#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009309

The four Thailand-Cambodia border checkpoints should be reopened by December 16 if approved by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration and the Cambodian government.

This date was tentatively set at a meeting on Thursday between Sa Kaew, Banteay Meanchey and Phra Tabong governors.

The border will be reopened at four sites – permanent checkpoints Ban Khlong Luek-Poi Pet and Ban Khao Din-Ban km13 and the cross-border trade points Ban Nong Prue-Malai and Ban Ta Phraya-Ban Bueng Ta Kuan.

Thai-Cambodia border provinces await CCSA okay before flinging open doors from Dec 16

At the meeting, Thailand proposed that employers pick up Cambodian workers looking for jobs cutting sugarcane at the Sa Kaew border and quarantine them at the sugarcane plantations. Once the job is done, the employers can inform related agencies before shifting the workers to other areas.

Thailand will also allow up to 3,000 Cambodian vendors to trade at its Rong Kluea Market daily, provided they strictly adhere to Covid-19 prevention measures.

Thai-Cambodia border provinces await CCSA okay before flinging open doors from Dec 16

Government agencies in Sa Kaew province will launch a vaccination drive in the province in a bid to create Covid-free areas and improve efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

Published : November 26, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009308

Though the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) extended the emergency decree from December 1 to January 31, it lifted curfew nationwide on Friday.

This is the 15th time that the decree has been applied to prohibit the hoarding of consumer goods and the sharing of fake news, etc.

No more ‘dark red’ zone

Also on Friday, CCSA decided to remove the maximum-control tag on six “dark red” provinces.

Now, 23 provinces are marked “red” or high-disease control zones. They are Khon Kaen, Chanthaburi. Chumphon, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Trang, Trat, Tak, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Prachinburi, Pattani, Ayutthaya, Phatthalung, Yala, Rayong, Songkhla, Satun, Saraburi, Sa Kaew and Surat Thani.

The “orange” or controlled zone also covers 23 provinces, namely Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chonburi, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Nayok, Phetchaburi, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok, Mae Hong Son, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Lopburi, Lampang, Lamphun, Samut Prakan, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Singburi, Suphanburi, Ang Thong, Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani.

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Emergency decree set to be extended for another 2 months

The “yellow” or monitored zone includes Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Sawan, Nan, Bueng Kan, Buri Ram, Phayao, Phichit, Phrae, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Roi Et, Loei, Si Sa Ket, Sakon Nakhon, Sukhothai, Surin, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Uttaradit, Uthai Thani and Amnat Charoen.

The “blue” zone or the tourist pilot area covers seven provinces namely Bangkok, Krabi, Kanchanaburi, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phang Nga and Phuket.

From December 1 to 31, more provinces will be added to the blue zone in Phase 2 of the reopening effort. They include:
• Kanchanaburi
• Nonthaburi
• Pathum Thani
• Chiang Rai (Muang, Mae Chan, Mae Sai, Thoeng, Phan, Wiang Pa Pao, Mae Suai, Mae Fa Luang, Chiang Saen, Wiang Kaen and Chiang Khong districts)
• Chiang Mai (Chom Thong district added)
• Ayutthaya (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya)
• Khon Kaen (Muang, Khao Suan Kwang, Ubol Rattana, Phu Wiang, Wiang Kao, Phon, and Puai Noi)
• Nakhon Ratchasima (Muang, Pak Chong, Wang Nam Kheow, Sikhiu, Phimai, Chaloem Phra Kiat and Chok Chai),
• Surin (Muang and Tha Tum)
• Chanthaburi (Muang, and Tha Mai)
• Trat (Koh Kut)

Entertainment venues

Though the reopening date for pubs, bars and karaoke joints is still January 16, CCSA said it will look into bringing it forward provided operators have put in place all Covid-prevention measures. Once reopened, entertainment venues will only be allowed to serve booze until 11pm and must close by midnight.
 

Entering Thailand

Under the “Test & Go” scheme, tourists from 63 low-risk countries will only undergo an antigen test (ATK) upon arrival and do not have to take an RT-PCR test.

Also, travellers arriving on the Test & Go and sandbox schemes will be allowed to arrive via land and sea. The border with Laos in Nong Khai will be the first to reopen on December 24. For sea travellers, they must produce records of full vaccination and an RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior. They will be tested again onboard. Children under the age of six need only present a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours.

The CCSA has also adjusted the mandatory quarantine for tourists arriving from all other countries under the sandbox scheme. Under this scheme, double-jabbed travellers will be isolated for five days, and the unvaccinated for 10 days. Illegal migrants, however, will be quarantined for 14 days.

Lastly, the “MorPhrom” smartphone application will provide an international vaccination certificate for those wanting to travel outside the country. A printed certificate will cost 50 baht.

Published : November 26, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009307

A park ranger of Khao Laem National Park in Kanchanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri District reportedly stabbed another ranger on Thursday (November 25) before fatally shot himself, said Thewin Meesub, chief of the national park on Friday.

“After we learned of the incident via radio communication, we contacted the 9th Infantry Regiment to dispatch a helicopter on Thursday’s evening to pick up the body of deceased ranger, Kathawut (last name withheld), who was shot by an unknown gun, and an injured ranger, Phakphum (last name withheld), who was stabbed with a knife,” he said. “The rescue was slow and difficult as both rangers were in deep forest where the chopper could not land.

National park ranger allegedly kills self after stabbing colleague in Kanchanaburi forest

“At 9am of today (November 26) rescue staff reported that Phakphum was now stable after they successfully reached him on foot and gave him treatment,” he added. “Officials said that they expected to start the evacuation of the injured ranger and the body by chopper in the afternoon.”

National park ranger allegedly kills self after stabbing colleague in Kanchanaburi forest

Thewin added that the two rangers were on a mission to install cameras in the forest to study tigers and other animals in the southern part of Khao Laem National Park. “Park officials will investigate the cause of the incident, but we suspected that they both were quarrelling before Kathawut stabbed Phakphum and then shot himself,” he said.

National park ranger allegedly kills self after stabbing colleague in Kanchanaburi forest

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Erawan National Park to reopen on Friday

Covid closure brings rare wildlife back to Songkhla national park

Published : November 26, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009305

Children’s Day on January 8 will be marked with an online exhibition instead of an on-site event, the Education Ministry announced on Friday.

However, 564 children and youth role models along with 225 who brought fame to the country will be treated to a speech from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and a reward from Education Minister Trinuch Thienthong.

The 789 youngsters are undergoing verification process before they get to meet the premier.

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Spike in anti-vax TikTok clips sparks concerns

Benefits of Pfizer far outweigh the risk, says DDC chief, as vaccination drive for students continues

Published : November 26, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009303

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is urging everybody to get their Covid-19 jabs to ensure Thailand can build herd immunity and fully reopen to foreigners, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Friday.

He added that Thailand has plenty of Covid-19 vaccine doses and will boost the number of jabs administered between November 27 and December 5 to achieve the 100-million mark.

Thanakorn added that the mix-and-match vaccine combo was proving to be very effective as the daily number of Covid-related deaths has fallen below 100.

He said this indicates that the government, medics and general public have successfully tackled the Covid-19 crisis, he said.

“The premier has called on provincial public health officials to launch a vaccination drive to ensure everybody has received at least two jabs,” he said.

“We urge people to get their Covid-19 jabs to build herd immunity and help Thailand reboot the economy and tourism in line with the country’s reopening plan.”

Get your Covid jabs so Thailand has enough immunity to fully reopen, says Prayut

Thanakorn also said voters who have returned to their hometowns to cast a ballot for their subdistrict administrative organisation on Sunday should strictly adhere to Covid-prevention measures.

Thailand recorded 6,559 new Covid-19 infections and 64 deaths on Friday, bringing the total numbers in the country to 2,094,886 and 20,645, respectively.

Get your Covid jabs so Thailand has enough immunity to fully reopen, says Prayut

As of Thursday, 47,501,276 people had been given their first Covid-19 shot, 40,520,313 their second shot and 3,216,658 a booster bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 91,238,247. These statistics are based on data collected via the MorPhrom smartphone application.

Related stories:

• PM ignores questions on why Thailand didn’t get invite to democracy summit
• Prayut wishes Lisa a quick recovery from Covid-19
• PM pleased with level of foreign investment this year

Published : November 26, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009302

The House committee on police affairs has been told that investigation into police officers who allegedly helped Red Bull scion Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya run free over the 2012 fatal hit-and-run case should be completed next month.

The public prosecutor decided not to pursue the charge of reckless driving after police records showed that Vorayuth was driving his car at 76 kilometres per hour instead of 177kmph.

Palang Pracharat MP Sanya Nilsuphan, who is also deputy chair of the House committee, said police also believe that Vorayuth, the heir to one of Thailand’s richest families, may be hiding in Austria.

“But this cannot be verified because his visa to Austria expired a while ago and there are no records of the visa being used to enter the country,” he said.

Red Bull scion ‘Boss’ may be hiding in Austria, probe into 18 cops who helped him close to completion

Interpol has reportedly issued a red notice for Vorayuth’s arrest and the Royal Thai Police has written to its Austrian counterpart to verify if he is living there.

Sanya also dismissed suggestions that the committee ask other members of the Yoovidhya family about Vorayuth’s whereabouts, saying they were not directly linked to the case.

Meanwhile, Sanya said the investigation against 18 incumbent and retired police officers launched by the police Internal Affairs Department should be ready by next month. Among the suspects is former national police chief Pol General Somyos Pumphanmuang.

Red Bull scion ‘Boss’ may be hiding in Austria, probe into 18 cops who helped him close to completion

Vorayuth postponed his court appearances more than five times and fled overseas.

Though two charges against him – speeding and failing to help a crash victim – have expired, two still remain active. The first was for narcotics use after cocaine was found in his blood. This charge is set to expire on September 3, 2022. The second charge – reckless driving causing death – is set to expire in 2027.

The Office of the Attorney-General planned to drop the last charge but decided to pursue it after a public uproar.

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Published : November 26, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009301

Though Thailand will legalise cannabis as of December 9, it will still be part of the category 5 narcotics list unless the Public Health Ministry decides otherwise.

This comment was made by Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin when he showed up to give his blessings to the “Amazing Kratom, Cannabis and Medicinal Herbs” fair at Bangkok’s Paradise Park shopping mall on Thursday.

The fair, which kicked off on Wednesday and wraps up on Sunday, showcases food, beverage and supplements made from Thai herbs, particularly kratom, cannabis, green chiretta (fah talai jone) among others. Somsak said these herbs are beneficial and can be turned into supplements to generate income.

Marijuana will be legal in Thailand from Dec 9, but ‘doobies’ still not allowed

“As for cannabis, the herb will be legalised but will be included in the list of category 5 narcotics until the Public Health Ministry issues a new regulation,” he said.

Related news:

• Thailand setting up one-of-a-kind international medical cannabis research centre
• Cannabis, hemp-based cosmetics makers instructed to register online
• Govt expo to reveal secrets of turning cannabis into cash crop

Marijuana will be legal in Thailand from Dec 9, but ‘doobies’ still not allowed

Published : November 26, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009300

A city traffic expert said on Thursday that the decision to close Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station is unwise and opposed to by most commuters.

The Transport Ministry recently announced that the station will be converted into a commercial area and trains will only stop at Bang Sue Grand Station from late December.

City traffic expert Dr Samart Ratchapolsitte said decommissioning Hua Lamphong after 105 years of service is sad and that the closure will not really help the traffic situation as claimed.

City traffic expert decries decision to close Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong train station

He added that the underground Red Line running between Hua Lamphong and Bang Sue station is being built to ease traffic anyway.

City traffic expert decries decision to close Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong train station

“Closing Hua Lamphong will also make travelling more expensive for commuters because they will have to travel to and from Bang Sue, which is a lot farther from the city centre than Hua Lamphong,” he said.

A survey conducted by the State Railway Workers’ Union learned that most commuters opposed the closure of Hua Lamphong.

City traffic expert decries decision to close Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong train station

Commuters say that the 22 trains running the most important routes should be allowed to stop at Hua Lamphong.

They also called on Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob to reconsider and conduct a public hearing before making a decision.

City traffic expert decries decision to close Bangkok’s historic Hua Lamphong train station

Related stories:

• Hua Lamphong station’s 105 years of memories
• SRT is too broke to also maintain Hua Lamphong station, says Saksayam
• Plan for trains to chug past Hua Lamphong from Tuesday angers Bangkok commuters

Published : November 26, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009299

The Chiang Mai Provincial Court on Thursday revoked the Chiang Mai Legal Execution Office’s cancellation of Dhara Dhevi Hotel’s auction and its order to have the hotels value re-evaluated.

The office said earlier last week that it agreed with the hotel creditors’ petition that the hotel’s value set by the Legal Execution Department’s Asset Evaluation Committee was too low compared to the price released by a private assessing firm.

The court, however, said the Chiang Mai Legal Execution Office’s order was unlawful because as per regulations, the Asset Evaluation Committee has full authority to set the final price of an asset. The plaintiff can only oppose the price estimated by a legal execution officer, not one announced by the committee.

Court rejects re-evaluation order, demands Dhara Dhevi auction go ahead as scheduled

The 123-room five-star luxury hotel was slated to go under the hammer on November 12, December 3 and 24, January 14, February 4 and 25 of 2022.

The hotel was severely hit by the pandemic and shut its doors temporarily in early 2020. It then filed for rehabilitation in June 2020. The Appeal Court dismissed the rehab petition on November 18, forcing the hotel to announce bankruptcy.

Court rejects re-evaluation order, demands Dhara Dhevi auction go ahead as scheduled

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Published : November 26, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009292

The Thai-Chinese Rayong industrial zone marks win-win cooperation and joint development efforts between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

About two hours’ drive from downtown Bangkok, near the Laem Chabang port in eastern Thailand, is a well-planned industrial zone, the Thai-Chinese Rayong industrial zone.

Jointly built by China’s Holley Group and Amata Group of Thailand in 2006, the industrial zone is one of the first Chinese overseas industrial sites and has become a testament to and miniature of the win-win cooperation and joint development efforts between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Now home to more than 170 Chinese-invested companies, mostly in automobile, electronics and machinery sectors, the industrial zone has attracted a combined investment of more than 4 billion U.S. dollars from China and provided more than 40,000 local jobs.

Himile Group, a major tire mold supplier headquartered in east China’s Shandong Province, set up a factory in the zone in 2014.

A staff member operates a machine tool in Thai-Chinese Rayong industrial zone in Rayong, Thailand, on Nov. 24, 2021.(Xinhua)

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“Most of our clients, the world’s top tire producers, have built their production bases in ASEAN countries. We want to move closer to them … to serve the Southeast Asian market,” said Qiu Jinliang, managing director of Himile’s Thai branch.

Over the past seven years, the plant’s production and business revenue have expanded 60 percent annually, Qiu said, noting that this year has been challenging because of the COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand as well as rising raw material costs and freight rates.

“We’ve managed to maintain the levels of production and sales as those of last year, thanks to improved production procedures and efficiency,” he said.

A staff member operates a machine tool in Thai-Chinese Rayong industrial zone in Rayong, Thailand, on Nov. 24, 2021.(Xinhua)

Upbeat about the company’s development outlook, Qiu said the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) next year will enable the company to purchase raw materials and equipment as well as distribution of products more conveniently and at a lower cost.

The Chinese company is working to build a new factory near the existing plant to expand its production capacity, which will further lift the company’s sales revenue, he said.

The Thai-Chinese Rayong industrial zone was established and fostered by the comprehensive cooperation between China and ASEAN, while its development has been put on fast track after China’s Belt and Road Initiative was unveiled, said Zhao Bin, president of the Thai-Chinese Rayong Industrial Realty Development Co., operator of the industrial zone.

At a special summit to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the ASEAN-China dialogue relations which was held online on Monday, the two sides jointly upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The comprehensive strategic partnership, a new milestone in the China-ASEAN relations and the upcoming entry into force of the RCEP will further enhance bilateral cooperation and create more business opportunities, Zhao said.

He expected the industrial zone to continue prospering and serve as an important platform for production capacity cooperation between the Chinese and Thai businesses.

At the Thai-Chinese Rayong industrial zone, businesses of both sides have benefited from cooperation between China and ASEAN and are tapping into new opportunities created by the two sides’ closer cooperation.

Aerial photo taken on Dec. 9, 2020 shows the Thai-Chinese Rayong industrial zone in Rayong, Thailand.(Xinhua)

Since China and ASEAN forged their dialogue relations in 1991, comprehensive cooperation between the two sides has given a strong boost to their economic and social development, brought tangible benefits to their peoples, and made great contributions to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world at large, analysts said.

Trade volume between China and ASEAN had soared from less than 8 billion U.S. dollars in 1991 to more than 680 billion dollars in 2020, when China remained ASEAN’s largest trading partner for 12 consecutive years, while ASEAN became China’s largest trading partner.

Looking forward, China and ASEAN are set to further expand cooperation and move towards building a closer community with a shared future, which will make new contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity, said Natee Taweesrifuengfung, president of the Thailand-based Siam Think Tank.

Published : November 26, 2021

By : Xinhua