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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010608

The Department of International Economic Affairs published a statement on Thursday saying that the opening of the China-Laos Railway on December 2, marked a key milestone for the business and commercial exchange between Asean and China.

“The project has helped strengthen Thailand’s economic presence through trade, tourism, business diversification and access to the western region of Asia’s largest economy and the Belt-and-Road networks across Eurasia, propel economic development in the mainland Southeast Asia and transform Laos from ‘land-locked to land-linked’ connectivity hub of the region,” the statement read.
 

The department said the project was aimed to establish logistics hubs, industrial parks and economic corridors linking the projects with other high-potential regions, such as Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) while facilitating the improvement of cross-border financial transactions and e-commerce. 

The statement urged economic diplomacy to help steer policy discourse towards the long-term impacts of the project. The department said that Thai export entrepreneurs should be provided with supports and promotions from the government in a bid to revive the economy and strengthen the country.

 “At the regional level, with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) coming into force in January 2022, the economic interactions between China and Asean are expected to intensify. Thailand will be able to improve its economic presence in the region, only if it plays a significant role in supporting growth and integration and strengthening macroeconomic stability in the region. This, in turn, can be realised through proactively engaging all partners in creating resilient value chains, adopting international standards and promoting economic compatibility within the region and beyond,” read the statement.

Related news:

• TCC worried China-Laos railway will open floodgate for Chinese goods
• Five railways to link HK and Shenzhen
• Covid-19 screening points set up at Bangkok bus terminal, main railway station

Published : December 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010604

The Pollution Control Department’s Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation said on Wednesday that it expected the air quality in all regions of Thailand to be at a “good” level on average during the New Year holidays, based on its 7-day air quality forecast from December 30 to January 5.

“The daily air quality report of December 29 found that PM2.5 [dust particles measuring 2.5 microns in diameter] readings in different regions of the country are all within the safety standard, or not exceeding 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air [μg/m3],” said department director-general Atthaphol Charoenchansa.

The readings are:

• Greater Bangkok: 10 to 32μg/m3

• North: 9 to 31μg/m3

• Northeast: 5 to 22μg/m3

• Central region and West: 10 to 29μg/m3

• East: 9 to 16μg/m3

• South: 8 to 20μg/m3

As for the next seven days, the department estimated that air quality would be in the “excellent to good level” in most areas.

However, in some areas of big cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the air quality on January 4 and 5 could be in the moderate to poor level due to an increase in the number of vehicles heading back from other provinces.

“There have been reports circulating on social media that the air quality during New Year holidays will worsen, with an exceeding amount of PM2.5,” said Atthaphol. “We have checked these reports and found that they had collected samples from limited areas during brief periods, which could result in an inaccurate air quality assessment.”

Atthaphol added that the department has been using standard air sensors made by the National Research Council of Thailand to ensure accurate readings and credible forecasts.

People can monitor air quality via the websites Air4Thai.com and bangkokairquality.com or the Air4Thai and AirBKK applications.

Related News

Air quality in Bangkok, other regions of Thailand improving

Over 18,000 vehicles emit black smoke above safety standard

Thailand’s ‘winter’ brings cool temperatures and heavy PM2.5 pollution

Published : December 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010600

Although the government insisted that only some state-organised New Year countdown events had been cancelled over the Omicron situation while private events were allowed to go ahead, a number of organisers have followed in the government’s footsteps and scrapped their scheduled year-end events, a news source said on Wednesday.

So far, the government-sponsored events that have been cancelled are Bangkok’s Buddhist chanting and New Year merit-making ceremonies, as well as countdown events in Khon Kaen and Hat Yai (Songkhla).

Here is a list of notable countdowns that will still light up the atmosphere to usher in the New Year:

Bangkok

> Amazing Thailand Countdown 2022 at IconSiam shopping complex in Khlong San district.

> Siam Paragon Countdown 2022 at Siam Paragon mall in Pathumwan district

> Asiatique Thailand Countdown 2022 at Asiatique: The Riverfront in Bang Kho Laem district

> The “Lan Nom Sam Yan” event at Samyan Mitrtown in Pathumwan district

Chonburi

> Pattaya Festival 2021 at Bali Hai Pier in Bang Lamung district

Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Rayong, Ayutthaya and the Phuket

Tourism Authority of Thailand will hold countdown events under the concept “Visit Thailand Year 2022 Amazing New Chapter” at five locations: Royal Park Rajapruek in Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima City Hall, Moonlight Beach in Rayong, Ayutthaya’s Wat Phra Ram and Saphan Hin Beach in Phuket. Only 1,500 participants are limited at each of these events.

Meanwhile, Bangkok’s CentralWorld mall will hold its countdown via Facebook Live, while its physical location on Rama I Road in Pathumwan district will open until 11pm on December 31 with only an exhibition of a decorated giant Christmas tree.

The Public Health Ministry has instructed the private sector that all events must strictly follow disease control measures, which include using online pre-registration to prevent crowding, mandating ATK testing at the event entrance, and maintaining social distancing in event areas, while all participants and staffers must be fully vaccinated.

Related News

Govt greenlights five booze-free countdown events

ICONSIAM 2022 countdown to go ahead as planned

Andrea Bocelli to ring in 2022 in Phuket’s amazing countdown extravaganza

Published : December 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010592

Thailand has detected 740 cases of the Covid-19 Omicron variant to date, comprising 489 overseas arrivals and 251 local infections, the Public Health Ministry reported on Wednesday.

Although the majority of new Covid-19 cases are still those of the Delta variant, Omicron cases have started increasingly popping up, said Medical Sciences Department director-general Dr Suphakit Sirilak.

“Omicron infections have already been found in at least 33 provinces, of which 19 are known to have cases from local infections,” he said. “Many of those locally infected patients are linked to transmission from the Kalasin cluster.”

Suphakit said Bangkok, Kalasin and Phuket accounted for more than 60 per cent of the country’s Omicron cases, while local infections are mostly linked to overseas visitors.

The first Omicron case in Thailand was detected in a US national on November 30, exactly one month after the country reopened selected provinces on November 1 under the Test & Go scheme, in which foreign visitors were allowed to enter the country without having to quarantine, provided they tested negative via the RT-PCR method on arrival.

The fast spreading Omicron variant prompted the government to suspend the scheme on December 22 and mandate a second RT-PCR test for foreign visitors on the 5th or 6th day of their stay in Thailand.

Related News

Thailand’s first Omicron case will have little short-term impact on tourism: TAT

Two more Omicron cases in Thailand

Thailand now has 740 Omicron patients: Medical Sciences Dept chief

Published : December 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010583

Ministry of Public Health reported on Thursday (December 30) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 3,037 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 81 of whom have been found in prisons.

Death toll increased by 25, while 3,115 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 2,220,324 – 2,165,253 of whom have recovered, 33,399 are still in hospitals and 21,672 have died.

Separately, another 67,742 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 185,597 their second shot and 201,869 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 103,894,611.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 284.93 million on Thursday, 252.45 million of whom have recovered, 27.04 million are active cases (89,496 in severe condition) and 5.44 million have died (up by 7,047).

Thailand ranks 24th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 54.66 million, followed by India with 34.81 million, Brazil with 22.26 million, the UK with 12.56 million and Russia with 10.46 million.

Published : December 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010581

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Thursday (December 30) that the rather strong high-pressure system from China covers upper Thailand. Cool to cold weather and strong winds are forecast in the areas with a decrease in temperature by 1-2 °C.

Mountaintops in the North and the Northeast are cold to very cold with temperature ranging from 4 to 14 °C. Meanwhile, the westerly trough that moves pass the upper North brings isolated thundershowers to the region. People should take care of their health due to variable weather.

The Department also mentioned that the strengthening northeast monsoon prevails across the Gulf of Thailand and the South. Thundershowers and isolated heavy rains are possible for the lower South.
Waves in the Gulf are about 2 meters high and over 2 meters 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.
 

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

North: Cool to cold weather with fog in the morning and thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 15-20 degrees and highs of 28-33 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 4-12 degrees Celsius.

Northeast: Cool to cold weather with strong winds; temperature lows of 14-20 degrees and highs of 28-32 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 7-14 degrees Celsius.

Central: Cool weather in the morning with strong winds; temperature lows of 20-23 degrees, highs of 29-32 degrees Celsius.

East: Cool weather in the morning with strong winds; temperature lows of 21-24 degrees, highs of 32-33 degrees Celsius; waves a meter high and 1-2 meters high offshore.

South (east coast): Thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 22-25 degrees, highs of 29-30 degrees Celsius; waves 2 meters high and over 2 meters high during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 24-25 degrees, highs of 31-33 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 22-24 degrees, highs of 31-33 degrees Celsius.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : December 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40010577

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) asked government agencies to focus on implementing the work-from-home measure for 14 days from January 1-14 and has also asked the private sector to cooperate, CCSA spokesman Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin said on Wednesday.

Department of Medical Sciences director-general Dr Supakit Sirilak said are presently 740 Omicron patients in Thailand comprising 489 travellers from aboard and 251 domestic cases – approximately 8-9 per cent of total Covid cases.

The outbreak is now found in all health zones except for secondary health areas including Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, Phetchabun, Sukhothai and Tak.

Omicron cases are most common in Bangkok, which came from tests of passengers who travelled from abroad and had to be quarantined at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Some government agencies have responded to the announcement to control the virus.

For instance, the Senate Secretariat has issued an internal circular notifying that due to the current situation of Omicron spreading around the world, civil servants and personnel under the Secretariat have been asked to work from home, except those at the highest level or in executive positions, from January 4-14.

Published : December 29, 2021

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40010576

Bangkok Governor Pol General Asawin Kwanmuang has signed a Bangkok Metropolitan Administration order closing entertainment venues, pubs, bars, karaoke shops, massage parlours and similar establishments until January 15

after they were previously allowed to reopen from December 31.

Published : December 29, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40010575

Total revenue from tourism in 2021 will be around 600 billion baht from 350,000-400,000 foreign tourists who have travelled to Thailand since the country reopened on November 1, Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Yuthasak Supasorn said.

Tourists have made a collective 90 million trips in the country, generating about 360 billion baht in direct income, he said.

More than 130,000 foreign tourists have entered Thailand in December so far. It is estimated that the whole month will see 200,000 visitors.

TAT is closely monitoring the Covid-19 Omicron situation after the government cancelled the Test & Go scheme and temporarily closed registration for the Thailand Pass, which will cause the number of foreign tourists to decline at the end of the year, Yuthasak said.

TAT has set a target of generating as much as 1 trillion to 1.5 trillion baht in income for the tourism sector in 2022, hoping to see 10 million foreign tourists and as many as 120 million trips by Thais.

Published : December 29, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40010574

Some 30 per cent of international tourists have cancelled their stay in Phuket due to the Omicron situation and after the government suspended the Test & Go scheme, the Phuket Tourism Association said on Wednesday.

There have been 110,346 bookings from November 1 to December 27. Some 76,632 tourists arrived under the Test & Go programme – 73,234 foreigners and 3,398 Thais. Precisely 33,422 entered under the Sandbox programme – 32,878 foreigners and 544 Thais. Of these, 292 tourists were quarantined – 271 foreigners and 21 Thais.

The top 5 countries from which tourists arrived under the Phuket Sandbox were Russia (16,805), followed by Germany (11,742), Britain (9,474), Sweden (6,376) and France (5,635).

The association estimates that the New Year holidays will see an occupancy rate of around 70 per cent.

Published : December 29, 2021