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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018850

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa on Friday formally ordered that the foreign man caught catching rare fish in Krabi’s Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park be hunted down.

ATikTok video clip of the foreigner holding up a catch of three parrotfish, one moray eel and two other unidentified fish off the coast of Thailand went viral on Thursday and sparked outrage on Thai social media.

The minister said he has tasked the Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) with investigating the incident immediately as fishing in the area is illegal and his actions can have a severe impact on the country’s marine ecosystem.

“We must find this man as soon as possible to prevent him from further damaging Thailand’s natural resources. Once we catch him, he will be deported,” Varawut said.

DNP director-general Ratchada Suriyakul na Ayutthaya said initial investigation showed that the man was on a boat named “Avarin” and that the department has called on Phi Phi Island police to track down the owner and the man to face legal charges.

Ratchada said the foreigner will face the charges of harming or taking animals away from the national park area and/or causing damage to the ecosystem under the 1961 National Parks Act.

Section 16(3) of the Act stipulates that anyone who harms or takes animals away from the national park area will face up to five years in prison and/or a 20,000 baht fine.

Ratchada explained that parrotfish are vital to the ecosystem of the coral reef, and their population is already decreasing.

“If you have any information about the man, please notify the department immediately,” he added.

Published : August 13, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018843

The Public Health Ministry reported on Saturday (August 13) that over the past 24 hours, 2,140 Covid-19 patients have been admitted to hospitals, one of whom has arrived in Thailand from abroad.

The death toll has risen by 35, while 1,898 patients have recovered and discharged from hospitals. 

The number of cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022, stands at 2,395,217 with 10,100 deaths.
 

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 4,618,652 – 4,565,063 of whom have recovered, 21,791 are still in hospitals and 31,798 have died.

Separately, another 6,633 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 11,678 their second shot and 43,609 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 142,161,630.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 594.3 million on Saturday, 566.47 million of whom have recovered, 21.38 million are active cases (45,767 in severe condition) and 6.45 million have died (up by 1,956).

Thailand ranks 28th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 94.64 million, followed by India with 44.24 million, Brazil with 34.19 million, France with 34.15 million and Germany with 31.54 million.

Published : August 13, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018840

Bangkok plans to turn manhole covers into a “cultural map” that tells tourists about interesting historical landmarks and activities in city neighbourhoods.

The project will launch in Chinatown — covering Yaowarat, Charoen Krung and Sampeng.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt on Friday met with representatives of Silpakorn University and the Office of Thailand Science Research and Innovation.

They discussed how to use art and technology to promote the cultural value of Bangkok’s Chinatown, an area popular with tourists.

Manhole covers there will be adorned with graphic arts that reflect the unique characteristics of Bangkok’s Chinatown, such as the Odeon Circle, Chinese patterns or script, Chinese opera masks and lanterns.

The manhole covers will be printed with a QR code that can be scanned for further information in Thai, English and Chinese about what is featured on the cover.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and researchers from the two institutions will survey local residents for their opinions on what should feature on the manhole covers for the neighbourhood, said deputy Bangkok governor Sanon Wangsrangboon.

The project would aid preservation efforts in the capital’s historical quarters, he added.

Governor Chadchart said the goal was also to give tourists more insight into the history of the places they visited. He said the QR code interactive technology would make visits more interesting and convenient for tourists.

Chadchart added that small museums should be set up in Bangkok neighbourhoods to help tourists learn more about their history and culture.

Published : August 12, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018825

The Nation Group is hosting “Thailand Metaverse Expo 2022” at centralwOrld LIVE

The Nation Group is hosting “Thailand Metaverse Expo 2022” at centralwOrld LIVE next week in collaboration with blockchain provider Om Platform, digital event organiser Block Mountain and top virtual reality creator MetaverseXR.

The August 19-21 event will bring together more than 50 executives and trendsetters from well-known companies, who will guide you through the Metaverse and show you how to create your own world in it.

The expo’s aim is to explore the world of Metaverse and offer an in-depth understanding of the latest virtual reality technology and how it may generate new business opportunities, goods and services that match modern lifestyles.

The “Thailand Metaverse Expo 2022” will be divided into three stages: the Show Vision Stage, the Showcase and Competition Stage, and the Workshop Stage. Highlights will include an expo and an experience zone.

Visit www.thailandmetaverseexpo.asia for more information.

Published : August 12, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018834

Saudi Arabia has agreed to sell 300,000 tonnes of fertilisers to Thailand, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Friday.

Jurin said that he would be visiting Saudi Arabia from August 27-30 to negotiate this procurement.

Regarding measures to cope with rising fertiliser price due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he said the Commerce and Agriculture ministries would monitor the situation closely, covering trade, prices and import volume.

He added that a special committee tasked with managing the economic crisis, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, has delegated the Budget Bureau to consider measures for compensating farmers over rising fertiliser prices.

“The bureau will consider measures to compensate farmers and ensure that they would not affect the production cost of agricultural products and the country’s financial status,” he said.

Regarding rising production cost, Jurin said 500 officials had been deployed to check each day whether the prices of any products had risen.

He added that the prices of many products, such as vegetables, fishes, electrical appliances and cooking oils, had actually dropped.

Published : August 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018832

Bangkok’s notorious Bus line No 8 will be tamed with the addition of 20 electric buses from August 20.

Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said that the first 20 electric buses for Line No 2-38, previously known as the No 8 route from Memorial Bridge to Happy Land, will start operating on August 20.

The resurrection of the No 8 service – once notorious for reckless driving, road accidents and bad-tempered staff – is part of electrified restructuring conducted by the Land Transport Department (DLT). In the first phase, 150 new buses will be deployed on routes across Bangkok.

Diesel buses will be replaced by electric vehicles on routes run by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), public-private operators, and the Transport Co Ltd.

DLT aims to replace old buses with 1,000 electric units this year and eventually electrify Bangkok’s entire fleet of 3,200 buses.

DLT director-general Jirut Wisanjit said the department was working with the public to clear confusion over the change of bus numbers. The new numbers will be posted on buses and websites.

Operators of the old No 8 service reportedly failed to meet new BMTA safety and service standards and were refused a concession extension.

Thai Smile Bus Co Ltd has won the concession to operate its replacement, the new line 2-38, which will use electric buses and AI technology to make life easier for passengers.

Published : August 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018830

The contractor of an expressway construction site in Bangkok’s Bang Khunthien district has been told to pay compensation to victims of a mishap and ensure the safety of motorists, the Department of Highways said on Friday.

On Thursday night, a large tarpaulin piece weighed down by rainwater fell off an expressway pillar on Rama II Road and landed on a car driving by.

The car’s roof collapsed and the windscreen was shattered.

The department’s civil engineer, Paramet Tanmaneewattana, said the contractor had been told to drain rainwater collected in the tarps, but the work had not been done.

He said the tarps had been set up to prevent materials on expressway pillars from falling to the ground.

He added that the contractor had made a hole in the tarps to ensure they do not fall again.

“The department has ordered the contractor to take care of compensation for damage to the car,” he said, adding that the contractor had promised to strictly adhere to safety measures.

He also assured that such an incident would not happen again.

Published : August 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018828

Bangkok and 10 other provinces have been placed on alert for rising water levels in the Chao Phraya River.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DDPM) warned that release of water from the Chao Phraya Dam that began on Thursday would affect levels in the Chao Phraya and Noi rivers.

The 11 provinces affected are Bangkok, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Singburi, Ang Thong, Suphanburi, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan.

The DDPM said it was closely monitoring water levels in the rivers and would issue flood warnings to local residents if necessary.

It also instructed local authorities to check river embankments and ensure staff and equipment including water pumps were on standby 24 hours a day.

The Royal Irrigation Department forecasts heavy to very heavy rain until Saturday in the North, swelling the Chao Phraya River.

The department estimates the Chao Phraya Dam will receive 1,400-1,600 cubic metres of water per second, requiring it to release 1,000-1,400m3/s.

It said communities located close to the river in Ang Thong and Ayutthaya can expect the water to rise by 0.2-0.6 metres from Thursday onwards.

The department will update the warning when the dam flow rises above 1,400m3/s.

For updates or to report flooding, visit the Thai Disaster Alert mobile app, contact the 1784 hotline or use Line ID @1784DDPM.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the Chao Phraya River level would remain under control if there was no more heavy rain following tropical storm Mulan.

The Chao Phraya Dam level was worrying though manageable, he added.

Published : August 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018820

The Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is currently on the lookout for a foreign man who was caught on video catching parrotfish in Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi province.

ATikTok video clip of the foreigner showed him catching three parrotfishes, one moray eel and two other unidentified fish in the sea off Thailand, leaving Thai netizens outraged on Thursday.

Most netizens slammed the foreigner, saying that his actions were against the law and destroyed the marine ecosystem. They also called on government agencies to take legal action against the foreigner and the boatman.

DNP director-general Ratchada Suriyakul na Ayutthaya said department officials found that the incident had taken place at Phi Phi Leh Island in Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.

He said Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and Marine and Coastal Resources Office 10 have collected evidence and compared it with the video clip on the TikTok account “@roslanofficial”, which features a number of adventure-themed activities.

“The officials are currently searching for the suspect to take legal action against him,” he said.

He added that the foreigner would face charges of harming or taking animals away from the national park area, and/or causing damage to the ecosystem, under the the National Park Act BE 2562 (2019).

Published : August 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018816

Get ready to catch sight of Saturn on Monday evening as it will be the brightest star that is closest to the Earth, the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) said.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, NARIT explained that for the first time in a year, Saturn will orbit to a position exactly opposite the Sun.

This position will see the Sun, Earth and Saturn lining up, with the planet standing at a distance of 1.325 billion kilometres – the closest to the Earth for the first time in one year.

Once the Sun sets, Saturn will be the brightest star in the Southeast direction and can be spotted with the naked eye if the skies are clear.

If observed via a telescope with at least a 4-inch refractor or a magnifying power of more than 50, then the planet’s rings A and B will be clearly visible.

NARIT is holding “Science Week 2022” from August 15 to 21, which includes observing Saturn on Monday from 6pm to 10pm.

Saturn can be also observed from the Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark in Chiang Mai and the regional observatory for the public in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chachoengsao and Songkhla.

Enthusiasts can participate in the “Science Week” for free or watch it live on NARIT’s Facebook page.

The agency said it has also cooperated with 560 schools nationwide and set up telescopes for students.

The names of participating schools can be found at https://bit.ly/MemberList-NARIT-DobsonianTelescope2022

Published : August 12, 2022

By : THE NATION