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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022028

Thai Army tasked with 7 missions as Apec leaders head to Bangkok

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2022

The Royal Thai Army has been tasked with seven security missions to protect world leaders and their delegations at Apec Economic Leaders’ Week starting in Bangkok on Monday.

Army chief General Narongpan Jitkaewthae said troops and equipment have been deployed to support police security and traffic management.

The military is also conducting intelligence operations to counter possible security threats.

Narongpan said the Army had been tasked with the following seven missions at the Apec summit:

– To provide an honorary guard to welcome Apec leaders.

– To deploy military police to police patrols and checkpoints around Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, the summit venue.

– To deploy 15 units of 30 military dogs to keep security for dignitaries and keep security around important places.

– To deploy Army bomb detection units to man checkpoints.

– To use anti-drone units to take down drones that encroach on Bangkok’s no-fly zone.

– To deploy emergency medical teams from the Army-run Phramongkutklao Hospital, backed up by helicopters for medical evacuation.

– To stage Army Band performances for Apec delegates.

The Army has also stepped up Thailand’s border security ahead of the summit, he added.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022025

Tak Bai’s ‘king of salted fish’ ready to tease palates at Apec gala

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2022

Narathiwat’s famous salted Kulao fish will be among the many signature delicacies served up at the Apec Summit gala dinner on Thursday.

A menu along the “Sustainable Thai Gastronomy” theme has been specially designed for the gala, which will be hosted at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall in Bangkok.

Deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said on Sunday that the salted fish – a signature delicacy from the Tak Bai district – has been dubbed the “king of salted fish” due to its mellow texture and unique aroma.

This delicacy has also been registered as a “geographical indication goods” by the Department of Intellectual Property.

“Tak Bai’s signature salted Kulao fish, which goes for between 1,300 and 1,500 baht, is often bought by travellers as a souvenir,” she said.

Rachada added that the authorities are promoting the seafood processing industry to create jobs and generate income for locals in the South.

“The Orang Pantai Community Enterprise’s salted fish has earned a name for itself thanks to the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre’s support in providing land and funds,” she said.

The spokesperson added that the gala dinner aims to highlight Thailand’s potential as the “world’s kitchen”.

Apart from salted Kulao fish, the menu will also include caviar from the Doi Inthanon Royal Project, Pone Yang Kham beef from Sakon Nakhon and wine from Korat.

“This is the perfect opportunity to promote the soft power of Thailand’s cuisine and its plentiful resources,” she said, as she called on Thais to be good hosts during the Apec Summit.

Related stories:

• Tanee: We have no time to lose
• Six spectacular light shows illuminating Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River
• 19 luxury Bangkok hotels housing Apec leaders to be off-limits

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022023

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2022

Neena ML.

Tanee Sangrat: APEC 2022 will focus on ‘Bangkok Goals on BCG Economy’ to tackle environmental and economic challenges. It is hoped that the summit will result in common declarations contributing to global economic recovery. 

APEC 2022: ‘Thailand needs to maintain a fine balance’

With APEC 2022 less than 24 hours away, Thailand’s new Ambassador to the US and former Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tanee Sangrat talks to The Nation about the Kingdom’s readiness as the host and the summit’s “Open. Connect. Balance” theme. 

When asked how Thailand will handle the different opinions among member countries about ongoing world affairs like the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions between world powers, energy crisis and disruption of supply chains, Tanee said many of the conflicts were happening outside the APEC purview.

He said these issues were not directly related to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and as a host, Thailand will try to maintain a balance, even though tensions may prevent the finalisation of some pacts or may block consensus on some agreements. 

When asked what Thailand will do to balance this, Tanee said: “When it comes to documents and negotiations and conversations about them within APEC, we may have to issue a statement from the chair instead of a joint statement for some of them.” 

The newly appointed envoy also said he hopes the summit will help open the path to global recovery in the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting economic slowdown. 

“The APEC meetings are very important, as this will also be a pivotal moment for the economies in Asia-Pacific and the world to address the environmental challenges the planet faces,” Tanee said. “Unlike in the past, this year we have addressed the problem quite squarely and come up with some solutions that will be worked upon as part of the ‘Bangkok Goals in BCG economy’.” 

The BCG (bio-circular-green) economic model was devised by the Thai government to tackle climate change sustainably. 

“I think what we discuss and our conversations within the APEC Summit, and the very fact that this year’s summit focuses on the ‘BCG economy’ means we are committed to a sustainable economic recovery,” he said. 

Tanee added that the summit will also make the public aware of the importance of transitioning into a sustainable economy, and to achieve this, every sector will have to work together. 

“We have no time to lose in terms of controlling greenhouse gases and carbon emissions. Thailand has to play a key part, and we cannot just rely on the government to set goals,” he said. “Companies, people in the economic sector, households, offices … we all have to work together for these common goals.”

Neena ML.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022022

City of stinks: Bangkok tops rankings for pollution complaints

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2022

Bad smells were the biggest source of complaints made to the Pollution Control Department (PCD) in the 12 months up to September this year, with Bangkok judged stinkiest.

The PCD received a total of 527 complaints of foul odours during the period, followed by complaints of dust and smoke (315) and loud noise (215), its director general Pinsak Suraswadi said on Sunday.

“The highest number of pollution complaints were filed in Bangkok, with 189, followed by Samut Prakan with 54 and Samut Sakhon with 44,” he said.

He said 41% of the accusations were made against industrial factories and 33% against other businesses.

Pinsak Suraswadi

The majority of complaints were lodged by telephone (39%) followed by the department’s website (26%) and its social media (21%).

He said 80.2% of complainants were “very satisfied” with how PCD officials responded to their complaints, either by providing information and or solving the problem.

The PCD has set up an environmental protection centre to follow up on actions taken to relieve pollution problems.

People can file complaints by contacting the 1650 hotline, (02) 298 2222 or (02) 298 2548, or visiting the department’s website or social media channels.

Related stories:

• Delhi startup develops anti-pollution helmet for bikers
• Coal plants seeing second life with renewable power projects
• Pump up the heat to cut pollution, Bangkok, Pattaya crematoriums told

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022021

Phetchabun police round up gang of ‘unwashed’ big bikers

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2022

Some 200 big bikers on a “nam mai arb” (without bathing) race to and from tourist attractions in Phetchabun’s Khao Kho and Lom Kao districts were finally snared on Saturday.

This gang is known for causing trouble in the province, like blocking motorists, creating noise and driving recklessly.

The bikers were arrested on Saturday after provincial police station chief Pol Maj-General Thadej Klomklieng had checkpoints positioned on public roads to nab them.

The gang was arrested under the Motor Vehicles Act and the Road Traffic Act for not wearing helmets, driving without a licence plate, ignoring traffic signs and wrongfully modifying vehicles.

“Up to 26 bikers were charged at the Bueng Sam Phan Police Station, 150 at Muang Phetchabun Police Station and 30 at Lom Sak Police Station,” Thadej said.

“Petchabun is ready to welcome tourists, but they must come in peace, follow traffic laws, not create noise pollution or drive recklessly,” Thadej said, adding that this gang regularly disturbs the locals.

The group is also facing charges in Nong Phai district for insulting police officers and obstructing operations.

Nong Phai residents said they want the bikers to be arrested because they were being a real nuisance. They also said the bikers’ claim that their activities will stimulate tourism and generate revenue is actually having an adverse impact.

Related stories:

• Locomotive found on Chinese suspect’s compound not ours: SRT
• Apec Summit venue off-limits for protests, police chief warns
• There’s nothing to worry about on Apec security, assures police chief

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022020

Prayut praises new US-Asean pact as boost for sustainable development

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2022

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has hailed the new US-Asean pact as a win for sustainable global development, a Thai government spokesman said on Sunday.

The 10th Asean-US Summit, hosted by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, got underway in Phnom Penh on Saturday with US President Joe Biden in attendance.

“PM [Prayut] considered this meeting important for reviewing and setting the direction of US-Asean relations amid changing [global] conditions,” said government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri.

Prayut told the summit that global challenges such as development inequality, food and energy crises, natural disasters due to climate change and geopolitical conflicts are likely to intensify, the spokesman added.

“Building strategic partnerships between Asean and the US is necessary to overcome such crises,” he said, citing Prayut’s remarks.

Anucha reported that Prayut was pleased with the US move to strengthen its partnership with Asean.

The PM also urged leaders at this month’s Asean, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) and G20 summits to grasp opportunities to find solutions to urgent crises, Anucha said.

The Asean Summit runs until Sunday and is followed by the Bangkok Apec meet from November 14 to 19, and the G20 Summit in Bali on November 15-16. Biden is scheduled to meet China’s Preside Xi Jinping at the G20 gathering.

Prayut also urged the US to promote digital development by investing in digital infrastructure, and skills for workers and businesses – especially micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups and female entrepreneurs.

He highlighted next year’s “Trade Winds Business Forum” in Thailand as a gateway for business opportunities for workers and entrepreneurs, Anucha said.

Prayut also praised US moves to tackle climate change, emphasising the need to develop green finance mechanisms, green infrastructure, and create jobs in eco-friendly industries.

The PM highlighted the “Open Connect Balance” theme of next week’s Apec summit in Bangkok, where the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model for sustainable development will be in the spotlight.

He also pledged Thailand would work with the US, which will host Apec next year.

“The PM believes that these partnerships will help strengthen the relationship between Asean and the US and enable global sustainable progress,” Anucha said.

Related stories:

• Ex-spokesman lauds Prayut’s EV vision, predicts another term as PM
• After four years of turmoil under Prayut, what’s next for Thailand?
• Prayut suggests deeper integration and respect for ‘Asean way’ to help the grouping grow

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022019

Six spectacular light shows illuminating Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2022

Six spectacular light shows are illuminating the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok to welcome Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) leaders and tourists from November 12 to 27.

The free “Vijit Chao Phraya” shows are being held at six locations to promote tourism, improve Bangkok’s image and boost income for local businesses.

The six locations are:

Rama VIII Bridge: a light and laser show will welcome Apec leaders and celebrate the country’s reopening. The show is held daily six times per day at 7pm, 7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm and 9.30pm.

Wichai Prasit Fort: Projection mapping depicts scenes of maritime trade, diplomatic contacts and the country’s defence to tell the story of riverside life from bygone days to present times. Six shows per day at 7.15pm, 7.45pm, 8.15pm, 8.45pm, 9.15pm and 9.45pm. (Special effects shows on November 12-13, 17-19 and 26-27).

Wat Kalayanamit Worahamawiharn: a cultural show combined with special effects unveils Thailand’s rich culture and wisdom. Three shows per day at 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm on November 12-13, 17-19, and 26-27.

Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge: A light show illuminates the river’s role in the everyday life and travel of Thais. Six shows per day at 7.15pm, 7.45pm, 8.15pm, 8.45pm, 9.15pm and 9.45pm.

River City Bangkok: Projectors map Thai culture’s global reach through food, film, fashion and festivals. Six shows per day at 7pm, 7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm and 9.30pm.

IconSiam: Solar-powered lights illuminate the longest multimedia water show in Southeast Asia. Four shows per day at 6.15pm, 7.15pm, 8.15pm and 9.15pm.

Related stories:

• 19 luxury Bangkok hotels housing Apec leaders to be off-limits
• Chiang Mai artisans craft beautiful souvenirs for Apec 2022
• 14 Bangkok bus routes diverted to avoid Apec road closures

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022011

Phatthalung’s Thale Noi Wetland buffaloes get FAO recognition

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2022

Generations of water buffalos have been raised for the past 250 years in the Thale Noi Wetland of Phatthalung province, which recently received UN recognition.

Deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said on Saturday that the folk wisdom of raising buffalos in the wetlands has been passed on from generation to generation.

On November 4, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) recognised Thale Noi Wetland in the southern province as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) — Thailand’s first of its kind.

“The Thale Noi Wetland Buffalo Pastoral Agro-Eco-System is a diversified farming system marked by longstanding interaction between humans and buffaloes,” the FAO said on its website.
 

The selection criteria for GIAHS sites include global importance that is beneficial to the public, agro-biodiversity, supports food and livelihood security, knowledge systems, social values and culture, as well as outstanding landscapes.

Rachada said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was delighted by the recognition.

“He is pleased that Thai folk wisdom and culture passed on for generations has received international recognition. This reflects the fact that Thai heritage is valuable,” Rachada said.

Thale Noi Wetland is one of the 52 remaining GIAHS sites across the world that is related to the water buffalo, the spokesperson added.

She said more than 3,500 buffalos are raised in Thale Noi, which has been declared a non-hunting area.

Thale Noi buffaloes are raised either free-range or sheltered in pens only at night. Herders lead their animals out to graze through flooded fields and bring them back before nightfall. The buffaloes have adapted for survival on land that is flooded for almost five months of the year.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022006

19 luxury Bangkok hotels housing Apec leaders to be off-limits

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2022

Apart from the Apec Summit venue, 19 Bangkok hotels where attending leaders and their entourages are staying will be kept off-limits to protesters from Monday to Saturday.

The directive from the Prime Minister’s Office, issued on Tuesday and published in the Royal Gazette on Friday, went into effect on Saturday.
Citing the Public Assembly Act, the directive prohibits all public demonstrations at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), where leaders from 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation will convene on November 18-19. Related meetings kick off on Monday.
The order also marks 19 luxury hotels where the leaders and their entourages will be staying next week as off-limits.

The hotels are Grand Hyatt Erawan, Anantara Siam, Park Hyatt Bangkok, Rosewood Bangkok, The Okura Prestige, The Athenee, Conrad Bangkok, Kimpton Maa-Lai, Sindhorn Kempinski, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Siam Kempinski, SO/ Bangkok, Waldorf Astoria, St Regis Bangkok, Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, the Sukhothai, Banyan Tree, Mandarin Oriental and Shangri-La.
The Public Assembly Act empowers any government minister to designate places where “no public assembly shall obstruct their gateway, impede the performance of their duties, or hinder access to their service”.
These locations are in addition to ones clearly specified in the legislation’s Article 8, namely state agency offices; airport, wharf, rail station or any other public transport station; hospital, education institution and religious establishment; and embassy, consulate or international organisation office.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022007

Infection is as good as vaccine against Covid-19: virologist

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2022

Thailand’s top virologist believes an infection offers as much immunity against Covid-19 as vaccines do.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Dr Yong Poovorawan said more people in Thailand are building immunity against the virus via infection, judging by the drop in Covid-19 vaccines administered daily.

However, he advised people to get at least two shots and a booster jab to protect themselves from severe symptoms.

Dr Yong said that if a person picks up a Covid-19 infection after getting three jabs, they will have enough immunity to fight it off with little or no symptoms.

The virologist believes more than 50% of the Thai population has been vaccinated and this number should rise to 70% soon.

He also warned people at risk, namely people who are 60 and above, those with chronic disease, pregnant women and those weighing more than 90 kilos should get vaccinated or they may suffer severe symptoms.

Yong advised the authorities to study the population’s overall vaccination status and plan the dispensation of boosters next year.

Related stories

• Virologist calls for immunity study before devising Covid vaccination plan for next year
• Bangkok Omicron rate rising as people ignore vaccination: lung expert
• Thailand stops procuring Covid-19 vaccine