There are 15 lessons to be learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, a top virologist said earlier this week. Expert virologist lists 15 lessons Thailand learned from Covid pandemic The Nation

Expert virologist lists 15 lessons Thailand learned from Covid pandemic

There are 15 lessons to be learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, a top virologist said earlier this week.

In a Facebook post, Dr Yong Poovorawan said that when a new disease emerges, it has an impact on a person's health, body and life. Initially, people will start panicking because they do not know about the disease, but eventually, they learn to live with it once a treatment has been found, he said.

As per Dr Yong, this pandemic presented us with 15 lessons, namely:

• The more dangerous a disease is, the less it spreads. For instance, he said, SARS which has a death rate of more than 10 per cent, only spread to some 20 countries. In comparison, Covid-19 which has a mortality rate of about 2 per cent, spread more widely.

• Initially, people infected by Covid-19 developed severe symptoms, but the virus began mutating and weakening after spreading more widely. Dr Yong said, the virus will never completely disappear, but we will learn to live with it.

• It is necessary to study the virus, instead of paying attention to rumours and beliefs. He said research on the Covid-19 virus is very important and will be beneficial to the country in the long run.

• Thailand has been far better at controlling the spread of the disease than countries in the West because people here are more used to washing hands, maintaining distance and wearing masks.

• Scores more people in Thailand opted for jabs because they believed it would help prevent infections. In fact, many people reserved vaccines even before learning about their efficiency. Unfortunately, many people succumbed to the virus because they either chose not to get vaccinated or did not get vaccinated in time.

• Vaccines certified by the World Health Organisation have similar efficiency to inactivated, virus vector and mRNA vaccines.

• The mix-and-match formula applied when vaccine supplies were limited has proved to work despite initial criticism.

• Immunity against the virus depends on the number of doses, not the type of vaccines. The virologist said people should get at least three or four shots for better immunity.

• People can still get infected despite being fully vaccinated, but the symptoms will be less severe. He believes that 70 per cent of the Thai population has contracted Covid-19.

• Thailand has bought far too many doses of Covid-19 vaccines, which are now expiring. Hence, he said, people should go ahead with their shots.

• There is a lot of bullying in Thai society, which is why many specialists are afraid to share their knowledge. He said people should also learn to tell fake news from real news and avoid sharing rumours.

• Most specialists read other people's studies and pick out their favourite parts, which may cause confusion.

• Thailand should support the study of new emerging diseases as that will help save a lot of money spent on seeking solutions, especially medicines.

• The development of vaccines in Thailand is limited and can be produced in small numbers. If Thailand improved its labs and factories, it could produce vaccines for the international market.

• People in Thailand have survived this crisis because they cooperated in preventing the spread of the disease. Now, that the virus has been downgraded to a "communicable disease under surveillance", we will need to learn to live with it. It's better to brainstorm rather than insult one another, he said.



Finnish police have arrested and detained the CEO of berry company “Polarica” under suspicion of human trafficking. CEO Jukka Kristo allegedly “deceived” 1100 Thai berry pickers and housed them in “poor conditions.” | Thaiger

 Finnish CEO detained for alleged mistreatment of 1,100 Thai berry pickers

By 

leah

Friday, October 7, 2022 17:46

Finnish police have arrested and detained the CEO of berry company "Polarica" under suspicion of human trafficking. CEO Jukka Kristo allegedly "deceived" 1100 Thai berry pickers and housed them in "poor conditions."

This year, Kristo's company flew around 1100 Thais to Finland to work as berry pickers – an industry that heavily relies on a foreign workforce. The CEO has arranged seasonal work for Thais for several years.

In total, 17 of Kristo's Thai berry pickers filed complaints of forced labour and low wages with the Thai agency that employed them. All 17 returned to Thailand with the assistance of the Royal Thai Embassy in Helsinki.

Thailand's Ministry of Labour announced yesterday that were prepared to help the alleged human trafficking victims.

Following the complaints, Finnish police suspected that Kristo's Thai berry pickers were "in a situation of dependency on their employer" and forced to live in poor conditions.

Finland's National Bureau of Investigation confirmed the criminal investigation on Monday when they detained Kristo in the coastal city of Oulu.

Polarica – who sells bilberries, lingonberries, cloudberries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, sea buckthorns, redcurrants, and blackcurrants  – released a press release denying the allegations.

Despite the allegations, the company's business operations will continue as normal, the press release revealed.

The company says they strictly follow Finland's law of foreign berry picking and says their recruitment of Thai workers is "responsible."

The Finnish court takes human trafficking in the berry-picking industry seriously. In January last year, Finland's Supreme Court sentenced a berry farmer from Hankalsami to one year and 10 months in prison for human trafficking.

According to Thailand's Department of Employment, nearly 4000 Thais will work in Finland this year.

Last year, 70 of the 3,200 Thais working in Finland filed complaints about employment issues.

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Police arrest a 34-year-old man, identified only as Theerapong, in front of a school in Ron Phibun district of Nakhon Si Thammarat on Friday just before he entered it with a pistol to get his child. (Photo: police). NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: Police on Friday arrested a man high on meth, carrying a pistol and rifle, trying to get into a school to take a child away from his wife, a day after the childcare centre massacre in the Northeast. Bangkok Post

Out of ten ASEAN member countries, Thailand has the highest number of guns in the possession of private individuals, according to the Small Arms Survey (SAS). Read more: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-has-the-highest-number-of-privately-owned-guns-in-asean/ PBS World



Police shooter in NE massacre was addicted to drugs since high school - got drugs from another ex-cop. ASEAN NOW

Picture: INN

 

INN reported on the history of Pol Sgt Panya Khamrab who yesterday killed 38 people including himself in the NE of Thailand. 

 

He was a drug addict since high school, boasted of having 100 yaba pills, threatened people with guns and refused to do his job. 

 

He repeatedly annoyed colleagues and the public with belligerent behavior including shooting while drunk and shooting a dog dead.

 

He said he got yaba from an ex-cop who had also been sacked from the RTP. 

 

The media said that Panya became a policeman inn Yannawa, Bangkok, in November 2012 and in June 2019 moved to Na Wang police station in the area of yesterday's shooting and stabbing rampage.

 

When assigned to Na Wang his partner did not come with him. He became thin from repeated drug use.

 

He had a quick temper and was avoided by colleagues. He did not follow the orders of his station chief.

 

In one incident he was ordered to go and protect a branch of the Ormsin Bank but he fell asleep in his vehicle outside the bank instead.

 

When asked by the manager to move because there was an ATM cash delivery he refused and went for his gun to threaten the manager.

 

The manager reported this to his station chief.

 

He then formed a relationship with a karaoke girl called Ying. The bar was closed due to the pandemic.

 

Ying was the girlfriend of a drug suspect who was jailed in Bua Lamphu prison.

 

Panya frequently had loud drinking parties at his police accommodation that annoyed colleagues and the public alike.

 

He would discharge his weapon when drunk and once shot a dog owned by a member of the public. 

 

The police managed to keep this quiet so that Panya was not prosecuted.

 

In July 2021 he was found to be drunk at the police station and was the subject of action by the station chief for foul language and assault of colleagues. 

 

The current Na Wang chief Pol Col Suwatchai Malithong said that Panya had admitted to drugs use since he was in high school. He had promised to quit and his gun was taken from him.

 

But despite attempts to get him into a police rehab program he continued with drug taking.

 

When Nong Bua Lamphu police got involved in January of this year he reportedly said "I've taken yaba for ages - no one cared when I had 100 pills".

 

He said he got the drugs from a former cop who had been sacked from the force.

 

After this things improved but then yesterday's incident occurred. 

Families of massacre victims eligible for up to THB110,000 each in compensation. The Nation

Families of massacre victims eligible for up to THB110,000 each in compensation

The Justice Ministry will provide compensation of up to 110,000 baht for each of the 38 victims of Thursday's massacre in Nong Bua Lamphu.

Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin on Thursday ordered officials from the Northeast province's Justice Office to visit families of the victims.

The massacre by a former policeman claimed 38 lives, including 24 children at nursery in Na Klang district, earlier on Thursday. It ended when the shooter turned the gun on himself after murdering his wife and son at their home.

Under the Crime Victims Compensation Act, families of those killed in the massacre are eligible for compensation payments of up to 110,000 baht each, Somsak said. This amount comprises 50,000 baht for death, 20,000 baht for funeral expenses, and 40,000 baht for loss of family earnings.

Those injured in the attack are entitled to a maximum 40,000 baht compensation for medical treatment and up to 20,000 baht for mental and physical rehabilitation costs. They will also receive compensation for loss of earnings at the local daily minimum wage of 315 baht, as well as up to 50,000 baht for other damage.

Somsak said he had ordered officials to approve and disburse the compensation as quickly as possible 

Thailand's 5 national parks raise entry fees for foreigners by 100% | Thaiger

Thailand's 5 national parks raise entry fees for foreigners by 100%

By 

Petch Petpailin

Thursday, October 6, 2022 17:30

Thailand's five national parks announced new entry fees to their attractions and they're stinging foreigners in the pocket, increasing entrance costs by 100%. Entry fees for Thai people remain the same.

The Department of National Park, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation Facebook page posted a two-page document about the new entry fees last Friday, September 30.

1. Khao Yai National Park in the central province of Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi, Saraburi, and Nakhon Nayok
   Adult: 400 baht
   Children: 200 baht
2. Khao Laem Ya – Mu Koh Samet National Park in the eastern province of Rayong
   (including Koh Talu, Koh Kudee, Koh Kham – Koh Kruai)
   Adult: 300 baht
   Children: 150 baht
3. Mu Koh Ang Thong National Marine Park in the southern province of Surat Thani
   (including Koh Wua Ta Lab and Koh Mae Koh)
   Adult: 300 baht
   Children: 150 baht
4. Hat Nappharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Parkin the southern province of Krabi
   (including Koh Phi Phi Don, Koh Phi Phi Lay, and Koh Mai Phai)
   Adult: 400 baht
   Children: 200 baht
5. Mu Koh Lanta National Park in the southern province of Krabi
   (including Koh Rok, Koh Ngai, Koh Ha, and Koh Hin Daeng – Kong Hin Muang)
   Adult: 400 baht
   Children: 200 baht

*Monks, children under the age of three, and people with disabilities can enter for free

*Children are defined as people aged three to fourteen years old and standing less than 140 centimetres tall

Entry fees as of December 6 last year at the five national parks asked foreign adults to pay 200 baht while children had to pay 100 baht.

Entry fees for Thai visitors remain unchanged.

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BREAKING: Nursery mass shooter shoots dead wife and child before killing himself | Thaiger

BREAKING: Nursery mass shooter shoots dead wife and child before killing himself

By 

leah

Thursday, October 6, 2022 15:17

UPDATE

The man who killed at least 32 people in a mass shooting at a nursery in Nong Bua Lamphu province today shot dead his wife and child before fatally shooting himself.

ORIGINAL STORY

A man has shot dead at least 32 people, mostly young children, at a nursery in Na Klang district, Nong Bua Lamphu province, northeast Thailand. Many more are injured.

The culprit escaped and police are attempting to track him down.

The perpetrator is 34 year old Panya Khamrap, who is a former policeman. He was fired from the force last year.

Panya escaped in a white 4-door Vigo pickup truck, Bangkok registration, heavily scratched on the front.

The pickup's registration is 6 กธ 6499 กทม.

The front bumper fell off as he drove away.

If anyone sees him call 191 immediately or contact Twitter account @CIBThailand or Instagram @cib_Thailand.

Reports say that Panya was fired from his position in the police force last year for failing a drugs test. Reports say he is supposed to face trial in court tomorrow.



BREAKING: at least 32 dead in mass shooting at nursery in northeast Thailand | Thaiger

BREAKING: at least 32 dead in mass shooting at nursery in northeast Thailand

By 

leah

Thursday, October 6, 2022 14:46

A man has shot dead at least 32 people, mostly young children, at a nursery in Na Klang district, Nong Bua Lamphu province, northeast Thailand. Many more are injured.

The culprit escaped and police are attempting to track him down.

The perpetrator is 34 year old Panya Khamrap, who is a former policeman. He was fired from the force last year.

Panya escaped in a white 4-door Vigo pickup truck, Bangkok registration, heavily scratched on the front.

The pickup's registration is 6 กธ 6499 กทม.

The front bumper fell off as he drove away.

If anyone sees him call 191 immediately or contact Twitter account @CIBThailand or Instagram @cib_Thailand.

Reports say that Panya was fired from his position in the police force last year for failing a drugs test. Reports say he is supposed to face trial in court tomorrow.



BREAKING NEWS: Mass shooting at a childcare centre in Thailand’s northeastern province of Nong Bua Lam Phu. Initial reports indicate 30 people killed, mostly children.



Flood situation will not be as severe as in 2011, Chadchart assures Bangkokians. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has assured Bangkok’s residents that although the capital will face a two-pronged battle of rising sea tides and floodwaters from upstream Friday to Sunday, the situation will not be as severe as in 2011. The Nation

Flood situation will not be as severe as in 2011, Chadchart assures Bangkokians

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has assured Bangkok's residents that although the capital will face a two-pronged battle of rising sea tides and floodwaters from upstream Friday to Sunday, the situation will not be as severe as in 2011.

Chadchart gave the assurance while he and his deputy, Wisanu Subsompon, inspected a community on the Chao Phraya River bank in Dusit district on Wednesday night.

His team was accompanied by the director of the district office on a visit to the Wat Thewa Ratkunchorn community, which is located outside the boundary of flood levees.

About 45 of 100 houses in the community have been flooded after heavy rains and a rise in the level of Bangkok's main river.

Chadchart made the visit after the community chief urged the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to build a levee to protect the community from the overflowing river.

The governor told reporters there were three types of communities on the Chao Phraya's banks that are being affected by the overflowing river.

One is 16 communities located outside flood levees, with Wat Thewa Ratkunchorn residents being among them.

The other type is situated around 24 spots with no embankments due to certain reasons. The areas that lack the levees stretch to a distance of 3.2 kilometres. Officials have used sandbags to build temporary levees, Chadchart said.

The third type is situated at old levees which leak. Officials have installed pumps to drain water that is seeping in. They will fix the leaking embankments in the long run, Chadchart promised.

He said the BMA would closely monitor the water situation from Friday to Sunday, when the sea tide will rise and waters released from Pasak Jolasid Dam and Chao Phraya Dam enter Bangkok.

The Chao Phraya is able to handle a flow at the speed of 3,500 cubic metres per second without bursting the flood levees, the governor said.

He noted that in 2011, floodwaters streamed through the Chao Phraya at a speed of 4,500 cubic metres per second.

"The situation is not as serious as in 2011. It is far less severe," Chadchart assured reporters. "We know our weak points and I believe we can survive it. There are only some communities that may suffer from a little flooding."

He made it clear that it was not easy to expand the flood levees from the current boundary because it would require a lot of money, so the BMA was considering other measures to help communities at risk.

The BMA "will have time" to be prepared to handle the situation because it is closely monitoring the water flow rate at Bang Sai Station I Ayutthaya, Chadchart said, adding that he could not tell whether the situation would be aggravated by additional rains or not.

"I can't say whether there will be more rains or not as the world's climate has changed a lot. Anyway, cold winds have started. Without rains, we'll focus on coping with floodwaters from upstream provinces," the governor said.

He and senior BMA officials will on Thursday discuss how to use lessons learned this year to be prepared for coping with the flood/rain situation next year.

"We will make preparations by acquiring water pumps and dredging canals. Most of all, we'll draft a clear-cut operation plan. We can do it if we have more time to make preparations," Chadchart added.



Remembering the gruesome October 6 event. Today, Thursday, marks the 46th anniversary of the killing of students by police and ultranationalist forces in a political clash on October 6, 1976, also known as the October 6 event. The Nation

Remembering the gruesome October 6 event

Today, Thursday, marks the 46th anniversary of the killing of students by police and ultranationalist forces in a political clash on October 6, 1976, also known as the October 6 event.

Thais nationwide remember the event as one of the worst massacres in political history.

The massacre followed a riot in which thousands of students and concerned citizens gathered at Thammasat University and nearby Sanam Luang square to protest the return of former military dictator Field Marshall Thanom Kittikachorn to Thailand from Singapore.

Before that, an uprising on October 14, 1973, overthrew Thanom's unpopular regime, forcing him to flee Thailand to the neighboring country.

On September 7, 1976, a group of political activists held a rally at Thammasat University to discuss the possibility of Thanom's return and its impact on peace and order.

On September 24, Wichai Ketsriphongsorn and Chumphon Thummai, two labour activists from Nakhon Pathom, who put up anti-Thanom posters, were attacked and beaten to death. Their bodies were gruesomely hung from a gate in the province's Muang district, which later became known as the "Red Gate".

On September 28, more than 10,000 people gathered at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok's Pathum Wan district to protest against Thanom returning. The rallyists who comprised college students and the general public decided to move to Thammasat University in Phra Nakhon district on October 3, and later announced they would disperse on October 6 during the day.

However, at 5.30am on October 6, the police used war-grade weapons, including assault rifles, grenade launchers, anti-armour rounds and grenades, in a move to crack down on the protesters. The demonstrators frantically tried to defend themselves, but were quickly defeated.

Right-wing paramilitaries also lynched fleeing protesters, who were reportedly assaulted, robbed, sexually abused, shot, burned alive or beaten to death. Even some who had already surrendered were not spared.

Several sources claimed more than 100 died at the hands of the military, police and paramilitary forces, contradicting the government report which said 46 persons were killed. The report also said 167 protesters were injured and 3,094 arrested on that day.

Now, every year on October 6, relatives of the victims, representatives of political parties and various organisations make merit and lay wreaths and flowers at the Sculpture of 6 October 1976 Memorial near Thammasat University's Tha Pra Chan campus.

Thailand named among Top 3 Best Countries in the World by Readers of Condé Nast Traveler - TAT Newsroom

Thailand named among Top 3 Best Countries in the World by Readers of Condé Nast Traveler

Distinctions for the kingdom in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2022 also include Bangkok at No. 4 on 'Best Cities in the World' list, and Chiva-Som at No. 1 on 'The Best Destination Spas in the World' list.

TAT Newsroom

Bangkok, 5 October, 2022 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that in the just-announced Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2022, Thailand was named No. 3 on the 'Top Countries in the World' list and Bangkok No. 4 on the 'Best Cities in the World' list, while many Thai islands, hotels, and resorts also placed highly on other 'best of' lists.

With its 3rd place spot among the ranking of 48 'Top Countries in the World', Thailand was only one of two Southeast Asian countries to make the top 10. The kingdom scored 90.46, after Portugal (91.22) in first place and Japan (91.17) in second, and ahead of Singapore (90.09) in fourth.

Similarly, Bangkok was only one of two Southeast Asian cities to appear on the list of the 10 'Best Cities in the World'. The Thai capital placed in 4th spot with a score of 89.36, after San Miguel de Allende in Mexico (92.94) in 1st spot, Singapore (89.49) in 2nd, and Victoria in Canada (89.46) in 3rd.

On the list of the 10 'Top Islands' in Asia, Ko Samui was named 3rd with a score of 92.13, Phuket was 5th (90.88) and the Phi Phi Islands was 10th (76.41).

The list of 'The Best Resorts in the World' saw Rosewood Phuket named 11th best out of a total of 50 resorts.

The list of 'The Best Hotels in the World' saw two Thailand properties featured among the total of 50 hotels. These were The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok in 20th place, and Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River in 48th place.

On the list of 'The Best Destination Spas in the World', Chiva-Som in Hua Hin was named in the No. 1 spot with a score of 99.57, and Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa on Ko Samui was named in the No. 4 spot with 99.01.

On the list of 'The Best Train Trips in the World', the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia journey from Singapore to Bangkok was named 8th best out of a total of 20 train journeys.

There were five Thai properties included on the list of 'The Best Hotels in South-east Asia'. These were The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok in 1st place (99.45), Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River in 3rd (99.04), Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok in 5th (98.65), Capella Bangkok in 7th (98.49), and COMO Metropolitan Bangkok in 8th place with a score of 98.20.

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2022 also featured Thailand-specific lists – 'The Top 15 Resorts in Thailand' and the top resorts in Thailand under 'The Best Resorts in the World' listings by country and region.

The list of 'The Top 15 Resorts in Thailand' was as follows:

1. Rosewood Phuket (99.49)

2. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Chiang Rai (97.63)

3. COMO Point Yamu in Phuket (96.62)

4. The Nai Harn in Phuket (96.62)

5. Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa (96.52)

6. Angsana Laguna Phuket (96.51)

7. The Slate in Phuket (96.09)

8. Anantara Hua Hin Resort (95.46)

9. The Sarojin in Khao Lak (94.74)

10. Banyan Tree Samui (94.73)

11. Anantara Chiang Mai Resort (94.59)

12. Trisara in Phuket (93.16)

13. Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort (92.02)

14. Pimalai Resort & Spa in Ko Lanta (91.94)

15. Avani+ Samui Resort (91.65)

The list of the top resorts in Thailand under 'The Best Resorts in the World' was as follows:

1. Rosewood Phuket

2. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Chiang Rai

3. COMO Point Yamu in Phuket

4. The Nai Harn in Phuket

5. Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa

6. Angsana Laguna Phuket

7. The Slate in Phuket

8. Anantara Hua Hin Resort

9. The Sarojin in Khao Lak

10. Banyan Tree Samui

Milder energy prices moderate inflation. Inflation in Thailand is showing clear signs of deceleration after the rate of price increases declined by more than one percentage point last month. Bangkok Post

Milder energy prices moderate inflation

Fresh food prices increased in September, especially for meats, eggs, vegetables and fruit. Somchai Poomlard

Inflation in Thailand is showing clear signs of deceleration after the rate of price increases declined by more than one percentage point last month.

The Commerce Ministry on Wednesday reported headline inflation, gauged by the consumer price index (CPI), edged up by 6.41% year-on-year in September, easing from 7.86% in August, 7.61% in July, 7.66% in June, 7.1% in May, and 4.7% in April.

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, deputy permanent secretary of commerce, said the main contributions to the declining rate were a decrease in energy prices and a price growth deceleration for housing and seasonings, as well as a high base in September 2021.

"The high cost of production, flooding, and growing demand for goods and services were significant factors that kept inflation expanding, but at a lower rate," said Mr Poonpong.

Energy prices were 16.1% higher compared with September last year, following rising prices for fuel and electricity.

While fuel prices are still high compared with 2021, prices have been dropping for months. Prices for non-food and beverage items rose by 4.10% year-on-year in September, and prices of liquefied petroleum gas, personal care items, public transport, education, and tobacco and alcoholic beverages were higher than last year.

Prices of some items fell, such as face powder, ironing spray, shipping fees, TVs, air conditioners and washing machines.

Fresh food prices rose 11.0% year-on-year following rising costs for meat, eggs, fresh vegetables and fruit. Moreover, prices of prepared food increased slightly and seasonings started to decline amid high costs of production, ingredients and logistics.

Flooding damage to agricultural areas coupled with a recovery in domestic demand caused prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages to rise by 9.82%. However, prices of several items dropped, such as glutinous rice, shredded coconut, tamarind juice, bananas and delivered food.

Core inflation, which excludes raw food and energy prices, posted a year-on-year rise of 3.12% in September, compared with 3.15% in August and 2.99% in July.

On a month-on-month basis, the CPI rose by 0.22%, attributed to higher prices of prepared food, non-alcoholic beverages and fresh food.

For a nine-month average, headline inflation rose by 6.17% year-on-year, with core inflation increasing by 2.26%.

Mr Poonpong said inflation in the final quarter of 2022 is expected to decelerate from the previous quarter because of falling prices of crude oil and food products, combined with a high base in the fourth quarter of last year.

In addition, the government is expected to implement further measures to assist the public with rising costs of living.

However, promising demand for tourism and exports, the effects of recent floods on prices, and fears about baht depreciation are adverse factors that could limit the easing of inflation.

Headline inflation for the full year is projected to range between 5.5-6.5%, in line with the current economic situation and projections released by other government agencies.



Restaurants cautioned over 10% service charge. Restaurants are able to collect a 10% service charge only when they prominently display the fee to customers, according to the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB). Bangkok Post

Restaurants cautioned over 10% service charge

Restaurants are able to collect a 10% service charge only when they prominently display the fee to customers, according to the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB).

Pol Col Prateep Charoengul, deputy secretary-general and spokesman of the OCPB, on Tuesday responded to a question over whether a customer needs to pay for a service charge. He responded by saying the service charge is an extra charge that restaurants collect from customers which differs from tips that customers give when they are satisfied with the service.

The service charge is normally collected at no more than 10% of the total bill. It is an optional and not a mandatory charge that a restaurant can choose to include on the bill, Pol Col Prateep said. But to ensure the fair treatment of customers, all business operators must comply with customer protection laws by clearly displaying a notice saying that they collect a service charge.

"It is the right of customers to know all the charges they will get from a restaurant before they decide to dine in the restaurant or not," he said.

If restaurant owners fail to comply, customers can refuse to pay the service charge, Pol Col Prateep said.

Customers can file a complaint with the Department of Internal Trade (DIT) or call its 1166 hotline if a restaurant collects a service charge of over 10% or does not display a notification that they will collect such a charge, Pol Col Prateep said.

The service charge issue has recently gained public attention after former senator Jermsak Pinthong, who is also a special lecturer from the Faculty of Economics at Thammasat University, questioned the necessity for a customer to pay a service charge in a restaurant.

In a Facebook post, he said after discussing with six legal experts, he found that customers have the right to refuse to pay the service charge. Restaurants, he said, have no right to force customers to pay a service charge.

In a restaurant, there are no special services other than serving food to customers, he said. But restaurants charge 10% for their service while some other restaurants in Bangkok collect a 15%-20% charge.

Stimulus plan revived as Prayut returns. Tourism scheme was put on hold in August. The Tourism and Sports Ministry is pushing ahead with its proposals for a 1-billion-baht stimulus project and a 4am closing time for entertainment venues as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha returns to office. Bangkok Post

Stimulus plan revived as Prayut returns

Passengers queue up to check in at Suvarnabhumi airport. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

The Tourism and Sports Ministry is pushing ahead with its proposals for a 1-billion-baht stimulus project and a 4am closing time for entertainment venues as Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha returns to office.

Covid-19 was downgraded to endemic on Oct 1, prompting the phase-out of both the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and the Centre for Economic Situation Administration (CESA).

Tourism-related schemes were expected to be proposed to the CCSA and CESA, but they were delayed after Gen Prayut was suspended while waiting for the Constitutional Court's ruling on his eight-year tenure.

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the tourism and sports minister, said without the CCSA and CESA, all proposals would follow normal pre-pandemic practices, which means related departments and ministers must review them before submission to the cabinet for approval.

Projects in the pipeline include a 1-billion-baht tourism stimulus scheme dubbed "Booster Shot", which has been slated for vetting by the National Economic and Social Development Council, but still requires cabinet approval for allocation of the budget.

The aim of this project is to solve the problem of insufficient seat capacity on planes, with at least 1 million seats to be added during the high season, along with other stimulus measures for tour bus operators and hotels.

Mr Phiphat said the proposal to extend the opening hours of night-time entertainment venues will need local administrative approvals.

Bangla Road in Patong, Phuket has been selected as a pilot area to test the new opening hours.

According to a case study from Bangla Road, most foreign tourists leave their hotels at 11pm to head to night entertainment venues.

They travel for an average of 30-40 minutes to reach their destinations, and as a result cannot stay there for long before closing time at 2am.

Because of this limitation, Thailand has been losing out on roughly 70 million baht per day, as tourists tended to spend the most between 1am and 4am, according to the study.

With Gen Prayut reinstated, Mr Phiphat said other projects should continue seamlessly, such as the 300-baht tourism fee, the promotion of Phangnga as a low-carbon destination, and turning certain provinces into medical hubs.

Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association, said tourism needs stability as the industry is recovering.

She said if protests occur, the government needs to adopt a peaceful approach and ensure no street closures, particularly in tourist areas such as Ratchaprasong in Bangkok.

"The government must manage the crowds and demonstrations in an appropriate manner," said Mrs Marisa.

If Thailand holds a general election next year, she said tourism should be the priority for any government because it is driving the economy.