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Government announces further measures to halt spread of H1N1
Siriporn Raweekoon
Following its meeting July 9, further measures have been announced
by the cabinet in an attempt to contain the spread of the H1N1 virus in
Thailand.
Tutorial schools countrywide, held to give extra tuition outside normal
school hours, have been ordered to close for 15 days, with internet cafes,
bars and nightclubs being instructed to regularly clean and disinfect their
premises, air conditioners, computers and other devices, as well as keeping
rooms well ventilated and providing sanitising gel for their customers.
A further meeting held by Chiang Mai provincial authorities on July 10 was
attended by the Chiang Mai governor Amornpan Nimanant, his deputy, Chumporn
Saengmanee, Dr. Wattana Kanjanakamon and Dr. Surasing Witsarujratana, from
the Provincial Public Health Office, the director of the Educational Service
Area Office 1, Kosol Prakam, and PR official Tantip Tong-ngamkam. The
meeting reconvened on July 11.
In an interview, Dr Surasing noted that sufferers from the virus know they
are sick, but seem to be continuing their lives as normal, thus infecting
others at school, university and in the workplace. This is encouraging the
spread of the infection.
An informational campaign will be initiated, in order to spread up-to-date
information about the virus. 3 essential points will be made; if symptoms
are present, masks must be worn to protect others, sufferers must stay away
from crowded places and make sure they wash their hands regularly, and hot
food should be eaten, using an extra spoon when in company. The campaign
will also focus on information for schools, teachers and their students,
stressing the need for frequent cleaning and disinfecting of premises rather
than temporary closure.
As regards the death, attributed to the virus, of a Rak Chiang Mai 51
member, recently released negative test results confirm the cause of death
as pneumonia.
At the present moment, there are 13 confirmed cases of swine flu in Chiang
Mai, of which 5 are still hospitalised, and no deaths from the virus have
been reported.
Rak Chiang Mai 51 on the rampage again
CMM reporters
The Rak Chiang Mai 51 red-shirt group has again been involved in violent
protests in the city. On July 6, more than 100 of their members disrupted a
visit by the Public Health Minister, Witthaya Kaewparadai, to a local
hospital.
The aim of the minister’s visit was non- political, having been arranged as
a briefing to inform hospital officials of government policy on the H1N1
virus. As in past protests, the red-shirted group had been informed of the
minister’s imminent visit through a broadcast from their community radio
station. During the protest, non-stop abuse was shouted at the minister,
with rioters attempting to break through a police cordon and enter the
hospital. Witthaya was forced to cut short his visit and leave, surrounded
by security guards, through a private exit, leaving the hospital’s director,
Dr Thani Limthong, to immediately lodge a complaint with local police.
Subsequently, the deputy Chiang Mai governor, Pairoj Saengpuwong, stated
that he was unable to prevent Rak Chiang Mai 51’s community radio station
from broadcasting, in spite of the fact that its owner had signed an
agreement that it would not ferment unrest or violence.
Later, as a result of Thani’s complaint, the Commissioner of Provincial
Police for Region 5, Pol.Lt.Gen. Somkid Bunthanom, ordered the leaders of
Rak Chiang Mai 51, Petchawat Wattanapongsirikul and Kanyapak Maneejak, to
attend Region 5 headquarters to be informed of the conditions of their
previously set bail. Bail conditions had included prohibitions against
leaving the country, holding meetings and inciting protests and violence.
However, Petchawat denied having been informed of the conditions at the time
of his voluntary surrender, and stated that he could not accept them, giving
the excuse that, as a businessman, he needed freedom to travel. He informed
police that he would be filing a complaint with the administrative court.
Meanwhile, Rak Chiang Mai members had gathered in protest outside Region 5
headquarters, faced off by riot police with shields and clubs. A vehicle
equipped with loudspeakers hurled abuse and accusations at police for
approximately 30 minutes, after which the rioters moved to City Hall and
demanded the resignation of Pairoj Saengphuwong, who had earlier told the
media he was prepared to revoke the Rak Chiang Mai 51 leaders’ bail. The
rioters also accused local government of hiding the truth about the recent
death of one of their members, (reported elsewhere in this paper), and
blamed the Thai government for the spread of the H1N1 virus.
Thai border troops on alert for Burmese Army incursion
Khajohn Boonpath
More fierce fighting broke out recently around the Karen National
Liberation Army’s Yamu base, located close to the Thai/Burmese border in Mae
Hong Son province. As a result, Thai army patrols are being sent to areas
where incursion into Thai territory by the Burmese has previously occurred.
Around 500 Burmese soldiers attacked the base with mortar and machine-gun
fire; the Karen troops responded with an ambush which resulted in the death
of a Burmese army officer.
The Mission Commander of the special unit of the 17th Infantry Regiment,
Col. Apichet Suesat, has ordered that troops on duty near the Yamu base
should be on the alert for an incursion across the border by Burmese troops
aiming to attack the base from the rear.
Vermicomposting –
Chiang Mai’s answer to burning?
Siriporn Raweekoon
A technique for composting organic and garden waste is being
suggested by an academic at Maejo University as a means of reducing the
incidence of burning in and around Chiang Mai.
 Pictured
is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arnat Tancho, who is encouraging the use of
vermicomposting as part of an attempt to reduce burning of organic waste.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arnat Tancho, head of the Soil Resources and Environment
department at Maejo University and a specialist in earthworms, is attempting
to introduce vermicomposting to local residents, farmers and villagers. Dr.
Arnat recommends the use of Thai red soil worms, (Kee Ta Rae), as they are
able to withstand the hot weather in the region and reproduce successfully.
If the technique becomes widely used, he estimates a reduction of at least
60% in landfill dumping of organic waste, which comprises 64% of the
province’s garbage, as well as the production of high quality fertiliser
with subsequent improvement in soil quality.
Over 100 years ago, Charles Darwin, (author of ‘The Origin of Species’),
noted that earthworms were able to process half their own weight in
household waste in 1 day. By the late 1980s, large-sized commercial
vermicomposting bins were installed in California schools; the technique
spread rapidly worldwide and, at the present time, is being extensively used
in India for the conversion of waste into nutrient and bacteria-rich organic
fertiliser which also conditions the soil.
 A
large commercial vermicomposting bin at the university, showing the process
in operation.
All fruits, vegetables, their peel, tea and coffee grounds, grains, leaves
and grass clippings can be used in a domestic setting; a commercial,
large-scale operation will utilise pig and cow manure, all agricultural
waste, food processing and restaurant waste, and even sewage sludge and wood
chips. Vermicomposting helps to close the metabolic gap by recycling
on-site, and reduces greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide
which are produced in incinerators and landfills. The resultant fertiliser,
(the worm castings), can be mixed directly with the soil, or processed into
liquid bio-extract.
The establishing of a domestic system to full capacity will take 6 to 9
months, after which time a built-up population of around 100,000 worms will
have developed; however, in the West, large quantities of worms are
available commercially, which speeds the process.
A household vermicomposting bin is easy to set up; any large opaque plastic
container is suitable. Holes for ventilation should be bored in the base,
with a fine wire screen placed over them. Dampened, shredded newspaper is
placed in the container as a bed for the worms, which needs to be
continually kept moist. After adding the worms, the moistened organic waste
is then placed in the bin, which should be kept away from excessive heat and
not allowed to dry out. When the bedding and waste is processed, the worms
will need to be separated out and replaced on new bedding. Meat, dog or cat
faeces, dairy products and oil should not be used.
Wedding promotion aimed at
French couples judged a success
CMM reporters
Fifteen couples from France and the Benelux countries have tied the
knot in a traditional Lanna Thai ceremony held in Northern Thailand as part
of a partially sponsored event organised by the Tourism Authority of
Thailand, (TAT), and Thai Airways International.
 Dr
Chao Duangduen na Chiengmai , (left), performing the Bai Sri Soo Kwan
blessing ceremony for the happy couple. This ceremony brings luck,
prosperity and happiness to the bride and bridegroom in their lives
together, and is an important part of a traditional Lanna wedding.
The invitations to get married in Thailand were part of a campaign
undertaken in France to attract the weddings and honeymoon market. The
ceremonies took place at the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai
during 18-20 June.
Chiang Mai was chosen for this campaign because it is the cultural and
tourism centre of Northern Thailand. Although it has undergone considerable
economic development, it still retains its historic heritage of hill tribes,
wood-carving factories and the country’s largest village of traditional
handicrafts, as well as the famous umbrella-painters. It has also become
famous as a centre of traditional Thai massage, meditation, spas, health and
wellness.
TAT’s Paris office had invited couples to get married in Thailand through
its French-language website www.tourismethaifr.com. Interested couples who
flew Thai Airways International were provided with sponsored accommodation,
transportation, Thai cultural and traditional activities, and a wedding
party in Lanna style. Also present at the weddings were many media and
travel agency representatives, together with French celebrities including
top model Melanie Rodriguez, the beauty queen Celia Jourdheuil, and the
presenter on French cable TV, Soledad Franco.
The couples arrived at the hotel on June18; the wedding ceremonies took
place on the following day. On June 20, the now-married couples enjoyed
visits to well-known tourist attractions in Chiang Mai, including the Mae
Tang Elephant Camp, and sampled the facilities available at the famous
hotel. Two lucky celebrity couples were invited to honeymoon on Koh Samui,
although a selection of the media were also invited along!
Panda cub public display and
festivities nets zoo 1 million baht
Siriporn Raweekoon/
Supoj Thaimyoj
Chiang Mai Zoo’s by now world-famous panda cub was put on public display
for the first time over the holiday weekend, July 4-6, with over 14,000
people, far more than been anticipated, queuing to file past the window
behind which was the incubator containing the fluffy little cub. 4,078
tickets were sold, mainly to visitors from outside Chiang Mai, earning
the zoo more that 1 million baht. However, amidst calls for the viewing
period to be extended, zoo officials refused, stating that Lin Hui, the
cub’s mother, was becoming distressed at the long separations from her
baby and losing trust in her caretakers. The baby panda opened her left
eye on the Saturday; her right eye was expected to open within two
further days.
 Students
from Chiang Mai schools wore panda costumes in the Grand Parade which
announced the beginning of the ‘Homecoming and Welcoming’ ceremony, held
at Chiang Mai Zoo on the holiday weekend.
Festivities accompanying the cub’s first showing began on July 5 with a
grand parade, led by an orang-utang and ending at the ‘Panda Club’ area
of the zoo. The parade featured offerings of rice and pandas’ favourite
foods such as apples, carrots, corn and bamboo shoots, followed by
students from Chiang Mai schools in animal mascot costumes – including,
of course, pandas.
On the same weekend, a special ‘Homecoming and Welcoming’ ceremony was
organised by Chiang Mai Zoo officials to celebrate the birth, attended
by guests of honour Chinese Ambassador Guan Mu, the Chiang Mai governor
Amornpan Nimanant, the deputy governor Chumporn Saengmanee, the
president of the Chiang Mai Culture Council Dr.Chao Duangduen na
Chiengmai, and the president of the naming committee for the new
arrival, Yuwarat Kamolvej.
In his speech, the Chinese Ambassador thanked Thailand for taking good
care of the panda pair since their arrival in 2003 as goodwill
ambassadors. He added that the birth of the cub had given great pleasure
to all involved, as it had strengthened ties between the two countries
as well as being a considerable scientific triumph. Supon Dunmui, the
director of the Zoological Park Organisation, explained that the zoo
plans to develop research projects on the breeding of other endangered
species, including hornbills and elephants, in an effort to increase
their numbers.
Ajarn Sanan Thamati, a member of the centre for the promotion of arts
and culture, and Mo Kwan, a shaman, explained that the aim of the
‘Homecoming and Welcoming’ ceremony is to bring back a person’s lost
spirit and improve his or her quality of life. The ceremony is widely
used in ordination rites, promotion parties and housewarmings, and when
a family member falls ill. It is also, interestingly, held in the
farming community for working animals such as elephants and buffaloes,
to apologise for an excess of hard work! The ceremony was given for the
baby panda as she is considered to be blessed because of the benefits
her birth will bring both to inter-country relations and to Chiang Mai’s
tourist industry. Special prayers written for this specific ceremony are
intended to encourage the cub’s spirit to stay with her, and to ask the
spirits to take good care of her and bless her life in Thailand.
Combined student marching bands to compete at international level
The combined Marching Bands from
Montfort and Regina Coeli Colleges, shown on stage at CMU’s
auditorium during their ‘rehearsal’ concert for the programme
they will present at the international competition in the
Netherlands this week.
Supoj Thaimyoj
Montfort College and Regina Coeli College presented a
concert of music for wind and brass instruments on July 9 at
Chiang Mai University’s Convention hall, beginning at 7 p.m. The
concert was a ‘rehearsal’ of the programme which will be
performed by the combined bands at an international competition
to be held in the Netherlands, and would give parents, teachers,
other students, alumni and supporters a chance to enjoy the
programme in advance of the actual contest.
Previously, the two combined matching bands had won first prize
in the 28th Student Marching band contest held January in
Bangkok. This achievement led to their being selected to enter
the 16th World Music Contest 2009, to be held at Kerkrade in the
Netherlands on July 15-23. For the young musicians, this is a
great opportunity to show their talent on the international
stage and gain recognition at an international level.
Chiang Dao man arrested for transporting illegal logs
Part of a large quantity of illegal teak
logs, seized by police and forestry officials. whilst being transported
in 6 trucks from Samoeng to Chiang Dao. Manus Tamkuan, 50, was arrested
and charged with possession of illegal lumber.
Saksit Meesubkwang
Following information received by local police from forestry
officials about the transportation of illegal logs from Chiang Mai’s
Samoeng district, a Chiang Dao resident, Manas Tamkuan , 50, was
arrested June 6 and charged with possession of illegal lumber.
On the instructions of the head of the Chiang Mai Provincial Forestry
Office, Wiriya Chuaybamrung, a checkpoint was set up, resulting in 6
trucks loaded with logs being stopped by police. When asked for
documentation, Manas, who was driving one of the trucks, provided a
permit signed by a local headman, but no legal government permit. Whilst
his arrest was being processed, a police officer suggested to Wiriya
that charges should not be pressed. The officer’s request was ignored,
and he has been reported to his superiors. After his arrest, Manas was
transferred to Samoeng police station for further questioning.
Deputy Prime Minister hears Pai tourism concerns
CMM reporter
A meeting was held July 7 in Mae Hong Son’s Pai district
conference rooms, at which the Deputy Prime Minister, Korbsak Sabhavasu,
met with 120 representatives of the local tourism industry and the local
administration to discuss the fall in visitor numbers to the area.
Previous problems with water and fuel shortages have discouraged
visitors from returning to this once popular area. The financial crisis,
combined with fierce competition from Nan province and a lack of
sensitivity in preserving Pai’s traditional aspects, has resulted in
tourist services and attractions in the area raising concerns about
their survival, concerns which were acknowledged by the Deputy Prime
Minister.
The head of tourism in Pai, Worathep Kuntadee, presented a letter to
Korbsak, which included a request for budget support for the area as
regards year- round tourism, a rethink of the townscape adjacent to the
Pai River, and a reconsideration of the plan to build a new provincial
courthouse in Moo Baan Pa Kam. To the last request, Korbsak agreed that
a building on the proposed site would be detrimental to tourism, and
stated that he would consult with the president of the Supreme Court
regarding a new site for the project.
CMU encourages training in the hotel industry for unemployed graduates
CMM reporters
A Chiang Mai University workshop for Thai graduates and
unemployed young people is being widely advertised locally and
in other universities to draw those who may be interested in a
career in the service industry.
 Ass.
Prof Dr.Anurak Panyanuwat, director of UNISERV (left), and
Dhammaras Kasem, CEO of SD&V Oriental International (right),
pictured during the signing ceremony for the ‘Professional and
Capacity Development for Service Industry Business, the Unique
Academy Management’ workshop programme.
UNISERVE, CMU’s academic service centre, in conjunction with
SD&V Oriental International, a hotel and resorts management and
reservations company, is launching the workshop programme, aimed
at developing the skills necessary to succeed in the tourism
industry, in support of a government initiative to strengthen
the failing sector. The government considers that, even although
the present world financial crisis will stifle expansion in the
sector, there is still a need for trained professionals in the
field of management.
Dhammaras Kasem, CEO of SD&V Oriental International, stated at
the recent signing ceremony between the two participants, that
the programme, which will run between July and August, will
consist of 4 modules; restaurant management, professional
hospitality sales and marketing, food and beverage up-selling
techniques, and ‘mocktails’. If successful students are offered
jobs in the company’s recommended hotels and resorts, SD&V will
coordinate with employers in evaluating their performance in the
real world, and will retrain them if necessary.
New mega-shopping mall
on superhighway to go ahead
CMM reporters
After announcing some months ago that plans for
expansion in Chiang Mai had been put on hold due to the
worsening recession, it seems that Central Pattana, (CPN), the
Thai shopping mall developer, will go ahead after all.
The company is now planning to develop a new complex, Central
Festival, on land at the intersection of the Superhighway and
Highway 118, the Doi Saket Road, a few hundred yards from the
Home Pro/ Carrefour complex. The new Mall will comprise retail
space of approximately 130,000 square metres, and will involve
an investment of 5 billion baht.
According to CPN’s executive vice-president, Wallaya
Chirathivat, the décor will involve cutting-edge design in the
Modern Lanna style, and will be the home of new lifestyle trends
as shown in major malls in Bangkok.
The new expansion reflects optimism regarding the improvement of
the political and economic climate in Thailand. According to
CPN’s president and CEO, Kobchai Chirathivat, the private sector
is beginning to invest again. ‘Personally, I think that
Thailand’s economy has already passed the bottom level and is
picking up gradually. We also expect to experience strong
recovery in the fourth quarter of this year’, he said.
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