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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404433

Deputy police chief inspects checkpoints for driving under influence on first night of reinstallation

NationalApr 02. 2021

By THE NATION

Deputy National Police chief Pol General Damrongsak Kittiprapas on Thursday night visited police checkpoints for DUI (driving under the influence) in front of a petrol station on Prasert Manukit Road in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao district to ensure the smooth and transparent conduct of officers.

April 1 is the first day that DUI checkpoints have been set up again in some provinces, after National Police chief Pol General Suwat Jangyodsuk had ordered a temporary halt to all kinds of police and security checkpoints, including alcohol testing checkpoints following several complaints against officers since October 2020.

The police have since installed CCTV cameras at the points as well as body cameras on officers to record their interaction with road users to ensure transparent operations. Checkpoints in some provinces are now ready to operate again, such as in Bangkok, Ubon Ratchathani and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces.

“Legitimate DUI checkpoints must be listed in the TPCC [Traffic Police Checkpoint Control] database, have traffic cones, and sign posts must be up 100 metres ahead of a police checkpoint with CCTV surveillance,” said Damrongsak.

“If road users suspect that any checkpoints do not comply with this rule, please notify Traffic Police Bureau at 1197 or 1599 immediately.

“Tonight we have noticed some flaws in the operation of new DUI checkpoints, such as traffic cones obstructing traffic lanes on small roads,” he added.

On the night of inspection, three motorists reportedly failed the alcohol breathalyser test, as they had more than 50 milligrams of alcohol in their body. They were brought to Khok Khram Police Station to be charged.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404428

Monsoon arriving in May, expected to be the heaviest in 30 years

NationalApr 02. 2021

By The Nation

The Royal Irrigation Department has forecast an early start to the rainy season, in May, and it is expected to be the heaviest in 30 years.

Dr Thaweesak Thanadechopol, deputy director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department (RID), disclosed after the meeting of the subcommittee for monitoring and analysing the water situation that, according to the forecast of the Thailand Meteorological Department, this year’s rainfall would be higher than the 30-year average.

The RID has instructed every concerned agency to be prepared for the water situation, inspect the condition of reservoirs and irrigation buildings that are under the responsibility for availability to their full potential.

As of March 31, a total water volume of 38,348 million cubic metres of water was reported in large and medium reservoirs across the country, accounting for 50 per cent of lreservoir capacity. It leaves about 14,419 million cubic metres of usable water.

Currently, the entire country has used 13,871 million cubic metres of water, accounting for 73 per cent of the water management plan

The four main dams on the Chao Phraya River (Bhumibol Dam, Sirikit Dam, Khwae Noi Bamrung Dan Dam, and Pa Sak Cholasit Dam) have a total water volume of approximately 9,417 million cubic metres, or 38 per cent of the reservoir capacity, with approximately 2,748 million cubic metres of usable water.

He confirmed that overall water management during the dry season of 2020-21 had gone according to plan, with sufficient water supply until the end of this drought season, ensuring enough supply until the beginning of the rainy season.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404425

Hot day forecast for upper Thailand, heavy rains in some parts of the country

NationalApr 02. 2021

By THE NATION

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Friday that a heat low covers upper Thailand, while the southerly and southeasterly winds prevail over the lower North, the Northeast, the Central and the East.

A hot to very hot day with haze has been forecast for upper Thailand, with isolated thundershowers and gusty winds expected in the areas. People in upper Thailand should beware of the severe conditions, the department said.

Meanwhile, an active low pressure cell covers the Andaman Sea, resulting in isolated heavy rains in the South. Waves 2-3 metres high are expected in the Andaman Sea and above three metres during thunderstorms. People in the South’s west coast should beware of heavy rain, while all ships should proceed with caution and keep off thundershower areas, while small boats should stay ashore until April 3, the department said.

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours:

North: Hot to very hot day with haze; thundershowers and gusty winds in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 20-28 degrees Celsius, highs of 37-41°C.

Northeast: Hot to very day with haze; thundershowers and gusty winds in 20 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 23-27°C, highs of 38-40°C.

Central: Hot to very hot day with haze; thundershowers and gusty winds in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 25-28°C, highs of 37-39°C.

East: Hot day with haze; thundershowers in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 25-29°C, highs of 33-38°C; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres during thundershowers.

South (east coast): Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas with gusty winds and heavy rains in some areas; temperature lows of 24-27°C, highs of 32-35°C; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Mostly cloudy with thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas and heavy rains in some places; temperature lows of 23-25°C, highs of 30-36°C; waves 2-3 metres high and over three metres during thundershowers.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Hot day with haze; isolated light rains; temperature lows of 27-28°C, highs of 33-38°C.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404424

Men definitely bigger liars, new study points out

NationalApr 02. 2021

By THE NATIONMen are bigger liars than women, 565 studies based on psychology and human behaviour show.

Researchers from Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Human Behaviour and Technion and the Israel Institute of Technology got together to analyse the results of 565 studies on dishonesty and learned that 42 per cent of men and 38 per cent of women were liars.

Research also showed that youngsters, aged 20-29, tended to lie more than people aged 60 and above. The percentage of liars in each group was 47 per cent and 35 per cent, respectively.

Researchers also learned that people become more 0.28 per cent more honest each year.

Here are the four main reasons why humans lie:

• It is beneficial for them
• They do not want to hurt others
• They are afraid of disappointment
• They want to protect themselves

However, telling the truth is sometimes a better option, especially in Thailand, where posting false news can result in five years imprisonment and/or a fine of Bt10,000.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404405

Seniors ride for free on MRT this Songkran

NationalApr 02. 2021

By The Nation

Seniors aged over 60 can ride the MRT for free this Songkran (April 13 to 15).

Operators of the Blue and Purple lines have waived fares for seniors to encourage them to visit Bangkok attractions located close to MRT stations over the holiday weekend.

Seniors who show their ID card at an MRT booth will receive a free ticket.

Travellers are also invited to sprinkle water over Buddha figures on the ticketing floor at 19 Blue Line and 18 Purple Line stations from April 9 to 16.

Over Songkran, the MRT will also open more counters, extend the pick-up and drop-off period for passengers, and deploy security guards and dogs to ensure safety. Passengers are asked to obey Covid-control measures including temperature checks, social distancing, face masks and check-in/out via the Thai Chana platform.

For updates on Bangkok’s train service call the MRT Information Service Centre at (02) 624 5200 or visit “MRT Bangkok Metro” on Facebook and Twitter, “mrt_bangkok” on Instagram, or use the “Bangkok MRT” smartphone application.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404410

Cats rule the world! Or at least Makkasan Police Station

NationalApr 01. 2021

By THE NATION

Cats have always been masters, and humans have always bowed to their wishes.

That’s why nobody made a move when “Baisang”, who has made the Makkasan Police Station its home, decided to “preside” over the monthly officers’ meeting.

Images of the cat sitting regally on the conference table were shared on the “Maew Rong Pak” (police station cats) Facebook page, prompting questions about the feline’s rank. The page administrator responded by posting a photo of the cat relaxing on a chair with a major’s jacket draped over it.

Take a look at
https://www.facebook.com/Catsofficer/posts/852824755296121

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404407

Air Force on standby to evacuate Thais from Myanmar

NationalApr 01. 2021

By The Nation

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) is making preparations to evacuate Thai nationals from Myanmar as the junta’s crackdown against anti-coup demonstrators intensifies.

RTAF commander-in-chief Airbull Suttiwan has instructed Wing 6 squadron to prepare aircraft for a mission to transport Thai nationals back from Myanmar.

Air Force spokesman Thanat Chanampai said on Thursday that the RTAF is on standby to pick up Thais from the neighbouring country if the situation worsens and the Thai government gives the go-ahead for an evacuation.

“The Air Force has been monitoring the situation in Myanmar since protests against the military coup emerged,” the spokesman said.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404404

Phuket launches vaccination drive before July 1 reopening

NationalApr 01. 2021

Phuket locals were queuing at five Covid-19 vaccination centres on Thursday as the holiday province prepared to reopen to foreign tourists on July 1.

The Centre for Economic Situation Administration last week approved the Phuket “tourism sandbox” trial scheme proposed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

From July 1, foreign tourists who have been inoculated and test negative for Covid-19 can fly into Phuket without having to quarantine. They will be free to move around Phuket for the first seven days, after which they can leave the province as long as they use a mobile location-tracking application.

The five centres where people in Phuket can get vaccinated are Phuket Airport (X-Terminal Building), Jungceylon Patong Shopping Centre, Angsana Laguna Phuket Hotel, Saphan Hin Gymnasium and Phuket Orchid Resort and Spa.

On Monday, Phuket governor Narong Woonciew said the province aimed to inoculate 100,000 people in April with two doses each.

“According to the government’s pledge, another 300,000 doses will arrive in May, 200,000 in June, and 260,000 in July, totalling 920,000 doses to be provided for Phuket,” he added.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404403

Myanmar beauty queen creates waves as anti-coup plea goes viral

NationalApr 01. 2021

By THE NATION

In March, as Myanmar’s junta began the second month of its bloody crackdown, beauty queens from around the globe were gathering in Bangkok ahead of the Miss Grand International contest.

Among them was Myanmar’s own Han Lay, who watched in horror from her Bangkok hotel quarantine as reports showed junta forces slaughtering peaceful protesters on the streets of her homeland.

On March 11 she spoke out, appearing on camera in quarantine wearing a dress embroidered with an image of Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s former leader who has been detained by the military since it seized power on February 1.

“I share the same indescribable sadness and sorrow as each and every one of us in Myanmar,” said Han Lay, praising the bravery of protesters – especially the women – who were being gunned down. “We must win the revolution,” she added, sobbing.

Fast forward to Saturday night, Han Lay found herself under the spotlight on the Miss Grand International stage in Bangkok as news came from across the border of the bloodiest day in the crackdown so far, with at least 114 people killed protesting against the coup.

Breaking the unwritten rule of beauty pageants – “no politics” – Han Lay stepped up to the microphone once more to make a tearful plea to the world.

“Today in my country, Myanmar, while I am going to be on this stage, there are so many people dying, more than 100 people died today. I am deeply sorry for all the people who have lost their lives.” She demanded democracy, as well as justice, for her Myanmar compatriots, in a speech that made headlines around the globe.

In response, Miss Grand International organiser Nawat Itsaragrisil told reporters he had taken Myanmar’s contestant under his care. Pointing out she could not return home as Myanmar airports were closed, he contacted the Immigration Bureau seeking permission for Han Lay to stay in Thailand.

Nawat added that it was his humanitarian duty to help Han Lay.

On Wednesday, the Myanmar beauty queen spoke up again during a press conference.

“Before I came here, I was protesting … we want democracy right now. We are fighting for our people. So many people have died in Myanmar. That’s the reason why we [protesters] try to fight more and more.”

Han Lay also pleaded for international intervention to halt the crisis engulfing her homeland.

“Right now, citizens in Myanmar cannot stop the military. Now we are calling for help from the international community. We need the UN’s help right now.

“In Myanmar, all citizens are in a dangerous situation. I need to be worried about my country’s future, and the new generation’s future. And I am only the one who can contact the international [world] right now because I am in another country.

“I need to be strong for my family, for my people in Myanmar.”

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30404402

This year’s April Fool’s treat from US Embassy? A food-delivery app

NationalApr 01. 2021Photo Credit: US Embassy in Bangkok

By The Nation

The US Embassy in Bangkok marked April Fool’s Day on Thursday by launching the so-called “Kin(Ameri)can” app, which offers American favourites at a huge discount.

The embassy promises its “delivery diplomats are ready to bring these treats to you, either on a trusty motorcycle or a new and exciting option, surfskate!”

Photo Credit: US Embassy in Bangkok

In the Facebook post, the embassy said its cafeteria chefs are on standby to serve up classics from Philadelphia cheesesteaks and Chicago deep-dish pizza to Louisiana’s fluffy beignets and lobster rolls from Maine.Photo Credit: US Embassy in Bangkok

The app can be “downloaded” at https://th.usembassy.gov/kinamerican-app/ and the code APR1LFOODS entered at checkout for a 50 per cent discount on all orders during this month.

On April Fool’s Day in 2016, the embassy had posted an ad for a “feline welfare specialist” who is fluent in Thai, English and Felinese (cat language). The advert on Facebook won a good response from netizens.