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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015101

Air travel to Thailand will surge from Sunday when entry restrictions are eased but plane fares will likely rise due to higher fuel prices, said the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).

CAAT director-general Sutthipong Kongpool said arrivals would rise significantly after the country drops the requirement for hotel quarantine and pre-travel Covid-19 tests on May 1.

“Travel will see a strong resurgence after May 1 because conditions [for entry] will return to almost pre-Covid normality. Travellers just need to register [for the Thailand Pass] and submit their vaccination certificate,” he said.

Signs of recovery emerged in the first quarter of this year, when Thailand saw a total of 11.26 million passengers, up 2.5 million from the previous quarter.

There were 108,987 flights throughout Thailand in the first quarter, up 21,277 from the previous quarter, according to CAAT.

Sutthipong expected Thailand’s aviation market to be “the most active” in Asia – particularly Singapore – following the relaxation of entry regulations.

The European market is also likely to see continued recovery, particularly from countries where Covid-19 travel rules have been eased.

Domestic air travel is also recovering well thanks to relaxed rules, high vaccination rates, and the reduced severity of Omicron, he added.

However, growing demand for air travel is being offset by fallout from the war between Russia and Ukraine, the CAAT chief said. The rising cost of fuel is adding to airlines’ costs and would likely force them to raise airfares in the second quarter of this year.

Published : April 30, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015100

Hundreds of human-trafficking cases are recorded in Thailand every year despite its concerted effort to tackle the problem in a bid to improve its status in the US Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report.

Thailand was demoted from Tier 2 to Tier 2 Watchlist last year in the annual evaluation and the government hopes its efforts to combat this problem will help get the country reinstated to Tier 2 this year.

Countries are placed on Tier 2 for failing to fully comply with minimum standards of the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act but are making significant efforts. Countries on Tier 2 Watchlist fail to curb the number of trafficking victims and fail to prove they are serious about combatting severe forms of trafficking.

In 2015, Thailand recorded 223 human trafficking cases and was promoted to Tier 2 Watchlist from Tier 3 the following year, according to the Justice Ministry’s data.

Tier 3 countries in the TIP Report are those that fail to comply with any of the minimum standards and are making no notable efforts to do so.

In 2018, Thailand was further promoted to Tier 2, which was the best status the country has achieved so far. However, the number of human trafficking remained high – 745 in 2016 and 732 in 2017.

Thailand was demoted to Tier 2 Watchlist again last year, even though the number of cases has been gradually falling from 662 in 2018 to 637 in 2019 and 499 in 2020.

Last year saw 402 cases, and there were 277 cases in the first three months of this year.

Published : April 30, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015093

The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) has issued a flood warning for areas of the Northeast, East and South.

Residents of 10 provinces should prepare for flooding from Sunday to Thursday (May 1-5) and stay tuned to weather updates from the Thai Meteorological Department.

The warning covers 10 provinces: Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Buriram and Surin in the Northeast; Trat in the East; and Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket and Krabi in the South.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain brought by strong easterly and southeasterly winds over the Gulf of Thailand are forecast for the 10 provinces over the next five days.

The ONWR also advised authorities to inspect the structure and drainage of reservoirs, river dams and water gates as well as prepare staff and water pumps in case of flash floods.

Meanwhile, local authorities have been instructed to prepare evacuation plans for people living near rivers and in flood-prone areas, and issue warnings beforehand to allow adequate time for people to avoid the floods.

Published : April 30, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015087

A Thai Airways International (THAI) Boeing 787-8 suffered a burst tyre as it landed at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, India, on Tuesday.

The incident occurred at around 11.30pm, aviation news hub AeroTime reported on Thursday.

The national carrier’s flight TG 325 had touched down in Bengaluru from Bangkok and was taxiing from the runway when ground crew noticed that one of the Boeing aircraft’s 12 tires was deflated.

“TG 325 from Bangkok landed at Bengaluru and while docking into stand 05, the landing gear tyre was found to be deflated,” a spokesperson from Kempegowda International Airport told local news.

“All passengers were provided with hotel accommodation and rebooked for departure flight on April 28 at 0.30am”

All 150 passengers and crew on board the flight were unharmed.

A source from THAI added that the airline had provided an Airbus A350-900 to bring passengers back to Bangkok on April 27 and 28 on flights TG 325 and TG 326. Passengers also got the option of returning the same day aboard a Boeing 787-8 on special flight TG 3268.

Published : April 30, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015085

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a weather warning on early morning of Saturday that during May 1-2, the strong southerly and southeasterly winds prevail over upper Thailand while the moderate high-pressure system from China will extend to the North and the Northeast.

Outbreak of thunderstorms with gusty winds are forecast in the North, the Northeast, the Central including Bangkok and its vicinity, and the East regions during said period. People should beware of severe conditions by keeping off outdoor places, big trees and unsecured billboards. All transports should use caution, while farmers should prevent for crop damage and stay tuned for the weather update.

Affected areas are as followings:

        April 30 – May 1

        North: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Phetchabun, Kamphangphet and. Tak.

        Northeast: Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon,

        Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum,

        Nakhon Ratchasima, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Amnat Charoen, Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket

        and Ubon Ratchathani.

        Central: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Suphanburi, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Ang thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Nakhon Phatom, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon,

        KanChanaburi and Ratchaburi including Bangkok and its vicinity.

        East: Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong,

        Chanthaburi and Trat.

        May 2

        North: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Phetchabun, Kamphangphet and. Tak.

        Northeast: Nakhon Ratchasima, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Amnat Charoen, Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket

        and Ubon Ratchathani.

        Central: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Suphanburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya,

        Nakhon Phatom, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, KanChanaburi and Ratchaburi

        including Bangkok and its vicinity.

        East: Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong,

        Chanthaburi and Trat.
 

Published : April 30, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015083

Ministry of Public Health reported on Saturday (April 30) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 12,888 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 104 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 126, while 17,105 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,027,514.
 

Published : April 30, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015081

Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn on Friday repeated his call for the National Tobacco Control Board to review its resolution on March 28 banning imports of electronic cigarettes.

He said any control on e-cigarettes should be based on scientific evidence and actual facts about their impact on smokers’ health.

E-cigarettes are illegal in Thailand but they are widely available for sale on online shopping platforms.

He said since e-cigarettes are illegal in Thailand, there was no need for the board to ban their import.

Chaiwut said on Friday that his ministry, which supports the use of new technology, found that e-cigarettes were a flourishing online business.

Ban on imports and sales would only push e-cigarettes towards the black market, he said. He believed allowing e-cigarettes to be sold legally would earn Thailand more revenue from taxes.

The minister said it is widely believed that vaping is a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes, adding that more than 70 countries allow the use of e-cigarettes.

He also described vaping as a “safer option” for people who are unable to quit smoking.

Citing data from the National Statistical Bureau, he said Thailand had more than 10 million smokers in 2021 and 52 per cent of them said they did not think of quitting.

“These people should get unbiased information about e-cigarettes that they can use in making decisions about consuming tobacco. More importantly, young people should be educated that these products are not for them,” he said.

Chaiwut said the National Tobacco Control Board had made a “wrongful resolution”, as it failed to take into account opinions of the stakeholders, as well as academic data.

“A complete ban on e-cigarettes is not the best solution for the country in the present social context,” he said.

There has been no long-term research on the health impacts of e-cigarettes, but early data shows chemicals they emit can cause lung and heart diseases, according to health experts.

Published : April 29, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015079

Thailand should have 7 per cent more flights landing in its airports next month, once Covid-19 prevention measures are further relaxed.

The Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai), which provides air traffic control services, believes some 40,000 flights will land in the country in May – or about 1,300 flights per day on average.

This is a 7 per cent increase compared to April, Aerothai president Nopasit Chakpitak said on Friday, adding that the relaxation of Covid measures should stimulate the tourism industry and economy.

From May 1, the Test & Go scheme will be discontinued. This means vaccinated travellers entering Thailand will not be required to take an RT-PCR test before boarding their flight, nor will they have to be quarantined.

“Aerothai is well prepared to deal with the surge in flights. Our staff have been instructed to implement strict measures to ensure the safety and convenience of all travellers entering the country,” Nopasit said.

Published : April 29, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015077

In a move to ensure Thailand keeps up with the fast-growing digital world, Rangsit University will start offering a course on cryptocurrency when the 2022 academic year kicks off in June.

The course is being offered in collaboration with Bitkub Capital Group, a leading Thai player in the world of digital currencies and blockchain technology.

Crypto Study, coded RSU156, covers the basics of technology and innovation related to digital assets, blockchain technology, history of cryptocurrencies, trade and exchange in the currency, its social and economic impacts, future trends as well as law and state policies.

Lecturers will mostly be experts from the Bitkub Academy and Bitkub Labs Co Ltd, and the aim of the new course is to prepare the new generation for the future, the university said.

Attawit Ourairat, Rangsit University’s acting president, said students will get to learn about digital assets from experts, especially since these virtual currencies are becoming important in the modern world.

Jirayut Srupsrisopa, founder and chief executive of Bitkub Capital Group, described his firm’s collaboration with Rangsit University as a key step toward teaching Thai students about cryptocurrency and Thailand’s efforts to become a regional digital hub in Southeast Asia.

“We aim to develop a course that is of high quality so students can build on it and adapt the knowledge for their future careers,” he said.

Jirayut, a Thai pioneer in cryptocurrency, was last year bestowed an honorary doctorate in digital economics from Rangsit University.

“This is because he’s an inspiration for young people. Apart from establishing one of Thailand’s few unicorns, he is also promoting the country’s digital technology and economy,” said Thoedsak Chomtohsuwan, deputy dean of the university’s Faculty of Economics.

Published : April 29, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015076

South Korea’s ambassador to Thailand on Thursday presided over the opening ceremony of a hall built by a South Korean firm at the Korean War Memorial in an army compound in Chonburi province.

The multi-purpose hall was built by steel-maker Posco at the war memorial inside the 21st Infantry Regiment in Chonburi. The main aim is to hold annual ceremonies related to the Korean War, the South Korean embassy said.

Ambassador Moon Seoung-hyun hosted the opening ceremony of the hall at 2pm on Thursday. More than 50 Thai and Korean guests participated at the event, including General Bundit Malaiarisoon, president of Thai-Korean War Veterans Association, Lt-General Chitiphat Boonchuai, deputy director of War Veterans Organisation of Thailand and Wanchai Phanomchai director-general of Department of Industrial Works.

Thailand dispatched 6,326 soldiers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force units during the Korean war. Annual commemoration for the start of the Korean war (June 25) and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Day (October 22) is held at the war memorial and Korean War Museum in the 21st Infantry Regiment. However, there was no shelter for attendees from the strong sunshine and rain.

Corporate giant Posco decided to build and donate the multi-purpose hall 185 square metres in size next to the war memorial. The hall was completed in February. Posco also undertakes cleaning activity of the war memorial in June every year.

The embassy said the opening ceremony of the hall was carried out to show gratitude to Thai veterans and promote friendly relations between Korea and Thailand. To celebrate this event, 12 Thai and Korean members of

“Cheong-heung-dung-dang”, a Korean traditional music club in the Korean Cultural Centre, played “Holo Arirang”, a popular Korean folk song.

“This newly built multi-purpose hall is a part of expressing our gratitude to Thai veterans’ sacrifice and devotion. The Korean government and Korean people will always remember Thailand’s help during the war,” Moon said.

Published : April 29, 2022

By : THE NATION