#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009712

The Chana Rakthin protesters rallying outside Government House on Monday evening were handled gently by Bangkok police, deputy Metropolitan Police chief Maj-General Jirasan Kaewsaengaek said on Tuesday.

Some 50 members of the Chana Rakthin group travelled all the way from Songkhla province to protest against the establishment of the Chana Industrial Estate in Chana district. They claim the project was approved without conducting any public hearings or strategic environmental assessment.

Police arrested 37 protesters – 31 women and six men – after dissolving the rally at about 9.30pm. The detainees have been charged with violating the emergency decree, blocking traffic and breaking the Communicable Disease Control Act during Covid-19 situation.

“The protesters had blocked the entrance of Government House, completely obstructing traffic in and out of the buildings. Police tried to persuade them to move, but they refused,” Jirasan said.

“Police officers then handled the protesters based on international standards. Female officers escorted cooperative women and elderly protesters out of the area before crowd-control police swooped in to arrest the violators.”

Jirasan said the gathering had to be broken up as soon as possible because he feared that protesters from other groups would join and cause a commotion.

“The women and elderly protesters were safely transferred to the Police Club on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, though some teenage protesters continued lobbing firecrackers at the club’s entrance, he said.

As of press time, there were no reports of injuries on either side.

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Published : December 07, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009709

A waiter from the hotel where Thailand’s first Omicron patient had been staying has tested positive for Covid-19, though it is still not clear if the variant is present.

Deputy Public Health Minister Satit Pitutecha told reporters that 17 individuals had come in contact with the US businessman who tested positive for Omicron last Friday.

Of the 17, the waiter tested positive and has been sent to Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute for treatment. The patient’s sample is being tested for the Omicron variant and results can be expected by Saturday.

Officials are also checking the patient’s timeline to see if the infection was picked up from the tourists or during a trip to Ubon Ratchathani.

Related news:

• Thailand’s first Omicron case will have little short-term impact on tourism: TAT
• Prayut urges people to ‘be aware’ but not panic over Thailand’s first Omicron case
• American tourist brings Omicron to Thailand

Published : December 07, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009708

Animals can develop Covid-19 as evidenced by the two hippos in Belgium who tested positive for the virus but had no symptoms other than runny noses, Department of Livestock Development’s director-general Sorawit Thaneeto said on Monday.

This is the first time that hippos have been infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which was previously found in great apes and the feline species.

Also, there is no proof that coronavirus found in dogs and cats can spread to humans. However, evidence shows that Covid-19 can be passed on by humans to cats, dogs, lions, tigers, gorillas, minks and other mammals.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OiE) said on Friday that it is monitoring white-tailed deer after many in the US were found carrying the Covid-19 virus.

This is the first time that the virus has been detected so widely among wildlife. Further research is required to determine if the white-tailed deer can become a reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 and to assess public health implications.

Despite the broad circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in the white-tailed deer population, the virus does not appear to have significantly mutated.

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OiE said it is planning to encourage many countries to raise awareness among hunters or those living or working with wildlife to avoid interacting with animals and to avoid leaving human waste or objects in the wilderness.

Thailand is cooperating with OiE to report instances of Covid-19 infections among animals in the country. So far, all pets that tested positive had been infected by their owners.

Thailand is also monitoring at-risk animals, such as those that have developed respiratory symptoms or those that have travelled from foreign countries. So far, none of these animals has tested positive for Covid-19.

Sorawit added that animals’ immunity may drop during the cool weather and called on farmers to ensure their livestock is healthy.

Farmers can call their nearest livestock office or call the Department of Livestock Department at (063) 225 6888 or download the DLD 4.0 application if any of their animals are infected.

Published : December 07, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009707

Thais can now conduct transactions at government agencies without providing copies of their ID card and house registration, the Department of Provincial Administration announced on the Royal Gazette website on Tuesday.

The notice, signed by the department’s director-general Thanakom Chongchira on September 30, aims to support the transition to a digital government and to ease procedures for people.

However, if someone is using a power of attorney to conduct the transaction, then they should produce a copy of the main person’s national ID.

If government officials require copies of ID cards or house registration, then they must photocopy these items themselves without charging users.

Related stories:

• Chinese national nabbed as immigration police track Thai ID card scam
• Deadline for Thai ID applications extended to Dec 31
• Ministry extends ID card making, renewal deadline to April 30

Published : December 07, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009706

The discovery of Thailand’s first Omicron case last week has yet to hurt the tourism industry, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said on Monday.

“Early detection only proves that Thailand’s screening and disease control measures are effective,” said TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn. “Besides, there is currently no definitive evidence that infections from Omicron variant are worse than infections from other variants of Covid-19.”

Thailand’s first Omicron case was detected in a US national of Thai descent who had arrived from Spain on November 30. The visitor underwent the first Covid-19 test upon arrival, but the second test on December 3 traced the infection down to the Omicron variant.

“We believe the emergence of Omicron in Thailand will not have a short-term impact on tourism, but the long-term effect is yet to be seen,” Yuthasak said.

The governor further added that TAT will continue easing lockdown measures among tourism businesses under government policy, which includes holding New Year countdown events in several locations nationwide.

“Domestic travel is picking up thanks to cool temperatures in the North and Northeast, which is attracting eco-travellers. Meanwhile, the government’s ‘We Travel Together’ subsidy only has 100,000 rights left and should run out in a couple of weeks,” he said.

“In December alone trips taken by local travellers may hit 10 million. We expect total trips taken domestically to reach 90 million this year, roughly the same as the year before.”

As for foreign travellers, TAT hopes to welcome at least 400,000 visitors this year, with some 200,000 recorded from January to November, half of whom entered the country after its November 1 reopening.

“Since December 1, we have recorded around 6,000 foreign arrivals per day, so the number of people entering Thailand this month could eventually reach 200,000,” Yuthasak said.

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Published : December 07, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009704

Students, teachers and staff at schools under Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s jurisdiction have been instructed to strictly adhere to Covid-19 prevention measures.

BMA permanent-secretary Khajit Chatchavanich said on Monday that this announcement came in response to schools’ plans to hold on-site classes in the second semester this year.

“So far, the Education Department, Health Department and district offices have worked on building awareness among students, teachers and staff at affiliated schools, such as evaluating their readiness to hold on-site classes via the Thai Stop Covid+ website, splitting students into small groups, preparing an emergency plan and creating a sealed route for travel to and from school,” he said.

“District offices, meanwhile, will deploy officials to ensure that affiliated schools are organising classes in line under the ‘Sandbox: Safety Zone in School’ measures throughout the semester.”

Khajit added that Education Department has procured antigen test kits (ATKs) that can be used to screen students, teachers and staff as appropriate.

“Students’ guardians will also be asked to take antigen tests for Covid-19,” he added.

Related stories:

• NHSO distributes ATKs as schools in Bangkok get ready to reopen
• False ATK results spark scare in Mukdahan
• List of students opting for Pfizer vaccine to be ready on Sunday

Published : December 07, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009703

More than 500 current and former State Railway of Thailand (SRT) employees will gather at Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station on Tuesday afternoon to protest against the Transport Ministry’s decision to close the station from December 23.

Protesters have been instructed by the SRT Labour Union to wear yellow and to use the hashtag #SaveHuaLamphong on their social media. Also joining the protest will be former senator Rosana Tositrakul, former SRT governor Praphas Jongsa-nguan and anti-corruption activist Veera Somkwamkid.

Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said last month that SRT was too broke to maintain Hua Lamphong station, hence all trains would only be stopping at Bang Sue Grand Station from November 22, while the iconic Hua Lamphong would be converted into a commercial area.

Faced with instant public outcry, the ministry pushed the date of closure to December 23 and is planning to hold a public hearing on December 14.

“We believe the minister’s decision is to convert all 120-rai of land around Hua Lamphong into a commercial area, which will only benefit capitalists and affect the local community that has formed around the 105-year-old Hua Lamphong station,” said Ratchasak Piyapanyanont, a former SRT train operator who will be joining the rally.

“SRT employees are not comfortable with the plan to shut down Hua Lamphong and want to make their voices heard, even though [participating in the rally] could affect their jobs.”

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Published : December 07, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009699

Police officers of Child, Woman Protection and Anti-Human Trafficking Centre on Monday arrested three suspects for allegedly involving in international human trafficking operation in Mae Sot district of Tak province.

“The three suspects, two of them are of Myanmar national, are part of the group that has been detaining victims who are Myanmar migrants in Thailand,” said Pol Lt-General Surachet Hakphan, assistant to the National Police chief. “Police officers are working to track down the rest of the gang members, which could be up to 7 persons.”

Surachet further added that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects have helped the victims cross the border from Myanmar to Thailand then extorted up to 120,000 baht cash from the victims or their relatives. “Those who could not pay the fee will be forced into prostitution or to work on fishing boats in Malaysia,” he added.

The three were charged with involving in human trafficking operation as well as money laundering, while police have alerted authorities in Myanmar to investigate possible accomplices who are still in Myanmar.
 

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Published : December 07, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009692

Ministry of Public Health reported on Tuesday (December 7) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 3,525 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 12 of whom have been found in prisons.

Death toll increased by 31, while 6,109 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 2,148,766 – 2,061,374 of whom have recovered, 66,395 are still in hospitals and 20,997 have died.

Separately, another 85,617 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 53,747 their second shot and 38,950 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 95,616,058.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 266.74 million on Tuesday, 240.28 million of whom have recovered, 21.18 million are active cases (87,046 in severe condition) and 5.28 million have died (up by 5,392).

Thailand ranks 24th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 50.15 million, followed by India with 34.65 million, Brazil with 22.15 million, the UK with 10.52 million and Russia with 9.8 million.

Published : December 07, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009677

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Tuesday (December 7) that the rather strong high-pressure system covers upper Thailand, resulting in cool to cold weather in the morning in the areas. Mountaintops in the North and the Northeast will be cold to very cold with frost in some areas. People should take care of their health due to variable weather.

The moderate northeast monsoon across the Gulf and the South leads to thundershowers in some areas of the lower South. Waves are 1-2 meters high in the Gulf and above 2 meters during thundershowers. 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; temperature lows of 12-15 degrees and highs of 27-31 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 4-12 degrees Celsius with frost in some areas.

Northeast: Cool to cold weather with strong winds; temperature lows of 12-17 degrees and highs of 27-29 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 6-11 degrees Celsius with frost in some areas.

Central: Cool weather in the morning; temperature lows of 16-20 degrees, highs of 29-31 degrees Celsius.

East: Cool weather in the morning; temperature lows of 18-23 degrees, highs of 30-32 degrees Celsius; waves a meter high and 1-2 meters offshore.

South (east coast): Thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 19-24 degrees, highs of 30-31 degrees Celsius; waves 1-2 meters high and 2 meters during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Partly cloudy; temperature lows of 22-25 degrees, highs of 30-32 degrees Celsius; waves a meter high and 1-2 meters offshore.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Cool weather in the morning; temperature lows of 19-21 degrees, highs of 29-32 degrees Celsius.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : December 07, 2021

By : THE NATION