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Police find no gamblers in raids on two suspected dens in Bangkok

NationalJan 06. 2021

By THE NATION

Police inspected two residential buildings in Bangkok’s Don Muang and Pinklao districts on Tuesday after receiving a tip-off that they may house gambling dens, deputy Metropolitan Police chief Pol Maj-General Piya Tawichai said on Wednesday.

“Officials inspected an apartment building called Phumi or Fin House on Songprapha Road in Don Muang district. This building rents out rooms on a daily basis,” he said. “There they found four pinball machines, one arcade game, a gambling table with deck of cards for Dragon Tiger game and a Cambodian national, but no gamblers.”

The owner, Amnuay Kiatdonmuang, 65, has reportedly said he used to run a gambling den in the building but after being arrested, he decided to turn it into a guest house.

Amnuay was charged with hiring and harbouring an illegal immigrant, running a gambling operation and organising activities that may spread Covid-19.

“He was taken to the Don Muang Police Station, where he will be detained for 12 days under court order as investigation is not yet complete,” Piya said.

Meanwhile, police raided a six-storey condominium building in Pinklao’s Soi Chaophraya Hospital. This venue came into police focus after a recent Covid-19 patient reportedly admitted to going there for gambling.

“Officials, however, found no gambling equipment or gamblers on the premises. The owner has also denied being involved in any gambling operations,” the deputy police chief said.

Piya has also urged people who may have information about gambling dens in Bangkok and its perimeter to contact police immediately in a bid to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

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349 domestic Covid-19 cases reported with one death

NationalJan 06. 2021

By The Nation

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) reported 365 confirmed cases, including 16 in quarantine facilities, on Wednesday.

Of the total, 215 are domestic cases whose occupations exposed them to or took them to risky places in Samut Songkhram (2 cases), Bangkok (28), Ratchaburi (3), Samut Sakhon (20), Ayutthaya (2), Lopburi (3), Chonburi (70), Chanthaburi (28), Kanchanaburi (2), Nakhon Pathom (2), Pathum Thani (3), Nonthaburi (2), Phichit (2), Chachoengsao (2), Chiang Mai (1), Nakhon Ratchasima (2), Samut Prakarn (34), Rayong (4), Ratchaburi (1), Surin (2), and Surat Thani (2).

Ninety-nine people were found positive in proactive testing — 47 in Samut Sakhon (41 migrant workers and six Thais), 30 in Rayong (three migrant workers and 27 Thais), four Thais in Chonburi, seven in Chanthaburi, one in Samut Songkhram, five in Prachinburi, and five in Trat.

Thirty-five cases are under investigation to find the source of the infection — one each in Trat, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram and Pathum Thani, Bangkok (5), Chonburi (6), Rayong (10), Samut Prakarn (10).

Thirteen of the 16 patients testing positive in quarantine facilities were Thais — two each from Turkey and Germany, one each from Canada, Israel, Switzerland and Malaysia and five from the United States. The three foreigners were an American and two Ethiopians from their respective countries.

CCSA spokesperson Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin said a 63-year-old male driver, who transferred migrant workers in Samut Sakhon, had died. His symptoms developed on December 27 with high fever, cough, and runny nose. The patient was admitted after oxygen in his blood dropped to 76 per cent and he was diagnosed with pneumonia. During treatment, his kidney was found to have failed. He passed away on January 5 afternoon after respiratory and multiple organ failures.

Meanwhile, 21 patients have recovered and been discharged.

The total number of confirmed cases in Thailand has risen to 9,331 – 7,249 of which were contracted domestically, including 2,575 migrant workers, and 2,082 returnees. So far, 4,418 have recovered and been discharged, while the death toll increased to 66.

According to Worldometer, as of 10am on Monday, the total number of confirmed cases globally had risen to 86.83 million (up by 534,035), 63.4 million have recovered, 23.42 million are active cases (108,091 in severe condition) and 1.87 million have died (up by 13,343).

Thailand ranks 130th in the global list of most cases, while the US tops the list with 21.57 million, followed by India 10.37 million, Brazil 7.81 million, Russia 3.28 million and United Kingdom 2.77 million.

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Clampdown in Chiang Mai after socially active woman puts people at risk

NationalJan 06. 2021

By The Nation

Chiang Mai’s 50th Covid-19 case is a 25-year-old woman who visited many entertainment venues, pubs and restaurants. She tested positive on Monday.

Also read: Chiang Mai 50th Covid patient’s travel history, announces curbs on visitors from ‘red’ provinces

In response to this, provincial authorities took proactive steps on Tuesday to see who else she may have infected, and found one 28-year-old male employee at Warm Up Café who tested positive.

Chiang Mai governor Dr Charoenrit Sanguansat said the strictest of measures have been put in place to ensure people’s safety.

Chatuchai Maneerat, Chiang Mai health office chief, said these infections were domestically transmitted and the only way of dealing with this outbreak was by limiting people’s movement.

Dr Kittiphan Chalom, assistant health office chief, said so far 486 people who may have been exposed have been tested. Of those at risk, 152 had come in close contact with the woman, including family members, people at the five entertainment venues and guests at a wedding party.

So far, the only person who has tested positive is the 28-year-old man who does the 3pm to 1am shift at the Warm Up Café. His timeline shows that he stopped by at a shop but not for long. He was at his job on December 31, when the 25-year-old woman had visited the café, which is not well ventilated.

Of the 152 people who came in close contact with the infected woman, 38 have tested negative, one positive, 101 are awaiting results, while the authorities are trying to contact 12 people.

The woman’s six family members are awaiting results, while the remainder can be divided as follows:

• Two in DC Chiang Mai Bar, both negative.

• 44 at Tha Khang shop, 22 have tested negative, 11 are awaiting results and 11 are waiting to be tested.

• 52 at Infinity Club, 50 of whom have tested negative and two are awaiting results.

• Four at Pretty Exclusive Club, two of whom are negative and two awaiting results.

• 31 at Warm Up Café, one positive, 25 negative and five awaiting results.

• 13 contacts elsewhere, namely:

• Six at a wedding ceremony, who are awaiting results;

• Six at a wedding reception, five of whom are awaiting results and one has yet to be tested;

• One at a nail salon, awaiting results.

Of the 334 low-risk contacts, 278 have tested negative and 56 are awaiting results.

Kanok Sriwichainan, a top Chiang Mai administration official, said in a bid to boost health protection, service establishments, pubs and bars will from Wednesday be closed for 14 days.

Authorities will action to be taken in relation to other establishments like department stores and restaurants, because these are areas where many people gather. He also said that the decision on closing schools was up to the principals.

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SRT offers refund for cancellation of trips from Jan 6-31

NationalJan 06. 2021

By THE NATION

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) on Tuesday announced measures to help passengers who have to cancel their trips from January 6-31 in compliance with Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration’s policy to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“Those who bought guided tour tickets for individual passengers for the said period can get a full refund at the station, provided they notify officials at least 3 hours before departure time,” it said. “If the tickets were bought with a combination of cash and state welfare card benefit, only cash will be refunded.

“As for those who bought guided tour tickets for group passengers or chartered train tickets, they can also get a full refund if they notify officials at least one day before departure date,” it added.

“Passengers who bought the ticket via online channel can submit their refund application attached with the ticket file to e-mail address: passenger-ser@railway.co.th”.

The SRT also urged passengers to wear face mask at all times in the train system, check-in and out using the Thai Chana platform, and notify station staff if they see someone with symptoms, such as coughing, fever, runny nose or having trouble breathing, or use SRT hotline at 1690.

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Air quality unhealthy in 25 areas of Bangkok and its vicinity

NationalJan 06. 2021

By The Nation

Air pollution in 25 areas around Bangkok and its vicinity hit unsafe levels on Wednesday morning with PM2.5 readings coming in at 25 to 89 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3), the Pollution Control Department reported.

Thailand’s standard for safe levels of PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter) is 50μg/m3.

The 25 areas are:

Kanchanaphisek Road, Bang Khun Thian district (89μg/m3);

Intharaphithak Road, Thonburi district (61μg/m3);

Rat Burana Road, Rat Burana district (57μg/m3);

Treemit Road near Odeon Circle, Samphanthawong district (58μg/m3);

Rama III and Charoenkrung roads, Bang Kho Laem district (56μg/m3);

Rama III Road, Yannawa district (55μg/m3);

Charoen Nakorn Road, Khlong San district (66μg/m3);

Tha Phra intersection, Bangkok Yai district (66μg/m3);

Bangkok Noi district (53μg/m3);

Phutthamonthon Sai 1 Road, Taling Chan district (56μg/m3);

Thawi Watthana Road, Thawi Watthana district (59μg/m3);

Phet Kasem Road, Phasi Charoen district (65μg/m3);

Ma Charoen and Phet Kasem 81 roads, Nong Khaem district (81μg/m3);

Ekachai Road, Bang Bon district (77μg/m3);

Pracha Uthit Road, Thung Khru district (63μg/m3);

Samsen Road, Phra Nakhon district (54μg/m3);

Rama II Road, Bang Khun Thian district (77μg/m3);

Hiran Ruchi subdistrict, Thonburi district (63μg/m3);

Song Nong subdistrict, Phra Pradaeng district, Samut Prakan province (57μg/m3);

Omnoi subdistrict, Krathum Baen district, Samut Prakan province (58μg/m3);

Bang Prong subdistrict, Muang district in Samut Prakan province (52μg/m3);

Paknam subdistrict, Muang district, Samut Prakan province (73μg/m3);

Mahachai subdistrict, Muang district, Samut Sakhon province (57μg/m3);

Chom Thong district (74μg/m3);

Bang Khae district (68μg/m3).

People in areas where PM2.5 pollution is bad have been advised to monitor their health and reduce time spent on outdoor activities, especially the elderly, children, and patients with respiratory diseases.

The PM2.5 situation can be followed via the Air4Thai.com website or smartphone app, or via bangkokairquality.com.

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Nearly 71 per cent of 900 new cases in Samut Sakhon are Myanmar migrants

NationalJan 06. 2021

By THE NATION

Some 900 people tested positive in Samut Sakhon recently, a provincial health official said on Wednesday.

The official told Nation TV that the province had recently tested 3,800 people as part of its aggressive Covid-19 testing campaign. The results of some 900 people had come back positive.

“There are rumours shared on the internet that the 900 new cases were from a canned fish factory in the province, and that the government’s CCSA [Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration] has not been notified yet, and that the province was forced to shut down the factory, ordering all employees to self-quarantine at home,” said the official. “All these rumours are false. The 900 new cases have been found across several factories in the province since the new wave of the outbreak had been reported, and the province has already submitted the statistics to the CCSA.”

Meanwhile, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Disease Control Department, said on Tuesday that the cluster cases in Samut Sakhon had been spreading to 45 provinces nationwide, and 71 per cent of patients are Myanmar migrants, 24 per cent are Thais and 5 per cent are of other nationalities.

“Accumulated confirmed patients in the province are at 2,296. These are the results of active case finding by public health officers in several factories in the province,” he added. “If a factory is found to have several infected people, we will turn it into a quarantine facility for its infected employees. Those who have severe symptoms will be sent to a hospital for treatment, while those who have been tested positive with no symptoms for more than 10 days will be allowed to live in a controlled zone together with those who have been ordered to undergo a 14-day quarantine.”

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Baht expected to strengthen against dollar in the first quarter despite BOT move

NationalJan 06. 2021

By THE NATION

The baht opened at 29.93 to the US dollar on Wednesday, unchanged from Tuesday’s close. The Thai currency is likely to move between 29.85 and 30.05 on Tuesday, said Jitipol Puksamatanan, the head of “Easy Invest” team of SCB Securities.

On Tuesday night, the financial markets recovered, but with fluctuations. The Stoxx 600 fell by 0.19 per cent, after the German government decided to extend the country’s lockdown for another three weeks.

The S&P index rose by 0.71 per cent, while the VIX index stayed over 25 points, due to investors’ hopes from the senator election in the US state of Georgia.

Meanwhile, the price of gold increased to $1,951 per ounce, after the dollar weakened and the Australian dollar strengthened by 1.3 per cent. Besides, the US Ten-Year Treasury yield increased by four basis points to 0.95 per cent, reflecting that some investors have released safe haven assets from their hands.

In Thailand, the baht weakened after the Bank of Thailand launched a transaction programme called “Non-resident Qualified Company”, which allows foreign companies to conduct transactions with a Thai bank without condition on their outstanding balance.

Jitipol added that this programme would not affect the Thai currency in the long term. And the currency would strengthen to 29.3 per US dollar in this quarter.

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Seven out of 19 arrested migrants in Bangkok test positive for Covid-19

NationalJan 06. 2021

By THE NATION

Seven out of 19 illegal immigrants arrested following a tip-off have tested positive for Covid-19, a senior Bangkok administration official said.

At the meeting of Bangkok’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration on Tuesday, Pol Lt- General Sophon Phisutthiwong, deputy governor of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), said that since the second wave of the Covid-19, BMA has urged people in Bangkok and its perimeter areas to report to the authority if they have information about illegal migrants in the communities.

“Thanks to the tip-off from people, so far the authorities have arrested 19 illegal migrants and tested them,” he said. “Seven have tested positive for Covid-19, while 12 people remain in quarantine and are closely observed. After the 14-day mandatory period has passed, they will be tested again to confirm the result.”

The meeting on Tuesday also urged district officials to inspect restaurants in metropolitan areas and advise dining business owners to comply with BMA rules that allow customers to eat in restaurants only until 9pm. “Restaurants need to arrange their tables in line with social-distancing practices to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” he said. “Tables must be spaced at a distance of at least 1.5 metres in case there is no barrier between them, or one metre if they have a barrier.”

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Heavy rain forecast for parts of South, cooler weather in upper Thailand

NationalJan 06. 2021

By THE NATION

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Wednesday that the weakening high-pressure system over upper Thailand and the South China Sea would bring cool to cold weather in the North and the Northeast with thick fog in some areas.

Those driving vehicles must take precautions due to poor visibility, the department said.

Meanwhile, a rather strong northeast monsoon prevails over the Gulf and the South, bringing isolated heavy rains to the lower South. People should beware of the severe conditions that may cause flash floods, the department said. Waves in the Gulf rise about two metres and above three metres high during thundershowers. All ships should proceed with caution.

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours:

North: Cool to cold weather with fog in the morning and thick fog in some areas; minimum temperature 14-20 degrees Celsius, maximum 30-35°C; temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 4-12°C.

Northeast: Cool to cold weather with fog in the morning and thick fog in some areas; minimum temperature 14-21°C, maximum

30-33°C; temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 9-14°C.

Central: Cool weather with fog in the morning and thick fog in some areas; minimum temperature 22-24°C, maximum 33-35°C.

East: Cool weather with fog in the morning and thick fog in some areas; minimum temperature 21-23°C, naximum 31-33°C; waves 1-2 metres high and two metres offshore.

South (east coast): Mostly cloudy with thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas and isolated heavy rain; minimum temperature 22-25°C, maximum 28-33°C; waves two metres high and over three metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Mostly cloudy with thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas; minimum temperature 23-25°C, maximum 31-33°C; waves 1-2 metres high and two metres offshore.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Partly cloudy with fog in the morning; minimum temperature 23-24°C, maximum 32-35°C.

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FDA warns lay person against using Covid-19 rapid test kit

NationalJan 06. 2021

By THE NATION

The Thailand Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned people not to buy Covid-19 rapid test kits to perform testing at home.

“During the second wave of Covid-19 in Thailand, people have become more concerned about virus testing, while some are opting to buy rapid test kits from online sellers to perform the tests themselves,” said Dr Surachoke Tangwiwat, FDA deputy secretary-general.

“Rapid tests kits are not an accurate way of testing for Covid-19, as they test the person’s immunity level and not the virus itself. Using only a rapid test kit could therefore lead to misdiagnosis.”

Surachoke added that the change in immunity level would only be detected by a rapid test kit after a person has contracted the virus some times, therefore it should be used only by doctors and experienced health technicians who could accurately analyse the result.

“In some cases, test-takers found the results to be negative, but in fact they had just contracted the virus and it could spread to others if they do not isolate themselves,” he warned.

“According to the Ministry of Public Health announcement, Covid-19 rapid test kit is a medical equipment that must be sold only to hospitals, clinics or licensed medical professionals, and the sales must be reported to the FDA,” he said.

The FDA deputy secretary-general also advised people who have travelled to risky zones, or have had close contact with a confirmed patient, or have symptoms, such as over 37.5 degrees fever, loss of taste and sense of smell, coughing, sore throat or muscle ache to receive a test at the hospital within 48 hours for accurate diagnosis.