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From The Nation / Thaiger Pattaya tourism officials are pitching a travel scheme similar to Phuket’s “Sandbox” where the mandatory 14 day quarantine is waived for foreign tourists who are vaccinated against Covid-19. The government plans to reopen Chon Buri to tourists in October, but tourism officials are hoping the start the proposed “Pattaya Move On” travel scheme in August. Under the proposed “Pattaya Move On” idea, vaccinated foreign tourists entering Chon Buri from overseas would spend the first 3 days of their stay isolated at a hotel before travelling in the Sattahip and Banglamung districts, which include Pattaya. After 14 days in the province, the tourists would be able to travel throughout Thailand. The Sattahip and Banglamung districts would need to reach herd immunity to open up to international tourists. To cover 450,000 residents in those districts, the province needs 900,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Acting chair of the Chonburi Tourism Industry Council, Thanet Supornsahatrangsi, says tourism operators will propose the travel scheme to the Tourism and Sports Minister and the National Security Council Secretary General next week. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/tourism-officials-eye-august-reopening-under-pattaya-move-on-travel-scheme

From Reuters / BP Novavax vaccine more than 90% effective in US trial Novavax Inc on Monday reported late-stage data from its US-based clinical trial showing its vaccine is more than 90% effective against Covid-19 across a variety of variants of the virus. The study of nearly 30,000 volunteers in the United States and Mexico puts Novavax on track to file for emergency authorisation in the United States and elsewhere in the third quarter of 2021, the company said. Novavax's protein-based Covid-19 vaccine candidate was more than 93% effective against the predominant variants that have been of concern among scientists and public health officials, Novavax said. Protein-based vaccines are a conventional approach that use purified pieces of the virus to spur an immune response and vaccines again whooping cough and shingles employ this approach. During the trial, the B.1.1.7 variant first discovered in the United Kingdom became the most common variant in the United States, it said. Novavax also detected variants of Covid-19 first found in Brazil, South Africa and India among its trial participants, Novavax's head of research and development, Gregory Glenn, told Reuters. https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/2132215/novavax-vaccine-more-than-90-effective-in-us-trial

From Coconuts Bangkok Vaccine site for foreigners in Thailand spills names, passport numbers It took only a few days before the big glitches happened. Despite a seemingly positive start to Thailand’s vaccine campaign, a website designed for foreign nationals to register for vaccinations late last week began coughing up their private data, putting scrutiny back on officials who may have been hoping fast jabs would soothe sore spirits. As recently as last Friday, the website launched to accommodate vaccine registration for foreign nationals, www.thailandintervac.com, was found to be revealing the names, passport numbers and resident provinces of people who registered via the website. Thai officials have yet to release a statement in response to the data breach. Calls to the Ministry of Public Health on Monday afternoon went unanswered. The breach did not require expert hacking. On Friday evening, a member of Coconuts Media using the website first discovered the breach by stumbling upon the URL www.thailandintervac.com/profile-summary.php. Every time the page was refreshed, a different foreign national’s information would be revealed. That page was soon taken offline and made unavailable over the weekend. As of Monday afternoon, the website was no longer available — notably a few minutes after expat blogger Richard Barrow called out the incident on his Twitter account. Although most netizens slammed it as an example of official negligence, some pointed out that the breach may have gone even further than Barrow had reported. Twitter user @IAmKohChang, founder of the popular travel website www.iamkohchang.com, suggested he was able to access the entire database of foreign profiles. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/vaccine-site-for-foreigners-in-thailand-spills-names-passport-numbers/

"Just don't do something, stand there" The late Jack Bogle, who pioneered Vanguard into the leading low-cost investment company, had 10 rules for guiding investors, and especially those who manage their own money. What I particularly like about them is their inherent simplicity. In the end, Bogle cautions that that we're our own worst enemy but he also reminds us that there's a easy way to avoid it: it's always better to ignore the gyrations in the market and "just don't do something, stand there." Here's a past interview that as current today as it was when he was president of Vanguard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTk9w-XuXXk

From The Nation Low immunity after Covid vaccination in some people worries experts Thiravat Hemachudha, director of the Health Science Centre of Emerging Diseases at Chulalongkorn University, revealed that many people who had received two doses of the Sinovac vaccine for three to four weeks showed no neutralising antibody, or at only 20-30 per cent. For a vaccine to be effective, the ability to inhibit a virus must be more than 20 per cent to develop immunity. People who are normally vaccinated will have high, mid and low response, but they have to go up. Inactivated vaccines, such as the rabies vaccine, require three injections on day zero, three and seven and begin to see immunity in the blood around day 10 and develop in all people on day 14. Two injections a month apart are assessed at three or four weeks after the second dose. However, there should be a satisfactory level of growth in everyone, he said. But, in some groups that were vaccinated on the same day and got the same vaccine, it appears that there was no immunity at all (less than 20 per cent). It is possible that the same lot of vaccines may have been a problem. Some have major congenital conditions, including diabetes that does not enhance the immune system, he said. Some patients with Covid-19, who have been infected despite having had two doses of Sinovac or one dose of AstraZeneca, were still infected even in the post-injection immunity test, but it was not very high. In cases where immunity does not increase, or is less than 68 per cent, which is a theoretical number correlated with virus prevention, they may want to consider getting a third dose of vaccine, either the same brand or a new one. In the case of allergic reactions or side-effects, there is no clear evidence that it increases immunity because it is inflammation through different systems. The number of vaccinations against Covid-19 in Thailand from February 28 to June 11 totalled 5,975,070 doses -- 4,362,685 first dose and 1,612,385 second dose. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001978

From The Thai Enquirer Smart AND sexy: K-drama has it all The Hallyu Wave (Korean Wave) has been a part of Thai culture for decades. Whether it’s the pretty-faced K-pop stars and their catchy music, hilarious variety shows, amazing skincare secrets, or their unisex fashion style, there’s really no stopping the cultural influence of South Korea — not only in Thailand and Asia, but throughout the world. And ever since we were all forced into lockdown by the pandemic over a year ago, their power has only grown in force and number. Why? It’s really all thanks to streaming giants like Netflix that are helping to overcome that “one-inch barrier of subtitles,” in the worlds of Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho, for us to escape into another world, a world away from the pandemic and away from our fears: the world of K-dramas! If you’re not aware of at least one K-drama, then you have probably been living under a rock. The storylines will leave you breathless at the end of every episode, and will make you swoon, gasp, and cry at their twists and turns, often all at the same time. From the historical tropes, feel-good rom-coms, family dramas to crime thrillers, here are the fan-favourite, zeitgeist-y, unmissable K-dramas on Netflix right now. (In no particular order, of course.) Continues with photos https://www.thaienquirer.com/28475/28475/

Good points to ponder. I toyed with the idea of retiring to bkk several times but it was always the growing uncertainties that dissuaded me. In the end, after I weighing all the factors, I decided that three long trips per year suited me better. That practice served me well until the pandemic and I realize how much I miss that routine. I'm ready to resume that schedule as soon as conditions permit. I remain confident that opportunity will arrive by October. Like most of us on this board, I've come to really like the guys I meet and the laid back lifestyle of Southeast Asia. So I hope the powers that be adopt a reopening that is free as possible of limitations on my choices of where and when I want to go. Other countries in the region are eager to attract tourists and I'm counting on that competition to enable my plans.

So now you disregard the facts in an attempt to make your story fit your assumption--aka fake news. You're taking a page from The Donald. He'll be flattered you're mimicking his style of manipulating the facts to satisfy your purposes. Aside from your attempt to entertain, you may take a moment to consider that the government has a bona fide interest in trying to rescue its citizens from grip of the pandemic, even if belatedly.

I believe that the US (and other governments) used similar language during the acquisition process of the Pfizer, Moderna and other vaccines. The objective was to get the process underway ASAP and to assure its position in the sequence of delivery. At the time, precise manufacturing costs could not be determined. It is not an uncommon practice in these circumstances when results are deemed by the buyer to be more important than best price. The need for speed in this case is the over riding issue. There's no denying the Thailand has been slow in getting its program moving but I see nothing to suggest (from the article) that it's unable to negotiate a contract consistent with the situation at hand.

I'm just a regular tourists but I don't think I'd have a hell of a lot trouble picking out fake a motosai driver. From Coconuts Bangkok Thai authorities have vowed to prosecute people who disguised themselves as motorbike taxi drivers to jump the queue for the coronavirus vaccine. Land Transport Department director Jirut Wisanjit said today that he has ordered his team to investigate and prosecute a group of Thai nationals who donned the signature orange win motosai jacket on Sunday in an attempt to get vaccinated on the spot. Motorbike taxi drivers are currently eligible for walk-in vaccines as they are considered a high-risk group. The group was stopped at the Bang Sue Grand Station vaccination center and turned away after officers on the ground discovered that they were not public transport workers, Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said earlier today. It’s speculated that these hi-so (slang for “wealthy people” in Thai) people might have rented the vests from motorbike taxi riders so that they could get vaccines. Such an incident occurred previously, with Khlong Toei residents selling their vaccine coupons to foreigners for up to THB3,000. https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/hi-so-no-no-thai-officials-vow-action-against-vaccine-hunters-disguised-as-motosai-drivers/

From The BBC Joshua, Kennede and Sam Jo call themselves The SG Boys. They have started one of the first LGBTQ podcasts in Singapore - where gay sex is still illegal. Singapore's government argues that the ban must remain to reflect society's conservative views, and as a compromise it has said it will not enforce the law. But LGBTQ activists argue that as long as it remains, it perpetuates a stigma and fuels discrimination. The SG Boys tell the BBC about the challenges of living as a gay person in Singapore, and how they hope their podcast will spread love and empathy for their community. Video by Tessa Wong https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-57424596

Christianpfc, who resided in Thailand before the pandemic, has been living in Cambodia for the past six months. He regularly posts reports on his blog. https://christianpfc.blogspot.com/2021/05/cambodia-general-observations.html

From Pattaya Mail Cambodia trying to avoid making Thailand’s mistakes In percentage terms, the small Cambodian kingdom is as dependent financially on international tourism as Thailand. During the pandemic, both countries have seen dramatic reductions in revenue with Cambodia losing over US$3 billion in the last year. But Phnom Penh authorities are now considering a careful reopening of international tourism in the last quarter of 2021. Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents, said that recent Thai moves in the much-heralded Sandboxes provided warnings for his country. He believed the concept was too complicated. The main thrust of the Cambodian initiative is to open the 12th century Angkor Wat archaeological site to fully vaccinated foreigners from October 2021. They would be accommodated and relax in the neighboring town of Siem Reap which, like Pattaya, is currently a ghost town because of the collapse of international tourism. Superficially, the plan looks rather like the Phuket Sandbox initiative, but there are important differences. Whilst international arrivals in Phuket will need advance clearance from Thai embassies abroad and be subject to insurance and entry fees, Cambodia would allow groups of foreigners simply to land and show their passports and vaccination certificates to immigration authorities. The important thing is to cut the bureaucracy at international checkpoints. The Cambodian Ministry of Tourism said that no final decisions had yet been taken, but the vital thing was to simplify the entry procedures as much as possible. Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Cambodian chapter of the Pacific Area Travel Association, pointed out that Thailand had constantly changed the Sandbox model and some of the Phuket detail still had not been agreed just days before the formal beginning. Other ideas currently under discussion in Phnom Penh are abolishing the US$30 fee on arrival which has traditionally been charged to all visitors by land and air, cancelling insurance fees and deposits currently required of entrants, providing evening entertainment in the form of cultural shows and avoiding the wearing of tracing bracelets. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/in-reopening-tourism-cambodia-trying-to-avoid-making-thailands-mistakes-359309

From the Vietnam News MILAN — Police in Italy have arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with the deaths of 39 Vietnamese citizens found in the back of a lorry container. An international arrest warrant was executed on June 10th and the man, named by police as Dragos Damian, was taken into custody just outside Milan. He has since been charged with conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence. The arrest is in relation to the deaths of the Vietnamese who were discovered in a lorry trailer in Grays, Essex in the United Kingdom in October 2019. A spokesman for Essex Police said: “The Crown Prosecution Service sought approval of the warrant on behalf of Essex Police. “Courts then granted the warrant, and Dragos Damian was able to be arrested. We await details of a court appearance in Italy.” In January this year, seven men were jailed for a total of 92 years in connection with the deaths of the 39. Four of those were found guilty of manslaughter. — VNS Continues with video https://vietnamnews.vn/society/972035/man-arrested-in-italy-over-deaths-of-39-vietnamese-citizens.html

From Phuket News Phuket pubs, bars to stay closed for July 1 Sandbox reopening PHUKET: Patong Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri has confirmed that pubs, bars and other entertainment venues across Phuket will be closed for the July 1 reopening of the island to receiving vaccinated international tourists. “For the entertainment venues in Phuket, from a meeting of [Phuket] officials, they altogether agreed to keep the venues closed in the first period of July, as we had a cluster from that kind of venue. “Phuket Governor and the TAT Governor have not allowed them to open,” Mayor Chalermsak told The Phuket News earlier today (June 10).

From Thaiger / Bangkok Post Government signs contract for 20 million Pfizer doses The government has approved the order of 20 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine from US manufacturer, Pfizer. The Bangkok Post reports that the head of the Department of Disease Control signed the contract yesterday. Delivery will be some time this year, but when exactly is unclear, as the vaccine has yet to be approved by Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration. Pfizer must now submit registration documents to the FDA, while Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says the DDC has a month to negotiate pricing and other conditions with the manufacturer. Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, Anutin said the government has also received approval from the Office of the Attorney-General to purchase supplies of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine. However, that contract is yet to be signed as the manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, needs to accept the deal. “The government has contacted all vaccine makers to seek more vaccine doses as the pandemic does not seem to have stopped spreading. Plus, no research is certain about the efficacy period so people who were vaccinated in February are advised to get more doses to stimulate immunity.” A deal is also in place with AstraZeneca whereby new batches will be delivered every week. In addition, Kiattiphum Wongrajit from the Health Ministry says a total of 7.5 million Sinovac doses have now been delivered, after another 1 million arrived in the Kingdom yesterday. “As at the current rate, we can vaccinate at a rate of 400,000 doses per day, so all 1 million doses will be used up in 3 days. So, the government needs to seek 3 million more doses of Sinovac and sign other contracts for more doses.” ==================================== From The Thai Tourism Ministry

From The Thaiger Starting next month until September, Thai Airways will offer international flights from Bangkok to 16 destinations including Tokyo, Osaka, London, Paris and Frankfurt. The airline’s chief commercial officer says there’s an increase in demand for air travel and they plan to increase flights later this year under its 2021 Winter Programme. The airline says it “prioritises hygiene excellence” and strictly abides by disease control measures set by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration and Civil Aviation Authority. Passenger cabins are disinfected after every flight. Tokyo: From the Narita International Airport, 3 flights will run each week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. From the Haneda Airport, 2 flights will run each week on Wednesdays and Fridays. Osaka: 3 flights will run each week on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Nagoya: 2 flights will run each week on Thursdays and Sundays. Seoul: 2 flights will run each week on Thursdays and Sundays. Taipei: 3 flights will run each week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Hong Kong: five flights will run each week on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturdays and Sundays. Lahore: 2 flights will run each week on Fridays and Sundays. Dhaka: 1 flight will run every Friday. Manila: 3 flights will run each week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. London: 2 flights will run each week on Wednesdays and Sundays. Copenhagen: 2 flights will run each week on Wednesdays and Sundays. Frankfurt: 3 flights will run each week on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Paris: 1 flight will run every Saturday. Zurich: 1 flight will run every Wednesday. Sydney: 2 flights will run each week on Wednesdays and Sundays.

But do the bathtubs leak?

Actually, yes. Imagine the possibilities!

From Nikkei Asia After a 45-year hiatus, Thailand and Cambodia reopened their cross-border railway service with a ceremony Monday in a move expected to provide trucking-dependent manufacturers with a cheaper, high-volume logistics option. With the rail service connecting the Thai border town of Aranyaprathet with Poipet in Cambodia, train passengers can now travel between the capitals of Bangkok and Phnom Penh. The rail service had been shut down since 1974 due to tensions between the two neighboring countries over the border and other issues. The long suspension was lifted after a 2015 agreement between Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen to relink the countries by rail to promote economic activities in the region and improve relations. he reconnection is expected to boost businesses in Thailand -- a hub of automakers, electric machinery builders and other manufacturers -- which are struggling with surging wages. Seeking cheaper workers, these companies are increasingly shifting labor-intensive production processes to Cambodia, including an industry park in Poipet, and bringing semi-finished products back to Thailand for final assembly. The problem has been the high cost of logistics because trucking was the only option. https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Thai-Cambodia-railway-resumes-after-45-years-connecting-business

From FTN Travel Best Western Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its portfolio in Thailand with the launch of a brand-new beachfront hotel, overlooking the beach just moments from the vibrant resort town of Pattaya. Scheduled to open its doors in June 2021, Best Western Premier Bayphere Pattaya is a stylish hotel with eye-catching architecture and interior design. Guests can stay in a choice of 174 contemporary rooms and suites, all adorned with modern décor, bathrooms with rain showers, working areas and state-of-the-art technology, including complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. The Deluxe and Executive Rooms promise panoramic views of the sandy shore, shimmering sea and spectacular sunsets from private balconies. During the day, guests can unwind and soak up the tranquil ambiance with a stroll along the seafront, a swim in the ocean-facing infinity pool or a dip in the Jacuzzis. A well-equipped fitness center provides the perfect place for a rewarding workout, while the outdoor sundeck and cozy cabanas offer serene settings to chill out with cool daytime drinks and light bites. Then, as the sun sets over the Gulf of Thailand, guests can settle down and sip cocktails at Lunar Rooftop Bar, which is perched on the eighth floor with majestic views of the ocean, or savor delicious Thai and international cuisine accompanied by fine wines at The Rocks, the hotel’s elegant all-day dining restaurant. https://ftnnews.com/accommodation/41935-best-western-opens-a-brand-new-beachfront-hotel-in-thailand

Definitely. Phuket had about 9 million visitors in 2019 alone, I think.

The daily trend appears to be shifting slowly in a positive direction. From The Tourism Authority of Thailand

From The Thai Examiner Staff heard 4 to 5 shouts before alarm was raised in Ko Tao island death 34-year-old son Ratish Sachathamakul went kayaking while his parents later emerged from their bedroom looking for the pool area. When the younger man returned, he also headed to the swimming pool where he found his father, 59-year-old Mr Ratesh and raised the alarm. The body of his 55-year-old mother was only found later when rescue services arrived at the scene. On Tuesday, new details emerged as police investigated the death of a wealthy billionaire industrialist and his wife on Ko Tao last Friday. A member of staff told police he heard four to five cries of someone in shock approximately 10 minutes before the businessman’s son arrived at the scene and summoned help. It also emerged that the businessman was alive but unconscious when staff arrived at the pool and it was only later the body of his wife was discovered at the deeper end, floating in the water. Police on Tuesday intensified their review into the case of the deaths of the Thai Indian industrialist and his wife who died on Friday last at a luxury hotel resort on Ko Tao island in Surat Thani province. It is understood the Sachathamakuls had booked accommodation with the other hotel on the island through an online booking app but on arrival, it was found that the hotel accommodation was too small and it was engaged in construction work. 59-year-old Mr Rakeshwar Sachathamakul and his wife Anchoo were collected from a hotel that they had originally booked on the island but had rejected, by the driver for the Jamahkiri Resort & Spa, Mr Peerathorn Chantao. He picked the party up at approximately 11 am. Mr Peerathorn told police that when the party arrived at the new hotel, Mr Ratesh and his wife Anchoo sat outside and drank a bottle of beer each while they ordered food to be delivered to their room. The couple took possession of their room at 12.17 pm according to sources. Mr Ratish, the couple’s son, decided to find an alternative place to stay. Hotel staff next heard from Mr Ratish who booked a kayak at reception where he left his bag and smartphone. Sometime after this, Mr Ratish arrived back at reception and handed back the kayak in exchange for his phone and bag. He also asked staff for directions to the swimming pool and was directed there. According to what police have ascertained so far, at 3.49 pm, a member of staff, Mr Irada Jaiman, said he heard a man’s voice crying out in shock. He said he heard the cry four or five times in a row. He turned around but saw no one and did not respond. However, at 4.01 pm or 12 minutes later, he heard another shout and saw Mr Ratish near the swimming pool calling out for help. Continues with photo https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2021/06/09/shocked-cries-in-ko-tao-death-of-billionaire-wife/

From the BBC Young Thai workers race to reopen deserted beaches Thailand depends on its tourism sector, and normally welcomes 14 million visitors annually. But Covid-19 saw visitor numbers plunge to just four million last year. In the key resort of Phuket, mass vaccinations are being organised ahead of this year's tourist season. As part of our My Work, My Future season, young Thais in Phuket share their hopes and fears about future employment in the country's tourist industry. Continues with video https://www.bbc.com/news/av/business-57404078 ============================================== From Bangkok Post S. Korea seeks travel bubbles with Thailand, other countries SEOUL: South Korea is eyeing travel bubble agreements with Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Guam and Saipan. The South Korean Culture, Sports and Tourism Ministry said on Wednesday the government is seeking travel bubble agreements with Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, Guam and Saipan that will allow group trips as early as July for fully vaccinated people. Under the proposal, the bubbles would be limited between Incheon airport and a designated airport in the second country. It would mark the first step in the recovery of South Korea’s tourism and airline markets, the ministry said. The government has been in talks with Singapore and Taiwan to sign such exclusive travel partnership and plans to add locations like Thailand, Guam and Saipan, Pulse reported. Vaccinated South Koreans can plan overseas vacation as agency-arranged tours will become possible as early as next month through travel bubble arrangements, under which quarantine mandates are waivered, with relatively virus-safe countries like Singapore and US resort territories of Guam and Saipan. ravel bubble allows people to cross borders and travel freely within designated zones without having to undergo on-arrival quarantine. They will be required to present a Covid vaccine certificate and negative RT-PCR result taken within 72 hours from the departure date and take the PCR test and confirmed negative upon arrival at the destination. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Ministry, and Transport Ministry said direct flights between travel bubble partners will be initially operated once or twice a week and expanded gradually, according to Pulse. Up to 200 people are expected to be allowed on board per flight, they added. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2129531/s-korea-seeks-travel-bubbles-with-thailand-other-countries