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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015168

Thailand and Japan announced new defence and financial agreements on Monday, boosting their ties in the face of China’s increasing assertiveness in Southeast Asia.

The transfer of military hardware and technology from Japan to Thailand was among three agreements signed by the two countries on the final day of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s trip to Bangkok.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed hope that the new pact will “help promote Japanese investment in the Thai defence industry”, according to Kyodo News.

The Thai PM added that the two leaders agreed that bilateral relations should be elevated to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”.

Details of the defence deal were not disclosed.

The Japanese government also agreed to extend a loan of 50 billion yen (about 13 billion baht) to aid Thailand’s economic recovery from Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Prayut said Japan had agreed to upgrade the capacity of Thailand’s entire supply chain as part of a five-year economic partnership.

Japan is Thailand’s largest foreign investor and a mainstay of the Southeast Asian country’s technology and automaking industries.

Kishida also discussed the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has sent the global price of fuel and other commodities soaring. Thailand and most of its Asean partners have adopted a neutral stance towards Russia, while Japan has joined the Group of 7 countries by punishing Moscow with economic and diplomatic sanctions.

However, Bangkok backed a UN resolution in March condemning Russia’s invasion, and Kishida thanked Prayut for Thailand’s support.

“Prime Minister Prayut and I agreed that we will never tolerate any infringement of sovereignty and territorial integrity in any region, any attempts to change the status quo by force, and we are opposed to the threat by or use of weapons of mass destruction,” Kishida said, according to Kyodo News.

The two leaders announced the enhanced cooperation in a joint press conference in Bangkok, the last leg of Kishida’s Southeast Asia tour to boost Japan’s defence and economic alliances. Kishida also visited Vietnam and Indonesia.

On Tuesday, Kishida left for Europe, where he will visit Italy and the United Kingdom as part of Japan’s effort to bolster ties with its allies amid the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Published : May 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015160

Public Health Ministry reported on Tuesday (May 3) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 9,721 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 51 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 77, while 20,145 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,058,101.

Published : May 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015158

The response to Thailand’s lifting of the Test & Go requirements has been very positive, the authorities said on Tuesday.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Tuesday that many people had registered under the Thailand Pass system to enter the country and there have been no problems so far.

He also said that the local Covid-19 situation has stabilised and the number of new infections, severe cases and deaths is dropping. His statement was based on the reduced demand for ventilators and antiviral drugs as well as fewer intensive care patients.

New Covid cases on Tuesday fell to below 10,000 for the first time since early February, according to government data.

Anutin also said that it was a good sign that the Songkran break did not spark a new wave of infections, though the ministry has medical personnel, hospital beds and medication on standby.

He added that though the date for declaring Covid-19 an endemic disease has not been set, his ministry will continue working on boosting public awareness of the issue.

The Public Health Ministry will also evaluate the situation to see if more restrictions can be relaxed so life can return to pre-Covid levels and people’s financial burdens can be eased.

With the Test & Go scheme lifted from May 1, fully vaccinated tourists can enter and travel around Thailand freely provided they can present their Covid-19 vaccination certificate and insurance. They will only need to take an ATK self-test and submit the test result on Thailand Pass.

Meanwhile, unvaccinated travellers must present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours or undergo a five-night quarantine.

Published : May 02, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015153

The Pheu Thai Party has asked the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to explain why a Chinese language teacher is listed among Chinese military engineers deployed to build a submarine base in Chonburi province.

Yuttapong Charasathien, the opposition party’s deputy leader, said the 1.85-billion-baht project has listed a teacher from an international school in Thailand as one of the military engineers deployed by project operator China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company (CSOC).

Due to be completed next year, the submarine dock and supporting building will house subs procured from China at Laem Thian Pier in Sattahip Naval Base.

“Our investigation shows this teacher is not an employee of CSOC, so why is he selected to participate in a project which involves military secrets?” Yuttapong asked, directing his question at the RTN.

“Furthermore, we also found that one of the drilling boats taking part in the construction is registered under Thai nationality.”

Yuttapong also alleged other discrepancies involving the submarine purchase from CSOC.

He said Thailand is buying three UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) but they come with only two control stations, while there is no sign of a silt protector for the Laem Thian project, despite the need to protect valuable equipment.

“I want the RTN chief and spokesman to bring transparency to this project, as the public is worried about the quality of construction work and military equipment that we are buying from China,” he added.

In February, Yuttapong revealed that the first Chinese submarine acquired for 12.42 billion baht was already facing problems after German manufacturer MTU Friedrichshafen refused to supply the engine specified in the contract. The European Union imposed an arms embargo on China after the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.

CSOC instead offered Thailand a Chinese-made propulsion system for the submarine. Talks between the RTN and CSOC on the engine problem are ongoing.

Published : May 02, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015141

Three border checkpoints in Nong Khai were reopened on Sunday, more than two years after they were sealed in March 2020 to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The main checkpoint is the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai’s Muang district, which connects with the Laos capital Vientiane and serves as the channel for Laotians to enter Nong Khai. The other two checkpoints are at Nong Khai Pier and Nong Khai Train Station.

Nong Khai governor Monsit Pisanthanawat said that all three checkpoints will now be open from 5am until 9pm every day. Travellers from Laos entering Nong Khai must present a vaccine certificate showing at least two doses and pass temperature screening.

The province has also deployed public health officials at the checkpoints to monitor new arrivals for symptoms.

“The first day of reopening saw only a few visitors from Laos. However, we expect more visitors in the following weeks as the Covid-19 situation in Thailand gradually improves,” Monsit said.

On Monday, Thailand recorded 9,331 new Covid-19 cases, 58 of which were imported. The Covid death toll rose by 84, while 21,168 patients recovered and left hospitals. Thailand has logged just over 2 million (2,048,380) cumulative cases since January 1, 2022.

Meanwhile, Laos is currently recording just a few hundred Covid-19 cases each day.

Published : May 02, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015139

Ministry of Public Health reported on Monday (May 2) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 9,331 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 58 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 84, while 21,168 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,048,380.
 

Published : May 02, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015132

Officials began cleaning up booths at the two border checkpoints in Tak province on Sunday as the country prepares to fully reopen now that the Covid-19 situation is improving.

The two checkpoints are expected to reopen by Thursday, officials say.

The booths being cleaned on Sunday were at the Mae Sot-Myawaddy checkpoint at the foot of the first Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Rim Moei village and at the foot of the second Friendship Bridge in Ban Wang Takian Tai village. Both villages are in tambon Thai Sai Luad in Tak’s Mae Sot district.

Border officials said they were coordinating with their peers in Myanmar and were waiting for a response from officials across the Myawaddy border.

The two checkpoints have been closed since March 23, 2020, as a measure to prevent the influx of Covid-19 infections.

Workers said cleaning the booth near the first Thailand-Myanmar Friendship bridge took time because it was littered with bird droppings, tree branches and leaves.

Meanwhile, shop owners nearby were excited at the sight of the cleaning activity and told reporters that they hoped the border reopening would boost their business. They said they have been suffering financial difficulties since the border was shuttered.

“I’m so excited to hear the checkpoint will finally reopen. It’s been very tough for us,” said Phakakrong Arjimrai, who owns a variety shop selling items at 20 baht a piece. “I’m glad the government is reopening the border. I’ve had to shoulder the high rent with no sales at all for two years.”

Published : May 01, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015131

The Education Ministry has been instructed to ensure all Covid-19 safety measures are in place when schools reopen on May 17, the government spokesman said on Sunday.

Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in his capacity as chair of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, has instructed the ministry to ensure schools put in place the following measures:

• Regularly evaluate the situation under Thai Stop Covid Plus and provide updates via the Education Ministry’s online system

• Ensure all student activities are done in small groups

• Ensure school lunches are prepared and served under strict hygienic measures

• Ensure the school environment is hygienic

• Ensure schools can provide isolation options in case of outbreaks

• Ensure students travel in safe vehicles to and from school

• Teachers and students carry a special pass proving that they have been fully vaccinated against Covid

The spokesman said Prayut has also instructed the ministry to launch a “bring students back to school” project by finding out how many have dropped out. The aim of the survey is to uncover why children have dropped out of school and what can be done to bring them back.

Published : May 01, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015129

A 72-year-old man who has been keeping the body of his late wife at home for 21 years has finally decided it’s time to let her go.

The story of the husband who loved his wife so much that he could not cremate her body was posted on Facebook by the Phet Kasem Bangkok Foundation on Saturday.

On Friday, Sub-Lt Charn Janwatchakal, 72, had called the foundation for help in holding a proper cremation for his late wife, who died in 2001.

Foundation staff visited Charn’s house in Bang Khen district, Bangkok. right after receiving the phone call. They found him living alongside the corpse of his wife in a small house.

“I still miss you every minute and my love for you has not changed,” Charn reportedly said as foundation staff removed the body.

The Facebook post contained no details of how the cadaver had been stored.

The old man explained that he kept the body at home because he loved her so much and did not want to be separated from his soulmate.

Charn said he had intended to stay with the body until he died but then realised there would be no one to hold a proper funeral for her.

He had already registered his wife’s death and so was not liable for a charge of concealing a body.

Foundation officials accompanied him to pick up a copy of the death certificate from Bang Khen district office. The year of her death was recorded as 2001.

The foundation then began organising cremation rites for the body.

Charn said he had served in the Army as an officer while his wife had been an official at the Public Health Ministry. They had two children, who had moved away as adults.

Charn said he could not accept his wife had died so he decided to keep the body at home instead of sending it for a funeral and cremation. He said he had lived with grief over the loss every day for the past 21 years.

By noon on Sunday, the Facebook post had drawn over 2,400 reactions, more than 200 comments and 1,000 shares.

Most commenters offered condolences to Charn and moral support for him to move on with his life.

Others admitted they had shed tears while reading about his story.

“Fight on, grandpa,” Wipha Rangsi commented.

“You have my respect,” Wanna Siriratanakul said in her comment.

“He has had 21 years to come to terms with this tragedy,” said Wipada Kampingbutra.

“I do not think he can resign himself to fate yet. He still looks grief-stricken but he let her go for fear that no one would handle this situation if something happened to him,” said Benjaporn Rerkdee.

Published : May 01, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015127

An Indonesian businesswoman showed up at Pheu Thai headquarters on Saturday to hand over a letter accusing a member of the Thai corruption watchdog of abusing their authority.

Nancy Martasuta, who is a former chairperson of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, also filed the same complaint with other opposition parties, namely Move Forward, Seri Ruam Thai, Thai Economics and Prachachart.

The complaint against National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) member Supha Piyajitt is related to NACC’s probe into alleged corruption in PTT Green Energy (PTTGE)’s purchase of land in Indonesia. The land was reportedly bought to grow oil palm.

In her letter, Martasuta alleged that Supha had abused her authority in the probe and caused damage to her reputation and business.

Martasuta said a letter from Supha dated October 14, 2021, said she would be investigated for allegedly supporting corruption in PTTGE’s purchase of the land.

The complaint letter was received by Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew, secretary-general Prasert Chanruangthong and chair of Pheu Thai MPs Wisut Chainaroon.

The letter urged Pheu Thai to have the Parliament president order a probe against Supha to see if she is violating the code of ethics to target Martasuta.

The businesswoman said Supha’s allegations and so-called probe were questionable on many points and unfairly damaged her reputation.

Prasert said Pheu Thai would do its best to ensure justice is served and that independent organisations like the NACC work within the intention of the Constitution.

“The so-called independent organisations in Thailand are questioned by the public about their independence and fairness. Hence, the party will take up this issue in Parliament,” he said.

In August last year, Martasuta filed a complaint with police in Indonesia’s Depok City, accusing Supha and some PTTGE executives of collaborating to provide false evidence against her. She alleged that an Indonesian businessman was bribed to provide false testimony of corruption against her related to the land purchase.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Martasuta – who is fluent in Thai – said she had travelled from Indonesia to seek help from the people’s representatives because the independent organisation is already violating the law.

She said she will also file a complaint with the Supreme Court’s president and Judicial Commission.

Published : May 01, 2022

By : THE NATION