#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010198

As many as 63 Omicron cases have been confirmed in Thailand with another 20 or so awaiting confirmation, the Department of Medical Sciences director-general Suphakit Sirilak told the press on Monday.

Of the 63 cases, 52 were confirmed in the week of December 11-19 alone, he said.

The number of Omicron patients in Thailand has risen from less than 1 per cent early this month to 3.26 per cent of Covid-19 cases, Suphakit said. He added that a fourth of the foreign arrivals in Thailand have tested positive for the variant.

Omicron, which was discovered last month in South Africa, has spread to 89 countries so far and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said the variant has three sub-lineages (BA.1, BA.2, and BA.3).

Suphakit also pointed out that the Omicron variant can spread 8.45 times faster than the Delta variant. However, he said, that though the number of Omicron patients is high, there is still not enough conclusive information about the severity of infection and deaths.

The WHO has said that the efficacy of the first two jabs of a Covid-19 vaccine is low against the variant, though a booster shot improves immunity. Hence, Suphakit said, people should start receiving their boosters.

Related News

Anutin mulls cancelling Test & Go scheme for tourists

Anutin explains his Covid-19 is ‘weak’ comment

Pfizer jabs provide very little protection against Omicron, says doctor

He added that Thai researchers will conduct studies to see what vaccine combination can prevent infection or at least prevent severe symptoms from Omicron.

Published : December 20, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010197

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed relevant agencies to proceed with policies to reshape the country, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Monday.

So far, Thailand has adjusted its tourism strategy by focusing on 3Rs, namely:
• Reopen (Q3 2021): Pilot reopening under the Phuket Sandbox scheme.
• Recover (Q4 2022): Thailand opened more provinces to foreign travellers on November 1 in a bid to boost the economy.
• Resilient (2023-2027): Turning the tourism sector into a high-value, sustainable revenue earner.

Thanakorn added that the Tourism and Sports Ministry is concerned about several other countries adjusting their entry policy due to the easily transmissible Omicron variant.

He added that Thailand is also planning to open borders with neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects up to 15 million tourists next year with some 1.8 trillion baht being generated once the land borders are reopened.

Thanakorn said the premier wants government agencies to consider both the economic and public health aspects when reopening the country. Enforcing strict measures while allowing economic activities will help boost confidence among tourists and allow the sector to build a strong foundation for high-value, sustainable tourism.

Related News

WHO cites Thailand’s mix-and-match Covid-19 vaccine strategy in latest paper

Prayut worried New Year parties will spark new wave, orders health ministry to crack the whip

Na Bon residents rally against bio-mass power project planned for their district

Thanakorn said Prayut believes the tourism sector is showing good signs of recovery and is urging operators to work on attracting tourists with high purchasing power, who will help the Thai economy rebuild quickly.

Published : December 20, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010194

People living in Chonburi’s Sattahip district have called on agencies to explain why a power pole is running through a pedestrian bridge and obstructing the footpath.

This move came after a Facebook user posted images on December 9 saying pedestrians using the bridge would have to be very brave as they face the risk of electrocution, especially during the rains.

Though the bridge located on Sukhumvit Road opposite Makro shopping mall has yet to be completed, residents are calling the authorities to find a solution before it starts putting lives at risk.

Related stories:

• Thonburi pedestrian bridge cluttered with internet cables, not live wires
• Crossing a pedestrian bridge in Thonburi can cost you your life
• Man found hanged at Korat downtown pedestrian bridge

Published : December 20, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010193

Thailand’s junior figure and speed skating star Amarit Lohasirichai reportedly jumped to his death on Sunday night from the 10th storey of a building in Bangkok’s Bang Rak district.

Officers from the Thungmahamek Police Station arrived at around midnight to find the 16-year-old lying in a pool of blood with severe head injuries and a broken arm outside the Wiseng Building. He had apparently jumped from the building’s roof deck.

There were no signs of struggle in the youngster’s room, though officers found footprints heading towards the roof’s parapet.

Amarit’s family said he was the most introverted among his siblings and though there were no obvious signs he was considering suicide, they believe he may have suffered from stress.

The body has been sent to the Forensic Institute for autopsy.

Related news:

• Lampang volunteers hunt for man who may have jumped into river
• Court acquits driver of vehicle that saw girl die when she jumped out
• Mystery over girl who jumped from bridge on Facebook Live

Published : December 20, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010191

The State Railway’s Workers Union of Thailand handed a letter to Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob on Monday explaining why the new plan for urban trains would confuse commuters and affect the agency’s image.

This move came after the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced that from December 23, all urban trains running from Bang Sue Grand Station to Rangsit will shift to the elevated Red Line track, while territorial routes will be discontinued.

This will result in five territorial stations/stops being shut down, namely Bang Khen Station, Lak Si Station, KM11 Stop, Thung Song Hong Stop and the Keha KM19 Stop.

The Don Mueang Station, meanwhile, will only serve the Red Line.

Sarawut Saranwong, the union’s acting president, advised the authorities to first study the plan and conduct public hearings as these changes will affect the environment and people’s quality of life.

He pointed out that people will end up paying more for travel as fares on the Red Line are higher, and many commuters do not know that trains will not stop at certain stations/stops like Bang Khen and Lak Si.

“Therefore, this plan will affect people as they will be relying on trains to return home during the New Year break,” he said.

Related stories:

• 3 injured from explosion on railway track in Pattani
• Urban trains still pull up at Hua Lamphong, insists SRT
• SRT workers put their jobs at stake to protest against closure of Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong

Published : December 20, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010190

While speaking at the “Inside Thailand” television show on Monday, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he was thinking about cancelling the “Test & Go” scheme for Thai and foreign travellers and bringing back state quarantine.

He said the Public Health Ministry will propose this to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) soon because the Omicron situation is worsening. He also pointed out that many countries have already cancelled their New Year countdown celebrations due to this highly transmissible variant.

Meanwhile, 63 Omicron cases have been found in Thailand with 20 other cases awaiting results. Anutin said it was necessary to change the entry policy to make preparations for a possible outbreak.

He also said that one Omicron case may have been locally transmitted, as the patient has not travelled outside of Thailand. It is believed she was infected by her husband who is a pilot. The case is being investigated.

Related News

Anutin explains his Covid-19 is ‘weak’ comment

Pfizer jabs provide very little protection against Omicron, says doctor

WHO cites Thailand’s mix-and-match Covid-19 vaccine strategy in latest paper

Published : December 20, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010188

The Sungai Kolok River, swollen by runoffs from the Sankalakiri mountain, swamped homes in Narathiwat’s Sungai Kolok district on Monday.

The river broke its banks after non-stop heavy rain from December 15 raised its level by 1.69 metres.

Riverbank communities suffered the most, especially the 250 residents of Ban Nam Tok Moo 5.

The Sungai Kolok district chief and disaster response team showed up to help victims move their necessities to a higher area, while a temporary shelter was set up at the Otop Centre near the Sungai Kolok checkpoint.

Related stories:

• Narathiwat local begs insurgents to spare rangers after 2 injured in Saturday bombing
• Malaysia agrees to reopen two Narathiwat checkpoints
• Pattani police patrol car bombing injures 5

Published : December 20, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010187

Public Health Minister Anutin Charvirakul late last week defended his comment calling Covid-19 a “krajok” (weak) virus that will not harm anyone who understands its nature and knows how to look after themselves.

Anutin’s remark made earlier this month sparked widespread criticism that the authorities were being overconfident now that the rate of infections is dropping. Some social media users slammed Anutin for downplaying a disease that has killed more than 20,000 people in Thailand so far.

“It’s clear that Thai people nowadays have a better understanding of the new coronavirus,” Anutin said. “Most people are also willing to comply with disease-control measures announced by the Public Health Ministry, which has resulted in Thailand only having a 2.2 per cent infection rate.

“When I said the Covid-19 virus is weak, I meant that it is a manageable disease once we understand its nature and how to protect ourselves, like wearing masks, keeping a distance and washing our hands regularly,” he said.

Anutin added that Thailand was on track and had administered close to 100 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine since the drive began in February.

According to the Public Health Ministry, Thailand has administered more than 98 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines so far, with 43.6 million people or 62.5 per cent of the population receiving both jabs.

“Those who have received two jabs can contact vaccination units to schedule a booster shot to increase their immunity,” said Anutin. “Getting vaccinated is key to staying safe from Covid-19, even after a new variant is found because vaccinated patients have a significantly lower risk of severe symptoms and deaths compared to the unvaccinated.”

Related News

Chula medical expert raises alarm over Omicron, advises people to stay in

Thailand urged to build up immunity against Covid for vulnerable groups

Top Thai virologist extols virtues of Covid-19 vaccine combos

Published : December 20, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010189

The Thai Meteorological Department reported that a 5.8-magnitude earthquake near Laos’ Luang Prabang early on Monday also hit nine provinces in Thailand’s North and Northeast, with the strongest tremor being felt in Nan.

The epicentre was the Dien Bien Phu fault zone at 19.45 degrees latitude and 101.37 degrees longitude East and 10 kilometres deep. This is about 20km from Nan’s Chaloem Phrakiat district.

A tremor was reportedly felt at 4.06am in the provinces of Nan, Loei, Khon Kaen, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phrae, Phayao, Uttaradit and Udon Thani.

Two more earthquakes at the same epicentre were reported at 4.12am and 5.35am measuring 3.5 and 2.4 magnitude, respectively.

No damage or injuries were reported as of press time.

Related news:

• 6.0-magnitude earthquake in Sichuan, China captured by surveillance cameras
• InPics: 3 dead, 60 injured in 6.0-magnitude Sichuan earthquake
• Mexicans clean up after powerful earthquake rattles Acapulco and Mexico City

Published : December 20, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010182

The Marine Police Department on Sunday launched a new rapid response “Dolphin Team” to provide rescue and related medical services to locals and tourists in the South of Thailand.

“The Dolphin Team will patrol the coasts of Chumphon, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat, which have many small islands and diving spots that attract both Thai and foreign tourists,” said Pol Colonel Watchiranon Nontna, chief of region 6 Marine Police. “They will be equipped with rescue and first-aid equipment, a state-of-the-art telecom system and high-speed boats. This operation is supported by tourism associations in the South.”

Members of the Dolphin Team have been trained by the National Institute for Emergency Medicine in giving first-aid, CPR and the transporting of patients safely to minimise damage and maximise the survival rate of victims. “All services will be provided free of charge, while all staffers will receive refresher training courses regularly to maintain their edge,” said Watchiranon.

“Marine Police is also planning to expand the operational range of Dolphin Team to other coastal provinces in the future once more areas open to foreign tourists,” he added.

Related News

Heading to Maya Bay? You won’t be allowed to play in the seawater

The Reopening of Klong Ong Ang Walking Street

Chana fishermen renew their battle against industrial park, ready to join rally in Bangkok on Monday

Published : December 20, 2021

By : THE NATION