News Forum - Private sector expresses fear over Covid surge if alcohol ban lifted in Bangkok

[Thaiger]

Some members of the private sector have expressed concern about a spike in Bangkok’s infections if the alcohol ban is lifted from December, as planned. According to a Bangkok Post report, the TAT is expecting 300,000 visitors to Bangkok during the last 2 months of the year. This has prompted some to voice concern about the Covid-19 risks, particularly if restaurants can once again sell alcohol and if entertainment venues can re-open. The matter was raised at an online meeting chaired by Bangkok governor, Aswin Kwanmuang, during which officials discussed Thailand’s November 1 re-opening to vaccinated tourists from 46 approved […]

The story Private sector expresses fear over Covid surge if alcohol ban lifted in Bangkok as seen on Thaiger News.

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[Pi_Tim]

Well, they have a pretty good pilot / test site in Phuket now ... are the cases picking up ??

 

[Pompies]

You can ride in crowded trains, planes & buses as well as shopping in crowded supermarkets, fresh markets, convenience stores and yet the public are not concerned. So why can restricted customer numbers and social distancing in bars & restaurants be any more risky? Only in the minds of those with hidden agendas and bad information. The Japanese did not go to the draconian lengths that Thailand has imposed and yet it's decline in infections is far far better than the flat line pattern here. Open up life and let people accept responsibility for their own actions or else more & more hidden risky illegal activities will occur.

[Bob20]

37 minutes ago, Pompies said:

You can ride in crowded trains, planes & buses as well as shopping in crowded supermarkets, fresh markets, convenience stores and yet the public are not concerned. So why can restricted customer numbers and social distancing in bars & restaurants be any more risky? Only in the minds of those with hidden agendas and bad information. The Japanese did not go to the draconian lengths that Thailand has imposed and yet it's decline in infections is far far better than the flat line pattern here. Open up life and let people accept responsibility for their own actions or else more & more hidden risky illegal activities will occur.

Sounds like the words of someone vaccinated or with some natural immunity, looking out only for number one.

That the government is already allowing some irresponsible actions doesn't mean that you should add to that.

The ones who are most at risk because of the slow and delayed vaccination drive will not agree with you and neither do others with some sense of responsibility.

[Malc-Thai]

1 hour ago, Pompies said:

"You can ride in crowded trains, planes & buses as well as shopping in crowded supermarkets, fresh markets, convenience stores"

All of these above you wear masks...

when you drink in bars you don't wear masks you keep clinking glasses every drink,  you talk louder and closer, then laugh out loud because everything is funnier, you sing at the top of your voice at the music,  all of these produce more aerosol spray form an individual.. 

Just wait until everyone has been offered the vaccine before party Time for the first in the queue vaccinated

Edited October 28, 2021 by Malc-Thai

[Ted]

2 hours ago, Malc-Thai said:

All of these above you wear masks...

Here we go again; wearing a mask protects and is the thing against c19

Come on! if wearing a mask was the thing Thailand wouldn't have had  a [ or still has a bigger] problem and please don't say that xyz wave started from clubs\bars\other drinking venues as IF mask would protect [as many seems to think] then the clusters would've quickly died out

[Malc-Thai]

12 minutes ago, Ted said:

Here we go again; wearing a mask protects and is the thing against c19

Come on! if wearing a mask was the thing Thailand wouldn't have had  a [ or still has a bigger] problem and please don't say that xyz wave started from clubs\bars\other drinking venues as IF mask would protect [as many seems to think] then the clusters would've quickly died out

Well clubs and bars in thong lor seemed to do a good job at spreading it.  Then cafe del mar in phuket and the night clubs with same customers for one weekend..

Problem with masks yes they may not be 100% but they do work only if people understand and use them properly..they work for doctors and nurses..

a mask is an open filter. That means any virus caught would be on the outside. If on the inside it's only what you have expelled.. people wear masks under their noses. They pull the mask down by the front to talk to somebody close.. they pull the mask down by the front and then pick up food and eat. if you eliminated all of this then masks would have a much more successful rate..

Just a question how do you think the virus actually spreads? 

[Bob20]

3 minutes ago, Malc-Thai said:

Well clubs and bars in thong lor seemed to do a good job at spreading it.  Then cafe del mar in phuket and the night clubs with same customers for one weekend..

Problem with masks yes they may not be 100% but they do work only if people understand and use them properly..they work for doctors and nurses..

a mask is an open filter. That means any virus caught would be on the outside. If on the inside it's only what you have expelled.. people wear masks under their noses. They pull the mask down by the front to talk to somebody close.. they pull the mask down by the front and then pick up food and eat. if you eliminated all of this then masks would have a much more successful rate..

Just a question how do you think the virus actually spreads? 

What a question... It walks from person to person with its little legs!

[riclag]

Before the fan was hit back in early April ,when ever I went to a B/R, I always instructed the waitresses to leave my glass alone! Random topping off is very unhygienic , especially when there are crowds and  the poison!

Edited October 28, 2021 by riclag

[Soidog]

The article in the BKK Post actually said:

About 300,000 foreign tourists are expected to visit Bangkok in each of the next two months after the capital reopens, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

This suggests 300,000 in each of the months of November and December or 600,000 in total. Which is it? 

[Soidog]

4 hours ago, Pi_Tim said:

Well, they have a pretty good pilot / test site in Phuket now ... are the cases picking up ??

Are all the bars and nightclubs open and selling alcohol in Phuket now? If so, when did this happen as it will take a week or two to see any change in numbers. 

[Soidog]

39 minutes ago, Ted said:

Here we go again; wearing a mask protects and is the thing against c19

Come on! if wearing a mask was the thing Thailand wouldn't have had  a [ or still has a bigger] problem and please don't say that xyz wave started from clubs\bars\other drinking venues as IF mask would protect [as many seems to think] then the clusters would've quickly died out

I think part of the reason why Thailand numbers are lower than in many western countries of equal population is aided by mask wearing. Like all precautions, it’s not 100% safe. Read the instructions on a Durex packet if you don’t believe me  

[Bob20]

1 minute ago, Soidog said:

I think part of the reason why Thailand numbers are lower than in many western countries of equal population is aided by mask wearing. Like all precautions, it’s not 100% safe. Read the instructions on a Durex packet if you don’t believe me  

Are you supposed to wear them on your face?

[Griff1315]

8 minutes ago, Soidog said:

The article in the BKK Post actually said:

About 300,000 foreign tourists are expected to visit Bangkok in each of the next two months after the capital reopens, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

This suggests 300,000 in each of the months of November and December or 600,000 in total. Which is it? 

Either figure is absurd and only believable through the eyes of TAT...

[Malc-Thai]

5 minutes ago, Bob20 said:

Are you supposed to wear them on your face?

I can't breath! 

[Soidog]

21 minutes ago, Malc-Thai said:

Well clubs and bars in thong lor seemed to do a good job at spreading it.  Then cafe del mar in phuket and the night clubs with same customers for one weekend..

Problem with masks yes they may not be 100% but they do work only if people understand and use them properly..they work for doctors and nurses..

a mask is an open filter. That means any virus caught would be on the outside. If on the inside it's only what you have expelled.. people wear masks under their noses. They pull the mask down by the front to talk to somebody close.. they pull the mask down by the front and then pick up food and eat. if you eliminated all of this then masks would have a much more successful rate..

Just a question how do you think the virus actually spreads? 

Spot on remarks about correct mask wearing. It literally drives me mad seeing how some people use them. Not just because they should know better, but because it highlights just how many stupid dumb asses share this planet with me!  Even professional medical people appear on Tv with it below their nose or the nose clip isn’t pinched or they are forever adjusting it with their hand. Then people say masks don’t work. Probably the same people who sit with a seatbelt around their neck. Why are people so Ef’In thick? 

[Soidog]

7 minutes ago, Bob20 said:

Are you supposed to wear them on your face?

The Durex?  Yes of course you are! Anyway, must dash. I have to get my 9 kids ready for school …

[Soidog]

2 minutes ago, Malc-Thai said:

I can't breath! 

That’s what Joe Ferrari was doing to that guy who died. He was only trying to protect the guy from Covid.

[Stonker]

1 hour ago, Ted said:

Here we go again; wearing a mask protects and is the thing against c19

Come on! if wearing a mask was the thing Thailand wouldn't have had  a [ or still has a bigger] problem and please don't say that xyz wave started from clubs\bars\other drinking venues as IF mask would protect [as many seems to think] then the clusters would've quickly died out

Maybe there isn't just one "thing' but a combination: vaccines, masks, hygiene, distancing, testing ... not necessarily in that order ...

... just a thought ...

[BlueSphinx]

13 minutes ago, Stonker said:

Maybe there isn't just one "thing' but a combination: vaccines, masks, hygiene, distancing, testing ... not necessarily in that order ...

... just a thought ...

You wrote - Maybe there isn't just one "thing' but a combination: vaccines, masks, hygiene, distancing, testing ... not necessarily in that order ...

> but you forgot mentioning probably the most important 'survival' factor, i.e. a healthy life-style that supports your immune-system.  And in case you do catch covid in spite of the above, there are many treatments available that can be combined (yep, don't put your eggs in only one basket).  But you do have to be vigilant and start as quick as possible on detection of first symptoms as that can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience or ending up in the hospital on a ventilator. 

Graph from page-10 of > WCH-At-Home-Treatment-Guide_30-Sept-2021.pdf

[LoongFred]

2 hours ago, Ted said:

Here we go again; wearing a mask protects and is the thing against c19

Come on! if wearing a mask was the thing Thailand wouldn't have had  a [ or still has a bigger] problem and please don't say that xyz wave started from clubs\bars\other drinking venues as IF mask would protect [as many seems to think] then the clusters would've quickly died out

Your absolutely correct. The virus spreads through close personal contact. Bars provide this kind of environment. It's not the drink per say but the bar environment that causes the big spread. Those that are vaccinated can get the virus without personal ill affects, but spread it to others. Restaurants are not as bad because patrons are separated. This might upset some into a bar/pub scene but until we have readily available therapies bar and entertainment places should remain close for public health.

[LoongFred]

8 hours ago, Thaiger said:

Some members of the private sector have expressed concern about a spike in Bangkok’s infections if the alcohol ban is lifted from December, as planned. According to a Bangkok Post report, the TAT is expecting 300,000 visitors to Bangkok during the last 2 months of the year. This has prompted some to voice concern about the Covid-19 risks, particularly if restaurants can once again sell alcohol and if entertainment venues can re-open. The matter was raised at an online meeting chaired by Bangkok governor, Aswin Kwanmuang, during which officials discussed Thailand’s November 1 re-opening to vaccinated tourists from 46 approved […]

The story Private sector expresses fear over Covid surge if alcohol ban lifted in Bangkok as seen on Thaiger News.

Read the full story

They should because it creates a ready environment for Covid spread.  Very dangerous IMO. 

[Stonker]

1 hour ago, BlueSphinx said:

You wrote - Maybe there isn't just one "thing' but a combination: vaccines, masks, hygiene, distancing, testing ... not necessarily in that order ...

> but you forgot mentioning probably the most important 'survival' factor, i.e. a healthy life-style that supports your immune-system.  And in case you do catch covid in spite of the above, there are many treatments available that can be combined (yep, don't put your eggs in only one basket).  But you do have to be vigilant and start as quick as possible on detection of first symptoms as that can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience or ending up in the hospital on a ventilator. 

Graph from page-10 of > WCH-At-Home-Treatment-Guide_30-Sept-2021.pdf

No, I didn't "forget" it, because I was talking about government policies  ... also because it's not correct, although here's not the place to discuss that.

[LoongFred]

6 minutes ago, yetanother said:

the current thai govt will muck around with the numbers, 

just as they have with the testing;

and if it gets a bit worrisome then they will just clamp down on the reporting

The alcohol ban is one thing, but opening the bars and/entertainment places is a problem.

[JohninDublin]

13 hours ago, Bob20 said:

Sounds like the words of someone vaccinated or with some natural immunity, looking out only for number one.

That the government is already allowing some irresponsible actions doesn't mean that you should add to that.

The ones who are most at risk because of the slow and delayed vaccination drive will not agree with you and neither do others with some sense of responsibility.

I am looking forward to the days when TH reopens including the bars, but the last thing I am going to do is try to further my own agenda or criticise the use of caution.

There are two conflicting views here, and I have to assume that both are driven by money. On the one hand are the bar owners etc who are eager to re-open. On the other hand there are the non-alcohol businesses who don't want to see any of the gains from the lockdown, lost to lack of control through alcohol. Once the genie is out of the bottle, it is difficult to put it back. I think the sensible thing to do, would be to trial the reopening of bars in a controlled environment such as Phuket or KS, and if there is an outbreak of CV, the epidemiology can be studied and further decisions can be taken.

There has already been an outbreak in KS, almost three months to the day. Have bar owners learned anything from that to prevent further out breaks? Since that time, vaxxing has increased from 5% full and 19% partials, to 42/17% respectively. At least that should give us an idea of how effective the vax is.