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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40025056

Sugar mills plan help in harvesting to stop burning of sugar cane by farmers

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023

Sugar mills across Thailand are working to tackle the problem of sugar cane burning with the aim of reducing PM2.5 pollution.

The Office of Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB) recently invited all parties involved in the cane and sugar industry, including representatives of sugar cane farmers and sugar mills to discuss measures to end the burning of sugar cane in order to reduce the environmental impact and the occurrence of PM2.5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter).

“To solve this problem sustainably, all parties including government agencies and factories, must work together by adding supportive measures to encourage farmers in cutting fresh sugar cane,” said Pramote Wittayasuk, president of Thai Sugar Millers Corporation (TSMC).

He said 57 sugar mills were ready to cooperate with provincial and local authorities.

The plan to solve this problem is by “granting contracted farmers a loan for purchasing sugar cane harvesting trucks, so they can harvest sugar cane at a low cost compared to using labourers,” Pramote explained.

He said TSMC is ready to buy sugar cane leaves at 800 baht per tonne for generating electricity.

He added that the agency would reduce the price of burned sugar cane by 30 baht per tonne in a bid to encourage farmers to stop their practice of burning the cane.

“This will help boost the efficiency of cane extraction, while it will benefit both farmers and factories,” he said.

However, sugar mills see the regulations on refusing to buy cane sweetness with less than 6 commercial cane sugar ( the estimated yield of cane sugar from sugar cane) and burnt sugar cane that is not up to standard as unfair and not conducive to sustainable solutions.

As a long-term solution, sugar mills will help educate farmers in raising awareness of sustainable cultivation, such as promoting the use of agricultural machinery and changing sugar cane cultivation methods.

According to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, forest and agricultural waste burning was the biggest cause of PM2.5 in the past 10 years.

As per Isra News, in 2021, the burning of forest and agricultural areas totalled about 35 million rai (5.6 hectares).

The highest was the burning of rice fields, which at 20 million rai accounted for 57%, followed by the burning of forests at 9.7 million rai, accounting for 28%, and sugar cane burning at 2.7 million rai, which accounted for 8%.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40025055

Thailand expects THB3.9 billion revenue boost from tourist entry fee this year

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023

Thailand would gain 3.9 billion baht in revenue following the decision to implement a 300 baht fee on foreign tourists beginning June 1, Tourism Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Monday.

His estimate was based on the projection that 13 million travellers would visit the country from June 1 to the end of the year.

Starting June 1, visitors who enter the country by air will be charged a 300-baht fee, while those who enter the country by land or water must pay a 150-baht fee.

He said that of the expected 3.9 billion baht, 650 million baht would be spent on travel insurance for tourists, with the remaining 3.25 billion baht going into a fund for tourism development.

Phiphat explained that the 300-baht entry fee would be included in the price of their tickets for travellers arriving by plane, with airlines sharing 5% of the entry fee as operating cost. 

“This idea is feasible and can be implemented on time since the government is now in talks with airlines to collect the entry fee,” Phiphat said. 

Meanwhile, those entering the country by land or water have to pay the 150-baht entry fee via a kiosk machine, websites, or application, he added.

However, kiosk machine payment is currently unavailable as it has not yet been decided which checkpoints are suitable for their installation, said Phiphat. 

Related News: 

• Thailand’s new 300-baht ‘landing’ fee for foreigners gets go-ahead
• Thai hotels waiting to see if THB300 tourist fee hits bookings
• Thailand could achieve pre-Covid tourist numbers next year as Chinese package tours resume

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40025049

US army to learn Muay Thai from champ Buakaw during Cobra Gold

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023

Muay Thai boxer Sombat Banchamek, widely known as Buakaw Banchamek, has been invited by the US Army to train US soldiers in the Thai martial art during the upcoming Cobra Gold military drills.

Cobra Gold, the multinational Indo-Pacific military exercises, are scheduled to take place in Thailand from February 27 to March 10.

Besides training the US soldiers in Muay Thai, Buakaw will take part in Cobra Gold’s Strategic Airborne Operations (SAO) training.

The 40-year-old Thai boxer said on Facebook on Sunday (February 19) that even the US army, which is equipped with top-notch military equipment, has accepted the effectiveness of Muay Thai, which involves only the use of one’s bare hands.

“As a cultural tradition, Muay Thai symbolises Thai people’s tenacity. Being accepted internationally, Muay Thai is the best martial art in the world,” he added.

Buakaw had earlier trained US soldiers in Muay Thai during the US-Thai bilateral army exercise “Hanuman Guardian 22”, held in Prachuap Khiri Khan province last year.

He earned a reputation by triumphing in international boxing tournaments, such as the 2004 and 2006 K-1 World MAX competitions.

Related Stories: 

• Cobra Gold returns to Thailand with added bite of 6,000 US troops
• Army chief wants military schools to teach Muay Thai
• 7 countries to fight in SEA Games kickboxing despite Muay Thai boycott

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40025047

Current supply of Chinese veggies in Thai markets ‘no threat to local produce’

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023

The quantity of Chinese vegetables in Thai markets are not yet at an alarming level as to affect the prices of locally grown vegetables, the Department of Internal Trade said on Monday.

The department was reporting its survey from three major wholesale markets, namely Taladd Thai and Si Mum Muang markets in Pathum Thani province, and Sri Mueang Market in Ratchaburi province.

The survey found that the amount of imported vegetables from China were still at normal levels.

“Local growers have forwarded their concerns to the department that imported vegetables could steal their market share and drive the prices down,” said department director-general Wattanasak Sur-iam. “However, after surveying the Thai markets, we found no signs of an influx of Chinese produce.”

The department added that the import of Chinese vegetables usually increases only when local growers experience low yields. Under normal circumstances, customers often choose to buy locally grown vegetables due to their superior quality.

The department also said that the prices of cold weather crops, such as cabbage and Chinese cabbage, in Thai markets were still at the normal level of 6 and 8 baht per kg for wholesale and 20 and 25 baht per kg for retail, respectively. This shows that the current volume of imported vegetables still has no effect on the price.

Wattanasak said the department would continue to monitor the markets closely as well as set up checkpoints to prevent smuggling of foreign produce into the country.

The department will also help farmers by providing mobile units to transport their produce from farms to markets in case their normal transport method is overwhelmed due to increasing yield.

To report unfair underpricing or smuggling of foreign products, contact the department’s hotline at 1569.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40025043

No respite for Bangkokians as PM2.5 readings continue rising

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023

Most of Bangkok was covered in a haze of hazardous air as of 7am on Monday, with 67 air-quality monitoring stations reporting high levels of PM2.5 pollution.

PM2.5 readings were between 49 and 77 micrograms per cubic metre of air (μg/m3) in most parts of the capital. PM2.5 are dust particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter that can severely affect people with chronic lung and heart conditions.

Thailand’s safe standard for PM2.5 pollution is 50μg/m3, though the World Health Organisation sets it at 12μg/m3 or lower.

The top 10 most polluted areas in Bangkok as of 7am on Monday were:

• Lat Krabang Hospital (77μg/m3)

• Seacon Square shopping mall, Prawet (76μg/m3)

• Bueng Kum district office (75μg/m3)

• Big C shopping mall, Bang Na (75μg/m3)

• Khlong Sam Wa district office (74μg/m3)

• Bank of Ayudhya headquarters, Yannawa (72μg/m3)

• Thonburi Market (Sanam Luang 2), Thawi Watthana (71μg/m3)

• Bang Khen district office (70μg/m3)

• Lak Si district office (69μg/m3)

• Suk Sawasdee Market, Bang Bon (68μg/m3)

The Bangkok Air Quality Centre also said it expects the air quality in 17 districts to hit unsafe levels on Tuesday. The 17 districts are Lak Si, Chatuchak, Khlong Toei, Phra Khanong, Bang Na, Phaya Thai, Din Daeng, Huai Khwang, Khlong Sam Wa, Minburi, Saphan Sung, Taling Chan, Bangkok Noi, Thawi Watthana, Bang Khae, Nong Khaem and Bang Bon.

Air circulation in Greater Bangkok is expected to be low until Friday, before improving on Saturday and Sunday, the centre said.

People have been advised to prepare for bad pollution from Wednesday to Saturday. Those living in areas with bad air quality should stay indoors and check pollution levels before stepping outside.

Pollution in Greater Bangkok can be monitored via bangkokairquality.com, the Bangkok Environment Department, the Air Quality and Noise Management Division, the BMA Facebook page or the AirBKK smartphone application.

Related stories:

Bangkok’s air quality reading crosses safe levels again today

Bangkok Governor rewards ‘active citizens’ for tracking down smog sources

Forest-fire crisis delays flights at Mae Hong Son Airport

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40025042

Fewer people testing positive for Covid-19 in Thailand, records show

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023

The number of people admitted to hospital for Covid-19 dropped substantially last week, the Department of Disease Control said in its weekly report published on Monday.

In the week of February 12-18, 203 people tested positive for Covid-19 compared to 392 in the previous week.

Of the 203 Covid-19 patients recorded last week, 78 developed lung inflammation, while 51 had to be hooked up to respirators.

Last week, eight people succumbed to the virus, compared to 12 in the week of February 5-11.

The total number of Covid-19 patients admitted to hospitals and deaths this year, so far, stands at 3,912 and 233, respectively.

Meanwhile, another 351 people got their first Covid-19 shot last week, 281 their second shot and 1,218 a booster. This brings the total number of Covid-19 vaccines administered in Thailand to 144,807,129.

As per figures published by Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 678.69 million as of Monday, 651.36 million of whom have recovered, 20.53 million are active cases (40,904 in critical condition) and 6.79 million have died.

Thailand ranks 31st in the global list of most cases with 4.72 million. The US tops the list with 104.98 million cases, followed by India with 44.6 million, France with 39.5 million, Germany with 38 million and Brazil with 36.9 million.

Related stories:

‘Game over, Covid’: 10 things we learned about the virus in past 3 years

Korea Provides Thailand Additional Covid-19 Vaccine

Thailand could achieve pre-Covid tourist numbers next year as Chinese package tours resume

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40025041

Thailand hit by growing cybercrime tsunami, warns tech industry

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023

Government must join hands with private agencies to combat the tsunami of cybercrime, experts said during a seminar in Bangkok on Saturday.

Titled “How to maintain cybersecurity and provide a telecoms network across Thailand”, the seminar was held at Samyan Mitrtown as part of “Thailand National Cyber Week 2023” organised by the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA).

The cybercrime wave sweeping the country is intensifying, NCSA secretary-general AVM Amorn Chomchey told the seminar.

“NCSA is working on cybersecurity management in Thailand to deal with various types of cybercrimes,” he said, adding the work included boosting digital infrastructure security and helping agencies to implement anti-cybercrime measures.

Incidents of cybercrime are growing, confirmed Kanokorn Chawang, director of the Telecommunications Regulatory Division at the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

She said the NBTC was issuing guidelines to lift Thailand’s cybersecurity to international standards.

“Apart from issuing cybersecurity regulations and guidelines, NBTC is cooperating with several agencies to protect them from cybercrimes, such as ensuring that the banking system will not crash,” she said.

She said NBTC guidelines would ensure telecoms operators work to the same standards, which will boost confidence among customers.

NBTC is also considering a network equipment security assurance scheme as a framework for the mobile industry.

Surachai Chatchalermphan, Huawei Technologies (Thailand)’s cybers​ecurity and privacy officer, warned that “If the security system is not safe, Thailand’s infrastructure could crash due to cyberattacks.”

He said the 2019 Cybersecurity Act is essential to ensure safety for Thailand’s internet users while vowing to enhance cybersecurity for Huawei customers.

He said all parties must work together on cybersecurity.

True Corporation’s cyber expert, Kittipong Thiraruengchaisri, said the volume of cybercrime had increased over the past three years as more people access internet services.

He said the company is cooperating with NCSA and NBTC to enhance cybersecurity to boost confidence among customers as well as growth in the telecoms industry.

“The company is also creating awareness among customers to keep them safe from cybercrimes,” he added.

Related stories:

Money-siphoning apps and how to protect your phone against them

‘Benz Daemon’ arrested at Suvarnabhumi over Macau online gambling website

Beware of Valentine sextortion, even by friends: police

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40025039

Triads targeted in crackdown on foreign businesses using Thai nominees

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023

Triad grey businesses are among 325 foreign companies being investigated on suspicion of using Thai nominees to register in Thailand, the Department of Business Development (DBD) said on Monday.

The investigation is part of a Commerce Ministry crackdown against criminals using Thailand as a base for their illegal business operations. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is cooperating in the crackdown.

The DSI has targeted 325 companies in nine provinces – Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Surat Thani, Chonburi, Rayong, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phetchaburi, and Bangkok – said DBD deputy director-general Jittakorn Wongkhetkorn.

Of the targeted companies, 161 are in the tourism industry, 123 in property, and 41 operate hotels and resorts, he added.

Jittakorn said investigations in Bangkok will focus on suspected triad operations, especially in the Yaowarat and Huai Khwang areas.

Since the crackdown launched in 2015, a total of 191 foreign companies have been investigated leading to 66 prosecutions.

The number of companies being investigated this year has more than doubled from the previous high of 145 in 2021. That year, the property industry accounted for most nominee probes, followed by tourism and services.

Jittakorn said DBD data on suspected companies are supporting in-depth investigations by the DSI.

Companies caught using nominee as shareholders face a maximum 1-million-baht fine plus a daily fine of up to 50,000 baht until the issue is fixed, he warned. Meanwhile company directors and nominees are also punishable with a maximum fine of 1 million baht and 3 years in jail, or both.

The DBD said it will also advertise requirements for business registration, prohibitions and other regulations under the Foreign Business Act of 1999, to ensure that all foreign businesses comply with Thai laws.

Related Stories

200 Bangkok businesses serving tourists under nominee scrutiny

PM orders strict checks on Thai nominees facilitating foreign businesses

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40025038

Chiang Rai’s Mai Sai checkpoint with Myanmar reopens after 3 years

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023

The Thailand-Myanmar border checkpoint at Mae Sai in Chiang Rai reopened on Monday after a three-year closure because of Covid-19.

Chiang Rai deputy governor Somwang Boonrayong and Thachileik governor U Min Nai presided over the reopening ceremony for the Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge at 7.30am.

The checkpoint will open on a trial basis from 6.30am to 6.30pm, instead of 6.30am to 9pm as in the past, until peace is secured on the Thachileik side.

The Myanmar border town is notorious as a gateway for the flood of methamphetamine and other drugs into Thailand from the Golden Triangle.

The border checkpoint was closed on March 23, 2020 following the Covid-19 outbreak.

Security concerns meant Tachileik and Chiang Rai officials coordinated by phone rather than in person as they presided over the reopening.

Somwang said the move would boost border trade, adding that Thais who do not have passports can obtain border passes at Mae Sai district office.

Thais who want to enter Tachileik must present proof of Covid-19 vaccination and a negative test.

Myanmar people do not need proof of vaccination to cross to the Thai side, Somwang added.

Mae Sai district chief Narongpol Kid-arn said Tachileik officials do not accept digital vaccination certificates on the MohPrompt app so Thais must have photocopies of their vaccine certificate with them.

The district chief expects proof of vaccination will be required by Myanmar border authorities for at least the next month.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40025034

‘Game over, Covid’: 10 things we learned about the virus in past 3 years

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023

One of Thailand’s top virologists on Monday listed 10 things we have learned from the new coronavirus as the world shifts out of pandemic mode.

This year will be “game over” for Covid-19, said Dr Yong Poovorawan, head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University, in a Facebook post. However, he added the pandemic had changed the world in several aspects.

“We have lived with Covid-19 for more than three years. This is what we have learned so far and the estimation of what will happen next,” said Yong.

1. Covid-19 is like influenza in the sense that the virus will evolve in a bid to coexist in the host by reducing the severity of symptoms. The disease that initially had a fatality rate of 3-5% now kills less than 0.1% of infected patients.

2. Diseases with severe symptoms, such as Ebola, Marburg and Lassa fever, are less likely to cause a global pandemic, unlike low-severity diseases such as Covid-19 and influenza.

3. Different types of Covid-19 vaccine are equally capable of preventing severe symptoms and deaths. While mRNA vaccine is capable of raising immunity in the short term, the immunity will also decrease faster. Statistics show that countries that administer only mRNA vaccines do not have significantly lower infection and mortality rates.

4. The reason infection rates are currently slowing is because the majority of the population has already been infected and developed immunity. This is apparent in countries where over 70% of the population has been infected.

5. Immunity created from infection combined with vaccination is stronger and will last longer than immunity created from the vaccine alone.

6. As Covid-19 becomes endemic, the infection pattern will be similar to that of influenza or other respiratory diseases that we know.

7. In the future, only people in vulnerable groups will need Covid-19 vaccines, while healthy people will be able withstand reinfection with only mild symptoms.

8. Knowledge from study and research is the most crucial factor in tackling the global pandemic.

9. This year will be “game over” for Covid-19, as the World Health Organisation will likely stop reporting daily infections due to low numbers. Covid-19 infections will eventually become a seasonal event, prompting countries to gradually reduce their surveillance status.

10. As for Thailand, infections will subside from February and then start emerging again from June to September (in line with the rainy season), before subsiding again. This seasonal rotation will occur every year.

Related Stories

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