#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017149

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a controversial proposal by the Industry Ministry to allow potash mining in Udon Thani, which is expected to draw investment of 36 billion baht.

Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit told reporters that his ministry was given the green light to grant a concession to Asia Pacific Potash Corporation. The mining will be carried out in Tambon Nong Phai, Muang district. Suriya said the Primary Industries and Mines Department will now start the concession process.

“The firm wants to start mining as soon as possible but the process will take at least six months before the mining can begin,” Suriya said. The mine is expected to produce about 2 million tonnes of potash per year, he added.

The industry minister told the Cabinet that the mining project had been endorsed by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and the National Economic and Social Development Council. It had also been okayed by local people in public hearings, as required by the law, he said.

A group of local environmentalists has sent a petition opposing the potash mine to Suriya and PM Prayut Chan-o-cha. The petition was signed by 2,568 local residents concerned about the mine project’s impact on their livelihoods, health and environment.

The Industry Ministry responded by insisting the project would go ahead as it had passed all environmental checks required by law.

The company plans to mine a total of 33.67 million tonnes of potash during the concession, for which it has offered a fee of 16.6 billion baht. It also forecasts it will pay corporate tax of 15 billion baht on revenue from potash sales.

The Industry Ministry told the Cabinet that revenue from the concession fee would be split, with 6.64 billion baht going to the Finance Ministry and the remaining 9.96 billion baht going to the Department of Local Administration to distribute to local administrations around the country.

The Udon Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation will receive the biggest portion of Bt3.32 billion.

The government has already granted potash mining concessions to Thai Kali Co Ltd in Nakhon Ratchasima and Asean Potash Chaiyaphum Plc in Chaiyaphum.

Suriyasai said the new potash mine would help solve the fertiliser shortage in Thailand.

Published : June 28, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017148

Apart from Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit has also tested positive for Covid-19 after his return from the United Kingdom.

Jurin went to the United Kingdom on June 21 to participate in the Joint Economic and Trade Committee ministerial meeting at Central Hall Westminster, London.

Related story: Anutin brings Covid infection back from Europe, symptoms mild

Deputy Public Health Minister Satit Pitutecha said on Tuesday that Jurin is currently recuperating and working from home in line with the physician’s recommendation.

Satit added that the number of Covid-19 cases was increasing due to easing of domestic and international travel restrictions and the extension of entertainment venues’ service hours.

He clarified that the rise in Covid-19 infections was not due to the lifting of the face mask mandate.

“We would like to ask people not to worry about this issue, but instead they should maintain social distancing, wear face mask while staying in safe areas and take care of their health,” he said.

He said the Public Health Ministry is monitoring the severity of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, which have been spreading in Thailand for a while.

He added that there is no study that indicates people infected with Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 will develop severe symptoms.

Published : June 28, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017145

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a move to suspend the import tax for child car seats until December 31, 2023.

The move is aimed at reducing the price of child car seats after their use was made mandatory on Thai roads from September 5.

Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said the tax suspension will come into effect after being published in the Royal Gazette.

The move to suspend the 20 per cent import tax will cost the government about 555,000 baht per year, said the Finance Ministry, which cited tax revenue figures from 2019 to 2022.

The ministry added that the loss might increase due to rising domestic demand after the law on mandatory child car seat use comes into effect in September.

However, suspending the import tax would help reduce the cost of living while increasing road safety, Thanakorn said.

Thailand’s roads are among the most dangerous in the world, with an average of about 60 people killed in traffic accidents every day.

Published : June 28, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017144

A Buddhist temple that has offered free coffins to poor families for years is asking for donations amid a sharp rise in demand for the service in recent months.

Phra Acharn Phanthawat Thammawatthano, vice abbot of Wat Pa Putthayarn Rangsi in Khon Kaen province, said people in need can contact the temple around the clock to get a free coffin.

The temple, which is on the Khon Kaen-Kalasin bypass road in Tambon Phra Lub, Muang district, has been offering free coffins to the poor for five years, the vice abbot said.

However, bereaved locals are now contacting the temple for a free coffin almost every day, apparently because cannot afford to buy one amid the pandemic and price crisis.

The vice abbot said families can either come to the temple to pick up a coffin or have it delivered directly. The temple does not allow middlemen to pick up coffins for fear they might be resold.

“Our temple normally orders 50 coffins at a time from a factory to give out for free,” the monk said.

Each free coffin comes with funerary items, including a white cloth for wrapping the body, candles and joss sticks, and offerings for monks who conduct funeral prayers.

Each coffin costs Bt1,500 plus another Bt1,000 for the funerary items. If a family is very poor, the temple also gives them Bt1,000 in cash to cover expenses for the funeral service, the monk added.

He said members of the public who wanted to make merit by contributing to the free coffin scheme could donate money to the temple. Donations can be made to the temple’s Krung Thai Bank account, number 678-8-79609-2, the monk said.

Published : June 28, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017138

The government needs to urgently issue an executive decree to control the use of marijuana because the panel vetting the Public Health Ministry’s regulation bill was dragging its feet, a senator said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the Senate debate, Senator Somchai Sawangarn pointed out that it would be too late if the government waits for the regulation bill to be enacted. He also pointed out that the vetting committee had met four times, yet it has not touched on any details of the bill in its deliberation.

“If we wait for the bill to be enacted, the decriminalisation of ganja usage without a law to regulate will have a severe impact on society,” Somchai said.

He backed his concerns by citing a recent report from the Royal College of Paediatricians, which said that six children between the ages of three and 17 had been treated for badly reacting to cannabis-spiked cookies.

He said the children ate the cookies without knowing they carried cannabis because there was no warning label in the packet.

Hence, Somchai advised the government to use the bill on ganja usage drafted by Palang Pracharath MP Phansiri Kulanartsiri as a key draft for issuing an executive decree.

“I’m not opposed to the decriminalisation of marijuana for medical use,” Somchai said. “But I’m against the free use of ganja without a law to regulate it. At least it should be made a controlled substance like solvents were to prevent ‘glue sniffing’ by teenagers.”

He added that he has checked out some convenience stores and found that many cannabis-spiked products are openly available.

“Though the stores have put up warning signs that pregnant women and youngsters below the age of 18 should not use these products, the easy availability worries me,” he added.

Published : June 28, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017136

Negotiations with oil and gas refiners over their contribution to the Oil Fuel Fund are expected to conclude on Wednesday, Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow said on Tuesday.

Supattanapong spoke after meeting representatives from six refiners on Monday for talks aimed at boosting liquidity of the Oil Fuel Fund, which is 102.58 billion baht in debt from subsidising the price of diesel. Retail operators contribute 2 billion baht per month to the fund, but the government wants refiners to top that up with money from the refinery margin.

“We haven’t reached a conclusion on how much refinery margin will be contributed to the Oil Fuel Fund and how to support the public sector,” Supattanapong said.

He said the Energy Ministry would report back to Cabinet on progress in the talks but confirmed that the ministry did not need Cabinet approval to act on this issue.

The move to boost liquidity of the Oil Fund was in line with the Cabinet’s new round of measures on June 21 to reduce people’s cost of living amid the oil price crisis, he added.

He said the refinery margin will be used for subsidies to cap the retail price of diesel at 35 baht per litre and benzene at 1 baht per litre.

Supattanapong said his ministry has also asked PTT to contribute money from the gas refinery margin to the Oil Fuel Fund, and expects to receive 500 million to 1 billion baht per month from this source.

Published : June 28, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017134

The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTSC) said on Tuesday that it needs one month to update its fare-calculation software and make other arrangements before it can start collecting fares on the Green Line extension.

BTSC CEO Surapong Laoha-Unya was referring to an earlier statement from Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who said he wanted BTSC to start collecting a 15-baht fare for the extended routes from July 1. The 15-baht fare is based on the condition that the fare for the entire Green Line cannot exceed 59 baht.

Skytrain fares are capped at 59 baht at present, but nothing is collected for the extended routes. If BTSC were to collect 15 baht for the extended route but still cap the entire fare at 59 baht, it would have to adjust the current fares accordingly.

Hence, Surapong said, the July 1 deadline does not give BTSC enough time to install new software to recalculate the fares.

Moreover, he said, the BTSC contract requires it to inform commuters one month in advance of plans to change fares, and it also needs time to install signs marking out fares on the extended routes.

He also pointed out that BTSC does not hold a concession for the Green Line extension, but is operating the routes on Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s behalf. Surapong also pointed out that the 15-baht rate on the extended route would not earn the BMA enough revenue to pay back what it owes to BTSC.

“The extension runs for quite a distance and costs a lot more to operate than a fare of 15 baht can cover. It also depends on BMA’s policy because BTSC has only been hired to operate the trains and collect fares on BMA’s behalf,” Surapong said.

Deputy Bangkok governor Wisanu Subsompon said on Tuesday that the 15 baht fare for the extended route under the condition that the entire fare is capped at 59 baht should be acceptable to commuters.

He said the extended route from Mor Chit to Khu Kot is 19 kilometres long and has 16 stations, while the extension from Bearing to Kheha in Samut Prakan is 13km long with nine stations.

Wisanu said he has spoken to executives of Krungthep Thanakom, BMA’s investment arm, about the collection of fares on the extended routes as recommended by the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).

TDRI advised BMA on June 16 to start collecting fares for the extended routes so it can earn revenue to start paying off its debt to BTSC.

Wisanu added that he and other senior officials believe the 59-baht cap is suitable but said BMA’s Traffic and Transport Department has confirmed that the fare-collection software cannot be updated in time for the July 1 deadline.

Chadchart, meanwhile, met Krungthep Thanakom chairman Tongthong Chandrangsu on Tuesday to discuss the fare collection issue.

After the meeting, Chadchart confirmed the fare on the extended routes would be 15 baht and the fare for the entire route will be capped at 59 baht as recommended by TDRI.

He said his initial plan was to start the collection of fares from Friday, but BTSC has informed Krungthep Thanakom that preparations cannot be completed in time.

Separately, BMA owes 47 billion baht to BTSC, which breaks down to:

• 17.05 billion for operation and maintenance costs

• 20.09 billion for installation of electric and machinery system

• 10 billion in accrued interest

The BMA owes another 55 billion baht to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) for building the Skytrain extension after the city administration won ownership of the extended routes from MRTA in 2018.

Published : June 28, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017129

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) lifted the mask mandate on June 17, but many people are still confused about what they should do and how they can protect themselves.

Here are some explanations:

Q: Why are masks not necessary in open areas?

A: Several studies show that the risk of Covid-19 spreading in well-ventilated areas is low. Hence, people doing outdoor activities such as running or walking do not need to wear a mask, provided they maintain a distance from others.

Q: Can I continue wearing a mask?

A: Yes, no regulations are preventing you from wearing a mask. Masks also protect you from inhaling fine dust particles and other viruses in the air.

Q: Where is it not mandatory to wear a mask?

A: According to the CCSA mandate, people do not need to wear a mask outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. People can also remove their masks when it is necessary such as exercising, playing sports or filming.

Q: Where is it mandatory to wear a mask?

A: CCSA mandate says people should continue wearing masks inside buildings and crowded areas such as public transport, concerts, conferences, markets, malls and air-conditioned buildings.

Q: Why is temperature not being screened in public places?
A: Those infected by the Omicron variant of Covid-19 usually have mild or no symptoms, so screening the temperature does not help. Other methods such as checking proof of vaccination or ATK tests are more effective.

Q: Why is it no longer necessary to undergo regular ATK tests?

A: A large part of the population in Thailand has been vaccinated, and the number of new patients is dropping.

Hence, screening asymptomatic and non-vulnerable people is not necessary.

However, experts still advise people to take precautions and check for symptoms regularly. People who are at risk should take ATK tests regularly and isolate themselves.

Q: Are vaccines still necessary?

A: Vaccines are necessary because they prevent severe symptoms and people still have the chance of getting infected. Also, Omicron spreads faster than other variants.

People should be vaccinated so they can return to their daily lives without worry. If the vaccination percentage is high enough, people do not have to be concerned about the public health system not being able to tackle patients.

Q: Should I get a booster shot?

A: Studies show that the immunity offered by vaccines drops over time, so the Public Health Ministry is advising fully vaccinated people to get a third and fourth jab (four months after the third shot).

People whose first two shots were of an inactivated vaccine should get an AstraZeneca or mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) booster shot.

Those who have been infected can get their booster three months later. The ministry explained that though natural immunity after infection is high enough, it will still drop over time.

Published : June 28, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017127

Even though wearing a face mask outdoors is no longer mandatory, Bangkokians have been advised to consider the benefits of having a mask on in protecting them from Covid-19 and other respiratory diseases.

The face mask mandate has been lifted as the number of infections and deaths has declined, showing improvement in Thailand’s Covid-19 situation.

Thailand recorded 1,761 Covid-19 cases and 13 deaths on Tuesday, a Public Health Ministry report said.

According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s announcement, which came into effect on June 24, general people have been advised to wear face mask while getting close to crowds or staying in confined and poorly ventilated venues.

Vulnerable people, including the elderly aged 60 years or above, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases should wear a face mask properly while in the company of other people to reduce the risk of infection, the announcement said.

Covid-19 patients and people who come into contact with these patients must wear a face mask properly when they are with other people to reduce the risk of the disease spreading, the announcement added.

Published : June 28, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017125

Pattaya City authorities put up temporary fencing on Jomtien Beach to mark out the border between Pattaya and Na Jomtien municipalities after authorities came under criticism for failing to enforce the no-commerce rule.

Aphoto of the temporary fences was shared on the @PattayaWatchdog Facebook page on Monday, with a caption saying this was done under the order of Pattaya’s new governor Poramase Ngamphiches.

On June 15, the @FootpathThaiStyle Facebook page shared photos of vendors brazenly hawking their goods and services, and most notably renting out beach chairs on Jomtien Beach despite a sign clearly prohibiting the use of the area for personal gain.

Facebook users responded by slamming vendors for clearly disrespecting the law and the authority for failing to enforce the law.

As for photos of the steel fences posted on Monday, netizens slammed the new governor for being too perfunctory when dealing with the problem.

“Dividing the beach into two means merchants have to stay on the Na Jomtien side and cannot cross over to Pattaya’s side. This is a classic ‘not my problem’ move,” one netizen said.

Others said the fences ruined the beach’s beauty, while some advised the Pattaya Municipality to expand its jurisdiction to cover all of Jomtien Beach so it can enforce the law more efficiently.

However, one netizen said the move was brilliant as it clearly showed which municipality is corrupt.

Jomtien Beach is on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, some 165 kilometres southeast of Bangkok and some 3km south of Pattaya City. The white sandy beach is popular among tourists while the neighbourhood is choc-a-bloc with high-rise condominiums, beachside hotels and restaurants.

Published : June 28, 2022

By : THE NATION