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From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon The 520,000 British pensioners who live abroad, including 30,000 or so in Thailand, are being encouraged to use their newly-endowed power to vote in UK general elections. The idea is to vote only for a political party which guarantees to upgrade their state pensions annually, just like their contemporaries back home. The right to the expat vote in British elections was agreed earlier this year by Boris Johnson’s government and replaced an old rule that the franchise lapsed after 15 or more years abroad. However, there is an elaborate registration procedure in constituencies which may deter all but the most fervent expats. Many constituencies have changed their names and boundaries over the years. The freezing of the UK old age pension – at the level when they left Britain – applies to expats living in more than half of all countries, including Thailand and most of the Commonwealth. However, Brits living in the European Union, the United States and even the Philippines do receive annual increases in the normal way. The reasons are archaic. A special Brexit deal was reached with the EU, whilst some other countries are exempt from freezing because of “reciprocity”. Best of luck sorting that one out. John Duffy, chairman of the International Consortium of British Pensioners, said the discriminatory practice was indefensible as the frozen pensioners had paid their taxes in working life just like everyone else. He believed that a huge effort from elderly expats could make a real difference at general election time. The next one is scheduled for 2024 but could come earlier as the law for fixed-term parliaments has been abolished. https://www.pattayamail.com/news/british-expats-in-thailand-warm-to-the-idea-of-unfreezing-their-old-age-pensions-362330

An injured victim is carried away from the flames in a fireman's lift at the burning Ming Dih Chemical factory in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan, on Monday. One rescuer died fighting the blaze and at least 60 people were injured by the massive explosion and subsequent fire. (Rescue foundations photo) From Bangkok Post One rescuer was killed and more than 60 people injured in an overnight explosion and inferno at a chemical factory that continued to send black smoke into the sky over Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan late into Monday afternoon. Helicopters, some from the army, were called in to help firefighters spray flame retardant foam over the burning Ming Dih Chemical Co factory complex. They were battling to keep the advancing flames away from further stores of chemicals at the site, and prevent another explosion. Authorities warned of toxic fumes being generated by the burning chemicals. The initial explosion, which was felt nine kilometres away, damaged 73 houses and 15 cars in the nearby neighbourhood. Thai Rath identified the dead victim as Kornsith Laophan, 18, who was killed as he and other volunteers were fleeing flames surging from a store of chemicals. He stumbled and was overtaken by the fire. The Taiwanese-owned factory manufactures plastic foam and pellets. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said the inferno began with an explosion about 3.20am. What set it off was not known. Homes within a five-kilometre radius were evacuated amid fears of further explosions of the reported 50 tonnes of chemicals stored at the premises. Firefighters and helicopters were reportedly trying to defend one particular area that held 20,000 litres of chemicals. Pollution Control Department director-general Attapol Charoenchansa warned people that styrene monomer fumes from the blaze were carcinogenic . Continues with video https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2143767/factory-inferno-kills-1-at-least-60-injured

Deadline to apply for “Covid” visa extension July 29; office closures From The Thaiger Deadline to apply for “Covid” visa extension July 29; office closures The deadline to apply for a 60-day special “Covid” visa extension is July 29, but many should apply at least a week prior as Immigration offices will be closed for public holidays during the last week of the month. Immigration offices in expat-dense areas tend to get packed during the days leading up to the deadlines. The special visa extension is intended for foreigners who cannot leave Thailand due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The extension is somewhat of an alternative to so-called “border runs” since people cannot easily leave the country and re-enter on a new visa. The deadline to apply for a 60-day special “Covid” visa extension is July 29, but many should apply at least a week prior as Immigration offices will be closed for public holidays during the last week of the month. Immigration offices in expat-dense areas tend to get packed during the days leading up to the deadlines. The special visa extension is intended for foreigners who cannot leave Thailand due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The extension is somewhat of an alternative to so-called “border runs” since people cannot easily leave the country and re-enter on a new visa. The extension costs 1,900 baht and can be granted if… A foreigner cannot return to their home country due to the Covid-19 pandemic. There are no return flights available. The foreigner has a letter from their embassy requesting a temporary stay. The Thai Immigration Bureau has pushed the deadline to apply for the extension back several times, usually making the announcements at the last minute. The bureau is likely to push the deadline back by another couple of months given the current situation with limited international flights and Covid-19 still on the rise around the world. There has been no announcement yet about pushing back the deadline. Foreigners who are on visas with an end date approaching should visit their local immigration office before the visa expires to avoid overstay charges. Office closures… Monday, July 26 and Wednesday, July 28 are reserved for Buddhist holidays and to honour HM the King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua’s Birthday. The Thai government initially set Tuesday, July 27 as an extra holiday to promote travel and boost the economy, but with the recent surge of Covid-19 cases, the Cabinet cancelled the special holiday. https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/visa/deadline-to-apply-for-covid-visa-extension-july-29-office-closures ================================== From Thai Enquirer Officials question Sinovac efficacy Thailand’s government must answer some hard questions after the leak of an internal document suggesting a cover-up in terms of Sinovac efficacy, opposition MPs told Thai Enquirer on Monday. The document, which shows some of the minutes of a June 30 meeting at the public health ministry, reveals a debate between public health officials and academics whether or not to give Pfizer vaccines to medical workers who have already been vaccinated with Sinovac. It has since been verified as real. (Read more here) Opposition MPs have used the opportunity to press the government on its vaccination program. “Do these people not care about the lives of the medical workers that are risking their lives to helping the country?” asked Wiroj Lakkhanadisorn, Move Forward Party MP. Wiroj told the Thai Enquirer that it is now irrefutable that there are people inside the government who do not want to be made to look bad given their previous support of Sinovac. The face saving, extends, worryingly to the government not giving frontline medical workers mRNA vaccines in case it makes them look bad. Other parliamentarians have chimed into Wiroj’s statements and said that defending the Sinovac vaccine at this point bordered on the absurd. “Defending the Sinovac Vaccine is no different from defending the GT200 in the past,” said Pichai Naripthaphan, Deputy Leader of the Pheu Thai Party. Pichai told the Thai Enquirer that giving the third Pfizer as a booster to medical workers was imperative given the inefficiency of the Sinovac vaccine. “In Indonesia, where medical workers that were given two doses of the Sinovac vaccine, people have continued to be infected causing another lockdown. https://www.thaienquirer.com/29399/opposition-parliamentarian-blast-government-after-leaked-document-controversy/

Casablanca (1942) - Ageless. Lawrence of Arabia (1962) - Classic cast, terrific soundtrack; a true epic. Silence of the Lambs (1991) - Anthony Hopkins; need I say more. All the best movies have already been made. "I'm shocked...shocked.." "He likes your lemonade" "Goodbye, Clarice"

From The Thaiger 70% of city Covid cases are Delta strain One of Thailand’s top virologists is in the news again this week. This time, Dr Yong Poovorawan is making the news for his assertion that 70% of all new Covid cases in Thailand are of the Delta variant. Earlier this week, Dr Yong Poovorawan faced allegations of mishandling Thailand’s Covid situation. A petition was even started calling for his removal. Yesterday, Dr Yong posted on Facebook to say that the Delta variant was first detected among construction workers and is the 4th variant to appear on the scene. He went on to re-cap the spread of the Alpha variant from the Thonglor area of Bangkok, and how another wave came from Samut Sakhon through Burmese migrant workers. The doctor warns in his post that people who are infected with the Delta variant often don’t realise where they got it due to the variant’s easy transmissibility. He says the infections will only go up and recommends everyone is diligent in their Covid precautions. For example, he suggests if it is not necessary to go outside, don’t. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/renowned-thai-doctor-says-70-of-new-covid-cases-are-delta-variant =========================== 5,916 new infections Today the public health department has announced 5,916 new infections and 44 Covid-related deaths. 39 of the total are attributed to Thai prisons. The report indicates a stabilisation of numbers after 3 days hovering around the 6,000-per-day level of new cases. But Sundays often return lower-than-usual reports. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/sunday-covid-update-5916-new-infections-provinces

The ownership of Siam Bioscience has been widely reported in the Thai media. This was made clear in the Bangkok Post earlier this year. "Thailand-based Siam Bioscience Co Ltd, 100%-owned by the Crown Property Bureau, produces the vaccines for AstraZeneca, with a capacity of 200 million doses a year for exports to Asean." https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2046003/35m-more-shots-to-be-bought-in-2021 Oz cautioned members not to post comments or articles "negative of the monarchy" last year. As far as I have observed, his warning has been complied with.

You're correct. You did refer to the Bangkok Post. My apology. The point I'm making is that Siam Bioscience is not a sensitive entity to be avoided. It's a legitimate company operating in Bangkok. It is indeed frequently mentioned in reporting in all Thai media sources because it's a manufacturer and distributor of Astra Zenaca's vaccine. That's a publicly acknowledged fact, not speculation. Representatives of the current Thai administration have discussed it and have been quoted in the local media. Here's a photo from June 4, 2021, that appeared in the Bangkok Post. It depicts a proud moment for Siam Bioscience and the Health Ministry. The Ministry of Public Health receives the first 1.8 million doses of AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine produced by Siam Bioscience, on Friday https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2126903/az-delivers-first-1-8m-doses-of-locally-produced-covid-19-vaccine

Ike's well remembered for that quote. What he's not so well remembered for is Executive Order 10450. In response to growing concern over the loyalty and security of the Federal workforce,on April 27, 1953,President Eisenhower issued Executive Order 10450 -Security requirements for Government Employment. Sec. 8 (a)(1)(iii)of this order authorized investigations to "develop information as to whether the employment or retention in employment in the Federal service of the person being investigated is clearly consistent with the interests of the national security." Among the list of suspect behaviors considered criminal, immoral or unethical was ―sexual perversion. Source: Eisenhower Library collections An article five years ago in the Huffington Post sheds more light on the issue: Perved: Eisenhower Anti-Gay Executive Order Turns 60 https://www.huffpost.com/entry/perved-eisenhower-anti-gay-executive-order-turns-60_b_3181062

Quote from above article: "AstraZeneca will deliver 5 million to 6 million doses per month for use in Thailand starting in July because a portion of local production by Siam Bioscience Ltd., its manufacturing partner in Southeast Asia..." The name of the manufacturer is frequently cited in all Thai media sources. Deputy PM for Health has made reference to it. Here's a quote from Anutin Charnvirakul earlier this year: ‘ If Siam Bioscience’s plant can’t produce the vaccine, it means nothing to us. This is because the purchase agreement clearly stated that AstraZeneca will provide the vaccine, not Siam Bioscience,’ he revealed. Dr Supakit Sirilak, the Public Health Ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, stated: “Siam Bioscience has the potential to produce up to 200 million doses."

From Bangkok Post Outcry over vaccine shortages The government has come under fire over its failure to procure sufficient Covid-19 vaccines as the number of new cases continued to soar, with more than 6,000 cases and 61 fatalities confirmed on Friday. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said that the number of new cases is expected to rise further next week. Boon Vanasin, chairman of the Thonburi Healthcare Group, on Friday said the government's purchase of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines was slow because it did not sign contracts with manufacturers. During a Channel 3 interview, Dr Boon said he wondered why other Asean countries, such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, had already procured these types of vaccines, but Thailand did not have a single dose. Dr Boon said he contacted people he knew at both Moderna and Pfizer who told him that Thailand did not have contracts signed to purchase the vaccines. "I want the government to explain why the purchase of mRNA vaccines was slow. We don't have the vaccines even though the mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer are the most effective with few side effects," Dr Boon added. He said that the Thonburi Hospital was ready to buy 50 million vaccine doses from the two producers in October last year, but they would not sell Covid-19 vaccines directly to private companies. Dr Boon said that the government was waiting for vaccines from only one manufacturer, AstraZeneca, and now the rising demand for the vaccines has far outstripped the company's production. In response, the government chose to buy Sinovac vaccines but the vaccines' quality was not as good as that of mRNA vaccines, Dr Boon said. Responding to the criticism, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government and the ministry had no duty to draw up contracts to buy the mRNA vaccines in question or make payments in advance. Private hospitals must make purchase agreements with the manufacturers and inform the ministry of the number of vaccine doses they want to buy, Mr Anutin said, adding the ministry will act only as a go-between. Regarding the progress in the purchase of Pfizer vaccines, he said a purchase must follow proper procedures and the terms of the agreement must be studied carefully. Vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are expected to arrive in the fourth quarter, he added. Gen Natthapol Nakpanich, head of the CCSA's operation centre, said the number of infections is expected to continue to rise next week due to the activities and movement of the general public. However, Gen Natthapol said that the government will not impose additional restrictions to curb the surge in Covid-19, even if the death toll and infection rates increase. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2142535/outcry-over-vaccine-shortages ================================ From Bloomberg News AstraZeneca to deliver fewer-than-expected doses Thailand won’t be able to meet its monthly vaccination target of 10 million doses as deliveries from AstraZeneca Plc, the backbone of its inoculation program, will be 40% to 50% fewer than expected because some supplies are allotted for export. AstraZeneca will deliver 5 million to 6 million doses per month for use in Thailand starting in July because a portion of local production by Siam Bioscience Ltd., its manufacturing partner in Southeast Asia, will be shipped to other countries in the region, Nakorn Premsri, director of the National Vaccine Institute, said at a seminar on Friday, citing a letter from the company. The Thai government’s earlier target of administering 10 million doses per month starting in the third quarter relied solely on AstraZeneca shots. To meet that goal, Thailand will now have to secure vaccines from other manufacturers, including China’s Sinovac Biotech Ltd., Nakorn said. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-02/thailand-falls-short-of-its-vaccination-target-as-deaths-soar

Can points be exchanged for frequent flier miles?

From Channel News Asia TAIPEI: Hundreds of people from Taiwan eager to get the COVID-19 vaccine have booked tours to Guam after the US Pacific territory offered jabs to foreign visitors, a travel agency said on Friday (Jul 2). Guam, for which tourism is a major economic driver, has limited COVID-19 infections and a high vaccination rate among its local population. Dubbed "Air V&V" - vacation and vaccination - the new programme is primarily aimed at US expatriates in the Asia Pacific region, although other nationalities can join. Participants can choose between the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Of the three, only Moderna is available in Taiwan as the island has been struggling to secure enough vaccine supplies. Just 9 per cent of Taiwan's 23.5 million people had been vaccinated as of Thursday, according to the health ministry. Lion Travel, one of the biggest tour operators in Taiwan, said all 439 slots in its first four packages to Guam starting on Jul 6 had been sold. The packages cover flights and hotels, with prices starting at US$1,530, excluding the cost of COVID-19 tests. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/taiwan-people-book-guam-vaccination-trips-covid-19-15140232

Thanks for sharing your experiences with Bangkok Guy. What impressed me is that you give him the benefit of the doubt. You show him that you trust him and trust can turn what some may think of as a transaction into a relationship. Seeing him, talking with him obviously brings you joy. You can purchase pleasure but you can't buy joy. If we resort to applying litmus tests out of fear of being hoodwinked, we're going to miss out on a lot of what makes all the difference in our lives. They years are passing all too quickly for me now. But with that compression of time I've come to know what I want to value in the time I have in front of me. Wishing you luck until you and Bangkok Guy reunite.

From Bangkok Post While the government is upbeat about its Phuket reopening scheme, health personnel in Greater Bangkok are struggling to deal with a surge of new Covid-19 infections and deaths. Hospitals are experiencing a shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) beds and staff to take care of patients in serious condition. The Public Health Ministry has mobilised 144 newly-graduated doctors from several provinces to help take care of patients amid the shortage of medical personnel in Bangkok. A welcoming event was organised on Thursday for the doctors who specialise in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, infectious diseases and critical care medicine. "I would like to say sorry [for calling you to come] and thank you for your help," said Thongchai Kiratihatthayakon, deputy permanent secretary for public health, during the ceremony. "Now, Bangkok and the surrounding provinces are in a real crisis, patients are beginning to die at home. "We do not want Thailand to be the same as Europe last year when many patients were allowed to die at home because there were no beds at hospitals," he said. "Some of you might think why it has to be you [to be sent]," Dr Thongchai said. "It is because we really want your help, and your rectors see that you are the best. Now [the outbreak] is not manageable, that's why we want you all." "In our life, we have never experienced something like World War II but we are now in a war where all countries around the world are struggling to fight against this disease," he said. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2141823/doctors-arrive-in-capital-amid-surge-in-cases =========================== From The Nation

From Thai Enquirer Rainbow Capitalism is all sizzle and no steak Pride month may be over but many challenges remain for the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand. Among the biggest challenges are sorting allies from opportunists, especially corporations eager to capitalize on the growing LGBTQ+ market without actually taking meaningful steps to support the community. This opportunism is known as rainbow capitalism or pink capitalism. The LGBTQ+ market was worth 1.7 trillion baht as far back as 2016 and is undeniably one of the biggest Thai consumer markets out there. While campaigns like the 2018 Tourist Authority of Thailand’s ‘Open To The New Shades’ ploy brings tourism dollars into the country, legislation has fallen ironically behind the progressive facade the TAT put in place. While Thailand is the first country within the region to enact a Civil Partnership Bill, something the TAT can promote to the tune of billions of tourist dollars, activists say it is not enough in the long run. Ta Kasitipradit, a graphic designer and activist on LGBTQ+ issues at Thaipface is one of those critics who say that corporations and the governments can do more. “A corporation’s solidarity to the LGBTQ+ community does not and should not lie in the flags put up every Pride Month but rather their receipts, their financial spendings and contributions towards LGBTQ+ causes, their vote in support of bills concerning LGBTQ+ rights — pride is not superficial”. Critics like Ta understand that while Thailand and Thai corporations like to position itself as a gay friendly paradise, the truth is that the LGBTQ community still faces discrimination when it comes to legislation. Continues at https://www.thaienquirer.com/29302/thailands-rainbow-capitalism-is-all-sizzle-and-no-steak-when-it-comes-to-supporting-lgbtq-rights/

From Antaran News Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, has hinted that the government will likely delay opening Bali to foreign tourists following the recent spike in COVID-19 cases. "When it comes to Bali, I think you can answer it yourself. It is impossible to reopen it (in the near future), given the (presence of the) Delta (variant of COVID-19 in the country)," he said at an online press conference on the implementation of emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM) in Jakarta on Thursday. The Indonesian government is currently focusing on handling the COVID-19 pandemic, he said adding, it will implement emergency PPKM in Java and Bali from July 3 - July 20, 2021. "So we are not thinking of it (reopening Bali) anymore. At this moment, we are thinking of how to lower (COVID-19 cases) by inoculating as many people as possible and (ensure people are) following the health protocols. That is what we are doing now," the minister informed. https://en.antaranews.com/news/178058/indonesia-likely-to-postpone-reopening-of-bali-to-foreign-tourists

From The Reuters / Thaiger 5 million Moderna doses for private hospitals 5 million doses of the US-made Moderna Covid-19 vaccine will be imported to Thailand at the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022 to be administered by private hospitals. A set price of 3,400 baht for a package of the 2-dose vaccine, including service fees and insurance, was agreed on by the Private Hospitals Association. The first 3.9 million doses of the vaccine will be delivered by the fourth quarter of the year while the next 1.1 million doses will be delivered in the first quarter of 2022, according to Thailand’s Government Pharmaceutical Organisation, which procured the vaccines for the private hospitals. The Thai government’s nationwide Covid-19 immunisation campaign has heavily relied on the AstraZeneca vaccine and the Sinovac vaccine. The Infectious Disease Association of Thailand recently wrote a letter to PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, urging him to procure more mRNA vaccines for Thailand. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are mRNA. Thailand has also ordered 5 million doses of the 1-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine as well as 20 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which is a mRNA type of vaccine. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-to-import-5-million-moderna-vaccine-doses-for-private-hospitals ==================================== From The Thai Enquirer Senior doctor says home quarantine for asymptomatic patients “necessary” Asymptomatic patients must be allowed to home quarantine to free up space and reduce pressure on the country’s healthcare system, a senior doctor at Siriraj Hospital told Thai Enquirer on Wednesday. Hospital beds, including those at field hospitals, are now in short supply throughout the Greater Bangkok area as Covid infection numbers climb above 4,000 new cases per day. In response, the Department of Medical Services (DMS) said this week that Asymptomatic patients should be allowed to quarantine at home to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system. (Read more here) Now, a senior doctor at Siriraj Hospital says that the policy must be introduced immediately because of the new Delta Variant of the virus. “This new variant has already spread to over 30 provinces and it is more contagious than previous strands that we have seen,” said the doctor who asked not to be named citing hospital policy. https://www.thaienquirer.com/29141/senior-doctor-says-home-quarantine-for-asymptomatic-patients-necessary/ =============================== From The Thaiger 57 deaths; 5,533 new infections 5,533 new Covid-19 cases and a record high of 57 Covid-related deaths were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. Since April 1, the latest and most severe wave of the virus in Thailand, the CCSA has reported 235,971 Covid-19 cases. Out of the new cases, 44 were reported in correctional facilities, showing an improvement in the Covid situation at Thai prisons, where more than 30,000 inmates have tested positive for the virus over the past few months, but a significant increase in the number of local transmissions.

Burdett’s Bangkok series encompasses six books over a dozen years. If I had to pick two must reads, it would be the bookends: Bangkok 8 and The Bangkok Asset. But I found all of these gems good reads that offer much insight into prostitution, Buddhism and corruption, Thai style. Although I agree with CurtisD on the wisdom of Col. Vikorn when it comes to matters of prostitution, it’s noteworthy that the protagonist of the series, Detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep acknowledges that his most significant other is fellow cop and boyhood pal, Pichai, who we come know in the first few pages of Bangkok 8. Sadly, Picahi meets an untimely death in the line of duty and our detective makes no qualms about his intense emotions for the young man: “I roll a fat spliff, light up, inhale heartily. Now all of a sudden, I’m distilling grief. I’m ripping off every Band-Aid, I’m daring to bleed, and I’m concentrating the pain (Buddha, how I loved that boy!) I don’t want relief, I want him. With my agony carefully located right between my yes, I take another toke, hold it as long as I can, repeat the process. I don’t want enlightenment, I want him. Sorry, Buddha, I loved him more than you.” These are books I've reread many times. You can read more about the series, and other Burdett novels at the link below. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Burdett#The_Sonchai_Jitpleecheep_Series Lucky has also recently posted about the Burdett novels.

From The Thai Enquirer Government’s latest Covid-19 restrictions spark civil disobedience campaign The hashtag #กูจะเปิดมึงจะทําไม (“We’re staying open. What are you going to do about it?”) trended on Thai social media on Wednesday following the country’s latest Covid-19 restrictions, which prohibit restaurant dine-ins and mandate a 9 pm closing time for one month. Thailand tightened its Covid-19 restrictions from June 28 after prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha declined to call for a lockdown of the capital to control the outbreak that began in April. These latest restrictions were announced in the middle of the night on June 26, prompting criticisms and complaints from citizens nationwide. On Tuesday night, one Facebook user and restaurateur took matters into their own hands and began a campaign, which sparked the trending hashtag, calling for other restaurateurs to band together and allow customers to dine-in — with Covid-19 measures in place — despite the ban from the government. There has been tremendous online support for the campaign, with many netizens pledging to dine at any restaurant that participates. Restaurateurs, specifically, have also chimed in to express their grievances and frustration with the government’s handling of the situation. “How is it fair that big corporations like 7-11 are allowed to stay open for 24 hours while us small businesses are left to die? We’ve barely seen any clusters originating from restaurants,” wrote one Twitter user. “We can go into the malls and walk around for hours but just can’t eat at a restaurant in there. What kind of logic is this?” asked another user rhetorically. https://www.thaienquirer.com/29165/__trashed/ ========================================== Medical body tells government to stop buying Sinovac, focus on mRNA vaccine A recommendation from the Infection Disease Association was widely shared on social media on Wednesday urging the government to acquire more mRNA vaccines and less Sinovac. In a statement dated Tuesday, the body recommended the purchase of mRNA vaccines, including those made by Moderna and Pfizer, rather than inactivated vaccines, such as Sinovac, in anticipation of the Delta variant. The Delta variant, first found in India, has the potential to surpass the Alpha variant, first identified in the United Kingdom, as the dominant variant in Bangkok within the next couple of months, the Department of Medical Science said on Monday. “In the plan to purchase 150 million doses, Sinovac vaccines account for a high percentage, even when the vaccination is not very effective against Covid-19,” the statement said. “The ratio to buy mRNA vaccines should be the highest, and that would benefit the efforts to contain and prevent the virus,” they added. They said that existing vaccines are less effective against the Delta variant than they were against the original variant. mRNA vaccines are also less effective, and their ability to develop immunity is reduced, but they are still protective. Despite modest reductions of 3.2 to 2.1 fold in response to the Delta variant when compared to the original strain, Moderna said the vaccine should still protect against it. AstraZeneca’s ability to develop immunity against the Delta variant is also reduced. But a study released by Oxford University last week shows that AstraZeneca and Pfizer remain effective against the variant. Both vaccines offer 90 per cent protection against hospitalization from the Delta variant. However, there has yet to be any study that suggests Sinovac is effective against the Delta variant, as no official study has ever been released by the Chinese maker, the Infection Disease Association said. “The Sinovac study confirms its effectiveness against only the Alpha variant, which is insufficient for determining what vaccines to consider for the next batch,” they said. https://www.thaienquirer.com/29152/medical-body-tells-government-to-stop-buying-sinovac-focus-on-mrna-vaccine/ ==================================== From The Thaiger Covid-19 Update: 4,786 new cases A record high of 53 Covid-related deaths was reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, raising the pandemic’s death toll in Thailand to 2,023. The vast majority of Covid patients died over the past 3 months with the daily fatality count in the 20s to 40s. 4,786 new Covid-19 cases were reported today, with most infections reported in Bangkok. The CCSA has reported a total of 259,301 Covid-19 infections since the start of the pandemic last year. Of that number, 230,438 cases were reported since April 1 in Thailand’s latest and most severe wave of infections. The current wave of Covid-19 is on an upward trend with 49,799 active cases 1,911 are in critical condition, including 556 of those patients are on ventilators. 1,826 new cases in Bangkok. More than 100 clusters in Bangkok are being monitored, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Natapanu Nopakun, who gives the daily Covid update in English. “We are all facing emotional fatigue as well as general exhaustion in society, not only in Thailand but around the world. Now that’s something that we have to continue to join hands, continue to fight off Covid together. Our efforts will pay off, for sure.” Cases remain high provinces surrounding the capital with 433 new cases reported in Samut Prakan, 253 cases in Samut Sakhon, 191 in Nakhon Pathom, 177 in Pathum Thani, and 155 in Nonthaburi. https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/wednesday-covid-19-update-4786-new-cases-provincial-totals

From the BBC The colonial law that left an anti-LGBTQ legacy in Asia For much of the past two centuries, it was illegal to be gay in a vast swathe of the world - thanks to colonial Britain. Till today, colonial-era laws that ban homosexuality continue to exist in former British territories including parts of Africa and Oceania. But it is in Asia where they have had a significantly widespread impact. This is the region where, before India legalised homosexual sex in 2018, at least one billion people lived with anti-LGBTQ legislation. It can be traced back to one particular law first conceptualised in India, and one man's mission to "modernise" the colony. 'Exotic, mystical Orient' Currently, it is illegal to be gay in around 69 countries, nearly two-thirds of which were under some form of British control at one point of time. This is no coincidence, according to Enze Han and Joseph O'Mahoney, who wrote the book British Colonialism and the Criminalization of Homosexuality. Dr Han told the BBC that British rulers introduced such laws because of a "Victorian, Christian puritanical concept of sex". "They wanted to protect innocent British soldiers from the 'exotic, mystical Orient' - there was this very orientalised view of Asia and the Middle East that they were overly erotic." "They thought if there were no regulations, the soldiers would be easily led astray." While there were several criminal codes used across British colonies around the world, in Asia one particular set of laws was used prominently - the Indian Penal Code (IPC) drawn up by British historian Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay, which came into force in 1862. It contained section 377, which stated that "whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal" would be punished with imprisonment or fines. Lord Macaulay, who modelled the section on Britain's 16th Century Buggery Act, believed the IPC was a "blessing" for India as it would "modernise" its society, according to Dr Han and Dr O'Mahoney's book. The British went on to use the IPC as the basis for criminal law codes in many other territories they controlled. Till today, 377 continues to exist in various forms in several former colonies in Asia such as Pakistan, Singapore, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Brunei, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Penalties range from two to 20 years in prison. In places with Muslim-majority populations which also have sharia law, LGBT persons can also face more severe punishment such as flogging. Lasting legacy Activists say these laws have left a damaging legacy on these countries, some of which have long had flexible attitudes towards LGBTQ people. Transgenderism, intersex identity and the third gender, for example, have traditionally been a part of South Asian culture with the hijra or eunuch communities. In India, where for centuries LGBTQ relationships were featured in literature, myths and Hindu temple art, present-day attitudes now largely skew conservative. "It's in our traditions. But now we are getting so embarrassed about [LGBTQ relations]. Clearly the change happened because of certain influences," says Anjali Gopalan, executive director of Naz Foundation India, a non-governmental organisation which offers counselling services for the LGBTQ community. One common argument governments have made for keeping the law is that it continues to reflect the conservative stance of their societies. Some, like India, have even ironically argued that it keeps out "Western influence". But activists point out that this perpetuates discrimination and goes against some countries' constitutions which promise equal rights to all citizens. This has a "de-humanising effect" on an LGBTQ person, and can seriously impact their access to education and career opportunities as well as increase their risk of poverty and physical violence, said Jessica Stern, executive director of LGBTQ rights group OutRight International. "If you're a walking criminal, you're living with a burden every day. Whether you internalise it or not, it affects you and everyone who loves you," she told the BBC. The Covid pandemic has exacerbated these problems, she added. One recent example her group found was in Sri Lanka, where the police were tasked to distribute emergency rations while the country was under curfew - but some in the LGBTQ community were too afraid to come forward due to the country's anti-sodomy law. "People said they have to risk arrest or risk going hungry… it's a stark life or death choice they have to make," said Ms Stern. Some governments, like Singapore, have tried to tread the middle ground by publicly promising never to enforce the law. But the LGBTQ community in the city-state say this is unfair as they live knowing the government could change its mind at any time. Olivia and Irene Chiong left Singapore five years ago for the US, where they got married and are both legally recognised as the mothers of their two daughters - something that would not be possible back home. The lack of rights is one reason they find it difficult to return, as well as the refusal among some Singaporeans including government ministers to acknowledge that there is discrimination. "I think for me the biggest frustration comes from the fact that Singaporeans think everything's okay - that as long as gay people keep quiet... keep themselves in the closet, it's fine!" said Olivia. "There are many rainbow families in Singapore…You can't just keep sweeping things under the carpet. "The only reason why Singapore is holding so tightly to (377) is because it gives them the illusion of control," she said. A long road ahead There has been progress - most notably, of course, with the Indian Supreme Court's decision in 2018 to repeal 377, following years of legal challenges mounted by determined activists. It was a historic decision and a major step forward for LGBT rights in India. But three years on, there is still a very long way to go in changing cultural attitudes, activists say. "The most common thing we still see in counselling is families wanting their gay sons to get married (to a woman)," said Ms Gopalan. "Everything is linked to the family in India, and marriage is a very big part of our lives. So the first issue is acceptance from the family and then by extension, society." Activists say more protection is needed, such as anti-discrimination laws. Earlier this month, a court in Chennai ordered officials to draw up plans for reforms to respect LGBTQ rights. Still, India's repeal of 377 has helped to lessen the stigma - and inspired other countries. In Singapore and Kenya, activists have used the repeal in legal arguments against their own colonial anti-homosexuality laws. Two centuries after it was used by the British as a legal blueprint, India once again is seen as an example to follow - this time to strike down that very law that was exported across Asia. "It has emboldened others in Asia, unequivocally... it sent a message to all former colonial outposts," said Ms Stern. "Activists I spoke to have said that if it can happen in India, it can happen here too." https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/the-colonial-law-that-left-an-anti-lgbtq-legacy-in-asia/ar-AALyE86#image=3

From Vietnam Express Vietnam has decided to shorten centralized quarantine time for fully vaccinated entrants from 21 days to seven, as the country plans to initiate a vaccine passport program. Officials made the announcement at a meeting Friday between the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. It's still not clear when the new quarantine period will be applied and if it will be limited to a number of destinations in Vietnam. But it is part of the country's plan to trial the use of vaccine passports that allow foreigners to travel to certain destinations that have managed the novel coronavirus pandemic well. Previously, on Tuesday, the tourism ministry and Kien Giang authorities had been requested to prepare a plan to receive foreigners to Phu Quoc Island in the southern province next month. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnam-cuts-quarantine-time-to-7-days-for-vaccinated-entrants-4299431.html ===================================== Form Vietnam Express International flights may resume later this year Flight routes between Vietnam and Northeast Asia and Europe may resume later this year, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) anticipates. A CAAV representative said Monday that they expect Covid-19 vaccination rates in Vietnam and the rest of the world, especially in important aviation markets for Vietnam like Northeast Asia and Europe, would increase greatly in the second half of 2021. Back in March, the CAAV had proposed the reopening of international flight routes in stages, where certain flights could resume this September under a "vaccine passport" program, which allows a shortened quarantine period for eligible entrants. A maximum threshold of seven such flights were proposed. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/international-flights-may-resume-later-this-year-aviation-authority-4301344.html

From MSN News Thai stars relive experiences, lessons Filipinos saw the emergence of Thai Boys Love (BL) genre last year and embraced it with open arms. I Told Sunset About You (ITSAY) was one BL series that caught their attention and fancy. Good news is, POPTV, the first all-Pinoy streaming service, streams the Filipino-dubbed version of the coming-of-age drama series, produced by Nadao Bangkok and Line TV. A quick recall of the ITSAY plotline: Childhood friends named Teh and Oh-aew, played by actors Billkin Putthipong and PP Krit, respectively, ghosted each other because of a petty misunderstanding. After many summers, they run into each other in a review school. As they work their way to pass, if not ace, the college entrance exam, the two rekindle their friendship. “I think ghosting is something we could do but we should not do, because we should actually solve the problem,” PP gave his two cents, through a translator, on a person’s decision to cut ties and cut off communication with another person without explanation in an interview with The STAR. “We should find the cause of the problem. And we should talk about it, like be clear with each other.” He added that sometimes people are not in the mood to talk about their problems, and if one may add, they feel compelled to run away from others. “If we will eventually talk, but our mood has not settled down yet, it may bring the problem to a bigger effect,” said PP. That’s why people need some time and space to think things over and talk again. According to Billkin, there are two possible reasons why a person ghosts another in a relationship. “One is you are hating that guy so much,” said he in English. “Another thing is you love that guy so much. You want to raise the attention from him.” Billkin continued that ghosting is not a sign of cowardice but didn’t rule out the possibility that one ghosts another “(because) he is a coward.” What’s clear is, reasons for ghosting are varied and personal. He added that a person may do it to see how people react to and feel about the former’s sudden disappearance. “I like his confidence,” said PP about his character, Oh-aew. “He knows his goals, his aims and his objectives (in life). Although he may not be sure about his future path, his future career or what he actually wants to do (next) but his being confident is (what) I really love about him.” Teh’s concern for others, on the other hand, has won the heart of Billkin. “He is a caring person,” said the actor. “He always thinks of others in everything he does. He cares for his mom, he cares for his brother, he cares for his friends. That’s the thing that I love most (about my character).” I Told Sunset About You is among the popular BL series of 2020. Many may attribute its following to PP and Billkin’s performances, the script and cinematography. Its sequel I Promised You The Moon is available on Line TV and Vimeo Plus. https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/i-told-sunsets-about-you-thai-stars-relive-experiences-lessons/ar-AALoRlB

From The Thai Enquirer Thai LGBTQ+ history through the looking glass: religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand In 2015, Thailand enacted the landmark Gender Equality Act that made gender-based discrimination illegal. However, gender discrimination is allowed if it serves to protect “the welfare and safety of a person or for following religious rules, or for the security of the nation” according to Section 17 in the Act. Despite the lack of overt persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals, Thai society is still not wholly accepting of gender and sexual minorities according to a 2014 UNDP report. In this article, we interview LGBTQ+ activist Sirisak “Ton” Chaited (they/them) about their recent gender-inclusive monasticism #ทุกคนต้องบวชได้ #ทุกเพศต้องบวชได้ campaign and dive into the brief LGBTQ+ history in Thailand to better understand the intersectionality between religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights in Thai society. As 95% of Thais are Buddhists, Buddhism has been the cornerstone of Thai culture for many centuries. Regardless of your interpretation of Buddhist religious scriptures, texts, and teachings, some Thai Buddhist-practioners are of the belief that nonconforming sexual orientation and gender identities may be viewed as a punishment for past lives’ sins or the inability to control sexual tendencies and impulses. Yet a closer look at Thai history may explain why this notion is not a noble truth. Predating the Rattanakosin era (1782 AD – present), various temple murals depict homosexuality among Thai men and women according to Chaingmai-based Dutch journalist Sjon Hauser’s observations in Transsexuality in Northern Thailand Historical Notes. “Whether or not Buddhism has been instrumental in influencing the development of the popular Thai notion [of กะเทย “kathoey”, the Thai term commonly used with, but is not limited to, transwomen, intersex individuals, and effiminate gay men], a very similar mixing of physical and psychological sex, gender behaviours and sexuality occurs both in the Pali terms [sic] pandaka and in the Thai term kathoey. Both terms are parts of conceptual schemes in which people regarded as exhibiting physiological or culturally ascribed features of the opposite sex are categorized together. If Buddhism was not the source of the popular Thai conception of kathoey then at the very least it has reinforced a markedly similar pre-existing Thai cultural concept” wrote Thai history scholar Peter A. Jackson, PhD. in the book Queer Dharma: Voices of Gay Buddhists. After Thailand transitioned from an absolute into a constitutional monarchy in 1932, the state propagated national culture by implementing traditional concepts of gender as one of the tools to establish social order as observed by Scot Barme, a visiting fellow at the History Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies at the Australian National University in his book Luang Wichit Wathakan and the Creation of a Thai Identity; and renowned Thai scholar Thongchai Winichakul in his book Siam Mapped: A History of the Geo-Body of a Nation. The concept of Thai nationhood at the time included imposing “modern” notions of gender identity and sexual orientation through state institutions such as the military, the police, and school which remained to this day. Through this “modernization”, the Thai moral construct was propagated to be inherently intertwined with Thai gender roles — modeled after the Victorian middle-class movement in Europe in order to portray Thailand as a “civilized nation”– which is reflected in personal sense of virtue. Supposedly, adhering to an indoctrinated gender role naturally serves to reflect good morals and character in Thai society. A deviation from the Thai indoctrination of gender roles, in this sense, would allow individuals to shy away from morality, exemplary character, and the Thai nationhood. It is interesting to see how once socially flexible concepts of sexual orientation, gender identity, and morality in ancient Thailand was shaped into an austere and rigid pre-conceived declaration of righteousness by modernity in the pursuit of nationhood. In our pursuit of being civilized we became uncivilized, as it were. According to LGBTQ+ activist, TEDx speaker, organizer of the first-ever Chiangmai Pride Parade in 2009, and Amnesty-acclaimed human rights defender, Sirisak “Ton” Chaited, the gender-inclusive monasticism #ทุกคนต้องบวชได้ #ทุกเพศต้องบวชได้ campaign was initiated because “religious freedom is a basic human right”. For Ton, “religion is generally used as a tool for segregation and is more often than not the root cause of discrimination unto an individual or community; a systemic issue embedded in almost each and every society, including ours”. Continues at https://www.thaienquirer.com/29087/thai-lgbtq-history-through-the-looking-glass-religious-freedom-and-lgbtq-rights-in-thailand/

From The Thai Enquirer Bangkok’s daily Covid case count has reached a new high for a second consecutive day, and it has been trending upwards, the Center COVID-19 Situation Administration Center (CCSA) announced on Tuesday. “Bangkok added another 1,692 cases today, which is a new high for the capital,” said Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, CCSA’s spokesman. This surpasses Bangkok’s previous record of 1,628 cases set on Monday, the same day the number of new cases in Thailand topped 5,000, a record-high for the country. “It seems like the number in Bangkok is continuing to increase… and it is now on an upward trend,” Taweesin added. In the past 24 hours, the CCSA reported 4,662 cases and 36 related deaths nationwide. As of April 1, there had been 225,652 cases and 1,876 deaths from Thailand’s third wave, which began at entertainment venues in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces. A total of 47,481 people are currently being treated at hospitals. Among them, 1,846 are in critical condition, including 527 on ventilators. https://www.thaienquirer.com/29111/bangkok-covid-19-reaches-new-high-a-second-day-in-a-row/ ========================================================= From The Thaiger Chief medic says Delta variant will become dominant strain in Bangkok The Department of Medical Sciences says it expects the Delta Covid-19 variant to become the prevalent strain in Bangkok within the coming months. The variant was first reported in Thailand in April, when it was detected in migrant workers in the Laksi district of the capital. The spread of the variant has sparked concern globally due to it being highly contagious and potentially more resistant to vaccines. The Bangkok Post reports that a record 331 cases of the variant were reported in the capital last week, taking the total number of Delta variant infections to 822. DMS chief Supakit Sirilak says there is every indication it will come to be the dominant strain. “All figures foretell that Bangkok will eventually be dominated by the Delta (variant) in the next few months, but please don’t worry. People should follow (containment) measures to prevent disease infection, including by rushing to get vaccinated.” https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/chief-medic-says-delta-variant-will-become-dominant-strain-in-bangkok

That's certainly an odd anecdote you've selected. You describe a black woman from America (who you say you stumbled upon at a BTS station) who can't speak or read Thai as an example of what's wrong with Thai public education? Hmmm.... That's (how can I put it charitably) convenient? It's also a twofer: you get to disparage both a black woman and the US in the same anecdote. Perhaps you might have described problems directly related to Thailand's management of its public education. But I guess a yarn about a "stout African American lady" from Louisiana was just too rich to pass on. Gimme a break. Somehow this doesn't come as a complete surprise. When you can't envision a solution then you--and your like-minded Thai friends-- assume none can possibly exit.