#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001375

Royal Academy can import vaccine directly but must get permission from FDA

Chulabhorn Royal Academy will procure alternative brands of Covid-19 vaccine as per an announcement just published in the Royal Gazette, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam confirmed on Thursday.

Wissanu said the royal college, a scientific research institute, had legal authority to issue announcements to import vaccines, drugs and medical equipment.

However, any purchase of vaccine must abide by Thai law and be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Public Health Ministry, he said. The college would also halt the importation of vaccine once there was sufficient supply in the country, he added.

The college said it would reveal plans to import Sinopharm vaccine tomorrow (Friday).

Asked if the college’s move would duplicate the Public Health Ministry’s ongoing procurement process, Wissanu said it was just another way of securing vaccine doses. The private sector and others could do the same by asking permission from the government, he added.

Any vaccine procured by the Royal College must have been approved for use in Thailand by the FDA.

The FDA has approved AstraZeneca, Chinese-made Sinovac, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines. It is currently considering applications for China’s Sinopharm, Russia’s Sputnik V and India’s Covaxin brands.

When asked if other medical institutions like Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thammasat University Hospital and the Thai Red Cross could also procure Covid-19 vaccine, Wissanu said all government agencies were free to procure their own doses. However, the college does not qualify on these grounds and so had to gain authorisation in the same way as private operators like Bumrungrad Hospital, who are also seeking to import vaccine, he said.

Wissanu insisted the FDA retained its authority to ban any unauthorised vaccine imports and said it would not be influenced by any power plays.

Published : May 27, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001373

Pattaya jogger runs into trouble for defying face-mask rule

A video clip of a woman being warned for jogging along Pattaya beach in Chonburi without a face mask went viral on Thursday.

Chonburi made wearing face masks in public mandatory in January to contain the spread of Covid-19. Those who violate the rule can fined up to THB20,000.

The clip shows the bare-faced woman arguing with an official as he tries to persuade her to comply with the law. The woman points out that she is jogging in the open air, not in a confined or crowded area.

After a police car pulls up in the background, the woman finally relents and agrees to comply with measures by not visiting the area again.

The clip drew a flood of comments – most of them critical – after being shared by a well-known social media page. The woman featured later posted an apology for her actions.

However, some netizens voiced support for her behaviour, saying that wearing a face mask while jogging can obstruct breathing and might lead to fainting.

Published : May 27, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001370

How Bangkokians can book their Covid shot

The Public Health Ministry and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have set up platforms for Bangkokians to register for their Covid-19 jab from Thursday onwards.

The ministry coordinated with mobile phone operators to set up these platforms.

AIS users can register via the www.ais.th website or via the “my AIS” mobile app. Meanwhile, Dtac customers can book their jab via www.dtac.co.th, the Dtac mobile app or at all Dtac shops in Bangkok and its suburbs. True users can register via https://vaccine.trueid.net/, while users of True Move H can simply call *707# to register.

Registration via these channels kicked off at 9am on Thursday, and jabs will be provided from June 7 at the Bang Sue Grand Station.

Meanwhile, the BMA has set up a website called Thai Ruam Jai (www.ไทยร่วมใจ.com) for registration. The registration option is also available via the Pao Tang app and at specific convenience stores. Convenience stores that provide the service will sport a vaccine registration banner as of noon on Thursday.

How Bangkokians can book their Covid shot

Those who register via the BMA platform can choose to get a jab at any of the following 25 vaccination stations from June 7 onwards:

1. Central World

2. Central Plaza Pinklao

3. Central Plaza Lat Phrao

4. Central Festival EastVille

5. Siam Paragon

6. The Emporium

7. Iconsiam

8. The Mall Bang Khae

9. The Mall Bang Kapi

10. Robinson Lifestyle Lat Krabang

11. Lotus Rama IV

12. Lotus Minburi

13. Big C Romklao

14. Big C Bang Bon

15. Asiatique

16. Samyan Mitrtown

17. Thanya Park

18. The Street Ratchada

19. SCG Headquarters, Bang Sue

20. Siam Commercial Bank Headquarters

21. Thai PBS

22. True Digital Park

23. PTT Station Rama II (km.12)

24. University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce

25. Thai Business Administration Technological College, Sripatum University

Published : May 27, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001365

Kratom removed from narcotics list, paving way for new cash crop

Kratom was officially removed from the narcotics list on Thursday, paving the way to its legalisation as a cash crop.

The delisting announced in the Royal Gazette follows an amendment passed by Parliament in January to legalise the plant, which has been used as a traditional herbal remedy in Thailand for centuries.

The legalisation of kratom will come into effect 90 days from today’s announcement.

“To be in line with international principles and the context of Thai society in areas that consume kratom, it is necessary to delist kratom as a narcotic,” the announcement read.

Thailand’s stance on kratom began changing at the end of 2019 after the government legalised the production, possession, and use of cannabis and kratom for medical purposes.

Published : May 27, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001364

Actress under fire for ill-timed anti-Sinovac comment

Well-known actress Kanyawee “Thanaerng” Songmuang issued an apology to Chinese people for making comments against the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine.

She had tweeted earlier that the vaccine had not been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and called on the government to explain its decision to use Sinovac.

Chinese fans responded with anger to her tweet, saying all those who have received the Sinovac jab are still healthy.

In her message on Wednesday, Kanyawee said getting inoculated is the best way of protecting everybody and bringing this pandemic to an end.

Actress under fire for ill-timed anti-Sinovac comment

“I retweeted an article about Thailand’s vaccine choices, but it was misunderstood by many people. I want to state that my intention is to reflect the current situation of Thailand’s vaccine distribution system, which should have enough doses for everyone in my country and should offer different options for appropriate and rational vaccine rollout,” her message read.

“I respect all medical personnel across the world who have worked so hard to produce vaccines to help people return to a normal way of life.

“I’m sorry if my message made any of you uncomfortable. It was never my intention. I will be more careful about messages that I post on social media in the future.”

Separately, after receiving his second shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said WHO is expected to approve the Sinovac vaccine within this week.

Published : May 27, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001363

Why releasing fish can be more of a sin

Locals have been shocked by the vista of dead fish floating on the Chao Phraya River and under Bangkok’s Saphan Phut Bridge since yesterday.

On Wednesday, many people, including monks, showed up at the banks of the Chao Phraya to perform rites to mark Visakha Bucha Day and release buckets of catfish.

However, most of the fish died because their bodies hit the stairs leading to the river or they could not adapt themselves to freshwater.

Thais, especially devout Buddhists, believe that releasing fish earns them merit, but many environmental organisations are warning that releasing wrong fish in unsuitable water bodies may have a severe impact on the ecosystem.

Visakha Bucha is one of the most important holidays in the Buddhist calendar, as it marks Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death.

Published : May 27, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001361

How using personal cars for call-taxi services is win-win for all

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft regulation proposed by the Transport Ministry allowing people to register their personal vehicles for commercial use.

The new regulation is expected to go into effect by July.

The Nation Thailand explains here why this regulation is necessary and who will benefit from it.

Proposal made two years ago

The ministerial regulation was proposed to not just make it easy for commuters to call a cab and see the fare beforehand, but also to ensure service providers run the business according to law.

Call-taxi services are currently in violation of Article 21 of the 1979 Vehicle Act, and violators can face a fine of no more than 2,000 baht.

The new regulation will specify the following:

• Cars or vans will be registered under three categories based on engine size:

1. Small (50-90kW)

2. Medium (90-120kW)

3. Large (over 120kW)

• All call-taxi service providers must get an operating licence from the Department of Land Transport and display it clearly on their vehicles.

• All call-taxi drivers must have a public vehicle driver licence and have no police records.

• The fare for the first two kilometres will be set at no more than 50 baht for small vehicles and no more than 200 baht for large vehicles. After the first two kilometres, passengers will be charged 12 baht and 50 baht per kilometre, respectively.

• If the vehicle is stationary, passengers of small cars will be charged 3 baht per minute and 10 baht per minute for large vehicles.

• Service providers can collect a service charge of 50 baht for small vehicles and 100 baht for large ones.

Who benefits

Ordinary taxis and call-taxis have been clashing for many years now because people prefer calling for a cab rather than flagging one down on the street.

Besides, flagging running cabs have posed many problems for users, such as the cabbie denying service because he has to return the car back or there is not enough fuel.

Hence, the new regulation will benefit passengers because they will not have to worry about such problems.

The regulation will also be beneficial for taxi drivers as they can use their personal vehicle as a taxicab.

Published : May 27, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001359

Another day of record highs for Thailand – 47 deaths, 3,323 cases

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Thursday reported 3,323 new cases and a record high of 47 deaths over a 24-hour period.

Of the cases, 2,083 were contacted locally, 1,219 were found in prisons and 21 were returnees.

Bangkok led the list with 894 cases, followed by 280 in Samut Prakan, 233 in Phetchaburi, 129 in Nonthaburi and 98 in Pathum Thani.

The capital also led the list of fatalities with 26 dead, followed by four in Nonthaburi, three in Chiang Mai, and one each in Yala, Ayutthaya, Mukdahan, Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi, Khon Kaen, Si Sa Ket, Chonburi, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Tak, Amnat Charoen, Nan and Songkhla.

Of the 21 infected patients from overseas, 20 came from Cambodia and one from India.

Meanwhile, 2,063 patients have recovered and been discharged in the last 24 hours.

As of Thursday, the number of confirmed cases in Thailand had risen to 141,217.

So far, 93,828 people have recovered and been discharged, 46,469 patients are still in hospitals and 920 have died.

Meanwhile, another 57,112 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, while 4,543 were given their second shot, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in Thailand to 3,208,882.

Separately, according to Worldometer, as of 10am on Thursday, the number of confirmed cases globally had risen to 169.07 million (up by 559,688), 150.70 million of whom have recovered, 14.86 million are active cases (94,828 in severe condition) and 3.51 million have died (up by 12,342).

Thailand ranks 84th on the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 33.97 million, followed by India 27.36 million, Brazil 16.27 million, France 5.62 million, and Turkey 5.21 million.

Published : May 27, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001348

Covid-19 deaths break daily record

Daily Covid-19 deaths hit a new high on Thursday at 47, with 3,323 new infections in the past 24 hours.

Of the 3,323 new cases, 1,219 were found in prisons, the Public Health Ministry reported on Thursday morning.

Some 2,063 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital.

Cumulative cases in the country stand at 141,217, with 920 deaths.

Published : May 27, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40001347

Locally produced AstraZeneca vaccine passes inspection

Nine production lots of the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by Siam Bioscience passed a quality inspection conducted by the Department of Medical Sciences on May 25, department director-general Dr Supphakit Siriluck said on Wednesday.

“Since then Siam Bioscience has submitted another five lots for inspection, which should take about three days to complete,” he said. “We found no problem in the first nine lots and expect the other five to pass the inspection as well.”

Supphakit said each batch submitted for inspection could contain a different number of doses.

Locally produced AstraZeneca vaccine passes inspection

“Normally the manufacturer sends a smaller batch of about 1 million to 2 million doses for inspection first, and then increases this to 2.5 million to 3 million doses per batch when they have more manufacturing experience or have streamlined the process,” he added.

Siam Bioscience has promised the Public Health Ministry that it would start delivering doses to vaccination units in June, while Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed on Tuesday that the locally produced AstraZeneca vaccine would be available for the masses from June 7 as per the original schedule.

So far, four kinds of vaccines have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and registered for use in Thailand – AstraZeneca, imported by AstraZeneca (Thailand) and manufactured domestically by Siam Bioscience; CoronaVac, or Sinovac, which is imported by the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation; Johnson & Johnson, imported by Janssen-Cilag; and the Moderna vaccine imported by Zuellig Pharma.

Published : May 27, 2021

By : THE NATION