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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018746

The Thai Restaurant Association has introduced a mouthwatering project to provide rice and curry meals for just 25 baht at 59 PT stations in Bangkok and its vicinity.

The first “Khao Kaeng Kam Lang Jai” (Providing You Support with Curry on Rice) branch was opened in a grand ceremony on Wednesday at the PT station in Soi Phutthabucha 1.

Besides getting a meal for 25 baht, customers can also purchase PT cooking gas or Meesuk palm oil at special prices.

President Thaniwan Kulmongkol said the association had teamed up with Atlas Energy and Olympus Oil to sell cooking gas and palm oil along with low-cost meals at PT stations to help those affected by the Covid-19 situation and economic downturn.

She said people can now reduce their daily expenses by having to spend only 25 baht on meals.

The first phase of the project will see the sale of meals at restaurants, food courts, kiosks, food trucks and small booths in 59 PT stations within three months.

Meanwhile, Atlas Energy and Olympus Oil managing director Suwatchai Pitakwongsaporn also said the goal of this business operation is to help reduce the cost of living.

He said PT is glad to support the project and aims to provide “100 areas” for the purpose in Bangkok, its vicinity and Chonburi.

Vendors in the project will receive a 5-baht discount from the retail price for Meesuk palm oil. They will also get the first 15kg cooking gas cylinder for free and a 20-baht discount on other cylinders.

Suwatchai expects to open 59 restaurant branches in three months and has a target of 100 branches in the future.

He is discussing with the Thai Restaurant Association the possibility of opening restaurants in other provinces.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018741

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Wednesday reassured acting US Chargé d’Affaires Michael Heath that the Thai government would support and work with the incoming envoy to strengthen relations between the two countries.

Heath visited Government House on Wednesday to bid farewell to Prayut.

During the meeting, Prayut thanked Heath for his active role in deepening relations between Thailand and the United States, especially in economic cooperation that has made the US Thailand’s third biggest trading and investment partner.

The prime minister said he was confident the new chargé d’affaires would continue the mission Heath had initiated and would strengthen mutual ties between the two countries.

Prayut promised that the Thai government would work with the new chargé d’affaires “in all aspects”.

Heath thanked the government for continuing its cooperation with Untied States in economy, public health and education, which has helped US entrepreneurs continue to conduct business in Thailand during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said new Ambassador-designate Robert Godec is a diplomat with extensive experience and expertise in the region, and he believed Godec would play an active role in boosting cooperation in other fields, such as combating human trafficking, with Thailand already being upgraded to Tier 2 status in the US Trafficking in Persons Report.

Prayut and Heath also exchanged views regarding the tensions between the US and China. The prime minister said Thailand was monitoring the situation closely, and advised all parties to seek a peaceful solution while taking into account the impact on people.

The premier conveyed his “best wishes” to US President Joe Biden through the departing chargé d’affaires, while hoping Biden would attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit to be held in Bangkok from November 16 to 18.

The United States is scheduled to host the summit next year.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018735

Zone C parking at Suvarnabhumi Airport will be free from Thursday to Sunday in a bid to reduce the financial burden on travellers during Mother’s Day and the weekend.

Free parking at Zone C, which is designated for long-term parking and has a capacity for 718 vehicles, will be allowed from midnight on August 11 to midnight on August 15 – five days in total.

The airport will also provide free shuttle bus services from the parking lot to passenger terminals. A bus will leave every 15 minutes and is available 24 hours a day.

Passengers have been urged to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure time for international flights and at least two hours before domestic flights.

For more information, contact call centre 1722 or phone 02132 9511.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018734

Thailand proposed a series of measures to improve bilateral and multilateral ties at the Asean Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC) earlier this week in Phnom Penh, aimed at seeking cooperation with dialogue partners for a sustainable post-pandemic economic recovery.

Thailand was represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai, the Foreign Ministry reported on its website on Wednesday. The PMC meetings were held in Phnom Penh on August 4.

Asean’s dialogue partners — Japan, South Korea, China, India, the United States, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, Canada and the United Kingdom — took part. The Asean+3 (APT) Ministerial Meeting also was held.

The meetings aimed to strengthen the partnership and cooperation between Asean and its dialogue partners.

In the meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, Thailand raised the way forward to enhance cooperation between Asean and Japan, especially on peace and stability, which are in line with the Asean Outlook to the Indo-Pacific.

The meeting also noted the preparations for commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Asean-Japan relations in 2023.

In the meeting with South Korea, Don highlighted cooperation in areas where Seoul has expertise, such as healthcare, economy, cultural links, and soft power. The meeting also exchanged views on regional and international issues, the Foreign Ministry said.

In the meeting with China, Don highlighted Thailand’s role in promoting sustainable development and encouraging more innovative engagement.

In the meeting with India, he proposed the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model as the way forward to enhance cooperation and promote human security, the ministry reported.

In the meeting with the US, he supported Washington’s role in the region through multilateralism which supports Asean centrality. He also highlighted the importance of advancing cooperation, especially on innovation, digital and climate action through American investment.

In the meeting with Russia, he supported the implementation of the Asean-Russia Comprehensive Plan of Action especially through the Asean-Eurasia Economic Commission (EEC).

Don also discussed ways to enhance Asean–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the ministry said.

Don also took part in the APT Ministerial Meeting for discussing ways to cope with common current challenges and crises in the region.

Don assigned the ministry’s permanent secretary, Thani Thongphakdi, to participate in these meetings.

Thani emphasised the importance of promoting cooperation with the EU, especially on security and peace, and also enhancing economic opportunities.

In the meeting with New Zealand, he discussed various areas of cooperation including climate change, post-pandemic economic recovery, and people-to-people exchange programmes.

He discussed with Canada improving economic opportunities through a free trade agreement and promoting the BCG economy model.

In the meeting with the UK, he called for substantial cooperation, highlighting the fostering of a conducive environment for post-pandemic recovery, digital, climate change, clean energy and sustainable development.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018730

A host of agencies have been instructed to stand ready to tackle possible flash floods and surface water runoffs due to tropical storm Mulan, Deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Wednesday.

The move came after the Thailand Meteorological Department announced the storm would bring isolated heavy to very heavy rains in the North, the Northeast and the East from August 11-13.

She said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha instructed all related agencies to assist flood victims and prepare equipment and staff so they are “ready all the time”.

Agencies handling dams and reservoirs have been advised to focus on the “durability” of reservoirs and safety of residents and their property, Traisuree said.

“The premier has instructed related agencies to work together to effectively assist people and mitigate the impact from floods as much as possible,” she added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan ordered the agencies to closely follow weather forecasts and be prepared for flood risks due to heavy rains nationwide.

Officials have been advised to strictly monitor rising sea levels between August 10 and 16, which could cause the Chao Phraya River to overflow and inundate nearby communities, especially those in Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Nonthaburi.

Prawit also instructed various agencies to set up flood levees, prepare water pumps and other machines to drain water into areas with a low risk of flooding, and provide assistance to flood victims.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018728

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha aims to improve the human trafficking situation in the country so that Thailand is upgraded to Tier 1 on the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons report.

Government deputy spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek said Prayut expressed the wish during a weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, when the Cabinet was informed about the annual human trafficking suppression and prevention report for 2021.

Last month, the US State Department upgraded Thailand from its Tier 2 Watchlist to Tier 2. The kingdom had been downgraded to the watchlist on July 1, 2021, from Tier 2 in 2020.

Ratchada said Prayut thanked all government agencies concerned for joining forces to fight human trafficking, which helped in the removal of the country from the watchlist.

She also said Prayut extended moral support to the government agencies battling the scourge and expressed hope that such crimes would be eliminated once and for all from the kingdom.

In its 2021 report, the Social Development and Human Security Ministry informed the Cabinet that human traffickers were arrested and criminal charges filed in 188 cases. The number rose by about 42 per cent from the 133 cases in 2020.

The report stated that legal action was taken against 17 government officials in 2021 for being involved in human trafficking, while 414 victims were placed under a protection programme.

The number of victims helped by the government last year rose by 79 per cent from the previous year.

Ratchada said 148 victims were placed in rehabilitation centres in 2021 and the government reduced the monitoring period in these centres from 158 days in 2020 to 143 last year.

The spokeswoman said the ministry spent 153 per cent more on operations to protect witnesses in 2021, compared to the previous year. The ministry also spent 124 per cent more to compensate victims in 2021, compared to the previous year.

Among the measures employed to increase efficiency in suppression and prevention of human trafficking, the government would recruit more officials, increase anti-human trafficking command centre powers and provide a better method to receive public complaints, Ratchada added.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018727

If you’d like to catch sight of rare orchids while taking in the beauty of a northern waterfall, now’s your chance.

Dash over to Man Daeng Waterfall in Phitsanulok’s lush Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Protected Area Regional Office 11 (Phitsanulok) said the “Habenaria janellehayneiana” orchids are endemic to a humid ecosystem as they can be found on rocks near the waterfalls and cascades.

Different from anywhere else, this breed of orchid at Man Daeng Waterfall blooms into a sweet pink instead of orange, and this occurs only once a year, the office announced.

“The orchid is in full bloom in August every year,” it said, adding that the amount of flowers “would be low” in the latter part of the month.

Tourists who would like to catch a glimpse of these orchids must contact the national park in advance and be ready for slippery yet adventurous trails, the office said.

Tourists have also been advised to bring their own meals, water, raincoats, sneakers and anti-leech socks.

For more information, contact Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park’s visitor centre via 081-5965977.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018721

The Revenue Department and the Office of the Attorney-General are discussing the next step of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s tax case, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said on Tuesday.

His statement came after the Central Tax Court revoked the department’s order for Thaksin to pay about 17 billion baht in tax over the 2006 sale of a stake in Shin Corp.

The court ruled that the department’s summoning of Thaksin’s children, Panthongtae and Pintongta, for a tax assessment was unlawful as both siblings were only proxies holding shares for him.

Arkhom said the Revenue Department is discussing with the Office of the Attorney-General what to do next, which includes whether an appeal should be filed.

He said “everything is in line with the process”.

“We believe the department’s director-general will report the results to the ministry once the discussions are over,” he said.

Meanwhile, Revenue Department spokeswoman Sommai Siriudomset said if the department wants to file an appeal, it should do so within 30 days of the court’s ruling on July 18.

She said the department can extend the time limit to file an appeal after another 30 days.

“This case isn’t over yet because there is still the consideration by the Supreme Court,” she said. “However, the department must discuss what steps should be taken.”

She did not answer whether the Revenue Department would file an appeal before August 18, as the department had to wait for results of the discussions first.

She said the department is checking the amount of assets that had been seized from Thaksin’s children, adding that it would have to return the assets if the Supreme Court, too, rules in favour of Thaksin.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018719

A robot dog shows off its impressive skills by walking on the plum blossom piles of varying sizes and heights.

Arobot dog shows off its impressive skills by walking on the plum blossom piles of varying sizes and heights.

Published : August 10, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40018713

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has brought on board two of the most popular actors/signers – Krit “PP” Amnuaydechkorn and Putthipong “Billkin” Assaratanakul – to spearhead its latest tourism promotion campaign titled “Amazing Thailand StyleCation with PP and Billkin”.

During a press event on Tuesday, TAT governor Yuttasak Supasorn said the campaign aimed to promote public awareness among Thais to engage in “meaningful travel” to destinations across the country’s five regions.

“PP and Billkin will lead the campaign to promote domestic trips via digital platforms to inspire people to travel in their own style, or ‘StyleCation’,” he said.

“More than 30 tourism businesses, including airlines, hotels and tour companies, have signed up to join the campaign, offering a ‘StyleCation Hot Deal’, which includes up to 60 per cent discounts.”

TAT believes its celebrity marketing strategy will attract a new generation of travellers who love to go on excursions suited to their own style and design their own vacations.

TAT is also preparing a StyleCation vlog to showcase attractions in both primary and secondary provinces, highlighting activities that can be explored besides sight-seeing to attract young, active target groups.

The campaign will run until September 30. If you are interested, explore or book tour deals via https://www.stylecationthailand.com/.

For more information, visit Facebook @AmazingThailand, Line: Amazing Thailand, Youtube: Amazing Thailand or contact call centre 1672.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION