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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011264

The hike in pork prices and subsequent shortage has left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth, going as far as severely affecting Trang’s signature roast pork dish, which usually sells like hot cakes during Chinese New Year.

Anews source said on Tuesday that the pork price in Trang rose to 200 baht per kg for red meat, 250 baht/kg for belly, and 180 baht/kg for ground pork, while supply is limited, prompting many food sellers to reduce the amount of pork in their meals.

Yupin Thaensuwan, owner of Ko Phao Roast Pork restaurant in Mueang Trang district, said that due to the rising costs she needed to adjust the price of her roast pork from 460 baht/kg to 550 baht.

“The limited supply also forced us to reduce the pigs we roast daily. In the past we roasted 3-4 pigs per day, but nowadays we roast only 1-2 and still have leftovers,” she bemoaned.

Rungrat Rotha, owner of Mae Yin restaurant in Ban Pho subdistrict, said that since the price crisis, she has only adjusted the price up once, from 420 baht/kg to 500 baht.

“If pork prices continue to climb, I might have to raise the price to 550 baht/kg this week,” she warned.

Weena Leelakosin, owner of Ban Bua Bok restaurant, has also had to adjust the price of her roast pork to 550 baht.

“As the Chinese New Year draws close, we are seeing fewer customers compared to the same period last year,” she said.

“The contracting economy and inflated pork price have forced them to spend their money more carefully, while some are saving up for a big spending spree for the occasion.”

A customer who travelled from Bangkok to buy roast pork in Trang told the news source that last year he spent only 400 baht/kg.

“This year the price has risen to more than 500 baht/kg, but the deliciousness still makes it worth the price. Besides, it’s understandable that the price adjustment is unavoidable due to the price crisis,” he said.

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Published : January 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011262

The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has posted pictures of full moon from the night of Tuesday (January 18), which is this year’s farthest micro full moon.

Amicro full moon or micro moon is the phenomenon that a full moon or a new moon coincides with apogee, the point in the moon’s orbit farthest away from Earth.

“The micro full moon is currently about 401,011 kilometres away from the Earth and is visible to the naked eye on the east after sunset or from 6.30pm until dawn on Wednesday,” said NARIT on its facebook page.

NARIT explained that the moon’s orbit is oval-shaped and there are days when the moon moves closest and farthest from the earth.

“When the moon is about 357,000km away, it is closest to the Earth, and farthest when it is about 406,000km away,” it said.

People from several areas of Thailand have responded to NARIT’s post by posting photos of micro full moon that they took on Tuesday night.

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Published : January 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011254

Ministry of Public Health reported on Wednesday (January 19) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 7,122 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 172 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad.

Death toll increased by 12, while 7,460 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 2,344,933 – 2,241,363 of whom have recovered, 81,602 are still in hospitals and 21,968 have died.

Separately, another 45,031 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 96,086 their second shot and 340,711 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 110,310,481.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 335.37 million on Wednesday, 271.06 million of whom have recovered, 58.74 million are active cases (96,762 in severe condition) and 5.57 million have died (up by 8,039).

 Thailand ranks 26th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 68.77 million, followed by India with 37.9 million, Brazil with 23.22 million, the UK with 15.4 million and France with 14.74 million.

Published : January 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011250

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Wednesday (January 19) that the westerly and southeasterly winds prevail across the upper North of Thailand, bringing isolated thundershowers to the areas. Farmers in the North should prevent for crop’s damage.

Meanwhile, the high-pressure system covers upper Thailand and the South China Sea, bringing cool weather and light fog in the morning to the areas. Mountaintops in the North and the Northeast are cold to very cold with temperature ranging from 5 to 15 °C. All transports should take caution due to poor visibility. 

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

From January 20 to 22, the westerly trough will move through the North, the upper Central and the upper Northeast of Thailand. Outbreak of thundershowers, gusty winds and a decrease in temperature are forecast in these areas. People should beware of the severe conditions by keeping off open areas, big trees and unsecured billboards, and farmers should prevent for crop’s damage.
 

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

North: Cool weather with light fog in the morning and thundershowers in 20 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 15-20 degrees and highs of 27-34 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 5-12 degrees Celsius.

Northeast: Cool weather with light fog in the morning; temperature lows of 16-19 degrees and highs of 29-33 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 9-15 degrees Celsius.

Central: Cool weather with light fog in the morning; temperature lows of 19-20 degrees, highs of 33-34 degrees Celsius.

East: Cool weather with light fog in the morning; temperature lows of 19-23 degrees, highs of 32-34 degrees Celsius; waves less than a meter high and about a meter high offshore.

South (east coast): Partly cloudy with thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 21-25 degrees, highs of 30-33 degrees Celsius; waves 1-2 meters high and 2 meters high during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Partly cloudy with thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 21-25 degrees, highs of 33-35 degrees Celsius; waves less than a meter high and about a meter high offshore.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Partly cloudy with light fog in the morning; temperature lows of 21-24 degrees, highs of 33-35 degrees Celsius.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : January 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40011248

Chinese New Year celebrations in Bangkok’s famed Yaowarat area have been cancelled due to concerns about the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus.

Athitaya Chokkitmanatchai, director of Samphanthawong District Office, Bangkok, revealed that due to the pandemic situation, especially the Omicron variant, Samphanthawong district has decided to cancel Chinese New Year celebrations on Yaowarat Road on February 1. This is the second year in a row that the celebrations have been cancelled in Bangkok’s Chinatown.

Even if there are no events to mark Chinese New Year, Yaowarat Road would still be decorated with lights around the archway (Odian Circle), Athitaya said. Traditional activities of Thai-Chinese people, including allowing people to pay homage to the gods in various places, would be allowed. Shops and restaurants also will remain open under Covid-19 control measures, the official added.

Published : January 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40011247

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved in principle two moves to attract “high-potential” foreigners to Thailand by offering them residency visas. High-potential foreigners consist of four groups: wealthy global citizens, wealthy retirees, people who want to work from Thailand, and high-skilled professionals.

Under the first move, the Interior Ministry will issue eligibility rules for the long-term resident (LTR) visa. The LTR visa will cost Bt10,000 per year and be valid for five years, extendible by another five years.

It will cover the holder and up to four dependents (spouse and children aged under 21. Holders can apply for a Thai work permit.

Under the second move, the Labour Ministry will issue rules on five-year work permits for LTR visa holders who are employed or self-employed in Thailand.

Published : January 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40011245

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam has suggested that stakeholders pause their cultivation plans amid a hot debate between the Ministry of Public Health and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board about its legality.

Wissanu was speaking after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

He said he had spoken to Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and was told that the stakeholders were discussing how to solve the problem. When a reporter asked which side the people should listen to, and whether they should delay planting, Wissanu said they should slow down and wait for a while.

Earlier, Piyasiri Wattanavarangkul, spokesman for the board, said that after the new drug code came into force on December 9, 2021, there would be no “cannabis” in Category 5 that earlier included cannabis, psychoactive mushrooms and kratom plant.

Although the new drug code does not include the name “marijuana” in category 5 drugs, the new drug code has announced that the name of the narcotics is to be in accordance with the Ministry of Public Health.

This means marijuana remains on the list of category 5 drugs according to the notification of the Ministry of Public Health, except for parts or substances that are allowed to be produced in the country, such as bark, mycelium, leaves without attached inflorescences, cannabidiol (CBD) extracts containing no more than 0.2 per cent tetrahydrocannabinol by weight.

Therefore, it remains illegal to grow marijuana yourself, although some parts of the cannabis plant, such as the bark, fibre, leaves, as well as CBD, are permitted, where such components must be secured from a licensed source.

Published : January 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011239

The Bangkok city administration has issued a list of Covid-19 safety guidelines for the three days of Chinese New Year at the end of this month.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) urged Bangkokians to observe the measures to stay safe from the highly contagious Omicron variant on “shopping day”, “worshipping day” and “vacation day” as the city greets the Year of the Tiger.

Celebrations this year start on January 30 with shopping day, followed by worshipping day on January 31 when people visit temples to pay respect to their ancestors.

Chinese New Year’s Day itself falls on February 1 this year and is marked as a national holiday.

The holiday period usually sees Chinese-Thais visit their families in the provinces or even make foreign trips, but this year non-essential travel has been restricted due to Covid-19.

The BMA listed safety guidelines for each day.

Shopping day (Jan 30):

1. Only buy food from vendors with hygiene certificates or online from reliable outlets.

2. Wash raw food, vegetables and fruits thoroughly.

3. Store pre-cooked foods in sealed containers.

4. Plan shopping ahead to reduce exposure time in markets.

5. Food shops must undergo thorough cleaning ahead of Chinese New Year.

Worshipping day (Jan 31):

1. Raw food must be properly cooked and should be heated through two hours before banquets.

2. Areas of worship must have good ventilation.

3. Worshippers must wear masks to protect against infection.

4. Participants must clean their hands with alcohol or soap frequently.

5. They must stay one or two metres away from others during ceremonies.

6. Anyone with fever, sneezing or running nose must not join ceremonies.

7. Participants must not share plates, cutlery, chopsticks or drinking glasses.

8. Try to refrain from burning paper in ceremonies.

Chinese New Year’s Day (Feb 1):

1. Only visit food shops, restaurants, shrines and other venues that meet “Covid Free Setting” standards.

2. Gifts of money or ang-pao should be sent via online transactions rather than traditional red envelopes or cash handouts.

Published : January 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011237

Moves to ease restrictions and reopen the country will be considered on Thursday at a meeting of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said the CCSA will meet to re-evaluate Thailand’s Omicron outbreak and consider adjusting measures accordingly.

The Public Health Ministry will also ask the CCSA to change Covid control zones in line with the current situation so that restrictions on activities are eased.

The meeting will also discuss measures regarding the closure of the country to foreign tourists, said the spokesman, without elaborating.

Hoteliers and tourism business operators are calling on the government to resume the quarantine-free Test & Go scheme, in which fully vaccinated foreign tourists must stay just one night in a hotel pending test results.

Test & Go was indefinitely suspended on January 7 following the emergence of Omicron and a rise in new cases of Covid-19. Tourism businesses are calling for its return, arguing that Omicron apparently causes milder disease and Thailand has avoided the worst-case scenario of 30,000 cases per day.

On Tuesday, the Public Health Ministry reported 6,397 new Covid-19 cases and 18 fatalities during the previous 24 hours, compared to 6,929 new cases and 13 fatalities a day earlier. Tourism businesses also point to the high level of vaccination as evidence the country can be safely reopened.

As of Tuesday, the government has provided over 110 million (110,663,601) doses of Covid-10 vaccine – 51,831,786 first jabs, 47,676,337 second jabs, 10,507,085 third jabs and 648,393 fourth jabs.

The spokesman said the PM thanked people for helping Thailand avoid the surge in Omicron cases seen in other countries by diligently following restrictions and hygiene rules.

Published : January 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40011236

Thailand’s three major superstores on Tuesday agreed to cooperate with the government in fixing the retail prices of chicken meat in a move to control the rising cost of living.

The Internal Trade Department and the Commerce Ministry sought cooperation from Big C, Makro and Lotus’s to sell chicken meat at prices agreed upon by several groups.

The ministry has sought cooperation from the association of chicken farmers, the Thai Broiler Processing Processing Exporters Association, the association for promoting chicken farming, major chicken farms, and the association of fresh market operators to help keep the lid on prices.

All the concerned groups agreed to have fixed-price chicken meat available at the three superstores so that consumers would have alternative sources of lower-priced chicken meat.

On Tuesday, the three superstores were selling fresh chicken meat at:

– Bt60-65 per kg for chicken meat, excluding offals

– Bt60-65 per kg for chicken thighs

– Bt65-70 per kg for chicken drumsticks

– Bt70-75 per kg for chicken chest.

The Internal Trade Department urged public members to call hotline 1569 to report if they find any shop selling food or other consumer goods at unreasonably high prices or were engaged in hoarding goods to raise prices. Violators face a maximum fine of Bt140,000 and/or a maximum jail term of seven years.

Published : January 18, 2022

By : THE NATION