AIS to Issue First Telecom Sustainability Bonds in Thailand

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11 September 2024, 16:29

Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (“the Company” or “AIS”), a leading telecommunications service provider and digital infrastructure in Thailand, including mobile networks and broadband internet with a customer base of over 50 million, is preparing to offer its first ‘Sustainability Bonds’ in the Thai telecommunications industry. These bonds will have terms of 4 and 7 years, and will be available for subscription through general investors. The subscription period is expected to take place during 8 and 11-12 November 2024. The Company is confident that this bond offering will create investment opportunities in a stable, growing company that aligns with sustainable development. Highlighting a “AAA(tha)” credit rating (Watch negative) from Fitch Ratings (Thailand) Limited as of 4 September 2024, it reflects the strength of the business operations and a stable financial status. The issuance will be managed by seven leading financial institutions, including Bangkok Bank, KASIKORNBANK, Krung Thai Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, Bank of Ayudhya, United Oversea Bank (Thai), and Kiatnakin Phatra Securities.

Montri Khongkruephan, Chief Finance Officer AIS, stated, “This issuance of sustainability bonds will strengthen and support the growth of AIS’s sustainable business operations under the vision to become a Cognitive Tech-Co, part of the Sustainable Nation initiative aimed at fostering Thailand’s sustainable growth through an ECOSYSTEM ECONOMY encompassing people, society, the economy, and the environment in the digital world. Our focus is on developing efficient digital infrastructures, including the 5G network that already covers over 95% of the population area, the Broadband internet services that are accessible to more than 13.3 million households nationwide, and digital platforms for enterprise customer that enhance the potential of the country’s key business and industrial sectors. The objective of this bond issuance is to invest in projects related to energy efficiency and the expansion of the 5G network to enhance access to digital infrastructure for the public or households in remote areas.

These Sustainability Bonds will be offered to general investors (Public Offering) in two series, with terms of 4 years and 7 years, to match the diverse needs of investors. Interest payments will be made every six months throughout the bond’s term. The minimum subscription for general investors is set at 100,000 baht, with increments of 100,000 baht. Details of the interest rates will be announced later. The Company is confident that these bonds will be well received by investors who are looking to invest in one of the most stable companies in the country.”

For the first half of the year 2024, the Company reported a primary service revenue of 79,665 million baht, an increase of 18% compared to the same period last year. This rise was driven by the growth in mobile services revenue, which increased by 4.0% from the previous year, spurred by increased data usage and revenue related to the recovery in tourism. Additionally, the Fixed-Broadband revenue saw robust growth of 159% from the same period last year due to TTTBB revenue recognition and expansion into new areas, along with an increase in ARPU from strategies promoting bundled content services. Revenue from Enterprise services and other segments increased by 33% compared to the same period last year, due to TTTBB revenue recognition and growing demand for digital communication and cloud connectivity services. The Company’s EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) grew by 21% from the same period last year, reflecting the performance of TTTBB and the growth of regular business operations. The net profit for the first half of 2024 was 17,028 million baht, an increase of 22% compared to the same period last year, due to improved operations and the recognition of profit share from 3BBIF.

Montri furthers on AIS’s approach to sustainable business operations, stating, “Beyond our strength in business operations from our advanced digital infrastructure that keeps us at the forefront, AIS also has a major goal to foster sustainable growth. This includes Drive Digital Economy to support growth in people and business sectors within the Digital Economy, as well as Promote Digital Inclusion, a society that promotes the creative and safe use of technology, equipping individuals with digital citizenship skills. The last dimension is our Act on Climate where we focus on reducing impacts through managing business processes and supply chains with innovation, solutions, and various activities that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and manage waste from our operations through reduction and recycling and promoting proper disposal of E-Waste. All these are part of our ongoing goals for sustainable business operations that aim to Thrive in a greener and inclusive digital world.”

Fitch Ratings assesses that AIS has a strong market position in the mobile business, with around a 48% revenue market share and believes that the mobile sector will benefit from further rational price competition in Thailand, which will support AIS’s average revenue per user and revenue growth.

The Company is currently in the process of filing its registration statement for offer for sale of debt securities and draft prospectus to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are not yet effective. Investors can seek for more details from the registration statement and draft prospectus at www.sec.or.th or information further https://investor-th.ais.co.th/news.html/id/2510115/group/sustainable_finance or inquire further at the seven arrangers for the bonds, which include:

Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited (excluding Micro branches). Call 1333 or subscribe via the Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking application for individual investors.
KASIKORNBANK Public Company Limited, all branches. Call 02-888-8888, press 869, or subscribe online through https://www.kasikornbank.com/kmyinvest (excluding foreigners and legal entities, who can subscribe through the head office and branches), including Kasikorn Securities Public Company Limited as the sales unit of KASIKORNBANK Public Company Limited.
Krungthai Bank Public Company Limited, all branches. Call 02-111-1111 or subscribe online via the Krungthai NEXT app (only for individual investors).
Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited, all branches. Call 02-777-6784 or subscribe online via SCB EASY app, including InnoVestX Securities Company Limited as the sales unit of Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited.
Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited, all branches. or Call 1572.
UOB Bank Public Company Limited, all branches or Call 02-285-1555.
Kiatnakin Phatra Securities Public Company Limited. Call 02-165-5555 or subscribe online via the Dime! app, including Kiatnakin Phatra Bank as the sales unit of Kiatnakin Phatra Securities Public Company Limited.

About AIS

Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS), is a digital infrastructure service provider driving Thailand’s digital transformation through four business groups, serving a customer base of over 50.6 million. These include mobile phone services on the 5G network with the highest frequency band of 1460 MHz, catering to over 45.7 million users; Broadband internet services under the AIS 3BB FIBRE3 with over 4.9 million users; corporate customer services; and digital service businesses. All of these are in line with the vision of becoming a leading telecommunications and smart technology organization – Cognitive Tech-Co, supporting the strength of the digital economy and elevating the quality of life for Thai people. Meet us at www.ais.th (as of June 2024).

Solar-Powered Success: Thai Farmer’s Organic Rice Find International Markets

By

Khaosod English

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11 September 2024, 14:52

NAKHON PHANOM — A female farmer from Nakhon Phanom in northeastern Thailand has learned innovative methods to add value to rice in order to increase her income, and has transformed herself into a rice-processing entrepreneur with solar drying systems.

Nim-Anong Kaewpaisan, the founder of Phetpaisankamkhun Co, Ltd, started with a piece of family farmland used for rice cultivation. However, selling paddy rice to middlemen did not provide sufficient income for a sustainable livelihood. She then decided to return to her roots and look for ways to increase the income from rice cultivation.

In 2015, twelve rice farmers from Ban Huai Hai founded the Ban Huai Hai Agricultural Product Processing Community Enterprise. They started to grow organic rice and process rice products such as brown rice, sprouted rice and milled sprouted rice to increase their income.

rice nakhon phanom4 — Ban Kho Subdistrict Technology Promotion Project

In 2018, the group expanded into a large-scale farming community called “Ban Huai Hai Large-Scale Farming” in Ban Kho Subdistrict, where 53 members grow organic rice on 939 rai.

In 2021, Nim-Anong founded Phetpaisankamkhun Co., Ltd. to support and purchase organic rice from the members for processing and marketing, including exporting rice and processing other agricultural products. Today, members are spread across all districts of Nakhon Phanom and Sakon Nakhon provinces, including Kusuman, Phon Na Kaeo and Khok Si Suphan districts.

Ban Huai Hai Agricultural Product Efficiency Learning Center received a budget of 739,658 baht ($22k) from the Energy Conservation Promotion Fund in 2022 to install an 8×20.8 meter solar drying system and use biomass ovens to dry rice products.

Traditionally, rice was dried in the sun, which required large areas of land that many farmers lacked. The produce was often contaminated by insects, dust or rain, resulting in inferior products and delays in meeting market demand.

However, with the introduction of the solar drying system by the community, product quality improved. The rice became less moist, was free of insects, mold and fungi and had a pleasant fragrance. The drying time was significantly reduced, allowing two drying cycles per day, which increased production efficiency.

The community processes a variety of organic rice products such as sprouted jasmine rice, sprouted rice with rice berries, sprouted rice with black glutinous rice, ground sprouted rice, brown jasmine rice, brown rice with rice berries, brown rice with black glutinous rice, ground jasmine rice powder, ground rice berry rice powder, black glutinous rice powder, dried bananas and dried sweetened pineapple. Initially, they only produced sprouted rice and brown jasmine rice.

All products are certified organic by Bio Agri Search (Thailand) Co, Ltd. The Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) also guarantees that the group’s products are sugar-free, making them suitable for diabetics, people with high blood pressure and pregnant women with toxemia, as well as people who require tube feeding.

Due to the diversification of rice products, the price of the group’s rice is higher than the normal market price. For example, the price of jasmine rice is 1 baht per kilogram higher, while other rice varieties are 3-4 baht per kilogram more expensive. Colored rice is bought for 18 baht per kilogram. This has increased the income of community members by around 30 percent as they no longer have to sell the normal paddy rice.

The group also guarantees its members the price of Grade A rice at 18 baht per kilogram, Grade B at 17 baht and Grade C at 16 baht every year. This price guarantee increases the members’ income from farming and protects them from market fluctuations. If rice prices rise, the group adjusts accordingly.

They also process rice into nutritional supplements such as rice powder drinks with kale, instant drinks made from brown sprouted rice powder, banana powder drinks and lemongrass pandan leaf powder drinks. These products are developed using clean, standardized processes and with the support of various government agencies.

The Group currently supplies products to exporters in several countries, including the UK, Hong Kong, China and California, USA. Exports include 48 tons of rice germ per year at 150,000 baht per ton, 300 tons of white rice per year at 500,000 baht per ton, 12 tons of colored rice per year at 25,000 baht per ton and 250 tons of paddy rice per year at 20,000 baht per ton.

They also buy non-organic rice to sell to Thai jasmine rice exporters, which amounts to about 1,500 tons per year.

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FXGT.com Participates as Sponsor and Partner in iFX Expo Asia 2024

By

Contributor

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11 September 2024, 14:17

FXGT.com, an award-winning and globally recognized online CFD broker, announces its participation as a sponsor and Official Global Partner in iFX Expo Asia 2024, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, from the 16th to 18th of September.

iFX Expo is the world’s first and largest financial B2B exhibition, bringing together professionals in online trading, financial services, and fintech from across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East for over a decade. With over 120 exhibitors and 2+ days of engaging activities, iFX Expo is a must-attend event for industry leaders and innovators.

About the Cyprus iFX Expo International 2024

iFX Expo in Cyprus is a key global financial event, attracting top market influencers, fintech pioneers, and leading affiliates. On June 20th this year, FXGT.com received nominations for several prestigious awards at Cyprus iFX Expo International 2024, including ‘Most Innovative Broker’ and ‘Best IB/Affiliate Broker’.

FXGT.com’s excellence in delivering advanced trading solutions and strong affiliate programs was recognized as they took home the ‘Most Innovative Broker’ award. During the event, they reinforced relationships with international partners and explored new business opportunities.

FXGT.com’s Award Showcase

FXGT.com has proudly showcased its expertise at numerous financial events worldwide, earning multiple awards along the way. At the 2024 Awards for Brokers with Outstanding Assessment held by BrokersView, the company secured three prestigious awards, including “Best Global CFD Broker”, “Best Global IB/Affiliate Program”, and “Best Global Trading Conditions”. These titles solidify FXGT.com’s position as one of the leaders in the global trading arena, renowned for their exceptional service, security, and diverse range of financial instruments.

FXGT.com: Official Global Partner

FXGT.com takes center stage as the Official Global Partner and a major sponsor of iFX EXPO Asia. Known for its innovative trading solutions and secure market access, FXGT.com will share its deep industry knowledge, focusing on the latest financial trends, asset and wealth management, and the transformative potential of quantum computing. Attendees can also expect discussions on building a customer-centric trading environment and fostering a strong online community.

Adding to the excitement, FXGT.com will be running a giveaway contest with exclusive prizes, including a Trip for Two, making their presence at the expo even more anticipated.

About FXGT.com

FXGT.com is a well-established, award-winning, and fully regulated online CFD broker, offering its services across various continents and regions. Prioritizing client security, FXGT.com uses segregated bank accounts for clients’ and company’s funds, and holds licenses from esteemed regulatory bodies, including FSA (Seychelles), FSCA (South Africa), as well as VFSC (Vanuatu), and CySEC (Cyprus) – with the latter two for institutional clients only.

FXGT.com offers a wide range of tradable CFD asset classes and instruments, ensuring reliable and fast execution across various account types. Clients benefit from a suite of trading tools, market insights, educational blog and technical analysis, along with attractive bonuses like Welcome Bonuses, Loyalty Bonuses, and Cashbacks.

For more information, visit FXGT.com.

Join FXGT.com at iFX Expo Asia 2024 in Thailand and experience the future of online trading!

Not Enough Help, Unclear Flood Warnings Made, Said a Mae Sai Official

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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11 September 2024, 11:51

BANGKOK — At least 50 people, if not more, are still stranded due to flash floods since Tuesday, as of 10 a.m. September 11 in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai province, said Pacharapol Prakam, an assistant public relations officer at Mae Sai Municipality Office in Chiang Rai province on the phone Wednesday morning.

Pacharapol told Khaosod English there is not enough help to rescue people at present although one day has passed since the flash flood began at around 8 a.m. yesterday.

“There’s not enough help coming. Not enough soldiers deployed,” he said, adding he saw no rescue helicopter so far although it could make a difference as many are trapped on the roof of their homes and buildings.

chiangrai flood1 — Aerial photograph showing flooding in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province on September 11, 2024.

“The water arrived so quickly and a dyke [on Mae Sai river bank] bursted.” The 34-year-old man said that he and others monitor warnings from local and national offices of the Meteorological Department and relay warnings to local residents via village headmen but some locals are simply stubborn and won’t move their vehicles or evacuate.

Pacharapol also admitted the technical language used by the Meteorological Department lacks the simplicity and accuracy and could be easily grasped by locals and laymen as well.

chiangrai flood3 — Officials rescue residents stranded in the houses due to flooding in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, in the early hours of Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

Asked if there’s any equivalent of a red, yellow and green flag warning potential swimmers at the sea, or a Number designating the severity of typhoons as in Typhoon Number 1, 2 or 3 in the Philippines, and he said there’s none.

“If there is a colour-code [for warnings issued by the Department] it would be great. Since it’s not clear, locals were complacent,” he added.

Post flood, he hopes the authority will spend more money to build a proper dyke and not a flimsy one, that could really withstand the force of nature and also build reservoirs and irrigation channels to divert excess water away.

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Bangkok RHVAC and E&E 2024 Generate 4.1 Billion Baht in Trade

By

Contributor

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11 September 2024, 09:44

Bangkok Refrigeration, Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning 2024 (Bangkok RHVAC 2024) and Bangkok Electric and Electronics 2024 (Bangkok E&E 2024), organized during 4-7 September, 2024 at BITEC, Bangkok, featuring 316 local and international exhibitors in 807 booths, has met with great success by attracting 9,121 Thai entrepreneurs as well as overseas buyers/importers/businessmen to visit on all four days of the show (a 37.95% increase from last event in 2022). Local and international visitors are from 51 countries with the majority from China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, Myanmar, South Korea, Indonesia and Australia. Bangkok RHVAC 2024 and Bangkok E&E 2024 generates a total trade value of over 4,134 million baht, divided into 34 million baht on spot order and 4,100 million baht for estimated trade value within one year.

See you again at Bangkok RHVAC 2026 and Bangkok E&E 2026.

Distributed on behalf of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce. For more information or inquiries, please contact: Akarawut Kasiwitayanun, Tl: 096 997 1997

CPF-Fisheries Dept. Alliance: Month-Long Effort Cuts Blackchin Tilapia

By

MC Marketing

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11 September 2024, 09:27

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) has been collaborating with the Department of Fisheries on five proactive projects to combat the invasive Blackchin Tilapia for more than a month. These initiatives have successfully removed over 1,300,000 kilograms of the species from Thai waterways, with efforts continuing in partnership with various sectors to eradicate this invasive fish from Thailand’s aquatic ecosystems.

Mr. Adit Krisanawong, CPF’s Head of Public and Private Relations, reported significant progress across all five projects, particularly in rapidly reducing fish populations in affected waterways. A key initiative involves purchasing Blackchin Tilapia for fishmeal production, in collaboration with Sirisaeng Arumpee Fishmeal factory in Samut Sakhon province. To date, the factory has procured 1,300,000 kilograms from local fishermen and 18 fish markets in Samut Sakhon and neighboring provinces, with an ultimate target of 2 million kilograms.

“Our month-long collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and related organizations has led to the removal of more than 1.3 million kilograms of Blackchin Tilapia from water sources across 15 provinces,” Mr. Adit stated. “This has resulted in a notable decrease in fish populations in many areas. We are committed to ongoing cooperation to eradicate this invasive species.”

The second project focuses on introducing predator fish into affected waterways. CPF has supplied 70,000 Asian seabass (4-5 inches or larger) for release in Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Chanthaburi, and Rayong provinces. In collaboration with Department of Fisheries experts, CPF plans to release up to 200,000 predator fish, with effectiveness to be evaluated over the next 2-3 months.

In Samut Songkram, the local Fisheries Department has distributed 4,000 CPF-provided Asian seabass to aquaculture farmers, aiming to control Blackchin Tilapia populations in private ponds. Participating farmers are required to return 10% of the received fish to expand the project’s reach.

The third initiative supports the Department of Fisheries in organizing fish removal activities. This multi-sector effort involves provincial governors, the Department of Corrections, and the Royal Thai Army. CPF has facilitated 32 events to date, providing fishing equipment supplies, food and drinking water for activity’s participants, resulting in the removal of over 25,000 kilograms of mature fish.

Additional, CPF is partnering with academic institutions for long-term solutions. This includes developing culinary applications to promote consumption and researching breeding control methods. A recent collaboration with King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang aims to implement eDNA technology for more accurate population surveys, enhancing future control strategies for invasive aquatic species.

Kate’s Soft-Focus Insta-Ready Video Marks a Shift in How Royals Tell Their Story

By

Associated Press

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11 September 2024, 00:16

LONDON (AP) — Public displays of affection on a royal video? My, how times have changed!

When the Princess of Wales announced that she had completed chemotherapy treatment in a soft-focus, Insta-ready video, she ventured into realms not previously inhabited by Britain’s royal family, traditionally known for the stiff-upper-lip, “never complain, never explain” ethos of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Here was the most popular royal, a public figure usually known simply as Kate, using the tools of social media to share the fact that for all her wealth and privilege, her life had been upended by cancer, just like millions of other people.

But it wasn’t just what she said, it was how she said it. Unlike earlier updates on Kate’s health, which sounded like factual news reports, this had an entirely different tone. The slickly produced mini-movie released on Monday showed the princess hugging Prince William and their three young children and sharing intimate moments at home with her parents.

There’s even a chaste kiss on her cheek.

“It is a real break,’’ said George Gross, a royal historian at King’s College London. “But I think people will look at it and won’t necessarily realize that. I think they will think: This is just right, this is normal. That’s what a family does.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)

A tradition of secrecy

Kate’s video marks the royal family’s latest experiment with greater openness since King Charles III assumed the throne in 2022. That has been tested repeatedly this year as both Charles and Kate were treated for serious health problems, then later announced they were undergoing cancer treatment.

For centuries, Britain’s royal family withheld news of illness for fear it might weaken their authority. That reticence and secrecy lingered even after they became constitutional figureheads.

The British public wasn’t told that King George VI, Charles’ grandfather, had lung cancer before his death at the age of 56 in February 1952. The public death announcement said only that the king had “passed peacefully away in his sleep.”

King George V died in 1936, after suffering from heart and lung disease. Far from being open about the king’s health, palace officials manipulated the timing of his death to gain more favorable coverage. Diary extracts published 50 years later revealed that the king’s physician injected the terminally ill monarch with morphine and cocaine to speed his death — partly so it could be announced in the morning newspapers “rather than the less appropriate evening journals.”

Charles has made a point of being more open than his mother, Elizabeth, whom Buckingham Palace described as suffering from “mobility issues” in the months before her death.

In January, the palace said Charles would enter a London hospital for treatment for an enlarged prostate. A few weeks later, the king said he would step away from public duties while he received treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer. Those announcements, however, were made in factual releases issued by the palace press office.

AP24254514915290 — Tourists take photos and visit Buckingham Palace in London, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Kate, Princess of Wales announced Monday that she has completed chemotherapy treatment for cancer and plans to return to some public duties. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

A new generation of royals

But Kate and William, both 42, are of a new generation that is more comfortable sharing personal issues on social media.

Kate’s video was shot by William Warr, creative director of Detail Films, which says it combines film production techniques and strategic marketing to create “beautiful branded films.”

“We exist to help brands tell stories that speak to their audience,” the firm says on its website.

In the video, Kate described how difficult the past nine months had been for her family and expressed “relief” at completing her course of treatment.

“Life as you know it can change in an instant, and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown,’’ she said in the video, which was shot in a woodland near the family’s summer home in Norfolk.

Mark Borkowski, a public relations and crisis consultant, described the film as “a tectonic shift in how the royal family controls its image.’’

“Kate’s journey is profound and deeply personal, but they’ve learned that emotion can be controlled – and weaponized – in small, potent doses,’’ he said. “By doing this through a polished film, they maintain dignity and control while still appearing relatable.”

It’s the age of social media

The fact that the royal family needed new techniques for controlling its story in the age of TikTok and Instagram was underscored after palace officials announced in January that Kate would be hospitalized for abdominal surgery. While the palace released few details about her condition, social media sites were filled with speculation about what was really going on as Kate retreated from public view to focus on her recovery.

When the princess announced that she had cancer two months later, she spoke directly to the public in a somber video in which she asked for “time, space and privacy” while she underwent treatment.

In June, Kate released a video update, saying she had good days and bad days.

While the princess stepped away from most public duties during her treatment, Kate has made two appearances this year. First, during the king’s birthday parade in June, known as Trooping the Colour, and most recently during the men’s final at Wimbledon in July, where she received a standing ovation.

Now that she has completed chemotherapy, Kate plans to slowly return to public duties, “undertaking a few more public appearances” in the coming months.

AP24253555543745 — This photo provided by Kensington Palace on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, shows Kate, Princess of Wales. (Will Warr/Kensington Palace via AP)

But Kate said in her video that the path to full recovery would be long and she would “take each day as it comes.”

“William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time,” she said. “Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.”

The video should be see as part of the king’s effort to increase the openness of the royal family as he seeks to build support for the monarchy, Gross said.

“It’s an operation. It’s the whole firm together,’’ he said. “And, I think, it really matches that sense of we’re being as open as we can, whilst retaining a natural sense of privacy that you need over these things.’’

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Tropical Storm Yagi Triggers Severe Flooding in Northern Thailand

By

Khaosod English

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10 September 2024, 21:03

CHIANG RAI — On September 10, heavy rains caused by Tropical Storm Yagi, combined with continuous rainfall since September 8, led to flooding in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province.

Thee Sai Lom Choi Market area near the first Sai River Bridge was inundated, with water levels in residential areas exceeding 1 meter.

Both residents and officials stated that this flood was more severe than previous occurrences. The Sai Lom Choi Market, home to about 200 shops, has been flooded more than 5 times this year, with water levels still rising. The flood has reached the old Mae Sai-Chiang Saen road, 2 km away from the Sai River.

Local electricity authorities had to cut power to the flooded areas of the market to prevent accidents. This also affected the water pumping station, potentially disrupting water supply to 9 villages in Wiang Phang Kham sub-district and 5 villages in Mae Sai sub-district.

Besides the market, communities along the Sai River, including Sai Lom Choi, Ko Sai, Ko Sawan, Mai Lung Khon, Mueang Daeng, and others downstream, were widely affected. The areas along the Ruak River, where the Sai River flows, were also impacted.

Many affected people posted videos on social media calling for help, with some trying to escape rising waters and others reporting elderly, children, and pets trapped in homes.

Local administrative officials, military personnel, and relevant agencies rushed to assist affected residents. People attempted to use sandbags to prevent water from entering their homes, but many were unsuccessful and had to move belongings to higher ground.

Chiang Rai Governor Phutthiphong Sirimat led local officials to the affected areas to assist residents. Rescue workers hurried to help people trapped in flooded houses, with some rescued individuals expressing shock at the speed and height of the water rise.
The Pha Muang Task Force of the military also deployed disaster relief teams to assist bedridden patients and elderly people trapped in their homes.

Other northern provinces including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Nan, Phayao, Lampang, Phrae, Uttaradit, and Tak also faced flooding and landslides.

Officials in Chiang Mai Province have reported an update on the landslide and flash flood that affected Ban Pang Ton Duea, Village 9, and Ban Doi Laem in Mae Ai district. The death toll has increased to 2, and one injured person with a broken leg has been rescued, while 4 people are still missing.

Mae Ai chiangmai — Landslide takes place in Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai Province, on September 10, 2024.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra posted a message about the flood situation in the northern region, stating that she had received reports from the National Water Resources Office about the flash floods, especially in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. She assured that relevant agencies were providing urgent assistance and that she was closely monitoring the situation.

She advised affected people to report their distress to the DDPM hotline 1784 and expressed her support for both the affected citizens and the officials working to address the situation.

Death toll from Vietnam storm rises to 87 with 70 people missing

Meanwhile, an AP News report on the impact of Typhoon Yangi in Vietnam indicated a continuously rising death toll, potentially exceeding 100, with 70 people reported missing.

AP News stated that the death toll in Vietnam from Typhoon Yagi and subsequent heavy rain that triggered floods and landslides climbed to 87 on Tuesday, with 70 people missing and hundreds injured, state media said.

AP24254378577161 — People fish next to a submerged playground due to flood , following Typhoon Yagi in Hanoi, Vietnam on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Huy Han)

Typhoon Yagi was the strongest typhoon to hit Vietnam in decades when it made landfall Saturday with winds of up to 149 kph (92 mph). It killed nine people and then weakened Sunday, but downpours continued.

Vietnamese state broadcaster VTV reported that 87 people are confirmed dead and 70 remain missing. Most of the deaths were caused by flooding and landslides, it said.

Water levels in several rivers, including the Red River that flows through the capital, Hanoi, were dangerously high. Authorities evacuated families living close to the river in Hanoi on Tuesday.

On Monday, a bridge collapsed and a bus was swept away, while factories in northern provinces like Haiphong were damaged.

AP24253196558313 — A bridge collapse due to floods triggered by typhoon Yagi in Phu Tho province, Vietnam on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 (Bui Van Lanh/ VNA via AP)

One of the hardest-hit provinces is Cao Bang, where 19 people died and 36 others are missing because of landslides in the hilly area.

A landslide in Cao Bang tipped over a bus carrying about 20 people into a flooded stream on Monday. It was swept away and rescuers have only been able to save one person. Two bodies were recovered and the others remain missing, state media VN Express said.

Heavy rainfall and landslides also killed 19 people in northwestern Lao Cai province bordering China. Video obtained by The Associated Press showed soil sliding down a hill onto houses and a road while people fled for safety.

A steel bridge in northern Phu Tho province collapsed into the Red River. Reports said 10 cars and trucks and two motorbikes fell into the river. Three people were rescued while 13 remain missing, state media said Tuesday, adding that rescue operations were continuing.

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Royal Pardon: The Financial Wizard Rakesh Saxena Freed, Pending Deportation

By

Khaosod English

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10 September 2024, 17:28

rakesh3 — Police officers pick up Rakesh Saxena from the Medical Correctional Institution and transfer him to the Immigration Bureau's Investigation Division for deportation processing on September 9, 2024.

BANGKOK — Rakesh Saxena, an Indian national nicknamed ‘The Financial Wizard,’ who was imprisoned for embezzlement from Bangkok Bank of Commerce (BBC), has been granted a royal pardon. This pardon was issued under the Royal Decree of Amnesty on the occasion of His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on July 28, 2024. Sources said on September 10 that he was released from prison on Monday afternoon.

Officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) took Rakesh into custody upon his release from prison to facilitate his deportation. They went to pick up Rakesh from the Medical Correctional Institution and transferred him to the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division to process his deportation in accordance with the Immigration Act.

As Mr. Rakesh has pre-existing conditions, cardiac arrhythmia and muscle weakness, he is unable to walk. Officials have taken Rakesh to the Police General Hospital for a medical check.

rakesh4 — Police officers pick up Rakesh Saxena from the Medical Correctional Institution and transfer him to the Immigration Bureau’s Investigation Division for deportation processing on September 9, 2024.

Later, on September 10, the doctor reported the results of the physical examination, stating that the individual was able to travel and did not need to be hospitalized. Therefore, the person was transferred to Division 3 of the Investigation and Inquiry Division, Immigration Bureau, to proceed with deportation from the country.

As for the deportation process, it falls under the embassy’s procedures. In Rakesh’s case, as he is an Indian national, it will be the responsibility of the Indian Embassy in Thailand to determine how to assist him, including matters related to travel documents and the timeframe for deportation.

Rakesh was born in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. He holds a master’s degree in Literature from Cambridge University. He entered Thailand after 1977, working as a financial and investment expert and consultant for several companies.

Eventually, he became an advisor to Bangkok Bank of Commerce in 1992. He was charged with embezzling 75 million US dollars in 1996 following the collapse of Bangkok Bank of Commerce in 1995. An arrest warrant was issued for him on June 5, 1996.

rakesh2 — FILE – Rakesh Saxena arrives at the South Criminal Court in Bangkok, on June 8, 2012. (AP PHOTO/Apichart Weerawong)

Rakesh fled Thailand and resided in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. He was arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on July 7, 1996. Thai authorities coordinated with Canadian officials to extradite Rakesh back to Thailand to face charges. However, Rakesh’s lawyers filed an objection, claiming he might be killed or subjected to cruel imprisonment if returned to Thailand.

The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed Rakesh’s appeal in November 2008, resulting in Canadian authorities having to extradite Rakesh Saxena to Thailand through the extradition process.

Subsequently, on June 8, 2012, the South Bangkok Criminal Court sentenced Rakesh to 10 years in prison, fined him 1 million baht (with 2 years of detention in lieu of payment), and ordered him to pay 1,132,000,000 baht ($33.4 million) in damages to Bangkok Bank of Commerce.

Later, on September 12, 2022, the Supreme Court issued a verdict sentencing him to 5 years in prison and a fine of 500,000 baht for each count. The first case had 60 counts, the second case had 6 counts, and the third case had 1 count, totaling 67 counts. This amounted to a total of 335 years in prison and a fine of 33,500,000 baht ($1 million).

The combined sentence for all counts was capped at 20 years in prison. The court also ordered him and other defendants to jointly repay the following amounts to the victims: 722,136,005.03 baht ($21.3 million) in the first case, 1,427,195,799.92 baht ($42.1 million) in the second case, and 353,363,966 baht ($10.4 million) in the third case.

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Caltex Partners with Pure Thai to Expand Stations; 10% Growth Goal

By

MC Marketing

-

10 September 2024, 17:06

Bangkok, Thailand, 10 September 2024 – Caltex is proactively expanding its fuel service station network across the country, announcing a partnership with Pure Thai Energy Company Limited (Pure Thai) enabling them to operate their 78 fuel retail service stations under the Caltex brand. Caltex has also announced its success in achieving targeted fuel retail business performance, reflecting continued positive customer reception, with plans to continuously strengthen its fuel service station network. Caltex anticipates reaching 10% projected fuels retail business growth this year.

Mr. Shashank Nanavati, Executive Vice President, Commercial, Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited (SPRC), the parent company of its subsidiary, Star Fuels Marketing Limited, which is the exclusive licensee of Caltex fuels in Thailand, said “The overall Caltex fuel retail business performance in Thailand during the past months reflects the company’s success in driving the business strategies and delivering on our commitment to offering consumers high quality fuel products and services. The higher sales volume growth in the first half of this year was also driven by the fuel service station network and non-fuel business expansion, fully integrated marketing initiatives and on-going promotional campaigns. Star Fuel Marketing Limited (the company) will continue to accelerate our growth in line with the strategic business plan by continuously expanding on the existing retail network of about 450 Caltex fuel service stations nationwide. Most recently, the company has entered into a partnership with Pure Thai, enabling them to operate 78 service stations under the “Caltex” brand in Bangkok and other provinces. The renovation and modification of those service stations into stations under the Caltex brand begin from September 2024 onwards and are expected to be completed by January of 2025.”

“After the partnership comes into effect and the renovation of all 78 service stations is completed, the number of Caltex fuel service stations will increase to about 528. The partnership represents a good opportunity for Caltex to expand the business, strengthen the brand positioning and broadly expand the customer base.

“We are confident that Caltex’s overall fuel retail business performance following the partnership with Pure Thai will continue to steadily grow, enabling Caltex fuel retail business to be on track to hit the 10% fuel retail growth target at the end of 2024 as well as widening the convenient access to quality Caltex fuels with Techron, the exclusive additive made available in Caltex fuels.”

Commenting on the company’s strategic retail business plan, Ms. Sompratana Chermsirivatana, Vice President, Retail Business Development, Star Fuels Marketing Limited (SFL), added “Apart from fuel service station network expansion, the company also places emphasis on expanding our non-oil offerings to enhance customers’ satisfaction by partnering with strategic retail partners including convenience stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and car repair and car care service centers. The company has planned to increase the number of retail outlets to cover 85% of all Caltex service stations by the end of 2025 from the existing 80%. We will also leverage this non-fuel offering expansion plan at several Caltex fuel service stations operated by Pure Thai as well.”

“Concurrently, the company has also developed a marketing and communication plan to comprehensively reinforce Caltex brand, striving to meet customers’ diverse needs. We sincerely hope that Caltex service stations will help create memorable experiences, allowing our customers to enjoy every journey”, concluded Ms. Sompratana.

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