As the Covid-19 vaccination efforts continued at the parliament on May 11 (Photo: Chanat Katanyu), the Department of Disease Control reported an increase in the number of Covid-19 inpatients and fatalities over the past week, coinciding with schools reopening across the country. Between May 14 and May 20, the department recorded a total of 2,632 Covid-19 inpatients, marking an increase of approximately 12% compared to the 2,356 cases documented between May 7 and May 13. The rise in numbers showcases the continued challenge faced by health authorities in handling the pandemic. Moreover, a noticeable spike in the number of inpatients suffering from lung inflammation was reported. By the end of last week, there were 401 such patients, a 24% increase compared to the 322 cases registered at the end of the previous week. This concerning development indicates an escalation in the severity of the disease among hospitalized patients. In addition…
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On behalf of the Thai government, caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha presented humanitarian aid to Myanmar Ambassador U Chit Swe for the victims of Cyclone Mocha in Sittwe, Myanmar. Among those present at the ceremony were Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and Anucha Burapachaisri, the acting government spokesman. General Prayut conveyed his sympathy and support for the people of Myanmar in the name of both the government and Thai citizens. He expressed hope for their speedy recovery during this challenging period. The Thai government has also sent representatives to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management to assist with the efforts. Thanking the Thai government and the people for their help, Ambassador U Chit Swe acknowledged that Cyclone Mocha had a wide-ranging impact on the lives and property of many. Even though the cyclone was considerably more violent than the Cyclone Nargis that hit in 2008, lessons learned…
A grand ceremony took place at City Hall on Friday, where new ambassadors were officially appointed. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt presided over the event and emphasized the vital role of communication in their roles. He acknowledged the challenges associated with understanding different perspectives and expressed the need for the newly formed PR team to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the information they release. Any inaccuracies must be addressed promptly, he advised. Chadchart highlighted the significance of three key elements in communication: right timing, right channel, and accuracy. As he congratulated the newly appointed ambassadors, the governor expressed his hope that they would also assist in enhancing the communication skills of other BMA officials. “We will work together to provide people with accurate information,” he added. Although the BMA’s PR department is performing well, Chadchart believes there is room for further improvement. He explained that a mindset of constant betterment…
Worawut Kanchanakul, the president of residential development company W House, has expressed his thoughts on the new government’s approach to minimum wages. He believes that a gradual increase in the minimum wage would be more beneficial, as businesses would have the opportunity to adjust their operations to accommodate higher construction costs. Worawut emphasized the importance of the new government addressing cost of living concerns as a priority. He also expressed his hope for a smooth government formation process to boost confidence among domestic and foreign investors. Although he anticipates the establishment of a new government by August, a delay beyond this timeframe could negatively affect businesses and government spending. “If the new government arrives sooner, many problems could be resolved quickly,” he said. Wichai Wiratkaphan, a Government Housing Bank inspector and acting director of the Real Estate Information Centre, shared his concerns about potential delays in forming a new government.…
Heavy rain and winds played havoc with ballot casting in Nakhon Pathom when a storm toppled polling station 10 a mere 15 minutes before closing time on May 14. Nonetheless, 80% of eligible voters had already made their voices heard by then. Despite resolving to hold a new voting session, the provincial Election Commission faced the daunting task of motivating the remaining 763 out of 943 voters to cast their votes once more. Election officials undertook door-to-door campaigning in an attempt to improve voter turnout for the second round. However, despite their efforts, the turnout appeared modest, with only a handful of eager voters waiting in queue when the polling station reopened its doors at 8 am. Among them was 70-year-old Somchai Titakarun, who shared his views on the matter. He remarked that the prospect of voting again was not particularly thrilling and expressed doubt about the likelihood of many…
With a combined population exceeding 670 million, the 10-member association undoubtedly represents one of the world’s most expansive markets. As a prominent contender for Thailand’s next prime minister, Pita has emerged victorious in the May 14 general election, thanks to the efforts of his Move Forward party. In a recent meeting with a senior official from the World Economic Forum (WEF), Pita shared his comprehensive plans for ASEAN. Joo-Ok Lee, who manages the organization’s Asia-Pacific agenda, engaged in discussions that explored the potential cooperation between Thailand and the WEF. Among the many topics discussed was the prospect of Thailand hosting an annual WEF meeting in the future. This event has not taken place in the country since 2012. Additionally, Thailand could potentially hold international gatherings specifically focused on the growth and development of the digital and creative economies. Pita assured Lee that his administration, under the leadership of Move Forward,…
The highly esteemed Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has high hopes for the pha khao ma to become a successful soft-power symbol to promote Thailand on an international scale. This comes after two spectacular performances by talented Thai dancers adorned in traditional attire stole the show on World Dance Day 2023, according to Anucha. These captivating Thai dancers graced the stage with their mesmerizing performances at the World Dance Day event held in Jakarta on May 6. Both captivating shows highlighted the depth and beauty of Thai culture, garnering immense admiration from the audience. The first enchanting performance provided a glimpse into the lives of Thai villagers and showcased the various ways they incorporate the loincloth into their daily attire. This fascinating and intimate look into Thai culture left the audience intrigued and eager for more. Not to disappoint, the second performance exceeded all expectations as it featured dancers dressed…
Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Pongsitthithavorn has recently issued a directive for the Muang Chiang Mai Municipality to collaborate with the 7th Fine Arts Office in expediting the restoration of the historic Suan Dok Gate. This urgency comes amid growing concerns from local residents that the compromised wall might crumble and fall onto the nearby road in Muang district’s tambon Sriphum. A noticeable two-meter vertical crack has appeared on the north side of the gate, raising alarm among the community. The crack has widened to the extent where people can even see through it to the other side of the wall. Locals are now increasingly worried that the wall might collapse onto the adjacent road that runs alongside it, similar to the Chang Phuak Gate, which crumbled after heavy rainfall in September of the previous year. Despite their concerns, Therdsak Yenjura, the director of the ancient ruins for the 7th Fine…
As the highly anticipated reopening of the Tham Luang Cave site in Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park, Chiang Rai province, approaches this July, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has revealed the safety measures that will be put in place for visitors. The Tham Luang Cave was propelled into international fame back in 2018 when it was flooded, trapping 12 young Wild Boars football players and their coach for 18 days before their miraculous rescue that captivated the world. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, director-general of the Marine and Coastal Resources Department, is visiting the Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park this weekend to survey the area. He is joined by Chaiwat Limlikhit-aksorn, director of the National Park Office; Chutidech Kamonnachanut, director of the Conservation Area Administration Office 15 Chiang Rai; and Vernon Unsworth, a British cave diver who was instrumental in the 2018 rescue mission. The…
The Public Health Ministry of Thailand is preparing to send off 42 medical personnel who will accompany Thai Muslims participating in the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia this year. Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, permanent secretary of the ministry, and his assistant Dr. Suppachok Wetchaphanphesat, will be present at Suvarnabhumi Airport to see off the first medical team joining the pilgrims. Dr. Suppachok has revealed that approximately 12,000 Thai Muslims, the majority of whom are from the South, will undertake the journey to Mecca between May 21 and June 23, with their return scheduled for July. All participants are required to undergo a series of health checkups as well as receive vaccinations or boosters for influenza, meningococcal disease, and COVID-19. The ministry has issued vaccine certificates as evidence of their inoculations. In addition to providing medical personnel, the ministry has also trained Hajj health volunteers who will coordinate with pilgrims and collaborate…