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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40018633

Competitors of “Spartan Thailand 2022 Chiang Mai” will be able to travel and enjoy a variety of activities in the province, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said on Sunday.

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau and six government agencies, including TAT and Chiang Mai province, have got the rights to organise the world’s most brutal obstacle race at Huay Tung Tao Reservoir in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district from August 12 and 14.

Some 4,000 competitors from more than 30 countries worldwide will join the race, which is expected to generate 300 million baht for Thailand’s economy.

Apart from experiencing plentiful nature at the reservoir, TAT said competitors and their followers will be able to visit three attractions in Chiang Mai, namely Balloon Adventure Thailand, Pongyang Jungle Coaster Zipline Camp and Resort and Buakaw Village.

TAT added that Muay Thai star Buakaw Banchamek will personally greet and train visitors at Buakaw Village.

“Apart from participating in the obstacle race, Spartan Thailand 2022 Chiang Mai competitors can travel and enjoy a variety of activities in the province,” TAT said.

For more information, please visit “Spartan Race Thailand” Facebook page www.facebook.com/spartanracethailand or website www.spartan.com.

More than 200 Spartan races were organised in 42 countries worldwide, in which competitors must overcome various obstacles along the trail, such as mud, ziplines, nets and walls.

Published : August 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40018629

Provincial governors in the North, Northeast and Central region are on alert for possible flash floods on Monday and Tuesday.

Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Monday that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha instructed the Interior Ministry on Sunday to ensure the governors respond to the weather forecast of heavy downpours.

Prayut also ordered the governors, who also oversee provincial disaster prevention and mitigation centres, to ensure locals are warned of the risk of flash flooding. The provincial centres were also instructed to monitor and coordinate with the national disaster warning centre on a round-the-clock basis so action can be taken in time in case of flash flooding.

The centres have also been instructed to have heavy machinery ready for mitigating disaster, Thanakorn said.

The Meteorological Department has forecast that a low-pressure mass in the upper South China Sea will gain strength and develop into a tropical storm that may affect many parts of Thailand The influence of the low-pressure cell will bring heavy rains in the three regions as well as in other parts of the country.

Over the past 24 hours, Nong Khai has recorded 164mm of rain, Trat 146mm and Lampang 88mm.

The spokesman also quoted the water resources management centre as saying that the Royal Irrigation Department has had to discharge water from the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat’s Sapphaya district to make space for more rainwater from upstream.

The dam is releasing about 1,000 cubic metres per second and this may see downstream rivers overflowing in Angthong and Ayutthaya.

The PM has also called on the Interior Ministry to get ready to help those affected by the flooding.

Published : August 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40018626

As many as 21 provinces in the North, Northeast and Central face the risk of flooding on Monday, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) said.

“The Northeast provinces – Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan – may be flooded due to overflows from the Mekong River,” DDPM said.

“Meanwhile, Nan, Loei, Chanthaburi and Trat may be hit by landslides,” it said, adding that Ranong, Phang Nga and Phuket in the South face strong winds and high waves.

Residents have been advised to follow updates from government agencies, take care while driving and beware of poisonous creatures and electrical circuits.

“People living on the banks of the Mekong River should beware of rising water levels,” DDPM said. “Ships should move with caution and small boats should stay ashore.”

The department also warned tourists to stay out of the sea and beware of strong waves.

Provinces facing the risk of flooding are:

North

Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun and Tak

Northeast

Loei, Nong Khai, Chaiyaphum and Nakhon Ratchasima

Central Region

Kanchanaburi, Chanthaburi, Trat, Bangkok, Ang Thong and Ayutthaya

Published : August 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40018625

Days prior to China’s 14th National Fitness Day, the country’s first national Ultimate Frisbee League started in the northwest city of Xi’an on Saturday.

Days prior to China’s 14th National Fitness Day, the country’s first national Ultimate Frisbee League started in the northwest city of Xi’an on Saturday.

Published : August 08, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40018624

The Airports of Thailand (AOT) has announced that is going ahead with seeking bids for the operation of two systems at the Suvarnabhumi Airport.

In a statement on Sunday, AOT dismissed rumours that the bidding had been cancelled by the Comptroller General’s Office, and said the office had only dismissed a complaint from a disqualified bidder in August 2020.

AOT is seeking bids for the operation of baggage handling systems at Suvarnabhumi Airport’s main and transfer terminals.

The agency issued a statement on Sunday responding to media reports that it was going ahead with the bidding despite the Comptroller General’s order to scrap the bid altogether after a complaint was filed by Dan-Thai Equipment Co in mid-2020.

The company claimed that less than a week after the result was revealed, the AOT bidding committee proposed that the bidders’ qualifications are reconsidered and a revote is held. This resulted in the company being disqualified.

In the Sunday announcement, AOT said the Comptroller General’s complaint consideration committee had on August 6, 2020, dismissed Dan-Thai Equipment’s complaints and decided to let the bidding procedure go to the next step.

Published : August 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40018621

No government or police links have been found in the unlicensed operation of the Chonburi pub where a deadly blaze killed 15 and injured 40 others on Friday.

Pol Maj-General Atthasit Kitjahan, Chonburi police chief, said on Sunday that initial investigation showed that Mountain B Pub in Sattahip district had a restaurant licence but was illegally operating as a drinking venue. The building had also been illegally altered.

“We have spoken to several state officials responsible for the electrical system and civil engineering in the area, and so far none of them have been found linked to the pub’s operation. Further evidence is being gathered and investigation is progressing,” he said.

“As for witnesses claiming that they have seen police officers show up at the pub three times over the past two months, and allow it to continue operating, a special committee has been set up to investigate the suspects.

“Any officials found to have committed wrongdoing will be prosecuted under the law,” he promised.

Atthasit also confirmed that Phongsiri Panprasong, 27, who has admitted to charges of negligence causing death and operating a night spot without permission, is the real owner and not a scapegoat as some have speculated.

The Chonburi police chief added that the pub’s roof will be removed on Monday so officials can inspect the electrical system.

On Friday, Atthasit signed an order transferring the Phlu Ta Luang Police Station superintendent, his two deputies and two inspectors responsible for crime suppression and investigation to inactive posts. The transfers were to take effect immediately to ensure the “orderly and effective” performance of provincial police.

The pub falls under the jurisdiction of Phlu Ta Luang Police Station.

Published : August 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40018616

More rain can be expected for most of the week with isolated heavy to very heavy showers in the North, Northeast and East. Meanwhile, Greater Bangkok and the South can expect heavy rain until Tuesday.

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Monday that the rain is being brought by the monsoon trough lying across the upper North and upper Northeast as well as the low-pressure cell over upper Vietnam.

A strong southwest monsoon is also prevailing over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand on Monday and Tuesday, making waves rise up to 3 metres high in the upper Andaman and even higher during thundershowers. Waves in the upper Gulf are about 2 metres high and even higher during thundershowers.

The monsoon is expected to weaken after Wednesday and reduce the height of the waves in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf.

The department has warned people to beware of severe conditions that may bring flash floods and runoffs. Ships have been advised to proceed with caution, while small boats in the upper Andaman have been advised to stay ashore until Tuesday.

The weather forecast from Monday to Saturday is as follows:

Greater Bangkok

Monday and Tuesday: Scattered to fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain.

Wednesday to Saturday: Scattered thundershowers.

Temperature: Lows of 24-28 degrees, highs of 30-36 degrees Celsius.

North

Monday and Tuesday: Scattered to fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy to very heavy rains.

Wednesday to Saturday: Scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain.

Temperature: Lows of 22-26 degrees, highs of 31-36 degrees Celsius.

Northeast

Monday and Tuesday: Scattered to fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy to very heavy rain.

Wednesday to Saturday: Scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain.

Temperature: Lows of 22-27 degrees, highs of 30-36 degrees Celsius.

Central

Monday and Tuesday: Scattered to fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy to very heavy rain.

Wednesday to Saturday: Scattered thundershowers.

Temperature: Lows of 22-27 degrees, highs of 30-36 degrees Celsius.

East

Scattered to fairly widespread thundershowers for most of the week and isolated heavy to very heavy rain.

Monday and Tuesday: 2m high waves and higher during thundershowers.

Wednesday to Saturday: 1-2m high waves and higher during thundershowers.

Temperature: Lows of 23-28 degrees, highs of 28-36 degrees Celsius.

South (east coast)

Scattered thundershowers until Saturday with isolated heavy rain until Tuesday.

Monday and Tuesday: 1-2m high waves and higher in thundershowers.

Wednesday to Saturday: Metre high waves and higher in thundershowers.Temperature: Lows of 22-27 degrees, highs of 30-36 degrees Celsius.

South (west coast)

Scattered thundershowers until Saturday with isolated heavy rain until August 9.

Monday and Tuesday: 2-3m high waves and higher during thundershowers.

Wednesday to Saturday: 1-2m high waves and higher during thundershowers.

Temperature: Lows of 23-25 degrees, highs of 27-34 degrees Celsius.

Published : August 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40018615

The Public Health Ministry reported on Monday (August 8) that over the past 24 hours, 1,842 Covid-19 patients have been admitted to hospitals.

The death toll has risen by 34, while 2,015 patients have recovered and discharged from hospitals. 

The number of cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022, stands at 2,384,016 with 9,932 deaths.

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 4,607,451 – 4,554,502 of whom have recovered, 21,319 are still in hospitals and 31,630 have died.

Separately, another 2,456 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 3,719 their second shot and 23,767 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 141,943,337.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 589.59 million on Monday, 561.02 million of whom have recovered, 22.13 million are active cases (43,747 in severe condition) and 6.44 million have died.

Thailand ranks 28th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 93.91 million, followed by India with 44.16 million, Brazil with 34.07 million, France with 34.02 million and Germany with 31.23 million.

Published : August 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40018608

Women migrant workers facing sexual harassment and violence were thrown a lifeline on Sunday with the launch of a new mobile app.

“Smart Domestic Workers” is the fruit of collaboration between UN Women and Thai NGOs including the Foundation for Labour and Employment Promotion.

Foundation secretary-general Boonsom Namsomboon said 80 per cent of female migrants face sexual violence, but very few file complaints to the police.

“The Smart Domestic Workers app will definitely bring positive change [for female migrants],” she said.

She said the app provides users with ways to protect themselves from violence in four languages – Thai, English, Burmese and Khmer.

The app can be used to search for hospitals, police stations and other related agencies near their residences.

“In addition, related agencies’ hotlines are available on the app,” she added.

Melissa Alvarado, UN Women Asia-Pacific Regional Adviser on Ending Violence against Women, said 24 per cent of Thai women had faced sexual or physical violence from their spouse but were afraid to seek help from police.

However, she added that female migrants are at far higher risk, with 80 per cent experiencing at least one form of violence but reluctant to report it out of fear of arrest or being deported.

“We hope that the Smart Domestic Workers app will be helpful and meet female migrants’ needs for help,” she said.

Dararai Raksiripong, a representative from the Migrant Women Project in Tak’s Mae Sot district, added that violence against female migrants was rising in the post-Covid era due to factors such as income loss and lockdown measures that triggered family issues.

Published : August 07, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40018605

Officials from several Thai ministries will visit Vientiane later this month to discuss the Thailand extension of the China-Laos railway.

The August 30-September 1 talks will focus on linking Vientiane with Nong Khai, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said on Sunday.

Plans for the Thai extension of the three-country railway also involve the finance, foreign, agriculture and commerce ministries.

Saksayam said the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) would speed up construction of the Nong Khai-Bangkok high-speed railway and development of Nong Khai station as a trade hub.

The minister also revealed progress on a west-east rail link from Nong Khai.

“SRT will also propose a double-track rail project from Nong Khai to Khon Kaen to the Cabinet,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Highways would expedite a request for budget to study construction of a new bridge across the Mekong River.

As for the Finance Ministry, its Customs Department will hasten procurement of mobile X-ray screening equipment for the Nong Khai border checkpoint, as well as implementation of export-import procedures at Nong Khai railway station.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry is collecting data on development in Laos to promote Thai exports and also coordinating with Laos and China on the rail link.

“The Agriculture Ministry will speed up talks with China to open six land checkpoints,” Saksayam added.

“The Commerce Ministry will study Thai-Chinese trade in Nong Khai and how to gain advantage from the Laos-China railway.”

Saksayam said the Industry Ministry would expedite construction and development of Udon Thani’s industrial estate to support trade by rail.

He added that the Transport Ministry was also pushing development of a high-speed railway in the South to link five countries – China, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

“The ministry sees that development of the southern route will help strengthen transport and tourism across the Asean region,” he said.

Published : August 07, 2022

By : THE NATION