South African Strain of COVID-19 Found in Narathiwat Province
The COVID-19 Network Investigations Group has found the B.1.351 COVID-19 variant, commonly known as the South African strain, in samples which the Public Health Ministry collected from people in an infection cluster in Tak Bai district on May 13th. The group said the strain contains spike mutations that may impact…
Indian COVID-19 Strain Not Resistant to AstraZeneca Vaccine
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has explained that the COVID-19 strain, which emerged in India and has been detected among workers at an Italian-Thai Development construction camp in Bangkok’s Lak Si area, is not resistant to the AstraZeneca vaccine. DDC Director-General Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong said 15 patients infected with…
More Repatriation Flights in June for Thai Nationals in India
The Thai embassy in New Delhi has announced that two more repatriation flights are planned in June, for Thai nationals still in India during the COVID-19 crisis. One flight is scheduled to leave from New Delhi and the other from Chennai. According to the embassy, on the first flight, which…
Schools prepare for June reopening
With the new term pushed back to a June 14 start, schools across the country are now making preparations for a safe reopening for their students and staff, from providing COVID-19 tests to implementing more stringent prevention measures at campuses. In Yala province, 135 teachers, school personnel, and interns at…
Labour Ministry pledges help for Thai workers in Israel
After two Thai nationals were reported killed in southern Israel on 18th May, casualties in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, the Ministry of Thailand has announced that family of the deceased and those injured will receive help from both the Israeli and Thai authorities. The Minister of Labour Suchat Chomklin, announced today…
Mexico’s Andrea Meza Crowned Miss Universe 2021
Miss Mexico Andrea Meza was crowned Miss Universe 2020, the 69th edition of the contest, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, in Hollywood, Florida on May 16th, after an over 12 month delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Julia Gama, from Brazil, was the first runner up, followed…
Press Council Issues Guidelinesfor Reporting COVID-19 Vaccination News
The National Press Council of Thailand has issued guidelines for reporting news about COVID-19 vaccinations, following the publication of inaccurate reports by several media outlets. According to the guidelines, the media should provide balanced information, without editorializing or adding opinion, and should pay very close attention to the accuracy of…
Vaccination Registration App for Foreigners Will Be Ready Soon
The government is developing a vaccination registration app, especially for foreign residents, as there has been confusion about the registration processamong expats, migrant workers and other foreigners. Ministry of Foreign Affairs deputy spokesperson Natapanu Nopakun said mass vaccinations could begin as soon as next week, as supplies have arrived earlier…
Thailand Expects to Have up to 6 Million Doses of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
Thailand’s Private Hospital Association (PHA) expects 5-6 million doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine to be shipped to Thailand in the second half of this year. They will be offered as a commercial alternative to AstraZeneca and Sinovac. PHA secretary-general Paiboon Eksaengsri said the association is coordinating with Zuellig Pharma, which…
Government Allows Resumption of Dine-in Services
The Royal Gazette published the government’s relaxation order on 15 May 2021, which allows the resumption of limited dine-in services in restaurants located in the four dark red zones of Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan. Restaurants in these four provinces can now resume dining on the premises, until…