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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016562

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has told officials to clamp down on entertainment venues that are flouting the midnight closing rule, a government spokeswoman said on Sunday.

Deputy government spokeswoman Traisulee Traisoranakul said Prayut had received complaints via several channels of nighttime entertainment venues violating closing time rules.

Pubs, bars, karaoke shops and massage parlours were allowed to reopen in 31 Blue and Green zone provinces from June 1.

The venues are allowed to operate until midnight, but many are staying open longer, leading to fear among local residents that they will trigger Covid clusters, the spokeswoman quoted Prayut as saying.

Traisulee said Prayut has ordered the Royal Thai Police to work with provincial and local administration officials to tighten enforcement of closing hours.

She said Prayut had also ordered agencies to ensure their officials do not turn a blind eye to violations. Those who are found to be helping venues stay open illegally will be subject to both disciplinary and criminal action, the spokeswoman added.

She called on members of the public to inform officials if they encounter any entertainment place violating the closing hour rule.

Meanwhile, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration will meet next week to consider removing the face mask mandate in public places and allow entertainment venues to close at 2am.

Published : June 12, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016560

An unlicensed bar in Bangkok was raided in the early hours of Sunday and 63 patrons were arrested after testing positive for narcotics.

Crime Suppression Division’s Children and Women Protection sub-division officers raided the 77 Society bar on Tha Kham Road in Bang Khunthien district at 2am after receiving complaints from local residents that the venue had violated the midnight closing hour.

When police arrived, the bar was rocking, with stage music and some 195 patrons still drinking and dancing.

Police found packets of drugs scattered on the floor, including 41 zip-lock bags of ketamine weighing 29 grams in total, 20 ecstasy pills and 12 zip-lock bags of “ice” or crystal methamphetamine weighing 13g in total.

Of the patrons, 26 men and 57 women tested positive and three zip-lock bags of ketamine were found on two of them.

The owner of the venue, Komsan Taengcham, was taken into custody and slapped with five charges, namely operating an entertainment venue without licences, violating the law by not getting the venue assessed for Covid-19 measures, selling alcohol after permitted hours, violating the Emergency Decree by allowing an illegal gathering and allowing narcotics to be taken at the venue.

Published : June 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016555

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt went live on Facebook to urge officials not to use violence against pro-democracy protesters who are expected to gather again on Sunday.

Agroup calling itself “14 Warlords of the People” said in a Facebook post on Sunday that they “want to see fireworks at Din Daeng”.

On Saturday, pro-democracy protesters started their rally at 2pm, marching from Democracy Monument to Victory Monument. Though the rally was called off just after 6pm, some protesters gathered at the Din Daeng intersection and reportedly set a police truck on fire.

The crowd was eventually dispersed at around 7.20pm by riot police.

“The Bangkok deputy governor has been instructed to ensure protesters’ safety,” Chadchart, who filmed his speech while jogging in Seattle, said.

He also urged protesters to use their rights in a peaceful manner and promised to follow up on the situation when he returns to Thailand. Chadchart is in the US to attend his son’s graduation ceremony.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police Bureau deputy commissioner Jirasan Kaewsangek said police officers had been deployed to maintain peace during the rally and ensure people’s safety. He also said that checkpoints were set up to see if protesters were carrying weapons before they were let into the rally site.

“We urge protesters to ensure others are not affected by their protests,” he said, pointing out that gatherings may trigger the spread of Covid-19.

There were no details as of press time on what measures will be taken to ensure safety if a rally is held on Sunday.

Published : June 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016551

Public Health Ministry reported on Sunday (June 12) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 2,474 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19.

Death toll increased by 20, while 4,236 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,261,428.

Published : June 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016550

An air-conditioning mechanic in Chonburi has filed a police complaint accusing a woman he met through TikTok of deceiving him into transferring almost 1 million baht to her bank account.

The 34-year-old man, identified only as “Banjob”, said he approached the good-looking woman after seeing her short videos on TikTok.

She then asked him for loans to fund her “business investments and private lending”, according to the man.

He made payments totalling over 900,000 baht to the woman, hoping to win her heart and start a family together.

However, the woman refused his invitations to visit him, citing risks from the Covid-19 pandemic.

She also ignored his repeated requests to repay the money he had loaned her.

On Saturday, Banjob visited Chonburi’s Nong Prue subdistrict police station to file a complaint. He said that he wanted his case to be reported as a warning for others not to fall victim to similar “love” scams.

“I am so disappointed as I had high hopes” of forming a relationship, he said. “I want my case to be a lesson for other men out there who are desperate for love and to build a family.”

Published : June 11, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016549

Almost 600,000 people have registered to grow cannabis in the two days since Thailand legalised the herb on Thursday, the FDA says.

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that its Plookganja websites and mobile applications for registration had recorded more than 32.1 million visits as of 7am on Saturday.

A total of 582,399 people successfully registered to grow cannabis and hemp through the websites and apps, according to the FDA.

Growers can register at two websites – https://plookganja.fda.moph.go.th and https://plookganjaweb.fda.moph.go.th – or via the Plookganja app, available in iOS and Android versions.

Meanwhile, the FDA Facebook page issued a warning about fraudulent websites and apps created to lure prospective registrants into revealing their personal information or transferring money.

The FDA’s Plookganja website and app only ask registrants for their 13-digit ID number, date of birth and reason for growing marijuana – personal, medicinal or commercial.

Registrants are now allowed to grow and use cannabis or hemp for purposes of improving their own health, preparation of traditional medicines, and commercial and industrial purposes, according to the FDA. They can also produce and process parts of the hemp and cannabis plants. However, marijuana extracts containing more than 0.2 per cent of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the compound responsible for the herb’s euphoric effects or “high” – are still illegal.

Published : June 11, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016545

Most Thais are interested in starting a new business now that the Covid-19 crisis is fading, according to a new opinion survey.

Over 63 per cent of respondents were “very keen” or “keen” to start a small business, according to results of the Bangkok Poll released on Saturday.

Just under 37 per cent said they had “rather little” or “least” desire to go into business.

The phone survey was conducted on 1,121 people across the country between May 30 and June 2.

Nearly 58 per cent of respondents said they saw opportunities to start a new business in the future. That figure was 11.7 per cent up from the previous survey conducted in March.

More than 53 per cent said they intended to run their business in the future, up 10.8 per cent from the last survey.

However, 64.2 per cent of respondents said they had no interest in investing in a start-up, fearing failure — a 1.9 per cent increase from the previous survey.

Of these respondents, 46.1 per cent cited a lack of funds, 42.5 per cent fear of business losses, and 40.6 per cent higher costs due to rising fuel prices.

The opinion poll was conducted jointly with Bangkok University’s School of Entrepreneurship and Management.

Published : June 11, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016544

The Covid crisis for Thai tourism is now over, with 1.4 million foreign arrivals this year and overseas tour agents selling Thailand’s destinations again, says Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Yuthasak Supasorn.

The TAT is targeting a total of at least 7 million foreign arrivals this year but that figure could be boosted to 10 million with more budget for tourism promotion, he added.

As such, the TAT would submit a request to the government’s Economic Situation Administration Centre for a budget of around 100 million baht.

The focus of the budget would be joint marketing with airlines to increase flights to Thailand from Asia, Europe and Australia, he said.

Total revenue from Thai and foreign tourists is projected at 1.5 trillion baht this year. The TAT expects that figure to rise to 2.4 trillion baht next year – 80 per cent of pre-Covid tourism revenue – with some 20 million foreign visitors.

Tourism revenue is expected to reach the pre-Covid level of 3 trillion baht in 2024, with 25-30 million foreign visitors.

“The signs are clear that Thailand’s tourism situation has recovered and it’s official that the Covid-19 crisis is over for the tourism sector,” Yuthasak said.

He pointed to a return of foreign tourists — more than 1.4 million entered the Kingdom between January 1 and June 6, up from 440,000 last year.

Also, 276 tour companies from 45 countries took part in the Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2022 event held in Phuket from Wednesday to Friday.

“This is the first time in two years that overseas tour agencies are selling Thailand again,” the TAT governor said.

He pointed out that since the Test & Go entry system was scrapped on May 1, tourist arrivals have climbed to over 30,000 per day. The TAT has duly lifted its May-September target of 300,000 arrivals per month to 500,000.

That figure is expected to jump to 1 million per month during the high season between October and December.

Yuthasak added that although tourist numbers are much lower than pre-Covid levels, average tourist spending per trip has increased from 47,000 baht to 77,000 baht.

Published : June 11, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016542

After Thailand removed marijuana from its list of banned narcotics on Thursday, the Royal College of Paediatricians has come up with a five-point guideline on preventing addiction among children.

“Removing cannabis from the narcotics list means people in vulnerable groups such as children can legally consume foods and products with cannabis as an ingredient. Some products may contain high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol [THC], which is a psychoactive compound and can be addictive,” the statement released on Friday by college president Prof Dr Somsak Lohlekha said.

“Cannabis can affect a child’s brain development, intelligence level, behaviour and emotional balance. It could also lead to mental disorders and schizophrenia, increase the risk of suicide and offer a gateway to other addictive substances. Continued usage will have negative effects on mental and physical health,” it went on.

The Royal College of Paediatricians of Thailand, along with other related agencies including the Child Neurology Association, the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Society and the Association for Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics, came up with the following guidelines to protect children from cannabis addiction and abuse:

• Prohibit persons under 20 from consuming cannabis and its extract unless it is taken under a specialised physician’s guidance for medical purposes.

• Boost public awareness of the impact cannabis can have on child development.

• Make it mandatory that products with cannabis are not sold to persons under 20.

• Prohibit the use of cartoon characters or other means that may attract children in the advertising of products containing cannabis.

• Research must be conducted to study the impact cannabis can have on children.

“The Royal College of Paediatricians of Thailand is ready to provide accurate information and suggestions based on medical science about the impact cannabis can have on children to medical professionals and the general public,” the statement said.

Published : June 11, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016541

Thai durian farmers were recently applauded for focusing on good agricultural practices (GAP) that are in line with China’s Zero-Covid policy.

Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Han Zhiqiang visited the durian farm owned by the president of Thai Durian Association Phanusak Saiphanich on Friday to see what steps are being taken to prevent the fruit from getting contaminated.

Phanusak was at hand to show the envoy all the steps that are taken to ensure the fruit meets China’s export criteria.

He also served up fresh and processed premium-grade durian for the ambassador to taste.

Han welcomed the snack, saying durian is indeed the “king of fruit” and strong trade ties between the two countries have made it possible for durian to be widely available in China.

He also said that after the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, both countries should join hands to rebuild their economies.

Thailand exported agricultural goods worth US$11.3 billion to China last year, up 33 per cent from the previous year. Of the exports, durian products accounted for $5.43 billion, up by 87 per cent year on year.

China has implemented strict measures and standards for exporters to follow in a bid to curb the spread of Covid.

Han, meanwhile, said he expects Thai durian exports to pick up as sellers can use the Laos-China railway. He also said that both China and Thailand should speed up the building of a direct railway so it becomes more convenient and cheaper to transport goods.

Published : June 11, 2022

By : THE NATION