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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010283

Koh Samui has not been affected so far by the Omicron variant as foreign and Thai tourists continue to visit the Surat Thani island, the Tourism Association chairman said even as tourism businesses voiced concern about the government’s latest move to suspend the Test & Go programme.

On Monday, it was reported that three tourists on the island were infected with Omicron.

Koh Samui Tourism Association chairman Ratchaporn Poolsawat said on Tuesday that the three tourists were tested under prevention measures. They were isolated on the island courtesy of the Public Health Ministry and are undergoing treatment.

He believes the Omicron situation will not affect tourism on the island as the number of tourists and bookings have increased until New Year.

Around 8,000 foreign tourists entered the island under the Test & Go scheme this month, which allowed more hotel and restaurants to reopen, he said.

Meanwhile, tourism businesses are worried after the government decided to suspend the Test & Go programme. They feel it will affect tourism in Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Tao.

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Ratchaporn said tourism operators were ready to cooperate with the government in following public health measures. However, they wanted the government to consider the economic aspect too.

They wanted the government to find a solution to increase safety but did not agree with re-introducing quarantine or, worse, closing the country altogether because it would affect tourism.

Published : December 22, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010282

Krabi’s Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park on Tuesday issued a strict order for fisherman to demolish their shelters on Phi Phi Don Island as the shelters were found to be semi-permanent instead of temporary wind-shield sheds as the villagers claimed.

Park officials said the fishermen were from Koh Jum in Nuea Khlong district. They had received an order to remove their “dwellings” on Ao Nang’s Koh Phai way back in 2003.

The structures are located at Rantee, Phak Nam and Loh Lana bays.

The national park said it had already issued two notices to the villagers to demolish their properties – in August and September – but no action was taken after that due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, the Department of National Parks conducted an inspection again in November and found 44 semi-permanent shelters on the rocks along the three bays. The fishermen claimed the shelters were constructed to protect them from the wind.

The department responded that such action was considered to be an attempt to occupy national park areas and was against the law.

The Hat Nopparat Thara-Phi Phi Islands National Park is therefore proceeding with its demand that the “intruders” demolish all structures at the bays immediately.

Related news:

• Phi Phis famous Maya Bay to be open to tourists from Jan 1
• Sighting a rare beauty in Krabi’s Koh Rok Nai island
• Picturesque Phuket and Krabi star in new Czech movie

Published : December 22, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010281

A wild elephant – believed to be one of the biggest in Asia – from Chanthaburi’s Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary died from electric shock at a fruit farm on Tuesday morning.

Afruit farmer in Pong Nam Ron district in Chanthaburi reported the incident of the elephant found dead on his land around 3am on Tuesday.

The poor creature was later identified as “See Dor Daeng”, an 18-year-old male elephant weighing more than seven tonnes.

See Dor Daeng was said to be the most intelligent among his herd as he had earlier managed to escape from the wildlife centre through electric wires and canals.

The officials said the cause of death was due to electric shock as the elephant’s trunk was still attached to the wire.

The landowner admitted that he installed a 220-volt electric wire around his property, which was against the Wildlife Act.

He is expected to be prosecuted.

Related news:

• Elephants help Patthalung officials, locals unclog vital Pak Rang waterway after flood wreaks havoc
• Badly injured baby elephant found in Chanthaburi responding well to treatment
• Vets remove 14 bullets from baby elephant Fah Sai’s front legs

Published : December 22, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010278

Foreign visitors can still gain entry into Thailand under the Phuket Sandbox programme and by using AQ (alternate quarantine) services after suspension of the Thailand Pass, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said on Tuesday.

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced earlier on Tuesday that it was suspending the Test & Go scheme, in which Thailand Pass registrants could enter the country without having to quarantine provided they tested negative via the RT-PCR method upon arrival.

The CCSA said Thailand Pass will not accept new registration from midnight of Wednesday (December 22) and that it would re-evaluate the situation on January 4.

About 200,000 people who have been approved prior to the announcement would be allowed to enter the country under the Test & Go scheme, but they need to undergo two RT-PCR tests – the first one on arrival and the second on the 7th day. The government will cover the cost of these tests.

“After Thailand Pass is suspended, foreigners can still register to enter Thailand under the Phuket Sandbox scheme, or use the AQ service provided by certified hotels,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanee Sangrat.

“Under the Phuket Sandbox, visitors who tested negative upon arrival are required to stay in Phuket for seven days, after which they can travel to other provinces, provided they test negative using the RT-PCR method after seven days,” he said.

“The suspension of the Thailand Pass is only temporary in a bid to prevent the Omicron variant from spreading,” Tanee pointed out.

“Authorities will monitor and evaluate the situation closely. If there are any changes, the Foreign Ministry will notify the public as well as international visitors immediately,” he added.

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Test & Go scheme put on hold until Jan 4

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Published : December 22, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010277

Seven government agencies will roll out campaigns and activities during year end as New Year gifts for people, said deputy government spokesperson Traisulee Traisoranakul on Tuesday.

“During New Year holidays, Ministry of Defense will deploy soldiers at over 500 checkpoints nationwide to provide roadside assistance to people visiting their families in the upcountry,” she said. “Furthermore, the ministry will increase security at border and other strategic locations to ensure people’s safety during the holidays.”

Meanwhile, the Energy Ministry will fix the price of diesel fuel at not over 30 baht per liter until March 31 to facilitate motorists. It will also hand out 10,000 discount coupons at 500-baht each for the purchase of energy-efficient appliances and 28,000 half-off coupons for purchasing OTOP products. 

Ministry of Interior will continue its campaign among government pawnshops in offering discounted interest rate during Covid-19 situation, while people applying for new water and electrical meters will also receive a special discount.

Ministry of Culture is planning to organize cultural and religious ceremonies in several locations nationwide to promote arts, local cuisines and cultural tourism, such as the New Year Buddhist chanting event and free trips to historical sites. 

Ministry of Industry will waive the fees for several transactions in a bid to help entrepreneurs reduce their operational cost.

Office of the Public Sector Development Commission will provide a catalog of 325 government services offered via electronic channels whereas people can conveniently scan the QR codes or click on the provided links to receive the services.
 

“Lastly, the National Land Policy Office has promised to allocate over 400,000 rai of land to farmers nationwide before September 2022 using ariel imaging to confirm ownership and land usage history,” said Traisulee. “Since the campaign started in October, over 10,000 villagers have received the lands that they can use for agricultural purposes.”

Published : December 22, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010275

The government’s co-shopping subsidy campaign “Khon La Khrueng” (Let’s Go Halves) will get a new phase of life in 2022 after the current 3rd phase ends on December 31, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said on Tuesday after a Cabinet meeting.

Under the campaign, the government will cover 50 per cent of bills for food, drinks and basic necessities of up to THB150 per day when each eligible person pays via the Pao Tang application at participating shops. The total subsidy per person is capped at THB3,000.

“The fourth phase of Let’s Go Halves is expected to start in March and will last for two months to promote domestic spending,” Thanakorn said.

“Users of the current phase should use up all of their subsidy before the end of the year as leftover money cannot be used for the new phase.”

The Cabinet meeting on Tuesday also decided to extend the “Tour Tiew Thai” tour scheme from January 31 to April 30, 2022, while the “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) travel subsidy campaign will feature two million additional room nights to promote domestic tourism.

Under the Tour Tiew Thai scheme, the government will cover up to 40 per cent of the cost of tour packages for a maximum of one million people, capped at THB5,000 per trip.

Under Rao Tiew Duay Kan, registrants can receive a 40 per cent discount on hotel rooms and restaurants. They will also get an e-voucher when checking into a hotel as well as a 40 per cent flight refund when they check out. The subsidy was originally capped at 2 million room nights, with registrants required to reserve a room at least 7 days in advance.

“To further promote the domestic tourism industry, the Cabinet also approved a waiver of the permit extension fee for tourism businesses at THB2,000 per permit and for tour guides at THB200 per permit for two years,” added Thanakorn.

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‘Let’s Go Halves’ phase 3 spending exceeds THB100 billion

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Registration opens for travel subsidies on 3 million Thai trips

Published : December 22, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010268

Ministry of Public Health reported on Wednesday (December 22) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 2,532 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 48 of whom have been found in prisons.

Death toll increased by 31, while 3,191 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 2,199,061 – 2,139,388 of whom have recovered, 38,202 are still in hospitals and 21,471 have died.

Separately, another 81,746 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 166,334 their second shot and 195,957 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 100,615,878.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 276.59 million on Wednesday, 248.1 million of whom have recovered, 23.1 million are active cases (89,141 in severe condition) and 5.39 million have died (up by 7,114).

Thailand ranks 24th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 52.25 million, followed by India with 34.76 million, Brazil with 22.22 million, the UK with 11.54 million and Russia with 10.27 million.

Published : December 22, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40010266

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Wednesday (December 22) that the high-pressure system over upper Thailand is weakening while the westerly trough moves pass the North of Thailand. Cool to cold weather and morning fog are likely in the North, the Northeast, the Central and the East with isolated rains in some areas of the upper North.

Mountaintops in the North and the Northeast are cold to very cold with temperature ranging from 5 to 15 °C. People should take care of their health due to variable weather. All transports should take more caution due to poor visibility. Farmers in the upper North should prevent for crop’s damage due to isolated rains.

Meanwhile, the weakening northeast monsoon prevails over the Gulf and the South. Isolated heavy rains are likely in the lower South of Thailand. Waves in the Gulf are about a meter high and 1-2 meters high during thundershowers. All ships should proceed with caution and keep off thundershowers. 
 

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

North: Cool to cold weather with fog in the morning and isolated rains in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 12-16 degrees and highs of 27-33 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 5-12 degrees Celsius.

Northeast: Cool to cold weather with fog in the morning; temperature lows of 13-18 degrees and highs of 28-32 degrees Celsius. Temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 8-15 degrees Celsius.

Central: Cool weather with fog in the morning; temperature lows of 17-19 degrees, highs of 31-33 degrees Celsius.

East: Cool weather with fog in the morning; temperature lows of 20-22 degrees, highs of 30-34 degrees Celsius; waves a meter high and 1-2 meters offshore.

South (east coast): Cool weather in the morning with thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas and isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 20-24 degrees, highs of 28-32 degrees Celsius; waves a meter high and 1-2 meters during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 22-24 degrees, highs of 30-33 degrees Celsius; waves a meter high and 1-2 meters during thundershowers.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Cool weather with fog in the morning; temperature lows of 20-23 degrees, highs of 31-34 degrees Celsius.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : December 22, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40010258

The Cabinet on Tuesday earmarked about 600 million baht to help approximately 120,000 workers in the entertainment industry who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The scheme will grant 5,000 baht to each person, including those not insured under the social security scheme, provided employers can prove their place of business has been closed due to the pandemic. Pubs, bars, karaoke joints and other entertainment venues have been ordered closed since early this year.

Further details of the registration process will be released by the Social Security Office later.

Published : December 21, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40010257

After the Test & Go scheme was cancelled on Tuesday, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the 200,000 holders of the Thailand Pass will still be allowed to enter under the scheme.

However, under new measures, people arriving under the Test & Go and Sandbox schemes will undergo two RT-PCR tests – the first on arrival and the second on the 7th day.

He said the cancellation will be reviewed again on January 4, adding that the government needs to respond quickly as Thailand has entered the high tourism season. He added that lockdown would be the last resort.

Anutin also said that the prime minister is pushing for more people to get booster shots as soon as possible and provincial governors have been advised accordingly.

Published : December 21, 2021

By : THE NATION