FILE - The BYD Qin L Dmi is unveiled during Auto China 2024 in Beijing, April 25, 2024. Chinese automaker BYD inaugurated its first electric vehicle plant in Thailand on Thursday, July 4, part of the company’s effort to expand into Southeast Asia while also tackling wealthier markets in the U.S. and Europe. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)
BANGKOK (AP) — The ride sharing giant Uber and Chinese automaker BYD plan a partnership to introduce 100,000 BYD model EVs on the Uber platform in Europe and Latin America, eventually expanding to other markets, the companies announced.
The arrangement would offer Uber drivers access to favorable pricing, insurance, financing and other services for BYD vehicles, the companies said in a statement seen Thursday.
Plans call for the partnership to expand to the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.
The companies said the plan would help accelerate the switch to EVs and that they also plan to collaborate in introducing autonomous-capable EVs on the Uber platform. BYD, China’s largest EV maker, has fast been expanding its reach into world markets after switching entirely to production of EVs and hybrids in 2022.
FILE – The Uber logo appears above a trading post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Aug. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
The rapid emergence of low-priced EVs from China is shaking up the global auto industry in ways not seen since Japanese makers arrived during the oil crises of the 1970s.
The European Union imposed provisional duties on Chinese electric vehicles in June, alleging that government subsidies give automakers in China an unfair advantage. BYD EVs aren’t being sold in the U.S. now largely because of 27.5% tariffs on the sale price of Chinese vehicles when they arrive at ports.
But Chinese makers are moving production overseas. BYD, has opened a plant in Thailand and plans to build factories in Brazil, Hungary and Turkey.
BANGKOK — The government includes “illegal hotels” in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga in the legal system and expects 2,500 more legal hotel rooms. Hotels with no more than 49 rooms do not have to carry out an environmental impact assessment (IEE).
Manosith Jangjob, Chairman of the Tourism Council of Thailand’s (TCT) Small Hotel Development Sub-Committee, announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Pol. Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan, has signed a ministerial regulation to designate certain areas and environmental protection measures.
This will allow hotels near the coast to operate legally without having to demolish or alter their buildings to comply with the new regulations, as these hotels were built before the ministerial order was announced.
“This ministerial amendment follows the proposal of the Tourism Committee and is expected to come into effect in September 2024. It will apply to Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, with other provinces such as Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan also being considered,” Manosith said.
Phuket
The change will allow 2,500 hotel rooms to register for licenses. Of the 85,000 small hotels nationwide, 14,000 have already obtained a legal license under the old regulations, while 71,000 still do not have a license.
In addition, the Ministry of Natural Resources has exempted hotels with 1to 49 rooms from preparing an environmental impact assessment (IEE), which is an increase from the previous exemption for hotels with 1 to 29 rooms.
In the past, many small hotels were unable to obtain licenses due to strict environmental regulations imposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. These regulations affected numerous small hotels near coastal tourist destinations, causing them to operate illegally.
After the tourism committee proposed an amendment to the law, Pol. General Patcharawat agreed to revise the laws so that these small hotels do not have to be demolished.
In addition, the Ministry of Home Affairs extended the deadline for the Ministerial Regulation on the Classification of Buildings Used for Hotel Operations (Amendment No. 4) 2023, from the original end date of August 18, 2024 to August 18, 2025.
This extension allows small hotel operators to apply for a Form A.4 license to change the use of their buildings so that renovations or changes to existing structures comply with the law. However, this does not give them the opportunity to obtain a legal hotel license.
FWD Life Insurance Plc. (“FWD Insurance”) is targeting the unit-linked market with the launch of its new product, “FWD Freedom Link Plus 15/5,” available exclusively through the agent channel. This unit-linked insurance policy has a 5-year premium payment period and provides life coverage up to 50 times the main policy premium for 15 years, with a renewal option for an additional 15 years until reaching age 99. This policy fosters financial stability and wealth growth, giving policyholders the flexibility to manage their investment portfolios according to their preferences. The “FWD Freedom Link Plus 15/5” is designed to suit the needs of individuals at all stages of life, with expert guidance on asset allocation and investment product selection provided by a team of fund managers and investment professionals from a renowned global institution. Additionally, customers with total annual premiums of 2 million baht or more can access superior healthcare and living services from “FWD Utmost,” ensuring a comprehensive and exclusive experience.
Recently, there has been a growing interest among Thai individuals in investing for savings. Studies show that, due to ever-evolving economic conditions, consumers exhibit diverse investment behaviors and requirements. Investment goals often shift with life stages, influenced by the uncertainty and fluctuations arising from various factors that impact investments. Therefore, to achieve savings objectives effectively, careful planning and careful consideration of all factors are essential before making investment decisions.
Mr. David Korunić, Chief Executive Officer for Thailand & Cambodia at FWD Life Insurance Plc., said that FWD Insurance aims to change the way people feel about insurance. Our commitment lies in developing products and services that cater to customers’ needs across various lifestyles and life stages, driven by a customer-led approach. This approach focuses on creating and delivering exceptional experiences by attentively listening to and understanding customers seeking financial tools that offer both life protection and investment management flexibility. Our products are designed to provide stability and foster sustainable wealth while accommodating desired adjustments. To this end, we are dedicated to designing innovative solutions that address financial health needs, enabling policyholders to effectively plan and achieve their financial goals. The “FWD Freedom Link Plus 15/5” unit-linked product exemplifies our approach, providing a pathway to sustained financial well-being.
Experience the freedom to live life your way with unique and adaptable features
Financial independence, wealth, and security: customize your life coverage to match your financial goals and boost your return potential by adding premiums (Top up) up to 150 million baht per policy. Select from premium mutual funds chosen by experts from a leading asset management firm. With our ‘Open Architecture’ approach, you can design your own investment portfolio or choose from our model portfolios to suit your preferences.
Flexibility in reaching your goals: adapt to changing situations by switching funds without incurring fees, and take a break from paying premiums or withdrawing funds when needed.
Confidence with extensive protection: opt for life coverage up to 50 times the main policy premium (depending on the insured’s age) and adjust it according to evolving life circumstances.
Added value through special bonuses: receive a special bonus of 2% of all accumulated main policy premiums, paid out at the end of the 5th policy year.
Peace of mind: pay premiums for 5 years and enjoy guaranteed life coverage equal to 5 times the annual main policy premium for the first 15 years, with the option to renew the policy every 15 years up to age 99 (conditions apply as specified in the policy).
Manage your investment portfolio with professional expertise
To provide personalized investment advice suitable for every stage of life, FWD Insurance has partnered with Mercer (Thailand) Company Limited, a leading global institutional investment advisory firm. This collaboration focuses on designing, monitoring, and adjusting model portfolios to align with unit-linked insurance, adapting to various investment scenarios. Together, we determine investment allocations and select funds for both domestic and international markets, offering five model portfolios that cater to different risk levels, from low to very high. Each portfolio is diversified across asset classes to enhance risk management and achieve the desired investment goals. Our team of investment experts reviews mutual fund performance and model portfolios every three months. In addition, there is an automatic investment proportion adjustment service based on the recommended investment portfolio and the customer’s risk level. This additional service is available for policyholders of investment-linked life insurance policies who wish to opt in. Please note that the terms and conditions are as specified by the company.
The exclusive “FWD Utmost” services for unit-linked insurance customers
To provide comprehensive care and address both financial planning and healthcare needs, FWD Insurance offers the exclusive “FWD Utmost” services. These benefits are available to unit-linked insurance policyholders with annual premiums of 2 million baht or more. The “FWD Utmost” services deliver superior healthcare and lifestyle privileges tailored to individual needs, complemented by a personal assistant. This year, we have enhanced our offerings to provide even greater levels of luxury, integrating holistic healthcare with expert financial planning and enriching lifestyle experiences for a more complete and fulfilling life. The “FWD Utmost” services encompass four key areas: Caring for your health with holistic healthcare; going Beyond your experience for exceptional travel experiences of international standard; Enriching your lifestyle with exclusive lifestyle privileges; and a Private personal assistant offering professional advice and attending to both health and lifestyle needs.
For more information about the “FWD Freedom Link Plus 15/5” insurance, please contact our FWD Insurance agents or visit our website at https://www.fwd.co.th/.
Prospective buyers should fully understand the coverage details, product features, protection, return conditions, and associated risks before making any investment or insurance decisions.
Terms, benefits, and coverage are as specified in the policy and as determined by FWD Life Insurance Public Company Limited.
Somchai Lertsutiwong, Chief Executive Officer of AIS
BANGKOK — AIS Cloud will offer more than 100 Oracle Cloud Infrastructure services and help organizations address relevant regulatory and data sovereignty requirements
Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited or AIS, The leading of digital life service in Thailand, today announced plans to deploy Oracle Alloy and launch AIS Cloud, the country’s first locally owned and operated hyperscale cloud.
Oracle Alloy will provide AIS’ customers and all enterprises in Thailand, including the public sector, access to more than 100 Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) services, including the latest artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. Oracle is the only hyperscaler capable of delivering AI and a full suite of 100+ cloud services across dedicated, public, and hybrid cloud environments, anywhere in the world.
AIS has established a proven track record of providing mobile network services to more than 45 million subscribers across Thailand. To build on this success and capitalize on the business opportunities, scale, and performance of the cloud, while innovating at the speed of hyperscale cloud providers, AIS selected Oracle Alloy.
AIS Cloud will help AIS’ customers address data residency and sovereignty requirements such as Thailand’s Personal Data Protection (PDPA) Act and the Cybersecurity Act. AIS Cloud will be the only hyperscale cloud in Thailand, providing business resilience with in-country disaster recovery capabilities.
“For over 34 years, AIS has continuously developed digital technology infrastructure to provide customers in Thailand with a superior digital experience,” said Somchai Lertsutiwong, AIS Chief Executive Officer.
“This is coupled with leveraging our network’s potential by collaborating with various partners to connect and support public and private sector organizations in achieving effective digital transformation. This enhances the capability and elevates the ability to create business growth, leading to sustainable competitive advantages for the country.”
Somchai added that Cloud technology plays a pivotal role in supporting the IT infrastructure modernization and innovation for organizations in Thailand, and Oracle Alloy has made it possible for AIS to become a locally owned and operated hyperscale cloud provider in the country.
This strategic collaboration between Oracle and AIS will not only accelerate AIS’ transformation from a ‘Telco to a Techco’ but also unlock the immense potential for digital transformation and AI innovation for all organizations.
“AIS Cloud, powered by Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, will be key to transforming the core operations of businesses to capitalize on the market opportunities and create differentiation to take on the competition. This will significantly contribute to increasing the competitive advantage of Thai organizations, attracting investments, and supporting Thailand’s economic engine for sustainable growth,” he remarked.
AIS Cloud will be deployed in two AIS data centers located in Thailand and will be operated by AIS who will deliver cloud services to its customers including local support, providing them with a local cloud solution to meet regulatory requirements. Customer information will also be housed within Thailand to help customers address data sovereignty and address regulatory requirements across industries.
With Oracle Alloy, AIS will be able to extend 100+ OCI services to public and private sector organizations, as well as its managed service partners. This will allow customers to repatriate their existing cloud environments from overseas back to Thailand or move and modernize from on-premises to AIS Cloud deployed in AIS data centers in Thailand.
“Providing our partners and customers with more choice has always been our priority,” said Garrett Ilg, executive vice president and general manager, Japan & Asia Pacific, Oracle.
He stated that Thailand is a strategic market for Oracle and the Oracle Alloy collaboration with AIS will serve as an industry gamechanger for the country. It empowers AIS to become a hyperscale cloud provider, enabling them to build new services faster while delivering sovereign cloud and AI capabilities for its Thai customers.
“With its local expertise and deep market knowledge, AIS is strongly positioned to deliver tailored customer experiences by addressing specific customer needs related to where the workloads reside and how their cloud is operated,” he said.
“IDC forecasts spending on sovereign cloud to increase at 31.5 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in APEJ,” said Daphne Chung, Research Director, Cloud Services and Software Research, IDC Asia/Pacific.
“The APEJ Cloud Survey 2023 showed that 19 percent of APEJ organizations expect to increase their spending on sovereign cloud in the near future as a component of organizations’ hybrid cloud strategy driven by compliance and regulations as well as the need for greater operational resiliency.”
Oracle’s Distributed Cloud Delivers the Benefits of Cloud with Greater Control and Flexibility
Oracle’s distributed cloud lineup supports:
Public cloud: Hyperscale public cloud regions serve any size of organization, including those requiring strict EU sovereignty controls. See the full list of regions here.
Dedicated cloud: Customers can run all OCI cloud services in their own data centers with OCI Dedicated Region, while partners can resell OCI cloud services and customize the experience using Oracle Alloy. Oracle also operates separate U.S., UK, and Australian Government Clouds, and Isolated Cloud Regions for U.S. national security purposes. Each of these products provide a full cloud and AI stack that customers can deploy as a Sovereign Cloud.
Hybrid cloud: OCI delivers key cloud services on-premises via Oracle Exadata Cloud@Customer and Compute Cloud@Customer and is already managing deployments in over 60 countries.
Multicloud: Options including Oracle Database@Azure, HeatWave MySQL on AWS and Microsoft Azure, Oracle Interconnect for Microsoft Azure, and Oracle Interconnect for Google Cloud allow customers to combine key capabilities from across clouds.
The new Apple advertisement was criticized by Thai internet users, saying, "Everything appears backward, including the airport."
BANGKOK — Despite widespread criticism from Thai internet users that the new Apple ad portrays Thailand as backward and third-rate, with some even promising to stop buying Apple products, the government takes the opposite view.
It finds the advertisement humorous and sees it as beneficial to the country, as it promotes tourism and the culture of “working from anywhere”.
Government spokesman Chai Wacharong said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin welcomed Apple’s decision to film the commercial “The Underdogs: OOO (Out Of Office) | Apple at Work” in Thailand.
The spokesperson explained that the video embodies Thai soft power through the joy of traveling in Thailand and provides an opportunity to showcase Thailand’s tourist attractions, culture, and cuisine to the international market.
A screenshot from Apple’s “The Underdogs: OOO (Out Of Office) | Apple at Work” advertisement that the Thai government believes will boost Thailand’s tourism.
Each scene in the video subtly showcases elements of Thai soft power, such as Thai cuisine, traditional elephant patterned clothing, Thai massages, transportation such as tuk-tuks, boats, busses and trains, and various tourist spots such as Hua Lamphong Station, Yaowarat Road and Rayong Province.
The advertising reflects the diverse and enjoyable tourist experiences in Thailand and emphasizes the friendliness and helpfulness of the people. Above all, Thailand is promoted as an ideal environment in which to work from anywhere thanks to the stable and fast internet infrastructure.
Of particular note is the introduction of the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for foreigners who wish to stay in Thailand to work (digital nomads) and travel (workcation), which allows them to stay for up to 180 days per visit with a visa validity of five years.
“This is in line with the visa measures and policies to promote tourism and boost the Thai economy that came into effect on July 15,” said the government spokesperson.
A screenshot from Apple’s “The Underdogs: OOO (Out Of Office) | Apple at Work” advertisement that the Thai government believes will boost Thailand’s tourism.
Chai added that the government supports foreign film productions in Thailand through the Thailand Film Incentive Measures, which offer a cash rebate of up to 20% of costs incurred in Thailand.
Recent data from the Thailand Film Office (TFO), Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, shows that 259 foreign films were shot in Thailand from January to July 2024, with advertising and promotional films accounting for the largest share with 106 films from 31 countries and special economic zones in 49 provinces, resulting in an investment of over 3.881 billion baht.
“The government has prepared comprehensive measures to support foreign film productions, including visa exemption measures to facilitate workers and tourists, improve the country’s image and promote tourism, create business opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs and distribute income to all citizens,” Chai said.
PHUKET — This International Beer Day (August 2, 2024), Four Points by Sheraton, a part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, is thrilled to announce exciting offerings for guests to indulge in the brand’s signature Best Brews™ program across hotels in Asia Pacific excluding China.
The celebrations also include the launch of a Marriott Bonvoy Moments experience at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort.
From August 2 to August 31, 2024, an exclusive package will be available on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, Marriott Bonvoy’s platform that allows members to utilize points earned from travel and everyday activities to redeem on experiences, either at a fixed price or through an auction.
The Marriott Bonvoy Moment that will be launched on International Beer Day features a stay for two from December 5-9, 2024 at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort and a bespoke itinerary.
As part of the experience, guests will embark on an epicurean adventure with a local brewery tour, craft beer tastings, island discovery excursions including a private boat charter to Racha and Coral Island, a batik painting activity, a private yoga class and more.
Nestled just steps away from the Andaman Sea, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort boasts a prime beachfront location within a short stroll along Patong Beach to the vibrant entertainment district. As part of the package, guests will be accommodated in a stylishly appointed Ocean View Suite, where they can unwind on a private balcony and soak in panoramic views of the Andaman Sea.
The resort, designed for both relaxation and adventure, offers amenities such as two saltwater pools, five dining establishments including a beach club, a 24-hour gym and a kids’ club. For a sip of Thailand’s vibrant beer culture, the resort’s Best Brews™ program showcases local brews on tap from FullMoon Brewworks.
Best Brews™, the signature brand program of Four Points by Sheraton, offers guests a taste of authentic local flavor and culture through craft beer.
In celebration of International Beer Day, various Four Points by Sheraton hotels across Asia Pacific excluding China from Four Points by Sheraton Auckland to Four Points by Sheraton Bintan Lagoi Bay, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan, Puerto Princesa and more are extending special offers to beer lovers on August 2, 2024.
These specials include various offers at different hotels, from complimentary beer vouchers, to free beers for dine-in customers and even offering 50% off on Beer as happy hours for the full day.
Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown is also launching PaperKite, Malaysia’s award-winning craft beer brand and will be offering guests a Buy 1 Get 1 on PaperKite craft beer from 6pm to 8pm on International Beer Day. Head to your nearest Four Points by Sheraton hotel to explore and experience their Best Brews™.
Thai immigration police officers arrest Choi Jin Tae, 40, in Pattaya on July 31. South Korean authorities had described him as a high-priority target.
PATTAYA — Following a tip from the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) about a Korean national involved in drug-related activities hiding in Pattaya, Police Colonel Naphatphong Khositsuriyanamani, Superintendent of Chonburi Immigration, ordered his investigative team to locate and arrest the suspect.
The suspect was identified as Choi Jin Tae, 40, whom South Korean authorities described as a high-priority target. Immigration officials discovered he had overstayed his visa in Thailand and planned to arrest him on this charge.
On July 31, undercover police spotted Choi near a Korean restaurant on Pattaya 3 Road. He was arrested for overstaying his visa by 286 days and then questioned about drug-related activities.
Choi confessed to being the deputy leader of a drug gang, responsible for sourcing drugs in Thailand and sending them to Korea. He admitted to smuggling ketamine about four times previously.
Choi Jin Tae is arrested in Pattaya for overstaying his visa by 286 days.
Information from South Korean police indicated that Choi used women to smuggle drugs from Thailand to Korea by concealing them on their bodies. These women were caught at airports in South Korea and implicated Choi as the mastermind.
The value of the drugs, if successfully sold in Korea, would be significantly higher: ice (methamphetamine) at 13 million baht (about $370,000) per kilogram, and ketamine at 5,200,000 baht (about $140,000) per kilogram.
Of the four smuggling attempts this year (2024), all couriers were caught at Incheon Airport and testified that Choi was behind the operations:
May 31: One suspect arrested with 500 grams of ketamine, received at a hotel in Pattaya.
June 10: Two suspects arrested with 500 grams of ketamine, also received in Pattaya.
July 17: One suspect arrested with 1.1 kg of Crystal meth (methamphetamine), received in Pattaya.
July 19: One suspect arrested with 1.25 kg of Crystal meth, received in Pattaya and Samut Prakan.
Initially, Choi is being charged with overstaying his visa. The Korean embassy will be contacted to take him into custody for further legal proceedings. Thai police will continue investigating to identify Choi’s drug source and make additional arrests.
BANGKOK — Key political events in the first week of August include the launch of the government’s digital wallet project on August 1, followed by the court’s decision on whether to dissolve the Move Forward Party over its campaign to amend Section 112, which allegedly seeks to undermine the democratic system with the king as head of state.
The digital wallet project seems to be moving forward, while the fate of the Move Forward Party, to be decided on August 4, remains uncertain.
On July 31, the House of Representatives voted in favor of the draft supplementary budget for the 2024 financial year, amounting to 122 billion baht (approximately 3.4 billion US dollars), in the third reading with 292 votes in favor, 161 against, one abstention, and one vote invalid.
Chulphan Amornwiwat, Deputy Minister of Finance and Vice Chairman of the Supplementary Budget Committee, thanked MPs for their approval and confirmed that this budget will be a crucial tool to advance the government’s urgent measures to boost the economy, improve the quality of life and create jobs for the public and corporate sectors.
The House of Representatives voted in favor of the draft supplementary budget for the 2024 financial year, amounting to 122 billion baht (approximately 3.4 billion US dollars).
The Government has considered all comments, suggestions and concerns and will take them into account in improving processes and ensuring transparent and effective budget spending to achieve the best results.
The Department for Digital Economy and Society has reported that while monitoring social media it has identified suspicious activity related to online crime, such as the creation of Facebook groups or fan pages falsely purporting to provide information about the Digital Wallet project using anonymous accounts to evade scrutiny, the sharing and dissemination of fake news links related to the project and the posting of fraudulent messages offering help with project registration.
The government warns the public not to fall for scammers pretending to help with project registration. It emphasizes that those who have a smartphone and are interested in participating must register exclusively through the “Tang Rat” app and can call 1111 for information 24 hours a day.
Registration for the 10,000 baht in this project begins on 1 August at 8:00 a.m. and runs until 15 September 2024. The government recommends downloading the “Tang Rat” app directly from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.
For those who do not own a smartphone, the government has set up walk-in centers for information and registration at 1,722 digital community centers, 1,200 post offices (excluding private postal services), 1,047 branches of the State Savings Bank and 1,238 branches of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), a total of 5,207 service points nationwide.
While the project seems to be taking concrete steps, there is public expectation and skepticism about its feasibility and criticism from the opposition, which doubts the economic impact.
Sirikan Tansakul, Deputy Party Leader of the Move Forward Party who serves as shadow finance minister, argued in the recent meeting that the government should not take on more debt.
She argued that the country’s fiscal position is close to the limit and that despite the numerical manipulation of the national debt, interest payments cannot fool anyone. The budget for interest payments for 2023-2024 is already insufficient, and for 2026, the projected interest alone amounts to 370 billion baht, or 12 percent of government revenue, rising to nearly 500 billion baht by 2028.
Sirikan Tansakul, Deputy Party Leader of the Move Forward Party
“We don’t have to do anything else, because all the revenue and taxes we collect are used for interest payments. Including the capital, they will rise to 20 percent and bind us for the future,” she said.
Sirikan is expected to become the new party leader when the Move Forward Party is dissolved by the Constitutional Court and its executive members are barred from running for 10 years on August 7.
She said that she is ready to become the party leader if the party is dissolved, and she believes it would be a new dimension in politics for a woman to be a party leader alongside Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the leader of the Pheu Thai Party.
Prior to the verdict, the Move Forward Party solicited public support by posting at least two “Citizen Verdict” clips on social media highlighting the party’s political work to transform the country. On 2 August, Chaitawat Tulathon, the party chairman, and Pita Limjaroenrat, the party chairman’s senior adviser, will make a final public statement on the case.
The Move Forward Party has released at least two “Citizen Verdict” VDO clips on social media highlighting the party’s political work to transform the country.
The Constitutional Court has also announced measures to maintain security and order around the court on August 7 from 00:01 to 23:59 and on August 14 when it will rule on the status of Srettha Thavisin as prime minister in relation to the appointment of Pichit Chuenban, whose qualifications are disputed.
Both cases add to the political tensions in Thailand. Nevertheless, there is no movement against the digital wallet project, unlike the fierce opposition to rice pledging and the 2 trillion baht infrastructure project during the Yingluck government, which culminated in the 2014 coup.
Rescuers on their second day of mission following Tuesday’s landslides cross a river at Chooralmala, Wayanad district, Kerala state, India, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
NEW DELHI (AP) — Hundreds of rescue workers searched through mud and debris Wednesday from multiple landslides that have killed at least 151 people in southern India, police said.
The multiple landslides occurred after torrential rains triggered torrents of mud and water that swept through tea estates and villages.
Another 186 people were injured by the landslides that hit hilly areas in Kerala state’s Wayanad district early Tuesday, flattening houses, uprooting trees and destroying bridges, said police officer Aijaz, who uses one name.
P.M Manoj, a spokesman for the state’s top elected official, said that 187 people were unaccounted for. Seventy-seven bodies have been identified so far and mostly handed to their relatives, he added,
More than a dozen bodies were found overnight, Aijaz said, as over 300 rescuers worked to pull out people stuck under mud and debris, but blocked roads and unstable terrain hampered their efforts.
The first landslide occurred at 2 a.m. on Tuesday, followed by another two hours later. Several areas, including Meppadi, Mundakkai and Chooralmala, were isolated, and roads were washed away causing immense damage to homes, said Kerala’s top elected official, Pinarayi Vijayan.
Rescuers use a temporary bridge to cross a river on their second day of mission following Tuesday’s landslides at Chooralmala, Wayanad district, Kerala state, India, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
“Efforts to locate missing persons continue with all available resources,” their statement said.
Mundakka is in an area highly prone to disasters. However, the gushing soil, gravel, and rock reached the town of Chooralmala, 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) away.
Manoj said more than 8,300 people have been moved to 82 government-run relief camps. The government is ensuring food delivery and essential items to the relief camps.
Authorities sent vehicles carrying 20,000 liters of drinking water to the disaster area. Temporary hospitals are being set up, the statement said on Tuesday night.
The Press Trust of India news agency said more than 300 houses were destroyed in Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas.
Local media reported that most of the victims were tea estate workers. Television footage showed rescue workers making their way through mud and uprooted trees to reach those who had been stranded. Vehicles swept off the roads were seen stuck in a swollen river. Local TV news channels also aired phone calls from stranded people asking for help.
Authorities mobilized helicopters to help with rescue efforts and the Indian army was roped in to build a temporary bridge.
“We are trying every way to rescue our people,” state Health Minister Veena George said.
A car lies partially submerged in mud next to a damaged house following Tuesday’s landslides at Chooralmala, Wayanad district, Kerala state, India, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
In a post on social media platform X, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad,” a hilly district which is part of the Western Ghats mountain range.
“My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured,” Modi wrote. He announced compensation of 200,000 rupees ($2,388) to the victims’ families.
India’s weather department has put Kerala on alert as the state has been lashed by incessant rains. Downpours have disrupted life for many, and authorities closed schools in some parts Tuesday.
Kerala, one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, is prone to heavy rains, flooding and landslides. Nearly 500 people were killed in the state in 2018 in one of the worst floods.
The Indian Meteorological Department said the state has had heavy rainfall over its northern and central regions, with Wayanad district recording up to 28 centimeters (11 inches) of rain on Monday and Tuesday.
“Monsoon patterns are increasingly erratic and the quantum of rainfall that we receive in a short spell of time has increased. As a result, we see frequent instances of landslides and floods along the Western Ghats,” said Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
Koll also said authorities must check on rapid construction activities happening over landslide areas.
For 4 years, AIS eSports STUDIO at Samyan Mitrtown has created significant phenomena in Thailand’s gaming and eSports industry. It has provided gamers with the opportunity to experience gaming on the fastest and most powerful internet network 24/7, along with top-notch technology including high-end gaming PCs and professional-grade gaming gear. Furthermore, it has been a platform for national competitions, and a launchpad for eSports athletes, commentators, and gaming influencers.
Building on this success, today AIS eSports STUDIO at Samyan Mitrtown has leveled up to the next stage: the Ultimate Gaming Experience. This upgrade offers gamers a superior experience with AIS 5G intelligent network and the fastest fiber broadband in Thailand at 5000/5000 Mbps, as well as the best and most advanced gaming PCs and gear from partners to enhance this exceptional experience. Additionally, this upgrade marks an official collaboration with world-renowned game developer Riot Games, the first and only one in Thailand. This partnership brings popular games such as League of Legends, VALORANT, and Teamfight Tactics for gamers to experience exclusively at AIS eSports STUDIO.
Ms. Rungtip Jarusiripipat Managing Director Entertainment and Content Partnership at AIS,said “AIS eSports STUDIO at Samyan Mitrtown was created with AIS’s intention to establish an Esports Community Hub for the gaming and eSports industry. By collaborating with various partners, we have developed a creative space that includes both a gaming zone and a co-working space, allowing gamers to experience gaming through the best internet network and gaming gear. The facility currently has an average of 10,000 users per month.
Additionally, the Arena Zone within AIS eSports STUDIO at Samyan Mitrtown has become a central hub for all forms of eSports competitions, hosting over 100 events and tournaments. Equipped with a main stage featuring modern lighting and sound systems, the space is open to event organizers—whether promoters, brands, or organizations—to use for both on-ground and online activities. This has been the starting point for creating new opportunities that have significantly elevated the industry, such as the growth of the domestic gaming industry, which generates over 40 billion baht, and the development of eSports personnel with new skills, from regional and national levels to the international stage, representing Thailand.”
This time, we aim to transform AIS eSports STUDIO at Samyan Mitrtown to the next level with the Ultimate Gaming Experience, reinforcing our position as the No.1 Esports Community Hub in Southeast Asia. Gamers can enjoy the best gaming experience with fiber broadband at 5000/5000 Mbps, offering speed, power, stability, and lag-free performance. Alongside AIS 5G and Wi-Fi, we bring the best and most advanced gaming technology, including high-end gaming PCs and professional-grade gaming gear. Our setup features the latest powerful computers with INTEL CORE i7-14700KF processors and top-tier VGA GALAX RTX 4080 SUPER SG PCI-E 16GB GDDR6X graphics cards, paired with the highly realistic Samsung Odyssey G7 Series 28” 4K 144Hz monitors, and specially designed Secretlab chairs for maximum flexibility and ergonomic support, allowing gamers to fully unleash their potential.
AIS eSports STUDIO at Samyan Mitrtown has also prepared special experiences in collaboration with the world-renowned game developer Riot Games, officially partnering with AIS as the sole partner in Thailand. Gamers can experience top-tier games such as League of Legends, VALORANT, and Teamfight Tactics exclusively at AIS eSports STUDIO.
Supawit Supakornpichan, Brand Manager for MOBA and Teamfight Tactics at Riot Games Thailand, said, “The collaboration with AIS eSports STUDIO is one of Riot Games Thailand’s key strategies, recognizing that part of the League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics player base enjoys gaming withtheir friends or meeting new friends at internet cafes. We then offer special benefits to gamers at AIS eSports STUDIO, such as unlocking skins and champions in the game and a 20% XP bonus boost, which has been well received. We hope this collaboration will be the start of many great activities in the future to grow the player base in Thailand and strengthen the Riot Games community.”
To celebrate this grand transformation, AIS eSports STUDIO at Samyan Mitrtown is offering “free play” for 2 hours per person from July 31, 2024, at 14:00 until August 2, 2024, at 23:59. Stay tuned for more details and updates on this transformation at Facebook AIS Esports: https://www.facebook.com/AISeSports.
Omne by FWD
