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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404114

Car driver escapes death after demolishing power pole in head-on crash

NationalMar 25. 2021Photo Credit: @patrolcop191

By The Nation

The lucky driver of a car escaped with minor injuries after his vehicle slammed into an electricity pole in front of Noble Anawana village on Bangkok’s Borommaratchachonnani Road on Thursday morning, the @patrolcop191 Facebook page reported.

The mangled car was seen overturned on the road, with the electricity pole broken into pieces from the impact of the crash.

Photo Credit: @patrolcop191

The unnamed driver, who was fortunate to be alive, reportedly admitted that the accident occurred after he fell asleep at the wheel while he was returning to his home in Nakhon Pathom’s Sam Phran district. He added that it was pure luck that his car didn’t crash into any other vehicle on the road.

He was taken to Thammasala police station for further questioning.

Thammasala Police and Metropolitan Electricity Authority officials worked together to replace the broken electricity pole.

Photo Credit: @patrolcop191

Photo Credit: @patrolcop191

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404113

97 new Covid cases reported, most still in Bangkok

NationalMar 25. 2021

By The Nation

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Thursday reported 97 new cases, five of whom are returnees in quarantine facilities.

Forty-three of these patients contracted the disease after visiting high-risk areas, with Bangkok having the most cases at 21, followed by 12 in Samut Sakhon, five in Samut Prakarn, and one each in Chachoengsao, Nakhon Pathum, Pathum Thani, Ratchaburi and Suphan Buri.

Meanwhile, proactive testing led to the discovery of 49 cases, of which 44 were found in Bangkok, three in Samut Sakhon and two in Nakhon Pathom.

Of the overseas travellers, three Thais and one American in quarantine facilities were found to be infected. One Thai, who was arrested on March 19 for illegally crossing the Thai-Malaysia border, was infected on March 22 and sent to Wang hospital.

Meanwhile, 73 patients have recovered and been discharged.

As of Thursday, the number of confirmed cases in Thailand has risen to 28,443. Of these, 25,428 contracted Covid-19 locally, including 15,895 who were found via proactive testing, while 3,015 were returnees. So far, 26,946 have recovered and been discharged, 1,405 patients are still in hospital and the death tolls remains at 92.

According to Worldometer, as of 10am the number of confirmed cases globally has risen to 125.43 million (up by 583,741), 101.29 million have recovered, 21.38 million are active cases (91,623 in severe condition) and 2.76 million have died (an increase of 10,410).

Thailand ranks 116th on the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 30.7 million, followed by Brazil 12.23 million, India 11.78 million, Russia 4.48 million and France 4.38 million.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404112

Thai-language translation of Indian Constitution launched in Bangkok

NationalMar 25. 2021

By THE NATION

The Indian Embassy in Thailand organised an event on March 12 in which National Assembly President and Speaker of the House of Representatives Chuan Leekpai, along with other dignitaries, formally released the Thai-language translation of the Constitution of India.

The event coincided with the official launch in India of the 75th anniversary celebrations of India’s independence by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In her address, Indian Ambassador Suchitra Durai said that India@75 has been launched on a historic day when Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation, launched the Dandi March in 1930.

She referred to the Indian Constitution as the “mother document” for India’s existence as an independent country. She also said that India was fulfilling a bilateral commitment that was made during Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s visit to India in 2016 when Modi announced the translation and publication of the Indian Constitution into the Thai language.

Assistant Prof Surat Horachaikul, director of the India Studies Centre at Chulalongkorn University, who was in charge of the translation of the Indian Constitution, said it was a privilege for him to embark upon such a mammoth task of translating the supreme law of India that binds all Indians from diverse backgrounds.

Chuan said India is a great nation, whose history goes back to the Indus Valley Civilisation of more than 5,000 years and that Southeast Asia owes much to the Indian civilisation. He also said that for more than 70 years, democracy has stood the test of time in a country with tremendous diversity and that the success of the Constitution of India has become a model that attracts attention and inspires people around the world.

The event was attended by around 200 dignitaries and guests. The launch of the Thai translation of the Indian Constitution was followed by a short cultural programme, the screening of a documentary on the making of India’s Constitution and a short video clip on that country’s Vaccine Maitri initiative. The event also featured a photo exhibition on the making of the Constitution.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404109

Ministry aims for over 1 million EVs on roads by 2025

NationalMar 25. 2021

By THE NATION

The National Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy Committee under the Energy Ministry on Wednesday set a target of at least 1,055,000 electric vehicles on the roads by 2025, Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow said.

“This target will comprise 402,000 cars and pickup trucks, 622,000 motorcycles and 31,000 buses and trucks,” he said.

“By 2035, this number should reach 15,580,000 vehicles, or 6,400,000 cars/pickup trucks, 8,750,000 motorcycles and 430,000 buses/trucks.”

The committee also estimated that by 2025 Thailand would produce 1,051,000 vehicles, comprising 400,000 cars/pickup trucks, 620,000 motorcycles and 31,000 buses and trucks. By 2035 total domestic production is expected to reach 18,413,000 vehicles – 8,625,000 cars/pickup trucks, 9,330,000 motorcycles and 458,000 buses/trucks.

“We believe that by 2025 the price of electric vehicles will be the same as internal combustion vehicles, which will exponentially boost demand and make Thailand one of the global manufacturing bases of electric vehicles and related parts,” Supattanapong added.

The committee meeting on Wednesday also appointed four subcommittees responsible for EV-related issues – the development of EV infrastructure, tax and customs benefits for EV manufacturers/importers, boosting of domestic demand, and development of an ecosystem to support EV manufacturing, such as promotion of the electric battery industry.

The panel will meet again on May 13 to discuss progress of the subcommittee appointment.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404107

Baht rate unchanged, but could weaken

NationalMar 25. 2021

By THE NATION

The baht opened at 31.01 to the US dollar on Thursday, unchanged from its closing rate on Wednesday.

The Thai currency is likely to move between 30.95 and 31.10 during the day, Krungthai Bank market strategist Poon Panichpibool said.

He also said the baht would continue to fluctuate in line with the dollar, while the Thai currency would likely weaken.

However, the baht will weaken only slightly as exporters aim to sell their dollar holdings when the baht goes to around 31 to 31.10, Poon said.

He believed the Bank of Thailand would sell the dollar to reduce its foreign reserves and in turn delay the baht’s weakening.

“Thailand will probably decide to reduce the reserves in order to delay the baht weakening, and at the same time to avoid being accused as a currency manipulator,” he added.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404099

Agricultural GDP in first quarter grows 1.4%

NationalMar 25. 2021

By THE NATION

Thailand’s agricultural gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2021 increased 1.4 per cent year on year, the Office of Agricultural Economics said on Wednesday, while estimating the agricultural GDP for the whole year could expand by 1.7 to 2.7 per cent.

Office secretary-general Chantanon Wannakejohn said the factors behind this are the increasing rainfall in the second half of 2020, which has boosted agricultural output, and the rising prices of several agricultural products in both domestic and overseas markets.

“Furthermore, the government’s measures to expand marketing channels both online and offline, the price guarantee scheme, and aid programmes for farmers affected by the Covid-19 fallout have helped significantly increase output and sales,” he said.

Chantanon said that in the first quarter, crops GDP blossomed by 3.6 per cent year on year while that of livestock grew by 0.5 per cent and agricultural services 0.7 per cent. Only the GDP of fishery products fell by 7.3 per cent due to variable weather and the impact of Covid-19.

“Crops that saw increasing output were in-season and off-season rice and sugarcane, while oil palm witnessed decreasing output due to the lasting impact of drought in 2019,” he added.

The office estimates that the agricultural GDP of 2021 will expand by 1.7 to 2.7 per cent compared to that of 2020, as it forecast that total rainfall this year will be higher than that of last year, while the Covid-19 situation is expected to improve and the economy likely to gradually recover.

The negative factors that could impact growth include unfavourable weather conditions, the fuel price and the strengthening of the baht, the office added.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404083

Education Ministry wins push for scholarships to improve Thai teachers

NationalMar 25. 2021

By THE NATION

During its weekly meeting on Tuesday, the Cabinet approved a budget of Bt1.65 billion to cover 1,200 scholarships until 2030, the government’s deputy spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek announced on Wednesday.

The project was proposed by the Education Ministry, which aims to produce more masters’ degree holders to teach physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and computer.

The scholarships are divided into 600 for both bachelor’s and masters’ degrees and 600 for just masters’ degrees.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404087

Protest at Ratchaprasong ends with no violence

NationalMar 25. 2021

By THE NATION

The pro-democracy rally at Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong intersection on Wednesday ended peacefully with no clashes between protesters and police.

The United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration group held the rally from 5.30pm, with the gathering stretching from Rajdamri Road to Big C shopping centre.

Protest leaders including Pasarawalee “Mind” Thanakitwibulpol, Attapon “Kru Yai” Buapat and Benja Apan took turns giving anti-establishment speeches and urging the release of other leaders who had been arrested and charged earlier with several offences, including sedition, illegal gathering and lese-majesty.

At 9pm, Benja, who was the last speaker, announced that from now on the rally would continue to be held with or without the presence of leaders, with the ultimate goal of achieving true democracy.

Benja then announced the end of the rally, thanked those who participated and wished them a safe trip home.

There were no reports of violence or clashes.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404086

Hot, hazy day forecast for most of Thailand, thundershowers in lower South

NationalMar 25. 2021

By THE NATION

Hot to very hot weather will grip the North and the Central region as a low heat pressure system covers upper Thailand, while the lower North and Central areas will see isolated thundershowers as southerly and southeasterly winds bring humidity from the Gulf and the South China Sea, the Meteorological Department said on Thursday.

The department also said a moderate easterly wind prevails across the South and the Gulf and will likely bring thundershowers to the lower South. It advised all ships to proceed with caution as waves in the lower Gulf are 1-2 metres high and will be above 2 metres during thundershowers.

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

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Hot day with haze; temperature lows of 25-27 degrees, highs of 37-38 degrees Celsius.

North: Hot to very hot day with haze and thundershowers in 10 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 22-26 degrees and highs of 36-40 degrees Celsius.

Northeast: Hot during the day; temperature lows of 22-24 degrees and highs of 34-36 degrees Celsius.

Central: Hot to very hot day with haze and thundershowers in 10 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 23-25 degrees, highs of 38-40 degrees Celsius.

East: Hot day with haze; temperature lows of 24-26 degrees, highs of 34-38 degrees Celsius; waves a metre high and 1-2 metre offshore.

South (east coast): Mostly cloudy with thundershowers in 40 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 24-26 degrees, highs of 30-34 degrees Celsius; waves 1-2 metres high and over 2 metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Mostly cloudy with thundershowers in 40 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 22-27 degrees, highs of 33-35 degrees Celsius; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres offshore.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404082

Minister hopes to fully open Phuket to foreigners by July 1

NationalMar 25. 2021

By The Nation

The only way Thailand’s tourism sector can recover is if tourists do not have to spend their first 14 days in quarantine. Hence, the Tourism and Sports Ministry has decided to create a “sandbox” to accept tourists who have been fully vaccinated with two doses without quarantine

.Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the sandbox project will be launched in Phuket and Pattaya initially. The plan is to open Phuket fully without mandatory quarantine from July, once 930,000 people or 70 per cent of Phuket’s population have been vaccinated, Phiphat said.

A similar reopening scheme will also be applied to Pattaya.

He added that the ministry will rush to procure vaccines to create more sandboxes in places like Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phang Nga and Surat Thani by October 1.