Upper Thailand gets warmer by 1-2 °C with isolated thundershowers in some areas

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010390


The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Saturday (December 25) that the weak high-pressure system covers upper Thailand. Cool to cold weather and morning fog are likely in the North, the Northeast, the Central and the East with an increase in temperature by 1-2 °C. All transports should take more caution due to poor visibility.

Upper Thailand gets warmer by 1-2 °C with isolated thundershowers in some areas

The southeasterly wind prevails over the Northeast, the East, the lower Central and the lower North and brings isolated thundershowers to the areas. 

Meanwhile, the weak northeast monsoon prevails across the Gulf and the South, causing less rains in the South. During December 27-30, the rather strong high-pressure system from China will extend to cover upper Thailand and bring isolated thundershowers and a decrease in temperature by 2-5 °C in the Northeast, the North, the Central and the East.
 

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

North: Cool to cold weather with fog in the morning and isolated thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 15-19 degrees and highs of 28-34 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 6-15 degrees Celsius.

Northeast: Cool weather with fog in the morning and isolated thundershowers in 30 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 16-22 degrees and highs of 30-32 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 10-16 degrees Celsius.

Central: Cool weather with fog in the morning and isolated thundershowers in 20 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 20-24 degrees, highs of 31-33 degrees Celsius.

East: Cool weather with fog in the morning and isolated thundershowers in 30 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 23-25 degrees, highs of 30-33 degrees Celsius; waves less than a meter high and 1 meter offshore.

South (east coast): Thundershowers in 30 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 22-24 degrees, highs of 29-32 degrees Celsius; waves a meter high and 1-2 meters during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 22-24 degrees, highs of 31-34 degrees Celsius; waves a meter high and 1-2 meters offshore.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Cool weather with fog in the morning and isolated thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 24-25 degrees, highs of 32-33 degrees Celsius.
 

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : December 25, 2021

By : THE NATION

No lockdown for Thailand despite 205 Omicron cases confirmed in the country

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010388


No lockdown will be imposed in Thailand even though 205 Omicron cases have been confirmed so far, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Friday.

No lockdown for Thailand despite 205 Omicron cases confirmed in the country

He said a couple from Belgium who entered the Kingdom via Test & Go scheme, returned to their residence in Kalasin and visited their relatives in Udon Thani caused over 100 people to be at risk of Omicron infection.

“Of 100 people at risk of infection, 22 people have been infected with Omicron, of which 19 people are restaurant staff and three are the couple’s relatives,” he said.

No lockdown for Thailand despite 205 Omicron cases confirmed in the country

Anutin went to say that an Israeli traveller who was caught on Koh Samui on Wednesday after escaping quarantine in Bangkok has a low risk of Omicron spreading, adding that no one has been infected due to his move.

“However, we have urged the Department of Health Service Support to check the quarantine at a hotel in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area to ensure that the hotel is strictly complying with public health measures,” he said.

“If the hotel does not strictly comply with measures, the Department of Health Service Support will perform legal action against the hotel operator.”

No lockdown for Thailand despite 205 Omicron cases confirmed in the country

Anutin said Public Health Ministry has launched a campaign to encourage people to receive their booster dose as many studies have proven that booster dose can reduce risk of Omicron infection. 

He also confirmed that no lockdown will be imposed in Thailand, while asking people to celebrate the New Year festival under public health measures.

Related stories:

Published : December 24, 2021

By : THE NATION

Prevention measures for New Year celebrations

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010387


Bangkok governor Pol General Aswin Kwanmuang has ordered the cancellation of state-sponsored countdown events, though private events can proceed in line with the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)’s prevention measures.

Prevention measures for New Year celebrations

Here’s a summary of the prevention measures to be employed for New Year celebrations:

Restaurants

  • Restaurants can operate normally, while relevant agencies will consider additional measures or hours of operation based on the situation.
  • Booze can be served until 1am on New Year’s Day in open-air restaurants. 
  • All eateries must follow Covid Free Setting regulations.

New Year parties with 1,000 or more guests

Measures for organisers, staff and performers

  • All must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19
  • They must produce negative antigen results taken no more than 72 hours before the event.
  • They must evaluate their condition based on the Thai Save Thai platform or other similar platforms.
  • Observe UP-DMHTA measure (universal prevention – distancing, mask-wearing, regular hand-washing, temperature checks and testing, and using the Thai Chana and Thai Save Thai applications).

Measures for attendees

  • Register and present vaccination certificates.
  • Those not vaccinated must present antigen test results within 72 hours except for children under 12.
  • They must evaluate their condition via the Thai Save Thai or other platforms.
  • Must follow the UP-DMHTA measures.

Measures for venues

  • Events must be held in open spaces with entry regulations in place.
  • Overcrowding must be avoided through the use of an advance booking or registration system.
  • Attendees must be limited to one person per 4 square metres with a sign displaying the number of guests present.
  • No more than five people can be seated together and other groups must be seated at least one metre away.
  • Activities bringing people close together, such as slow dancing, is prohibited.
  • Areas, surfaces and contact points should be cleaned every hour or two.
  • The audience should be kept at least 5 metres from the stage and performers should maintain a distance of 1 metre from each other.

Related News

Free drive-thru Covid-19 testing at Bangkok Bus Terminal until April 1

ICONSIAM 2022 countdown to go ahead as planned

Bangkok moves to cancel state-organised New Year countdowns, fearing Omicron

Other prevention measures

Public Transportation

  • All stations, terminals or piers should maintain distancing measures, be well-ventilated and cleaned frequently.
  • All vehicles must be cleaned immediately after each trip. Airconditioned vehicles should be ventilated every two hours, during stops and after each trip.
  • Passengers are required to wear a mask at all times and prohibited from eating.

Petrol Stations

  • Contact points, especially toilets and rest areas, must be cleaned regularly.
  • Follow Covid Free Setting measures.

Restaurants

  • All restaurants must be well-ventilated and the number of diners controlled.
  • Promotion of alcoholic beverages and activities requiring close contact are banned.
  • All contact points, especially toilets, must be cleaned regularly.

Malls or community malls

  • Overcrowding must be avoided and people must maintain a distance of at least 1 metre, especially in food courts, restaurants, exhibition zones, activity areas, theatres etc.
  • Contact points, especially toilets and rest areas, must be cleaned regularly.
  • Covid Free Setting measures must be observed.

Tourist attractions

  • Crowds must be controlled and distance between each person maintained.
  • Covid Free Setting measures must be observed.

Family gatherings or parties at home

  • All guests and family members should be vaccinated or tested with an antigen test kit.
  • Everybody should wear masks, especially the elderly.
  • Gatherings should be held in open spaces or well-ventilated areas, no crowding should be allowed, close contact should be avoided and utensils should not be shared.
  • The elderly who have not been vaccinated should avoid parties or come in close contact with others.

Published : December 24, 2021

By : THE NATION

Digital asset firms hit with huge fines for insecure transactions, deposits

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010384


Three digital asset companies – Satang, Bitazza and Bitkup – have been penalised heavily for not depositing their clients’ assets with a qualified depository service provider between January and July this year.

Digital asset firms hit with huge fines for insecure transactions, deposits

Bitkup, meanwhile, has also been hit with seven additional charges for not providing investors with a secure system, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced on Friday.

The SEC board decided to hit the three firms with fines totalling more than 12 million baht.

Satang and Bitazza have been fined 4.66 million baht and 3.56 million baht respectively for failing to meet SEC’s criteria on depositing clients’ digital assets.

Bitkup, meanwhile, has been fined 3.97 million baht over deposits and for running an insecure system.

Action was taken against the companies in response to complaints filed by customers.

Related news:

Published : December 24, 2021

By : THE NATION

Free drive-thru Covid-19 testing at Bangkok Bus Terminal until April 1

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010383


Bangkok is offering free Covid-19 testing in ‘drive thru’ fashion at the Bangkok Bus Terminal (Southern Routes) on Boromaratchachonnani Road in Taling Chan district.

Free drive-thru Covid-19 testing at Bangkok Bus Terminal until April 1

Facebook @ThaigovSpokesman posted on Friday that the free testing will be available from now until April 1, 2022 for people in four risky groups: Elders over 60 years old, people with disabilities or health problems, family members of confirmed patients, and community health volunteers.

The city will also offer free testing via antigen test kit (ATK) method at 10 hospitals. Candidates must reserve their slots in advance at the following telephone numbers. 

  • BMA General Hospital Tel. 0-2225-1354
  • Taksin Hospital Tel. 0-2437-7677
  • Charoen Krung Pracharak Hospital Tel. 0-2289-7986
  • Wetchakarunrasm Hospital Tel. 08-2940-6308
  • Ratchaphiphat Hospital Tel. 0-2444-3660
  • Luang Phor Taweesak Hospital Tel. 0-2429-3575
  • Lat Krabang Hospital Tel. 0-2327-3049
  • Sirindhorn Hospital Tel. 0-2328-6760
  • Bang Khun Thian Geriatric Hospital Tel. 0-2405-0904
  • Khlong Sam Wa Hospital Tel. 06-4557-6009
     

Related News

Bangkok moves to cancel state-organised New Year countdowns, fearing Omicron

Bangkok setting up Emergency Operations Centre in all 50 districts for New Year festivities

Still no buzz in Bangkok’s Nana area

Published : December 24, 2021

By : THE NATION

Thai tourism sector seeks more sandbox schemes

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010380


The business sector is calling on the government to implement sandbox schemes in destinations like Pattaya in Chonburi, Rayong and some parts of Bangkok, Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said on Thursday.

Thai tourism sector seeks more sandbox schemes

He was speaking after meeting with members of the Chonburi and Rayong chambers of commerce on Thursday to discuss the impact of the suspension of the Test & Go scheme to curb the spread of the Omicron variant.

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced on Tuesday that no new applications for the Thailand Pass will be accepted from Wednesday midnight until January 4, when the CCSA will re-evaluate the situation.

Thai tourism sector seeks more sandbox schemes

“The suspension of the Test & Go system means no foreign visitors will be entering Thailand except through the Phuket sandbox scheme,” Sanan said. “Hence, we urge the government to implement sandbox schemes in other provinces as well, so the tourism industry can start recovering. This will also boost foreigners’ confidence in Thailand’s ability in managing the outbreak.”

Sanan added that if the sandbox scheme is not possible in these areas, then the government should restore the Test & Go scheme as soon as possible while adding more requirements necessary to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant.

Thai tourism sector seeks more sandbox schemes

“The resumption of the Test & Go scheme is vital to the country’s tourism industry, as entrepreneurs can continue employing people and providers of the supply chain can keep their businesses running,” he added.

At the meeting on Thursday, business operators in Rayong and Chonburi were also urged to register for evaluation under the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Safety & Health Administration (SHA) and SHA Plus standards.

Related News

Royal Gazette publishes CCSA’s Test & Go announcement

Holders of Thailand Pass can still enter, says Anutin

Test & Go scheme put on hold until Jan 4

Published : December 24, 2021

By : THE NATION

CyberCrime investigators nab 131 scam suspects, 400 others monitored

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010379


The CyberCrime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has arrested 131 people for allegedly sending out scam text messages, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) said on Thursday.

CyberCrime investigators nab 131 scam suspects, 400 others monitored

The authority has also suspended more than 600 phone numbers and is waiting to take action against 400 suspected scam artists.

Trairat Wiriyasirikul, NBTC acting secretary-general, said the 131 suspects are believed to have caused damages worth more than 317 million baht.

He said NBTC has been working with mobile phone operators to block 600 numbers that are allegedly being used to send messages to trick people into transferring funds for online gambling, pornography, digital currency and stock-trading websites.

Trairat said the agency also has the names of 400 suspects.

He urged people to be careful with suspicious text messages and not rush to open the attached links. He also urged people not to provide their personal information or engage in financial transactions via these links.

People who receive scam text messages or phone calls can take a screenshot or record the conversation before calling the NBTC 1200 hotline or the call centre of their mobile service provider.

Related news:

CyberCrime investigators nab 131 scam suspects, 400 others monitored

Published : December 24, 2021

By : THE NATION

Once a father, always a father

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010376


Netizens were touched by the filial bond shared by two geese after Panalai Veterinary Hospital in Nonthaburi shared the photograph of a father goose watching over his daughter on Wednesday.

Once a father, always a father

The daughter goose had just returned from surgery to remove two wires from her abdomen.

Published : December 24, 2021

By : THE NATION

ICONSIAM 2022 countdown to go ahead as planned

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010374


ICONSIAM announced on Thursday that its “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2022” event on New Year’s Eve will go ahead as planned.

ICONSIAM 2022 countdown to go ahead as planned

“Only the press conference related to the event, which was scheduled for tomorrow [Friday], will be cancelled,” the company said.

“We will follow the government’s latest announcement closely in case there is any change in regulations regarding the organization of the New Year event,” said the company. “As of now the schedule for ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2022’ remains unchanged until further notice.”

The countdown event will feature several activities including stage performances and fireworks at midnight.

ICONSIAM, a shopping complex by the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok’s Khlong San district, reportedly plans to launch the biggest fireworks made from sticky rice. The event will be broadcast live via social media and international news channels like CNN, BBC and ABC.

Related News

Bangkok moves to cancel state-organised New Year countdowns, fearing Omicron

Govt greenlights five booze-free countdown events

Bangkok sets safety guidelines for New Year countdown events

Published : December 24, 2021

By : THE NATION

EMV cards for trains, boats, buses and expressways expected to launch March 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010366


Ministry of Transport’s Joint Ticket Committee expected to launch the Europay Mastercard and Visa (EMV) cards that can be used to pay for fares of trains, electric boats and public buses in Bangkok areas in March of next year, said minister Saksayam Chidchob on Thursday.

EMV cards for trains, boats, buses and expressways expected to launch March 2022

“Trains that will join the EMV system are the Chalong Ratchadham Line (MRT Purple Line), Chaloem Ratchamongkhon (MRT Blue Line), and Red Line urban train operated by State Railway of Thailand,” he said. “The card can also be used on all public buses and electric boats of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority. Furthermore, motorists can also pay for expressway toll fee via the EMV cards.”

The EMV card is joint project between Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand and Krungthai Bank with an aim to provide a seamless, cashless payment service for commuters of public transports in metropolitan areas.
 

Related News

Red Line to launch contactless card payment by December

SRT to invite private sector bids for managing commercial areas

New MRT Purple Line extension a boon to real-estate, say Krungthai Bank analysts

Published : December 24, 2021

By : THE NATION