#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40008944

Thailand’s digital economy will grow and account for more than 20 per cent of the country’s GDP and reach even 30 per cent by 2030 or sooner, Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakmanusorn estimates.

He said at the Powering Digital Thailand 2022 event that the kingdom had prepared a 5-year digital action plan for the economy and society running from 2018 to 2022.

Chaiwut said that over the past four years, Thailand’s digital infrastructure and data economy has made great progress in these key areas:

1. Development of high-performance digital infrastructure. The country’s competitiveness ranking by IMD found that in technology Thailand has risen from 29th to 22nd place, especially in terms of mobile internet access, wired internet access and telecommunications infrastructure.

2. Driving the economy with digital technology in 2018. Thailand’s digital economy accounted for 17 per cent of GDP, then continued to expand. Over the past year, this economy has seen more than 10 per cent annual growth, which is 2.5 times the rate of domestic GDP growth.

When compared to last year, it was found that the rate of purchases made through electronic commerce channels and the number of users of government online channels has soared by more than 300 per cent, while the cloud market has grown approximately three times over the past year.

3. Creating a quality society with digital technology in the past four years.

Published : November 17, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40008943

“We can’t do anything about it,” Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said after criticism that Thailand was not one of 95 countries scheduled to receive Pfizer’s technology transfer for its Paxlovid antiviral pills.

“But you can be confident that the Public Health Ministry has completely prepared for medicines and vaccines to support the Covid-19 situation,” he said.

“Favipiravir is an effective drug, especially in the early stages of Covid-19. This will reduce the duration of treatment,” the minister said.

Molnupiravir and Paxlovid will be ordered for those who need them as an add-on drug, not the main drug. Paxlovid has not yet been registered with the Thai FDA, but it is about to be get approval from the US FDA.

Asked if the criticism was politically motivated, Anutin said he did not know.

Published : November 17, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40008942

News that the Public Health Ministry is preparing to issue a rule requiring people to show evidence of at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose while out in public or attending events is indeed true, the Anti-Fake News Centre said on Wednesday.

The ministry’s permanent secretary has said that there are four risk factors – reopening the country, restarting classes at schools, relaxing eating and drinking rules for restaurants and gathering for various activities.

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration would like to encourage more target groups to come forward for vaccinations and may increase various incentive measures.

They may consider asking residents to furnish proof of at least one dose of vaccination when they carry out public activities or attend events, for the safety of everyone.

The overall Covid-19 situation in Thailand is likely to improve, the permanent secretary said, but added that there are still new infections cropping up in some areas, including prisons, among fishermen, construction camps, military training camps, markets and at religious ceremonies.

Published : November 17, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40008939

Precisely 86.4 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered nationwide while another 13.6 million are to be given by the year-end, as the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration counts down 45 days from Wednesday for Thailand to achieve its goal of administering 100 million doses.

The first day of vaccinations kicked off on June 7.

According to Public Health Ministry vaccination data on Tuesday, 477,440 doses were administered in 24 hours, resulting in a total of 86,415,911 cumulative doses.

The country needs to administer 13,584,089 doses in order to reach its 100-million goal in 45 days. This would require a vaccination rate of 301,868 doses per day.

Officials are confident they will achieve the goal by December 31.

Related news:

• Thailand will go well beyond its target of 100 million Covid-19 vaccine doses by end-2021
• China provides more COVID-19 vaccines to Thailand to help fight pandemic
• Thai nasal-spray Covid vaccine to begin human trial in mid 2022

Published : November 17, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40008936

Bangkok will celebrate the popular Loy Krathong festival at two main areas – under Rama VIII Bridge in Bang Phlat district and Klong Ong Ang, which runs through Samphanthawong and Phra Nakhon districts – while people can also float their krathongs in 30 public parks, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced at a press conference on Wednesday.

People have been asked to strictly abide by the Public Health Ministry’s Covid-19 prevention measures, which include wearing face masks at all times and maintaining all-important social distancing.

Residents can float their krathongs from 5pm on November 19 to midnight.

The BMA has also urged residents to use environmentally friendly krathongs and have just one per family to reduce waste.

Bangkok deputy governor Kriangyos Sudlabha said people who want to enter the two main areas must present certificates to show they are fully vaccinated or a negative ATK test result taken not more than 72 hours before entry.

BMA officials will set up screening points to check the temperature of every entrant, while the number of participants will be limited to one person per four square metres.

Get your float ready: Bangkok to celebrate Loy Krathong at numerous sites

Related News

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Expected cash flow for this Loy Krathong is lowest in past ten years: survey

Thailand Circuit turns flood crisis into Loy Krathong extravaganza

There will be food stalls but only for takeaway.

The BMA has banned the sale and use of fireworks and lanterns. Those who want to hold an event or use fireworks must first receive authorisation by a district office.

The festival under Rama VIII Bridge will be held on Friday from 5pm to 10pm amid an “old-market” environment featuring 70 stalls selling handicraft products and local food. There will also be cultural shows.

Meanwhile, the festival at Klong Ong Ang will be held from Friday to Sunday from 5pm. Visitors will be treated to cultural shows and Thai and contemporary music.

The BMA is also holding the Bangkok River Festival from today, November 17, until Friday from 5pm to 10pm. Thais and foreign visitors alike will be able float krathongs from eight piers on the Chao Phraya River – Wat Pho, Tha Maharaj, Wat Rakhang, Wat Arun, Wat Kalaya, Wat Prayoon, Sooksiam@Iconsiam and Asiatique the Riverfront.

Visitors can pay respect to Buddha statues at five temples, watch cultural shows and concerts, and float their krathongs.

The BMA will provide shuttle boat services only on Friday, from 4pm to 10pm.

Get your float ready: Bangkok to celebrate Loy Krathong at numerous sitesGet your float ready: Bangkok to celebrate Loy Krathong at numerous sitesGet your float ready: Bangkok to celebrate Loy Krathong at numerous sitesGet your float ready: Bangkok to celebrate Loy Krathong at numerous sitesGet your float ready: Bangkok to celebrate Loy Krathong at numerous sites

Published : November 17, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40008935

The government has allowed Loy Krathong celebrations this year, which falls on November 19, provided Covid-19 prevention measures are strictly observed.

Festival goers must wear face masks and maintain social distancing, while the use of fireworks, crackers and fire lanterns as well as the serving of alcoholic beverages are banned.

Many provinces have scheduled festivities so that people can float lotus-shaped krathong decorated with candles, incense and flowers as an offering to the goddess of water on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, and to boost tourism that has been hit by the pandemic.

WHERE to celebrate Loy Krathong

The Nation Thailand lists some hotspots where you can celebrate the Loy Krathong spirit this Friday:

> In Bangkok, the festival will be held in two main areas – under Rama VIII Bridge in Bang Phlat district and Klong Ong Ang, which runs through Samphanthawong and Phra Nakhon districts. People can also float their krathongs in 30 public parks.

> Sukhothai will hold its “New Normal Loy Krathong 2021” from November 18-20 at Sukhothai Historical Park in Muang district. The venue will limit the number of attendants to maintain social distancing. Visitors/participants must pre-register via https://sukhothai.online.

> Chiang Mai’s “2021 Yee Peng Lantern Festival” will take place on November 19-20 at several locations across the province, including the five city gates. The province will also unveil the world’s largest Lanna style lantern that is 7.25 metres tall to celebrate the 725th anniversary of Chiang Mai City. Interested participants must register via the Yee Peng Chiang Mai application beforehand.

WHERE to celebrate Loy Krathong

> Tak will hold its “2021 Loy Krathong and 1,000 Lanterns Festival” at the 200th Anniversary Rattanakosin Bridge across the Ping River on November 18 and 19. This year’s lantern-floating ceremony will be substituted by a light and sound multimedia presentation to comply with government rules. No pre-registration is required, but attendants must present certificates that they are fully vaccinated and have tested negative via ATK in the past 72 hours.

> Nakhon Ratchasima will hold a two-day festival on November 19 and 20 at Walking Street in Muang district. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside over the Loy Krathong ceremony on Friday, which will also feature stage performances, krathong contests and a fountain light show.

> Buriram will hold its festivities at Prasat Muang Tam Historical Park in Prakhon Chai district on November 18 and 19. Participants can visit more than a hundred shops that sell Otop products and take part in religious ceremonies. No registration is required.

WHERE to celebrate Loy Krathong

> Chonburi will hold its “Loy Krathong Pattaya City” festival on November 19 at Central Pattaya Beach. The fair will feature a host of stage performances and concerts from several bands. Visitors are encouraged to dress in retro-style. For more information, visit facebook.com/Prpattayacity/.

> Suphanburi is already in the festival spirit, holding the “Loy Krathong of 12 Zodiac Signs” event at Wat Phra Si Sanphet in U Thong district from today until November 21. There will be traditional performances for visitors while Buddhists are invited to pay their respects to the 7th century Buddha’s footprint by covering it with gold leaves.

> In Samut Songkhram, “Mae Klong Loy Krathong” will be held on November 19 at Wat Pummarin Kudeethong in popular Amphawa district. You can float your krathong in the Mae Klong River, then head to the International Food and Lantern Festival at the Ancient City in nearby Samut Prakan to witness a thrilling lantern contest and enjoy international cuisine.

Related Stories

Warnings of a very wet Loy Krathong as Chao Phraya rises

Thais can celebrate Loy Krathong but under some conditions

No booze or fireworks allowed for Bangkok’s Loy Krathong celebration this year

Published : November 17, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40008932

A survey by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) on expected spending during Loy Krathong this year indicates a better response to the festival than in 2020.

However, an expected cash flow of THB9.15 billion during the upcoming festival is the lowest in the past ten years as people try to save money due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, Thanawat Phonwichai, the UTCC’s President and chief advisor to the university’s Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting (CEBF) revealed the expenditure survey results on Loy Krathong festival on November 19. The survey was conducted from 1,240 participants nationwide from November 8 to 12.

The survey found that 51.6 per cent of the participants have planned to float the krathongs, which increased by 42.7 per cent from last year. Most of the participants attending the festival are from the capital areas, followed by those who reside in the central region. Meanwhile, 31.1 per cent are not interested in joining the festival this year, 12.7 per cent of the participants are still considering and 4.6 per cent will go to the festival without floating the krathong.

Expected cash flow for this Loy Krathong is lowest in past ten years: survey

The UTCC’s survey also found the most popular activities that people have planned to do on the Loy Krathong Day are krathong floating, followed by making merit, eating out and hosting parties, respectively. In which, the average spending on the festival day is expected to be 1,280 baht per person which has decreased by almost 100 baht per person from last year.

Related news:

• Thailand Circuit turns flood crisis into Loy Krathong extravaganza
• No floating lanterns, fireworks near airports during Loy Krathong: AOT
• CCSA issues guidelines for Loy Krathong festivities

“Loy Krathong spending this year is seen at 9,147 million baht, the lowest figure in 10 years after the great flood situation in 2011. Despite the increased number of festival participants from 2020, people are still focusing on saving costs. This year’s spending growth rate is minus 3 per cent which is the lowest growth rate in five years. ” Thanawat added.

As for concerns during Loy Krathong Day, most of the participants are concerned about the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Bangkok and its vicinities have the highest concern at 70.6 per cent, followed by the central region at 63.6 per cent.

Published : November 17, 2021

By : THE NATION

Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana voiced his concern to the Land Transportation Association of Thailand on Wednesday after it warned that trucks would block roads if the government did not give in to their demand to cap the diesel price at THB30 per litre.

Thanakorn is worried the move by truckers would lead to traffic jams in the capital and affect free movement.

He said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had already confirmed that the government would help every sector equally.

Thanakorn said a mobile cabinet meeting on Tuesday approved a THB20-billion loan to the Oil Fund. The fund will cap the price of diesel at THB30 per litre.

Association president Apichart Pairoonrueng had organised a “Truck Power Season 2” protest on Tuesday.

More than a hundred trucks drove down Sukhumvit, Bang Na-Trad and Kanchanaphisek roads, as well as the Asian Highway to the Energy Ministry.

Govt spokesman concerned about traffic jams if trucks block roads

Related News

Truck operators hand govt further warning over diesel price, say they might increase transport cost

Trucks to halt 10% of operations until govt reduces diesel price

Truck operators demand state to keep diesel at THB25 per litre

Truckers protesting the high diesel price wanted to hand a letter to Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong, but it was received by deputy permanent secretary Somboon Norkaew instead.

Apichart asked the government to cap the diesel price at THB25 per litre, decrease the diesel excise tax by THB5 per litre and stop collecting money for the Oil Fund for a year.

He gave the government 15 days to decide.

If the government does not respond before the deadline, the association warned it would fill just 20 litres of diesel in each truck and the vehicles would be driven into Bangkok and come to an abrupt halt on the streets when the small amount of gas runs out.

Govt spokesman concerned about traffic jams if trucks block roadsGovt spokesman concerned about traffic jams if trucks block roads

Published : November 17, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40008929

Thailand is not eligible to receive Pfizer’s secret recipe for its Paxlovid Covid-19 antiviral pill because the kingdom is a moderate- to high-income country, the Department of Medical Services said on Wednesday.

The remark came after Pfizer announced it would hand out its Covid-19 antiviral pill recipe to 95 countries. It did not say which countries.

Department director-general Dr Somsak Akksilp said Thailand would however receive the antiviral pill faster than countries eligible to receive the recipe as Thai government agencies have cooperated with Pfizer.

“Thailand will negotiate with Pfizer in a bid to obtain the Paxlovid recipe,” he said.

Somsak went on to say that the Comptroller-General’s Department will hold a meeting on Thursday to consider the procurement of Molnupiravir Covid-19 antiviral pills.

“We expect to sign a procurement contract by next week,” he added.

Related stories:

• Covid situation in Bangkok, vicinity has improved: Medical Services Dept
• Cabinet approves reopening of pubs, bars on January 16
• Thailand recorded 6,524 Covid-19 cases and 56 deaths on Wednesday

Published : November 17, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40008926

Tourists visit the beach in Pattaya of Chonburi province, Thailand.

Thailand has reopened to vaccinated visitors from more than 60 countries and regions amid efforts to revive its pandemic-battered economy.

Tourists walk on the beach in Pattaya of Chonburi province, Thailand, on Nov. 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

A tourist flies a kite on the beach in Pattaya of Chonburi province, Thailand, on Nov. 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

Tourists are seen on the beach in Pattaya of Chonburi province, Thailand, on Nov. 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

Tourists walk on the beach in Pattaya of Chonburi province, Thailand, on Nov. 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

A tourist walks on the beach in Pattaya of Chonburi province, Thailand, on Nov. 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

Published : November 17, 2021

By : Xinhua