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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011395

Bangkok is facing an exponential increase in Omicron infections and will likely see a daily caseload of 10,000 by the month’s end “unless the threat is stopped immediately”, an academic has warned.

Dr Sunt Srianthumrong, a lecturer at the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), said on Friday the capital has recorded 821, 1,172 and 1,637 Covid-19 cases over the past three days, respectively, and almost all of them were of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

“We can no longer shut our eyes and say the numbers are okay,” he said in a Facebook post, likening the Omicron outbreak to the Greek legend of the Trojan war.

“Like Troy, the Omicron troops have jumped out of the Trojan horse and are now advancing across the city. They are likely to completely seize the capital in the new few days,” Sunt said.

“I’m sorry but we will definitely be defeated. Our commander ordered a reduction in sentries, wrongly believing the enemies were withdrawing their forces,” the Facebook post read.

Recent records show that the number of cases in Bangkok has doubled every four days, and the graph is “dangerously steep”, Sunt wrote.

“We have to stop this immediately, or Bangkok will see 5,000 [daily] cases next week and 10,000 before the month’s end. The worst-case scenario is 70,000 daily cases per 10-million population, just like Israel.”

He called for immediate action to be taken, including working from home for at least a month, strict social distancing, regular antigen testing and the wearing of masks.

“Stop thinking that Omicron only causes mild symptoms and does not attack the lungs. Covid is now killing 8,000 to 9,000 people a day and most of the cases are Omicron. This means almost 3 million deaths a year — five to 10 times worse than influenza,” he wrote.

Published : January 22, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011392

Rangers from Loei’s Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary found more than 100 traps placed around a natural well in an area dubbed Dan Chang or elephants’ path in Phu Rua district on the edge of the sanctuary.

“The traps are made from round pieces of wood less than half a metre in width with five or six nails sticking out of each,” Jirachai Akhajak, chief of the Phu Luang Wildlife Research Centre, said on Saturday. “Park officials have picked up around 100 traps since earlier this week. Some of them have evidence of being stepped upon, but so far we have not found any injured wild elephants.

“I suspect farmers nearby may have set these traps to keep wild elephants from ransacking their sugarcane plantations,” he added. “The department has discussed this issue with local farmers on several occasions. We have even advised them to keep bees or grow chilli as elephants hate bees and the smell of chilli and will eventually leave the plantation alone.

“Though most farmers understand the nature of wild animals and agreed to use harmless methods to repel them, some still apparently resort to cruelty and violence,” Jirachai said. “The department has filed a police complaint against the trap setters.”

Phet Manopawit, secretary-general of Green World Foundation, said these traps are inhumane and can kill an elephant.

“When an elephant steps on the trap, the nails will pierce its foot, forcing it to back off and change the course it takes to find food,” he said. “However, since the nails are rusty, the elephant can develop an infection or tetanus and if left untreated, it could die.”

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Published : January 22, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011381

Police officers along with officials from the Livestock Development Department showed up in Samut Sakhon on Friday to check three cold storages. They had received a tip-off that the cold-storage operators may be hoarding pork to make profits from the shortage and soaring prices.

“The first cold storage had notified the Department of Internal Trade that it has 929 tonnes of pork in its possession,” Livestock Development Department director-general Sorawit Thaneeto said. “However, upon inspection, the company claimed it has recently transported 400 tonnes of pork to other cold storages in Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi, and that it has yet to submit documents detailing the transfer.

“Officials also found 234 tonnes of pork that was not shown in the manifest. The company explained that another firm in Ratchaburi had rented its cold storage to store meat since November last year,” he added.

“Further inspection of the company’s documents showed that it had no evidence of origin and transportation of 71 tonnes of pork in its possession. Hence, this amount will be confiscated and the company has until Saturday to present the related documents to take the pork back.”

The second cold storage in Samut Sakhon inspected on Friday had reportedly submitted documents for the storage of 283 tonnes of slaughtered pigs, but there were no animal carcasses in the facility. The company said the carcasses had been moved to another cold storage in the province, where officials found 441 tonnes of pig carcasses with evidence that 283 tonnes belong to one company and 158 tonnes to another.

“Neither company has submitted documents detailing the movement of the animal carcasses to the Livestock Development Department or notified the Department of Internal Trade of the pork being stored,” Sorawit said. “Officials have confiscated the 441 tonnes of pork and will return them if they can present the required documents by Saturday.

“Officials will continue inspecting cold storages for possible hoarding of pork. So far, we have received tip-offs about suspicious activities in up to 25 facilities, 11 of which are in Samut Sakhon,” he added.

According to the law, those who possess more than 500 live pigs or 5 tonnes of pig carcasses must notify relevant authorities of the origin, movement and intention of storage or they will face a maximum punishment of a year in prison and/or a fine of THB20,000.

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Songkhla cold storage in trouble over non-disclosure of pork stocks

Chicken meat retail price fixed at Bt60-75 per kg

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Published : January 22, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011382

The exhibition, “Hua Lamphong in Your Eyes”, documenting the 106 years of Bangkok’s iconic railway station, wrapped up on January 16 but left a lasting impression on people, especially the younger generation.

The photographs on display included one of King Rama V launching the first train from Bangkok to Ayutthaya on March 26, 1896, which is now marked as the founding day of Thailand’s railway system. There were also photographs capturing the changes Hua Lamphong’s interior and exterior have seen over the century.

Published : January 22, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011379

The 17 KiHA 183 diesel trains donated to Thailand by Japan’s Hokkaido Railway Company are being modified so they can run on local tracks, while four trains are expected to start running by mid-2022.

“Japanese diesel trains use 1.067 metre wide axels, while the Thai railway is 1 metre wide,” State Railway of Thailand (SRT)’s Public Relations Centre director Ekarat Sriarayanphong said on Friday. “We began modifying the trains as soon as they arrived in December last year and now they can run on our tracks. The next step is repainting them at the Makkasan train depot.”

Ekarat added that once the trains are repainted, SRT will make adjustments to other systems such as the engine, transmission system, air conditioning and passenger seats, so they meet Thai conditions.

“Modifications will be carried out on four trains at a time, with the first lot set to be completed by mid-2022. These trains will run for short distances to Ayutthaya and Chachoengsao to promote domestic tourism,” he said.

KiHA 183 diesel trains have a maximum speed of 100 kilometres per hour. Each train has four bogies and can accommodate up to 216 passengers. Once completed, they will be fully airconditioned and include reclining seats and toilets.

Though SRT received these trains for free, it paid a private contractor 42.25 million baht to bring them from Japan to Thailand.

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Japanese diesel trains to soon start running in Thailand

SRT aims to have all Red Line extensions running by 2025

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Published : January 22, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011378

Thailand will remain under Covid-19 alert level 4 because infections are still on a rising trend, the Public Health Ministry’s permanent secretary Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit said on Friday.

The ministry had raised the country’s Covid-19 alert level to 4 on January 6 when the daily infection rate began surging. Under level 4, all high-risk venues like bars, pubs and karaoke joints will remain closed, while people are required to refrain from travelling or gathering in a bid to contain the spread of the virus.

Earlier this week, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul indicated the possibility of lowering the alert level by one point as the situation is “partly under control” with less than 20 deaths per day.

“On Friday, Thailand had 8,640 new Covid-19 infections and 13 deaths. While the death rate is still low, daily infections show an upward trend,” Kiattiphum said. “Currently, 82,720 patients are undergoing treatment, 540 of whom have pneumonia, while 118 patients are on respirators.”

The ministry also reported a total of 289 Covid-19 deaths since January 1. Of the fatalities, 159 were aged over 70 and 58 in the 60-69 age group.

“The ministry is advising people to refrain from travelling upcountry, visiting high-risk venues and engaging in prolonged group activities,” he said. “These rules must be particularly adhered to, especially in highly populated areas like Bangkok and surrounding provinces, as well as ‘blue zone’ provinces that have opened some of their districts to foreign visitors.

“If you come into close contact with a confirmed patient, isolate yourself at home for seven days and monitor your symptoms closely,” Kiattiphum advised. “During this period, take an ATK test on the fifth or sixth day. If the test comes back positive, then call 1330 to register under the ministry’s home-isolation system.

“If the test is negative, complete your seven days of isolation after which you can go outdoors only when necessary,” he added. “Take the test again on day 10, and if the test is still negative then consider the isolation over.”

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Covid-19 alert level raised to 4 as infections swell

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Published : January 22, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011377

Ministry of Public Health reported on Saturday (January 22) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 8,112 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 177 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 19, while 7,582 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 2,369,814 – 2,264,564 of whom have recovered, 83,231 are still in hospitals and 22,019 have died.

Separately, another 47,074 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 114,570 their second shot and 397,925 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 111,882,595.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 347.06 million on Saturday, 276.67 million of whom have recovered, 64.79 million are active cases (95,821 in severe condition) and 5.6 million have died (up by 9,034).

Thailand ranks 26th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 71.39 million, followed by India with 38.9 million, Brazil with 23.76 million, the UK with 16 million and France with 15.71 million.

Published : January 22, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011371

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Saturday (January 22) that the westerly trough moves through the North, the upper Northeast and the Central regions while the weak high pressure-system covers the South China Sea. Thundershowers, gusty winds and hails are likely in the North and the Northeast. People should beware of the severe condition by keeping off outdoor places, big trees and unsecured billboards. Farmers should prevent for crop damage.

The Department also mentioned that the weak northeast monsoon prevails across the Gulf of Thailand and the South and brings isolated thundershowers to the South.

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours is as follows:

North: Cool to cold weather with thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas, gusty winds and hails; temperature lows of 16-21 degrees and highs of 24-29 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 6-14 degrees Celsius.

Northeast: Cool weather with thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas, gusty winds and hails; temperature lows of 17-23 degrees and highs of 24-28 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 10-15 degrees Celsius.

Central: Cool weather in the morning with thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas and gusty winds; temperature lows of 20-22 degrees, highs of 29-31 degrees Celsius.

East: Cool weather in the morning with thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas and gusty winds; temperature lows of 22-24 degrees, highs of 29-31 degrees Celsius; waves less than a meter high and about a meter high offshore.

South (east coast): Partly cloudy with thundershowers in 20 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 21-25 degrees, highs of 29-33 degrees Celsius; waves a meter high and 1-2 meters high during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Partly cloudy with isolated light rains; temperature lows of 22-25 degrees, highs of 32-35 degrees Celsius; waves less than a meter high and about a meter high offshore.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Thundershowers in 30 per cent of the areas and gusty winds; temperature lows of 24-26 degrees, highs of 30-33 degrees Celsius.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : January 22, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011369

Hua Hin and Cha-am will be promoted as new international destinations for wellness tourism under the Thailand Wellness Sandbox programme.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s plan for the neighbouring seaside resorts was approved by the Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA) on Friday.

The Thailand Wellness Sandbox will transform Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Cha-am in Phetchaburi province as Thailand’s premier destinations for wellness-conscious tourists, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said.

Meanwhile Hua Hin, Cha-am and the rest of the west coast will be promoted as “Thailand’s Riviera”, focusing on the wellness tourism brand.

“The goal is to develop tourism products and services in Hua Hin and Cha-am to meet international standards and gain wider recognition,” the spokesman explained.

The meeting of CESA, which was chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, also tasked the TAT with selecting other pilot areas to be included in the programme.

Addressing the pressing issue of rising living costs, the prime minister instructed the Commerce Ministry, Consumer Protection Board, police and other relevant agencies to ensure that products are reasonably priced and there is no hoarding.

The PM said hoarders and their accomplices would be punished by law.

Published : January 21, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011366

The highly transmissible Omicron variant has now been detected in all 77 provinces of Thailand, the Medical Sciences Department announced Friday.

Department chief Supakit Sirilak said the 10 provinces with most Omicron cases are Bangkok (4,178 cases), Chonburi (837 cases), Phuket (434 cases), Roi Et (355 cases), Samut Prakan (329 cases), Surat Thani (319 cases), Kalasin (301 cases), Udon Thani (217 cases), Chiang Mai (214 cases) and Khon Kaen (214 cases).

Supakit said 97-98 per cent of new Covid-19 cases in Thailand were now Omicron infections but that figure is expected to be 100 per cent by the end of this month.

However, most Covid-19 fatalities are still being caused by the Delta strain, he added.

Supakit also shared results from random DNA samples of new Covid-19 cases taken between January 11 and 17. The samples show the proportion of omicron infections found in seven different groups, as follows:

– Samples from general population reflecting Thailand’s overall situation: 83.7 per cent

– Samples from new clusters (at least 50 infections per cluster): 84.86 per cent

– Samples from cases with severe symptoms or who died: 67.21 per cent

– Samples from fully vaccinated cases: 72.35 per cent

– Samples from infected medical personnel: 74.58 per cent

– Samples from group suspected of being infected by new variants: 75.90%

– Samples from group who have recovered from Covid-19: 100%.

Meanwhile, Omicron was responsible for 96.9 per cent of cases arriving from abroad and 100 per cent of locally re-infected cases.

Supakit urged people to get a booster shot as soon as possible to reduce the risk of being re-infected by the new variant.

Published : January 21, 2022

By : THE NATION