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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009446

As the China-Thailand bilateral railway talent development cooperation continued apace, more vocational institutions in Thailand have joined the training program, importing technologies and curriculum development schemes from China to help Thailand foster railway talents.

“Iwant to bring what I have learned in China about railways back to serve Thailand,” said Kantithat Danaut, expecting the construction of the China-Thailand railway to pick up speed.

The Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeastern Thailand, where the 23-year-old boy was born, is expected to be linked with the capital Bangkok by the China-Thailand railway that has started construction in 2017.

Encouraged by his mother, Kantithat took part in a Chinese high-speed railway training program in 2017, which is the beginning of his high-speed railway dream.

Students of the Banphai Industrial and Community Education College practice train simulation driving in Khon Kaen province, Thailand, Nov. 17, 2021. (Xinhua/Lin Hao)

Under the joint training program for high-speed railway talent development between China and Thailand, Kantithat and 39 other Thai students first received one-month language training at the Confucius Institute at Khon Kaen University, and then went to the Wuhan Railway Vocational College of Technology (WRC) in central China’s Hubei Province for an eight-month training to learn to be a high-speed railway technician.

Recalling his stay in Wuhan, Kantithat said it is the help of his teachers and senior schoolmates that made him be able to improve his Chinese and learn about high-speed trains.

Students of the Banphai Industrial and Community Education College practice train simulation driving in Khon Kaen province, Thailand, Nov. 17, 2021. (Xinhua/Lin Hao)

So excited when first taking China’s high-speed railway train, Kantithat said it was comfortable, safe and fast, “you can feel how fast it is when there is the other high-speed train running from the opposite direction.”

Back to Thailand from China, Kantithat then went to Japan as a technician intern, while he wanted to go to China to continue learning about high-speed railway next year.

As the bilateral railway talent development cooperation continued apace, more vocational institutions in Thailand have joined the training program, importing technologies and curriculum development schemes from China, to help Thailand foster railway talents, and bringing Thai youths like Kantithat closer to their dream of a railway driver or technician.

Sitting at the controls of a state-of-the-art simulator, Preeyaporn Kaenavong and her classmates were trying to accelerate a train out of a station.

A student of the Banphai Industrial and Community Education College practices at a track switch in Khon Kaen province, Thailand, Nov. 17, 2021. (Xinhua/Lin Hao)

The “virtual train” gathers pace as they guard against unknown hazards ahead — from adverse weather conditions to dangers such as obstacles on the track.

Preeyaporn and her classmates are operating a train driver simulator, the centerpiece of the Lu Ban High-Speed Railway Institute, which was established in Banphai Industrial and Community Education College in Thailand’s northeastern province of Khon Kaen, in a collaborative effort with the WRC in China.

The simulation driving training base was a gift from WRC’s partner Zhengzhou J&T Hi-Tech Co., a company headquartered in central China’s Henan Province.

The Lu Ban High-Speed Railway Institute is teaching prospective drivers and engineers how to operate Thailand’s under-construction high-speed railway.

“I want to go to China to continue my study and board a high-speed train to experience the speed,” said Preeyaporn.

Junyar Pabu, former head and now adviser of the Banphai Industrial and Community Education College, said in recent years, Thailand’s Ministry of Education has been enhancing cooperation with its Chinese counterpart and encouraging closer cooperation between Thai and Chinese vocational colleges to cultivate railway talents. “This is how the Lu Ban High-Speed Railway Institute was established.”

Besides the WRC, the Banphai college is also cooperating with China’s vocational colleges in southwestern provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan as well as Chongqing Municipality, Junyar said.

Under the support of Chinese partner colleges, Thailand’s vocational colleges have made great progress in railway talent development, especially in curriculum development, teacher training, teaching hardware and joint training programs, he said.

“The China-Thailand railway talent development cooperation fully demonstrates that the Belt and Road Initiative has promoted the common development and prosperity along the routes,” Junyar said.

Both Thailand and China will benefit from the China-Thailand railway, he said, hoping the construction work can accelerate.

“I’m waiting for the China-Thailand railway, hoping it can be completed as soon as possible so that I can contribute to its development,” Kantithat said.

Junyar Pabu, former head and now adviser of the Banphai Industrial and Community Education College, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Khon Kaen province, Thailand, Nov. 17, 2021. (Xinhua/Lin Hao)

Published : November 30, 2021

By : Xinhua

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009445

The daily consumption of fuel in Thailand fell 5.1 per cent in the first 10 months of this year compared to the same period last year. However, the Department of Energy Business said fuel usage picked up in October once pandemic restrictions were lifted.

Nantika Thangsupanich, the department’s director-general, said on Monday that the daily consumption of Jet A1, diesel, benzene, kerosene and natural gas vehicle (NGV) fuels had dropped by 42.9 per cent, 5.9 per cent, 9.3 per cent, 5.7 per cent and 19.6 per cent year on year, respectively.

“The average daily consumption of benzene from January to October stood at 28.40 litres per day, down by 9.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2020. However, consumption in October rose to 28.56 litres per day once lockdown measures were relaxed,” she said.

She added that the average diesel and NGV consumption from January to October stood at 60.85 and 3.09 litres per day, down by 5.9 and 19.6 per cent respectively, due to the Covid-19 fallout.

Meanwhile, the average consumption of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) rose by 8 per cent to 16.51 litres daily due to increased use in petrochemical and industrial sectors.

Related news:

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Though the daily consumption of Jet A1 dropped by 42.9 per cent from the same period in 2020, Nantika said it surged by 16.9 per cent in October compared to the previous month as flights resumed in response to the gradual reopening of the country.

“Meanwhile, export of fuel in the first 10 months stood at 199,457 barrels per day. The export value accounted for 14.28 billion baht per month, up 71.9 per cent,” she added.

Thailand’s fuel consumption slowly picks up as more doors open​​​​​​​

Published : November 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009442

The B.1.1.529 variant was found in South Africa from a sample collected on November 9 and was reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on November 24.

WHO named it Omicron and marked it a “variant of concern”.

Infections from this variant have been found in several countries, and many nations have banned flights from some destinations.

So far, Omicron cases have been found in 16 countries, though South Africa tops the list with 77.

Country by country

The Omicron variant has been detected in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Tracking the spread of Omicron variant

Related News

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Thais in eight African countries can return home starting Wednesday.

No sign of Omicron among tourists from southern Africa: CCSA

The latest Omicron infection was found in Germany. The patient is a 39-year-old Leipzig resident and is the first German national to be infected with Omicron. Three foreigners in the country had tested positive for Omicron earlier.

Surprisingly, the Leipzig patient had reportedly not travelled recently, and nor had he come in contact with anyone.

Steps Thailand is taking

So far, no Omicron cases have been found in Thailand. The Department of Disease Control revealed that 1,007 people from 12 countries in southern Africa had arrived in Thailand between November 1 and 27 via the Phuket sandbox scheme. They all tested negative for Covid-19 after completing their 14 days in quarantine.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has banned flights from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe from December 1.

Passengers who arrive before the December 1 deadline will be required to stay in quarantine for 14 days.

As for concerns about the efficiency of antigen test kits, the Department of Medical Sciences director-general Suphakit Sirilak said a brief analysis shows that there is no change in the protein that will result in a false result.

Published : November 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009441

The Energy Ministry is closely monitoring the price of crude oil because even though it dropped recently, it is still volatile and at a high level, ministry spokesman Sompop Pattanariyankool said on Monday.

He reiterated that the Energy Policy Administration Committee had decided on November 24 to reduce the proportion of biodiesel formula of B20, B10 and B7 to 7 per cent or only B7 for four months from December 1. This change brought the price of diesel down to 28 baht per litre, though the premium diesel remains unchanged.

Sompop added that the ministry is trying to keep the price of diesel below 30 baht per litre to ease the burden on people and help the economy move forward. He added that the ministry will continue closely monitoring the situation and will tackle it when it rises again.

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Published : November 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009439

All restaurants inside Samut Prakan’s Suvarnabhumi Airport were checked on Monday to ensure they are complying with measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Dr Attapol Kaewsamrit, director-general of the Department of Health, said the checks focused on three aspects:

Suvarnabhumi Airport restaurants checked for Covid-free setting

Environment

Ensuring the restaurant premises undergo a deep cleaning operation frequently, hand-sanitiser or soap is readily available, separate utensils are prepared for each customer, there is no congestion inside the restaurant and there is no self-service option available.

Suvarnabhumi Airport restaurants checked for Covid-free setting

Employees

Ensuring all restaurant staff have been vaccinated and their health is checked regularly, especially if employees are at risk of infection. Employees are required to strictly adhere to prevention measures and avoid crowds when working or taking a lunch break.

Suvarnabhumi Airport restaurants checked for Covid-free setting

Customers

Ensuring each customer is screened and adheres to safety measures. Diners are allowed to stay in a restaurant for no more than two hours and must maintain a distance of 1 to 2 metres from each other.

Related stories:

• Over 20,000 tourists enter Thailand since Nov. 1, 15 tested positive
• 10 tourists test positive in first 4 days of Thailand’s reopening
• Over 2,400 visitors entered Thailand via Suvarnabhumi on first day of reopening.

Published : November 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009434

At 9pm of Monday (November 29), Bangkok deputy permanent secretary Chatree Wattanakhajorn presided over the opening ceremony of “Big Cleaning Day” activity at Victory Monument (Phayathai section) in Ratchathewi district.

“The activity aims to reduce air pollution caused by dust particles in Bangkok by spraying water in the atmosphere as well as cleaning roads and public facilities,” he said. “Officials from Bangkok’s Environment Office and volunteers from other agencies such as Department of Disease Control, Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Police Headquarters, and Pollution Control Department will help clean up major streets in Bangkok including Ratchawithi, Phayathai, and Phahonyothin roads.”

Bangkok launches ‘Big Cleaning Day’ to tackle dust particles

All participants have been encouraged to wear protective gears and maintain social distancing to prevent the spreading of Covid-19 while working.

Bangkok launches ‘Big Cleaning Day’ to tackle dust particles

Chatree also added that Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has ordered Environment Office in all 50 districts to spray water and clean up footpaths in their responsible areas as well as 39 public parks in Bangkok to reduce accumulated dust particles and improve the air quality.

Bangkok launches ‘Big Cleaning Day’ to tackle dust particles

“People must wear facemask when leaving homes and refrain from outdoor activities for extended period,” said Chatree. “Furthermore, people can check for air quality report in Bangkok in real time via website: http://www.bangkokairquality.com, facebook @air4bangkok and AirBKK mobile application. If you witness pollution sources such as vehicle emitting black smokes, please contact hotline 1555 or 1584.”

Bangkok launches ‘Big Cleaning Day’ to tackle dust particlesBangkok launches ‘Big Cleaning Day’ to tackle dust particles
 

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Published : November 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009432

Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced via twitter @MFAThai on Monday that Thai nationals who live in eight African countries of Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe can register for a COE [certificate of entry] to return to Thailand from December 1 onward.

Returnees must register at https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/regis/newvirus, and must undergo 14 days quarantine upon arrival.

The Public Health Ministry announced on Saturday that from December 1 Thailand will ban to visitors from eight African countries to prevent the spreading of a new, more easily transmissible Covid-19 variant being reported on November 24 in South Africa. The variant, named Omicron, has since been spotted in many countries including Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong and Israel.

The Ministry also said it would provide a chartered airplane of Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET608, which departs from Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa at 0.10am and arrives in Bangkok at 1.10pm of the same day. The flight will be available every Wednesday throughout December (Dec 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29).

For more information, contact the Royal Thai Embassy in Pretoria at +27 (0) 829236179 or the Royal Thai Embassy in Maputo at +258 87 788 9902.
 

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Thailand on alert for Omicron cases, says Public Health Ministry

Published : November 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009426

Ministry of Public Health reported on Tuesday (November 30) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 4,306 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 123 of whom have been found in prisons.

Death toll increased by 37, while 6,407 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 2,115,872 – 2,019,428 of whom have recovered, 75,673 are still in hospitals and 20,771 have died.

Separately, another 110,870 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 157,133 their second shot and 29,970 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 92,658,390.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 262.43 million on Tuesday, 236.99 million of whom have recovered, 20.22 million are active cases (84,369 in severe condition) and 5.22 million have died (up by 5,392).

Thailand ranks 24th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 49.29 million, followed by India with 34.58 million, Brazil with 22.08 million, the UK with 10.19 million and Russia with 9.6 million.

Published : November 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40009416

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Tuesday (November 30) that the rather strong high-pressure system covers upper Thailand. Cool to cold weather in the morning and strong winds are forecast in the areas. Meanwhile, the rather strong northeast monsoon prevails over the Gulf and the South. Continuous rainfall is likely in the lower South with heavy to very heavy rains in some areas. People should beware of the severe condition and rain accumulation that may cause overflows and flash floods.

Waves in the Gulf of Thailand are 2-3 meters high and more than 3 meters high during thundershowers. All ships should proceed with caution and keep off thundershowers, while and small boats should keep ashore until December 2.

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

North: Cool to cold weather in the morning; temperature lows of 15-20 degrees and highs of 27-32 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 4-12 degrees Celsius.

Northeast: Cool to cold weather with strong winds and isolated light rains; temperature lows of 15-21 degrees and highs of 28-30 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 9-14 degrees Celsius.

Central: Cool weather in the morning with strong winds and isolated light rains; temperature lows of 20-23 degrees, highs of 28-32 degrees Celsius.

East: Cool weather in the morning with strong winds and isolated light rains; temperature lows of 21-25 degrees, highs of 27-31 degrees Celsius; waves 2 meters high and over 2 meters offshore.

South (east coast): Thundershowers in 70 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy to very heavy rains; temperature lows of 22-24 degrees, highs of 28-31 degrees Celsius; waves 2-3 meters high and over 3 meters during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Thundershowers in 70 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy to very heavy rains; temperature lows of 22-24 degrees, highs of 26-29 degrees Celsius; waves 1-2 meters high and 2 meters offshore.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Cool weather in the morning with strong winds and isolated light rains; temperature lows of 22-24 degrees, highs of 29-32 degrees Celsius.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : November 30, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40009409

As many as 1,007 people from 12 countries in the south of Africa have landed in Thailand via the sandbox scheme, and none have tested positive for the Omicron variant, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced on Monday.

CCSA spokesperson Dr Apisamai Srirangsan also confirmed that none of the arrivals tested positive for Covid-19.

The Public Health Ministry has taken urgent steps to prevent the new variant from entering the country by cancelling all flights to Thailand from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

CCSA has also decided to keep RT-PCR tests mandatory for travellers arriving under the Test & Go scheme. It had been thinking about allowing foreigners to undergo rapid antigen tests at the airport so they wouldn’t have to spend the first night in an SHA Plus+ hotel.

Published : November 29, 2021

By : THE NATION