#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009537

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Thursday that the government would not use strong measures, such as imposing a countrywide lockdown yet, in a bid to stop the worrying Covid-19 Omicron variant from making its way into the country and spreading.

Omicron, dubbed a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organisation last week, is a new and potentially more contagious coronavirus strain, and Thailand and other countries have in recent days restricted travel from southern Africa, where the strain was first detected.

“Strong measures, such as a lockdown across the country, will not be used yet as the government will carefully consider the impacts on the economy and tourism while choosing suitable measures that can keep people safe,” Prayut said.

“As of now we will focus on implementing the Covid Free Setting in as many areas as possible.”

The premier also urged everyone who has not been fully vaccinated to get the jabs as soon as they can.

“It is not advisable to wait for a new vaccine specifically made for the new variant as the old variants still exist in Thailand,” he pointed out.

Prayut said that although so far there are no reports of any Omicron cases in Thailand, he has instructed the Public Health Ministry and the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration to prepare for the Omicron threat by following the situation closely and stocking adequate vaccines and treatment drugs.

“People should also continue to maintain discipline and keep their guard up against the virus,” he advised.

“Most importantly, please be patient and understand that the reopening of some provinces and businesses might have to be delayed due to the threat of the new variant. The government has to do this for the sake of everyone,” he said.

“The cabinet will soon consider remedial measures for entrepreneurs of certain businesses in high-risk areas that will need to remain closed until the situation improves,” Prayut promised.

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Published : December 02, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009538

A three-month-old female wild elephant was found with eight horrific gunshot wounds on her front left thigh and an almost-torn-off front right ankle from a snare on Sunday in Chanthaburi’s Khao Sib Ha Chan National Park.

The unfortunate little creature, called “Kwak Rak”, was immediately sent to Pattaya’s Nong Nooch Tropical Garden for intensive treatment.

She is presently receiving special care and close monitoring by a Si Racha district veterinary team due to her young age and severe injuries.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden has a fully equipped nursery area with elephant caretakers to watch over Kwak Rak around the clock, including getting other female adult elephants to nurse her.

There was no word as yet about who could have been responsible for such a terrible deed or whether officials are conducting an investigation.

For now, veterinarians are striving to keep Kwak Rak alive.

Related news:

• Wildlife rangers on lookout for stray elephants after one electrocuted to death in Prachinburi
• Who said wild elephants cant understand humans?
• Injured wild elephant stomps KomChadLuek reporter to death in Chanthaburi

Published : December 02, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009534

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was pleased with progress of the operation to vaccinate the country population as it could reach 100 million doses soon, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Thursday.

He explained that another 48,594,537 people were given their first Covid-19 shot from February 28 to December 1, 41,827,020 their second shot and 3,508,044 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 93,929,601. 

Of them, 5,836,791 students aged 12-18 years were given their first Covid-19 shot from October 4 to November 30, he added.

“The government planned to administer 100 million vaccine doses by the end of this year,” he said.

Thanakorn said Prayut has appointed Public Health Ministry to follow the vaccine development both domestic and overseas to boost the country’s efficiency to contain the spread of Covid-19, especially the newest Omicron variant.

“Even though the Covid-19 situation in Thailand is likely to improve as the daily number of Covid-19 infections and deaths has declined, the premier has instructed related agencies to monitor the situation to ensure that the country will not face a new wave of Covid-19 outbreak,” he said.

He added that Prayut has also instructed related agencies to track down foreigners from countries at risk of Covid-19 infection, including 783 visitors from the Africa region, to take RT-PCR tests for Covid-19 again.

Related stories:

• PM: Don’t worry about Omicron variant, keep your guard up high
• Prayut hopes Thailand’s developed business scene will attract more foreign investors
• Prayut praises front line medics for their effort in Covid-19 battle

Published : December 02, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009533

Restaurants in Bangkok’s Central World and Khaosan areas were full of visitors on Wednesday night after the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) allowed venues to serve alcohol until 11pm.

The atmosphere in both areas was bustling again compared to a few weeks ago when restaurants were instructed to serve alcohol only until 9pm.

Many restaurants have complied with measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, such as setting up checkpoints, providing hand sanitising gels and limiting the number of customers.

Metropolitan Police Division 6 deputy commander Pol Colonel Nitiwat Sansing, who led a team of police and related officials in a survey of restaurants in the Central World area, said 452 visitors tested negative for Covid-19.

He added that the police would continue to create awareness among restaurants in a bid to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading.

Meanwhile, a Khaosan restaurant operator said he was glad that the BMA was now allowing them to serve alcohol until 11pm as it would generate additional revenue and attract more customers.

Related stories:

• Bangkok eateries can serve booze until 11pm from Dec 1
• Phasi Charoen Canal boat service to be suspended starting Jan 1
• Bangkok plans New Year festival and chanting ceremony

Published : December 02, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009529

The government will hold activities on December 5 to commemorate the birthday of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and to celebrate National Father’s Day under new normal standards to prevent Covid-19 from spreading, permanent secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office Theerapat Prayoonsit said on Wednesday.

“Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha and his wife will attend a religions ceremony at 7.30am on Sunday at Sanam Luang in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district, which includes handing food offerings to 89 Buddhist monks,” Theerapat said.

“At 8.30am the prime minister and Cabinet members will place pedestal trays in front of the portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great at Sanam Luang to pay respect and express gratitude for his dedication to Thai people,” the permanent secretary said.

“Other provinces have been instructed to hold religious and homage ceremonies at their city halls or suitable locations. Those attending must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, wear face masks and maintain social distancing,” he advised.

“People who cannot attend the ceremony should consider making merit at temples or religious places near your residence, or paying homage to King Rama IX at home.”

Theerapat added that public and private agencies as well as the general public can decorate their buildings and residences with the national flag and photos of King Rama IX based on suitability and moderation from December 1 to 31.

The government will also hold Father’s Day volunteer activities on December 4 and 5 at several locations nationwide. These activities include planting trees at public parks, cleaning public facilities and improving the landscape of government buildings and religious places.

Participants must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and strictly follow disease control measures.

Related News

Father’s Day exhibition at Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Their Majesties make merit at religious ceremony for late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great

In Remembrance of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Published : December 02, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009524

Boat service in Phasi Charoen Canal will be temporarily suspended from January 1 onward as the operator needs to find a new location for its maintenance and refuel centre, said service operator Krungthep Thanakom (KT) on Wednesday.

“From January 1 of next year the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will start building a dam at the location of our current maintenance and refuel centre for the boats, prompting the company to find a new location,” said Kriangphol Phatthanarat, KT’s managing director. “The boat service in Phasi Charoen Canal will therefore be unavailable during this transition period. The company has put up notice boards at all piers as well as notified users via various media channels.”

KT has been operating boat service in Phasi Charoen Canal since 2017 to facilitate commuters in Thonburi areas under BMA’s policy of linking land, rail and boat networks. KT’s boat route in Phasi Charoen Canal is 11.5 km. long and comprises of 15 piers, starting from Phasi Charoen Watergate to Phetkasem Soi 69. The route also connects with BTS Green Line train (Saphan Taksin – Bang Wa section) and MRT Blue Line train (Hua Lamphong – Bang Khae section).

Related News

Bangkok canal commuters get more boats amid virus fears

Bangkok canal wins Asian landscape improvement award

Bangkokians race to collect trash from Chatuchak canals, model may be applied to other parts of city

Published : December 02, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009522

Phuket’s health authorities ordered 130 tourists who entered the province from November 15-27 to go into quarantine for 14 days to prevent the Covid-19 Omicron variant from spreading, the Phuket Information Centre announced on Wednesday.

According to the centre, 126 of these tourists are from South Africa, while four hail from Namibia.

After the 130 complete their quarantine, they must undergo RT-PCR testing to confirm they are completely free of Covid-19.

On Saturday, the Public Health Ministry announced that from December 1 Thailand would ban visitors by air from eight African countries to prevent the new, more easily transmissible Covid-19 variant from spreading after it was reported on November 24 in South Africa. The other seven countries are Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

The centre also reported that from November 1-27, precisely 32,360 foreign passengers landed at Phuket International Airport.

Among these, 16,446 were in the Test & Go group, which saw 23 test positive for Covid-19, or 0.14 per cent.

Some 15,914 people entered under the Phuket Sandbox programme, 39 of whom tested positive, or 0.25 per cent.

Of the 62 infected visitors, none of them hailed from the eight African countries.

Related News

CCSA calls on 241 travellers from 8 southern African nations to report for Covid tests

PM: Don’t worry about Omicron variant, keep your guard up high

Medical Sciences Department cuts RT-PCR test fee by THB200

Published : December 02, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009516

Ministry of Public Health reported on Thursday (December 2) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 4,971 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 198 of whom have been found in prisons.

Death toll increased by 33, while 5,402 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 2,125,729 – 2,031,156 of whom have recovered, 73,726 are still in hospitals and 20,847 have died.

Separately, another 218,111 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 247,226 their second shot and 56,356 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 93,753,156.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 263.76 million on Thursday, 238.09 million of whom have recovered, 20.43 million are active cases (87,095 in severe condition) and 5.24 million have died (up by 8,212).

Thailand ranks 24th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 49.57 million, followed by India with 34.61 million, Brazil with 22.11 million, the UK with 10.28 million and Russia with 9.67 million.

Published : December 02, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40009499

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha understands the global situation brought on by the Omicron variant and has instructed agencies involved in public health, national security, transportation and tourism to be on their guard and screen travellers to prevent the Covid-19 strain from entering Thailand, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Wednesday.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand confirmed that there were no signs of a slowdown in tourism as foreign tourists continued to visit the country.

Only some European countries have reimposed lockdowns, but this is not related to the Omicron mutant virus.

He said the Thai government would speed up vaccinations for everyone as there are now enough vaccines for all Thais.

“The prime minister understands the mutant virus situation. He has asked people not to panic but keep up their guard high against the virus. The PM has also invited people to get fully vaccinated in order to build up group immunity and for the safety of everyone,” Thanakorn said.

“On the part of the government, we will do our best to prevent Omicron from entering Thailand,” Thanakorn promised.

Published : December 01, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40009498

Nakhon Ratchasima’s provincial communicable disease committee has approved in principle the move to reopen seven districts as tourism pilot areas – Mueang, Pak Chong, Chalermprakiat, Chokchai, Sikhio, Wang Nam Khiao and Phimai – the province’s deputy governor Chusak Chunkoh said on Wednesday after a meeting of the provincial Covid-19 Countermeasures Command Centre.

The seven districts will allow restaurants to serve alcoholic beverages until 10pm, but restaurants need to first obtain permission to pass SHA standards.

Pubs, bars, karaokes, entertainment venues and massage parlours will remain closed.

The Communicable Disease Committee will expedite the proposal by the Nakhon Ratchasima governor to sign the official announcement as soon as possible.

Nakhon Ratchasima found 77 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday and two additional deaths.

The province has seen 32,875 total cases and 256 deaths. Some 1,195 are still undergoing treatment and 31,424 have recovered and returned home.

Published : December 01, 2021