CHULA-ECAM LaSalle Celebrate 10 Years of Partnership

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4 October 2024, 15:42

Celebrating a Decade of Partnership: The 10th Anniversary of the Collaboration Between Chulalongkorn University and ECAM LaSalle to drive engineering education

Bangkok, Thailand – [1st October 2024] – The Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University (Chula Engineering) and Ecole Arts et Métier LaSalle (ECAM LaSalle) proudly commemorate the 10th anniversary of their successful partnership, marking a decade of groundbreaking collaboration in engineering education.

Ms. Lise Talbot-Barré, Counsellor for Culture and Cooperation, French Embassy in Thailand, presides over the 10th Anniversary Ceremony with Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, and Mr. Didier Desplanche, Rector of ECAM LaSalle, Leading French Engineering School, also Assoc. Prof. Dr. Witaya Wannasuphoprasit, Dean Faculty of Engineering, at the Faculty of Engineering, welcoming honored guests from academics, public and private sectors as well as representative from French business community led by President of the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Patrice Pischedda.

Since its inception in 2014, the collaboration between ECAM LaSalle and Chula Engineering have been a cornerstone of academic excellence and international cooperation. Over the past ten years, this partnership has achieved remarkable milestones, including cross-cultural student exchange programs, and innovative educational initiatives that have enriched the academic experience for students and faculty alike.

Key Achievements of the Partnership:

Student Exchanges and Internships: The exchange programs have provided students with invaluable international experience, equipping them with a global perspective and enhancing their professional prospects. More than 50 students from ECAM LaSalle France have come to study at Chula Engineering over the past 10 years and almost 20 Thai students from Chula Engineering have been studying in ECAM LaSalle.
Shared Pedagogical Methodology and Practical Expertise: Faculty members from both institutions have engaged in fruitful exchanges of knowledge and teaching methodologies, as well as the hands on practical with industries, that fostering a richer learning environment and driving forward engineering skill

The partnership has not only advanced academic knowledge but has also fostered a deeper cultural understanding between Thailand and France. It has strengthened the bonds between the institutions, laying the groundwork for future collaborative efforts that address the evolving needs of the global engineering community.

Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University commented, “Today’s Chula engineers are innovators, people who create new things. It’s not just someone who builds houses and buildings, but engineers who create innovations for the quality of life for Thailand and for the world. And we are joining forces with ECAM LaSalle to create a Global Future Leaders: we build people who understand the world. We do not teach only knowledge, but we give Mastery and Wisdom, they will excel both in theory and in practice, responding to industrie and society.”

Statements from Key Figures:

Dr. Witaya Wannasuphoprasit, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University, commented, “The past decade has been an incredible journey of innovation and mutual growth. Our collaboration with ECAM LaSalle has set a high standard for international academic partnerships, and we are excited to continue building on this strong foundation. We will focus more on working with industries. These partnerships create a win-win scenario, where the university’s research and innovation capabilities are aligned with the needs of the private sector. It helps advance industry while providing students and researchers with opportunities to work on impactful, real-world projects.”

Mr. Didier Desplanche, Rector of ECAM LaSalle, added, “Our ten-year collaboration with Chulalongkorn Engineering has been a testament to the power of global cooperation in engineering education. We look forward to furthering our joint efforts and exploring new opportunities for research and student development. ECAM LaSalle emphasizes learning and working with industries, so that our students can learn from real work with leading industries. We also focus on students creating innovation and management. Examples of new collaborations are joint start-ups, joint innovation projects, consultancy and problem solving to industries etc.”

Mr. Patrice Pischedda, President of the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce said “As a French Chamber in Thailand, we foster collaborations with Thai partners and institutions in rendering our members, mostly French companies based in Thailand, to work efficiently. One key point is to recruit and train good employees, especially good engineers. We therefore encourage and support close collaborations and dialogues with academics in order to have young talents working skillfully and competently in the real world.”

Looking Ahead:

The next milestone will be enhancing the collaboration with industries, both Thai and French industries in Thailand and in France. These partnerships will focus on research, innovation, technology transfer, and addressing societal and industrial challenges. Some of the key areas of collaboration include R&D, technology transfer & innovation, internship and workforce development, consultancy and problem solving, joint laboratories and research centers.

Pattaya Bust: 20 Chinese Run Scam Hubs in Triple House

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Khaosod English

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4 October 2024, 14:59

chinese poolvilla1 — Pattaya police raid the base of a Chinese gang involved in illegal lending and online gambling operations at a pool villa complex in Soi Chaiyapruek 1, Pattaya City, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, on October 3, 2024.

PATTAYA — Police raided the base of a Chinese gang involved in illegal lending and online gambling operations at a pool villa complex in Pattaya.

A group of 20 Chinese nationals had rented three adjacent houses in a Pattaya village. Unlike typical tourists, they were not seen going out sightseeing. Instead, they were engaged in running online gambling businesses and providing illegal loans.

After receiving a tip from an informant, Pattaya City Police obtained search warrants for the three houses. On October 3, they conducted raids:

chinese poolvilla2 — Police officers confiscate numerous communication devices used by the Chinese group to operate their scam business inside a house in Soi Chaiyapruek 1, Pattaya City, on October 3, 2024.

In the first house, they found six Chinese men busy answering phones and contacting loan customers. A Cambodian woman was working as a housekeeper. The police seized over 100 phones and 4 laptop computers.

In the second house, eight Chinese nationals were found on the second floor, along with 9 computers and numerous mobile phones.

In the third house, five Chinese individuals were present. When the police entered, two of them were operating computers but quickly shut them down upon seeing the officers.

chinese poolvilla3 — Pattaya police raid the base of a Chinese gang involved in illegal lending and online gambling operations at a pool villa complex in Soi Chaiyapruek 1, Pattaya City, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, on October 3, 2024.

Police Major General Chatchai Suracharphong, Deputy Commander of Region 2, revealed that the three houses were interconnected in their operations:

The first house was responsible for recruiting people into online gambling.
The second house ran the illegal loan operation, providing loans to other Chinese nationals.
The third house claimed to be a supply depot, where the other two houses would come to collect food. However, the police stated they needed to conduct further investigations to confirm these claims.

In total, the authorities detained 20 Chinese nationals and one Cambodian housekeeper. They seized computers, mobile phones, and an undisclosed amount of cash as evidence. All suspects were handed over to investigators and charged with working without permission.

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Memories and Prayers Are Shared at a Small-Town Funeral for the Victims of Horrific Thai Bus Fire

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Associated Press

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4 October 2024, 12:36

Thailand Bus Fire — Victims' relatives carry portraits of the victims of a bus fire in a procession at Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School Lan Sak, Uthai Thani province, Thailand, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI, LAN SAK — At a Buddhist temple in central Thailand, Wichan Seubsaichan recalled his 9-year-old son as a well-mannered boy who loved school and sports, and enjoyed participating in many activities since he was a toddler.

The boy, Reutthawat, had been asking him for a new pair of soccer shoes.

On Thursday, Wichan laid a brand-new pair of shoes, a soccer ball, and colorful sporting t-shirts along with a tray of food and beverages on top of a silver and blue patterned coffin, in front of which stood a portrait of a beaming wide-eyed boy in a white tunic with a purple brocade sash running across his chest.

Reutthawat was one of 23 students and teachers from the town of Lan Sak in Uthai Thani province who died in a horrific bus fire while on a school field trip earlier this week. Funeral rites began on Thursday at the Buddhist temple compound in the students’ hometown that also housed their school, and their royal-sponsored cremation will be held next week.

AP24277159168617 — A newly purchased football is kept near the coffin of one of the victims of the school bus fire by father Wichan Seubsaichan, at Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School, Lan Sak, Uthai Thani province, Thailand, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Among the mourners attending the ceremony, marked by the chanting of prayers by Buddhist monks, was Surayud Chulanont, former prime minister and head of King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Privy Council, who presented a wreath on behalf of the monarch.

The tragedy has prompted outrage and sadness across Thailand over the lack of enforcement of vehicular and road safety standards that contributes to thousands of deaths each year.

Thailand is infamous for having one of the highest rates of traffic fatalities in the world. More than 2,600 children aged 10-19 are killed every year in road crashes, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

Six teachers and 39 elementary and junior high school students were on the bus that caught fire Tuesday on a highway in suburban Bangkok. It spread so quickly that only 22 passengers were able to escape. Three girls remain hospitalized, one with serious burns on her face who risks losing her sight.

Wichan said when he heard news of the accident, he immediately made the six-hour drive back to his hometown from northern Phrae province, where he works as a driver. Reutthawat was not listed as being on the bus that caught fire, and that gave him hope.

AP24277159033470 — Father, Wichan Seubsaichan, left and grandmother Noklek Seekham of one of the victims of the school bus fire talk during an interview with the Associated Press at Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School, Lan Sak, Uthai Thani province, Thailand, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

“Yesterday, I was told that he had not been identified, so I was still hopeful that my son survived,” he said haltingly before bursting into tears. He learned the truth after having traveled onward to Bangkok where relatives of the victims gave DNA samples to help identify the badly burned bodies.

It was a double tragedy for Wichan, who lost not only his son, but also his own 8-year-old half-brother Natthapong Chamkrasae, who had never traveled far from home before.

Police are investigating whether the fire was caused by negligence have already filed initial charges against the bus driver, including reckless driving and failing to stop to help others.

The driver claimed a front tire had malfunctioned, making the bus bump into a car before skidding along a concrete highway barrier. Sparks from the friction might have set off highly flammable natural gas canisters that fueled the bus, police said.

AP24275280296016 — Rescuers gather at the site of a bus that caught fire, carrying young students with their teachers, in suburban Bangkok, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

The bus had 11 gas canisters installed, but a permit to hold only six, according to police. Many Thai vehicles run on compressed natural gas to save money. The bus, which was more than 50 years old, had been modified to run on CNG, said the Department of Land Transport.

“I can’t stress enough about the safety of vehicles,” Wichan said with a firm voice, his eyes red and brimming with tears. “I want them to stop using all natural gas-fueled vehicles … They’re cost-effective for the operators, but they’re not safe at all.”

Oy Kaewprasert, who was also working in another province when her 6-year-old son Theerapong Pienkasiwit perished, described him as a cheerful boy who loved to travel, and who was becoming adept at reading Thai, his favorite subject.

Speaking at the temple with tears rolling down her face, she called for better safety inspections of vehicles. “They shouldn’t be negligent like this,” she said.

AP24277158307443 — Oy Kaewprasert, mother of one of the victims of the school bus fire cries during an interview with the Associated Press at Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School, Lan Sak, Uthai Thani province, Thailand, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

The bus company owner has insisted that he followed safety regulations. While he has not been charged, the police have said they are seeking negligence charges against all responsible, and his company’s operating license has been suspended.

The Department of Land Transport is implementing urgent inspections of all natural gas-fueled buses. The department will also upgrade its safety guidelines to require crisis management training for drivers and safety inspections when such vehicles are to be used by schools, said Seksom Akraphand, the agency’s deputy director-general.

On social media, parents have expressed apprehension about sending their children on school field trips, and some even called for such activities to be canceled altogether.

Despite the tragedy he has suffered, Wichan feels otherwise.

“Both my son and my brother died. My brother had never had a chance to go anywhere. This was the first time, and he died,” he said. “For children that do not have an opportunity, to be able to travel for just one time to learn things, it is a very valuable experience for them.”

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Late-Night Drama in Bangkok as Armed Man Flees into Family Home

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Khaosod English

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4 October 2024, 02:42

family — CCTV footage from inside the house shows the suspect breaking into the second floor of the house in Soi Inthamara 29, Intersection 1, and gesturing for the residents to be quiet on Thursday night, October 3.

BANGKOK — A tense situation in Bangkok occurred on Thursday late night when an armed criminal fled from police arrest, breaking into a civilian’s house where a family resided.

An armed criminal with an automatic weapon had entered a civilian’s house with residents inside at around 8 p.m. on October 3. Initial reports indicated the hostage was a child, but it was later discovered to be two male residents in their 30s, while their mother had managed to escape earlier.

Police deployed the Hanuman unit commandos to the house and engage in a shootout with the criminal in Soi Inthamara 29, Phaya Thai district, just before 10 p.m. They identified the perpetrator as Santi, 39 years old.

bangkok hostage1 — Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panpetch, Acting National Police Chief, arrives at the scene of the incident in Soi Inthamara 29, Intersection 1 on Thursday night, October 3, 2024.

At the time of the incident, Santi had evaded arrest by police officers from Tao Poon Police Station and had taken refuge on the second floor of the house. There were two male residents on that floor.

Later, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panpetch, acting National Police Chief, arrived at the scene along with Pol. Maj. Gen. Nopasilp Poonsawat, Deputy Metropolitan Police Commander. They revealed to the media that there were 3 residents in the house: a mother and her two sons. The mother had escaped earlier, while the two sons were hiding in a room.

bangkok hostage3 — Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panpetch, Acting National Police Chief, arrives at the scene of the incident in Soi Inthamara 29, Intersection 1, on October 3, 2024.

CCTV footage revealed that Santi entered this house a few minutes after 8 p.m. He then knocked on a door on the second floor. One of the residents opened the door slightly. The criminal raised his finger to his lips, signaling to be quiet, then spoke with the person in the room for a while. After the person in the room closed the door, the criminal turned to drink water from a tap on that floor.

Later, Mr. Sorasak Saetang, owner of the Tee-Ded 99 boxing camp and former boss of Santi, arrived at the scene to try to persuade Santi to release the people in the house.

Surasak revealed to reporters that Santi was a former famous boxer with a fee of up to 100,000 baht, using the name Rittidej Mai Muang Khon. After retiring from boxing, he became a trainer at Tee-Ded 99 camp. However, due to his personal behavior of petty theft and drug use, he couldn’t stay with the people in the camp and was fired 5 years ago.

bangkok hostage4 — The two male residents of the house are safe after midnight, October 4, 2024. They were unaware of when the suspect fled from the house.

After midnight on Thursday, when the police were certain that the criminal and the hostages were not together, they raided the house to rescue the hostages. They discovered that Santi had escaped from the house. The officers didn’t know how he escaped, and the two residents hiding in the room also didn’t know when the criminal had fled.

Therefore, the authorities must continue to pursue and apprehend Santi. Meanwhile, the issue of gun possession may once again become a subject of criticism, following the police’s continued efforts to crack down on it

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Content Creator’s Flood Prank Backfires, Faces Fine in Chiang Mai

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Khaosod English

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4 October 2024, 00:10

CHIANG MAI — Chinese man arrested for making content floating in Chiang Mai floodwaters Police at Chiang Mai City Police Station arrest tourist for creating content floating with floodwaters, causing public panic.

People in Chiang Mai province on Nawarat Bridge, along the Ping River in Chang Klan Subdistrict, Muang District, were startled to see a man floating in the water as if swept away by the current on Thursday evening. They called the police and rescue team for help.

The Nakhon Ping Radio Center received the report at 5:00 PM on October 3. They dispatched patrol officers and the Chedi Ngam rescue team from Chiang Mai Municipality to assist the man. He was safely brought ashore near Mengrai Bridge behind Ban Den Electricity Authority in Nong Hoi Subdistrict.

However, later complaints revealed that this man had done this before, prompting Chiang Mai City Police Station and Immigration Police to take him in for questioning. They found he was Chinese and had to contact an interpreter to assist with the process.

The investigation revealed that he was a Chinese tourist with the surname Li, who had previously floated in the river on September 25, also during a flood in Chiang Mai province.

Mr. Li stated that he did this simply because he enjoys swimming and likes to create content about playing in water.

content chiangmai2 — Pol. Col. Prachya Tisla questions Mr. Li, who was seen floating in the water as if swept away by the current on October 3, 2024.

Pol. Col. Prachya Thisla, Superintendent of Chiang Mai City Police Station, charged him with “causing public nuisance in a public place and causing fear to others,” and fined him the maximum amount of 5,000 baht.

At the same time, Pol. Col. Prachya admonished and advised Mr. Li about the prohibitions on creating dangerous content, as it could cause public panic and misunderstanding, inconvenience everyone, and potentially affect the tourism image of Chiang Mai province.

Mr. Li acknowledged the charges and agreed to pay the fine. He promised not to create dangerous content in the future and will not jump into the Ping River again.

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Fatal Bus Fire Probe Exposes Thai Officials and Company Fraud Claims

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Khaosod English

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3 October 2024, 20:29

Bus — The Department of Land Transport presented images to the House of Representatives' Transportation Committee on October 3, showing a gas pipe disconnected from the 8th gas tank at the front of the bus, while the axle broke, causing the body to drop and scrape against the road before the bus caught fire. (Khaosod Photo/Pattarayoot Phukpol)

BANGKOK — A tragic accident involving a school bus caught fire, killing 23 students and teachers from Uthai Thani Province. This heartbreaking event has shaken the nation and put pressure on the bus company and government officials, especially the Department of Land Transportation, to urgently conduct an investigation and take important preventive measures.

On October 3, Jirut Wisanjit, Director General of the Department of Land Transportation, attended a meeting in Parliament with the House Transportation Committee to present an initial investigation report on the case.

He stated that currently, the department is taking action against all parties involved in the case, including the operators, the bus owner, the driver, the engineer responsible for inspecting the gas tank and government officials.

bus investigate2 — A Member of the Transport Committee questions Mr. Jirut Wisaljit, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport (second from right), about the details of the fatal bus at the Parliament on October 3, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/Pattarayoot Phukpol)

Two officials from the department of Land Transport, including the head of vehicle inspection and a vehicle inspection technician from the Singburi Provincial Transport Office, have been transferred to the department of Land Transport to ensure a smooth investigation. Should any misconduct be found, the department will impose the highest level of disciplinary action.

He also outlined the measures to be taken against those involved and preventive measures to ensure that such incidents do not happen again, as follows:

All public buses, both scheduled and charter buses, that use CNG fuel— – a total of 13,426 buses (as of 30 September 2024) — must be inspected within 60 days.
Standards for charter bus operations (Type 30) will be raised for the entire system, including operations, inspections and services.
The department will coordinate with the Ministry of Education, schools across the country and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to ensure that schools or organizations that need to rent charter busses (Type 30) for group travel by students or the elderly have the busses inspected for safety by the provincial transportation authority before each trip.
The new regulations require chartered buses to have staff on board, similar to regular public buses. These employees must be trained and complete a course on crisis management and passenger care.
The new regulations require operators to provide passengers with safety information and emergency procedures, similar to airline protocols.

bus investigate3 — The Department of Land Transport presented an image to the House of Representatives’ Transportation Committee on October 3, showing that the tires of the burned bus did not burst as initially understood. (Khaosod Photo/Pattarayoot Phukpol)

Mr. Cheep Nomsian, Director of the Automotive Engineering Bureau, reported that upon inspecting the vehicle’s condition, they found that the rear right door’s internal opening and closing lever was still functioning normally. The wheels had not exploded. They discovered that 5 out of 11 unauthorized gas tanks were installed in the front part of the bus where the fire originated.

The gas pipe of the 8th tank had come loose, causing a gas leak. They also found that the front axle had broken and scraped against the road, but it’s not yet concluded whether this caused sparks.

Currently, the Department of Land Transport and the Forensic Science Division are jointly analyzing and determining the true cause of the fire. The Royal Thai Police will make a further announcement on this matter.

bus investigate1 — A black Mercedes-Benz, which was sideswiped by the bus just before the bus caught fire, is brought to park next to the bus wreckage for evidence examination on October 3, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/Chalatip Roongbour)

During the committee meeting, MPs Peeradej Siriwansan from Nakhon Sawan (Bhumjaithai Party) and Chatchawan Apirakmankong from Khon Kaen (People’s Party) questioned the Director-General about the bus’s gas tanks when the additional tanks had been installed.

The Director General replied that the department and the police are currently investigating this matter to determine responsibility. As for the bus operator, Shinbutra Company, Jirut noted that the company’s transport license has been suspended and the other buses have been ordered to report to the Lopburi Provincial Transport Department, which has more modern equipment for inspection than that of Singburi Province where the buses were registered.

However, the Shinbutra Company failed to send the five other buses for inspection at the Lopburi Provincial Transport Department; instead, they went directly to an auto shop in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

bus investigate6 — Transport officials in Nakhon Ratchasima province found buses that did not go for inspection in Lopburi province. The gas tanks, which are a point of suspicion in the Shinbutra Company bus fire incident, had been removed at an auto shop in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

Officials at the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Transport Office, later were notified to investigate and found that there was an attempt to remove the CNG gas tanks from the buses, presumably to evade inspection. The officials then informed the police, who have seized all five tour buses for further investigation.

Earlier, MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn of the People’s Party criticized the Department of Land Transport during a parliamentary session in which a motion to investigate and propose improved preventive measures after the tragic bus fire was discussed.

He pointed out that the department is often accused by the public of being a “twilight zone” where substantial benefits are extorted. Some claim that the inspections merely rubber-stamp signatures without proper scrutiny.

“The bus in question had CNG gas tanks. How could the bus catch fire just because it grazed a curb? How could it pass the inspection? This raises the question of whether the inspections are genuine or just signatures being sold. It’s like we have ticking time bombs on our roads every day,” he said.

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Typhoon Krathon Makes Landfall in Taiwan, Packing Fierce Winds and Torrential Rain

By

Associated Press

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3 October 2024, 18:03

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (AP) — Typhoon Krathon made landfall Thursday in Taiwan’s major port city of Kaohsiung, bringing torrential rains and fierce winds to the island’s south. Trees were brought down by high winds and roads were flooded, prompting the closure of schools and businesses.

Krathon made landfall in the industrial Siaogang district of Kaohsiung around 12:40 p.m., the Central Weather Administration said. It packed maximum sustained winds of 126 kph (78 mph) with gusts of 162 kph (101 mph).

The typhoon was forecast to move slowly north and weaken into a tropical depression by Friday before it reaches the capital, Taipei. It was expected to then head across the Taiwan Strait toward the Chinese coast. Winds were strong in Taipei on Thursday, but there was little rain.

Kaohsiung earlier urged its residents to take cover from potentially disastrous winds and rain, which tore down storefronts and flooded car parks but caused no reported loss of life.

AP24277147528696 — A view of Love River as Typhoon Krathon arrives in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

The slow-moving typhoon, which approached Taiwan at a speed of about 4 kph (2.5 mph), doused eastern and southern parts of the island over the past five days, forcing thousands to evacuate from mountainous or low-lying areas. Two days of closures are believed to have taken a significant toll on the island’s high-tech economy that relies heavily on foreign trade.

Gusts and heavy rains pelted empty streets in Kaohsiung, while life in Taipei, 350 kilometers (215 miles) to the north, was only slightly disrupted.

Many residents woke up Thursday to mobile phone alerts urging them to take shelter from the potentially dangerous winds. The weather administration posted a Facebook message warning Kaohsiung and Pingtung county residents not to go outside when the eye of the storm passes above their area and the weather calms briefly, because the winds would pick up again afterward.

Weather-related events attributed to Krathon injured at least 123 people around the island, according to Taiwan’s fire department. Two people died — one after driving into fallen rocks on the road in the southeastern Taitung county, and the other while trimming tree branches in the city of Hualien. Two others remained missing.

AP24277147853631 — A hotel staff prepares to move a human figure from the doorway to inside as Typhoon Krathon arrives in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

A fire at a hospital in Pingtung County killed at least nine people early Thursday. The deaths were attributed to smoke and the cause was under investigation. It was not immediately clear whether the blaze was related to the typhoon.

Thousands were evacuated from areas vulnerable to mudslides and landslides. Almost 40,000 troops were on standby to help with rescue efforts.

Mountainous areas in the island’s south have received up to 169 centimeters (5.5 feet) of rain over the past five days.

China’s weather agency said some eastern and southern parts of Taiwan are set to receive extremely heavy rains of up to 40 centimeters (1.3 feet) over the next 24 hours.

Typhoons rarely hit Taiwan’s west coast, affecting instead the mountainous eastern side of the island.

Kaohsiung officials, in urging residents to be vigilant about the weather, recalled the destruction brought by Typhoon Thelma, which in 1977 badly damaged the city and caused 37 deaths.

Earlier in the week, Typhoon Krathon lashed northern Philippine islands, killing four people and displacing at least 5,000, officials said.

AP24277086172042 — A street view from a hotel that taped the glass of its front door as Typhoon Krathon arrives in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

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Thai PM Outlines Vision for Asia’s Future at ACD Qatar Summit

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Khaosod English

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3 October 2024, 16:28

paetong acd1 — Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra joined in a group photo with Asian leaders at the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit in Doha, Qatar, on October 3, 2024.

DOHA, Qatar — Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered a compelling speech at the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit in Doha, Qatar, on October 3, emphasizing peaceful solutions and outlining Thailand’s vision for regional cooperation.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn began by praising Qatar’s successful hosting of the 2022 World Cup, using it as a springboard to discuss the theme of “Sports Diplomacy.” She highlighted the role of sports in bridging divides and fostering international relationships, particularly relevant given the current conflicts in the Middle East.

Call for Peace

Addressing the ongoing regional conflicts, she expressed Thailand’s deep concern over the worsening humanitarian situation. She called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to protect civilian infrastructure and comply with international humanitarian law.

“In solidarity with the international community, we call on all parties to the conflict to exercise utmost restraint and immediately cease all acts of hostilities, protect civilian infrastructure, and comply with international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations,” said the Thai PM.

paetong acd2 — Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra joined in a group photo with Asian leaders at the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit in Doha, Qatar, on October 3, 2024.

Thailand’s ACD Chairmanship 2025

Paetongtarn stressed Thailand’s strategic geographical location and ongoing investments in transport infrastructure. She invited ACD partners to collaborate on developing new trade corridors to enhance connectivity across the continent.

Looking ahead to Thailand’s chairmanship of the ACD in 2025, the Prime Minister positioned Thailand as a key player in what she termed the “Asian Century,” emphasizing the continent’s economic strength and potential. She highlighted Thailand’s strengths in the food and agriculture sector, proposing stronger trade networks among ACD nations to ensure food security.

“As we assume the chairmanship of the ACD in 2025, allow me to reiterate once again that Thailand, as a bridge builder, looks forward to working with all member states to be an active promoter of peace and common prosperity. We believe that it is high time for us to join hands more firmly and warmly, especially for countries in the Global South, to enhance our collective impact on global economic stability and security,” she stated.

Thai leader also outlined several key initiatives:

Revitalization of activities under the 6 pillars of ACD cooperation
Strategic alignment of ACD efforts with other regional groupings like ASEAN, GCC, and BRICS
Exploration of a more balanced financial architecture, including discussions on Asian-led credit rating agencies

paetong acd3 — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her delegation arrive at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar on October 2, 2024, to attend the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD).

Vision for a United Asia

Throughout her speech, the Thai Prime Minister highlighted Thailand’s role as a “bridge builder” and an “active promoter of peace and common prosperity.” She advocated for stronger collaboration among Asian nations, particularly those in the Global South, to enhance their collective impact on global economic stability and security.

“These challenges have taught us the importance of ensuring economic and financial stability to foster sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth for our people,” she stated. “This lesson, combined with the painful experience of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, underscores our belief in achieving a ‘Balance of Financial Architecture,” she remarked.

To realize this goal, Paetongtarn emphasized the need to revisit the concept of a more balanced and resilient financial framework that supports the global agenda on Financing for Development. “We will organize preliminary ACD high-level discussions on financial architecture,” she announced.

“These talks will explore the possibility of creating a platform for financial cooperation, which includes discussing the development of Asian-led and Asian-owned credit rating agencies. Such agencies would provide more accurate assessments of financial stability, better align with the regional economic realities of our local markets, and reduce our dependency on external evaluations,” said the Thai Prime Minister.

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Discover the Education Excellence at BASIS Bangkok’s Exclusive Open House on October 26

By

MC Marketing

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3 October 2024, 16:02

BASIS International School Bangkok invites families to join the Open House event on Saturday, October 26th, 2024. Parents and students will have the exclusive opportunity to experience real classroom environment and engage in interactive workshops.

BASIS International School Bangkok is the 35th school in the BASIS Network from the United States. The network has been developing their specialized curriculum for more than three decades and has earned its reputation as one of the best school networks in America.

BASIS offers classes from Nursery through to Grade 12, delivering a rigorous academic program that emphasizes limitless student potential. The curriculum prepares students for future challenges and global competitiveness. Many BASIS students go on to attend top universities worldwide and contribute as highly skilled professionals in the global community.

BASIS Bangkok is committed to being “Locally rooted, globally connected”, to striving for excellence while integrating its curriculum with the local context, instilling Thai values alongside its internationally recognized standards. It’s no surprise that BASIS Bangkok has become one of the leading international schools in Thailand.

Beyond the academic excellence, BASIS Bangkok provides an exceptional learning environment and top-quality facilities that inspire a love for learning and help students discover their personal interests. The school carefully selects expert teachers with subject-specific knowledge and creativity, driven by the belief that every child can excel.

BASIS International School Bangkok is ready to welcome visitors at its exclusive Open House, where you can tour the facilities and learn why BASIS students love coming to school every day. You will experience the innovative classrooms, equipped with modern conveniences, and interact with two expert teachers in each class—SET (Subject Expert Teacher) and LET (Learning Expert Teacher)—who work together to nurture creativity and prepare students for the future.

BASIS Bangkok’s Exclusive Open House
📅 Saturday, October 26th, 2024
🕑 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Sign up here!: https://bit.ly/3XQK73f

More information
☎️ 02-415-0099
📩 [email protected]
LINE : @BASISAdmissions

Suvarnabhumi Airport Gears Up for Q4 Passengers in Peak Season

By

Khaosod English

-

3 October 2024, 15:33

BANGKOK — AOT expects the total number of passengers in the peak season or fourth quarter of this year, which started in October coinciding with the Chinese National Day.

Dr. Keerati Kijmanawat, Chief Executive Officer of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), told Prachachat Business that AOT expects the total number of passengers in the peak season or fourth quarter of this year.

This coincided with the Golden Week of Chinese National Day, to reach a level comparable to that of 2019 before the COVID-19 crisis. Suvarnabhumi Airport alone is expected to handle up to 200,000 passengers per day.

This year, AOT has fully prepared for the service issues it will face in 2019, including check-in processes, security checks and immigration checkpoints. The company has now invested in the installation of self-check-in systems via airline platforms, automated baggage handling systems (self bag drop) and auto gates to improve the efficiency and speed of immigration services.

Other airports such as Don Mueang, Phuket and Chiang Mai are also expected to recover well. AOT is preparing to install car gates at Don Mueang, Phuket and Chiang Mai airports as well.

keerati 24 29 2024 — Dr. Keerati Kijmanawat, Chief Executive Officer of AOT

“We are confident that flights can be handled faster than in the 2019 peak season and that congestion will be manageable. We have set a target that the check-in, security and immigration processes will take no longer than 30 minutes. We have also strengthened management procedures at all airports to ensure that we can handle peak travel times with excellent service,” said Dr. Keerati.

Chinese Travelers Increase

There is an emerging trend that the proportion of Chinese tourists is regularly increasing from 20-25 percent, which is a positive sign. Airlines are also booking slots for both scheduled and charter flights.

“During the period from September 30 to around October 10-15, China’s Golden Week, charter flights are expected to increase by about 25 percent from normal levels, especially at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports,” Dr. Keerati added.

This is in line with data from Agoda, a leading online booking platform, which indicates that Bangkok continues to be a popular destination for Chinese tourists. Bangkok is among the top 5 most popular destinations during China’s Golden Week (October 1-7, 2024), with a 137 percent increase in accommodation searches compared to last year.

Airlines Rush to Book Winter Slots

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) announced that during the 154th Slot Conference (SC154) in Bogotá, Colombia, three months ago, more than 70 airlines from around the world gathered to negotiate flight schedules for the 2024 winter slot from October 27, 2024 to March 29 , 2025.

Airlines from Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, China and the Middle East, including Air France, British Airways, Air Canada, Japan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Emirates and others, have expressed their interest in securing slots at Thailand’s major airports, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket and Chiang Mai.

Bookings to Samui Soar by 35%

Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, CEO of Bangkok Airways, reported that advance bookings for flights, particularly to Samui (which accounts for 65 percent of bookings), have been steadily increasing since the beginning of the year by approximately 13 percent. In Q2, bookings grew by 3 percent, in Q3 by 11 percent, and in Q4, Samui saw a 35 percent growth in advance bookings compared to the same period last year.

The company plans to add two Airbus A319 aircraft to its fleet this year, increasing the total number to 24 planes to accommodate the anticipated travel demand.

4-6 Star Hotel Bookings Surge

Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group, said that the hotel business in Thailand has recovered significantly. The hotels in Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya have exceeded expectations, with the return of European and Russian tourists in Phuket exceeding 100 percent. ONYX’s two hotels in Phuket currently have an average occupancy rate of over 90 percent and room rates are rising.

“We expect bookings for 4-6 star hotels this high season to exceed those of the last two years. We are already seeing a steady increase in advance bookings, especially for hotels in Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya, which gives us confidence that this high season will bring both high occupancy rates and higher room rates,” said Yuthachai.

Revenue Expected to Hit ฿3.5 Trillion

Thapanee Kiatpaiboon, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), announced that 25.41 million international tourists visited Thailand from January 1 to September 22, 2024. It is estimated that over 10 million more international tourists will arrive in the last three months of 2024, bringing the total number to 36.7 million. This is expected to generate 3.5 trillion baht ($105 billion) in tourism revenue, reaching the annual target.

“The TAT is accelerating its efforts to promote tourism in line with government policy, focusing on stimulating travel and spending by international tourists to ensure that tourism recovery reaches the set targets, especially in the last quarter of 2024, Thailand’s peak season,” Thapanee concluded.

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Call for Peace

Thailand’s ACD Chairmanship 2025

Vision for a United Asia

Chinese Travelers Increase

Airlines Rush to Book Winter Slots

Bookings to Samui Soar by 35%

4-6 Star Hotel Bookings Surge

Revenue Expected to Hit ฿3.5 Trillion

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