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Thai Housekeeper Inherits $2.7million and 3 Cats from French Woman in Koh Samui

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Pa Tim (Aunty Tim), a Thai housekeeper, tearfully said on May 2, 2024, that she was shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Madame Catherine, who left her fortune and three cats to her. 

KOH SAMUI – A French businesswoman, Madame Catherine, 59, who lived in a luxurious villa on Koh Samui in Thailand’s Surat Thani province, committed suicide by shooting herself. She left her 100 million baht, or about 2.7 million USD, fortune and three cats to her Thai housekeeper, known as “Pa Tim,” in her will.

Pa Tim (Aunty Tim), from Wanorn Niwas district in Sakon Nakhon province, tearfully said on Thursday she was shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Madame Catherine.

The Thai housekeeper said she had known Madame Catherine for over 17 years. She was introduced to Madame Catherine by a friend and started working as a housekeeper at Madame Catherine’s rental property. Mrs. Catherine then expanded her business from a rental property to a resort and villas, and Pa Tim continued to work for her throughout her career. She receives a salary of 22,000 baht per month.

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A villa of a French businesswoman, Madame Catherine, who committed suicide, is left to Pa Tim, her housekeeper.

Before the incident occurred, on April 28, Pa Tim went to clean the house as usual. During the afternoon, she informed Madame Catherine that she was going to take leave to go to the temple, as it was her birthday. Madame Catherine allowed her and then said “Happy Birthday to you”.

The next day, the pool cleaner called Pa Tim and told her that Madame Catherine was lying on the ground next to the pool, covered in blood. Pa Tim said she was so shocked and rushed to the house. When she got there, she found that her boss had died with a gunshot wound to her temple.

After checking her LINE messages, Pa Tim found a message from Madame Catherine indicating that there was a farewell letter in the safebox. She and Madame Catherine’s friend then opened the safe and read the letter together.

It starts with the word “Au revoir” or “Goodbye,” and says, “My journey ends here. I very sincerely believe that you are a person of integrity. That’s why I leave you my safe. The second copy is for Tim. I wish to be cremated and my ashes scattered, if possible, in Saparot.”

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Pa Tim gives an interview to Thai media. She tearfully talks about Madame Catherine, whom she loves like a relative.

The letter stated that Madame Catherine was bequeathing her villa, along with the surrounding land, two additional acres of vacant land, luxury cars, jewelry, rings, diamonds stored in the safe, and all cash in the bank to Pa Tim. She was also giving two other villas to Mr. Vincent, Madame Catherine’s ex-husband. Additionally, the Frenchwoman requested that Pa Tim take care of her three beloved cats.

“I want her to stay with me. I didn’t want that to happen. I received so much from her, but I lost her. I’m heartbroken and miss her so much. I don’t want her to leave me. She was like a mother to me, taking care of me all these years. I promise I’ll do my best,” said Pa Tim.

The Thai housekeeper, who has four children, also revealed that Madame Catherine had transferred her salary, internet fees, water and electricity bills in full before her death. She had also transferred 500,000 baht to Pa Tim to cover her funeral expenses. Pa Tim promised to hold a proper funeral and never forget Madame Catherine’s kindness.

She still does not know what she will do with the villa in the future, but she is sure that she will not sell it. This also applies to the luxury cars that Madame Catherine left her, even though she can not drive.

Pa Tim believes that Madame Catherine’s decision to commit suicide may have been due to stress from her illness. She had hemorrhoids that eventually turned into cancer. She may have wanted to pass away peacefully.

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Death Toll Jumps to at Least 48 as a Search Continues in Southern China Highway Collapse

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, an aerial photo shows rescuers work at the site of a collapsed road section of the Meizhou-Dabu Expressway in Meizhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Wednesday, May 1, 2024. (Xinhua News Agency via AP)

BEIJING (AP) — The death toll from a collapsed highway in southeastern China climbed to 48 on Thursday as searchers dug for a second day through a treacherous and mountainous area.

One side of the four-lane highway in the city of Meizhou gave way about 2 a.m. on Wednesday after a month of heavy rains in Guangdong province. Twenty-three vehicles fell down a steep slope, some sending up flames as they caught fire. Construction cranes were used to lift out the burnt-out and mutilated vehicles.

Officials in Meizhou said three other people were unidentified, pending DNA testing. It wasn’t immediately clear if they had died, which would bring the death toll to 51. Another 30 people had non-life-threatening injuries.

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A firefighter sprays water on the remains of a car in the aftermath of the collapse of a highway section on the Meizhou-Dabu Expressway in Meizhou, south China’s Guangdong Province on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.  (Xinhua via AP)

The search was still ongoing, Meizhou city Mayor Wang Hui said at a late-afternoon news conference. No foreigners have been found among the victims, he said.

Search work has been hampered by rain and land and gravel sliding down the slope. The disaster left a curving earth-colored gash in the otherwise verdant forest landscape. Excavators dug out a wider area on the slope.

“Because some of the vehicles involved caught fire, the difficulty of the rescue operation has increased,” said Wen Yongdeng, the Communist Party secretary for the Meizhou emergency management bureau.

“Most of the vehicles were buried in soil during the collapse, with a large volume of soil covering them,” he said.

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Rescuers and excavators working at the site of a highway section that collapsed on the Meizhou-Dabu Expressway in Meizhou, south China’s Guangdong Province. (Wang Ruiping/Xinhua via AP)
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A section of a highway collapsed early Wednesday in southern China, sending cars tumbling and leaving more than a dozen of people dead, according to state media. (Xinhua News Agency via AP)

He added that the prolonged heavy rainfall has saturated soil in the area, “making it prone to secondary disasters during the rescue process.”

Over 56 centimeters (22 inches) of rain has fallen in the past four weeks in the county where the roadway collapsed, more than four times as much as last year. Some villages in Meizhou flooded in early April, and the city has seen more rain in recent days.

Parts of Guangdong province have seen record rains and flooding in the past two weeks, as well as hail. A tornado killed five people in Guangzhou, the provincial capital, during rain and hail storms last weekend.

The highway section collapsed on the first day of a five-day May Day holiday, when many Chinese are traveling at home and abroad.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping said that all of China’s regions should improve their monitoring and early warning measures and investigate any risks to ensure the safety of the public and social stability, state broadcaster CCTV said.

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Utah Cat With a Fondness for Cardboard Takes Surprise Trip to California in an Amazon Box

In this photo provided by Carrie Clark of Lehi, Utah, is Galena, a 6-year-old house cat. Clark says Galena went missing after jumping into a box being returned to Amazon without its owners noticing. (Carrie Clark via AP Photo)

Galena, a 6-year-old house cat from Utah, likes hiding and playing with cardboard.

Earlier this month, the combination of the two made for a stressful trip in an Amazon package, a feverish search, a California rescue and a tearful reunion.

Her family is still waiting to “reintroduce cardboard to her again,” owner Carrie Clark said Tuesday, because they don’t want to stress her out.

Clark got Galena as a kitten after her aunt rescued a pregnant feral cat. The American short hair with calico and Siamese coloring has been a constant companion and source of emotional support.

“I’ve been through a bunch of health things and she and I have gone through all of that together. And she’s she just has this extra great part about her personality that’s very loving. And she can tell when you don’t feel well,” Clark said. “And she’s just really, really special to me.”

So when Galena disappeared on April 10, Clark was beside herself.

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In this photo provided by Carrie Clark of Lehi, Utah, Carrie poses with Galena, a 6-year-old house cat. Clark says Galena went missing after jumping into a box being returned to Amazon without its owners noticing. (Carrie Clark via AP Photo)

They searched the neighborhood, put up flyers and posted notices on Facebook lost pet pages in Lehi, Utah.

“Not knowing what had happened to her was pretty excruciating,” Clark said, “I cried my eyes out for seven days trying to figure out what had happened.” Clark also ran through all the worst-case scenarios, wondering if the cat could have gotten out of the house and been nabbed by a predator or run over by a vehicle.

Clark said she received a “text that changed my life” on April 17, saying that Galena’s microchip had been scanned, so Clark knew she had been found somewhere. Soon after, she got a call saying her cat was near Riverside, California, after being found in a box along with steel-toed boots that had been returned to an Amazon warehouse.

Clark’s husband had ordered several pairs of boots, kept one and returned the rest in a large box on April 10.

“We realized that that our sweet kitty must have jumped into that box without us knowing,” she said.

Amazon employees knew just who to call when they found the feline — co-worker Brandy Hunter, who rescues cats, Clark said.

Hunter took the cat home and to the vet the next day, where the microchip was scanned.

Clark spoke with Hunter who “calmed me down and told me that my kitty was OK,” despite having spent six days in a cardboard box without food or water.

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In this photo provided by Carrie Clark of Lehi, Utah, is Galena, a 6-year-old house cat. Clark says Galena went missing after jumping into a box being returned to Amazon without its owners noticing. (Carrie Clark via AP Photo)

“I wanted desperately to be with her,” Clark said. She and her husband flew to California the next day, reunited with Galena at the veterinarian’s office and rented a car to drive home.

“We did what we needed to do because I just adore her,” Clark said.

It was an intensely emotional week.

“I went from hysterically laughing that she was stuck like that — we mailed our cat — you know … just the humor part of that, to hysterically crying all within like five seconds,” Clark said.

The family was lucky to get Galena back, Clark said, in part because the weather was not harsh during the time the cat was missing, the box was torn at a seam, allowing her to get more air, and because Hunter who took her to a vet and had her scanned for a microchip.

Since word got out, Clark has been sharing her cat’s story, with advice to microchip your pets and to double-check your Amazon boxes before returning them.

Galena is a quiet cat, Clark said.

“She didn’t meow,” Clark said. “We would have loved for her to meow so we knew that she was,” in the box.

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B.Grimm Power Invests $3.39 Million to Enter the Middle East Renewable Energy Market

B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited announced a new investment to penetrate the clean energy market in the Middle East by investing over $3.39 million to acquire a 40% shareholding in ThreeEightSix Holdings Ltd, an independent power producer focused on Commercial & Industrial solar assets in the GCC region. This investment aims to meet the growing demand for renewable energy in the region.

This investment is driven by the potential seen in the Middle Eastern renewable energy industry, which aligns with various countries’ policies. For example, the UAE has plans to increase its renewable energy capacity from 3.7 gigawatts in 2023 to 19.8 gigawatts by 2030. Similarly, Saudi Arabia has committed to expand its renewable capacity from less than 1 gigawatt in 2022 to 58 gigawatts by 2030. Bahrain, although a smaller market, has set a clear renewable energy policy aiming to increase its capacity to 710 megawatts by 2035.

ThreeEightSix Holdings Ltd. Ltd has solar rooftop assets and solar energy sale agreements for a total capacity of 33.7 megawatts in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. The projects include five operating projects with a combined capacity of 4.1 megawatts and another ten projects in development and construction stages, aiming for an additional capacity of 29.6 megawatts. All projects are targeted for commercial operation (COD) during 2024 – 2025, meeting the increasing demand for renewable energy and marking B.Grimm Power’s new investment in the clean energy market of the Middle East through this Joint Venture. B.Grimm Power expects it as a small start to significant investments in the Middle East in the future.

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Pattaya Rescuers Find 4 Missing French Visitors Stranded on an Island

The four French tourists went out on a boat to go spearfishing at 7:00 a.m. on May 1, 2024.

PATTAYA – A group of four French tourists went missing at sea, unreachable since Wednesday morning. As a result, the Pattaya water rescue team frantically searched for them. Later, they found only an empty boat floating in the middle of the sea, fearing that they may have encountered a tragic accident. However, in the end, they were fortunate that the rescue team found them stranded on an island.

The four French tourists are Mr. Adrien, 38 years old, Mr. Mehdi, 47 years old, Mr. Vincent, 30 years old, and Mr. Stefan, 32 years old. They went out on a boat to go spearfishing at 7:00 a.m. on May 1. After that, they lost contact and disappeared. Both foreign and Thai friends were unable to contact them.

Later, a Facebook user named Supoj Chomdokmai posted a picture of a 1-engine speedboat named “VAZIMOLO” with a message saying, “Friends, please help share this. This boat went out at Na Jomtien this morning, May 1, around 7:00 AM. It has not returned to shore yet and is unreachable. There were 4 people on board. If anyone sees it, please contact me.”

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“An internet user posted a picture of a boat on Facebook, saying ‘Did anyone’s friends or relatives go out fishing? I found the boat but not the people.'”

He posted again that someone found this boat floating aimlessly in the middle of the sea, about 11 nautical miles from Koh Si Chang, Si Racha district, towards the Bangkok channel, but no one was found on the boat.

After that, the water rescue operation team of the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation in Pattaya launched a speedboat from the Jomtien Pier, Moo 12, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, to search for them but could not find them.

Until 10:45 a.m. on May 2, the Sawang Rojanapattaya rescue team and the sailor Ek who posted the search message on Facebook found the four foreigners stranded on Koh Marawichai, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. They were all safe but in an exhausted and hungry state.

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The French tourists posed in a wai gesture to thank the police and the rescue team for helping them.

The rescue team brought them back to Bang Saray Pier, Na Jomtien Subdistrict at 12:10 p.m. Pattaya tourist police came down to question them and follow up on everything that happened.

Mr. Adrien stated that they went diving at Koh Marawichai and anchored their boat. However, when they surfaced again, the anchored boat had drifted away, causing it to float far from the island. So they stayed on the island for one night before a rescue boat arrived. They then conveyed hand gestures for assistance.

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Thai-US Seizes 48 Lemurs and 1,076 Tortoises from Wildlife Trafficking Ring

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According to the investigation, the lemurs and tortoises were caught illegally on Madagascar, an island off the African coast.

BANGKOK – The police officers arrested suspects in possession of 48 lemurs and 1,076 star tortoises at a hotel in Khun Krating sub-district, Muang Chumphon district,Chumphon Province, southern Thailand. They seized all the animals and took them to Bangkok.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Wacharin Pusit, commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, along with representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, held a press conference on May 1 to announce the arrest of a major international wildlife trafficking ring at the Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok.

Six suspects were arrested in the operation: Mr. Pichitpol (also known as Game) Sriduangmaneechai, 31; Mr. Chitrin Phumali, 39; Mr. Ongarj Sriduangmaneechai, 29; Ms. Wiriyaorn Phumali, 39; Mr. Thaweepong Champathong, 43; and Ms. Chuthamas Chitchaeng, 33.

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Police seized 48 lemurs and 1,076 star tortoises at a hotel in Khun Krating sub-district, Muang Chumphon district, Chumphon Province on May 1, 2024.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Wacharin said officials had received a tip-off about a group of international wildlife traffickers smuggling African wildlife into La-ngu district in Satun province before transporting them to Bangkok for onward shipment to third countries. Authorities from different agencies worked together and deployed forces to monitor different routes.

They spotted the six suspects entering Chumphon province in four pickup trucks matching the informant’s description. The officers tracked the vehicles to a hotel near the Khun Krating temple, the suspects’ usual stopover. Upon searching the vehicles, the officers discovered a large number of lemurs and star tortoises hidden inside.

The animals were confiscated as evidence and the suspects were taken into custody for questioning.

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Police seized 48 lemurs and 1,076 star tortoises at a hotel in Khun Krating sub-district, Muang Chumphon district, Chumphon Province on May 1, 2024.

 

While all six suspects denied the allegations, police have evidence that Mr. Pichitpol had previously been arrested for a similar offense. As the suspects are involved in a large international wildlife trafficking ring, the authorities have been monitoring their activities for several years.

The investigation yielded extensive evidence and further investigation revealed that the suspects had traveled to Madagascar and Indonesia to check on the condition of the confiscated wildlife. The seizure of hundreds of lemurs and star tortoises is the largest operation of its kind to date.

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Pol. Maj. Gen. Wacharin Pusit, commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, along with representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, held a press conference on May 1 to announce the arrest of a major international wildlife trafficking ring at the Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok.

According to the investigation, the lemurs and tortoises were caught illegally on Madagascar, an island off the African coast. They were then taken to the island of Sumatra in the Indonesian province of Aceh before being loaded onto a ship and brought ashore in the Langu district of Satun province.

The plan was to transport the animals to Bangkok, from where they would be shipped to Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea, where they are popular pets and considered lucky charms. Star tortoises, which usually sell for 100,000 baht per animal in Thailand, fetch up to ten times as much in Hong Kong, where they are traded for 1 million baht or more.

The six suspects are initially charged with “possession of controlled wildlife without a permit” and “violations of the Customs Act” They will be transferred to the DNP’s Wildlife Crime Investigation Unit 5 for further court proceedings.

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JerHigh X Cullen & P’Jung Introduce Grain-Free Diets for Beloved Dogs

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JerHigh, a leading brand in the pet food sector, is introducing JerHigh MORE, a grain-free formula for dogs. Alongside this launch comes the introduction of its newest ambassadors, Cullen & P’Jung, well-known figures from the popular YouTube channel Hateberry.

Their ambassadorship reflects their purely love for pets, evident in their content, and serves as a platform to convey JerHigh’s dedication to providing top-quality products for pets.

Kitisak Limamphai, Managing Director of International Pet Foods Co., Ltd., shared the company’s commitment to collaborating with veterinarians to develop pet foods that meet the diverse health needs of dogs of all breeds and ages.

The latest offering, JerHigh MORE Grain-Free, is crafted without corn or soybeans, reducing allergy risks. It is also free from sugars and artificial colors, delivering complete and balanced nutrition to enhance coat health and skin condition.

“This year, JerHigh continues to delight pet lovers by partnering with Cullen and P’Jung, who share a profound affection for pets. Their travels always include JerHigh pet food and snacks, ensuring a joyful experience for their furry companions. We’re excited to collaborate with them and share the love for JerHigh with their followers,” said Kitisak.

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Cullen and P’Jung expressed their enthusiasm for working with JerHigh, highlighting their genuine love for dogs. They noted JerHigh as their preferred brand for pet food, ensuring their pets’ happiness wherever they go.  

JerHigh MORE Grain-Free offers various formulas suitable for dogs with different dietary needs, including chicken, chicken and liver, and salmon, suitable for all dogs aged three months and above. The products are available at leading supermarkets, convenience stores, and pet shops nationwide, as well as online through JerHigh’s official channels on Facebook, Line, and their website.

JerHigh serves as a conduit connecting pet owners with their beloved companions under the concept of “Feed me with love,” treating pets as integral family members. The company is dedicated to developing innovative pet food certified by AAFCO standards, equivalent to human food, utilizing modern technology and high-quality ingredients to ensure pets’ health and longevity.

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GAC AION launches the Hyper HT

GAC AION launches the Hyper HT, a high-end electric SUV.  Aesthetics of art and technology.

GAC AION launches the Hyper HT, a high-end luxury electric SUV. Offering superior options for Thai consumers with premium luxury and modern design with intelligent technology and innovation. Driving range up to 600 kilometers, with an introductory price not exceeding 1.9 million baht.

Mr. Ocean Ma, Managing Director of ION Automobile Sales (Thailand) and Managing Director of ION Automobile Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said that GAC AION is considered one of the first automobile companies of any other in a world where research on electric power and intelligent technology has been achieved, both electric vehicles (EV) and intelligent connected vehicles (Intelligent Connected Vehicles: ICV) fully. At the same time, it is well known that GAC AION can research and produce the three main parts of electric vehicles, whether they are batteries, motors, electrical control panels, or ECUs, which makes GAC AION a leader in the world’s new energy vehicle industry.

In the past, 2023, it was considered a year in which GAC AION grew by leaps and bounds with sales of more than 480,000 electric cars, an increase of 77% from last year. It ranks as the second electric car brand in China and the third electric car brand in the world. On December 28, 2023, GAC AION created the record for producing and selling 1 million cars, which is the fastest in the world. It took only 4 years and 8 months. GAC AION’s ability and superiority are guaranteed in terms of production processes, product quality, and strong marketing. 

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GAC AION currently has two car brands within the group: AION, an electric car brand that comes with great value and modern exterior and interior design complete with intelligent technology and features, and Hyper, a high-end electric car brand (Hi-End) that comes with luxury and the most advanced technology.

Mr. Ocean Ma further said that in early 2024, GAC AION will launch Hyper (Hyper) to market in Thailand, which is a high-end electric car brand (Hi-End that meets the needs of customers who are passionate about luxury, technology, and advanced performance. Which reflect the image and superior taste by inventing the best innovation and technology to be used in various car models of Hyper. The brand’s logo represents the AI ARROW to show the potential for continuous development of electric cars with the concept of developing four main principles: “advanced (ADVANCE), modern (TRENDY), fun (FUN), and high quality (HIGH-GRADE),” which creates perfection in both technological innovation and artistic creativity, mixed together in car production to provide customers with “highest performance that comes with a luxury experience and top-class service.”

GAC AION’s Hyper brand currently has three electric car models as follows:

Hyper HT, a premium electric SUV, provides maximum comfort to the driver and passengers. The car is large and comfortable to sit in, with high-end functions and features. Gullwing doors open and close with a full electric system with an introductory price not exceeding 1.9 million baht at the recent Motor Show 2024.

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Hyper GT An electric sports sedan with a sleek design and a luxurious interior that features butterfly doors and high-end options.

–  Hyper SSR The first 100% electric hypercar in Thailand. It comes with a lightweight carbon fiber body and 3 electric motors (1 front and 2 rear), providing a total power of up to 1,224 horsepower, which is capable of accelerating from 0-100 kilometers per hour. The fastest is within 1.9 seconds and has a pulling force of 1.7 G.

As for the electric car, the Hyper HT is considered an electric SUV that comes with world-class luxury and intelligent technology, which is superior with a unique curved exterior design (liquid curved body) that stands out with double gullwing rear doors (Gullwing Doors) ready to open-close with a full electrical system. Attracting every eye that sees it. The interior of the cabin is decorated with premium materials that have been carefully selected. Add premium luxury, including many convenient functions such as electric massage seats, adjustable massage levels in many ways, high-quality leather seats that provide an excellent sitting experience with ventilation and seat heating functions to increase relaxation, rear seats that can recline up to 143 degrees, the most in their class, a high-quality audio system, and many other features.

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The highlight of the Hyper HT comes with a foldable rear footrest to add space to stretch your legs to the utmost and a multi-purpose table for placing various items, answering a variety of uses. Increase privacy with double-layer laminated sound-proof glass and an extra-large luggage space with a capacity of 670 liters. When the seats are folded, the space can be used up to 1,802 liters, able to hold two large golf bags easily. Maximum motor power is 180 kilowatts, maximum motor torque is 355 Newton-meters, acceleration rate of 0-100 kilometers per hour is 6.8 seconds, and maximum running distance is 600 kilometers.

Hyper HT was developed with four main concepts:

Hyper Design – The ultimate in superior design is like a work of art in the automotive world. Attracting every eye with Gullwing Doors, Diamond Cut headlights, and Horizon taillights.

Hyper Space – Provides comfort inside the cabin with a luxurious interior space decorated with premium materials. Providing a “first-class” driving and riding experience with a 10-point massage function and a rear passenger seat that can recline up to 143 degrees.

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Hyper Energy – Go farther and faster with 2nd generation Magazine Battery technology and the Fast Charge system. Charge for just 15 minutes and it can run 400 kilometers, and if fully charged, it can run more than 600 kilometers.

Hyper Network – The Hyper Premium Charging Network is exclusive to Hyper customers. In 2024, 15 charging stations will be built, covering a radius of 15 kilometers in Bangkok. In 2028, the network of charging stations will be expanded to 100 nationwide.

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Saudi Man Discovers His Thai Nanny After Being Apart for 20 Years

Ali ran to hug his Thai nanny with joy at her house in the Nonsombun Subdistrict, Soeng Sang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

NAKHON RACHASIMA – Ali Bokhari, a 33-year-old Saudi Arabian man, embarked on a journey to find his Thai nanny who took care of him in Saudi Arabia when he was a child, more than 30 years ago. He had been trying to find her for a long time, hoping to repay her kindness for raising him.

Finally, he found his nanny in the Nonsombun Subdistrict, Soeng Sang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

 

Mrs. Banyen Thongchaithanawayu, 77 years old, gave an interview with Khaosod reporter on May, 1. She recounted that she had taken care of Ali and his siblings since 1992. At that time, she was working as a maid in Saudi Arabia. However, after learning that her son had been in a serious accident and needed surgery, she rushed back to Thailand. At that time, Ali was 14 years old.

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Mrs. Banyen took care of Ali and his brother when they were so young in Saudi Arabia.

Ali’s father had bought a phone and provided a number for them to keep in touch. But after returning to Thailand, she never went back to work in Saudi Arabia again. Although she had kept this phone number for 30 years in case of contacting Ali, she never thought that Ali would fly to Thailand to find her.

One day, she received a phone call from a hotel in Pattaya, using the number Ali’s father had bought for her, asking for her address. After that, Ali rented a car and drove to her home in Nonsombun Subdistrict, Soeng Sang District.

The moment they saw each other, Ali ran to hug her with joy and longing. Both of them had tears in their eyes. They asked about each other’s lives. She even cooked for Ali, just like she used to do in Saudi Arabia.

The reason Ali came to see her this time was to repay her kindness for raising him since birth. Seeing that she had difficulty walking, Ali bought her a 3-wheeled electric motorcycle so that she wouldn’t have to walk and suffer from leg pain. He also arranged for a car to take her to the hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima city center and would cover the travel expenses for her doctor’s visits.

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Ali took his nanny to buy her a 3-wheeled electric motorcycle so that she wouldn’t have to walk and suffer from leg pain.

Before Ali returned to Saudi Arabia, he told her that he would come back to visit her every year.

“I never thought that after being apart for several decades, Ali would still miss me. Even though we are from different countries and ethnicities, he tried his best to find me to repay my kindness. I am very happy and deeply touched,” she said.

Ali stated that he visited Thailand for the first time to find “my mom,” who has raised him since day 1 of being on earth in Saudi Arabia. It was an emotional moment when he met her again.

“It was a really big day; I cried so much, and I was also happy that I found you, so…” li paused and said it with a kiss on her forehead, making her laugh.

He also thanked the taxi driver who helped him find his nanny’s house. He promised to come back to Thailand.

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Microsoft’s New Data Center in Thailand: Boosting AI Skills for 100K

Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced a new data center region in Thailand to build the nation's digital-first, AI-powered future. 

BANGKOK – Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced a new data center region in Thailand to build the nation’s digital-first, AI-powered future. The new cloud and AI infrastructure in Thailand will provide AI skilling opportunities for over 100,000 people, and support the nation’s growing developer community. 

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who delivered a special address, attended the announcement at the Microsoft Build: AI Day event in Bangkok on May 1. There were also approximately 2,000 developers and business and technology leaders participating.

According to Microsoft, the new cloud data center region will expand the availability of the hyperscale cloud and AI services in Thailand, ensuring enterprise-grade reliability, performance, and compliance with data residency and privacy standards.

The commitments build on Microsoft’s memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Royal Thai Government to envision the nation’s digital-first, AI-powered future. 

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Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin takes a picture with Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella at the Microsoft Build: AI Day event, the QSNCC in Bangkok on May 1, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/ Sompong Wanjapoh)

Microsoft’s skilling commitment is expected to benefit more than 100,000 individuals in Thailand.  

It will enhance the AI proficiency of those involved in the nation’s tourism sector through the AI Skills for the AI-enabled Tourism Industry program. The initiative is a partnership between Microsoft and Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Labour, and the nation’s Technology Vocational Education Training Institute. It aims to empower young entrepreneurs and youths involved in tourism businesses across minor-tier geographic provinces in all five regions of Thailand. 

The learning module will be accessible through partners’ learning platforms to ensure sustainability and scalability.  

The tourism initiative builds on other Microsoft-supported skilling initiatives in Thailand, including Accelerating Thailand, the ASEAN Cyber Security ProgrammeCode; Without Barriers, and the Junior Software Developer Program

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Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivers a speech at the Microsoft Build: AI Day event in Bangkok on May 1, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/ Sompong Wanjapoh)

Microsoft will also enable the Royal Thai Government to adopt a cloud-first policy with an AI skill development program for developers and government IT personnel. 

In his speech, Prime Minister Srettha stated that his government’s ‘Ignite Thailand’ vision for 2030 aims to develop the country’s stature as a regional digital economy hub that significantly enhances our innovation and R&D capabilities while also strengthening our tech workforce.

“Today’s announcement with Microsoft is a significant milestone in the journey of our ‘Ignite Thailand’ vision – one that promises new opportunities for growth, innovation, and prosperity for all Thais.” 

Mr. Satya Nadella said Thailand has an incredible opportunity to build a digital-first, AI-powered future.

“Our new datacenter region, along with the investments we are making in cloud and AI infrastructure, as well as AI skilling, build on our long-standing commitment to the country – and will help Thai organizations across the public and private sector drive new impact and growth.” 

Dhanawat Suthumpun, Managing Director of Microsoft Thailand, added that Microsoft is dedicated to helping Thailand excel as a digital economy, ensuring that the benefits of cloud and AI technologies are widespread and contribute to the prosperity and wellbeing of Thais.

“Together, we are laying the foundations for a future that is not only technologically advanced but also inclusive and sustainable,” he said.

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