File photo: National New Bureau of Thailand

 

Thailand on Monday (December 27) reported 2,437 new COVID-19 cases, 3,845 recoveries and 18 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. 

 

▶︎ Infections outside prisons: 2,419. Prisons: 18

▶︎ Recoveries: 3,845

▶︎ Total infections since April 1: 2,183,544

▶︎ Total recoveries since April 1: 2,128,947

 

Monday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 2,212,407 with 21,598 deaths.

 

The news comes as vaccines administered in Thailand will be accepted throughout the European Union from January after EU scientists and officials approved the move in recent days.

 

It comes as the kingdom prepares itself for the ignition of a possible Omicron wave as it fights to control a cluster in Kalasin province in northeastern Thailand and while the latest news from western countries appears to be offering a glimmer of hope about this new more infectious but clinically less dangerous form of the disease which is expected to become endemic across the world in the coming months.

*Thai Examiner contributed to this report

 

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PCR test positive cases, total of 2,437 official new infections. 18 official covid deaths recorded.

 

Rapid tests positive cases, 505 bringing the total of PCR and ATK results to 2,942

https://ddc.moph.go.th/covid19-dashboard/

 

Rolling 7 day average chart (up to 25th Dec) and bar chart of both PCR and ATK totals

https://ourworldindata.org/coronavirus/country/thailand

https://twitter.com/ThaiNewsReports/status/1475270748738514946

 

The number of Covid-19 cases crossed 14.75 million across Southeast Asia, with 22,230 new cases reported on Sunday (December 26). New deaths are at 281, bringing accumulated Covid-19 deaths in Asean to 302,830.

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40010451

UPDATE: 2,437 confirmed cases, 505 probable cases (ATK), and 18 deaths (0.98%). Out of 34,436 patients , 16,846 are in hospital, 15,873 in hospitel and 842 in home/community isolation. There are 752 in a serious condition (-61) with 179 on ventilators (-27) #Thailand

 

https://twitter.com/ThaiNewsReports/status/1475274512182644739

I believe that the cases are low enough to stop reporting now and perhaps go back to reporting deaths per day on the roads, and less fearmongering perhaps.

I don't understand how everyday there are lots more recoveries,

than infections reported, this has been going on for many weeks now.

can any one explain why this is so.

regards worgeordie

41 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

PCR test positive cases, total of 2,437 official new infections. 18 official covid deaths recorded.

 

Rapid tests positive cases, 505 bringing the total of PCR and ATK results to 2,942

https://ddc.moph.go.th/covid19-dashboard/

 

Rolling 7 day average chart (up to 25th Dec) and bar chart of both PCR and ATK totals

https://ourworldindata.org/coronavirus/country/thailand

Steady as she goes.  I think we may be as close to the bottom as we can get with Omicron now on the scene. looking pretty flat with a small up and down for the past 8 days.  As long as we can stay safe by protecting ourselves by using the tools at hand and no one goe flying of the handle and decides to do away with their social distancing and mask wearing and cleanliness procedures I believe we may be looking at a future ending of the world wide pandemic.  However, that's my view, and no it has not changed.  As I have stated before we will never know the true extent of cases and this has continued ad-infinum for over the past year marching forward.  I truly wonder how long they will continue on with the testing if this has runs it's course.

7 minutes ago, worgeordie said:

I don't understand how everyday there are lots more recoveries,

than infections reported, this has been going on for many weeks now.

can any one explain why this is so.

regards worgeordie

Hospitalizations have decreased, those in the hospital are becoming fewer and fewer, critical cases have dropped along with those on respirators, and then those in isolation have also dropped of.

16 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

I believe that the cases are low enough to stop reporting now and perhaps go back to reporting deaths per day on the roads, and less fearmongering perhaps.

No, I think the topic has more legs yet. Anyhow, the topic is Covid and deaths on the roads are nothing whatsoever to do  with that. Since we are at the start of the xx deadly days, I am sure another topic will spring up to cover that one.

Reporting official numbers is not fear-mongering, especially when, as you say, they are becoming rather low. It is the opposite. . 

1 hour ago, jacko45k said:

No, I think the topic has more legs yet. Anyhow, the topic is Covid and deaths on the roads are nothing whatsoever to do  with that. Since we are at the start of the xx deadly days, I am sure another topic will spring up to cover that one.

Reporting official numbers is not fear-mongering, especially when, as you say, they are becoming rather low. It is the opposite. . 

Judging by the amount of posters replying on this post, i.e. less than a hand full, the topic is a dead horse, so until there is something to report on Covid numbers increasing, why bother IMO.

 

 

28 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

Judging by the amount of posters replying on this post, i.e. less than a hand full, the topic is a dead horse, so until there is something to report on Covid numbers increasing, why bother IMO.

 

 

Unlike other topics, this one is locked daily so never really has the opportunity to grow after the first day. The other option is just to announce the new numbers but have it locked from there on until you decide its ok to open up again?

Health ministry to outline 3 best and worst-case scenarios as more infections reported

 

Following the discovery of more cases of the Omicron Covid-19 variant, the Public Health Ministry says it will outline worst-case scenarios in a statement expected tomorrow.

 

https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/health-ministry-to-outline-3-best-and-worst-case-scenarios-as-more-infections-reported

2 hours ago, webfact said:

latest news from western countries appears to be offering a glimmer of hope about this new more infectious but clinically less dangerous form of the disease which is expected to become endemic across the world in the coming months.

The latest UK Omicron Technical Briefing was published by the UK Health Security Agency, link to the pdf download here

 

One of its  Epidemiologist's gave this handy walk through on twitter highlighting the most important updates, here are a few snippets however if you are really interested in Omicrion and what the expertds are saying then I suggest you read the whole thread yourself, its too long to post here:

https://twitter.com/kallmemeg/status/1474071983067389958

 

3 recent studies also show lower risk of hospital admission with Omicron:

• 45-55% reduced risk Imperial study 

• 50-80% reduced risk in Scotland 

• 70-90% reduced odds in SA@nicd_sa 

 

This is very good news, and needed after many weeks of doomsday predictions. This will significantly cut the number of expected hospitalisations & deaths.

 

HOWEVER A word of caution in interpretation {in addition to the limitations listed in tweet 4} This does not mean Omicron *causes mild disease* These are epidemiological studies which tell us Omicron *is less likely to cause* severe disease.

 

In an individual, Omicron *can* absolutely cause severe disease And in fact we are seeing hospitalisations with Omicron increasing and deaths are also now occurring. Omicron has fewer fangs than Delta, but still has a dangerous bite.

 

 

2 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

Steady as she goes.  I think we may be as close to the bottom as we can get with Omicron now on the scene. looking pretty flat with a small up and down for the past 8 days.  As long as we can stay safe by protecting ourselves by using the tools at hand and no one goe flying of the handle and decides to do away with their social distancing and mask wearing and cleanliness procedures I believe we may be looking at a future ending of the world wide pandemic.  However, that's my view, and no it has not changed.  As I have stated before we will never know the true extent of cases and this has continued ad-infinum for over the past year marching forward.  I truly wonder how long they will continue on with the testing if this has runs it's course.

Until the schools reopen, properly,  Thailand cant lay claim to being on top of the virus. Kids might not generally get very ill, but they are little germ factories. The Thai authorities know full well that every second kid or more is looked after by Grandma, and that many homes are multi-generational and I think the spread into homes is what they fear. Ally this with Thai over protective nature, keeps em closed. But the schools are part of the lifeblood of the economy especially in rural areas, the explosion of activity after school finishes. I bet a few teachers are quite happy being lazy and still getting paid. Also kids are missing more than an education, school is where they usually learn about their culture, respect etc. The fact that the Government seems to be putting very little effort into this is very telling.

26 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

In an individual, Omicron *can* absolutely cause severe disease And in fact we are seeing hospitalisations with Omicron increasing and deaths are also now occurring. Omicron has fewer fangs than Delta, but still has a dangerous bite.

I would suggest that those numbers being hospitalised and fewer deaths reported are those who have weaker immune systems, e.g. are above a certain age, with comorbidities, or without, but are obese, have a poor diet, drink more than the average alcohol limit and lack of vitamin D, etc etc.

 

If I am correct then that means those that are middle of the road ages and younger with better immune systems, eat healthier, drink less, and have adequate vitamin D levels are not being hospitalised or dying.

 

Place your bets now.

17 minutes ago, Bluetongue said:

Until the schools reopen, properly,  Thailand cant lay claim to being on top of the virus. Kids might not generally get very ill, but they are little germ factories. The Thai authorities know full well that every second kid or more is looked after by Grandma, and that many homes are multi-generational and I think the spread into homes is what they fear. Ally this with Thai over protective nature, keeps em closed. But the schools are part of the lifeblood of the economy especially in rural areas, the explosion of activity after school finishes. I bet a few teachers are quite happy being lazy and still getting paid. Also kids are missing more than an education, school is where they usually learn about their culture, respect etc. The fact that the Government seems to be putting very little effort into this is very telling.

I don't know about your area, but school up here in the north-east have been open for a good month, kids coming home sick and making us sick, is it or was it Covid, well no one was bed ridden, no one off from school, the usual stuffy nose, runny nose, headaches, sore throat, feeling lethargic etc, couple of days later, all and good and life goes on.

 

Did anyone get tested, well does anyone get tested after they have had a cold/flu, solder on, sometimes it's better not to know, unless you really need to know.

 

11 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

I would suggest that those numbers being hospitalised and fewer deaths reported are those who have weaker immune systems, e.g. are above a certain age, with comorbidities, or without, but are obese, have a poor diet, drink more than the average alcohol limit and lack of vitamin D, etc etc.

 

If I am correct then that means those that are middle of the road ages and younger with better immune systems, eat healthier, drink less, and have adequate vitamin D levels are not being hospitalised or dying.

 

Place your bets now.

Possibly I tend to agree with you on that if you read the thread it does touch on that and its not all rosy:

 

"We also are not seeing many cases of Omicron in older age groups yet (yay boosters!) With the sheer number of infections, plus the potential to spread into older age groups esp over a Christmas, Omicron is still likely to cause a great deal of pressure on the NHS.

 

In England our elderly and most vulnerable populations were boosted back in October and November. Now this is protection against mild infection. Protection against Severe disease is likely to be largely maintained.

 

Where do we stand? I’ll end on a cautious note With this amount of virus circulating just before Xmas when we have lots intergenerational mixing I fear we’re in for a difficult January Omicron is likely to penetrate into older age groups who are boosted, but already waning…"

12 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

I don't know about your area, but school up here in the north-east have been open for a good month, kids coming home sick and making us sick, is it or was it Covid, well no one was bed ridden, no one off from school, the usual stuffy nose, runny nose, headaches, sore throat, feeling lethargic etc, couple of days later, all and good and life goes on.

 

Did anyone get tested, well does anyone get tested after they have had a cold/flu, solder on, sometimes it's better not to know, unless you really need to know.

 

Earlier in the pandemic it was the mantra, testing testing testing. I see in Australia now they do not want the asymptomatic to come forward for a PCR test, the system is too overloaded. People wanted to get the full test before they headed off for Christmas with the family. What a way to spend Christmas eh, 6 hours in a queue. Now they've finally been dragged into much more use of the rapid tests.

 

Yeah na, schools haven't reopened at all here in Chantaburi, my mate in Korat his kid is going every second day

Most Omicron patients in Thailand have mild or no symptoms, says doctor

 

Most of the 200 or so Omicron patients in Thailand have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic, but infections are expected to jump soon.

Assoc Prof Dr Nithipat Jearakul, chief of Siriraj Hospital’s Department of Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis, said on Saturday that as of December 19, some 3 per cent of Covid-19 cases had been tracked down to Omicron. However, he said, though Omicron cases in Thailand account for just 3 per cent of total Covid-19 cases, the number will soon start surging, especially at the beginning of 2022.

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40010440

Huge disappointment for Phuket:

 

30,000 European tourists cancel yearend trip to Phuket

 

The largest European travel company, TUI Nordic, has reportedly cancelled chartered flights scheduled to bring some 30,000 tourists to Phuket from December to April next year.

 

Meanwhile, Thanes Supharasahasrangsee, acting president of the Chonburi Federation of Tourism Industry, said tourism operators in Chonburi, Rayong and Prachuap Khiri Khan have called on the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to consider turning tourist cities like Pattaya, Koh Samet and Hua Hin into “blue zones” or sandbox areas.

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010466

3 hours ago, worgeordie said:

I don't understand how everyday there are lots more recoveries,

than infections reported, this has been going on for many weeks now.

can any one explain why this is so.

regards worgeordie

The recoveries correspond approximately to the number of cases 2 weeks before. Check on the chart provided by Bkk Brian in this thread, you wil see it fits more or less.

1 hour ago, Bluetongue said:

Until the schools reopen, properly,  Thailand cant lay claim to being on top of the virus. Kids might not generally get very ill, but they are little germ factories. The Thai authorities know full well that every second kid or more is looked after by Grandma, and that many homes are multi-generational and I think the spread into homes is what they fear. Ally this with Thai over protective nature, keeps em closed. But the schools are part of the lifeblood of the economy especially in rural areas, the explosion of activity after school finishes. I bet a few teachers are quite happy being lazy and still getting paid. Also kids are missing more than an education, school is where they usually learn about their culture, respect etc. The fact that the Government seems to be putting very little effort into this is very telling.

As a teacher I object to that statement.

You clearly don't have a clue.

44 minutes ago, Bluetongue said:

Earlier in the pandemic it was the mantra, testing testing testing. I see in Australia now they do not want the asymptomatic to come forward for a PCR test, the system is too overloaded. People wanted to get the full test before they headed off for Christmas with the family. What a way to spend Christmas eh, 6 hours in a queue. Now they've finally been dragged into much more use of the rapid tests.

 

Yeah na, schools haven't reopened at all here in Chantaburi, my mate in Korat his kid is going every second day

Neither where I live, in the Southern Border Provinces region.

All schools are closed, 100 percent.

Back to zero deaths soon...well done Thailand ???????? 

26 minutes ago, MarcelV said:

As a teacher I object to that statement.

You clearly don't have a clue.

Ah, you've taken it personally. Just to say I wasn't talking about you personally. I seem to recall you were the big fan of online teaching, in fact you never want the schools to reopen, which clearly does not work for the majority of kids here, arguable as it is whether it is any better, I would argue worse. Other than that your comment does not say why you think I haven't a clue, I have had many interactions with Thai teachers over the years and I'm entitled to my generally poor opinion of them.

1 minute ago, Bluetongue said:

Ah, you've taken it personally. Just to say I wasn't talking about you personally. I seem to recall you were the big fan of online teaching, in fact you never want the schools to reopen, which clearly does not work for the majority of kids here, arguable as it is whether it is any better, I would argue worse. Other than that your comment does not say why you think I haven't a clue, I have had many interactions with Thai teachers over the years and I'm entitled to my generally poor opinion of them.

Your opinion says more about you than about the teachers.

7 minutes ago, Bluetongue said:

Ah, you've taken it personally. Just to say I wasn't talking about you personally. I seem to recall you were the big fan of online teaching, in fact you never want the schools to reopen, which clearly does not work for the majority of kids here, arguable as it is whether it is any better, I would argue worse. Other than that your comment does not say why you think I haven't a clue, I have had many interactions with Thai teachers over the years and I'm entitled to my generally poor opinion of them.

Schools are integral to a society and as you mentioned not having them running when Thailand is at such a tail end stage of the pandemic is inexcusable. 
 

I am also a teacher of science in a large well known international school, enjoying my holidays where I would normally return to the UK but impossible this year.

 

I school has been fully open since Oct but it has western management who have placed very good protocols in place. Yes we’ve had cases in both students and staff but have never needed to close the whole school as a result.

 

I’ve many Thai colleagues who work in government schools, some are desperate to get back and some are loving the excuse to stay home and do the occasional online class, much easier for them, getting paid the same and more time off. No ethics and no responsibility to the educational welfare of the children.

 

UK had many failings in dealing with covid but at least even with Omicron rampant the schools are open as their priority.

17 minutes ago, MarcelV said:

Your opinion says more about you than about the teachers.

Once again you make an off the cuff insulting remark, without any back up. Keep digging.

Thailand has now detected 514 cases of Omicron and it has started to spread around the country. Out of 698 samples taken between 24-26 December, 44.3% were Omicron and 55.4% were Delta. #COVID19 #โควิด19 #โควิดวันนี้ #Thailand

 

https://twitter.com/ThaiNewsReports/status/1475348466553344008