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Health Minister boasts 'eggs-for-expired pills' successful
NONTHABURI, July 9 - More than 36 million unused or outdated
tablets, worth over Bt40 million, were returned to health officials nationwide
under the ‘eggs-for-expired pills’ campaign which proved successful, Public
Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri announced on Monday.
The public health ministry held the five-day campaign from
July 2-6 to encourage residents countrywide to return old, expired tablets to
10,000 sub-district hospitals by using eggs as an incentive in exchange for the
medicines.
Mr Witthaya said that the scheme was well received beyond expectation by the
public with over 36 million pills returned. Most of the medicines were diabetes
pills, followed by high blood pressure medications and those for reducing
cholesterol in the blood.
The top three categories of the returned pills were valued at some Bt40 million
while the rest of the returned medicines, about 17 million pills, were
identified as antibiotics, drugs for relieving pain and reducing fever as well
as drugs for curing chronic diseases.
The minister said that all the returned medicines will be incinerated on Friday
at Bang Pa-In Industrial Estate in Ayutthaya province.
As for the capital, the ministry planned to run the programme from July 23-26 at
nine Bangkok hospitals under the public health ministry, department stores and
Skytrain stations.
Following the campaign results, Mr Witthaya said that the relevant agencies may
have to improve drug packaging systems to prevent deterioration in drug quality.
Meanwhile, Deputy Public Health Minister Surawit Khonsomboon affirmed that all
the returned pills will be completely destroyed and will not be reused for other
patients.
Regarding the top three categories of the returned pills--related to diabetes,
high blood pressure and cholesterol in the blood, the deputy minister pointed
out that this showed that a large number of Thai people suffer from these
diseases.
As the patients did not take the pills continuously as prescribed, this caused
ineffective treatment, and the problems of using medicines unnecessarily.
He advised people suffering from chronic diseases to meet doctors as appointed
and to bring the medications which were prescribed previously to show the doctor
for appropriate new prescriptions. (MCOT online news)
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One in three Thai youth ready to go ‘under the knife’: Survey
BANGKOK, July 9 -- About one in every three Thai teenagers
and university students say that they intend to use diet pills and to undergo
cosmetic surgery in the hope of getting more slim and beautiful figures, while
half of all children skip breakfast, according to a recent study.
Commissioned by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation
(ThaiHealth), the study found that one-third of Thai teenagers were interested
in using diet pills and having plastic surgery for beauty-related purposes,
Amornwich Nakornthap, director of Ramjitti Institute said Monday.
In addition, Thai teenagers are facing stress.
One million secondary school to university students experienced depression and
irritability without specifically identified causes while nearly half suffered
from major stress leading to stomachaches and vomiting.
Meanwhile, the study reported that most Thai teenagers skip breakfast.
Half of Thailand’s secondary students eat breakfast while only 37 per cent of
vocational and university students regularly have breakfast, Dr Amornwich said.
To ease these concerns, the Ramjitti Institute director advised that schools and
educational institutes should adjust the educational system by increasing more
alternative activities in order to help de-stress the students and to enhance
student happiness, dignity and self-respect, which would also help minimise
school violence.
In a related issue, Dr Amornwich revealed that Thai youth have a tendency to
have premarital sex with a rising rate from 24 per cent in 2008 to 35 per cent
in 2011.
Twenty-seven per cent of those surveyed in 2011 admitted that their close
friends had unwanted pregnancies or abortions.
Additionally, only 53 per cent of the teenagers learned about limits and risks
of using condoms and 57 per cent of them regularly carried condoms, allowing for
their possible use.
Regarding crime and school violence, Dr Amornwich explained that some
700,000-1,000,000 secondary to university students nationwide experienced
various forms of school violence such as the extortion of money, physical
attacks and brawls with their peers. (MCOT online news)
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Army chief visits troubled southern border region
BANGKOK, July 9 – Deputy Prime Minister Gen Yutthasak
Sasiprapa and Army Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha are visiting Yala and Pattani
provinces Monday to measure progress on policy implementation and to be briefed
on the latest situation report.
A new government-established committee is driving the policy
and strategies to tackle southern violence and decided in two meetings to
implement some 300 projects using a new budget set aside for development and
security operations.
The Army has reviewed the budget spending in the past three months to ensure the
new budget allocation will be directed to the need and will be effective.
Regarding security at border, the army chief said officials will work to halt
smuggling of explosive devices across the border.
The plan to deploy soldiers along the border will be adjusted as suitable to the
current situation. Thai officials will further discuss border cooperation with
the neighbouring country to ensure the safety of those crossing the border.
(MCOT online news)
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Deputy PM confident 49 Thais to be freed prior to Myanmar leader's visit
BANGKOK, July 9 - Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Gen
Yuthasak Sasiprapa said on Monday that 49 Thais earlier detained by Myanmar
authorities for encroaching on the neighbour's territory will likely to be
released prior to the visit of Myanmar President Thein Sein later this month.
The Thai deputy prime minister expressed his optimistic view
regarding Bangkok's move to help secure the release of Thai nationals -- 41 men
and eight women --- who were detained by Myanmar troops last week for allegedly
cutting trees and clearing a forest area to plant para rubber trees in Myanmar
territory at Koh Song, opposite Ranong's Kra Buri district.
Gen Yutthasak said Col Pornsak Poolsavasdi of the Thai-Myanmar Border Committee
is now coordinating with his Myanmar counterpart to secure their release.
"The Myanmar authorities told (us) not to worry about the matter as the detained
Thai who were defrauded to work there will be released," Gen Yutthasak said.
"They are expected to be released before Myanmar President Thein Sein's official
visit to Thailand scheduled for July 22."
Gen Yutthasak said that some 200 Thais were defrauded by brokers to build homes
and grow para rubber trees in Myanmar, claiming that the Myanmar government
would sell land to them.
Those who were lured came from Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi
and Ranong provinces, according to the deputy premier.
Gen Yutthasak also warned that a similar problem could also happen with
residents in Tak's Mae Sot district which shares its border with Myanmar.
In the future, the Thai and Myanmar government may seek an agreement to allow
Thais to temporarily rent the neighbour's land for para rubber plantation, he
suggested. (MCOT online news)
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Thai authorities working for release of 49 detainees in Myanmar: Army chief
BANGKOK, July 9 - Thai army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said
on Monday that Thai officials are seeking to secure the release of 49 Thai
nationals detained for encroaching into Myanmar territory, while expressing hope
that the good relationship between the two neighbours will result in their early
release.
The Thai commander-in-chief made his remarks after three
companies of Myanmar troops last week detained the Thai nationals who allegedly
cut trees and clearing a forest area to plant para rubber trees in Myanmar
territory at Koh Song, opposite Ranong's Kra Buri district.
Gen Prayuth, who is now visiting the southern border region, said he will
discuss the border problems with the Army Region 4 commander, with particular
reference to Ranong province, where residents misunderstood about regulations
and conditions for working in Myanmar.
He said that the 49 detainees -- 41 men and eight women -- are safe and that the
Thai military delegation which crossed the border to visit them provided them
food and took care of them as fully as possible. There was no clash as had been
earlier reported.
"This case should be a lesson that whatever we are in our neighbour's territory,
we must respect their rules," said Gen Prayuth.
The army chief explained that thousands of Thais had intruded into Myanmar for a
long time. Many had gradually returned to the kingdom, he said, but some were
defrauded by brokers who claimed they could buy plots of land at cheap prices
and they could provide them the rights to possess land.
Gen Prayuth noted, however, during the latest arrest of 49 Thais, the Myanmar
authorities also discovered military weapons during the operation. so more talks
were needed as Myanmar law carries severe penalties in such cases.
The army chief said he has asked Supreme Commander Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn to
discuss the issue with his Myanmar counterpart when he visits the neighbour. He
said he expects good results due to the current good ties between the two
countries.
Gen Prayuth said that the Thai nationals are now being detained but have not
been charged with any offence. Thai officials are asking their Myanmar
counterparts not to press charges as the helping process will become more
complicated as the accused must then be sent for further legal action at the
capital, Naypyidaw, quite distant from Ranong. (MCOT online news)
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Hillary Clinton invites PM Yingluck to Cambodia
BANGKOK, 9 July 2012 (NNT) – Prime Minister Yingluck
Shinawatra has been invited by Hillary Clinton to go to Cambodia this coming
Friday.
Prime Minister Yingluck will be leaving for Cambodia this Friday, which is the
same day the constitutional court is scheduled to render its verdict on the
controversial constitution amendment.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul stated that the Prime
Minister had accepted the invitation from Hillary Clinton to give a speech at
the US-ASEAN Business Council conference on July 13 in Siem Reap(เสียมราฐ),
Cambodia.
On her visit to Cambodia, Hillary Clinton will be accompanied by entrepreneurs
from the United States who will discuss on investment in the ASEAN region
PM Yingluck is scheduled to travel by air force’s special aircraft at 3pm this
Friday, and will meet and have a bilateral discussion with Cambodian Prime
Minister Samdech Hun Sen prior to giving a speech before the American
entrepreneurs
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Officials to ensure higher security in the South during Ramadan
BANGKOK, 9 July 2012 (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister General
Yutthasak Sasiprapa has instructed security units to provide extra safety for
Thai Muslims in the South and prevent insurgent attacks from occurring during
the upcoming Ramadan.
During his trip to the South of Thailand to attend a meeting with the local
security units, Gen Yutthasak told the officials to prioritize 29 strategic
approaches to maintain peace in the southernmost region, especially during the
Muslim fasting month of Ramadan from July 20-August 20, 2012. He also reiterated
how important it is to adhere to the 6 joint policies in keeping the situation
under control.
Meanwhile, regarding the 49 Thai nationals, who have been arrested by Burmese
authorities for illegal entry, the deputy premier assured that the group will be
released in the near future. He insisted that none of them has committed any
crime and did not attempt to grow marijuana in Myanmar’s territory as accused.
Gen Yutthasak is scheduled to travel to Myanmar on July 12 to discuss this
matter with the Burmese officials. He affirmed that this issue will be resolved
before the Burmese President pays Thailand an official visit on July 22.
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Police keeping an eye on political groups as charter rewrite being debated
BANGKOK, 9 July 2012 (NNT)-National Police Chief General
Prewpan Damapong has instructed all police units to monitor any public movements
when the Constitution Court hands down a ruling on the controversial charter
amendment this Friday.
The Police Chief has told metropolitan and provincial police to keep their eyes
on possible mass political gatherings after the verdict is rendered, given,
regardless of the outcome, it will pit one side against the other.
The Police Chief said people are entitled to their opinions but forbidden to
destroy public’s or other people’s properties. He added so far no movements have
been reported.
Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Pol Maj Gen Piya Uthayo insisted that police
have always had a security plan to protect all the constitution court judges,
their residences as well as the courthouse. He added that the police are
analyzing the situation on a daily basis and have so far found no threats.
Police have also been recording and filming any political speeches by
politicians, to be used as evidence in case they violate any law.
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Senate committee urges Govt to promote safety for tourists
BANGKOK, 9 July 2012 (NNT) - The Senate Committee on Tourism
is urging the government to raise awareness about safety measures for tourists
via media outlets in a bid to increase their confidence in Thai tourism.
Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Tourism, Mrs. Thanyarat Atchariyachai,
has raised the issue of tourist safety during her meeting with tourism officials
which is in line with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s 9-point tourism
policy.
Under the policy, Mrs. Thanyarat stressed that the safety of tourists should be
promoted through all media channels to raise their confidence in Thailand while
all crimes against tourists, including theft and money extortion, must be
eliminated.
The committee chair said since the death of an Australian woman in a robbery in
Phuket last month, the number of foreign tourists in Thailand has declined. She
reiterated that in order to raise tourism income of the country to 2 trillion
baht by the year 2015 as targeted, the general public must be encouraged to get
involved in keeping their community safe for tourists in addition to the efforts
by the authorities.
The Senate Committee on Tourism is also calling on the government to support its
campaign called ‘Phuket: City of Peace and Happiness’, which will prompt the use
of the IT system to provide safety for the tourists.
Mrs. Thanyarat said this would be beneficial to local residents as well,
especially in Phuket which is one of Thailand’s major tourist destinations. She
added further that if the campaign is proven effective in preventing crimes, it
would be used as a case study and adopted in other regions in Thailand in the
future.
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2012 Olympic Games broadcast won't be blacked out
BANGKOK, 9 July 2012 (NNT)-The National Broadcasting and
Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has disclosed that Thai viewers will be
able to watch the London 2012 Olympic Games live via satellite and normal TVs.
NBTC Chairman Colonel Natee Sukolrat said he has received confirmation from Lt.
Col. Chatchai Sirikalya, Director of Royal Thai Army Radio and Television and
the Television Pool of Thailand (TPT) that the 2012 Olympics can be viewed via
satellite and on free TVs.
The TPT has reportedly been granted the rights to broadcast the games and,
according to the NBTC, there will be no blackout during the live broadcast.
According to The NBTC Chairman, said the NBTC has drafted regulations to prevent
conflicts similar to those reported between UBC and GMM during the European Cup,
and allow the general public to view the global event on TV regardless of who
their service providers are.
Additionally, the regulations will also be proposed to the public for their
opinions within 7 days before the NBTC enforces it to allow for the 2012 Olympic
Games to be broadcasted at the end of this month.
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PM pushes BMA to speed up flood prevention
BANGKOK, 9 July 2012 (NNT) - Prime Minister Yingluck
Shinawatra has instructed the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to
promptly implement its flood prevention plans towards the set targets.
After his meeting with Ms. Yingluck today, Permanent Secretary for the BMA
Charoenrat Chutikarn said that the prime minister had asked the BMA to complete
all flood prevention works by September this year. Budgets for the works are
also to be spent as planned, especially the projects for long-term flood
prevention.
Apart from the flood issue, the meeting called on all sectors to develop green
areas from empty public spaces and suggested that the government allocate more
budgets for the BMA’s financial assistance for students and the elderly.
HM the King opened 5 royally-initiated irrigation projects
BANGKOK, 8 July 2012 (NNT) - HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej has
officially opened 5 royally-initiated irrigation projects amidst cheering
crowds.
His Majesty the King, along with Her Majesty the Queen and
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, left the Chalerm Phrakiat Building of the
Siriraj Hospital at 4.26 pm to the Siriraj pier to start the cruise trip to
Nonthaburi Province.
The royal trip along the Chao Phraya River was commenced, amidst cheering
crowds, on the Angsana ship, provided by the Royal Thai Navy, with the
destination at the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) Headquarters.
HM the King traveled to the RID HQ to preside over the opening of 5 royal
irrigation projects. They included the Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam in Nakhon Nayok,
the Khwae Noi Bam Roong Dan Dam in Phitsanulok, the Lam Phayang Bhumipat water
tunnel in Kalasin, the Thoranit-Narumitr Water Gate in Nakhon Phanom and the
Uthokvibhajaprasit Water Gate in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Along the route, Thais, many clad in pink, awaited excitedly and cheered "Long
Live the King" when they saw the royal vessel.
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AOT: West runway of Suvarnabhumi Airport now operational
BANGKOK, 8 July 2012 (NNT) - The operator of Suvarnabhumi
Airport has confirmed that the recently-repaired west runway has been reopened
for service.
Airports of Thailand (AOT) President Flying Officer Anirut
Thanomkulbutra said on Saturday that the damage found on the 19R runway on the
west side of Suvarnabhumi Airport, identified on July 5th, was not the sinking
of the runway surface but only the worn-out Tarmac.
After the refill of asphalt, the runways has been opened for use again.
Mr. Anirut said that the AOT has been inspecting the runway surface on an
every-other-day basis and any damage will be promptly fixed.
He stated that while the repair service is being performed, all airport
officials are to make sure that the safety of all flights and passengers will
always be on top of the list.
Meanwhile, 42 percent of the repair works on runways in the east and the north
has been achieved, with parts of the surface scheduled to be opened for use on
July 18th, while all works will be completed by August 2nd, according to the AOT
President
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Surin province plants trees for Her Majesty
SURIN, 8 July 2012 (NNT) - The province of Surin is inviting
citizens to plant trees in honor of Her Majesty the Queen, on the auspicious
occasion of the royal eightieth birthday anniversary.
Mr. Pipop Damthongsuk, deputy governor of Surin, made known that the provincial
administration, in cooperation with members of the public and private sectors,
as well as citizens, are planning to plant a number of trees to celebrate Her
Majesty’s birthday. The event, entitled “One Mooban, One Community, 80 Trees, 80
Years”, will promote the planting of trees and the conservation of natural
resources, along with efficient, systematic management of water resources. These
activities are initiated to prevent severe natural disasters.
The event will be opened on July 11, at 1:30 PM, by Mr. Nirun Kalayanamit,
governor of Surin province. All citizens are encouraged to join in on planting
trees in honor of Her Majesty the Queen.
Dengue fever detected in Maehongson
MAEHONGSON, 8 July 2012 (NNT) - Fourteen patients with dengue
fever have been discovered in Maehongson province. Officials are advising the
public to quickly destroy mosquito breeding grounds.
Health officials are hurriedly insecticide-fogging communities throughout the
province that may be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The destruction of
mosquito breeding areas comes after the occurrence of dengue fever and malaria
patients in the province has been seen to be on the rise. At present, fourteen
patients with dengue fever have been discovered, but no reports of fatalities so
far. The greatest number of cases was reported in Pai.
Furthermore, 390 cases of malaria have been reported, along with one death. The
Maehongson Health Center is asking the public to cooperate in eradicating the
breeding grounds of mosquitoes, which are the carriers of these diseases.
Mosquitoes are especially rampant in the rainy season, which is their breeding
period.
The public is asked to exercise caution. Anyone experiencing elevated
temperature and a fever that is not alleviated by medication should seek
immediate medical attention.
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Dented Rayong coast highlightsThailand’s coastal erosion
Construction of breakwaters and man-made land extension for
industrial activities takes a toll in changing the features of coastal areas,
sometimes causing coastal erosion problems in the eastern seaboard province of
Rayong.
Coastal erosion occurs in 17 Thai provinces, accounting for
some 600 kilometres of coastline or 23 per cent of the country’s coastal areas.
In Rayong alone, severe erosion was found on 4.7 kilometres of an overall
95-kilometre coastline, particularly along the Map Ta Phut industrial estate
zone and nearby areas – Baan Nong Faeb and Saengchan Beach. Moderate erosion of
about 1.5 metres per year has been found on 21km -- about 22 per cent of the
Rayong coast.
“In the past, the beach was even but now, it was obviously curved in,” said
Kanchana Monthathong, a local resident at Takuan Beach.
Coastal erosion and sand deposit occur seasonally and
naturally but land reclamation for building industrial town or construction of
wave breakers change the wave direction and worsen coastal erosion without land
accretion by natural force. “Several factors contribute to coastal erosion such
as sea waves and construction of some structures, which change the current
direction, Decha Maneemai, geologist said. “Normal coast without any
modification will experience equal erosion and sand build-up every year.”
He suggested that to ease the problem, humans should let nature run its course
and limit building any structures along the coastline. (MCOT online news)
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Multinational call centre gang arrested
BANGKOK, July 6 - A multi-national call centre gang was
arrested on Friday in the Thai capital, according to Thai immigration police.
The gang of 15 persons, comprised of six Britons, two
Americans, one German, two Romanians, one South African, and three Filipinos,
were apprehended at an apartment in Bangkok's upscale Sukhumvit area.
Presenting themselves to their victims as brokers, the suspects used an
apartment as their operations base to lure European investors to invest in the
stock exchange of Thailand, with a profit of 65 per cent to return to investors
in a short-term period.
Over Bt320 million of damage has been done by the scheme. All the money was
transferred to Switzerland, Malaysia and Thailand respectively.
Police immigration said the detainees received a 25 per cent share of the sum of
money they could attract from their victims. (MCOT online news)
King to launch 5 irrigation projects Saturday
BANGKOK, July 6- His Majesty the King will preside over the
inauguration ceremony tomorrow of five royally-initiated irrigation projects at
the Royal Irrigation Department as well as inspect communities along the Chao
Phraya River hit by severe flooding late last year.
King Bhumibol is scheduled to leave Siriraj Hospital at
4.30pm tomorrow by boarding the double-decker cruise liner ‘Angsana,’ provided
by the Royal Thai Navy.
The monarch will cruise to the north of the Chao Phraya River to visit the
communities and residents along the river affected by the last year’s mega
flood.
The cruise ship will travel to the Koh Kret area, a mid-river island in the Chao
Phraya River in Nonthaburi province, and will pass through Om Kret and Lat Kret
canals linked with the Chao Phraya River.
The king is set to stop by the Royal Irrigation Department
Headquarters at 6.45pm to preside over the opening ceremony of the five
royally-initiated irrigation projects by placing a hand on the symbols of the
five projects.
Meanwhile, residents of the five provinces where the projects are situated will
be able to pay homage to the monarch and witness the special occasion via a
video link system.
The inauguration ceremony will be broadcast live on television and radio through
8pm until the ceremony ends and the monarch on the Angsana cruise ship returns
to Siriraj Hospital, where he has been under medical treatment since Sept 19,
2009.
The five irrigation projects initiated by the monarch are Khun Dan Prakan Chon
Dam in Nakhon Nayok, Kaew Noi Bam Roong Dan Dam in Phitsanulok, Payang Bhumipat
water tunnel in Kalasin, Thoranit-Narumitr Water Gate in Nakhon Phanom and
Uthokvibhajaprasid Water Gate in Nakhon Si Thammarat. (MCOT online news)
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Thai victims of land scam detained in Myanmar
RANONG, July 6 – Thai and Lao rubber workers being held in
Myanmar by that countries authorities reportedly have been misled and victimized
by brokers telling them the land—inside Myanmar—was in Thailand and that it was
available for sale and settlement.
Talks between the Thai military and the Myanmar authorities
in this border zone are continuing in an attempt to release 80 Thai and Lao
nationals detained across the border for forest encroachment, but 18 of the
group reportedly escaped.
The initial investigation found that the Thai and Lao workers were defrauded by
brokers to buy plots of land at a cheap price but they did not realise that the
land was Myanmar territory.
According to the report, three companies of Myanmar troops detained the Thai and
Lao nationals who allegedly cut trees and were clearing the area to plant new
rubber plantations in Myanmar territory.
An unknown number of workers are believed still hidden in the
forest waiting to return to Thailand but some reports said there were hundreds.
The area was identified as Myanmar's Koh Song, opposite Ranong's Kra Buri
district.
The workers were detained on Wednesday at 6.30pm. Three Thais escaped at that
time and informed the Thai authorities.
The Tepsatree Task Force was negotiating with the Myanmar authorities to release
the detainees and an answer is expected in several days. However, contact is
being made hourly to track progress.
The negotiation group which entered Myanmar to observe the situation reported
that the authorities there are taking good care of the detainees, whom they said
were not under arrest. Myanmar authorities wanted to inform them that the area
was not Thai territory and warned them earlier, but the warning was ignored.
(MCOT online news)
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Lampang police seize Bt36 million in illicit drugs
LAMPANG, July 5 - Two drug traffickers were arrested for
possession of illicit drugs with a street value of Bt36 million in this northern
province on Thursday.
Police Region 5 commander Pol Lt-Gen Suthep Dejraksa said
Chaliew Luecha, 54, and Suchin Malisa, 51, were arrested with about 100,000
pills of drugs and four kilogrammes of heroin.
The two men were driving separate pick-up trucks on their way to Bangkok but
were stopped by police at a checkpoint in Lampang's Sobprab district.
During the search, Mr Chaliew claimed that he was a local reporter in Bangkok
and vicinity areas.
Gen Suthep said, according to the investigation, the two were hired to transport
the drugs from Chiang Mai to the capital with two cars.
Mr Suchin drove the first vehicle, followed by Mr Chaliew's car in which drugs
were hidden in the car's tyres. (MCOT online news)
Bangchak to replace faulty equipment fingered in refinery fire
BANGKOK, July 5 – Equipment damaged in yesterday’s Bangchak
Petroleum fire—a kerosene stripper—will be replaced and the company plans to
restart its No 2 crude unit with a 40,000 barrel per day capacity within seven
days, Bangchak President Anusorn Sangnimnuan said here on Thursday.
A statement from Bangchak to the Stock Exchange of Thailand
said the fire started at a kerosene stripper at the No 3 crude unit of its
refinery and oil distribution centre in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district, but the
blaze was brought under control in a short time.
Industry Minister Pongsvas Svasti ordered the refinery to close for 30 days to
allow a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.
Mr Anusorn said that the company's engineers inspected the location where the
fire started for restoration work and initially found that the kerosene stripper
should be replaced.
The company will purchase a new unit from another company and
expected the replacement task would be completed within 2-3 months, he said.
Moreover, within the next seven days, the company will restart the No 2 crude
distillation unit which has capacity of 40,000 barrels a day.
Meanwhile, some 100 Bangchak staff visited communities around the refinery to
extend assistance. It was found that some 50 homes were damaged from the impact
of the explosions at the refinery. Fourteen groups of builders were hired to
repair their homes. (MCOT online news)
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ASEAN Sec-Gen: AEC may expose people to non-communicable illnesses
BANGKOK, 6 July 2012 (NNT) – The Secretary-General of ASEAN
is worried that the integration of the 10-member economic bloc into a community
may put its citizens at risks of catching more non-communicable illnesses.
ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan said that the 11th
ASEAN Health Ministerial Meeting and Related Meetings in Bangkok, which kicked
off on Thursday, will focus on finding measures to control non-communicable or
chronic diseases, which are disturbing health issues within the region and
around the world.
Mr. Surin said that the UN has cautioned that, without proper preventive
measures, the ASEAN Community that will be realized in 2015 may experience an
uncontrollable increase in the number of such patients.
According to the UN, 4 diseases that are most-worrying are high blood pressure,
heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, all of which have taken as many as 36
million lives around the world each year.
In ASEAN, about 2.5 million people have lost their lives from one of these
illnesses, or 60 percent of the number of people who have passed away in a year.
Mr. Surin has urged all governments in ASEAN and 6 other partner countries,
including China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand, to put
more focus on health security in order to help control the causes of
non-communicable diseases.
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Health Ministry determined to fight liver and gallbladder cancer for Thais
BANGKOK, 6 July 2012 (NNT) – The Public Health Ministry is
determined to lower the number of liver and gallbladder cancer patients in the
country’s northeast, which was recognized as the highest in the world.
Deputy Health Ministry Surawit Khonsomboon stated that the Public Health
Ministry has declared a fight against liver and gallbladder cancer as its key
strategy and the main agenda for the residents of the northeast.
According to Mr. Surawit, the number of liver and gallbladder cancer patients in
Thailand’s northeastern region is the highest in the world, at the ratio of 40
patients to 100,000 citizens.
The main cause of such a shocking number is the locals’ appreciation for
semi-cooked fresh water fish, which tends to carry Trematodes or Fluke that can
cause cancer.
The Deputy Health Minister believes that by making the issue an agenda for the
Northeast, the Ministry aims to encourage locals to expand their adoption of the
sufficiency economy philosophy into the areas of health.
He noted that in order to successfully fight liver and gallbladder cancer,
strong collaboration from Northeasterners is mandatory, especially when it comes
to the stop in the consumption of raw or semi-cooked food.
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Interior Ministry suspends issuing permits on gun-carrying into public places
BANGKOK, 6 July 2012 (NNT) – A Ministry of Interior
announcement restricting issuance of permits on gun carrying throughout the
country has come into force after it was proclaimed in the Royal Gazette
yesterday.
The announcement temporarily prohibits the issuance of firearm carrying permits
in Thailand.
It stated that in order to ensure public safety in accordance with the 1947 Act
on Firearms, Ammunition, Explosive Articles and Fireworks and Imitation of
Firearms, gun-carrying permits will not be issued to any persons from July 1,
2012 to June 30, 2013.
Any members of the public who need to obtain the firearm carrying permit during
such period will have to seek special approval from the Interior Minister.
The move follows the government’s commitment to launch a thorough sweep of
firearms in the country in a bid to reduce street crimes.
AOT: Runway sinkhole was not caused by construction flaw
BANGKOK, 6 July 2012 (NNT) - Following the collapse of a
runway in Suvarnahumi Airport last night, the airport’s General Manager, Somchai
Sawasdeepon, said the collapse did not result from a construction flaw.
Mr Somchai said that maintenance works was immediately carried out at its
western runway after a 60-centermeter wide and 5-centimeter deep sinkhole in the
asphalt was found late last night.
The collapse caused several flights to be diverted to Don Muang, U-Tapao and
Chiang Mai airports.
The AOT president confirmed that a structural integrity flaw is not the cause of
the sinkhole. He elaborated that as Suvarnahumi Airport had been closing down
its eastern runway for a period of 60 days for maintenance, the western runway
had to shoulder additional weight, causing it to crack and collapse.
He concluded that airport staff members have been urged to keep a close watch on
the situation and to be equipped with additional landing gear in the event of an
emergency.
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Surapong to clarify NASA issue to Parliament
BANGKOK, 6 July 2012 (NNT)-Foreign Minister Surapong
Tovichakchaikul is set to explain in detail the case covering NASA’s request to
use U-tapao airbase for its atmospheric studies when Parliament convenes in
August while the Science and Technology Minister is reportedly planning to visit
the US to meet with NASA officials.
The Foreign Minister said he had asked for his Chinese counterpart’s opinion on
NASA’s request, during his recent visit to China. He cited the Chinese Foreign
Minister as saying that he had no comment on the Thai-US relations, but China
appreciated Thailand’s consideration of Chinese feelings when Thailand comes to
deal with foreign relations.
As for the US proposal to establish a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster
Relief (HADR) center in Thailand, Mr. Surapong quoted the Chinese Foreign
Minister as saying that each country has its own set of rules and insisted that
it is important for Thailand to consider the proposal thoroughly because of its
complications and involvement with several sectors. Mr. Surapong said the issue
is still in an early stage and there is a long procedure to go through.
The Foreign Minister said that in order to clarify the public on the matter, he
will provide explanations in the next parliamentary session. Meanwhile, Science
and Technology Minister Mr. Plodprasop Suraswadi will travel to the US next
month to visit NASA on the matter.
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Foreign ambassadors invited to listen to Thailandīs water management scheme
BANGKOK, 6 July 2012 (NNT)-The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and the Ministry of Science and Technology have invited foreign ambassadors in
Thailand to listen to Thailand’s water management plan and to share their
thoughts.
Foreign Minister Mr. Surapong Torvichakchaikul said that the documents on water
management, which have been prepared by the Ministry of Science and Technology
and translated into English, will also be provided to all the foreign
ambassadors.
Science and Technology Minister Mr. Prodprasob Surasawadi will be giving the
presentation to the ambassadors. The purpose of this event is to raise
confidence in the couintry's flood prevention plan and to seek a foreign company
interested in working with the Thai government in keeping the flood at bay.
The Foreign Minister added later that after they have been briefed on the water
management scheme, the ambassadors will share their opinions and thoughts on the
project.
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Public Health Ministry orders 4 mil Tamiflu in case of bird flu outbreak
BANGKOK, 6 July 2012 (NNT)-The Ministry of Public Health has
reaffirmed that no outbreak of avian flu has been detected in Thailand, but to
play it safe the ministry has ordered millions of doses of antiviral drugs of
Tamiflu in case of emergency.
According to Department of Disease Control Director-General Dr. Pornthep
Sririwanarangsan, the stocking up on Tamiflu is necessary because not only has
the avian flu outbreak been reported in China, but also in Mexico.
Dr. Pornthep said even though Thailand has been free of such flu since 2007, the
Ministry of Public Health is taking no chances. It has instructed public health
volunteers across the country to monitor the poultry situation and notify
authorities if the animals’ deaths are suspected to have been caused by H1N1.
He claimed that no dead poultry in Thailand have been found infected by the
avian flu so far. He assured the public that since Thailand is an exporter of
poultry, it is unlikely for the avian flu to enter the country.
However, 4 million Tamiflu tablets will be obtained to make sure people receive
the medication immediately should they develop the H1N1 symptoms. Moreover, the
quarantine zones along the Thai border have also been told to be extra cautious
about all the birds imported into the country.
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Ranong to lay out measures to prevent border trespassing
RANONG, 6 July 2012 (NNT)-Deputy Governor of Ranong province
Sub- Lieutenant Pattawee Paratkajariya explained in his statement that 70
arrested Thai people, who are now in Myanmar, were lied to by an investor that
they could grow rubber trees in the forbidden area.
The Deputy Governor said farmers from Krabi, Chumporn and Surathani provinces
were convinced that the Burmese authority had agreed to let them grow rubber
trees in areas that are on the border of Thailand and Myanmar.
According to the Deputy Governor, they were told by a man, who they said was
their investor, that they had been given permission to plough the areas to pave
the way for rubber tree farming.
He further stated that the heavy machinery brought in by the farmers added to
the border problem. The local residents of Pakjan district, which is where Thai
nationals were arrested, are well aware that the adjacent space is the
borderline between the two countries.
He said later that a short-term solution will be applied to prevent any more
Thais trespassing into Myanmar, while a long term plan is also expected to be
formulated to address the issue. Related agencies have been told to keep their
eyes on any activities near the Thai-Burmese border in Kraburi district,
Baanaikrang community since they are likely to trigger a border dispute.
Sub-Lieutenant Pattawee has advised local residents not to believe anyone who
claims the areas along the border are up for grabs. Should anyone suspect any
movements along the border, please contact the authority immediately.
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