#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40006865

People living alongside the Chao Phraya River in eight provinces were warned to move their belongings to higher ground on Friday as river levels rose further.

The flood warning was issued for riverside communities in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Ang Thong, Singburi and Chainat.

Residents were also urged to keep checking updates from the water authority.

The warning came after the Pasak Jolasid Dam upstream in Lopburi reached 105.64 per cent of capacity on Friday.

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The dam’s operators said they are increasing water discharge to 900-1,200 cubic metres per second (m3/sec) in order to stabilise the dam structure.

Bangkok, 7 provinces brace for floods as upstream dam exceeds capacity

The water takes about 30 hours to reach Rama VI Dam in Ayutthaya before flowing south to Bangkok.

Meanwhile, the National Water Command Centre (ONWR) said heavy rain in the Upper Chao Phraya River Basin and the Pa Sak River Basin was causing the Chao Phaya and Ping rivers to swell.

Authorities expect water in the Rama VI Dam to rise between 2.3 and 2.8 metres from Friday (October 1) to October 5, increasing the risk of flooding downstream.

Published : September 30, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/in-focus/40006864

Nation Multimedia Group CEO Shine Bunnag on Friday led a flood-relief mission to aid victims of the natural disaster in Lopburi province.

Shine joined members of the Nation Foundation and Nation TV to deliver 550 survival bags to Lopburi flood victims in the hardest-hit districts of Ban Mi, Chai Badan, and Lam Sonthi.

Nation CEO Shine leads mission to deliver survival bags to flood victims

The relief mission is part of the Nation Sharing Project, launched to aid communities submerged after weeks of monsoon rain.

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“Nation Foundation aims to be a bridge of kindness for people to pass on their compassionate help to flood victims at this difficult time,” Shine said. “Even though floods in some areas are dropping, donations and kindness are still flowing in [to the Foundation],” he added.

“I hope The Nation can cheer up people in Lopburi and help them through this crisis.”

Nation CEO Shine leads mission to deliver survival bags to flood victims

Nation CEO Shine leads mission to deliver survival bags to flood victims

Published : September 30, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40006863

In a bid to ease fears of a repeat of the 2011 great flood, Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang issued a statement comparing the situation then with the situation now.

He explained that during the rainy season, runoffs from Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan rivers in the North accumulate in the Chao Phraya, causing the water level to rise.

The water level of the Chao Phraya is mainly controlled by the Chao Phraya dam in Chai Nat province. If the level of the dam is high, its drainage rate will rise.

Pa Sak and Lop Buri rivers join the Chao Phraya in Ayutthaya province, with Rama VI dam controlling the water level.

Over the past week, both the Chao Phraya and Rama VI dams have been discharging water at a higher rate, which has increased the water level of the river running through the capital. This increase in water level has Bangkokians worried the city will get inundated like it did in 2011.

Aswin explained that the 2011 floods were caused by continuously heavy rain brought by several storms, which pushed the water level in the Chao Phraya much higher than it is now.

He also said that water discharged from the two dams in 2011 was 4,000 and 3,860 cubic metres per second, compared to 2,775 and 2,875 cubic metres per second this year.

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He added that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has put up barricades and prepared water pumps for drainage. There is also a water-level monitoring station working 24 hours a day.

The BMA has said it will immediately notify Bangkokians who may be at risk.

Published : September 30, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40006862

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) on Friday finalised its scope of operations for the Dark Red Line extension, paving the way for bids to operate stations and other infrastructure under public-private partnerships from next year.

The SRT said its consultant has delivered the scope of operation, which covers management of stations and route and road expansion plans for the suburban railway system.

The 12-month study of the Dark Red extension route plan is due for completion in May 2022.

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The SRT said it would then seek private investment for the project over 14 months from June 2022 to July 2023.

The Dark Red Line will eventually link Bangkok and four adjoining provinces via 87 kilometres of track running north and south. A free trial service is currently running on 10 stations of the line (Bang Sue Grand Central-Rangsit).

Published : September 30, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40006857

Bangkok riverside communities should prepare for flooding from tomorrow (October 1) to October 5, City Hall said on Friday.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) warned residents and businesses on the Chao Phraya riverbank to monitor the situation closely, especially if they are located in one of seven low-lying districts outside the line of defence.

The seven districts are Dusit, Phra Nakhon, Samphanthawong, Bang Kho Laem, Yan Nawa, Bangkok Noi and Khlong San.

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Bangkok issues Oct 1-5 flood alert for riverside residents

The flood warning came as upstream Chao Phraya dams struggle with rising water levels amid a forecast of more heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday.

Bangkok issues Oct 1-5 flood alert for riverside residents

The BMA said it has fortified riverside districts with sandbag walls and is monitoring the situation closely. Also on alert are 97 water pumping stations and wells on the banks of the Chao Phraya.

Bangkok issues Oct 1-5 flood alert for riverside residents

The BMA said it has prepared personnel and equipment to aid residents in case of flooding over the next few days.

Bangkok issues Oct 1-5 flood alert for riverside residents

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Every effort made to protect Thailand’s historical sites from floods

BMA officials checking Chao Phraya’s flood levees, water levels not yet at danger mark

DDPM issues guidelines for people living in flood-prone areas

Residents can monitor the situation at the Department of Drainage and Sewerage website: https://dds.bangkok.go.th/.

Bangkok issues Oct 1-5 flood alert for riverside residentsBangkok issues Oct 1-5 flood alert for riverside residentsBangkok issues Oct 1-5 flood alert for riverside residentsBangkok issues Oct 1-5 flood alert for riverside residents

Published : September 30, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40006856

A suspect has been arrested over a shooting that left a 15-year-old pro-democracy demonstrator in a coma last month.

Chutipong “Bank” Thitkratok, 28, was detained in Kanchanaburi province for allegedly shooting the boy outside Din Daeng police station in Bangkok on August 16, Metropolitan Police said on Thursday.

Metropolitan Police deputy chief Piya Tawichai said Chutipong was charged with attempting to kill a person, possessing a gun and ammunition and shooting in a public area.

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According to latest reports, the boy remains in coma on life support at Rajavithi Hospital, more than a month after being shot in the neck.

Piya said the suspect admitted to being caught on CCTV footage during the protest but denied shooting the 15-year-old protester.

“We believe the suspect, who lived in Din Daeng district, was frustrated over the rally and shot randomly into the protest group,” he said.

A 14-year-old boy was also shot during the same protest on August 16.

Related stories:

• 15 protesters arrested over anti-government rally in Bangkok
• Protester shot in Din Daeng clash still in coma
• Two pro-democracy protesters shot in Din Daeng fracas, one in critical condition

Police are searching residences in Bangkok and other provinces in their hunt for the gun used in the shooting, Piya said.

He added that arrest warrants would be issued for three or four suspects in the incident.

A parliamentary fact-finding panel said on September 17 that the shooters may have links with the police.

Published : September 30, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40006855

With Museum Siam launching the “Storied Structure: Architecture Awe of Old Town of Bangkok” this year, art lovers can certainly add Bangkok’s Rattanakosin Island to their travel itinerary.

The “Cultural District 2021: The Art Festival for the opening of Rattanakosin Island” turns the capital’s historical quarters into a hub of creative arts delivered in high-tech format.

Also included in the event are art exhibitions and bazaars. The event is free of charge and will run for the entire month of October at Museum Siam, Sanam Chai Road, Tha Tien, Bangkok (Sanam Chai MRT Station, Exit 3).

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Museum Siam offers a glimpse of Rattanakosin Island’s hidden stories

The five most interesting highlights are:

• Glass Plate Photography Exhibition: This “Civilized Siam through Collodion Photography” exhibition is organised by Tuppawut Parinyapariwat from the RED LIGHT LAB STUDIO, which uses old analogue technology to capture images that look like they did 100 years ago. The exhibit is on the first floor of the museum and is open to visitors from 10am to 6pm from October 1-31.

• People in Pak Klong Talad Quarter: This street exhibition captures the stories of people and the history of Pak Klong Talad through the lens of “Nui” Sasamon, a young street photographer and alumna of Silapakorn University’s Faculty of Architecture. She was part of the team of students who initiated the Facebook page “Humans of Flower Market”. The exhibition will be held from October 15 to 17 from 10am to 8pm. It includes a flower arrangement workshop by expert florists from Flower Land and Dokmaai.com. Two rounds will be held daily and will be limited to 20 persons per round.

Museum Siam offers a glimpse of Rattanakosin Island’s hidden stories

• Animation Showcase & Workshop: See the world through animations created by 50 new-gen artists. Visitors also get to participate in the Animation Workshop from October 15-17, 10am-6pm, in the museum’s Multipurpose Building.

• Art & Lighting Installations: The 27 JUNE STUDIO is holding two shows daily from October 15-17 that kick off at 7pm until 9pm. The first is “Project Mapping: In Praise of Cultural Heritage” projected on the Museum Siam building. The second is “Interactive Swing” which projects art on a swing through an interactive and real-time generative graphic that lets the audience create their own art on objects or swings.

Museum Siam offers a glimpse of Rattanakosin Island’s hidden stories

• Telling the stories of Rattanakosin Island through images, tastes, smells and sounds: This kicks off on October 1 via the Facebook page “Cultural District Bangkok”. This online seminar covers interesting topics like “Indulging in Old Times through Renovated Hotels in Bangkok” conducted by Weera-ath Chin-issariyayot of Inn A Day and Surin Panyatpiyapot of Kacha Bed; “Looking Back at Siam through Collodion Photography” by Tuppawut Parinyapariwat from the RED LIGHT LAB STUDIO, and “Strolling Through the Town, Reading Socio-History Through Architecture Heritage” by Dr Kriangkrai Kerdsiri from Silapakorn University’s Faculty of Architecture.

Museum Siam offers a glimpse of Rattanakosin Island’s hidden stories

The event schedule is subject to change based on Covid-19 prevention measures announced by the government.

Museum Siam offers a glimpse of Rattanakosin Island’s hidden stories

For more information and updates visit www.facebook.com/CulturalDistrictBangkok, www.instagram.com/culturaldistrict.bkk, https://twitter.com/Cultural_Bkk or call (02) 225 2777.

Published : September 30, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40006853

The tax on cigarettes goes up from Friday (October 1), according to new tax rates announced in the Royal Gazette today.

Under the new regulation, signed by Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, a cigarette pack priced Bt72 or lower will be taxed at 25 per cent, while a pack costing more than Bt72 will be taxed at 42 per cent. Cigarettes sold individually will be taxed at 1.25 baht per stick.

The new rates are higher than the existing rates in place since 2017, in which packs priced Bt60 or lower were taxed at 20 per cent and packs over Bt60 were taxed at 40 per cent.

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The regulation also stipulates that tobacco that is not in cigarette form will be taxed at 0.025 baht per gram, at a limit of 12,000 kilograms per year. The amount over this limit will be taxed at 0.1 baht per gram.

Earlier this month an informed source said the new tax structure would drive up the retail price of cigarettes by Bt6-8 per pack. Some retailers have reportedly been hoarding cigarettes for several months over fear of a price hike under the new tax structure.

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Published : September 30, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40006852

The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) believes the country will generate 16.82 billion baht in revenue from 280,447 foreign tourists this year, marking a 95.81 per cent drop from the 6.7 million visitors last year.

TCT expects 40,000 arrivals in the third quarter and 200,000 in the fourth quarter once Bangkok and nine other provinces open their doors to vaccinated tourists in November.

TCT president Chamnan Srisawat said this number was low due to several factors, such as the Covid-19 situation in Thailand, problems in distributing vaccines in tourism provinces and flooding.

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Hence, TCT is calling on the government to make some adjustments, such as:
• Making the application for Certificate of Entry (COE) easier and allowing travel agents to apply on behalf of travellers.
• Creating a standard operating procedure that is consistent nationwide.
• Making Covid-19 tests cheaper. During the 14-day quarantine, foreigners are required to undergo three RT-PCR tests which cost 8,000 baht in total. TCT recommends that the second and third tests be conducted using ATK and the price cut down to 2,500 baht.
• Using the word “sandbox” with all campaigns so publicising is easy.
• Launching big campaigns to advertise the reopening of Thailand.

Chamnan said it will be difficult to meet the target of 280,000 tourists this year if the government does not speed up the vaccination drive and does not ease regulations.

TCT vice-president Marisa Sukosol said this low number of expected arrivals is worrisome. She added that the government’s offer to pay three months’ salary to people working in the tourism sector is not enough as it will take another year or two for the sector to be revived.

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Why Thailand’s tourism sandbox programmes failed

The TCT’s quarterly survey recorded the tourism confidence index in the third quarter at 7 out of 200 (the average is 100), which is the lowest score ever.

The index in the fourth quarter stood at 29, which indicates that the situation is improving. However, the tourism sector is still in a crisis as the score was lower than the low average of 50.

In the third quarter, 51 per cent of the sector reopened, or 7 per cent less than in the second quarter. Meanwhile, 44 per cent of tourism operators have closed temporarily, while 5 per cent have gone out of business.

In addition, 84 per cent of tourism-related establishments have cut their staff by half, while 3.05 million or 71 per cent of 4.3 million workers have either lost their jobs or left the sector. The survey shows that 54 per cent of tourism sites have not been able to generate any income, including entertainment venues, amusement parks, travel agencies, massage parlours and transportation businesses.

Published : September 30, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40006850

The Fine Arts Department is working hard to ensure Thailand’s historical sites are protected from the ongoing flood crisis.

Prateep Pengtako, the department’s director-general, said related agencies have been instructed to keep a close eye on sites in their area.

The situation in three historical parks in Sukhothai and Kamphaeng Phet has been resolved due to a drop in rainfall. However, the laterite stone walls in Kamphaeng Phet’s Wat Phra Non and Thung Setthi Fort have been slightly damaged by falling trees.

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“Tourists can visit the Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet historical parks as normal,” the Fine Arts Department’s 6th Regional Office said.

Every effort made to protect Thailand’s historical sites from floods

Meanwhile, officials have been putting up barriers against rising water levels at several historical sites in Ayutthaya, including Wat Choeng Tha, Wat Kasattrathirat Worawiharn, as well as the Portuguese and Holland Villages.

The department has also prepared equipment and is cooperating with provincial authorities to monitor the situation closely.

Every effort made to protect Thailand’s historical sites from floods

In Nakhon Ratchasima, the 10th Regional Office of Fine Arts Department has deployed officials to set up sandbag barriers and two water pumps at museums located near the Mun River. Recent flooding has also damaged the Lower Lam Chiang Krai Reservoir.

Meanwhile, water pumps have been set up near the Phimai Stone Castle in Phimai Historical Park even though floodwaters have started receding.

Published : September 30, 2021