#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011863

Most of the oil slick on Rayong’s Mae Ram Phueng Beach and nearby areas has been “taken care of”, while relevant agencies are closely monitoring the situation in case more oil washes up on shore, Tara Pitutecha, Rayong’s Member of Parliament from the Democrat Party, reported on Wednesday.

Tara was answering media questions on the “Parliament TV” programme on Wednesday as he is also the vice president of the House of Representatives’ Energy Committee.

An underwater pipeline owned by Star Petroleum Refining (SPRC) sprung a leak last Tuesday, releasing oil into the sea about 20km southeast of Map Ta Phut Industrial Port before the leak could be plugged.

On Saturday, Mae Ram Phueng Beach was declared a disaster zone after oil from the spill washed ashore. Satellite images showed the slick had spread across 47 square kilometres of sea.

“Agencies including the Royal Thai Navy’s Marine Pollution Prevention and Mitigation Centre, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, the Marine Department and Rayong locals have been working diligently to eliminate the oil slick from the beaches in the past few days,” he said.

“The latest aerial photographs show there are no visible oil slicks on Rayong beach, but the ground teams will closely keep an eye on the situation.”

Tara said Rayong authorities have set up complaint centres for people who have been affected by the incident at Ban Sabai Sabai Resort in Muang district, Taphong subdistrict Administration Office, and Cherng Nern and Ban Phe subdistrict offices. “So far about 1,400 people have filed complaints at these centres, which will be forwarded to the SPRC, which is responsible for disbursing compensation,” he said.

When asked about the cause of the massive oil spill, Tara said a preliminary investigation by officials showed that the busted pipeline has been in commission for 26 years and has no alert sensor in case of a burst or leak.

“It is estimated that up to 50,000 litres of oil have leaked from this pipe. However, the exact amount must be verified by detailed investigation,” he pointed out.

“I have urged the Marine Department, which is responsible for the specification and regulation of underwater pipelines used in marine projects, to investigate the problem as soon as possible and find out why there have been two incidents of oil pipeline bursts in Rayong. I have also asked the department to prepare preventive measures against any future incidents.”

The previous oil spill in Rayong took place in July 2013 from a PTT refinery pipeline.

“The House energy committee will discuss the Rayong oil spill at its next meeting and will invite relevant agencies such as the Energy Ministry, the Transport Ministry, the Marine Department and private operators to find out the real cause of the incident, preventive measures and rehabilitation strategies for both local communities and the coastal environment,” said Tara.

“The committee will also study international practices in oil transport and handling and make sure that Thailand has adopted appropriate precautions to prevent any future oil spill,” he said.

“This issue is the committee’s top priority, as Rayong is one of the key provinces in the Eastern Economic Corridor development project. It is estimated that Rayong has attracted investments worth more than 1.04 trillion baht and is the province with the highest per capita income,” Tara added.

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Published : February 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011861

The rising prices of fuel and consumer goods have not affected government stability as they are external factors that could happen in any country, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow said on Wednesday.

“The government is not having problems from within. Please understand that we are doing the best we can to keep the prices of fuel and goods under control,” he said.

“Fuel prices have been climbing due to several factors, including global market conditions, the weakening of the baht, and the political row in Eastern Europe between Ukraine and Russia, which now involves the United States,” he pointed out. “Furthermore, the US is also experiencing extreme climate change, which has hugely affected global fuel prices.”

Supattanapong said his ministry was monitoring the situation closely and he believed it would return to normal soon, as both political tension and climate change were only “temporary problems”.

“Soon everything will be in a range that the government can keep under control. We have prepared several strategies to help people, including capping the diesel price at 30 baht per litre and adjusting the formula of biodiesel to reduce the cost,” he said.

Supattanapong added that a ministry survey found prices of goods were starting to show a decreasing trend, and that the government had no immediate plan to adjust minimum wages.

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Published : February 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011859

Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will meet tomorrow (February 4) to consider approving the use of Sinovac Covid-19 vaccines for children aged three and above, FDA secretary-general Dr Paisan Dankhum said on Wednesday.

“The Sinovac vaccine to be used for children is the same type that has been administered for adults, and will also be given at the same quantity of 0.5cc per recipient,” he said.

“The vaccine manufacturer has submitted all documents required for the approval, which include information on recipients’ age range, quantity, efficacy, side effects and other safety issues,” Paisan said.

“Once approved, Sinovac will become another choice of vaccine for parents to choose from for their children. However, the decision on whether or not a toddler should get vaccinated must still be made by a paediatrician,” Paisan added.

So far, the Thai FDA has approved only the special orange cap Pfizer vaccine for children above the age of five.

The FDA also advised that children aged 5-11 who have underlying health problems and therefore carry a high risk of developing severe symptoms if they contract Covid-19 should get the vaccine first, and has instructed schools in high infection areas to prioritise vaccinations accordingly.

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Published : February 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011852

Ministry of Public Health reported on Thursday (February 3) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 9,172 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 222 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 21, while 7,832 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022 are at 242,288.
 

Published : February 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40011849

Rayong’s provincial public health chief has assured that no contaminants have been found in seafood sold in the province. Dr Soonthorn Rianphoomkarnkit said officials had tested seafood and did not find any contaminants.

He said the province will regularly send officials to check food for the safety of consumers.

Rayong has been hit by an oil spill after an undersea pipeline belonging to Star Petroleum Refining Pcl started leaking off the coast of the province late on January 25.

He warned consumers that if dead fish and fish catchers are found with oil stains on them, they should notify the authorities so they can be inspected for contaminants immediately. He urged people against consuming the contaminated products.

Meanwhile, Anan Nakniyom, deputy governor of Rayong province, said a complaints centre had been opened four days ago, and a number of affected people continued to come in and notify them. He said some 700 people had come with complaints so far, and the number was expected to increase.

Published : February 02, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40011845

Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul on Wednesday said that the Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines would be approved for children aged three years on Friday.

He was speaking after a meeting of the ministry’s service team that discussed guidelines and creating understanding in the people on treating Covid-19 as an endemic from a pandemic.

“The advantage is that the Sonic vaccine is the same vaccine that already exists. After approval, there will be an allocation plan. I can confirm that there are sufficient vaccines. It depends on the willingness of parents and children to receive any kind of vaccine. And there is no policy to order more Sinovac vaccines because there are enough vaccines for every group,” said Anutin.

Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, outlined the plan for vaccinating young children:

– 2 doses of Sinovac vaccine

– 2 Pfizer vaccines

– Sinovac vaccine as first dose and Pfizer vaccine as second dose

However, parents can choose the formula voluntarily. There is no decision yet on booster vaccine for children in low immunity groups. Thailand will use the same child vaccination plan as other countries, he said.

Published : February 02, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011843

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is closely monitoring the oil spill in Rayong and is working with related organisations to solve the current problem and restore the natural resources and environment to its normal state, Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said on Wednesday.

Varawut said the Pollution Control Department (PCD) has inspected the seawater quality in the area and oil slick threat to the beach. The department has also surveyed the area to check the movement of the oil slick and assessed the situation.

The incident occurred late on January 26 when an underwater pipeline in the Gulf of Thailand owned by Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited (SPRC) starting leaking oil off the coast of Rayong.

Meanwhile, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources is assessing the damage to marine natural resources and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is supporting the operations and monitoring the effect of the oil slick on the natural resources.

Varawut said that the PCD would also monitor and assess the air quality, water quality, soil and sediment with related organisations.

He said the department will do five things:

1. Analyse components of organic and inorganic matter from crude oil and a lump of oil.
2. Monitor and assess the seawater quality and oil slick at eight spots on the coast from Phayun Beach to Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park.

3. Inspect and collect samples of seawater to analyse the amount of heavy metal (mercury, bronze, cadmium, lead, and iron) and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) in six spots. The department has already done it three times and will test three more times to see if the quality of seawater is normal while the department is waiting for the result of the amount of heavy metal and TPH.
4. Inspect the contamination of soil on the beach
5. Inspect the air quality in the area with the oil slick

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Varawut added that the three departments will cooperate with other organisations to create a recovery plan. The PCD has coordinated with the National Science and Technology Development Agency and private companies to help the environment recover in the tested area.

The department has reported Star Petroleum Refining Plc (SPRC) to the Map Ta Phut Police Station and is suing them for damages.

The ministry’s permanent secretary, Jatuporn Buruspat, also ordered the setting up of a subcommittee to assess the effect on marine and coastal natural resources and the environment. The department will present it to the next meeting of the National Environment Board which is led by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.
 

Published : February 02, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011839

A total of 23,660 foreigners registered for Thailand Pass under “Test and Go” on Tuesday when the scheme opened for registration, Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Wednesday.

Thanakorn said that including the response for the revival of the “Test and Go” scheme, a total of 29,194 people had registered for Thailand Pass on Tuesday and the number was likely to increase.

The “Test and Go” scheme, aimed at bringing tourists back into the country without risking the spread of Covid-19, had been launched in November last year, but was paused a month later when the Omicron variant of the virus started spreading

He added that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had ordered every organisation to proceed with economic activities to welcome tourists with strict public health measures.

There is also the policy to publicise Thai tourism and culture with soft power. The tourism strategy is being adjusted to support health tourism so as to create opportunity and increase income for people in the country, the spokesman said.

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Published : February 02, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011832

Smoke from the burning of incense as well as gold and silver papers during the Chinese New Year could be harmful to health, research in recent years has shown.

Chinese New Year is one of the most important events on the calendar for Chinese people. It is a festive occasion when they pay their respects to their ancestors and Chinese gods, gather their relatives and hand out red envelopes, or “Ang Pao”, to their children.

As a ritual, they burn incense, as well as gold and silver papers in a symbol of respect to their ancestors and Chinese gods, while praying for prosperity.

According to the Public Health Ministry, smoke from burning incense is as harmful as tobacco or car exhaust, as it contains various toxic substances, such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.

Smoke from burning gold and silver papers releases toxic heavy metal, nickel, lead, manganese and chromium, which the papers are coated with to make them look glossy and valuable.

People who inhale heavy smoke from burning incense could be at risk of cancer due to benzo(a)pyrene, benzene and butadiene.

Thai researchers have found that venues where incense is burned, such as temples, shrines and almshouse, have 63 times more benzo(a)pyrene in the air than at normal places, while officials at temples have a four times higher risk of contracting blood and/or bladder cancer.

Apart from smoke’s impact on people’s eyes and nose, it also affects the respiratory system, leading to cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing. In a worst-case scenario, people could even lose consciousness or get lung cancer, the ministry warned.

Meanwhile, smoke from burning gold and silver papers could affect children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases. It could impact brain development in children, causing anaemia, dizziness, convulsion, unconsciousness, kidney failure in the elderly, impact foetal development in women, allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart disease.

Separately, the smoke also affects the environment as toxic heavy metal is considered a hazardous toxic substance that needs to be managed systematically to contain their spread in the air, water and foods.

The Nation Thailand would like to advise all devotees and celebrants to exercise caution in burning incense, gold and silver papers, or preferably use electric incense to celebrate the Chinese New Year festival with their families safely.

Published : February 02, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011826

New Covid-19 clusters have emerged in a number of schools nationwide after the Education Ministry allowed them to reopen.

“The best way for children to learn is to go to school,” Education Minister Treenuch Thienthong said.

However, the emergence of the highly transmissible Omicron variant has triggered Covid-19 clusters at schools in Nan, Phetchabun, Ratchaburi, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Sukhothai, Si Sa Ket, Roi Et, Phetchaburi, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Samut Prakan, Nong Khai, Yasothon and Loei.

The Nan mayor has already announced a temporary closure of four schools – Samakee Wittayakhan School (Ban Phranet), Jumpi Wanidaporn (Ban Phumin), Darun Wittaya (Ban Suan Tan) and the Suriyapong Camp Children Development Centre between January 21 and 28 as the number of Covid-19 infections is likely to increase.

Meanwhile, Ban Rahul School in Phetchabun has become a field hospital after 36 students and one teacher tested positive for Covid-19. Those who tested negative have been ordered to attend online classes.

Precisely 311 teachers and students at Dhammajarinee Wittaya School, a girl’s school in Ratchaburi, tested positive for Covid-19 after the virus spread in dormitories.

Separately, expert virologist Dr Yong Poovorawan said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that children should receive the Covid-19 vaccine jab, especially those who have other diseases, as they would be at risk of developing severe symptoms.

He said children should receive mRNA (Pfizer) and/or inactivated (Sinovac and Sinopharm) vaccines.

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Pfizer for children aged five and above.

“We believe the Thai FDA will also approve inactivated vaccines for children soon as China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and countries in the Middle East and Latin America have approved these vaccines for children aged three and above,” Yong pointed out.

He said the interval between two doses for children is 3-12 weeks, but this can be adjusted depending on the situation.

Yong added there is a possibility that children would be able to receive a cocktail dose and a booster dose, but further studies are necessary.

“The interval between the second dose and booster dose for children who have received two Pfizer jabs is six months,” he said.

“In future, children who have received two inactivated jabs can receive a mRNA jab one to three months after the second jab, and their immunity against Covid-19 would be high, similar to adults,” he wrote.

Yong added that it is up to parents whether to allow their children to receive the Covid-19 jabs or not.

Published : February 02, 2022

By : THE NATION