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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011381

Police officers along with officials from the Livestock Development Department showed up in Samut Sakhon on Friday to check three cold storages. They had received a tip-off that the cold-storage operators may be hoarding pork to make profits from the shortage and soaring prices.

“The first cold storage had notified the Department of Internal Trade that it has 929 tonnes of pork in its possession,” Livestock Development Department director-general Sorawit Thaneeto said. “However, upon inspection, the company claimed it has recently transported 400 tonnes of pork to other cold storages in Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi, and that it has yet to submit documents detailing the transfer.

“Officials also found 234 tonnes of pork that was not shown in the manifest. The company explained that another firm in Ratchaburi had rented its cold storage to store meat since November last year,” he added.

“Further inspection of the company’s documents showed that it had no evidence of origin and transportation of 71 tonnes of pork in its possession. Hence, this amount will be confiscated and the company has until Saturday to present the related documents to take the pork back.”

The second cold storage in Samut Sakhon inspected on Friday had reportedly submitted documents for the storage of 283 tonnes of slaughtered pigs, but there were no animal carcasses in the facility. The company said the carcasses had been moved to another cold storage in the province, where officials found 441 tonnes of pig carcasses with evidence that 283 tonnes belong to one company and 158 tonnes to another.

“Neither company has submitted documents detailing the movement of the animal carcasses to the Livestock Development Department or notified the Department of Internal Trade of the pork being stored,” Sorawit said. “Officials have confiscated the 441 tonnes of pork and will return them if they can present the required documents by Saturday.

“Officials will continue inspecting cold storages for possible hoarding of pork. So far, we have received tip-offs about suspicious activities in up to 25 facilities, 11 of which are in Samut Sakhon,” he added.

According to the law, those who possess more than 500 live pigs or 5 tonnes of pig carcasses must notify relevant authorities of the origin, movement and intention of storage or they will face a maximum punishment of a year in prison and/or a fine of THB20,000.

Related News

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Chicken meat retail price fixed at Bt60-75 per kg

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Published : January 22, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011382

The exhibition, “Hua Lamphong in Your Eyes”, documenting the 106 years of Bangkok’s iconic railway station, wrapped up on January 16 but left a lasting impression on people, especially the younger generation.

The photographs on display included one of King Rama V launching the first train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya on March 26, 1896, which is now marked as the founding day of Thailand’s railway system. There were also photographs capturing the changes Hua Lamphong’s interior and exterior have seen over the century.

Published : January 22, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011379

The 17 KiHA 183 diesel trains donated to Thailand by Japan’s Hokkaido Railway Company are being modified so they can run on local tracks, while four trains are expected to start running by mid-2022.

“Japanese diesel trains use 1.067 metre wide axels, while the Thai railway is 1 metre wide,” State Railway of Thailand (SRT)’s Public Relations Centre director Ekarat Sriarayanphong said on Friday. “We began modifying the trains as soon as they arrived in December last year and now they can run on our tracks. The next step is repainting them at the Makkasan train depot.”

Ekarat added that once the trains are repainted, SRT will make adjustments to other systems such as the engine, transmission system, air conditioning and passenger seats, so they meet Thai conditions.

“Modifications will be carried out on four trains at a time, with the first lot set to be completed by mid-2022. These trains will run for short distances to Ayutthaya and Chachoengsao to promote domestic tourism,” he said.

KiHA 183 diesel trains have a maximum speed of 100 kilometres per hour. Each train has four bogies and can accommodate up to 216 passengers. Once completed, they will be fully airconditioned and include reclining seats and toilets.

Though SRT received these trains for free, it paid a private contractor 42.25 million baht to bring them from Japan to Thailand.

Related News

Japanese diesel trains to soon start running in Thailand

SRT aims to have all Red Line extensions running by 2025

SRT marks Father’s Day with special trip to Ayutthaya on WWII steam locomotives

Published : January 22, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011378

Thailand will remain under Covid-19 alert level 4 because infections are still on a rising trend, the Public Health Ministry’s permanent secretary Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit said on Friday.

The ministry had raised the country’s Covid-19 alert level to 4 on January 6 when the daily infection rate began surging. Under level 4, all high-risk venues like bars, pubs and karaoke joints will remain closed, while people are required to refrain from travelling or gathering in a bid to contain the spread of the virus.

Earlier this week, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul indicated the possibility of lowering the alert level by one point as the situation is “partly under control” with less than 20 deaths per day.

“On Friday, Thailand had 8,640 new Covid-19 infections and 13 deaths. While the death rate is still low, daily infections show an upward trend,” Kiattiphum said. “Currently, 82,720 patients are undergoing treatment, 540 of whom have pneumonia, while 118 patients are on respirators.”

The ministry also reported a total of 289 Covid-19 deaths since January 1. Of the fatalities, 159 were aged over 70 and 58 in the 60-69 age group.

“The ministry is advising people to refrain from travelling upcountry, visiting high-risk venues and engaging in prolonged group activities,” he said. “These rules must be particularly adhered to, especially in highly populated areas like Bangkok and surrounding provinces, as well as ‘blue zone’ provinces that have opened some of their districts to foreign visitors.

“If you come into close contact with a confirmed patient, isolate yourself at home for seven days and monitor your symptoms closely,” Kiattiphum advised. “During this period, take an ATK test on the fifth or sixth day. If the test comes back positive, then call 1330 to register under the ministry’s home-isolation system.

“If the test is negative, complete your seven days of isolation after which you can go outdoors only when necessary,” he added. “Take the test again on day 10, and if the test is still negative then consider the isolation over.”

Related News

Covid-19 alert level raised to 4 as infections swell

Anutin mulls lowering Covid-19 alert level to 3

Thailand’s Covid-19 crisis steadies after spike in 1st week of 2022

Published : January 22, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011377

Ministry of Public Health reported on Saturday (January 22) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 8,112 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 177 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 19, while 7,582 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 2,369,814 – 2,264,564 of whom have recovered, 83,231 are still in hospitals and 22,019 have died.

Separately, another 47,074 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 114,570 their second shot and 397,925 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 111,882,595.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 347.06 million on Saturday, 276.67 million of whom have recovered, 64.79 million are active cases (95,821 in severe condition) and 5.6 million have died (up by 9,034).

Thailand ranks 26th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 71.39 million, followed by India with 38.9 million, Brazil with 23.76 million, the UK with 16 million and France with 15.71 million.

Published : January 22, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011371

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Saturday (January 22) that the westerly trough moves through the North, the upper Northeast and the Central regions while the weak high pressure-system covers the South China Sea. Thundershowers, gusty winds and hails are likely in the North and the Northeast. People should beware of the severe condition by keeping off outdoor places, big trees and unsecured billboards. Farmers should prevent for crop damage.

The Department also mentioned that the weak northeast monsoon prevails across the Gulf of Thailand and the South and brings isolated thundershowers to the South.

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours is as follows:

North: Cool to cold weather with thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas, gusty winds and hails; temperature lows of 16-21 degrees and highs of 24-29 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 6-14 degrees Celsius.

Northeast: Cool weather with thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas, gusty winds and hails; temperature lows of 17-23 degrees and highs of 24-28 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 10-15 degrees Celsius.

Central: Cool weather in the morning with thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas and gusty winds; temperature lows of 20-22 degrees, highs of 29-31 degrees Celsius.

East: Cool weather in the morning with thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas and gusty winds; temperature lows of 22-24 degrees, highs of 29-31 degrees Celsius; waves less than a meter high and about a meter high offshore.

South (east coast): Partly cloudy with thundershowers in 20 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 21-25 degrees, highs of 29-33 degrees Celsius; waves a meter high and 1-2 meters high during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Partly cloudy with isolated light rains; temperature lows of 22-25 degrees, highs of 32-35 degrees Celsius; waves less than a meter high and about a meter high offshore.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Thundershowers in 30 per cent of the areas and gusty winds; temperature lows of 24-26 degrees, highs of 30-33 degrees Celsius.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : January 22, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011369

Hua Hin and Cha-am will be promoted as new international destinations for wellness tourism under the Thailand Wellness Sandbox programme.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s plan for the neighbouring seaside resorts was approved by the Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA) on Friday.

The Thailand Wellness Sandbox will transform Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Cha-am in Phetchaburi province as Thailand’s premier destinations for wellness-conscious tourists, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said.

Meanwhile Hua Hin, Cha-am and the rest of the west coast will be promoted as “Thailand’s Riviera”, focusing on the wellness tourism brand.

“The goal is to develop tourism products and services in Hua Hin and Cha-am to meet international standards and gain wider recognition,” the spokesman explained.

The meeting of CESA, which was chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, also tasked the TAT with selecting other pilot areas to be included in the programme.

Addressing the pressing issue of rising living costs, the prime minister instructed the Commerce Ministry, Consumer Protection Board, police and other relevant agencies to ensure that products are reasonably priced and there is no hoarding.

The PM said hoarders and their accomplices would be punished by law.

Published : January 21, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011366

The highly transmissible Omicron variant has now been detected in all 77 provinces of Thailand, the Medical Sciences Department announced Friday.

Department chief Supakit Sirilak said the 10 provinces with most Omicron cases are Bangkok (4,178 cases), Chonburi (837 cases), Phuket (434 cases), Roi Et (355 cases), Samut Prakan (329 cases), Surat Thani (319 cases), Kalasin (301 cases), Udon Thani (217 cases), Chiang Mai (214 cases) and Khon Kaen (214 cases).

Supakit said 97-98 per cent of new Covid-19 cases in Thailand were now Omicron infections but that figure is expected to be 100 per cent by the end of this month.

However, most Covid-19 fatalities are still being caused by the Delta strain, he added.

Supakit also shared results from random DNA samples of new Covid-19 cases taken between January 11 and 17. The samples show the proportion of omicron infections found in seven different groups, as follows:

– Samples from general population reflecting Thailand’s overall situation: 83.7 per cent

– Samples from new clusters (at least 50 infections per cluster): 84.86 per cent

– Samples from cases with severe symptoms or who died: 67.21 per cent

– Samples from fully vaccinated cases: 72.35 per cent

– Samples from infected medical personnel: 74.58 per cent

– Samples from group suspected of being infected by new variants: 75.90%

– Samples from group who have recovered from Covid-19: 100%.

Meanwhile, Omicron was responsible for 96.9 per cent of cases arriving from abroad and 100 per cent of locally re-infected cases.

Supakit urged people to get a booster shot as soon as possible to reduce the risk of being re-infected by the new variant.

Published : January 21, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011358

In response to the soaring price of pork, a Nakhon Pathom shabu-shabu restaurant has come up with a new menu offering crocodile meat – a deal that is grabbing a lot of attention on social media.

The owner of Tidmor Moo Kratha Buffet on Buddhamonthon 5 Road in Nakhon Pathom’s Samphran district said she has been offering crocodile meat for two weeks now and it has proved to be very popular.

In fact, she said, the demand is so high that she has upped her daily purchase from seven kilos to 25kg. This is because she opts for tail meat, which is soft with a little fat and tastes like pork.

Apart from being used as a shabu-shabu ingredient, the crocodile meat is also used for several other dishes, including meat sauteed with garlic and “larb”, a traditional Northeast spicy dish made with minced meat.

Yet, despite the soaring prices, the restaurant also offers pork in the 168 baht, all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu buffet.

Published : January 21, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011354

Three lottery sellers were nabbed on Thursday in Loei’s Erawan district for allegedly moving 200,000 unregistered lottery tickets worth over 20 million baht.

The arrest came after someone filed a complaint saying a group of lottery sellers was cooperating with postal workers to jack up the price of lottery tickets, the Anti-Corruption Division’s chief Pol Maj-General Jaroonkiat Pankaew said.

The first team of police officers and officials from the Government Lottery Office arrested Chaisit, 32, and Paweena, 26, (last names withheld) behind the Erawan Thailand Post Office. The team also found more than 200 boxes containing lottery tickets inside a silver-grey Toyota van.

“Another team arrested Kanya, 43, [last name withheld] at the Bangchak petrol station,” Jaroonkiat said. “They found 65 boxes of lottery tickets inside a bronze-coloured Mitsubishi Pajero SUV.”

The suspects have reportedly pleaded guilty, saying Erawan postal worker Pairoj (last name withheld) and his accomplices helped them smuggle lottery tickets.

“The suspects also claimed that they had to pay postal workers an extra 100 baht per unregistered box,” he added.

Related stories:

• Former Olympic boxing legend Manus hit with lottery fraud charge
• Resignation letter with news of 30m baht lottery win goes viral
• GLO gambles on PaoTang app to prevent lottery overpricing

Published : January 21, 2022

By : THE NATION