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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016466

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha surprised his audience when he boasted that foreign tourists like to visit Thailand to see rain falling.

His comment came during an official inspection trip to Phuket on June 6, when he told local officials to get the island province ready for foreign tourists now that the kingdom has been fully reopened to welcome them.

“I have sometimes asked foreign tourists why they come to Thailand during the rainy season. They replied that they come to recline in a chair to see the falling rain. They have never seen this kind of rain in their country, so we must sell this [as a type of soft power],” Prayut said.

His comment drew laughter from his opponents and critics, who doubted that rainfall could be a selling point.

But his supporters pointed out that showers in the country could indeed attract foreign tourists especially when “they come to know the various Thai terms which define different types of rain”.

“Fon” or rain in Thai has several terms, coined by people in the past after they perceived how rain fell and the consequences of heavy showers.

The terms were even taken up as glossaries with definitions by the Royal Society of Thailand and the Sirinath Rajini Centre for Mangrove Forest Studies.

Here are the terms:

– Fon lai chang (Rains that scare elephants) – Large raindrops that fall suddenly and hard and then stop.

– Fon cha chor mamuang (Rains that wash mango flowers) – Rains that fall in the three-month period before mangoes yield flowers. The rains are welcomed for helping mangoes grow abundantly.

– Fon tok pen yiew chakkachan (Rains that are like cicada “urine”) – Tiny raindrops.

– Fon tok jukjuk or fon tok yang fah rua (Rains that fall like the sky is “leaking”) – Heavy, lengthy downpours

– Fon sung fah (Parting rains) – Heavy rains at the end of the monsoon season

– Fon long ruedoo (Freak rains) – Unseasonal rains

– Fon ratchakarn (Government office-hour rains) – Rains that often fall at 3pm, when government offices are about to close for the day while the showers can last for many days.

Published : June 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016463

The Fisheries Department will garner opinions on Friday on its regulation that prohibits the catching of small fish.

The department came out with the regulation after realising that netting small fish can impact resources and the economy.

It had instructed the Marine Fisheries Research and Development Division to study appropriate fish sizes and the regulation on catching small fish.

The division will now hold a meeting to hear opinions on the issue from 10am to 3.30pm at the Fisheries Department’s Chulabhorn building in Bangkok.

The department has invited 22 provincial fishery offices, commercial fisheries representatives and fishing folk in each province to participate in the meeting online.

It had previously written to fisheries associations, saying it would hear opinions because the department is responsible for managing fishery resources and regulating the trade so it is most beneficial and sustainable.

Published : June 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016458

The Royal Gazette website on Wednesday published an announcement by the Finance minister on the new excise tax rate for passenger vehicles with less than 10 seats, pickup trucks and motorcycles.

The announcement, signed by Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, stipulated that the move aims to promote the automotive industry and vehicle safety standards plus reduce carbon dioxide emissions which add to air pollution.

The new rate seeks to collect lower excise tax for vehicles fitted with active safety equipment that emit less carbon dioxide across all three categories. The rate will be further reduced after 2025 until 2027.

For example, for a passenger car of less than 10 seats, an engine not over 3,000cc and with active safety equipment, the excise tax rate from June 9 this year to December 31, 2025, is set at 25 per cent if it has a CO2 emission rate of less than 150 grams/kilometre, 30 per cent for CO2 emissions of less than 200g/km, and 35 per cent for emissions of over 200 g/km. However, from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, the excise tax for such vehicles will be reduced to 13 per cent if they have a CO2 emission rate of less than 100g/km, 22 per cent for less than 120g/km, 25 per cent for under 150g/km, 29 per cent for less than 200g/km, and 34 per cent for over 200g/km.

The full details of the new tax rate for all applicable vehicles can be viewed here

Published : June 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016453

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) will stop paying for Covid-19 laboratory tests at hospitals that are not under the National Health Security scheme for holders of gold cards from July 1 to prepare for the endemic stage of the disease under a Public Health Ministry plan.

“The situation in Thailand has been gradually improving, while antigen test kits [ATKs] are widely available at affordable prices, rendering active case findings and laboratory testing no longer necessary,” NHSO secretary-general Dr Jadet Thammathat-Aree said on Wednesday.

“Therefore, testing for Covid-19 via laboratories at hospitals that are not under the gold card scheme will not be covered from July 1.”

Hospitals under the National Health Security scheme will continue to provide free Covid-19 lab tests to holders of gold cards.

Jadet advised holders of this card to take a test using other methods at non-gold card hospitals instead, or simply use an ATK to test themselves at home if they suspect they have contracted Covid-19.

Gold card holders who test positive for Covid-19 can still contact NHSO’s 1330 hotline to go into home/community isolation or be transported to a hospital based on their symptoms free of charge.

On Thursday morning, Thailand recorded 3,185 Covid cases and 23 deaths in the past 24 hours, while 3,326 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospital. Cumulative cases in the country since January 1 are at 2,253,617.

Published : June 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016452

Thundershowers are likely in upper Thailand with isolated heavy rains in the North and the Northeast, while waves in the Andaman Sea are likely to be about 1-2 metres high and above 2 metres in areas experiencing thundershowers until June 14, the Meteorological Department warned on Thursday.

It cited a monsoon trough that lies across Myanmar and upper Laos that is transforming into a low-pressure cell over upper Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin, as well as the moderate southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf.

The department warned that from June 9 to 14, people in the North and the Northeast should beware of severe conditions that could cause flash floods and water runoff.

It advised all forms of transport to move with caution and farmers to act to prevent crop damage. The department also asked all ships in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf to proceed with caution and keep away from thundershowers areas.

Here’s the weather forecast for June 9-14:

North: Thundershowers in 60-70 per cent of the area with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 23-27 degrees and highs of 31-36 degrees Celsius.

Northeast: Thundershowers in 40-60 per cent of the area with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 23-26 degrees and highs of 31-36 degrees Celsius.

Central: Thundershowers in 30-40 per cent of the area with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 23-28 degrees, highs of 32-37 degrees Celsius.

East: Thundershowers in 30-40 per cent of the area with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 23-28 degrees, highs of 30-36 degrees Celsius; waves a metre high and over 1 metre high during thundershowers.

South (east coast): Thundershowers in 30-40 per cent of the area with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 23-28 degrees, highs of 30-36 degrees Celsius; waves a metre high and over 1 metre offshore.

South (west coast): Thundershowers in 60-70 per cent of the area with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 23-28 degrees, highs of 29-34 degrees Celsius; waves 1-2 metres high and over 2 metres during thundershowers.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Thundershowers in 40-60 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 25-28 degrees and highs of 31-36 degrees Celsius.

Published : June 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016451

Ministry of Public Health reported on Thursday (June 9) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 3,185 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19 in the country.

Death toll increased by 23, while 3,326 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,253,617.
 

Published : June 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016450

Same-sex couples will have similar rights – such as adoption and inheritance – to opposite-sex couples under the Civil Partnership Bill.

The Cabinet approved the Civil Partnership Bill and legal amendments proposed by the Justice Ministry on Tuesday, which will allow same-sex couples to get married and start families.

The approval came after LGBTQ+ people had called for the right to start a family, while religious leaders did not object to amended or new laws because they understood that Thailand is a multicultural society, said deputy government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek.

She explained that the bill would give same-sex couples the right to take care of each other, manage any legal action on behalf of their partner in criminal cases, adopt, receive inheritance, sign consent for medical treatment or funeral arrangements.

Here are some details of the bill:

1. Civil partnership means same-sex couples who register for marriage.

2. The court has the authority to consider juvenile and family cases under the bill.

3. Civil partnership marriage can be carried out when both parties give their consent, are 17 years of age or above and one or both have Thai nationality. However, relatives and siblings are prohibited from coming together in civil partnership marriage.

4. Youths who want to register for a civil partnership marriage must receive the consent of their parents, guardians or the court. They will be of legal age on getting married.

5. Provisions to support same-sex couples have been implemented, such as allowing them to live as a family and take care of each other based on their ability and status.

6. If one of the same-sex couple faces criminal charges or becomes a victim in an incident, the partner has the authority to manage any action on their behalf under the Criminal Procedure Code, similar to an opposite-sex couple.

7. Civil partnership properties include personal and joint properties.

8. Civil partnerships can be ended by death or by a court ruling, such as when either individual resorts to ill-behaviour, harms or tortures their partner or willingly abandons their partner for more than a year.

9. Same-sex couples can adopt children under the bill, including stepchildren from other same-sex couples.

10. Once either party dies, their partner has the right to manage/own any inheritance similar to opposite-sex couples.

11. Provisions under the Civil and Commercial Code on spouses, family and adopted children can be enforced against same-sex couples in some cases.

According to Rachada, here are some details of legal amendments:

• Men or women cannot register for marriage if they have a spouse or partner.

• Same-sex and opposite-sex couples can file for divorce.

• Men or women will not receive any subsidy for divorce once they register for marriage or civil partnership again.

Further study will be conducted on same-sex couples’ rights once the bill comes into effect, Rachada added.

Published : June 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016443

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has teamed up with Mitr Phol Group to launch a low-carbon model city project in Suphan Buri, aiming to make it the country’s first carbon neutral prototype city to achieve the goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

During the opening ceremony on Monday, Minister Varawut Silpa-Archa announced visions, goals and guidelines for sustainable development, which would eventually pave the way for Thailand to become carbon neutral and achieve its net zero greenhouse emissions goal.

Varawut said Thailand had expressed its commitment at the COP26 summit in November 2021 to tackle climate problems to ensure it achieves carbon neutrality by 2050 and attain the net zero target by 2065 even though the country has emitted 300-350 million tons of carbon dioxide in a year.

However, he said, work in pursuit of implemented policies could help cut down the amount emitted by the country.

“The initiation of the ‘Suphan Buri Carbon Neutral Model’ project will serve as a model for any industry that aims to achieve carbon neutrality and consolidates cooperation among all sectors to create a balance in the economic, social and environmental management of the country to ensure it keeps moving forward sustainably,” said Varawut.

The project aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions by at least 270,000 tons of CO2 equivalent by the year 2023 to ensure carbon neutrality of the site together with operations in line with a bio-circular-green (BCG) economy, helping Suphan Buri become a low-carbon society.

Mitr Phol chairman Buntoeng Vongkusolkit said the company placed great importance on business operations that were aimed at sustainable development to steer inclusive growth.

The agro-industrial company therefore prioritises technology use, innovations and group knowledge to reduce environmental impacts and address climate change problems.

Buntoeng said Mitr Phol is ready to become a model organisation in sustainability, aiming to bring about carbon neutrality by 2030 and achieve its net zero target by 2050 by emphasising sustainability upstream to downstream under the concept “From waste to value creation”.

“Our plants use renewable resources while generating added value for the production process at no impact on the environment but more economic opportunities. As a result, we are planning to and have rigorously worked to turn Mitr Phol Dan Chang into a carbon neutral model factory,” he said.

To achieve the carbon neutral goal, Mitr Phol Dan Chang has adopted six operating guidelines:
1) Using green energy such as biomass and solar power in the production process;
2) Modern farm management with green cane harvesting and purchasing cane leaves as raw materials to reduce sugarcane burning;
3) Developing cane and sugar into bio-based products according to the BCG economy model to generate added value for products such as biodegradable plastic packages and health food supplements;
4) Environmental management with an efficient wastewater treatment system along with sustainable water management according to the 4Rs – resource, reduce, reuse, recycle – principle and proper waste segregation within the factory;
5) Reforestation to expand green areas to continuously absorb carbon dioxide, and
6) Initiating the Oasis project to build a large agricultural reservoir as well as carbon credit offsetting for the entire Mitr Phol Group.

Published : June 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016440

Former Democrat Party deputy leader Prinn Pantichpakdi reported to Lumpini Police Station on Wednesday to acknowledge another sexual harassment charge and two more rape charges, raising to 11 the total sexual misconduct cases against him so far.

Police took him to the South Bangkok Criminal Court at 12pm to seek the court’s approval for his detention pending more investigation.

Prinn was escorted by police to a van at the rear to avoid an army of reporters waiting in front of the police station. He appeared tense and ran towards the van without speaking to reporters. Prinn denied all the charges.

Since early April, when prominent lawyer Sittha Biabungkerd publicised sexual misconduct allegations against Prinn, more than a dozen women and teenage girls have accused the politician of either sexually harassing or raping them. Prinn denies the allegations. He has quit all his posts in the Democrat Party to fight the cases.

Pol Maj-General Trairong Phiewphan, the deputy Metropolitan Police commissioner-general in charge of investigating the cases, said Prinn was charged with molesting a woman in one case and raping two other women in two other cases.

Trairong said the station was in charge of nine cases and it has charged Prinn in five other cases and one of the cases has been wrapped up and forwarded to public prosecutors. The station is still investigating another case before formally charging him. Prinn had earlier been charged by the Huay Kwang Police Station in one case and by the provincial police in two other cases.

In one of three latest cases against Prinn on Wednesday, he was charged with molesting a woman with his hand in 2016. The woman filed a complaint with Lumpini police on April 18.

In another case, a woman alleged that Prinn had drugged her and raped her at a Bangkok hotel, also in 2016, after she met him to consult him on a business operation.

She alleged that Prinn encouraged her to drink alcohol so that the talk would “go smoothly”. She became dazed after consuming the drink and was allegedly raped. She woke up the following day beside a security booth of the hotel, she alleged. She too filed the complaint on April 18.


In the third case, a 31-year-old woman told police that she had met Prinn by chance while she was applying for a job.

She said she was invited to drink with him and he tried to molest her. Later on July 20 2015, Prinn allegedly called her for a business talk to a hotel. She alleged that Prinn did not turn up and called her to meet him at a condominium.

She said she went up to the condo with a woman so she felt safe. But she said she did not know when the woman left and Prinn allegedly closed the door and raped her.

Published : June 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016439

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Wednesday presided over the opening ceremony of Tha Chang and Sathorn smart piers under the “Smart Pier Smart Connection” project.

These smart piers aim to connect water transportation with other commuting facilities, such as buses and trains, to make it easier for citizens to travel, ensure their safety, and make transportation environmentally friendly.

Prayut has overseen the transportation service centre, which provides information related to land, water, air and rail transport to tourists and citizens.

He asked officials to improve their work using modern technology and cooperate with all related agencies, in line with the government’s policy to promote digital governance.

“The government aims to develop Thailand’s infrastructure to be modern and effective in a bid to facilitate travel by citizens and ensure their safety,” Prayut said.

“In addition, this project also will help boost the country’s competitiveness in order to maintain economic growth.”

He explained that these smart piers used environmentally friendly innovation and technology and enabled Thai and foreign tourists to enjoy the scenery along the Chao Phraya River.

These piers also help boost tourism along the river and generate revenue for citizens, he added.

He also asked people to maintain the river’s cleanliness to enable Thailand to move forward.

Meanwhile, deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said five piers have been constructed or renovated so far, namely Marine Department, Saphan Phut, Nonthaburi, Tha Chang and Sathorn.

She expected the construction/renovation of another six piers, namely Tha Tian, Rajinee, Kiak Kai, Bang Pho, Rama VII and Phayap, to be completed this year.

“The government also plans to allocate a budget to develop another 18 piers between 2023 and 2024,” she said.

Published : June 08, 2022

By : THE NATION