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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004045

Phuket sandbox, Samui foreign tourists projects to continue despite increase in Covid cases

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha is closely monitoring the Phuket sandbox and Samui Plus Model and ensuring that both projects continue despite rising new coronavirus cases in Phuket, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, aecretary to the Prime Ministers Office, said.

Most of Covid-19 cases are of local people, workers at construction sites or those travelling across the province, he said. The new cases are not of foreign tourists travelling under this project, he added. Only 30 of the 13,281 foreign tourists who have come as part of the sandbox project were infected, he said.

However, Phuket province has increased screening measures for travel into Phuket, effective from August 3-16. The measure effectively limits travel in and out of the province for effective disease control and for the safety of all tourists and Phuket people, but does not close the sandbox project.

Surat Thani province found 54 cases of Covid-19 on Koh Samui, at a cluster of restaurants, which the province was able to control. He confirmed that the Samui Plus Model could continue as the infected group was not from the Samui Plus Model foreign tourists or from the sandbox foreign tourists who had travelled from Phuket.

Published : August 01, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004042

Suspect, who allegedly spread rumours online of a coup, in police custody

The Royal Thai Police is currently investigating a suspect who allegedly posted fake news related to a military coup, police deputy spokesman Pol General Krisana Pattanacharoen said on Sunday.

Royal Thai Army chief Gen Narongphan Jitkaewtae on Saturday filed a police complaint against a suspect for allegedly posting fake news that the Army will stage a coup and arrest the government’s top executives, resulting in chaos among citizens and damage to the Army.

The suspect, who is a civil servant, was later arrested by Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) police from a house in Chachoengsao province. Police have confiscated the suspect’s smartphone and computer for investigation.

Krisana said the CCIB has finished interrogating the suspect, but it has not filed any charges yet because the investigation and evidence collection process are still underway.

“Police would be summoning up to three netizens who shared the fake news for interrogation,” he said.

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The suspect would face charges for violation of the emergency decree and the Computer Crimes Act, as well as defamation.

Published : August 01, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004040

Fire damages 100-year-old tourist-attraction market in Samut Sakhon

The fire at a 100-year-old waterfront market in Ban Phaeo district of Samut Sakhon province on Saturday was put out with help from officials and locals.

The fire was reported at 9pm to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

The 100-year-old wooden market lies in the “dark red zone” with curfew control measures, causing some delay in firefighters and volunteer rescue teams reaching the blaze site.

Samut Sakhon Governor Weerasak Wijitsaengsri said that the fire was controlled in half an hour with constant water spray throughout the area.
More than 10 residences were damaged but no one was injured, and the locals were safely evacuated to Ban Phaeo’s meeting hall.

The fire was put out by the authorities with help from the Ban Phaeo boat team which used water pumps on their boats to spray water from the canal as big fire trucks could not reach the scene.

The 100-year-old waterfront market near the Damneon Saduak canal hosts an ancient community which attracts many tourists, while local vendors sell daily life homemade products.

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Fire damages 100-year-old tourist-attraction market in Samut SakhonFire damages 100-year-old tourist-attraction market in Samut SakhonFire damages 100-year-old tourist-attraction market in Samut Sakhon

Published : August 01, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004038

Field hospital in Nonthaburi increases ICU units as Covid numbers continue to rise

The Bussarakham field hospital in Nonthaburi province has added 17 intensive care units, which will open on Monday, and another 550 oxygen machines.

Dr Kittisak Aksornwong, assistant permanent secretary, Ministry of Public Health, said that the field hospital, located in the Challenger Hall of the Impact Muang Thong Thani exhibition centre, has been in operation since May 14, initially with 1,100 beds. The number of beds was expanded as more patients came in. It currently has 3,700 beds.

In the two and a half months since its opening, a total of 12,929 patients have been treated.

There are currently 3,500 patients undergoing treatment, about 9,000 have gone home, and some have been referred to other hospitals with more facilities, he said.

Dr Kittisak said that from May 14 to June 30, they had only used 2,000 beds with about 4,200 patients. However, the numbers spiked in July with the number of severely-ill patients increasing from 2 per cent to 5-10 per cent at the end of July. The hospital has 800 oxygen points for over 3,000 beds, but 3-4 days ago they had used up almost all of the 750 points. An additional oxygen concentrator is required. The official has ordered an additional 550 units because, from the forecast, the ongoing outbreak could last a while.

Bussarakham Hospital has patients of all types, and of many nationalities, including Laotian, Myanmar, Cambodian and other foreigners. The proportion of foreigners is around 40 per cent. However, the number reduced to 20 per cent in July.

Dr Kittisak said that the hospital is building a 17-bed intensive care unit with negative pressure system for critically ill patients. It is expected to open next week. It has all the required equipment and a team of doctors and nurses are travelling from other provinces on Sunday to staff the ICUs.

Published : August 01, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004037

Phang Nga beach sand reinforcement project a threat to endangered leatherback turtles: expert

A marine animals expert has warned that a proposed 12-kilometre-long beach sand reinforcement project in the Khao Lak coastal area of Phang Nga province could lead to the extinction of leatherback sea turtles.

After the Marine Dapartment and a team proposed adding sand to a 12-kilometre-long stretch along the Khao Lak coast — from Khao Lak Sunset Hotel to the coral beach in Phang Nga — there has been a lot of opposition from many parties due to concerns about its impact on the environment and tourism.

On Saturday, Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a Kasetsart University scientist and head of Thailand’s endangered marine animals working group, posted on his Facebook page warning that the project may interfere with the spawning of leatherback sea turtles, leading to its extinction.

“Leatherback sea turtles are one of the world’s rarest and biggest turtles. They are a very endangered species, not just in Thailand. These turtles spawn their eggs along the Khao Lak beach coast, all the way to the coral cape in Takua Pa district. They do not lay eggs on coral reef shores like other turtles because they are so large that they cannot enter shallow areas, and the Khao Lak has a relatively deep coastline, a perfect area for the leatherback turtles to spawn,” explained Dr Thon.

“In around 2015, leatherback sea turtles had disappeared from the Khao Lak coastline. But after they were successfully listed as “preserved animals” in 2019, there has been an increase in the number of turtles spawning within this 12-kilometre stretch of the sand reinforcement project area. The project would have a direct impact on the turtles, as the sand bank would become shallow. The leatherback turtles would be unable to spawn their eggs.

“The leatherback sea turtles will become extinct if they are unable to spawn naturally. We have acknowledged the locals to help taking care of these turtles. One missing leatherback turtle’s nest would have a tremendous effect on the number of its population,” he added.

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Phang Nga beach sand reinforcement project a threat to endangered leatherback turtles: expert

The 12-kilometre sand reinforcement project in Khao Lak is currently in the process of gathering data and studying its impact.

Dr Thon suggested that it was not too late to discuss with the locals to find particular spots of erosion for reinforcing, instead of doing it on the entire 12-kilometre stretch.
According to his survey, there is currently no concern about erosion in any area.

“It is important to research and set out the exact spots of sand erosion with the Marine Department, then we can work from there. If the whole coast is to be reinforced, I would propose ‘Section 17’ to suspend any actions or activities that cause serious damage. I will also resign from all positions if the project is approved. I spent 5-6 years working for the preservation of these leatherback sea turtles.

“I strongly disagree with the idea of reinforcing the entire 12-kilometre-long coastline, but there should not be any problems in cooperating to find the best solution together,” Dr Thon said.

Published : August 01, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004035

Three groups prioritised for Pfizer vaccine allocation in 13 provinces

The Pfizer Vaccine Administration Working Group has decided on the criteria for allocating Pfizer vaccines to target groups.

They groups are:

1. Medical and public health personnel caring for Covid-19 patients nationwide and whose names appear in the database of the Ministry of Public Health as having received two doses of Sinovac vaccination for at least 4 weeks and have not received a booster dose of AstraZeneca.

Healthcare and public health personnel who do not qualify for the Pfizer vaccine in this lot are those who have received two doses of AstraZeneca; a third dose of AstraZeneca; one dose of Sinovac and one dose of AstraZeneca; only one dose of Sinovac or AstraZeneca, and other vaccines.

2. The risk groups in 13 provinces determined by the number of elderly people who have not been vaccinated. The goal for Bangkok is to cover 80 per cent of the elderly, while in the other 12 “dark red” provinces, the target is about 70 per cent. The vaccine that has been allocated can be injected according to the target group, including the elderly 60 years and over, seven chronic disease groups aged 12 years and over, and pregnant women from the 12th week onwards. A total of 641,760 doses have been allocated as follows: Bangkok 68,640 doses, Nonthaburi 75,360, Samut Prakan 51,360, Samut Sakhon 21,600, Pathum Thani 37,920, Nakhon Pathom 62,880, Ayutthaya 63,840, Chonburi 74,400, Chachoengsao 42,720, Pattani 29,760, Narathiwat 31,200, Yala 19,200, and Songkhla 62,880.

3. Foreigners residing in Thailand, focusing on those 60 years and above, seven chronic disease groups aged 12 years and over, pregnant women, and international travellers who need the Pfizer vaccine. This group must be pre-registered via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs electronic system. www.expatvac.consular.go.th starting August 1.

Published : August 01, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004036

Thais lending helping hand to those struggling under pandemic

In July, with the help of the main kitchen in the temple and several other small kitchens, the organization managed to provide 10,000 meals every day to those who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic and could not afford food. In a country known as the Land of Smiles, Thai people are extending helping hands to support each other through the hard times.

BANGKOK, Aug. 1 — At 9:00 a.m. every morning, Tassaneeya Visupakarn arrives at a temporary kitchen in a temple in northern Bangkok and starts her new daily routine to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a former human resources officer at various international hotel groups with more than 30 years of experience, Tassaneeya decided to leave her cooperate life and move to a place near the forest for an early retirement.

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However, her dream was disrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak as she had to stay idle in the Thai capital of Bangkok and wait for the situation to improve.

As the number of infections continued to surge, especially in Bangkok and neighboring provinces, Tassaneeya soon found herself a purpose to fulfill — she signed up as a volunteer in May at a non-governmental organization (NGO), which supplies food and other daily necessities for people struggling during the pandemic.

Working in turns with more than 300 other volunteers at the NGO, the Up for Thai, Tassaneeya hoped to render the help she could offer to those in need.

“Everything you see here is volunteer-based and donation-based,” said Chalermchatri Yukol, a Thai film and television series director and founder of the organization. “It’s all about the willpower to help each other.”

Recalling his decision to set up the organization, Chalermchatri said he wanted to help avoid tragedies like his friend who failed to secure a hospital bed after being infected with COVID-19 and passed away.

“There are some minor flaws in the system,” he said, and he wanted to try his best to push for a change.

Chalermchatri and his colleagues got much busier, with new COVID-19 infections and deaths continually breaking records since the latest surge in early April, weighing down the already flagging economic growth.

Photo taken on June 8, 2021 shows two volunteers of Up for Thai cooking vegetables in a temporary kitchen set up in a temple in northern Bangkok, Thailand.

The prolonged outbreak has led to an increasing number of people losing their jobs with many trying to find a new way to earn a living, while exacerbating the situation for those who have already been struggling under the poverty line.

In July, with the help of the main kitchen in the temple and several other small kitchens, the organization managed to provide 10,000 meals every day to those who have lost their jobs and could not afford food.

Besides relief measures from the government in a country known as the Land of Smiles, Thai people are extending helping hands to support each other through the hard times.

Chalermchatri said the organization has been attracting more volunteers from all walks of life, including journalists, engineers, chefs and housewives.

“There are lots of people who we have helped coming back to join us and help more others,” he said.

Besides providing boxed food, the volunteers also took turns to provide information and answering inquiries on hospital beds and patient transportation through hotline setup. They are also working to provide oxygen tanks as well as other necessary life-saving devices to COVID-19 patients, especially those waiting for hospital beds.

While feeling tired from time to time, Tassaneeya has been deeply content with what she is doing and has learned a lot from other volunteers.

“Most of the volunteers have their own jobs, but they still take time to join us and contribute to this work. It’s beautiful to share, so that we could have a better chance to go back to normal life,” she said.

Although the outlook remains dim and uncertain, Chalermchatri believes the silver lining might just lie under the current clouds. “I’m quite happy that what we do has been quite effective as we try to improve things here.”

Photo taken on June 8, 2021 shows a volunteer of the Up for Thai packing eggs in a temporary kitchen set up in a temple in northern Bangkok, Thailand.

Published : August 01, 2021

By : xinhua

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004027

Phuket police officers transferred for alleged involvement in illegal hotel gambling

Three police officers in Phuket suspected of involvement in a hotel room being converted into a gambling den have been transferred, Provincial Police Region 8 said on Saturday.

On July 17, 28 people were arrested when the Crime Suppression Division raided the Nchantra Pool Suite Residences hotel in Muang Phuket district after getting a tip-off that a hotel room had allegedly been converted into a gambling den.

Provincial Police Region 8 Commissioner Pol Lt-General Kitrat Punpetch has set up a committee to investigate the case.

“Provincial Police Region 8 has evidence that three police officers — Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj-General Pornasak Nuannoo, Phuket Provincial Police Superintendent Pol Colonel Bundit Khaosutham, and Chalong Police Sub-Inspector Pol Lieutenant Pornprasit Waenthong — were involved with the suspects in converting the hotel room into a gambling den,” Kitrat said.

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Phuket police officers transferred for alleged involvement in illegal hotel gambling

He added that Provincial Police Region 8 Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Commander, Pol Maj-General Saksira Phuak-am and Pol Colonel Prawit Sutthiruengarun, will act as Phuket Provincial Police Commander and Superintendent, respectively, until new appointments are made.

Published : August 01, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004025

Technical issues force cancellation of vaccine registrations via app

The Public Health Ministry on Saturday cancelled reservations for Covid-19 vaccine jabs via the Mor Prom application on July 30-31 due to technical issues.

Instead, the ministry advised people to register for vaccine jabs via hospitals nationwide.

“The ministry would like to apologise to the people and hospital staff for any inconvenience,” the Public Health Ministry said.

Published : August 01, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40004024

China, Thailand support each other in fighting COVID-19: Thai deputy PM

“With the good cooperation that we have had with each other, we will continue to help each other to the best we can, and this will continue endlessly,” said the Thai deputy PM.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said China and Thailand have had good cooperation on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and the two countries will continue to support each other in this regard.

Expressing his gratitude for China’s assistance in fighting the pandemic, Anutin said “the Chinese government has always supported our country to the most extent, and we have received lots of contributions.”

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“I could say loudly that Thai people always feel the wonderful brotherhood between the Chinese and the Thais,” Anutin said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

“With the good cooperation that we have had with each other, we will continue to help each other to the best we can, and this will continue endlessly,” said Anutin, who is also the country’s public health minister.

China’s Sinovac vaccine is the first COVID-19 vaccine that entered Thailand, and has helped the Southeast Asian country kick-start its national inoculation program, with Anutin taking the first shot.

Citizens wait to receive the COVID-19 vaccines developed by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac in Bangkok, Thailand, May 31, 2021.
 

The Chinese vaccines are the major vaccines that Thailand is using to inoculate its people, said Anutin, expecting that by the year end, the vast majority of the people could be vaccinated.

As Thailand is grappling with the worst wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, with its medical system being overwhelmed, the country needs speedy vaccine rollout to control the situation.

As of Saturday, China has provided to Thailand 19 batches of vaccines, according to data from the Chinese Embassy to Thailand.

Despite the current COVID-19 situation, Anutin said “the plan to open up our country is still there,” hoping that the situation could get better in the next few months and Thailand could welcome tourists from China as ever before.

To reboot the tourism-reliant economy and revive the tourism sector, Thailand aims to open up to fully-vaccinated foreign tourists later this year.

On Saturday, the country reported 18,912 new cases, the highest single-day tally since the pandemic began, raising the total number of infections to nearly 600,000. Cumulative fatalities have risen to 4,857, up by 178 over the last 24 hours, also a record high. 

Published : August 01, 2021

By : xinhua