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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010238

The Centre of Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said on Monday that Thailand has four clusters of Omicron infections so far.

“The first cluster was reported by Nonthaburi Public Health Office and is connected to Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok,” CCSA deputy spokesperson Dr Sumanee Watcharasin said on Monday.

“This group comprises 31 people who had visited Saudi Arabia for religious reasons in early December. They returned to Thailand on December 15, and 14 of them tested positive. Two days later four more people were confirmed infected,” said Sumanee, who is also director of Risk Communication and Health Behaviour Development Office at Department of Disease Control.

“Six of the 14 have been infected with the Omicron variant, while eight have picked up the Delta variant. The remaining four are awaiting lab results,” she added.

The second cluster is a Columbian man and his Thai wife landing in Thailand from Nigeria on November 26, before flights from southern African countries were prohibited. They entered under the Phuket Sandbox scheme and tested positive for Omicron on December 10. One person who was in close contact with them is at high risk, though 89 others are at low risk. However, all 90 have been put under quarantine.

The third cluster was reported in Narathiwat when three out of a group of 133 returning from the Middle East tested positive for Covid-19. Of them, one picked up Omicron, while the other two have Delta. Four people came in close contact with the infected, while 126 are seen as low risk.

The fourth cluster covers seven Thai and foreign nationals who entered the country between December 13 and 16 via Samui and Phuket and tested positive upon arrival.

“Lab tests have confirmed that all seven of them are infected with the Omicron variant,” Sumanee said. “Officials are investigating those who may have come in contact with the patients and will provide updates as soon as possible.”

The Department of Medical Sciences announced on Monday that as many as 63 Omicron cases have been confirmed in Thailand with another 20 or so awaiting confirmation.

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Published : December 21, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010229

The 5.8-magnitude earthquake near Laos’ Luang Prabang area on Monday morning has not affected the structural integrity of dams in the North of Thailand, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) said.

The Thai Meteorological Department reported that a tremor was felt at 4.06am in the provinces of Nan, Loei, Khon Kaen, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phrae, Phayao, Uttaradit and Udon Thani. The quake’s epicentre was the Dien Bien Phu fault zone, about 20km from Nan’s Chaloem Phrakiat district.

“On Monday we sent engineers and analysts to dams and reservoirs in Nan, Phayao, Chiang Rai and Phrae to survey the damage. The team has found no damage so far,” RID director-general Praphis Chanma said. “As per standards, these dams and reservoirs can withstand more than 0.2 unit of g-force [gravitational force equivalent]. The highest g-force caused by the quake on Monday was registered at only 0.002866 unit.”

So far, 12 dams and reservoirs have been surveyed – four in Nan, four in Phayao, three in Chiang Rai and one in Phrae.

“We will continue surveying dams and reservoirs in other provinces around the quake’s epicentre and will provide an update,” he said. “All dams and reservoirs in Thailand have been designed to withstand tremors from earthquakes of the highest magnitude recorded in Thailand. People living around the dams and reservoirs can rest assured that they will be safe in the event of an earthquake.”

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Published : December 21, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010227

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday revealed slogan for the upcoming Children’s Day.

Thai Children’s Day falls on the second Saturday of every January, or January 8 this time around.

The slogan can be translated as: “Thai children should think wisely and be responsible for society.”

It is a tradition for a prime minister to give the slogan for the day.

Related stories:

• Prayut leads homage to HM King Bhumibol the Great
• PM thanks Thais for cooperating to bring Covid numbers down
• Prayut, ministers sail through no confidence motion

Published : December 21, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010223

Ministry of Public Health reported on Tuesday (December 21) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 2,476 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 47 of whom have been found in prisons.

Death toll increased by 32, while 3,649 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 2,196,529 – 2,136,197 of whom have recovered, 38,892 are still in hospitals and 21,440 have died.

Separately, another 50,876 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 108,685 their second shot and 113,765 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 100,171,841.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 275.8 million on Tuesday, 247.44 million of whom have recovered, 22.98 million are active cases (88,733 in severe condition) and 5.38 million have died (up by 4,939).

Thailand ranks 24th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 52.06 million, followed by India with 34.75 million, Brazil with 22.22 million, the UK with 11.45 million and Russia with 10.24 million.

Published : December 21, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010206

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Tuesday (December 21) that the rather high-pressure system over upper Thailand is weakening. Cool to cold weather is likely in the North, the Northeast, the Central and the East. Mountaintops in the North and the Northeast are cold to very cold with temperature ranging from 4 to 14 °C. People should take care of their health due to variable weather.

Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon prevails over the Gulf and the South while the low pressure cell covers the lower Andaman Sea. Isolated heavy rains are likely in the lower South of Thailand. Waves in the Gulf are about 1-2 meters high and over 2 meters high during thundershowers. All ships should proceed with caution and keep off thundershowers. 

The department also mentioned that the tropical depression “RAI” over the upper South China Sea is expected to downgrade in the low-pressure cell and dissipate. This storm has no effect on Thailand.

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

North: Cool to cold weather; temperature lows of 10-17 degrees and highs of 25-31 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 4-12 degrees Celsius.

Northeast: Cool to cold weather; temperature lows of 14-18 degrees and highs of 26-29 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 6-13 degrees Celsius.

Central: Cool weather in the morning; temperature lows of 17-19 degrees, highs of 29-31 degrees Celsius.

East: Cool weather in the morning; temperature lows of 18-21 degrees, highs of 30-31 degrees Celsius; waves a meter high and 1-2 meters offshore.

South (east coast): Cool weather in the morning with thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas and isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 21-24 degrees, highs of 29-32 degrees Celsius; waves 1-2 meters high and more than 2 meters during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 23-25 degrees, highs of 27-30 degrees Celsius; waves 1-2 meters high and more than 2 meters during thundershowers.
 

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Partly cloudy with cool weather in the morning; temperature lows of 18-20 degrees, highs of 28-32 degrees Celsius.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : December 21, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40010205

The Thai Chamber of Commerce recently raised concerns that the China-Laos railway will hurt Thailand’s agricultural economy and the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

TCC fears the Nong Khai checkpoint will become a gateway for Chinese fruits and vegetables.

Pointing out that the checkpoint is not officially open for trade yet, national strategy and defence specialist Dr Chaiyasit Tantayakul said the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry is in talks with relevant Chinese authorities to find solutions.

The aim of the talks is to solve problems hampering Sino-Thai trade, like difficult customs clearance problems for fruit from Thailand.

He added that the ministry is also working on maintaining a balance of imports and exports between the two countries. For instance, if 100 containers arrive from China, then the same number of containers should head to China.

The two sides are currently concentrating on the export of orchids and rubber to China via the new railway, while the export of fruit will be discussed early next year ahead of the fruit season.

Chaiyasit said if no conclusion is arrived at, then the Mohan checkpoint in Yunnan and the Youyiguan checkpoint in Guangxi will continue being congested.

Thai fruit and vegetable traders realise that China is fast becoming a key export market, and for them to meet demands, he said the government should expedite the upgrading of infrastructure for cargo as well as cross-border transport.

Thai SMEs, however, are at a disadvantage, he said.

In the first nine months of 2021, Thai SMEs’ exports to China were worth 184.49 billion baht, while their imports from China came in at 454.89 billion. Thailand’s total import from China in the first nine months stood at 1.7 trillion baht.

Published : December 20, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40010204

Thailand has administered 100 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines as of Sunday in a bid to build herd immunity and reduce severe illness and death, Dr Kiattipoom Wongrachit, permanent secretary to the Public Health Ministry, said on Monday.

He said the cumulative total of vaccine doses administered stands at 100,054,961, covering Thailand’s population of 72 million people.

The ministry is now campaigning for people who received their vaccines between February and September to register for a booster, he said. This call especially applies to people who have received two doses of AstraZeneca, Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccines.

He added that once the Covid-19 crisis improves, the government may consider new guidelines to help people return to their lives under the “new normal”.

Published : December 20, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40010202

The Transport Ministry has joined Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and other agencies to improve transport down canals in a bid to reduce traffic on roads.

Surapong Meantmitr, deputy director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, said on Monday that the canal network will be developed in three phases and will cover 14 routes.

The first phase (2022-2027) will cover either construction or upgrade of five routes, namely:

S1: Saen Saeb canal’s 12km extension from Wat Si Bun Ruang to Suwinthawong Road and the 1.5km Phan Fa Lilat Bridge to Phra Sumen Fort.

S2: From Pratunam Maha Sawat to Chaiyapruek Mala Temple (28km)

S3: Bangkok Noi canal from Wat Chalong to Siriraj Hospital (7.1km)

S4: Lat Phrao canal from Sai Mai Road to Phra Khanong (25.7km)

S5: Prem Prachakorn canal from Rangsit Temple to Bang Sue (20.5km)

The second phase (2028-2032) will cover five routes, namely:

M1: Prawet Burirom canal extension from Iam Sombat Market to Wat Sangkharacha (21.4km)

M2: Rangsit Prayoonsak canal from Rangsit Market to Lotus Klong 7 (18km)

M3: Khlong Lat Phrao extension from Sai Mai-Khu Khot to Pratunam Khlong Song (8.5km)

M4: Khlong Phasi Charoen extension from Petchkasem 69 to Krathum Baen watergate (16.5km)

M5: Chao Phraya River from Pak Kret to Pathum Thani’s Muang district (15km)

The third phase (2033-2042) will cover four routes, namely:

L1: From Wat Tanote to Khlong Bang Kruai intersection (18.3km)

L2: Bangkok Yai canal from Khlong Bang Khun Si intersection to Kanlayanamit Temple (6.2km)

L3: Khlong Mon from Arun Amarin Road to Khlong Bang Khun Si intersection (3km)

L4: Khlong Chak Phra from Bang Khun Non Road to Charansanitwong 25 Road (5.2km)

If things go as planned, water transport coverage will expand from 77km to 285km and the number of routes will increase from five to 14. The number of people commuting via canals daily is expected to rise from 193,000 to 354,000.

Published : December 20, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010200

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine Comirnaty on children aged between five and 11.

FDA deputy secretary-general Paisarn Dunkum said the dosage will be reduced to 10 micrograms and the two doses will be given in an interval of 21 days. The 10mcg dose is about a third of the dosage administered to people above the age of 12, he said.

This is the first vaccine that the Thai FDA has approved for use on children in this age group.

Published : December 20, 2021

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010199

Interprovincial bus operator Transport Company said it plans to shift 3,000 buses running non-regular routes to its main fleet to serve travellers during the New Year break.

Up to 60,000 people are expected to travel daily between December 28 and 30, while another 50,000 daily are expected on January 2 and 3, the company’s president Sanyalux Panwattanalikit said on Monday.

“The Land Transport Department has agreed to allow the use of buses running non-regular routes to run interprovincial routes from December 29 to January 3, provided operators apply one week in advance,” he said.

“We expect to run up 4,700 interprovincial trips [buses and vans] per day during the New Year festival. People can rest assured that there will be enough transport available for them to visit their hometown.”

Sanyalux added that all passengers must wear a facemask and check in and out using the ThaiChana tracing application.

“As for the Public Health Ministry’s plan to make ATK tests mandatory for people travelling on public buses for more than four hours, the company is negotiating the funding required with related authorities,” he said. “If it turns out that the tests are necessary, the company is ready to comply.”

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Published : December 20, 2021

By : THE NATION