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Some of the funniest lines--and facial expressions--could make this a spotted dick cult favorite.

The BBC Witness History program today aired this look back at the roots of efforts to establish gay liberation. Not surprisingly, it was exasperation with years of repression that became the tipping point that launched the campaign. From BBC Radio How a protest outside New York's Stonewall Inn inspired the modern gay rights movement. Listen at this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct1x0y

Back home or on the road, everyone's entitled to conduct their affairs as they see fit, no question. I lived 80% of my life being very discreet, very concerned about what others would think of me if they knew I was gay. If I can’t now walk with who I want, where I want, when I want, when will I? And if someone doesn't want to walk beside me, that's fine because others will.

I've made it a practice not to parade ever since leaving the army eons ago. And to be honest, I don't give any consideration to what the staff or spectators are thinking. I'm concerned only with how me and my guest experience what's going on. If I was uncomfortable walking beside a younger man, then I agree it would be a problem for me. But have been doing it for a long time and that's never been an issue. If the young man was uncomfortable, then he's probably in the wrong line of work. Although I've never had a young man express any hesitation along those lines. Somehow both of us have to get upstairs to my room. He could walk a few meters behind me I suppose. I understand that in some traditional Asian cultures, a wife walks several steps behind her husband, but that would feel particularly odd in this situation. I understand that others may feel differently and adopt alternative methods of arrival. No problem.

Ditto about Amara, now my top choice.

Good advice. In my 19 years (18, actually, since none occurred last year) of visits to bkk, I avoided the known hotels that impose joiner fees. However, I was never once stopped from briningg a guy to my room in any of the others. I use to like to stay a few nights during each trip in one of the top-tier hotels around Silom. Before it closed, the Dusit Thani was my favorite by far. And, like the other 5-star digs, staff discretion was always observed. But regardless of where I was staying, anytime I brought a guy to my room I made a habit of talking directly with him as we passed through the lobby. Even if he didn't understand much, or any, of my English, it was clear to observers that we were comfortable in each other's company. I think that helps put everyone concerned at ease.

Good question. I found this video on YouTube that claims that eight pro male footballers have come out: According to USA Today, "Mexican fans have a history of using the homophobic chant that translates to male prostitute which has largely gone unpunished. Between November 2015 and March 2017, the country was cited for improper fan behavior nine times. Anti-gay chants were the cause for eight of those citations." (Puto is the masculine form of the multi-functional Spanish puta, meaning " prostitute." It's used as a slur against people who are gay and an insult to anyone perceived as weak or contemptible.) Outsports reports "While some people push back against the notion that calling someone a “male prostitute” (English translation for “puto”) is anti-gay, that ship has sailed long ago. Most recently, Major League Soccer fined and suspended USMNT player Sebastian Lletget for directing the slur toward a teammate in a private setting (and then sharing it on Instagram)."

Whether I see strong turnouts where PeterRS sees few in the pics I posted is wholly subjective and in the eyes of the beholder. Everyone can judge for themselves. But I agree with him on the point that a successful demonstration of gay pride is, and should be, in the hands of those who are (1) gay and (2) choose to put their preference on display for all to see. I don't find it surprising that those spokespersons featured in the OP were not your average Bangkok gay man or woman. As in all efforts to end repression--regardless of type--it's radicals who get the ball rolling. Their views may appear out of the mainstream or even extreme, but without them progress wouldn't happen. The annual White Party could be cited as a sort of substitute by some. It may be a well-attended commercial event but it's actually far from a gay pride parade where any and all can march down Silom without having to buy a ticket. Pride parades are opportunities for the hi-so's to march side by side with the proletariat along with and their supporters as one body. It's the unity that makes all the difference.

From Taiwan News AIPEI (Taiwan News) — The U.S. donation of 2.5 million Moderna vaccine doses arrived at Taoyuan International Airport at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday (June 20), CNA reported. American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Brent Christensen and Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) head Chen Shih-chung (陳時中) were both at the airport to greet the arrival of the vaccines. After the completion of the customs procedure, the vaccines were sent to a cold-storage warehouse for testing and sealing. The AIT announced the donation in a Facebook post on Saturday night, writing, “The shipment includes the 750,000 doses announced on June 6, and an additional 1.75 million doses. The donation reflects our commitment to Taiwan as a trusted friend, and a member of the international family of democracies.” https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4227995

From Reuters / BP Philippines signs deal for 40m Pfizer Covid vaccine doses MANILA: The Philippine government has signed a supply agreement for 40 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE, the head of the government's Covid-19 vaccine procurement said on Sunday. Deliveries of the vaccine, among several brands of coronavirus shots allowed for emergency use in the Southeast Asian country, will begin "after eight weeks starting August", Carlito Galvez said in a statement. The deal comes as a delay in vaccine deliveries had earlier this month forced some cities in the capital region to close vaccination sites, complicating Manila's efforts to ramp up its immunisation drive in an Asian country with one of the biggest numbers of infections and deaths. With the latest deal, the Philippines has now secured the delivery of 113 million doses from five vaccine manufacturers: Sinovac with 26 million doses, Sputnik V with 10 million doses, 20 million doses from Moderna, 17 million doses from AstraZeneca, and now 40 million doses from Pfizer, Galvez said.

From ESPN Mexico's men's national team will play its next two home games behind closed doors due to a recurrence of an anti-gay chant during the CONCACAF pre-Olympic qualifying tournament, FIFA announced Friday. A fine of roughly $65,000 was also attached to the ruling, and further sanctions were threatened, including a points reduction. "The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Mexican Federation with a fine of 60,000 Swiss francs and the condition that they play their next two official home games behind closed doors as a consequence of the anti-gay chants heard in the matches against the Dominican Republic and the United States, played in Guadalajara on March 18 and 24, respectively," the FIFA statement said. Mexico's next two official home games are World Cup qualifiers against Jamaica on Sept. 2 and Canada on Oct. 7. According to FIFA's statutes on discrimination, more severe punishments may be given for future breaches in order to stamp out the behavior. Those include a reduction in points in official tournaments, including World Cup qualifiers, or Mexico being banned entirely from any tournament under FIFA's purview, including the World Cup itself. "Additionally, the committee has opened a second disciplinary dossier in relation to the anti-gay chants heard from Mexican fans in a friendly played against Iceland in Arlington, Texas on May 29," the statement continued. Mexico manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino expressed concern about the ramifications if the chant continued. "I want to call on our fans to reflect on what these attitudes create for us. It pulls our team away from its fans. It means we play in empty stadiums and even that we could miss out on an international competition," Martino said. https://www.espn.com/soccer/mexico-mex/story/4413264/mexico-sanctioned-by-fifa-for-recurrence-of-fans-anti-gay-chant

I believe that there's an expectation within hi-so Thai society that they should maintain conservative and traditional values. But I also think that's as much--if not more--a political expression as it is a moral one. And it's hardened more in the last generation because the wealthy classes feel a need to be more cohesive in the face of rising dissatisfaction from the working class who aren't as willing to accept the growing gap in wealth distribution. As you get outside the major cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, traditional values are a bit different, particularly in the agrarian north east. The most important is loyalty to family and friends. Few among the working classes have investment portfolios to cushion their retirements. They are comforted by the fact that their children won't forget them and that they will always have a place to live. And if their son or daughter turns out to be gay, it's not threatening because they're not subject to high society norms. As to whether Bangkok should again have a pride parade, I agree the decision--and responsibility--should be driven by the gay community and supported by the business community (and not just the bars and gay clubs). That's how I think it survives so well in Taipei (see final photo below). I've only been in bkk for one pride parade, 2006 (second photo). But I recall that there was a strong turnout, as there appears to have been in the first pride parade (top photo).

From VN Express YouTube has honored Dustin Phuc Nguyen as one of four pioneering LGBTQ+ creators in Southeast Asia who use the streaming platform to advocate for their communities. "Dustin Phuc Nguyen gave up a potential TV host career as a VJ for MTV channel in 2016 to co-start his YouTube channel, Dustin On The Go, where he hosts his own creative shows, starring top celebrities and influencers," YouTube said in a blog post on June 18. Many of his talk shows have become very popular, including ‘Bar Stories,’ in which he meets and talks with celebrities while drinking cocktails, and ‘Caraoke with Dustin.’ He came out as gay in a talk show on national television in 2019 and has since been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2020, he ran ‘Love Is Blind,’ a blind date talk show that connected couples of all genders. "We want to explore topics that are often on the sidelines of the mainstream discussion," he once told media outlet Vietcetera in an interview. "There are many untold stories in this world and even more talented people, but they get little recognition." On being honored as a pioneer LGBTQ+ creator, he said in a Facebook post, "Nothing makes me happier than doing my favorite work and being myself." The others honored were Brendan Tan of Singapore, Mikey Bustos of the Philippines and Koen Danai of Thailand. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/life/trend/vietnamese-youtuber-among-four-pioneering-southeast-asian-lgbtq-creators-4296529.html

From The Thaiger Plan for 16-week gap between AstraZeneca vaccines dropped Thailand’s plan to milk 2 extra vaccines from each vial of AstraZeneca may have seemed shady, though the technique to do so was safe and did not reduce efficacy, but yesterday the government dropped an actual dangerous plan to cut corners and pump up their vaccination figures. A senior health official confirmed that they were giving up on a plan to boost statistics of how many people have received a vaccine by delaying second AstraZeneca shots to a 16-week gap and instead administering those shots to new patients first. The government had planned to give people their first dose of AstraZeneca and then wait 16 weeks before administering their second dose. The maximum tested interval between the first and second vaccines is 12 weeks, approved by the European Medicines Agency. So the Thai plan would buy the government a month to give first injections to more waiting people before having to give second doses, thus driving up their figures for who has received at least one vaccines. The 16-week gap plan could make better-looking statistics but also runs the risk of rendering all the AstraZeneca first vaccines administered essentially useless. No human trials have been conducted on the efficacy of the 2 dose vaccines when administered 16 weeks apart, a full month beyond the maximum gap approved. Maybe because of this risk, the government backed down on the 16-week plan and will now administer the second dose of AstraZeneca within 10 to 12 weeks of the first dose. The communicable disease committee wants to switch back to their original plan, but the assistant to the Public Health Minister commented that the interval between vaccines could still be extended down the road if needed. The need to stretch out vaccinations with moves like the 16-week gap distribution has come after local manufacturing of AstraZeneca by Siam Bioscience has stalled with delivery dates pushed back in Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Shortages have been reported throughout the country and provinces are prioritising and rationing doses. https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/plan-for-16-week-gap-between-astrazeneca-vaccines-dropped ========================================= From Tourism Authority of Thailand

From Bangkok Post Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital is trumpeting the work being done at its new Gender Health Clinic (GHC), one of the first to focus specifically on catering to the needs of the transgender community. In a recent press briefing, Assoc Prof Kasian Panyakhamlert, co-founder of GHC, said the clinic is pioneering new ways to treat and communicate with transgender people, who have special needs and have often shunned mainstream health services. Dr Thanapop Bampenpiankul, a specialist at the clinic, reiterated the clinic's open-minded approach to healthcare provision. "Some transgender people are content to play out their assumed gender role just in the way they dress, while others want to use hormones or have sex-affirming surgery," Dr Thanapop said. According to Dr Thanapop, most trans men want to remove their ovaries but only 3%-4% want to undergo gender reassignment surgery, particularly as expert care is needed to avoid potentially life-threatening complications. Transgender men are born female but self-identify as male. Dr Thanapop said GHC provides sex-affirming surgery services for transgender people including top surgery to reshape their chests, bottom surgery to reshape the genitalia and other related surgery such as cheek and jaw reshaping and Adam's apple reduction. He said the clinic has strict guidelines to follow when sex reassignment surgery is sought. One is that transgender people must receive a psychological evaluation from mental health professionals before undergoing any irreversible procedures. The clinic is also a learning centre for physicians and medical students and it has been working closely with Chulalongkorn University's Centre of Excellence in Transgender Health. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2134787/new-clinic-for-trans-healthcare

As Anddy says above, the PM's plan to reopen the country is more idea than actionable plan. From Bangkok Post New conditions set for reopening The plan to reopen the country comes with conditions, with a major requirement that only provinces that have vaccinated 70% of their population will be allowed to open completely, according to a Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) meeting. In addition, the Phuket sandbox tourism model could be paused on short notice if infections spike to 90 cases per week. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Wednesday announced a 120-day deadline for the country to reopen to international tourists and the return of normal business conditions. However, at a CCSA meeting on Friday, the body noted the mid-October goal for reopening might not be achieved nationwide. "We learned from our first failed attempt to reopen Phuket to tourists last year that such a plan should have mutual agreement from the local community. The provincial government should make the evaluation on whether the province is ready to open to international tourists," said Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Mr Yuthasak said 18 airlines are ready to fly to Phuket, offering roughly 200 flights. The number of booked seats stands at 6,789, but the TAT estimates it will rise to 9,000-10,000. https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2134799/new-conditions-set-for-reopening

From Bangkok Post The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Friday defined Bangkok and the three adjoining provinces of Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan as dark red zones of maximum and strict Covid-19 control. Under new zoning effective on June 21, 11 other provinces are red zones of maximum Covid-19 control - Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Trang, Nakhon Pathom, Pattani, Phetchaburi, Songkhla, Samut Sakhon (previously a dark red zone), Saraburi, Yala and Narathiwat. Dark red zones can hold activities involving no more than 50 people. Air-conditioned restaurants can serve dining-in customers to a maximum 50% of capacity and remain open until 11pm. Sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises remains prohibited. In dark red zones, department stores and shopping centres can open until 9pm. Outdoors sports fields and well ventilated sports facilities can open without spectators. Schools remain closed. Red zones can organise activities that bring together no more than 100 people. Restaurants have no limits on the number of dine-in customers and can stay open until 11pm. Alcohol sales and consumption on the premises remains banned. In red zones, shopping centres and department stores can open as usual but are prohibited from organising promotional events. Schools can open. Sports facilities can be used until 9pm with limited numbers of spectators. In orange zones, the number of participants in a crowding activity is limited at 150. Restaurant can open as usual but with a ban on alcohol sales and consumption. Shopping centres, department stores and schools can open as usual. Sports facilities can open with limited spectators. In yellow zones, crowd activities must not gather more than 200 people. Restaurants, schools, shopping centres and department stores can operate as usual. Sports facilities can open with limited spectators. In all zones, people must wear face masks outside their homes and entertainment venues remain closed. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2134643/four-dark-red-covid-zones-from-monday

From The Thai Enquirer Opposition demands more clarity over reopening risks Opposition parties are seeking explanations over exactly what risks the country might have to face under the plan for reopening by October. “If the premier is going to state that we ‘accept the risks of opening up’, then the people are going to need transparent information of what those risks are,” said Move Forward Party spokesman Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha stated in a televised national address that the country would reopen in 120 days, aimed at October 14, with 50 million people inoculated with a first dose by then. “If I am to ask you to invest in my business, I need documentation of what kind of risks you are getting into,” he told Thai Enquirer. “In this case, there is no clear number of how many vaccines are arriving per month, and still [Prayut is] asking the people to accept the risk of opening up”. The prime minister also stated that the country will have 105 million vaccines distributed within the year, after signing deals with Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer, and Moderna (read more here). Wiroj conceded that vaccines require sophisticated production, but it should at least be possible to estimate a minimum delivery capacity, he said, citing health experts. “If we aim to vaccinate 50 million people, but there is no information of minimum number of doses arriving per week, how can this be a reasonable plan?” Wiroj further stated that, as of the Prime Minister’s address, he has not seen any cabinet resolution on how to acquire or produce the required number of vaccine doses. “I would like the Prime Minister to address in further detail how many contracts the government has made [with vaccine manufacturers],” he said. “The number of 105 million doses will have to a combination of various contracts.” Wiroj told the Thai Enquirer that he is not alleging that the contracts do not exist, just saying that he has not seen them, and would like some clarification on this from the premier. “What Prayut said last night is just empty promises”, said Pichai Naripthaphan, deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party. He expressed skepticism that the country would be able to reopen in just four months, when it has been unable to do for more than a year since the outbreak began. To prove its commitment, the government should promise to resign if it fails to reach the goals set by Prayut on Wednesday, Pichai said, adding that people have lost patience with the government and its string of broken promises. “If Prayut cannot open up within 120 days or procure or distribute 100 million vaccines, he should pack his bags and resign in order to show commitment to the people.” Pichai said Prayut’s national address was also a response to criticism from Thaksin Shinawatra, a former premier currently in self-exile to avoid a range of charges. Pichai said Prayut’s national address was also a response to criticism from Thaksin Shinawatra, a former premier currently in self-exile to avoid a range of charges. “Tony’s comments have had a great impact on people,” he said, using a popular nickname for the ex-leader. “The national address aimed to counter that.” https://www.thaienquirer.com/28691/opposition-demands-more-clarity-over-reopening-risks/ “Tony’s comments have had a great impact on people,” he said, using a popular nickname for the ex-leader. “The national address aimed to counter that.” Share Previous articleThe News Summary – June 18 Next articleFive Thai films that you can’t miss on Netflix COVID-19 Covid-19 Government releases guideline for Phuket sandbox Erich Parpart - June 18, 2021 The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) released, on Friday, a step-by-step guide for entering and exiting the "Phuket...

From The Thai Enquirer Government releases guideline for Phuket sandbox The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) released, on Friday, a step-by-step guide for entering and exiting the “Phuket Sandbox” which will begin on July 1. These regulations will also apply to Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao when they are reopened. Before arriving: Must be coming from a country with a low to medium risk as per the Ministry of Public Health. Fully vaccinated with AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac, and Sinopharm Covid vaccines (no less than 14 days earlier, but no more than one year) and has a Vaccine Certificate to prove it. Must has a COVID Free certificate to prove that you have tested negative for Covid no more than 72 hours before arriving Obtain a Certificate of Entry (COE) which could be acquired online via www.entrythailand.go.th Upon arrival: Download the Mor Chana tracing application Picked up by designated vehicles and to be dropped off at an accommodation that is certified with the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) Plus certification (Alternative Local Quarantine (ALQ) for Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao) Be tested for Covid at the accommodation or designated venues If tested negative, you can roam around Phuket. For Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao, you can roam around the accommodation and its facilities only Must stay in Phuket for 14 days before you can travel to other provinces. For Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao, visitors must stay inside the accommodation’s area for three days before they can go around to designated routes and areas on the islands. After seven days, they will be able to travel without quarantine between the three islands and Mu Ko Thale Tai. Visitors will be tested again on day six or seven and day 12 or 13. The days to be tested could be changed to be in accordance with the CCSA’s regulation at the time. Visitors must strictly follow Covid-prevention guidelines including social distancing, mask wearing and handwashing. Before leaving: If visitors are going to other provinces, they must have evidence that they have stayed at a SHA+ accommodation for at least 14 days. https://www.thaienquirer.com/28759/government-releases-guideline-for-phuket-sandbox/ ================================= From The Thaiger Expats in Phuket without a work permit can register for a Covid-19 vaccine Expats living in Phuket, who do not have a work permit, can now register for a Covid-19 vaccine. Under the local vaccine registration website, www.phuket.win, there are now links for foreigners with work permits and foreigners without work permits to apply for a vaccine. Of course, with the ever-faulty websites run by the Thai government, we had to give it a try and the links work, both on a computer and on a smartphone. For expats outside of Phuket, you might have to wait. Appointments are full for foreign residents, according to the vaccine registration website ThailandIntervac.com, which is run by the Department of Disease Control. Earlier this week, the website had a data leak due to a “temporary glitch” while the site was undergoing “urgent” maintenance to keep up with the high demand for a vaccine appointment. Other people’s names, passport numbers and locations would appear under “user information” when people tried to get in the queue for an appointment. https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/expats-in-phuket-without-a-work-permit-can-register-for-a-covid-19-vaccine

From Pattaya Mail Pattaya has ordered 100,000 doses of a coronavirus vaccine made by a Chinese state-owned company, finally spending 8.8 million baht it set aside for Covid-19 jabs. Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome said June 16 that the city has booked doses of BBIBP-CorV developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group, which is commonly known as Sinopharm. The doses are being purchased at the retail price of 888 baht from the Chulabhorn Royal Academy, which moved to import 1 million Sinopharm doses amid criticism over the elected government’s failure to produce enough vaccines. The Chulabhorn Royal Academy priced the Sinopharm vaccine at 888 baht per dose and prohibited buyers from passing the cost to vaccine recipients. The price covers the costs of the vaccine, its transport and insurance on side effects. https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/pattaya-buys-100000-sinopharm-vaccine-doses-to-supplement-paltry-government-supply-359898

From Reuters /BP Hundreds of vaccinated Indonesian health workers infected JAKARTA: More than 350 doctors and medical workers have caught Covid-19 in Indonesia despite being vaccinated with Sinovac and dozens have been hospitalised, officials said, as concerns grow about the efficacy of some vaccines against more infectious variants. Most of the workers were asymptomatic and self-isolating at home, said Badai Ismoyo, head of the health office in the district of Kudus in central Java, but dozens were in hospital with high fevers and declining oxygen saturation levels. Kudus, which has about 5,000 healthcare workers, is battling an outbreak believed to be driven by the more transmissible Delta variant which has pushed up its bed occupancy rates above 90%. Designated as a priority group, healthcare workers were among the first to be vaccinated when inoculations began in January. Almost all have received the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Chinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac, the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) says. https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/2133987/hundreds-of-vaccinated-indonesian-health-workers-infected =========================== Covid vaccine advertisements by private hospitals to be tightly regulated Advertisements for Covid-19 vaccines by private hospitals will be tightly regulated to prevent exaggeration or any statements that may mislead the public. The Public Health Ministry has set regulations for private hospitals offering to order Covid-19 vaccines for customers including guidelines on promoting injection services as well as rules to ensure quality and safety. Department of Health Service Support director-general Tares Krassanairawiwong says the ministry has issued 5 regulations for vaccination services at private hospitals. Regulations on advertising are meant to protect customers against exaggerated claims and also make sure there is fair competition among the private hospitals offering vaccine injection services, Tares says. The promotions must also make it clear that the injection services sold by private hospitals are an alternative service and the government is providing vaccinations for free. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/covid-vaccine-advertisements-by-private-hospitals-to-be-tightly-regulated ================================= From Thai PBS World / Thaiger Health Department warns: Avoid Covid-19, don’t have sex Thailand has had a long string of frustrating recommendations for lowering the risk of Covid-19 transmission from curfews to masks to hand sanitiser and social distancing. But a new recommendation from the Health Department may have crossed a line. Avoid Covid-19: Don’t have sex. The Health Department’s Director of the Office of Reproductive Health made a statement today that is bound to put a kink in people’s… kink. He advised that sex is a health risk during the spread of Covid-19 and people should avoid it. https://thethaiger.com/coronavirus/health-department-warns-avoid-covid-19-dont-have-sex ============================== From Tourism Authority of Thailand

From Vietnam News HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam is about to launch the largest-ever vaccination campaign with around 150 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to be injected, Health Minister Nguyễn Thành Long has said. Addressing a conference on the implementation of the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign on Tuesday, Long said that eight storage facilities will be installed, with one in the High Command of Hà Nội, and seven in military regions across the nation. All vaccine storage facilities must meet Good Storage Practices (GSP) standards to ensure vaccine quality, he said. About 15,000 vaccination stations have assigned sufficient human resources and accounts to update and publicise the vaccination process, the number of used doses and the number of people vaccinated, he added. During the campaign, all vaccination stations will be strictly supervised by an online control system, with information on the numbers of people getting injections as well as vaccine doses inoculated to be publicised. “Each person will receive a message informing them about the vaccination and inviting them to get vaccinated. After they register for the vaccination, they will receive another message about vaccination time and place,” Long said. https://vietnamnews.vn/society/976011/viet-nam-to-conduct-largest-ever-vaccination-campaign-with-all-data-to-go-online.html

From The Thaiger / Thai PBS Thailand’s FDA doesn’t approve Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, cites missing data oday, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration says Russia’s Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine isn’t approved as crucial data is still missing. TFDA Secretary General Dr Paisal Dunkhum says the information, sent last week by KinGen Biotech, the pharmaceutical company representing the vaccine manufacturer, is the same unfinished date that was already sent to the TFDA. The missing data is: GMP PIC/S certification or equivalent Essential drug data Details of the manufacturers’ analytical process and safety studies (which is imperative for the TFDA’s calculation of the vaccine’s safety, efficacy, and quality The TFDA has asked for the absent data from the company (for the 3rd time). Currently, the TFDA has already approved 5 vaccines for emergency use in Thailand: Sinovac, Sinopharm, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, and Moderna. The Sputnik V has been authorised for emergency use in 67 countries worldwide as of June 2021. https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailands-fda-doesnt-approve-russias-sputnik-v-vaccine-cites-missing-data

From the Thai Enquirer Thailand will reopen its borders by October, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said in a nationally televised address on Wednesday. Prayut said that it was a “calculated risk” that the government must take to protect livelihoods and the economy. Thailand is in the middle of the third wave of Covid-19 with daily infection rates hovering 2,000 cases and 30 deaths per day. Over 1,400 people have died since April 1. Prayut, whose government has been blamed for incorrect decisions that have exacerbated the current wave, said that his government has been prioritizing saving lives but now reopen the country to help the economy. ”The time has now come for us to look ahead and set a date for when we can fully open our country and start receiving visitors because re-opening the country is one of the important ways to start reducing the enormous suffering of people who have lost their ability to earn an income,” he said. “I know this decision comes with some risk because when we open the country there will be an increase in infections, no matter how good our precautions. But, I think, when we take into consideration the economic needs of people, the time has now come for us to take that calculated risk.“ The premier alluded to the July reopening of Phuket as well, saying that other tourist areas that were ready would be allowed to reopen even sooner. Thailand plans to adopt the Phuket reopening for other resort islands including Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Vaccines program Prayut said that he expected the country to vaccinate 50 million people with at least one dose of the vaccine by October. Due to delays to the local production of AstraZeneca vaccines, Prayut said his government has signed deals with Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer and Moderna to deliver doses to the country. By the end of the year, the country should have had 100 million vaccines distributed or ready for distribution. The prime minister did not address why his government chose to rely on local production in the first half of the year to meet the needs of the population – a decision that has spectacularly backfired. It is also unclear if vaccinating 50 million people with one dose of vaccine will be enough for the country to reopen given the severity and rapidity with which the new Delta variant of Covid-19 is transmitted. A new study from the UK suggests that two doses are necessary to fight off the effect of the new variant. https://www.thaienquirer.com/28635/prayut-sets-october-reopening-target-for-thailand/

Although it's been at least 60 years since I saw the film version of "On The Beach," I can vividly recall the final scenes. What the two novels have in common is that nuclear war is far less likely to arise out of miscalculations than all too correct calculations that run their course in a doomsday, tit-for-tat scenario. Once a set of conditions are put into play--accidentally or intentionally--what follows can be nearly impossible to avoid. And the South China Sea tops the list of most dangerous places on the globe today. Filmed in black and white, here's the opening scene from On The Beach. "Dancing Matilda" is the movie's theme. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMzEWpKKOZs