Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, September 6th to the 12th, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
1. Thousands of Thai students nationwide start an online class strike today, prompted by the pro-democracy “Bad Student” movement
Many students have shown their resistance towards studying online that has been applied at schools and universities nationwide for more than six months as this studying style did not function with the Thai education system and only caused them stress and struggle, according to their statement. The strike was announced by a pro-democracy group “Bad Student” with an intention to show resistance and demand current education reform from the Ministry of Education. About 8,646 students had participated in the protest since last Monday.
2. Thai Cabinet approves Subdistrict Administrative Organization elections but delays Bangkok governor and Pattaya mayor elections
The SAO elections nationwide will take place between November 28th and December 12th this year, according to the government. However, the elections for Bangkok governor and Pattaya mayor are continued to be postponed until further notice from the original plan around October due to the Covid-19 concerns. The elections will now take place likely “some time” next year.
3. Thai government approves the purchase of 12 million more doses of Sinovac vaccines, to be delivered by October
Another purchase of 12 million doses under the budget of 4.25 billion baht has been approved by the Cabinet Committee for public distribution. The government stated that the Sinovac vaccine will be used as an immunity boost and the cross-formula method between Sinovac and AstraZeneca, which can shorten the duration of injections and help reduce morbidity and mortality rates as well as the government costs for treating Covid-19 patients. The doses are scheduled to arrive in Thailand around September – October.
4. Thai Public Health Minister to take legal action against hacker reportedly stealing confidential information from a hospital database
A social media page revealed last week that the private data of more than 10,000 patients of Phetchabun Hospital under the supervision of the Public Health Ministry were reportedly hacked and stolen for sale on Raidforums.com. Minister Anutin Charnvirakul admitted the hack happened and ordered related officials to investigate the case and promised to take legal actions against the hacker(s).
5. Thailand’s Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao leaves his ministerial position, debate over if he resigned or was fired
Thammanat’s leaving has prompted public debate whether the former Deputy Agriculture Minister was resigned or was removed from the position as his resignation letter was issued Wednesday which has also marked the same date as a Royal Gazette announcement, seemingly stating that he was fired. The announcement was also made after alleged internal rifts within the Palang Pracharat Party during the censure vote last week, which raised more questions about whether his leaving was something to do with a disagreement with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha.
6. Thai Covid center extends existing Covid-19 measures and maintains the same color-coded zones for all provinces nationwide until the end of September
The CCSA continued to maintain the same color-coded zones nationwide and implement the current lockdown measures and a night-time curfew in the dark-red 29 provinces until the end of September as the number of daily infections is still very concerning. Businesses, restaurants, and other activities that were previously allowed to open earlier this month can continue to operate while public and private companies in the areas are strongly advised to abide by work-from-home measures.
And, that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!
Psst….want to see more? Check out our TikTok here
User Review
( votes)
