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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013637

Thailand is the 61st happiest country in the world, according to the latest World Happiness Report.

The report surveyed data from 146 countries over the past three years (2019-2021). The data came under six criteria: gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy at birth, freedom to make life choices, generosity and perceptions of corruption.

In Southeast Asia, Singapore came out top with a ranking of 27th, ahead of Philippines (60), Thailand (61), Malaysia (70), Vietnam (77), Indonesia (87), Laos (95), Cambodia (114) and Myanmar (126).

Finland topped the global rankings as the world’s happiest country this year, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, Israel and New Zealand.

The report showed that measures of emotions play an even greater role in the analysis of life under Covid-19.

“This is partly because Covid-19 has affected various emotions differently and partly because emotions based on yesterday’s experiences tend to be more volatile than life evaluations, which are more stable in response to temporary disturbances,” the report said.

It said worry and sadness have been rising over the past 10 years, especially during 2020, the first year of Covid-19, before improving somewhat in 2021.

It added that some of the evidence showed that large crises can lead to improvements in trust, benevolence and well-being if it leads people to reach out to help others.

“Looking to the future, it is important to know whether trust and benevolence have been fostered or destroyed by two years of the pandemic,” the report concluded.

Published : March 21, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013635

World Down Syndrome Day has been marked on March 21 every year since 2006 in a bid to build awareness about the disorder and promote equality and inclusion in society.

The 21st day of March was chosen to signify the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

Genetic materials, contained in the 21st chromosome, are responsible for controlling people’s characteristics such as eye colour, sex and organ systems.

Down syndrome systems are different depending on each person, such as problems in the nervous system, muscles, cardiovascular system, digestion, sight, hearing, growth and development.

Hence, treatment for children with Down syndrome focuses on monitoring symptoms that may affect their health. The treatment also includes measures to boost development so they can learn to adjust themselves and coexist with others happily.

Screening for Down syndrome can be done when the baby is at the foetal stage as women aged 35 and above are at risk of giving birth to babies with Down syndrome.

There are many ways to screen for the syndrome, such as ultrasound or checking the baby’s genetic material from the mother’s blood or amniotic fluid.

“Taking a Down syndrome screening during pregnancy is beneficial for mothers and families to decide on the issue,” said Maliwan Tengsujaritkul, head of Chiang Mai University’s Medical Genetics Unit.

“Apart from monitoring health and honing skills, creating awareness and accepting people with Down syndrome are necessary to ensure they can live happily among ordinary people,” she added.

British physician John Langdon Down discovered the syndrome in 1866 and described it as “Mongolism”. The term Down syndrome, named after the doctor, only became more widely used in the early 1970s.

Published : March 21, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013632

Fuel prices will be gradually raised from May following the increase in global energy prices due to fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war, the Energy Regulatory Commission said on Monday.

The stepped increases is the “Ft” tariff will last until April next year.

The fuel adjustment cost, or Ft, is a variable tariff that reflects changes in the uncontrolled cost of utilities, such as fuel costs and purchasing power, which differ from the base tariff. The ERC reviews the Ft every four months – in January, May and September.

ERC secretary-general Komkrit Tantrawanich said the commission had calculated the energy cost based on the current situation and concluded that the Ft for May-August should be increased to Bt0.24 per unit to cover the cost. This will result in household electricity bills rising from Bt3.76 to Bt4 per unit.

“The commission will hold a public hearing on the adjustment this week, before announcing the official Ft value for the May-August period,” he said. “As for the September-December period, the ERC estimates that the Ft will be raised to Bt0.64 per unit, while the January-April period of next year will see the Ft rise to Bt1.1 per unit.”

Komkrit added that Ft adjustment estimations are based on the current global energy situation and the ERC’s energy cost management policies. These include the purchase of electricity from Laos’s Nam Theun hydropower plant and domestic SPPs/VSPPs (small power producers/very small power producers), waiving excise tax for B0 diesel and fuel oil used in electricity generation, and the energy pool price initiative.

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Government plans package to mitigate impact from rising energy prices: PM

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Published : March 21, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013627

A&W fast food restaurants opened for their last day of trading on Sunday before shutting down for good, ending 39 years of operation in Thailand.

The iconic root beer-and-waffle brand, which has been part of Thai’s lives for two generations, bid a fond farewell to its army of loyal followers with a message on its Facebook page.

“Thanks all customers for your continued support and years of good memories at A&W. Rooty [the company’s mascot] will always think about you. It’s been a pleasure,” the post on Sunday said.

Over 1,000 netizens quickly replied with comments lamenting the company’s closure of business in Thailand. Meanwhile customers who visited 26 A&W branches on Sunday grabbed the chance to take one last photo of themselves posing with the Rooty mascot displayed in front of the restaurants.

The American fast food chain has been in Thailand since 1983 but announced the end of its Thai operation earlier this month. It cited financial losses suffered since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic more than two years ago.

In 2021 the company recorded a loss of Bt70 million in Thailand as Covid-19 restrictions took a toll on public life.

As soon as A&W announced it was leaving Thailand, people began flocking to the outlets for their signature waffles and root beer floats.

Related News

No more A&W root beer floats in Thailand if negotiations fall through

How people react to A&W leaving Thailand

Published : March 21, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013622

One of the world’s riskiest jobs is cleaning the windows of skyscrapers, and window cleaners put their lives in danger regularly to earn a living.

However, apart from being brave, window cleaners also have to undergo a lot of training. 

Every day, before they climb terrifying heights, every piece of equipment is carefully checked so nothing snaps and results in tragedy.

Published : March 21, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013616

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a severe weather warning on Monday as a tropical depression barrels in from the Bay of Bengal.

The depression will bring isolated heavy rain to the North, Central Region, East and the South this week, the department said.

The cyclone was now centred on the Bay of Bengal but was expected to make landfall in Myanmar tomorrow (Tuesday) with winds of up to 55 kilometres per hour, said the department.

The weather system has brought strong southerly and southeasterly winds to Thailand’s North, Central Region, East and South. More rain and isolated heavy to very heavy rains are forecast in the North, Central, East and South regions.

“People in these areas should beware of severe weather conditions,” the department said.

Strengthening winds and waves of 2-3 metres high are likely in the upper Andaman Sea, while the lower Andaman will see waves of 1-2 metres rising to 3 metres in areas hit by thunderstorms. Thunderstorms in the Gulf of Thailand will whip up waves to 2 metres.

“All ships should proceed with caution and avoid areas of thunderstorm. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should keep ashore until March 22,” the department said.

It also advised people to stay tuned for weather updates.

Published : March 21, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013614

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has placed low-lying districts in four southern provinces on high alert for flash flooding and water runoff until Tuesday.

The areas covered by the alert are:

– All districts of Ranong province

– Five districts in Phang Nga province, namely Takua Thung, Khuraburi, Kapong, Takua Pa, and Thai Muang

– Three districts in Phuket province, namely Muang, Thalang, and Krathu

– Three districts in Krabi province, namely Muang, Khao Phanom, and Plai Phaya

The department said that a tropical depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to make landfall over Myanmar on Tuesday, bringing rain to Thailand’s North, western part of Central Region, and the South. Heavy to very heavy rain is forecast for the Andaman coast.

The department is coordinating with local administration offices, military personnel and related agencies to monitor the situation closely and prepare necessary equipment for flood prevention and mitigation, including sandbags, boats and water pumps. It also advised people to follow regular weather updates issued by the Thailand Meteorological Department.

To report a disaster or ask for assistance, call the 1784 hotline or message Line @1784DDPM.

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Rain brought by tropical storm gives Bangkok respite from heat

North, Central, South of Thailand to be hit with heavy rains on Sunday

Storm warning for Upper Thailand as cyclone swirls in Bay of Bengal

Published : March 21, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013605

Ministry of Public Health reported on Monday (March 21) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 23,441 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 38 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 88, while 23,153 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 1,153,975.
 

Published : March 21, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013601

Heavy to moderate rains on Sunday gave many Bangkokians relief from the searing summer heat, but also left several roads slightly flooded.

The rains, unleashed under the influence of a tropical storm over the Bay of Bengal, kicked off at about 2pm.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Drainage and Sewerage Department reported that as of 4pm, the capital’s Huai Khwang district had been hit with the heaviest rain measuring at 97.5mm.

Heavy rain was also recorded in Wang Thong Lang (80mm) and Watthana district (76.5mm).

The department also reported that a part of Sukhumvit Road at the Bang Na intersection, Pracha Songkroah, Prachasuk and Thian Ruam Mitr roads in Din Daeng and Ramkhamhaeng Soi 3 in Suan Luang district had been flooded. However, the floods were shallow and there was no traffic congestion as Bangkok roads usually have light traffic on Sundays.

Published : March 20, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013597

Nok Air said on Friday that it needs two or three months to promote Yala’s Betong International Airport among local and foreign tourists before it can start flying again.

The airline issued this statement after it cancelled its Don Mueang-Betong flights on Wednesday, one day after the airport was officially opened on March 14.

The original plan was for Nok Air to fly three times a week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday – from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport. It allocated its Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 aircraft, which can carry 86 passengers, for the route.

Teerapol Chotichanapibal, Nok Air’s chief commercial officer, said the bookings were far fewer than expected even though the airline’s announcement of the new route received a good response among customers and agents.

However, he admitted that the drop in bookings may partly be due to the surge in daily Covid-19 cases which affected customers’ confidence.

“The drop in sales is why the airline had to cancel its flights,” he said, adding that Nok Air first needs to spend the next two or three months promoting Betong as a tourist destination.

He said the airline aims to attract 5 per cent of the local tourist market by offering flights for as little as 3,500 baht and also hopes to draw Malaysian tourists once the border reopens on April 1.

“We urge the government to guarantee 75 per cent of revenue for the first six months, so the airline does not suffer too much of a loss,” he said.

Meanwhile, Betong Tourism Business Association vice president Narin Ruengwongsa said the association will meet Nok Air and tour agencies on Monday to discuss marketing strategies and pricing.

“The tourism sector in Betong expects Nok Air to start Don Mueang-Betong flights from April 1 in line with Malaysia’s border reopening plans and the Qingming festival,” he said.

He added that travellers from Malaysia and Singapore are expected to flood in once the border is reopened.

More than 600,000 Malaysian and Singaporean tourists had visited Yala before the Covid-19 pandemic emerged in 2019, he said.

Separately, Betong Hotel Club president Phruek Wongnamroj expects the price of hotel rooms to rise by 30 to 40 per cent if Nok Air starts flying to Betong and Malaysia reopens its border.

“We expect more Thais to also visit Betong once flights start running,” he said, adding that Betong will also benefit from tourism stimulus measures such as Rao Tiew Duay Kan (We Travel Together) and Tour Tiew Thai schemes.

Published : March 20, 2022

By : THE NATION