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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015073

A survey conducted by the Health Service Support Department found that 28 per cent of Thais are at risk of contracting parasites and bacterial infections because they like eating uncooked meat and seafood.

Tharet Kranaiawiwong, director-general of the Health Service Support Department, said the survey covered 113,847 respondents nationwide from March 5 to 31.

Of the 28 per cent who enjoy raw food, 22.2 per cent said they like eating uncooked seafood like somtam (spicy papaya salad) with raw shrimp, squid or crab.

He said 10.9 per cent said they liked eating raw freshwater fish, shrimp, oysters and crabs in sour and spicy salads, 7.3 per cent enjoy raw or slightly cooked meat in traditional Isaan dishes like larb, and 5.9 per cent go for raw pork.

Tharet said the survey proved that this group’s dangerous eating style can cause long-term illness.

He also warned that blanching or plunging meat in hot water for a short time does not kill bacteria, parasites or parasite eggs. He said those who enjoy eating raw crab may end up eating parasite larvae, which can settle in the lungs and stay there for at least a month. In some cases, the parasite can kill the host, he said.

Those who enjoy raw pork can also be infected with Streptococcus suis, a pathogen that lives in pigs, which can cause hearing impairment and high fever. It can also kill the patient, he said.

Dr Arkhom Praditsuwan, deputy director-general of the Health Service Support Department, said Thais should change their behaviour and consume freshly cooked food to avoid bacteria and parasite infections.

Published : April 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015069

Thai police are warning people of a new trick adopted by “call-centre” scammers – using digitally manipulated video clips to coerce victims into transferring funds.

Deputy police spokesman Pol Colonel Siriwat Deephor told the press on Friday that these criminals allegedly use the so-called “Deepfake” technology to make their potential victims believe they are getting a video call from an actual police officer.

In most of these cases, publicly available footage of a police officer, for example from a press conference, is digitally merged with the lower part of the caller’s face to look like the policeman is speaking to the victim.

“People can be deceived if they do not look at the image hard enough,” Siriwat said.

“The public should be aware of this so they do not fall victim. Criminals like call-centre gangs often rely on new technology to fool their victims.”

Demonstrating how a Deepfake trick can be pulled off, he said the Royal Thai Police does not have a policy of making video calls to anybody involved in a criminal case, be it the defendant, suspect or complainant.

Also, he said, there is no policy of getting a suspect or a defendant to transfer money for examination. He said any such call should be treated with suspicion.

People are advised to call 191 or the Royal Thai Police 1599 hotline round-the-clock if they notice anything suspicious.

Published : April 29, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015059

The Confederation of Thai Labour (CTL), an umbrella group for labourers, submitted an eight-point demand to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday ahead of Labour Day on Sunday.

It has become a tradition for the Thai workforce to mark May Day by submitting demands to the government.

This year, CTL compiled eight points based on demands put forward by 15 labour unions. They are:

• Ratification of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s Convention No 87 on the freedom of association and protection of the right to organise convention, and Convention No 98 on collective bargaining convention.

• Urgent amendment of the Labour Relations Act.

• Lower taxes on severance pay.

• Amendment of the 1998 Labour Protection Act to better protect workers’ rights and expand its coverage.

• The Social Security System must be changed to cover beneficiaries from 15 to 70 years old from the current 15-60 coverage. The monthly pension should also be increased.

• The enactment of a law that supports and develops informal, unregistered workers.

• A pension fund for employees of state-run firms that is on par with the pension system of civil servants.

• Establishment of a special committee to follow up on the demands.

Apart from this eight-point demand, observers expect the labour movement to also step up pressure on the government to bump up the daily minimum wage for unskilled workers.

This issue is expected to be highlighted because the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) had promised to bump the basic wage rate to at least 425 baht per day. So far, this pre-poll promise has not been fulfilled.

Separately, the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC) and the State Enterprise Workers’ Relations Confederation (SERC) submitted a joint statement to the government on Monday.

The statement urges the authorities to consider increasing the daily minimum wage to 492 baht across the country.

The statement also pointed out that the minimum daily wage has not been increased for three years, leading to an even wider economic gap. Thailand was named the world’s most unequal country in the 2018 Global Wealth Report compiled by Credit Suisse.

The letter also reminded the government that not only did it not fulfil its promise of a daily wage rate boost, but also did not make any adjustments since January 1, 2020.

In 2020, the government adjusted daily wages in 10 provinces at an unequal rate of between 313 and 336 baht, which is far lower than the rate promised. For instance, the minimum wage in Bangkok was adjusted to 331 baht and in Phuket to 336 baht.

The statement noted other countries consider their workforce important because their wages serve as an indicator of economic growth. However, it said, a survey of workers across the country found that most people were suffering financially and that their wages barely covered their daily expenses.

Also, it said, even temporary workers at government agencies were not paid the existing minimum daily wage on grounds that they are not protected by the Labour Protection Act.

A study conducted by TLSC and SERC showed that as of September 2017, workers’ expenses stood as follows:

• Daily (transport, food etc): 219.92 baht (6,581.40 baht per month)

• Monthly (utilities, rent, home mortgage, mobile phone fees, internet fees, children’s education, parent care, consumer goods): 14,771.52 baht.

The letter said that based on this study, people need 21,352.92 baht a month, so workers need to earn 712 baht per day to survive.

However, TLSC and SERC decided to base their demand on people’s daily expenses and settled on a daily wage of 492 baht, the letter said.

Published : April 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015057

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has started testing its new fleet of electro-diesel “Ultraman” trains before they are deployed across the country.

Ekkarat Sri-Arayanphong, SRT’s public relations chief, said on Thursday that SRT received 20 of these trains on Wednesday and had already checked their engines and parts.

The trains, named after the Japanese fictional superhero, did a test run between Bangkok’s Bang Sue Grand Station and Chachoengsao Junction. The test run was successful, he said.

Another test run is scheduled for May 9 from Chonburi’s Sri Racha Junction to the Inland Container Depot in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district.

Once the locomotives are thoroughly tested, the “Ultraman” fleet will be used both for cargo and passengers on long-distance routes such as from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Nong Khai and Sungai Kolok in the South.

SRT says the locomotives, produced by Chinese manufacturer CRRC Qishuyan, can build up a speed of up to 120 kilometres per hour.

“SRT is confident that these electro-diesel locomotives will help make train services more efficient as not only are they modern, with better capability, but also offer more safety and speed,” Ekkarat said.

He added that this fleet of trains will help SRT generate more revenue and improve the potential of rail transport in Thailand.

Published : April 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015041

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a weather warning on early morning of Friday that during 29 April to May 2, the southerly and the southeasterly winds prevailing over upper Thailand will strengthen and the moderate high-pressure system from China will extend to the North and the Northeast from May 1-2.

Outbreak of thunderstorms with gusty winds and hails 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 29

        North: Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Tak, Nan, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Kamphangphet, Phichit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun.

        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.
 

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 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015040

Ministry of Public Health reported on Friday (April 29) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 14,053 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 74 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 129, while 16,782 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,014,626.
 

Published : April 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015034

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on Thursday launched a “durian metaverse”, the first of its kind that offers virtual tours of Thai durian orchards and an opportunity to virtually own durian orchards on the metaverse.

The launch ceremony for the “Amazing Thailand Metaverse: Amazing Durian” project was held at CentralWorld shopping centre.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said on Thursday that as Thailand’s tourism industry has been severely hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, his agency saw an opportunity to use digital technology to boost the country’s tourism competitiveness while maintaining the industry’s sustainability.

That led to the concept of “tourism metaverse” to provide virtual experiences to tourists, both from domestic and overseas markets, the TAT governor said.

The “Amazing Thailand Metaverse: Amazing Durian” project is part of this concept.

Interested people can visit virtual durian orchards, which are based on actual ones in durian-producing provinces, on the website Amazingthailandmetaverse.com.

 The website uses Web 3 blockchain technology to create virtual and augmented reality.

Visitors can take part in virtual tours of durian orchards and collect their digital tokens from April 29 to August 31. The tokens can be exchanged for game items or electronic vouchers for tourism-related products and services.

Also, they can buy a special collection of non-fungible tokens (NFT) from the Durian Metaverse.

The project is mainly aimed at foreign tourists who are durian lovers and collectors of digital assets, according to Yuthasak.

Digital money can be used to buy virtual durian orchards in the metaverse, where the owners can do business with their virtual orchards in the future.

Many durian orchards have taken part in the TAT’s metaverse, including Arun Burapha, KP Garden from Chanthaburi province, Suan Lamai and Suphattra Land from Rayong, and Ingthara Organic Durian Garden from Si Sa Ket.

In the virtual orchards, there are Thai durians of multiple varieties, including Mon Thong, Chanee, Long-Lin Lablae, and others with geographical indication origins.

Published : April 28, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015030

The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) is gearing up for a resourceful plan to establish “correctional industrial estates”, where inmates can receive vocational training and return to the labour market after completing their prison terms.

The project is aimed at increasing the skilled workforce and reducing repeat offenders in prisons.

IEAT governor Veeris Ammarapala said on Thursday that participating developers of such industrial estates are entitled to many benefits offered by the agency.

These include necessary utilities and amenities, paperwork services required in running such an industrial estate, exemption from operation and service fees, as well as IEAT assistance for the developers to meet legal requirements over industrial safety and the environment, he said.

The IEAT is set to launch its nationwide road show on May 9 to promote the corrections industrial estates, starting with Ayutthaya, according to the governor.

The project is focusing on five provinces – Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Chonburi, Chachoengsao and Rayong in the Eastern Economic Corridor – although industrial estate developers in other provinces can join if they meet the requirements.

A developer in Samut Sakhon has requested to join the project by setting up an industrial estate on a 4,131-rai land plot, Veeris said.

“A feasibility study is being conducted to determine if the proposed industrial estate meets IEAT requirements,” he added.

Meanwhile, an IEAT survey on the demand for workers who are former inmates found that six major industrial estates in Bangkok, Chonburi and Chachoengsao are looking for production workers, electricians, welders, forklift drivers and maids.

Published : April 28, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015025

Suicides among Thai teenagers and young adults have increased alarmingly over the past five years, the Department of Mental Health’s National Suicide Prevention Centre revealed on Thursday.

Between 2017 and 2021, the rate of suicides by people aged 15-34 were four times higher than by those aged over 34, the agency said.

Records show 439 Thais aged 15-24 committed suicide in 2021, up from 428 a year earlier, while 956 people aged 25-34 killed themselves last year, compared to 896 in 2020.

The information was disclosed during a National Mental Health Commission meeting on Wednesday.

Department of Mental Health director-general Dr Amporn Benjaponpitak said on Thursday that the suicide rate among Thais was 7.8 per 100,000 population. She blamed suicides on higher stress caused by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The global average is nine suicides per 100,000 population, according to the United Nations.

Thailand has about 72,000 patients with psychotic disorders being treated under welfare benefits from the National Health Security Office.

A recent survey by the department on university students with mental health issues found that they looked for better understanding and the right attitude about their problems, particularly by relevant university personnel, Amporn said.

Also, they asked for close attention, increased convenience in seeking consultation, and better coordination between their university and mental health experts, who can help them.

Published : April 28, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015023

Airlines worldwide have been instructed to follow Thailand’s new entry measures from May 1, according to a Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)’s notice to airmen on Thursday.

The CAAT notice follows the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration deciding last week to scrap the Test & Go scheme from May 1 to make it more convenient for arriving foreign tourists.

The CAAT notice states that:

• Vaccinated passengers can enter the country without taking Covid-19 test upon arrival. However, they are advised to take rapid antigen test if they develop symptoms.
• Unvaccinated passengers must present a negative RT-PCR result taken within 72 hours of departure, otherwise they must remain in the alternative quarantine system and take an RT-PCR test on day 4 or day 5.
• All passengers must have evidence of Covid-19 insurance with at least US$10,000 coverage so they can claim treatment expenses if they test positive.
• Passengers must register for the Thailand Pass with a copy of their vaccine certificate or a negative RT-PCR result taken less than 72 hours before departure. They will receive a QR Code for presenting to airlines once the documents have been reviewed. Airlines can deny boarding to passengers who do not have such a QR Code.
• Airlines must check passengers whether they have the QR Code generated by the Thailand Pass system before travelling, while airlines must take responsibility for returning passengers who do not have the QR Code back to their country of origin.
• Airports and related agencies must strictly adhere to the government’s measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, such as by wearing face mask and checking body temperature before entering the venue.

The CAAT has also asked airlines to screen passengers’ documents in line with new entry measures and inform them to prepare all documents, so they will be able to travel to Thailand freely.

Published : April 28, 2022

By : THE NATION