1. Thailand ranks 29th for domestic infections globally with an infection ratio per 1 million people at 21,000 cases. Comparatively, the ratio is lower than countries such as the USA and India with an infection ratio of more than 100,000 cases per 1 million people. Overall, there has been a gradual decline in the total domestic infection. Also, infected persons with lung infections and ventilator-needed cases have declined substantially. The number of patients required ventilators within September has decreased from 1,040 to around 750 cases.

2. For vaccination progress, yesterday, Thailand administered 811,915 doses of vaccines, increasing the accumulated number of vaccinations to 46 million doses. 300,033 people received their first jabs yesterday, and 511,087 people received their second jabs. In Bangkok, over 99% of people aged 60 and above have already received their first dose. Also, provinces including Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Chachoengsao, Phang Nga, and Ranong have completed their vaccination roll-out campaign of more than 75% in the same age group, while many other provinces are accelerating their inoculation focusing on the elders.

3. For daily numbers, new confirmed cases today is at 11,252 persons registering a total active case of 129,071 of which, 3,464 are in critical condition and 753 are on ventilators. The newly recovered cases is at 13,695 persons marking a higher number than the new confirmed cases, while new fatality is at 141 making the fatality rate remains at 1.06 %.

4. For the 2015 Communicable Disease Act, the amendment is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of disease control and accelerating attempts to contain a serious new outbreak. This amendment will serve as a new mechanism to replace the emergency decree in the country’s ongoing battle against Covid-19. Moving forward, should a serious outbreak erupts, the emergency decree will no longer be needed. Instead, the amended Communicable Disease Act will be invoked. The CCSA, established under Section 7 of the emergency decree, will technically no longer exist if the state of emergency isn’t renewed. However, the CCSA will continue to function, although it may have to be transformed into a new body after the state of emergency is lifted.

6. Regarding the issue for Thailand reopening in Q4, there are two approaches for island destinations which have begun in Q3; and in-land measures will be enforced in Q4. This reopening should be done in early November through sealed-route measures which will include Bangkok and will depend on the situation closer to date. Aside from Bangkok, Phetchaburi, Chiang Mai, with the theme of charming Chiang Mai, Pattaya, with the theme of Neo-Pattaya, are set to reopen in Q4. The Pattaya City mayor revealed that the city is on track to restarting its tourism sector on Oct 1 as the ”Pattaya Moves On” tourism sandbox remains on track for reopening. The five provinces, except for Bangkok, are now ready for reopening, while the Bangkok governor aimed for Bangkok reopening close to the middle of November.

7. For India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives, the CCSA has approved resumption of visa & COE issuance for all types of visa categories traveling to Thailand. All passengers must follow procedures, including the mandatory 14-days quarantine regardless of vaccination status and fulfil visa requirements.

8. Towards the end of September, there are many activities with social gatherings such as the Kathina festival, Vegan week, and retirement season. Please be reminded to take precautions for COVID-19 in those occasions.

Full CCSA English briefing can be viewed here >>> https://fb.watch/8aCNMDzHKj

Source: CCSA, Ministry of Public Health and Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.