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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015645

The Commerce Ministry will host a meeting with Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) trade ministers to discuss the long-delayed Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).

The Apec Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting, held at Centara Grand in Bangkok from Thursday to Sunday, will be led by Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit. Several representatives, including ministers from the US, Russia, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Brunei and Vietnam, will be at the meeting in person, though the Chinese minister will attend online.

Auramon Supthaweethum, director-general of the Department of Trade Negotiations, said the meeting on Saturday and Sunday will focus on cooperation to support the growth of economies in Apec.

The trade ministers will also discuss support for the multilateral trading system and will exchange ideas with the Apec Business Advisory Council on how to drive FTAAP in the fallout of Covid-19 and the policies for economic growth.

A seminar on building awareness and cooperation between the public, private, academic and citizen sectors on FTAAP and free trade in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis will be held on Thursday.

FTAAP first came up in a joint statement of Apec trade ministers in 2008 and was again part of the agenda in November 2021, as part of Apec’s Putrajaya Vision 2040 implementation plan.

Meanwhile, Friday will see the Apec BCG Symposium 2022 with a focus on boosting MSMEs’ competitiveness through necessary knowledge for a sustainable future, providing policy guidance on incentivising and stimulating the private sector to apply the BCG model for more sustainable businesses, and building networks for stakeholders across the region.

“Apec is a stage that focuses on free trade and reducing trading obstacles. This year, Thailand has the chance to become a host for the first time in 20 years,” Auramon said.

“The result of the meeting will set a guideline on how to recover and stimulate Thailand’s economic growth sustainably after the Covid-19 era and respond to the change in trading with efficiency.

“It will also be an opportunity for Thailand to display readiness for country opening, to welcome tourists and business operators from across the world,” she said.

Apec was formed in 1989 as an informal forum for member nations to discuss free-trade and economic cooperation along the Pacific Rim.

Apec members include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, US and Vietnam.

Published : May 17, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015643

Schools across Thailand reopened on Tuesday for the first time in two years, and though most students got to attend class, one 14-year-old girl couldn’t.

The Phatthalung native, who lives in Songkhla with her family, had been a student of Satri Phatthalung School for two years.

The reopening of schools meant she had to head to Phatthalung so she could attend classes. However, she had nowhere to stay there.

Besides, she and her family have been in dire financial straits for the past two years. And to add to her woes, her parents had separated and her mother developed a gambling habit.

Despite that, the youngster did not give up and asked for permission to rent a place and find a part-time job to support herself in Phatthalung. However, her request was denied.

According to the youngster’s last social media post, she then called her school adviser for suggestions but was told more or less the same. The post read that the adviser instead told her to find another school because her parents did not care for her and would only cause problems.

So, the youngster decided that suicide was the best way out and killed herself on May 13. She was cremated in Songkhla on Saturday.

The school’s side

School principal Malee Keolaaid put the tragedy down to misunderstanding and explained what had taken place.

She said that she learned from a teacher on May 9 that the student was still in Songkhla and could not return to Phatthalung because she had nowhere to live and no guardian. So, Malee said, she asked teacher Chanya Choomek, who is in charge of counselling students, to step and help the 14-year-old.

On May 11, the student’s class teacher identified only as Surawat, called the teen to ask if she had returned to Phatthalung. The student said she wanted to return but could not, without elaborating.

He then took the case to Chanya and both came up with a couple of solutions, which Surawat then offered to the teenager. They were:

• Enrol at a school in Songkhla, so she can live with the family, or
• Contact the Children and Youth Centre if she wanted to return to study at the Phatthalung school.

Malee said she did not know about the young girl’s situation but only knew that the law requires her to get her mother’s permission if she wants to live on her own.

The principal also defended the counsellor, saying she always helped students and had no bad intentions.

The principal also said the school had set up measures to help students and that this tragedy had taken place due to misunderstanding.

Malee also said the school never demands that tuition fees be paid in time and that parents are always informed in advance. Also, she said, students can apply for a discount or exemption.

Chanya also confirmed that the school and teachers always help students and that this misunderstanding may have occurred when the student recounted the conversation to her friends.

She also denied rumours that the student did not get the scholarship she had been entitled to.

Ongoing investigation

The school has tasked vice-principal Montree Kamchuai to set up an investigation committee.

Committee member Parinya Anuphinij, who is a lawyer at the Phatthalung Education Office, said an investigation is necessary because there is too much confusion.

He said this school always focused on the students and its caring system had inspired many other schools.

He also said that the media should present both sides of the story because the school and teachers were not to blame for the tragedy.

Meanwhile, the student’s family has refused to provide any information, saying they were too depressed and wanted this incident to end.

Guidelines from Education Ministry

• If tuition fee has been collected during the Covid-related shutdown, then it should be returned to the students.
• If the school needs to collect fees, then it must postpone or extend the period of collection.
• Schools must prepare measures to help parents affected by the Covid crisis.
• State organisations must ensure schools follow these measures that were put in place from 2021 onwards.

Published : May 17, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015642

Students of Bangkok University will get to learn from leading film directors, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and leading actress Natalie Portman among other well-known figures, because of its cooperation with a leading US online education subscription platform.

Petch Osathanugrah, rector of Bangkok University, said his university is now cooperating with the MasterClass platform to provide over 150 streamed classes to Bangkok University students.

The streamed courses will allow the students to learn from leading figures in certain professions, who are internationally renowned, the rector added.

He said the students will not have to pay extra to access the online courses, which are aimed at inspiring them to study more in a way that would suit their own interest.

The rector said the teachers of courses about movie and documentary production would include leading directors like Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, and Werner Herzog.

And the lecturer for the online acting class will include Natalie Portman.

Students interested in designing and arts will get to learn from Marc Jacobs, while those interested in taking cooking classes will learn from Gordon Ramsay, Petch said.

He added that former US president Bill Clinton will also teach classes about strategic planning.

The rector said the university will select online classes suitable for certain faculties and their departments and lecturers of the departments will act as coaches to set up groups of students to study from the online classes of MasterClass.

Petch said Bangkok University, beyond teaching normal courses, would encourage students to find inspiration for further developing their skills and performance from leading teachers through online classes.

Published : May 17, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015635

Thai schools opened for on-site learning on Tuesday, while students, teachers and educational personnel must follow prevention measures by evaluating and screening themselves often.

Every school has been told to strictly follow Covid-19 prevention measures by preparing classrooms, the school compound, and areas around the school. They must also prepare and practice plans to deal with any urgent situation.

Schools do not have to close if anyone tests positive, but they must follow a plan accurately and quickly. The main goal is for students to be able to learn fully and reduce the learning loss problem.

If a patient is found in a classroom, the room should be closed for cleaning for three days and classes should be held online, on-air, on-hand, and on school Line. Meanwhile, other classes can resume normally.

Published : May 17, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015629

People planning to visit Koh Chang this week are advised to allow for extra travel time as few ferries will be operating due to low tide.

Trat Port Authority reported on Monday that over the long Visakha Puja weekend, some 40,000 travellers in more than 4,000 vehicles boarded ferries to Koh Chang.

“People were heading back to the mainland on Monday, but due to low tide, some ferries had to suspend operation,” a port authority official said. “There was a 2.8-kilometre-long queue of cars waiting to get on the ferries, which caused a traffic jam at Ao Sapparot Pier [Pineapple Bay Pier]. Some travellers said they had been waiting for more than two hours to get to the mainland.”

Meanwhile, the operator of Koh Chang Ferry Pier at Ao Thammachat said on Monday that they expected to use only three out of five boats due to low tide all this week. Two ferries will be added to the fleet as soon as the tide rises to the normal level, which is usually from 3pm daily. The operator also called on travellers to monitor updates via facebook.com/FerryKohChang/ and plan their trips accordingly.

The 212.94 square kilometre Koh Chang in the eastern province of Trat is Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket and is part of the Mu Koh Chang National Park. The island, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is famous for its coral reefs, diving spots and diversity in marine life.

Published : May 17, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015626

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) on Monday unveiled its plan to tackle flooding in the capital during the rainy season.

Drainage and Sewerage Department officials at flood prevention system stations are ready to tackle floods in Bangkok all the time, said BMA deputy permanent secretary Narong Ruengsri.

He added that the department will follow weather forecasts and monitor the water situation using water level, rain volume and flood detection systems set up across the capital.

Narong Ruengsri

“The Drainage and Sewerage Department will check efficiency of four drainage tunnels, 190 pumping stations, 244 floodgates and 316 pumping wells,” he said.

“Also, the department will reduce the water level at canals and ponds, set up pumps at flood prone areas, clean drainage pipes and dredge canals.”

He added that the department will prepare electricity generating cars and cooperate with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority in case of power outages to prevent impact on motorists.

He revealed that the construction of a pumping well on Phahonyothin and and Senanikom 1 roads, as well as a pipe jacking system and a pumping well at the Kasetsart intersection were completed.

Meanwhile, the construction of a reinforced concrete dam at Rang Or-Rang Kaew canal, a pumping station and a floodgate at Lum Phai canal and a pumping station at Bang Sue canal were nearly 98 per cent completed, and were expected to be finished this month, he added.

Separately, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DDPM) has warned of possible flash floods in Bangkok and 16 other provinces from Tuesday to next Monday (May 17-23).

The other provinces at risk are: Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat.

“The water level in rivers is expected to rise due to high sea levels and strong southwesterly winds in the Gulf of Thailand,” the department said, citing the Royal Thai Navy’s Hydrographic Department.

Local authorities have been told to set up makeshift flood walls in at-risk areas, and prepare disaster-relief teams and equipment.

Updates are available via the Thai Disaster Alert application, while people in need of assistance can contact the @1784DDPM Line account, the “PhonPhai” (Safe) application, or the department hotline at 1784.

Published : May 17, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015625

Covid-infected voters with mild symptoms will be allowed to cast their ballots in the Bangkok governor and council elections on Sunday (May 22), according to the Election Commission (EC).

This won’t be the first election held during the virus crisis, with the EC having conducted several local votes and by-elections during the pandemic.

On Sunday, polling stations will be specially prepared to handle Covid-positive voters.

Polling station officials will wear gloves, face shields and masks. They will also be told to social distance, avoid touching their faces, wash their hands regularly, bathe on returning home and monitor for symptoms for seven days.

Polling officials who are exposed to infection or develop symptoms will be advised to suspend duties and take a rapid antigen test.

All voters must take the following anti-Covid precautions:

1. Prepare alcohol gel and personal pen for marking vote.

2. Wear face mask in polling station.

3. Have temperature screened and hands cleansed at entrance of polling station. People with symptoms should cast their ballot at special polling booth.

4. Keep at least 1 metre away from others.

5. Cast ballot under official’s supervision.

6. Cleanse hands with alcohol gel before leaving.

Meanwhile, Covid-infected and at-risk voters must also do the following:

1. Avoid public transport and use personal car or specially provided vehicle if possible.

2. Follow instructions, such as leaving home/quarantine facility at specified time and voting at special polling station.

3. Return to home/quarantine facility immediately after voting.

Published : May 17, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015623

A medical lecturer at Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine has successfully treated a hereditary disease that causes blindness in a laboratory experiment using a diabetes drug, he announced.

Asst Prof Dr Chayanon Peerapittayamongkol, a resident physician at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, said the discovery of the use of metformin, a Type-2 diabetes medicine, to treat Leber heredity optic neuropathy (LHON) has been published in the MethodsX-journal elsevier (open access), which is a leading medical journal.

Chayanon said his study to use metformin to cure LHON disease in cultured cells from a LHON patient in his laboratory experiment was the first in the world.

Although it’s still at the laboratory trials stage, he is confident that the finding will lead to the development of a medicine to cure the hereditary disease so that people born with mutated gene that caused LHON would not have to suffer blindness in their later years, Chayanon added.

He explained that the blindness was caused by the mutation of a gene called mitochondria, which has functions of breathing and creating energy in the cellular level. He said mutated mitochondria genes cannot properly pass on electrons, affecting vision nerves that require a lot of energy, eventually resulting in blindness.

The heredity disease is mostly passed on from mother to child in her pregnancy, the doctor added.

Chayanon said metformin can rehabilitate mitochondria cells, and help the cells to better organise themselves as energy networks and live longer.

He said the medicine should help defer the hereditary blindness in people with the mutated genes. Such people normally start suffering from blurred vision at the age of 10 on one eye before the symptoms develop on the other eye and they eventually suffer total blindness.

Published : May 17, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015620

National parks covering the Similan Islands and Surin Islands in Phang Nga province are shutting their doors for five months to allow the natural surroundings to recover.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation announced the closure of both tourist destinations on Monday after the last 100 visitors returned from the Andaman Sea islands.

The department imposes the five-month rest period every year to allow rehabilitation of the parks’ fragile ecosystem, which includes coral reefs and some of Thailand’s most pristine beaches.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon brings heavy sea conditions from June to October, making boat trips to the islands unsafe.

During the closure period, the department will deploy patrol boats to prevent illegal fishing in park areas.

The Similans are an archipelago of 11 islands in the Andaman Sea, 70 kilometres off the coast of Phang Nga and covering 140 square kilometres of which only 26sqkm is land. With a rich marine life consisting of hard and soft coral reefs, crystal clear waters and white beaches, the Similan Islands are considered among the best diving sites in the world.

Surin Islands form an archipelago of five islands located 55km off the coast, about 100km north of the Similans and just 18km from the marine border with Myanmar. The national park covers an area of 135sqkm of which 76 per cent is sea. The islands are also world famous diving destinations, prized for diverse marine life and untouched natural riches.

Published : May 17, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015616

Overruling objections from some sections of the private sector, the government has decided to enforce the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) from June 1.

Thienchai na Nakorn, chairman of the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC), said the Act has already been delayed beyond the two-year time frame, hence there would be no more delay in implementing it.

He added that even after the regulations come into effect, the PDPC would keep talking to all related parties, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to ensure they have a deep understanding of the law.

He explained that most of the objections were a result of not fully understanding the law, and the fear of punishment. He said the PDPC will explain the law to all parties. Meanwhile, during the first stage of the enforcement, compliance with the law will minimise the impact on businesses.

The committee has established a subcommittee to draft a set of subordinate laws and formed other panels to receive complaints and act on them to improve the enforcement of the PDPA.

“Our expectation is to strengthen the security system to protect people’s personal data. This is not only to make business owners aware of privacy issues but to also raise Thailand’s corporate governance”, said Thienchai.

According to the PDPC, an entrepreneur who violates the law will face penalties ranging from a fine of not more than THB5 million to a one-year imprisonment. The jail term is effective only in cases where a business intentionally breaks the law and it can be proved that the business carelessly leaked clients’ data.

Apart from that condition, if business operators manage to properly create protection measures but still experience data leaks, Theinchai assured that they did not need to worry about being jailed.

Theinchai also said that if there was some misuse of the law, businesses could directly report to the PDPC Office.

This confirmation came a few days after the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking called for the postponement of full enforcement of the PDPA, citing lack of preparedness of many businesses, particularly SMEs. The committee argued that enforcing the law could hurt businesses that were already suffering in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Published : May 17, 2022

By : THE NATION