The biggest stories in Thailand from the last week: “Renaming” of Bangkok drives social media wild, Phuket proposes treating Covid-19 as an endemic disease, and more

PHOTO: Prachachat

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, February 14th, to the 20th with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.

1. Thai tourist faces a fine of up to one million baht for sitting underwater on a coral reef in Chonburi

A picture of a man sitting underwater, appearing to be on a preserved coral reef, had gone viral in Thai social media late at night with many public comments about the appropriateness of the act. On the following day, the Marine and Coastal Resources Office then filed complaints to the man in the picture for hurting or causing harm to wildlife creatures. He could be facing a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding two years or a hefty fine of up to one million baht or both.

Thai tourist faces fine of up to one million baht for sitting underwater on a coral reef in Chonburi

2. “Renaming” of Bangkok drives social media wild, but Thai Government confirms that “Bangkok” will still be used

Another viral topic that went crazy overnight and continues to be jokingly talked about today was the “renaming” of Bangkok… Although the Thai government has since clarified that the renaming of the capital city from “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon; Bangkok กทม.” to “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) กทม.” was only for a government standard. The public was welcomed to use Bangkok as usual.

“Renaming” of Bangkok drives social media wild, but Thai Government confirms that “Bangkok” will still be used

3. Phuket proposes to be a pilot province for treating Covid-19 as an endemic disease by reducing restrictions, stop case reporting, and halve quarantine days for positive cases, Deputy Governor says

The island announced its readiness to be the first pilot province to declare Covid-19 as an endemic disease as well as implementing other measures to concord with the declaration such as reducing preventive restrictions, canceling daily case reports, and cutting the quarantine period for infected patients. However, this was only part of a proposal, verbally introduced by Phuket’s deputy governor, which would take some time to consider and approve by the CCSA and the Cabinet.

Phuket proposes to be a pilot province for treating Covid-19 as an endemic disease by reducing restrictions, stop case reporting, and halve quarantine days for positive cases, Deputy Governor says

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

Subscribe
Nop Meechukhun
National News Writer at The Pattaya News from September 2020 to October, 2022. Born and raised in Bangkok, Nop enjoys telling stories of her hometown through her words and pictures. Her educational experience in the United States and her passion for journalism have shaped her genuine interests in society, politics, education, culture, and art.