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Northern Thai police seize 4 million speed pills
Northern
police display the seized contraband for the press.
Chiang Mai Mail
Northern police seized more than 4 million
methamphetamine tablets over the past week as the drug trade flourishes amid
a pandemic.
Provincial Police Region 5 summarized the works of 59
police stations in eight provinces at an Aug. 13 news conference.
Officers made 814 drug arrests, active and cold cases,
confiscating 4.1 million speed pills, 84 weapons and 189 rounds of
ammunition.
Officers also made 1,673 inspections of motorcycle
garages and retail shops contributing to illegal street racing and detained
180 bike racers.
A variety of confiscated
weapons are put on display.
Illegal drugs by the
millions were seized during the week-long raids.
Thailand targets food exports to reach one trillion baht this year
President of
National Food Institute (NFI), Mrs. Anong Paijiprapapon (center).
Three agencies have projected
that Thai food exports to contract two per cent in the first half of this
year but to recover 3.6 per cent in the second half of this year to reach
one trillion baht in value for the whole year.
The three agencies are the National Food Institute, the
Board of Trade of Thailand and the Federation of Thai Industries.
President of National Food Institute (NFI), Mrs. Anong
Paijiprapapon said that Thai food production industry in the first half of
2020 contracted 8.6 per cent year-on-year owing to Covid-19.
Sugar production shrank by 38 per cent and cassava
starch by 4.9 per cent, frozen shrimp by 3.9 per cent and canned
pineapple by 7.9 per cent. Increases in production were seen in processed
chicken, canned tuna and seasonings and instant noodle, she said.
Thai food exports slightly contracted in the first half
of this year by 2 per cent, worth 505 billion baht while processed food
exports increased 0.1 per cent, worth 238 billion baht.
Thai food exports are projected to expand by 3.6 per
cent, worth 519 billion baht in the second half of this year.
Thai food exports were projected to value one trillion
baht, up 0.8 per cent. Growth is expected in major commodities such as
chicken, canned tune, ready-to-eat food, seasoning and pineapple.
Drops in value are likely to be seen for rice, sugar,
cassava starch, shrimp and coconut.
From January to June, Thailand increased exports to
China, the U.S. and Oceania while exports to Asean, Japan, European Union,
Africa and the Middle East decreased.
The kingdom ranked 11th food exporter in the World and
ranked second in Asia after China. (TNA)
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Immediate help for SMEs leads to Thailand economic crisis recovery
Private sector viewed that
financial assistance including soft loans alone would not be enough to help
SMEs, they also needed knowledge and marketing channels.
Prime Minister Prayut
Chan-o-cha convened the first meeting of the Centre for Economic Situation
Administration while the private sector urged for immediate help for SMEs.
Kalin Sarasin, chairman of the Thai Chamber of
Commerce, said the prime minister, as the chairman of the centre, convened
its first meeting at Government House and the Joint Standing Committee on
Commerce Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) would propose economic stimulus
measures then.
He said the private sector supported the formation of
the centre because it would speed up assistance for COVID-19-affected
businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.
Mr Kalin said the private sector viewed that financial
assistance including soft loans alone would not be enough to help SMEs. They
also needed knowledge and marketing channels, he said.
He also said that JSCCIB planned to draft an economic
recovery plan together with the Thailand Tourism Council, the Thai National
Shippers’ Council and the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations.
JSCCIB would also propose promotion for wellness
tourism, high-value farm products, SMEs’ opportunities, tax assistance for
COVID-19-affected parties and Thailand’s roles as the regional center for
trade and investment, Mr Kalin said. (TNA)
Kalin
Sarasin, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
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Thai meat is free of COVID-19
The Livestock Development
Department regularly samples products for COVID-19 tests.
So far, 237 samples have been tested and all tested negative.
The Livestock Development
Department is working seriously to ensure the safety of Thai meat amid
reports of COVID-19-contaminated meat in other countries, according to the
department chief.
Sorawit Thaneeto, director-general of the department,
responded to international reports that the coronavirus disease 2019 was
found with frozen chicken wings from Brazil to China and with frozen shrimps
from Ecuador to China.
Mr Sorawit said that the food safety measures of his
department covered plants where workers must comply with hygienic practices
and observe social distancing and all production stages were sanitized.
The measures were designed to prevent contamination, he
said.
Besides, the department regularly samples products for
COVID-19 tests. So far, 237 samples have been tested and all tested
negative.
“People can rest assured that Thai livestock products
are safe,” Mr Sorawit said.
Amid COVID-19 concerns, he saw opportunities for
Thailand to export more livestock products to global markets in place of
contaminated sources. (TNA)
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Thai economic outlook weakest in the region
Bank of Thailand governor
Veerathai
Santiprabhob.
The Thai economic outlook may
be the worst in the region thanks to heavy foreign dependency, said outgoing
Bank of Thailand governor Veerathai Santiprabhob.
As his term is due to expire at the end of September,
Veerathai suggested economic restructuring to shift from dependence on the
foreign sector to the domestic sector.
He viewed that it could take two years for Thai economy
to return to pre- pandemic economy. Although the Thai economy has already
bottomed out in the second quarter, it cannot be optimistic because other
countries, particularly Thai trade partners are still facing the problems.
He also advised wise use of limited resources in the
public and private sectors. The government’s measures should have specific
targets and concerning higher unemployment rate, the government should
create at least one million continuous jobs.
The policy rate should remain low until a clear sign of
economic recovery and it also depends on the inflation outlook. Existing
monetary and financial tools are more limited, so the government’s policies
should be integrated.
He said he was confident that the next governor
Sethaput Suthiwart-Narueput to succeed him on Oct 1 will be able to continue
the BoT strategies as he had six years of experience as a member of the
BoT’s monetary policy committee.
The new governor should push ahead for debt and
business restructuring and create stability of the whole monetary system
besides the commercial banking system, he added. (TNA)
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in Thailand
15-8-20-1.jpg)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in
Thailand as of 14 August 2020, 11.30 Hrs. (TAT)
15-8-20-2.jpg)
Thailand launches project to avoid phone addiction in kids
The project
is the cooperation between the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and the
innovative company “Toolmorrow” to promote the potential of communication in
families via online platforms.
Many parents are dealing with their children’s
smartphone addiction but haven’t found a solution. Today, the Health
Promotion Foundation launched a project that will help to address the issue
by providing online training for families, to boost quality communication
among family members.
This project is a result of cooperation between the
Thai Health Promotion Foundation and the innovative company “Toolmorrow” to
promote the potential of communication in families via online platforms.
The course was designed to let the families practice,
in a group, for one hour a day for nine days.
Anyone who is interested can get more information at
“Toolmorrow” Facebook page
Director of Healthy Child, Youth, and Family Promotion
Section, Ms. Nattaya Boonpakdee said Thai children and teenagers spend 35
hours a week on their smartphones, more than anywhere else in the world,
where the average is 16 hours a week.
The survey of 15,000 samples, aged 6 to 18, found that
61 percent of them at risk of addiction to online video games, which might
be lead to other dangerous acts, such as gambling and violence.
Doctor Sirichai Hongsanguansri, a professor of Child
and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital,
said cutting the bond between a child and a smartphone can be done by
generating the bond between the members of a family. They can do activities
together, do what the children find are interesting, while schools also need
to be responsible for arranging appropriate activities for students. (NNT)
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Thai police prepared for students’ big rally on Aug 16 at Democracy Monument
Local police would try
their best to guarantee order during the next demonstration at the Democracy
Monument on Aug 16.
Political demonstrations
showed signs of legal violation and police were ready to handle a big rally
on Aug 16, said a spokesman of the Royal Thai Police Office.
The Royal Thai Police deputy spokesman Pol Col Kissana
Pattanacharoen said police were concerned about the content of political
demonstrations that affected the royal institution and about possible
confrontation against groups of people with different opinions.
He urged demonstrators to abide by laws.
“Regarding the rally at Thammasat University on Aug 10,
I believe that everyone knows what can be done and what cannot,” Pol Col
Kissana said.
He assured that police would take action against the
demonstration leaders who violated laws. “Police are duty-bound to ensure
order. If there is wrongdoing, police have the duty to take action,” he
said.
The spokesman said that local police would try their
best to guarantee order during the next demonstration at the Democracy
Monument on Aug 16.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said some
people could not accept the movements of students in their rallies and were
unhappy because the government had not taken action. (TNA)
The Royal
Thai Police deputy spokesman Pol Col Kissana Pattanacharoen.
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Thailand alert on second spread of COVID-19 in Vietnam and New Zealand
Serious implementation of
disease control measures including quarantine and COVID-19 tests on people
arriving from other countries needed to prevent the second spread.
Measures to control the coronavirus disease 2019 were
leniently imposed at many premises including failure to use the check-in and
checkout Thaichana app, the Disease Control Department has warned.
Dr Sophon Iamsirithaworn, director of general
communicable diseases at the department, said on Wednesday that the second
spread of COVID-19 was reported in many countries that had effectively
controlled the disease like Vietnam and New Zealand. Therefore, all parties
had to seriously implement disease control measures including quarantine and
COVID-19 tests on people arriving from other countries.
He said he was concerned that customers were allowed to
pack many premises without wearing face masks and that posed high risks of
disease transmission. Some people did not use the Thaichana application and
it would be difficult to find them in case a COVID-infected person was at
the same place.
Dr Sophon urged people to actively protect themselves
by wearing masks, regularly washing hands, observing social distancing and
avoiding congested and poorly ventilated places.
“If all parties are helpful and cooperation starts from
individuals and expands to families, communities and the whole society,
Thailand will be safe and can contain COVID-19 when local infection recurs,”
he said. (TNA)
Dr Sophon
Iamsirithaworn, director of general communicable diseases department.
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Thailand Songkran festival adds extra holidays in September
Songkran holidays were put
on hold earlier this year to prevent people from travelling and spreading
the disease during the height of the Covid-19 outbreak.
The Thai Cabinet on Thursday
approved September 4 and 7 as a substitute holiday for the postponed
Songkran festival, creating a four-day weekend from September 4 to 7.
Earlier, the cabinet put on hold Songkran holiday this
year to prevent people from travelling and spreading the disease during the
height of the Covid-19 outbreak.
After the first meeting of his new cabinet line-up this
morning, Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha said he would make a statement
on the Television Pool of Thailand about work assignment and the
government’s purposes this evening.
The prime minister he has not appointed a new
government spokesperson after former Narumon Pinyosinwat was appointed as
Deputy Labour Minister.
New cabinet ministers took the oath of office before
His Majesty the King on Wednesday, completing the process of their
appointment.
The prime minister said he had assigned ministers in
charge of economic affairs to look into economic problems including the loss
of income, exports and tourism. (TNA)
Prime
Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha.
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Infected Japanese returned from Thailand investigated
Dr Suwanchai
Wattanaying- charoenchai, Director-General of the Department of Disease
Control.
The case of a COVID-19 infected Japanese passenger, who
returned from Thailand to Japan is being investigated by the Department of
Disease Control. The Ministry of Public Health has clarified that it has
already contacted the Japanese Medical authority to determine the origin of
the infection
Doctor Suwanchai Wattanaying- charoenchai,
Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, said initially, that
two cases were related to Japan. First, a Thai man who returned to his
hometown in Chiang Rai to attend the annual conscription call up, then
returned to Japan on 1st August and underwent a lab test. The result was
positive and he is now in state quarantine. After Chiang Rai was informed of
the man’s infection, disease control teams went to test his recent contacts,
all of whom tested negative.
The second case is a 47-year-old Japanese man who
returned from Thailand on 8th August and was tested positive at Haneda
Airport. Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has already made contact and
requested more information from the Japanese authority, while disease
control teams are now locating his previous contacts in Thailand.
However, the testing procedure used in both cases is a
new method that tests a sample of saliva, a test method that the World
Health Organization has not yet approved. Thailand’s current method is a
swab test of the person’s nostrils, which then uses RT PCR which is a
worldwide method. (NNT)
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in Thailand
14-8-20-1.jpg)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in
Thailand as of 13 August 2020, 11.30 Hrs. (TAT)
14-8-20-2.jpg)
Thai Prime Minister joins volunteer activities at Pakkred Home for Boys
Prime
Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The Prime Minister and Defense Minister, has
participated in Pansuk Plukrak (sharing happiness, planting love) volunteer
activities, by releasing fish and planting vegetables at Pakkred Home for
Boys, while urging all children to study hard, understand history, shape the
country’s future and maintain national stability.
Before participating in the volunteer activity, Gen.
Prayut listened to the boys singing a song about doing good deeds. The event
was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister, Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, and other
ministers.
The Prime Minister then led the participants in a
ceremony to offer blessings to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother.
According to the blessing, the government and the private sector have
applied the guidelines of the Royal Thai Volunteers’ Doing Good Deeds for
Country and People by organizing Pansuk Plukrak volunteer activities, which
included doing good deeds and helping vulnerable groups, in response to Her
Majesty’s royal wish and compassion towards the people.
The Prime Minister then presented bags of consumer
products to representatives of the children at Pakkred Home for Boys. The
Prime Minister told the boys and the participants that he was happy to meet
them, as they are the future of the country.
The government is concerned about education, and it is
necessary to adjust current teaching methods in accordance with global
change. However, they must understand the country’s origin and must not
forget their Thai identity.
They have to do good deeds for the nation, the religion
and the monarchy because they are Thai people with ancestry and revered
institutions. Now, the country is in the midst of change and has to cope
with the disease COVID-19. He doesn’t know when it will end, but the
government is doing its best to help all people.
The Prime Minister also spoke with youngsters with
speech and language impairments, observed a single-mother’s clinic model,
released fish, planted vegetables and had lunch with the children. (NNT)
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Chinese medical companies to move production bases to Thailand
Mr. Aat
Pisanwanich, Director, Center for International Trade Studies (CITS),
University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
Though COVID-19 has badly impacted many industries,
some such as medical science and technological advancement may benefit from
aspects of the crisis.
The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, has
suggested Thai entrepreneurs grab the opportunity to develop innovations,
and some Chinese medical equipment companies are preparing to move their
production bases to Thailand.
Mr. Aat Pisanwanich, Director, Center for International
Trade Studies (CITS), University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said a
major factor affecting the thinking of foreign entrepreneurs especially
Chinese businesses to open branches and production bases in Thailand, is the
COVID-19 pandemic. As it has affected the whole business cycle, business
operators must consider the rise in capital costs and other risks.
Foreign entrepreneurs have also noted that Thailand has
shown an ability to cope with the pandemic, while the Thai workforce has
quality and, the landscape facilitates transportation.
Thailand should take advantage of the COVID-19 epidemic
by promoting and supporting the needs of the health industry such as rubber
gloves, dietary supplements, cosmetics, medical equipment, electronic
products and IT products. However, the disadvantage is political
uncertainty, wage hikes, and the strength of the Thai baht. (NNT)
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Appeal Court upholds jail term for Thai construction tycoon in black leopard hunting case
Premchai Karnasuta,
the president of Italian-Thai Development Plc.
Thailand’s Appeal Court has
upheld the six-month prison sentence for Thai construction tycoon Premchai
Karnasuta for illegal possession of guns in relation to the “black leopard”
hunting.
Premchai, the president of Italian-Thai Development
Plc, appeared in court on Tuesday to hear the verdict on rifles and
ammunition possession case.
The court ruled to uphold the lower court’s decision. Premchai
was later granted release on unconditional bail, with 500,000 baht cash
placed as surety.
Park rangers found carcasses of wildlife such as black
leopard and pheasant.
Majestic Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in Chiang Mai open FREE on Mother’s Day, August 12
Thailand’s
very first botanic garden, Majestic Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in Chiang
Mai, one of the most diverse and beautiful in Asia, will be open from 08.30
– 16.30 Hrs.
The magnificent Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in the
Northern Thai capital of Chiang Mai will be accessible free of charge on 12
August, 2020, in celebration of the auspicious birthday of Her Majesty Queen
Sirikit, The Queen Mother, and Mother’s Day.
Thailand’s very first botanic garden, one of the most
diverse and beautiful in Asia, will be open from 08.30 – 16.30 Hrs.
Covering a mountainous area of 560 acres on the
foothills of the mist-shrouded Doi Suthep-Pui mountains, the Garden offers a
mix of natural beauty along with curated gardens and glasshouses showcasing
the magnificence of the flora and fauna from around the world.
Visitors can explore walking trails, gardens and
glasshouses all displaying a rich diversity of plants either in their
natural settings or arranged according to some theme or classification.
Established in 1992 to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit,
The Queen Mother, the Garden also has an integrated programme of
globally-recognized research and education with a focus on rare, endemic,
and endangered species.
Children and senior citizens can also tour the entire
grounds via a tram service/open-air bus service that runs within the Garden.
Wheelchairs are welcome in most of the Garden, and the glasshouse complex is
wheelchair accessible.
Orchid lovers will find a variety of native orchids on
sale, which are products of the Garden’s tissue culture laboratory.
The Golden Gardenia Souvenir Shop has a wide range of
souvenirs and local products for sale. Adjacent to that, the “Golden
Gardenia” Coffee Shop is an ideal place to relax and enjoy freshly brewed
coffee, herbal tea or soft drinks.
For more information, please call 0-5384-1234 or click
on www.qsbg.org or
http://www.facebook.com/qsbgcm (tatnews.org)
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Her Majesty Queen Mother honored with new plant species exhibition
Thailand is celebrating Her
Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 88th birthday anniversary on Wednesday, which is
also the national Mother’s Day.
Thailand showcases new plant
species discovered by Thai researchers at an exhibition held in honor of Her
Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother.
The exhibition at Siam Paragon shopping complex is
organized by Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR)
and related agencies.
It highlights a new species of Annonaceae,
Mitrephorasirikitiae, which was discovered by TISTR researchers in 2006 in
Mae Hong Son province.
The plant has flowers similar to Mitrephorawinitii, but
much larger in size with mild fragrance.
Another highlight of the event is Magnolia
sirindhorniae, which is named after Queen Sirikit’s daughter, Princess Maha
Chakri Sirindhorn.
The new species of magnolia was found by TISTR in a
forest in Lop Buri province in 2000.
A ‘flower sculpture’ made of 8,888 blooming flowers
also impresses visitors at the event.
Thailand is celebrating Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s
88th birthday anniversary on Wednesday, which is also the national Mother’s
Day. (TNA)
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Religious ceremonies held to mark the Queen Mother’s Birthday in Thailand
The Ministry of Culture
organized a multi-faith ceremony to mark the jubilant occasion,Her
Majesty’s birthday on August 12, at Thailand Cultural
Centre on Monday.
Thai people take parts in
religious ceremonies held in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen
Mother on the occasion of Her Majesty’s birthday on August 12.
The Queen Mother’s birthday is the national Mother’s
Day.
The Ministry of Culture organized a multi-faith
ceremony to mark the jubilant occasion at Thailand Cultural Centre on
Monday.
An exhibition features information about numerous royal
projects initiated by Queen Sirikit.
MCOT also held an alms-giving ceremony at its
headquarters in Bangkok. MCOT president Kematat Paladesh and other
executives offered alms to nine Buddhist monks.
On Mother’s Day, Thais typically pay their respects to
mothers by presenting jasmine garlands. Jasmine farmers in Nakhon
Ratchasima said the price of flowers had doubled due to higher demand. (TNA)
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Thailand focuses on Vietnamese second spread of COVID-19 cases
Dr Tanarak
Plipat, deputy director-general of
the Disease Control
Department.
The Disease Control Department
is studying the second spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 in Vietnam to
plan its local measures and warns that the number of infected people can be
10 times as much as reported cases worldwide.
Dr Tanarak Plipat, deputy director-general of the
department, said the second spread of COVID-19 would happen in Thailand
because there were patients in the country and people who arrived from other
countries could be infected.
He said that it was impossible to predict when the
second spread would occur but when it happens, officials will try to contain
it.
Dr Tanarak said it was possible for infected people to
develop immunity naturally but that would take a long time. He warned that
the real number of infected people worldwide could be 10 times as much as
the number of confirmed cases because some infected people were
asymptomatic.
Thailand was closely monitoring the second spread in
Vietnam as its cause remained unknown, he said.
Migrant workers would be arriving but neither companies
nor organizations had applied to set up an organizational quarantine
facility to quarantine migrant workers who wanted jobs in Thailand, Dr
Tanarak said.
He urged officials at hospitals to conduct COVID-19
tests on people with pneumonia, medical personnel and people who contracted
respiratory diseases in groups. That was to quickly identify COVID-19
patients and control the disease, he said. (TNA)
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Thai activists demand ‘People’s Constitution’
The campaign group for a
new constitution led by a university lecturer, Anusorn Unno, handed the
petition to Sutin Klangsaeng, opposition whip chairman, at Parliament on
Monday.
A group of Thai activists has submitted a
petition to the opposition whip demanding a “people’s constitution.”
The campaign group for a new constitution led by a
university lecturer, Anusorn Unno, handed the petition to Sutin Klangsaeng,
opposition whip chairman, at Parliament on Monday.
Anusorn said the group opposed calls for charter
amendments but demanded a new constitution to be drafted by a people-centric
committee.
Sutin said his Pheu Thai Party had already completed
its recommendation for charter amendments. The Party planned to propose an
amendment on August 17, he said.
The campaign for constitutional changes came as
students and anti-government groups have staged protests at many locations
across Thailand.
These anti-government groups, such as the Free People,
have raised three demands for a new constitution, freedom of expression and
a fresh election.
Their activities have faced resistance from
pro-government groups. A group of vocational students gathered at
Parliament to oppose anti-government protests.
They accused politicians of pulling strings behind the
scene and instigating hatred and spreading fake news on social media
platforms. (TNA)
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Thai workers in Uzbekistan to be repatriated
The 94
overseas Thai workers in Uzbekistan requested repatriation, are now
scheduled for travel on 13 August.
The Thai government is now organizing a repatriation
flight for 94 Thai workers in Uzbekistan, who have expressed their gratitude
for this assistance from the government. The workers are scheduled to arrive
back in Thailand on Thursday.
The Ministry of Labour Permanent Secretary Suthi
Sukosol says the 94 overseas Thai workers in Uzbekistan, who have requested
repatriation, are now scheduled for travel on 13 August.
Most of them are members of the overseas workers
assistance fund, who are eligible to receive benefits through employment
offices in their province of residence.
The employment agency has made an agreement for the
employers in Uzbekistan to pay the workers’ July salary later, with some
contracts ending in early August.
One of the workers said every person is happy to go
home, and thanked the Thai government, the Ministry of Labour, and all
related agencies for their assistance and organization of repatriation
flights. (NNT)
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Thai embassy staff member with COVID-19 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia under care
Prime
Minister and Minister of Defense Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The Prime Minister has expressed his concern for a Thai
official overseas who has tested positive to COVID-19, urging related
agencies to provide assistance.
A Deputy Government Spokesperson, Trisulee Trisaranakul
disclosed that Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha,
has ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take good care of the
official at the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; the staff member
has tested positive to COVID-19. The official is now reported to be
receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
The Prime Minister expressed his moral support for all
Thai officials at foreign missions, advising them to take care of their
health, while expressing appreciation for their devotion and sacrifice as
representatives of the country, assisting Thai nationals overseas. He again
praised the work of all officials since the COVID-19 outbreak, in helping
repatriate some 60,000 Thai nationals so far from cities urges care around
the world, back to their homeland. (NNT)
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Thailand will not revoke permanent driving licenses
The
Department of Land Transport confirms there won’t be any revocation of the
permanent driving licenses or re-testing, and rejects rumors that have been
shared widely on social media.
Last week, there were reports and rumors that the
department of land transport will revoke permanent driving licenses and the
license holders will have to undergo the test again. The department has just
clarified that there won’t be any revocation, but that they are seeking a
safer way for drivers with a permanent license to travel safely.
The Department of Land Transport has posted on its
Facebook page that it confirms that there won’t be any revocation of the
permanent driving licenses or re-testing, rumors of which have been shared
widely on social media. However, for the safety of all road users, the
department will find a way to screen out those who lack the ability to drive
or who have a disease that affects driving performance and safety. (NNT)
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United Nations lauds Thailand for COVID-19 curbing effort and success
The Center
for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesperson, Dr. Taweesin
Visanuyothin.
At the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA),
Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, M.D., CCSA Spokesperson, disclosed that the
United Nations (UN) has complimented Thailand for its effort in coping with
the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, as a result of which no domestic infection
has been detected for over 2 months now. UN also underscored 3 factors that
have especially contributed to the success: 1) the Government’s strict
implementation of related measures, 2) social responsibility of health
volunteers, and 3) Thai people’s strength and solidarity.
CCSA Spokesperson also clarified about the procedure related to the
Government’s Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) that list of hotels used as
ASQ is readily available for public scrutiny at
www.hsscovid.com.
These hotels have strictly undergone thorough inspection by Ministry of
Public Health and the country’s security unit to ensure high-level standard
as ASQ, and those that also offer services to general public in parallel are
required to zone ASQ separately in all processes. Quarantined people are
strictly required to stay in their room at all times, be provided with
separate meals, personal belongings and garbage bags, and undergo COVID-19
test twice during their 14-day stay. Medical staffs also standby 24/7
throughout the quarantine period. Therefore, general public can rest assured
of their safety in using services at ASQ hotels to support them
economically. CCSA Spokesperson also thanked those hotels for their
cooperation and sacrifice in the country’s endeavor to curb COVID-19.
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Japan credit rating agency’s assessment on Thai economic outlook as ‘stable’
A report of
Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. (JCR) affirms Thailand’s economic outlook
as ‘stable’.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek
disclosed that Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha
acknowledged a report of Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. (JCR) which
affirms Thailand’s economic outlook as ‘stable’, while rating the country’s
long-term government bonds at A-, and the Baht at A, for the reason that
Thailand has shown its efficiently in coping with the spread of COVID-19
pandemic, coupling with the country’s surplus current account, and the high
level of foreign exchange reserves. The Deputy Government Spokesperson
reiterated that JCR’s rating demonstrates a good sign of global confidence
toward Thai economy even during the difficult period. The Government stands
ready to push forward mega projects, and utilize loan for economic and
social rehabilitation in a bid to bolster grassroots economy, promote
employment, and set up infrastructure against drought disaster.
With regard to inward foreign investment, BOI has
reported the 7% increase of investment proposals during the first half of
this year (January- June 2020), with the total number of 754 projects, worth
158,890 million Baht. Among this, 366 projects (49%) have been proposed by
new investors, for the total investment value of 85,480 million Baht.
According to the Deputy Government Spokesperson, the
Prime Minister enjoined the Government and public agencies to undertake the
“New Normal” way of working toward the future, through mobilizing economic
stimulus plans in parallel with implementing COVID-19 preventive and
surveillance measures, while adhering to fiscal and financial discipline and
maintaining public debt level.
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Thailand consumer confidence up, but still lowest in 21 years from tourism and employment
Thailand consumer
confidence is at its lowest in 21 years and 10 months, on the continued
negative impact of COVID-19 on spending, tourism, exports and employment,
and the political situation.
Aid measures, and the fifth phase easing of COVID-19
restrictions, allowed consumer confidence to improve last month, the third
month in a row, to 50.1 points from 49.2 in June.
The President of the University of the Thai Chamber of
Commerce (UTCC), Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanavath Phonvichai, pointed out that
despite the upward trend in consumer confidence, the figure is still at its
lowest in 21 years and 10 months, on the continued negative impact of
COVID-19 on spending, tourism, exports and employment, as well as concerns
about the political situation.
Overall confidence in the economy, job prospects and
revenue were also up compared to June, with only confidence in politics
continuing a downward trend for the 17th month. (NNT)
The
President of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), Asst.
Prof. Dr. Thanavath Phonvichai.
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List of approved ‘Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ)’ hotels in Thailand
’%20hotels%20in%20Thailand%201.jpg)
The list of hotels used as
Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facilities is publicly disclosed on the
Department of Health Service Support website.
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)
Spokesman Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin revealed the list of hotels used as
Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facilities is publicly disclosed on the
Department of Health Service Support website, asking the general public to
be confident with protocols taken at these facilities to ensure public
safety.
Currently, all persons entering Thailand from abroad
for long-term stay are subjected to a mandatory 14-day quarantine. They can
opt to stay in a facility of their liking at
their own expense in the Alternative State Quarantine program.
The hotels used as quarantine facilities have all been
tested for health and safety protocol compliance by security agencies and
the Ministry of Public Health. Measures are being taken to maximize public
safety, such as separate isolation zoning, two lab tests for COVID-19,
24-hour supervision by medical professionals, and the prohibition for any
person in isolation to leave the premises throughout their quarantine
period.
The CCSA spokesman has declined to comment on a
suggestion to place an indication sign in front of hotels used as quarantine
facilities, saying this is based on the discretion of each hotel, while
stressing that the government emphasizes on the screening and quarantine
process for every person entering the country to prevent new outbreak.
Please check the list of the alternative state
quarantine hotels at
http://www.hsscovid.com/.
Information about the alternative state quarantine in
Thailand will also be updated and shared on the Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Alternative-State-Quarantine-105755234490444/.
(NNT)
’%20hotels%20in%20Thailand%202.jpg)
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Thai court affirms ‘Red Bull’ heir arrest warrant remains active
The court has decided to keep the case open
and the warrant active from public doubts surrounding the case.
The police's decision to drop charges against Mr
Vorayuth Yoovidhya or Boss for his hit-and-run allegation has sparked
controversy among the general public. The independent fact-finding committee
revealed additional witness testimonies and more investigations will be
performed, while the police chief is scheduled to attend a meeting on this
subject next Tuesday.
According to the Bangkok South Criminal Court, the
police's process to close the case and pull the warrant was disrupted
by a protest led by former senate member Rosana Tositrakul, requesting
further investigations to be held. The court has decided to keep the case
open and the warrant active from public doubts surrounding the case.
Meanwhile, the prosecutors probing subcommittee chaired
by Mr Borwornsak Uwanno will be summoning the Office of the Attorney
General's Deputy Spokesman Prayut Petchakhun for an interview.
The police's work on this case is now being
investigated by the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, who
is in the process of subpoenaing all case information, while related
prosecutes will be investigated, and will have to submit case papers and all
objections.
More witnesses will be called in to testify, including
Chulalongkorn University Physics lecturer Sathon Vijarnwannaluk on his
calculation of vehicle speed, and legal medicine chief at Ramathibodi
Hospital AVM Vichan Peonim on the evidence of cocaine found in Mr Vorayuth's
body.
The committees working on this case will be holding the
next major meeting on Tuesday at 3 p.m., where the Royal Thai Police
commissioner-general will be summoned.
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in Thailand
10-820-1.jpg)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in
Thailand as of 9 August 2020, 11.30 Hrs. (TAT)
10-820-2.jpg)
‘Amazing Thailand SHA’ certificate awarded to businesses in Bangkok
Minister Phiphat (3rd from
left), TAT Governor, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn (2nd from left), TAT Deputy
Governor for Tourism Products and Services, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool (2nd
from right), and recipients of the Amazing Thailand SHA certificate.
A total of 414 businesses in Bangkok were recently
awarded with the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA)
certification for meeting the basic standards of hygiene and health safety
for their products and services in accordance with the nationwide measures
to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
H.E. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakan, Minister of Tourism
and Sports, recently presided over the presentation ceremony, which was held
on 4 August, 2020, at the Royal Paragon Hall in Bangkok. He was joined by
senior officials and figures from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the
Ministry of Public Health.
Minister Phiphat said, “The Amazing Thailand SHA
project demonstrates the strong collaboration between the Ministry of
Tourism and Sports and the Ministry of Public Health, as well as the private
sector, to enhance the confidence on Thailand’s tourism and public health
for the recovery period post-COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Amazing Thailand SHA standard is used to assess 10
types of business, e.g., restaurants/food outlets, accommodation and
convention centres, recreation and tourist attractions, tourist transport
vehicles, travel agents/tour operators, health and beauty parlours,
department stores and shopping centres, sports stadiums for tourism,
theatres/cinemas, and souvenir shops and other stores.
Launched in the middle of May 2020, the Amazing
Thailand SHA project has so far received applications from 5,832 businesses
from across the country. So far, a total of 4,021 businesses have passed the
SHA assessment, including 1,010 businesses in Bangkok – making it the
province with the most SHA-certified establishments, 498 businesses in
Phuket, and 340 businesses from Chiang Mai.
So far, a
total of 4,021 products and services nationwide that meet sanitary safety
standards were certified in accordance with the Amazing
Thailand SHA standard.
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in Thailand
%20-9-8-20-1.jpg)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in
Thailand as of 8 August 2020, 11.30 Hrs. (TAT)
%20-9-8-20-2.jpg)
Two still missing from Samui ferry sinking in Gulf of Thailand
The divers from the Royal
Thai Navy, volunteer groups and Koh Tao Island joined the rescue operation
at the site, five nautical miles off Koh Samui.
Two people are still missing
after Racha 4 ferry capsized off Koh Samui Island on Saturday, killing five
people as teams of divers continue search operation in the rough sea.
Racha 4 was rocked by strong wind and high waves when
it was carrying 16 people from Koh Samui heading for Don Sak boat pier on
the mainland on Saturday night.
Nine people have been rescued while rescuers have
retrieved five dead bodies so far. The latest body was found on Thursday in
the sunken ferry but the divers planned to retrieve it on Friday.
The divers from the Royal Thai Navy, volunteer groups
and Koh Tao Island on Friday joined the rescue operation at the site, five
nautical miles off Koh Samui.
The ferry was loaded with garbage, three 10-wheel
lorries and a pick-up truck. There were 11 crewmen, four drivers and a
saleswoman on board when it capsized. (TNA)
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Thailand ‘Alternative State Quarantine – ASQ’ hotels are safe
Thai Public Health Ministry
chose the hotels that completely met its safety standards.
All Alternative State
Quarantine facilities are safe and meet disease control standards, according
to the Public Health Ministry.
Dr Thares Krasnairawiwong, director-general of the
Health Service Support Department, said some people were concerned about
safety at the hotels that functioned as Alternative State Quarantine
facilities.
He said that the Public Health Ministry chose the
hotels that completely met its safety standards which covered their isolated
air-conditioning, restricted access to elevators, security cameras and
dedicated zones to perfectly separate quarantined people from general
people. Besides, foods are delivered to the rooms of quarantined people to
prevent impacts on general guests and local communities.
Dr Thares assured that military and health personnel
were closely supervising the accommodation of American soldiers who were in
quarantine at three hotels. The quarantined soldiers were not allowed to
leave their zone and were also subject to other disease control measures.
People could check the list of Alternative State
Quarantine hotels at http://covid-center.hss.moph.go.th/ of
the Health Service Support Department, he said. (TNA)
Dr Thares
Krasnairawiwong, director-general of the Health Service Support Department.
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Thailand to enact fresh driving tests for 70 years old and over
The new
policy will be first applied to people aged 70 years old and over and be
evaluated before being expanded to those who are 65 years old and over.
The Thailand Development
Research Institute supports the initiative on fresh driving tests on the
people who hold lifetime driver’s licenses, especially the motorists who are
70 years old and over, for the sake of public safety.
Sumet Ongkittikul, TDRI’s research director on
transportation and logistics policies, said the idea of the Land Transport
Department to recall lifetime driver’s licenses had been a topic of
discussion among academics for a long time because it concerned road
safety.
The issuance of lifetime driver’s licenses stopped
worldwide. It was also a policy of the countries that had issued lifetime
driver’s licenses including Japan that was an aging society, he said.
When Japanese drivers are old, they are encouraged to
return their driver’s licenses for public safety. Elderly people were losing
their driving skills and also had chronic diseases that might obstruct
driving and caused accidents, Mr Sumet said.
He suggested the new policy be first applied to people
aged 70 years old and over and be evaluated before being expanded to those
who are 65 years old and over. He said that the drivers who were younger
than 60 years old should be spared to save costs. (TNA)
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No ‘Ammonium Nitrate’ storage in Bangkok
Bangkok Metropolitan
Administration (BMA) spokesman, Pongsakorn Kwanmuang.
The spokesman of the Bangkok
Metropolitan Administration has confirmed that no ammonium nitrate is stored
in the capital.
BMA spokesman Pongsakorn Kwanmuang sent condolences to
those affected in the tragic ammonium nitrate blast in Beirut where at least
100 people were killed and more than 4,000 others were injured.
He also said that no ammonium nitrate was in storage in
Bangkok but what could explode here were cooking gas and hazardous chemicals
and substances handled by nearly 5,000 operators.
According to Mr Pongsakorn, staff of BMA’s Health
Department are implementing measures to prevent such explosions. They
regularly inspect all premises that store chemicals to ensure safety.
Besides, operators who have hazardous chemicals and
substances are regularly trained on their safe handling and required to
prepare disaster responsive plans.
BMA staff were always prepared to cope with emergency
incidents including chemical disasters, he said.
Those illegally storing hazardous chemicals are liable
to punishment. People can ask BMA to check chemical storage by contacting
its 50 district offices or calling 1555. Any chemical fire can be reported
via the hotline 199 around the clock. (TNA)
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Thailand to raise tourists from 2 million to 10 million this year, Thais and foreigners
Prime
Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Tourists’ reservation of about
200,000 hotel rooms was still not enough and the government would come up
with new tourism campaigns, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said.
He said that he was, however, pleased to learn media
report that about 200,000 hotel rooms were booked in both major tourist
provinces and less popular ones.
Gen Prayut said the government was trying to raise the
expected number of tourists from 2 million to 10 million this year.
“From now on, solutions must be figured out.
Understanding must be created especially at the local level to prevent
conflicts,” he said.
“All parties must understand how to stimulate the local
economy. If foreign tourists are allowed in, there must be good preventive
measures,” the prime minister said. (TNA)
15 Thais returning from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Japan new COVID cases in quarantines
The Center for COVID-19
Situation Administration spokesman, Dr Taweesin
Visanuyothin.
Fifteen quarantined returnees
are newly confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease 2019, reported the
Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration.
CCSA spokesman Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin said that four
new patients arrived from Egypt on July 24. The Thai men aged 22, 23, 26 and
28 tested positive on Aug 5 while being quarantined in Chonburi province and
having no symptoms.
Ten new cases arrived from Saudi Arabia on July 25 on a
flight that also carried two previously confirmed cases. They consist of
nine Thai male students aged 24-28 and a Thai factory worker aged 43.
The people were quarantined in Chonburi and tested
positive on Aug 5. All of them were asymptomatic.
The other new case is a 29-year-old Thai male worker
from Japan. He returned on July 31 and was quarantined in Samut Prakan
province. He tested positive on Aug 5 without any symptom.
Total cases increased to 3,345 and 3,148 of them
recovered. Meanwhile, 139 patients were at hospitals.
There were no new deaths among COVID-19 patients and
Thailand had been free of local COVID-19 infection for 74 days, Dr Taweesin
said. (TNA)
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Thailand promotes Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) at premium hotels
%20at%20premium%20hotels%201.jpg)
Photo1: People could find
the list of hotels assigned to conduct Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) at
www.hsscovid.com
Officials supervising lockdown
easing considered the resumption of full service at schools and on passenger
buses.
Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the Center for
COVID-19 Situation Administration, said CCSA’s sub-committee on lockdown
easing was considering 100% service resumption at schools, full service on
passenger buses, sports competitions with spectators, the return of inflight
food and the closing time of entertainment places at 2am.
He also said that 110 soldiers from the United States
who were visiting Thailand for military exercises already tested negative
for COVID-19. They were staying at Anantara Riverside Hotel, The Idle Hotel
and Conrad Hotel.
Dr Taweesin said people could find the list of hotels
assigned to conduct Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) at www.hsscovid.com
and most of them were premium hotels. The management of the hotels had the
right to decide whether there should be a sign indicating their roles as ASQ.
He added that from now on the Public Health Ministry
would hold press conferences to report updates on COVID-19 situations on
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and he would announce only major
developments and results from CCSA meetings at Government House. (TNA)
%20at%20premium%20hotels%202.jpg)
The closing
time of entertainment places at 2am is being proposed to boost tourism.
%20at%20premium%20hotels%203.jpg)
Dr Taweesin
Visanuyothin, spokesman of the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration.
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Survey of garbage truck ferry incident’s effects on environment near Koh Samui Island
Ministry of
National Resources and Environment surveys the damage to the environment,
Koh Samui, Surat Thani, before suing the Raja Ferry Company.
After the garbage ferry’s foundering, the permanent
secretary of the Ministry of National Resources and Environment has ordered
related authorities to survey the damage to the environment before suing the
Raja Ferry Company.
The garbage ferry capsized about 5 nautical miles from
Samui Island in Surat Thani, resulting in deaths and missing passengers and
crew. Unfortunately, approximately 90 tons of garbage also sank deep into
the sea.
Mr. Chatuporn Burutpat, Permanent Secretary of the
Ministry of National Resources and Environment revealed that the garbage
will surely affect the environment and he has already ordered the Department
of Marine and Coastal Resources and the Pollution Control Department to
investigate the effects, especially on marine creatures, because of this
time of the year, sea turtles are coming back to lay eggs.
Besides the garbage, oil was spilled by the trucks and
the ferry. The ministry will sue Raja Ferry Company Limited for compensation
and, if the company is fouind liable, it will face penalties for breaching
the prohibition of sailing during the storm season.
The permanent secretary also believes that this
incident will be accelerate the search for sustainable waste management on
Samui and other islands. (NNT)
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US ambassador to Thailand visits Thai clean-tech company Equator Pure Nature
The United States
Ambassador to Thailand, Michael George DeSombre (left), and co-founder of
Equator Pure Nature Mr. Peter Wainman (right).
The United States Ambassador to Thailand, Michael
George DeSombre visited American-founded Thai clean-tech pioneer Equator
Pure Nature to discuss interesting perspectives on US businesses and
American-founded companies in Thailand, their contribution to Thai society,
primarily during the Covid-19 pandemic and their role in assisting the
development of Thai entrepreneurs, particularly women entrepreneurs.
Thailand is among countries recognized worldwide as
having managed the Covid-19 situation well and deservedly garnered praise
from many quarters including the World Health Organization and the United
Nations for containing the virus through strict adherence to preventive
measures such as social distancing, sanitization, contact tracing and
gradual reopening of businesses.
The last five months has been a life-changing
experience for everyone in Thailand and a number of US businesses and
American-founded companies such as Equator Pure Nature stepped up during
this period to contribute in many ways to ease the strain the pandemic has
put on Thai society and economy.
For its part, Equator Pure Nature donated various items
to vulnerable communities in Thailand. Back in April, in conjunction with
Earth Day 2020, the company engaged a prominent local social media waste
management influencer to help distribute Pipper Standard face masks and
cleaning products to countryside hospitals. Further donations were made in
May to garbage collectors, orphanages and the blind and visually impaired
community.
American entrepreneur and co-founder of Equator Pure
Nature Mr. Peter Wainman thanked Ambassador DeSombre for his visit and
recognition of the company’s social efforts and expressed his enthusiasm to
assist as much as possible. “We truly appreciate Ambassador DeSombre taking
time out of his busy schedule to visit us today. Our ethos has always been
to do well by doing good.
"We began by advocating a healthier household and
environment with the use of natural products and now we want to continuously
lend a helping hand to the less fortunate in our society during these
difficult times” said Mr Wainman.
Beyond social responsibility, Ambassador DeSombre and
Mr Wainman also discussed ways to help develop Thai entrepreneurs,
particularly women entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is a key driver of
Thailand’s economy and job creation. Now that the economy is gradually
restarting, the time is right to explore ways to guide local entrepreneurs
on effective strategies to build their businesses. (NNT)
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Thailand ready to offer assistance to Lebanon and help Thais there
The Foreign
Affairs Minister, Don Pramudwinai.
The Foreign Affairs Minister, Don Pramudwinai, says
Thailand is ready to send humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, following a
huge explosion in Beirut on Tuesday that killed or injured many people. The
ministry is ready to assist Thai nationals in Lebanon as soon as possible.
Mr. Don said that some 200 Thais are living in Lebanon.
There are no reports of Thai nationals being injured or killed in the blast,
but the incident is likely to cause emotional trauma. For assistance, Thai
nationals in Lebanon can contact the Royal Thai Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia, as the embassy also has jurisdiction over Lebanon.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is ready to offer
essential assistance, particularly medical aid, to Lebanon upon request.
Lebanon is already receiving humanitarian aid from many countries in the
region.
Lebanese authorities are investigating the cause of the
explosion. They are determining whether the blast was an accident or a
terrorist attack. (NNT)
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Thailand announces new cabinet line-up
The Royal
Gazette website has announced the appointment of new cabinet ministers in
Prayut Chan-o-cha government.
His Majesty the King approved
the new cabinet line-up including Don Pramudwinai as the foreign minister
and deputy prime minister.
The Royal Gazette website has announced the appointment
of new cabinet ministers and the Prayut Chan-o-cha government saw changes to
seven positions.
Foreign Minister Don concurrently becomes a deputy
prime minister. Anucha Nakasai is the Prime Minister’s Office Minister,
Predee Daochai is the new finance minister and Supattanapong Panmeechao is a
deputy prime minister and the energy minister.
Anek Laothamatas is the minister of higher education
science research and innovation, Suchart Chomklin becomes the labour
minister and Narumon Pinyosinwat is the deputy labour minister.
Prime Minister Prayut who is also the defense minister
said he expected the swearing-in of new ministers within mid this month.
The cabinet reshuffle was done without a problem, he
said. (TNA)
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Thailand economic recovery no longer depends on tourism and exports
Prime
Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Thai government has spent 550
billion baht to help parties affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 and is
seriously trying to stimulate the local economy, Prime Minister Prayut
Chan-o-cha said.
During his speech on “Thailand Rebounds” on the
occasion of the 74th anniversary of Bangkok Post, Gen Prayut said Thai and
global economies unexpectedly suffered the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown
measures resulted in economic recessions in many countries.
“Economic recovery can no longer depend on external
factors like tourism and exports. The Thai government must strengthen the
local economy in the country to make up for external demand for products and
service during the global crisis,” the prime minister said.
The government tried to cut people’s cost of living and
assigned the Finance Ministry to borrow 1 trillion baht to cope with
COVID-19 impacts. It spent 550 billion baht from its budget in the past
three months to help affected parties and would carefully spend 400 billion
baht more to stimulate the economy, he said.
He urged the private sector to introduce promotional
campaigns to reduce lay-offs and help general people by relaxing rules on
mortgage and automobile instalments. (TNA)
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Model electric boat tested for Saen Saeb canal in Bangkok
The test run
of the eco-friendly passenger boat on Saen Saeb canal took about 20 minutes.
It ran at 22 km./h for four kilometres from Phan Fah Lilat pier to Pratunam
pier without noise pollution.
The Marine Department is
satisfied with the test run of a model electric boat on Saen Saeb canal,
which will help improve passenger boat service in Bangkok to be
environmentally-friendly.
Marine Department Director General, Wittaya Yamuang
said that the test run of the eco-friendly passenger boat on Saen Saeb canal
took about 20 minutes.
The boat ran at 22 km./h for four kilometres from Phan
Fah Lilat pier to Pratunam pier without noise pollution.
The department selected Kasetsart University to study
and build the 100-seater commuter boat with electric powered engine to
reduce pollution.
The boat made of alluminium can travel 60 kilometres
for each charge and more tests will be conducted in line with the
department’s safety standard. (TNA)
Russian woman found infected with Covid-19 in Thailand
The 33-
Russian woman arrived in Thailand on July 20 and the second result on Aug 2
showed that she tested positive to the virus while being asymptomatic.
Thailand reported one new
Covid -19 case, a Russian woman in state quarantine.
The country’s total coronavirus cases reached 3,321 and
121 patients are being treated in hospitals. The death toll remained at 58.
The 33- Russian woman arrived in Thailand on July 20
and the second result on Aug 2 showed that she tested positive to the virus
while being asymptomatic.
One Covid-19 patient, earlier confirmed was on the same
flight with her.
Sopon Iamsirithavorn, Director of the Bureau of General
Communicable Disease said recent new infections were imported cases and 50
per cent of them were asymptomatic. They could spread the disease to family
members and others unintentionally.
He suggested people keep wearing masks in public
places, frequently wash their hands and maintain social distancing.
Regarding a crowded concert Ratchanok “Jennie”
Suwannaket, held in Nakhon Si Thammarat province on July 25, viewers can get
Covid-19 test free of charge at the Cha-uat district office from Aug 4-5.
Most people at the packed concert were seen not wearing
masks. The organizer was charged for breaching the Covid-19 control
measures. (TNA)
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Thai Prime Minister orders officials to help storm victims
Prime
Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut
Chan-o-cha ordered military personnel and officials of the Interior Ministry
to help people affected by Storm Sinlaku.
Gen Prayut said heavy rain caused by Storm Sinlaku
affected vast areas of the upper North and the Northeast. Runoffs struck
many districts of Loei province. He said he earlier told staff of military
units and the Interior Ministry to help affected people.
Rain measured over 100 millimeters and naturally floods
happened. Flood-related damage was reported in Nan, Phitsanulok, Loei and
Chiang Mai provinces. The prime minister said officials would try to
minimize damage.
“Four provinces are facing risks of runoffs because of
a monsoon. Officials will try to reserve water where it is possible to cope
with possible drought in the future,” Gen Prayut said.
Deputy army spokeswoman Col Sirichan Ngathong said
Tropical Storm Sinlaku had caused flash floods and runoffs in the Northeast,
the North and the South since Aug 1.
“The 2nd, 3rd and 4th army areas deployed 1,600
soldiers and equipment including 65 trucks and flat boats to immediately
help people especially in Loei, Nan, Phayao, Lampang and Uttaradit
provinces. They move people, belongings and animals and hand out consumer
products. At night officials stand guard to ensure safety. Floods subside
and rehabilitation is under way,” Col Sirichan said. (TNA)
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All American soldiers subject to Thailand requirements to prevent Covid-19
Head of the Thai Army’s
anti-COVID-19 Unit, Nathapon
Srisawat.
Visiting American troops are
undergoing the 14-day quarantine in Bangkok before they will join U.S.-Thai
military exercises, said the head of the Thai Army’s anti-COVID-19 Unit,
Nathapon Srisawat while calling for the public to be confident in the high
standard of Thai public health system.
Some 106 American soldiers, including 32 arriving from
Japan are being in state quarantine in Bangkok hotels. Gen. Nathapon said
out of all, 71 soldiers will take part in the Hanuman Guardian military
exercise, which will not only focus on the drill but also exchange of
experts.
They will be trainers to exchange ideas with the Thai
military teachers in develop all military trainings for the full benefit of
the Thai Army. The upcoming small-scale military drill will involve no more
than 50 Thai soldiers, he said.
All American soldiers comply with measures, imposed by
the Center for Covid -19 Situation Administration (CCSA). All of them will
complete required 14-day quarantine and undergo two swab tests, the same
measures, applied to Thai returnees from overseas.
After 14-day quarantine, they will meet Thai soldiers
and begin the activities on Aug 18 and will stay in Thailand until the end
of this month. During their stay, they are not allowed to leave the
barracks, he added.
Asked about the necessity of holding joint exercises,
the army adviser said Thailand has eased travel restrictions and does not
close the country. A military training can be conducted as the country’s
strict disease control system can handle incoming foreigners, given
exemption to enter the country.
The Thai army earlier suspended sending its forces
abroad after nine Thai personnel tested positive for the coronavirus upon
return from a military training in Hawaii. (TNA)
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Thai police committee discusses progress of Red Bull heir ‘Vorayuth’ acquittal case
The police
committee also found that the case was repeatedly examined for four months
before it resolved not to oppose the prosecutors’ decision.
Three committees investigating the handling of the
Vorayuth Yoovidhya case had a meeting to consider related facts and
information. The police committee found that the working body led by Pol.
Lt. Gen. Permpoon Chidchob, had decided not to oppose the prosecutors’
acquittal and that investigators took four months to examine the files.
The Assistant to the Commissioner-General of the Royal
Thai Police, Pol. Lt. Gen. Jaruwat Waisaya, who chairs the police committee,
said that officers of the Office of Legal Affairs and Litigation will be
summoned for questioning. They will be asked about the procedures involved
in receiving the case from the OAG, before it was submitted to Pol. Lt. Gen.
Permpoon’s team. The police committee also found that the case was
repeatedly examined for four months before it resolved not to oppose the
prosecutors’ decision.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Jaruwat insisted that those responsible
must face legal consequences. However, it would take time since the
committee has to go back to many files that were compiled over the past
eight years. If the committee finds any officer had failed to carry out
one’s duties, it is ready to submit the name to the national police chief,
who will consider the penalty. (NNT)
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Thailand GDP estimated to shrink up to 11.4 from COVID-19
The
University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) President, Thanawat
Phonwichai (center).
The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC)
estimates that Thai GDP this year will shrink between 9.4 to 11.4 percent
due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while urging the government to inject more
cash into the community and boost domestic spending through specific
campaigns.
The UTCC President Thanawat Phonwichai, said today the
university’s Center for Economic and Business Forecasting (CEBF) has
released its latest economic projection for this year, estimating the
national GDP will shrink within a range of 9.4 to 11.4 percent due to the
effects of COVID-19. This latest projection reflects a more pessimistic
expectation than the center’s previous report which expected only 3.4 to 4.9
shrinkage.
The CEBF expects the export sector will shrink by 10.2
percent due to the global economic fallout stemming from COVID-19, while the
import sector is expected to shrink 19.5 percent. The overall inflation rate
is expected to be a negative 1.5 percent.
Despite these outlooks, the CEBF says the lowest point
of the economic crisis passed in Q2, however the unemployment rate should
still be closely monitored, as millions of people are expected to lose their
jobs.
The center has urged the government to urgently help
businesses in order to preserve jobs through faster loan approvals, and
credit guarantee services by the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG).
The CEBF has suggested the government accelerate
disbursements to projects funded by the 400 billion baht Emergency Loan, to
ensure such money will reach the hands of the general public as quickly as
possible. The government should urgently instigate an economic stimulation
campaign to boost domestic spending, as any delay will only worsen the
situation. They have also recommended that the government extend its loan
deferment offers for another 6 months, until Q2 2021, which is the point at
which the economy is expected to recover in full force. (NNT)
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Nong Khai, northeastern Thailand, braces for potential flood
Nong Khai is
now preparing for a large volume of water from Loei province, expected to
reach the province in 18-20 hours.
Nong Khai province is another critical area where the
water level of the Mekong river suddenly increased 30 centimeters in a
single day, and is expected to continue rising by another 50 centimeters due
to heavy rains in Thailand and Laos. The province is now preparing for a
large volume of water from Loei province, expected to reach Nong Khai in
18-20 hours.
The Mekong River level in Nong Khai has rapidly risen
again, with the water level recorded today at 3.44 meters by the province’s
hydrology station, which is 29 centimeters higher than yesterday.
The province is now expecting the water level to rise
about 50 centimeters tomorrow, due to reports of a 70 centimeter water level
increase at Chiang Khan Hydrology station in Loei province upstream. This
volume of water is expected to flow into Nong Khai province over the next
18-20 hours. The weather in Nong Khai today is cloudy, with occasional rain
throughout the day.
With the rapidly rising water level, owners of rafts
and boats on the river have to tie their vessels together with slings, and
adjusted the catwalk to suit the higher water level to prevent damage to the
vessels. Fish farmers are also keeping a close eye on their floating baskets
in the river.
In the neighboring province of Bueng Kan, Phu Wua
Wildlife Sanctuary chief Thaweep Kampaengmuang said today that continuous
rain has increased the water volume at waterfalls located in the sanctuary
where the water flow is very strong. For safety reasons, the sanctuary has
temporarily closed to visitors until the situation improves. (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 4 August 2020, 11.30 Hrs. (TAT)
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