A total of 1,759 Myanmar nationals are sheltering in Tak border villages after fleeing fighting between Myanmar troops and a Karen ethnic army, according to the Tak governor.
The situation of displaced people was reported by Governor Somchai Kitcharoenrungroj and Col Prasarn Henprasert, deputy commander of the Naresuan Taskforce, in a meeting with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) at Tak provincial hall on Thursday.
The UNHCR representative was told that displaced civilians were being housed in temporary shelters at three villages – Ban Oompiam in Prop Phra district, Ban Nupho in Umfang district and Ban Mae La in Tha Song Yang district.
They fled their homes after Myanmar government troops launched a crackdown on the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) two weeks ago, leading to a flare-up of violence in Kayin state.
According to Radio Free Asia, more than 10,000 civilians have fled fighting and made their way to the Moei River, many taking boats to cross into Thailand.
Thai authorities said the fighting had so far not spilled over the border and they would continue to provide humanitarian aid to fleeing victims
The Tak border command centre has advised Thais not to cross the border into Myanmar.
Villagers and a private rescue foundation report that recent fighting on the Myawaddy-Kawkareik Asia Highway in Kayin (Karen) state left a six-wheeler and a 12-wheeler burning near the Tor No Waterfall. Local authorities issued a statement warning people to avoid this section of the highway.
Military sources said the Myanmar army escalated the violence with mortar shelling and air strikes in a bid to rescue 300 of its troops who were surrounded by KNLA fighters.
A section of inbound Chaeng Wattana Road will be closed from 10pm to 4am from April 6 onwards to make way for the construction of the Kaerai-Minburi Pink Line section.
According to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), the area from Soi Chaengwattana-Pak Kret 29 to the gate of Sriras elevated expressway will be closed every night until June 30.
Motorists wanting to enter the Sriras expressway must use a flyover and then make a U-turn to enter the expressway.
Meanwhile, residents of Soi Chaengwattana-Pakkret 31 and 35 are required to inform officials at the construction site when want to enter or exit their sois.
The MRTA said the Pink Line is 80 per cent complete and some sections should start operating within this year.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a meat-processing factory in Nakhon Pathom after finding illegal levels of the preservative benzoic acid in its products.
Excessive intake of benzoic acid causes diarrhoea, abdominal pain and other symptoms.
The investigation was launched after health officials detected illegal levels of the chemical in samples of four products – including fishballs and sausages – on sale at a shop in Rayong province.
The shop owner said the tainted products came from Tangchareon Seafood Processing Ltd, a wholesaler in Samut Sakhon’s Mueang district.
The wholesaler told officials that the products originated from a factory run by “Mr Pick” in Muang district, Nakhon Pathom.
FDA and local health officials raided the factory on March 28 and found it had no licence, did not meet the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standard, and used fraudulent labelling.
Nakhon Pathom health officials collected samples for analysis from the factory, where operations were halted pending legal action.
Separately, the FDA also inspected sausage and meatball vendors in Muang and Phutthamonthon districts in Nakhon Pathom. They found 10 products were incorrectly labelled and said they would investigate the manufacturer. The vendors were advised to stop selling the mislabelled products.
The FDA also urged consumers to buy from reliable vendors and choose food products that carried labels with registration numbers.
With the success of the Phuket Sandbox pilot project, the Thai government is now aiming to turn the resort island into a world-class “medical plaza” with integrated healthcare services for tourists from around the world, Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Friday.
Services available would include a care centre for the elderly, palliative care, and rehabilitation centre, he added.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has praised the success of the Phuket Sandbox as a good sign for Thailand’s tourism sector and economy, according to the spokesman.
The prime minister thinks the next focus should be on medical tourism and promoting Thailand as an international medical hub, Thanakorn said.
“Covid-19 has severely affected Thailand’s tourism industry. The prime minister says the focus should be on turning the crisis into an opportunity,” the spokesman said.
He said that the government would promote the country’s medical tourism due to its potential in healthcare and medical services that are acceptable internationally.
The Phuket Sandbox has attracted more than 400,000 tourists and generated more than THB21 billion in revenue, and circulated more than THB50 billion in the economic system, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The project was launched on July 1, 2021, as part of the cautious reopening of the country amidst a new wave of Covid-19.
Thailand is bidding to host a Specialised Expo 2028 in Phuket, under the theme “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity”.
Last month, the Thailand International Health Expo 2022 was held in Bangkok, as part of the move to promote Thailand as a medical tourism destination. Deals worth over THB10.6 billion were struck during the event, held from March 17-20.
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has issued a set of regulations for people to follow from April 1 in a bid to protect the elderly and those at risk.
The regulations include:
Those travelling upcountry to visit relatives or on holiday must be fully vaccinated.
They must undergo an ATK test within 72 hours before travelling, meeting or participating in a gathering.
The elderly and those at risk should receive a booster as per guidelines set up by the Public Health Ministry.
Communicable disease committees in Bangkok and provinces have been tasked with setting up venues where Songkran activities can be held. The venue should be set up in line with measures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and activities must be held in line with the ministry’s Covid Free Setting regulations, namely:
Allow only traditional activities such as pouring water on Buddha statues, pouring water on the hands of the elderly, cultural performances, traditional rituals, parades and concerts.
No powder-smearing or foam parties allowed.
No drinking or selling of alcohol at the venue.
Visitors must be screened and registered at the entrance.
Control the number of participants to ensure there is no overcrowding and that people can maintain a distance of four metres from each other.
All Songkran activities in villages or communities will need to be overseen by local authorities to ensure there are no Covid-19 infections. Legal action will be taken against those who fail to follow the regulations.
Meanwhile, civil servants have been urged to work from home during the Songkran period.
Here is a list of what Songkran celebrants can and cannot do:
Can
Pour water on Buddha statues
Pour water on the hands of the elderly
Conduct traditional rituals
Hold cultural performances
Hold parades
Hold concerts
Cannot
Hold water battles
Smear powder on each other
Hold foam parties
Unauthorised risky activities*
Drink or sell alcoholic beverages in celebration venues*
Chulalongkorn University Alumni Association under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King is organising a series of events throughout 2022 to mark the 105th anniversary of Chulalongkorn University. Both current CU students and alumni are invited to join the events on the concept “Chula Creates Society to the Tenth Power” inspiring people to extend their lives in good health.
The association’s President Ajarin Pattanapanchai explained that in past years, the association has organised the CU Reunion, a one-day event to celebrate the CU anniversary on March 26. This year, there are various events starting on that date and running until the end of the year, allowing CU alumni in Thailand and abroad to join forces for a better society as a large percentage of the proceeds will be donated to charitable causes.
Over the past two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, the association initiated “Survival Kit” (Klong Rod Tai) as a virtual home isolation platform to help Covid-19 patients waiting for hospital beds. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Survival Kit project.
There are 10 events in total, starting with CU Blood on March 26, which encourages CU alumni to donate blood at the Thai Red Cross Society or hospitals nationwide. This will be followed by the RoV-Chula Alumni Charity Tournament 2022, DSR : Digital Social Responsibility, C Madong Virtual Walk Bike Run 2022, the I’m Possible Run, the Be Musical Charity Concert, and an event In Remembrance of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V). In November, the Chula Music Walk will be held, allowing participants to walk around the green campus and admire the beautiful architecture of the historic buildings. Finally, Chula alumni will enjoy online shopping for a selection of Chula 105 souvenirs and special limited edition available on Shopee and Line My Shop.
Dr Sarut Vanichpun, Senior Director, Sea (Thailand) and Vice President of Organising Committee for RoV-Chula Alumni Charity Tournament 2022 said that CU alumni and individuals can apply for the e-Sport tournament from now till March 30 with the competition being held from April 1-9. In addition to donating to the Survival Kit, players will have a chance to win more than 200,000 baht in cash prizes.
Dr Twarath Sutabutr, Vice President of the I’m Possible Run Organising Committee described the event as a virtual platform that responds to the digital lifestyle, explaining that participants can run at any location and at any pace, whether on a treadmill or along a neighbourhood street, or opt for virtual running. CU alumni are invited to challenge themselves to run or walk 105 kilometres in 105 days, amassing the running distance between May 1 and August 31. Runners can register for the race from April 1 and get a CU 105 T-shirt together with a cool buff.
The association’s Vice President Dr Lackana Leelayouthayotin added that the DSR : Social Responsibility is an activity that emphasizes the Core Value of Chulalongkorn University, featuring 4S CU students are Smart to help support society, identify Solutions to overcome problems for themselves and others, Share through good relationships, and adopt Social Values to help the people. This is a 200-hour activity via tablets for CU students, with the first 30 hours devoted to learning with mentors on various topics such as design thinking, leadership, and project management. The other 170 hours will be learning by doing allowing students to take part in eight activities, namely Survival Kit, startup process, media content, Chula Master Class, music, CU Blood, e-Sport, and ICT Support service. CU students can apply now via CU Nex with a limit of 120 persons and CU alumni are able to register as mentors via www.จุฬาฯชวนทำดี.com
Asst Prof Chaiyaporn Puprasert, VP, Student Affairs, Chulalongkorn University, reaffirmed that in addition to the goal of becoming a leading global university, Chulalongkorn University is committed to growing with social care. Therefore, the university is determined to reinforce its research and development and apply knowledge to drive innovations for a better society.
For updated information or details of each activity, please look through FB Page: Chulalongkorn University or Chula Alumni.
Police have warned that posting or sharing fake news on April Fool’s Day may be in violation of the Computer Crime Act and can land proponents in serious trouble.
Deputy police spokesperson Pol Colonel Siriwat Deepor said on Friday that police chief Pol General Suwat Jangyodsuk had instructed Royal Thai Police to warn people against cybercrime and for officers to investigate and arrest culprits.
April 1 is marked every year as April Fool’s Day – a day when people launch practical jokes and hoaxes before exposing their actions by shouting “April Fools!” at the recipient. The origin of this tradition is unknown.
However, Thai police have warned people to make sure that what they share on April Fool’s Day does not put public and national security at risk, spread Covid-19 or create panic or confusion.
Police said such action is in violation of Section 14 (2) of the Computer Crime Act. Any person found guilty of importing to a computer system false data that is likely to damage the country’s security or cause public panic can face up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht.
Police have warned people to use their judgement before posting or sharing fake stories.
Dangerous hoaxes can be reported any time of the day or night by calling 191 or 1599.
In response to the dropping of pre-departure tests for visitors as of Friday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said every relevant agency should be ready to contain the spread of Covid-19.
As of April 1, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) lifted the requirement for tourists entering Thailand under the Test & Go, Sandbox and Alternative Quarantine schemes to take an RT-PCR test within 72 before departure.
“CCSA has also reduced the staying period under the Sandbox and Alternative Quarantine schemes to five days and abolished the second RT-PCR test under the Test & Go and Sandbox schemes,” government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said.
He added that Prayut has also urged people to strictly adhere to Covid-19 prevention measures to contain the spread of the virus effectively.
Thailand recorded 28,379 new Covid-19 cases and 92 deaths over 24 hours on Friday. Of the new cases, 62 had arrived from overseas.
The country’s total Covid-19 caseload stands at 3,656,726 – 3,380,290 of whom have recovered, 251,214 are still in hospitals and 25,222 have died.
Separately, another 47,766 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 17,043 their second shot and 125,629 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 129,552,466.
The Chiang Mai disease control committee has relaxed Covid restrictions, allowing drinking of alcohol at restaurants and Songkran celebrations.
The committee, however, said pubs and bars will remain closed and the splashing of water during Songkran is banned.
The committee issued the order on Wednesday to ease the restrictions after Chiang Mai was declared a pilot tourism area.
The first order (No 35/2565) allows drinking in restaurants until 11pm and allows bands with no more than five members to play music until 11pm.
The restaurants must comply with the SHA (Safety and Health Administration) Plus and Covid-Free Setting measures.
The order maintained the indefinite closure of pubs and bars.
The order takes effect from April 1.
The second order (No 36/2565) allows activities with not more than 500 people to be held in the province but the organisers must first seek permission from the provincial disease control centre.
The organisers must also comply with the Covid-Free Setting measures, which make it mandatory for participants to first test negative for Covid and wear face masks.
The third order (No 37/2565) allows Songkran celebrations to be held in the province but an area must not have more than 500 participants. The celebrations must follow Covid precaution measures.
Water splashing, smearing bodies with wet powder and foam parties are still banned.
Thanit Chumsaeng, president of Chiang Mai Restaurants and Entertainment Place Operators Association, welcomed the lifting of alcohol sales in restaurants.
“This is a good sign and our economy will be stimulated,” Thanit said.
He said restaurants had earlier hoped to be allowed to sell alcoholic drinks only during the Songkran holidays but now they will be allowed to sell alcohol from April 1 until further notice.
“This is really a positive sign for revival of the restaurant business and boost their income,” Thanit said.
He said he would remind restaurants in Chiang Mai to strictly comply with the Covid-Free Setting measures. He added that some 3,000 restaurants now meet the prescribed Covid-Free Setting requirements.
Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai is scheduled to land in China today on a two-day visit at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
The Thai government said the visit is aimed at strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Thailand and China and enhancing cooperation to revitalise the economy after the Covid-19 crisis.
Don is making the trip just two days after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov landed in China for the first meeting with the Chinese leadership since Moscow began its invasion of Ukraine last month.
China has refused to condemn the invasion, which has triggered sanctions against Russia imposed by western countries and their allies. Thailand has taken a more neutral stance, condemning the war but declining to fault Russia, an important trading partner.
Don will lead a delegation of Thai diplomats and business leaders to Huangshan City, Anhui province for the April 1-2 visit.
He is scheduled to meet with Wang and also the governor of Anhui, Wang Qingxian, together with key economic agencies of the province tomorrow (Saturday).
The delegation will return to Thailand tomorrow evening.
Villagers and a private rescue foundation report that recent fighting on the Myawaddy-Kawkareik Asia Highway in Kayin (Karen) state left a six-wheeler and a 12-wheeler burning near the Tor No Waterfall. Local authorities issued a statement warning people to avoid this section of the highway.
Meanwhile, residents of Soi Chaengwattana-Pakkret 31 and 35 are required to inform officials at the construction site when want to enter or exit their sois.
Thanit Chumsaeng, president of Chiang Mai Restaurants and Entertainment Place Operators Association, welcomed the lifting of alcohol sales in restaurants.
SootinClaimon.Com 