#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402913

Satun’s famous limestone ‘castle’ closed after it loses a spire

NationalFeb 22. 2021Photo credit: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

By The Nation

The famous limestone sinkhole Prasat Hin Pun Yod (Castle of a Thousand Spires) in Satun’s Pheta Islands National Park had to be temporarily closed after one of the natural “spires” broke and fell.

Photo credit: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

The national park’s chief Wittaya Buapol said the area was closed to tourists because he believes a rockslide will occur again.

He has also instructed officials to put up red flags in the area and ensure no tourists are taken to the area.

Photo credit: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

“The national park is also cooperating with related agencies to investigate the area,” the department said.

Photo credit: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

Prasat Hin Pun Yod has been named a global geopark by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

“This sinkhole is popular among tourists because they can enjoy spectacular views of beautiful limestone towers set in beautiful emerald-green waters. It is also popular with kayakers,” the department said.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402912

Thailand’s first group of tourists arrives in Phuket

NationalFeb 22. 2021

By The Nation

Thailand’s first group of foreign tourists arrived in Phuket on Sunday after undergoing Covid-19 tests and are now completing their 14-day mandatory quarantine at Sri Panwa Hotel.

The 59 tourists from different European countries flew from Indonesia. This is in line with the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration’s resolution last year to allow foreign tourists to return to Thailand, provided they complete their 14-day quarantine in an allocated hotel.

Phichet Panapong, deputy Phuket governor, said the group will be monitored and evaluated during the 14-day period and if everything goes well, this will be used as a model to help with the recovery of Thailand’s tourism sector.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402910

Jumping bottlenose dolphins spotted in Trang

NationalFeb 22. 2021Photo credit: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

By The Nation

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation released images of bottlenose dolphins leaping and prancing in the water freely from Trang’s Hat Chao Mai National Park on Sunday.

Photo credit: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

The pictures were taken by officials while they were out on a patrol from the national park office to the entrance of the Klong Tape canal on Saturday evening.

Photo credit: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant ConservationPhoto credit: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

The officials spotted some dolphins while they were out monitoring the area for illegal fishermen, irresponsible tourism practices and wrongful disposal of garbage, the department said.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402909

Declining trend seen as 89 new Covid-19 cases reported

NationalFeb 22. 2021

By The Nation

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Monday reported 89 new cases, under 100 cases for the third consecutive day, of whom 16 were overseas travellers in quarantine facilities.

Samut Sakhon had 31 cases of the 59 exposed to the disease while visiting high-risk areas, followed by 11 cases in Tak, 9 in Pathum Thani, six in Nakhon Pathom, one each in Ayutthaya and Ang Thong,

Meanwhile, proactive testing led to the discovery of 14 cases, nine of them in Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon (2), Tak (2), and Nonthaburi (1)

In Pathum Thani, 13,293 have been screened and 422 found to be infected, accounting for a 3.17 per cent positive rate. The transmission areas still cover nine provinces with most found in the outbreak area.

Of the overseas travellers found infected in quarantine centres, 10 were Thais returning from the United States, United Kingdom, Qatar, Armenia, as well as an Indian, a British, an American, a Pakistani, a Portuguese and a Latvian from their respective countries.

Meanwhile, 76 patients have recovered and been discharged.

As of Monday, the number of confirmed cases in Thailand had risen to 25,504. Of these, 22,792 had been contracted locally, including 14,407 who were found via proactive testing, while 2,712 were returnees. So far, 24,361 have recovered and been discharged, 1,060 patients are still in hospitals and 83 have died.

According to Worldometer, as of 10am on Monday, the number of confirmed cases globally had risen to 111.96 million (up by 312,711), 87.32 million have recovered, 22.15 million are active cases (93,916 in severe condition) and 2.48 million have died (up by 6,293).

Thailand ranks 114th on the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 28.76 million, followed by India 11 million, Brazil 10.17 million, Russia 4.16 million and the United Kingdom 4.11 million.

CCSA assistant spokeswoman

Apisamai Srirangsan said a meeting on Monday afternoon would consider relaxation of restrictions and changes in colour coding of some provinces.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402908

415 asymptomatic Covid-19 cases found in Pathum Thani

NationalFeb 22. 2021File photo of Pornpat Market

By THE NATION

Pathum Thani’s Covid-19 Information Centre on Sunday said that the provincial health office had undertaken proactive testing from February 9-19, and found 415 people with no symptoms positive for Covid-19.

The aggressive testing was initiated after cluster cases were found at Pornpat Market in Thanyaburi district.

“Officials have tested over 10,000 people around the market and nearby communities,” said the centre.

“Most of the infected people are Thai merchants in markets and migrant workers. There are over 900 persons having close contact with these patients, around 300 of whom have been traced and tested while the rest are being investigated.

“Those who have been to the market during February 9-13 should remain in self-quarantine and monitor symptoms closely,” added the centre.

“Avoid traveling or interacting with others, wear face mask at all times, wash your hands regularly and separate personal items from other family members.”

For any inquiry, contact hotline 1422 and see the doctor near your residence.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402906

First lot of Sinovac vaccine arriving on February 24

NationalFeb 22. 2021

By The Nation

Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul on Sunday shared photos of the made in China coronavirus vaccine Sinovac, and confirmed that the first lot of vaccines would arrive in Thailand on February 24.

“Sinovac vaccine-maker sent me this picture to confirm that the first lot of Covid vaccine for Thailand would arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport on February 24, as I have informed members of the House of Representatives. The vaccine will be dispatched on a regular basis until April when the 2 million doses ordered by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization are completed.”

Sinovac has been verified by Chinese health officials on February 6.

Thailand plans to provide the 2 million doses of Sinovac vaccines in the first phase of inoculation to medical personnel in both public and private sectors, persons with underlying disease, people aged 60 and above and staff involved in Covid-19 control who may come into contact with patients.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402904

Alleged illegal logger killed by a falling tree in Nakhon Ratchasima forest

NationalFeb 22. 2021Photo: Facebook @Korat Today

By THE NATION

A 41-year-old alleged illegal logger was killed when a tree his gang was cutting in Nakhon Ratchasima province fell on him.

Wang Nam Khiao Forest Protection Unit were alerted on Sunday to illegal logging in Pa Phu Luang national forest land in Wang Nam Khiao district of Nakhon Ratchasima province. They rushed to investigate the scene and found a suspect and the body of his dead colleague, along with a chainsaw and 24 logs of Siamese rosewood.

“Jakkaphong Mang-yuan, aged 26 years, a local of Khon Kaen province said that his colleague Suthin Laoklang, aged 41 years, was killed by a falling Siamese rosewood tree that he and the gang had helped cut down,” said Aram Manchaona, the unit commander.

Photo: Facebook @Korat Today

Further investigation revealed that Suthin was a former village headman in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Thai Samakkhi district.

Jakkaphong reportedly said at the scene that the logging gang comprised seven people, but after the death of Suthin the other five fled the scene. Officials are scouring the area to track down the other suspects.

Jakkaphong was taken to Udomsub Police Station and charged with logging on national forest land. However, he later changed his statement and said his logging gang comprised 10 people, including himself and the deceased.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402897

‘Low chance of side effects for Thais’ from inactivated Covid-19 vaccine

NationalFeb 22. 2021

By THE NATION

Inactivated vaccines, which will be used in Thailand, should have a lower chance of causing anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction, Chulalongkorn University virology specialist Dr Yong Poovorawan has said.

Yong said on Monday on his Facebook page that a study in the United States has found that one month after giving 13.7 million doses of vaccine, the cases of anaphylaxis were found at 4.5 per one million patients, with no report of death from anaphylaxis.

“113 deaths reported after receiving the vaccines were proven after autopsy to not be directly related to the vaccines, according to Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” said Yong.

“US uses mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, which are relatively new and could have many undesirable side effects.”

Yong added that virus vector vaccines, such as AstraZeneca’s, have been under study for longer [now in third phase], and therefore should have fewer side effects, either in local areas or body’s systems.

“Inactivated vaccines, such as Sinovac’s, that will be used in Thailand should have even less chance of causing side effects including anaphylaxis,” he said.

The vaccine made by China’s Sinovac Biotech is due to arrive in Thailand this week.

“They were created by the same procedures that are used to manufacture working vaccines, such as for rabies, polio and Hepatitis A.

“Those who are afraid of the side effects of Covid-19 vaccine can rest assured, as vaccines that Thailand will use have the lowest chance of undesirable side effects,” said Yong. “As many Thais as possible should get vaccinated to create a strong immunity, which would help return the outbreak situation to normal as soon as possible.”

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402896

Cool weather with morning fog in upper Thailand, thundershowers in parts of South

NationalFeb 22. 2021

By THE NATION

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Monday that the high-pressure system covering upper Thailand is weakening.

Morning fog and a 1-3 degrees Celsius rise in temperature are forecast for upper Thailand.

Meanwhile, the moderate easterly winds prevailing over the Gulf and the South cause wind waves two metres high in the lower Gulf. All ships should proceed with caution, the department said.

Meanwhile, tropical storm “Dujuan” over the Pacific Ocean is expected to make landfall over the Philippines by today, with no significant impact on Thailand, the department said.

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours:

North: Cool weather in the morning; temperature lows of 17-21 degrees Celsius, highs of 32-36°C; temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 6-15°C.

Northeast: Cool to cold weather with fog in the morning; temperature lows of 15-19°C, highs of 32-34°C; temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 8-12°C.

Central: Cool weather with fog in the morning; temperature lows of 19-21°C, highs of 34-36°C.

East: Cool weather with fog in the morning; temperature lows of 18-22°C, highs of 32-35°C; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres offshore.

South (east coast): Partly cloudy with thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 21-24°C, highs of 31-34°C; waves 1-2 metres high and over two metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Partly cloudy with isolated light rain; temperature lows of 21-25°C, highs of 33-36°C; waves 1-2 metres high and two metres offshore.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Fog in the morning; temperature lows of 22-24°C, highs of 33-35°C.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402887

Border areas under close watch as Myanmar Covid-19 and political situation worsens

NationalFeb 21. 2021

By The Nation

Immigration Police chief Pol Lt-General Sompong Chingduang, together with high-level police officers, travelled to inspect the northern border checkpoint to plan preventive measures against the spread of Covid-19 from Myanmar, which is currently beset with pandemic and political problems.

Thai authorities fear that Myanmar people might flee their country to escape suppression by the junta and cross over illegally into Thailand to Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Lamphun provinces.

On February 20, border trade in Mae Sai district reportedly was temporarily halted, with a goods vehicle from Thailand unable to reach Myanmar due to a rally against the coup. Protesters gathered at the border and placed a barrier to block the Tachileik checkpoint.

Sompong said yesterday there were heavy protests in Myanmar due to domestic political problems. Later, the Royal Thai Police Investigation and Security Department found that there might be a gathering of Burmese workers in the northern region, especially in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces.

Pol General Suwat Jangyodsuk Commissioner of Royal Thai Police, ordered him to deal with situation.

Initially he had ordered Investigative Division 5 and Immigration Bureau to spread the news and talk to foreign workers about Thai law. They were told that any protests would lead to arrests.

Immigration Police are coordinating with military units along the border to patrol natural channels in Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai province, to prevent illegal entry into the country as he was afraid any outbreak of violence in Tachileik province on the Myanmar side might lead to an exodus.

There are still many foreign workers who want to escape and come to work in Thailand after the government closed the registration of foreign workers, officials said.