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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009364

A recent survey shows that most Thai households have large credit card and personal loan debts, with the average coming in at 1.24 million baht per household. Civil servants have been found to have the highest credit card debts, averaging up to 1 million baht per person.

The Suan Dusit Poll, conducted from November 22 to 25, covered 1,059 respondents.

It found that 46.52 per cent of the respondents owed money to credit cards and had taken personal loans, while 39.85 per cent had a mortgage to pay.

Civil servants were found to owe an average of 1 million baht per person to credit cards, while private-sector employees were found to owe about 500,000 baht per person. However, the latter group was found to be most worried about their ability to pay back.

Of the respondents, 71.11 per cent were confident they could pay off all their debts, while 38.15 per cent voiced concerns.

To solve their debt problems, 80.88 per cent admitted that they need to be disciplined, plan their budgets and put some cash aside, while 61.85 per cent said the government needs to restructure debts and reduce the interest rate.

Meanwhile, 89.23 per cent said they can pay their own debts, though 46.33 per cent expect help from friends and family.

“Financial discipline needs to be practised in order to reduce debts. Additional income can be generated using technology and online media, which can also help reduce business costs. Debtors can also ask their bank for debt restructuring, while the government should provide citizens access to low-interest funding,” Suan Dusit Poll suggested.

Related news:

• Household debts rise as Thailand struggles to recover from pandemic
• Govt debt to reach Bt2.3 trillion by the end of fiscal 2022
• Household debt increases Bt136 billion in second quarter

Published : November 28, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40009362

Sunday morning saw scores of Bangkok kayakers collecting garbage from canals in Chatuchak area as part of City Hall’s “Kayak Rak Khlong” (Kayaking to Protect Canals) project.

The project aims to involve locals and the private sector in improving and restoring the canal landscape in the Chatuchak area so it can be developed into a community-based tourism destination.

As many as 118 Bangkokians showed up at 8am armed with 70 kayaks to collect waste from 10.78 kilometres of waterways.

Bangkokians race to collect trash from Chatuchak canals, model may be applied to other parts of city

The race kicked off at the mouth of Lat Phrao Canal and kayakers navigated through Khlong Bang Khen, Khlong Prem Prachachak, Chatuchak District Office Area before ending the race at Pracha Ruam Jai Community behind Samian Nari Temple. The race wrapped up around 11am.

Deputy Bangkok governor Sakoltee Phattiyakul, who saw off the kayakers, said this garbage-collecting contest will help kick off other improvement projects in the capital.

Bangkokians race to collect trash from Chatuchak canals, model may be applied to other parts of city

Bangkokians race to collect trash from Chatuchak canals, model may be applied to other parts of city

Bangkokians race to collect trash from Chatuchak canals, model may be applied to other parts of city

Published : November 28, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40009361

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced on Saturday that Bangkok’s iconic Hua Lamphong train station will not be demolished or closed for service.

The Transport Ministry recently announced that as of next month, trains will only stop at Bang Sue Grand Station and that Hua Lamphong will be developed into a commercial area. This sparked an uproar from Bangkok commuters, who complained that the change would extend their commuting hours and make getting to and from work more expensive.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob has instructed SRT to conduct a public hearing on the subject in line with the prime minister’s order.

The government developed Bang Sue Grand Station to serve as a railway hub to help solve the problem of congestion in inner Bangkok, especially at railway crossings.

The new station serves the MRT Red Line, long-distance trains, high-speed trains linking three key airports and high-speed trains linking provinces.

Published : November 28, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40009360

Ramathibodi Hospital’s Centre for Medical Genomics may soon opt for a new method to detect the recently discovered new variant of Covid-19 dubbed “Omicron”.

Though this strain is still detectable via antigen tests (ATK) and the RT-PCR method, many laboratories have said that the “S” may slip notice in PCR tests due to mutation.

On Saturday, the Centre for Medical Genomics coordinated with Ramathibodi Hospitals’ Virology Laboratory to monitor S dropout samples. If these samples are found, then this genotype will be tested with 40 tracers using the MassARRAY technology, which can provide accurate multiplexed analysis of hundreds of clinically relevant mutations in a single workflow.

This test can be completed within 24 to 48 hours and is more cost-effective than genome decoding.

The centre is also hoping to have a test kit for the Omicron strain to be ready in the next couple of weeks.

The B.1.1.529 strain, named Omicron by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is considered a variant of concern (VOC) because it spreads very rapidly.

Thai labs may need to change system of genome decoding to spot Omicron strain

South Africa reported the discovery of Omicron on November 24 after it was detected in samples collected from a patient on November 9.

WHO designated B.1.1.529 a variant of concern on November 26 due to its rapid human-to-human transmission. This variant has also been detected in Israel, Malawi, Botswana, Belgium and Hong Kong.

Though countries scrambled to ban flights, the WHO warned against imposing travel restrictions due to Omicron.

The original Covid-19 virus has reportedly mutated more than 60 times, with many mutations like Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma, named variants of concern or variants of interest by the WHO.

Thai labs may need to change system of genome decoding to spot Omicron strain

Published : November 28, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009359

Four locally developed Covid-19 vaccines are now being tried out on humans, deputy government spokesperson Ratchada Dhnadirek said on Saturday.

She added that a budget of 4.8 billion baht has been earmarked for the research and development of these vaccines.

The status of the four vaccines is as follows:

Thailands Covid-19 vaccines making good progress, govt allocates another THB4.8 billion

NDV-HXP-S

This vaccine developed by the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation in collaboration with Mahidol University entered the second phase of trials on humans on August 16 and results can be expected in December. The project is set to seek funding for third-phase trials.

This project has already received 45.88 million baht from the government via the National Vaccine Institute.

Thailands Covid-19 vaccines making good progress, govt allocates another THB4.8 billion

Chula-Cov19

Developed by Chulalongkorn University’s Vaccine Research Centre, this vaccine entered second-phase trials on humans in August and results can be expected in December.

This project has received 375 million baht via the National Vaccine Institute and the Cabinet approved another 2.31 billion baht for the vaccine’s third-phase trials and emergency production.

Baiya SARS-CoV-2 Vax

This vaccine, developed by Chulalongkorn University start-up Baiya Phytopharm, entered the first phase of trials on humans in October.

The project has received 160 million baht under the government’s loan scheme, while the Cabinet has approved another 1.3 billion baht for third-phase trials.

Covigen

Developed by BioNet-Asia, this vaccine entered the first phase of trials on humans on June 25. The company is getting ready for the second phase of human trials and has already received 650 million baht under the government’s loan scheme.

“Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is paying close attention to Covid-19 vaccine projects and is ready to allocate funds to support research and development, efficiency tests and registration, in a bid to maintain Thailand’s vaccine stability,” Ratchada said.

“These vaccines are seen as another hope to contain the spread of Covid-19 and boost Thailand’s public health system in the long run,” she added.

Related stories:

• Govt to buy 30 million doses of Pfizer vaccine as booster shots
• 1.38 million doses of Moderna vaccine to arrive this Saturday: GPO
• Covid will stay with us, expert virologist says, advising everyone to get vaccinated

Published : November 28, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009352

Restaurants in Bangkok that have passed the SHA or Thai Stop Covid+ standards can only serve alcoholic drinks until 9pm, otherwise, they will face legal action, the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) said on Saturday.

MPB chief Pol Lt-General Samran Nuanma said the management of restaurants caught serving alcohol after 9pm can face up to one year in jail and/or a fine of 100,000 baht.

Pubs, bars, karaoke joints and massage parlours are still not allowed to reopen and operators stand to face the abovementioned penalties if caught, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration statement said.

No booze after 9pm, Bangkok restaurants warned

All air-conditioned restaurants are only allowed to fill 50 per cent of seats, while open-air eateries can fill 75 per cent.

Related stories:

• Capital’s restaurants, eateries complying with alcohol regulation
• Bangkok restaurants can serve booze, but only until 9pm
• Department stores are betting on booze to boost retail

Published : November 28, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009351

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha thanked front line medical staff across Thailand for their effort and sacrifice in the battle against Covid-19 during the occasion of Thai Doctor Day on Saturday.

In Thailand, the national doctor day is celebrated on November 27 every year to honour medical staff for their effort and sacrifice to take care of people’s health and develop the public health system.

Prayut said Thailand currently has a strong public health system and skilled medical staff, resulting in confidence among foreigners and the country’s potential to generate revenue from medical services.

The premier also thanked front line medics for their effort and sacrifice in the battle against Covid-19 for over two years until the situation has resolved and enabled people to spend their daily lives as usual. 

Related stories:

• Climate change crisis, Covid and post-Covid travel among topics discussed at latest ASEM summit
• Get your Covid jabs so Thailand has enough immunity to fully reopen, says Prayut
• PM ignores questions on why Thailand didn’t get invite to democracy summit

Published : November 28, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009342

Ministry of Public Health reported on Sunday (November 28) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 5,854 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 457 of whom have been found in prisons.

Death toll increased by 30, while 6,354 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 2,106,813 – 2,006,856 of whom have recovered, 79,250 are still in hospitals and 20,707 have died.

Separately, another 196,879 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 226,412 their second shot and 43,949 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 92,125,296.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 261.37 million on Sunday, 236.06 million of whom have recovered, 20.1 million are active cases (83,148 in severe condition) and 5.21 million have died (up by 5,384).
 
Thailand ranks 24th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 49.07 million, followed by India with 34.57 million, Brazil with 22.07 million, the UK with 10.11 million and Russia with 9.53 million.

Published : November 28, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009340

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Sunday (November 28) that the monsoon trough lies across the lower South and Malaysia into the low-pressure cell over the lower South China Sea. The rather strong northeast monsoon prevails across the Gulf of Thailand. 

Isolated heavy rains are possible in the lower South. People in the area should beware of the severe condition and its accumulation that may cause flash floods and overflows.

The moderates wind and waves about 2 metres high in the Gulf of Thailand and above 2 metres high in thundershowers. All ships should proceed with caution and keep off thundershower areas.

The rather strong high-pressure system still covers upper Thailand. Morning cool and strong winds are forecast in the areas. People should keep healthy due to the variable weather.

The 24-hour weather forecast for different regions:

North: Morning cool with isolated light rain; temperature lows of 17-21 degrees Celsius, highs of 26-33 °C; temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 7-15 degrees Celsius.

Northeast: Cool to cold with strong winds. Isolated light rain mostly in the lower part; temperature lows of 20-23 degrees Celsius, highs of 29-32 °C; temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 11-14 degrees Celsius.

Central: Morning cool with strong winds; temperature lows of 19-21 degrees Celsius, highs of 29-32 °C.

East: Morning cool with strong winds. Isolated light rain; temperature lows of 19-23 degrees Celsius, highs of 31-32 °C; waves 1-2 metres high and about 2 metres offshore.

South (east coast): Scattered thundershowers with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 22-25 degrees Celsius, highs of 28-30 °C; waves about 2 metres high and above 2 metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Scattered thundershowers; temperature lows of 22-25 degrees Celsius, highs of 28-31 °C; waves 1-2 metres high and about 2 metres offshore.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Morning cool with strong wind; temperature lows of 21-22 degrees Celsius, highs of 30-32 °C.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : November 28, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009339

Tourists have been flocking to the Khao Phaeng Ma Reforestation Project in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Wang Nam Kheow district now that temperatures have dropped as low as 15 degrees Celsius.

The cool weather is not the only attraction, tourists are also greeted with the view of majestic wild bulls and cows grazing in the fields every morning.

Visitors are required to adhere to Covid-19 preventive measures, which include wearing face masks and checking in with the ThaiChana tracing platform.

Since overnight camping is not allowed, tourists generally drive in the early morning and leave in the afternoon.

Cool temperatures, glorious views draw tourists to Wang Nam Kheow reforestation project

Phongthep Malachasingha, president of Wang Nam Kheow’s tourism association, said on Saturday that tourists usually start arriving once temperatures start dropping.

“Wang Nam Kheow district will soon hold a marathon along the banks of the Ban San Kam Phaeng Reservoir, which should attract both runners and tourists and boost hotel occupancy in the province,” he said.

Cool temperatures, glorious views draw tourists to Wang Nam Kheow reforestation projectCool temperatures, glorious views draw tourists to Wang Nam Kheow reforestation project

Related News

Winter chill lures tourists to camp in Wang Nam Kiew

Unexpected guest greets campers in Nakhon Ratchasima

Herd of rare banteng spotted in Huai Kha Khaeng

Published : November 27, 2021

By : THE NATION