Thailand reports 1,919 COVID-19 cases, 31 new deaths

[brewsterbudgen]

2 hours ago, Bkk Brian said:

I hope that will also include the thousands of International teachers here and not just Thai

Me too.  But presumably there will be no choice of vaccine.  I wonder how happy some will be if Sinovac is the only choice?

[GreasyFingers]

The wife just received a phone call from the local hospital to cancel an appointment. The hospital is now closed. I had reported on other threads that we had a local outbreak in a small village on the weekend. There has been a testing unit up here all day and they have now closed the hospital so there must have been more positives. We are now in a dark red zone according to the wife (but she might not know the fell situation).

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

 

 

The deans of Thailand’s three top medical colleges today (Tuesday) urged the authorities to speed up active screening of people in slum areas in Bangkok, to separate those infected with COVID-19 from others in their communities to slow the rate of transmission.

 

https://www.facebook.com/ThaiPBSWorld/posts/4395894483789181

 

[wensiensheng]

2 hours ago, Bkk Brian said:

I hope that will also include the thousands of International teachers here and not just Thai

I have a feeling that they will have just forgotten about the international teachers, the same as they forgot about farang for vaccination of the general population.

 

when they say over sixties first, they mean Thai over sixties. When they say teachers, probably it means Thai teachers. Unfortunately.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

 

"Rescuers are usually the first on the scene when a Covid-19 patient is confirmed or if a patient has succumbed to the virus. However, their job is made doubly difficult because they have to wear PPE suits and sport N95 facemasks in Thailand’s blistering heat.

 

Plus, the job of removing bodies or patients cannot be done by a full team because there is not enough protective gear to go around this time."

 

https://www.facebook.com/NationNews/videos/337694521249308/

 

 

Edited May 11, 2021 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[wensiensheng]

1 minute ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

Rescuers are usually the first on the scene when a Covid-19 patient is confirmed or if a patient has succumbed to the virus. However, their job is made doubly difficult because they have to wear PPE suits and sport N95 facemasks in Thailand’s blistering heat.

 

Plus, the job of removing bodies or patients cannot be done by a full team because there is not enough protective gear to go around this time.

 

https://www.facebook.com/NationNews/videos/337694521249308/

 

 

Looks and sounds horrific.

[anchadian]

https://twitter.com/The_PattayaNews/status/1392059300365824000

 

The Pattaya News

Replying to

@pakhead

In Pattaya, the city has been brought to essentially a standstill, regardless if a business can open or not, due to the dependence on domestic and foreign tourism and entertainment and hospitality venues. It's a difficult state of affairs to say the least.

 

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

The Public Health minister seems to be out at Challenger Hall, Muang Thong Thani, in Nonthaburi again today for the large COVID field hospital being developed there...

 

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/fanmoph/videos/523178185531021/

 

But meanwhile, I haven't heard or seen anything in the past couple days on the supposed plans to establish a smaller new field hospital in the Khlong Toei Port area to serve the COVID patients being found in those slum areas....

 

 

Edited May 11, 2021 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[anchadian]

 

To stop the ‘bleeding,’ Bangkok’s trailblazing ‘Bo.lan’ calls it quits

 

An influential restaurant at the vanguard of Thai fine dining in Bangkok is saying goodbye.

 

After more than a decade in business, chefs Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava and Dylan Jones announced on Monday that they are shutting their pioneering fine dining restaurant Bo.lan.

 

The couple partly blamed the closure to the Thai government’s response to COVID-19 crisis in Thailand since the third-wave outbreak led to a blanket ban on dining-in.

 

https://coconuts.co/bangkok/food-drink/to-stop-the-bleeding-bangkoks-trailblazing-bo-lan-calls-it-quits/

 

 

Edited May 11, 2021 by anchadian

[Jingthing]

2 hours ago, club said:

If this is true what you say the numbers could be double

The numbers could easily be 10x.

[anchadian]

https://www.facebook.com/nbtworld/posts/10158008655582050

 

The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) has researched and upgraded powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) enabled suits and delivered 3,000 sets of new protective suits to the Public Health Ministry on Monday.

 

The NRCT said the suits will be distributed among state hospitals nationwide to offer better protection to medical personnel. The latest version has larger helmets and a reinforced air hose that allows more mobility. In addition, the battery can last for at least four hours and beeps when it runs low. It can also be charged conveniently with a USB cable.

 

 

 

[robblok]

34 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

 

The deans of Thailand’s three top medical colleges today (Tuesday) urged the authorities to speed up active screening of people in slum areas in Bangkok, to separate those infected with COVID-19 from others in their communities to slow the rate of transmission.

 

https://www.facebook.com/ThaiPBSWorld/posts/4395894483789181

 

But if they do that then the numbers will go up and the PM will look bad. So i doubt it will happen. They will keep testing up to a certain level and not above. Too many infected will mean a bad look for the PM. 

 

Just my thoughts though.. because they seem to be going pretty slow with the testing in those areas. Maybe they worry about the number of beds too. Who knows just know they could do more if they wanted too. Maybe a money thing

[Petey11]

1 hour ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

 

The deans of Thailand’s three top medical colleges today (Tuesday) urged the authorities to speed up active screening of people in slum areas in Bangkok, to separate those infected with COVID-19 from others in their communities to slow the rate of transmission.

 

https://www.facebook.com/ThaiPBSWorld/posts/4395894483789181

 

If you have members of the medical community now coming out saying they to speed up and increase testing, where does that put those who say testing is ample?

[anchadian]

How about the other malls?

 

https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkoks-union-mall-to-be-closed-may-13-27-amid-slow-business/

 

Bangkok’s Union Mall to be closed May 13-27 amid slow business

 

The Union Mall, opposite Central Lardprao shopping mall in Bangkok, has announced its temporary closure, starting Thursday and until at least May 27th, or until further notice.

 

Only eateries inside can remain open for deliveries and takeaways said the management in a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday.

 

The temporary closure is meant to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spread and for businesses renting the mall’s spaces to “take a rest” from their concerns about expenses and fear of infections, according to the management, amid the third wave of the pandemic.

Edited May 11, 2021 by anchadian

[TaoNow]

21 minutes ago, Petey11 said:

If you have members of the medical community now coming out saying they to speed up and increase testing, where does that put those who say testing is ample?

 

Petey11, I don't think it is a question of whether the testing is ample or not. 

 

Instead, the question is how strategic is the testing being done?

 

I think that all countries around the world agree that it would be counterproductive to conduct mass testing of the population, even if you had the resources to do it.   You would come up with too many negatives and not be able to react quickly to the next outbreak.

 

Instead, what I think Thailand is doing is to conduct targeted testing of those communities when sample surveillance shows the positivity rate (infections per persons tested) exceeds a certain level.

 

That seems to me to be the most efficient use of testing resources.

 

But please feel free to propose an alternative strategy to contain the epidemic, 18 months after its emergence in Thailand.

 

 

[ExpatOilWorker]

35 minutes ago, TaoNow said:

18 months after its emergence in Thailand.

16 months!

[Megasin1]

There is a storm a coming, there is no doubt and Thailand is not as prepared as it thinks it is, no country that has been blighted has truly been prepared. They are certainly not testing enough and they have vaccination targets that are undeliverable. They cannot continue to hospitalise every positive result and at the same time vaccinate the population on their projected system. They should be setting up mass vaccination centres now and also training additional people to administer the vaccines well away from the hospitals, so their limited number of doctors and nurses can concentrate on caring for the infected. They need to apply the seven Ps now and crack on with it, not keep spouting about what they will do, but actually be doing stuff.....nuff said

[Petey11]

20 minutes ago, TaoNow said:

 

Petey11, I don't think it is a question of whether the testing is ample or not. 

 

Instead, the question is how strategic is the testing being done?

 

I think that all countries around the world agree that it would be counterproductive to conduct mass testing of the population, even if you had the resources to do it.   You would come up with too many negatives and not be able to react quickly to the next outbreak.

 

Instead, what I think Thailand is doing is to conduct targeted testing of those communities when sample surveillance shows the positivity rate (infections per persons tested) exceeds a certain level.

 

That seems to me to be the most efficient use of testing resources.

 

But please feel free to propose an alternative strategy to contain the epidemic, 18 months after its emergence in Thailand.

 

 

Only problem with targeted testing is you target an area after you see  a cluster evolve through the number of walk-ins. With mass random testing, if you are returning say 2-3% positive you know the infection is there but not in great numbers. If you start getting returns of 8-10% you know you have a problem of widespread infection. It's all good targeting an area when you know you have a problem, but that cluster area you are targeting has been brewing for 2-4 weeks or more. In that time, those infected can spread it to other areas. It's like fighting bush/forest fires, you find it, put it out but unbeknown it has spread underground or jumped by sparks to another area. Before random testing in the UK , this was the same situation, by the time they realized the Kent variant was a problem in the Kent area it had spread to London, then southeast and so on. Now in the UK anyone can get a test, cross lateral if no symptoms and PCR if symptomatic, all free. The WHO had the mantra of test, test, test, actively seek the infections and isolate those carriers. What is the alternative to stop it, lock down all areas if you don't get in front of the virus. Proactive over reactive. But like you so rightly mentioned on "effective use of resources", it all comes down to how much money you want to throw at it. If resources are the limit to testing, just own up and say we have limited resources/money and cannot do more, but I honestly think it's not about the money in Thailand, it's reluctance to spend it and maybe show up the real scale of the problem, saving face scenario. I also think the free test if positive, charge for if negative ,that I've heard reported (if true) , does not encourage people to come forward, or the prospect of two weeks in a field hospital. There are many factors influencing the situation in Thailand, same as all countries. Political for sure and medical. I'm certain that if the doctors on the CCSA had a totally free reign to do as they wish without any constraints, financial or political, you would see a lot more testing been carried out.

[TaoNow]

13 minutes ago, Petey11 said:

Only problem with targeted testing is you target an area after you see  a cluster evolve through the number of walk-ins. With mass random testing, if you are returning say 2-3% positive you know the infection is there but not in great numbers. If you start getting returns of 8-10% you know you have a problem of widespread infection. It's all good targeting an area when you know you have a problem, but that cluster area you are targeting has been brewing for 2-4 weeks or more. In that time, those infected can spread it to other areas. It's like fighting bush/forest fires, you find it, put it out but unbeknown it has spread underground or jumped by sparks to another area. Before random testing in the UK , this was the same situation, by the time they realized the Kent variant was a problem in the Kent area it had spread to London, then southeast and so on. Now in the UK anyone can get a test, cross lateral if no symptoms and PCR if symptomatic, all free. The WHO had the mantra of test, test, test, actively seek the infections and isolate those carriers. What is the alternative to stop it, lock down all areas if you don't get in front of the virus. Proactive over reactive. But like you so rightly mentioned on "effective use of resources", it all comes down to how much money you want to throw at it. If resources are the limit to testing, just own up and say we have limited resources/money and cannot do more, but I honestly think it's not about the money in Thailand, it's reluctance to spend it and maybe show up the real scale of the problem, saving face scenario. I also think the free test if positive, charge for if negative ,that I've heard reported (if true) , does not encourage people to come forward, or the prospect of two weeks in a field hospital. There are many factors influencing the situation in Thailand, same as all countries. Political for sure and medical. I'm certain that if the doctors on the CCSA had a totally free reign to do as they wish without any constraints, financial or political, you would see a lot more testing been carried out.

Petey:  You make a lot of good points.  I just wish other posters would be as circumspect as you about the options instead of shouting for mass testing. as the only viable strategy to identify, contain, and control the Covid-19 pandemic. 

 

For example, if money was the limitation, would the government have gone to the extreme of effectively shutting down international tourism (15% of annual GDP?).  I cannot reconcile that drastic action by the Thai government with those who say the country isn't doing enough.  It vitually torpedoed that major sector of the economy to protect the population.

 

While those kind of decisions are made by different parts of the government, I think eveyone is aware of the sacrifices being made.

 

I just am so disappointed by all the negative posts on the Forum about what the Thai government is trying to do to avert a Covid-19 catastrophe.   It is in no one's interest to let that happen, and the government is certainly not incompetent as demonstrated by their incredibly effective response to the HIV epidemic.

[GeorgeEboy]

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 11, 2021 by GeorgeEboy

[Bkk Brian]

3 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

 

The deans of Thailand’s three top medical colleges today (Tuesday) urged the authorities to speed up active screening of people in slum areas in Bangkok, to separate those infected with COVID-19 from others in their communities to slow the rate of transmission.

 

https://www.facebook.com/ThaiPBSWorld/posts/4395894483789181

 

I wonder if they'll listen, they failed to listen to Dr Yong Thailand's top virologist when before Songkran he warned them of the impending outbreak if they failed to act. I hope these Deans also urge the authorities to carry out some real random mass testing in other slum communities in Bangkok but also throughout Thailand to avoid a repeat of these current disasters. Always better to be pro active about things rather than putting out fires right left and center.

[Jingthing]

1 hour ago, Megasin1 said:

There is a storm a coming, there is no doubt and Thailand is not as prepared as it thinks it is, no country that has been blighted has truly been prepared. They are certainly not testing enough and they have vaccination targets that are undeliverable. They cannot continue to hospitalise every positive result and at the same time vaccinate the population on their projected system. They should be setting up mass vaccination centres now and also training additional people to administer the vaccines well away from the hospitals, so their limited number of doctors and nurses can concentrate on caring for the infected. They need to apply the seven Ps now and crack on with it, not keep spouting about what they will do, but actually be doing stuff.....nuff said

I don't get the impression that either the Thai government or people thinks Thailand is even prepared for what already has happened. That ship has sailed.

[vandeventer]

10 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

You have to wonder if these numbers include the new clusters being found in Chiang Mai as well as the other areas or if they are awaiting confirmation to list them. The deaths as I stated in another OP are a big worry as this is now the second time we have had 31 deaths in the past 8 days.  It does not seem to be subsiding as some would hope or state.  The number of tests is also a concern, as they are supposedly ramping up testing, but what is the issue with stopping testing in some other areas.  Is it a lack of testing personnel or tests themselves.  Why does it also take a few days, 4 from what I am seeing, from the date of test to date of confirmation. If someone tests and then is allowed to roam freely for the next 3 days until the results come in, like my GF's ex and his family, then this thing will keep spreading.  Once tested the folks should know quickly, or else its a true S...storm

It looks like the EU is not happy with the AZ vaccine and are dropping it.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAB6a3aL2J0

 

[VBF]

8 minutes ago, vandeventer said:

It looks like the EU is not happy with the AZ vaccine and are dropping it.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAB6a3aL2J0

 

Listening to that VDO and reading the comments I would say it's more that they just chose Pfizer because they considered a choice had to be made and there is a marketing agreement with Pfizer also Biontech is part German - nothing sinister IMO. 

[thailand49]

11 hours ago, wasabi said:

 

I made the appointment yesterday and they still had good availability. Plane tickets were required to make the appointment. I'm going to Bangkok Hospital in Bangkok. I was told if my wife and I arrive around 8:00 am we will have same day results for our PCR tests. One way tickets from BKK to SFO were only $550 per person. Fortunately we have a place to live cheaply in the area so not a bad outlay of cost except Som Tam prices will triple. I'm thinking we will return in 6 months to a year.

How the table has turned! In spite of all the problem in the U.S. one thing you won't have a problem is getting a vaccine. All my family and friends have gotten their shots Pfizer, Moderna, even the J&J not one has had any problems or major side affects.

 

I wish I was able to return like you recently a friend Thai wife return to the Bay Area did a self quarantine to be sure thereafter made a appointment for her shots no hassles, I.D. card, work permits, etc, etc. and most of all FREE! 

 

March 23rd, I via Zoom with my Thai family said my goodbyes to my mother 103, the table have turn you are safer in the Bay Area.  Good luck!

[ourmanflint]

3 hours ago, TaoNow said:

Petey:  You make a lot of good points.  I just wish other posters would be as circumspect as you about the options instead of shouting for mass testing. as the only viable strategy to identify, contain, and control the Covid-19 pandemic. 

 

For example, if money was the limitation, would the government have gone to the extreme of effectively shutting down international tourism (15% of annual GDP?).  I cannot reconcile that drastic action by the Thai government with those who say the country isn't doing enough.  It vitually torpedoed that major sector of the economy to protect the population.

 

While those kind of decisions are made by different parts of the government, I think eveyone is aware of the sacrifices being made.

 

I just am so disappointed by all the negative posts on the Forum about what the Thai government is trying to do to avert a Covid-19 catastrophe.   It is in no one's interest to let that happen, and the government is certainly not incompetent as demonstrated by their incredibly effective response to the HIV epidemic.

 

You've mentioned the HIV epidemic a few times in relation to this, but even you must realise they are different by several magnitudes. HIV spreads nowhere near as fast as this does so govt has to move at much much faster pace as well. 

They need to be doing far more than 2-3000 tests a day, 10x that would be a good start and that is still nothing like the mass testing we have seen in Europe.

You absolutely cannot wait for the data to point to a cluster before acting, not with these new variants, govt needs to be ahead not constantly chasing behind

[edwardandtubs]

6 hours ago, anchadian said:

https://www.facebook.com/nbtworld/posts/10158008655582050

 

The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) has researched and upgraded powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) enabled suits and delivered 3,000 sets of new protective suits to the Public Health Ministry on Monday.

 

The NRCT said the suits will be distributed among state hospitals nationwide to offer better protection to medical personnel. The latest version has larger helmets and a reinforced air hose that allows more mobility. In addition, the battery can last for at least four hours and beeps when it runs low. It can also be charged conveniently with a USB cable.

 

 

 

Well as long as it's got USB recharging everyone's safe.

[daveAustin]

14 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Amazing how consistent the numbers are.

 

It's almost as if they are being managed to ensure they are high enough to scare people into taking the required precautions, but not so high as to lose face in the international community and jeopardize a quick return of tourism.

 

I wonder what the real numbers are.

 

x10–x100

[Fex Bluse]

14 hours ago, AnnieSeek said:

Porous borders from Myanmar - which in turn is porous from India - is causing these outbreaks in SE Asia. 

 

The porous borders from Mynanmar aren't controlled. 

 

Singapore and Hong Kong are very lucky they are islands. 

 

These new variants in Thailand are coming from India - which up till last month was open to the world. 

 

Are you Thai?

[Fex Bluse]

12 hours ago, Marvin Hagler said:

What I find interesting is that the voice of the “Thailand Covid Response Rose Tinted Glasses” brigade gets less and less each day as it becomes more and more clear that what many of us have been saying all along is in fact correct: Don’t Test, Don’t Find.

 

How can anyone possibly defend this flatlining 2,000 cases per day? It defies all logic. No wonder their voice is growing quieter.

 

Lots of drunks and poorly educated and older folks who cannot think critically or clearly

 

Also, some who probably work for the Thai government

 

Some are likely China trolls (there are an estimated 20 million globally)