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https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/in-focus/40008404

To mark the 9th International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEA) on November 2, media workers from around Southeast Asia gathered together with international stakeholders to consider the best solutions to overcome prevailing constraints on regional media – legal, political and cultural.

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed IDEA in 2013, both to commemorate the assassination of two French journalists in Mali and to encourage member states to adopt measures to end impunity with respect to crimes against media workers.

The event on Tuesday was an online public discussion, held by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Prachatai, an independent online newspaper based in Bangkok.  
The commemoration included a panel discussion by investigative journalists from Thailand and Myanmar. They talked about the risks they face performing their work and also considered a situation report about media safety in Thailand. 

A situation report on Thailand indicates that media workers in the country have also been facing increased risk while performing their duties. Following the surge of public protest calling for a political and monarchy reform in 2020 , at least 5 mass media workers and 3 citizen journalists were arrested while reporting at the protest sites, 14 were reportedly shot by rubber bullets, 3 were physically assaulted and 4 injured by explosive devices.

Thailand’s International Affairs Department suggested that within the context of Thailand, the Department for Special Investigations should be tasked with such investigations as it allows prosecutors to take part in the investigation process, which is otherwise left to the police, who are far less efficient in tracking down perpetrators.

Related news:

• Politics in the age of mass media
• Media bodies and police agree on safety measures for personnel covering political protests
• Prayut praises success in Thailand’s ‘war on fake news’

Need for safer, freer region stressed by panelists commemorating 9th International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

The discussion also urged the Southeast Asia countries to use their political will for democratisation, revise laws, policies and practices in compliance with human rights laws, and replace criminal punishments under defamation, sedition and lese majeste laws with civil codes drafted in line with international trends. Meanwhile, the public was asked to be alert to the limitation of communication freedom and violence against journalists, including structural threats like law and cultural violence, in order to improve the freedom and the quality of journalism in the region.

Published : November 04, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40008399

Precisely 3,068 of 3,192 registered venues in 17 tourism pilot provinces have passed the Covid Free Setting assessment, the Department of Health said on Wednesday, adding that the regulation on alcohol could be evaluated following increased risk of infections.

Department of Disease Control director-general Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, who also oversees the Department of Health, said businesses that passed the assessment are restaurants, spas, massage parlours and shopping malls.

However, he said many failed to pass the criteria of employee vaccinations, insufficient protective equipment, food court utensil separation, follow-up implementation, risk screening and air ventilation.

Most venues pass Covid appraisal, alcohol rule could be evaluated amid increased infection risks

“Venue operators can receive a Covid Free Setting assessment via the Thai Stop Covid+ website. Venues that pass the assessment can print certificates to display at their stores,” he said.

“Meanwhile, people can evaluate, advise or complain about venues via the Thai Stop Covid+ website and the Covid Watch Facebook page.”

Suwannachai went to say that the regulation permitting restaurants and eateries to serve alcoholic beverages has triggered three risks: overtime drinking, congestion, and carelessness in Covid-19 prevention.

“However, we will monitor the situation and conduct surveys for 7-14 days before evaluating the regulation to ensure that it will not lead to more infections,” he added.

Most venues pass Covid appraisal, alcohol rule could be evaluated amid increased infection risks

Related stories: 

• Thailand recorded 7,982 Covid-19 cases and 68 deaths on Thursday.
• Two million Molnupiravir tablets expected to arrive in January
• With reopening of country, Phuket expects more cases, but nothing to worry about: doctor

Published : November 04, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40008403

Locals residing along the banks of the Mekong River in Mukdahan caught a large spawning seven stripped carp (probarbus jullieni), weighing 40 kilograms, on Thursday. The rare carp was sold to the Fisheries Provincial Office under a conservation project to prevent the fish from becoming extinct.

Mukdahan Fisheries Provincial Office with the cooperation of the province’s Inland Aquaculture Research and Development Centre has carried out the project to conserve the seven stripped carps. The project is to buy the fish from the local fishermen at a higher price than the market for breeding by setting up a breeding camp on the Mekong River bank at Ban Song Khon in Wan Yai district, Mukdahan province.

The largest spawning seven stripped carp was caught on Thursday which weighed about 40 kilograms. So far, the fishermen have caught 20 of the first batch of carp in the spawning season this year, which has started at the end of October at the beginning of the winter season. Once the fish are caught, there will be fisheries officers waiting to buy the fish 24 hours a day and bring them to the camp to conduct a breeding procedure. The carp are then nursed before they will be released to the Mekong River and other water sources.

Mukdahan locals snag big rare carp
The seven stripped carp is a freshwater fish that is classified as a large fish species in the carp family. When fully grown, the fish size can be up to 130 centimetres long. The spawning female seven stripped carp can weigh up to 40 kilograms. The fish can usually be found in the Mekong River basin and the Central plains of Thailand. 
However, due to its tastiness, the seven stripped carps have been caught until near extinction. The Department of Fisheries has therefore accelerated the breeding by artificial insemination in a bid to preserve the creature for sustainability.

Related news:

• Surprised Satun fishermen net whale shark, set it free
• Thailand’s fishery industry faces US ban over use of improper equipment
• Fishing boat crew come to rescue of whale shark trapped in net

Mukdahan locals snag big rare carp

Mukdahan locals snag big rare carp

Published : November 04, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40008396

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is expected to finish reviewing the case file of Pol Colonel Thitisan Uthanapol, former Nakhon Sawan Police Station chief and six of his subordinates on charges related to the alleged torture killing of a suspect, by November 17, which is the last day Thitisan can be held in police custody.

Thitisan, better known as “Joe Ferrari”, and his gang have been accused of demanding THB2 million from two drug suspects before allegedly suffocating the male suspect with plastic bags on August 5. Thitisan also allegedly ordered the doctor to attribute the death to a drug overdose and told the other suspect to keep quiet before releasing her.

“The file in this case that had been submitted by investigation officers contain seven folders with more than 2,000 pages of documents,” said OAG spokesman Itthiphon Kaewthip on Wednesday. “Thitisan and six other police officers were charged with four major offences: dereliction of duty; abuse of power that resulted in damages to another person; killing through torture; forcing others to do or not do something by putting them in fear of injury to life, body, liberty, reputation or property of him or another person,” Itthiphon said.

“As Thitisan’s release is coming up soon, we are confident that the case review will finish before November 17 despite the lengthy case file,” he said.

Review of Joe Ferrari case file to finish by Nov 17: OAG

On Wednesday Central Investigation Bureau deputy chief Pol Colonel Jiraphop Phuridet met with Thitisan at Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok to inform him of the four charges filed against him.

After less than an hour of visitation, Jiraphop told the press that Thitisan failed to cooperate with the police as he hung up the phone mid-conversation and immediately left the visiting room.

Review of Joe Ferrari case file to finish by Nov 17: OAG

“During the previous two visits Thitisan was always present with a lawyer to be informed of the charges, but today [Wednesday] he showed up alone,” Jiraphop said. “However, we have submitted documents to the Department of Corrections detailing charges filed against him, including the new charge of killing through torture, which has the maximum penalty of death, for Thitisan to review later. This is strictly in following with legal procedures,” Jiraphop added.

Related Stories

Joe Ferrari, 6 other Nakhon Sawan police officers slapped with 4 charges

‘Joe Ferrari’ to be slapped with more charge over torture killing

Investigation team armed and ready to take ‘Joe Ferrari’ to court

Published : November 04, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40008395

The Royal Thai Air Force is putting a retired Huey helicopter on display after it had seen service for more than 50 years.

Air Chief Marshal General Napadej Thupatemi on Wednesday instructed officers to transport the UH-1H, or Huey, helicopter to the Royal Thai Air Force Museum in Don Mueang district in Bangkok so that people who are interested can get a close-up look at the chopper.

The Air Force received this helicopter from the United States in 1968. It was active in Squadron 32, Wing 3. 

Its mission was to support telecommunications, help other forces to defeat communist insurgents, transport parcels for other forces, help citizens, and other missions according to the commander.

It was moved to Squadron 203, Wing 2 in Lopburi. Its main mission was to search and rescue. It was retired in September 2021 after 52 years and 8 months of operation.

The helicopter was a part of helping citizens in the 2004 Tsunami and the 2011 Thailand floods.
 

Air Force Huey helicopter to go on display

Related News

Thai Air Force steps up in Covid battle by flying rapid test kits to South

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Military deploys 5,000 beds at field hospitals nationwide as 3rd wave hits Thailand

Air Force Huey helicopter to go on displayAir Force Huey helicopter to go on display

Published : November 04, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40008394

Thailands Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called on cannabis and hemp-based cosmetics manufacturers to register online for approval within three days.

Supattra Boonserm, FDA’s deputy secretary-general, told the reporters on Wednesday that after the Public Health Ministry has legalised the cosmetic uses of extracted hemp seed oil, cannabidiol (CBD) and non-narcotic parts of cannabis and hemp, such as the leaves and branches which are local-grown, many entrepreneurs have shown their interests and applied for the registration. She said that as of October 29, the FDA has already approved 218 formulas of cannabis-and-hemp-based cosmetics.

Supattra added that it is expected that within this year there will be more raw materials from other cannabis and hemp licensees which should support the demands of both domestic and international markets.

She urged the manufacturers and exporters of cosmetics containing cannabis and hemp ingredients to apply for the registration via an e-submission system and pay through electronic channels. After the payment is completed, the registrar will receive a notification receipt within three working days. 

“The FDA provides advice on how to submit a cosmetic notification and labeling. It also provides an export certificate issuing service through e-submission system for exporters. Those who are interested in learning more details can visit the cosmetic control group’s website at https://www.fda.moph.go.th/sites/Cosmetic/SitePages/Permission.aspx,” the deputy secretary-general said.

Published : November 04, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Songkhlas Hat Yai Railway Station has turned barren land into a plantation for growing chemical-free vegetables for free distribution to hospitals and people impacted by the Covid-19 crisis to make meals.

Vegetables including cabbage, eggplant and fah talai jone (Andrographis paniculata) have been grown on the plantation under the care of station officers.

Station officer Kritsanapon Phankhiri said the project began at the beginning of August this year. He said vegetables would be handed out to citizens, almshouses, hospitals or agencies for cooking meals.

“Even though the vegetables cannot generate income, it can at least make people smile,” he said.

Hat Yai Railway Station project takes seed to help people impacted by Covid-19

Kritsanapon said the railway station would expand the plantation soon. He also invited other railway stations to take this example and grow vegetables if they have available space.

“Agencies can contact 092-637-1388 if they would like to help the Hat Yai Railway Station project, such as donating fertilisers or vegetable seeds,” he added.

Hat Yai Railway Station project takes seed to help people impacted by Covid-19

Related stories:

• Uthai Thani veggie prices rise
• ‘Caring’ soldiers troop into Narathiwat community to hand out vegetables
• Thai vegetable exports rise in Q1 as Chinese demand doubles

Hat Yai Railway Station project takes seed to help people impacted by Covid-19

Published : November 04, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40008378

Ministry of Public Health reported on Thursday (November 4) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 7,982 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 144 of whom have been found in prisons.

Death toll increased by 68, while 8,029 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 1,943,424 – 1,826,492 of whom have recovered, 97,470 are still in hospitals and 19,462 have died.

Separately, another 297,188 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 493,102 their second shot and 27,092 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 77,831,474.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 248.81 million on Thursday, 225.45 million of whom have recovered, 18.32 million are active cases (73,962 in severe condition) and 5.04 million have died (up by 7,787).

Thailand ranks 24th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 47.11 million, followed by India with 34.32 million, Brazil with 21.84 million, the UK with 9.17 million and Russia with 8.63 million.

Published : November 04, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40008368

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Thursday (November 4) that the weak high-pressure system covers the Northeast and the South China Sea while the southeasterly wind prevails across the North. In addition, the low-pressure cell covers Malaysia while the Northeast monsoon prevails over the Gulf and the South.

Thundershowers are likely over the North with isolated heavy rains in the lower South. People in the South should beware of the severe condition and rain accumulation that may cause flash floods and overflows.

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

North: Thundershowers in 30 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 22-24 degrees and highs of 31-35 degrees Celsius. 

Northeast: Thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 22-24 degrees and highs of 33-35 degrees Celsius. 

Central: Thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 22-26 degrees, highs of 33-35 degrees Celsius.

East: Thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 22-26 degrees, highs of 33-35 degrees Celsius; waves less than a meter high.

South (east coast): Thundershowers in 70 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 22-24 degrees, highs of 27-33 degrees Celsius; waves a meter high and 1-2 meters during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 20-25 degrees, highs of 29-33 degrees Celsius; waves less than a meter high and over 1 meter during thundershowers.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 25-26 degrees, highs of 33-34 degrees Celsius.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : November 04, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40008362

The Department of Medical Services has requested a budget for medicines and risk expenses to buy Molnupiravir tablets, Department of Medical Services director-general Dr Somsak Akksilp said on Wednesday.

The Budget Bureau is in the process of considering the request, he said.

If the Budget Bureau completes consideration of the matter, it will be tabled at a Cabinet meeting tomorrow.

The department has ordered a total of 50,000 courses, or 2 million tablets. The drug is expected to arrive in Thailand in January 2022.

Molnupiravir will be given to patients with mild to moderate Covid-19 symptoms for less than 5 days.

Published : November 03, 2021

By : THE NATION