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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016976

In response to a significant drop in Covid-19 infections and deaths, the government has decided to shut down the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) for Greater Bangkok.

The decision was announced on the Royal Gazette website on Wednesday. As of now, CCSA no longer has jurisdiction over Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon.

“Hospitals and medical centres in these provinces have also reported an adequate supply of hospital beds and medical equipment for the treatment of critical patients, while a majority of the population has been fully inoculated and given booster shots,” the announcement said. “The CCSA for Bangkok and surrounding provinces has completed its mission and will therefore stop operations. The [national] CCSA will take on the role of outbreak administration in metropolitan areas in line with the situation.”

CCSA for Greater Bangkok was established on May 5, 2020, as per the PM’s order under the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations to monitor and administer the Covid-19 situation.

The body has been chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

On Friday, Thailand recorded 2,313 Covid-19 cases and 16 deaths, while 1,489 patients recovered and discharged. The country has seen 2,286,106 cases in total since January 1, 2022.

Published : June 24, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016973

Ministry of Public Health reported on Friday (June 24) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 2,313 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, four of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 16, while 1,489 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,286,106.
 

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 4,509,541 – 4,456,524 of whom have recovered, 22,458 are still in hospitals and 30,559 have died.

Separately, another 7,683 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 14,796 their second shot and 38,331 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 139,354,423.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 547.45 million on Friday, 522.76 million of whom have recovered, 18.33 million are active cases (36,347 in severe condition) and 6.35 million have died (up by 1,650).

Thailand ranks 26th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 88.57 million, followed by India with 43.37 million, Brazil with 31.96 million, France with 30.43 million and Germany with 27.57 million.

Published : June 24, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016970

The Thai Rice Packers Association has denied reports of price increases for packaged rice of up to 30 baht for a 5-kilogram package.

Somkiat Makcayathorn, the association’s honorary president, said on Thursday that there would be no price hike despite a 30 per cent rise in the production cost involving transportation, packaging and raw material.

“Reports that the rice packers are going to raise the prices are inaccurate,” he said.

Somkiat, who also serves as chief executive officer at major packaged-rice producer Patum Rice Mill and Granary Plc, explained that the rice packers would only cut the offered discount, resulting in higher retail prices, which would still be lower than the suggested prices printed on the package.

“It’s impossible for the price of packaged rice to be increased up to 30 baht per bag although the producers have experienced higher costs of at least 30 per cent,” he said.

Somkiat said that rice packers would scrap sale promotion campaigns like “buy one, get one free” offers or a big discount on the suggested retail price.

According to him, rice packers have opted to absorb the higher cost and business loss, as competition in the market has become more intense.

He said the producers of packaged rice are competing against others by keeping their prices low, and this situation would remain in the second half of the year. Some producers have opted to leave the market for businesses that bring them more returns, he added.

Meanwhile, a source from a rice mill said that rice prices are going down after the increases a few weeks ago. So, a price increase of up to 30 baht for a 5kg bag of packaged rice is “impossible”, the source said.

Also, the supply of rice is increasing as more harvests of off-season rice are flooding the market, according to the source. For example, rice paddy is now sold at 9,000-9,200 baht per tonne, down from the previous 9,600-9,900.

Published : June 23, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016967

A rare five-planet “parade” will be visible in the skies above Thailand before dawn on Friday and Saturday, the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Narit) said on Thursday.

For the first time in nearly two decades, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will all be visible at the same time to the naked eye.

This celestial phenomenon — known as a conjunction — can be observed over the eastern horizon anywhere in Thailand from about 4.40am until sunrise, according to Narit. A clear sky will make this rare stargazing sight even more impressive, the institute said on its website.

The five planets and a waning crescent moon will align in an arc across the sky along the Sun’s path. While it is common to see two planets appear close together in the night sky, it is much rarer when as many as five planets are involved.

Some experts said this specific planetary line-up last happened in 2004, and earthlings won’t have the chance to see one again until 2040.

Published : June 23, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016966

More people are opting for travel by train as their preferred mode of transport due to high fuel prices. As health concerns caused by Covid-19 are diminishing, people are commuting more often, but higher fuel prices have increased the cost of daily commutes in their own vehicle.

Also, many commuters are finding it more difficult to get a public bus as private operators have reduced the frequency of their services due to the high costs.

Nakhon Ratchasima railway station has seen an increase of over 30 per cent in passenger numbers, according to the station master, Ampon Rattaniya.

He said that he has noticed an obvious increase in the number of school students commuting by train now.

All train trips suspended during the Covid-19 outbreak have been resumed, so there are now sufficient services for the high demand during rush hours in the morning and the evening, according to the station master.

He called on commuters to use train services, which are more convenient and cheaper than other modes of transport.

Natchanan Kongkerd, a resident of the northeastern province’s Khong district, said that she has opted for trains as petrol prices have kept rising.

Previously, she used to drive from her home to the city area and spent less than 500 baht on fuel for the roundtrip, but it would now cost over 700 baht.

“Also, there are fewer public buses in service now. You have to wait much longer. So, I have turned to trains instead, as the fare is cheap and the wait is not long,” said the 33-year-old.

Published : June 23, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016964

The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) on Wednesday postponed the plan to do away with the Mae Moh lignite-fired power plant unit 8-11 in Lampang until December 31, 2025, in a bid to reduce electricity cost amid rising liquefied natural gas (LNG) price.

Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow said on Thursday that the global LNG price has risen due to many countries’ sanctions on Russia for the invasion of Ukraine.

He said the rising LNG price also pushed up electricity bills, impacting the economy and people’s living.

Thailand still has to rely on LNG to produce electricity, he added.

Apart from reducing electricity cost amid rising LNG price, he said this move also helped reduce electricity bills for users and mitigate the impact of the decline in LNG production at the Erawan gas field in the Gulf of Thailand during the transfer of natural gas resource concession.

He said this move will not affect the country’s plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions within 2030. He added that this move is also in line with Environmental Health Impact Assessment.

The NEPC has appointed the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and Energy Regulatory Commission to work on this issue, he said.

He said the NEPC has also approved the purchase of 100 megawatts of electricity from waste generators in the form of Feed-in Tariff (FiT) at 6.08 baht per unit (excluding FiT Premium) from very small power producers.

He added that this move is in line with Power Development Plan from 2018 and 2037.

The power producers must deliver electricity in 2026, he added.

Published : June 23, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016963

On June 23, four years ago, 12 school footballers, then aged 11 to 16, entered the Tham Luang Khun Nam Nang Non Cave in Chiang Rai with their 25-year-old assistant coach and were trapped inside, leading to an over two-week-long intense rescue operation, which included international divers.

During the operation, Saman Kunan, 37, a former Royal Thai Navy SEAL member, died and he became the Tham Luang hero.

On Wednesday, the former Wild Boar footballers returned to the front of the cave in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district to remember their hero and commemorate the rescue drama in a show of gratitude to all the people who saved their lives in 2018.

The rite to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the event was held in front of the cave and was presided over by Dr Chaweewan Khampha, president of the Poultry Promotion Association of Thailand.

Apart from the former footballers, who have grown up into young men, local people and Tham Luang Khun Nam Nang Non National Park officials also joined the rites.

One of the rites was to make an offering to the Chao Mae Nang Nong spirit, a female spirit believed by local people to guard the cave complex and other sacred objects in the cave.

The participants also gave alms to 39 Buddhist monks and there was a traditional rite to bless the survivors to live long.

Four years since the gripping rescue drama, the authorities have changed the landscape in front of the cave with a cement ground and cement stairway leading to the front of the cave.

A statue of Saman has also been erected in front of the cave. The authorities have made a new car park and a tourist service centre with toilet rooms nearby.

Since passages inside the cave complex are flooded during the rainy season, the cave is closed to tourists during the season. The entrance is expected to be reopened on October 1.

Four years ago, the Wild Boar team entered the cave as usual after their football practice but shortly afterwards, heavy rainfall partially flooded their way out, trapping them deep within.

Efforts to locate the group were hampered by rising water levels and strong currents, and no contact was established with them for nearly two weeks. The rescue efforts expanded in scope and drew worldwide public interest.

The boys were found alive by two foreign divers on July 2.

Saman died of asphyxiation during an attempted rescue on July 6 while returning to a staging base in the cave after delivering diving cylinders.

All the 12 boys and their coach were rescued from the cave by an international team of divers between July 8 and 10.

Published : June 23, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016962

Former Palang Pracharath Party MP Parina Kraikupt has sought any lawyer’s help to confiscate her father’s driving licence after he allegedly crashed his car for the third time in three years.

Former transport minister Tawee Kraikupt was alleged involved in another hit-and-run case when he crashed into a pickup truck at Nakhon Chai Si district in Nakhon Pathom province on Wednesday.

The pickup driver said that he was driving to his house on the right lane when Tawee allegedly drove into him and scraped the front of his truck and allegedly escaped while his vehicle was stuck on the street aisle.

He tried to give Tawee a chase but Tawee allegedly drove into him so the driver honked his horn several times to get the driver to stop. When Tawee refused to stop, the pickup driver speeded up and drove in front of him, forcing Tawee to stop his car. The driver says he immediately recognised the driver of the car as Tawee.

Tawee and the driver travelled to Nakhon Chai Si Police Station to settle the matter. Tawee refused to admit being responsible for the crash, ignoring a video recording. He asked the police to investigate and sought compensation from the driver. Eventually, the police questioned Tawee before proceeding with legal action.

Meanwhile, Pareena posted on Thursday, “I want to ask any great lawyer about what to do in this case to stop my father from driving a car, as the car is not mine and my father refuses to listen to me. He refuses to listen to family members.”

She added, “I am worried. This news could be reported but I want to thank the media today for not bullying my father because those who have an old father will understand me.”

Several netizens suggested that she find a driver for Tawee.

On December 21, 2019, Tawee crashed and injured a 16-year-old boy who was riding a motorcycle in Photharam, Ratchaburi province. He fled the scene without helping the boy. However, the rescuers and people nearby found him so he had to pay a compensation to the victim.

On February 19, 2020, Tawee crashed into a car while the victim was parking in front of a convenience store. He gave the number to the victim but the number could not be reached, so Pareena had to take the responsibility instead.

Pareena had previously asked the police to confiscate her father’s driving licence or ask her father to stop driving, but Tawee reportedly has refused to heed requests.

Published : June 23, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016958

At least nine Bangkokians have been treated for symptoms resulting from smoking or consuming marijuana over the past two weeks after the plant was legalised on June 9.

They were sent to three Bangkok hospitals run by the Department of Medical Services – Nopparat Rajathanee, Lerdsin and Rajavithi.

According to the department’s deputy director-general Dr Manas Phothaporn, the patients had quickened pulse, fluctuating blood pressure, dizziness, nausea or vomiting.

He said that recreational use of cannabis affects blood flow, the heart and the nerve system while eating it can impact the alimentary canal.

Most of the patients tried cannabis for the first time for recreational purposes while others unintentionally ate food containing marijuana, Dr Manas said.

He added that some food shops put cannabis or hemp in their dishes without informing their customers.

“Records show that some patients had a ‘som tam’ dish of bamboo-shoot salad while others ate cookies or drank coffee mixed with cannabis,” the official said.

According to him, no such cases have been found in people who use marijuana for medical purposes.

Manas suggested that the following groups of people should avoid smoking or eating marijuana: persons under 20 years of age, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, those with chronic diseases relating to blood, brain and nervous systems, people with mental disorders and those whose family members have a history of psychiatric issues.

He also asked food shops that add marijuana to their dishes to inform their customers beforehand so that they can decide whether to order them or not.

Early symptoms caused by marijuana include an irregular breathing pattern and abnormal pulse, Manas said, adding that those who fall unconscious should be rushed to hospital immediately.

Published : June 23, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016957

A government order from 2020 prohibiting officials from travelling abroad, except on important missions, due to the Covid-19 situation was revoked by a Cabinet resolution on Tuesday, a news source informed on Thursday.

The order, implemented since March 17, 2020, stipulated that government officials, civil servants, and employees of state enterprises must not travel overseas except for important missions in a bid to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The source said the meeting of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) last month had informed the Cabinet that the Covid-19 situation in Thailand and globally is improving with decreasing number of domestic infections and deaths, as well as significant drop in cases from overseas. 
The CCSA then proposed to the Cabinet to consider easing the restriction on overseas travel for government officials.

On Thursday Thailand recorded 2,299 Covid-19 cases (five imported) and 18 deaths, while 1,783 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals. Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,283,793.

Published : June 23, 2022

By : THE NATION