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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40005119

Sinovac effective against Covid-19, Chinese Embassy insists

The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok took to Facebook on Sunday to reiterate that the Sinovac vaccine is effective against the raging coronavirus.

In a Facebook post, it also said 25.55 million doses of Sinovac have been delivered to Thailand by the Chinese government since February, with the latest lot of one million doses being delivered on August 21.

“In the past six months China has held on to the promise of delivering more than 60 per cent of all vaccines to be administered in Thailand to keep Thai people safe from the pandemic,” the post said.

“The Sinovac vaccine is effective against Covid-19 and has been approved by the World Health Organisation for emergency use and by more than than 100 countries,” the embassy said.

“A study by Thailand’s Department of Disease Control also revealed that Sinovac jabs have shown 98 per cent efficacy in keeping patients safe from developing severe symptoms and/or death,” the post said.

“Sinovac’s efficacy in preventing infection after two doses is generally 72 per cent. When divided by months, the infection prevention rate of Sinovac from May to July was still above 70 per cent on average, which means the vaccine is effective despite the spreading Delta variant,” it insisted.

Established medical journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine and The Lancet also published articles confirming that both Chinese vaccines, Sinovac and Sinopharm, are effective against Covid-19, the embassy said.

“China aims to deliver 2 billion doses of vaccine worldwide this year and will also donate $100 million [THB3.32 billion] to the Covax programme to procure vaccines for developing nations,” the post went on to say.

“China’s vaccine cooperation with other countries has no political motives other than the ultimate goal of overcoming the Covid-19 crisis as soon as possible,” the embassy post added.

Published : August 23, 2021

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40005114

Man holds Bangkok bus conductor, passenger hostage at gunpoint

A 24-year-old jobless gunman took a Bangkok bus conductor and passenger hostage on Sunday night but peacefully surrendered early on Monday after a hours-long standoff with Lat Phrao police, thanks to his mother who talked him into finally giving up.

Police were alerted at 9.30pm on Sunday that the gunman was holding a conductor and passenger of public bus No 8 hostage on Happy Land 1 Road in Bangkok’s Bang Kapi district.

Officers rushed to the scene and found the bus parked on the rightmost lane of the road, with three persons in the vehicle.

Nuanphan Muangjeeb, 30, the bus conductor, said the gunman boarded the bus at Victory Monument on Sunday evening but refused to get off when the bus service terminated at Happy Land.

“Instead, he pulled out a gun and ordered the driver to drive the bus back to Victory Monument to drop him off,” she said.

Man holds Bangkok bus conductor, passenger hostage at gunpoint

According to Nuanphan, driver Sayan Reugphichit, 39, told the gunman that he had to get his timesheet signed by an official at the bus stop and then quickly scooted away before the gunman could do anything, leaving only the conductor and the passenger on the bus.

“The gunman then told me to shut the bus doors,” she added.

Police subsequently arrived at the scene and surrounded the bus until 11pm, when the gunman finally got off the vehicle and promptly squatted on the footpath, still armed with his weapon. He refused to surrender.

Man holds Bangkok bus conductor, passenger hostage at gunpoint

Officers managed to locate his mother and at 1.55am on Monday took her to the scene to convince her son to turn himself in. He eventually complied.

No one was injured in the incident.

Man holds Bangkok bus conductor, passenger hostage at gunpoint

At 2.30am police revealed the gunman’s name is Pheeranat Saengchan and he is 24 years old. He was a temporary worker at a company but is now out of a job and mired in financial problems.

“A preliminary investigation revealed that he robbed a convenience store in Bang Sue on July 7, using the same 11mm handgun, and escaped with THB8,000,” the police said.

“We are investigating whether or not the suspect had ever participated in the anti-government rallies at Victory Monument,” police added.

Published : August 23, 2021

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40005103

Thailand recorded 17,491 Covid-19 cases and 242 deaths on Monday

Ministry of Public Health reported on Monday (August 23) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 17,491 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 398 of whom have been found in prisons.

Death toll increased by 242, while 22,134 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country are at 1,066,786 with 9,562 total deaths.
 

Published : August 23, 2021

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40005102

35 held for anti-government rally

Police arrested 35 individuals on Sunday for participating in an anti-government rally at Sam Liam Din Daeng junction in Bangkok’s Ratchathewi district, said Metropolitan Police deputy chief Pol Maj-General Piya Tawichai.

The Thalu Fah group protesters, who had gathered at Victory Monument on Sunday evening, blocked traffic until Din Daeng Junction. They reportedly threw firecrackers, flares and ping pong bombs at crowd-control police, who have been deployed in the areas to control the situation.

35 held for anti-government rally

“Two police officers were injured on Sunday,” Piya said. “After the protesters dispersed at around 7pm, officials arrested 35 of them, confiscated 20 motorcycles as well as some guns and explosives.”

According to the police, the suspects were charged with public gathering of more than 10 people in violation of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration during an Emergency Situation. Those possessing explosive devices will also be charged for violating the Explosives, Fireworks and Imitation Firearms Act.

35 held for anti-government rally

Piya added that from July 1 till August 22, police had issued summons to 118 individuals – 16 of whom are protest leaders and 102 rally participants – so they can be informed of the charges before officers pursue legal action against them for their roles in previous anti-government protests.

Published : August 23, 2021

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40005099

Thundershowers forecast for some areas in all regions across country

A weak southwest monsoon prevails across Thailand, the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, and will bring thundershowers to some areas in all regions across the country, the Meteorological Department said on Monday.

It added that tropical storm Omais over the East China Sea is moving north and will have no effect on Thailand.

Here’s the weather forecast for the next 24 hours:

North: Thundershowers in 30 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 23-27 degrees and highs of 33-37 degrees Celsius.

Northeast: Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 23-26 degrees and highs of 32-38 degrees Celsius.

Central: Thundershowers in 30 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 24-26 degrees, highs of 36-37 degrees Celsius.

East: Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 24-27 degrees, highs of 33-36 degrees Celsius; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres during thundershowers.

South (east coast): Thundershowers in 30 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 22-25 degrees, highs of 31-35 degrees Celsius; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 20-25 degrees, highs of 31-32 degrees Celsius; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres during thundershowers.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 25-27 degrees, highs of 33-37 degrees Celsius.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : August 23, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40005091

Hydro-floating solar hybrid plant expected to supply electricity from October

The hydro-floating solar hybrid power plant on Sirindhorn Dam in Ubon Ratchathani province, with a capacity of 45 megawatts, will start operating from October, Boonyanit Wongrukmit, governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), said.

He said the plant, which is the largest floating hybrid solar project in the world, would help reduce the limitation of being able to generate electricity from a renewable energy source only for a certain period of time. He said it would now be possible to produce electricity for a longer time. It generates electricity from solar cells during the day and from the hydroelectric power plant at night, using a battery that stores the electricity generated in daytime. It is also the best use of the existing resources of the dam, such as power transmission lines and high-voltage power stations, and reduces the cost of electricity.

Egat has completed installion of seven sets of solar panels and buoys in Sirindhorn Dam, concrete buoys of the underwater anchor system and the switchgear building. It is expected to be able to supply electricity to the commercial system in October 2021.

Egat is still waiting for the Ministry of Energy to approve the expansion of floating photovoltaic power generation from the current power development plan of 2,725 megawatts to 5,000 megawatts to meet the country’s clean energy needs.

In the transportation sector, Egat has promoted the use of electric vehicles (EV) to reduce carbon emissions in a concrete way, such as installing 14 EleX by Egat EV charging stations and preparing to expand 34 more. In the future, there will be the development of the EleXA application for finding EV charging stations, Egat Wallbox for charging EVs at home or business places, including the development of the BackEN platform for the management of EV charging stations, the governor said.

Published : August 22, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40005089

People seek govt support as they deplete their savings: poll

Thai people are dipping into their savings, while their expenses have increased amid the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a Suan Dusit University opinion poll.

The poll respondents urged the government to solve the issue as some people would be able to support themselves for only another three months.

The Suan Dusit University opinion poll on “The expenditure of Thai people in the era of Covid-19 crisis” surveyed 1,274 people from August 16-19.

The survey found that:

• 40.22 per cent of respondents reported an increase in expenses;
• 83.57 per cent used their salary to pay for their expenses;
• 42.63 per cent had to use some of their savings. 

The expenditure patterns during the pandemic were:

• 80.44 per cent had reduced purchase of luxury goods;
• 86.41 per cent of respondents want the government to help reduce water, electricity, internet and gas bills;
• 37.37 per cent would be able to support themselves for only another three months at current expenditure levels.

    
Despite being frugal in expenditure, many people are having to use their savings due to the higher cost of living. The domestic consumption rates had been low due to unemployment and the downhill economy.

The current economic situation indicates that people will be able to support themselves for only another three months. Therefore, the government has to urgently solve the economic problems, provide measures to help with the necessary expenses and reduce the cost of living to help the people, the respondents said.

Published : August 22, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40005087

Korat hotel goes on sale after severe impact from the pandemic

Sripattana Hotel, a well-known hotel in Korat, is up for sale at a price of THB250 million.

The hotel’s appliances were sold for low prices on Saturday after the business was shut down since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Saturday, a sign saying “Appliances and equipment for sale” was reportedly seen at the hotel entrance.

 
The hotel, which is in Nakhon Ratchasima province, has been closed since October 2020, after it suffered from the pandemic impact and the economic stagnation.
A fence was built around the front area of the hotel and security guards were hired to watch over for many months, before the hotel was put up for sale at THB250 million. 

Thai and Japanese investors have expressed interest in the property. But, due to bank loan problems, the hotel has not yet found a buyer. 

The sale of appliances and equipment drew strong interest from the people and some 90 per cent of electrical appliances had already been sold.

Korat hotel goes on sale after severe impact from the pandemicKorat hotel goes on sale after severe impact from the pandemic

The eight-storey Sripattana Hotel was ranked 3.5 stars. It has 183 guest rooms, a banquet hall, an outdoor pool, a karaoke room, a traditional massage spa and restaurants.

The hotel was founded by General Kris Sivara, the former minister of defence and the former chief of the Royal Thai Army. The hotel opened its doors in 1967, and in 2011 Rathprateep Keeratiurai, one of the Nakhon Ratchasima Chamber of Commerce founders, made a contract with the owner to manage the hotel on behalf of Korat Sripatana Co Ltd. 

Rathprateep had offered the hotel as a temporary Covid-19 treatment facility in March 2020, before the lease expired in September 30 and business was closed due to the impact of the pandemic. 

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The hotel is currently owned by General Kris Sivara’s heir, but the business was not intended to be continued. Therefore, the selling of the hotel, the hotel’s appliances and equipment has been announced accordingly.

Korat hotel goes on sale after severe impact from the pandemicKorat hotel goes on sale after severe impact from the pandemicKorat hotel goes on sale after severe impact from the pandemic

Published : August 22, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40005086

Five solutions being considered to tackle noise pollution from red line trains

The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) has offered five solutions to tackle noise pollution from electric trains and suburban trains in Bangkok and its vicinity after complaints from the public about the dark red line, Bang Sue – Taling Chan.

The Department of Rail Transport clarified that the construction of electric trains and suburban trains in Bangkok and its vicinity had been designed and analysed for environmental impacts.

An environmental impact assessment report had been prepared in accordance with Section 46 of the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act BE 2535 and its amendments for noise and vibration to be in accordance with the standard, the department said.

The department said it had examined and found that there were no complaints about the rail network in the area that the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand was responsible for, on the Blue Line and the Purple Line. However, there were some complaints on the Green Line and the Dark Red Line.

The railways authority held discussions with the SRT, and reached the following conclusions:

1. The SRT has adjusted the train operation practice from the original 4am for trial runs to no later than midnight.

2. SRT has urged train operators to use the horn only when necessary.

3. SRT is considering the installation of soundproof walls in the community near the railway boundary to reduce the noise impact on the people.

4. SRT is considering closing the steerageway/installing a barrier to prevent intruders from entering the traffic area, which poses a risk and leads to use of horns.

5. The DRT and SRT carry out inspections and maintenance of roadways in good condition to reduce the noise effect, especially around curves.

Srisuwan Janya, president of the Association against Global Warming, had submitted a petition to the Office of the Auditor-General on August 20, acting on complaints from people affected by noise and vibration problems from various electric train lines, especially the dark red line trains. He stated that several complaints had been made to the relevant authorities, but no action was taken to fix the problem.

Published : August 22, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40005082

Vaccination of children and booster dose for public to start by next year

AstraZeneca has heeded Thailands request for an increase in supply of Covid-19 vaccines from September, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general, Department of Disease Control (DDC), said.

Under the current terms from June-August, Thailand is receiving on average 5-6 million doses per month.

Opas said that from September, Thailand will receive 7.2 million doses.

As for the vaccine procurement plans for 2022, it is likely that vaccinations may require booster doses to increase immunity among those who have taken two doses, including expanding inoculation to other target groups like children, he said.

Research by many agencies in many countries has found that immunity is reduced after two doses, irrespective of the type of vaccine. Therefore, it is necessary to find additional vaccines to inject two groups, namely children who have not been vaccinated at all and booster dose groups.

The National Vaccine Board has suggested that by 2022 at least 120 million additional doses of vaccine will be provided and a variety of vaccines, including inactivated, mRNA, Virus vectors, proteins, etc. This decision has been approved by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration.

The National Vaccine Institute intends to import 50 million doses of Pfizer vaccine and 50 million doses of AstraZeneca. If a company can produce an efficient version 2 and it is safe, it could be sent as a second batch. The quantity and delivery time will be negotiated further, said Dr Opas.

Published : August 22, 2021

By : The Nation