Bike Riviera races delayed
(Photo © TAT)The Bike Riviera races in Phetchaburi have been postponed due to the new Covid-19 outbreak. The second race is the Sea Race and it will feature a 40km route from Chao Samran Beach to Wat Nai Klang. The fees are 888 baht for one race, 1,600 baht for two races and 2,200 baht for all three competitions. Orchards serve up fruit buffetsFrom now until the end of June, orchards in Rayong and Chanthaburi are offering fruit buffets where you can eat to your heart's content. In Rayong, the orchards offering organic certified fruits are Suan Lung Yod (081-398-8392 or visit facebook.com/yoddurian) and Suan Baan Rao (061-523-2992 or visit facebook.com/suanbaanrao) grows 111 varieties of durians.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 29, 2021 05:15 UTC
All hospitals must pitch in
All hospitals must pitch inEven though the Public Health Ministry has threatened lawsuits against hospitals and medical establishments refusing to admit Covid-19 patients, it seems the agency has no fangs, as public complaints against such establishments are still circulating. There are reports that some private hospitals place such tough conditions, like demanding exorbitant deposits at a 200,000-baht minimum, for patient admission. There are cases of hospitals slamming the door shut on infected people without explanation. Of course, most private hospitals are concerned that they will have to bear extra costs that they cannot claim from the government if they have to handle Covid-19 patients. But in a time of crisis, everyone must pitch in to save as many lives as possible, instead of thinking purely about profit.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 28, 2021 21:45 UTC
1,000 villagers go into lockdown
1,000 villagers go into lockdownNAKHON SAWAN: A village in Chumsaeng district, with a population of almost 1,000, has been placed under a 14-day lockdown after eight residents tested positive for Covid-19. Local officials and health volunteers yesterday strung ropes across all entrances to Village Moo 3 in tambon Phan Lan with banners forbidding people to enter or leave the village. The village is in lockdown until May 11, while 45 people who came into contact with the eight infected people were judged to be at high risk. Chumsaeng district chief Suwat Chansuk said all side entrances to the village have also been closed.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 28, 2021 21:33 UTC
TCC urges govt to support local antiviral drug production
TCC urges govt to support local antiviral drug productionThe Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) yesterday called on the government to support the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) make its own favipiravir -- the antiviral medicine used as a treatment for Covid-19. The council said the drug has been generically produced by other countries, including China, since 2019. The company is currently attempting to patent two preparations, in tablet and powder forms, which would make the drug easier to consume, the council said. A Covid-19 patient has to take between 40-70 tablets throughout the treatment cycle, depending on their condition. Withoon Danwiboon, GPO's managing director told the Bangkok Post yesterday there are enough medicines to treat all Covid-19 patients.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 28, 2021 21:33 UTC
National players receive first jab of Covid vaccine
Thai national players received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine on Wednesday ahead of their play-off for the Fifa Futsal World Cup later this year. The winners of the two ties will represent Asia at the World Cup, along with Iran, Japan and Uzbekistan. The 2021 Fifa Futsal World Cup will be held in Luthuania in September. The top three teams at that time -- BG Pathum United, Port and Ratchaburi -- will take part in the 2021 ACL group stage. Meanwhile, Qatar staged the draw yesterday for the Arab Cup tournament this winter which will serve as a key test of the country's readiness for the 2022 World Cup.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 28, 2021 21:22 UTC
PM blows top at backstabber
PM blows top at backstabberPrime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday rebuked an unnamed minister during the cabinet meeting yesterday for speaking ill of him behind his back and threatened to fire the individual if he ever did it again. Without naming names, Gen Prayut said sternly that he would not tolerate such behaviour and he would consider sacking any ministers if they incited hatred and conflict. "A certain minister spoke ill of me behind my back and they should consider themselves warned. "I chose you to work in this cabinet. If I do, I'll remove you [from your position] and take back the ministerial quota.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 28, 2021 04:07 UTC
Temple corruption erodes public faith
Temple corruption erodes public faithSenior monks from Wat Saket are summoned in 2018 to hear charges in connection with the temple fund embezzlement cases. Meanwhile, temple corruption continues to hit the headlines. One of the biggest temple corruption scandals concerned a popular monk Luang Pu Nen Kham Chattiko in 2013. To prevent temple corruption, the loopholes that allow abuse of the state budget for religious affairs and the misuse of temple donations must be addressed. Without external monitoring from the community and the public, temple finances remain non-transparent and open to abuse.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 27, 2021 22:41 UTC
Virus efforts a shambles
Virus efforts a shamblesThe campaign by a group called "Mor Mai Thon", or Doctors Won't Tolerate This, to drive public health minister Anutin Charnvirakul out of office is gaining momentum and it's one that the government should take seriously. In a post on his Facebook page, the public health minister said he was only following orders and policies set out by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. It is understandable that the public health services would be stretched beyond limit as new infections and the death toll keeps on rising. The message that the campaign is sending to Mr Anutin, and the government, is clear. Unless the public health minister and the government behind him are able to upgrade their response, they should make way for others to fulfil the mission.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 27, 2021 22:41 UTC
Third wave's unpalatable reality
"The ban on alcohol sales has had little impact on us because almost 100% of our revenue comes from food." The ban on alcohol sales and the new operating hours have hit alcohol-based premises such as pubs and bars particularly hard. The aim is to prevent delivery services from exploiting restaurants and customers and setting unfair prices. Some consumers complained that home delivery services had increased their service fees for restaurants from 20% to as much as 40%. The Trade Competition Commission has now warned food delivery services they could be fined if they continue to charge for services at unreasonable rates.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 27, 2021 22:30 UTC
US orders staff to leave Kabul due to threats
US orders staff to leave Kabul due to threatsUS Marines place a chain at the entrance of the US embassy in Kabul shortly after the fall of the Taliban in December 2001. WASHINGTON - The United States on Tuesday ordered non-essential staff to leave its Kabul embassy, citing increased threats as Washington prepares to end its 20-year war. The State Department in a travel advisory said it had "ordered the departure from US embassy Kabul of US government employees whose functions can be performed elsewhere." Ross Wilson, the acting US ambassador in Kabul, said that the State Department took the decision "in light of increasing violence and threat reports in Kabul." The Biden administration will maintain limited forces in Kabul to guard the sprawling embassy.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 27, 2021 18:45 UTC
Asean in Myanmar crisis 'driver's seat'
Asean in Myanmar crisis 'driver's seat'Indonesian President Joko Widodo, centre, delivers a speech at the Asean crisis talks on Myanmar in Jakarta on Saturday. From now on, Asean will be busy managing the crisis in Myanmar as part of the regional process of settling disputes. Obviously, before any meaningful activities with other stakeholders, Asean has to agree on the formula of Asean special envoy. From now on, Asean will be busy managing the crisis in Myanmar as part of the regional process in settlement of disputes. All Asean leaders shared the sentiment that these conflicts would impact on Asean as well as peace and stability in the region.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 26, 2021 23:26 UTC
Change the only hope as Anutin flails with virus?
Change the only hope as Anutin flails with virus? If I can't handle it, I won't stay on," Mr Anutin said. It's the inability to reflect on one's self that makes Mr Anutin unfit to stay on as the man in charge of saving lives. And that is exactly the pitfall Mr Anutin, and by extension his boss Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and the entire government, has fallen into. As Mr Anutin continues his work, people are starting to despair.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 26, 2021 23:26 UTC
Indian ban over the top
Indian ban over the topFact: the Covid-19 situation is India continues to worsen. With such numbers, it is wise to exercise caution in opening our doors to Indian travellers -- but to succumb to hysterical fear? On Sunday, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), Taweesilp Visanuyothin, announced that Thailand has temporarily stopped issuing entry certificates to Indian citizens, as well as other foreigners arriving from India. Authorities must ensure that such a blanket ban won't affect Thais living in India who have registered to fly back home. The decision seems to have been made without any regard to Thailand's ambitions to become the region's medical tourism hub.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 26, 2021 23:26 UTC
Ban on non-Thais coming from India starts May 1
Ban on non-Thais coming from India starts May 1Relatives react as a healthcare worker pulls a stretcher carrying the body of a person who died from the coronavirus in Ahmedabad, India, on Monday. The decision follows the huge surge of Covid-19 cases in the subcontinent. The embassy said it will not issue certificates of entry for non-Thai nationals until further notice. From May 1, only Thai nationals will be able to enter Thailand from India. The statement elaborated on the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Adminstration's decision announced on Sunday to temporarily ban arrivals of Indians and other foreigners travelling from India to Thailand.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 26, 2021 07:52 UTC
KIMPTON LOVE STAYCATIONS BY KIMPTON MAA-LAI BANGKOK
KIMPTON LOVE STAYCATIONS BY KIMPTON MAA-LAI BANGKOKA newcomer within the luxury Sindhorn Village project, conveniently located near Lumpini Park, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok offers spacious rooms with a warm and homey feel. Now Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok kicks off its latest staycation promotion. Moreover, furry friends are welcome at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok! WORK FROM KIMPTON PACKAGENestled amid lush gardens and tranquil ponds, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok provides an idyllic setting for residents who work remotely and appreciate relaxing and energizing breaks between virtual meetings. Premium Room, THB 2,000++ (THB 2,354 net)Junior Suite, THB 2,600++ (THB 3,060 net)FULL-DAY from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Source:Bangkok Post
April 26, 2021 03:45 UTC