#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403682

Government in talks to buy 5 million more doses of Sinovac vaccine

NationalMar 14. 2021

By The Nation

The Public Health Ministry has urged people to avoid panic and remain cautious after a sudden surge in Covid-19 cases in Bangkok.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul, along with Dr Opas Karnawinpong, the director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), went on Sunday to inspect a proactive testing operation in Wang Thong village in Bangkok’s Nong Khaem district, after it was found that people in the village had visited Bang Khae Market, a Covid-19 hotspot in the capital.

Anutin told people while visiting the area to stop worrying about the infection, and that Sunday’s proactive screening was already in line with the proactive patient search mechanism of the public health system for disease control. If an infected person is found, they will be taken into the system for further treatment.

The minister also revealed that the government was negotiating with Sinovac to purchase an additional 5 million doses of vaccine, as reserve. However, he insisted that AstraZeneca would be the main vaccine and would be ready for mass inoculation from May.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will start Covid-19 vaccination by tomorrow for people with underlying medical condition, according to the health service department.

He added that the government was accelerating delivery of vaccine to the people.

In the meantime, he urged people to be careful and fully protect themselves.

Dr Opas confirmed 80 new cases from markets in Bangkhae district, adding the source of the infection was being investigated.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403681

Proactive testing in Bangkok triggers surge in Covid-19 cases

NationalMar 14. 2021

By The Nation

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Sunday reported 170 new cases, including 13 overseas travellers in quarantine facilities and one found to have sneaked in from the Thai-Malaysia border.

Of the 20 people exposed to the disease while visiting high-risk areas, 12 were in Samut Sakhon, followed by three each in Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom provinces, and two in Pathum Thani.

Meanwhile, proactive testing led to the discovery of 136 cases, 90 of them in Bangkok (45 Thais, 44 Myanmar nationals and one Nepali), 31 in Samut Sakhon (30 Myanmar and one Thai), 10 in Pathum Thani, three in Phetchaburi, and two in Narathiwat.

Of the overseas travellers found to be infected in quarantine facilities, 10 were Thais who had returned from the United Arab Emirates, Ghana, Egypt, Tanzania, France, United Kingdom and Malaysia, as well as, an American, a French and Pakistani from their respective countries.

One Myanmar national allegedly arrived illegally in Thailand via the border area with Malaysia on February 22 and tested positive on March 11 at Su-ngai Kolok Hospital.

Meanwhile, 68 patients have recovered and been discharged.

As of Sunday, the number of confirmed cases in Thailand had risen to 26,927. Of these, 24,000 had been contracted locally, including 14,965 who were found via proactive testing, while 2,927 were returnees. So far, 26,154 have recovered and been discharged, 687 patients are still in hospitals, and 86 have died.

According to Worldometer, as of 10am on Sunday, the number of confirmed cases globally had risen to 120.06 million (up by 442,484), 99.25 million have recovered, 20.8 million are active cases (89,312 in severe condition) and 2.66 million have died (up by 8,082).

Thailand ranks 116th on the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 30.04 million. Brazil with 11.43 million cases overtook India 11.36 million followed by Russia 4.38 million and the United Kingdom 4.25 million.

The CCSA urged everyone who had visited the Sirisetthanon fresh market, Bang Khae Trade Centre Market, Kitti Market, Pasom Market, Talad Bang Khae Mai market, and Wonder market in the Bangkhae district of Bangkok between February 27 and March 13 to go to the nearest hospital for a test or contact Bangkok Health Office hotline at 02-203-2393 and 02-203-2396.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403672

Convicted media personality Sorayuth leaves prison on parole

NationalMar 14. 2021

By The Natoin

Well-known TV news anchor Sorayuth Suthasanajinda, who was convicted in a bribery case, was released from prison on Sunday after meeting the conditions of a special parole.

Sorayuth will still have to enter the probation process and wear an electronic bracelet until the end of the sentence.

The Criminal Court on January 21, 2020, had jailed him for 13 years and four months for bribing a former agent of MCOT Plc to fraudulently conceal a Bt138-million fee his firm owed the state-run media organisation.

On Sunday, an officer from the Department of Corrections took Sorayuth to Bangkok Probation Office 7 in Lak Si district, where they gave him an electronic bracelet to track him after he was considered for release in special circumstances.

Sorayuth will undergo probation and wear the electronic bracelet until the expiry of the two-year and four-month sentence — from March 14, 2021 to July 26, 2023 — and must report to the Department of Probation as scheduled until the punishment ends.

He received a royal pardon twice — the first time in August 2020 when his sentence was reduced to six years and 24 months and again in February, 2021 it was reduced to two years and four months.

The official said Sorayut had exhibited good behaviour and helped out with many jobs in the Corrections Department.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403671

Visitors to six markets urged to contact Bangkok officials after 80 cases found

NationalMar 14. 2021

By The Nation

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) on Saturday asked people who had visited six markets in Bang Khae district from February 20 to March 13 to fill a Covid-19 risk assessment form on BKKcovid19 website immediately.

Read more: Proactive testing in Bangkok triggers surge in Covid-19 cases

The appeal follows the discovery of 80 asymptomatic cases at a market in Bang Khae district.

The six markets are:

1. Sirisetthanont Market

2. Bang Khae Shopping Centre Market

3. Kitti Market

4. Phasom Market

5. Bang Khae New Market

6. Wonder Market

“BMA officials will contact people who were at risk of infection as soon as possible,” BMA said.

“People can contact the Health Department’s hotline 02-203-2393 and 02-203-2396 for more information.”

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403670

BMA launches vaccination drive for people over 50 with underlying medical condition

NationalMar 14. 2021

By The Nation

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will organise a Covid-19 vaccination drive from March 15 to 31 for people at high risk of infection.

Close to 20,000 patients aged 50-59 years with chronic respiratory, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and chronic kidney disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity in Bangkok’s six districts connected to Samut Sakhon province — Chom Thong, Bang Khun Thian, Bang Khae, Bang Bon, Phasi Charoen and Nong Khaem — are eligible to receive the Covid-19 jab.

Patients can check their eligibility and register to take the Covid-19 vaccine via Line official account “Mor Phrom” (doctors ready) from Sunday, Bangkok Governor Pol General Aswin Kwanmuang said.

“Patients who don’t have a smartphone can register by using their relatives’ devices or contact 23 medical institutions [16 hospitals and 7 Public Health Service Centres],” he said.

The 23 medical institutions are: Bang Khun Thian 1 Hospital, Bangpakok 9 International Hospital, Bangmod Hospital, PMG Hospital, Nakornthon Hospital, Bang Khun Thian Geriatric Hospital, Kasemrad Hospital Bangkae, Ratchaphiphat Hospital, Boonyavej Hospital, Bangpakok 8 Hospital, Mali Interdisciplinary Hospital, Bang Phai Hospital, Mitpracha Hospital (Phetkasem 2), Phyathai 3 Hospital, Vichaivej International Hospital (Nong Khaem), Luang Pho Thaweesak Chutin Tharo Uthit Hospital, Public Health Service Centre 29, 40, 42, 47, 62, 65, and 68

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403669

Hot day forecast for upper Thailand, isolated rain in the South

NationalMar 14. 2021

By The Nation

The heat low covering upper Thailand will create hot to very hot weather in some places with haze and isolated rain in the lower North and the East, the Thailand Meteorological Department said on Sunday.

“People in upper Thailand should take care of their health due to the hot weather,” the department said.

Meanwhile, the easterly winds blowing over the South and the Gulf of Thailand will bring isolated rain to the South.

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours:

North: Hot to very hot in some places with haze; isolated thundershowers mostly in Tak, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun provinces; minimum temperature 17-24 degrees Celsius, maximum 36-40°C; westerly winds 10-15 km/hr.

North: Hot day with haze; minimum temperature 21-25°C, maximum 32-37°C; easterly winds 10-20 km/hr.

Central: Hot day with haze; minimum temperature 24-27°C, maximum 36-38°C; Southerly winds 10-20 km/hr.

East: Hot day with haze; isolated rain mostly in Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces; minimum temperature 24-26°C, maximum 32-37°C; southeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr; waves less than a metre high.

South (east coast): Cloudy with isolated rain; minimum temperature 22-27°C, maximum 32-35°C; easterly winds 15-30 km/hr; waves about a metre high.

South (west coast): Hot day with isolated rain; minimum temperature 22-24°C, maximum 34-36°C; easterly winds 10-30 km/hr; waves under a metre high and about a metre offshore.

Bangkok and its vicinity: Hot day with haze; minimum temperature 26-27°C, maximum 34-37°C; southerly winds 10-20 km/hr.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403662

Police get ready for pro-democracy rally today

NationalMar 13. 2021

By THE NATION

Police officers are deploying steel barriers around Democracy Monument on Rajdamnoen Avenue on Saturday afternoon in anticipation of a gathering by several groups of pro-democracy protesters.

The Daeng Kao Na 63, Vocational Students Protecting Democracy, Nonthaburi New Generation Network and United Front of Thammasat and the Demonstration groups have scheduled a rally at 2pm on Saturday at the monument to welcome another group led by Jatupat “Pai Dao Din” Boonpattararaksa, who began a march from Nakhon Ratchasima province to Bangkok last week.

After they are joined by Pai’s group, the protesters plan to march to Government House in Dusit district to announce their demands, while some groups have said that they would also spend the night there.

Police have closed off the Phanitchayakan intersection on Rama V Road and the Chamai Maru Chet Bridge on Phitsanulok Road that runs to and from Government House to direct the traffic away from the areas and minimise impact on the public.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403661

Satellite data reveals over 50 per cent reduction in fire hotspots

NationalMar 13. 2021

By THE NATION

The government’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency reported on Saturday morning that 572 fire hotspots were detected in Thailand on Friday, down by over a half from Thursday.

The report summarised information gleaned from Suomi NPP satellite. Most of the hotspots — 277 — were in the northern part of the country.

The cities with the most hotspots were Mae Hong Son (102), Tak (36) and Chiang Mai (25).

Among neighbouring countries, Myanmar had 4,753 hotspots, followed by Cambodia (2,529) and Laos (1,811).

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403660

Thailand, Germany lift lid on future of transport and energy

NationalMar 13. 2021

By The Nation

The German Embassy has unveiled a glimpse of Thailand’s future with a new exhibition at Samyan Mitrtown in Bangkok. 

“Moving and powering the future” envisions the country’s energy and transport as it makes the transition to a smart, integrated, resilient and climate-proofed future. 

Launched with Germany’s GIZ development agency, the interactive exhibition is also boosting awareness about green energy and sustainable mobility solutions. 

Georg Schmidt

“Less is more – how can we reduce our ecological footprint and have a better life?” asked German Ambassador Georg Schmidt at Friday’s launch. “The exhibition gives some ideas for a green and prosperous future. We can all be a part of that change. We vote with our wallets every day.”

Sorapong Paitoonphong

Representing Thailand at the launch, Transport deputy permanent secretary Sorapong Paitoonphong acknowledged technological innovation would play a crucial role in transforming transport. 

“We support the use of clean energy and the development of technology for sustainable, clean and green transport,” he said.

The country had launched a National Electric Vehicle Roadmap in recognition that transportation is currently the second largest cause of air pollution in Thailand and the majority of greenhouse gas emissions come from road transport, Sorapong added.

He said EV buses would be seen on Thai roads in the next few months, while tax on electric vehicles was being cut to encourage usage levels seen in Europe.

Another milestone for smart mobility in Thailand is Bang Sue Central Station, set to spark a renaissance in rail travel when it opens as the region’s largest railwat station in November 2021, he said. With a daily capacity of 600,000 passengers, the new station will be a hub for the BTS Skytrain, MRT, Airport Rail Link, high-speed rail linking Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao international airports, and Thailand’s first high-speed train line, being built from Bangkok to Nong Khai.

Poonpat Leesombatpiboon

On Thailand’s energy transition, the Energy Ministry is now developing the National Energy Plan (NEP) for a cleaner, greener and sustainable future, said ministry official Poonpat Leesombatpiboon.

The exhibition runs on the third floor of Samyan Mitrtown until March 18. It then moves to Rajamangala University of Technology in Khon Kaen from March 23 to 27.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403659

Bangkok starts vaccinating second group at risk of Covid-19 infection

NationalMar 13. 2021

By THE NATION

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has started vaccinating on Saturday those at high risk of contracting Covid-19 from working close to patients.

The inoculation will continue until April 7 to achieve the target of 2,840 persons, Bangkok Governor Pol General Aswin Kwanmuang said on Saturday.

“The high risk group is classified our second target group, and so far we have vaccinated 477 persons, or 16.8 per cent of the target,” he said.

Meanwhile, the first group, consisting of 3,520 medical professionals who have direct contact with patients, had been given vaccine since last week through 13 private hospitals, three public hospitals and seven public health service centres in Bang Khun Thian, Bang Bon, Nong Khaem, Bang Khae, Phasi Charoen and Jomthong districts.

The last group to be given vaccine will be those who have chronic diseases and are therefore more vulnerable if they contract Covid-19.

“We set the target for this group at 26,832 persons, who will start being inoculated from March 15 onwards,” said Aswin.

The BMA also revealed that so far 3,997 people in Bangkok had been injected with the Covid-19 vaccine, while 402 persons have reported side-effects, or 10.06 per cent.

The BMA had been allotted 66,000 doses of Sinovac vaccine by the government, and aims to complete the target of 33,000 persons vaccinated as soon as possible.