Thailand Aims for PCB Market Leadership with Foreign Investment

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14 September 2024, 14:08

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Printed Circuit Board or PCB industry continues to show signs of expansion. The government continues to promote investment in the PCB industry and encourage Thai manufacturers to partner with global supply chains.

Negotiations are underway with other leading companies to set up manufacturing facilities in Thailand and expand investment. Staggered incentives are being offered for investment in complex technologies.

In July 2024, PCB exports amounted to 120.22 million dollars, an increase of 9.16 percent compared to the same period last year. Imports amounted to 285.24 million US dollars, an increase of 98.88 percent compared to the previous year. The OIE estimates that the PCB industry will see gradual export growth in 2024.

Most PCB industry investment in Thailand comes from overseas or joint ventures, especially from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan. Foreign shareholders usually supervise the production and management to comply with the joint venture agreements.

The Office of Industrial Economics (OIE), Ministry of Industry, announced that the number of projects and the investment value of projects that received investment support in the PCB product group from 2018 to 2023 has been continuously increasing.

From 6 to 45 Projects

In 2018, there were 6 projects worth 1.71 billion baht. In 2019, there were 10 projects worth 10.97 billion baht. In 2020, 15 projects with a total investment of 7.62 billion baht were approved.

In 2021, there were 21 projects worth 15.24 billion baht and in 2022 there were 20 projects worth 21.77 billion baht. In 2023, the number of projects increased to 45 with an investment value of 92.17 billion baht, an increase of 323.32 percent.

This has led to a corresponding increase in the employment of workers in Thailand. In 2018, 950 workers were employed, rising to 1,786 in 2019, 2,368 in 2020, 4,634 in 2021, 9,043 in 2022 and 16,234 in 2023.

It is noteworthy that 2023 saw the largest increase in investment support for PCB companies, with most applications for investment support coming from the Board of Investment (BOI). This is in line with the goal of positioning Thailand as a leading manufacturing hub for electronic PCBs in the global market.

In addition, geopolitical factors and trade wars have made Thailand an attractive country for investment, resulting in Thailand being ASEAN’s main PCB manufacturing base.

Booming PCB Industry

Data from the BOI and the Department of Industrial Works shows that there are 163 PCB factories in Thailand (as of July 2024). These include 83 large factories, 16 medium-sized factories and 64 small factories.

Based on the complexity of production technology, PCBs can be divided into five types: single-sided PCBs, double-sided PCBs, multilayer PCBs, flexible PCBs and rigid-flex PCBs.

In terms of production technology, most of the companies that received investment support between 2023 and 2024 are manufacturers of multilayer printed circuit boards, namely around 16 companies (30 percent). Flexible PCB manufacturers have started to invest in Thailand in 2024 with four companies and one company is investing in rigid-flex PCBs.

According to the Association Connecting Electronics Industries (IPC), the PCB industry is highly volatile due to rapid technological advancements. The demand for flexible and rigid-flex PCBs is expected to increase in the future.

“Based on various policies, it is expected to attract investment from 10 more major global PCB manufacturers, creating a PCB cluster and achieving an initial investment surge of no less than 100 billion baht. This is an opportunity for Thailand to become a leading center of electronics manufacturing in the future,” stated the IPC.

Workers Are Increasingly Needed

Meanwhile, Mr. Phanavee Phokaiyudom, President of Mahanakorn University of Technology (MUT), announced that more than 50 PCB companies have already invested in Thailand, with a total investment of about 150 billion baht. This is one of the most important industrial investments in Thailand.

These companies have discussed with MUT that the industry will need more than 70,000 workers in the next two years, including 50,000 technical workers and 20,000 engineers.

Therefore, MUT is working with the Thailand Printed Circuit Association (THPCA) and the Microelectronics Technology Center (TMEC) to train these workers through short-term programs that focus on upskilling and reskilling

This program is not limited to graduates of electronics or electrical engineering majors, but graduates of related majors such as industrial engineering or mechanical engineering can also enroll in MUT’s short-term programs.

Matichon Forum for PCB

For those interested in this topic, Matichon Group, a leading Thai media company, in collaboration with the House of Representatives’ Committee on Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (HESRI), is organizing a seminar titled “Overcoming Crisis, Shaping PCB: A Hundred Billion Baht Economy” on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 09:00 to 13:00 at the Infinity Room, Pullman Hotel, Ratchathewi, Bangkok.

PCB matichon — A seminar ‘Overcoming Crisis, Shaping PCB: A Hundred Billion Baht Economy’ will be held on September 17, 2024, from 09:00 to 13:00 at the Infinity Room, Pullman Hotel, Ratchathewi, Bangkok.

The seminar schedule begins with a special lecture by Mr. Thakorn Tanthasit, Chief Advisor to the HESRI Committee, followed by Professor Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, Chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

Next, the HESRI Committee will present a study report by Dr. Wayo Assawarungruang, Chairman of the HESRI Committee.

The seminar includes two panel discussions:

The first panel features speakers:

Mr. Akradej Wongpitakroj, Chairman of the House Committee on Industry
Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI)
Mr. Trairat Viriyasirisakul, Deputy Secretary-General, Acting Secretary-General of NBTC
Asst. Prof. Dr. Lertsak Lekawat, Acting Assistant Dean of the College of Advanced Manufacturing Innovation, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang

The second panel includes:

Mr. Korkij Danchaivichit, Deputy Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee
Mr. Pongchai Amatanont, CEO of Forth Corporation Public Company Limited
Mr. Suroj Lamsam, President of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand

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3 Maldivian Men Overstaying in Bangkok, Listed in Interpol Red Notice

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Khaosod English

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14 September 2024, 02:34

BANGKOK — Police Major General Phantana Nuchanart, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, along with other senior police officers, held a press conference on September 13 about the arrest of three Maldivian men from the East Coast gang network who had overstayed their visas. The suspects have a history of nearly fatally stabbing a fellow countryman.

Officials discovered that three Maldivian nationals were staying at a condominium on Ramkhamhaeng Road, Huamark, Bang Kapi district, Bangkok, under suspicious circumstances. They set up surveillance in the area.

maldives arrest — Immigration Police arrest three Maldivian men from East Coast gang network who overstayed their visas in Bangkok.

Later, they spotted foreign nationals behaving suspiciously near the condominium. Upon approaching and requesting to see their passports, Mohammed, 28, a Maldivian national, was unable to produce his passport, claiming it was in his room.

He then led the arrest team to his room, where they found Asham, 26, and Abdullah, 19, both Maldivian nationals, behaving suspiciously. Upon checking their passports, it was discovered that all three were foreigners whose permission to stay in the kingdom had expired. They were arrested and sent to investigators for legal proceedings.

Further investigation revealed that all three are also listed in the Interpol Red Notice. They had criminal records in the Maldives for charges of assault with a sharp object and threatening others with a sharp object. They had jointly stabbed a victim in the head, face, and body, causing severe injuries.

They are also part of the East Coast Gang, a local criminal network in the Maldives known for violence and involvement in drug trafficking.

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Embassy Calls on Chinese Car Manufacturers to Resolve Price War Issues

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Khaosod English

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14 September 2024, 01:40

BANGKOK — A high-level executive source from a Chinese car company revealed to “Prachachat Business” that executives and representatives from Chinese car companies operating in Thailand met with high-ranking diplomats from the Chinese Embassy in Thailand to discuss problems and communication strategies for conducting business in Thailand.

This follows a period where many Chinese car manufacturers chose to use aggressive price war tactics in their marketing strategies. The discussion aimed to make Chinese car companies’ operations in Thailand more sustainable.

“We must admit that the car market, especially the Chinese EV segment, has been quite chaotic. Operators have been competing with severe price reductions, significantly impacting the industry’s overall image,” the source said.

The root of this problem stems from EV promotion policies leading to numerous market players, coupled with parent companies in China using a stock-dumping policy hoping to use Thailand as an outlet. This forces operators to compete intensely, and if they want to clear stock quickly, the solution is to reduce selling prices.

The source added that another issue is that operators participating in EV 3.0 and EV 3.5 measures must now start compensatory production according to agreed ratios (EV 3.0 in 2024 at 1:1, in 2025 at 1:1.5).

Coincidentally, the current car market situation has severely deteriorated due to weak purchasing power and strict lending policies from financial institutions, causing the domestic market to contract unprecedentedly.

Meanwhile, the export market faces geopolitical issues. It’s expected that the price war situation may persist until the end of the year or longer, which is a problem that needs urgent resolution.

“There are still many problems to come, especially as new Chinese brands will enter the market later this year. Meanwhile, dealers’ profits from car sales have shrunk significantly due to the price war. Now it’s about who has the longer financial runway because a business where everyone is losing money won’t last long.”

Another source revealed that during this discussion, Chinese car operators and the Chinese Embassy jointly debated several issues, especially long-term marketing strategies in Thailand, to ensure the most appropriate competition without resorting to price wars, to build confidence and sustainability in marketing.

Most operators proposed reflecting back to the embassy and Chinese government to urge parent companies of each brand about price war policies and dumping of produced car stocks into Thailand.

Ultimately, all brands will have to compete by reducing prices, which is not a sustainable business approach. Operators don’t want to repeat the situation in the Chinese EV market, where selling prices collapsed, causing market distortion due to oversupply issues.

The car companies participating in this discussion with the Chinese Embassy included MG, Great Wall Motor, Neta, BYD, Changan, AION, OMODA & JAECOO, and Zeekr

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Police Raid Warehouse: $112K in Fake Branded Cosmetics Seized

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Khaosod English

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13 September 2024, 16:28

SAMUT SAKHON — Immigration busts Chinese warehouse for counterfeiting famous brand cosmetics sold online, worth nearly 4 million baht.

Samut Sakhon Immigration officers, along with officials from the Samut Sakhon Provincial Public Health Office, Samut Sakhon Provincial Employment Office, and Mueang Samut Sakhon District Administration, raided a warehouse in Tha Sai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Samut Sakhon Province. The raid followed reports of Chinese nationals illegally working to sell counterfeit cosmetics.

During the raid, five Chinese nationals were found working, packing, lifting, and arranging goods inside the warehouse. A Chinese woman named Yu identified herself as the warehouse supervisor.

The warehouse was used for storing and distributing products without registration numbers and lacking Thai-language labels. Officials seized and confiscated 8 types of items, totaling 6,000 pieces valued at 3,739,300 baht ($112,176). These included suspected counterfeit cosmetics, unregistered cosmetics, and cosmetics without Thai labels.

The seized items included: 1. 400 pieces of Cetaphil Cleanser, 2. 550 pieces of Cetaphil Moisture, 3. 3,000 pieces of CeraVe Lotion, 4. 1,000 pieces of CeraVe Cleanser, 5. 300 pieces of CeraVe Serum, 6. 400 pieces of Biore UV, 7. 200 pieces of Rtopr cream, and 8. 150 pieces of Dermatrix Ultra Gel.

At a press conference on September 13 at the Immigration Bureau in Muang Thong Thani, Police Major General Phanthana Nuchanart, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, stated that the warehouse operated as a fulfillment center, storing, packing, and shipping goods. Chinese investors opened online stores on various platforms, with employees packing and shipping products to Thai customers. The warehouse processed over 1,000 items daily.

The five foreign nationals were charged as follows:

Yu (Chinese national): Working outside permitted rights, employing foreign workers without work permits, possessing cosmetic products with incorrect labels for sale, and concealing goods known to be associated with criminal activities.

Four others – Wang (38), Su (30), Liang (32), and Guan (35), all Chinese nationals: Working without work permits.

All suspects were handed over to Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station for further legal proceedings.

2.4k Unauthorized Products Seized in Bangkok Chinese Supermarkets

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Khaosod English

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13 September 2024, 14:51

BANGKOK — Phase 2 operation launched: Thai officials inspect 7 Chinese supermarkets in Bangkok, seize 2,400 unauthorized products.

On September 13, the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) in collaboration with officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched the second phase of their “Clearing Chinese Supermarkets in Bangkok” operation.

They inspected 7 stores suspected of illegally importing and selling goods from China without proper authorization. The operation resulted in the seizure of 97 different types of products, totaling over 2,411 items.

Previously, authorities received complaints about several general stores in Bangkok selling smuggled goods from China, particularly food items lacking FDA registration numbers or proper Thai-language labels. These products posed potential risks to consumers.

To deter such practices, CPPD police and FDA officials began inspecting these supermarkets, covering more than 12 locations since mid-July.

chinese super phase2 2 — The CPPD officers and officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched the second phase of their “Clearing Chinese Supermarkets in Bangkok on September 13, 2024.

After the initial operation showed results, with many stores reducing their illegal activities, some stores resumed selling these unauthorized products once attention waned. This led to the launch of the second phase of the crackdown.

Weerachai Nolwachai, Deputy Secretary-General of the FDA, stated that these tax-evading Chinese food products are smuggled into Thailand via trucks crossing the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge. They are then stored in warehouses around the Bangkok metropolitan area before being distributed to Bangkok and other provinces.

Moving forward, discussions will be held with relevant agencies to prevent this issue. The FDA has already notified Provincial Public Health Offices nationwide to conduct continuous surveillance in all areas.

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Vietnam Typhoon Death Toll Rises to 233 as More Bodies Found

By

Associated Press

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13 September 2024, 14:10

Vietnam Landslides — Rescue workers search for the missing after a flash flood buries a hamlet in mud and debris in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi in Lao Cai province, Vietnam Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Duong Van Giang/VNA via AP)

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — The death toll in the aftermath of a typhoon in Vietnam climbed to 233 on Friday as rescue workers recovered more bodies from areas hit by landslides and flash floods, state media reported.

Flood waters from the swollen Red River in the capital, Hanoi, were beginning to recede somewhat, but many neighborhoods remained inundated and farther north experts were predicting it could still be days before any relief was in sight.

Typhoon Yagi made landfall Saturday, starting a week of heavy rains that have triggered flash floods and landslides, particularly in Vietnam’s mountainous north.

Across Vietnam, 103 people are still listed as missing and more than 800 have been injured.

AP24257149204984 — Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, foreground right, visits as rescue work is underway after a flash flood buries a hamlet in mud and debris in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi in Lao Cai province, Vietnam Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 (Duong Van Giang/VNA via AP)

Most fatalities have come in the province of Lao Cai, where a flash flood swept away the entire hamlet of Lang Nu on Tuesday. Eight villagers turned up safe on Friday morning, telling others that they had left before the deluge, state-run VNExpress newspaper reported, but 48 others from Lang Nu have been found dead, and another 39 remain missing.

Roads to Lang Nu have been badly damaged, making it impossible to bring in heavy equipment to aid in the rescue effort.

Some 500 personnel with sniffer dogs are on hand, and in a visit to the scene on Thursday, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh promised they would not relent in their search for those still missing.

“Their families are in agony,” Chinh said.

Coffins were stacked near the disaster site in preparation for the worst, and villager Tran Thi Ngan mourned at a makeshift altar for family members she had lost.

“It’s a disaster,” she told VTV news. “That’s the fate we have to accept.”

In Cao Bang, another northern province bordering China, 21 bodies had been recovered by Friday, four days after a landslide pushed a bus, a car and several motorcycles into a small river, swollen with floodwaters. Ten more people remain missing.

AP24257148592510 — Rescue workers and a sniff dog search for the missing after a flash flood buries a hamlet in mud and debris in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi in Lao Cai province, Vietnam Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 (Duong Van Giang/VNA via AP)

In the aftermath of Yagi, the strongest typhoon to hit the Southeast Asian country in decades, Australia has already begun delivering humanitarian aid supplies as part of $2 million in assistance.

South Korea has also pledged $2 million in humanitarian aid, and the U.S. Embassy said Friday it would provide $1 million in support through the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID.

“With more heavy rain forecast in the coming days, USAID’s disaster experts continue to monitor humanitarian needs in close coordination with local emergency authorities and partners on the ground,” the embassy said in a statement. “USAID humanitarian experts on the ground are participating in ongoing assessments to ensure U.S. assistance rapidly reaches populations in need.”

Experts say storms like Typhoon Yagi are getting stronger due to climate change, as warmer ocean waters provide more energy to fuel them, leading to higher winds and heavier rainfall.

The typhoon and ensuing heavy rains have damaged factories in northern provinces like Haiphong, home to electric car company VinFast, Apple parts suppliers and other electronic manufacturers, which could affect international supply chains, the Center for Strategic and International Studies said in a research note.

“Though 95 percent of businesses operating in Haiphong were expected to resume some activity on September 10, repair efforts will likely lower output for the next weeks and months,” CSIS said.

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Paradise Lost: Australian Sex Crime Suspect Arrested on Koh Phangan

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Khaosod English

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13 September 2024, 08:10

aussie fugitive1 — An Australian fugitive is arrested at a resort on Koh Phangan by Surat Thani Immigration Police on September 12 for overstaying his visa.

KOH PHANGAN — Immigration Police in Surat Thani Province arrested an Australian suspect wanted for 13 sexual assault cases and 2 rape cases in Australia. The suspect was hiding in Thailand, planning to spend his retirement years there.

Mr. Helio, a 62-year-old Australian national, might have looked like a typical foreign tourist wanting to spend his retirement on Koh Phangan, known for its beautiful seascapes and tranquility. However, the serious crimes he committed in the past caught up with him, preventing him from living the life he had hoped for.

Helio was arrested by Surat Thani Immigration Police on September 12 for overstaying his visa. However, the crimes he committed in Australia were far more severe.

aussie fugitive2 — An Australian fugitive is arrested at a resort on Koh Phangan by Surat Thani Immigration Police on September 12 for overstaying.

According to the Immigration Bureau’s information system, Helio entered Thailand on June 16, 2024, with a visa exemption for tourists. His permission expired on July 15, 2024. He applied for a 30-day extension for tourism purposes, which expired on August 14. However, there was no record of him leaving the country.

Later, investigators learned that Helio was staying at a resort in Koh Phangan. They went to investigate and found him in violation of overstaying his visa. Helio claimed he was planning to apply for a retirement visa to spend his later years in Thailand.

When checking his criminal history, authorities found that he had an Interpol Blue Notice. Based on this information, investigators contacted the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and learned that Helio had an arrest warrant and criminal history in Australia for 13 sexual assault cases and 2 rape cases, with incidents dating back to 2017.

Initially, officials handed him over to Koh Phangan Police Station to process the overstay case. They will then coordinate with Australian authorities for his extradition.

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Worst Floods in 80 Years, Chiang Rai Need Urgent and Long-Term Handling

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Khaosod English

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12 September 2024, 21:10

The Mirror Foundation Chiang Rai posted images of the flood situation in Mueang Chiang Rai District on Wednesday, September 11, at 1:39 PM. The photos show the areas of Koh Loi community, Phor Khun intersection, and Kok River Bridge on Phahonyothin Road.

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated on Thursday after an emergency meeting on handling the flood situation in the Northern region that she and her team will travel to the flood-affected areas in Chiang Rai Province on Friday, September 13, 2024. She has instructed that government officials should not come to welcome her. They should concentrate on helping affected people

She has ordered all ministries to expedite assistance in evacuating stranded citizens from the affected areas as quickly as possible to save lives.

Regarding criticism about the untimely flood warning system for villagers, the Prime Minister said that after checking several areas, it was found that the warning system was functioning. She acknowledged comments from citizens who were reluctant to leave their homes due to concerns about their property, which she understood, but emphasized that warnings had been issued.

chiangrai maesai2 — Severe flooding in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, on September 12, 2024. This marks the eighth flood event in the area this year, part of the worst flooding Chiang Rai has experienced in 80 years.

“I want to tell the public that I take responsibility here. We’re ready to look into compensation and care for the people. Please prioritize saving your lives first and evacuate from the affected areas as quickly as possible. We’ll see how the government can help in other ways. It’s the government’s duty to continue ensuring the safety of the people and address the loss of property during the flood,” the PM said.

This emergency meeting was held immediately after the Prime Minister finished presenting the government’s policies to parliament. This policy statement gives the Prime Minister executive authority to issue administrative orders, according to the constitution

Paetongtarn chaired the meeting inside the parliament building, with relevant ministers and officials in attendance, including General Songwit Noonpakdee, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, who had just returned from personally visiting the affected areas in Chiang Rai.

flood meeting — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra presides over an emergency meeting on handling the flood situation in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces at the Parliament on September 12, 2024.

There was also a video conference with Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces to hear situation reports from Mr. Suthipong Juljarern, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, who had traveled to the area.

The Prime Minister stated that the situation in both Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces is quite severe now, with water reaching the economic zones in the city districts and approaching the airport, although the runway is still usable. She stressed that this problem requires everyone’s cooperation to protect and help people overcome these obstacles as quickly as possible.

Mr. Suthipong reported via video conference from Chiang Rai that this year, especially in Mae Sai district, they are facing the most severe natural disaster in 80 years. Mae Sai has experienced flooding 7 times this year, with this being the 8th occurrence since August.

The severe flooding, the worst in 80 years, is due to two main factors: First, heavy rainfall occurring 7 times, saturating the Mae Sai River and the land on both the Thai and neighboring country sides. Second, the latest storm (Yangi) brought an enormous amount of water, resulting in widespread damage to the Mae Sai market area. The city of Chiang Rai is affected by another water system originating from a neighboring country.

In addition to this meeting, the Thailand Environment Institute Foundation provided further information that Chiang Rai faces recurring flood problems during the rainy season every year, both in urban and rural areas. In urban areas, the Kok River overflows its banks during the flood season. The topography of high plains between mountains is a contributing factor that makes flooding easier.

In rural areas, flash floods and landslides are problems due to the mostly mountainous terrain. Inadequate drainage systems mean that when heavy rain occurs, water flows down rapidly, causing extensive damage to people’s homes and property, as well as public and private infrastructure.

The Chiang Rai Provincial Development Plan 2023-2027 also indicates that the current expansion of Chiang Rai city is leapfrogging, with rapid and continuous construction of buildings, houses, and transportation routes. Rivers and canals that once served as natural drainage have been encroached upon and filled, degrading their ability to efficiently handle rainwater, resulting in widespread flooding problems.

At the same time, urban expansion affects the ecosystem. Forests, which play a role in absorbing rainwater and preventing flash floods and landslides, are being destroyed. Data on Chiang Rai’s forest area in 2023 shows a decrease of over 8,200 rai from the previous year. Additionally, the construction of large dams on the Mekong River in China affects lower Mekong countries, including Thailand’s Chiang Rai province, which is located on the Mekong riverbank.

While there are as many as 38 water management agencies in 10 ministries in Thailand, each with different responsibilities such as issuing warning information, assisting flood victims, managing irrigation systems, and providing water situation information, many agencies have overlapping roles, which is one of the problems.

Therefore, the Paetongtarn government’s urgent mission is to assist, rehabilitate, and compensate those affected, and prepare to prevent flooding in the central river basin, which is the country’s economic area. The long-term goal is to implement a systematic water management plan that has been discussed for over a decade.

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Taylor Swift Wins Big at MTV Video Music Awards, LISA Takes Best K-pop

By

Associated Press

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12 September 2024, 19:22

Taylor Swift, center, and Post Malone, third from back left, accept the video of the year award for "Fortnight" during the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift ‘s dominance continued at the MTV Video Music Awards, where she took home seven awards — including the night’s biggest, the trophy for video of the year.

In her speech Wednesday night, Swift thanked her “boyfriend, Travis” for being on set of the “Fortnight” music video and cheering her on. Fans rewarded the mention of NFL star Travis Kelce with loud screams.

“Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic,” she said, before shifting gears to the 2024 presidential election and instructing her fans who are over 18 to register to vote.

Swift did, however, avoid discussing Kamala Harris’ presidential bid on stage. On Tuesday night, Swift endorsed the vice president, moments after Harris’ debate with former president Donald Trump ended.

Swift’s awards haul brings her to a career total of 30, tying her and Beyonc for the title of most-awarded musician in VMA history. Eminem is now the male artist with the most VMAs, at 14.

Swift and Post Malone also took home the first televised award of the VMAs for best collaboration, for “Fortnight,” handed to them by Flavor Flav and Olympian Jordan Chiles.

Swift started that speech by giving remembrance to everyone who lost their lives and loved ones during 9/11, 23 years ago.

AP24255863739325 — Taylor Swift arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

“I’ve just been thinking about what happened 23 years ago, everyone who lost a loved one and everyone that we lost and that is the most important thing about today,” she said. “And everything that happens tonight falls behind that.”

She then turned to discussing Malone.

“There is a reason Post Malone is everyone in music’s favorite person to collaborate with,” she shifted her attention to him. “It has taken forever for me to get him to stop calling me ma’am.”

Chappell Roan won the MTV Video Music Award for best new artist.

“I dedicate this to all the drag artists who inspire me,” she said in her speech, while wearing chain mail, reading from a written speech in her diary. “And I dedicate this to queer and trans people who run pop. … Thank you for listening.”

Women dominated the award show, no example greater than an imaginative, medieval set from Roan.

Drag queen Sasha Colby introduced her with “your favorite drag queen’s favorite artist,” a reference to Roan’s now famous Coachella performance, which in turn was inspired by Colby. Real fans no doubt got a kick out of the hyper-referential tidbit.

Roan appeared in armor, shooting a lit crossbow at castle gates that stood behind her, burning them in the process. Her dancers were knights, battling each other in incredible choreography as she sang her queer pop hit, “Good Luck, Babe.”

AP24256059512192 — Chappell Roan, center, performs “Good Luck, Babe” during the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

AP24256153036841 — Sabrina Carpenter performs “Please Please Please” during the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

The other voice of 2024 pop, Sabrina Carpenter, won the trophy for song of the year for “Espresso.”

“This is really special,” she said in her speech, dedicated to her fans. “And thank you to that me-espresso.”

Earlier in the night, she brought her summery-pop to the award show, powering through her hit singles “Please Please Please,” “Taste” and “Espresso” while dancing with a moon man and an alien.

Katy Perry received the Video Vanguard Award, performing an eight-song medley spanning her career: “Roar,” “E.T.,” “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” “I Kissed a Girl,” “Firework,” and “Lifetimes.”

“I did that all on the first day of my period, can you believe it?” she joked after accepting the honor from her partner, Orlando Bloom. “There are so many things that have to align to have a long and successful career as an artist. There are no decade long accidents.”

She also teased a new song, “I’m His, He’s Mine,” featuring Doechii, which samples the Crystal Waters classic, “Gypsy Woman (La Da Dee La Da Da).”

AP24256050184402 — Orlando Bloom, left, and Katy Perry with the video vanguard award during the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Previous recipients of the Video Vanguard Award include Shakira, Beyoncé, Minaj, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Missy Elliott.

An army of Slim Shady-lookalikes followed Eminem as he kicked off the VMAs , launching into a medley of his hits “Houdini” and “Somebody Save Me,” featuring a broadcast feed of Jelly Roll. (The song references Jelly Roll’s massive country radio hit, “Save Me.”)

Megan Thee Stallion welcomed the crowd as a first-time host Wednesday night, who joked that the VMAs now stands for the “voluptuous Megan awards.” She later performed.

Earlier in the evening, Karol G took over, for a fiery performance of her hit, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.” Rauw Alejandro brought Puerto Rico to the stage, running through “Touching The Sky,” “DILUIVO” and “Déjame Entrar.”

Tyla won the best Afrobeats award.

LL COOL J celebrated 40 years of Def Jam Records with Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav and Chuck D.

Halsey took it to the suburbs for her new single, “Ego,” channeling garage bands. GloRilla’s “Yeah Glo!” and “TGIF” brought style.

Blackpink’s LISA, the best K-pop award winner, made her way to the VMA stage for the first time as a soloist, powering through two of her brand-new singles, “New Woman” and “Rockstar.” Shawn Mendes made along-awaited return, debuting a new John Mayer-esq. acoustic number, “Nobody Knows.”

AP24256019653596 — LISA performs during the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

AP24256101870279 — LISA poses with the award for best K-Pop for “Rockstar” in the press room during the MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Anitta performed “Paradise,” “Alegria,” and “Savage Funk,” joined by DJ Khaled, Fat Joe and Tiago PZK and won the award for best Latin. Camilla Cabello performed in a panopticon. Benson Boone seemed as stoked as ever to perform his viral hit “Beautiful Things” on the VMAs stage. Lenny Kravitz proved rock isn’t dead with “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” “Human” and finally “Fly,” in which he was joined by Quavo.

The 40th VMAs were held at the UBS Arena on New York’s Long Island.

The night was stacked with celebrities and featured plenty of Swift, who arrived at the award show wearing a green tartan corset with a matching train and long black leather gloves.

Throughout the night, MTV flashed back to history-making across the VMAs’ 40-year-run, including Britney Spears’ albino python and Madonna’s performance of “Like A Virgin.”

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Thai Bartender Wins Campari Red Hands 2024, Advances to Milan Finals

By

Contributor

-

12 September 2024, 16:16

CAMPARI & Alchemy Thailand hosted Campari Red Hands Thailand 2024 the bartender cocktail competition at Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok Hotel. The Winner Dheeradon “Gotji” Dissara, General Manager – Ray Cocktail and Bite, Thailand representative will compete in Campari Red Hands Asia 2024 in Milan Italy in November 2024.

From Left: Thanamon Suthon- Campari Group Brand Ambassador Thailand, Supawit Muttarattana,

Symphony Loo- Campari Group Regional On-Premises Manager, Dheeradon “Gotji” Dissara, the Winner of Campari Red Hands Thailand 2024, MR.Arno Schonfelder- General Manager Alchemy Thailand, Carla Porter, Michele Montauti

An icon born out of red passion, Campari – the flagship brand of its namesake group and core of the beloved Negroni – brings back its search for the next Campari Red Hands Asia Champion with Campari Red Hands Asia 2024 after a 5-year hiatus. The competition series is set to pit the top 539 bartenders from 13 countries in Asia for the prestigious title of Campari Red Hands Asia Champion to enter the Grand Final Round in Milan, Italy, in November this year.

Campari Red Hands Thailand 2024 was held at Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Bangkok under the theme Cocktail & Senses for the next Campari cocktail for Negroni Family Tree.

The much-anticipated final round included nine finalists, out of total 109 participants from all over Thailand, namely Piyapat Polnai (Bar Scofflaws, Bangkok), Thanat Tangroungsin (Bar Us, Bangkok), Nattapach Kaewpeacharawanich (Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, Bangkok), Julie Nguyen (Opium Bar, Bangkok), Pongskorn Ruangjun (Overgrown Lounge & Cocktail Bar, Phuket), Noppasate Hirunwathit (Rabbit Hole, Bangkok), Dheeradon Dissara (Ray Cocktail and Bite), Maipimol Suepayak (Rouge Affair Bar Bangkok) and Siriwan Sinpan (The O.S.S. Bar, Bangkok) competing in front of the judging panel, led by Symphony Loo, Campari Group Regional On-Premises Manager & Thanamon Suthon, Campari Group Brand Ambassador – Thailand.

ABOUT CAMPARI

Campari is a contemporary and charismatic classic. The secret recipe, which has remained unchanged, originated in Novara in 1860 and is the base for some of the most famous cocktails around the world, Campari is an alcoholic spirit obtained from the infusion of bitter herbs, aromatic plants and fruit in alcohol and water.

With its vibrant red colour, intense aroma and inspiring flavour, Campari has always been a symbol of intrigue and pleasure, which unfurls itself into a captivating drinking experience. These are the values that have made the Campari brand famous throughout the world as an icon of passionate Italian style and excellence.

ABOUT NEGRONI

It was around the year 1919 in Florence when Count Camillo Negroni contemplated ordering an Americano cocktail but decided it was time for a change. He requested it with a touch of gin instead of soda, inspired by his last trip to London and its prevalent gin scene. The bartender was pleased to honour Count Camillo Negroni’s request and added an orange garnish rather than the lemon wedge of the Americano to signify the new drink he had created.

In Florence, the Count’s ‘usual’ became known as Count Negroni’s Americano, or the “Americano with a touch of gin”, but whatever it was referred to as back then, the Negroni was born. The Negroni is now one of the most famous contemporary classic cocktails. Anywhere you go in the world, you will find a mixologist who can make you the iconic Negroni.

The original recipe, the perfectly balanced combination of equal parts of Campari, Red Vermouth and London Dry gin, is almost a century old and continues to be enjoyed today. The International Bartenders Association (IBA) lists Campari as an official ingredient of the Negroni, and thus, there is no Negroni without Campari!

For more information visit www.campari.com

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