CAAT issues important guidelines for international transit/transfer passengers #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403301

CAAT issues important guidelines for international transit/transfer passengers

NationalMar 04. 2021

By The Nation

International flights carrying “transit/transfer” passengers are now allowed to arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) confirmed.

However, CAAT has issued a series of guidelines that such passengers and airlines should follow:

1. International flights carrying transit/transfer passengers will be permitted only at Suvarnabhumi Airport;

2. Each passenger should possess a complete set of relevant documents, which are:

(a) A fit-to-fly health certificate;

(b) Medical certificate with a laboratory result showing that Covid-19 is not detected (carried out by the RT-PCR technique and issued no more than 72 hours before travel);

(c) Travel health insurance (worldwide or including Thailand) that covers healthcare and treatment expenses for Covid-19, or any other guarantee throughout their stay in the kingdom, with a coverage of not less than US$100,000 (Bt3.08 million).

Before the issuance of a boarding pass, document verification will be carried out by an air operator. If any document is found incorrect or incomplete, the passenger will not be issued a boarding pass.

3. Passengers must not venture out of the specified area (Concourse E) and should proceed through a so-called “sealed route” as detailed below:

(a) Each passenger must disembark via Gate E10, go through security screening and board the transit aircraft via Gate E9, or head to a designated shuttle bus to board the aircraft at the remote parking stand;

(b) If demand exceeds existing capacity, there will be additional operations available at Gate E5, E7 and E8;

(c) Aircraft crew making a “technical” landing should also follow the above conditions.

In case Concourse E is under maintenance, Concourse F will be used under the following procedures:

(d) Each passenger must disembark via Gate F6, go through security screening and board their next aircraft via Gate F5, or get into a designated shuttle bus to board the aircraft at the remote parking stand;

(e) If demand exceeds the existing capacity, there will be additional operations available at Gate F1, F2, F3 and F4;

(f) Aircraft crew should follow the conditions stated in 3 (d) or (e).

4. Physical distancing must be followed in waiting areas for transit/transfer operations. Each passenger and personnel should wear a face mask at all times, except in necessary or emergency situations, and clean their fingers with available hand sanitisers, which contain at least 70 per cent alcohol;

5. Personnel working in waiting areas for transit/transfer operations must wear personal protective equipment.

6. There are food and beverage services in the waiting area. There will be “active oversight” to keep operations safe and effective.

7. Cleaning and disinfection of equipment and passenger areas will be carried out regularly, according to Public Health Ministry standards.

8. The time period of each transit/transfer operation must not exceed 12 hours. If the operation goes past 12 hours, airline staff are responsible for managing/transporting passengers by special bus to Gate D3 and or D4 to await flights.

9. There will be no Covid-19 screening or laboratory services in the transit/transfer areas of the airport.

10. If any passenger takes ill or is suspected to have contracted Covid-19, the airline has to bear full responsibility for the traveller.

11. Passengers are advised to avoid any port of embarkation with a high prevalence of Covid-19, according to the risk level categorised by the Public Health Ministry.

12. Airlines must submit transit/transfer flight plans with CAAT and the Airside Operations Control Centre at Suvarnabhumi Airport no later than 24 hours before the flight.

Singer Ammy’s girlfriend arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403300

Singer Ammy’s girlfriend arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport

NationalMar 04. 2021

By THE NATION

Yarisa (last name withheld), the girlfriend of Bottom Blues singer Chaiamorn “Ammy” Kaewwiboonpan, was arrested by police at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Wednesday night as she was set to board a flight to Japan.

Police held her for interrogation as they believed she was involved in an incident in which Chaiamorn allegedly set fire to a picture of the royal family in front of Khlong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district on February 28.

CCTV footage outside the prison showed three suspects involved in the arson – two males and a female – before they fled the scene in a car.

Chaiamorn was arrested and charged on Tuesday with alleged arson and violation of Criminal Code Section 112 (lese majesty) and the Computer Crime Act. On Wednesday, the Criminal Court denied him bail that was proposed by his mother, fearing he would escape.

After his arrest, Chaiamorn reportedly claimed that he acted alone in burning of the picture, but the police continued to investigate people close to him as CCTV footage contradicted his statement.

Police are still searching for the other male suspect.

Baht weakens, expected to fluctuate in line with dollar #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403298

Baht weakens, expected to fluctuate in line with dollar

NationalMar 04. 2021

By THE NATION

The baht opened at 30.35 to the US dollar on Thursday, weakening from Wednesday’s close of 30.32.

The Thai currency is likely to move between 30.30 and 30.45, Krungthai Bank market strategist Poon Panichpibool said on Wednesday.

He expected the baht to move in a wide range, fluctuating in line with the dollar as well as the sale of emerging market assets.

Poon again alerted investors to a possible fluctuation caused by the rising US bond yield and hope of an economic recovery in that country.

He said this would pressure financial markets, causing emerging market currencies and even the baht to weaken or fluctuate.

He added that exporters are not presently selling the US currency as the baht could move to 30.50 per dollar.

The baht has weakened lately compared to the dollar, despite foreign funds flowing into Thai stocks and bonds amid investors’ hopes that the economy will recover once lockdowns are lifted totally.

Four nabbed over online drug selling operation in Bangkok #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403291

Four nabbed over online drug selling operation in Bangkok

NationalMar 04. 2021

By THE NATION

Special Operations Unit 191 police arrested four suspects at a building in Keha Thonburi 2 in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district for allegedly selling dried cannabis online.

The four are Itthiphan (last name withheld), aged 27, Kawinthin, 26, Thossaporn, 27, and Natthanan, 22.

Officers reportedly found in the building nearly 20 kilograms of dried cannabis in 25 postal packages, ready to ship to customers.

“The suspects have been [allegedly] selling dried cannabis via Line and Facebook and have been using private logistics services to make deliveries to their customers,” said Pol Colonel Piyarat Supharat, Unit 191 commander.

“An initial investigation revealed that from December last year to February they shipped cannabis to 408 customers, 110 of whom are in Bangkok and the rest in other provinces,” Piyarat said.

The suspects were charged with possessing and allegedly selling a narcotics substance. They were taken to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for further questioning and investigation to find the source of the drug.

Court denies bail for singer Ammy over alleged lese-majeste, arson charges #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403286

Court denies bail for singer Ammy over alleged lese-majeste, arson charges

NationalMar 04. 2021Chaiamorn Kaewwiboonpan (File Photo)Chaiamorn Kaewwiboonpan (File Photo)

By THE NATION

The Criminal Court on Wednesday denied bail for Bottom Blues singer Chaiamorn “Ammy” Kaewwiboonpan after he was arrested at Ratchathani Hospital in Ayutthaya province on Tuesday for alleged arson and violation of the Criminal Code Section 112 (lese majeste) and the Computer Crime Act.

Police arrested Chaiamorn as they believed he was one of the three suspects who set fire to pictures of the royal family in front of Khlong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district on the night of February 28 before fleeing the scene in a car.

Chaiamorn’s mother had proposed bail of Bt90,000, but the court denied it, reasoning that the suspect has a high tendency to escape. The court, however, allowed Chaiamorn to stay for 12 days at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district under police custody to treat wounds which he reportedly sustained from a high fall.

Chaiamorn’s mother reportedly said she would propose collateral of Bt500,000 on Thursday in another attempt to bail him out.

Investigation officers said that on Thursday they would consult the doctor responsible for Chaiamorn’s treatment to see if he could be discharged and transported to Bangkok Remand Prison, provided that the court again denies bail following a second plea today.

Isolated thundershowers forecast for some areas across Thailand #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403276

Isolated thundershowers forecast for some areas across Thailand

NationalMar 04. 2021

By THE NATION

The high-pressure system covering the upper Northeast is weakening, while southerly and southeasterly winds are blowing humidity from the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea to upper Thailand. This will result in isolated thundershowers in the North, the upper Northeast and the Central region, the Meteorological Department forecast on Thursday.

It advised people to beware of the severe conditions by keeping away from unsecured buildings and outdoor places, while farmers should take action to prevent crop damage.

Here’s the weather forecast for the next 24 hours:

North: Hot weather with haze during the day, isolated thundershowers in 10 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 16-25 degrees and highs of 32-36 degrees Celsius.

Northeast: Isolated thundershowers in 20 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 21-25 degrees and highs of 30-35 degrees Celsius.

Central: Isolated thundershowers in 10 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 22-25 degrees, highs of 33-34 degrees Celsius.

East: Isolated thundershowers in 10 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 24-25 degrees, highs of 31-35 degrees Celsius; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres offshore.

South (east coast): Isolated thundershowers in 10 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 22-24 degrees, highs of 31-34 degrees Celsius; waves 1-2 metres high and 2 metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Isolated thundershowers in 10 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 21-26 degrees, highs of 33-36 degrees Celsius; waves a metre high and over 1 metre offshore.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Isolated thundershowers in 10 per cent of the area; temperature lows of 24-25 degrees, highs of 32-34 degrees Celsius.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Before and after: Funny temple statues get hilarious TAT makeover #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403273

Before and after: Funny temple statues get hilarious TAT makeover

NationalMar 04. 2021“Singha Mom” is a lion-dragon inspired by statues at Khon Kaen’s Wat Chetiyaphum.

By THE NATIONNation Thailand decided to compare the real-life and cartoon versions of characters in the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s “Himmapan Project” – with hilarious results.The TAT’s latest campaign to boost domestic travel feature cute cartoon characters based on crudely-fashioned statues seen at temples all around the country.This is not the first time that the homely temple decorations have made the news.In late December, the roughly-made statues became social media sensations for their simplicity and ridiculousness, though some netizens wondered if they were the result of corrupt renovation projects.The statues are based on mythical creatures from the Buddhist/Hindu legend of Himmapan, the forest that surrounds the base of Mount Meru.In December they inspired numerous Facebook fan-art portraits that celebrated the naïve cuteness of the stone creatures.The TAT followed up with its own campaign, which is designed to give both children and adults a fun introduction to local spiritual landmarks around the country.Here’s a comparison between the real statues and the cute characters inspired by them: 

5-baht fares dangled as Thai airlines celebrate vaccine rollout #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403274

5-baht fares dangled as Thai airlines celebrate vaccine rollout

NationalMar 04. 2021

By The Nation

Airlines have been quick to launch promotions after Thailand began its Covid-19 vaccination programme on Monday (March 1).

AirAsia saw all 80,000 of its FlyRuaRua travel passes snapped up within 48 hours of the vaccination launch.

Demand for the Bt3,569 passes, which allow unlimited travel on domestic routes from April 1 to December 16, was beyond expectation, said AirAsia Thailand CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya.

“We are very pleased to be able to support domestic tourism and at the same time help stimulate spending, now that many provinces have relaxed their Covid-19 protocols and everyone is eager to travel again with the planned vaccine rollout in Thailand and the region,” he said.

He urged pass holders to plan their travel early and try out all 24 AirAsia destinations across the Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Thai Vietjet launched a promotion with special fares from just Bt5 (not inclusive of taxes, surcharges, and add-ons) on Wednesday.

The “3.3 Super Sale” runs until Sunday (March 7) and covers flights from March 8-October 31 (exclusive of public holidays) on Thai Vietjet’s entire domestic network (SkyFUN.vietjetair.com).

Thai Vietjet has increased flight frequency in response to rising demand after the government relaxed travel restrictions in each province. The airline has also introduced “Trip Easy Plus” travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage starting from Bt180 (https://skyfun.vietjetair.com/insurance).

Smashed bridge leaves pedestrians stranded on Rama II Road #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403272

Smashed bridge leaves pedestrians stranded on Rama II Road

NationalMar 03. 2021

By THE NATION

An SUV smashed into the steps of a bridge in Bangkok’s Bang Khunthien district on Tuesday, leaving pedestrians stranded on both sides of the eight-lane Rama II Road.

The impact demolished the base of the steps in the Samae Dam area, making them unsafe to use.

The bridge is the only way for local pedestrians to cross Rama II Road. The next bridge is about three kilometres away.

A local vendor said commuters used the bridge during the morning and evening, with students and factory workers mostly.

Thonburi Highway officials who inspected the bridge on Wednesday said repair work would begin on Thursday.

BGRIM defies Covid-19 impact with 21% profit leap in 2020 #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30403268

BGRIM defies Covid-19 impact with 21% profit leap in 2020

NationalMar 03. 2021Harald LinkHarald Link

By THE NATION

B Grimm Power Plc (BGRIM), Thailand’s leading industrial power producer, posted a 21 per cent increase in net operating profit in 2020 in spite of the adverse impact from the Covid-19 pandemic on the global economy at large.

Harald Link, chairman and president of BGRIM, said the Bt2.617 billion in earnings attributable to its parent company was largely due to the increase in generating capacity and power sales to industries in Thailand. BGRIM last year added 162MW in capacity which ramped up its output by 6 per cent to 14,451 gigawatt-hours.

Power demand of BGRIM’s industrial clientele in the Kingdom rebounded strongly between September 2020 and January 2021 over the same period of the previous year, he said.

The company has seen continued broadening of its customer base after new industrial clients with a total requirement of 15MW were connected to BGRIM’s supply system in 2020.

This year, BGRIM expects more than 40MW in additional industrial demand to further consolidate the company’s customer base.

Link noted that the recognition of full-year performance of large-scale solar power farms in Vietnam and the decline in natural gas prices contributed to BGRIM’s robust results in 2020.

Last year saw the price of natural gas, the primary fuel of BGRIM’s power plants, drop by 10.4 per cent year-on-year to Bt244 per million BTU (British Thermal Unit).

PTT Plc, Thailand’s major supplier of natural gas, expects natural gas price to fall to an average of Bt225 baht/per million BTU in 2021.

Link said that in addition to the goal of expanding power purchase agreements (PPA) capacity to 7,200MW by 2025 from 3,058MW currently, BGRIM has advanced its achievements under the philosophy of “Doing Business with Compassion”.

The philosophy, practised for over 143 years by B Grimm Group, emphasises cooperation with partners in all business groups. Such a spirit extends to collaboration with companies under the group which have engaged in various businesses ranging from industries, healthcare to real estate and digital. The cooperation has been forged with partners both at home and abroad.

Testifying to this direction is an array of partnership accords struck over the past six months.

These include a partnership with Univentures Plc (UV) which engages in real estate investment and development business with various products and services; and the alliance with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and subsidiary PEA ENCOM International (PEA ENCOM) to pursue business opportunities for independent power supply (IPS) projects, micro grid systems, and smart micro grid system, among others.

On December 15, 2020, BGRIM made a history by starting up its large-scale solar farm in Cambodia on schedule despite the impact of Covid-19 and floods in Cambodia.

This is the first Thai power plant project to operate under the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) entered with the Electricite Du Cambodge (EDC) for a period of 20 years and is guaranteed by the government of Cambodia.

Link said the conclusion of the syndicated green loan for the Phu Yen TTP solar farm project in Vietnam is another proud achievement of BGRIM last year.

This represents the first green credit in Thailand and the CLMV region (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) certified by the Climate Bonds Initiative, part of an independent global environmental movement.

BGRIM was recognised for its sustainable development with five awards from four organisations in December last year, underscoring the company’s dedication. These include:

* An “excellent” (5-star) rating from the corporate good governance survey of listed companies conducted by Thai Institute of Directors Association.

* Being ranked in the Thaipat Institute’s ESG100 List for the third consecutive year in 2020 plus winning the Sustainability Disclosure Award 2020.

* Being selected for the Sustainable Stock List (THSI) by the Stock Exchange of Thailand for the third consecutive year.

* Being scored 100 out of 100 by the Thai Investors Association for the quality of holding its annual general meeting of shareholders in 2020.

BGRIM’s power projects under development have progressed with the Bo Thong Wind Farms 1 & 2 with a combined installed capacity of 16 MW in Mukdahan province being completed by 80.8% and are on schedule for starting commercial operation in the first half of 2021. Meanwhile, works on BGRIM’s nine SPPs construction have recorded 9-32% in progress, with part of them are set to begin commercial run in the second half of 2022.

BGRIM is to pay a dividend of 0.30 baht per share for the second half of last year, after offering an interim dividend of 0.15 baht per share, thus maintaining a full-year dividend payout at 45 per cent of net operating profit.

The closing date for dividend eligibility is March 10, 2021, with the dividend payment to be made on May 11.