Breaking Barriers: Southeast Asian Schools Empower Communities Through Nutrition and Care

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24 December 2024, 10:59

For years, Ms. Lorian L. Guanio, principal of Patiis Elementary School in the Philippines, envisioned serving nutritious meals to her students—many of whom come from families with limited resources or knowledge about proper nutrition. Today, her dream is becoming a reality through the Promotion of Well-being in Schools in Southeast Asia Project, a regional initiative supported by Chevron, the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN), and the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for Sustainability (SEAMEO SEPS).

“I wish and dream of giving them, all of them, all of the 650 pupils (at my school) nutritious food that will support them in their daily activities in school….We will be serving breakfast for them, Nutritious breakfast to start their day, right every day,” Ms. Lorian L Guanio, the principal of the Patiis Elementary School in the Philippines, said about her plan under the initiative.

Covering the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Brunei Darussalam, the Promotion of Well-being in Schools in Southeast Asia Project has recently handed out awards to the Patiis Elementary School and five others at the 47th SEAMEO High Officials Meeting (SEAMEO HOM). Held in Bangkok on November 27, the event attracted more than 150 top officials and SEAMEO partners including Thai Deputy Education Minister Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul.

This project focuses on school lunch programs out of the conviction that children’s wellbeing and learning are related.

Under the project, Ms. Guanio’s school will receive a grant of USD 3,000 for the implementation of its six-month proposal to improve her students’ nutritional lifestyles, which includes workshops with parents and collaborations with local communities.

“We expect the healthy lifestyles to last beyond the implementation period,” she said.

Five other schools from five different countries have also received a similar grant from the Promotion of Well-being in Schools in Southeast Asia Project, which is under the auspices of the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for Sustainability (SEAMEO SEPS), the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN) and Chevron. The implementation of their proposal will begin in December and conclude in June 2025.

The winners of the grants are chosen from 29 schools based on a proposal they have developed to improve their students’ wellbeing via better food or school lunch.

Launched in June this year, this project offered online training for schools with vulnerable and poor children as its target groups before accepting and screening proposals. Integrated into these proposals are One Health approach and Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.

The winner from Thailand is a rural school in northern province of Chiang Rai, which has 181 students from kindergarten to primary educational levels. Most of these students are from minority groups and hilltribe families.

“Food quality directly impacts students’ health,” Ban Pangmahan School’s director Mr. Danaiwat Manee said about the idea behind his school’s winning proposal.

He said the proposal focused on ensuring that food given to students was not only nutritious but also clean and free from contaminants. Food handlers will be educated about proper food preparations, while students will be trained in how to keep their canteen clean and in line with hygiene standards.

“Health Heroes”, meanwhile, is the winning proposal by Sekolah Bimbingan Jalinan Kasih. This Malaysian school plans to gradually enhance its students’ eating habits, promote them as Health Heroes, and engage parents through a variety of activities including family cooking contests.

The winning school from Brunei, Sekolah Rendah Pehin Dato Jamil, located in the water village, vows to integrate healthy eating habits through its curriculum, promote No Food Waste practices in its compound, and engage communities in its Farm to School Meal Lunch program.

The successful proposal from Indonesia interestingly comes with the idea of investing in the future of the golden generation or children. The Indonesian winner, SD Nigeri 2 Ulin Barat, intends to wage a balanced nutritional education campaign through regular workshops and webinars with parents, Herbalist Club with students, and healthy food menu application, while also promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Emerging as the winner from Cambodia is the Smet Primary School, where 20% of its 647 students are underweight. “We will address malnutrition, which is a big problem, and closely monitor their progress on BMI (Body Mass Index). Not only that we will educate our students about nutritional knowledge, but we will also forge collaboration with health professionals,” the school’s vice principal Mr. Chean Vanny said.

“The award you received today is well deserved and reflects the high quality of your projects,” Ms. Zamira Kanapyanova, General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Eurasia Pacific at Chevron, said to the representatives of the winning schools during the award-presentation ceremony. “At Chevron we strive to empower people in the communities where we operate to improve their lives and meet their full potential. We’re proud to support this initiative because teachers have designed school lunch programs, they believe have the best chance to improve health and education outcomes for children at their school”.

Ms. Duriya Amatavivat, Director of SEAMEO SEPS commented that, “The awards provided an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of participating schools”. She also explained the Centre’s decision to contribute one additional special grant to the Aroyama Border Patrol Police School whose proposal built on their deep understanding of the local community and highlighted community engagement to tackle malnutrition, food security and sustainability.

Pol. Lt. Col. Dechavat Vongvai, the principal of Aroyama Border Patrol Police School in Chiang Mai province, said people in his school’s neighborhood were mostly Black Lahu and their traditional dishes and lifestyles restricted their access to all essential nutrients.

“Our proposal aims at serving nutritious lunch to our students and raising health awareness among all locals,” he explained.

Based on the proposal, the school’s lunch will use produce from its own farms as well as local farms. Teachers and coaches will help promote sustainable farming, proper food preservation and processing too to ensure ingredients are of good quality.

“With this approach, we won’t have to source ingredients from faraway. Our cost will be lower while local communities will become stronger,” he added.

Dr. Tongkorn Meeyam, Executive Director of SEAOHUN, said she was very excited about the upcoming implementation of the winning proposals and urged all to share their experiences to overcome any challenges ahead.

“This project allows SEAOHUN to extend its impact beyond universities, reaching younger generations and encouraging healthier communities. “She emphasized.

The Promotion of Well-being in Schools in Southeast Asia Project gives SEAOHUN, which usually promotes its knowledge among universities, a platform to expand its activities to schools and to reach out to young kids.

Ms. Kanapyanova said relationships and partnerships with communities, especially with educational institutions, could really help make some dreams come true.

Phuket Police Explain Why Taxi Drivers Restrained Hong Kong Man

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Khaosod English

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24 December 2024, 02:03

PHUKET — Police from Phuket’s Saku Station have clarified a viral video showing taxi drivers restraining a foreign tourist near Phuket Airport, explaining that the incident occurred due to the tourist experiencing a mental health episode.

The incident, which caused confusion on social media, took place on December 23, 2024. According to police reports, taxi drivers at Phuket Airport helped detain a foreign tourist who was behaving aggressively and causing disturbances with taxi drivers and members of the public in the area.

taxi catch hongkong3 — A Hong Kong tourist (shirtless) behaving erratically on the road in front of Phuket Airport while taxi drivers surrounded him, December 23, 2024.

Police identified the individual as Keith, a 36-year-old tourist from Hong Kong, who had arrived in Phuket on December 17, 2024, on a tourist visa. The day before the incident, on December 22, Keith had actually sought help from Saku Police Station and Tourist Police at Phuket Airport, reporting a lost passport and disclosing that he required regular medication for a psychiatric condition.

In response to his initial request for help, police and the Tourist Assistance Center had contacted the consulate to arrange for passport assistance, which was scheduled for the following day. The authorities had arranged temporary accommodation for Keith at the Louis’ Runway View Hotel near the airport while waiting for his temporary travel documents to return to Hong Kong.

taxi catch hongkong2 — The agitated Hong Kong tourist is now under medical care at a hospital in Phuket, December 23, 2024.

However, on December 23, Keith left his hotel and began displaying erratic behavior, eventually getting into physical altercations with taxi drivers near the airport. The taxi drivers restrained him and contacted the police. When brought to Saku Police Station, Keith continued to show signs of severe agitation, prompting police to arrange for his transfer to Thalang Hospital for medical treatment.

The article has been restructured to present events chronologically while maintaining all key details from the original Thai text.

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20 Years After the Tsunami: Former PM Thaksin Reflects on Crisis Management

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Khaosod English

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24 December 2024, 01:18

BANGKOK — Twenty years since the catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra reflected on managing one of Thailand’s worst natural disasters.

The 2004 Indian Ocean 9.1-magnitude earthquake and tsunami, which struck on December 26, 2004, devastated 14 countries including Thailand. The disaster wreaked unprecedented havoc across six Thai provinces, affecting 407 villages and completely destroying 47 of them. Popular tourist destinations were particularly hard hit, with Khao Lak and Phuket bearing the brunt of the destruction.

In Thailand alone, the death toll reached approximately 5,400, including both locals and foreign tourists. Phuket, one of Thailand’s premier tourist destinations, reported around 250 casualties among residents and visitors. The Takua Pa District in Phang Nga province, located north of Phuket, suffered some of the most severe damage and highest casualties in the country, with a significant number of Burmese migrant workers among the victims.

Thaksin tsunami4 — The front pages of Khaosod and Matichon newspapers during the 2004 tsunami disaster, highlighting the disappearance of His Majesty King Rama IX’s grandson, Khun Poom Jensen.

Here are the key moments and decisions during the crisis from former PM Thaksin, as recalled in a recent interview with Matichon Group:

MEDIA: Where were you when the tsunami struck?

THAKSIN: “I was in Khon Kaen province campaigning for an election when I received reports about a tsunami hitting Phuket and nearby provinces. I admit I didn’t even know what a tsunami was at that time. It wasn’t until I reached Phuket that I got a detailed explanation about the tectonic plate movement. What I knew then was that the situation was extremely serious.”

MEDIA: What was your immediate response?

THAKSIN: “When I arrived in Phuket, I immediately called for a meeting. Thailand’s weakness was that our ministries operated in silos. If everyone worked separately without coordination, nothing would succeed. So I took personal charge and assigned ministers to specific affected areas to ensure inter-ministry coordination.”

Thaksin tsunami2 — File photo: Then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his visit to tsunami-stricken Phuket province in late 2004.

Thaksin tsunami3 — File photo: Then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his visit to tsunami-stricken Phuket province in late 2004.

MEDIA: What were your priorities during the crisis?

THAKSIN: “We had three main priorities. First, help the survivors who weren’t injured and get them back to their families immediately – we provided them with necessary documents and free flights, even if they’d lost their passports. Second, treat the injured, transferring them to Bangkok if local facilities weren’t sufficient. Third, recover and identify the bodies – we had about 5,000 missing people but had only found 1,000 at that point.”

MEDIA: How did you handle international assistance?

THAKSIN: “I made an immediate decision not to accept financial donations from anywhere. The world was watching us, and I didn’t want Thailand to be seen asking for money. However, we welcomed technical assistance since this was a new type of disaster for us. This decision actually gained international attention and respect – even India followed our lead.”

MEDIA: Can you share a personal moment from the crisis?

THAKSIN: “One particularly challenging moment was when I learned that Khun Poom Jensen [Princess Ubolratana’s son] was missing. This added another layer of urgency to the situation – we had to deal with both the general public’s crisis and the fact that a royal family member was missing. I had to emphasize to everyone the gravity of having a royal grandson missing.”

Thaksin tsunami5 — Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra shares his experiences managing one of Thailand’s worst natural disasters on the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

MEDIA: How did you manage the recovery phase?

THAKSIN: “The first month was the most challenging because we had no electricity or phone services. We had to set up temporary systems. For long-term recovery, I worked with the Bank of Thailand to provide soft loans to businesses and hotels. We also allocated special budgets for highways and electricity infrastructure. Within a year, we were back to normal, though we lost one tourist season.”

MEDIA: Looking back now, what are your thoughts on current natural disasters?

THAKSIN: “Today’s environmental challenges are frightening. We’re seeing phenomena like rain bombs, where intense rainfall concentrates in one area. Recently in southern Thailand, we saw rainfall of 500 millimeters – when normally 100 millimeters is considered heavy. While we can’t control natural events, we can prepare better. AI might help – I recently discussed with Jensen Huang, NVIDIA’s CEO, about using AI to predict and manage climate-related disasters in Thailand.”

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Trump Again Calls to Buy Greenland After Eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal

By

Associated Press

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23 December 2024, 23:31

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — First it was Canada, then the Panama Canal. Now, Donald Trump again wants Greenland.

The president-elect is renewing unsuccessful calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland from Denmark, adding to the list of allied countries with which he’s picking fights even before taking office on Jan. 20.

In a Sunday announcement naming his ambassador to Denmark, Trump wrote that, “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.”

Trump again having designs on Greenland comes after the president-elect suggested over the weekend that the U.S. could retake control of the Panama Canal if something isn’t done to ease rising shipping costs required for using the waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

He’s also been suggesting that Canada become the 51st U.S. state and referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor” of the “Great State of Canada.”

AP24358480210354 — FILE – Large Icebergs float away as the sun rises near Kulusuk, Greenland, Aug. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, File)

Greenland, the world’s largest island, sits between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. It is 80% covered by an ice sheet and is home to a large U.S. military base. It gained home rule from Denmark in 1979 and its head of government, Múte Bourup Egede, suggested that Trump’s latest calls for U.S. control would be as meaningless as those made in his first term.

“Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale,” he said in a statement. “We must not lose our years-long fight for freedom.”

Trump canceled a 2019 visit to Denmark after his offer to buy Greenland was rejected by Copenhagen, and ultimately came to nothing.

He also suggested Sunday that the U.S. is getting “ripped off” at the Panama Canal.

“If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question,” he said.

Panama President José Raúl Mulino responded in a video that “every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to,” but Trump fired back on his social media site, “We’ll see about that!”

The president-elect also posted a picture of a U.S. flag planted in the canal zone under the phrase, “Welcome to the United States Canal!”

AP24357685412176 — FILE – A cargo ship traverses the Agua Clara Locks of the Panama Canal in Colon, Panama, Sept. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix, File)

The United States built the canal in the early 1900s but relinquished control to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter.

The canal depends on reservoirs that were hit by 2023 droughts that forced it to substantially reduce the number of daily slots for crossing ships. With fewer ships, administrators also increased the fees that shippers are charged to reserve slots to use the canal.

The Greenland and Panama flareups followed Trump recently posting that “Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State” and offering an image of himself superimposed on a mountaintop surveying surrounding territory next to a Canadian flag.

Trudeau suggested that Trump was joking about annexing his country, but the pair met recently at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida to discuss Trump’s threats to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods.

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Thai Man Arrested for Bangkok Café Scam Targeting Chinese Tourists

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Khaosod English

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23 December 2024, 22:58

BANGKOK — Metropolitan Police have arrested a 55-year-old Thai man, Kritsana, for defrauding eight deaf Chinese tourists by posing as a café owner in Bangkok’s historic Maharaj district. The arrest comes after the suspect collected 2,608 baht from the tourists at I-Yen Café on December 5 before fleeing the scene.

The victims – Ms. Xiulian, Mr. Weidong, Mr. Fengmei, Ms. Yanfen, Mr. Qianyong, Ms. Xiaoju, Mr. Yongqing, and Mr. Tao – filed a complaint at the Royal Palace Police Station through Police Lieutenant Colonel Theerapong Pinitmonthri before their scheduled departure on December 7.

fake cafe owner2 — Police have arrest a 55-year-old Thai man, Kritsana, for defrauding eight deaf Chinese tourists by posing as a café owner on December 23. 2024.

Following CCTV investigation, police apprehended the suspect on December 23 at Bang Na housing complex. During interrogation, Kritsana admitted to the crime, claiming financial hardship after his Huai Khwang clothing business failed during the COVID-19 during COVID-19 drove him to target tourist groups, using his Chinese language skills.

Police records revealed this wasn’t an isolated incident. The suspect, who speaks Chinese, was recently released from prison on May 2, 2024, for a theft case. He has a history of similar scams in tourist hotspots including Pathumwan, Yannawa, and Plubpla Chai areas.

His typical method involves dressing well and convincing foreign tourists he’s the establishment’s owner before collecting payment and immediately departing.

Kritsana faces fraud by impersonation charges carrying penalties of 6 months to 7 years imprisonment and fines ranging from 10,000 to 140,000 baht.

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Thai Govt Sets Terms for Foreigners: Who Gets Free Medical Care and Who Pays

By

Khaosod English

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23 December 2024, 16:39

BANGKOK — Ministry of Public Health has clarified that “foreign nationals” must pay for their own medical treatment in Thailand, with the exception of three specific groups: those awaiting Thai citizenship, those covered by social security and those who have taken out health insurance.

A special fund has been set up to support these groups. Recently, the Ministry has issued guidelines for the registration of people in the T.99 group. Other groups will have to bear their own medical expenses.

This clarification follows the release of data on the budget spent on medical treatment for foreigners in Thailand under the Ministry of Interior’s regulations. Over the past five years, a total of 12.822 billion baht ($375 million) has been allocated from the T.99 fund.

Dr.Montien Kanasawat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, addressed public concerns about the burden on Thailand’s healthcare system from the cross-border population seeking obstetric care and free treatment.

He emphasized on December 21 that the Thai healthcare system adheres to the legal framework and basic human rights principles and provides care for all people in the country, regardless of ethnicity, religion or belief. This also applies to people who wish to apply for Thai citizenship. The government has prioritized this issue by setting up funds and working with international organizations to provide adequate financial support.

The Ministry has divided eligibility for healthcare benefits for non-Thai nationals into three categories:

Stateless Persons or Individuals with Citizenship Issues:

These individuals are in the process of proving their Thai citizenship and have been assigned a 13-digit identification number by the Ministry of Interior. They are registered in the Ministry of Interior’s database and are entitled to health benefits through the Stateless Persons Health Insurance Fund (T.99). This fund is allocated by the government on the basis of cabinet decisions. Currently, 723,603 individuals are registered under this fund.

Registered Migrant Workers with Legal Work Permits:

Migrant workers registered legally and with work permits are covered under the Social Security System for Migrant Workers. They are entitled to medical benefits, income compensation for illness, maternity benefits, pensions, and unemployment benefits.

Foreign Migrant Health Insurance Fund or Private Health Insurance:

This applies to migrant workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia who are not part of the social security system or are awaiting coverage. It also includes dependents of migrant workers. This fund provides access to medical care, health promotion, disease prevention, and control while reducing healthcare costs for medical facilities.

migrant health3 — Ministry of Public Health

Dr. Montien further explained that people who are insured by the T.99 health insurance company must be assigned a 13-digit ID by the Ministry of Interior and meet the criteria set by cabinet decisions. They must submit documents such as identity cards, certificates of residence or letters from the relevant authorities. The Ministry has issued a letter to ensure uniform registration procedures throughout the country.

However, foreign nationals who are not covered by the social security system, health insurance or the T.99 fund must pay for medical services out of their own pocket. In cases where they cannot pay, medical service providers can provide humanitarian assistance and international organizations can provide partial financial assistance for unpaid medical bills.

Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin stated that a meeting on December 24 will discuss the cabinet decisions and the current regulations. The ministry is keen to align policy with public opinion while ensuring balance in the system. Discussions will focus on how health insurance or medical costs can be improved to better meet the public’s expectations.

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FWD Launches Easy E-Save 10/5 Online Savings Plan for Expats

By

Contributor

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23 December 2024, 14:45

FWD Life Insurance Plc. has launched the Easy E-Save 10/5 plan, an online endowment insurance tailored to meet the needs of expatriates working in Thailand who are seeking year-end tax deductions for 2024. This plan requires premium payments for only five years while providing life coverage for ten years, with a guaranteed total benefit of up to 390% of the sum assured. Policyholders can also enjoy tax-deductible benefits of up to THB 100,000 as stipulated by the Revenue Department.

Guided by our customer-led philosophy, FWD Insurance understands the needs of expatriates working and earning income in Thailand who seek to optimize their tax benefits through accessible financial products, including life insurance. In response, the company introduces the Easy E-Save 10/5 plan, an endowment insurance policy offering tax deductions of up to THB 100,000 and guaranteed returns. This plan is designed for convenience, providing easy access anytime, anywhere via the e-commerce platform at https://www.fwd.co.th /en/savings-insurance/easy-e-save/.

Ranked as the #1 online savings insurance plan for five consecutive years*, the Easy E-Save 10/5 plan offers the following key highlights:

Short-term Premium Payments: Pay premiums for 5 years and receive coverage for 10 years.
Guaranteed High Returns: Annual cashback of up to 5% and a total guaranteed return of 390% of the sum assured.
Flexible Premium Options: Choose annual premiums ranging from THB 20,000 to THB 400,000.
Tax Benefits: Enjoy tax-deductible premiums of up to THB 100,000 as stipulated by the Revenue Department.

The Easy E-Save 10/5 plan is designed for simplicity and speed. Expats can complete the application in just 10 minutes by filling out an online form, uploading required documents, and making payments via credit card or QR code. Immediate confirmation will be sent via email and SMS upon successful payment.

From now until December 31, 2024, expats purchasing the Easy E-Save 10/5 plan can enjoy up to 8% discount on the first-year premium by using the designated promotion code. Additionally, policyholders can opt for a 0% installment payment plan for up to six months using participating credit cards.

For more details on tax savings, product information, and promotions, please visit https://www.fwd.co.th/en/savings-insurance/easy-e-save/.

* Source: Premiums received through digital channels, as reported by The Thai Life Assurance Association’s monthly statistics by channel (December 2019-2023).

Omne by FWD

Every day, Your way.

Trauma Lingers on for Survivors of the Deadly Tsunami That Hit Thailand 20 Years Ago

By

Associated Press

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23 December 2024, 13:57

Thailand Tsunami Anniversary — Tourist walk in from Tsunami Memorial poster at Khao Lak, Takuapa district of Phang Nga province, southern Thailand, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI, BAN NAM KHEM — The 20-year-old freshman student was still asleep that Sunday morning at the family’s house on the Andaman Sea coast of southern Thailand when her mom, sensing something wasn’t right, woke her up saying they needed to leave right away.

The day is forever seared in Neungduangjai Sritrakarn’s memory: Dec. 26, 2004, the day the deadly Indian Ocean tsunami struck across South and Southeast Asia, after a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off the west coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra island.

It was one of modern history’s worst natural disasters.

AP24353167184532 — Visitors looks at a tiled memorial wall displaying names of victims from the tsunami 2004 in Tsunami memorial park, at Ban Nam Khem, Takuapa district of Phang Nga province, southern Thailand, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Neungduangjai’s mom had noticed a strange pattern of whitecaps on the sea, just as a relative who returned from a fishing trip came by to warn them. They grabbed all the family members’ essential documents and hopped on motorbikes.

Within minutes, Neungduangjai, her mother, father, brother and sister were speeding away, trying to get as far as they could from their village of Ban Nam Khem. Looking back, Neungduangjai saw a surging wall of water, taller than her home, moving toward shore from far away.

AP24353167372493 — A survivor from tsunami Nuengduangjai Sritrakarn talks to the Associated Press reporters during an interview explain tsunami hit to Ban Nam khem, Takuapa district of Phang Nga province, southern Thailand, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

She had never seen anything like it.

They got about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) away when the wall of water crashed into the shore of Phang Nga province and caught up with them, knocking them off their bikes. The water was dark, sweeping all kinds of objects, man-made and natural.

Nuengduangjai pulled herself to her feet but could barely stand in the moving mass — the water was almost up to her knees.

She didn’t know at the time that the tsunami had hit a dozen countries, leaving about 230,000 dead, around a third of them in Indonesia. Some 1.7 million people were displaced, mostly in the four worst-affected countries: Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand.

Along Thailand’s Andaman coast, at least 5,400 people were killed and some 3,000 remain missing to this day, according to the Thai government.

The shrimp farm where Neungduangjai’s family worked and lived was wiped out.

AP24353167332858 scaled — A motorcycle rides past a tsunami evacuation route sign Ban Nam khem, Takuapa district of Phang Nga province, southern Thailand, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

In its place today is a thriving bar and restaurant — the fruits of Neungduangjai’s rebuilding efforts — with a porch looking out to a beautiful sea view. A view she said wouldn’t be there if not for the tsunami that destroyed parts of the coast.

In Phang Nga, life has been rebuilt and the tourists are back — on the surface, all is fine.

Neungduangjai, who was home from her studies in Bangkok for the New Year break when the tsunami hit, said her immediate family survived but they lost five relatives, including her grandparents. One of her uncles was never found.

After a week of staying with relatives in nearby Ranong province, she went back. She remembers the stench of death and how she thought everything had been moved from its original place.

“There were bodies everywhere,” she said. “When I returned to the village, I couldn’t recognize a single thing. … Everything was different.”

AP24353167396838 — An area view Khao Lak beach, where tsunami hit 2004, Takuapa district of Phang Nga province, southern Thailand, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Though tourists have little reason to notice them, reminders of the tragedy abound today in Phang Nga — signs showing an evacuation route, tsunami shelters near beach areas, several memorials and museums displaying wreckage and photos that tell the story of that day.

Sanya Kongma, the assistant to Ban Nam Khem’s village chief, said development has come a long way, and that the quality of life in the village is good compared to 20 years ago.

But the haunting memories and the trauma of what they lived through are very much present and fear is never far away, he said.

“Even now … if there’s an announcement from the government on TV, or whatever, that there’s an earthquake in Sumatra, everyone will be spooked,” he said.

AP24353167258345 — A survivor from tsunami Assistant of village chief Sanya Kongma, talks to the Associated Press reporters during an interview tsunami hit to Ban Nam khem, Takuapa district of Phang Nga province, southern Thailand, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

About once a year, a siren blares off in a tsunami evacuation drill. But what is meant to reassure residents of their safety can cause some survivors to relive their pain.

Somneuk Chuaykerd lost one of her young sons to the tsunami while she was out at sea, fishing with her husband.

The 50-year-old still lives in the same spot, the sea right at her backyard. In evacuation drills, she has learned to keep an emergency tote bag with all important documents. The bag is in her bedroom, along with a photo of the little boy she lost.

AP24353167316519 — A survivor from tsunami Somnuek Chuaykerd talks to the Associated Press reporters during an interview show emergency bag with important document at Ban Nam Khem, Takuapa district of Phang Nga province, southern Thailand, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

But the siren freezes her up every time and sends her heartbeat racing. “I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what to grab,” she says. “It’s so scary.”

But she has made peace with the tragedy and has no plans to move away.

“I live by the sea. This is my living. I don’t have anywhere else to go,” she said.

As for Nuengduangjai, for years after the tsunami, every time she looked at the sea she would get a panic attack. A roaring sound of waves haunted her in her sleep.

She chose to move back home after college and make a living right next to the sea. She is proud of her bar and restaurant.

“I’m still scared, but I have to live with it, because it’s my home,” she said. “Some people moved away, but I did not. I’m still here.”

AP24353166923424 — Tourists look at Police Boat T813 that was swept inland at Tsunami Memorial Khao Lak, Takuapa district of Phang Nga province, southern Thailand, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

AP24353167279589 — Fisherman collect fish at Ban Nam Khem, where tsunami hit 2004, Takuapa district of Phang Nga province, southern Thailand, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

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B.Grimm Power Earns AAA in SET ESG Ratings for 7th Straight Year

By

Contributor

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23 December 2024, 13:53

Bangkok 23 December, 2024: B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited (BGRIM) continues to reinforce its leadership in ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) within the Thai Capital Market by securing a top-tier AAA ranking in the prestigious “SET ESG Ratings” for the year 2024, and being listed as a sustainable stock for the 7th consecutive year by the Stock Exchange of Thailand. This achievement reflects B.Grimm Power’s unwavering commitment of “Doing Business with Compassion”, a guiding principle that has been at the heart of its operations for over 146 years, prioritising the interest of all stakeholders.

Dr. Harald Link, President of B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited, stated, “This recognition highlights our vision of ‘Empowering the World Compassionately’, which aims to deliver value to society while growing alongside Thailand and across the regions. We prioritise responsible management across economic, environmental and social dimensions under strong governance principles. One of the key focus has been supporting youth education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through initiatives such as the B.Grimm School Camp, the Little Scientist’s House program, and the Dual Vocational Training programme. These efforts have provided opportunities for over 178,794 young people to gain essential knowledge and skills to contribute to national development. Moreover, the Save the Tigers project demonstrates our dedication to conserving biodiversity and restoring ecosystems, in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.”

This year, B.Grimm Power was among 56 companies to achieve the top-tier AAA rating out of 228 listed companies that met the SET ESG Ratings criteria by the Stock Exchange of Thailand. This assessment serves as a tool for investors to use alongside other data to analyse business risks and growth opportunities. Simultaneously, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors continue to play a growing role in supporting organisational growth, in line with the increasing focus on Sustainable Investment.

Throughout the past year, B.Grimm Power has been nationally and internationally recognised for its sustainability achievements through rankings and awards from leading organisations and institutions at both local and global levels. These accolades include being listed in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2023 with at top 10% among global sustainability leaders, achieving a BBB rating from MSCI ESG Ratings, maintaining its membership in the FTSE4Good Index Series for the 5th consecutive year. Additionally, the company received the Sustainability Disclosure Award from the Thaipat Institute for the 4th consecutive year and was rated “Excellent” in Corporate Governance Report (CGR) by the Thai Institute of Directors Association (IOD) for the 5th consecutive year. With its philosophy of compassion and a commitment to conducting business responsibly, B.Grimm Power is committed to achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050, striving to create a sustainable future for the planet and future generations.

Marriott International and SOS Thailand Serve Over 5,000 Meals for World Food Day 2024

By

MC Marketing

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23 December 2024, 13:53

Activities in 16 communities across Bangkok, Phuket, Phang Nga, and Pattaya use hotels’ surplus food to feed disadvantaged local people, as part of efforts to alleviate hunger and reduce food waste

Marriott’s hotels and resorts in Southern Thailand together with SOS organized the World Food Day event at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town

Bangkok, Thailand – Marriott International has marked World Food Day 2024 with a series of highly important community activities to promote sustainable food production and combat hunger in Thailand, all in collaboration with its long-term charitable partner, Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS Thailand).

Created by the United Nations, World Food Day falls annually on October 16th with the goal of eradicating global hunger by 2030. Contributing to this occasion, the associates at Marriott’s properties in Bangkok, Phuket, Phang Nga, and Pattaya joined forces with SOS Thailand to provide meals to underprivileged local people, including children, while also reducing food waste and CO2 emissions.

In Bangkok, 19 of the group’s hotels staged a series of major food distribution events across the Thai capital on October 28th. Surplus food from the hotels’ kitchens and restaurants was donated to SOS Thailand, which transformed it into 2,000 delicious meals. These were then given to residents in underprivileged urban areas, including Chumchon Khlongtoei, Soi Phra Chen, Bon Kai, and Soi Khua Phrik.

In Southern Thailand, Marriott’s hotels and resorts in Phuket and Phang Nga came together with SOS Thailand for a significant event at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town. Surplus food from 14 properties was used to craft 3,000 meals, which were then distributed by SOS Thailand in seven separate activities across Phuket including Vichit Municipality, Rassada Municipality, Nakorn Municipality, Behind the Auditorium Community, Kathu Municipality, Chalong Subdistrict, and Koh Kaew Subdistrict.

The World Food Day activities continued in November 2024, as Courtyard by Marriott North Pattaya worked with SOS Thailand to prepare 140 meals for young people in Chonburi, in collaboration with the province’s Department of Juvenile Observation & Protection.

“We are delighted to come together with SOS Thailand, our charitable partner, to provide over 5,000 meals for underprivileged people, including children, in Thailand. Despite progress, malnutrition still affects some communities, and through our Serve360 program, Marriott is fully committed to supporting the goals of World Food Day by helping to alleviate hunger wherever we operate. I would like to thank all our associates and friends at SOS Thailand for their efforts in staging these impactful events,” said Daryn Hudson, Co-Chair of Marriott’s International Business Councils Thailand and General Manager at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort.

The World Food Day initiatives are only one aspect of Marriott International’s partnership with SOS Thailand. So far in 2024, the group’s hotels and resorts in Thailand have donated more than 21,606kg of surplus food to SOS, which used these ingredients to create 90,749 meals for local communities.

For more information about Marriott’s Serve360 program, please visit serve360.marriott.com.

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