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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010709

The number of Omicron cases in Thailand passed the 1,000 mark on New Year’s Day as expected, the Department of Medical Sciences said on Sunday.

The department’s director-general Dr Supakit Sirilak said that from November 1 to January 1, the number of Omicron cases in Thailand stood at 1,551, 779 of whom are foreigners.

“On Saturday alone, 189 people tested positive for Omicron, 68 of whom were foreigners and 121 were found locally,” he said. “Omicron cases have been found in 47 provinces nationwide.”

Supakit added that the top five provinces with the highest Omicron cases are Bangkok (395), Kalasin (195), Chonburi (148), Phuket (125) and Roi Et (119).

He said the only way to control this was for people to work from home as much as possible so the Public Health Ministry can evaluate the situation.

“We also want people to take Covid-19 tests to screen their health, especially if they develop respiratory symptoms,” he added.

Related stories:

• Delta still the dominant Covid-19 strain in Thailand, survey shows
• Children aged 5-11 to get vaccinated against Omicron by February
• Contracting Omicron may not significantly raise vaccinated patient’s immunity against Delta: doctor

Published : January 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010707

Restaurant earnings jumped by more than 100 per cent during the New Year holidays compared to the same period in 2021 thanks to more people eating out with their families and friends.

“Besides, many hawkers and street food vendors closed their shops for the New Year break, which drove customers to restaurants,” Thaniwan Kulamongkhol, president of the Thai Restaurant Association, said on Monday.

“The government’s decision to allow in-house dining has significantly helped with the restaurant industry’s recovery, especially from December 30 to January 2,” she said. “However, it remains to be seen if sales will drop later in the month due to several factors, including the Covid-19 situation.”

Thaniwan added that the number of people eating out during the New Year holidays is an indication that the Thai public is not too worried about the Omicron variant.

“People had been restricted under lockdowns for far too long and they wanted to let off steam during New Year break after working hard all year,” she said. “Most people believe that dining out at restaurants is still safe if they use caution, including wearing facemasks and maintaining a safe distance from others.”

The Thai Restaurant Association president admitted that restaurants are risky as they may spark new infection clusters, especially if the operators do not strictly adhere to disease control measures including getting all staffers double jabbed and restricting the sale of alcohol.

Related News

Bangkok sets safety guidelines for New Year countdown events

Countdown 2022 events around Thailand

Govt preparing New Year gifts for people: spokesman

Published : January 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010705

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has tasked the Interior Ministry with ensuring that all infectious waste is handled safely to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in communities, deputy government spokesperson Traisulee Traisoranakul said on Monday.

She said this is because the volume of infectious waste is expected to rise as people travelling during the New Year break have to be screened for Covid-19 via ATKs and have to wear surgical masks while onboard public transport.

“The PM has ordered the Interior Ministry to instruct local agencies accordingly,” she said.

Traisulee added that the Public Health and Transport ministries are providing free ATK tests at Bangkok bus terminals until Monday to cover people returning from their hometowns.

“People who test positive through ATK tests will be given RT-PCR tests to confirm the infection,” she said.

Related stories:

• Prayut delighted safety measures adhered to at countdown parties nationwide
• Prayut orders stricter Covid-19 measures after New Year celebrations
• PM orders strict monitoring of New Year events

Published : January 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010703

Roads across Thailand were busy on Sunday as people began heading back to Bangkok after the New Year break.

To make things easier, Highway Police have opened extra routes, namely:

North

Highway No 1 (Phaholyothin) between KM329 and KM321 in Nakhon Sawan’s Muang district

Highway No 32 (Asian) between KM107+600 and KM102+200 in Singburi’s In Buri district

Northeast

Highway No 2 (Mittraphap)

• Between KM266 and KM259 in Khon Kaen’s Phon district

• Between KM198 and KM191 from Nakhon Ratchasima’s Khong district to Non Sung district

• Between KM67 and KM47 in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong district

• Between KM36 and KM17 from Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong district to Saraburi’s Kaeng Khoi district

Highway No 1 (Phaholyothin)

• Between KM99 and KM74 from Saraburi’s Nong Khae district to Ayutthaya’s Wang Noi district

• Between KM233 and KM227 in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Wang Nam Khiao district

• Between KM125+700 and KM223+700 in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Wang Nam Khiao district

Highway No 204 (Nakhon Ratchasima bypass) between KM15+700 and KM14+600

South

• Between KM127 and KM125 to Highway No 35 (Rama II)

Published : January 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010701

Chiang Mai’s Hang Dong Police Station issued a statement on Sunday denying it had hired “pretties” to hand out free coffee to motorists at a checkpoint outside the district office.

The statement came after images of two women dressed provocatively handing out cans of coffee to motorists went viral on social media and sparked anger among netizens.

“The women were sent by a sushi buffet restaurant in Hang Dong district, which had expressed an interest in joining the police’s road-safety campaign during the New Year holidays. The restaurant, however, did not inform us in advance that they were sending pretties,” the statement read.

“The campaign aims to promote road safety by handing out free coffee to motorists, so they do not feel drowsy while driving. Apart from private partners, volunteers from organisations and members of the general public also joined the campaign.”

The statement went on to say that after inspecting the checkpoint, Chiang Mai’s deputy police chief ordered the two women to stop their activities and instructed officers and volunteers to strictly adhere to traffic laws.

Related News

Thousands flock to Chiang Mai mountains to greet 2022s first sunrise

Chiang Mai’s famous Mon Jam viewpoint gets ready for visitors

Chiang Mai Airport expects up to 17,500 passengers per day during New Year fest

Published : January 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010698

Bangkok residents who went back to their hometowns during the four-day New Year break have started returning. Here we capture the crowds at Bangkok’s Hualamphong Station and Don Mueang Airport on Sunday evening.

Photos by Sukpamorn Hengprapakorn and Korbphak Phromlekha

Published : January 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010697

Photographs of Bangkok’s 2022 countdown were published by many news agencies alongside images captured in other major cities like Sydney, Hong Kong, Dubai, London and New York.

The highlight was Iconsiam’s “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2022” held under the theme “Win the World for Thailand”, which showcased the beauty of the Chao Phraya River and Thai identity.

The images were published by Reuters, CNN, Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, ABC, NBC, BBC, Xinhua, Al Jazeera, ABC, Voice of America, The Daily Mail, The Sun, Euro News, Global News and Phoenix TV to name a few.

Related stories:

• Prayut delighted safety measures adhered to at countdown parties nationwide
• Thailand ushers in 2022
• Countdown 2022 events around Thailand

Published : January 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010695

Interprovincial bus operator Transport Company said it expected around 50,000 bus passengers per day between January 3-4 as people are heading back to Bangkok after visiting their hometowns during New Year holidays.

“We expect to run up 3,700 interprovincial trips [buses and vans] per day from January 3 to 4 to make sure that no passenger is left behind,” said the company’s president Sanyalux Panwattanalikit on Sunday. “We have asked the BMTA (Bangkok Mass Transit Authority) to send public buses to the platforms of Mo Chit bus terminal so that passengers can make a connection trip to BTS stations and other routes immediately.”

“We have also informed all available taxi drivers via JS100 and FM91 radio stations to pick up passengers directly from the platforms to reduce crowding at the bus terminal,” he added.

Sanyalux added that the company has ordered all staffers and urged all passengers to wear a facemask and check-in and out using the ThaiChana tracing application to prevent the spreading of Covid-19.

Related News

Transport Co to add another 3,000 buses to its fleet to cover New Year exodus

Transport Co adds 5,000 bus trips per day during Songkran

Transport Co drops idea of moving out of Mor Chit 2 bus terminal

Published : January 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010687

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Monday (January 3) that the rather strong high-pressure system covers upper Thailand. Cool to cold weather and strong winds are forecast in the areas.

Mountaintops in the North and the Northeast are cold to very cold with temperature ranging from 3 to 15 °C. People should take care of their health due to variable weather.

The Department also mentioned that the rather strong northeast monsoon prevails across the Gulf of Thailand and the South. Thundershowers and isolated heavy rains are forecast in the lower South.
Waves in the Gulf are about 2-3 meters high and over 3 meters high during thundershowers. People in the lower South should beware of the severe condition and rain accumulation that may cause flash flood and overflows. All ships should proceed with caution and keep off thundershowers, while small boats should keep ashore.
 

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

North: Cool to cold weather with morning fog; temperature lows of 15-18 degrees and highs of 28-33 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 3-12 degrees Celsius.

Northeast: Cool to cold weather with strong winds; temperature lows of 14-19 degrees and highs of 28-32 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 8-15 degrees Celsius.

Central: Cool weather in the morning with strong winds; temperature lows of 19-22 degrees, highs of 30-32 degrees Celsius.

East: Cool weather in the morning with strong winds; temperature lows of 19-24 degrees, highs of 30-33 degrees Celsius; waves 1-2 meters high and 2 meters high offshore.

South (east coast): Thundershowers in 30 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 21-24 degrees, highs of 28-30 degrees Celsius; waves 2-3 meters high and over 3 meters high during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Thundershowers in 20 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 22-25 degrees, highs of 30-32 degrees Celsius; waves a meter high and 1-2 meters high offshore.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Cool weather in the morning with strong winds; temperature lows of 20-23 degrees, highs of 30-33 degrees Celsius.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : January 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40010686

With the arrival of 2022, many people have started making their holiday plans for the year. However, for those who can’t decide, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has joined up with Leica Camera to launch #RediscoverThailand.

This campaign invites people to help restore Thailand’s tourism industry by sharing photographs of attractions, local people, food, nature and “secret” getaways. Here are some ideas:

Ban Rak Thai (Mae Aw), Mae Hong Son

This sleepy village nestled in a lush valley in the North of Thailand and sitting on the edge of a reservoir is famous for its breathtaking views and cool weather. It is about 40 kilometres from Mae Hong Son town and less than a kilometre from Myanmar. This village was founded by former Kuo Min Tang soldiers who fled China’s Yunnan province after the Communist takeover. What makes this tiny village unique is that the residents have hung on to their traditions and Yunnan identity, which is reflected in their costumes, language, architecture and cuisine.

Koh Kood, Trat

This unspoilt slice of tropical heaven in the Gulf of Thailand is the fourth largest island in the country and the southernmost of the Koh Chang Island chain. Apart from its pristine white sand beaches, Koh Kood also boasts some beautiful waterfalls, like the 10-metre-high Khlong Chao in the centre of the west coast. It’s a perfect place for urbanites to escape to for a quick recharge.

Thung Wua Laen Beach, Chumphon

This small gateway to the South is usually not on people’s travel itinerary, but its unspoilt Thung Wua Laen beach offers a perfect getaway. The pristine white sand gently slopes into shallow, calm waters, giving beach lovers a perfect opportunity to soak up the sun and wallow in warm waters.

Khaisaeng Resort, Nakhon Nayok

Located on the banks of Khlong Wang Takhrai, the Khaisaeng Resort provides basic accommodation in natural surroundings. The intrepid few can also set up tents and sleep under the stars. The area is perfect if you want to sit back and admire lush surroundings as you are caressed by cool breezes.

Phuket

This island in the South of Thailand is not just popular among Thais but is also a top destination for foreign travellers. Think long, white, pristine beaches set against turquoise blue waters where you can surf or snorkel to explore the underwater world. The city’s Chinese-Portuguese architecture and varied cuisine offer tourists not just great photo opportunities but also a spectacular gourmet experience.

Published : January 02, 2022

By : THE NATION