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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022633

Tono’s Mekong charity swim to get Nakhon Phanom heart centre pumping with THB50m

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 01, 2022

Nakhon Phanom Hospital (NPH) will request a donation of 50 million baht from actor/singer Phakin “Tono” Khamwilaisak, whose Mekong charity swim raised 87 million baht for NPH and a Laos hospital on the other side of the river.

NPH said the donation will enable its heart disease centre to open three years faster than if it waited for government budget.

Phakin’s daring “One Man and the River” charity swim across the Mekong River to Laos and back on October 22 also raised funds for Khammouane Hospital in Laos.

NPH director Dr Thanasit Praipong said on Wednesday that the hospital had already received 370 million baht from the Public Health Ministry to build a 12-storey heart disease centre.

“The building is complete, but the centre still needs medical equipment to start treating about 200 patients per year with cardiovascular disease,” he said.

“Nakhon Phanom needs this centre as the mortality rate from heart disease in the province is about 15%. The centre will eliminate the need to transfer patients to better-equipped hospitals in other provinces.”

Thanasit said the budget for medical equipment had been earmarked in the provincial development plan, but it would take at least three years to disburse the amount required to get the heart disease centre running.

Meanwhile, Dr Khamla Ratchawong, deputy director of Khammouane Hospital in Laos, said it needed to replace about 25 pieces of ageing medical equipment including its X-ray and ultrasound machines.

He added that Khammouane and Nakhon Phanom hospitals have signed an agreement to jointly treat patients, so the money for NPH’s heart disease centre will benefit patients in Laos as well.

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‘Tono’ all set for charity Mekong swim, aims for 10m baht in donations

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Tono’s charity swim raised nearly 83 million baht on Thai side

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022621

DSI cracks down on electricity theft for crypto-mining

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) conducted a lightning operation and inspected 41 places that used illegal electricity connections for crypto-mining in Greater Bangkok.

The DSI held a press conference on Wednesday to announce the outcome of the “Electrical Shock” operation to search 41 commercial buildings in Greater Bangkok.

Previous investigation by the department had found evidence of investors searching for commercial buildings in Greater Bangkok for crypto-mining.

The DSI requested a search warrant from the Criminal Court to inspect these buildings.

DSI searched for evidence of electricity theft and seized more than 2,000 crypto-mining tools worth around 400 million baht.

Around 100 crypto-mining tools were found in each building. These tools were connected to electric cables illegally without an electricity meter so the electricity bill is considerably lower than the actual cost.

The electricity cost incurred by the suspects was around 300 baht to 2,000 baht per month, while the actual cost should have been around 500,000 baht per spot.

The DSI estimated that the Metropolitan Electricity Authority had incurred losses of around 20 million baht per month, or about 250 million baht per year.

The DSI said it would coordinate with the Customs Department to check whether these mining tools were imported legally.

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• 148 foreign firms under scrutiny as Thailand cracks down on illegal businesses
• DSI to put Forex-3D kingpin’s assets under the hammer to help repay victims
• Phuket beach properties demolished as land worth THB50bn reclaimed from encroachers

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022618

Fourth ‘lieutenant’ arrested as noose tightens on triad, police say

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022

Police on Wednesday arrested another high-level suspect in their crackdown on what they describe as a Chinese gang that trafficks narcotics in the Kingdom – one that is led by the husband of a police colonel.

Chen Zhaohui, also known as “Tony”, was arrested at an entertainment venue in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district on Wednesday as part of a crackdown on what police describe as a Chinese gang that began last week and swiftly expanded to 34 locations in eight provinces.

Police say Chen is a lieutenant of alleged narcotics kingpin Chainat Kornchayanan (also known as “Tuhao”) who turned himself in to police last week after an arrest warrant was issued for him. Chainat is a Chinese national who became a naturalised Thai after marrying a police colonel.

Chainat is under investigation for involvement in criminal activity in several provinces. On 23 November he surrendered to the police team overseeing a crackdown on Chinese mafia, but has denied the charges against him.

Police suspect that Chen is one of Chainat’s five lieutenants.

Deputy National Police chief Gen Surachet Hakparn said Chen was initially charged with helping foreign nationals conduct businesses in Thailand without legal permission.

Chen’s operations are based in Samut Prakan, where he owns a hotel worth 50 million baht, as well as several private airplanes and tour buses.

Information regarding Chinese criminals in Thailand was provided to police by former massage parlour tycoon Chuwit Kamolvisit. Chuwit claimed that Chainat has five crime networks in Thailand, and that each one is run by a lieutenant. Three “lieutenants” were arrested before Chen, while the fifth (known as “Ming”) is believed to have fled Thailand.

Police on Wednesday also charged the Thai manager of Space Plus Club, an entertainment venue in Huai Kwang district. They said they have evidence that Chen had invested over 100 million baht in the establishment through its manager Natthason Hutasewi, who illegally acted as a nominee for foreign investment.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022616

Thailand’s first Covid Deltacron-infected patient has ‘recovered fully’

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022

Thailand’s first patient infected with the XBC Deltacron Covid-19 virus has fully recovered, the Department of Medical Sciences said on Wednesday.

The department director-general, Supakit Sirilak, revealed that the first case of a patient infected with a hybrid of the Delta and Omicron BA.2 variants was detected in a sample collected in October.

He added that the patient had not travelled abroad.

“As of November 20, up to 153 XBC cases from many countries were reported on GISAID [Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data],” he said, “Even though XBC has not shown signs of causing severe symptoms, the virus could spread quickly,” he cautioned.

He said Omicron and its subvariants are still the dominant strain due to their ability to spread quickly.

Citing results of the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP/deletion) tests on 299 people between November 19 and 25, he said cases of Omicron BA.2.75 infections had increased to 63.3% from 42.9% last week. He added that most cases were local infections.

“Whole genome sequencing has shown that more than 468 Thai people were infected with Omicron BA.2.75 and its related subvariants, such as BA.2.75.2, BA.2.75.5.1 (BN.1) and BA.2.75.1.2 (BL.2),” he said.

He added that the department had found four patients infected with the Omicron XBB subvariant (a hybrid between BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75 subvariants) and seven patients were infected with the BQ.1 subvariant.

The department would continue to monitor the mutations of the Covid-19 virus and assess the efficiency of public health measures and adjust treatment methods, he said.

“During this time, Covid-19 prevention measures, such as the wearing of face mask and washing of hands, are still necessary to contain the spread of the virus,” he said.

He emphasised that receiving a Covid-19 vaccine could reduce the severity of the virus, especially among the “608” group (those 60 years old and above, and those with eight underlying health conditions).

Related stories:

• Don’t panic! 10 positives from Thailand’s new wave of Covid-19
• New medical treatment instructions for Covid-19 take effect from today
• Where to get a free Covid jab in Bangkok as cases soar

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022611

Inspectors warn Khao San shops of stricter regulations over recreational marijiuana

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022

The Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department (DTAM) joined hands with Phra Nakhon District Office and Chana Songkhram Police Station to inspect cannabis shops on Khao San Road.

DTAM’s director-general, Dr Thongchai Lertwilairattanapong, on Tuesday led the inspection of cannabis shops on Khao San Road.

Thongchai said that he inspected five cannabis shops who had put up advertisements for recreational use. All shops had a licence but one store had got its licence from Lopburi province when it is supposed to have got the permission in Bangkok.

He said that the stores had made a room for customers to smoke cannabis. He clarified that the Public Health Ministry was not promoting cannabis for recreational use, so he asked the operators to run the businesses properly even though the department could not take legal action against them.

He explained that the “Notification of the Ministry of Public Health Regarding Controlled Herbs (Cannabis)” does not allow legal action against a store that opens a room for use of marijuana for recreation.

However, he will look into other related regulations because there is more than one law related to cannabis control.

Therefore, the department does not have permission to close any store immediately, but it could take legal action if it found the store violating other laws.

Thongchai added that operators, who would like to support cannabis legalisation for medical and economical reasons in the long term, excluding recreation, must follow the laws. He warned of more stringent regulation if they do not conform.

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• Cannabis buds cannot be sold to anyone under 20, pregnant or nursing women

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022605

Prepare for rain and temperature drop this week: Thai Met Dept

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022

Heavy to very heavy rain and strong winds will hit upper Thailand from Wednesday to Sunday (November 30-December 4), according to a severe weather warning issued by the Thai Meteorological Department.

The severe weather will be coupled with a sudden temperature drop, it added.

The department advised people to look after their health amid the sudden weather changes.

“People should beware of severe weather conditions that may cause flash floods and overflows, especially along foothills, near waterways and in low-lying areas,” it said.

The temperature will also drop by 3-5C in the Northeast and 2-3C in the North, East and Central regions including Bangkok, it said.

The department said seven provinces in the South are also likely to see heavy rain from Friday (December 2). These are Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.

On Saturday and Sunday, heavy downpours will spread to Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun, it added.

Waves will be 3 metres in the lower Gulf, rising higher in thundershowers, and 2 metres in the upper Gulf. The department warned that small boats in the lower Gulf should keep ashore on Saturday and Sunday (December 3-4).

Related stories:

• Heavy rain to hit Bangkok, 44 provinces on Saturday: Met Dept
• Mae Hong Son hotels fill up as sunflowers bloom in chilly weather
• Cooler days ahead in upper Thailand as cold winds blow in from China

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022604

New medical treatment instructions for Covid-19 take effect from today

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022

New Covid-19 treatment guidelines, which include prescription of antiviral drugs and Long Acting Antibody (LAAB), come into effect on Wednesday, the Department of Medical Services said.

The guidelines are aimed at making Covid-19 treatment guidelines up to date, the department director-general, Thongchai Keeratihuttayakorn, said.

He explained that patients who develop mild symptoms without risk of lung inflammation or severe symptoms would receive treatment as outpatients at the discretion of physicians.

“Patients in this group must undergo Covid-19 prevention measures, including social distancing, wearing of masks, washing of hands and testing the temperature for at least five days,” he said.

“Molnupiravir or Favipiravir antiviral drug would be prescribed to children aged 18 years or below.”

He added that patients who develop mild symptoms, but have chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease or diabetes, would receive LAAB and/or antiviral drugs at the discretion of the doctor.

Despite rising Covid-19 cases in Thailand, Thongchai said only 1,468 of 7,564 beds for Covid-19 patients have been used, accounting for 19.4% bed-occupancy rate.

“We do not expect the bed-occupancy rate to hit 50% during the long holidays in December,” he said.

He urged people to receive at least four Covid-19 vaccine jabs to reduce the risk of developing severe symptoms and death.

“Receiving at least four jabs would help build immunity against Covid-19,” he said, adding that immunity would drop three months after receiving the latest jab or being infected with Covid-19.

Related stories:

• Get your jabs, says senator as Covid cases surge in Bangkok
• ‘Get booster now!’: Cold season triggers Covid surge in Thailand
• China tightens security after rare protests against Covid lockdowns

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022603

Where to get a free Covid jab in Bangkok as cases soar

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022

Bangkok has ramped up its free vaccine drive in response to a surge in Covid-19 infections. Thailand logged over 700 new Covid cases per day last week.

People can get free vaccine jabs at the Bangkok Youth Centre (Thai-Japan) in Din Daeng district at weekends throughout December. All nationalities can reserve jabs via the QueQ app or simply walk into the vaccination centre between 8am and 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Children aged five and above can also get a free jab.

A walk-in free vaccination service is also available for adults at the following 11 hospitals under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

1. Klang Hospital, Monday to Friday, 8am-3pm

2. Taksin Hospital service at Platform Wongwianyai shopping mall, Monday to Friday, 8am-2pm

3. Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital, Monday to Friday, 8am-2pm

4. Venerable Thawisak Jutindharo Hospital, Monday 1pm-4pm and Tuesday 8am-noon

5. Wetchakarunrasm Hospital, Monday, 1pm-4pm

6. BMA Ladkrabang Hospital, Monday to Friday, 8am-2pm

7. Ratchaphiphat Hospital, Monday to Friday, 8am-3pm

8. Sirindhorn Hospital, Friday, 1pm-3pm

9. Bang Khun Thian Elderly Hospital, Monday to Friday, 8am-3pm

10. Khlong Sam Wa Hospital, Wednesday to Friday, 1pm-2pm

11. BMA Bangna Hospital, Monday to Wednesday, 8am-11am

Related stories:

• Get your jabs, says senator as Covid cases surge in Bangkok
• ‘Get booster now!’: Cold season triggers Covid surge in Thailand
• China tightens security after rare protests against Covid lockdowns

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022600

BTS Skytrain fares to rise on January 1

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022

BTS Skytrain fares on the original Sukhumvit (Mo Chit to On Nut) and Silom (National Stadium to Saphan Taksin and Wong Yai) lines will rise by 1-3 baht from January 1 next year.

The minimum fare (one-station journey) will rise from 16 baht to 17 baht while the maximum (eight stations or more) will go up from 44 baht to 47 baht, train operator Bangkok Transit System Corporation (BTSC) announced on Wednesday.

The price of a one-day pass will also rise from 140 baht to 150 baht from January 1. However, senior-citizen Rabbit Card holders will still receive a discount based on the old fares, said the company.

BTSC chief Surapong Laoha-Unya said the company has increased fares only three times in the 23 years since the Skytrain opened. The last rise was five years ago in 2017, when fares increased from 15-42 baht to 16-44 baht.

“The new fares are still lower than the ceiling price stipulated in the concession contract at 21.52-64.53 baht,” Surapong said.

He cited global inflation, as well as rising electricity costs and minimum wages, as reasons for the latest fare hike.

Fares for Skytrain extension lines overseen by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will not be affected. The BMA manages the routes from On Nut to Kheha, Mo Chit to Khu Khot, and Wongwian Yai to Bang Wa stations.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40022599

Bangkok is the most livable city for expats in Asia, survey finds

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022

Bangkok is the best city in Asia for expatriates to live and work in, according to the latest poll from InterNations, which runs an online portal for selling services to expats globally.

Bangkok came in at number six on InterNations 2022 ranking of best cities for expats to live and work in globally, it said in a press release.

InterNations says it has 4.5 million members. It surveys them annually to select the best and worst cities for expats to live and work in globally.

Singapore, which ranked 10th, was the only other city in Asia to make the top 10 in the poll based on 11,970 responses to the survey, according to the InterNations press release.

Valencia took the top spot. InterNations founder Malte Zeeck was quoted as saying the Spanish city was “a safe place with an excellent climate, a vibrant nightlife and culture, a pleasant urban environment and great travel opportunities”. At the same time Valencia was described as “fairly affordable”.

Dubai was ranked second on the survey, with InterNations attributing its appeal to its thriving social scene, employment prospects and creative business culture.

Mexico City entered the top 10 for the first time, taking third place. InterNations said the metropolis was easy to settle into and quickly felt like home. Lisbon and Madrid were ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.

InterNations provided a breakdown of the reasons why Bangkok was the top city in Asia for expats, providing the following scores for six categories:

– 79% of expats surveyed in Bangkok were happy with life in general

– 69% were happy with the cost of living

– 54% said it was easy to make friends

– 66% were happy with their work

– 68% were happy with their work-life balance

– 82% were happy with the quality of medical care

Basel, Melbourne and Abu Dhabi were ranked seventh, eighth and ninth respectively, with Singapore taking the final spot on the top 10.

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/29/the-top-international-cities-to-live-and-work-abroad-this-year.html

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