At 9am Eastern Time on Wednesday, an international group of scientists plans to release the first photograph of the shadowy edges of a black hole.
Astronomers have been investigating black holes since they were first proposed by Albert Einstein.
Astronomers to Release First-Ever Photo of Black Hole
Construction of Sathorn BTS ‘Ghost Station’ Underway
BANGKOK — Skytrain operators revealed Wednesday preliminary works quietly began on a new station in downtown Bangkok last month – over 20 years after plans were first announced.
A representative from BTS said the construction of Suksa Withaya station started in early March and estimated that it will be complete by October 2020, though a contractor in charge of the project declined to confirm that time-frame.
“Works already started on March 1 and will be complete 18 months from that date,” BTS public relations officer Sukunya Aungprateep said by phone. There was no formal news conference to mark the occasion, she added.
But online photos of leaflets distributed to locals said construction will last from May 2019 through December 2020. When questioned about the information, a contractor whose name was listed on the pamphlets said the date was not yet official.
“I cannot confirm it yet. We have to wait for the puu yai to confirm it in a press conference,” Nopparat Chaikaew said by phone.
Suksa Withaya is one of two “ghost stations” which have been included in the BTS system map since 1999 but never actually built. Suksa Withaya was supposed to be located between Chong Nonsri and Surasak, while the other unbuilt station, Sena Ruam, was meant to separate Ari from Saphan Kwai.
The two missing stations became a point of controversy in recent years, after some commuters accused the BTS of charging them fares for passing through the non-existent stations. In response, BTS maintained its fares were calculated on distance and not number of stations.
Construction of Suksa Withaya also comes amidst legal action launched by disability rights activists against skytrain operators for the lack of elevators in downtown stations.
Skytrain public relations officer Sukunya said elevators will be included in Suksa Withaya from the start.
“When we built the skytrain many years ago, elevators were not originally in the plan,” she said. “But Suksa Withaya has them in its plan.”
Related stories:
Court Dismisses BTS Accessibility Lawsuit Against City Hall
Transit Authority to Look Into BTS Wheelchair Ramp to Nowhere
City Hall Approves 256M Baht For BTS Elevators
Cpf’s “Self-Sustaining Farmers, Sustainable Corn” Enters Fourth Year, Aimed to Ensure Sustainable Plantation, Income and Environmental Protection
Bangkok Produce PLC (BKP), a subsidiary handling with raw material sourcing for Charoen Pokphand Foods PLC or CPF, proceeds with the “self-sustaining farmers, sustainable corn” project with the fourth-year goals to generate sustainable income for farmers as well as reduce forest encroachment and the burning of corn stubble. The goals respond to the company’s policy to buy raw material only from plantation fields with legal land deeds and
discourage farmers from burning the stubble, to tackle forest encroachmentand air pollution problems.
Mr.Woraphot Suratwisit, Vice President, said BKP’s corn purchase policy highlights the traceability to the origin, to ensure that the plantation fields hold land deeds and must not be located in forest areas. Complimenting this is the “self-sustaining farmers, sustainable corn” project which was launched in 2014 in cooperation with government agencies – the Agricultural Land Reform Office and the Department of Agricultural Extension – as well as community leaders. Under the project, plantation knowledge and techniques are passed on to eligible farmers to raise output and quality while reducing fertilizer cost and preserving the environment.
These include zero burning of the corn stubble and zero forest encroachment in line with CPF’s sustainable sourcing policy, to ensure that the supply is not from environmentally-harmful areas.
Throughout the project period, BKP has partnered with local government offices, business partners and networked farmers in offering continuous training. During 2014-2018, the project involved more than 8,700 farmers and 225,700 rai of land in 25 provinces such as Nakhon Ratchasima, Loei, Saraburi, Phayao, Phitsanulok, Lampang and Uttaradit.
“This year, the project will be extended to new areas, to cover at least 1,000 new farmers. We are also set to raise the yield per rai, cut the production cost per unit and encourage large plantation fields,” Woraphot said.
Mr. Khong Ampha, a corn farmer in Ban Huay Mak, Tambon Phanokkhao, Phukradueng district, Loei, said that most of farmers in the area grow sugar cane, tapioca and corn. They suffered from cheap prices and earned very low income. However, since joining the project in 2017, they learnt that the yields could be raised if the stubble was not burnt. The
techniques, which are not harmful to the environment, taught him to analyze soil nutrients and he consequently learnt that his land lacked phosphorus. The techniques helped him save fertilizer cost.
Though last year’s harvest did not meet expectation due to lack of rain, he learnt from rainfall data that the plantation and harvest cycle should be moved up. BKP also teamed up with Tambon Banlang municipality, and the district agricultural office in Nonethai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, to launch “Banlang model”. Together, they encouraged the grouping of corn farmers and large filed management, whereby modern knowledge and techniques are adopted to ensure the quality meets buyer specification.
Meanwhile, the supply of produce to feed mills is facilitated and paid for within a day. Last year, farmers under this project supplied 20,429 tons of corn. The number of participating farmers has risen to 740 from 340 when the project was first launched. The project now encompasses a total of 30,000 rai of plantation areas. Success also encouraged farmers in other areas including Dan Khunthod, Phra Thongkham and Kham Sakaesaeng districts to apply the Banlang model, to achieve sustainable income.
“Farmers are equipped with the knowledge to meet agricultural standards and the Company’s sustainable sourcing policy. CPF’s supply is fully traceable to prove zero forest encroachment. Our motto – “no mountain, no burning, we buy” – will benefit all parties from farmers, the environment, community and the Company,” Mr. Woraphot said.
Labour Minister Observes Implementation of Glp at Cpf Processing Plants and Farms, Ensuring Thai Chicken’s Responsible Supply Chain
Labour Minister Police General Adul Sangsingkeo recently visited Charoen Pokphand Foods PLC (CPF)’s chicken processing plant in Nakhon Ratchasima province and Decha Pakthongchai Farm, praising a work place models that apply good labour practices (GLP) priniciple in enhancing workers’ quality of life in line with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s philosophy.
Accompanied by high-ranking ministerial officials, Chokechai district chief and Nakhon Ratchasima agricultural chief, the minister observed the GLP application to lift workers’ quality of life as guided by the late king’s philosophy.
He insisted that private business operators and farmers are the main drivers in achieving quality standards and human rights practices, to gain trust from global customers. Good practices will ensure that the produce is of high quality and safe and supported by socially- and environmentally-responsible production process. Thanks to increasing demand, Thailand’s chicken industry generated over Bt100 billion in annual revenue, benefiting about 125,000 Thai and foreign labourers.
“By visiting work places that apply GLP, I want to encourage and thank the private sector and farmers for their dedication to the development of good labour management. Our goal is to replicate this exemplary GLP application to other industries,” the minister said.
Joining the visit were the representatives of Westbridge Foods, a UK-based food trading company that sources Thai chicken for the UK and other markets in European Union. They mentioned that the sourcing demands suppliers’ compliance with human rights practices in terms of workers’ well-being. As such, GLP-labeled Thai chicken are widely accepted by customers.
Mr.Parisothat Punnabhum, Executive Vice President for Human Resources of CPF, added that company has encouraged its operations related chicken business to adopt GLP since 2016. CPF subsequently urged its farms to apply the quality standard along with Thai Labour Standard (TLS) and continuously promoted the standards among farmers in its contract farming network.
During 2016-2018, GLP was promoted at all CPF’s contracted farms. The farms were evaluated to boost farmers’ understanding and ability to correctly and completely conform to the principles. CPF also encouraged qualified farmers to apply for the Labour Ministry’s TLS standard.
Ms. Chaowaret Chaipharee, the owner of Decha Pakthongchai 2 Farm which is a CPF-contracted farm, said the emphasis was placed on all workers who were the integral part of the farm’s success. She noted that since GLP was implemented with guidance from government units and CPF, the farm’s workers have gained confidence in terms of salary and welfare under clearly-specified contracts. Meanwhile, GLP helps the farm owner in terms of labour and cost management.
Dalai Lama Hospitalized With Chest Infection
NEW DELHI — The Dalai Lama has been hospitalized in the Indian capital with a chest infection and is feeling better, his spokesman said Wednesday.
The 83-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader is under medication and likely to spend a day or two in the hospital, spokesman Tenzin Taklha said.
The Dalai Lama flew from Dharmsala for consultations with doctors in the capital and was hospitalized on Tuesday. The north Indian hill town has been his headquarters since he fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule.
Takhla said the Dalai Lama was feeling much better now.
He usually spends several months a year traveling the world to teach Buddhism and highlight the Tibetans’ struggle for greater freedom in China.
He addressed a conference of educators and students in New Delhi last week. Answering a question related to Tibet’s future with China, he reiterated that he is not seeking independence for Tibet, but would prefer a “reunion” with China under mutually acceptable terms.
Singapore PM Defends Law Combating Fake Online News
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia — Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday defended Singapore’s proposed law to fight “online falsehoods,” but his Malaysian counterpart, Mahathir Mohamad, warned that anti-fake news laws were a double-edged sword that could be abused by governments to stay in power.
The two leaders were speaking after annual talks Tuesday aimed at resolving disputes over maritime boundaries, airspace management and the price of water that had strained ties since Mahathir’s alliance swept to power in elections last May.
Lee said many countries, including France, Germany and Australia, have legislation to combat fake news.
Singapore took nearly two years to deliberate on the issue before the government unveiled a bill in parliament last week to combat fake news, he said. The law allows the government to remove online content it deems as false and includes a jail term of up to 10 years and hefty fines.
“This is the problem of fake news and deliberate false statement being proliferated online. It is a serious problem which confronts many countries,” Lee said at a joint news conference.
“Singapore is not the only one which has taken legislation on this issue,” he said. “The French have done so, the Germans have done so. The Australians have just done so, something similar and very draconian. The British are also thinking of doing this as well. So Singapore had to do this and we had a long process … finally we have this bill and it will be debated in the house and I hope eventually it will become legislation.”
Lee rejected criticisms from rights groups such as Reporters Without Borders which had voiced fear the law could further stifle free speech in Singapore, which already has stern laws on public protests and dissent.
“They criticized many things about Singapore’s media management but what we have done have worked for Singapore. And it is our objective to continue to do things that will work for Singapore. And I think (the new law) will be a significant step forward in this regard,” he added.
Mahathir, however, said his government will repeal Malaysia’s law against fake news as it promised. An earlier effort to do so was blocked by the opposition-led Senate but the government is expected to push it through again.
“For us, we need to learn how to handle such fake news. When we have laws that prevent people from airing their views, then we are afraid the government may abuse the law as it has happened in the last government,” Mahathir said.
“We do not want any government, whether this or succeeding governments, to make use of this law in order to tell and create fake news in order to sustain themselves. Of course it will be difficult to handle, but we believe we can accept the challenges and we can handle that,” he said.
The law, which carries a penalty of up to six years in jail and a fine for offenders, was rushed through parliament by the previous government just before last May’s election despite concerns it would be used to silence dissent. Najib Razak’s long-ruling coalition was ousted in the vote, leading to Malaysia’s first transition of power since independence from Britain in 1957.
Despite rising tensions over the past months, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolve territorial rows in an amicable manner.
Since Mahathir — who was prime minister for 22 years until he stepped down in 2003 — returned to power, he has postponed a high-speed rail link that would cut travel time between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to 90 minutes. Mahathir has also demanded a hike in the price of raw water Malaysia supplies to the city-state under a decades-old treaty. Officials from the two countries have also publicly aired disputes over maritime and airspace issues.
The neighbors have, however, agreed to work on their differences with plans for maritime delimitation work to begin in a month and Malaysia to reclaim airspace managed by Singapore under a previous pact over the next few years.
Mahathir said the two countries will “continue the momentum of positive engagements,” and Lee added that they will seek win-win outcomes.
The two countries were briefly merged in 1963, but separated two years later due to political and economic differences.
Story: Eileen Ng
Rape-Murder of German Tourist Stuns Island Community
CHONBURI — Vendors on a small island off the eastern coast said on Tuesday they fear the recent murder of a German tourist will drive travelers away.
The alleged killer of Miriam Beelte, 27, was taken to the crime scene today for a “crime reenactment”. A reporter on the island, which is located off the coast of Chonburi, said local vendors complained that there were fewer tourists than usual today. Business owners voiced their concerns that the brutal killing will taint Koh Sichang’s reputation as an idyllic destination.
“It’s really affected tourism on Koh Sichang because many tourists immediately left after the incident,” Rattiya Sangthong, an eatery owner on the island, told reporters.
Rattiya added that the murder was “unprecedented,” saying she had never before seen such a brutal attack on a foreign tourist in the 37 years she has spent living on the island.
“I’d like to plead to tourists, both Thai and foreign, to travel to Koh Sichang as usual, because the bad guy is already under arrest,” she said.
Police said 24-year-old Ronnakorn Romreun raped and killed the tourist on April 7 before hiding her body among some rocks. Investigators said Ronnakorn, who worked as a garbage collector in the area, confessed to the charges.
Ronnakorn reportedly told police he was high on meth at the time, and said Beelte ignored him when he was trying to talk to her. After the suspect reenacted his alleged crimes today, he was taken to Chonburi Court for a remand hearing.
After visiting the suspect at the police station, Ronnakorn’s mother tearfully apologized to the media.
“I’d like to apologize on my son’s behalf,” Nonglak Pothong said. “I told my son that he must face karma for what he did. He knows the penalty of rape and murder is death.”
How to Check for Songkran Traffic, Real-Time
BANGKOK — Avoid water-soaked, hellish Songkran traffic by checking in to real-time maps.
The Department of Highways released on Tuesday five real-time updating maps to help travellers find the best routes exiting Bangkok to their water-splashing destinations – or to quickly rush home still dry.
To access the maps, scan the following QR codes or click the following links. The five maps show real-time traffic for major roads between Bangkok and surrounding provinces, as well as roads between Bangkok and provinces in the northern, Isaan, east and southern regions. (They’re also embedded below if you want to see all the maps on one page!)
Major routes on the first map include that starting with Phahon Yothin Road leading north to the Rangsit area, and out of Bangkok to Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri and Nakhon Sawan provinces on Highway Route 32, also known as the Asian Highway.
Green means traffic is moving quickly, yellow means congestion has started to appear, orange means cars are slowly moving and red signifies heavy traffic. Purple signifies highways. Ask a Thai friend to help you read the Thai map names since there’s no English version of them.
According to the Department of Highways hotline, as of Tuesday the Asian Highway around the 59 kilometer mark in Ang Thong is already starting to see some congestion.
Other routes in the Bangkok map include the northeast route exiting Bangkok to Nonthaburi via Highway 340 through Suphan Buri and Chai Nat, as well as another northern road cutting through Saraburi and Lopburi to Phitsanulok.
According to the eastern region map – which for some reason details routes between Bangkok and Pattaya – show that roads around Lak Si and Bang Na in northern and eastern Bangkok are already congested.
The Isaan map covers routes between Bangkok and Khon Kaen.
The northern map shows routes between Bangkok, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Chiang Mai, Phichit, Sukhothai, Phitsanuloke, Uttaradit and Phetchabun.
The southern region map covers roads leading southwest out of Bangkok towards Phetchaburi. One can see that capital district Bang Khae is already congested, while trafflick along the western route through Salaya is still relatively light.
Traffic is famously congested this time of the year as people travel home for the Songkran holiday, which starts Saturday through to Monday. Those with questions about the real time map service can call 1586, where limited English help is available. The maps will be updated through April 18.
UNFOLD ONE OF LIFE’S MOST PRECIOUS MOMENTS AT PARK HYATT BANGKOK
BANGKOK, Thailand (March, 18, 2019) – Couples looking for bespoke experiences to celebrate your love story and family are invited to join Park Hyatt’s Wedding Atelier taking place on Friday, April 26 from 12 noon to 8 pm and on Saturday, April 27, 2019, from 10 am to 6pm at the Ballroom on level G.
Park Hyatt Bangkok specialist team will unfold a series of exclusive wedding offers. Join to feel luxury, feel personal, feel passion and feel intimate at the Wedding Atelier. Loving couples and family members will have the opportunity to meet in person the team that will help tell your love story and bring it to life. Experience the an array of drinking and dining samples, tour the spaces of the three-floor ballroom and connect with other wedding professional services in the industry.
Book your wedding at the Wedding Atelier to receive rewards and remarkable privileges and benefits that range from complimentary upgrades, guestrooms, after-party, special floral and audiovisual offers, drinking and dining experiences at the Park and attractive World of Hyatt bonus points with stays at major Park Hyatt destinations worldwide. In addition, guests can visit the Wedding Atelier to receive special offers from leading wedding professionals. Deposit tier includes THB 300,000++ for 5 privileges, THB 600,000++ for 8 privileges and THB 900,000++ for 9 privileges.
Visit us with family and your planner for further consultation or rsvp private meeting with our wedding specialist today at at +66 2011 7455 or email [email protected].
CELEBRATE GAME OF THRONES IN STYLE WITH ‘White Walker by Johnnie Walker’ And ‘Game of Thrones ® Single Malt Whisky Collection’
Diageo Moet Hennessy (Thailand) Ltd. proudly responds to the increasing popularity of ‘Game of Thrones’ fans around the world and in Thailand by introducing its latest innovation including ‘White Walker by Johnnie Walker’ and the newly launched, ‘The Game of Thrones Single Malt Whisky Collection’, which are inspired by the breathtaking stories and leading characters and perfectly reflect the meaning of 1 throne for 7 kingdoms.
Towards the final season of the series, begin with ‘White Walker by Johnnie Walker’, the limited-edition Scotch whisky, is inspired by the most enigmatic and feared characters on the hit show – the White Walkers.
Known by their icy blue eyes and led by the Night King, the undead army of White Walkers have emerged from the Frozen North bringing with them the chill of winter and now a limited-edition whisky that evokes their icy world. Created by whisky specialist George Harper, alongside the small team of expert blenders at Johnnie Walker, this innovative whisky is best served directly from the freezer, echoing the chilling presence of the White Walkers.
The bottling brings you right to the Frozen North with an icy white and blue design along with the iconic Johnnie Walker Striding Man now fashioned in armour to fit in among the ranks of the Night King’s forces. Utilizing temperature-sensitive ink technology, fans will be reminded that “Winter is Here” from an unexpected graphic icy reveal on the bottle when frozen.
The Scotch has notes of caramelized sugar and vanilla, fresh red berries with a touch of orchard fruit and features Single Malts from Cardhu and Clynelish – one of Scotland’s most Northern distilleries. Blender George Harper used the Frozen North as his starting point for creating White Walker by Johnnie Walker. He said: “Whiskies from Clynelish have endured long, Scottish winters, not dissimilar to the long periods endured by the Night’s Watch who have ventured north of the wall – so it was the perfect place to start when creating this unique whisky.”
Jarinee Wongkamthong, Marketing Director of Diageo Moet Hennessy (Thailand) Co., Ltd. explains about this collaboration that “At the end of last year, we have tried importing limited amount of ‘White Walker by Johnnie Walker’, the product received very warm welcome that it quickly ran out of stock. Not only Thailand, this phenomenon also happened in many countries worldwide. As a result, we produce more whisky, import and timely distribute before ‘Game of Thrones Season 8’ is releasing in April. It is the final season all fans excitedly look forward to. This time around, we partner with Seven-Eleven to ensure our products are available to who missed out the last time. Now you can own the limited edition whisky inspired by ‘Game of Thrones’.”
Apart from launching ‘Blended Whisky Limited Edition’, we proudly introduce ‘Game Of Thrones® Single Malt Whisky Collection’, featuring eight scotches, each paired with one of the iconic Houses of Westeros, as well as the Night’s Watch, giving fans a sense of the seven kingdoms and beyond. In addition, six scotches are especially created for this occasion, for Game of Thrones lovers to celebrate altogether while watching the series.
“Game Of Thrones® Single Malt Whisky Collection has been a grand success internationally; in the U.S.A., over 80% sold through after 8 weeks on shelf. While in Europe, sold out pre-orders after only 2 hours at key retailers. On Amazon, 7,000 bottles were purchased in 24 hours. We are confident the Game of Thrones phenomenon will spark here in Thailand once again” said Jarinee.
‘GAME OF THRONES® SINGLE MALT WHISKY COLLECTION’ features:
- Game of Thrones House Tully – The Singleton Glendullan Select
House Tully locates at the Riverrun, rules as the lord of The River lands. The power of water flows through both House Tully and ‘The Singleton Glendullan Select’ as it is made on the banks of the River Fiddich in the wooded hills of Dufftown. Here they harnessed the water that flowed through the land utilizing a water wheel to power the entire distillery.
- Game of Thrones House Stark – Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost
House Stark’s resiliency, strength and ability to thrive under the most intense situations are greatly shaped by Winterfell’s frigid temperatures. Dalwhinnie, known for being one of the highest distilleries in all of Scotland, is cold and remote much like The North where House Stark calls home, making the two an iconic pairing. Extreme conditions are responsible for shaping the signature Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost honeyed sweetness and spicy warmth. Naturally, it’s best served chilled or over ice.
- Game of Thrones House Targaryen – Cardhu Gold Reserve
Fueled by the same fiery spirit of the fierce female leadership of Daenerys Targaryen, this single malt celebrates legendary women and their unwavering perseverance. The Cardhu distillery was pioneered by Helen Cumming and her daughter-in-law Elizabeth during the 1800s, a time when the whisky industry was almost entirely male-dominated.
- Game of Thrones House Lannister – Lagavulin 9 Year Old
Lagavulin is one of the most legendary single malt brands and has been crafted on the shores of Islay for more than 200 years – mirroring the meticulous calculation and tenacity employed by the Lannister’s in their rise to conquer the Iron Throne. This single malt whisky recalls the Lannister’s riches and is best served neat or with a single drop of water.
- Game of Thrones The Night’s Watch – Oban Bay Reserve
The Oban distillery sits beneath the steep cliff that overlooks the bay in the frontier between the west Highlands and the Islands of Scotland, separating land and sea, just as Castle Black, home of The Night’s Watch, sits between Westeros and the lands beyond The Wall. The liquid is provided with a woody, spicy dryness that The Night’s Watch could enjoy even on the coldest of nights.
- Game of Thrones House Greyjoy – Talisker Select Reserve
House Greyjoy rules the Iron Islands and worships the Drowned God. Talisker was a natural pair for House Greyjoy as this single malt is distilled on the shores of the Isle of Skye, one of the most remote and rugged areas of Scotland. The flavors and maritime character of Talisker Select Reserve are the result of its wave-battered shores. This liquid is an intense smoky single malt Scotch with spicy, powerful and sweet elements combined with maritime flavors.
- Game of Thrones House Baratheon – Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old
Royal lineage drives the iconic pairing between House Baratheon and Royal Lochnagar. Similar to Robert Baratheon ruling the Seven Kingdoms upon the Iron Throne, Royal Lochnagar was deemed a whisky worthy of a royal family as it was granted a Royal Warrant after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited the distillery in 1848. With fruits and spices, this liquid is best enjoyed neat.
- Game of Thrones House Tyrell – Clynelish Reserve (Not available in Thailand)
House Tyrell of Highgarden rules over the Reach, the lush and fertile region of Westeros. Like the Reach, Clynelish is positioned among green pastures and rolling hills, with scenic views of the North Sea. This golden Scotch is light and floral, like House Tyrell.
Among all scotches, only ‘Cardhu Gold Reserve’ and ‘Royal Lochnagar’ 12 Year Old have been distributed, all other six scotches are especially blended for the legendary series. ‘Game Of Thrones® Single Malt Whisky Collection’ is now available at Tops and The Mall.
