#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

NHSO scraps contracts with 64 private clinics, hospitals in Bangkok for alleged overbilling

NationalSep 19. 2020

By THE NATION

The service contracts of 64 clinics under the Chum Chon Ob Oon (community warmth) project and some private hospitals in Bangkok has been scrapped with effect from Friday for allegedly making fraudulent claims for treatment of patients under the government’s Bt30 scheme, also known as the golden card scheme.

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) secretary-general, Dr Sakchai Kanjanawattana, said: “The office found that the 64 establishments had claimed compensation for metabolic screening tests at rates higher than the actual price, so we annulled the contracts immediately,” he said.

“It is estimated that around 800,000 patients would be affected by the annulment as they would no longer be able to use their golden card for treatment at these clinics and hospitals.

“This does not mean that their golden cards have become invalid, as they can still use services at other establishments not affected by the annulment in Bangkok, as well as at NHSO’s partner clinics or hospitals upcountry,” he said.

The names and serial numbers of clinics and hospitals whose contracts were scrapped can be found at: https://bkk.nhso.go.th/main/shownews.php?newsid=4664

Affected patients in Bangkok can search for available alternative healthcare institutes under NHSO to resume treatment at: https://bkk.nhso.go.th/ucs-around-me/

“There is no registration or additional documentation required for patients who wish to switch clinics or hospitals,” added Sakchai.

“In-patients who are receiving continuous treatment at any of these 64 establishments can stay under hospitalisation until their doctors approve that they can go home, while the treatment fee during this period would be covered by the NHSO,” he said.

For more information, contact call centre 1330, which is available 24/7.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Jurin presides over digital course for CEOs

NationalSep 19. 2020Jurin Laksanawisit 

By The Nation
Photo Credit: Nation Photo by Tanachai Pramarnpanich

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit spoke on the topic “Thailand Transform To The Future” during a training course “Digital Transformation For CEO #2” at the grand ballroom of Sofitel So Bangkok on Friday.

He also handed out certificates to the CEOs who had passed the training course.

The training course was conducted by BangkokBizNews, Thansettakij, and IT services company MFEC.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Protesters defy Thammasat ban and surge into football field for mega pro-democracy rally

NationalSep 19. 2020

By The Nation
Photo Credit: Nation Photo by Wanchai Kraisornkhajit

Thousands of pro-democracy protesters have entered Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus in Bangkok to hold a political rally on the university’s football field on Saturday (September 19). 

Protest leaders are giving anti-government speech during pro-democracy rally at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus in Bangkok on Saturday (Sept. 19).

Protest leaders are giving anti-government speech during pro-democracy rally at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus in Bangkok on Saturday (Sept. 19).Posted by The Nation Thailand on Saturday, September 19, 2020

Related story: Protesters from around the country arrive in Bangkok for anti-government rally

At 11.40am, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, the leader of United Front of Thammasat, one of the protest organisers, and Demonstration group leader Panupong Jadnok negotiated with university staff to open the gate.

When they failed in their efforts, Panupong shouted to staff inside the university that “This university belongs to the people” Many people who had gathered for the rally told the leaders to tear down the gate.

At 12.05pm, the protesters managed to enter the university compound after the door beside the gate was opened.

Meanwhile Panupong and his supporters opened the gate for the protesters, shouting that he would take responsibility for whatever happened today before leading people to the university’s football field.

Panupong told media that they would banish dictatorship and bring democracy back, even if he had to face imprisonment for his mission.

“The university staff’s move to prevent the rally has violated the Constitution,” he said, adding that the rally may continue until Sunday if the staff continued to stop them.

“We understand that the staff must obey their commanders’ orders, but the commanders should pay attention to the rights of the youth rather than their positions because we are coming in peace,” he added.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Protesters from around the country arrive in Bangkok for anti-government rally

NationalSep 19. 2020

By THE NATION

Pro-democracy protesters across the nation reached Sanam Luang in Bangkok on Saturday to join the political rally later in the day, while four fire engines have been stationed at Government House for emergencies. 

Live feed of pro-democracy protest at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus in Bangkok on Saturday (Sept. 19).

Live feed of pro-democracy protest at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus in Bangkok on Saturday (Sept. 19).Posted by The Nation Thailand on Saturday, September 19, 2020

At 8.30am, several people from Bangkok and other provinces started arriving to attend the political rally organised by the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration group.

Many of those from upcountry took interprovincial buses or vans and reached on Friday evening.

Live feed of pro-democracy protest at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus in Bangkok on Saturday (Sept. 19). 

Live feed of pro-democracy protest at Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan campus in Bangkok on Saturday (Sept. 19).Posted by The Nation Thailand on Saturday, September 19, 2020

Meanwhile, the situation at Government House was peaceful. There were no protesters, only media personnel and related officials.

Four fire engines were stationed at the seat of government for unexpected situations, and some officials have rehearsed an operation to deal with the situation if large masses of people invade Government House.

In addition, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has provided mobile toilets as well as other facilities for the protesters.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Thailand Post’s recycling campaign generates over 10,000kg of packaging, envelopes

NationalSep 19. 2020

By The Nation

The volume of used parcel packages and envelopes received in Thailand Post’s recycling campaign is in excess of 10,000 kilograms.

Korkit Danchaivichit, president of Thailand Post, said the company and SCG Packaging had launched a campaign to allow people to send used parcel packages and envelopes to post offices nationwide.

These packages and envelopes would be recycled into table and chair sets for students in Border Patrol Police Schools nationwide, he said.

He expected the volume of used parcels to increase during the 9.9 online shopping campaign.

“Thai people ordered products during the 9.9 online shopping campaign because online stores and e-marketplaces offered discounts and promotions to attract people,” he said, adding that this was a good campaign because it helped stimulate the economy.

“Therefore, we would like to invite people, online retailers and business organisations to send used parcel packages and envelopes to postal offices nationwide, as well as parcel and envelop pick up points at Siam Cement and Provincial Electricity Authority’s head office,” he said.

The campaign ends on October 31.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Three new Covid-19 cases in state quarantine

NationalSep 19. 2020

By THE NATION

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration reported three new cases over a 24-hour period on Saturday.

All three were asymptomatic cases; one Thai had returned from Brazil and two from Yemen.

The total number of confirmed cases in Thailand increased to 3,500 (562 in state quarantine), of whom 103 are in hospital and 3,338 have recovered and been discharged, while the death toll is 59.

According to Worldometer, as of 10 am on Saturday, the total number of confirmed global cases increased to 30.69 million (increasing by 319,240 over a 24-hour period), over 22 million have recovered, 61,405 are in serious condition and 956,421 have died.

Thailand is 131st for most cases in the world, while the US has the most number with 6.92 million, followed by India 5.3 million, Brazil 4.49 million, Russia 1.09 million and Peru 756,412.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Ministry arranges medical centre, ambulances at political rally site

NationalSep 19. 2020

By THE NATION

The Ministry of Public Health will set up an emergency medical centre as well as ambulances before Thammasat University, Tha Phra Chan campus in Bangkok, where a political rally is scheduled for Saturday.

Dr Kiattiboom Vongrachit, the centre’s president, informed that the medical centre is a facility arranged by the ministry to deal with any emergency situation this weekend.

The doctor explained that the Minister of Public Health was concerned about three issues during the political rally: risk of Covid-19, chronic disease of people there, and unexpected situations that could affect people’s health.

He added that public health officials would be at the university to screen protesters, and he wanted those with any chronic disease to inform the officials in advance.

During the protest, the officials will be stationed to look after the protesters. In severe cases, ambulances will be ready for transport patients to nearby hospitals.

Kiattiboom assured that this operation was related to people’s health, not politics.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

PWO board ‘in the dark’ about Bt112-billion surgical gloves deal

NationalSep 19. 2020Wichai Phochanakit 

By THE NATION

Department of Internal Trade chief Wichai Phochanakit, as a member of Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) board, has said that the board had no knowledge of a contract to buy surgical gloves at a total cost of Bt112.5 billion signed by Pol Colonel Roongroj Phuthiyawat.

Wichai, who is the department’s director-general, said that Roongroj, the director of the PWO’s central administrative office, had never submitted the proposal for the board’s approval.

The contract to buy 500 million packs of nitro gloves at a total cost of Bt112.5 billion was a free on board deal, which would be ordered periodically for two years. It also stated that the buyer had to pay a Bt2-billion advance to the seller within three days of the signing and the rest would be paid after the products were delivered.

“The PWO has resolved to annul the contract since Roongroj was only acting director of PWO’s central administrative office when the contract was signed and hence he had no authority to approve the disbursement of budget exceeding Bt25 million,” said Wichai. “Any disbursement of more than Bt50 million must be proposed to the PWO board for approval. The current contract violates the PWO’s regulations.”

On September 14, Roongroj was transferred on Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s order to the Office of Prime Minister after facing an embezzlement allegation.

Wichai added that the board had ordered the PWO to file a complaint with the Department of Special Investigation against Roongroj for abuse of authority, and also file a case with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to seize the Bt2-billion advance that the PWO had transferred to the manufacturer of surgical gloves. They also asked AMLO to investigate the money trail of the manufacturer for possible money laundering.

Kriangsak Prateepvisut, who was appointed the new director of PWO on September 10, said that the PWO would pursue legal actions against any individuals who are involved in this possible corruption.

Meanwhile, Roongroj said that he was ready to clarify details to investigation officers and insisted that the contract he had signed was legal and there was no corruption. “I only wished to increase PWO’s income by reselling the gloves to foreign buyers, which will generate billions in profit to PWO to make up for over Bt11.7 billion loss that it has suffered for many years,” he said.

Related Story: PWO’s Bt112-bn glove deal being probed for alleged corruption

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Free SkyTrain ride for cyclists on Bangkok Car Free Day

NationalSep 19. 2020

By THE NATION

Bangkok commuters can ride SkyTrain of the Bangkok Mass Transit System Pcl free on Bangkok Car Free Day on September 22 if they carry a bicycle along.

BTSC chief executive officer Surapong Laoha-Unya said the BTSC would allow cyclists to carry their bicycles into the SkyTrain free of charge on both the Silom and Sukhumvit lines on Tuesday. Those who carry foldable bikes can ride the train for free all day, while those with normal bikes can ride for free during two periods: 6am to 6.30am and 10am until the station closes.

All cyclists can obtain a free-ride coupon at the ticket offices at BTS stations, he said.

“I would like to invite commuters to use public transport and bicycles instead of cars to reduce air pollution, stop global warming and make Bangkok a more livable city,” he added.

The company will also give away 10,000 seedlings of plants that are effective in catching PM2.5 dust particles to BTS passengers at Siam Station from 10am onwards. For more information, contact tel. 02-617- 6000, Line: @btsskytrain or BTS SkyTrain mobile application.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Heavy rain forecast for many parts of Thailand, storm ‘Noul’ downgraded

NationalSep 19. 2020

By THE NATION

The category 3 tropical storm “Noul”, which made landfall in Mukdahan province on Friday afternoon, has been downgraded to a tropical depression in Khon Kaen province, the Thailand Meteorological Department said at 4am on Saturday.

The strong southwest monsoon lies across the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf, the department said, forecasting torrential rains with isolated heavy to very heavy rain in the North, the Northeast, the Central, the East and the South.

People in the risky areas should beware of the severe rains that may cause flash floods and water runoffs, as well as keep off outdoor places, large trees and unsecured buildings, the department said.

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours is as follows:

North: Cloudy with heavy to very heavy rain and strong winds; minimum temperature 24-26 degrees Celsius, maximum 30-33°C .

Northeast: Cloudy with heavy to very heavy rain and strong winds; minimum temperature 22-24°C, maximum 25-29°C.

Central: Cloudy with thundershowers in 80 per cent of the areas and isolated heavy rain; minimum temperature 23-25°C, maximum 31-33°C.

East: Cloudy with thundershowers in 80 per cent of the areas and isolated heavy to very heavy rain; minimum temperature 22-26°C, maximum 29-32°C; waves 2-4 metres high and over four metres during thundershowers.

South (east coast): Cloudy with thundershowers in 70 per cent of the areas and isolated heavy rain; minimum temperature 23-25°C, maximum 30-33°C; waves two metres high and over four metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Cloudy with thundershowers in 80 per cent of the areas and isolated heavy rain; minimum temperature 23-24°C, maximum 28-32°C; waves 2-4 metres high and over four metres during thundershowers.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Cloudy with thundershowers in 80 per cent of the areas and isolated heavy rain; minimum temperature 25-26°C, maximum 30-32°C.