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Chinese Embassy in Thailand delivers face masks to Ministry of Defense
(right) Gen
Natt Intracharoen, the permanent secretary for defense of Thailand, welcomes
(left) Maj Gen Wu Xiaoyi, the military attach of the Chinese embassy in
Thailand.
BANGKOK– Gen Natt Intracharoen, the permanent secretary
for defense of Thailand, welcomed Maj Gen Wu Xiaoyi, the military attach of
the Chinese embassy in Thailand, at the Office of the Permanent Secretary
for Defense in Bangkok.
Major Gen Wu Xiaoyi represented the embassy to donate
some N95 medical masks and disposable medical masks to Thailand’s Ministry
of Defense.
Gen Natt has thanked China for the generosity and
praised the close relationship between China and Thailand in many fields.
Meanwhile, Major Gen Wu Xiaoyi has thanked the Thai people for sending well
wishes and encouragement to the Chinese people. He also expressed his
admiration for Thailand’s success in handling COVID-19 situation, adding
that China is willing to enhance cooperation with Thailand for security in
every aspect. (NNT)
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Thai Government stresses ‘State Emergency Decree’ is needed
Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha.
BANGKOK - Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said public health was the
first priority when the government decided on disease control measures as
the imposition of the executive decree on public administration in emergency
situations is extended.
Gen Prayut in his capacity as the director of the
Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said he was thankful
that all parties cooperated with measures to control the coronavirus disease
2019 (COVID-19) and consequently Thailand proved to effectively curb it.
He also said that it would take quite a long period for
the production of a vaccine for COVID-19.
The prime minister ordered CCSA to prioritize public health and maintain
strict measures and said that relevant officials would explain the necessity
of maintaining the state of emergency.
Defense forces chief Gen Pornpipat Benyasri who heads
CCSA’s security section said the imposition of the emergency decree would
continue because some people were defying the night-time curfew imposed to
control COVID-19 but curfew hours might be shortened.
The government planned four stages of business and
activity restoration and the reopening of schools would be at the last step.
Young students who still have to go to schools may be divided into groups of
20 and take turns to attend classes. International schools can reopen
sooner, on June 1, because they are ready to implement disease control
measures, according to CCSA. (TNA)
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Thai DPM launches reforestation project in Chiang Mai
The Deputy Prime Minister,
Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan.
CHIANG MAI - The Deputy Prime Minister, Gen.
Prawit Wongsuwan, together with people from various sectors, have
planted ironwood trees to help restore fire-ravaged forests in the
northern province of Chiang Mai.
At Doi Suthep forest area in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim
district, Gen. Prawit launched a project to encourage Thai people to
contribute to forest restoration by planting trees and increasing green
spaces. More than 300 people as well as representatives of government
agencies and private firms participated in the event by planting
ironwood trees in all 25 districts of Chiang Mai at the same time.
Seedlings were distributed to heads of government agencies to help
restore forest areas.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the tree growing
activity aims to encourage everyone to help conserve forest resources
and support all sectors in jointly restoring forest areas damaged by
wildfires earlier this year. (NNT)
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RTAF transports agricultural products between north and south Thailand
Transportation of these goods between the
northern and southern provinces is provided by the Royal Thai Air Force.
Farmers in Phayao and Phang Nga have been exchanging their produce to
benefit each other, during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Royal
Thai Air Force providing air cargo transport from one region to another.
In this produce exchange campaign, farmers in Phang Nga
who are clients of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC)
have air freighted a total of 3.84 tons of dried fish, shrimp paste, and
mangosteen worth 226,200 baht in exchange for 10 tons of rice paddy and
mangos worth 239,000 baht produced by members of Ban Rong San Agricultural
Cooperatives in Phayao.
Transportation of these goods between the northern and
southern provinces is provided by the Royal Thai Air Force, which carries
the regional cargo on its training flights for C-130 aircraft pilots.
The campaign encourages agricultural cooperatives to
help alleviate the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, promoting
self-sufficiency, helping each other, and creating business partnerships
between cooperatives.
The assistance of the Royal Thai Air Force complies
with the government’s policy of helping prevent an oversupply of farm
products during the present public health crisis. (NNT)
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Thailand reports 3 new Coronavirus cases, no deaths, 84 in treatment
Dr.
Taweesilp Wissanuyotin, spokesman of the Center for COVID-19 Situation
Administration.
Thailand reported three new coronavirus
cases and no deaths on Thursday, bringing the total number of in the country
to 3,037.
Dr. Taweesilp Wissanuyotin, spokesman of the Center for
COVID-19 Situation Administration, said in the news briefing on Thursday
that two of the new cases were found in Bangkok and Chaiyaphum, northeastern
Thailand.
The other was a Thai student returning from the
Philippines, he said, becoming the first returnee from the neighbouring
country to have confirmed coronavirus case.
Eighty-four COVID-19 patients remained in hospitals
while a total of 2,897 people had recovered from the disease, said Dr.
Taweesilp.
On Thursday, about 600
Thai citizens are returning from Australia, China, India and Vietnam,
according to the spokesman. (TNA)
Thailand Emergency Decree likely to be extended for another month
Thailand’s
state of emergency decree is likely to be extended for another month as
recommended by security agencies.
The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)
is expected to decide on Friday whether to extend the nation-wide state of
emergency that has been imposed since late March.
Headed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the CCSA on
Friday will consider a proposal by the National Security Council (NSC)
recommending a one-month extension of the emergency decree until the end of
June to control the outbreak.
NSC Secretary-general General Somsak Rungsita said the
Council on Thursday agreed that the emergency decree was still essential to
address the outbreak.
Representatives from public health, public health,
intelligence agencies as well as the private sector also attended the
meeting.
The recommendation was primarily based on public health
standpoint to ensure nation’s recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and prevent
a second wave of infections, he said.
With the emergency decree, the government would have
legal mechanisms to effectively carry out strict enforcement until the
pandemic subsided, General Somsak said.
Since Sunday, Thailand has eased business shutdowns in
the second phase of lockdown relaxation, allowing large businesses including
shopping malls to reopen.
But the state of emergency remained instrumental to
control the outbreak that could wreak havoc on people if the virus
infections surged, he said.
For the national curfew currently imposed between 11
pm-4 am until the end of May, the NSC would decide whether to lift or extend
it on May 27, according to the NSC Secretary-general.
General Somsak also insisted that the main reason for
the NSC to extend the emergency decree was to protect public health.
Government critics and the opposition have lashed out
that the government intended to declare state of emergency for political
gain and suppress anti-government movements.
“I can assure you that there is no politics involved in
the decision-making… it is for public health reason, not political,
whatsoever,” said General Somsak. (TNA)
NSC
Secretary-general General Somsak Rungsita.
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Thai students face difficulties with distance learning
The state
distance learning television (DLTV) and online classrooms were launched on
Monday.
Distance learning in Thailand has faced problems since
it was introduced on Monday as students have difficulties to adapt to the
new method and lack resources.
The state distance learning television (DLTV) and
online classrooms were launched on Monday when the 2020 academic semester
was supposed to begin. The Education Ministry postpones the date to July 1
due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But instead of tuning into online school programmes,
students use internet and devices to play games or watch other media.
MCOT reporters found students aged 5-10 in the
northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province gathered to play games on mobile
devices while their parents were away.
Without classroom environment, it is hard for them to
concentrate. Distance learning was not fun like in the classroom, so they
rather played games, the children told reporters.
The government has stressed that the distance learning
is not official academic programme but serves to deal with the long school
suspension and prepare students for the next semester.
Lacking internet-access or compatible devices is
another problem for students of poor families. Many families in Trang,
southern Thailand, have no computers, smart phones or internet. Some
children managed to find other families who can share TV sets while having
to compromise social-distancing guideline. (TNA)
Some
students have difficulties to adapt to the new method and lack the required
educational resources.
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Thailand obsolete phone booths converted into COVID-19 test kiosks
TOT has been making hundreds of “COVID Boxes”
from telephone booths.
SURIN – Many old public phone booths have been turned into COVID-19
test kiosks for hospitals in Surin, northeastern Thailand.
State telecom enterprise Telephone Organization of
Thailand (TOT) handed over 10 phone booths modified into “COVID Boxes” to
five hospitals in the northeastern province on Thursday.
These are among the first batch of "COVID Boxes" to be
deployed at five hospitals as more are being delivered to others.
TOT has been making hundreds of “COVID Boxes” from
telephone booths to help address the shortage of personal protective
equipment (PPE) and reduce infection risk among healthcare workers across
the country.
The units have two circular holes on the side for
healthcare workers to insert their hands and collect samples from people.
The cubicles are equipped with fan and filter to prevent aerosol from
entering the compartment. (TNA)
Healthcare workers can collect samples from
people without any contact.
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Thailand reports two new Covid-19 cases, schools to begin on July 1
The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration
spokesman, Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin.
The Center for Covid-19 Situation
Administration (CCSA) reported two new Covid-19 cases, raising the total
cases to 3,033.
Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, CCSA spokesman said the total
recovery cases were recorded at 2,857 and 120 patients are being treated in
hospitals. The death toll remains at 56.
The two new cases include a 36-year-old woman and a
45-year-old man, a daughter and a son-in-law of a previous patient in
Narathiwat.
He said repatriation flights were bringing Thai people
home from the Netherlands, France, Japan, China and the U.S. today and
tomorrow, 58 Thai exchange students will return home from Argentina, Uruguay
and Brazil. All returnees will be placed under state quarantine.
Since April 3 – May 18, 21,453 people arriving from
other countries have been quarantined. Out of all, the total of 100 people
tested positive to Covid-19 and 22 cases are being treated in hospitals
while 78 others fully recovered.
Speaking about the global situations, he said in
France, 70 coronavirus cases had been diagnosed in one week after primary
and nursery schools reopened.
Seven schools in northern France are closed again.
The spokesman said as Thailand’s next school year is
postponed to begin on July 1 due to Covid-19 and many schools are offering
online classes. Thailand has to learn a lesson from other countries in
gradually lifting the lockdown. (TNA)
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Thailand ‘Online Learning Platform’ is only on trial run
Amnat Wichayanuwat,
Secretary-General of the
Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC).
The state distance learning
television (DLTV) and online classrooms are on trial run to prepare students
at all levels before the new semester starts in July, said Amnat
Wichayanuwat,
Secretary-General of the
Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC).
DLTV programmes via satellite television and online
teaching has been improved on the second day with more stable signals on all
15 channels, he said.
He reiterated that distance learning platform and
online classrooms are supplementary learning platforms and testing the
system before the new school semester reopens on June 1.
School reopening was postponed from May 18 for fear of
the virus transmission in schools.
OBEC will review all problems during the trial for
improvement, he said. Parents can discuss the obstacles of online learning
with schools directly to solve the problems.
Any house, having many children but only one television
can have their children watch the re-run programmes.
Home learning is not mandatory but it will allow
students to review their subjects and spend their time wisely, he added.
Each school can add new contents or lessons apart from
the DLTV curriculum during school closure to control the Covid-19 outbreak.
(TNA)
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Thai Airways International to seek restructuring via Bankruptcy Court
,
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his cabinet
on Tuesday agreed to the plan for THAI to start restructuring process in the
court.
Thai Airways International Plc will seek restructuring via a bankruptcy
court after the Cabinet approved a rehabilitation plan for the troubled
state enterprise.
The Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Prayut
Chan-o-cha on Tuesday agreed to the plan proposed by the state enterprise
policy committee, paving the way for THAI to start restructuring process in
the court.
The national flag carrier which is majority owned by
the Finance Ministry has outstanding debt of about 92 billion baht. It has
been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic after all international flights have been
banned.
Prayut said there were three options for THAI;
receiving help from the government, going bankrupt and restructuring. His
government viewed the last option was the best in the hope that THAI would
be stronger under the rehabilitation plan.
The first option was to repeat past actions and would
cost taxpayers’ money which was not the right way especially considering the
COVID-19 crisis, he said.
Thai Airways International should be an organisation
that promotes the country’s reputation and generate income for Thai people,
Prayut said.
The government would report details of the
restructuring steps after the ruling by the court, said the Prime Minister.
(TNA)
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Thailand to solve turbid and smelly water conditions in northeast
Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit
Wongsuwon.
At the Command Building I, Government
House, Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon chaired the 2/2020
meeting of the sub-committee for steering of water resource management, gist
of which is as follows:
The meeting acknowledged the summary
report on water resource management for 2019/2020 dry season which
prescribes estimation of water budget volume, forecast and identification of
areas at risk of water shortage, 2019/2020 dry season harvesting and
cropping, solutions to related problems, and relief measures, as well as
forecast on rainfall, land and mudslide, etc.
The meeting also approved in principle
the plan for water allocation and 2020 wet season harvesting, and enjoined
concerned agency to adjust water usage to be in relevance with water budget
volume. The plan will be resubmitted to the sub-committee before being
forwarded to National Water Resources Board and, later, the cabinet for
approval.
The Deputy Prime Minister ordered
concerned agencies, i.e., Office of National Water Resource, and local
administrations, to promptly provide assistance to the people, especially in
the Northeast, who have been troubled by turbid and smelly water condition,
and to keep local people informed of what have been done. In entering the
‘new normal’ lifestyle, both public and private sectors have to work
together on water management in a bid to seek solutions to all water-related
problems and for everyone to be provided with adequate consumption water. -
May 18, 2020. (Thaigov.go.th)
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No fights and love scenes allowed while filming Thai movies
Movie and video producers are allowed to resume
their business but must refrain from fight and love scenes to help control
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The Ministry of Culture announced that movie and video producers can resume
their business but must refrain from fight and love scenes to help control
the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The ministry convened the operators through about 50 professional
associations and TV channels to discuss the matter as the Center for
COVID-19 Situation Administration on May 17 allowed video and movie
production with each crew consisting of no more than 50 members and without
a spectator.
Yupha Taveewattanakitborvon, deputy permanent secretary for culture, said
all film crews must check body temperatures, screen out irrelevant people,
use the Thai Chana application to check in and check out at their production
sites and wear face masks. Besides, people must be 1.5-2 meters apart, have
hand wash locations, sanitize equipment, use food box sets and eat apart
from one another.
Dressing rooms and makeup rooms must be separated and well ventilated. Each
makeup artist and hairdresser will serve a few people only. Cosmetics and
makeup tools must be used personally. Scenes that require physical contacts
such as fight and love scenes are banned to prevent disease transmission.
Imported film crews are also prohibited.
Ms Yupha said that culture officials would randomly check film crews and the
crews that failed to follow disease control measures will be ordered to
stop. Some film crews resumed their production and failed to wear face
masks, she said. (TNA)
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Thailand inter-provincial bus services to resume on 18 May and 1 June
The
Transport Co., Ltd. has announced the resumption of inter-provincial bus
services on the Northern, Northeastern and Eastern routes from 18 May.
The Transport Co., Ltd. has announced
the resumption of inter-provincial bus services on the Northern,
Northeastern and Eastern routes from 18 May, after more than a month of
suspension due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.
The resumption of bus services to the North will be on
seven routes: Bangkok-Chiang Mai, Bangkok-Chiang Rai, Bangkok-Uttaradit,
Bangkok- Sukhothai’s Sarachit, Bangkok-Tak’s Mae Sot, Bangkok-Phetchabun’s
Lom Kao, and Bangkok- Kamphaeng Phet’s Khlong Lan.
On the Northeastern and Eastern routes, there will be
resumption of bus services on nine routes: Bangkok- Nong Bua Lam Phu,
Bangkok-Sakhon Nakhon, Bangkok-Loei’s Chiang Khan, Bangkok-Surin, Bangkok-Buri
Ram, Bangkok-Si Sa Ket’s Kantharalak, Bangkok-Si Sa Ket, Bangkok-Surin’s
Rattanaburi, and Bangkok-Chanthaburi.
Services on the Southern routes will resume from 1
June, and will include three routes: Bangkok-Surat Thani’s Ko Samui,
Bangkok-Phuket, and Bangkok-Trang.
For health and safety, all staff are instructed to
strictly adhere to personal health routines and undergo fever screening
before work and wear a surgical or cloth mask at all times while on duty.
All buses must be sanitized and disinfected regularly and must be left under
the sun after services for at least 1-2 hours every day.
Social distancing measures are applied on all buses and
at every station, with specific points for standing and sitting assigned at
one metre distance.
Fever screening of passengers is applied at every train
station, and passengers with a body temperature higher than 37.5 degree
Celsius will be denied from boarding the bus.
Passengers are required to wear a surgical or cloth
mask throughout the journey, and those on inter-provincial travel are
required to provide personal information to allow officials to keep track of
them for medical checks.
For more information, please contact The Transport Co.,
Ltd. Call Centre 1490 (24 hours), or visit the website:
www.transport.co.th,
or follow the Facebook Page:
borkorsor99.
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in Thailand
%20situation%20in%20Thailand.jpg)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in Thailand as of 17 May 2020,
11.30 Hrs.
‘Thai Chana’ application open for registration
Dr. Polawat Witoolkollachit, M.D., Inspector
General at Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.
Dr. Polawat Witoolkollachit, M.D., Inspector General at Ministry of Digital
Economy and Society, spoke about the launch of ‘Thai Chana’ (Thailand
Wins) application as part of the preparation for the 2nd phase of easing
COVID-19 lockdown. Gist is as follows:
According to the Inspector General to Ministry of
Digital Economy and Society, one of the five key principles emphasized by
CCSA Spokesperson, in preparation for the 2nd phase of easing COVID-19
lockdown, is to be able to track and record the number of customers/clients.
The mobile application “Thai Chana” has been developed
to serve the purpose. Shop owners must register themselves on website to
obtain QR Code which will be scanned by customers/clients during their check
in and check out. The people who log into the system will be aware of the
number of customers currently using the service, based on which they may
decide to stay on or leave. They are also able to rate the service of that
particular shop during check out.
In addition, the Department of Disease Control would
also be able to track down PUIs via the phone number they have registered
with. Those who are contacted will undergo COVID-19 testing free of charge.
Their personal information will also be kept confidential as Thai Chana
application is a closed system and is inaccessible by outsiders.
The Inspector General to Ministry of Digital Economy
and Society added that both small and large businesses, even a roadside food
vendor, are able to register with Thai Chana application which will spare
them from manually recording service usage data.
It is the responsibility of shop owners to make sure
that all customers check in and check out in a bid to prevent the 2nd wave
of disease spread. Registration via website will be opened in the afternoon
today (May 15). Technical difficulty might be encountered once the system is
launched but the Inspector General to Ministry of Digital Economy and
Society emphasized that the most important thing is for Thailand to stay
safe while moving forward to the next phase.
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Temples and monks in Thailand to receive COVID-19 relief budget
Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s
Office, Tewan Liptapallop.
BANGKOK - Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Tewan
Liptapallop, has ordered the National Office of Buddhism to survey issues
faced by temples across the country as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in
order to allocate relief budget accordingly.
As a Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office,
Tewan Liptapallop said the National Office of Buddhism is gathering input
from some 300,000 Buddhist monks and 40,000 temples, on disruptions and
afflictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Initial surveys show most of the temples are
self-sustainable, however some temples are in need of financial support to
pay for utility bills, as fewer people are donating cash and giving alms.
In southern border provinces, Buddhist monks are now
receiving 100 baht per person daily compensation, as the provinces are
considered at-risk areas.
The Minister said a concrete assistance plan for other
provinces will be determined after the completion of a survey, adding that
there is currently no serious talk about the measures, and any conclusion
will need Cabinet’s approval. (NNT)
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Distance learning system to be tested on May 18 in Thailand
The Distance Learning Foundation is helping the
Ministry of Education set up distance learning and teaching programs via the
digital television system.
BANGKOK- With children having to study from home due to the
coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic, the Distance Learning Foundation is
helping the Ministry of Education set up distance learning and teaching
programs via the digital television system, after the National Broadcasting
and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) agreed to allow students to access
education through 17 TV channels.
Privy Councilor, Gen. Dapong Ratanasuwan, in his
capacity as executive chairman of the Distance Learning Foundation, said
today that his foundation will provide educational courses from kindergarten
to junior high school level, and the Ministry of Education will schedule
classes on 12 channels. Three other channels will provide education to
students between 10th and 12th grades, with all courses to be provided by
the ministry. The remaining two channels will offer vocational education as
well as non-formal and informal education.
The Education Minister, Nataphol Teepsuwan, mentioned
that schools will reopen, after the COVID-19 situation is resolved. Social
distancing will remain in effect initially, and students may have to take
turns attending school and continue studying from educational TV channels.
In normal times, distance learning requires a satellite
receiver. In the next six months, students will be able to access distance
learning programs on digital TV channels 37 to 53. The Ministry of Education
will test the system on May 18 this year, and will start operating on July
1. To watch these channels, people can simply unplug their digital set-top
TV box to enable automatic updates.(NNT)
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Chiang Mai frontline health workers and volunteers the ‘true heroes’
Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul
(center).
BANGKOK- The Minister of Public Health has visited Chiang Mai to meet
with frontline medical workers and health volunteers, while a hospital in
Narathiwat has discharged recovered COVID-19 patients amid applause from
doctors and nurses.
Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul, visited
San Pa Tong district in Chiang Mai, where he met with village health
volunteers working on the frontline in the fight against COVID-19.
The Health Minister delivered relief bags to volunteer
representatives from San Pa Tong, Mae Wang, Doi Lo, and Chom Thong
districts. He also delivered PPE clothes and alcohol gel to representatives
of San Pa Tong, Mae Wang, Doi Lo, and Chom Thong hospitals.
San Pa Tong district has so far reported no cases of
COVID-19. The district has been complying with the government’s and the
province’s measures, receiving good cooperation from local administrations,
the private sector, and villagers.
In Narathiwat, Vice Governor PairojJarit-ngam, along
with doctors and nurses of Narathiwat Ratchanakharin Hospital, sent off
recovered COVID-19 patients with applause, cheers, and banners reading "We
must win," and "We will pass through this together."
Narathiwat Ratchanakharin Hospital Director Dr Wichai
Wichianwattanachai, said today that the hospital is pleased to have provided
successful treatment to the patients, however the patients should continue
to take care of their pre-existing diseases.
He said newer methods are needed to treat COVID-19,
with a special focus on the quality of treatment, and safety of medical
staff. Recovered patients who have been discharged can reintegrate into
their communities safely, with regular follow-ups by local healthcare
networks. (NNT)
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Dental clinic COVID-19 guidance for urgent patients in Thailand
Patients
must make an advance appointment and prepare themselves accordingly before
visiting.
BANGKOK- The Ministry of Public
Health is advising dental clinics to defer elective, non-urgent dental
treatment, while patients in need of urgent care because of acute tooth and
gum pain that can’t be solved through medication, or mouth bleeds, can be
treated with precautionary measures being taken.
The Department of Medical Services Deputy Director
General, Dr Nutthapong Wongwiwat said that dental clinics run by the
Ministry of Public Heath’s agencies will continue to provide services in
urgent cases, such as tooth or gum inflammation and pain that cannot be
solved through painkillers or antibiotics, repairs to broken or dislocated
dental hardware, crowns, or implants that may cause oral cuts, and mouth
bleeds.
Services will be provided for continual appointments
such as root canal treatment and cavity filling. Patients must make an
advance appointment and prepare themselves accordingly before visiting,
including filling out a COVID-19 risk assessment questionnaire by Rajavithi
Hospital on
https://covid19.rajavithi.go.th/test/th_index.php.
Patients who are considered at risk based on the
questionnaire must postpone their appointment, and instead visit a flu
clinic at any hospital for further screening and testing for COVID-19.
Appointments for non-urgent, elective procedures such as scaling and
cosmetic dentistry should be deferred.
This new guidance is applicable to all dental clinics
under the Ministry of Public Health. (NNT)
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Thailand’s handicraft market on e-commerce channel
The SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Center
of Thailand (SACICT) Director, Pornphon Akathaporn.
BANGKOK- As running a business will be different from what it was
before the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the SUPPORT Arts and
Crafts International Center of Thailand (SACICT) plans to restructure and
modernize its handicraft organization, while helping communities adapt to
the digital economy and use e-commerce to expand their markets.
The SACICT Director, Pornphon Akathaporn, said that
Thailand’s handicraft exports contracted 66.79 percent year-on-year,
totaling 63.84 billion baht, in the first quarter of this year, mainly due
to the COVID-19 pandemic. The current situation has made consumers more
cautious about their spending. The center has assisted more than 200
handicraft producers in different communities by using available raw
materials to produce face masks. Each household is now able to generate a
monthly income of 8,000 to 12,000 baht.
The SACICT Director said the COVID-19 situation can
potentially expand the country’s handicraft business, as more people are
staying home and they have shown interest in handicraft work. Thai
handicraft products will still be exported to other countries, particularly
those in Europe. However, handicraft producers will have to rely more on the
domestic market to help compensate for a decline in exports. Their products
will be sold on e-commerce platforms, while entrepreneurs will become more
competitive and create Smart Craft SMEs .(NNT)
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2 Cambodians, 6 Thais arrested for illegal logging
Two Cambodians and six Thai workers were
arrested for illegal logging.
SI SA KET – Two Cambodians and six Thai workers
have been arrested for illegal logging after removing a large Siamese
rosewood tree in a wildlife sanctuary in the northeastern Si Sa Ket
province.Huai Sala Wildlife Sanctuary officers said the suspects, instead of
chopping down the 20-meter tall tree, used transplanting method to remove
the whole high-value tree.
They apparently tried to deceive law enforcement that
the protected tree was for replanting, the rangers said. One of the
Cambodian men confessed of hiring the Thai men for 200,00 baht to remove and
deliver the tree.
The value of the Siamese rosewood tree is estimated at
2.3 million baht. (TNA)
A Siamese rosewood tree in the Huai Sala
Wildlife Sanctuary.
Thailand’s Tourism Min. offers free meals to communities in Bangkok
Tourism and Sports Minister Pipat
Ratchakitprakan is cooking fried chicken with rice for lunch sets to give to
people in Bangkok.
BANGKOK- The Ministry of Tourism and Sports
offers free meals to people affected by the outbreak of the novel
coronavirus.
Tourism and Sports Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakan on
Thursday prepared fried chicken with rice for lunch sets in the programme
aimed to help people in eight communities in Bangkok.
Along with 4,000 lunch sets, the Ministry also handed
out over 500 kilogrammes of rice and nearly 1,000 bottles of drinking water.
Volunteers from educational institutions joined hands
in this programme to show their empathy for others, the Minister said. (TNA)
Thai-Chinese officials hold video conference on Covid-19
Thai Defense
Ministry officials and their Chinese counterparts exchange their experiences
in prevention and mitigation of COVID-19 via video conference.
BANGKOK - Ministry officials, representatives of
military units and public health agencies attended the meeting at the
Defense Ministry on Thursday.
Spokesman of the Defense Ministry Lt General Kongcheep
Tatrawanich said the two sides discussed and shared knowledge about best
practice for containing the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The attending agencies learned valuable inputs from
China that could be applied to the fight against the virus and prevent a
second wave virus outbreak in Thailand, he said.
Other topics of discussion included the military role
in humanitarian operations, state quarantine and resource management in
crisis, the spokesman said. (TNA)
Chiang Mai praised for medical treatment, people’s cooperation
Public
Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
CHIANG MAI - Public Health
Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the northern province to give moral
support to medical personnel and local people who successfully treated the
patients of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
He went to San Kamphaeng Hospital in San Kamphaeng
district where he expressed his gratitude towards medical personnel and
local people who contributed to the treatment of 13 COVID-19 patients in the
past 34 days. The last patient recovered and was discharged from the
hospital on May 1.
“Cooperation from Chiang Mai people allows the province
to cope well with the disease outbreak. Chiang Mai has not recorded a new
COVID case for about a month,” Mr Anutin said.
He said that public participation would be a main
factor for the extent of the second-phase relaxation of disease control
measures.
“Strictly keep distances from each other. Those who can
work from home should continue to do so until there is a vaccine so that the
situation will improve. I believe that Thailand already passed the first
round of the disease spread. If there is the second round, Thailand will be
able to cope with the knowledge it has gained,” Mr Anutin said. (TNA)
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Thailand reports zero new cases as Govt. mulls second phase for easing restrictions
Grand Palace, Bangkok (File Photo)
No new infections of COVID-19 reported in Thailand on
Wednesday, the first time since the pandemic began to spread in the country,
and no new deaths.
Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand
(TAT) is pleased to provide the latest update that there were no new
infections of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) reported in Thailand
on Wednesday May 13, marking the first time since the pandemic began to
spread in the country.
The zero new cases kept the total to 3,017. Of these,
94.26% (2,844) have recovered, 1.85% (56) have died – no new deaths, and
3.87% (117) are receiving treatment.
According to Dr. Taweesilp Visanuyothin, Spokesperson
for the Centre for the COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), 4 May was
actually the first day when Thailand did not have a new case of local
infection because the 18 cases found on that day came from quarantine
facilities. However, the no-case announcement on Wednesday makes the
zero-case status official.
Dr. Taweesilp added that the positive numbers were the
results of cooperation from everyone who has contributed to disease control
measures, noting that Thailand had seen improvements on the COVID-19
situation since the reopening of business started on 3 May.
Wednesday’s zero new cases came as the CCSA unveiled a
draft of the second phase for easing restrictions, in which more businesses
would be allowed to reopen after 17 May. The CCSA is scheduled to meet again
on Friday to reveal the full list.
Businesses and activities that are likely to be allowed
to resume operations as part of the second phase of relaxation are
categorized in three groups.
Group one – Economic and leisure activities – includes
restaurants, food courts, cafeterias and eateries in office buildings,
community malls and shopping malls except cinemas, fitness centres, bowling
alleys, amusement parks, exhibition halls and amulet trading shops, retail
and wholesale shops. Beauty salons will be allowed to resume offering
hair-curling and dyeing services, as well as manicure and pedicure services.
Group two – Sports and health – includes beauty clinics
and weight-loss clinics, outdoor stadiums for team sports but no spectators
allowed, botanical gardens, museums, galleries, public libraries, Thai food
massage parlours.
Group three – Others – meetings (limited number of
participants), television programmes/advertisement/photo shoots (five people
maximum).
TAT would like to remind all to continue to adhere to
health and safety routines to protect themselves as well as others from the
COVID-19 infection. These include keeping social distance, wearing a mask or
cloth mask, and frequently washing hands. Avoid close contact with other
persons, no hugging, especially with vulnerable groups like the elderly, or
those who have underlying conditions because it can increase the infection
rate and potentially lead to severe disease more easily than in other
groups.
People can greet via a Wai (Thai greeting) from a
distance of 1 or 2 metres. When staying together, people must wear masks,
use personal utensils or serving spoons, or eat a la carte servings to
protect themselves and loved ones from getting the disease.
(tatnews.org)
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Udon Thani Governor redeems working tools from pawn shop, return to people
The
Governor of UdonThani Nirat Pongsittitaworn (center) has redeemed pawned
items that were mostly work tools and gave them back to the local owners for
use making a living.
At Udondusadee pawnshop, in Mak Khaeng
subdistrict, Udon Thani province, Nirat Pongsittitaworn the governor,
together with the UdonThani Chinese Merchants’ Association redeemed pawned
items at a cost of almost two hundred thousand baht. The items were mostly
work-related tools belonging to the 193 people who had pawned the items. The
mass redemption brought great happiness to the owners of the items. They
very much appreciated the help of the governor and his associates. They
promised to use the tools to do paying jobs to support their families.
The pawnshop owner also donated forty thousand baht to
provincial support, exempted interest payments on the redeemed items, and
provided cloth masks and hand sanitizers to the items’ owners. (NNT)
Thais adapt to ‘New Normal’ at Chiang Mai market
New Normal Market opened with social distancing
measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Chiang Mai.
As people and businesses are now adapting to the New Normal, a market at
Chiang Mai University has opened the "New Normal Market" with social
distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, while providing free
retail space for vendors affected by the pandemic.
Chiang Mai University’s Kad Angkaew market opens on
Wednesday with the New Normal measures, where all visitors must clean their
hands have their temperature taken upon entry.
Everyone is required to wear a face mask, while the
market is limiting the capacity to no more than 200 people at a time.
Shoppers and vendors are encouraged to make and receive payments online
using their mobile phone, to avoid using cash.
The newly opened Kad Angkaew market is located inside
Chiang Mai University campus. It is offering 50 retail spaces for
pre-registered vendors, affected by the pandemic, to sell their food and
goods. Free haircuts by volunteers are also available here.
Kad Angkaew market opens from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekends until 31 May. (NNT)
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Thai organizations donate supplies for medical workers
Many businesses and organizations are continuing
to donate medical supplies to hospitals and various provinces, supporting
the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
BANGKOK- At Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital in Chonburi, the Mayor of
Laem Chabang Municipality, Jinda Thanomrod today delivered a ventilator
worth 550,000 baht donated by the Thanomrod family.
Ventilators are a crucial device used to save the lives
of critical patients in ICU. They help improve the effectiveness of
treatment and support the medical team.
Meanwhile, the Electricity Generating Authority of
Thailand (EGAT) and PTT have delivered 16,800 liters of 70 percent isopropyl
alcohol to Sakhon Nakhon province, as part of the aid campaign in the fight
against the COVID-19 virus by the energy sector.
The alcohol will be distributed to small hospitals,
ensuring no shortage of this crucial disinfectant. Sakhon Nakhon province
will distribute the alcohol donated to sub-district health promotion
hospitals in the province.
One of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is an
excessive amount of waste, particularly used face masks. In Ubon Ratchathani,
the provincial natural resources and environment office has placed special
trash bins for the disposal of used face masks at the provincial hall.
The used face masks are then properly destroyed by
Warin Chamrap City Municipality, according to guidelines from the Ministry
of Public Health, in order to minimize infection risks and the environmental
impact. (NNT)
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Thais’ lifestyles change towards ‘New Normal’ in Smart Cities
Deputy Prime Minister, Gen Prawit Wongsuwan.
BANGKOK - Deputy Prime Minsiter Gen Prawit has urged Smart City
projects to support New Normal lifestyles after the COVID-19 pandemic,
promoting equality, inclusivity, health, safety, and sustainability.
Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan has chaired
the first National Smart City Steering Committee this year at Government
House, where he acknowledged the appointment of committee members, and
development progress in 2018-2019.
The committee has acknowledged candidates for three
model Smart City development projects, and one Smart Urban City development
project, namely Phaholyothin Transportation Center in Bangkok, the Eastern
Economic Corridor in Chonburi, Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate in Chonburi,
and Phuket City.
The committee has approved the appointment of the
Minister of a Digital Economy and Society as the chair of the Project
Management Committee, and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society’s
Permanent Secretary as the national representative of the ASEAN Smart City
Network’s meeting this year in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Gen Prawit urged the committee to urgently push forward
smart city developments to promote development, yield benefits to the
general public, promote equality and improve quality of life. The
development must facilitate New Normal lifestyles emerging from COVID-19
pandemic, in line with the Thailand 4.0 model and the 20-year national
strategy.
He also urged the Ministry of a Digital Economy and
Society and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pursue ASEAN-related projects
planned for this year, expecting concrete outcomes. (NNT)
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PM Prayut satisfied with zero-case day in Thailand
Prime Minister, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha.
BANGKOK- As Thailand has reported no new cases of the coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Wednesday, the Prime Minister and Defense
Minister, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, has expressed satisfaction and thanked all
sides for their cooperation.
The Prime Minister said he was happy with the zero-case
achievement of the country and would like to thank everyone for their full
cooperation in helping limit the virus’s spread. However, he urged people to
maintain discipline and continue to follow all public health measures.
The Prime Minister also warned people of all
professions to remain cautious, after some lockdown restrictions have been
lifted. He said people should exercise patience, wear face masks at all
times, practice social distancing and proper hygiene and take care of their
physical health. He instructed officials to screen people, including
vulnerable groups and those in at-risk areas, for COVID-19 symptoms.
Reopened businesses have guidelines to follow to prevent a resurgence in new
cases. (NNT)
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Bangkok guards against ‘Dengue Fever’, new spread fear in Thailand
Permanent
Secretary for BMA, Silapasuai Rawisaengsun.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
(BMA) has put in place preventive measures against dengue fever in the rainy
season as dengue fever shares similar symptoms to COVID-19.
Permanent Secretary for BMA, Silapasuai Rawisaengsun
said Thailand is entering the rainy season.
She warned people to eradicate stagnant water, an ideal
mosquito breeding ground. According to the statistics of the BMA-run
hospitals, 1,295 dengue patients were recorded from Jan 1- April 20.
The largest number of patients or 446 cases was in the
aged group between 25-29 years.
She assigned the BMA’s medical service department and
health department and district offices to launch public relations campaign
to control dengue outbreaks in communities.
Anyone who has flu-like symptoms should wear masks. If
they take fever-reducing medicines and the conditions do not improve in two
days, they should see the doctor.
Moreover, the authorities will also focus on medical
and public health readiness as the Covid-19 situation continues and both
diseases share some common early symptoms. Patients with critical symptoms
can seek testing at the BMA hospitals immediately, she said. (TNA)
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Thai doctors concern relaxed measures may cause 2nd wave of infection
The Center
for COVID-19 Situation Administration spokesperson, Dr. Taweesin
Visanuyothin.
BANGKOK - The Center for
COVID-19 Situation Administration or CCSA has admitted that there are
concerns about the possibility of a second wave of a COVID-19 viral
outbreak. However the authority has resolved to do its best.
Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, as CCSA spokesperson
expressed the CCSA’s concerns about a further relaxation of measures that
may lead to a second outbreak. The spokesperson said the authority has been
evaluating collected information and surveys since the first phase of
relaxation, and assured the public that the CCSA will work with care to
prevent renewed infections in the future.
As for the second phase of relaxed measures, a
misunderstanding has been identified concerning television program
production that could be limited to five people in total. The spokesperson
said it was only a draft that will need to be addressed. The public sector
can send advice to CCSA.
CCSA also appreciated the “SHARING PANTRIES” scheme
initiated by members of the public sector to encourage sharing of
commodities with other virus lockdown subjects. To maintain the benefits of
such a good project, citizens should maintain social distancing and spaced
queueing. And most importantly, take just enough and leave some for
others.(NNT)
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Thailand’s north, northeast affected by summer storms, Durian trees in Chantaburi damaged
Provinces in
north and northeast of Thailand were affected by summer storms on Tuesday
and will continue within this week.
BANGKOK - Summer storms have
affected many parts of the country. Agricultural plots and residences are
among the most damaged. In Chantaburi province, valuable durian trees were
felled causing hundreds of thousands of baht in damage, while a number of
houses were struck by falling trees.
At Pong Nam Ron district in Chantuburi province, summer
storms with strong winds caused broken trees and branches to fall on the
grocery store of Mrs. Worawan Phankaen.
Fortunately, no one was hurt. Villagers and officials got together to
cut up the tree branches that fell on her house and attended to the damage.
In nearby areas, storms uprooted many fruit bearing
trees especially costly produce such as durians and longans. Durian that was
almost ready to be harvested were damaged, resulting in losses of hundreds
of thousands of baht.
Meanwhile the Department of Disaster Prevention and
Mitigation reported that 11 provinces: Phayao, Nan, Lampang, Lamphun, Bueng
kan, Nakhon Phanom, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Surin, Srisaket, and Nakhon
Ratchasima, accounting for 318 villages or 1,864 houses were all badly
affected by the storms. The department, along with provincial and military
units, has already provided aid and housing reconstruction assistance to
those who suffered most in the disaster. (NNT)
In
Chantaburi province, valuable durian trees were felled causing hundreds of
thousands of baht in damage.
A house in
Chantaburi was struck by falling trees.
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Thais in Cambodia slow to returnn
Thailand-Cambodia border in Sa Kaeo.
SA KAEO - Since the opening of border crossings allowing Thai
nationals to return from neighbouring countries, only 216 Thai nationals
have returned across the Thailand-Cambodia border in Sa Kaeo, a small number
compared to the number of Thai nationals currently in Cambodia.
At Ban Klong Luek Border Crossing in Aranyaprathet
district, Sa Kaeo province, the 216 Thai nationals returned from Cambodia
between 18th April and 11th May.
The 134 men and 82 women are now completing their
14-day quarantine at a hotel in Aranyaprathet district, arranged by Sa Kaeo
province.
The number of returned Thai nationals at this point is
very low compared to the number of Thai nationals currently in Cambodia,
especially in big cities like Poi Pet. It’s believed that most of them are
unable to obtain an embassy document or the medical certificate required for
their return. (NNT)
Relaxed measures at restaurants observed in Thailand
Officials in Sisaket visited floating
restaurants on the Mun river to emphasize the regulations among the owners
and customers.
BANGKOK - Before beginning the second phase relaxation of COVID-19
measures, provincial authorities have sent officials to survey activities
permitted in the first phase. For example, in Sisaket, officials visited
floating restaurants on the Mun river to see if the owners and customers
were observing the regulations.
The survey also includes convenience stores,
construction accessories stores, sports’ stadiums, and barber shops. The
authorities in Samut Sakhon visited such locations in Mueng and Kratumban
districts and suggested the owners need to improve some weak points in
disease prevention procedures. The provincial administration also urged the
public to follow the measures closely, especially food vendors who have a
very high chance of spreading the virus and must therefore wear gloves and
change them regularly as well as maintain the required space between
customers.
The authorities will visit the district of Bangphaeo
and send the survey results to the government for inclusion in the
consideration of the second phase relaxation of regulations.
Meanwhile at Kusod subdistrict in Sisaket Province,
units from several authorities inspected floating restaurants on the Mun
river. The units found that both restaurants and customers were following
the regulations well and understood the necessity to retain some measures
such as the ban on alcoholic drinks in restaurants. (NNT)
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Thai Cabinet names 4th December ‘Day of Unity’
A Deputy
Government Spokesperson, Trisulee Trisaranakul.
BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet has
named 4th December of every year, the Day of Unity, in line with the royal
initiative of His Majesty the late King Rama IX. The day is however not a
public holiday.
A Deputy Government Spokesperson, Trisulee Trisaranakul
said on Tuesday the Cabinet has declared 4th December of every year, the Day
of Unity, making it an important day for the country but not a national
holiday.
The naming of this special day is aimed at promoting
the importance and value of unity, encouraging members of the general public
to treat each other with respect and know their roles in promoting the
prosperity of the united nation.
The Day of Unity was first mentioned in a royal speech
by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on 4th December 1991. The day will
now be observed a day before the National Day on 5th December.
The declaration of the Day of Unity also shows respect
for and appreciation of the monarchy, which has long been an important
institution that takes care of the people, and promotes the sense of
personal sacrifice, love, and unity.
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Thai PM to announce the second phase of easing COVID-19 restrictions on Friday
Prime
Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
BANGKOK - The Cabinet ministers
on Tuesday resumed their weekly meeting at Government House for the first
time since last month, with the plan to ease COVID-19 lockdown on top of the
agenda.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha chaired the meeting of
all ministers at Government House after holding teleconferences in the past
weeks.
The ministers acknowledged the latest COVID-19 data and
the progress of COVID-19 relief packages for informal workers and farmers.
Gen Prayut told reporters after the meeting that the
government’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) planned to
inspect business operations in order to complete a guideline for the next
phase of lockdown easing.
He encouraged the people to heed restrictions and
guidelines set by the CCSA while assuring that all disease control orders
would be most suitable for the situation.
The CCSA on Monday said it would announce the second
phase of easing COVID-19 restrictions on Friday. The first phase, which
began on May 3, allows some business and recreational activities to resume.
The next phase will see others such as shopping malls reopened. (TNA)
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China sends medical supplies, relief aid to Thailand
The
shipment delivered by a Chinese military aircraft to Thailand arrived a tan
airbase in Bangkok.
BANGKOK- China has sent medical equipment and
relief aid to Thailand to bolster the country’s fight against the COVID-19
pandemic.
Yang Xin, Chargé d'affairs of the Chinese Embassy to
Thailand, handed over the shipment delivered by a Chinese military aircraft
to Deputy Defense Minister of Thailand General Chaichan Changmongkol atan
airbase in Bangkok on Tuesday.
The 30-million-bath worth of supplies included, among
others, ventilators, infrared temperature monitors, PCR-19 kits, medical
masks and protective suits, according to spokesman of the Defence Ministry
Lt General Kongcheep Tantrawanich.
He said the supplies would be used for COVID-19
treatments as well as to improve safety of medical personnel in Thailand. (TNA)
Supplies
included ventilators, infrared temperature monitors, PCR-19 kits, medical
masks and protective suits.
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Thais extend help, compassion to those hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic
House Speaker, Chuan Leekpai (center in white
shirt) among Members of Parliament and people in Bangkok communities.
BANGKOK - Thai people have shown compassion for each other in this
time of crisis, by donating essential items to underprivileged people and
those seriously affected by the pandemic.
House Speaker Chuan Leekpai has donated 28,800 cartons
of milk via district representatives to handicapped children, orphans,
families living in poverty, and children in the three southern border
provinces affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Palang Pracharath Party MP Sira Jenjaka has visited
Kheha Community in Thung Song Hong subdistrict of Bangkok, to meet with
bedridden patients in the community. He has gathered input on the
difficulties facing villagers, and delivered relief bags and funds to help
community residents.
Alumni from the Army Transportation Engineering School
have packed dried food and drinking water onto trucks, delivering it to
residents of Wat Bang Community in Nonthaburi. They have set up distribution
points, where all operations comply with precautionary measures from the
Ministry of Public Health.
Mr Pariwat Chanla, the village headman of Ban Moo 6 in
Sriracha district of Chonburi has sought out villagers along with his
deputies to deliver 400 sets of relief bags, with dried food, and face masks
for senior citizens, bedridden patients, and community residents. Most of
the items in relief bags are essential to daily life. (NNT)
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Thai Health promotes ‘New Normal’ as way to prevent new COVID-19 outbreak
The Department of Disease Control’s (DDC) Deputy
Director General Dr Tanarak Plipat.
BANGKOK - Despite new COVID-19 cases being reported in only a single
digit each day, the Department of Disease Control is still encouraging the
general public to protect themselves by wearing a face mask and washing
their hands frequently, while the Thai Health Promotion Foundation has
launched New Normal guidelines for a coronavirus-free city.
In an announcement, the Department of Disease Control’s
(DDC) Deputy Director General Dr Tanarak Plipat said on Monday there is a
possibility of a second outbreak should the general public fail to maintain
compliance with social distancing and precautionary measures. These measures
include mask wearing, frequent hand washing, and eating well-cooked meals.
He said offices should adjust their business operations
by allowing employees who are not required to meet other people to work from
home. Workspaces should be redesigned to allow more distance between each
worker.
The DDC deputy chief said people must continue living
with precautionary measures until an effective vaccine is available.
The Thai Health Promotion Foundation’s (Thai Health)
Deputy CEO Dr Pairoj Saonuam, said the New Normal lifestyle will limit four
risky situations, by reducing crowding, reducing conversation, reducing
time, and reducing unnecessary travel.
Thai Health has published guidelines for the easing of
lockdown measures without causing a spike in the number of new cases. These
guidelines are focused on small restaurants and hawker food stalls, small
hairdressing shops and beauty salons, motorcycle taxis, and public transport
vehicles, all of which are considered places at risk of virus transmission.
The guidelines tell both operators and customers what
to do to reduce their risk. It is now available online on
www.thaihealth.or.th website.(NNT)
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Thailand’s blood bank asks donors to self-assess risks before giving blood
BANGKOK - The National Blood Center is asking donors to self-assess
their risk of COVID-19 infection before giving blood. The center has
implemented physical distancing measures and frequent disinfection of its
facility to boost confidence.
More people are now donating their blood, after the
Thai Red Cross Society’s National Blood Center voiced its concerns about
blood shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has led to some people not
coming out to donate blood.
The center says the amount of blood in the blood bank
is now sufficient, as hospitals across the country are now requesting less
blood. The center is asking donors coming to give blood to self-assess their
risk of COVID-19 infection before arriving, as well as answering the
questionnaire truthfully, and always wearing a face mask.
The National Blood Center is now implementing measures
to ensure confidence among donors and safe transportation of blood from its
facilities at the Thai Red Cross Society, the Blood and Plasma Donation
Center at Red Cross Station 11 (Wisetniyom), blood donation rooms in The
Mall Bang Kapi, The Mall Ngamwongwan, and The Mall Bang Khae shopping malls,
mobile blood units, and the 13 regional blood centers.
The facilities are frequently cleaned using
disinfectants and UV light, especially any commonly touched surfaces. Donors
are seated at least a meter apart while waiting. Donors, and staff
collecting the blood are kept separated by a divider. For reasons of
hygiene, no linen or covers are used on the donation beds, as well as no
blankets for the donors. (NNT)
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PM orders to dig more artesian wells to tackle drought in Thailand
The Prime
Minister, General Prayut Chan-o-cha.
BANGKOK - The Prime Minister
General Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered the authorities to give aid to those
suffering because of the drought, stressing the need to take a more
proactive approach.
This year drought had occurred in many areas due to the
late arrival of rain. The PM’s orders range from the digging of artesian
wells, identifying more water sources, and establishing water provision
points.
Nhong Kao village in Yanglad district of Kalasin
province is one area where residents are suffering from a limited water
supply both for domestic consumption and daily activities. Groundwater
Resources Regional Center 4 KhonKaen is addressing the problem and has
already dug more wells, while seeking long-term solutions. The PM stressed
that the authorities must seek more proactive measures so that citizens
suffer less from the ravages of annual drought.(NNT)
Unregistered communities in Bangkok to receive prompt assistance
Minister
Juti Krairiksh encourages people in Bangkok to provide information about
their communities and families to the ministry to receive assistance.
BANGKOK - People in Bangkok
communities, whose jobs and incomes have been affected by the COVID-19
situation, but have yet to register with the government, are advised to
contact the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security for immediate
assistance.
In a community, located under the Rama IX Bridge, there
are some 100 people, 43 of whom have a hearing impairment. Many are general
laborers, gardeners and garbage collectors. Currently, they receive some
financial relief from the government, as well as donations from temples and
private companies. Many other communities are in a similar situation, and
they have yet to register with the authorities. As a result, they have no
access to state assistance.
The Social Development and Human Security Minister,
Juti Krairiksh, is encouraging community members in Bangkok, who have yet to
register with the government, to provide information about their communities
and families to the ministry, so that they can receive assistance promptly.
They can call the ministry’s 1300 hotline service around the clock or notify
the ministry’s volunteers, who are looking to help people in different areas
of the city.
Mr. Juti said his ministry is ready to provide full
assistance to these communities. (NNT)
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Thailand ‘State of Emergency’ unlikely to be extended after May 31
The secretary-general of the National Security
Council (NSC), Gen Somsak Roongsita said the state of emergency might not be
extended after it ends on May 31.
BANGKOK- The secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC)
said the state of emergency might not be extended after it ends on May 31.
Gen Somsak Roongsita voiced his anticipation as the
National Intelligence Agency and the Internal Security Operations Command
were conducting an opinion survey on the impacts of the executive decree on
public administration in emergency situations imposed to control the
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Findings from the survey would be among the factors
that the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) would consider
for its decision as to whether it should stop the state of emergency
resulting from the imposition of the executive decree, Gen Somsak said. The
main factors for the decision were public health and safety, he said.
Other factors included security, economic and social
ones and despite the curfew and the closure of entertainment venues, people
continued to gather for gambling and drinking which likely spread the
disease, he said.
“The emergency decree will stop one day. It cannot last
forever. However, we must consider the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
Meanwhile, impacts on the economy and people must not be overlooked,” the
NSC secretary-general said.
Asked if the emergency decree imposition that affected
the economy would be extended from the end of this month, Gen Somsak said
concerned organizations would see if people and operators cooperated well
with disease control measures and if the number of COVID-19 patients was
curbed. (TNA)
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‘Pantry of Sharing’ helps Thais in need during COVID-19
Volunteers extend hospitality and a helping hand to those less fortunate
Bangkok– The Tourism Authority of Thailand
(TAT) is proud to report that Thais are stepping up to help those who
are out of work and struggling to put food on the table during the
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, starting community pantries in Bangkok and in
other locations around the country.
A group of volunteers recently launched a ‘Pantry
of Sharing’ initiative, where they share non-perishable food items and
basic hygiene supplies, including feminine hygiene products, toothpaste,
and toilet paper, to others who are in need during the outbreak. The
concept is based on a simple idea that those who can afford to give do
so while those in need are encouraged to stop by and take what they
need.
The project is the brainchild of Mr. Supakit
Kulchartvijit, who said he launched five locations (four in Bangkok and
one in Rayong) hoping to inspire others after he too was motivated from
seeing similar projects in other countries.
“When I first shared this idea with others, they
were worried that people would take everything available, or even steal
the pantry. However, after two weeks, these worries have been put to
rest. This proves that Thais are generous with each other,” Mr Supakit
said.
Since he started others have also appeared. A
roadside cupboard in Khon Kaen was set up recently by Ms. Kulwadee
Theswong, who also bought items to fill it up. Ms. Kulwadee said she
bought the cupboard from a furniture shop in the municipality after the
owner gave her a discount off the price tag of 2,200 Baht when she told
him what it was for.
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