THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 25 June 2021

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Thailand approves Pfizer-Biontech vaccine for emergency use

 

FILE PHOTO: A police officer wearing a face mask looks on during a preparation of the Central Vaccination Center as the country deals with a fresh wave of the infections after tackling earlier outbreaks of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Bangkok, Thailand, May 21, 2021. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/Files

 

(Reuters) - Thailand's food and drug administration on Thursday announced it had approved the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for emergency use.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221633-thailand-approves-pfizer-biontech-vaccine-for-emergency-use/

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As schools reopen, COVID-19 finds weak point in Thailand’s defences

By Thai PBS World’s General Desk

 

Students wear face masks as they line up to attend classes in a school in the southern Thai province of Narathiwat. (Photo by Madaree TOHLALA / AFP)

 

The reopening of schools in most provinces on June 14 has spawned clusters of new COVID-19 infections on almost a daily basis. Thai PBS World takes a closer look at the factors behind this phenomenon and the measures being put in place to fight it.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221596-as-schools-reopen-covid-19-finds-weak-point-in-thailand’s-defences/

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Two doses of Sinovac can stop spread of COVID-19 – National Vaccine Institute

 

Vials of the Chinese made Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine / AFP

 

About 95% of those who have received two doses of the Sinovac vaccine have developed an immune response which prevents the spread of SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19, according to research jointly conducted by the Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Health Science Centre of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and the US Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science (USAMD-AFRIMS).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221617-two-doses-of-sinovac-can-stop-spread-of-covid-19-–-national-vaccine-institute/

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7-Eleven rolls out price cuts to support pandemic measures

By Panithan Onthaworn

 

 

7-Eleven convenience stores have joined the government’s e-voucher stimulus campaign, Ying Chai Ying Dai on Thursday, with selected promotions to alleviate the economic burden from the Covid-19 outbreak. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221650-7-eleven-rolls-out-price-cuts-to-support-pandemic-measures/

 

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Government says no deaths tied to Covid-19 vaccines but investigation still ongoing

By Erich Parpart

 

 

There is no evidence of any deaths tied to Covid-19 vaccines in the 7.9 million doses that have been administered in Thailand, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) said on Thursday, although several cases were still being investigated.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221652-government-says-no-deaths-tied-to-covid-19-vaccines-but-investigation-still-ongoing/

 

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Fire breaks out at Central Festival restaurant

By Eakkapop Thongtub

 

The fire started in the kitchen of Korean restaurant Sukishi. Photo: Eakkopop Thongtub

 

PHUKET: No injuries have been reported after a fire broke out at a Korean restaurant in the Central shopping mall in Kathu earlier this afternoon (June 24).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221654-fire-breaks-out-at-central-festival-restaurant/

 

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After major Covid-19 cluster at Sattahip morning market officials warn vendors attempting to avoid a Covid-19 test-Take a test, or lose your market contract

By Goong Nang(GN)

 

 

PHOTO: Rak Siam News

 

Sattahip – Sattahip has considered and accepted stricter rules to control the spread of Covid -19 at a morning market in which vendors and workers must take a Covid -19 test or they will lose their contract to work at the market and be banned.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221657-after-major-covid-19-cluster-at-sattahip-morning-market-officials-warn-vendors-attempting-to-avoid-a-covid-19-test-take-a-test-or-lose-your-market-contract/

 

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Thailand reports 44 COVID-19 deaths, 3,644 new cases

 

File photo//REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun
 

Thailand on Friday (June 25) reported 3,644 new COVID-19 cases and 44 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221664-thailand-reports-44-covid-19-deaths-3644-new-cases/

 

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Phuket ready for the Sandbox! But PM says “don't let mafia" spoil the party

 

Picture: Manager

 

Thailand's tourism minister Pipat Ratchakitprkarn had a stark message from prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha when he visited Phuket ahead of the island's opening to international tourism next week. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221668-phuket-ready-for-the-sandbox-but-pm-says-“dont-let-mafia-spoil-the-party/

 

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B3mn COVID insurance for O-A visa applicants may broaden options for retirees

By The Phuket News

 

The image that accompanied the now-removed story by NNT. Image: NNT

 

PHUKET: Reports of a requirement for foreigners staying in Thailand on ‘Non-Immigrant O-A’ visas now needing to have B3 million COVID health insurance caused much confusion last week, but several of the ‘guidelines’ approved in principle by Cabinet may broaden the options for health insurance for retirees wanting to stay in the country

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221672-b3mn-covid-insurance-for-o-a-visa-applicants-may-broaden-options-for-retirees/

 

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Its not only Phuket, much of Thailand’s post-pandemic recovery hangs on ‘Sandbox’ project

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

Thai Rath's influential columnist "Lom Plian Thit" wrote about the impending opening of the country to foreign tourists as the much vaunted "Phuket Sandbox" kicks off in less than a week. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221673-it-not-only-phuket-much-of-thailand’s-post-pandemic-recovery-hangs-on-‘sandbox’-project/

 

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Pet parrot in Thailand swallows 21 diamonds belonging to its owner

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

Vets from the Animal Space Hospital went on Facebook to say they had operated on a mischievous parrot.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221680-pet-parrot-in-thailand-swallows-21-diamonds-belonging-to-its-owner/

 

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Betting crackdown on Euro 2020 continues - raids in Pathum Thani and Chiang Rai, 30 arrests

 

Picture: Daily News

 

Both Thailand's tech police and immigration carried out raids to smash internet betting organisations taking wagers on the Euro 2020 football tournament and other gambling games. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221685-betting-crackdown-on-euro-2020-continues-raids-in-pathum-thani-and-chiang-rai-30-arrests/

 

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Future looking rosier for Koh Chang as hotels look forward to five day holiday in July

 

Picture: Manager

 

Manager reported that many regulations had been eased by the authorities in Trat province in the east of Thailand prompting more hotels on the holiday island to reopen. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221686-future-looking-rosier-for-koh-chang-as-hotels-look-forward-to-five-day-holiday-in-july/

 

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Comment rife about heavy school bags after Thai student needs surgery for bent spine

 

 

Daily News reported that comment was widespread on Facebook after a post on Udonthani Update by the relative of a 15 year old student.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221687-comment-rife-about-heavy-school-bags-after-thai-student-needs-surgery-for-bent-spine/

 

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Thailand Road Carnage: At scene death toll on track to match last two years

 

Picture: Daily News

 

In their ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the death toll on Thailand's treacherous roads Daily News published the latest stats for "at the scene" deaths.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221689-thailand-road-carnage-at-scene-death-toll-on-track-to-match-last-two-years/

 

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Medical investigators say 42 post-inoculation fatalities not linked to COVID-19 vaccines

 

 

Investigations by medical specialists into the deaths of 103 people, who died after they had been inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines, has concluded that 42 were not linked to the vaccines, with the rest still pending investigation, said Dr. Chawetsan Namwat, director for emergency health hazards and diseases of the Disease Control Department, on Thursday.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221691-medical-investigators-say-42-post-inoculation-fatalities-not-linked-to-covid-19-vaccines/

 

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Searches surge for Phuket as Airbnb launches #RediscoverThailand campaign to drive tourism

 

Internal Airbnb data shows spike in demand for Stays in Phuket ahead of its reopening, especially from the US, France, UK, Germany and Russia. Searches for Phuket increased approximately 80% in June, up from January this year Long-term stays of 28 days and longer comprised over a third of all Phuket searches in the past 30 days

 

Bangkok, Thailand, 25 June 2021 - Airbnb today announced a new global #RediscoverThailand campaign that aims to energise Thailand’s tourism recovery in the second half of 2021. In line with the Thai Government’s goal to gradually reopen the country to inoculated international travellers, starting with Phuket’s reopening on 1 July, #RediscoverThailand seeks to leverage Airbnb’s global platform and data insights to drive international and domestic travel to and around Thailand. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221693-searches-surge-for-phuket-as-airbnb-launches-rediscoverthailand-campaign-to-drive-tourism/

 

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Employees caught with 97 million baht in goods after 240 million in phone cards go missing

 

Picture: Naew Na

 

Naew Na reported on a huge case of theft resolved by the Crime Suppression Division police.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221694-employees-caught-with-97-million-baht-in-goods-after-240-million-in-phone-cards-go-missing/

 

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Pachyderm pals forever! Chiang Mai elephant turns artist to help stricken Dumbo

 

Picture: Daily News

 

A video now on YouTube shows a nine year old elephant called Tanwa painting a landscape scene on canvas. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221695-pachyderm-pals-forever-chiang-mai-elephant-turns-artist-to-help-stricken-dumbo/

 

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Phuket vaccination push riddled with confusion and claims

By The Phuket News

 

The vaccination process at Central Phuket yesterday proceeded smoothly for some. Photo: The Phuket News

 

PHUKET: The push to vaccinate as many people as possible before the July 1 deadline next Thursday took another hit yesterday (June 24) as foreigners were turned away from vaccination centres after presenting themselves for their second injection as instructed by Phuket health officials.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221696-phuket-vaccination-push-riddled-with-confusion-and-claims/

 

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Phuket Tourism Association denies reports only legally married foreigners and Thais can share hotel rooms

 

File photo for reference only//REUTERS Jorge Silva

 

Phuket Tourism Association on Friday moved quickly to dispel  reports that foreigners staying in Phuket as part of the ‘Sandbox’ project would need to be legally married if they wanted to share a bedroom with a Thai national.

 

 https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221676-phuket-tourism-association-denies-reports-only-legally-married-foreigners-and-thais-can-share-hotel-rooms/

 

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Royal Gazette Announces Thailand’s New Regulations for Online Ride-hailing Services

By Woraprat Lerpaisal

 

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Transport Ministry has reported that a ministerial regulation, covering online ride-hailing services, has been announced in the Royal Gazette, making the rules enforceable.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221698-royal-gazette-announces-thailand’s-new-regulations-for-online-ride-hailing-services/

 

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Vaccinations using China’s Sinopharm begin in Thailand on Friday

 

 

Vaccinations, using China’s Sinopharm vaccine procured by the Chulabhorn Royal Academy (CRA), began in Thailand today (Friday), starting with 6,400 elderly people, those with disabilities and the underprivileged, who could not register elsewhere.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221706-vaccinations-using-china’s-sinopharm-begin-in-thailand-on-friday/

 

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Will new referendum law help unlock Thailand’s political impasse – or just deepen divisions?

 

Thai voters drop their ballots at a local polling station during the constitutional referendum in Bangkok on August 7, 2016. (Photo by MUNIR UZ ZAMAN / AFP)

 

Hopes for a new and more democratic Thai Constitution rose this week when the referendum bill sailed through Parliament.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221707-will-new-referendum-law-help-unlock-thailand’s-political-impasse-–-or-just-deepen-divisions/

 

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Raising a Child in Thailand from a Foreign Perspective

 

 

Living in a foreign country entails scores of challenges. While single expats may argue that the thrills and adventures far outweigh the struggles, those with children in tow discover that it is a different story altogether. Or is it?

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221709-raising-a-child-in-thailand-from-a-foreign-perspective/

 

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Japanese Auto Plants Will Promote Electric Vehicles in Thailand

 

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) reported on Thursday that Japanese auto plants in Thailand are powering up to produce electric vehicles, while Japan’s business presence in the Kingdom remains strong, despite COVID-19.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221710-japanese-auto-plants-will-promote-electric-vehicles-in-thailand/

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Thai exports Record Fastest Growth in 11 Years during May

 

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Commerce Ministry reported on Thursday (24 June) that Thai exports recorded their fastest expansion in 11 years during May, driven by strong global demand and economic recovery in trading partners, as the government continues aggressive promotion efforts.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221711-thai-exports-record-fastest-growth-in-11-years-during-may/

 

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Thailand’s Revenue Department Warns of Personal Income Tax Deadline

 

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Revenue Department has warned that more than 1 million taxpayers, who have yet to submit personal income tax forms for 2020, have to file by 30 June or face a fine.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221712-thailand’s-revenue-department-warns-of-personal-income-tax-deadline/

 

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Thai Government Plans to Recruit More Medics for COVID-19 Patients in Bangkok

 

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) plans to use health personnel from the provinces, new medical graduates and soldiers to help care for the growing number of COVID-19 patients in the Bangkok area.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1221713-thai-government-plans-to-recruit-more-medics-for-covid-19-patients-in-bangkok/