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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018730

A host of agencies have been instructed to stand ready to tackle possible flash floods and surface water runoffs due to tropical storm Mulan, Deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Wednesday.

The move came after the Thailand Meteorological Department announced the storm would bring isolated heavy to very heavy rains in the North, the Northeast and the East from August 11-13.

She said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha instructed all related agencies to assist flood victims and prepare equipment and staff so they are “ready all the time”.

Agencies handling dams and reservoirs have been advised to focus on the “durability” of reservoirs and safety of residents and their property, Traisuree said.

“The premier has instructed related agencies to work together to effectively assist people and mitigate the impact from floods as much as possible,” she added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan ordered the agencies to closely follow weather forecasts and be prepared for flood risks due to heavy rains nationwide.

Officials have been advised to strictly monitor rising sea levels between August 10 and 16, which could cause the Chao Phraya River to overflow and inundate nearby communities, especially those in Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Nonthaburi.

Prawit also instructed various agencies to set up flood levees, prepare water pumps and other machines to drain water into areas with a low risk of flooding, and provide assistance to flood victims.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018728

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha aims to improve the human trafficking situation in the country so that Thailand is upgraded to Tier 1 on the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons report.

Government deputy spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek said Prayut expressed the wish during a weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, when the Cabinet was informed about the annual human trafficking suppression and prevention report for 2021.

Last month, the US State Department upgraded Thailand from its Tier 2 Watchlist to Tier 2. The kingdom had been downgraded to the watchlist on July 1, 2021, from Tier 2 in 2020.

Ratchada said Prayut thanked all government agencies concerned for joining forces to fight human trafficking, which helped in the removal of the country from the watchlist.

She also said Prayut extended moral support to the government agencies battling the scourge and expressed hope that such crimes would be eliminated once and for all from the kingdom.

In its 2021 report, the Social Development and Human Security Ministry informed the Cabinet that human traffickers were arrested and criminal charges filed in 188 cases. The number rose by about 42 per cent from the 133 cases in 2020.

The report stated that legal action was taken against 17 government officials in 2021 for being involved in human trafficking, while 414 victims were placed under a protection programme.

The number of victims helped by the government last year rose by 79 per cent from the previous year.

Ratchada said 148 victims were placed in rehabilitation centres in 2021 and the government reduced the monitoring period in these centres from 158 days in 2020 to 143 last year.

The spokeswoman said the ministry spent 153 per cent more on operations to protect witnesses in 2021, compared to the previous year. The ministry also spent 124 per cent more to compensate victims in 2021, compared to the previous year.

Among the measures employed to increase efficiency in suppression and prevention of human trafficking, the government would recruit more officials, increase anti-human trafficking command centre powers and provide a better method to receive public complaints, Ratchada added.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018727

If you’d like to catch sight of rare orchids while taking in the beauty of a northern waterfall, now’s your chance.

Dash over to Man Daeng Waterfall in Phitsanulok’s lush Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Protected Area Regional Office 11 (Phitsanulok) said the “Habenaria janellehayneiana” orchids are endemic to a humid ecosystem as they can be found on rocks near the waterfalls and cascades.

Different from anywhere else, this breed of orchid at Man Daeng Waterfall blooms into a sweet pink instead of orange, and this occurs only once a year, the office announced.

“The orchid is in full bloom in August every year,” it said, adding that the amount of flowers “would be low” in the latter part of the month.

Tourists who would like to catch a glimpse of these orchids must contact the national park in advance and be ready for slippery yet adventurous trails, the office said.

Tourists have also been advised to bring their own meals, water, raincoats, sneakers and anti-leech socks.

For more information, contact Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park’s visitor centre via 081-5965977.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018721

The Revenue Department and the Office of the Attorney-General are discussing the next step of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s tax case, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said on Tuesday.

His statement came after the Central Tax Court revoked the department’s order for Thaksin to pay about 17 billion baht in tax over the 2006 sale of a stake in Shin Corp.

The court ruled that the department’s summoning of Thaksin’s children, Panthongtae and Pintongta, for a tax assessment was unlawful as both siblings were only proxies holding shares for him.

Arkhom said the Revenue Department is discussing with the Office of the Attorney-General what to do next, which includes whether an appeal should be filed.

He said “everything is in line with the process”.

“We believe the department’s director-general will report the results to the ministry once the discussions are over,” he said.

Meanwhile, Revenue Department spokeswoman Sommai Siriudomset said if the department wants to file an appeal, it should do so within 30 days of the court’s ruling on July 18.

She said the department can extend the time limit to file an appeal after another 30 days.

“This case isn’t over yet because there is still the consideration by the Supreme Court,” she said. “However, the department must discuss what steps should be taken.”

She did not answer whether the Revenue Department would file an appeal before August 18, as the department had to wait for results of the discussions first.

She said the department is checking the amount of assets that had been seized from Thaksin’s children, adding that it would have to return the assets if the Supreme Court, too, rules in favour of Thaksin.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018719

A robot dog shows off its impressive skills by walking on the plum blossom piles of varying sizes and heights.

Arobot dog shows off its impressive skills by walking on the plum blossom piles of varying sizes and heights.

Published : August 10, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018713

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has brought on board two of the most popular actors/signers – Krit “PP” Amnuaydechkorn and Putthipong “Billkin” Assaratanakul – to spearhead its latest tourism promotion campaign titled “Amazing Thailand StyleCation with PP and Billkin”.

During a press event on Tuesday, TAT governor Yuttasak Supasorn said the campaign aimed to promote public awareness among Thais to engage in “meaningful travel” to destinations across the country’s five regions.

“PP and Billkin will lead the campaign to promote domestic trips via digital platforms to inspire people to travel in their own style, or ‘StyleCation’,” he said.

“More than 30 tourism businesses, including airlines, hotels and tour companies, have signed up to join the campaign, offering a ‘StyleCation Hot Deal’, which includes up to 60 per cent discounts.”

TAT believes its celebrity marketing strategy will attract a new generation of travellers who love to go on excursions suited to their own style and design their own vacations.

TAT is also preparing a StyleCation vlog to showcase attractions in both primary and secondary provinces, highlighting activities that can be explored besides sight-seeing to attract young, active target groups.

The campaign will run until September 30. If you are interested, explore or book tour deals via https://www.stylecationthailand.com/.

For more information, visit Facebook @AmazingThailand, Line: Amazing Thailand, Youtube: Amazing Thailand or contact call centre 1672.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018708

Police on Tuesday conducted a security training to ensure its forces are prepared for a key Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit from November 16 to 18 in Bangkok.

The training, supervised by National Police chief Pol General Suwat Jangyodsuk, was held at Bangkok Thonburi University in Thawi Watthana district.

Suwat said officers have been instructed to closely follow the police operation handbook in public assembly control and a host of security practices adopted by other countries when they hold an international event.

As part of the arrangements for the summit, a proposal to make November 16 to 18 special holidays in Bangkok and surrounding areas will be submitted to the Cabinet soon in a bid to minimise traffic congestion in the metropolis during the international meeting.

“However, government agencies that provide services to the public, such as hospitals, courts and banks, can consider these holidays as they see fit,” government spokeswoman Traisulee Taisaranakul said on Monday.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha also said on Monday that Thailand, as this year’s Apec chair, would use November’s summit to raise issues such as post-Covid economic recovery, trade and investment, global warming, and the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) economy.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018707

Residents in the North, the Northeast and the East have been warned to beware of possible flash floods and surface water runoffs due to tropical storm Mulan from Thursday to Saturday.

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Wednesday that Mulan, presently over the upper South China Sea, is expected to move through Hainan Island before making landfall over Vietnam on Thursday.

The department said the storm would bring isolated heavy to very heavy rains in the North, the Northeast and the East from August 11-13.

“People in Thailand should beware of severe conditions that may cause flash floods and surface runoffs,” the department warned.

The affected areas are:

Thursday (August 11)

• North: Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae and Uttaradit.

• Northeast: Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan.

• East: Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.

Friday (August 12)

• North: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok Tak, Sukhothai and Phetchabun.

• Northeast: Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan.

• East: Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.

Saturday (August 13)

• North: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok Tak, Sukhothai and Phetchabun.

• Northeast: Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Udon Thani and Bueng Kan.

The department also said the moderate southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf of Thailand would see waves in the upper Andaman Sea rising to about two metres and more than two metres during thundershowers.

In the lower Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf, the waves would be one to two metres high and about two metres during thundershowers, the department added.

“All ships in the upper Andaman Sea should proceed with caution,” it warned.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018706

A doctor’s prescription is still required to get Covid-19 antiviral drugs after the Public Health Ministry allows public and private hospitals nationwide to procure the drugs themselves from September 1.

The move, which aims to make Covid-19 treatment and medicine more easily and widely available, will include four antiviral drugs approved by Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), namely Favipiravir, Remdesivir, Molnupiravir and Paxlovid.

“From September 1, people will still not be allowed to buy Covid-19 antiviral drugs themselves,” said Public Health deputy permanent secretary Dr Thongchai Kirattihatthayakorn on Tuesday.

“Covid-19 patients must be diagnosed by a doctor, who will prescribe suitable drugs based on medical indications, patient’s symptoms and other risk factors to avoid side effects,” he made it clear.

Medical Services Department director-general Dr Somsak Akkasilp said antiviral drugs are approved by the FDA for use in emergency situations, and long-term side effects have yet to be thoroughly studied.

“People should therefore be careful and use these drugs only under doctor’s orders, especially among ‘rebound’ patients who had recovered from Covid-19 and then got reinfected despite having taken antiviral drugs,” he added.

Earlier this week, the National Health Security Office said it would start distributing Molnupiravir to people in vulnerable groups via telemedicine app operator Clicknic Health.

Clicknic CEO Neil Nilwichian insisted that patients would be diagnosed by 40 to 50 doctors via the app to prevent the antiviral drug from being misused or wrongly prescribed.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018704

The Public Health Ministry reported on Wednesday (August 10) that over the past 24 hours, 2,335 Covid-19 patients have been admitted to hospitals.

The death toll has risen by 32, while 2,151 patients have recovered and discharged from hospitals. 

The number of cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022, stands at 2,388,306 with 9,997 deaths.
 

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 4,611,741 – 4,558,947 of whom have recovered, 21,099 are still in hospitals and 31,695 have died.

Separately, another 5,254 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 8,133 their second shot and 33,441 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 142,009,950.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 591.41 million on Wednesday, 563.32 million of whom have recovered, 21.64 million are active cases (43,835 in severe condition) and 6.44 million have died (up by 2,060).

Thailand ranks 28th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 94.13 million, followed by India with 44.19 million, Brazil with 34.12 million, France with 34.07 million and Germany with 31.38 million.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION