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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015214

The Education Ministry, the Basic Education Commission (BEC) and related agencies are preparing for the opening of a new semester on May 17, BEC secretary-general Amporn Pinasa said on Tuesday.

To ensure the safety of students during onsite classes, he said the BEC was encouraging teachers, students and their guardians to get fully vaccinated.

The commission also urged them to abide by the “6-6-7” safety rule, as well as create awareness about rapid antigen tests and vaccination among guardians, he said.

The first six measures of the plan include well-known precautions such as social distancing, wearing masks, washing hands, and temperature checks. The next six measures include school check-ins and check-outs, surveys and examinations, and self-quarantine.

The seven measures include strict practices such as conducting activities only in small groups, and preparing “sealed routes” for students travelling to school. Schools must also regularly report to the Education Ministry via its MOE Covid app.

Amporn said the BEC was also focusing on allowing disadvantaged children to study in schools during the new semester in a bid to reduce inequality.

“About 97 per cent of disadvantaged children have returned to study,” he pointed out. “However, some of them do not want to, so the BEC has to seek their return and how to take care of them.”

Amporn said teaching this year would focus on rebuilding students’ knowledge after two years of online classes.

Prathom students will focus on literacy and numeracy, while for Matthayom students it would be inspiration to achieve goals in their careers, he said.

More than 98 per cent of children aged 12 years or above have received vaccine jabs, while only 3-4 per cent of children aged 5-11 have received their shots, Amporn said.

“However, we will not use the number of vaccinated people to determine school reopenings as schools must adhere to the ‘6-6-7’ safety measures while everything is expected to return to normal,” he added.

Published : May 04, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015213

The Thai Meteorological Department warned people in the South to beware of flash floods that might occur on Friday or Saturday.

Central Weather Forecast sub-division chief Somkuan Tonjan said that according to satellite images, a low-pressure cell in the lower Andaman sea is likely to form into a cyclone on Friday or Saturday.

The department is also preparing to officially declare that Thailand will enter the rainy season from Sunday.

Also see: https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014988

Meanwhile, the Foundation of National Disaster Warning Council said on Facebook that a low pressure system would cover the upper Gulf of Thailand from Wednesday to Sunday.

East and southeast winds would become fierce while the low pressure cell in the lower Bay of Bengal and the upper Andaman Sea would likely become a cyclone and cover the upper Bay of Bengal.

The council expected heavy rain in the Southern provinces of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattani and Narathiwat.

It also warned people to beware of heavy rain, which might cause flash floods.

Published : May 04, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015210

People in upper Thailand and the South are being warned to beware of severe conditions due to heavy rain and gusty winds from Friday to Monday (May 6-9).

The Thai Meteorological Department forecast that from May 5 to 9, a moderate high-pressure system covering upper Thailand would weaken, causing haze and a rise in temperatures.

“However, the southerly and the southeasterly winds prevailing over upper Thailand would strengthen, likely bringing more rain and isolated showers with gusts of wind,” the department warned.

It said rainfall and isolated downpours through this period are also forecast for the South as easterly and southeasterly winds prevailing over the Gulf of Thailand would strengthen.

From today to May 9, a low-pressure cell over the lower Bay of Bengal and the upper Andaman Sea would strengthen into a cyclone, which is expected to move to the upper Bay of Bengal, it said.

“From May 6 to 9, people should beware of severe conditions by keeping away from risky outdoor places, big trees and unsecured billboards. Farmers should take preventive steps against crop damage,” the department advised.

“Meanwhile, people in the South should beware of heavy rain throughout the period,” it added.

Here’s the weekly weather forecast until May 9:

North
May 4: Hot with haze. Isolated thundershowers mostly in the upper reaches.
May 5-9: Scattered thundershowers with gusty wind, hail and isolated heavy rains.

Northeast
May 4: Isolated thundershowers with blustering wind mostly in the lower part.
May 5-9: Isolated to scattered thundershowers with gusty wind and isolated heavy rains.

Central
May 4, 5: Isolated thundershowers.
May 6-9: Isolated to scattered thundershowers with wind gusts and isolated heavy rains.

East
May 4: Isolated thundershowers mostly along the coast.
May 5-9: Scattered thundershowers with gusty wind and isolated heavy rains.

South (east coast)
Scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain.
May 4, 5: Wave height about 1 metre and above 1 metre in areas with thundershowers.
May 6-9: Wave height 1-2 metres and about 2 metres in areas experiencing thundershowers.

South (west coast)
Scattered to fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain.
May 4, 5: Wave height about 1 metre and above 1 metre in areas with thundershowers.
May 6-9: Wave height 1-2 metres and above 2 metres offshore.

Bangkok and its surrounding areas
May 4, 5: Isolated thundershowers.
May 6-9: Isolated to scattered thundershowers with gusty wind.

Published : May 04, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015207

A Thai man, 34, was arrested after riding a motorcycle into a restricted Suvarnabhumi Airport zone on Tuesday, then using an axe to destroy glass doors when he was prevented from boarding an empty Bangkok Airways plane.

Airport director Kittiphong Kittikhajorn said on Tuesday the incident took place around 11.50am, when security guards were alerted that the man had ridden from parking lot number 3 into a restricted area.

“As the man tried to enter a Bangkok Airways plane that had just unloaded passengers at a gate leading to Control Post 3 connected to Concord A, officials immediately locked the gate to trap the trespasser. But he used an axe to smash two glass doors in an attempt to escape and was arrested shortly after,” Kittiphong said.

He added that the man seemed to be under the influence of some sort of substance when he was nabbed.

Apart from the iron axe, airport security officers also found a custom-made pistol, a pair of scissors and an amphetamine tablet on him.

One of the security guards suffered a minor injury while trying to arrest the man, but the incident did not affect flight operations at the airport, thanks to security officers who responded to the emergency promptly, the airport director said.

The trespasser was handed over to the police.

Kittiphong added that he would be charged with violating the 1978 Act on Certain Offences Against Air Navigation, which has a maximum punishment of life or death, and a fine of up to 800,000 baht.

The other charges include trespassing into an airport’s restricted area, destroying property, possessing and consuming drugs.

The airport is now investigating how the man managed to evade its security measures.

Published : May 04, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015198

Public Health Ministry reported on Wednesday (May 4) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 9,288 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 20 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 82, while 19,119 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,067,389.

Published : May 04, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015189

People who have unknowingly taken receipt of counterfeit 1,000-baht banknotes are being warned to avoid using them as they may end up in jail or suffer a hefty fine.

Royal Thai Police spokesman Pol Maj-General Yingyos Thepjamnong issued the warning on Tuesday after some 30 fake 1,000-baht banknotes were found circulating Nonthaburi’s Bang Bua Thong area. The notes had apparently been used to purchase goods from vendors.

According to the law, people are required to hand all counterfeit currency in at the nearest police station. There is no policy of reimbursement though.

The spokesman said National Police chief Pol General Suwat Jaengyodsuk had learned of the vendors’ plight and instructed police stations nationwide to take immediate steps if fake currency surfaces in their area.

The best way to tell if a 1,000-baht banknote is real is to check if it has a vertical metallic strip embedded in it. At first glance, the strip looks like a line of dashes, but when held against the light, the characters “1000 baht” become visible in both Thai and English, he added.

The metallic strip and iridescent gold floral logo shift from gold to green when tilted.

The spokesman said those caught forging banknotes can face 10 to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of between 20,000 and 40,000 baht. Those caught knowingly using counterfeit notes can face up to 15 years in jail and/or a fine of between 2,000 and 30,000 baht.

Persons who find they have received counterfeit banknotes and decide to use them regardless can face up to 10 years in jail and/or a fine of up to 20,000 baht, the spokesman added.

Published : May 03, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015186

The Public Health Ministry has told Bangkok authorities to prepare to switch to endemic Covid-19 following a steep drop in infections and deaths.

On Tuesday, Thailand recorded fewer than 10,000 new cases for the second day running, the lowest level since February.

The Covid-19 situation in Bangkok is also improving, said Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Kiattiphum Wongrajit.

He attributed the declining number of new cases in the capital to universal vaccination as well as the home isolation and outpatient schemes.

Almost all Bangkokians have received two jabs while 60 per cent have had at least one booster shot. The high vaccination rate signalled city was ready to switch to endemic Covid-19 management, he added.

The ministry is now working with relevant agencies in Bangkok to gradually ease Covid-19 restrictions. The switch to endemic controls will focus on managing infection-risk areas such as public parks, pubs, bars, and public transportation. This strategy would a smooth transition to endemic Covid conditions, Kiattiphum said.

Ministry permanent secretary said the universal prevention and vaccination programme to administrate vaccines to all groups of people and ensure that beds, medical staff and supplies are sufficient, he said.

Published : May 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015185

Covid-19 fatalities are on a downward slide and most of those who succumbed had either not been vaccinated or not received enough jabs, the Public Health Ministry said.

Dr Chakkarat Pittayawong-anont, director of the Department of Disease Control’s epidemiology division, said on Monday that fewer patients are requiring ventilators and that the daily rate of new cases has dropped below the 10,000 mark for two days running.

On Tuesday, 9,721 Covid-19 new cases and 77 deaths were reported, the fewest in 24 hours since March 26.

Dr Chakkarat said the rate of deaths over the past two weeks came in at 0.14 per cent of total cases. He also said the ministry now only reports patients who were killed directly by the virus. This is because the Omicron variant is different from the Delta variant.

Delta patients normally developed severe symptoms, so most people with chronic diseases succumbed to the virus. However, he said, the Omicron variant is less severe, so it is important to specify if a patient has been killed by the virus or by complications from their chronic ailment.

For instance, he said, 90 per cent of the 84 Covid-19 deaths on Monday were caused because the patients had either not received a vaccine, had received just one dose or received a booster more than three months ago.

He said vaccines are necessary to reduce the severity of the disease, as a fully vaccinated person reduces the chance of death from Covid-19 by five times. Those who have received the third shot reduce their risk of dying by 31 times.

According to government figures, 81 per cent of the population has received their first shot, 73.8 per cent their second shot, but only 37.4 per cent have received their third jab. Hence, he said, people should get their boosters because there are plenty of doses available.

He also bemoaned the fact that only 41.5 per cent of the elderly population, who are most at risk, have received their third shot. The aim was to get at least 60 per cent of the elderly given their third shot.

The doctor also advised parents to have their children aged five to 11 vaccinated against Covid-19 before schools reopen later this month. More than 2 million children in Thailand are still unvaccinated.

Chakkarat said that though plenty of hospital beds are available, that should not be the focus as nothing is more important than getting vaccinated. Getting jabbed against Covid can prevent severe symptoms and hospitalisation, he reiterated.

He also pointed out that the Covid-19 alert is still at Level 4, so large gatherings should be avoided as much as possible.

Chakkarat added that the rate of infections in the Northeast is on the rise and that the ministry will monitor the situation more closely. He said close monitoring brought down infections in the South after they were surging for two months.

He also said that Thailand is entering a period of transition as the number of new cases generally drops in May or June in most provinces.

Chakkarat presented the facts at the last Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) meeting, which set the goal of declaring Covid-19 endemic by July. He said the endemic declaration should cover the entire nation because people travel between provinces.

He also said that the ministry is pushing to get as many people as possible vaccinated, especially since Thailand has now flung its doors open.

He said many Omicron patients may have mild or no symptoms, and may not report their infection. However, he said this group is not large enough to affect the reported number, which covers infections verified by RT-PCR tests.

Published : May 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015174

The government and the private sector should work together to solve problems faced by the tourism sector, a former tourism minister advised.

Senator Weerasak Kowsurat, who was tourism and sports minister from 2017 to 2019, said at a recent general meeting of the Thai Hotels Association that bringing personnel back is one of the biggest challenges.

To tackle this challenge, he said, the government should use the tourism development fund to reskill personnel so they can learn to do different tasks.

The former minister also advised government agencies and related private organisations to start restructuring the tourism sector and making changes as tourists are starting to return.

He called on the government to come up with ad hoc laws and regulations such as ones for hotels or cruise ships.

The tourism sector could also shift its focus to creative economy, like offering gastronomy tours now that mango sticky rice has been made viral by Thai hip-hop artist Milli, he said.

Weerasak added that with the right laws in place, the tourism sector can offer added value to travellers. He also complained that though tourism operators come up with good plans, they often fall flat due to communication problems. He said that now, especially with the public health care sector also involved, clear channels of communication will help solve problems and make things less complicated.

Published : May 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015173

Bangkokians should not believe or share fake information that can hurt gubernatorial candidates’ reputations, a top contender said recently.

Independent governor candidate Chadchart Sittipunt made this remark while campaigning for votes in the capital’s Khlong San and Chom Thong districts on Monday.

While campaigning, he also said that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) should help ease residents’ burden from other aspects, such as improving education, health and travel services.

The BMA should also highlight each area’s unique characteristics to generate revenue. For instance, he said, Bangkok’s Charoen Rat area was once famous for leather goods.

Chadchart added that he wants this election, scheduled to be held on May 22, to be fair and square, with voters basing their choice on the policies offered by different candidates.

He also advised people to be careful while consuming news and avoid sharing items until they know the information is accurate.

“Fake news is like a disease that is difficult to eliminate at the root,” he said. “People should study the news carefully and not share it if it doesn’t make sense. That way the disease of misinformation can be nipped in the bud.”

He also reminded people that the brown ballot is for the governor and the pink one for their council member.

“Voters should check the number of their favourite governor candidate and potential council member before casting a vote,” he added.

Published : May 03, 2022

By : THE NATION