Thailand records 1,995 Covid-19 cases and 18 deaths on Monday

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017325


Ministry of Public Health reported on Monday (July 4) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 1,995 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, two of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Thailand records 1,995 Covid-19 cases and 18 deaths on Monday

Death toll increased by 18, while 2,148 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,308,665.
 

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 4,532,100 – 4,476,564 of whom have recovered, 24,418 are still in hospitals and 30,718 have died.

Separately, another 2,183 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 4,218 their second shot and 29,913 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 140,036,597.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 554.43 million on Monday, 529.35 million of whom have recovered, 18.72 million are active cases (38,247 in severe condition) and 6.36 million have died (up by 563).

Thailand ranks 26th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 89.53 million, followed by India with 43.52 million, Brazil with 32.5 million, France with 31.21 million and Germany with 28.39 million.

Published : July 04, 2022

By : THE NATION

Chadchart invites Bangkokians to ‘plant 1 million trees’

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017321


Bangkokians can apply to join the project to plant 1 million trees across the capital from next week, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Sunday.

Chadchart invites Bangkokians to ‘plant 1 million trees’

Chadchart was speaking after joining Canadian Embassy staff to plant Bodhi and Ironwood trees at Vachirabenjatas Park in Chatuchak district.

He said that up to 700,000 trees had been planted under the project so far. He added that City Hall is seeking saplings and places to plant them so people could participate in the project.

Chadchart invites Bangkokians to ‘plant 1 million trees’

“A liveable city is a city with well-cared-for trees,” he said.

Chadchart invites Bangkokians to ‘plant 1 million trees’

All 50 district offices across Bangkok have tree specialists to advise officials on how to trim trees properly and tackle any related disputes, Chadchart said.

Chadchart invites Bangkokians to ‘plant 1 million trees’

He also highlighted his “Bangkok 15 minutes” policy, which aims to create small public parks so that all Bangkokians are within a 15-minute walk of a green space.

Chadchart invites Bangkokians to ‘plant 1 million trees’

“A good public park is one close to people’s residences,” he said.

Published : July 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

Phone lines with ‘+697’ prefix too dangerous to be answered: DES

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017318


The Digital Economy and Society Ministry on Sunday warned people against answering calls with the prefix “+697”, saying that the prefix was used by call-centre scammers.

Phone lines with ‘+697’ prefix too dangerous to be answered: DES

The warning was made by DES spokeswoman Noppawan Huajaimun, who explained that the +697 prefix was assigned to numbers based on IP (Internet Protocol) telephony.

Noppawan said that since IP phone numbers do not have to be registered with the authorities, call-centre scammers tend to use them to make untraceable calls to victims.

As a result, she said, the DES asked the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission and mobile phone operators to assign incoming IP calls with the +697 prefix to alert customers of the potential danger.

“The DES would like to thank the NBTC for issuing a measure requiring all mobile phone operators to attach the +697 prefix to all incoming IP calls so that people can notice it easily,’ Noppawan said.

“To avoid being deceived, people should not answer such calls.”

She added that people who receive SMS messages or calls from suspicious numbers can tell their mobile phone operators to block them.

Published : July 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

Lottery tickets for July 17 draw snapped up in a record 28 hours

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017315


The 5.146 million digital lottery tickets issued for the July 17 draw were snapped up within 28 hours – a record since the new system was introduced on June 2.

Lottery tickets for July 17 draw snapped up in a record 28 hours

Lawan Saengsanit, director-general of the Revenue Department who chairs the Government Lottery Office (GLO)’s board of directors, said 4,211,348 tickets were bought up by 5pm on Saturday and the remainder grabbed up by 10.30am on Sunday.

Lawan believes digital lottery tickets are being bought up quickly because they satisfy buyers’ needs.

“People can search for specific numbers and buy the tickets at 80 baht each,” Lawan said. “Most of all, they do not have to worry about fraud because the tickets are being sold via the government’s Paotang app.”

The Paotang app was used by the government to provide public subsidies.

The first lot of 5.17 million digital tickets for the June 16 draw had been bought up in five days, while the 5.15 million tickets for the July 1 draw were snapped up in three days.

Lawan said lottery tickets are selling so fast because the new system allows winners to redeem their prize money quickly and conveniently without fear of being cheated.

The GLO board chairman added that the app will be further developed to allow discounts on numbers that are not popular, as well as allow buyers to purchase tickets from disabled people, especially the blind.

Lottery tickets for July 17 draw snapped up in a record 28 hours“Voice-control features will have to be added to the app, so it is more convenient for the blind. We are currently discussing this with the Thailand Association of the Blind,” Lawan said.

Separately, GLO director Lt-Colonel Noon Sansanakhom said the agency will hold public hearings from July 20 to August 10 to hear the opinions of those affected by the GLO’s plan to change its lottery format.

The GLO had announced that it would gradually increase the quota of digital lottery tickets by 2 million per draw, starting with the lot issued for the August 1 draw, until there are 20 million digital lottery tickets on sale within this year.

The new quota will come from vendors caught reselling their tickets via other platforms or charging more than 80 baht per ticket.

The GLO is also looking into a new three-digit lottery system.

Noon said the law requires GLO to hold public hearings before it changes its lottery format, details of which are already displayed on the agency’s website.

He added that GLO will gather public opinion via its website and email from July 20 to August 10. Government agencies can also provide their opinions via written and mailed statements, he added.

The public hearings will kick off in Chiang Mai on July 20, in Chonburi on July 24, Khon Kaen on July 27, Loei on August 4, Nakhon Si Thammarat on August 6 and in Bangkok on August 9.

Published : July 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

Fun and safety make Koh Pha-ngan world’s best workation site

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017314


Thailand’s Koh Pha-ngan topped the list of the world’s 16 best workation destinations, followed by Spain’s Gran Canaria and the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.

Fun and safety make Koh Pha-ngan world's best workation site

The rankings were based on four criteria, namely monthly accommodation cost, internet speed, fun and safety.

“The island [in Surat Thani province] is suitable for long-term stay and thanks to its full-moon parties, it is famous among Thai and foreign tourists,” government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Sunday.

He added that the government is working on reviving Thailand’s tourism sector and that PM Prayut Chan-o-cha had urged tourism-related agencies to promote six Andaman provinces. Prayut, who had been speaking at the Thailand Tourism Congress in Phuket on June 6, said he wanted the provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Ranong, Trang and Satun to be turned into world-class destinations.

“The plan to promote these provinces is in line with the 20-year national strategy to boost Thailand’s competitiveness and potential on the international stage,” he said.

Fun and safety make Koh Pha-ngan world's best workation site

Thanakorn added that Prayut was pleased with Koh Pha-ngan’s ranking and thanked the tourism sector for expanding Thailand’s potential so it is admired internationally.

“The PM also believes promoting Andaman provinces will attract more tourists to Thailand, which will not only generate revenue at the local level but also result in economic recovery,” he added.

Fun and safety make Koh Pha-ngan world's best workation site

The rankings were published on June 15 by William Russell, a leading provider of international health, life and income protection.

Published : July 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

Karen refugees flee across border as Myanmar continues airstrikes

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017312


Thailand is gearing up for an influx of Karen refugees as the Myanmar army continues bombing Karen villages in the border town of Myawaddy.

Karen refugees flee across border as Myanmar continues airstrikes

AMyanmar fighter jet bombed two villages on Saturday, killing three people and injuring three others. The injured have been sent across to Tak’s Phop Phra district for treatment. Of those killed, one held a Thai ID card, the second a card of hilltribe people and the third a 10-year stay permit.

Refugees, meanwhile, have been streaming across the border, and as of press time, the number of people seeking shelter at the Ban Muen Rue Thai community had swollen to 255.

Karen refugees flee across border as Myanmar continues airstrikes

Separately, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that Myanmar’s military government has offered an apology for its MiG-29 fighter jet straying into Thai airspace on Thursday.

Prayut, who also doubles as the defence minister, has called on people to have faith that the Thai Army will successfully protect national sovereignty, adding the incident was “no big deal”.

Karen refugees flee across border as Myanmar continues airstrikes

The Myanmar military has been pounding Karen villages just across the Thai border since noon on Thursday, throwing people living on the Thai side into a panic.

Published : July 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

Bangkokians largely support designation of seven protest sites

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017310


Most Bangkokians support the governor’s decision to designate seven sites in the capital for public rallies, survey results released on Sunday show.

Bangkokians largely support designation of seven protest sites

The National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) collected opinions of 1,310 respondents aged 18 and above from different backgrounds in Bangkok on June 27-29.

The respondents’ thoughts on Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt allocating seven public areas for rallies were:

• 54.89% strongly agree as rallies in these areas will not disturb others or obstruct traffic, and the demonstration can be controlled effectively

• 29.16% moderately agree as it will help maintain order

• 9.16% strongly disagree as it will encourage protesters to hold more rallies and create conflicts in society

• 6.71% moderately disagree as rallies bring chaos and officials will not be able to control the situation

• 0.08% do not care

When asked what Bangkok authorities should do if rallies are held on roads instead of these seven areas:

• 40.08% do not provide facilities like toilets and take legal action against protesters

• 36.79% provide all facilities as protesting is people’s right

• 22.44% provide no facilities

• 0.69% do not care

When asked if they are confident the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) can control protesters under this new set-up:

• 36.18% moderately believe

• 26.26% moderately do not believe

• 22.60% strongly believe

• 14.65% strongly do not believe

• 0.31% do not care

Separately, the “People’s Assembly”, led by former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan, announced it will hold a rally at Lan Khon Muang square on Sunday at 4pm to protest against the government’s failure to tackle rising fuel prices.

Groups can gather to protest at the following sites:

• Lan Khon Muang square, Phra Nakhon

• Thai-Japanese Youth Centre, Din Daeng

• Open space under Ratchawipha Bridge, Chatuchak

• Parking lot in front of Phra Nakhon district office

• 72nd Anniversary Stadium, Minburi

• Chalermprakiat sports centre in Thung Khru

• Monthon Pirom Park in Taling Chan

Published : July 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

Thailand records 2,328 Covid-19 cases and 19 deaths on Sunday

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017302


Public Health Ministry reported on Sunday (July 3) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 2,328 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, three of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Thailand records 2,328 Covid-19 cases and 19 deaths on Sunday

Death toll increased by 19, while 2,043 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,306,670.

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 4,530,105 – 4,474,416 of whom have recovered, 24,989 are still in hospitals and 30,700 have died.

Separately, another 8,992 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 21,834 their second shot and 72,923 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 140,000,283.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 554.09 million on Sunday, 528.84 million of whom have recovered, 18.88 million are active cases (37,000 in severe condition) and 6.36 million have died.

Thailand ranks 26th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 89.52 million, followed by India with 43.50 million, Brazil with 32.47 million, France with 31.20 million and Germany with 28.39 million.

Published : July 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

Myanmar border-village strike kills 3 Thai document holders

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017298


Three people carrying official documents issued by Thai authorities were killed when a Myanmar fighter jet bombed a village just 400 metres from Thailand’s border on Friday night, local authorities said on Saturday.

Myanmar border-village strike kills 3 Thai document holders

All three victims were carrying official documents issued by Thai authorities — one had a Thai ID card, another had a card for hilltribe people, and the third had a 10-year card.

Three others were injured in the bombing, which occurred at Thibabo village in Myawaddy Township. One was carrying a Thai ID card and another a card for hilltribe people.

The three injured victims were sent across the border-marking Moei River to Phop Phra district, Tak province, for treatment.

The Myanmar military was reportedly using the MiG-29 jet to bomb a Karen military outpost in the village but the bomb landed on a house belonging to the village head. Those killed and injured were having a meal in the house when the bomb was dropped.

The deadly attack came just a day after a Myanmar fighter jet strayed into Thai airspace over Tak province. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha insisted the incursion was ‘no big deal’, adding Myanmar’s military government had apologised for the incident.

Myanmar border-village strike kills 3 Thai document holders

Meanwhile, Border Patrol special operations commander Maj-Gen Prasan Sangsirirak said on Saturday that Thai authorities are coordinating with their Myanmar counterparts to prevent any recurrence of the incident.

Prasan was inspecting the situation at the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak province.

The general and local administrators also delivered food items to Myanmar villagers seeking refuge in Phop Phra as fighting rages across the border.

Myanmar border-village strike kills 3 Thai document holders
Myanmar border-village strike kills 3 Thai document holders

Published : July 02, 2022

All Thais can still get free Covid treatment despite move to endemic

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017296


Although Covid-19 has been regarded endemic since July 1, all Thai citizens remain eligible for free treatment if they catch the disease, according to the National Health Security Office (NHSO).

All Thais can still get free Covid treatment despite move to endemic

The government said on Saturday that Covid-19 patients can still get treatment in line with their healthcare rights.

“The prime minister has stressed that healthcare must cover all groups of people,” government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said. “The government certainly will not leave anyone behind. Please believe in the Thai public health system.”

However, she said it was more important for people to boost their immunity by taking care of their health.

She also said that anyone in an at-risk group can order free Covid-19 antigen tests via the Pao Tang app to pick up at a pharmacy near their home.

Those who test positive for Covid-19 but have no severe symptoms are entitled to treatment and medicines from hospital outpatient departments, the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, people with severe Covid who need to be admitted to hospital are still eligible for free treatment under the UCEP Plus (Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients) scheme.

Published : July 02, 2022