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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003858

Record 16,533 infections, 133 deaths in Thailand

Thailand’s daily Covid-19 numbers hit a new high on Wednesday with 16,533 infections and 133 deaths, pushing the total to 543,361 cases.

Meanwhile, 10,051 patients have recovered and been discharged in the last 24 hours.

Of the accumulated 543,361 cases, 360,694 have recovered and been discharged, 178,270 are still in hospitals, and 4,397 have died.

Separately, another 284,387 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, and 43,002 were given their second shot, bringing the total Covid-19 vaccines administered in Thailand to 16,427,059.

According to Worldometer, as of 11am on Wednesday, the number of confirmed cases globally had risen to 195.98 million, 177.65 million of whom have recovered, 14.14 million are active cases (85,689 in severe condition) and 4.19 million have died (up by 9,460).

Thailand ranks 45th on the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 35.35 million, followed by India with 31.48 million, Brazil with 19.74 million, France with 6.17 million and Russia 6.02 million.

Published : July 28, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003857

Govt accused of using fake news as an excuse to control freedoms: Thai news orgs

Thailand’s six key media organisations are demanding that the government stop controlling people’s freedom of speech under the authority of the emergency decree.

The organisations include the National Press Council, News Broadcasting Council, Thai Journalists Association, Thai Broadcast Journalists Association, Society for Online News Provider Association and National Union of Journalists Thailand.

The demand was issued on Wednesday after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced via Facebook on Tuesday that serious steps would be taken to deal with “fake news”.

The government has threatened to invoke Article 9 of the Emergency Decree, which was enforced on July 15. According to the decree, strict action will be taken against people spreading false information or fake news to cause fear or shake the state’s stability.

However, the media organisations pointed out that this announcement aims to limit the freedom and rights of people and the press. Also, it said, branding reports as “fake news” is only an excuse for the authorities and is calling on those in the press to demand the government stop using this excuse to control the public.

Published : July 28, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003856

Overcrowding at Bang Sue Grand Station sparks concerns

Hundreds show up at Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok for a Covid-19 shot, paying no heed to social distancing rules. This has also sparked worries that a new cluster of infections may erupt at the station due to crowds.

Under present regulations, three groups of people have until July 31 to walk in for a jab at this site, namely:

• People above the age of 60 (born before 1961)
• Women who are over 12 weeks into their pregnancy (medical certificate from their hospital required)
• People weighing more than 100 kilos (aged 18 and above)

It was recently announced that people from any part of the country can walk into Bang Sue Grand Station for a free Covid-19 shot from July 22 to 31.

This announcement has attracted people from different provinces, who may end up spreading the virus if they pick up an infection in overcrowded circumstances.

Published : July 28, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003855

Thailand applying for Guinness World Record for longest petrified log in Tak

The Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment revealed on Tuesday that it was preparing to apply for a Guinness World Record for the longest petrified log in Tak, which is longer than the current record holder found in China.

Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said there were petrified logs, or long pieces of ancient wood that have changed into a stony substance, on Doi Soi Malai mountain in the province. The first one was found in 2003, or 18 years ago.

The longest one is 72.22 metres long, the same height as a 20-storey building – compared to the present record holder in China’s Qitai, Xinjiang, which is just 38 metres long.

The record-breaking log in Tak is said to be more than 120,000 years old.

This type of wood is known as Thong Bueng, or Kempas, and is usually found in southern Thailand and the Malay Peninsula.

Published : July 28, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003853

PM orders agencies to urgently crack down on individuals spreading Covid-related fake news

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered responsible agencies via his @prayutofficial Facebook page on Tuesday to take action against individuals spreading Covid-19 fake news that might cause public confusion during the pandemic.

His post came in response to social media rumours that the Bang Sue vaccination centre would be shut down to prevent overcrowding.

The premier insisted on Tuesday that the centre would remain open with social distancing measures employed.

“Each ministry must establish a task force to check and correct fake news that are related to their responsible areas. It must also pursue legal action against the spreaders,” Prayut wrote.

“The Anti-Fake News Centre [under the Digital Economy and Society Ministry] must check and verify the information and announce on their website within 24 hours that they are aware of the news or that a public inquiry has been submitted,” the premier said.

“Furthermore, the Government Public Relations Department, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission and spokespersons of all ministries must notify the public of this verified information via all available channels to ensure comprehensive coverage,” Prayut instructed.

He also ordered the Digital Economy and Society Ministry and the police’s Technology Crime Suppression Division to take legal action in a swift and transparent manner with complete impartiality against those spreading fake news.

“All violators will be treated under the same law regardless of their social status,” Prayut said. “Celebrities, media outlets or owners of popular Facebook pages will be slapped with charges of spreading fake news if they violate the laws,” the PM warned

“I will personally follow up on this anti-fake-news operation, which must be carried out as soon as possible. All agencies must report the progress of their operations to me before the next Cabinet meeting and will have to present updates before every Cabinet meeting,” he added.

Published : July 28, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003851

Bang Sue vaccination centre will not be shut down, Prayut insists

The central vaccination unit at Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district will remain open, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha made it clear to public health officials during a meeting via videoconference on Tuesday.

His statement came in response to rumours that the centre would be shut down to prevent overcrowding, news and photos of which have been circulating on social media earlier this week.

“The Bang Sue vaccination centre will continue providing jabs to people who have preregistered online. It will rearrange vaccination areas and employ social distancing practices to prevent crowding,” Prayut said.

Bang Sue vaccination centre will not be shut down, Prayut insists

“From August 1 to 31, the government will allow people aged over 18 to register for Covid-19 vaccinations at Bang Sue Grand Station. People over 60, pregnant women of more than 12 weeks and those who have seven underlying health problems can register as well,” the premier said.

Prayut also said that measures would be employed to ensure faster services, such as having elders receive jabs in the morning and other groups in the afternoon, or allowing people under 60 who are healthy to skip the blood-pressure test.

“By streamlining the vaccination process, Bang Sue Grand Station is capable of imparting 25,000 to 30,000 doses of vaccine per day,” he added.

Published : July 28, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003845

Pico finance operators dole out almost THB13 billion in small loans

Pico finance operators have given out 553,974 loans totalling THB12.69 billion, or an average of THB22,921 per account, the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) reported on Tuesday.

The loans have flowed to those in need since the Finance Ministry gave eligible operators pico finance and pico plus finance licences from December 2016 until May 2021.

A pico finance operator is one with a capital of at least THB5 million who is allowed to lend no more than THB50,000 per borrower. A pico-plus operator needed to have a capital of THB10 million and could lend up to THB100,000 per person.

“As of May 2021, 198,217 loans worth THB4.23 billion were still outstanding. Of these, 27,432 accounts worth THB627.87 million were short-term loans for up to three months, or 14.8 per cent of total outstanding loans,” FPO deputy director Saphatporn Thammapornphilas said.

“Meanwhile, 32,440 accounts worth THB748.27 million were non-performing loans, or 17.6 per cent of total outstanding loans.”

Saphatporn said that as of June 2021, 885 operators have applied for pico finance or pico-plus finance licences. Of these, 847 have provided loans in 74 provinces, with the top three provinces being Nakhon Ratchasima (79 operators), Bangkok (67) and Khon Kaen (51).

“From December 2016 to June this year, 9,596 loan sharks have been arrested in police operations, with 244 nabbed in June alone,” she added. “If you have information about any loan sharks, contact hotlines 1599, 1567 or 1359.”

Published : July 28, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003843

Daily infections reach new high on Wednesday at 16,533 infections and 133 deaths

Ministry of Public Health reported on Wednesday (July 28) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 16,533 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 202 of whom have been found in prisons.

Death toll increased by 133, while 10,051 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country are at 543,361 with 4,397 total deaths.
 

Published : July 28, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003839

Isolated heavy rains forecast for North, Central region, East

The North, the Central region and the East are all likely to experience isolated heavy showers as a monsoon trough lies across the upper North and the strong southwest monsoon prevails across the country, the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, the Meteorological Department said on Wednesday.

It warned people to beware of severe conditions that may cause flash floods. The department also advised all ships to proceed with caution and small boats to stay ashore as waves in the upper Andaman Sea are 2-3 metres high and will be more than 3 metres during thundershowers.

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

North: Thundershowers in 60 per cent of the area with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 23-25 degrees and highs of 32-34 degrees Celsius.

Northeast: Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 25-26 degrees and highs of 33-35 degrees Celsius.

Central: Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the area with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 23-25 degrees, highs of 33-35 degrees Celsius.

East: Thundershowers in 60 per cent of the area with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 24-27 degrees, highs of 31-34 degrees Celsius; waves 1-2 metres high and 2 metres during thundershowers.

South (east coast): Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 24-26 degrees, highs of 31-36 degrees Celsius; waves 1-2 metres high and 2 metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Thundershowers in 30 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 22-27 degrees, highs of 32-35 degrees Celsius; waves 2-3 metres high and over 3 metres during thundershowers.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 25-27 degrees, highs of 32-36 degrees Celsius.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : July 28, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003836

Crush at Bang Sue vaccination centre sparks virus fears

Overcrowding sparked fears of cluster outbreaks at Bangkok’s main vaccination centre on Tuesday, after people from other provinces rushed to get injected before the walk-in measure is scrapped.

The Bang Sue Vaccination Centre was packed all day, as people took advantage of public holidays to travel to the capital for a jab.

The centre was open to senior citizens for walk-in appointments and to people from other provinces who had pre-booked their jab.

Among the crowds were people from Prachuap Khiri Khan, Samut Sakhon, Saraburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Lop Buri, Chainat, Phichit and Ang Thong. Monks from Phra Phutthabat temple in Saraburi had also made the journey for a jab.

People queuing at the centre said they had left their provinces early in the morning via pre-booked vans. Some were disappointed after being turned away because they did not meet criteria for vaccination. Many were seen pleading with officials for a jab. Others even wandered around asking if they could pose as carers for elderly people in order to be vaccinated.

The centre announced that it would suspend walk-in appointments from Thursday (July 29) and receive only people who have registered via the mobile network.

Crush at Bang Sue vaccination centre sparks virus fearsCrush at Bang Sue vaccination centre sparks virus fearsCrush at Bang Sue vaccination centre sparks virus fearsCrush at Bang Sue vaccination centre sparks virus fearsCrush at Bang Sue vaccination centre sparks virus fearsCrush at Bang Sue vaccination centre sparks virus fears

Published : July 27, 2021

By : The Nation