News

Phuket Governor Describes “Year of Disasters” and Orders Warning System

Published

4 months ago

September 4, 2024

Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat described the impact of three major flood and landslide disasters that have already hit Phuket this rainy season and issued a series of instructions to authorities to increase vigilance for residents and take measures to prevent further flooding to prevent rain-related disasters.

The governor’s letter was handed over at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Office on Monday (September 2), after which the governor explained his instructions to reporters.

According to an official report of the meeting, Governor Sophon stressed the urgent need to conduct a survey and set up ground movement monitoring stations equipped with equipment to detect and warn of possible landslides and flash floods.

The system is designed to give effective warnings up to one hour before an event and cover all high-risk areas in the province, the report continued.

In addition, plans were discussed to plant banyan trees and giant leucaena as ground cover to stabilise soil. The engineers are also tasked with constructing a water storage weir that can slow the flow of water during the rainy season.

The meeting was attended by Phuket Deputy Governor Adul Chutong, Adviser to the Governor Somkit Chukhong, Phuket Natural Resources and Environment Department Director Wattanapong Suksai and other key officials.

Details of the disaster reported by Governor Sophon are as follows:

Floods on June 30

At around 4 am on June 30, 2024, heavy rainfall of over 330 mm hit Phuket province, causing flooding and waterlogging in several areas in Thalang and Kathu districts.

Affected areas in Thalang district include Pak Klok, Thepkrasatri, Srisongthong, Chenthalay and Sakhusub districts.

In Kathu district, flooding occurred in the townships of Pakkua Law, Baan Pakdee, Baan Nuea and Namtok Kathu (Kathu Waterfall) as well as Kathu and Kamala sub-districts. A landslide was reported at Baan Hua Kuan, Moo 5, Kamala City at 6am.

Floods and landslides affected a total of two districts (Kathu and Thalang), seven sub-districts, 44 villages, four townships, 2,059 households and 6,202 people.

Karon landscape

On August 23, heavy rainfall of 200mm was recorded in several areas of Muang Phuket district. This caused flooding and water accumulation in Chalong, Rawai and Karon. At around 5am, a landslide occurred in Mu 2, Karon Municipality, burying nearby houses.

The disaster affected three sub-districts (Chalong, Rawai and Karon), affecting nine villages, 260 households and 817 people.

The tragedy left 13 people dead and 19 injured. In addition, 170 houses were partially or completely destroyed, and a road called Pakbang Road in front of Karon District was also damaged.

Karon Municipality is currently reviewing the information to ensure its accuracy before submitting it to the Karon Municipality People’s Assistance Committee. The committee was scheduled to meet at its office in Karon Municipality yesterday (September 3) to consider providing assistance in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s internal regulations to discuss the costs of assisting victims under the supervision of local administrative agencies. Location of Ratsada on the globe

Floods and landslides occurred in Thep Buri housing estate, Bang Kuk, Mu 3 District, Ratsada Municipality, on August 28. The disaster affected 50 people from 11 households.

In response, Phuket Province declared Moo 3, Ratsada, a disaster/emergency area due to floods and landslides.

As part of the initial response, Ratsada Municipality set up an emergency evacuation centre at Pim Prapai Place Hotel and provided affected families with temporary accommodation at Ratsada Community School in Naluang District until their homes could be repaired.

As of Monday (September 2), 20 people from five households chose to stay in the emergency evacuation centre. The remaining 30 people are staying with relatives.

Rassada Municipality is providing food and drinking water to the victims in accordance with government regulations.

Measures

According to the official report, Governor Sophon announced that Phuket province has developed guidelines to prevent and manage landslide issues through collaborative efforts of all sectors to ensure public safety.

The province has developed a master plan to manage high-risk areas, accelerated the use of municipal-level landslide hazard maps to inform residents in vulnerable zones, and coordinated with local management organizations to prepare before, during and after natural disasters.

Efforts are being made to develop and implement prevention, monitoring and warning systems using the latest technology, innovations, aerial and satellite images and other relevant data, especially in high-risk areas, the report added. The meeting was presented with a list of 49 “risk areas” for natural disasters.

“These resources are used to maximize benefits in terms of land use, especially public works and building construction,” the report said.

“To warn of landslide and flash flood danger, seismic stations equipped with monitoring equipment have been installed in risk areas, providing up to one hour of warning to residents,” the report added.

The report did not mention that residents of Kalong had complained that a weather monitoring station on the hill where the Kalong landslide occurred had not issued a warning. Authorities later confirmed that the equipment had not been activated. Nevertheless, the official report of the governor’s message on Monday stated that “the Ministry of Mineral Resources has partnered with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to monitor and issue disaster warnings for flash floods and landslides through mobile networks to ensure that information is quickly disseminated and efficiently communicated.”

“To further reduce risks to life and property, Phuket Province [Phuket Provincial Administration] plans to plant fast-growing cover crops such as banyan trees and giant leucaena. The Royal Forest Department will coordinate seed procurement, which will be distributed by helicopter to targeted areas,” the report continued.

“Furthermore, the province is working with relevant authorities to design and construct water storage weirs. Engineers are focusing on developing an efficient system that can effectively slow the flow of water during the rainy season,” the report concluded.

News

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra Celebrates New Year with Merit-Making Ceremony

Published

4 hours ago

January 2, 2025

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PM Paetongtarn Hosts Ceremony to Mark the New Year

On January 2, 2025, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her husband, Pitak Suksawat, presided over a merit-making ceremony at the Santi Maitri Building in Government House, Bangkok. This event was held to celebrate the New Year and reflect on the hopes for the year ahead.

Ceremonial Activities and New Year Wishes

Almsgiving and Paying Homage

During the ceremony, the couple participated in almsgiving to 68 monks in front of the Thai Khu Fah Building. They also paid homage to sacred shrines on the premises, including Phra Phrom, the household god, and other spirit shrines.

New Year Greetings

In her address, Prime Minister Paetongtarn extended warm New Year’s greetings to all Thais and members of the media, wishing them good health and prosperity for the upcoming year. Her lighthearted interaction with reporters about her traditional Thai outfit added a touch of humor to the proceedings.

Cabinet Meeting Following the Ceremony

Discussion with Cabinet Members

After the merit-making ceremony, Prime Minister Paetongtarn convened a meeting with her Cabinet members at the Thai Khu Fah Building. This meeting was aimed at discussing government initiatives and strategies for 2025.

Notable Absences

It is worth noting that key ministers from coalition parties were absent from the ceremony, including Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, and Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and leader of the Democrat Party.

A New Year of Opportunities

The merit-making ceremony led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra symbolizes a fresh start as Thailand enters 2025. With a focus on unity and progress, her administration aims to address challenges while promoting prosperity for all citizens. As discussions continue within her Cabinet, there is optimism for a year filled with opportunities and growth for the Thai people.

News

Thailand Welcomes Over 35 Million Tourists in 2024, Generating 1.66 Trillion Baht in Revenue

Published

4 hours ago

January 2, 2025

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Record Tourist Arrivals Boost Thailand’s Economy

In a significant boost to its economy, Thailand welcomed more than 35 million travelers in 2024, generating over 1.66 trillion baht in spending, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced these figures, highlighting the country’s recovery in tourism following the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Breakdown of Tourist Demographics

Top Visitor Nationalities

Among the visitors, Chinese tourists comprised the largest group, totaling 6.70 million, followed by Malaysians at 4.93 million, Indians at 2.12 million, and South Koreans and Russians, with 1.86 million and 1.72 million, respectively. This diverse influx of tourists reflects Thailand’s appeal as a premier travel destination.

Domestic Travel Insights

During the same period, Thai citizens made approximately 197.53 million trips within the country, contributing an additional 952.77 billion baht to the economy. This robust domestic travel indicates a strong local tourism market alongside international arrivals.

Recent Trends in Tourist Arrivals

Surge in Weekly Visitors

In the last week alone, Thailand saw an impressive arrival rate of 943,269 people, marking the highest weekly visitor numbers since 2020. The increase in both short and long-haul visitors demonstrates a growing confidence in traveling to Thailand.

Notable Increases from Key Markets

Over the past fortnight, around 100,000 visitors arrived weekly from Malaysia, making it the largest group during this time frame. Notably, arrivals from Russia, Malaysia, and India increased by 17.01%, 7.86%, and 5.14%, respectively, while there was a slight decline in arrivals from China and South Korea.

Challenges Facing the Tourism Sector

Revenue Targets Not Met

Despite the impressive visitor numbers, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) acknowledged that total tourism revenue fell short of its target of 3 trillion baht. Factors contributing to this shortfall include global economic slowdowns and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Impact of External Factors

The TAT noted that aggressive competition from other Asia-Pacific countries and uncertainties in major economies could pose challenges for Thailand’s tourism sector moving forward.

A Promising Future for Thai Tourism

The welcoming of over 35 million tourists in 2024 marks a significant milestone for Thailand’s tourism industry as it continues to recover from previous downturns. With strong domestic travel and a diverse influx of international visitors, Thailand is well-positioned for future growth. As it navigates external challenges, strategic efforts to enhance its tourism offerings will be crucial for sustaining this momentum into 2025 and beyond.

News

Thailand’s “Treatment Anywhere” Healthcare Policy Expands Nationwide

Published

5 hours ago

January 2, 2025

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Final Phase of the 30-Baht Universal Healthcare Scheme Launched

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has officially launched the fourth and final phase of the “Treatment Anywhere” initiative, part of Thailand’s 30-baht universal healthcare scheme. This rollout commenced on January 1, 2025, covering all 76 provinces across the country.

Overview of the “Treatment Anywhere” Initiative

Background and Launch

Initially launched on January 7, 2024, in four pilot provinces—Phrae, Roi Et, Phetchaburi, and Narathiwat—the “Treatment Anywhere” program aims to enhance healthcare accessibility for all Thai citizens. Dr. Athaporn Limpanylers, deputy secretary-general of the NHSO, confirmed that this initiative is now operational nationwide.

Goals of the Policy

The primary objectives of this health policy include improving convenience and speed for healthcare access, ensuring timely financial support for healthcare providers, and implementing artificial intelligence (AI) systems for efficient pre-payment verification.

Enhancements to Healthcare Access

Integration of Data Systems

Dr. Athaporn emphasized the importance of integrating data systems among service providers to facilitate seamless information sharing. Accurate service and reimbursement data submissions are vital for the success of this initiative.

Improved Communication Channels

To further enhance service accessibility, the NHSO has expanded its hotline (1330), which operates 24/7. This allows individuals to request assistance and schedule appointments easily. Additionally, communication platforms such as Line (@NHSO) and Facebook have been established for public engagement.

Healthcare Units and Service Reach

Current Healthcare Infrastructure

As of December 27, 2024, there are 13,004 healthcare units operating within the system. This includes:

788 medical clinics
1,394 dental clinics
5,491 pharmacies
4,344 nursing clinics
340 physical therapy clinics
453 traditional Thai medicine clinics

This extensive network ensures that millions of citizens can access essential healthcare services.

User Engagement Statistics

So far, approximately 7.04 million people have utilized services under this scheme, demonstrating its growing impact on public health in Thailand.

A Step Towards Comprehensive Healthcare

The nationwide implementation of the “Treatment Anywhere” policy marks a significant advancement in Thailand’s healthcare system. By prioritizing accessibility and efficiency, this initiative aims to provide better health outcomes for all citizens while reducing financial burdens associated with medical expenses. As the NHSO continues to refine its processes and expand its services, Thailand moves closer to achieving a more inclusive and effective universal healthcare system.