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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015387

A man, who claimed to be “the father of all religions” and allegedly told his followers to eat his waste, has been arrested on several charges after 11 corpses, mostly belonging to his followers, were found at his campsite in Chaiyaphum province.

The cult leader was identified only as Thawee, 74, a resident of Nong Rua district of Khon Kaen province, Chaiyaphum Governor Kraisorn Kongchalard said on Monday.

He was arrested on Sunday when a celebrity shaman, Jiraphan Phetkhao, better known as Mor Pla, led police and authorities from other government agencies to raid the campsite located in a forest in Moo 2 village in Tambon Dong Klang of Chaiyaphum’s Khon San district.

Jiraphan claims to have special powers to help people affected by superstition, and runs a TV programme in which he campaigns against those he calls fake shamans and Buddhist months who violate the monk laws.

Jiraphan said a woman had sought his help after her mother went to the campsite, which was regarded by followers as a “hermitage”, and was allegedly not allowed to return home.

Jenjira, 53, a resident of Khon Kaen, told Jiraphan that her mother, Noi, 80, went to the hermitage and had not returned home. Jenjira said she later learned that the followers were told to eat mucus, urine, excrement, and scurf of “The Father” Thawee because all wastes from him could cure all diseases.

When Mor Pla, the Chaiyaphum governor and Khon San police chief Pol Colonel Watanachai Janhathum arrived with other authorities at the campsite, they found Thawee was surrounded by some 30 followers, who appeared to be middle-aged and elderly people.

They stayed together in a large make-shift wooden hut whose roof was made of grass leaves.

When the authorities arrived, no one in the hut was wearing a face mask to protect themselves against the Covid-19 virus.

All the followers reportedly affirmed their belief to the authorities that they thought Thawee was “Father, the God” who could cure them of all diseases.

Shockingly, several of them drank Thawee’s urine and ate his scurf fresh from his arms in front of the authorities.

But the 11 bodies, including one of Thawee’s mother, kept at the campsite – both in the main hut and satellite huts, apparently proved otherwise.

The followers admitted to the authorities that the bodies belonged to sick followers who had died at the campsite after they went there to seek treatment from “The Father”. They wanted their bodies to remain there for “The Father” to later send them to “heaven”.

All the bodies had death certificates issued by local authorities and they were put in zip-lock bags and placed inside coffins. The followers pierced the bottom of the coffins for residual liquids to seep out and fall to the ground, but the bodies were not preserved with formalin.

Asked by Mor Pla on Sunday why the followers thought he was “God, the Father”, Thawee claimed that it was not something he had taught, but it was his followers’ belief.

Chaiyaphum Governor Kraisorn said Thawee was charged with encroaching on forest land and violating the public health law and disease control act.

Kraisorn said the authorities have seized the 11 bodies to perform autopsies to find the cause of their death and further charges may be slapped on the accused.

Thawee is being detained at the Khon San Police Station and a dozen of his followers went to the station to wait for him outside.

Published : May 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015386

In reaction to an “offensive” TikTok advert, Thai Army chief General Narongpan Jitkaewtha on Monday ordered all military units to stop buying goods on the Lazada shopping platforms.

He also ordered officers to stop any delivery trucks from entering military complexes.

“Military officers can buy goods from other e-commerce platforms, but they will have to pick up their purchases outside,” a military press release said.

The presser added that Lazada delivery trucks were previously allowed to enter the Royal Thai Army complex in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district.

Separately, the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has said it will sue all parties involved because the advertisement is seen as an insult to the monarchy. DES Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn has reportedly ordered officials to collect evidence before the case is handed over to the Technology Crime Suppression Division.

Meanwhile, prominent activist Srisuwan Janya, who is also secretary-general of the Association for the Protection of the Thai Constitution, has lodged a complaint against influencer Aniwat Prathumthin or Nara Crepe Katoey, Intersect Design Factory and Lazada Thailand for creating an ad that mocks the disabled and the monarchy.

The TikTok ad, part of Lazada’s 5.5 sales campaign, was posted on Wednesday and had been created by Aniwat and Thidaporn “Nurat” Chaokuwiang. Soon after it was posted online, the clip – depicting a woman in a wheelchair being bullied by another character of noble birth – sparked an uproar on the net.

The #BanLazada hashtag almost instantly became top trending on Thai Twitter, with netizens slamming Lazada for mocking disabled people and the royals. Many royalists also threatened to remove the Lazada app from their mobile devices.

However, Lazada issued an apology on Friday, saying that this was “an unacceptable mistake”.

“We fully recognise that the content was hurtful and demeaning to human dignity. As soon as we became aware of the incident, we immediately demanded the post to be taken down,” the statement said.

“Our brand does not condone the mockery of others including those with disabilities. It is absolutely unacceptable and a breach of Lazada’s value of being respectful and inclusive.”

Meanwhile, Intersect Design Factory Co, which had hired the influencers to promote Lazada’s campaign, said the duo have issued a public apology and taken responsibility.

Published : May 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015382

More than 90 per cent of schools across the nation are ready to start holding classes from May 17, the Education Ministry said on Monday.

Suphat Champatong, the ministry’s permanent secretary, said desks will be kept one metre apart instead of 1.5m to ensure a regular 8mx8m classroom can accommodate 42 students.

“Airconditioned classrooms will be ventilated every two hours,” he said.

Schools have been advised to separate eating areas during the lunch break and ensure students refrain from talking while eating. They will also be required to wear a facemask when playing, he added.

Meanwhile, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration deputy permanent secretary Chawin Sirinak said all schools in Bangkok are ready to hold classes under the Covid-19 prevention measures.

He added that children whose parents do not want them to return to school can attend online classes instead.

Deputy Public Health Minister Satit Pitutecha said schools have been told to speed up the vaccination of students, undergo Thai Stop Covid Plus evaluation and put in place emergency measures in case any Covid-19 infections are recorded.

“Schools will not close [if Covid-19 patients are found] and studies will not be disrupted,” he said.

Provincial Public Health Offices have also been instructed to put in place strict Covid-19 prevention measures.

Meanwhile, Department of Disease Control director-general Opas Karnkawinpong said that as of May 3, 3.6 million children aged 12 to 17 have received their first Covid-19 jab, 3.5 million their second jab and 240,000 their third jab.

“As of May 2, 2.7 million children aged five to 11 have received their first jab and 670,000 their second jab,” he said. He added that the department is pushing to get as many children in this age range inoculated with the Pfizer vaccine.

Published : May 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015380

The 65-year-old interprovincial bus company Cherdchai Tour has been put up for sale by owner Sujinda Cherdchai after the company suffered continuous losses since 2017 when low-cost airlines started to become popular among domestic travellers.

Sujinda, who is also president of the Thai Bus Operators Association, said on Monday that around 20-30 per cent of the company’s over 200 fleet of buses are now running, while the rest have been parked at the depot due to falling passenger numbers and the recent hike in fuel price.

“Buses running long distances, such as Bangkok to the northern or northeastern provinces have seen the biggest losses, as people now prefer low-cost airlines,” she said. Also, during the Covid-19 outbreak people avoided using public buses for safety reasons and switched to personal or rental cars instead, she added. The trend continues until today despite public buses now using measures to ensure passengers’ safety from the virus.

“If we were to press all our buses into service, the fuel cost alone would go up to THB4 million a month. Therefore, we decided to keep only short-distance routes, mostly to the eastern provinces, so that we can keep hiring some drivers and staffers,” she added.

The 85-year-old Sujinda added that she has no intention to continue managing the loss-making business, as all her four children have their own companies to run, which prompted the decision to sell Cherdchai Tour.

Sujinda did not disclose the price at which she would sell the company.

Besides interprovincial buses, she is also involved with several businesses including bus body building, car sales and land rental.

Published : May 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015376

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department on Monday warned residents in six provinces to brace themselves for possible flash floods and run-offs.

The warning covers:

• Prachuap Khiri Khan (Muang, Bang Saphan, Bang Saphan Noi, Thap Sakae, Pran Buri, Hua Hin, Sam Roi Yod and Kui Buri)

• Chumphon (Muang, Sawi, Tha Sae, Pathiu, Lang Suan, Thung Tako, Lamae and Phato)

• Surat Thani (Tha Chang, Chaiya, Donsak, Vibhavadi, Kanchanadit, Phanom, Ban Ta Khun, Koh Samui and Koh Pha-ngan)

• Nakhon Si Thammarat (Muang, Khanom, Sichon, Nopphitam, Tha Sala, Phibun, Thung Song, Cha-uat, Chang Klang and Phrom Khiri)

• Phatthalung (Srinakarin, Tamot, Kong Ra and Si Banphot)

• Songkhla (Na Thawi, Sabayoi and Sadao)

Meanwhile, heavy flooding since Friday has affected 360 households in Surat Thani’s Vibhavadi, Chaiya and Tha Chang districts. The authorities said a Myanmar migrant was killed while trying to move to higher ground on a motorbike.

“So far, 11 homes have been completely damaged and 29 partially damaged,” the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office said.

It added that roads and bridges are being repaired to ensure people can travel safely.

Locals have been advised to keep an eye out for updates and beware of dangers from poisonous creatures, electrocution and driving through floods.

Published : May 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015374

The government is indeed thinking about increasing the minimum daily wage to 492 baht, Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin told the Anti-Fake News Centre on Monday.

He said this to clarify rumours that have been doing the rounds on social media.

“The ministry has discussed the raise with representatives of workers’ unions and businesses based on the rate submitted by the minimum wage subcommittee in each province,” Suchart said.

“The highest rate submitted has been 492 baht per day, but this is for specific provinces and is not yet final.

“The ministry will set the new minimum wage based on the cost of living, inflation rate and economic status of employers in each area to minimise the impact on related parties. The government insists on being partial and not taking sides,” he added.

The minister also said that he expects the new rate and provinces where it will be applied to be announced by September.

The last raise was in December 2019, when the minimum daily wage for unskilled labour was increased to between 313 and 336 baht from 308 to 330 baht.

Published : May 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015373

Private hospitals want the government to outline what treatment rights patients will have under their healthcare schemes when Covid-19 is declared endemic in July.

“The plan must include Covid-19 diagnosis, treatment and patient transfer criteria, as well as coverage and compensation under the three government-managed healthcare funds,” said Private Hospital Association chairman Dr Chalerm Harnpanich on Sunday.

The three health schemes are universal healthcare (gold card), social security, and the scheme for civil servants – all of which have extra budget reserved for treatment of Covid-19 patients.

However, Chalerm said this extra budget is likely to be withdrawn when Covid-19 becomes endemic, leaving the schemes to manage treatment expenses on their own. “Private hospitals therefore would like to see clear and concrete measures in all aspects relating to treatment of Covid-19 as an endemic, so we can set our strategies accordingly.”

Chalerm also expressed concern that opening the country to foreign travellers will see more foreigners seeking treatment at private hospitals. This could affect their capacity to treat Covid-19 patients when it becomes an endemic, he said.

He added that the current mortality rate of around 50 deaths per day, or 0.62 per cent of about 8,000 cases, was still too high to declare endemic Covid-19. The government has set a target of 0.1 per cent mortalities for transition to endemic Covid-19.

On Monday, Thailand recorded 6,488 Covid-19 cases and 55 deaths, while 12,755 patients recovered and left hospitals.

Cumulative cases this year (since January 1) total 2,107,903.

The government plans to declare Covid-19 endemic on July 1.

Published : May 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015372

The Public Health Ministry is pushing to meet its target of declaring Covid-19 endemic in Thailand on July 1.

Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha said Thailand’s timeframe to downgrade the epidemic is in line with advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO). He acknowledged, however, that the WHO has no timeframe for transition to an endemic and has expressed concern over the possibility of new variants emerging.

Sathit said the push to declare Covid-19 endemic is being driven by the following seven guidelines:

Published : May 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015370

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul plans to offer 1 million cannabis plants for free when household cultivation and use of the plant is legalised in June.

From June 9, people in Thailand will be able to grow “as many cannabis plants” as they like in their own homes, according to Anutin.

The cannabis grown must be of medical grade and used for medicinal purposes only. Official registration is not required for growing weed at home.

Anutin announced the move on Sunday, in a Facebook post that also outlined the separate benefits of commercial cultivation.

It is currently legal in Thailand for registered companies to sell cannabis products with less than 0.2 per cent tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana that gets people “high”.

Anutin explained that people could also operate cannabis-related businesses and enterprises under the new rules.

“This will enable people and the government to generate more than 10 billion baht [per year] in revenue from marijuana and hemp,” he said.

“Meanwhile, people can showcase their cannabis and hemp-related products and wisdom and sell their products nationwide.”

He added that entrepreneurs and businesses could compete freely in Thailand’s cannabis market as there would be no concessions.

Small sellers of marijuana-related products do not need to register with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

However, large marijuana-related businesses must request permission to operate from the FDA, he added.

Local cannabis advocates have expressed hope that easing marijuana laws could boost economic recovery after the Covid-19 crisis. Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise medical marijuana in 2018.

Published : May 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015368

The national campaign to get at least 60 per cent of children vaccinated before schools reopen next week kicked off in Greater Bangkok on Sunday.

Nonthaburi public health office launched the “Nont Kids – Nont Students” campaign at Impact Muangthong Thani Halls 5-7, where kids queued with their parents for free Pfizer booster jabs.

The campaign is welcoming all walk-in candidates aged 5-11 regardless of nationality and residency.

Recipients must have been vaccinated with two doses of either Sinovac or Sinopharm for at least three months, or have recovered from Covid-19 at least three months ago.

The government wants at least 60 per cent of children aged 5-18 to be double-jabbed and boosted by the time schools open next week.

The Education Ministry has given the green light for 30,000 schools to open on-site classrooms on May 17, the start of academic year 2022. This includes public as well as private schools at elementary and secondary levels under the Office of the Basic Education Commission. Vocational institutes under the Office of Vocational Education Commission are also allowed to reopen on May 17.

Published : May 09, 2022

By : THE NATION