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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019492

The National Anti-Corruption Commission has fired its deputy secretary-general after accusing him of being “unusually wealthy”.

Prayad Puangchampa was dismissed by NACC chairman Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit in an order signed on Friday.

The dismissal came after an NACC investigation showed Prayad’s assets had increased by 658 million baht. Commissioners voted 4:4 to send Prayad’s case to the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) for legal action in the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases.

The NACC also asked the OAG to seek a court order for the seizure of the Bt658 million assets.

Prayad appealed against the NACC’s finding but the committee re-affirmed its decision.

Earlier, the NACC found Prayad had falsified his wife’s asset declaration when he took office on January 4, 2017.

The NACC asked the OAG to charge Prayad in the corruption court for concealing assets belonging to his wife worth 227.393 million baht.

Published : August 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019483

Some 370,522 rai (59,283 hectares) of plantations in the Northeast are inundated, of which 217,612 rai are rice fields, while the meteorological department has warned of heavy rains in most parts of the country until August 31.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), in its Facebook post on Monday, unveiled flooding statistics for the country. It said that 84,737 rai of plantations in the Mekong area were flooded.

“The top three provinces affected by flooding are: Nakhon Phanom (22,266 rai), Udon Thani (17,994 rai) and Sakon Nakhon (15,997 rai),” it said.

The GISTDA added that 285,785 rai of plantations in the Chi and Mun river basins were flooded.

“The top three provinces in their vicinity affected by floods are Roi-Et (83,023 rai), Buri Ram (29,086 rai) and Surin (26,311 rai),” it said.

For more information, visit the GISTDA website: http://flood.gistda.or.th.

Earlier, the Thai Meteorological Department forecast heavy rains for the North, East, South and Central regions from Monday to Wednesday.

The department warned of flash floods and runoffs, especially along waterways near foothills and lowlands.

Published : August 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019479

Deputy Prime Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow has been appointed chairperson of the soft power national committee to promote the country’s image, a senior government official said on Monday.

Anucha Burapachaisri, the deputy PM’s secretary-general and acting government spokesman, said the PM’s Office issued order No. 206/2022 on August 19 to set up the national committee on promoting the country’s image via soft power.

The order appointed Supattanapong as chair of the panel and Culture Minister Itthiphol Kunplome as deputy chairman.

Members of the panel include permanent secretaries from the Foreign, Tourism and Sports, Commerce, Culture, Digital Economy and Society, and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation ministries.

The panel’s members include the secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council, the director of Thailand Development Research Institute, the chairman of Thai Chamber of Commerce and the presidents of Federation of Thai Industries and Digital Council of Thailand.

The spokesman said the panel would be in charge of formulating national policies and setting goals and strategies for using soft power to promote the country’s reputation.

Published : August 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019478

Local agencies in Buri Ram’s Khaen Dong district managed to plug a leak in the Lam Ta Khong Reservoir on Sunday.

The move came after the reservoir’s flood barrier and spillway split due to natural erosion on Friday and inundated some 1,100 rai of farms in the area.

Prapit Chanma, director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department, said local irrigation agencies used sandbags and weighed down gabion boxes to block the leak. They also informed local residents and worked on reducing the reservoir’s water levels.

Prapit said that though the floods in nearby farms have receded, local agencies will also help drain the area with pumps.

“The water level should drop if there is no more rain,” he said.

He added that related agencies have been instructed to accelerate repairs on the reservoir’s flood barrier and spillway, as well as look for ways to ensure the structure’s durability.

“Related agencies have also been urged to build a temporary bridge over the damaged flood barrier for residents to use,” he added.

A social-media user had brought the leak to the attention of local authorities on Friday but was initially dismissed.

Published : August 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019474

Khai jeow pu (crab omelette), khao soi (curried noodles) and sai krok Isaan (Northeast fermented sausages) were included in CNN Travel’s latest collection of 50 best street foods in Asia.

“It’s great that Thailand’s street food is still attractive to people across the world,” government spokesman Anucha Buraphachaisri said on Monday.

He said Thai cuisine is popular among people worldwide because it offers a wide variety of tastes and textures. He added that the government is cooperating with related agencies to promote Thailand’s soft powers internationally in a bid to boost economic value and generate revenue for the country.

According to CNN Travel, crispy edges, fluffy texture and drizzle of sweet chilli sauce take the simple wok-cooked Thai crab omelette to the next level.

Sai krok Isaan, one of the most commonly devoured street foods in the Northeast, round out the perfect bite with condiments like ginger, chillies and fresh cabbage.

Khao soi, meanwhile, was described as gorgeous golden bowls of hearty, creamy, chilli-laced coconut broth that sits on a bed of egg noodles with chicken legs or beef.

Published : August 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019469

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is planning to clamp down on landowners who are converting their unused land into plantations to avoid paying the correct land tax.

The yearly tax for unused land is 0.3 per cent of the plot’s value, while the tax for agricultural land is only 0.01 per cent. Many landowners have taken advantage of this loophole and converted their land to plantations. However, this has reduced the earnings of local organisations.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said land in the capital should be developed for commerce not agriculture in line with the city’s plan.

However, he said, land can be used for agriculture in the suburbs under the plan.

“The BMA cannot amend the Finance and Agriculture ministries’ definition of plantations, but it can determine the land tax on its own,” he said.

He said the BMA has written to a committee overseeing taxes on land and buildings asking if the BMA can raise the tax on plantations from 0.1 per cent to 0.15 per cent. The panel is chaired by Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Krisada Chinavicharana.

“We will have to wait for the committee to come to a decision on Tuesday,” Chadchart said, adding that the BMA will draft regulations immediately if given the go-ahead.

Meanwhile, a source from the Interior Ministry said the BMA should take steps within the law, but should not increase the tax beyond 0.15 per cent.

The source said many land owners either do not want to sell the land they have inherited, are affected by the Covid-19 crisis or are waiting to sell when the economy is favourable.

“Most importantly, the BMA should pay attention to landlords’ right to use their land, otherwise it can be sued,” the source warned.

Published : August 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

A security guard filed a complaint at the Bang Khen Police Station on Sunday, saying a metal plate on Phaholyothin Road had torn his motorcycle’s rear tyre.

Somjai (last name withheld) said he was heading toward the Bang Khen tunnel at around 9.20pm when he felt his tyre being hit by something. He stopped to find the tyre slashed by an uneven metal plate left on the leftmost lane.

Initial investigation showed the plate was covering a hole that had been dug up for laying cables. The plate had not been secured by bolts and had shifted slightly as vehicles passed over it.

Witnesses reportedly told officials that several motorcycle riders had lost their balance while going over the plate, though nobody was injured.

Police have contacted relevant agencies to fix the issue as soon as possible to prevent road accidents.

Published : August 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019465

There have been no reports of tomato flu in Thailand and the situation is not “worrying” because the virus is only spreading in limited areas.

Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), said on Sunday that though the situation is not worrying, his department has been instructed to monitor the situation.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul issued the order after learning that more than 100 children under five had been infected by the virus in India after it was first detected on May 6 in Kerala.

“Initial symptoms are similar to flu, including fever and muscle ache, before rashes and reddish blisters start appearing in the body,” Opas said. “The blisters look like small tomatoes, hence the name. This disease is not related to actual tomatoes whatsoever.”

He also said that tomato flu symptoms are similar to those caused by the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) virus.

“So far, more than 100 cases have been found in India with no fatalities yet. The symptoms are often less severe than those of HFMD and eventually go away on their own,” he said. He added that this virus can be transmitted by touching common surfaces or putting objects in one’s mouth, which makes small children particularly susceptible to the disease.

Opas said according to current data, the tomato flu is not “worrying” because it is only being found in limited areas. He added that patient screening and treatment process will be the same as HFMD, and the Thai healthcare system is fully prepared to handle an outbreak and local and national levels.

“Germs spread easily during the rainy season. Parents are advised to monitor their children’s health closely and regularly clean and disinfect their rooms, furniture and toys,” he added.

Published : August 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019461

Southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand will bring isolated heavy rain to the East, South and Central regions from Monday to Wednesday.

The Thai Meteorological Department also forecast on Monday that the southwest monsoon will become stronger from Thursday to Saturday and bring more rain across the country.

The department forecast heavy rain for the North, East, South and Central regions and warned of flash floods and runoffs, especially along waterways near foothills and lowlands.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok Flood Prevention Centre reported on Monday morning that light to medium rain had been reported in Don Muang, Sai Mai, Lak Si, Bang Khen, Bang Sue, Chatuchak, Lad Phrao, Dusit, Bang Phlat, Taling Chan, Bangkok Noi, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok Yai, Chom Thong, Thung Khru, and Bang Na.

Scattered thundershowers with isolated heavy rains have been forecast for Greater Bangkok this week. The temperature is expected to vary between lows of 24-28 degrees and highs of 32-36 degrees Celsius.

The North, meanwhile, will see isolated to scattered thundershowers all week, with temperature lows of 22-27 degrees and highs of 30-37 degrees Celsius.

The Northeast will also see isolated to scattered thundershowers until Wednesday and fairly heavy rain for the rest of the week. Temperature lows of 22-27 degrees and highs of 30-37 degrees Celsius have been predicted.

The Central region will see isolated to scattered thundershowers on Monday and isolated heavy rain until Saturday. Temperature lows of 22-27 degrees and highs of 31-37 degrees Celsius are expected.

The East will see fairly widespread thundershowers with isolated heavy rain on Monday and Tuesday and scattered thundershowers for the rest of the week. Metre-high waves have been forecast on the eastern coast of Thailand, which will rise higher in thundershowers. Temperature lows of 23-28 degrees and highs of 29-36 degrees Celsius have been predicted.

Scattered thundershowers with isolated heavy rain have been forecast for both the east and west coasts of the South of Thailand.

Waves are expected to be about 1-2 metres high and higher in thundershowers.

The temperature in the South is expected to vary between lows of 22-27 degrees and highs of 30-36 degrees Celsius.

Published : August 29, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019460

The Public Health Ministry reported on Monday (August 29) that over the past 24 hours, 1,273 Covid-19 patients have been admitted to hospitals.

The death toll has risen by 26, while 2,198 patients have recovered and discharged from hospitals. 

The number of cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022, stands at 2,424,250 with 10,550 deaths.
 

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 4,647,685 – 4,598,834 of whom have recovered, 16,603 are still in hospitals and 32,248 have died.

Separately, another 1,662 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 2,384 their second shot and 13,886 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 142,686,121.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 606.04 million on Monday, 581.54 million of whom have recovered, 18 million are active cases (43,401 in severe condition) and 6.48 million have died.

Thailand ranks 29th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 96.01 million, followed by India with 44.41 million, France with 34.47 million, Brazil with 34.38 million and Germany with 32.04 million.

Published : August 29, 2022

By : THE NATION