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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017026

Thailand’s first extradosed double-track railway bridge across Mae Klong River in Ratchaburi has been completed and should start operating by September, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) said on Friday.

The extradosed model is built by combining a balanced cantilever with tension cables. It is 340 metres long, crossing a 160-metre section of the river and is 16 metres high.

“The bridge uses tension cables to support its weight instead of a foundation post in the middle of the river,” said Jarei Rungthaneeya, deputy SRT governor for infrastructure. “SRT surveyed the riverbed and found that there are seven 1,000-pound explosives from World War II era and therefore decided to avoid the risk of removing them and opted for the cable approach instead.”

The 440-million-baht new double-track bridge runs alongside the Chulalongkorn Bridge, a single-track railway bridge built in 1901 to accommodate trains to the province.

Though SRT had shortlisted two names – Burachat and Chulalongkorn 2 – it said it is hoping that His Majesty the King will come up with a unique one for this bridge.

SRT also said that train tracks and other infrastructure will be installed in the bridge and it should be ready for use by September. It is part of the Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin railway project.

“We hope this new bridge will become a new landmark in Ratchaburi that attracts both Thai and foreign tourists to marvel over bridge engineering, as well as visit the historical Chulalongkorn Bridge built during the reign of King Rama V, who wanted to extend train routes to and from Bangkok,” Jarei said.

With the new extradosed bridge, there are now three bridges crossing the Mae Klong River side by side, including the Thanarat Bridge for vehicles and pedestrians and the Chulalongkorn Bridge for trains.

Published : June 25, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017025

All crematoriums in Bangkok and Pattaya are required to meet standards set by the National Resources and Environment Ministry as part of moves to limit PM2.5 pollution.

Inspection of many crematoriums has revealed that fine particles of dust and dangerous gases are emitted due to incomplete combustion caused by low temperatures in the burning chamber.

The ministry’s order was published on Wednesday in the Royal Gazette website and effective immediately in Bangkok and Pattaya. Other areas have been given a grace period of three years.

Atthaphol Charoenchansa, Pollution Control Department’s director-general, said on Friday that steps were being taken after the department received many complaints from people living in communities near crematoriums.

He added that due to Covid-related deaths, crematoriums have been handling a much larger number of bodies resulting in greater pollution.

“Incomplete burning can release odours and harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, foul-smelling methanethiol and formaldehyde, which is used in preserving the body,” he said.

“Getting crematoriums to meet the ministry’s standard, which mandates burning chambers to maintain temperatures of at least 800 degrees Celsius, along with other requirements, will help reduce pollution and ease the impact on surrounding communities.”

He added that there are some 25,500 crematoriums across Thailand and some 8,000 are located in municipal areas.

“Most crematoriums in big cities meet the temperature requirements, but those in other areas still need to upgrade their equipment,” he added.

Published : June 25, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017024

Work on the Phran Nok-Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road connecting Bangkok to Nakhon Pathom has been accelerated in a bid to ease bad congestion on Borommaratchachonnani Road.

The new road will run for 15.2 kilometres and should be up to six lanes wide. The Phran Nok-Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road starts at the Fai Chai intersection near Siriraj Hospital in western Bangkok and ends at Phutthamonthon Sai 4 road in Nakhon Pathom.

The project, separated into four sections, is costing the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) almost 6 billion baht.

Two sections of the road have been completed, while construction of the other sections continues.

This connector is expected to spark a building boom in the area and boost Nakhon Pathom’s economy. People in the area have already nicknamed the road “Phra Thep” or angel road because it will significantly cut down the time it takes to travel to Bangkok.

Published : June 25, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017023

Though it is no longer necessary to wear a mask in Thailand, the new rule comes with some conditions, Deputy Public Health Minister Satit Pitutecha said on Friday.

“People are still required to wear a mask in crowded places, public gatherings where social distancing cannot be maintained or in places with poor ventilation,” he said.

“Those in the high-risk group, unvaccinated persons and patients must also wear a facemask when close to others.”

He added that these steps need to be taken to prevent a new wave of infections now that Thailand has eased most restrictions.

“We have found that some areas have reported slightly higher cases, but most patients have only mild or no symptoms,” he said. “However, they are still at risk of long-Covid, which is found in patients who have recovered from the virus.

“Hence, the best way to stay safe is to protect yourself from infection,” he added.

The Interior Ministry, meanwhile, has tasked all provincial governors to make locals aware of the conditions behind the lifting of the mask mandate to prevent a misunderstanding that people can now remove their mask anywhere.

“People need to be aware that the pandemic has not ended, and that facemasks still provide protection,” Interior Ministry’s permanent-secretary Suttipong Juljarern said on Friday.

“Only fully vaccinated persons in non-high-risk groups can go mask-free in public places, though facemasks will still be required in certain places like air-conditioned buildings, entertainment venues, hospitals, public gatherings and in areas with poor ventilation.”

Suttipong added that so far, 82 per cent of the Thai population has received the first jab of the Covid-19 vaccine, 77 per cent their second jab and 43 per cent their booster shots.

“The Interior and Public Health Ministries aim to have at least 60 per cent of the population given booster shots to boost overall immunity against the virus before it transitions into an endemic,” he said.

“People are still advised to take precautions by wearing their facemask where necessary, washing their hands regularly and continue maintaining social distancing to limit infections.”

On Saturday, Thailand recorded 2,236 new Covid-19 cases and 16 deaths, while 1,892 patients had recovered and were discharged from hospitals. Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022, add up to 2,288,342.

Published : June 25, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017016

From upcycled bags to electric cars to sustainable food, Thailand is giving this year’s Global Summit of Women (GSW 2022) a unique flavour.

The commitment signifies the determination of women – and humankind as a whole – to strive for sustainability in the face of the growing climate crisis.

The pledge also matches the summit’s ethos that women can bring significant change for a better world in all areas, including the environment.

For the 2022 GSW, host Thailand has made painstaking preparations to ensure the lowest possible emissions of carbon, which fuels global heating. 

At the registration desk, all delegates are given an upcycled bag to reduce plastic use. With that same aim in mind, they are handed a water bottle from recycled materials, with free water top-ups provided in meeting rooms throughout the three-day summit. 

Mealtimes are covered too. All food served at GSW has been specially selected and prepared to minimise carbon emissions. Meanwhile electric cars are being used to transport delegates between their hotels and the convention centre, while the host committee is collecting data on each delegate’s travel arrangements to calculate their carbon footprint.

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, the host committee chair and former tourism minister, insists these are not merely cosmetic climate gestures. 

“The organising committee is committed to the carbon-neutral goal. We are taking it seriously, not superficially”, she said, adding that an independent third party is auditing GSW 2022 carbon emissions.

The determination to be carbon neutral is part of Thailand’s rebranding, according to Kobkarn. 

“We want to show the world that we are ‘deep’ and we are a great place for business – not just a cheap tourist destination where you can find good food.”

Chasing the carbon-neutral goal, the host committee has also been working closely with partners.

“For example, we were afraid that without flower decorations, the gala dinner might not look good. But happily, SCG Paper provided a solution by decorating the table in a carbon-neutral manner” with paper bouquets, said Kobkarn.

Prasertsuk Patoonsittichai, former executive director of Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation, added that the host committee was considering buying carbon credits from Mitr Phol, a leading Thai agricultural conglomerate.

“With every delegate getting involved in reducing their carbon footprint, we are creating a mass awareness at the global level. This is women’s power to change the world,” said Prasertsuk.

Published : June 25, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017015

Ministry of Public Health reported on Saturday (June 25) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 2,236 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, one of whom has arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 16, while 1,892 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,288,342.
 

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 4,511,777 – 4,458,416 of whom have recovered, 22,786 are still in hospitals and 30,575 have died.

Separately, another 8,376 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 17,767 their second shot and 42,272 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 139,422,838.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 548.25 million on Saturday, 523.22 million of whom have recovered, 18.68 million are active cases (36,235 in severe condition) and 6.35 million have died (up by 1,421).

Thailand ranks 26th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 88.71 million, followed by India with 43.38 million, Brazil with 32.03 million, France with 30.51 million and Germany with 27.68 million.

Published : June 25, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017007

Thailand is in talks with Saudi Arabia’s major producers to purchase 800,000 tonnes of fertiliser, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Friday.

The Kingdom had earlier imported fertiliser from Saudi Arabia’s largest producer, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation. The Saudi government has allowed two more major manufacturers — Saudi Arabian Mining Co and ACO Group, which is a subsidiary of Alim Investment — to sell the product to Thailand, he said.

Jurin, who is also deputy prime minister, said Thailand is now in talks with those three companies for the purchase of 800,000 tonnes of fertiliser — 590,000 tonnes of urea, 193,000 tonnes of phosphate, and 25,000 tonnes of potassium.

On June 29, the Commerce Ministry will hold a business matching session between the three Saudi Arabian fertiliser exporters and Thai importers, Jurin said.

He added that the purchase would help Thailand boost its supply of fertiliser for the farming sector. He expected the Kingdom’s improved ties with Saudi Arabia to lead to a “special price”, although he added that it would depend on the negotiations between both sides.

The commerce minister on Friday took part in a meeting with representatives from relevant state agencies and the private sector.

The meeting also discussed preparations for an upcoming visit by Saudi businesspeople from July 4 to 6. His ministry will host a matchmaking event between some 100 Saudi importers and at least 120 Thai exporters at the Iconsiam Shopping Centre, as part of an attempt to boost Thai exports to the Middle East nation.

Published : June 24, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017006

Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda has postponed the collection of land and building tax for another three months to help ease the impact of Covid-19 on taxpayers.

As a result, the deadline for tax payment has been extended from April to July, with an option to pay in three-month instalments until September.

The ministry’s announcement was issued on Wednesday, with effect from Thursday.

“The original schedule for people required to comply with the Land and Building Tax Act of 2019, regarding the tax collection for land and buildings in 2022, shall be extended for three more months,” read the Interior minister’s announcement.

Revenue from land and building tax goes to local administrative organisations (LAO) to fund development projects. The Interior Ministry has informed provincial governors about the postponement of collection.

The move came after pressure from the private sector to delay and reduce land and building tax payment to ease burdens caused by the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The government reduced the land tax by 90 per cent in 2020, resulting in a revenue decline of 30 billion baht for LAO.

Published : June 24, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017003

China has warned its citizens in Thailand against smoking marijuana or consuming products containing the plant, which has been legalised in the Kingdom since June 9.

The website of the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok published an article providing answers to three frequently asked questions for Chinese nationals living in or visiting Thailand.

It warned that those who consumed products with marijuana content before returning to China could face legal trouble at home, as the residue could be found in their body.

“They will be deemed to have abused a narcotic drug that is illegal in China and will be punished accordingly,” the embassy said.

“In order to avoid such a risk, Chinese nationals in Thailand should make sure that the products they consume in Thailand contain no THC and CBD,” it said.

The message was referring to tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol — the main psychoactive substances found in cannabis and hemp.

The Chinese embassy noted that Thailand’s legalisation of marijuana was aimed at promoting alternative medicine rather than encouraging recreational use of the plant.

It also warned Chinese nationals against bringing back home products with marijuana content, or they could be arrested for possession of an illicit drug.

Also, they could be arrested at a Thai airport on their departure if the products they were carrying contained THC beyond the legal limit of 0.2 per cent, the embassy said.

“Marijuana is considered a severe narcotic drug in China and a controlled substance by the United Nations. Possession of products with marijuana content is still illegal in many countries,” the embassy warned.

It also urged Chinese nationals in Thailand to “love your own lives, control yourselves and strictly abide by the law” in order to avoid negative consequences.

Published : June 24, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016998

Even though marijuana and hemp have been legalised in Thailand, the Defence Ministry refuses to budge from its strict regulations controlling the use of “legal herbs” in military complexes.

Last month, Thailand removed marijuana from the list of Category 5 narcotics and announced that the plant can be cultivated for medical and commercial purposes.

Deputy Defence spokesman Colonel Jintanat Punnothok announced on Friday that Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who doubles as defence minister, has ordered all military units to prohibit the use of cannabis and hemp in areas that fall under their jurisdiction.

This covers the consumption of cannabis both in food or by smoking.

“All branches of the military and the Royal Thai Police have been ordered to provide knowledge and boost awareness among its personnel about the benefits and dangers of consuming marijuana and hemp, as well as the legal restrictions related to cultivating, using, possessing and importing the plants,” he said.

The ministry has also prohibited its personnel from consuming marijuana or hemp before or while driving, operating machinery or doing physical work, and also from displaying inappropriate behaviour in public or on social media.

Published : June 24, 2022

By : THE NATION