#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015367

From September 4, adults must ensure children under six years old use a car seat when travelling in a private vehicle or they face a fine of up to 2,000 baht.

The amended Land Traffic Act was published in the Royal Gazette on May 7, with two new items under the law for passengers – 2b and 2c.

The act stipulates that:

1. Drivers must wear a seat belt at all times while driving the vehicle.

2. Passengers:

a) Passengers in either the front or other seats must also wear seat belts at all times while travelling in the vehicle.

b) Children under six years old must use a car seat for children or a specialised seat to prevent injuries in case of accident.

c) Passengers who are under 135 centimetres tall must wear a seat belt or use a specialised seat to prevent injuries in case of accident.

Any driver or passenger with a health-related reason preventing them from wearing a seat belt is exempted, but an alternative measure to prevent injuries in case of accident must be implemented instead.

Violators face a maximum fine of 2,000 baht. The amendment is effective 120 days after being published in the Royal Gazette, or from September 4.

Car seat use reduces the risk of injury in crashes by 71-82 per cent for children, when compared with seat belt use alone, according to data from scientific studies.

Seat belt use reduces the risk for death and serious injury by about half for older children and adults.

Published : May 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015361

Ministry of Public Health reported on Monday (May 9) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 6,488 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 4 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 55, while 12,755 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 2,107,903.
 

Published : May 09, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015359

Thailand has raised the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years old unconditionally and to 15 years with conditions, under a legal amendment that took effect on Sunday.

The 29th amendment to the Criminal Code replaces Section 73 and states: “Children under the age of 12 shall not receive penalties for committing actions that are deemed to violate the law.”

The amendment was published in the Royal Gazette on Saturday and came into effect today.

Cited for the change was medical data showing that the brains of children aged 12 were at a similar development stage to those of 10-year-olds. Children’s conscience was not yet fully developed by the age of 12 so they could not anticipate the outcome of their actions, the amendment added. It reasoned that the move to raise the age of legal immunity was also in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Thailand has ratified.

The 29th amendment also changed Section 74 of the Criminal Code to free children older than 12 but under 15 from criminal responsibility.

But under this change, courts will still have power to decide whether to reprimand children and hand them back to parents, or demand their parents follow certain conditions to ensure the kids do not reoffend. Courts can also consider placing children in the care of guardians or social organisations if it considers parents incapable of doing their duty. Section 74 also empowers courts to decide whether to fine children or their guardians in cases of criminal reoffending. Courts can also order offending children aged under 18 to attend training, school or psychiatric treatment.

Published : May 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015358

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry is studying artificial breeding options to try and preserve the last herd of Irrawaddy dolphins in the Songkhla Lake.

At a recent press meet, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said the aim is to protect the species as it is on the brink of extinction.

Varawut recently invited reports on the environment beat for an informal briefing of his ministry’s different plans.

Also present at the chat were Sopon Thongdee, director-general of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and Ratchada Suriyakul na Ayutthaya, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

Varawut said the Marine and Coastal Resources Department has studied the habitat and food consumed by the 14 dolphins in the lake and learned that the environment and diet had little to do with their falling numbers.

Instead, researchers reckon inbreeding may be to blame for disease and dwindling numbers.

Hence, the department is looking into how the dolphins in the lake can be inseminated by another herd.

Meanwhile, as a short-term measure, the department will closely monitor the lake and restrict public access, Varawut said.

He added that the department will also launch an awareness campaign among locals, especially fishermen, about the need to save the dolphins.

Varawut also called on all Thais to help preserve the country’s natural resources now that the country has reopened to tourists. He noted that over the past three years when the country was closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many areas have “healed” themselves and are beautiful again. He said these areas can serve as magnets to draw in the tourists.

Some 52 per cent of coastal areas, especially dugong feeding sites, have been rehabilitated. He also said that now there is about 1.7 million rai of fertile mangrove forests.

This improvement has led to an increase in the dugong population to 255 from 221 in 2019, while sea turtles’ nests have risen to 502 from 373 in 2019. Also, rare animals like whale sharks are being spotted more often.

The government will also encourage the business sector to adopt a net-zero emission policy to help tackle climate change. He pointed out that climate change has led to a rise in the temperature of the oceans, bleaching of corals and other environmental issues.

As to whether the entrance fee into Maya Bay will be raised to protect the environment, he said the government will wait for the economy to revive before the measure is discussed.

As for raisers of red-whiskered bulbuls calling for the bird to be removed from the list of protected species, Varawut said the birds have risen in number because they are on the list. He fears that if they were removed from the list, their numbers would drop again.

However, he said, the government will later study the population of red-whiskered bulbuls and their threats before making a decision.

Published : May 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015355

Kanokwan Boutique, a supplier of uniforms and other school accessories in Nakhon Sawan, is offering defective or old uniforms for free to parents facing financial difficulties.

The Education Ministry has announced that schools can reopen for the new academic year on May 17 after almost two years of closure due to Covid-19.

The store’s owner Sittichok Pao-in said on Sunday that this is the second year the handout has been organised. A similar event was held last year when many parents donated old school uniforms to help out.

“The store is accepting old uniforms to help other children,” he said.

Meanwhile, even though the price of school uniforms has risen by 5 to 10 baht owing to high production costs, many families flocked to the boutique to purchase uniforms for their children.

However, the number of uniforms purchased has dropped because parents also had to buy physical education and boy scout uniforms as well.

Published : May 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015354

The Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi (RUTS) is setting up a new technology and innovation school to create a workforce that can cater to advanced industries, a university council member said.

Thirapol Khunmuang, former director-general of the Department of Skill Development and member of the RUTS Council, said the new school will offer three specialities, namely science, IT business service and agriculture.

The establishment of the school was approved by the council on April 28 and it will open in 2023, Thirapol said.

Students will get to study basic science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the first year before choosing their specialities in the second year.

Once they complete their second year, the students will complete their internship at companies in Thailand and overseas that are partners of the university.

Those who pass their internship can return to school and finish the third and final year to pick up their vocational certificate, Thirapol said.

Apart from learning theory, he said, students will also get a hands-on experience with advanced machines under close supervision.

He said the school’s aim is to produce personnel with advanced skills for the 4.0 era of digitisation in industry and agriculture.

The school offers vocational certificates in:

• Engineering with majors in machine manufacturing, electronics and electricity, mechatronics, public works and architecture.

• IT Business with majors in accounting, marketing, IT business and logistical technology.

• Agriculture with majors in agricultural production and agricultural product processing.

Published : May 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015351

Residents living in ten provinces have been told to brace themselves for possible flash floods and run-offs today (Sunday).

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department issued a warning for the following areas:

• Prachuap Khiri Kan (Muang, Thap Sakae, Bang Saphan and Bang Saphan Noi districts)

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

• Surat Thani (Khiri Ratthanikhom, Phanom, Vibhavadi, Chaiya, Tha Chana, Ban Ta Khun, Don Sak, Tha Chana and Koh Samui districts)

• Nakhon Si Thammarat (Muang, Khanom, Phibun, Nopphitam, Lan Saka, Sichon, Ron Phibun, Thung Song, Phrommakhiri, Chawang, Chang Khlang, Tha Sala and Chu-uat districts)

• Phatthalung (Si Nakharin, and Kong Ra districts)

• Songkhla (Hat Yai and Na Thawi districts)

• Ranong (Kra Buri, La-un and Suk Samrarn districts)

• Phang Nga (Takua Pa district)

• Trang (Na Yong and Yan Ta Khao districts)

• Satun (Khun Ka Long district)

People living in Surat Thani’s Vibhavadi, Chaiya and Tha Chang districts have also been advised to brace themselves for the river to break its banks from Sunday to Tuesday.

The department reported that 151 families in 15 villages in Surat Thani, Chiang Mai, Chumphon and Nakhon Si Thammarat were hit by flooding.

The department said the floods are subsiding and it has asked local authorities to survey the damage and provide help and compensation to flood victims accordingly.

Published : May 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015346

A majority of Thais want the right to vote for their provincial governors just as Bangkokians do, according to a poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida).

Governors for all provinces outside Bangkok are appointed by the Interior Ministry.

The poll was conducted on May 2-4 among 1,316 voters from different educational and occupational backgrounds living outside Bangkok.

Asked if they were ready to vote for provincial governors:

– 47.87 per cent said definitely ready

– 28.80 per cent said moderately ready

– 11.25 per cent said definitely not ready

– 10.56 per cent said moderately not ready

– 1.52 per cent said they did not care

Asked if governor elections should be trialled in up to five major provinces:

– 55.55 per cent strongly agreed

– 28.87 per cent moderately agreed

– 8.74 per cent strongly disagreed

– 6.38 per cent moderately disagreed

– 0.46 per cent said they did not care

Asked how they felt about the Bangkok governor election on May 22:

– 33.97 per cent said an elected governor would better fulfil people’s demands

– 20.14 per cent said they also wanted to elect their governor

– 19.15 per cent said governor candidates’ policies were just pipedreams

– 13.07 per cent said they were interested in candidates’ policies

– 8.59 per cent said appointed governors were just as effective as elected governors

– 8.36 per cent said the Bangkok elections strengthened democracy

– 7.67 per cent said they were envious of Bangkokians’ right to vote for their governor

– 6.91 per cent said elected provincial governors would only represent influential people

– 5.09 per cent said elected provincial governors were unnecessary as provincial administrative organisation presidents already exist

– 1.75 per cent said governor elections in other provinces would cause social conflict

Published : May 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015347

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) is planning to launch another two phases of the “Clean Your Air, Care Your Life” campaign, an Egat spokesman said on Sunday.

Assistant Egat governor Sutthipong Chalermkiart, who is also deputy spokesman for the state firm, said 20,000 aircon cleaning rights will be handed out in the second phase, and another 10,000 in the third phase.

He added that the recently launched first phase was a huge success, which is why Egat is set to launch the second and third phases.

Under the campaign, Egat covers half of the 600-baht bill for cleaning one household air-conditioner and the aim is to reduce users’ power bills by 10 per cent.

People can register for the subsidy at HomePro, Power Buy, The Mall, The Emporium, Siam Paragon and Blue Port stores from 10am on Monday until all 20,000 rights are taken up.

Sutthipong said that though the date for the third phase has not been set, it will offer 10,000 rights and people should be able to register for it in June at participating air-conditioner shops.

Meanwhile, the regulations for registering for the Phase 2 are:

• One right per household to clean one air-conditioner

• Applicable only for a wall-type air-conditioner with a capacity of no more than 24,000 BTU.

• Those who have used their right under Phase 1 are ineligible.

What is required:

• Identification card

• An electricity bill for any month in 2022

The spokesman said those who win the right can make an appointment for the aircon cleaning service at the site of registration. People who have used up their rights in either of the two phases cannot register for the third phase.

Published : May 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40015342

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will join the US-Asean special summit in Washington on Thursday and Friday (May 12-13), where he will focus on regional recovery after the pandemic.

“We believe that the premier’s participation will enable Asean to boost economic recovery and growth in the post-Covid-19 era,” government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Sunday.

The in-person summit is also expected to focus on the post-coup crisis in Myanmar and the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The regional bloc passed a five-point Asean Consensus focused on ending the violence that has engulfed Myanmar since the military coup in February last year. However, the consensus has failed to make progress, threatening Asean’s centrality in dealing with the crisis.

Meanwhile, Asean has declined to join the US and its allies in imposing sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

PM Prayut reiterated Thailand’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict on Friday, during a media briefing ahead of this week’s summit in Washington.

President Biden is expected to press Prayut and other Asean leaders over their neutral stance on the war.

Also likely to be discussed is China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea against overlapping territory claims by Asean members including Vietnam and the Philippines.

The US has helped fund Covid-relief efforts in Asean by donating more than $200 million in aid and over 91 million vaccine doses.

The summit, which was postponed from last October, will mark the 45th anniversary of US-Asean relations.

Published : May 08, 2022

By : THE NATION