Mae Sot expects hundreds of Thais from Myanmar casino | Bangkok Post: learning
Soldiers patrol the border along the Moei River in Mae Sot district of Tak to stem illegal crossing from Myawaddy. (Bangkok Post file photo)The border district of Mae Sot is on alert for a large number of Thais working in a casino in Myawaddy to flee the coronavirus in Myanmar. Seventeen of them tested positive and were sent to Mae Sot Hospital. Mae Sot had prepared field hospitals to receive the Thais from Myawaddy, in addition to the main hospital in the district town. Mae Sot has confirmed at least 60 Covid-19 cases since Monday, including 17 new transmissions announced on Sunday by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 10, 2021 09:00 UTC
It could be fun, in a strange sort of way
It could be fun, in a strange sort of wayA number of readers -- well, three -- have asked why last week's column did not contain the usual predictions for the coming year. Everyone knows we can look forward to assorted crackdowns, contradictions and cock-ups, accompanied by the usual lies, half-truths and prevarications. January: Bailiffs are sent to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue after President Donald Trump displays a reluctance to leave the White House. August: A Thai version of the 2012 Korean hit Gangnam Style, known as "Nakhon Nowhere Style" becomes a massive international hit. September: In a major scandal, an official transferred to an inactive post is caught red-handed being active.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 09, 2021 21:56 UTC
Mekong drowned in water politics
Mekong drowned in water politicsThe mighty Mekong River is the heart and soul of Southeast Asia. In recent years, historic low water levels in the Mekong has devastated communities like Cambodia's Tonle Sap, once home to one of the most productive freshwater fisheries on Earth. The Mekong Dam Monitor, formed in December, provided a clearer picture. At present, two agencies, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) and the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC), are spearheading efforts to heal the river but their approach is one dimensional, focusing only on improving drought forecasting to prevent low water levels. Meanwhile, downstream nations must come together and act as one counterbalance to China's strategic dominance upstream.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 09, 2021 21:45 UTC
Documents required to enter 5 provinces
(Photo by Wichan Charoenkiartpakun)People who travel to and from five provinces hit the hardest by re-emerging Covid-91 to have official documents stating their necessities. But if they have to, they must apply for the documents stating why they must go there and have the Mor Chana application installed on their mobile phones. Besides, authorities of the five provinces must check their body temperatures for fever and observe their symptoms. Individuals whom officials agree have the need to regularly travel to or from the provinces may ask for such documents of the type that is valid for a certain period. People from other provinces who seek to enter the five must apply for the documents to be issued in their hometowns for round trips.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 09, 2021 11:26 UTC
China seeks to shore up its influence in Myanmar
China seeks to shore up its influence in MyanmarChina's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to arrive in Myanmar on Monday on a critical two-day visit. "It's routine practice in China's bilateral relations with Myanmar," according to Moe Thuza, a former Myanmar diplomat, now a regional specialist and Myanmar programme coordinator at the Singapore-based think-tank, the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. Wang Yi was the first foreign dignitary to visit Myanmar when the NLD government took office in 2016. While the finer details of Mr Wang's itinerary are still being worked out, according to Myanmar diplomatic sources. "China has plenty of things that it wants to nudge Myanmar on," according to the China specialist Yun Sun, senior fellow at the US-based Stimson Centre.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 08, 2021 22:30 UTC
Valiant Tai vows to fight until the end
World No.1 Tai Tzu-ying of Taiwan trains at Muang Thong Thani yesterday ahead of next week's Yonex Thailand Open. World No.1 Tai Tzu-ying of Taiwan has vowed to "fight until the end'' in the Asian leg in Bangkok, which begins with next week's Yonex Thailand Open. "No matter what, I will fight until the end because I am Tai Tzu-ying and I will never quit," she posted. Separately, a Malaysian representative of an equipment brand that sponsors international players was suspended from the sport for life. He "abused his position of influence as an executive in a sporting brand in an attempt to corrupt international badminton and enrich himself," it quoted the panel as saying.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 08, 2021 22:30 UTC
Make it easier for migrants
Migrant workers' children will also be allowed to stay, if they are already in Thailand and are not over 18 years old at the time of registration. Indeed, if PM Prayut Chan-o-cha wants to eradicate labour smuggling gangs or human trafficking, he must adopt transparent migrant labour management policies and practices. Among the easier steps is to open more one-stop services where migrant workers can go to renew their work permits and passports, with translation services to assist with the paperwork. The Covid-19 outbreak is a crisis that has exposed problems in the country's migrant labour policies and practices. The government clearly spotted an opportunity in deciding to legalise those undocumented workers.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 08, 2021 22:18 UTC
205 new Covid-19 cases | Bangkok Post: learning
The country reported 205 new Covid-19 cases on Friday. Taweesilp Visanuyothin of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said the new local infections included 37 in Samut Sakhon province, 29 in Bangkok, 22 in Samut Prakan, 10 in Chon Buri and 4 in Nakhon Pathom. The 58 new cases were 21 each in Samut Sakhon and Chon Buri, 9 in Chanthaburi and 7 in Rayong. Dr Taweesilp said 37 provinces logged Covid-19 cases in the past week, 16 provinces were free of the disease in the same period and four provinces had not reported a Covid-19 case over the past two weeks. The death toll remained at 67, which was 0.68% of total cases.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 08, 2021 05:37 UTC
Govt u-turns on Mor Chana | Bangkok Post: learning
His remark came on Thursday afternoon after an announcement made by Taweesilp Visanuyothin, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesman. Many said that there are many Thais who still don't have a smartphone and would be unable to download the app. Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul later on Thursday responded to growing public frustrations over the Mor Chana app rule. "The PM has agreed with my explanation and will amend the order (requiring all people to have the Mor Chana app on their smartphones) and allow the use of paper-based [Covid-19 contact-tracing] instead," said Mr Anutin. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday urged people to download onto their smartphone a Covid-19 contact-tracing app called "Mor Chana".
Source:Bangkok Post
January 08, 2021 03:11 UTC
Covid help needs work
Covid help needs workAs the Prayut Chan-o-cha government put in place a swathe of restriction measures -- something very close to lockdown -- to curb the Covid 19 outbreak, it started considering a rehabilitation scheme to relieve people's hardships. In response to criticism that the government is too slow, Gen Prayut this week pledged relief measures "within two months." Gen Prayut said the government had enough money to help those affected. Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said measures to help those affected by the new surge of infections would be different from the first outbreak. Many thought they were not qualified for the government's schemes, or state assistance didn't reach them in time.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 07, 2021 23:26 UTC
Covid travel permit 'impractical'
People are waiting for travel permits in Trat province on Thursday. Within the first hour of opening, the district office at Rayong's Muang district saw more than 100 people stream in to apply for travel permits. Just like in Rayong, the Muang district office in Chon Buri was packed with people seeking to get a travel permit, and very few people maintained social distancing, it was observed. Prakasit Sueksongkram, assistant chief of Muang district office, said the office has opened a dedicated booth to process the permit applications, adding the booth operates around the clock. She said while more than 200 people sought to apply for travel permits on Thursday, many did not understand the application steps, which needed explaining.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 07, 2021 23:15 UTC
Covid-19 vaccination begins next month | Bangkok Post: learning
People apply for inter-provincial travel permits in Khao Saming district of Trat on Thursday, to comply with travel restrictions imposed in Covid-19 maximum control "red" zones, including the eastern province. (Photo: Jakkrit Waewklaihong)The government has set three phases of Covid-19 vaccination for citizens, with the first phase to cover 1 million people from February to April. Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, the chief of the Disease Control Department, said the first phase would involve 2 million doses. The 2-million-dose vaccination was set from February to April. The second phase would involve 26 million doses to be given to people in vulnerable groups nationwide in May and June.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 07, 2021 11:26 UTC
National heritage sites get smart app boost
The Fine Arts Department has launched an AR Smart Heritage app which will allow visitors to explore national heritage sites in a more fun way and with more knowledge. The app consists of four historical parks, including 10 ruins in Sukhothai Historical Park, nine locations in Sri Satchanalai Historical Park, six sites in Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, and 11 ruins in Ayutthaya Historical Park. AR Smart Heritage is available for free download on both the Google Play Store and App Store for iPhone. TAT unveils new platform to spur tourismThe Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched "The Thailand Smart Tourism Platform" to promote domestic tourism. In Thailand, guests can experience Soul at Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square, Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, Novotel Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit 34, Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Beach Resort & Spa, Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra, and Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 07, 2021 03:56 UTC
Online deliveries skyrocket, competition heats up
Online deliveries skyrocket, competition heats upOnline food delivery drivers have seen increased food delivery orders amid the surge in Covid-19 cases across the country. That of food merchants rose 4 times. According to her, online food delivery will continue to grow this year in terms of users and merchants while the competition will remain energetic. The Department of Internal Trade has told online food delivery platforms to assist local vendors at fresh markets. According to him, food orders through Robinhood surged 30% before and after New Year break, driven by the fresh outbreak.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 06, 2021 23:03 UTC
Government still plays the virus blame game
Government still plays the virus blame gameAlmost three weeks after the first Covid infection in a Samut Sakhon seafood market was detected, the government still plays the blame game, with migrant workers as a convenient target. During the first outbreak, Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called the deadly virus just a type of flu. The government asked Thais to avoid travelling to and from Samut Sakhon unless necessary. Obviously, the government applied the wrong approach in dealing with migrants in Samut Sakhon. It's not a secret that almost all the services we receive these days are provided by migrant workers.
Source:Bangkok Post
January 06, 2021 22:52 UTC