Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, August 15th to the 21st, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
1. Thailand reports fifth confirmed Monkeypox case, traveling from Dubai
The latest case was a Thai woman who was traveling from Dubai. She had explicit symptoms when arriving at the health checkpoint, so she had her samples tested which proved to be Monkeypox disease. As she was an imported case found immediately at Suvarnabhumi Airport, no close contacts were found in the country yet. She would be under close observation at the hospital for about 21 days.
Thailand reports fifth confirmed Monkeypox case, traveling from Dubai
2. Instant noodle makers plead for a price increase, and pledge to focus on the export market, but Thai officials disagree, for now, saying it will hurt the poor too much
Last week, five major instant noodle manufacturers called for an increase in their product prices from six baht to eight baht per pack due to rising production costs. However, the demand was turned down by the authorities, reasoning that the current price was still in line with the costs and the 2-baht increase was considered too much for the lower-income people to deal with. The last time the government approved the price increase was in 2008 when the price was increased by 1 baht, from 5 to 6 baht per pack. Last week’s action, therefore, caught the public attention as it could be a reflection of how the domestic economy and the costs of living currently are in Thailand.
3. Bomb and arson attacks were reported in Thailand’s three southern border provinces last night, and police investigation undergoing
Southern Thailand was in chaos again after the bomb and arson attacks occurred at 17 gas stations and convenience stores in Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwas. Three people were injured and one death was reported. As the investigation continued, the authorities presumed that the attacks were not intended for murder but rather to cause chaos and negative impacts on regional tourism and the economy.
4. Several pro-democracy groups began gathering for a public countdown in Bangkok on Sunday to mark the Prime Minister’s end of term this Wednesday
The political movement for pro-democracy activists begins again at the end term of Prayut’s ministry as the Prime Minister is approaching this Wednesday, according to the Thai Constitution. Most of the protests would be held in Bangkok for four consecutive days, from Sunday to the scheduled due date on August 24th. In the meantime, there was no response from the authorities about the PM’s end of term.
And, that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!
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