#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40012090

More than 105,000 foreign tourists applied for a Thailand Pass in the first five days after the quarantine-free under Test & Go scheme resumed on February 1, the Tourism Authority of Thailand said on Tuesday.

So far, 86,500 Thailand Passes had been issued to tourists over that period, said TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn. February 5 alone saw 14,527 applications and 8,906 passes issued, he added.

The Test & Go scheme has resumed with stricter conditions, including pre-booked stays in government-approved hotels on day 1 and day 5 for mandatory RT-PCR tests.

The Thailand Pass has been granted to 71,984 foreigner visitors under Test & Go, 13,039 under the Sandbox scheme and 1,497 under the quarantine scheme.

Bangkok tops the list for hotel bookings, followed by Phuket, Chonburi, Samut Prakan and Surat Thani.

Meanwhile, Thai Hotels Association chairwoman Marisa Sukosol-Nunbhakdi has urged the government to waive land tax on hotels for two years to ease financial pressure from the pandemic.

She said income for hotels still operating was down 70 per cent from pre-Covid levels. Meanwhile, more than three per cent had been shuttered for over six months and would have to wait at least till the second half of this year to reopen, she added.

Marisa also asked the government for co-payment of suspended staff’s wages, a grace period bank-loan repayments, and increased funding for the “We Travel Together” tourism subsidy scheme.

She also called for a subsidy to reduce ATK test expenses as well as other government support including a health guarantee for vaccinated travellers and more convenience in RT-PCR screening of foreign tourists.

Published : February 08, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40012086

The government is set to approve a sharp rise in the minimum wage from Bt336 to a flat rate of Bt492, according to a source with knowledge of the matter.

Coming just two years after the previous raise, the expected hike would mainly benefit labourers. However, it would inevitably lead to a jump in prices of general goods and services, affecting all consumers including salaried citizens.

The rate of Bt492 was proposed and approved in principle by two agencies representing workers in the Tripartite Wage Committee, who cite various daily and monthly expenses incurred by labourers.

Those expenses are categorised as daily costs for three meals and travel fees, while monthly expenses include rent, utility bills including the Internet, instalment payments for vehicles, and costs for families and parents.

A source from the committee said the Labour Ministry had promised to increase the daily minimum wage but it has not yet whether to approve the Bt492 rate as proposed by the committee. The ministry promised to reach its decision as soon as possible.

The source did not say whether employers’ representatives had discussed the rate with the workers’ agencies.

A flat minimum wage has not been approved in Thailand before.

The three-part Committee comprises the Labour Ministry, which represents the government; the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee and State Enterprises Workers’ Relations Confederation, which represent workers; and the Employers’ Confederation of Thailand, representing employers.

The current rate of Bt336 has been in effect since January 1, 2020, and covers Chon Buri and Phuket. That rate drops to Bt335 in Rayong and Bt331 in six provinces including Bangkok. The lowest rate of Bt313 has been imposed on the three southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala.

Published : February 08, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40012085

A much-anticipated decision allowing Thai households to grow unlimited cannabis (marijuana) was officially made on Tuesday – much to the delight of those wanting to profit from the once-illegal plant.

The household planting can start in the next 120 days, once marijuana’s removal from the blacklist is published in the Royal Gazette, said Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, after signing a ministerial announcement endorsing the move.

Household cultivation of marijuana by small enterprises (7 people) can begin immediately, but single households will have to wait until the end of the 120-day period. They will then be permitted to grow up to six marijuana plants, or an unlimited number if they register with the government.

Several new laws will be passed to legalise the modification of marijuana for medicinal and other uses, said Anutin. He reiterated, however, that the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana products must remain lower than 0.2 per cent. THC is the psychoactive chemical that produces the “high” for which marijuana is famous.

A law aimed at preventing general abuse of marijuana products has been passed by the House of Representatives and is awaiting the prime minister’s approval.

Anutin said different governmental agencies would need to work closely together to enforce the coming laws. His move leaves only magic mushrooms (Psilocybin) and opium species on Thailand’s list of banned addictive and illegal plants.

Published : February 08, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40012082

Truckers and transport operators blocked roads around the Energy Ministry building in Bangkok on Tuesday while threatening to escalate rallies if their demands are not met.

The protesters demanded a reduction in the price of diesel as well as the resignation of the energy minister.

Several trucks converged on the Energy Ministry in Chatuchak district, blocking the road outside and causing traffic jams during the morning rush hour.

Leading the rally was Land Transportation Association of Thailand chairman Aphichart Phrairungrueng. He also demanded a cut in excise tax on staple diesel, removal of biodiesel from diesel fuel, and the resignation of Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow.

A ministry statement issued in response to the protest called for understanding from owners of transport businesses over the price crisis, explaining that outside factors influencing energy prices across the globe had resulted in rises in the price of oil, gas and diesel in Thailand.

The ministry said it had taken steps to make pricing conditions easier to enforce, including cutting the three grades of diesel previously available down to a single grade, B5.

The statement said that Thailand was facing problems stemming from higher prices of other fuels, which would soon bring increases in the price of cooking gas and fuel oil needed to generate electricity.

Published : February 08, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40012081

A new pedestrian tunnel in Bangkok’s Sanam Luang area, featuring a museum and waiting areas, will be open to the public soon.

Governor Aswin Kwanmuang told reporters on Tuesday that the tunnel linking Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace on Maharaj Road is almost ready to be officially inaugurated.

He said that apart from allowing people to cross the road safely, there are washrooms and spaces for them to wait for their friends.

The tunnel also has a museum zone that exhibits the history of Bangkok when it was the ancient capital of Rattanakosin and how architectural styles have changed. Also on display are images of the Inthorn Rangsan Fort and ancient city walls.

The governor said the tunnel can accommodate up to 600 people at any given time and expects some 10,000 people to use it daily.

The tunnel is 90 metres long, 4.7m under the surface of the road and covers an overall space of 1,043 metres. Apart from a walkway, there are 15 toilet cubicles for men and 20 for women as well as escalators at both ends.

Aswin said the tunnel is 99 per cent ready, pending last-minute finishing touches and cleaning.

He added that by July this year, a lift will be added at each end of the tunnel.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is also building a tunnel under Na Phra Lan Road in the capital’s Phra Nakhon area. This tunnel will be 37m long and cover an area of 390 square metres. This tunnel is 52 per cent complete and should be ready by May this year.

Published : February 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40012076

In response to the Land Transport Federation of Thailand (LTFT)’s demand that he be sacked for failing to control the price of diesel, Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow said he had considered every proposal from every protest.

He added that every effort would be made to maintain the price of diesel at 30 baht per litre until March 31 thanks to the 5-baht subsidy provided by the Oil Fund. Otherwise, he said, the price of diesel would have surged to 35 baht per litre.

As for bringing the price down to 25 baht per litre, he said protesters should look at how they achieved this number and who would be beneficial.

When asked if he was helping capitalists by reducing the price of jet fuel but not the price of diesel, Supattanapong said the measure was temporary and only introduced to help the airline industry which is struggling from the aftermath of Covid-19.

He added that the ministry will consider additional measures based on the global price of crude oil. He admitted that the sudden 6-baht surge in oil price within a month was shocking, but said the government had no other options.

Supattanapong added that he understands people are fed up, but little can be done because it is a global crisis.

Related News

Energy ministry turns down transport body’s plea for cheaper diesel

Truckers protesting fuel price postpone Bangkok blockade until Tuesday

Prices of unregulated benzene, gasohol shoot through the roof this year

As for LTFT threatening to boost transport prices by 20 per cent if the government fails to provide help, the minister said it depends on the market mechanics. He added that the government cannot intervene if the private sector insists on increasing prices because it is a free market.

Lorry drivers from across the country were scheduled to gather outside the Energy Ministry on Bangkok’s Vibhavadi Rangsit road to protest on Tuesday.
 

Published : February 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40012068

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) on Monday unveiled computer-generated images of Lumpini Park as it will look after an upgrade is completed in 2024, in time for the park’s 100th anniversary in 2025.

The images published on Facebook show the new and improved 360-rai (0.57 square kilometres) park, equipped with dedicated bicycle and jogging lanes that connect with nearby Benchakitti Park. All cables and powerlines have also been buried underground to create an unobstructed view of the vast green garden in the heart of Bangkok.

Lumpini Park in Pathumwan district has been the green lung of the concrete metropolis since it opened in 1925. Paths that stretch for 2.5km around the park are popular with morning and evening joggers while ornamental lakes surrounded by lawns make perfect picnic spots. The park is open from 4.30am to 9pm and sees 15,000 to 20,000 visitors every day.

The improvement project will be divided into three phases, starting with an infrastructure upgrade, said the BMA post.

“The second phase will add more facilities and create learning areas, while the third will develop unused areas in the park.”

Facilities to be added include the six-storey high Lumpini Corridor that will serve as a new scenic point in Bangkok, seamless paths for wheelchair users, additional parking areas and water retention areas to reduce the chance of floods during rainy season.

“Currently we are at the design and public hearing stage. First-phase construction is due to start before the end of 2022, and the whole project should be complete by 2024, before the park’s centennial celebration in 2025,” it added.

Related News

Lumpini Park to get a major facelift before its 100th birthday

BMA aims to transform Lumpini Park into a world-class landmark

Lumpini Park reopens for the public

Published : February 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40012065

The extension of Highway No 344 from Chonburi to Rayong is now complete and should start contributing to logistics in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) areas, the Department of Highways announced on Monday.

The extension covers 12.3 kilometres from Chonburi’s Ban Bung district until it merges with Highway No 331 in Rayong. The traffic lanes of Highway No 344 have also been expanded from four to six in both directions under a budget of 1.19 billion baht (including the installation of lights and traffic signs).

The department said the highway expansion will help reduce traffic congestion, road accidents and possible flooding, which will not just improve the living standards of nearby communities but will also improve logistics in the EEC areas.

The 102.24-kilometre Highway No 344 starts at KM94+080 marker on Sukhumvit Road in Chonburi and terminates at KM269+101 of Highway No 3 in Rayong’s Klaeng district.

The Department of Highway has been slowly expanding the highway since 2018 to prepare for an increase in traffic in Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.

Related News

50km highway in Koh Samui expected to be fully ready next year

Motorists can use new Korat highway for free during Songkran break

Best routes out of Bangkok during New Year break

Published : February 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40012064

For Valentine’s Day this year, Bangkokians have the option of soaking in the beauty of 50,000 blooms in Queen Sirikit Park in Chatuchak district. The park has been developed as a new lung for the metropolis.

“There are more than 40,000 pots of hollyhocks in different colours across the park’s 197-rai area,” the Bangkok Environmental Office said in a Facebook post on Monday. “Other flowers that will also bloom throughout February are celosia, wishbone flowers, sulphur cosmos, American marigold, French marigold and small duck orchids.”

Established in 1992, Queen Sirikit Park is believed to be one of the most complete botanical gardens in Thailand. It possesses high biodiversity and sports a large variety of butterflies and plants, including banana cultivars, palm trees, hibiscus, lotuses, more than 200 species of waterlilies and a vast variety of rare plants along with plant species endemic to Thailand.

The park is open daily from 5am to 7pm. Visitors are required to adhere to Covid-19 prevention measures, including wearing facemasks and checking in via the Thai Chana platform.

Related News

New lung of Bangkok expected to fully ready in Feb 2022

A forest for the city

Bangkok park beautified for HM Queen’s birthday

Published : February 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40012061

In a Facebook announcement on Monday, Phulangka National Park said that only 500 people will be allowed to enter Naga Cave per day and that all visitors must make a reservation via the QueQ app.

The announcement came after hundreds of Thai tourists found themselves stranded waiting to get down the mountain after visiting the cave.

The Naga Cave, located in Bueng Kan’s Bung Khong Long district, is part of the Phulangka National Park and is known for its scale-like markings and a rock that looks like the mystical serpent, the Naga. Thais believe a visit to the cave brings them good luck and reveals lucky lottery numbers.

The Phulangka National Park said that from Monday onwards, all visitors are required to show their ID card along with proof of reservation via the app at the park entrance. Visitors are also required to produce evidence of at least two Covid-19 vaccine shots or evidence they have recovered from the virus over the past three months. Alternatively, visitors can also present a negative RT-PCR test taken in the previous 72 hours or a negative ATK result in 24 hours.

Entry fees are 20 baht for Thai nationals (10 baht for children aged three to 14 and free for toddlers) and 200 baht for foreigners (100 baht for children aged three to 14). Thai visitors are required to pay 10 baht per person for insurance, while foreigners pay 40 baht per person.

Park chief Damras Phoprasit told Kom Chad Luek newspaper on Monday evening that he is having the incident of people being stranded on Saturday investigated.

Officials who were responsible for screening visitors have been suspended pending investigation.

“The Naga Cave can only accommodate about 500 visitors per day, and we try not to exceed this number to prevent overcrowding during descent,” he said. “Under the new rule, the number of visitors will be strictly capped at 500 per day and nobody will be allowed in after 3pm. All guides and park officials are required to adhere to this rule or they will be suspended.”

Related News

Vandalism closes famous ‘snake’ cave in Bueng Kan

Beung Kan’s Naga Cave reopens, but to limited visitors

Naka Cave restored to its original glory

Published : February 08, 2022

By : THE NATION