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Thailand popular Co-payment scheme extended for five million more registrants
The new phase will give
3,500-baht subsidies for each person, increased from 3,000 baht given in the
first phase and will start on Jan 1 and runs until March 31.
The second phase of the co-payment scheme for
additional five million people has been approved by the Center for Economic
Situation Administration (CESA) meeting on Thursday.
The CESA meeting, chaired by Prime Minister and Defense
Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha agreed to launch the second phase of the
co-payment scheme for five million more registrants.
The new phase will give 3,500-baht subsidies for each
person, increased from 3,000 baht given in the first phase.
The second phase will start on Jan 1 and runs until
March 31. The registration date for the second phase will be announced
later.
The co-payment scheme allows registered individuals to
pay only half the price for their purchases at small shops and food vendors
while the government will subsidize the other 50 per cent, capped at 150
baht per day.
Ten million people, who have already registered in the
first phase will be given 500 baht more and can use their rights until March
31.
However, they have to use up their 3,000 baht subsidy
by Dec 31. (TNA)
The second
phase of the co-payment scheme will be launched for five million more
registrants.
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Ten infected Thai women in Chiang Rai under medical care; no local spread so far
Ten illegal
returnees from Myanmar sneaked across the border from Tachileik to Chiang
Rai through natural passages and were later found being infected and are
under medical supervision with mild symptoms.
More than 170 persons, who came in close contact with
ten Covid-19 infected women and put at high risk tested negative for
coronavirus, said the Public Health Ministry.
Ten illegal returnees from Myanmar sneaked across the
border from Tachileik to Chiang Rai through natural passages and were later
found being infected.
They travelled to many provinces including Bangkok but
tests on people close to them turned negative. So far, they caused no local
infections.
Kiattiphum Wongrajit, Permanent Secretary for Public
Health and Opas Karnkawinpong, Director –General of the Department of the
Disease Control told a press briefing about updates on the cases.
Ten women with Covid-19 who sneaked across the border
back from Tachileik are under medical supervision with mild symptoms.
Among all 699 persons who were in contact with infected
women, 175 persons, considered at high risk of contracting the disease
tested negative for coronavirus. The rest of 524 persons at low risk have
been under monitoring.
Opas said people, who wear face masks at all times are
at low risk when they are exposed to the virus.
If they don’t wear face covering and stay in enclosed
space with an infected person for more than 15 minutes, there is a chance of
catching Covid-19.
Local authorities in Chiang Rai have worked with
officials in Tachileik to receive requests of Thai nationals, who want
return home.
So far, 150 persons made the requests. They will be
allowed to return through immigration checkpoints and undergo screening and
quarantine processes. (TNA)
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Expats trip to Ratchaburi, 80 km to the west of Bangkok, home to world-famous floating market
World-famous
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where vendors ply canals in wooden boats
selling fruit, vegetables and various goods, the trip took the opportunity
to showcase some of the province’s other attractions. (TAT file photo)
In line with the government’s policy to develop tours
and recreational activities based around Thailand’s many canals and
waterways, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, together with the Tourism
Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Department of Tourism and the Designated
Areas for Sustainable Tourism (DASTA), organized a full-day trip to
Ratchaburi province on Saturday, 28 November, for expats and members of the
media.
Led by H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of
Tourism and Sports, the ‘Withi
Khlong Withi Thai Following the King’s Footsteps to Damnoen Saduak Canal’
tour was the third in a series of such tours aimed at encouraging the
long-stay foreign community to travel more within Thailand. The tours
promote the inclusion of local communities.
Minister Phiphat said, “The Ministry of Tourism and
Sports in cooperation with the tourism-related government organizations are
working closely to help stimulate domestic travel among the expat community.
One of our key focusses are the unique aspects of Thailand’s waterway-based
lifestyle. Ratchaburi is a prime example of this, and something we believe
has much to offer our long-stay foreigners.”
The trip to Ratchaburi – 80 km to the west of Bangkok
and bordering Myanmar – focused on waterway-based touring opportunities and
how tourists can experience the local way of life of the Thai people and
their connection to water. Home to the already world-famous Damnoen Saduak
Floating Market where vendors ply canals in wooden boats selling fruit,
vegetables and various goods, the trip took the opportunity to showcase some
of the province’s other attractions.
The customized itinerary offered a fascinating glimpse
of Khlong Damnoen Saduak and over 200 small canals, which were created
during the reign of King Rama IV the Great, the local agricultural lifestyle
and intriguing historic sites like the over 145-year-old Wat Choti
Thayakaram. King Rama V the Great and His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
The Great both visited the temple, and the tour followed in these royal
footsteps.
From the temple, participants travelled by
solar-powered long-tail boat to Ban Mahat Lek Chek Huat, also visited by
King Rama V the Great. They then continued on to Lao Tak Lak Market, the
first traditional floating market in Thailand where ancient Thai-Chinese
wooden row architecture can still be seen, and there is a floating market
museum and exhibition on electric boats for environmental conservation and
the ‘white tourism’ project.
Other inclusions on the ‘Withi
Khlong Withi Thai Following the King’s Footsteps to Damnoen Saduak Canal’
tour were visits to Mae Thongyib Farm and Mae Thongyip Agricultural Garden
where activities include weaving, making Thai desserts, and garden cruising.
Other stops included the Bang Le Sugar Park and Ladies Golf Pier.
The afternoon activities presented participants with
their choice of either a taste of adventure with Sup Board rowing or a
glimpse into the local culture through art and pottery painting.
Travel between the various attractions was by long-tail
boat, giving participants an exhilarating taste of getting around
local-style and a chance to partake in scavenger hunt-style route checks
along the way.
While in Ratchaburi, Minister Phiphat took the
opportunity to present the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration
(SHA) Certification to representatives from four local communities; namely,
Wat Choti Thayakaram Community, Ban MahatLek Chek Huat Community, the Old
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Community Enterprise, and Mae Thongyib Farm
Tourism Community Enterprise.
Established in May 2020, under collaboration between
TAT and numerous public and private sector partners, the SHA certification
is a recognition that an establishment meets the standards of hygiene and
health safety for their products and services in accordance with the
nationwide measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19).
H.E. Mr. Phiphat
Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports.
Minister Phiphat took
the opportunity to present the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health
Administration (SHA) Certification to representatives from four local
communities.
SHA certification is
a recognition that an establishment meets the standards of hygiene and
health safety for their products and services in accordance with the
nationwide measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19).
Full-day excursion
from Bangkok - part of the efforts to have the foreign community travel more
within Thailand.
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Bangkok and Chiang Mai major hit for national Co-Pay subsidy program
The top five
provinces for use of the program are Bangkok, Songkla, Nakhon Si Thammarat,
Surat Thani and Chiang Mai. (Rod Fai Market, Bangkok)
After launching on October 23rd this year, the
government’s co-pay program has proven very popular.
Over 717,000 stores have joined the program alongside
8.773 million users. Spending in the program has reached 18.797 billion baht
divided into 9,581 billion baht paid by citizens and 9.216 billion baht paid
by the state. Average spending per purchase has been calculated at 200 baht.
The top five provinces for use of the program are
Bangkok, Songkla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani and Chiang Mai.
Overall, the campaign has proven popular among members
of the public and it has translated into increased sales for vendors. Wanida
Suthornwati of Roti Bang Bao in Yala said today that the store has seen a
clear uptick in the number of customers registered for co-pay, including
many new faces. The owner is hopeful the program will continue.
Users have similarly lauded the project with most using
it to buy appliances and food. Some have asked that the daily limit of 300
baht be increased.
Similar fervor for the program was seen in Uthai Thani
at its riverside market with shops such as Moo Ping Jae Kiew and Kao Niew
Mul Mae Sri Nual both reporting increased sales. Buyers all agreed the
program should continue. (NNT)
Chatuchak or
JJ Weekend Market, Bangkok.
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Thailand robust public health system and hospitality suits medical tourists’ first choice
Thailand will become the
destination of choice among medical tourism visitors after the pandemic,
Anutin said.
The Minister of Public Health is optimistic Thailand
will be the first choice of medical tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic
ends, thanks to the country’s robust public health system and hospitality.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a spine center at
Nakornthon Hospital in Bangkok, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul stressed the country’s readiness to
generate revenue from the healthcare sector, and to improve healthcare
services to members of the public.
He said the opening of the spine center shows
Thailand’s ability in terms of technologies and services to serve patients,
while the Ministry of Public Health is willing to facilitate requests for
the necessary permits and licenses from hospitals.
Mr Anutin said Thailand will become the destination of
choice among medical tourism visitors after the COVID-19 pandemic, as the
country has a robust public health system, an advanced level of medical
service, highly skilled healthcare workers, and impressive hospitality.
He said this will help the country generate income,
while the Ministry of Public Health will be positioning Thailand as the
world’s medical superpower.
Nakornthon Hospital’s spine center has been opened in
cooperation with Bumrungrad Hospital’s Health Network. After presiding at
the opening ceremony, the Minister of Public Health then travelled to Nakhon
Phanom to open a kidney center and meet with some 4,000 village health
volunteers. (NNT)
Minister of
Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul stressed the country’s readiness to
generate revenue from the healthcare sector, and to improve healthcare
services to members of the public.
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Thai protesters and royalists clashes, tear gas and gunshots injured at least 55 at Bangkok's parliament
According to the center, 32
people were affected by tear gas and six people being shot. Four people were
sick and 13 others suffered from other injuries.
The Erawan
Emergency Centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) reported
that 55 people were injured in the clashes at Kiakkai yesterday.
According to the center, 32 people were affected by
tear gas and six people being shot. Four people were sick and 13 others
suffered from other injuries.
They were sent to nine hospitals. As of 10.50 am.
Wednesday, four people remain in hospital.
Deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Pol Maj Gen
Piya Tawichai denied that the police had used live ammunition or rubber
bullets.
Riot police used water cannon to fire tear gas solution
at anti- government demonstrators after they tried to cut razor wire, placed
to block the way to Parliament.
They finally advanced through police’s barricades and
staged their protest in front of parliament and ended the activities at 9
p.m.
The opposing group, the yellow-shirted royalists
gathered nearby. Skirmish broke out between two rival groups, hurling
objects to each other.
Further clashes between groups of people were reported
at Kiakkai intersection around 8 p.m. Sounds like gunshots were heard. Many
injured were seen being carried to ambulances.
Lawmakers on Tuesday started the debate on a
constitution amendment and are expected to vote today whether to accept any
of the proposed charter change drafts for deliberation.
One of the seven drafts, submitted by civil group
Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw) is supported by the demonstrators.
The demonstrators vowed to continue the protest at
Ratchaprasong intersection today. (TNA)
Further
clashes between groups of people were reported at Kiakkai intersection
around 8 p.m. Sounds like gunshots were heard. Many injured were seen being
carried to ambulances.
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Thailand extends ‘Emergency Decree’ spanning New Year festival to curb spread
The
extension of the emergency decree covers another 45 days, spanning the New
Year festival to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)
agreed to extend the emergency decree for another 45 days, spanning the New
Year festival to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The CCSA spokesman, Taweesin Visanuyothin said the CCSA
meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen.
Prayut Chan-ocha decided to extend the emergency decrees from Dec 1 to Jan
15 for continuity of the measures during the festivities.
Thailand will also host international badminton
tournaments in January when foreign athletes and staff will arrive here for
the sporting events, he said.
The proposal to reduce the quarantine period was
discussed but the meeting agreed that it should be studied more in details.
The issue will be put on the table at the CCSA meeting in 2-4 weeks.
Thailand on Wednesday reported two new cases of
Covid-19 in state quarantine, bringing the total cases to 3,880.
The new cases are one Thai and a Belgian national, who
arrived from the UAE and Belgium respectively. They tested negative for the
virus while being in alternative state quarantine. (TNA)
The CCSA
spokesman, Taweesin Visanuyothin.
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Bangkok and popular upcoming events during ‘Thai winter’ Nov-Feb fantastic time to travel
In Bangkok,
Christmas and the New Year are celebrated in a brightly lit and festive
manner with streets decorated in dazzling night-time illuminations and
displays, shops and department stores offering various promotions and
special deals, and hotels serving festive fare.
Join Thailand in the upcoming events in its cool season
that is bringing a drop in temperature to much of the country and lower
humidity levels – thus making the months from November to February the best
time to travel for tourists, as they can enjoy a respite from the usual
tropical heat.
During the cool season or ‘Thai winter’, Bangkok
typically sees temperatures of between 18 and 32 degrees Celsius while in
the North and Northeast the mercury can drop significantly to around 10
degrees Celsius in the morning and at night to the point of being
particularly chilly. At high altitudes, the temperature can drop below
freezing. That’s right, freezing in Thailand.
For Thais, the cool season is a time to visit the
mountain tops of Central, Northern and Northeastern Thailand to experience
the early morning mists and ‘seas of fog’ that winter brings.
While mist and fog are probably not so much of a
novelty for foreigners, there are other wonderful experiences and activities
to enjoy during the cool season. It’s from December to February that various
species of flowers are in full bloom, especially in the North. In the
mountainous province of Mae Hong Son bordering Myanmar, the renowned Bua
Tong (wild sunflower) field at Doi Mae U Kho bursts into a sprawling carpet
of bright yellow during November and December. In Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai,
around the same time, beautiful pink cherry blossoms are in bloom, while in
Udon Thani in the Northeast, millions of red lotuses turn Nong Han
freshwater lake into a mass of deep pink-red petals. Closer to Bangkok, the
sunflower field at Phattana Nikhom in Lop Buri is a scene of dazzling yellow
from November to January.
The cooler months are also a good time for hiking and
camping in Northern Thailand with the lower temperature and humidity
providing a more comfortable climate for such activities during the day.
Visiting the world-renowned beaches and resort islands
of Southern Thailand is another appealing ‘winter’ option, with the region
neither overly hot nor humid during December to February. Popular
destinations like Phuket, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands on the west coast of
the Thai peninsula are best visited from November through April, and great
underwater visibility makes December a great time for diving and snorkeling.
On the eastern side of the peninsula, spots like Samui and Phangan Islands
in the Gulf of Thailand are best visited from December through June.
In Bangkok, Christmas and the New Year are celebrated
in a brightly lit and festive manner with the areas around Siam,
Ratchaprasong and Sukhumvit decorated in dazzling night-time illuminations
and displays, shops and department stores offering various promotions and
special deals, and hotels serving festive fare.
Also, a number of Thailand’s annual festivals and other
events take place during this time of the year. Among these are the
‘Glorious of Ayutthaya Fair 2020’ set for 11-20 December, 2020, at the
Ayutthaya Historical Park, which celebrates the historical significance of
this ancient Thai capital that flourished from the mid-14th-18th centuries
and has been recognized today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the
‘River Kwai Bridge Week’ scheduled for 27 November-6 December, 2020, in
Kanchanaburi, which honours the Allied POWs and Asian laborers forced by the
Japanese army to build the infamous Death Railway during World War II.
Both of these events feature a light and sound show
along with other entertainment like cultural performances, exhibitions,
food, music and locally-made products on sale, and are held in conjunction
with a Red Cross Fair.
The weekend of 28-29 November, 2020, also sees Lop Buri
hold its renowned Monkey Buffet Festival,
an annual feast the locals put on for the hundreds of resident, free-roaming
monkeys for which
the town has become famous.
From 5-7 February, 2021, the Chiang Mai Flower Festival
will feature floral floats, horticultural contests, botanical displays,
music and other entertainment, and an abundance of blooming flora.Chinese
New Year – which in 2021 is on 12 February marking the start of the Year of
the Ox – is always a fascinating time to be in Thailand, where it is one of
the biggest festivals of the year. Celebrations are held around the country
of which those in Bangkok and Phuket are the biggest and most well-known.
Popular
destinations like Phuket, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands on the west coast of
the Thai peninsula are best visited from November through April.
In the
mountainous province of Mae Hong Son bordering Myanmar, the renowned Bua
Tong (wild sunflower) field at Doi Mae U Kho bursts into a sprawling carpet
of bright yellow Nov-Dec.
In Udon
Thani in the Northeast, millions of red lotuses turn Nong Han freshwater
lake into a mass of deep pink-red petals.
The Tourism
Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting travelers to experience a wonderful
‘Thai winter’ amid the lower temperatures and less humidity.
For Thais,
the cool season is a time to visit the mountain tops of Central, Northern
and Northeastern Thailand to experience the early morning mists and ‘seas of
fog’ that winter brings.
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Bangkok organizes ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2021’ at Chao Phraya River Park
Mega event
on the banks of the Chao Phraya River poised to ring in New Year 2021 in
style.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and ICONSIAM,
together with the public and private communities and entrepreneurs, are
organizing a mega ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2021’ event on 31 December at
River Park of ICONSIAM on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
The “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2021” is one of the
biggest events marking the end of the year, which TAT organizes annually
across the country to boost tourism, the economy, and generate income for
local communities while also preserving unique Thai traditions.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said , ” TAT is
delighted to work with ICONSIAM and our partners from every sector to
organise the ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2021’ on 31 December at River Park,
ICONSIAM in celebrating the New Year’s Eve countdown and the start of 2021
in style. Thailand has been praised for efficiently coping with the COVID-19
pandemic that broke out early this year and has eventually earned the
confidence of international and domestic tourists.”
This year, TAT is also organizing the year-end
celebration across five emerging provinces comprising Krabi, Sukhothai,
RoiEt, Ratchaburi and Phetchabun, as well as several primary attractions in
Bangkok.
Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM
Company Limited, said, “In addition to multiple entertainment acts
throughout New Year’s Eve by top artists, the highlight is a dazzling
showcase of over 20,000 fireworks made from Thai sticky rice – an
eco-friendly innovation from Japan. These will light up the sky along the
majestic Chao Phraya River and are expected to be seen by more than three
million viewers within a five-kilometre radius of the venue.”
Another popular activity on offer that evening will be
a photo contest entitled ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2021’ with the theme of
‘Magic upon the River’ aimed at capturing the imagination of viewers taking
in the fantastic fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. The contest is divided
into two categories – still image and video – with the competition open to
the public with the chance to win prizes valued at 500,000 Baht.
The eco-friendly fireworks display that will illuminate
the river during the New Year’s celebration comprises seven acts under the
concept ‘The Wonders of Happiness upon the River’. Collectively, they are
meant to represent hope, faith, prosperity, and happiness plus show the
support of Thailand to people all over the world as everyone works together
to overcome the COVID-19 crisis and start New Year 2021 with strength and
courage.
The countdown celebration will be broadcast live on
Thai Rath TV 32 HD Channel plus online platforms via the Facebook pages of
ICONSIAM, Thai Rath online, Khaosod and TrueID. ICONSIAM is easily
accessible via private cars, public trains, or commuter boats. The launch of
Bangkok’s Gold Line train route this December should also ease any public
congestion on the big night.
The ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2020’ is possible
thanks to the support of primary official sponsors including ICONSIAM
Residence Corporation Limited, ICONSIAM Superlux Residence Corporation
Limited, True Corporation Public Company Limited, Kasikorn Bank Public
Company Limited, along with other government and public sector partners;
such as, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Marine Department, the
Association of Chao Phraya River Commerce and Business, and Prachakom Yan
Kadeejeen-Khlongsan Foundation.
Mr. Yuthasak
Supasorn, TAT Governor.
This year,
TAT is also organizing the year-end celebration across five emerging
provinces comprising Krabi, Sukhothai, Roi Et, Ratchaburi and Phetchabun, as
well as several primary attractions in Bangkok.
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600,000 Baht raised in ‘Thailand Reduce Waste’ campaign to Friends of Asian Elephant
Popular Thai
star and entertainer Mr. Palitchoke Ayanaputra (Peck Palitchoke) as a
presenter.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to
announce that it is donating over 600,000 Baht in funds raised through the
“Thailand Reduce Waste” campaign to Friends of the Asian Elephant and the
Seub Nakhasathien Foundation.
The amount of 333,516.25 Baht was presented to Friends
of the Asian Elephant in Lampang province on Friday, 13 November, 2020, and
303,516.25 Baht to the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation on Tuesday, 17 November,
2020.
Friends of the Asian Elephant is an elephant hospital
where over 5,000 sick and injured elephants have been treated since 1993,
while the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation is dedicated to forest conservation.
Featuring popular Thai star and entertainer Mr.
Palitchoke Ayanaputra (Peck Palitchoke) as a presenter, the Thailand Reduce
Waste campaign is aimed at creating awareness among domestic tourists of the
role they can play in waste management and environmental preservation.
The campaign comes under the TAT’s strategy to
strengthen the focus on sustainability at tourism destinations nationwide
and ensure the upkeep of Thai tourism products. It also forms part of the
plan to help reduce tourism-related waste by up to 50 per cent within 2020.
The funds to be donated by TAT have come from the sale
of colorful daily-use bags made from upcycled material which are available
through the Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/TATCGANDCSR/. These are available in bold blue
or pink designs that feature ‘Bua
Ban’ the elephant who lives at the Elephant Study Centre in
Surin province.
TAT Governor, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, said, “Working
with all stakeholders towards sustainable tourism development, TAT is
committed to encouraging tourists to travel responsibly by leaving only
footprints and taking only good memories.
“The donation of these funds through the “Thailand
Reduce Waste” campaign is a prime example of how we can cut down on waste
and in doing so, at the same time, create vital funding for the wonderful
work being done in the name of animal and environmental preservation.”
The amount
of 333,516.25 Baht was presented to Friends of the Asian Elephant in Lampang
province on Friday, 13 November, 2020, and 303,516.25 Baht to the Seub
Nakhasathien Foundation on Tuesday, 17 November, 2020.
Funds were raised under
the ongoing ‘Thailand Reduce Waste’ campaign through the sale of handy
daily-use bags created from upcycled waste material.
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Typhoon Vamco downgraded to tropical storm, isolated rain over North and Northeast of Thailand
Isolated
light to moderate rains will be likely over the Northeast and the North on
Nov 16.
The Category 5 Typhoon Vamco made landfall over Dong
Hoi, Vietnam and declined to a category 4 tropical storm. At 4.00 p.m. on
Nov 15, it was centered over Dong Hoi at latitude 17.9 degrees north,
longitude 106.2 degrees east with the maximum sustained winds of 90 km/hr.
Moving west-northwest about 20 km/hr, the storm is forecast to be downgraded
gradually to a tropical storm, a tropical depression and a low-pressure
cell. Isolated light to moderate rains will be likely over the Northeast and
the North of Thailand on Nov 16.
The storm is
forecast to be downgraded gradually to a tropical storm, a tropical
depression and a low-pressure cell.
On Nov 15,
it was centered over Dong Hoi at latitude 17.9 degrees north, longitude
106.2 degrees east with the maximum sustained winds of 90 km/hr.
Isolated light to moderate rain over Northeast and North of Thailand
It is
expected to make landfall over Vietnam by 15 November 2020 and then
downgrade, respectively.
Weather Warning - Category 5 Typhoon VAMCO
No. 10 Time Issued: November 14, 2020
At 04.00 p.m. on 14 November, the Category 5 Typhoon
“VAMCO” over the middle South China Sea was centered about 170 kilometers
the east of Da Nang city, Vietnam or at latitude 16.0 degrees north,
longitude 109.8 degrees east with the maximum sustained winds about 160
km/hr. It is moving west about 20 km/hr.
It is expected to make landfall over Vietnam by 15
November 2020 and then downgrade, respectively. Isolated light to moderate
rain is likely over the Northeast and the North of Thailand, during Nov
15-16.
The Category
5 Typhoon “VAMCO” over the middle South China Sea was centered about 170
kilometers the east of Da Nang city, Vietnam.
Thais and expats advised to take good care of their health during winter season
Thailand’s
Ministry of Public Health advises the general public to keep an eye on their
health in winter.
The Ministry of Public Health has advised the general
public to keep an eye on their health in winter, especially for flu-like
symptoms which could be from COVID-19. The ministry has also warned the
public to be cautious of handling virus contaminated parcels. The concerns
are conveyed to all Thais and foreigners residing in Thailand.
The Department of Disease Control’s (DDC) Director of
the Division of Communicable Diseases, Dr Sopon Iamsirithaworn has issued a
warning regarding the increase in the number of common cold and flu cases
during the winter season, which has posed concerns on the possible spread of
COVID-19 due to the nature of symptoms these diseases share.
Members of the general public are encouraged to monitor
their own health and that of others near them. Persons experiencing fever,
coughs, a sore throat, respiratory symptoms, and loss of taste or smell
after visiting a community or crowded area should immediately wear a face
covering, and seek medical attention.
The Ministry of Public Health is concerned with reports
in foreign countries of COVID-19 contracted from viruses on parcels. The
ministry is encouraging the public to wash their hands after receiving any
parcels, and clean the packaging with alcohol whenever possible. They should
also be wearing a face covering when receiving a delivery from a courier. (NNT)
Persons
experiencing fever, coughs, a sore throat, respiratory symptoms, and loss of
taste or smell after visiting a community or crowded area should immediately
wear a face covering, and seek medical attention.
Warnings
regarding the increase in the number of common cold and flu cases during the
winter season have been issued.
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New Jurassic lungfish fossil found in Kalasin, northeastern Thailand
The new
Jurassic lungfish species, found at the Phu Noi fossil site in Kalasin, where fossils
of prehistoric creatures dating as far back as 417 million years have been
identified.
A fossil of an ancient lungfish has been found in
Kalasin province. Paleontologists say this is the discovery of an unknown
lungfish species from 150 million years ago, signifying the biodiversity of
the fossil site.
The Department of Mineral Resources announced the
discovery of the new Jurassic lungfish species, found at the Phu Noi fossil
site in Kalasin, where fossils of prehistoric creatures dating as far back
as 417 million years have been identified.
The fossil of this unknown lungfish species has been
studied by fossil experts from The Geneva Museum of Natural History,
together with Maha Sarakham University’s Paleontological Research and
Education Center, and the Department of Mineral Resources’ Sirindhorn
Museum.
The creature was classified as a member of the
Ferganoceratodus genus from its skull and teeth. Due to unique
characteristics that differ from other species in the same genus, it has
been formally named Ferganoceratodus annekempae.
The fossil is considered to be about 150 million years
old, indicating the existence of this species in the Devonian age. It is
regarded as a rare fossil find, especially the skull part.
Lungfish is an animal with special characteristics,
with both gills and lungs available for respiratory purposes. The
Ferganoceratodus genus has only ever been found in China, Russia, and
Thailand.
The Department of Mineral Resources’ Director General
Sommai Techwan, said the discovery of this fossil shows the biodiversity of
Phu Noi fossil site, where fossils of species from the late Jurassic period
can be found.
The area is also home to fossils of six new vertebrate
species, namely a species of freshwater shark, a species of bony fish, a
species of lung fish, a species of turtle, and a species of crocodile. Some
5,000 pieces of fossils have been discovered in this area so far. (NNT)
The
Department of Mineral Resources said the discovery of this fossil shows the
biodiversity of Phu Noi fossil site, where fossils of species from the late Jurassic
period can be found.
The fossil
is considered to be about 150 million years old, indicating the existence of
this species in the Devonian age.
Some 5,000
pieces of fossils have been discovered in this area so far.
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Pattaya to reap benefits as vaccine trial on volunteers show good signs
Much of the
hope are on the improvement in the tourism scale in which more international
tourists can be allowed back to Thailand. (File photo – a beer bar in Soi
Yamoto, Pattaya City)
Hopes have been raised by the United States
pharmaceutical company Pfizer’s announcement this week that its vaccine was
90 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 among trial volunteers. Much of
that are on the improvement in the tourism scale in which more international
tourists can be allowed back to Thailand. Pattaya, Phuket, Samui Island are
among the numerous destinations that are suffering from a sharp drop of
foreign tourists’ number since April this year. The positive results also
show signs of improvement in traveling businesses around the world such as
airlines, hotels, and package tours.
The Director of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI),
Dr. Nakorn Premsri, said that there is hope that the vaccine will soon be
available. The same type of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) is being
tested and developed by the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University.
The results from human trials can be compared. The first phase of human
trials will take place in January and February next year, and the second
phase will start after six or seven months.
Although Thailand and Pfizer have not worked together
recently, the country will ask for production data from the company by the
end of this month. The mRNA-based vaccine is safe, and the duration of
immunity will determine its effectiveness.
The positive
results also show good signs of improvement in traveling businesses around
the world such as airlines, hotels, and package tours.(File photo –Pattaya
beach on a sunny weekend)
Thailand is planning to administer the vaccine against
COVID-19 to 50 percent of the population. The first group is medical
personnel who are looking after COVID-19 patients. Morbidity and fatality
rates and other factors will be taken into consideration for other groups.
The issue is expected to be finalized this year, and it will be proposed to
the National Vaccine Committee for consideration. (NNT)
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Thailand-Cambodia border alert; entertainment venues, pubs and bars closed
Cambodian
Prime Minister Hun Sen announced the closure of entertainment venues, movie
theaters and museums throughout the country on Nov 9 to contain the
coronavirus disease 2019. (File Photo: Temple Pub - Siem Reap)
Officials intensified disease control operations at the
Aranyaprathet border checkpoint as three high-level officials in Cambodia
contracted the novel coronavirus.
The movement followed the Cambodian government’s order
to close nationwide entertainment venues, movie theaters and museums in the
wake of the three new cases.
Strict disease control became joint efforts of
immigration and local police, paramilitary rangers and disease control
officials in Aranyaprathet district.
They carefully checked the health of Cambodian vendors
who crossed the border to the Rong Kluea market in Aranyaprathet. The
visitors had their body temperatures checked and gave their information to
local officials.
Immigration police of the adjacent Cambodian town of
Poipet told Aranyaprathet officials that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen
announced the closure of entertainment places, movie theaters and museums
throughout the country on Nov 9 to contain the coronavirus disease 2019.
The announcement responded to the report of the three
new COVID-19 cases in Cambodia comprising Cambodian People’s Party Member of
Parliament Sous Yara, 47, Agriculture Ministry deputy secretary-general Sar
Chetra, 47, and an official of the Hungarian embassies in Cambodia and
Vietnam. The three cases were admitted to Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital
in Phnom Penh and Cambodian officials were reaching people in close contact
with them to try to contain the disease and prevent its second wave there.
Pol Col Arthit Yakaeo, Sa Kaeo immigration chief, said
that given the newly confirmed cases in Cambodia, officials in Aranyaprathet
had to carefully screen visitors and returnees from the neighboring country.
(TNA)
Pub Street
in Siem Reap (File Photo)
Angkor What?
Bar in Siem Reap (File Photo)
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Reopening Thailand to foreign tourists continues with the 14-day quarantine period
The
14-day quarantine period remains in place even though it will affect the
reopening plan for foreign tourists as the infections were still found
among incomers, and safety of the people is the top priority, said
Anutin. (Photo – a weekend in November on the beautiful beach of Pattaya
City)
Thailand’s mandatory quarantine period remains at
14 days, affirmed Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister
Anutin Charnvirakul.
Speaking about the case of the Hungarian foreign
minister, who tested positive for Covid-19 on arrival in Bangkok, Anutin
said it is expectable and the ministry has effective screening system.
It is likely that he had contracted the disease in the origin country.
Even though passengers are required to undergo
Covid19 testing and travel with Fit to Fly certificates, many test
positive for the virus during the quarantine.
The ministry will maintain the quarantine period at
14 days to allay concerns among the public, he added.
The authorities earlier discussed reduction of
quarantine period to 10 days for businesspeople and tourists from
low-risk countries.
Asked if the 14-day quarantine period will affect
the reopening plan for foreign tourists, the minister said it is
necessary to maintain it as the infections were found among foreign
arrivals.
The safety of the people is the top priority, he
added. (TNA)
Public
Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
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