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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013311

The parched plains of northeastern Kanchanaburi will soon be turned green and fertile if the government’s grand water plan for the western province is successful.

The five districts of Bo Phloi, Huai Krachao, Lao Khwan, Nong Prue, and Phanom Thuan lie in the rain shadow of Kanchanaburi’s western hills and are dubbed “little Isaan” for their drought conditions.

Previous attempts to relieve drought and boost agriculture in the area included transferring water from the Mae Klong River. But these failed to provide enough irrigation to relieve droughts and poverty in the area.

Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwan, in his role as National Water Resources Committee chairman and director of the National Water Command, acknowledged the problem and ordered a solution to be found for the five districts.

Ponds and lakes dug to tap groundwater since 2020 had improved living conditions in the neighbouring Lao Khwan and Huai Krachao districts, said Central Region water management subcommittee chairman Somkiat Prajamwong. The project had increased the amount of water, revenue, and prices in the districts as locals no longer had to travel work in other areas, he added.

However, the groundwater ponds were not sufficient to feed crops in the rest of “little Isaan”, which remains drought-prone.

Instead, his panel has devised two projects to revive agriculture in the area.

The first is to irrigate northeastern Kanchanaburi by diverting water from the Srinagarind Dam on the Khwae Yai River in Si Sawat district. The second is to pump water from the Khwae Yai River in Bo Phloi district.

The subcommittee is working on environmental impact assessment (EIA) guidelines for both projects.

Published : March 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013310

Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit has dismissed rumours that the price of household necessities including eggs will be hiked from April 1.

The ministry has capped prices of 18 products and services since February to ease financial burdens amid the economic downturn driven by Covid-19.

“The order is still in effect, meaning manufacturers of these 18 items cannot raise their prices without approval from the Department of Internal Trade,” Jurin said on Friday.

According to rumours circulating on social media, several product manufacturers are planning to raise their prices from April 1 due to soaring global fuel costs amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

According to reports in the local press, the following products that are likely to become more expensive after April 1: Eggs (up Bt9 per carton of 30), palm oil (up Bt3 per litre), instant noodles (up Bt0.25 per pack), condensed milk (up Bt2 per can) and limes (up Bt5-7 per fruit).

The Commerce Ministry has capped prices for the following 18 items:

1. Instant noodles

2. Eggs and meats

3. Canned foods

4. Bagged rice

5. Seasoning sauces

6. Vegetable oils

7. Carbonated drinks

8. Milk and dairy products

9. Electrical appliances

10. Cleaning products

11. Fertilisers

12. Insecticides

13. Animal feed

14. Iron

15. Cement

16. Paper

17. Drugs and medical equipment

18. Services of wholesale and retail shops

“If the manufacturers of these items need to adjust their prices, they must first submit an appeal to the Department of Internal Trade stating the reasons,” said Jurin. “The department will consider allowing price adjustment on a case-by-case basis.”

Jurin added that the department has not allowed any manufacturers of these 18 items to raise their prices, despite some having already filed appeals.

He said the department is surveying markets daily and will sue anyone who raises prices without permission.

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War hitting Thais as rising fuel prices make consumer goods more expensive

Published : March 12, 2022

By : The Star

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013309

Gates opened at Thailand’s Sadao-Malaysia border point for the first time in almost two years on Friday, allowing the return of 11 Thai students as well as hope of a tourism revival.

The checkpoint in Songkhla had been shut due to the pandemic, until the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on March 1 lifted the ban on foreign arrivals via land and sea in the pilot border provinces of Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Songkhla and Phuket.

All arrivals via the Sadao checkpoint must register for Thailand Pass, be fully vaccinated with two doses and show a negative RT-PCR test taken in the past 72 hours. They also need to take an RT-PCR test upon arrival and stay one night in an SHA Extra Plus hotel while waiting for the result.

Songkhla Tourism Industry Council’s director said the Sadao reopening would boost economic recovery in the province by bringing back foreign investors and businesspeople. Sitthiphong Sitthiphatprapha said it would also get the border city of Sadao bustling with tourists again.

Malaysia is due to open its side of the checkpoint next month.

“After Malaysia opens the Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint on April 1, we estimate that around 20,000 Malaysian tourists per month will enter Songkhla and generate around Bt100 million in revenue for the local economy.”

Sitthiphong also urged the government to replace the Test & Go scheme with the Vaccine Travel Lane (VTL) approach that Malaysia is using to promote travel among neighbouring countries. Thailand is in talks with Malaysia over the VLT scheme.

Related News

Sadao checkpoint closed after two officials contract Covid-19

Customs Department seeks Bt1.6bn to build new checkpoint in Sadao

Songkhla plans opening door to Malaysian tourists with ‘Dannok Sandbox’ scheme

Published : March 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013308

The government has disbursed 44.4 billion baht of budget to Transport Ministry as of the end of February, or 24.35 per cent of the total budget allotted to the ministry for the fiscal year 2022 at 208.4 billion baht, said Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob on Friday.

“Of the total budget we asked for fiscal 2022, 26.07 billion baht or 12.51 per cent will be for current expenditure and 182.3 billion baht or 87.49 per cent will be for investment,” he said.

“This year, the ministry will be investing in 7,750 projects that are scheduled to finish in 2022, valued at 80.72 billion baht. Of these, 7,413 projects already have their contracts signed,” he added. 

Transport Ministry earmarked 117.53 billion baht for investment projects of state enterprises under its supervision. Of this budget, 16.51 billion baht have been disbursed so far.

“We believe that all 10 state enterprises under the ministry will receive the budget that they asked for on time,” said Saksayam.

Related News

Transport minister orders suspension of M-Flow fines

Transport Ministry working on electric shuttle train

Flights from Thailand not affected by Russia-Ukraine conflict

Published : March 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013300

Ministry of Public Health reported on Saturday (March 12) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 24,592 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 52 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 68, while 21,371 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 937,806.
 

Published : March 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013299

Construction of the Purple Line mass-transit system’s southern section will start later this year after the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRT) signed six contracts with five major construction firms on Friday, the agency said.

The agreements state that the contractors must complete their construction within 2,005 days after receiving notice to proceed from the MRT.

According to the MRT plan, construction of the Purple Line’s southern section starts in 2022 and the project begins operating in 2027.

Friday’s contract signing ceremony, held at the MRT’s headquarters, was presided over by the agency’s governor, Pakapong Sirikantaramas, and attended by its officials and senior executives from construction giants CH Karnchang, Sino-Thai Engineering & Construction, Italian‑Thai Development, Nawarat Patanakarn, and Unique Engineering.

The signatories agreed to strictly follow the government’s Integrity Pact of transparency and fair practice, according to the MRT.

The Purple Line project’s southern section, which requires a budget of THB101 billion, runs from Tao Poon to Rat Burana (Kanchanaphisek Road) for a total distance of 23.6 kilometres (13.6km underground with 10 stations and 10km elevated with seven stations).

It connects with the northern section, which runs from Tao Poon to Khlong Bang Phai in Nonthaburi province.

The project’s first contract involves the design and construction of a 4.8kilometre-long tunnel and underground stations from Tao Poon to the National Library at a cost of THB19.4 billion. The contractors are CKST-PL Joint Venture, comprising CH Karnchang and Sino-Thai.

The second contract involves the design and construction of a 2.4km-long tunnel and underground stations from the National Library to Phan Fa for THB15.8 billion. The job was awarded to CKST-PL Joint Venture.

The third deal involves the design and construction of a 3.1km-long tunnel and underground stations from Phan Fa to the Memorial Bridge for THB15.1 billion. The contractors are ITD-NWR Joint Venture of Italian‑Thai and Nawarat Patanakarn.

The fourth agreement, won by Unique Engineering, involves the design and construction of a 4.1km-long tunnel and underground stations from the Memorial Bridge to Dao Khanong at a cost of THB14.9 billion.

The fifth contract, awarded to Italian‑Thai, involves the construction of 9km-long elevated tracks and stations from Dao Khanong to Khru Nai, as well as a stabling yard and carpark building, for THB13 billion.

The sixth deal, awarded to Italian‑Thai, involves the design and construction of tracks throughout the project at a cost of THB3.5 billion.

Published : March 11, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013297

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed police to speed up the investigation into the death of actress Nida “Tangmo” Patcharaveerapong.

“The premier wants investigators to be transparent and employ the principles of forensic science,” government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said.

Prayut has also urged people attending the memorial services to stringently follow Covid-19 prevention measures.

Memorial services are being held at Liberty Church Bangkok in Saphan Sung district at 6.30pm from Friday to Sunday.

The body of the 37-year-old actress was recovered from Chao Phraya River near Rama VII Bridge on February 26, two days after she reportedly fell out of a speedboat that she was riding with five others.

Her mother and brother have lodged a complaint with Nonthaburi police seeking an investigation into the incident, saying they did not believe the death was an accident. They have also filed a request for a fresh autopsy. Nida’s mother, however, has agreed to accept a large compensation from one member of the group.

Meanwhile, police reportedly summoned the five for questioning on Sunday, and have also spoken to 29 other witnesses about the actress’s death.

One of the companions, Phaiboon “Robert” Trikanjananun, was quoted by police as saying that he was behind the wheel of the boat when it lurched and knocked Nida into the river. All five also admitted they were drinking while on the speedboat.

Published : March 11, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013296

The president of Gold Mine Lovers Club, Chaiyaporn Sudsin, and residents living near the Akara Resources’ gold mine in Phichit province, have submitted a letter to the provincial governor on Friday, confirming that they are waiting for the company to reopen the mine.

The residents also asked the government not to be afraid of intimidation from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) outside the area.

The letter to Governor Paiboon Nabutchom said the gold mine did not affect the environment or the health of local residents, and claimed that the gold mine would improve the quality of life of locals and generate revenue for the community and country.

“Hence, we would like to ask the Phichit governor and related government officials to perform their duties in line with laws for the maximum benefit of the country without fear of intimidation from people outside the area,” the letter said, adding the intimidation aimed to create confusion and divide people for hidden benefits.

Chaiyaporn said none of the NGOs offered help to residents who were laid off after the gold mine was closed. He also claimed that the residents had to ask the mine operator for help.

Meanwhile, Paiboon told residents that he had met with a group of people who were opposing the reopening of the gold mine, but he found later that they were not residents of the gold mine area.

He promised to do his best to protect Phichit citizens with transparency and fairness in line with laws.

Parent company Kingsgate had informed the Australian Securities Exchange that it had received four mining leases from the Thai government to resume operations at the mine.

Chatree gold mine was closed in January 2017 by an executive decree of the junta National Council for Peace and Order, which cited pollution and environmental damage caused by the mine’s operations.

The closure order triggered a battle with Akara’s parent company Kingsgate Consolidated of Australia, with Thailand liable to pay over THB25 billion if it loses the case.

Published : March 11, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013295

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on Friday organised “The Best of SHA Awards 2021” to honour 160 venues under the project that had won the hearts of tourists.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said that the agency, in cooperation with the Tourism and Sports, and Public Health ministries had launched the SHA project in 2020 to improve sanitation standards in tourism.

“SHA standard is considered a mark that proves entrepreneurs in the tourism industry have already improved sanitation, which is an important factor to contain the spread of Covid-19 in line with public health measures,” he said, adding that the standard covers 10 types of businesses.

He said 42,191 entreprises had passed SHA standards so far, adding that the top three businesses that had passed the standards were restaurants, accommodation and transportation facilities.

The survey of 132,256 tourists nationwide to reward the venues that had strictly adhered to SHA standards regularly was conducted from June 10 to October 20 last year.

Up to 160 venues were awarded, of which 11 venues were chosen as the best in 10 types of businesses:

1. The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (recreational venue and tourist attraction)

2. Kathi Baan Ahaan Thai (restaurant)

3. Royal Cliff Hotels Group (accommodation and homestay)

4. Thai AirAsia (air transportation)

5. Chic Car Rent (land transportation)

6. Jampahom Tour and Travel (tour operator)

7. Let’s Relax Onsen & Spa Thonglor branch (health and beauty)

8. Siam Paragon (department store and shopping mall)

9. Alpine Golf Club (sports for tourism)

10. Aksra Theatre (event, meeting and theatre)

11. Gourmet Market MRT Lat Phrao branch (souvenir shop and other store)

Published : March 11, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013286

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Published : March 11, 2022