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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013850

With more stringent measures in place to prevent fraud, many hotels are complaining about long delays in the payment of subsidies under the Rao Tiew Duay Kan (We Travel Together) scheme. The scheme was launched to boost domestic tourism.

Some hotels are worried they may hit liquidity problems, especially with the long Songkran holidays drawing near.

Many have also threatened to pull out of the scheme, which is now in its fourth phase, Phisut Sae-khu, president of Thai Hotels Association’s Eastern Chapter, said on Saturday.

He said that in the first and second phases, the government paid 40 per cent of the room charge to hotels within 15 days after participating holidaymakers checked in.

However, payments began getting delayed from November, when the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) started asking for additional documents citing “incomplete facial scans” of holidaymakers, Phisut said.

According to him, almost 100 million baht remains unpaid to hotels in the eastern seaboard region, including Pattaya, Chanthaburi and Trat.

“Some hotels are worried about their liquidity as they prepare to welcome tourists during Songkran. Some hotel operators may withdraw from the Rao Tiew Duay Kan scheme,” he said.

Under the scheme, the government covers 40 per cent of the cost of air tickets and hotel rooms and also gives participants free food coupons.

However, widespread fraud was uncovered last year involving hundreds of hotels, who allegedly claimed government subsidies without guests actually checking in.

Thapanee Kiatpaiboon, TAT deputy governor for domestic marketing, said this is why strict checks had to be put in place, adding that TAT has set up a task force to deal with the delays. She said the issue should be solved within 60 days after hotels submit all requested documents.

Apart from the eastern seaboard, hotels in other regions have also reported delays in the subsidy payment.

Viroj Chaya, president of the Chiang Rai Hotels Association, said about half of the 300 participating hotels in the northern province are suffering from delays in payment worth about 10 million baht.

He said the problem started in February and is affecting hotels of all sizes, not just small ones.

Published : March 26, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013849

Many countries have replaced Favipiravir with the far more effective anti-viral Molnupiravir in the treatment of Covid-19 patients, Dr Manoon Leechawengwongs, a respiratory specialist from Vichaiyut Hospital, pointed out in a Facebook post on Saturday.

He added that even Cambodia has started using Molnupiravir.

“A 42-year-old male patient told me that he had himself treated for Covid-19 at a Cambodian hospital in February,” he said. “The doctor there gave him Molnupiravir, which had been imported from India. He paid about 1,500 baht for a course of 40 capsules. His symptoms improved in five days after taking a dose of four pills every morning and evening.

“A 40-tablet course of India-made Molnupiravir retails at 2,000 rupees or about 900 baht,” he added. “People have been able to buy this drug over the counter in Cambodia since early this year.

“Clearly our neighbour has surpassed us in sourcing Covid-19 drugs,” Manoon said.

In a Facebook post last week, Manoon cited the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s recommendation that doctors use Molnupiravir to treat Covid-19 instead of Favipiravir.

In his March 15 post, the specialist said WHO recommends that Molnupiravir be used on patients who have been infected for less than five days. This drug has proved to be effective on patients who have mild symptoms but are at risk of developing severe symptoms and even dying from the virus.

“A batch of Molnupiravir has arrived in Thailand and will be distributed to hospitals next week,” he said. “Since supplies are limited, it will only be prescribed to high-risk patients such as the unvaccinated, the elderly, people with chronic diseases and those with low immunity.”

Published : March 26, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013845

Time Out Bangkok has joined forces with public and private partners to light up the city with the fourth edition of “Awakening Bangkok”.

This year’s display will illuminate the neighbourhoods of Charoenkrung, Talad Noi and Soi Nana in Chinatown from March 25 to April 3. Light and sound artists have created a total of 52 eye-popping installations under the theme of “RE:VIVE”.

The aim is to bring new energy to the vibrant nightlife scene in Bangkok’s Old Town following the dark days of Covid-19.

Time Out said GrabFood will host a market serving up local delicacies in front of the Central Post Office Building, while the area’s hip bars are offering special cocktails to boost the party mood.

Time Out and GrabFood have also collaborated to offer daytime walking tours of famous restaurants and landmarks along with fine-dining events hosted by some of Bangkok’s top chefs.

Meanwhile, the festival will branch out to Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai as the organisers seek to turn it into Thailand’s latest international attraction to spur economic revival.

Published : March 26, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013843

Discarding used antigen test kits (ATKs) in household garbage can cause Covid-19 virus to spread, top virologist Dr Yong Poovorawan warned on Friday.

The Chulalongkorn University specialist noted that most buildings in Thailand have no proper system to separate and dispose of infectious waste, meaning used ATKs are often mixed in with other general household waste. However, the virus on used test kits can easily be neutralised with household chemicals, he added.

“If the used ATKs fall into canals or rivers, it could cause local water sources to be contaminated with the Covid-19 virus,” Yong said.

He urged people to dispose of test kits in the red-coloured infectious waste bags – even if the result is negative.

People should also kill the Covid-19 virus on the ATKs before disposal, he added.

“The most common chemical that can kill Covid-19 virus is alcohol. However, alcohol cannot kill certain viruses, including enterovirus which causes hand, foot and mouth disease and can be picked up by the ATKs during testing for Covid-19.”

Yong said that more effective chemicals for killing viruses are formalin, formaldehyde, and chlorine.

“These chemicals are not generally used in households, except for chlorine, which can be found in bathroom cleaning products in the form of sodium hypochlorite,” he said. “Therefore, if you do not have red bag for infectious waste, put a few drops of bathroom cleaner on the used ATK to kill the germs and wrap it up tightly before putting it in the garbage.”

“Don’t forget to wear gloves and a face mask and try not to inhale the chemical, which can irritate your respiration system,” Yong added.

Published : March 26, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013842

A special steam train pulled out of Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong railway station for Ayutthaya on Saturday morning to mark the State Railway of Thailand (SRT)’s 125th anniversary.

The Transport Ministry is considering such special train trips from the iconic Hua Lamphong station after Bangkokians protested against plans to shut it down late last year. The ministry’s aim is to turn the new Bang Sue Grand Station into the capital’s main train station.

Since such special train trips have received a good response so far, SRT will have steam trains pull out of the station every year for six special occasions, namely:

• March 26: SRT Foundation Day (Bangkok-Ayutthaya)

• June 3: HM Queen Suthida’s birthday (Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom)

• July 28: King Rama X’s birthday (Bangkok-Ayutthaya)

• August 12: HM Queen Sirikit’s birthday and Mother’s Day (Bangkok-Chachoengsao)

• October 23: King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day (Bangkok-Ayutthaya)

• December 5: King Rama IX’s birthday and National Father’s Day (Bangkok-Chachoengsao).

Published : March 26, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013840

Residents in Huay Yang, a subdistrict in Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Thap Sakae district, went into a panic when they saw a wild male bull hunting for food in their area, reports said on Friday.

Alocal who was the first to spot the bull in the area said the imposing beast is often seen hunting for food in the Saeng Aroon beach from dusk till dawn. The local reckoned this may be the same bull that entered a residential area a few months ago.

A local also called on the Hat Wanakon National Park to take the bull back because it may attack the locals.

In response, the national park deployed rangers to survey the area and find a way to direct the bull back into the park.

Published : March 26, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013839

The Labour Ministry’s Department of Employment on Thursday launched a new registration system for workers looking for employment in South Korea.

This is in line with a memorandum of understanding on the Employment Permit System (EPS) by the two countries in 2020.

Under the EPS system, registrants must be aged between 18 and 39, must not have any health complaints, criminal or drug abuse records and have never lived in South Korea under the E-9 and/or E-10 visa for at least five years.

Registrants are also required to pass the EPS Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) and have labour skills as specified by South Korea’s Human Resources Development Service.

South Korea recently announced it is accepting more than 6,000 Thai workers for the manufacturing industry and agriculture and livestock businesses.

Those interested can register for a test in either sector via the Overseas Employment Administration Division’s website:

• Manufacturing: Registration is being accepted for 5,671 workers (2,836 men and 2,835 women) from March 24 to 28.

• Agriculture and livestock: Registration will be accepted for 342 workers (equal number of men and women) between April 20 and 22.

Registrants who are eligible for the test and the testing venue for the manufacturing industry will be announced on April 11, while those eligible for jobs in the agriculture and livestock industry will be announced on May 23 via:

• Epsthailand Facebook page

• Human Resources Development Service of South Korea website

• Overseas Employment Administration Division website

For more information, contact:

• Overseas Employment Administration Division: (02) 245 9429, (02) 245 6716

• Employment Offices in Bangkok and other provinces nationwide

• Labour Ministry hotline 1506 press 2, and Department of Employment hotline 1694.

Published : March 26, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013837

More than three-quarters of Thais believe Covid-19 infections will surge during and after Songkran, according to the Department of Health’s latest Anamai poll.

The poll showed 77 per cent of respondents think daily infections will spike during over the long Songkran holiday (April 13-17) as people travel back home to visit their families.

The remaining 23 per cent of respondents said the outbreak situation would not change much, as people would obey disease control measures during Songkran activities.

Meanwhile 53 per cent believed venues hosting Songkran activities will be the major source of new cluster cases, while 47 per cent said the biggest danger was to family members at Songkran get-togethers.

Fifty-three per cent of respondents said they would stay away from high-risk venues during the Songkran holiday, while the remaining 47 per cent said they take part in Songkran activities and visit tourist attractions.

More than half of respondents identified the following as high-risk venues for catching Covid-19: Restaurants that serve alcohol, shopping malls, tourist attractions, public vehicles, filling stations, and venues hosting Songkran activities.

Department of Health chief Dr Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai urged people who plan to visit their families or travel over Songkran to obey the Public Health Ministry’s prevention measures. These include getting fully vaccinated, wearing a face mask, washing hands regularly and maintaining a distance of at least one metre from others.

“If you plan to visit high-risk venues, make sure that organisers are following the Covid Free Setting standard, which includes vaccinating their staff, using the ThaiChana app and ensuring space between people in properly ventilated areas,” he said.

On Saturday, Thailand recorded 26,234 new infections and 67 deaths over the previous 24 hours.

Published : March 26, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013836

Over 80 per cent of Covid-19 patients in Chanthanburi province are now being treated under the Public Health Ministry’s OPSI (outpatient with self-isolation) system as they display no or mild symptoms, said deputy minister Satit Pitutecha on Friday after visiting community isolation centres in the eastern province.

Chanthanburi has confirmed 10,370 Covid-19 cases since January 1 from nearly 20,000 people who tested positive via rapid ATKs.

On Saturday, Thailand recorded 26,234 new Covid-19 cases and 67 deaths over the previous 24 hours. The self-isolation system has been adopted across the country as part of the transition to lifting most restrictions and declaring an endemic by July.

“The OPSI system has helped alleviate crowding at public and private hospitals so that beds are available for patients with severe symptoms,” said Satit. “About 90 per cent of patients in OPSI system are asymptomatic and will be given Fah Talai Jone capsules until they are cured, while 10 per cent will be giveb Favipiravir tablets to treat mild symptoms.”

Satit added that people should take their family members, especially elders who have yet to be vaccinated, to get a jab immediately so they are protected during Songkran’s family get-togethers next month.

“Those who were vaccinated more than three months ago should also get a booster shot as their immunity has likely fallen by now,” he added.

Getting vaccinated at suitable intervals was the best way to avoid severe symptoms if you contract the virus, said Satit.

As of March 24, 79 per cent of Chanthaburi population had received at least one jab of Covid-19 vaccine, while 35 per cent had received a booster shot. Meanwhile 76 per cent in high-risk groups – the elderly, frontline medics, and those with health problems – had been fully vaccinated.

Published : March 26, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40013829

Ministry of Public Health reported on Friday (March 26) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 26,234 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 36 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 67, while 20,013 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 1,279,829.
 

Published : March 26, 2022

By : THE NATION