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Thailand develops reusable PPE for medical workers
Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul
(center).
BANGKOK - Medical workers who are at the forefront of the fight
against the pandemic face the highest risk of infection. Personal Protective
Equipment or PPE is essential to protect themselves against the virus,
however it can only be used once. Now, the Ministry of Public Health has
joined forces with related agencies to developed reusable PPEs that are
domestically manufactured.
The newly developed PPE comes in the form of a
long-sleeve protective gown that can be washed and re-used at least 20
times; it is intended to be used as a substitute for the conventional
single-use gowns.
It is the result of cooperative development between the
Food and Drugs Administration, the Government Pharmaceutical Organization,
the Department of Medical Sciences, the Department of Science Service,
Thailand Textile Institute, and 13 certified manufacturers.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health
Anutin Charnvirakul, said today the safety of medical workers and patients
has been the main priority in the development of the new reusable PPE.
The Ministry of Public Health aims to manufacture this
protective wear domestically, which will help reduce the cost of some 10
billion baht for PPE imports.
The first 44,000 new PPEs have already been
manufactured. The MOPH Permanent Secretary Sukhum Karnchanapimai said today
that all these PPEs will be taken to the Government Pharmaceutical
Organization this month, before being delivered to the medical supplies’
distribution center, responsible for the distribution of these much-needed
items to hospitals across the country.(NNT)
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Social distancing on public transport helping solve crowding in Bangkok
The BTS Skytrain lines
officials in Bangkok are closely managing crowding on the platforms with
better social distancing in waiting areas.
Passenger numbers on public transport are increasing
after the relaxation of restrictive measures in the city to slow down
the spread of COVID-19. The Ministry of Transport is asking commuters to
be confident with the measures still in place to prevent possible
transmission, including social distancing and more frequent services.
The Ministry of Transport’s Permanent Secretary
Chaiwat Tongkamkoon, said the ministry has adjusted the scheduled
services of public transport within and between provinces to help reduce
the spread of COVID-19.
The ministry has suspended 203 inter-provincial bus
routes serving 20 provinces, while dramatically reducing train services
from some 500 daily down to 43. Long distance overnight trains which ran
during curfew hours have also been suspended.
Crowding on the BTS Skytrain lines in Bangkok is
now being closely managed, with better social distancing in waiting
areas, which is receiving good cooperation from passengers. There are
however complaints of longer travel times, as train capacity is now
reduced from 1,000 passengers per train to only 250 to reduce the chance
of virus transmission.
Meanwhile, five airlines have resumed domestic
flights to and from 18 airports. The flights are now operating from 7
a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, to comply with Thailand’s curfew hours.(NNT)
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Thailand to start new academic year in July, online system prepared
The Ministry of Education
is testing an on-air and online learning system, in case at-school teaching
is not safe enough for the start of the new semester on 1st of July.
BANGKOK - The Ministry of Education is going to
test an on-air and online learning system, in case at-school teaching is not
safe enough for the start of the new semester on 1st of July.
The deputy permanent secretary at Thailand’s education
ministry, Rakana Tantawutho, as the ministry’s deputy spokesperson, revealed
that schools and education institutes under the ministry’s supervision will
start the 1st semester from 1st of July to 13th of November 2020.
The semester break will be 14th to 30th November. Then
the 2nd semester will be from 1st of December 2020 to 9th of April 2021 and
the school year break will be 37 days long from 10th of April to 16th of May
2021. Students and teachers will have a total of 54 days of school breaks.
As for the learning system during COVID-19 outbreak,
the ministry is preparing an appropriate method, which is in accordance with
the current situation, as well as adding more skill classes during the
school breaks. The new curriculum will allow students to access education
and stay safe at the same time, such as through online classes and distance
learning via 17 TV channels. Also, to prolong the break time, the new
curriculum will decrease assessments and cut unnecessary activities.
In addition, the ministry will conduct a survey of
students, parents and teachers, in order to develop the right tools and a
suitable schedule.
The ministry will test the distance learning system on
18th May to prepare for the start of the semester, in case the situation is
not safe enough for at school learning. (NNT)
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in Thailand
.jpg)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
situation in Thailand as of 10 May 2020, 11.30 Hrs. (TAT)
Thailand increases active case finding of COVID-19 during the relaxed restriction period
The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) is increasing
active case finding of COVID-19 in risk groups especially in people who
returned from abroad, healthcare workers, and people who live in crowded
places following the relaxation of restrictions based on thedecisions of the
provincial communicable diseases committee. The 8th round of DDC surveys
found that people are washing hands more often than before but there is a
decreasing trend in wearing face masks/cloth masks.
On 7 May 2020 at the Emergency Operations Center (Press
Conference), the Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi province, Dr.
Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, Director General of the Department of
Disease Control stated that currently, Thailand has found a decreasing
number of additional confirmed cases. Therefore, the government has started
to relax the measures. If people neglect their self-protection, the
situation may worsen and cause a second wave of COVID-19. For long-term
disease control, the MOPH has increased active case finding for at-risk
groups and places instead of focusing on close contacts or family members.
These are also included in the guidelines for the Provincial Communicable
Disease Committee and the Bangkok Communicable Disease Committee to manage
the active case finding in their respective areas.
Thailand will support technology that saves costs such
as substituting saliva testing for nasal swabs, and pooled samples (one time
testing with 5 –10 samples). The target for examination is set at 6,000
people per one million people and the number of examinations is expected to
be 85,000 people per month.The populations most at risk refer to groups that
tend to gather in large numbers of individuals such as migrant workers who
are living together in the same accommodations or factories, inmates who are
detained in the Immigration Detention Centers, or those who are at risk of
occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 such as those who meet a lot of people
(personnel or ticket takers in public transportation and groups like
healthcare workers who are more likely to meet patients).
Risk areas referto places such as markets, religious
places, bus stations, sky trains, slum communities, etc.In addition, from
January to 5 May 2020, the DDC conducted 8 rounds of surveys (the DDC poll)
among 27,843 target people regarding COVID-19 and social distancing
measures. The results showed that the percentage of washing hands with soap
or alcohol gel, especially before/after meals and after using the toilet
increased from 61.2% in the first surveyto 92.7% in the eighth survey.
The percentage of wearing a mask when getting sick to
prevent the spread of the disease increased from 56.2% in the first survey
to 74.6% in the eighth survey. However, this is a decrease in mask-wearing
percentage from the fifth survey (94.9%), which was during the peak period
of reported cases. Wearing masks among people without any illness has
declined from 93.5% in the 3rd round of the survey to 75.7% in the 8th
survey.
As for physical distancing, there was an increase in
correct knowledge among the general public about keeping a 1-2 meter
distance away from others, increasing from 72.3% to 94.1%, but a reduction
in the frequency and duration of going in public areas has not changed much.
It may be related to a change ofpeople's attitudes from the previous survey,
that physical distancing can prevent the spread of the virus, decreasing
from 84.8% to 78.1%.
In addition, the general public wants the government to
distribute masks at a cheap price, to provide alcohol gel atservice points
and to strictly screen customers of public places in various settings.
Although the government has relaxed measures, people must not relax their
practices. The people should consistently practice to prevent COVID-19 by
frequently washing hands, wearing masks every when going out, keeping space
between others and reducing activities where many people join" said Dr.
Suwannachai.
(Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public
Health of Thailand Press Release – ddc.moph.go.th)
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Phuket’s hotel operators propose to reopen service on June 1
Kongsak
Khoopongsakorn, president of the Thai Hotels Association's (THA) southern
chapter.
Hotel operators in Phuket proposed to
the authorities to allow reopening of hotels on June1, so they can get ready
for the full operation later.
Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, president of the Thai Hotels
Association's (THA) southern chapter said the proposal was raised at a
recent meeting with local authorities and public health officials.
If approved, he expected about 30-40 per cent of hotel
staff would return to work.
He said the first group of guests during the soft
opening was likely to be local market such as local businesspeople, who
would travel to Phuket for business trips not as tourists.
Foreign tourists will later come after the outbreak is
put under control and the international fight ban is lifted. He viewed that
tourists from China and Asian countries would be the major incoming
travellers, arriving around October.
When international airlines are allowed to operate
flights to Thailand, it will take some time for potential tourists to regain
confidence in travelling.
He expected Phuket tourism would be back in motion next
year when the island could see the number of tourists rebound to the same
figures, recorded before the Covid-19 pandemic. (TNA)
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Muslims allowed to perform Friday prayers at mosques in Thailand
The Office of the Sheikhul Islam announced
earlier that Muslims may attend Friday mass prayers at mosques and need to
follow government measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
BANGKOK - Muslims in Thailand are allowed to pray at mosques on
Friday after religious gathering has been banned for over a month to curb
the spread of the coronavirus for since March 27.
The Office of the Sheikhul Islam announced that Muslims
may attend Friday mass prayers at mosques. It urges Thai Muslims to follow
government measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Muslim communities and mosques across Thailand have
prepared for Friday prayer by disseminating disease control information and
setting up health screening.
Mosques in Muslim-majority southern provinces such as
the Pakistani Mosque in Songkhla province will resume their Friday prayers.
Administrators and health officials will perform health screening and
enforce social distancing rules.
Everyone must clean their hands with alcohol-based
sanitizer before entering. The floors are marked to keep spacing of 1.5 to
2 meters for people while praying.
Like Muslims across the world, Thai Muslims have been
called to observe the holy fasting month of Ramadan that began on April 23
at home.(TNA)
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Thailand consumer confidence index lowest in nearly 22 years
Thanavath
Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
BANGKOK- The consumer confidence index in April
was the lowest in nearly 22 months due to the impacts of the coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of
the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the index in April was at 47.2, the
lowest in 21 years and 7 months since October 1998 when the university
started its surveys on consumers’ confidence.
Consumers were concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic
and its negative impacts on the Thai economy including unemployment, he
said.
The index fell in all categories and most categories
showed continuous declines for 14 months, Mr Thanavath said.
“The Thai economy has entered its technical recession.
It will contract for three quarters consecutively and will grow 1-2% in the
fourth quarter thanks to the restart of businesses and the government’s
economic rehabilitation and stimulation measures worth 400 billion baht,” he
said.
“Money will obviously enter the economic system in
early August and the Thai economy in 2020 will decline slower at 3.5-5.5%
instead of 8.8% as earlier anticipated.”
According to Mr Thanavath, normally about 600 billion
baht was circulated in the economic system on a monthly basis. Lockdown
measures reduce the amount by half. If more businesses are unlocked on May
17, the circulated money will rise by nearly 200 billion baht a month.
“That will stop the Thai economy from declining or let
it bottom out. The Thai economy will pick up noticeably approximately in the
second quarter of 2021,” he said. (TNA)
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Thailand prepares to submit action plan on global warming
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.
BANGKOK-All governments have been working together to solve the
climate change problem that affects humankind. Thailand is now to submit an
action plan to the United Nations, focusing on solving particular problems
especially reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet the announced target.
The meeting of the National Climate Change Policy
Committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan via a video
conference and the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and
Planning (ONEP) stressed the importance of solving the global warming
problem in general as it affects ecology, farming and water sources and
leads to drought, floods, particulate matter of 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5)
in the atmosphere, or even emerging diseases such as COVID-19 which has
spread rapidly due to the weather conditions. Thailand officially became a
member of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Partnership NDC on
January 22, 2020, in order to help upgrade operations to solve global
warming together with the United Nations. Thailand will submit a revised
draft to the NDC which focuses on operations in terms of greenhouse gas
reduction, adaptation to the effects of climate change and issues of
Thailand’s need for support.
Gen Prawit ordered the ONEP to use remarks related to
the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak to revise Thailand’s draft to the NDC
before submitting it to the Cabinet for approval and forwarding it to the
United Nations. This is to emphasize the role of Thailand that places
importance on and participation with the world community in solving climate
change problems. He also instructed the ONEP to accelerate implementation of
the action plan to reduce greenhouse gases to meet the goal announced to the
United Nations.(NNT)
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Thai farmers sign up online for COVID-19 payout
BANGKOK-Online registration is now open for farmers to receive
payouts to mitigate disruption to their output, by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) yesterday put
the registration website online, while saying that applicants don’t need a
savings account with the BAAC to be eligible.
The registration website for farmers’ COVID-19 relief
payout has been online since 8 p.m. yesterday, allowing farmers to register
for the COVID-19 pandemic relief payout, according to a Cabinet resolution
on 28th April.
Farmers need to enter their national ID number, their
mobile phone number, and savings account number, along with other personal
information in the registration process. Farmers are however, not required
to have an account with the BAAC in order to receive the money.
After the online registration, no further action is
required for farmers who enrolled on the national farmers database in 2018
and 2019. They will have the relief money transferred to their account after
verification by the BAAC.
Farmers who enrolled in the national farmers database
before 2018 however, will need to report to their community leaders or
village agricultural volunteers, or at the district agricultural office
where their farm is located by 15th May.
Farmers who have never enrolled on the national farmers
database must do so by contacting their community leaders or village
agricultural volunteers, or at the district agricultural office where their
farm is located 15 days after starting their cultivation, but by 15th May.
The first payouts will be deposited on 15th May, with a
target to transfer the money to 1 million farmers daily. (NNT)
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Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Thailand provides relief bags to Muslims
The Embassy
of Saudi Arabia in Thailand provides relief bags to Thai Muslims in the
month of Ramadan.
BANGKOK-The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Thailand
has provided relief bags to Thai Muslims in the month of Ramadan, to relieve
the suffering of those affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Mr Samart Maluleem, a representative of the Foundation
of the Islamic Center of Thailand welcomed to Thailand Saudi cultural envoys
who distributed rice and survival bags from the King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz
Project in Thailand to Muslims for the cooking of dinner during Ramadan, to
alleviate the suffering of Muslims affected by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The distribution of donated items is strictly in
accordance with the standards of the Ministry of Public Health. Space
management was maintained during the occasion, along with temperature
measurements and hand gel for the participants. (NNT)
‘THAI Stay Home Miles Exchange’
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) collaborated with
Wunderman Thompson to launch the “THAI Stay Home Miles Exchange” Royal
Orchid Plus (ROP) Campaign, following the Government’s policy requesting
Thais to stay home, to offer ROP members with one mile for every four hours
of staying in during 24 April-26 May 2020.
Mrs. Priyasiri Juathes, THAI Vice President, Product
and Guest Experience Department, said that in response to the Government’s
policy requesting Thais to stay home after the outbreak of COVID-19, THAI
and creative agency Wunderman Thompson jointly launched the “THAI Stay Home
Miles Exchange” ROP Campaign offering a total of 1,000,000 miles for ROP
members in Thailand. ROP members will receive one mile for every four hours
of staying in. The purposes of the campaign are to comply with the
Government policy, to support Public Health workforce, and to encourage ROP
members to stay home by offering ROP miles for their future redemption as
soon as the situation improves. The earned miles can be redeemed for award
tickets, accommodations, and others. Terms and conditions may apply. To join
this campaign, download the THAI Stay Home Miles Exchange application and
follow these steps:
1.Download the THAI Stay Home Miles Exchange
application- Android users: download via
https://bit.ly/THAIStayHome and join the campaign from 24 April–
23 May 2020- IOS users: download via App Store and join the campaign from 27
April– 26 May 2020
2.Set your home location once download has completed. Note that the location
cannot be changed afterwards. The application will start collecting data.
User may remain in the same location or go no further than 100 meters for
continual mileage collection. The users will be notified and the application
will stop collecting miles if they leave their home location..
3.On the last day of the campaign (23 May 2020 for Android users and 26 May
2020 for IOS users) or when the 500,000 miles provided to each group of
users (Android & IOS users) run out , ROP members who joined the campaign
should fill out their information and the system will update ROP miles to
their personal accounts within 10 July 2020. Terms and conditions may apply.
Those who have not yet apply as ROP members may apply on
thaiairways.com/rop
without fees and expenses (for Thailand residents only).
THAI is aware of its mission as being the national flag
carrier for 60 years. Although THAI and Thai people are affected by this
crisis, the Company is certain that we shall pass through this together.
THAI will resume its operation to raise national pride again. (thaiairways.com)
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Thai Government checking farmers’ entitlements to financial aid
Bank of
Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), will transfer the cash
subsidy to farmers from May to July upon the verified information.
BANGKOK- The government is
making continuous efforts to provide aid to all groups of people affected by
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It is now verifying the
information of registered farmers to make sure that they are not recipients
of the earlier 5,000-baht cash handout for informal workers. Payments will
be made to some 8 million people by May 15, 2020.
The Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and
Cooperatives, Anan Suwannarat, said that the Ministry of Finance is checking
the information of 8.3 million registered farmers to avoid making
overlapping payments. The verified information will then be forwarded to the
Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), so that the bank
can transfer the cash subsidy to farmers, who are entitled to receive the
support. They can nominate any bank account to receive the money.
Farmers, who have yet to register, are advised to
update their accounts and register with the seven departments of the
Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives before May 15, 2020, in order to
receive the 5,000-baht monthly cash handout, from May to July this year.(NNT)
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Coronavirus payment benefit extended to May 10 for Thai recipients
The Finance Ministry has deposited first
payments to 11 million people, plans to make payments to a total of 12.8
million people this week.
BANGKOK- The Ministry of Finance is expected to have deposited
5,000-baht payments to a total of 12.8 million people by Friday. Appeals
related to this campaign’s entitlement are being accepted at the Public
Relations Department in Bangkok until 10 May.
The multi-purpose plaza at the Public Relations
Department is being used to receive appeals related to the campaign,
including from those who are unable to register themselves on the campaign’s
website, those initially deemed ineligible, and eligible persons who have
not received the money.
Officials from the Ministry of Finance are on site to
receive appeals and give out advice, under strict health screening and
social distancing measures to prevent the potential spread of the virus as
people gather.
Every person entering the area is checked for symptoms,
and must maintain a proper distance from others. They must also wear a face
mask. Food and drinks are available for the members of the general public.
The Secretary to the Minister of Finance, Thanakorn
Wangboonkongchana said that only people who have registered on the
campaign’s website can make an appeal.
Most appeals are received from those who have
unsuccessfully registered due to incorrect data, those whose bank account
identification doesn’t match their name, and those appealing against
ineligibility to receive the payout.
Some five million people have already filed appeals for
a reconsideration of their eligibility.
The Ministry of Finance will continue to receive the
appeals until 10th May, and will process all requests by 17th May.
The ministry has already deposited first payments to 11
million people. It is intended to make payments to a total of 12.8 million
people this week.
This government payment scheme is aimed at helping
workers who are not insured under the Social Security scheme, by providing a
monthly payment of 5,000 baht for a total of three months to eligible
persons.
People in Bangkok can file their appeals at the Public
Relations Department until 10th May. People in other provinces can also file
an appeal at the provincial Damrongtham center. Applicants’ status can
always be verified online on the campaign’s Rao Mai Ting Kan.com website.(NNT)
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Thai PM outlines strict measures needed to beat COVID-19
Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Gen
Prayut Chan-o-cha.
BANGKOK- The Prime Minister has thanked the people of all sectors for
helping slow the spread of COVID-19, stressing that strict measures must
remain in place, even though the current situation is satisfactory.
Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Gen Prayut
Chan-o-cha has chaired a meeting of the Center for COVID-19 Situation
Administration (CCSA), where he outlined policies for the transitional
period as the outbreak situation in Thailand is much improved.
He said proactive and stringent measures are still
needed, as well as strict regulation of persons entering and exiting the
country over land borders, who must be subject to state quarantine and other
disease control measures.
The Prime Minister has ordered government agencies to
continue enforcing measures in line with the State of Emergency, asking the
CCSA, security agencies, public health agencies, the military, and the
police to remain on high alert, and work collectively with local authorities
to regulate and monitor actual enforcement of the measures.
He has ordered the CCSA to assess the possible impact
of the relaxation of restrictive measures, assist impacted persons, consider
proposals from businesses, as well as promoting such measures to the general
public.
On the relaxation of restrictive measures, the Prime
Minister said related agencies are instructed to address issues which have
arisen, such as overcrowding on city train lines, while the Ministry of
Public Health is instructed to disclose data regarding testing, on its
website and social media pages, to create a better understanding among the
general public.
The Prime Minister has urged all sectors to focus on a
restoration of confidence, and the balance between aid measures and public
health measures, asking them to collectively consider individual steps over
the three months ahead. (NNT)
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Needy people rely on food aid distributions during COVID-19 crisis in Thailand
Local people arrived early morning to be in a
long queue to receive lunchboxes in Nakhon Rachasima province.
BANGKOK- Needy people in Thailand have relied on food aid
distributions offered by public agencies and philanthropists during the
COVID-19 crisis.
A police command headquarters in the northeastern
Nakhon Ratchasima province on Thursday handed out 500 lunchboxes to people
in the local community.Many people arrived at 5 am to form a long queue
before the handing out scheduled at 11 am.
To avoid hours of queuing, they put bags, shoes and
sandals to secure their places in line.
An elderly woman said everyday she travelled to several
places that offered relief supplies.
Groups of donors across Thailand have arranged food aid
distributions for impoverished families in their localities. Benevolent
acts in time of crisis have revealed not only community humanitarian
response but also how COVID-19 has put people deep in indigence. (TNA)
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Thai farmers to receive Coronavirus cash handout this month
Agriculture Minister,Chalermchai Sri-on.
BANGKOK - Nearly 1 million Thai farmers will receive cash handout for
COVID-19 compensation this month, Agriculture Minister Chalermchai Sri-on
said on Thursday.
Chalermchai confirmed that the farmers on the list of
the Ministry would receive 5,000 baht each for three months to alleviate the
effects of the coronavirus outbreak.
The government has already given similar financial aid
to informal workers who have no social security benefits.
The list of registered farmers was being screened to
ensure the accuracy of eligible recipients. Chalermchai said during a launch
of COVID-19 food donation programme.
By the middle of this month, the Bank for Agriculture
and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) is expected to transfer the cash to
about 10 million farmers.(TNA)
Thai Deputy PM orders for backup plan to reserve more water during rainy season
Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon.
Prof. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Government Spokesperson, disclosed that Deputy
Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon has ordered for the backup plan to
reserve more water during the rainy season, as there has been raining in
several areas across the country during the past week, as a result of which
423 million cubic meters of water have been added to the country’s major
dams. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), in particular, has received
additional water budget of approximately 18 million cubic meters. The Deputy
Prime Minister also ordered to set aside 37 million cubic meters of reserved
water for industrial use to boost the industrial sector’s confidence if no
more rainwater has been added.
The Deputy Prime Minister, as head of the National
Water Command Center, also disclosed that Department of Public Works and
Town & Country Planning, the Royal Irrigation Department, Marine Department,
Department of Provincial Administration, and Bangkok Metropolitan
Administration have managed to get rid of over 1.4 million of water
hyacinths during October 1, 2019- April 17, 2020. (Thaigov.go.th)
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Thai PM warns people not to drop their guard against COVID-19
Prime
Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha.
At the Command Building I, Government
House, following the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister and Defense Minister
Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha urged Thai people not to drop their guard despite the
continuously decreasing number of infected patients, and called on the media
and social media to build public awareness on the importance of maintaining
their cautiousness against COVID-19.
The Prime Minister also ordered the investigation of
temporary breakdown of BTS during rush hours which caused crowded scene at
several BTS stations, and called on BTS to come up with countermeasures.
The Prime Minister also disclosed that he had chances
to talk with representatives of medium and small-scale businesses, and
visited officials working at checkpoints. He also thanked Deputy Prime
Ministers and ministers for taking field visits upcountry to observe and
give moral support to officials across the country.
The Prime Minister thanked the 20 business
organizations for their response to his open letters, and for committing to
take care of staffs and workers under respective industrial chains. They
also proposed collaboration with the Government on national rehabilitation
and assistance to people of all professions and sectors. Meanwhile, the
Government, through various ministries, such as Ministry of Finance,
Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Industry, and Ministry
of Tourism and Sports, have come up with relief measures under the Royal
Decree on 1-trillion Baht loan. Despite the cabinet’s approval, these
measures, especially those related to provision of soft loan, will be
reviewed to ensure their relevance with the situation and related laws, and
to accommodate people’s ‘new normal’.
The Prime Minister also advised the public to file
complaints on their plights via appropriate channels.
Their complaints will be brought to the cabinet meeting
for its consideration. He also called for people’s endurance so that we will
go through this difficult time together. - May 3, 2020. (Thaigov.go.th)
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Masseuse, 27, returns from Russia recorded new COVID-19 case in Thailand
Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the
Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration.
BANGKOK – Thailand recorded one more case of coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19) infection andone new death on Wednesday.
Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the Center for
COVID-19 Situation Administration, said the new case was a woman aged 27 who
was a masseuse in Buri Ram province. She returned from Russia and was
brought to quarantine right away.
Her case raised the total of COVID-19 patients in the
country to 2,989 who were recorded in 68 provinces.
The death case was a 69-year-old Australian man who
worked as a hotel manager in Phang-nga province. He had asthma. The death
toll increased to 55.
Over the past 24 hours, 14 patients recovered, raising
the total of recovery cases to 2,761. Meanwhile, 173 patients were at
hospitals.
Dr Taweesin said that 40 earlier suspected cases in
Yala province tested negative for COVID-19. (TNA)
The number of electric train passengers has doubled in Bangkok
The Rail Department predicted that the number of
electric train commuters will rise even more on May 7.
BANGKOK - The Rail Department has advised commuters to leave for work
early because the number of passengers on Bangkok electric trains doubled
after the government permitted the reopening of some businesses.
Sorapong Paitoonpong, director-general of the Rail
Department, said that after the government eased its disease control
measures and allowed some businesses and places to reopen, the number of
electric train commuters nearly reached 400,000 on May 4.
The traffic showed a 100% increase from 189,000
passengers on May 1.
He said that his department predicted that the number
of electric train commuters would further rise on May 7.
He suggested commuters prepare more travel time, wear
face masks while being on electric train systems and conduct social
distancing to help curb the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). (TNA)
Thailand’s guidelines for park visitors: should walk, not run
The spokesman of the Center for COVID-19
Situation Administration (CCSA), Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin.
BANGKOK – People should exercise by walking while wearing face masks
and should not run in parks during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
pandemic, the spokesman of the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration
(CCSA) advised.
CCSA spokesman Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin said people
should exercise by walking to keep good health as the government permitted
the reopening of public parks.
He said visitors to parks should not run because
runners’ breath could leave droplets about 10 meters behind. Besides, people
would lack air while running fast with masks on their face, he said.
“If you want to run, you should see if anyone is
following you within a distance of 10 meters. If there is such a follower,
you should not run because the clearance is not enough. Droplets from fast
breathing would reach the followers. Please do not run,” Dr Taweesin said.
“If anyone is following you, you should wear a face
mask and walk. Walking already raises pulses and walking for 30 minutes can
make you sweat. That is enough and there will not be droplets from your
mouth like those from running people,” he said. (TNA)
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Indian PM praises Thailand for strong COVID-19 surveillance and control efforts
Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Bangkok –
Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi praised Thailand for its strong
COVID-19 disease surveillance system and control efforts in a recent phone
call to Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, according to the
Prime Minister Operations Centre (PMOC).
In the announcement on the PMOC’s Facebook page, the
two PMs have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties to battle the
COVID-19 pandemic and enhancing cooperation on various sectors.
The Indian PM praised Thailand for its efforts to
contain COVID-19, saying that India is ready to support the export of
medicines and medical supplies, especially
Hydroxychloroquine
as requested by the Thai government.
The two PMs also praised each other for looking after
their citizens during the lockdown restrictions and discussed ways to
enhance cooperation on economics and other sectors to be prepared for the
“new normal” in the world’s post-COVID-19 era.
Source & photo credit: Facebook: Prime Minister Operations Center
@PMOCNEWS
(tatnews.org)
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An Australian hotel manager in Phang-nga, 69, recorded new COVID-19 death case in Thailand
Dr Taweesin
Visanuyothin, spokesman of the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration.
BANGKOK – Dr Taweesin
Visanuyothin, spokesman of the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration,
said the death case was a 69-year-old Australian man who worked as a hotel
manager in Phang-nga province. He had asthma. The death toll increased to
55on Wednesday.
The new infected case was a woman aged 27 who was a
masseuse in Buri Ram province. She returned from Russia and was brought to
quarantine right away.
Her case raised the total of COVID-19 patients in the
country to 2,989 who were recorded in 68 provinces.
Over the past 24 hours, 14 patients recovered, raising
the total of recovery cases to 2,761. Meanwhile, 173 patients were at
hospitals.
Dr Taweesin said that 40 earlier suspected cases in
Yala province tested negative for COVID-19. (TNA)
Thai Cabinet extends Lao, Cambodian, Myanmar workers’ visas to May 31
The Ministry of Labour grants temporary
residence and a work permit extension to workers from neighbouring
countries.
BANGKOK-The Cabinet has approved automatic visa extensions for
workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar under an MOU, giving them the right
to reside in Thailand until 31st May.
The Cabinet approved a proposal from the Ministry of
Labour to grant temporary residence and a work permit extension to workers
from neighbouring countries, who entered the country under intergovernmental
agreements or Memorandums of Understanding (MOU).
The extension covers Cambodia, Lao, and Myanmar
nationals, including workers in border areas who are unable to return to
their home countries due to the COVID-19 situation.
The Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Labor
had previously granted an extension to 30th April. This new extension, now
allowing migrant workers to stay in Thailand until 31st May, follows the
one-month State of Emergency extension in Thailand until the end of May.(NNT)
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Thai PM thanks private sector for helping gov’t recover economy
General
Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.
BANGKOK- The Prime Minister has
disclosed that Thailand’s economy, affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, may
need nine months to recover, and he has asked the 20 richest individuals in
Thailand to cooperate with the government in undertaking economic
reconstruction.
General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister and Minister
of Defense revealed today that Thailand’s economy was damaged by the
COVID-19 outbreak and may need 6 to 9 months to recover. The government is
preparing for gradual recovery and preparing citizens to adopt a new normal.
He further said that last week he met with SME businesses and was directly
informed of the impact on business activity and given suggestions. The PM
promised the government will use the advice from members of the private
sector but may need some time to proceed especially with soft loans for
business owners affected by COVID-19.
As for the letters to the 20 richest citizens, the PM
said he received answers from all of them. Most of the answers advised
urgent aid for less fortunate people. The 20 will cooperate with the
government to help it rebuild the economy and support members of the public.
The PM praised and thanked all of them for being part
of the recovery, saying the government itself will work at its maximum as
well.(NNT)
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Thailand Celebrates Coronation Day
Government officials pay
their respects to HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Coronation Day.
BANGKOK, May 4 (TNA) - Thailand celebrates the
Coronation Day, marking the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn that took
place on 4 May last year.
Thai officials attended ceremonies
to commemorate the coronation one year ago when the King completed the
ancient rites including accepting royal regalia symbolizing the kingship and
purification bathing rite with consecrated water.
May 4 was designated as the
Coronation Day and a public holiday by the Cabinet of ministers later in
May, 2019.
Organizers of the commemoration
ceremonies such as provincial administrations of Nakhon Pathom and Trad on
Monday applied social distancing practices to all attendees. (TNA)
Thailand Model Farm Project to overcome COVID-19 downturn
Government officials inspect the model farm project under
the Royal Initiative of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, at Sawangha district in
Angthong province.
ANGTHONG - A model farm project under a Royal
Initiative provides agricultural knowledge for local residents who have been
affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Mr. Sutthi Sukosol, Permanent
Secretary of Labour as Chair, along with Mr. Teerapat Prayoonsit, Permanent
Secretary of the PM’s office as a representative of the Royal Thai Volunteer
office, and Mr. Rewat Prasong, Governor of Angthong, have presided over the
development of the model farm project under the Royal Initiative of Her
Majesty Queen Sirikit, at Sawangha district in Angthong province.
The COVID-19 outbreak, has had a
wide impact on citizens. Many have become unemployed and face a financial
crisis.
His Majesty King Vairalongkorn and
Her Majesty the Queen have therefore provided a model farm project to aid
the citizens of the area.
The project aims to provide careers
and alleviate the burdens of daily life, by having these citizens learn
specialized agricultural methods and be able to adapt them for use in their
households, becoming better able to support their families.s.
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Sheikhul Islam Office announces COVID-19 measures for mosques in Thailand
The Sheikhul Islam Office of Thailand issued an
announcement yesterday, allowing Muslims to attend prayers, but they must
strictly follow guidelines against the spread of COVID-19.
According to the announcement,
Islamic committee members or public health officers will measure people’s
body temperatures before they are allowed to enter mosques, and
alcohol-based hand sanitizers are to be placed at the entrance. People are
not permitted to perform ablutions inside the premises. Mosques must be
cleansed and ventilated before and after each prayer session. Social
distancing stickers are placed on the floor to make sure that Muslims stay
at least two meters apart while praying. While inside the mosque, people
still have to keep a safe distance between each other.r.
Today, provincial Islamic committees
and related units discussed further measures to help limit the spread of
COVID-19. (NNT)
Passing of Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto
His Most Eminent Highness the
Prince and the Grand master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Fra’
Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto
His Most Eminent Highness the Prince and the Grand master
of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre del
Tempio di Sanguinetto, passed away on 29th April 2020 in Rome at the age of
75. The funeral will take place on 5th May in the Church of Santa Maria in
Aventino, in the Magistral Villa in Rome.
The Prime Minister of Thailand,
Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, has ordered a period of state mourning and the
national flag to be flown half mast for three days on 5th, 7th and 8th May
2020.
Bangkok Governor delivers relief bags to people in communities
The
Governor of Bangkok, Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang visits Lad PhraoSoi 40 and Lad
PhraoSoi 54 communities in Bang Kapi district.
BANGKOKOK-The Governor of Bangkok
delivered relief bags to people affected by the social and economic impact
of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing particularly on communities that had yet
to receive help.
The Governor of Bangkok, Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang
visited Lad Phrao Soi 40 and Lad PhraoSoi 54 communities in Bang Kapi
district to deliver relief bags to 620 households in the two communities.
Each relief bag contains essential items for daily
life, such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. The governor also delivered
face masks to anyone in the communities who didn’t have one.
This delivery of relief bags focused on communities
that had not received help before, in order to provide inclusive help to all
people. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is now delivering relief
bags everyday.
On the easing of lockdown measures, allowing
restaurants, hair salons, parks, and some other businesses to reopen, the
Bangkok Governor said he has instructed responsible agencies within the BMA
to ensure orderliness, while asking the general public to maintain social
distance, wear a face mask, and wash their hands frequently.
He said companies that are looking at allowing
employees to return to the office to work, should limit the number of
employees present at the office at any one time, monitor their body
temperature, require everyone to wear a face mask, and ensure the offices
are cleaned frequently.(NNT)
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Restaurants change seating to comply with new operational guidelines
Many
restaurants are changing their seating arrangement and service style to
comply with the new operational guidelines.
Restaurants are among the six
businesses allowed to reopen from May 3 as part of a relaxation of lockdown
measures. Many restaurants are now changing their seating arrangement and
service style to comply with the new operational guidelines, such as the
restaurants surrounding the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce which
have closed their doors for about two months now.
Many of these restaurants that used to serve students
have lost almost all customers due to the lockdown measures, resulting in
more than 70 percent loss of income, even though some of them offer online
ordering and home delivery options.
After the announcement by the Center for COVID-19
Situation Administration allowing restaurants to reopen and accept dine-in
customers, these restaurants have started to change seating and services in
preparation for the reopening, while following the latest guidelines and
regulations.
Some of the restaurants, such as Larb Lung Thong, will
however only accept online orders for home delivery, as the clientele
usually dine in groups, making it difficult to enforce social distancing in
the restaurant, were it to open fully.
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Domestic flight passengers advised to check self-quarantine requirements of provinces
The
Department of Airports recommends passengers to look up for the
destination’s announcements regarding quarantine measures in order to follow
the province’s requirements correctly.
BANGKOK-The Department of
Airports has notified passengers to look up destination’s measures in
advance, as some provinces require quarantine upon arrival.
Since 1st of May, four Thai airlines: Nok Air, Thai Air
Asia, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Viet Jet have been flying to 14 destinations
under the Department of Airports’ control. The destination airports are
Lampang, Maesod, Phitsanulok, Buriram, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Roi Et,
KhonKaen, UbonRatchathani, Udon Thani, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat
Thani, and Krabi.
The Department asks that all passengers look up the
destination’s announcements regarding quarantine measures in order to follow
the province’s requirements correctly.
Nine airports are operating without quarantine
requirements which means passengers to these provinces don’t have to stay in
isolation for 14 days. The provinces areTak, Lampang, Roi Et, KhonKaen,
Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, UbonRatchathani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Surat
Thani.
However, the other five provinces, Phitsanulok, Buriram,
Krabi, Trang, and Nakhon Phanom still require passengers to quarantine for
14 days on arrival, in accordance with provincial orders.
The Department of Airports has also asked passengers to
strictly follow these provincial measures. In addition, before every trip,
it is recommended that passengers check the destination’s requirements with
the airlines, and arrive well before the flight’s departure to undergo the
airport’s COVID-19 screening for the safety of all passengers.(NNT)
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Bangkokians return to public parks after eases of Covid-19 restrictions
BMA reopens 39 public parks with measures to
prevent a COVID-19 outbreak.
Bangkok citizens have started to go back and exercise in public parks since
the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration or BMA, reopened 39 public parks
with measures to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak.
Wachirabenchathat or Rot Fai park has reopened for the
first time since its closure on the 18th of March. It has been more than a
month since the BMA ordered the closure of 39 public parks in its control.
May 3 as the first day of reopening, many people have gradually been
arriving to exercise since early morning.
Rot Fai park has only two entrances - the gate opposite
Chatuchak Metro Park, and the gate at the parking lot. Only running tracks
and biking routes are in service. The other areas such as a playground, an
outdoor gym, and others sites that may lead to gatherings of people and
close contact, are still closed.
People who came to use the park said they are glad that
the park is finally back in operation and trust that the park will screen
users and require them to wear masks, as a safety measure to prevent an
outbreak of the virus.
However, the park has already put up announcement
boards at the entrances, outlining the requirements park users must observe:
wear masks, refrain from gathering with others, and ensure at least two
meters of social distancing from others during activities in the park. The
popular park is open from 5.30 a.m. to 8 p.m.(NNT)
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Barber shops, hair salons reopen from Sunday May 3
Hair salons and barber shopsare allowed to
reopen on Sunday for hair cutting, hair washing, and blow drying, but not
other services.
BANGKOK - People who might need a hair cut by now, will be able to
visit a barber shop or hair salon from 3rd May for some of the services
normally on offer, under strict hygiene measures and social distancing.
The Department of Health Director General, Dr Panpimol
Wipulakorn has visited Chalachol Academy to provide operational guidelines
to hair salons and barber shops, which are allowed to reopen on Sunday for
hair cutting, hair washing, and blow drying, but not other services.
All workers must place a high priority on health,
safety, and good hygiene for both themselves and their customers, as well as
implementing infection control measures strictly.
The Department of Health’s guideline require
hairdressers and barbers to wear a face mask, protective gown, and a face
shield while working at all times. Equipment such as combs, brushes, and
scissors must be cleaned before and after each customer. The customers
themselves must be seated 1.5 to 2 meters apart from one another.(NNT)
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Pattaya sees less rain this week, hot during the day
Drought-hit
Mapprachan reservoir in Nongprue sub-district, one of the main water
reserves supply to Pattaya City and the surrounding areas.
Pattaya City,
Chonburi Province and Eastern Part Weather Forecast
Hot with isolated thundershowers mostly in Nakhon Nayok,
Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. Minimum
temperature 25-28 °C. Maximum temperature 33-39 °C. Southeasterly winds
15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter and 1-2 meters in thundershowers
areas.
During 3 - 4 May, Hot during the day. Isolated to
scattered thundershowers. During 4 - 9 May, Hot during the day. isolated
thundershowers. Minimum temperature 24-28 °C. Maximum temperature 35-39°C.
Southeasterly wind 10-30 km/hr. Wave height below 1 meter and 1-2 meters in
thundershower areas.
Pattaya 7
days Weather Forecast
Thailand reports 3 confirmed cases on Sunday, no further losses
The Centre for COVID-19 Situation
Administration (CCSA) reported three new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Sunday
May 3 with no fatalities. Meanwhile the authority is addressing the unusual
increase in infected persons in YALA.
The new cases bring the total number of infections to
2,969, while the number of cured patients stays at 2,739. The total number
of deaths is still 54, while 176 patients are still in hospital.
Meanwhile, the public health authority reported that
Yala Province had found a large number of infected individuals following its
proactive approach. As a result of 311 examinations, 40 people were found to
be positive. Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesperson for the CCSAsaid the
authority has arranged a thorough investigation because the cases of
infection reported were unusually numerous in some districts, and confirmed
that the data will be disclosed.(NNT)
Thai Health Min. inspects screening at southern border checkpoint
Public
Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
SONGKHLA - Thai Public Health
Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has inspected the health screening process at
Padang Besar border checkpoint in the southern province of Songkhla where
Thai workers continue returning from Malaysia.
The border crossing has been the main entry point for
Thai returnees amid COVID-19 pandemic. Over 1,000 of them have returned
from Malaysia since Thai authorities reopened the border on April 18.
Anutin observed the health screening and other disease
control procedures at the checkpoint on Thursday. He presented medical
supplies for officers enforcing strict disease control measures.
The Minister praised local officials in Songkhla for
detecting and caring for 42 COVID-19 patients found inside an immigration
detention center.
Local officials reported that the 42 cases found on
Saturday were among 115 illegal migrants being detained at Songkhla
Immigration Detention Center.
Most of them have mild symptoms. Six others have been
sent to hospitals; five have developed pneumonia and one of them is
pregnant. (TNA)
Thai workers
continue returning from Malaysia through Padang Besar border checkpoint in
the southern province of Songkhla.
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Next phases of easing Covid-19 rules possible in Thailand if new cases remain low
Sukhum Kanchanapimai, the health ministry's
permanent secretary.
BANGKOK - Easing Covid-19 restrictions will proceed into the next
phase if relaxation of the rules against coronavirus in the first phase goes
well for 14 days said Sukhum Kanchanapimai, the health ministry's permanent
secretary.
Thailand reported single digit of the new Covid-19
cases between 7-9 for four straight days and all of the new cases travelled
from overseas.
This indicated that the existing measures are effective
to reduce the number of new infections. Unless the state quarantine system
is put in place to curb the outbreak, the number of coronavirus patients may
reach 10,000, the permanent secretary said.
People should maintain hygiene practice, social
distancing and stay home after the restrictions are eased to allow some
businesses such as supermarkets and restaurants to reopen on May 3, he said.
Private companies should continue work-from -home
policies.
After 14 days, if the number of new cases is fewer than
20-30, more relaxation of anti-Covid 19 measures will proceed into the
second and third phases for other business categories, he added. (TNA)
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Thai Govt. concern about people’s mental health during crisis
The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration
Spokesman, Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin.
BANGKOK (NNT) - The government’s Center for COVID-19 Situation
Administration has expressed concern about the impact of the coronavirus
(COVID-19) pandemic on people’s mental health, which can lead to suicide.
Speaking of a spike in suicides during the pandemic,
the CCSA Spokesman, Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, said the government and the
Ministry of Public Health are fully aware of the gravity of the issue and
are searching for solutions, using information from academics and various
sources.
According to a report released by the Department of
Mental Health, this is a global crisis. It has affected people’s physical
and mental health. Physicians around the world have predicted that the
number of deaths from self-harm or suicide will increase during this
pandemic. The Department of Mental Health is looking into this problem.
Different sectors in many countries are also working together to address the
issue.
If people are aware of relatives or other individuals
who may have suicidal thoughts, they can contact the Department of Mental
Health’s hotline service. Although the number of suicides is currently lower
than that during the Tom Yum Kung financial crisis, all sides have to work
together to solve it.
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Migrant workers affected by COVID-19 in Thailand can claim unemployment benefits
The Social Security Office Spokeswoman for,
Pitsamai Nithipaiboon,
BANGKOK - In addition to the cooperation of Thai people to help limit
the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the government has
launched a COVID-19 information hotline in three languages for migrant
workers in Thailand. They have been told they can also file unemployment
claims with the Social Security Office (SSO).
The Spokeswoman for the SSO, Pitsamai Nithipaiboon,
explained the relief measures for migrant workers in the country. If their
employers shut their businesses temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
the migrant workers will receive 62 percent of their daily wage for up to 90
days. They can visit the SSO’s website at www.sso.go.th to submit their
unemployment claims and complete an e-form for SSO benefits. They are
required to provide copies of their passports and the first page of their
bank passbooks for verification.
The Department of Disease Control, under the
supervision of the Ministry of Public Health, has cooperated with the World
Health Organization (WHO), non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and related
units to launch the COVID-19 Hotline for Migrant Workers. The hotline will
enable relevant agencies to provide them with proper services, in an effort
to increase the efficiency of disease control. Migrant workers can access
information and health guidelines on this hotline by dialing 1422. Cambodian
workers should press 81 to receive information in their own language. Lao
speakers, should press 82. Workers from Myanmar can press 83 for more
information. The hotline service is available next month. (NNT)
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Classes go online as school opening pushed to 1 July in Thailand
Teachers
record their lecture, and upload the video recording onto a virtual drive
for students to watch. Zoom, Facebook, and Line programs can be used to
create direct contact between teachers and students.
BANGKOK - The new school term
this year will begin on 1st July due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many schools
have moved their classes’ online, using remote learning technology to enable
undisrupted education in all subjects.
At Prachawit School, School Director Pimporn Theppinta
said today that the school has prepared teachers in all subjects to
implement both online and offline teaching tools to hold online classes.
Teachers will record their lecture, and upload the
video recording onto a virtual drive where students can watch it, as well as
adopting an online conference room on Zoom, and direct contact between
teachers and students via Facebook and Line.
The school has adopted Google Classroom as another
platform for students to upland their completed assignments.
Mrs Pimporn said the school has reached out to parents
and students, saying they have found all high school students are ready for
online classes, while 90 percent of students in kindergarten and primary
school are ready.
The school will be following up with and assisting the
10 percent who are not prepared for online classes. It is asking parents to
be confident in the system it has developed, that will allow students to
learn and develop their skills as effectively as regular classes. The school
will also arrange tutoring programs for students once the situation returns
to normal.
Mr Wichai Sangsri, the Director of Ubon Ratchathani
Primary Education Service Area Office 2 has held a meeting with related
agencies to prepare online and remote classroom services.
The office plans to allow kindergarten, primary, and
junior high school students to learn through the Distance Learning
Television (DLTV) platform, while high school students will be studying
content delivered by the Office of the Basic Education Commission.
These remote classes will be trialed from 17th May to
30th June, ahead of the beginning of the 2020 academic year, which has now
been pushed back to 1st July.
The first semester will take place from 1st July to
30th November 2020, while the second semester will run from 1st December
2020 to 30th April 2021, with no school break in between.(NNT)
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Stranded Russian tourist impressed with Thai hospitality
Mr Iwan is
a 25-year-old engineering student from Russia, was well taken care of at Wat
Mai Pattanaramtemple in Surat Thani since 26th March.
BANGKOK - As borders close and
stringent travel restrictions are imposed around the world due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, some foreign tourists have become stranded in Thailand,
especially in southern seaside provinces. Most of them are complying with
regulations in the respective areas, and are impressed with the help being
provided by Thai people and the authorities.
Mr Iwan is a 25-year-old engineering student from
Russia. Not being able to travel home due to the pandemic, he is now seeking
shelter at Wat Mai Pattanaram in Surat Thani, with the acting abbot PhraKhru
Pisan Pattananukit taking care of his wellbeing since 26th March.
Surat Thani Governor Wichawut Jinto yesterday met Mr
Iwan while he was helping the temple prepare meals for villagers affected by
the pandemic.
Having ran out of money after a trip to have his visa
extended in Songkhla, Governor Wichawut has personally given some money to
Mr Ivan, advising him that related agencies will assist him with his visa
extension, and telling him to rest assured about his safety; The governor
thanked the temple for providing shelter to the stranded tourist.
Mr Iwan thanked the governor for the help, praising the
hospitality of Thai people.
He said local people he has met would ask if he has
eaten, if he has a mask to wear, and warned him not to go out after 10 p.m.
during curfew hours.
He said he is now waiting for Russia to reopen borders
and for flights to operate into his native country, then he will plan his
return journey.
In Krabi, Muang Krabi District Chief Chaiwut Buathong
has led health officials, village headsmen, and the president of AoRailay
Tourism Businesses Association to meet with some 130 foreign tourists, who
have been staying in the area for more than two months.
Most of the tourists are complying with orders from the
provincial communicable diseases control committee. They have expressed
their impression with Thai people, saying that most of them decided to stay
as accommodations helped by reducing the rent, and providing food to the
tourists.
AoRailay tourism businesses association has been
screening potential patients in the area since the outbreak began. There
have been no reported cases of COVID-19 so far in this area, which is now
closed to new arrivals.
Tourists who were staying here before the lockdown are
welcome to stay, however everyone in the area is asked not to travel beyond
limits. (NNT)
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May 16 lottery draw to go ahead in Thailand
BANGKOK- The Government Lottery Office (GLO) has postponed three
lottery drawings: the 1st April, 16th April, and 2nd May drawings. The
office has confirmed it will not postpone the next drawing on 16 May, and
will sell lottery tickets for 1 June drawing as usual.
Any persons who have purchased lottery tickets in the
postponed drawings can win prizes in 16th May draw. The GLO Spokesman
Thanawat Polvichai said today the office will strictly enforce health and
social distancing measures at the Lottery draw event.
Lottery sales will continue as normal from the 1st June
draw onwards. Sellers and customers are encouraged to practice precautionary
measures by wearing a face mask and sanitizing their hands when making
transactions.
A GLO Spokesman said today that lottery sellers should
keep in mind the reduced purchasing power of people in the neighborhood
where they sell tickets, due to the financial impact of COVID-19. He urged
sellers to purchase tickets for resale in appropriate quantities.(NNT)
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Thai Health Min. visits state quarantine for monks
Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of Public
Health inspected the state quarantine for monks and Buddhist nuns in Samut
Prakan province.
SAMUT PRAKAN - The Ministry of Public Health has established a state
quarantine center especially for monks who recently returned from a
pilgrimage to India, in order to facilitate the monks need to practice the
monkhood’s routine.
Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Public Health, together with Mr. SathitPitutecha, Deputy
Minister of Public Health, this week inspected the state quarantine for
monks and Buddhist nuns, in Samut Prakan province.
The ministry has been strictly implementing
measures to protect all parties at risk of COVID-19 infection,
especially those who return from foreign countries. The measures include
the monks and Buddhist nuns who returned from a pilgrimage to India on
24th-25th April. The ministry has arranged a special state quarantine
that is suited to monkhood activities.
Each monk will stay in a room equipped with a
Buddha image and other necessities.
All of the monks and nuns underwent health
screening and none of them had a fever.
Despite 14 days quarantine before arriving in
Thailand, the monks still need another 14 days quarantine in Thailand’s
state quarantine in accordance with the measures that apply to all
parties. After the 14 day monitoring period, they will be able to go
back to their temples.(NNT)
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