PHOTO: Flickr/Flutechill The Thai PM has ruled out introducing another national lockdown as a result of the Omicron Covid-19 variant. However, he says the re-opening of bars and other nightlife venues may have to be delayed. According to a Bangkok Post report, Prayut Chan-o-cha says existing screening measures for international arrivals are sufficient, without having to shut down the country. “Harsh measures are not necessary. There are RT-PCR tests and quarantine is required pending test results.” The PM says the government now needs to strike a balance between protecting the health of the public and reviving the economy. Following the emergence of the Omicron variant, a proposal to replace PCR testing of international arrivals with antigen testing has been pushed back . And according to the PM, the plan to re-open the country’s nightlife may have to be postponed also. “We would like to wait and see for a month. In this matter, we must listen to doctors and health … [Read more...] about Lockdown not on the cards, but re-opening nightlife may be postponed: PM
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Woman charged after insulting PM Prayut in Ratchaburi
Photo via ThaiRath Three police officers charged a middle aged woman for causing chaos in public. The woman, about 50 years old, reportedly insulted Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and blocked the road in front of a community hall in the central province of Ratchaburi 10 minutes before the PM arrived at the scene. PM Prayut visited a community hall in the Baan Pong district of Ratchaburi yesterday to oversee a government development plan in the area. Many locals gathered to welcome the 68 year old PM while police officers stood by to ensure the premier’s safety. However, about ten minutes before the PM arrived at the hall, two women, one of whom was identified as Wantana, rushed to the middle of the road and raised a three-finger salute, while loudly complaining about the PM’s work. Protesters have used the three-finger salute as a symbol of the French Revolutionary ideal of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The gesture was revived by protesters in the 2020 Thai … [Read more...] about Woman charged after insulting PM Prayut in Ratchaburi
Activists agree to step back, while telling PM to resign by Sunday
PHOTO: Benar News Following a televised address to the nation by the Thai PM at 7pm last night, amid rising political tension, anti-government protesters have agreed to take a step back. However, they are still insisting the Thai leader must resign by Sunday and calling for all charges against arrested activists to be dropped. While speaking to the nation via a televised broadcast last night, Prayut Chan-o-cha said he would be the first to step back and called on those protesting against his leadership to do the same. “At this point, we all need to take a step back, to step back from the brink, away from the path that would plunge Thailand into disaster.” Yesterday afternoon, protesters again assembled at the Victory Monument in Bangkok and proceeded to march to Government House, but had their path temporarily blocked by police cordons behind barriers and barbed wire. The activists managed to break through the cordon and continued to Government House. However, at … [Read more...] about Activists agree to step back, while telling PM to resign by Sunday
‘No problems’ in the Palang Pracharat Party – Thai PM
Move on, nothing to see here… The Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says there is no problem in the Palang Pracharat party which would warrant his intervention. Asked yesterday by waiting reporters whether he will step in to address conflicts in the coalition alliance, caused by the Palang Pracharat’s ‘Sam Mitr’ faction’, the PM snapped back “What problem? No problem.” Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda claims he is confident that the PM will be able to solve issues in the party adding that, when the cabinet lineup issue is settled, everyone will start “working for the country and for national interests”. Related news Jealous Thai man shoots ex-girlfriend in the head when she refuses to take him back 7 hours ago Thai siblings take framed picture of dead father to the cinema 7 hours ago The Sam Mitr faction has again threatened to take their MPs out of the Palang Pracharat party and are demanding that the party sack party secretary-general … [Read more...] about ‘No problems’ in the Palang Pracharat Party – Thai PM
PM Prayut Chan-o-cha pressures the public to get vaccinated before the New Year
PM Prayut Chan-o-cha (December 2021) | Photo courtesy of the Royal Thai Government “Everyone should get the vaccine as soon as possible.” PM Prayut Chan-o-cha is calling on the public to get vaccinated as soon as they can to participate in New Year’s countdown events. New Year’s events were given the “okay” by the CCSA yesterday with alcohol consumption allowed until 1am on January 1, but festival organisers need to abide by “ Covid Free Setting ” measures, requiring attendees to be vaccinated. Following the CCSA’s approval, the prime minister pressured the public to get vaccinated before large end-of-the-year celebrations begin on December 27. The Thai government also recommended that the public get vaccinated or take an antigen test before attending house parties or family gatherings to ring in 2022. “Everyone should get their vaccine shots as quickly as possible.” Related news Thailand to celebrate 241st anniversary of Bangkok as its capital … [Read more...] about PM Prayut Chan-o-cha pressures the public to get vaccinated before the New Year
Will he or won’t he? Thai PM will announce his intentions soon.
PHOTO: The Nation The election looms but, at this stage, there is no confirmed date and the elephant in the room – will General Prayut turn politician and run for a seat in the new Government – is yet to be addressed. Pressed yesterday he repeated his past ambiguous remarks. The PM yesterday reiterated his promise to clarify his political future next month, saying that he first has to decide if he will stay in politics before he announces which party he will choose to join. The junta leader said he would decide which political party he would join only after deciding whether to remain in politics. Related news One man’s motorcycle trip from Bangkok to Korat with his 11 cats goes viral 7 hours ago Bones found behind man’s house who committed suicide suspected to belong to missing wife 7 hours ago “I told you I still don’t know if I should stay [in politics] or not. I have to see why I should stay,” Prayut said. “More importantly, if … [Read more...] about Will he or won’t he? Thai PM will announce his intentions soon.
Tour guides to ask PM to act on illegal foreign guides
PHOTO: Tour guides are calling on PM Prayut to take action against illegal foreign guides. (via Thai PBS World) Chinese-speaking tour guides in Thailand have called for the government to take action against illegal foreign guides who they claim are stealing their jobs. The Professional Guide Association of Thailand held a meeting on Saturday to discuss the issue and vow to escalate the issue all the way up to the prime minister. The association lamented that the number of tour guide jobs doesn’t seem to match the number of incoming tourists. While foreign tourist statistics have been growing in leaps and bounds since October 2022, tourism jobs for Thai tour guides have not grown in the same proportion. The group argues that the jobs are there, but foreigners are coming to Thailand and acting as guides illegally without the required guide license. Even if a foreigner wanted to get a license, it is impossible. Being a tour guide is a protected occupation in … [Read more...] about Tour guides to ask PM to act on illegal foreign guides
PM Prayut cuts ribbon on new ferry service to boost tourism in Thailand
Caretaker Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha celebrated his 69 th birthday in style yesterday by cutting the ribbon to officially open a new river ferry service to connect Thailand and Malaysia . The ferry service will transport passengers, cargo and vehicles across the Ko Lok River , connecting Tak Bai Customs House in Thailand with Pengkalan Kubor Customs House in Malaysia. The Narathiwat Provincial Administrative Organization launched the new ferry service as a replacement for an older one, reported Pattaya Mail. The new ferry can carry up to 30 passengers and at least nine vehicles weighing 2.5 tons each, and the Thai government has allocated approximately 38 million baht to fund the project. Narathiwat province serves as a special border economic area, and the Thai government aims to improve infrastructure across all modes of transport in the region to promote economic development. Related news Chinese tourists walk around Chiang Mai in … [Read more...] about PM Prayut cuts ribbon on new ferry service to boost tourism in Thailand
PM takes full responsibility for Phichit’s Chatree gold mine decision
PM Prayut Chan-o-cha told the cabinet that he accepts sole responsibility and consequences for his decision to close down the Chatree gold mine in central Phichit province about three years ago. Phichit is located in central Thailand. A cabinet source says the Industry Ministry briefed the cabinet on the arbitration process launched by Australian Kingsgate Consolidated, the parent company of Akara Resources. Ankara is the concessionaire of gold mining operations in Thailand under the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement. The Industry Ministry’s report proposed four options to settle the dispute: pay compensation to Akara for the closure and the end of mining operations, accept Akara’s proposal which might help reduce the amount of compensation, wait for a ruling from the arbitration panel and comply, or pay partial compensation and allow Akara to continue mining. The source says most cabinet ministers disagreed with allowing the company to resume mining, but couldn’t … [Read more...] about PM takes full responsibility for Phichit’s Chatree gold mine decision
UK prime minister moved into intensive care as coronavirus symptoms worsen
The UK PM Boris Johnson is now in an intensive care unit after his condition with a bout of coronavirus symptoms “worsened.” A spokesman said he had been moved on the advice of his medical team and was receiving “excellent care”. The 55 year old prime minister was first admitted to the St Thomas’ Hospital in London on Sunday night, UK time, for what was described as “routine tests.” The report said that Mr. Johnson was in “good spirits” at the time. But there’s been an apparent change in his health as politicians from all sides voicing their support for his health and recovery. US President Trump has also sent his good wishes. “Americans are all praying for his recovery.” Related news North Korea conducts nuclear tests, spews rhetoric 14 hours ago Donald Trump faces arrest, but is back on Facebook 2 days ago President Trump described Mr Johnson as “a very good friend of mine and a friend to our nation” who is “strong” and “doesn’t … [Read more...] about UK prime minister moved into intensive care as coronavirus symptoms worsen