Coronavirus Precautions/News/Updates for Hua Hin/Prachuap

[Dannie Boy]

My sister and my sons partner have both had the symptoms and although neither tested, almost certainly appear to have had the virus - they won’t know for certain unless and until the test becomes widely available

[HHTel]

I read in one Chinese study that 90% of confirmed Corona infections had happened in areas where the temperature was between 3° and 17° C so if that is accurate, it would explain a low rate in Thailand.

Although there are some indications, there are also other stats that contradict that theory. In essence, because this is such a new virus, we don't really know if the weather will have an effect.

Pandemics often don’t follow the same seasonal patterns seen in more normal outbreaks. Spanish flu, for example, peaked during the summer months, while most flu outbreaks occur during the winter. (Read more about what Spanish flu can teach us about Covid-19.)

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/2020 ... l-covid-19

[Big Boy]

Testing is a mystery to me. They don't have enough kits available for humans, but they have enough to test dogs, cats and tigers (if you believe social media).

It is because testing facilities are insufficient, I agree figures have to be suspect. None of my friends in the UK were tested, but believe they had the virus because it was like nothing they had experienced before, and the symptoms matched. So the number of infections have to be lower than reported.

It is my belief that despite current trends, if Thailand gets it bad, that trend will start in May or June, which is traditionally when many viruses take off here.

[HHTel]

It is my belief that despite current trends, if Thailand gets it bad, that trend will start in May or June, which is traditionally when many viruses take off here.

It it does, that would debunk the 'hotter weather kills the virus' claim.
I hope you're wrong. But time will tell.

[Big Boy]

I hope I'm wrong as well - I much prefer the trend of the last few days.

[PET]

Well I have only lived here some 14 years and my god i am pleased I am here at this time. I have a good feeling from what I see and hear, about what is happening - certainly compared to most other countries I see from so many newscasts.
I say that the figures are low due to the action taken by the government. yes you might say it is overkill but better safe than sorry.

[HHTel]

I say that the figures are low due to the action taken by the government. yes you might say it is overkill but better safe than sorry.

Pet, The figures were extremely low after the first case (1st outside of China) and remained low until March 15th when suddenly there were 32 new cases. That remained in the low 30's until March 18th. The following day, the authorities closed the bars for 14 days. On that day the cases jumped to 60! After that the cases rose to much higher figures, and more restrictions were put in place.

What I'm getting at is that until March 18/19 there were no restrictions. Preventative measures were only brought in following that jump and figures have been relatively bad since the restrictions were applied.

You cannot say that the numbers are low due to the government's actions when figures went up only after they issued these measures we are all under today.

[Dannie Boy]

But isn’t there a period of lag - in the UK they keep going on about the upward curve and the fact that it’s not likely to plateau out for another 7-10 days and then start to drop off?

[HHTel]

Of course there is. But how would we know without ANY TESTING until recently, and only now in a very limited sample. The fact is Thailand have NEVER taken this seriously until a couple of weeks ago. Prior to that, they were welcoming the Chinese even continuing to promote tourism in the face of this pandemic.

I have zero praise for their actions, or should I say non-actions.

[Big Boy]

Whilst on the subject of masks, I took my car to the ferry pier and back earlier (didn't get out of car). As masks was high in my thought process, I did a Mk1 eyeball survey while I was driving. My findings were:

- Thais wearing masks - >90%
- Farangs wearing masks - around 50%

Three days on...................

My excitement each week falls on a Tuesday. I drive my son and daughter-in-law to do our weekly shopping, while I wait in the car. Another Mk 1 eyeball survey today revealed

- Thais not wearing masks - 15
- Farangs not wearing masks - 1

It was pleasing to watch one Thai lady denied entry to Market Village because she wasn't wearing a mask.

The original eyeball survey was on the day of the announcement, so I guess many didn't know. I would say overall now there is 99% compliance. However, I couldn't help but wonder where the police were. I spotted 320,000฿ wandering around - this must surely be more attractive than collecting 200฿ a time for motorcycle helmet offenders

Mind you, I'd suspect many of the Thais spotted couldn't afford a mask, let alone a 20,000฿ fine.

[HHTel]

My excitement each week falls on a Tuesday. I drive my son and daughter-in-law to do our weekly shopping, while I wait in the car.

Oh, how our 'excitement bar' has been lowered somewhat!

[Big Boy]

Absolutely - I used to hate shopping. Now driving to the shops every 7 days is the highlight of my week. At least I can sit in the car park whilst the kids do the shopping.

[buksida]

However, I couldn't help but wonder where the police were. I spotted 320,000฿ wandering around - this must surely be more attractive than collecting 200฿ a time for motorcycle helmet offenders

Mind you, I'd suspect many of the Thais spotted couldn't afford a mask, let alone a 20,000฿ fine.

Just confirms what a nutball country this is - 20k for not wearing a mask that may have been made in someone's shed and won't make a blind bit of difference, and 200 baht for riding illegally with no license or lid. This place never ceases to dumbfound with its galloping stupidity which comes mostly from those in charge of it.

[Big Boy]

[PET]

But isn’t there a period of lag - in the UK they keep going on about the upward curve and the fact that it’s not likely to plateau out for another 7-10 days and then start to drop off?

Exactly Dannie - restrictions do not show effects overnight - and hindsight we do not have but we can act when things change and the Govt has done so in a timely manner.