, MERS, Ebola. Why?

They have been working on the MERS vaccine since 2013 and still doing so, SARS is probably tied in with that research.

There are vaccines for Ebola, I believe on of them is under investigation in respect of covid-19.

[yellowboat]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A possible bright side for Thai people is that politics, too, will have to adapt drastically or nobody will win.

There is no bride side politically for Thais.   They are just told what to do and what to think.  A few civically minded, brave people stand up to the junta, but the junta will remain. 

 

As far as annoculations go, that is a long way away if ever.  

[Soi Dog]

It is not totally unreasonable to worry about whether an effective vaccine will materialize or not but the approach being taken with the current crop of candidates is scientifically designed to maximize effectiveness and deal with any evolution of the virus.  Even so, there is a need to consider life without a vaccine and figure out how to get on with it without shutting down the economy or keeping people indoors.  One reason Thailand has been so successful relative to other countries is that we have three enemies of the virus in abundance:  Sunshine, heat and humidity.  I expected to see a Songkran spike but it didn’t happen, I believe because so many people were outdoors at the time.  Let’s use that advantage.