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Bangkok and Rayong clear of COVID-19 after about 5,500 people tested negative
Dr
Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, director-general of the Disease Control
Department.
Tests for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have
covered 5,206 people in Rayong province and 364 people in Bangkok and all of
them tested negative.
Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, director-general
of the Disease Control Department, said that tested were the people who were
at the same places and times with an Egyptian soldier and a Sudanese girl in
Rayong and Bangkok. The foreigners were confirmed COVID-19 cases.
From July 14 to 16, 3,832 people were tested in Rayong
and 364 people were tested in Bangkok. All of them tested negative for the
disease.
On July 17, 1,374 more people were tested in Rayong.
Results were already known for 104 of them and everyone tested negative. (TNA)
Tourism businesses in Pattaya City and Chonburi awarded ‘Amazing Thailand SHA’ certificate
The
‘Amazing Thailand SHA’ certification aimed to prepare the Thai tourism
industry for the recovery period post-COVID-19 pandemic and enhance
confidence among international and domestic tourists.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently
presented the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health (SHA) certificate to more
than 211 tourism businesses in Chonburi province.
The presentation of the Amazing Thailand SHA logo was
held as part of a meeting to discuss tourism promotions of Chonburi in the
‘new normal’ reality, following the effective nationwide effort to control
the spread of the COVID-19 in the country.
Attending the meeting were officials and figures from
TAT, Pattaya City, Chonburi Public Health Office, Chonburi Tourism Council,
and many other tourism-related associations and entrepreneurs.
The Amazing Thailand SHA certification is a unique
certification scheme aimed to prepare the Thai tourism industry for the
recovery period post-COVID-19 pandemic and enhance confidence among
international and domestic tourists.
Being awarded with the Amazing Thailand SHA certificate
means that the tourism businesses or services have undergone a strict
inspection and passed the SHA’s basic standards of hygiene, health and
cleanliness in accordance with the nationwide measures to prevent the spread
of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
(tatnews.org)
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in Thailand
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
situation in Thailand as of 19 July 2020, 11.30 Hrs. (TAT)
%20situation%20in%20Thailand%20%202.jpg)
Thailand promotes online, lifelong learning
Deputy
Minister of Education, Kanokwan Wilawan.
Deputy Minister of Education, Kanokwan
Wilawan has detailed her accomplishments in the past year, announcing the
direction forward is to continue promoting online learning which helps boost
employment and creates a healthy society.
Mrs Kanokwan mentioned that the Ministry of Education
has been placing an emphasis on lifelong learning, focusing on the creation
of educational opportunities for underprivileged persons across the country.
The deputy Education Minister announced the Ministry of
Education, had last year employed more assistant teachers and executives at
the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education, including a scheme to allow
contract government workers to become official government employees. The
Ministry has also increased the medical allowance limit for each teacher at
private schools from 100,000 baht per person per year to 150,000 baht per
person per year.
Mrs Kanokwan said the Ministry of Education is now on
track to promote lifelong learning, using online tools to help create jobs
and promote a healthy society. To achieve this goal, the Ministry of
Education has developed the ONIE Online application for online learning, and
promoted the use of the Google Classroom as an online learning tool.
More informal education and home school courses will be
provided online to help promote occupational skills, encouraging Thai people
to file a patent for their inventions to protect their intellectual
property.
The Ministry of Education will be working together with
professionals, the civil society sector, elders, persons with disabilities,
families, and caretakers, in order to promote a healthy ageing society in
Thailand. (NNT)
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Thai government reaffirms people health safety top priority
The Government Spokesperson Narumon Pinyosinwat.
The Prime Minister has thanked the public for being vigilant - regarding the
case of a diplomat asking to spend her quarantine at a private condominium,
saying that this will help improve disease control effectiveness, and asking
the general public to remain confident that the government sees the public’s
safety its top priority.
The Government Spokesperson Narumon Pinyosinwat
revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha
has thanked the general public for being vigilant and being supportive of
the government’s operation to control the spread of COVID-19.
The Prime Minister’s remarks are a response to an
incident at a condominium in Bangkok, where the condominium juristic persons
office refused to let a returning diplomat based in Bangkok to self-isolate
at the condominium for 14 days instead of at a certified quarantine
facility.
The government spokesperson said related agencies are
rolling out new, more cautious rules regarding diplomats and business
persons entering the country, with the first priority being the safety and
well-being of the general public.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sent out notices to
foreign missions in Thailand on 14th July, asking diplomatic missions,
consular representatives and international organizations to strictly adhere
to the 14-day quarantine at a facility rule, upon arrival in Thailand, to
prevent the spread of COVID-19. This rule has been effective since 15th July
onwards.
Diplomats and their accompanying family members are now
subject to a COVID-19 swab test using the Real-Time PCR method upon arrival
in Thailand at the airport. The government is now considering the
effectiveness of disease control measures related to diplomats. The Ministry
of Foreign Affairs will be notifying foreign missions and international
organizations of any future changes of rules.(NNT)
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Diplomat retuned from Germany denied entry to condominium in Bangkok clarified
The Ministry of Foreign
Affairs Spokesman Cherdkiat Atthakor.
After another incident concerning a western
diplomat asking to self-isolate at his condominium in Bangkok instead of
a quarantine facility, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says this has
occurred during a transition to stricter rules, requiring that diplomats
do not receive preferential treatment in regards to disease control.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Cherdkiat
Atthakor said the diplomat in this incident was based in Thailand prior
to the COVID-19 outbreak, and has just returned to Thailand from a trip
to Europe.
The diplomat traveled from Frankfurt, Germany on 15
July, and arrived in Bangkok on 16 July at 2 p.m. He tested negative for
COVID-19 prior to travel, and has followed disease control protocols at
Suvarnabhumi Airport, including another coronavirus test, which was also
negative. He was then allowed to travel to his condominium in Bangkok.
Once he arrived at the condominium, he was denied
access by the Condominium Juristic Person. The Ministry of Foreign
Affairs has coordinated with related agencies and arranged a stay for
the diplomat at Grand Center Point hotel in Bangkok, which is a
certified Alternative State Quarantine facility.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman insisted
all diplomats with missions in Thailand do not enjoy extraordinary
privileges other than those which are appropriate, and are subject to a
compulsory 14-day quarantine. (NNT)
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Thailand’s excellent COVID-19 response prompts further investment by Japanese companies
The
President of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) office in
Bangkok, Mr. Taketani Atsushi (left), and Prime Minister’s Office Minister
Tewan Liptapanlop (right).
Private Japanese companies have expressed their
satisfaction with Thailand’s COVID-19 prevention and response. With a low
number of cases reported, the companies have increased confidence in the
country and are expected to expand their investments.
The President of the Japan External Trade Organization
(JETRO) office in Bangkok, Mr. Taketani Atsushi, met with Prime Minister’s
Office Minister Tewan Liptapanlop where he reported the results of a survey
on economic trends of Japanese stock companies in Thailand for the first
half of 2020.
The JETRO Bangkok president has praised Thailand’s
effective measures to control the spread of COVID-19, which has led Japanese
companies to gain confidence in the country’s safety, helping them to remain
committed to expand their investments in the future, based on the survey.
He revealed that Japanese investors are optimistic that
Thailand’s economy will start to recover in the second half of this year.
Minister Tewan thanked JETRO for providing the surveys
and reports every half year, which are beneficial for the Thai government
when developing economic policies in keeping with demands from the private
sector, including Japanese investors, who are important trade and investment
partners.
He thanked the Japanese private sector for their
donations of funds and supplies to help Thailand’s operations to stop the
spread of COVID-19, reflecting the close relations between the countries in
a time of crisis, reassuring Japanese firms that the Thai government will
handle this situation to its best ability, to minimize the effects to both
countries’ economic ties. (NNT)
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At-risk persons from Rayong test negative in Chiang Mai
Health
officials made preliminary COVID-19 tests of all nine persons who stayed at
the same hotel as the Egyptian Air Force officer, and the results returned
negative.
Many province have called for any of their residents
who traveled to Rayong last weekend, during a period when a COVID-19
positive foreign Air Force officer left his hotel and visited a city
shopping mall, to be screened or tested for COVID-19. Meanwhile, Chiang Mai
province is now screening all travelers from Rayong, requiring them to fill
out and submit a disease control declaration form; however the COVID-19
testing of the family of an air traffic controller returned negative
results.
Chiang Mai Provincial Communicable Diseases Committee
made an announcement regarding a group of nine persons considered at risk of
COVID-19 transmission, who are the family of the air traffic controller who
traveled to Rayong and stayed at the same hotel as the Egyptian Air Force
officer found to have COVID-19.
Following the announcement, health officials made
preliminary COVID-19 tests of all nine persons, each of whom returned a
negative result. The family will still have to self-isolate and monitor
themselves for symptoms at home for 14 days despite the favorable result,
according to the disease control protocol.
The province has introduced an extra measure, requiring
all persons from Rayong travelling to Chiang Mai by bus or air to out the
province’s disease control form, and use the Thai Chana tracing application,
which will give public health agencies necessary information to perform a
disease investigation in the event of an outbreak.
Travelers from Bangkok are not required to fill out
such a form, as the capital is not considered at risk of an outbreak, since
the 9-year-old patient from overseas, who was identified outside a
quarantine facility, has not traveled outside of her family’s condominium. (NNT)
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Thailand determines arriving foreign diplomats must enter state quarantine
The Center
for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)spokesman, Dr. Taweesin
Visanuyothin.
In response to a foreign diplomat, who
could not enter their residence after returning to Thailand, the Center for
COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) resolved that all arriving foreign
diplomatic staff must stay in state quarantine facilities only.
Following an incident involving a Sudanese diplomat,
the CCSA Spokesman, Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, said that arriving foreign
diplomats, who were previously allowed to stay in accommodations provided by
their respective embassies, must now stay in state quarantine facilities.
"Concerning foreign diplomats, who travel from their
home country to Thailand, we initially permitted them to stay in
accommodation arranged by their respective embassies. Due to the situation
involving a Sudanese diplomat, there must be a change. Now, we’re allowing
them to stay in state quarantine facilities for 14 days. The Permanent
Secretary for Foreign Affairs and officials will hold a meeting with foreign
diplomats in Thailand. They’ll be informed of the new guidelines, because
this issue is extremely sensitive to Thai people."
An Estonian diplomat tested negative for COVID-19 at
the country of origin and at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The diplomat will be
subject to a 14-day quarantine under the embassy’s supervision. On Friday
night at 11 p.m., the diplomat spent the night at AST Grande Centre Point
Hotel.
The CCSA will consider other groups of foreigners,
including exhibition organizers, film production crews, tourists with Elite
cards, international students (G-Code) and workers from three countries. (NNT)
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Tuk Tuk in Bangkok promote tourism confidence with protective screens
Tuk Tuk
service follow full protective measures as more people are commuting after
business resumption.
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and the
Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) donated anti-COVID-19
protective screens to drivers of Tuk Tuk three-wheeled motor vehicles at
tourist destinations.
MEA deputy governor Wilas Chaloeysat and EVAT vice
president Kisada Uttamote made the donation in their “Change TukTuks to New
Normal” campaign. They intended to create public confidence in Tuk Tuk
service and also promote the use of electric Tuk Tuk vehicles to protect the
environment and promote tourism in Thailand.
Mr Wilas said all parties had to seriously help control
the coronavirus disease 2019 and without a proper measure, Tuk Tuk service
might transmit the disease because people were increasingly commuting when
business resumed.
Free protective screens were installed on 150 Tuk Tuk
auto rickshaws at major tourist destinations including Nana and Sukhumvit
roads, Klong Toey market, Sanam Luang area and Pak Klong Talad market. (TNA)
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Thailand still at risk of second COVID-19 wave
The Dean of
the Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital, Prof. Dr. Prasit Watanapa.
The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Siriraj
Hospital, Prof. Dr. Prasit Watanapa, has expressed his opinion that Thailand
is susceptible to a second wave of COVID-19 infection, due to the persisting
pandemic internationally, calling on all to work together to safeguard
against the disease.
Prof. Dr. Prasit revealed statistics on COVID-19
globally, indicating the infection is still spreading and adding that many
countries are already facing a second wave. While acknowledging that
Thailand has not seen a new infection in over 50 days, he asserted that it
does not mean the country is free of the disease.
Because of the recent cases of an Egyptian soldier with
the virus traveling through Rayong province, and the Sudanese ambassador’s
child, the dean urged stricter measures concerning those entering the
nation, especially those coming illegally. Nonetheless, the doctor voiced
confidence in the Thai peoples’ discipline and ability to maintain good
practices, such as mask wearing, social distancing and registering with the
Thai Chana platform.
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Thailand reports 7 new cases returning from United States, Bahrain, and Egypt
The Center
for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesman Dr. Taweesin
Visanuyothin.
The Center for COVID-19 Situation
Administration (CCSA) reported seven new COVID-19 cases, all people who have
traveled back from foreign countries. Meanwhile, the center has reassured
persons who visited a hotel in Rayong or a condominium in Bangkok where
recent cases were found to have been present, telling them they are at a
very low infection risk, since they did not directly interact with the
patients.
An academic committee established from the activation
of the Communicable Diseases Act has determined different levels of COVID-19
infection risks among people connected to the case in Rayong and the case in
Bangkok, with only persons who have directly interacted with the patients
considered to be at high risk.
From health officials’ investigation, 12 persons at D
Varee hotel and Laemthong shopping mall in Rayong, and seven persons at the
same condominium as the patient in Bangkok were considered to be at high
risk.
The CCSA Spokesman Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin said that
people who have not directly interacted with the patients are at low risk,
and can rest assured they are unlikely to be infected. However, they can
choose to self-isolate for 14 days and monitor their symptoms should they
have concerns. All persons are still being encouraged to carry on personal
preventive actions by wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing,
and cleaning their hands frequently.
Seven new cases were reported, with two of them being
returnees from the United States, one from Bahrain, and four from Egypt. The
cumulative number of cases in Thailand now stands at 3,246, with 3,096
recoveries, and 58 deaths.
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Thailand successfully develops COVID-19 one-step test kit at 97% accuracy rate
The Colorimetric RT-LAMP COVID-19 test kit has
high specificity and rapidity with up to 97 percent accuracy. The result is
shown in 1.15 hours.
The National Science and Technology Development Agency
(NSTDA) has launched a COVID-19 one-step test kit which is easy to use. The
result will be known within about an hour and can be accurately read with
the naked eye. It has also launched an RNA extraction kit for COVID-19 tests
using domestic reagents and equipment to reduce the risk of a shortage of
extraction kits during the crisis.
Mr. Narong Sirilertworakun, NSTDA Director, disclosed
the successful development of the COVID-19 RNA extraction method from a
simple sample and the Colorimetric RT-LAMP COVID-19 test kit which can yield
a result in a single step. He demonstrated the process of COVID-19 RNA
sampling and extraction and using the research team’s COVID-19 test kit.
The DNA extraction for COVID-19 detection using
domestic reagents and equipment makes it possible to detect pathogens in
humans, plants, and animals. It is as efficient as the imported extraction
kits and cheaper. It can be used with chemicals that are available in the
country and reduces the risk of a shortage of extraction kits during the
epidemic. It is compatible with existing domestic disease detection
equipment and enables Thailand to change from being an importer to a
manufacturer of test kits.
The Colorimetric RT-LAMP COVID-19 test kit has high
specificity and rapidity with up to 97 percent accuracy. The result is shown
in 1.15 hours, much sooner than the imported kit. If it changes from purple
to yellow, it means the result is positive. Importantly, the testing
materials are 1.5 times cheaper than the imported test kits. These two
inventions will help the country reduce imports of RNA extraction kits and
test kits if there is another COVID-19 outbreak or proactive tests are
needed. They are ready for use immediately.(NNT)
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Thailand continues controlling COVID-19 along border with Cambodia
Foreigners are also allowed to enter Thailand
under phase five of reopening but they have to follow guidance and some
requirements.
Thailand continues sealing its border with Cambodia to
prevent the spread of COVID-19, allowing only Thai nationals and some groups
of foreigners to enter the kingdom.
Fourteen Thai citizens were the latest group to return
from Cambodia via Aranyapathet border crossing in the eastern province of Sa
Kaeo. They have been verified by the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh.
All of the returnees had gone through health check and
register their travel record before being placed under mandatory 14-day
quarantine.
About 1,000 Thai nationals living in Cambodia have
returned to Thailand since the outbreak began.
Foreigners are also allowed to enter Thailand under
phase five of reopening but they have to follow guidance and some
requirements.
A Russian work permit holder crossed the border to
Thailand at the checkpoint on Friday. Besides health certificate and
immigration documents, he was required to show a proof of 14-day quarantine
arrangement.
Thailand has beefed up security in recent days to
prevent illegal migrants since it is impossible to completely seal off the
border Checkpoints are setup on main roads leading to cities to intercept
illegal migrant workers. (TNA)
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Penguin parade show attracts tourists to visit Songkhla Zoo, southern Thailand
The daily
show by the 11 Humboldt penguins is probably the most favorite attraction at
Songkhla Zoo with an offering of 50 percent discount for all admissions.
A penguin parade show has attracted tourists to visit
Songkhla Zoo which has reopened after a three-month closure due to the
COVID-19 outbreak.
The daily show by the 11 adorable creatures is probably
the most favorite attraction at the Zoo in the southern province of
Thailand.
After the reopening, the Zoo offered 50 percent
discount for all admissions.
The Humboldt penguin can grow up to 40-centimeter tall,
weighing around five kilograms. (TNA)
Thai surgeons successfully perform first living-donor liver transplant
According to the doctors, the living donor
transplant requires a donor who is a family member of the patient to allow
long-term liver function for both of them Boonyuen Meemana and his daughter,
Salinee Chang-ngern.
A Thai man has become the country’s first patient to
receive liver from a living organ donor, who is his own daughter.
Boonyuen Meemana, a resident of the northern Lampang
province, suffered liver cancer and had no other choice of treatment.The
medical team of Chiang Mai University successfully transplanted the liver to
Boonyuen four months ago.
In the transplant surgery, the surgical team removed
part of the liver of Boonyuen’s daughter, Salinee Chang-ngern, and
transplanted it into the patient using telescopes.
Both of them have now recovered from the operations.
According to the doctors, the living donor transplant
requires a donor who is a family member of the patient to allow long-term
liver function for both of them.
Boonyuen is now Thailand’s first liver recipient from a
living donor and the second in ASEAN.(TNA)
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HRH Princess Chulabhorn opens pharmaceutical production plant in Sattahip Naval Base
The facility
was initiated by Her Royal Highness in a project carried out by Chulabhorn
Royal Academy (CRA) with the intent of providing access to cancer medication
to those in need.
Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn
proceeded to Sattahip Naval Base in Sattahip district, Chonburi province, to
attend the opening of the royally-initiated pharmaceutical production
planton Wednesday. The facility was initiated by Her Royal Highness in a
project carried out by Chulabhorn Royal Academy (CRA) with the intent of
providing access to cancer medication to those in need. The facility is also
designed to enhance research and production of pharmaceuticals, and bridge
medical technology in Thailand and the international community, so that the
Kingdom may produce its own high efficacy cancer treatments. The full
function plant is the first of its kind in ASEAN.
The four-story building is divided into a lobby and
targeted cancer medication production facility on the first floor,
environmental impact controls and research on the second floor, future
expansion space on the third floor and offices on the fourth floor.
All functions within the facility are closed to ensure
quality control in accordance with European Union standards with minimal
risk of contamination. Apart from producing cancer treatments, the facility
can also inspect and control the quality of medications produced under other
royal initiatives, ensuring their compliance with GMP standards. A section
of the building is devoted to the extraction of Thai herbs for the
production of perfumes, skin creams and hand gel. (NNT)
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Thailand ‘Travel Together’ hotels discounts, plane tickets cashback overwhelming feedback
The campaign
will offer Thai applicants a 40 percent subsidy for their hotel stays at up
to 3,000 baht per room per night, cashback for plane tickets and a daily
subsidy for meals.
The government’s Travel Together national domestic
tourism subsidy campaign opened for public registration from Wednesday, with
many people now signed up and starting to plan their holidays.
Residents of Khon Kaen province have used their
smartphones to sign up for the government’s Travel Together campaign,
introduced to restore the tourism sector, which has been severely affected
by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The campaign will offer successful applicants a 40
percent subsidy for their hotel stays at up to 3,000 baht per room per
night, cashback for plane tickets and a daily subsidy for meals, encouraging
Thai people to travel domestically and spend their money.
The campaign is now open for registration online from 6
a.m. and will close at 9 p.m. Many applicants said the registration process
was not complicated, and the registration website is responsive.
They said this campaign is a good policy from the
government, to help tourism-related businesses and encourage Thai people to
travel domestically as the COVID-19 situation in the country improves.
The Travel Together campaign will be available until
October 31, offering for a limited quantity of discounts to Thai citizens
aged 18 or over on the date of registration. Applicants will only receive
the offer once they have successfully registered and made eligible spending
at participating hotels, restaurants and tourism attractions in provinces
outside of their home address.(NNT)
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Thailand logistics network projects benefit economic recovery
Minister of Transport, Saksayam Chidchob
(center).
The Ministry of Transport has highlighted benefits to be had from
transportation infrastructure development for post COVID-19 economic
recovery, in an exhibition where the Minister of Transport stressed changes
have been made to the ministry’s budget giving priority to projects that
will yield concrete benefits to the general public.
The Ministry of Transport has organized the MOT 2020
Move on Together exhibition and seminar, highlighting its development
projects that will help drive the national economy.
At the event, the Minister of Transport, Saksayam
Chidchob said the departments responsible for land, water, air, and rail
transportation have continued to pursue their 20-year national strategy
goals, helping connect the logistics network in all regions.
The agencies have been accelerating regional
transportation projects, such as road developments to better connect
villages and communities this fiscal year, costing a total of 40 billion
baht.
Several other road projects are in progress, including
the expansion of Rama II road from Bang Khun Thian Interchange to Eakkachai,
adding another traffic lane to the existing 3-lane road; and the
construction of Motorway No.81 Bang Yai - Kanchanaburi.
As for water transport, the Ministry of Transport has
expedited the constriction of large-scale and deep sea ports, and the
transportation link project between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman
Sea, with the aim of promoting Thailand as a regional marine transport hub.
In rail transport, the Ministry of Transport has
accelerated the construction of dual-track railways, the Nong Khai - Bangkok
High Speed Rail project, and the Airports Connector high speed railway
connecting Bangkok’s airports, with U-Tapao Airport in Rayong, and the
Eastern Economic Corridor.
In air transport, the Ministry of Transport has pushed
for an increase in airport service capacity, along with a human resource
developmental project for the aviation sector, the positioning of Thailand
as a world-class aircraft maintenance center and a regional aviation hub,
The Ministry of Transport has adjusted its 2020 and
2021 fiscal year budget to give priority to projects that will help with
economic recovery following the COVID-19 crisis, deferring projects that
have yet to start the procurement process. This allows the ministry to
reallocate existing budget to help stimulate the economy, create jobs,
distribute income, and improve current transportation services in the New
Normal period, to benefit the health and safety of passengers.(NNT)
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Thailand public health system accountable for concerns over a second wave of infection
Dr. Taweesilp Wisanuyotin, spokesman of the
Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).
The spokesman of Thailand’s COVID-19 taskforce has called for confidence in
the public health system and disease control measures after two cases of
coronavirus-infected foreigners, an Egyptian soldier and a daughter of
Sudanese diplomat, have generated concerns over a second wave of infection
in Thailand.
The 43-year-old Egyptian soldier, who made a short
visit in Thailand last week, and the nine-year-old daughter of a Sudanese
diplomat have been tested positive for COVID-19 after they were exempted
from mandatory quarantine.
Dr. Taweesilp Wisanuyotin, spokesman of the Center for
COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), extended his apology to the Thai
people about the two incidents that caused fear of a surge of infections.
The spokesman said the CCSA now had verified the data
and timeline concerning the Egyptian soldier and the diplomat’s daughter to
determine the risk of infections. Contact tracing had been complete and
everyone at risk had been identified, he said.
Responding to the public outcry over the potential
virus exposure, Dr. Taweesilp said it would be impossible to have zero new
cases forever because high infection rate continued in many countries around
the world.
He urged Thai people to be confident in the country’s
COVID-19 prevention measures that had prevented local virus transmission for
over 50 days.
The CCSA and other government agencies have been
criticized for its leniency towards foreign officials, by compromising the
public safety. The 43-year-old Egyptian soldier is one of 31 military
crewmen who made a stopover in Thailand between July 8 and 11. They stayed
at a hotel and visited shopping malls in violation of the conditions for
Thailand entry.
Critics also lashed out at the government for allowing
the nine-year-old daughter of the Sudanese diplomat to leave the airport for
their residence in central Bangkok before her test result came out.
The CCSA spokesman also reported four new coronavirus
cases which are all Thai citizens returning from abroad.
Two of them returned from the UAE and one each from
Egypt and the US before being tested positive for the virus at state
quarantine centers, he said. (TNA)
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Chinese network set up 40 illegal firms with Thai nominees
Department of Special Investigation (DSI)
Director-general Korawat Panprapakorn.
A Chinese network has used over 240 Thai nominees to
set up 40 companies with over 5.3-billion-baht worth of combined assets.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) searched
a company office in Bangkok which is the principal firm for running the
illegal businesses in Thailand.
According to DSI Director-general Korawat Panprapakorn,
legal documents, business contracts and other evidence showed that the group
of Chinese nationals had used Thai nominees as shareholders to create
majority Thai-owned companies.
All 40 illegal firms were linked to a Chinese man,
named Kaew Zae-Lee, who received Thai citizenship in 2015 by bribing a local
official in Chiang Rai province.
Backed by a group of Chinese investors, Kaew, or Chen
Pao, had set up many companies in Thailand until his Thai citizenship was
revoked on Wednesday.
Using Thai nominee shareholders to run business in
Thailand had affected national security, said Korawat in the press
conference.
The administrative official in Chiang Rai has been
fired and is being prosecuted.(TNA)
All 40 illegal firms were linked to a Chinese
man, named Kaew Zae-Lee, who received Thai citizenship in 2015 by bribing a
local official in Chiang Rai province.
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Myanmar illegal migrants traveling to Bangkok arrested with fake passports
Police in Chumpon stopped a van carrying the 10
men aged 22-30 at a checkpoint around midnight on Thursday.
Ten Myanmar immigrants have been forced to abandon
their plan to travel to Malaysia due to COVID-19 and ended up being arrested
in Thailand while trying to return to their home country.
Police in Chumpon province intercepted the attempt to
take the illegal immigrants to a town on the Myanmar border. They stopped a
van carrying the 10 men aged 22-30 at a checkpoint around midnight on
Thursday.
The Thai driver told police he was hired to take the
migrant workers from the southern border province of Narathiwat to Bangkok.
The Myanmar nationals who carried fake passports said
they tried to enter Malaysia via Thailand in February but they had been
stranded at the border area due to the border closures and other
restrictions in the wake of COVID-19.
After many months without income and constant threat of
the fatal disease, they decided to return home, the men told police.
All of them were tested for the virus before being held
pending prosecutions and deportations. (TNA)
Thai van driver told police
he was hired to take the migrant workers from the southern border province
of Narathiwat to Bangkok.
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Thailand marks second anniversary of Tham Luang rescue mission in Chiang Rai
A Reunion
Day, the Event of Tham Luang 2020, marks the second anniversary of the
high-profile Tham Luang cave rescue mission in the northern province of
Chiang Rai.
Public and private sectors have jointly organized a
Reunion Day, the Event of Tham Luang 2020, to mark the second anniversary of
the high-profile Tham Luang cave rescue mission in the northern province of
Chiang Rai.
The event was attended by key figures behind the
mission to rescue 12 boys and their soccer coach from Tham Luang, including
the Governor of Lampang and then governor of Chiang Rai, Narongsak
Osottanakorn; the former commander of the Royal Thai Navy Seals, Rear Adm.
Arpakorn Yookongkaew, and Col. Dr. Pak Loharachun. Also joining the event
were Wildlife Conservation officials, volunteers and residents of Mae Sai
district who were part of the mission. The event featured an exhibition of
photographs and equipment used in the rescue operation, as well as a
discussion on unity in times of crisis.
Col. Dr. Pak said it was an event that saw Thai people
from all walks of life come together to create history and help make the
search and rescue efforts a success. He asked people from around the world
to visit the site and witness the rejuvenation of nature. (NNT)
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in Thailand
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in Thailand as of 12 July
2020, 11.30 Hrs. (TAT)
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Thailand strengthens new normal to prevent second wave of virus spread
The Center
for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesperson, Dr. Taweesin
Visanuyothin.
The Spokesperson for the government’s Center for
COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has presented nine points for
strengthening the new normal and protecting against a resurgence of the
pathogen, encouraging all sectors to circulate productive information.
Despite an easing in the COVID-19 situation, the state
continues to call for strict measures to be observed, to protect against a
second wave of the virus. The Thai Media Fund held a forum to collect views
from the public, private and civilian sectors on preventive measures.
Advisors to the CCSA have presented nine points, aimed
at avoiding a second outbreak of COVID-19. They include the production of
media targeted at specific groups, such as teenagers, teachers and children,
the creation of coordination spaces, the production of media promoting
Thailand as a center for global health, based on its success against the
virus, the production of media promoting charitable activities, promotion of
religious activities centered on dealing with COVID-19, historical
documentation of the phenomenon, analysis of the situation and promotion of
self-care.
The forum heard from other groups suggesting
approaches, with some calling for guidelines on how to attend temple and how
to engage in religious practices. All practical ideas collected at the forum
will be used to design the next iteration of COVID-19 preventive measures. (NNT)
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Thailand develops new coconut species to serve domestic and global markets
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and
Cooperatives, Mananya Thaiset.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives,
Mananya Thaiset, has surveyed the development of a new species of coconut in
Surat Thani province, being expedited after supermarkets in the United
Kingdom discontinued the purchase of Thai coconut products following
accusations of animal abuse by the People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals (PETA).
The Department of Agriculture is developing a hybrid
species of coconut, which would be able to grow at a rate of two thousand
fruits per 0.16 hectares in a year. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and
Cooperatives also visited a demonstration farm, to see how coconuts are
collected for export, noting processing of the coconuts is 90 percent done
by a human workforce.
Mananya indicated demand for coconuts has risen
consistently for the past 3 years, both domestically and globally, which is
why the ministry is supporting domestic growing. The species being used for
development is currently in high demand, with over a million trees on back
order, prompting government assistance to accelerate production.
On the situation in the UK, Ms. Mananya said it is a
matter of cultural difference, reminding people that Thailand has an Animal
Protection Act and that most monkeys used for collecting coconuts are used
by households, not at the industrial level. (NNT)
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Thai cabinet reshuffle possible in best interests of nation
The Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Somkid
Jatusripitak.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak, has voiced his readiness
to accept any decision made by Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Gen.
Prayut Chan-o-cha, after he signaled a possible cabinet reshuffle, saying he
believed the Prime Minister will make his decisions based on the best
interests of the nation.
Speaking about the resignations of four Palang
Pracharath Party members, Dr. Somkid said it was due to changes within
Palang Pracharath and that their departure was amicable. On changes to
cabinet positions, he voiced confidence Gen. Prayut will base his decisions
on the greater good of Thai society, assuring MPs he will accept any
appointments that are made.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister, Prof. Dr. Wissanu
Krea-ngam, downplayed speculation that the Prime Minister has signaled a
cabinet reshuffle and said he would wait to hear of such a move directly
from him first. Nonetheless, he allayed concerns that changes to the
ministers could impact deliberation of the national budget, as the relevant
committee does not contain any political figures.
The Secretary-General of the Palang Pracharath Party,
Anucha Nakasai, said the four departures from the party were undertaken on
good terms. He said he would continue to perform his duties but declined to
comment on any quotas for government posts.
Party board member Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said he
believed the four former members of Palang Pracharath would join other
parties but didn’t speculate on whether they would join former Democrat
member Korn Chatikavanij’s political party. He confirmed the vacant
ministerial portfolios would remain with the party but indicated final
decisions are up to the Prime Minister. (NNT)
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Thai Public Health Ministry signs MOU on medical cannabis project
The MOU
focuses on mutual studies of the production and processing of medical
cannabis among partner agencies for medicine security, and to further
develop existing innovations.
The Ministry of Public Health has
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on medical cannabis production
and processing in Saraburi province.
Mr Watcharapong Kuwijitsuwan, a Secretary to the
Minister of Public Health, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the
research, development, and promotion of cannabis production and processing
for medical purposes.
The MOU will focus on mutual studies of the production
and processing of medical cannabis among partner agencies for medicine
security, and to further develop existing innovations. The project will take
place under strict regulation by government agencies to ensure no harmful
consequences, or undue impact on Thai society.
Participating organizations in this MOU include the
Faculty of Science and Technology Rajamangala University of Technology Phra
Nakhon, Sao Hai Hospital, Huai Khamin Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospital,
community enterprises, and the Department for Development of Thai
Traditional and Alternative Medicine. (NNT)
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Thailand Treasury Dept orders historic buildings conservation
The Treasury Department has ordered its offices
to locate state property buildings which have historic, artistic, or
architectural value for conservation, thereby granting these buildings
protection against demolition.
The Treasury Department of Thailand has ordered its provincial offices to
carry out a survey of old and historically important buildings for
conservation. The survey is set to be completed in August, providing
protection against the demolition of these buildings.
The Treasury Department’s Director General, Yuttana
Yimgarund said the department has ordered its offices to locate state
property buildings which have historic, artistic, or architectural value for
conservation, thereby granting these buildings protection against
demolition.
Provincial Treasury Department offices and the Bureau
of Bangkok State Property Management will be responsible for identifying
these buildings over coming weeks.
Occupants of state property buildings will be advised
to examine and appreciate the historic, artistic, or architectural value of
their building, and must strictly comply with the law and regulations
governing maintenance and renovation of such buildings.
The Treasury Department has been overseeing this
heritage conservation as one of its key campaigns in the 2020 and 2021
fiscal year. The department is currently taking care of 66 historic and
important buildings, such as Khun Pitak Borihan House in Ayutthaya, and
Louis House in Lampang. (NNT)
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Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok now open
Siam
Premium Outlets, billed as Thailand’s first premium outlet centre, is
bringing the world’s most popular brand of outlet shopping to Bangkok.
Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, opened
on 19 June, 2020, is an outlet retail shopping centre with an exceptional
selection of over 200 brands that include some of the most recognized and
sought-after global luxury, international and top-notch local brands at
everyday savings, up to 70% off.
A number of brands are debuting their outlet concepts
for the first time in Thailand, with 60 brands available exclusively at the
centre, including Burberry, Balenciaga, Bally, Breitling, CK, Furla, Hugo
Boss and Montblanc.
Shoppers will also find the country’s largest Coach,
Kate Spade New York and Skechers outlets.
Nike has opened a 1,300 sq. metre premium retail store
and Adidas has opened a premium outlet in a stand-alone format that carries
the brands’ popular collections.
There is also a great selection of well-known leading
local brands; such as, Evenandboy.
The centre extends beyond shopping with several
amenities and design features that incorporate leisure and relaxation as
part of the shopping experience. It features a beautiful and spacious green
outdoor landscape environment and creative art pieces, designed by
well-known and revered local Thai artists.
Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok has received the Amazing
Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certification. This means
that it has undergone a strict inspection and passed the SHA’s basic
standards of hygiene, health and cleanliness as part of the nationwide
effort to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok is developed by Siam Piwat
Simon, a joint venture between the Simon Property Group, owner of premier
shopping and mixed-use destinations across North America, Europe and Asia,
and Siam Piwat, owner and operator of prestige retail developments in
Thailand.
The centre is located 15 minutes away from Suvarnabhumi
Airport, easily accessible from the Bangkok-Chonburi Motorway No.7 route,
Km. 23, exit 5, Lat Krabang. Open daily, from 10:00 – 21:00 Hrs. A free
shuttle bus service is available daily at the Makkasan Airport Rail Link
Station.
For more information, visit www.siampremiumoutlets.com
or call (+66)2-082-8998.
(tatnews.org)
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Thai returnees from UAE, Egypt reported new cases in state quarantine
Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the
Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).
Thailand reported five new imported cases of COVID-19 in state quarantine,
raising the total cases to 3,202.
The country marks 45 consecutive days without local
transmission, said Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the Centre for
COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).
Four of the new cases returned from the United Arab
Emirates (UAE) including three men and one woman. The other case was a Thai
student, who returned from Egypt.
More 11 cases recovered, bringing the total number of
recovery cases to 3,085.
Fifty-nine coronavirus patients are being treated at
hospitals. The death toll remained at 58. (TNA)
His Majesty the King bestows biosafety mobile units for COVID-19 test to Public Health Ministry
Prime Minister, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha disclosed that His Majesty the King
and Her Majesty the Queen graciously bestowed biosafety mobile units to
Ministry of Public Health, and personal funds for the development of testing
devices for active case finding which would also enhance safety of medical
staffs.
His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen also
granted an audience for the Prime Minister to present a report on the
Government’s undertakings during the recent period. On this occasion, the
Prime Minister conveyed His Majesty’s commendation and appreciation toward
the Government, medical staffs, and all concerned individuals who have
worked hard to tackle and curb the spread of COVID-19, as a result of which
Thailand has been praised by the international community.
His Majesty also gave the royal guidance on
companionship and solidarity, and advised the Government to uplift people’s
quality of life, mitigate their plights, and to administer the nation in a
fair, stable, and transparent manner. His Majesty is also interested in
water resource and forest management. The Prime Minister affirmed that the
Government would heed His Majesty’s First Royal Command in performing its
duty. (Thaigov.go.th)
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US Ambassador meets Thai Deputy Prime Minister on human trafficking
US Ambassador to Thailand, Michael George
DeSombre (left), Thai Deputy Prime Minister,Prawit Wongsuwan (right).
US Ambassador to Thailand Michael George DeSombre has
met Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, vowing to provide support
for Thailand to tackle human trafficking.
The Ambassador was nominated by President Donald Trump
and confirmed by the US Senate as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand in
January this year.
In the introductory meeting at Government House on
Thursday, the Ambassador said he and the deputy premier discussed military
ties, trade and economic relations and public health cooperation.
He told reporters that Prawit asked for US help to
improve Thailand’s anti-human trafficking operations. The US was ready to
provide assistance for Thailand, said Ambassador DeSombre. (TNA)
Thailand proves human labor for coconuts harvesting, monkeys for tourism
All coconut plantations for exported products
use human labor, Thai Agriculture Ministry
confirmed.
Thailand developed dwarf coconut trees, which can be harvested by human
labour, said Deputy Agriculture Minister, Mananya Thaiset after the
country’s coconut products were banned by some Western retailers.
The deputy agriculture minister planned to visit the
Surat Thani Seed Research and Development Center to see the development of
dwarf coconut trees, easier to harvest and popular among coconut growers.
She said coconuts sent to the factories for making
coconut milk were harvested by humans.
Mananya was also scheduled to visit a monkey training
center in Surat Thani’s provincial seat, which is part of the Klong Noi
sub-district tourism community enterprise.
The place is prepared to welcome foreign diplomats to
observe local ways of life in raising monkeys and training them to collect
coconuts for tourism. The trip will be arranged by the Commerce Ministry.
Regarding accusations on monkey labor by the rights
group People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Mananya said she
ordered the Department of Agriculture (DoA) to investigate the case
immediately.
All coconut plantations for exported products use human
labor, she said.
She instructed DoA to grant Good Agriculture Practices
(GAP) certifications to qualified coconut growers for clarification to trade
partners, so they won’t ban Thai coconut products, which could affect more
than 200,000 households, growing coconut plants. (TNA)
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Thailand border trade drops nearly 10 % in first 5 months of year
Thailand’s
border trade is likely to pick up in the second half of the year as demands
for Thai products are still high but the total value possibly will miss the
target of 1.5 trillion baht.
Thailand’s cross- border trade dropped nearly 10
percent in the first five months due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,
according to a senior official of the Ministry of Commerce.
The Foreign Trade Department’s Director- General
Keerati Rushchano said that the total cross-border trade value reached
254.35 billion baht in the first five months of 2020, a 9.71 percent
decrease year-on-year.
Thailand had a trade surplus of 87 billion baht in that
period, said Keerati.
Among the four countries sharing borders with Thailand,
Malaysia was the largest trade partner in terms of total value, 87.85
billion baht, he said.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand has
closed 69 of 97 border crossings as a result of virus control measures.
Keerati said that he believed the border trade would
pick up in the second half of the year as demands for Thai products were
still high. However, the total border trade value this year would likely
miss the target of 1.5 trillion baht, he said. (TNA)
The Foreign
Trade Department’s Director- General,Keerati Rushchano.
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Four members, including three ministers, quit Thailand’s ruling party
The four
technocrats who founded Palang Pracharath Party prior to the election in
order to support PM Prayut are in question of being removed from their posts
as ministers, and deputy secretary after leaving the party.
Four co-founders of the ruling Palang
Pracharath Party (PPRP) have announced their resignations as party members
following a power struggle within the party.
The resignations of the four, particularly former party
leader Uttama Savayanaya, have long been speculated after party’s executive
committee members resigned in an apparent move to remove them.
Uttama, who is currently the Finance Minister, told
reporters in a press conference on Thursday that his role in the PPRP ended
but his ministerial duty remained.
Minister of Energy Sonthirat Sonthijirawongse, Minister
of Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Suvit Maesincee and
deputy secretary to prime minister Kobsak Pootrakul, were also present at
the press conference. They were technocrats who founded PPRP prior to the
election in order to support PM Prayut.
They all rejected speculation that they would form
another political party but rather focus on the daunting tasks facing the
government.
Commenting on the possibility that they might be sacked
from ministerial posts, Sonthirat said the power to reshuffle the Cabinet
minister belonged to Prime Minister Prayut. (TNA)
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Thailand budget allocation prioritizes economic and domestic tourism rehabilitation
Prime
Minister, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha
disclosed about the cabinet’s deliberation on the 1st-phase plans/projects
for economic and social rehabilitation, which focuses on solving
agricultural problems; empowering people, business, and SMEs sectors; and
promoting domestic tourism.
According to the Prime Minister, budget for the 1st
phase economic and social rehabilitation plans and projects is approved for
not over 100 billion Baht in total. Plans to be implemented will be
prioritized according to the need, urgency, and relevance with the present
situation. The most important thing is that those plans and projects must be
transparent and accountable, and could be scrutinized by Office of Public
Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, and the people sector.
The Government has also placed importance on promoting
employments. All ministries are ordered to allocate additional budget for
daily/hourly hiring in localities across the country for existing plans and
projects, such as home-temple-school project, water sources development
plan, etc. Ministry of Commerce is also assigned to expedite export of agro
products, and negotiate with the neighboring countries on border checkpoint
development to better facilitate goods transport.
The Government has also come up with financial aid
measures to promote SMEs entrepreneurs’ access to soft loans from both the
Bank of Thailand, commercial banks, special banks, and various funds, while
avoiding approval of clean loan to prevent NPL. Domestic spending will also
be promoted through domestic tourism. The Prime Minister expressed
confidence that domestic tourism will soon be revitalized.
He also affirmed that budget has been set aside for
disease remedy and possible occurrence of the 2nd phase of COVID-19, and
called on all concerned sectors to join hands in conforming to the best
practices, and in prioritizing plans/projects according to urgency and
allocated budget. (Thaigov.go.th)
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Thai Cabinet endorses same-sex marriage bill
Marriage registration, promoting equality among
people of all genders, will be made available for same-sex couples who are
at least 17 years old and at least one of any couples must be Thai citizen.
The Thai Cabinet has endorsed a bill allowing same-sex
marriage registration and a law amendment to protect their legal rights.
After the endorsement by Cabinet ministers on
Wednesday, the bill and the amendment will be sent to Parliament for voting.
Government’s deputy spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek
said the Civil Partnership Bill and the amendment to the Civil and
Commercial Code would ensure fairness for people of all gender orientations.
Marriage registration will be made available for
same-sex couples who are at least 17 years old. At least one of any couples
must be Thai citizen.
Ratchada said the Civil Partnership Bill was a
milestone for Thai society in promoting equality among people of all
genders.
Spouses of civil partners will have the same legal
rights as married couples. They also can adopt a child and have inheritance
rights. (TNA)
Government’s deputy spokesperson Ratchada
Thanadirek.
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His Majesty the King donates 3 Cessna 182T aircrafts to Army
The versatile aircrafts can be used in various
works such as patrolling, forest conservation, and drug suppression.
His Majesty the
King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand has donated three Cessna 182T aircrafts
to the Royal Thai Army for uses in humanitarian missions.
Army chief General Apirat Kongsompong said it was a
great benevolence of His Majesty the King bestowed upon the Royal Thai Army.
Made by Textron Aviation, the civil air patrol
aircrafts will be commissioned at an airbase in Lob Buri, according to the
Army.
General Apirat said the versatile aircrafts could be
instrumental in various works such as patrolling, forest conservation, drug
suppression and so forth.(TNA)
Thai Army
chief General Apirat Kongsompong.
Thailand to host MotoGP for 5 more years to boost tourism
Public
Health Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul.
The cabinet on Wednesday resolved
Thailand will host the premier motorcycle racing championship MotoGP for
five more years from next year to 2025 to stimulate its tourism and economy.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the
resolution responded to the proposal from the Tourism and Sports Ministry.
The extension of the racing organization would boost
national image and income, he said.
“During the racing organization that will last 3-4 days, there will be
employment and tourism income and local economy will be stimulated,” Mr
Anutin said.
However, he said he did not know when the racing would
resume amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
Thailand’s MotoGP, the second of the 2020 calendar, was
postponed indefinitely from March 20-22 due to the pandemic. (TNA)
Their Majesties change summer season attire of the Emerald Buddha, Grand Palace, Bangkok
His Majesty
King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has changed the summer
season attire of Phra Putta Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn, or the Emerald
Buddha, to mark the beginning of the rainy season.
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn
Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida
Bajarasudhabimaklakshana proceeded to Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram temple,
also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, within the precincts of the
Grand Palace in Bangkokon Monday July 6. Their Majesties were accompanied by
Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati KromLuang
Ratchasarinee Siripatchara Maha Watchara Ratchathida.
The summer and rainy season costumes of the Emerald
Buddha were commissioned by His Majesty King Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama
I). The winter season costume was made in the reign of His Majesty King
Nangklao (Rama III). New seasonal attire was made to celebrate His Majesty
King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great’s (Rama IX) Golden Jubilee in 1996.
The garments are changed in a ceremony at the change of
the seasons. Dates for the rituals are the first waning moon of the fourth,
eighth and 12th months of the lunar calendar.
On this occasion, His Majesty the King removed the
crown from the Emerald Buddha and cleaned the image with holy water from a
royal conch shell.
His Majesty then presented holy water from the royal
conch shell to Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha and other members
of the royal family. His Majesty then sprinkled holy water on civil servants
at the temple.
Following a religious rite performed by Brahmin
priests, Their Majesties the King and Queen paid their respects to the
religious offerings. Their Majesties then proceeded to Bowonniwet Vihara
temple in Bangkok. (NNT)
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Their Majesties grant biosafety mobile units to collect COVID-19 test specimens
His Majesty King Maha
Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida
Bajarasudhabimalakshana, granted an audience to Public Health Minister,
Anutin Charnvirakul, the Permanent Secretary for Public Health, Dr. Sukhum
Kanchanapimai, and related officials.
His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn
Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida
Bajarasudhabimalakshana presented one biosafety mobile unit and 12 prototype
unitson Monday July 6. The vehicles will be given to 12 health region
offices nationwide. Medical personnel will use them to collect COVID-19 test
specimens in schools, temples and communities safely and efficiently.
His Majesty the King also delivered a speech on the
handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Their Majesties the King and Queen have been closely
monitoring the COVID-19 situation, and have expressed concern for the
people’s health and well-being as well as the safety of medical personnel,
who are on the front line of this pandemic. Their Majesties granted funds
for the procurement of the biosafety mobile units. Each unit is equipped
with a Class 1,000 Cleanroom facility, a temperature control system, an air
filter system and a positive pressure and volume-controlled ventilation.
The vehicles also have glove boxes, an ozone generator
to sterilize medical tools and equipment, as well as a microphone system to
allow communication between medical personnel and patients. The vehicles
have collected samples from 12,094 people in Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima
province since May 2, 2020. They have been used to support medical
operations while ensuring the safety of health care workers. (NNT)
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Thailand offers suggestions for Mekong River protection, dam construction impact mitigation
Mr. Somkiat Prajamwong, Secretary-General of the
Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR).
At the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Joint Committee’s meeting, Thailand
offered eight suggestions, hoping to push the Lao PDR into upgrading
measures to alleviate the impacts on downstream countries of dam
construction on the Mekong River.
Mr. Somkiat Prajamwong, Secretary-General of the Office
of the National Water Resources (ONWR), said a meeting, with representatives
from the three Greater Mekong Subregion member countries, Mekong member
countries, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, on the Luang Prabang Dam Hydropower
Project should be held, to discuss ways to avoid and reduce potential
impacts. This is especially important regarding the cross-border impacts on
water resources and the Mekong river ecosystem development. It should also
consider promotion of the sharing of the development benefits of member
countries, both economically and socially.
Thailand suggested that the Lao PDR tackle and mitigate
cross-border impacts in eight key areas, such as hydrological changes,
sediment and nutrient reductions, ecological changes, designing seasonal
migration paths for fish, preventing threats to fisheries, assessing
cross-border impacts and cumulative impacts on downstream countries and
states’ responsibilities for damage by learning a lesson from the Xayaburi
dam.
The meeting also discussed the appropriate time frame
for the Procedures for Notification, Prior Consultation and Agreement (PNPCA)
process of Saka Kham Dam, the 6th hydropower dam project on the lower Mekong
River in Laos. Although the framework was set for six months, the outbreak
of COVID-19 may cause postponement of a forum to create awareness and
understanding of the project. (NNT)
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Thai Commerce Ministry invites EU ambassadors to coconut farms, denies monkeys abuse
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister,
Jurin Laksanawisit insisted that Thailand’s industrial sector does not use
monkeys to harvest coconuts.
In response to leading supermarkets in the United Kingdom (UK) and the
United States of America (USA) removing Thai coconut products from their
shelves amid allegations that mistreated monkeys were being used to pick
coconuts in Thailand, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, Jurin
Laksanawisit, insisted that the country’s industrial sector does not use
monkeys to harvest coconuts.
Mr. Jurin said manufacturers of Thai coconut products
will be invited to a meeting on Wednesday (July 8) to discuss ways to
clarify the situation to foreign traders. In addition, foreign ambassadors
to Thailand, who have questions about this issue, will be invited to visit
the actual farms.
Mr. Jurin said the issue had already been clarified in
the past. Images and video clips of monkeys picking coconuts up tall trees,
are only a reflection of Thai culture to promote tourism. These days,
monkeys aren’t used to harvest coconuts on an industrial scale.
In 2020, Thailand produced 788,000 tons of coconuts.
The country has 15 coconut processing plants, which can produce 113,000 tons
of milk in total. About 70 percent are for domestic consumption, while the
rest is for exports. Thailand also imports coconuts from neighboring
countries. Thailand mainly exports coconut milk and young coconuts. Last
year, the export value of coconut milk was 12.3 billion baht, with eight
percent of coconut milk exported to England and 18 percent exported to other
European countries. The issue does not affect Asian countries, as they have
an accurate understanding of the Thai way of life. (NNT)
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Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, marks Tham Luang cave rescue’s 2nd anniversary
A commemorative ceremony was held at Tham Luang
- Khun Nam Nang Non National Park in Chiang Rai, to pay the community’s
respects to Lt Commander Saman Gunan, who lost his lifeduring the rescue
mission two years ago.
Twelve young footballers and their coach were trapped
inside a cave system in Chiang Rai province two years ago, leading to an
extraordinary rescue mission by an international rescue team. All 13 young
footballers were eventually extracted from the dark and flooded cave, but
with the loss of one of the early responders delivering oxygen, who
unfortunately lost his life in the course of his brave mission.
A commemorative ceremony was held on Tuesday at Tham
Luang - Khun Nam Nang Non National Park in Chiang Rai, to pay the
community’s respects to Lt Commander Saman Gunan, a former Royal Thai Navy
diver who lost his life in the course of the rescue of the Moo Pa Academy
football team and their coach, trapped inside Tham Luang cave system two
years ago.
The ceremony started with alms giving ceremony for 108
Buddhist monks, a worshipping ceremony at Chao Mae Nang Non shrine, a merit
making ceremony for the spirit of Lt Commander Saman, and a traditional life
prolonging rite for observers at this ceremony.
The ceremony was participated in by the Protected Area
Regional Office 15 Director Kamolchai Kotcha, Mae Sai District Chief Prasong
Lhaon, Tham Luang - Khun Nam Nang Non National Park chief Kawee Prasompol,
officials from local government agencies, and villagers from Mae Sai and
surrounding districts.
All the rescued footballers and their coach, as well as
Mrs Waleeporn Gunan, the widow of the late Mr Saman, also attended the
ceremony.
A seminar sharing the strategy and experiences of those
involved in the rescue mission also took place following religious
ceremonies in the morning, along with a discussion on the development of
Tham Luang as a learning center and lasting record of the incident, an
extraordinary cave ecosystem, and speleological attraction of the future. (NNT)
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Thailand remains free of local COVID-19 infection for 43 daysys
The Public Health Ministry reported no
new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and no new deaths
from the disease.
Dr Sophon Iamsirithaworn, director of the ministry’s
Bureau of General Communicable Diseases, said as there was not a new case of
COVID-19, the total remained at 3,195. Of them, 2,444 were locally infected
and 258 were found in state quarantine facilities.
He said 3,072 people recovered, 65 patients were at
hospitals, the death toll remained unchanged at 58 and Thailand ranked 99th
by the number of total cases.s.
He warned that COVID-19 could spread in the country
again if Thai people were reckless. A survey by Suan Dusit Poll on 1,109
people showed that 52.93% of respondents were less concerned about the
disease, 29.94% maintained their levels of concerns, 12.44% had no worries,
and 4.69% were more concerned, he said.
Dr Sophon urged operators to strictly maintain disease
control measures including sanitizing and ventilating premises, checking
body temperatures and providing alcohol gel. He encouraged people to wear
face masks while going out, refrain from touching faces, avoid crowded
places and use the Thaichana app for check-ins and checkouts at places and
the evaluation of premises’ hygiene. (TNA)
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Thailand focuses tax measures to prevent unemployment, business closureses
The car
making industry will benefit from the new tax measures whereas an increase
in the excise tax limit for three-wheeled electric vehicles will stimulate
production and employment, and promotes clean energy.
The car making industry will benefit from the new tax
measures. An increase in the excise tax limit for three-wheeled electric
vehicles will stimulate production and employment, while promoting clean
energy. Tax payment will be reduced from four percent to two percent.t.
Excise tax on fruit and vegetable juices with health
benefits will be lowered from 20 percent to 10 percent. In addition to
promoting this industrial segment, consumers will have more choices and
access to healthy beverages.
The government will support service businesses that
keep their workers employed. These businesses will enjoy a zero-tax rate
until September this year.
Chai Nat province, central Thailand, takes visitors on a journey back in time
Literally meaning ‘place of victory’, Chai Nat was first established during
the Ayutthaya Kingdom, as a successful base to confront invading Burmese
armies.
At first glance, this spot in Central Thailand looks
like any other town situated far from Thailand’s capital city. The roads are
not as busy, and the buildings are not as tall and the noise is not as loud,
but it is happy with the way it is, and with good reason. It played an
important role in the creation of the nation, rightly proud of its history
and its preservation of Thai tradition and culture.
Sapphaya
Old Police Station Community Market
A visit to the
Sapphaya Old Police Station
Community Market, especially on the first week of every
weekend, is a must. It is only then that the community’s riverside street is
closed to traffic and local stalls are set up. Tourists can enjoy various
seasonal activities and events, many of which revolve around food. If you
happen to be a dessert-lover, try the ‘Kui Lee’ sesame seed snack, an old
recipe handed down by generations since the reign of King Rama VI.
Chai
Nat Bird Park
Chai Nat Bird Park features the largest aviary in Asia with
over 100 bird species that live and flourish in natural surroundings. It is
considered a major attraction and learning centre for bird species residing
in or around Chai Nat province. Anyone driving into Chai Nat should
immediately notice the numerous large bird sculptures on the road along the
way. Chai Nat Bird Park is loaded with these bird statues that were part of
a 1985 government campaign to rid rice fields of invasive rat-like pests.
Chai
Nat Muni National Museum
The important history of the province is also on
display at the Chai
Nat Muni National Museum, an historical museum that houses
many old artefacts and relics from the surrounding area. Exhibits includes
celadon Buddha images, tools and ornaments ranging from the Dvaravati period
to the Rattanakosin period and Buddhist votive tablets, which date from the
same time. There are also Thai and Chinese ceramics on display at the
museum.
Khun
San statue
The city’s
Khun San statue
depicts one of the heroic Bang Rachan folk leaders who fought against the
Burmese during the Ayutthaya period. It is taken for granted that he was a
Sankhaburi resident who came to volunteer for the fight with his image
standing proudly in front of the Sankhaburi district office.
Chao
Phraya Dam
Chai Nat is also home to Thailand’s first large-scale
dam, Chao Phraya Dam,
located at the bend of Bang Krabian River. With a total length of 237.5
metres and a height of 16.5 metres, this reinforced concrete dam is built
across flowing water and consists of 16 spillways.
Temple lovers can have a memorable day out in Chai Nat.
The destination is rich in both living temples and ancient ruins.
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Wat
Patommatedsana Aranyawasi
Wat Patommatedsana
Aranyawasi
is tucked into a hillside offering panoramic Chai Nat town viewpoints that
are beautiful both day and night while showcasing features of the stunning
PhraPutthaAriyaThammo, a large and beautiful Man Vichai Sukhothai-style
Buddha image.
Wat
Partumtharam
Wat Partumtharam was built in 1822 and was formerly known as
Wat Nong Bua because the village area had a swamp and a lot of lotuses. The
interesting attractions of the temple are a wihan housing Buddha images,
lifelike statues of Luangpu Suk, Prince of Chumphon, and Luangpho Chat, a
former abbot.
Wat
Mahathat
Wat Mahathat is an old temple located by the Noi River, 20
kilometres southeast of Chai Nat. The temple was part of an ancient city
dating back to the Dvaravati period. It houses ruined chapels with seated
Buddha images and a distinguish Lop Buri-style chedi with a fluted spire
like the petal of a star apple.
Wat
Phra Kaeo
Wat PhraKaeo was likely first constructed around 1354 during
the reign of Sukhothai’s King Li Thai (1347-68) when the area was under
Sukhothai’s control. The temple was formerly the home of a sect of forest
dwelling monks, who were commonly known as
aranyawasi, or
literally ‘forest dwellers’, as they sought dharma in quiet contemplation in
natural surroundings.
Because of its rich history and links to the Burmese
wars, temple ruins dot the landscape all around Chai Nat province. Some of
the most interesting are Wat Tan Chan, Wat Singh Sathit, Wat PanichWana Ram,
Wat Thammikawat, Wat Song Phi Nong, Wat Khaotapra, Wat Bot, Song Sawoei,
Thammamun Wora Wihan, Pak Khlong Makham Thao, Wat KlaiKangwon, Phra
Borommathat Wora Wihan, Wat Intharam, Wat Don Tam Kamalawat, Wat
Phichainawat and Wat Si Samoson to name just a few.
One final place of interest is
Meuang Thao U Thong Island
and KrachapYai Swamp.
It is considered a nature lover’s paradise located on 120 rai of land. It
has become an important fish breeding habitat that is part of local legend
and often referred to as a ‘holy land’ for its abundance of fish.
Located about two hours away from Bangkok by road, Chai
Nat is reachable by train, taxi, minivan, and bus with buses leaving
Bangkok’s Mo Chit 2 Northern Bus Terminal daily from between 5:00 a.m. to
5:50 p.m. (tatnews.org)
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Thailand Situation
%20Thailand%20Situation.jpg)
Coronavirus Disease
2019 (COVID-19) Thailand Situation
(ddc.moph.go.th)
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