COVID-19 infections are rising steadily - Dr Thira

12 Sept 00:06 Key points summarised by AI

Dr. Thira Woratanarat reports a consistent 11-week rise in COVID-19 cases in Thailand, with 31,688 new infections between May 11-17, directly refuting official statements of declining numbers.
Official case counts are likely significant underreports, as they exclude individuals not visiting hospitals and historically double upon updates, indicating the current figures will substantially increase.
The public is urged to wear face masks in crowded environments and avoid close contact with sick individuals, as the current three-month wave is projected to continue spreading before eventually subsiding.

Government to start building Chainat-Pasak-Gulf water diversion canal next year

Today 14:58 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's government will launch the "Chainat-Pasak-Gulf" water diversion canal project in fiscal year 2027, a seven-year mega-infrastructure initiative.
This permanent structural solution aims to mitigate recurrent central plains flooding by diverting water from the Chao Phraya River directly into the Gulf of Thailand, significantly reducing flow to major cities like Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul justifies the long-term investment as a means to reduce future damages and fiscal burdens, contrasting it with the 40-50 billion baht spent annually on short-term flood relief.
Concurrently, the Prime Minister instructed officials to expand drainage capacity into the Tha Chin River and swiftly remove water hyacinths to improve immediate flood management.