reader Posted July 16, 2020 Posted July 16, 2020 The following graphic appeared in an article about medical tourism. It describes protocol for "bubble tourists" who are not referenced in the article but appear slated to begin entry in September. From The Nation Medical tourism package will go ahead, but under strict control Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesperson for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said on Thursday (July 16) that Thailand’s medical tourism and wellness programmes will go ahead despite the discovery of two Covid-19 cases this week. The Public Health Ministry is scheduled to announce a list of hospitals that pass its criteria next week, and the first group of medical tourists will land in Thailand in the next two weeks. The spokesman said this programme will be operated under strict guidelines, such as ensuring general patients are safe and visitors are not allowed to enter public spaces. The visitors, arriving under a special visa, will be provided with massage and spa services, fitness programmes, healthy meals and herbal products. According to an announcement on July 3, more than 1,700 medical tourists have registered for the programme. The first batch will come from 17 countries, including Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, China, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. These tourists will only be allowed to travel around Thailand once their 14-day quarantine and treatment has been completed. Medical tourists who test positive for Covid-19 will be treated for the virus in special areas prepared for foreigners at private hospitals. Medical tourists will undergo Covid-19 tests three times: before departing for Thailand, upon arrival and before returning home. Only medical tourists travelling by air will be granted entry into Thailand, and they must all have a certificate of entry from a Thai embassy. =============================================================================================================== From Bangkok Post No more SSO payout for jobless subscribers The board of the Social Security Office (SSO) has opposed extending its relief compensation scheme to subscribers made jobless as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a board member. The members of the board, chaired by labour permanent secretary Suthee Sukosol, voiced their opposition at a meeting on Tuesday. They did not want the compensation, drawn from the Social Security Fund (SSF), extended to assist jobless subscribers until the end of the year, as requested by Labour Minister MR Chatu Mongol Sonakul. The SSO had sought additional financial assistance for its 86,128 members who worked less than 26 days before losing jobs. The law limits the office from compensating such workers at 62% of daily wages, which for most is less than 5,000 baht a month. According to the board, the SSF finished paying the compensation three months ago. The compensation had been paid out to allow the employers time to revive their businesses and get back on their feet before they can rehire workers.  Quote
