Chiang Mai Man Confesses To Murdering Grab Driver for Gold Heist

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9 July 2024, 16:13

CHIANG MAI — Gold shop robberies continue to occur in Thailand. Despite police consistently arresting criminals, some still risk committing these crimes. The latest case in Chiang Mai Province was more violent and brutal than typical gold shop robberies, as the perpetrator intentionally murdered someone.

Niphitphon, age 26, residing in Chiang Mai’s Doi Saket district, confessed to the police that he had planned the gold heist for over 1 year and 2 months. He hoped to give the money to his parents, who had previously lost money to gold trading scam and were heavily in debt. However, his plan unraveled in just one day.

On July 9, Pol. Maj. Gen. Weerachon Boonthawee, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 5, stated that the quick arrest was fortunate as the suspect had plans to flee abroad. Evidence from the suspect’s phone showed he had surveyed the forest route multiple times and calculated travel times between various points.

gold rob chiangmai5 — The suspect is brought into the interrogation room at Mae Ping Police Station, Chiang Mai province, on July 9, 2024.

“The suspect had detailed plans A, B, and C, but things didn’t go as expected because he failed to conceal the vehicle, only disguising himself,” Pol. Maj. Gen. Weerachon said.

According to investigation, in the early morning of Monday, July 8, Niphitphon drove his white-gray Toyota to park at Kad Gala in Mueang Chiang Mai district. He then walked along a nature trail to Doi Suthep, about 2 km before reaching Wat Pha Lat temple.

At 5 a.m., he called a Grab taxi. When he got into the back seat, he shot the driver in the back of the head, killing him instantly. He then dragged the body and dumped it off a cliff on Doi Suthep.

He then drove the victim’s white Toyota Altis to rob a gold shop in a downtown department store. After obtaining 80 baht weight of gold ornaments worth about 3 million baht, he drove back to the body dump site on Doi Suthep and walked back to his own car at Kad Gala.

gold rob chiangmai4 — Police find the car stolen by the suspect for the gold shop robbery parked near the spot where he murdered the Grab driver on July 8, 2024.

He then drove around trying to sell the gold at various shops. The first three shops in the city refused to buy, suspecting it might be related to the gold shop robbery news. He then drove to the more distant San Kamphaeng district and managed to sell gold for about 70,000 baht, which he immediately transferred to his parents’ accounts.

At 7:00 p.m., based on a tip from a gold shop, police arrested Niphitphon at his residence. Evidence seized included a 9mm gun used to shoot the victim, clothes worn during the robbery, gold ornaments, and his car.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Kritthaphon Yisakhon, Commander of Provincial Police Region 5, interrogated Niphitphon at Phuping Chiang Mai Police Station. He revealed that Niphitphon had studied science at university but dropped out in his second year and was an avid gamer. He had planned the crime for 1 year and 2 months to help his parents pay off 10 million baht in debt. Before the robbery, he had scouted the gold shop, as evidenced by CCTV footage.

gold rob chiangmai1 — The suspect, wearing a Grab employee uniform, swept gold necklaces from a gold shop located in a department store in downtown Chiang Mai on July 8.

The suspect confessed to all charges, including premeditated murder for robbery, vehicle theft, concealing and destroying a corpse, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and snatching property.

When police took the suspect to reenact the crime and identify the body dump site, relatives of the Grab driver hurled curses and attempted to lynch him. Police quickly intervened and removed the suspect from the scene.

Rescue workers retrieved the body from the ravine and sent it to the forensic department at Maharaj Hospital. The deceased was identified as Acting Sub Lt. Suthep Chainanta, 48, who had previously worked in Rayong province but resigned to care for his 80-year-old ailing mother, working as a trainer and Grab driver for extra income.

gold rob chiangmai2 — Rescue workers retrieve the body of the Grab driver who was shot in the back of the head by the suspect and thrown into a deep ravine.

The investigation revealed that the victim was randomly selected and had no prior connection or conflict with the suspect. He often took early morning jobs due to less competition and would nap at gas stations between rides.

The suspect’s parents visited their son on Tuesday during questioning and apologized to the media for their son’s actions. They confirmed that they had indeed lost 10 million baht in a gold trading scam 4-5 years ago, despite their son’s warnings at the time. Since then, the family had managed to continue living, though less comfortably. The son wasn’t working but cared for his mother, who gave him a monthly allowance of 15,000-20,000 baht.

The mother expressed shock at her son’s actions, describing him as polite and quiet but addicted to violent strategy and combat games since childhood. On the day of the incident, he behaved normally at home. They advised him to tell the full truth to potentially reduce his sentence but worried he might harm himself in custody.

“We deeply apologize and express our sincere condolences to the victim’s family. We will definitely go to pay respects and ask for forgiveness on behalf of our son,” the suspect’s mother said.

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Thai Weed Heats Up: Advocates Against Reclassification, Push for Cannabis Act

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Khaosod English

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8 July 2024, 23:06

BANGKOK — The battle between anti-cannabis and pro-cannabis groups has intensified once again since the Committee for the Control of Narcotic Drugs approved the reclassification of hemp and cannabis as narcotics on July 5, 2024.

Pro-cannabis advocates gathered to push for a Cannabis Act and oppose reclassification as a narcotic, as it reversed the decriminalization from June 9, 2022.

On July 8, about 100 members of the Thai Cannabis Future Network, led by Prasitchai Noonuan, the network’s secretary-general, marched from the United Nations headquarters on Ratchadamnoen Road to the front of Government House to submit a proposal to the government. They called for cannabis to be regulated under a special cannabis law to resolve conflicts according to international standards.

Prasitchai explained that the network has proposed forming a joint committee to research cannabis in four dimensions:

Whether cannabis poses more health risks than cigarettes and alcohol.
Whether cannabis has caused more severe social harm in the last two years compared to cigarettes and alcohol.
Whether the medicinal properties of cannabis are superior to those of cigarettes and alcohol.
Whether cannabis actually causes psychiatric disorders and brain damage in young people, as claimed by the government.

pro cannabis3 — Cannabis plants that protesters arranged along the police barricade near the Government House on July 8, 2024.

Once the research is complete, the results should determine the legal status of cannabis. If cannabis is found to be no more harmful than cigarettes and alcohol and is not a cause of psychiatric disorders or brain damage, it should be regulated under a cannabis law. If it proves to be more harmful, it should come under the Narcotics Act.

Prasitchai also urged Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to adhere to international principles to resolve the conflict by setting up a joint committee to investigate before control measures are determined. He emphasized the importance of clarifying who misled the public.

“From now on, we will expose the connections between business groups and government officials, especially those of the Pheu Thai Party, including Somsak Thepsutin and Srettha Thavisin, and their relationships with the party’s influential figures. We will expose their connections and the real motives behind calling for cannabis to be reclassified as a narcotic without really caring about public safety,” Prasitchai said.

A worker tends to cannabis plants at a farm in Chonburi province, eastern Thailand on June 5, 2022. Photo: Sakchai Lalit / AP

Hiranrat Mahadisthadakul, a director and secretary of the Hemp and Cannabis Industry Association (HCIA), told Matichon that the association, which has over 20 member companies with investments of over 5 billion baht, does not support the reclassification of cannabis and hemp as narcotics. They prefer regulation under a special cannabis law for more business flexibility.

She said that the existence of a cannabis law allows for more flexible business activity than a return to narcotic status. We want to get on with the cannabis law and avoid excessive political interference. We have invested on the basis of clear government policy, not the policy of a particular party.

“If cannabis is reclassified as a narcotic, it would be a step backwards. HCIA has no confidence in the new government’s approach unless it comes from the Pheu Thai Party. Many entrepreneurs have expressed that they no longer want to stay in this business. Our group has been a driving force in this industry, but we have never received protection from the government. We were left to fend for ourselves,” she added.

pro cannabis1 — Cannabis farmers and supporters of marijuana for recreational purposes marched to the Government House to camp out on Monday afternoon, July 8, 2024.

Hiranrat explained that while most companies focus on hemp, reclassifying cannabis and hemp as narcotics would affect investor confidence. Although hemp and cannabis are considered part of the same family, their active ingredients differ.

Hemp contains CBD, which is useful for industrial and commercial purposes, such as CBD oil, beverages and cosmetics. Cannabis contains THC, which has medicinal benefits. The public does not know enough about cannabis and often confuses CBD-containing products with intoxicating cannabis products. Therefore, the government needs to educate the public more.

She emphasized the importance of government dialog with the industry when reclassification is necessary, as past policy uncertainties have led to significant losses for entrepreneurs. The association wants clarity on whether the Cannabis Act will continue and what the future status of cannabis and hemp will be.

AP24137299849116 — A staff member of a cannabis shop uses his mobile outside the shop in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Although the government promotes cannabis for health and hemp for business, the actual practice is different. The private sector cannot extract cannabis flowers because the law does not allow it. Only government agencies can do this in collaboration with private entities, which comes with many strings attached. This prevents the midstream process from entering the economic cycle. Reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic would exacerbate this problem, Hiranrats concluded.

“We see great business potential for cannabis in the global market. However, with the ever- changing policy, we are unsure of the direction the government is taking. If this continues, businesses will not be able to survive,” she said.

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Russian Arrested in Pattaya for 280,000 Baht Counterfeit Euro Scam

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Khaosod English

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8 July 2024, 19:35

PATTAYA — Immigration police arrest Russian for using Thai national to exchange 280,000 baht worth of counterfeit Euros in Pattaya.

On July 8, Chonburi Immigration officers arrested Mr. Khasanov, a 29-year-old Russian suspect, in a hotel room in Soi Phra Tamnak 6, South Pattaya, Moo 10, Nongprue Subdistrict, Banglamung District, Chonburi Province. They seized counterfeit euro banknotes, 140 pieces of 50 euro notes, totaling 7,000 euros or nearly 280,000 Thai baht.

The arrest followed a tip from a currency exchange booth about a foreigner tricking a Thai person into exchanging 50 euros, worth 20,000 baht. The exchange was successful, and the money was with this foreigner.

Police Colonel Naphatphong Khositsuriyanon, Superintendent of Chonburi Immigration, revealed that Mr. Khasanov arrived in Thailand on May 29 and was scheduled to leave on July 9. He claimed the counterfeit notes belonged to a friend in Turkey, produced there. The producer allegedly had previously successfully exchanged fake euros in Thailand worth over 400,000 baht.

russian bank2 — Chonburi Immigration officers charge Mr. Khasanov, a 29-year-old Russian suspect, with possessing counterfeit money and possessing for distribution items which he knows to be counterfeit.

Khasanov said he had asked his Turkish friend to bring 7,000 euros in fake notes to use in Thailand, claiming he would share the proceeds if successful. He had previously failed to exchange the money at a bank in a department store before tricking a Thai person to exchange it.

Tom, a 41-year-old Thai who was tricked, said the Russian asked him to exchange the money to pay for his hotel bill of several thousand baht. Tom was unaware the notes were counterfeit.

“When I exchanged the money, I got about 20,000 baht. I gave it to the Russian. Then the exchange booth staff questioned me. I came to prove my innocence to the police that I wasn’t involved. I want to warn others to be cautious of foreigners behaving like this,” Tom said.”

fake banknote11 — Khasanov said he had asked his Turkish friend to bring 7,000 euros in fake notes to use in Thailand.

Police have charged the suspect under Section 240 of the Criminal Code, which states: ‘Whoever counterfeits money, whether it be coins, banknotes, or any other item issued or authorized to be issued by the government, or counterfeits government bonds or interest coupons for such bonds,’ and Section 241, which states: ‘Whoever possesses for distribution anything which they know to be counterfeit.’

Additionally, officials discovered that the foreigner had overstayed his permitted duration in Thailand beyond the date allowed on his visa sticker and entry stamp. He has been handed over to investigating officers for legal proceedings.

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Thailand Wants To Offer Incentives for Chinese Airlines

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Khaosod English

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8 July 2024, 17:56

suvarnnabhumi sat-4 — SAT–1 is part of the Phase 2 development project of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

BANGKOK — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is negotiating with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and Airports of Thailand (AOT) to increase the number of slots for flights from China to Thailand.

They are proposing incentives to encourage airlines to add more flights to secondary cities. If the number of slots is increased by only 10 percent in the fourth quarter, monthly tourist arrivals could exceed 1 million and the annual target of 8 million Chinese tourists could be reached.

Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Deputy Governor for Asia and South Pacific Market at TAT, highlighted the strong growth in Chinese tourist arrivals. 3.43 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand in the first half of 2024 (January-June), making it the top source of international tourists, out of a total of 17.5 million international visitors.

TAT is confident that the target of 8 million Chinese tourists in 2024 will be achieved. To further boost the market, TAT is currently negotiating with CAAT to increase flights from various Chinese cities in the winter season, starting in the fourth quarter, to cope with the influx in the peak season.

suvannabhumi improve1 — Tourists crowded at Suvarnabhumi Airport on February 25, 2024, but the cashier lady at a nearby coffee shop said it’s not a particularly busy Sunday afternoon. (Photos by Pravit Rojanaphruk)

The TAT also proposes measures to incentivize existing and new airlines to expand their routes to Thailand. This includes incentives such as reduced landing fees to encourage flights to secondary or less visited cities. Discussions are also planned with AOT on these details.

TAT expects that in October, November and December 2024, the number of Chinese tourist arrivals could exceed 1 million per month.

“At present, major cities in China such as Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, as well as secondary and emerging cities, have high demand for more flights. If we can increase seat capacity by about 10 percent in the fourth quarter, we are confident of reaching the target of 8 million,” Chattan said.

During the summer season (31 March – 26 October 2024), there were 34,452 flights from China to Thailand from 40 cities with a total of 6,438,233 seats, which is about 80 percent of the 2019 level.

Chinese tourists traveling to Thailand are mainly from the younger generation (Gen Z), followed by families, young professionals, incentive travelers and students.

chinese airlines scaled — A C919 large passenger aircraft, China’s first self-developed trunk jetliner, takes off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport in east China’s Shanghai, May 28, 2023. (Xinhua)

Mr. Chattan also mentioned that TAT’s marketing efforts for the Chinese market this year are under the concept of “Travel Thailand, the More You Go, the More Fun It Is”,” which aims to promote Thailand’s positive image. Initiatives include the Amazing Festival & Exclusive Trip in Thailand (Chinese Influencer Mega FAM Trip) at the end of December 2024, joint promotions with social media platforms to share positive content about Thailand, and joint promotions with online platforms to highlight special offers and tourist attractions.

The TAT also works with travel agencies such as Yunnan DCD Traveling Service in Kunming to put together overland travel packages to boost tourism and offer new travel experiences, as well as cultural and tourism exchange projects between Thailand and China.

Looking ahead to 2025, the TAT is planning events such as the Amazing Thailand Songkran Festival 2024 and working with travel companies to offer Thai travel packages to tourists from Kunming and other Chinese regions. These packages will take tourists to various Thai provinces such as Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Pattaya, Phuket, Hat Yai and on to Malaysia and Singapore, with a trip duration of 10-26 days and prices ranging from 7,000-40,000 yuan (approx. 35,000-200,000 THB) per person.

In addition, TAT will expand projects such as TATX LABUBU (POPMART International Group Limited) with the cultural activities of Labubu Amazing Thailand Experience Explorer between July and September 2025.

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BMA, OTP, and Thai Smile Bus Share Data in Public Transport Boost

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MC Marketing

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8 July 2024, 15:09

BMA – Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning – Thai Smile Bus” Deal!! Link information on bus stops Hoping to attract more people to use public transportation.

Assoc. Prof. Wisanu Subsompon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation for linking public transport travel data in the Bangkok area to share, exchange, and link information between government agencies and private

Focus on providing maximum benefit to the people. And promote increased use of public transportation. The executive team from the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Ministry of Transport, and Thai Smile Bus Company Limited (TSB) attended the signing at BMA City Hall, Giant Swing.

“This cooperation involves sharing information on public transportation between Thai Smile Bus, a major bus service provider. Which has the ‘TSB Go Plus’ application and the OTP which has a ‘Navigation’ application that combines travel information with a variety of public transport. To provide information about buses in the Bangkok area more complete by citizens who have applications, no matter who they are In a future where information exchange is complete Will be able to see more complete information,” Deputy Governor Wisanu said after the signing ceremony.

The Director of OTP added that the ‘Navigation’ application that OTP has made has collected travel information on buses, electric trains, and boats. From now on, the information we have made will be forwarded for use. Smart Bus Stop digital screen which is also under the supervision of BMA.

The TSB Chairman also said that at present, Thai Smile Bus buses have 123 routes, which do not yet cover the entire Bangkok – metropolitan area. Having BMA take the lead in this collaboration will bring benefits to passengers. Because while waiting for the bus to arrive, you can see from the screen which bus will arrive within how many minutes? This will allow you to plan your trip. And is expected to attract more people to use public transportation.

BKK Food Bank Comes to Life, Connects Donors with Vulnerable Communities

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MC Marketing

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8 July 2024, 15:03

BKK Food Bank, a beautiful meeting point for those who want to share with those in need, is now open in 30 districts.

“The BKK Food Bank project is a project that brings together the objectives of those who want to share with those in need. Which will make our society better We do it in a supermarket format. There is a system for accumulating points. Let those in need bring their points to exchange for products that meet their needs. Thanks to the donors as well.”

Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok Speaking on the occasion of presiding over the opening ceremony of BKK Food Bank, Din Daeng District, with Mrs. Anong Pechtat Member of BMC Din Daeng District, and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration administrators, attending the ceremony at the Din Daeng District Office.

Mr. Chadchart presided over the opening ceremony of the BKK Food Bank, Din Daeng District on July 6, with Mrs. Anong Pechtat Member of BMC Din Daeng District, Mr. Pornphrom Vikitsreth, Advisor to the Governor of Bangkok and the first Chief Sustainability Officer of the BMA Executives and officials of the Din Daeng District Office The Social Development Office, donors and vulnerable people attended the ceremony at the Din Daeng District Office.

The BKK Food Bank project delivers surplus food to vulnerable groups in a concrete way. It is a collaboration between Bangkok Scholars of Sustainability Foundation (SOS) and VV Share Foundation to solve the problem of food waste. That may cause both environmental and economic damage. To be passed on to those in need.

Vulnerable group groups of poor people or people affected by disasters and public disasters in emergencies Create a mechanism for transferring assistance between donors and recipients sustainably. It is carried out in 2 formats as follows:

Model 1: The district office is the recipient – forwards surplus food from sharers and provides assistance to vulnerable groups in the area. There is systematic reporting. In cooperation with the foundation that works with surplus food. Currently, operations have begun in 37 districts for the Din Daeng District. The project started operating on March 19, 2024 to date, receiving products from 21 convenience store branches in the area.

To deliver food to vulnerable groups both in the community and outside the community in the Din Daeng area. A total of 3,394 people have been forwarded, representing a weight of 2,054.17 kilograms of donated food. The amount of carbon reduced is 5,197.04 kgCO2e (kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent).

Model 2: Establish BKK Food Bank, District Office, as a place to receive and distribute food. Consumer goods Necessary items for living (Goods Donation) and pass them on to the recipient. (Target group) where the district office is responsible for evaluating and rating recipients. (Target group) for recipients (Target group) Use the points received to exchange for items from BKK Food Bank.

It has opened in 29 districts, Din Daeng District being the 30th district and will next open every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Those wishing to donate consumer items to BKK Food Bank can contact every district office.

Kitchen Joy’s Thai Cube Boxes Now Use FSC-Certified Paper Packaging for Sustainability

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Contributor

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8 July 2024, 13:33

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is proud to announce that Kitchen Joy’s Thai Cube boxes now feature paper packaging certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This significant move underscores CP Foods’ commitment to combating deforestation and preserving biodiversity.

Thidarat Dechayontbancha, Head of Procurement at CP Foods, highlighted the importance of this transition: “Our Kitchen Joy’s Thai Cube packaging has received FSC certification due to our collaborative efforts with business partners. This initiative is part of our broader ‘Partner to Grow” project, which focuses on sourcing materials and packaging from production chains that prioritize environmental care, social responsibility, and robust corporate governance in line with ESG principles.”

The FSC certification ensures that the paper used in Kitchen Joy’s Thai Cube boxes comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. This shift not only helps in preserving biodiversity and preventing deforestation but also aligns with global sustainability trends and consumer expectations.

Currently, the FSC-certified packaging for Kitchen Joy’s Thai Cube is available throughout Europe. In addition to this, CP Foods has started using FSC-certified corrugated cardboard boxes for transporting products, further emphasizing their commitment to sustainable practices.

“Adopting FSC-certified packaging highlights our dedication to enhancing the value chain in response to growing environmental awareness among consumers. It also supports our business partners in adopting sustainable practices, thereby boosting competitiveness and fostering mutual growth. The FSC logo on our packaging assures consumers that they are choosing products that contribute to environmental preservation,” added Ms. Thidarat.

The “PARTNER TO GROW ” project, now in its second year, aims to strengthen the capabilities of CP Foods’ business partners, both large and small. By fostering collaboration, improving work efficiency, and integrating innovation and technology, the project supports long-term business growth. It ensures the delivery of high-quality, safe products that meet international standards while maintaining social responsibility and conserving natural resources.

Jerhigh Joins with 12 Universities for the 5th Veterinarians with Heart

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MC Marketing

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8 July 2024, 13:26

In a heartwarming initiative, Jerhigh has partnered with veterinary students from 12 leading universities across Thailand for the fifth edition of the “Veterinarians with Heart” project. The project aims to extend love and care to abandoned dogs by providing support to 12 dog shelters and rescue foundations.

As a leading brand in dog snacks and food, Jerhigh, of International Pet Food Co.,Ltd., a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods), is committed to the “Veterinarians with Heart” project, now in its fifth consecutive year. Teaming up with veterinarians from 12 top educational institutions nationwide, the company is on a mission to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership within society.

The project focuses on tackling the root causes of the issue of abandoned dogs, ensuring their well-being, supplying food, and creating more opportunities for stray dogs to receive care and eventually find loving homes.

Mr. Kitisak Limamphai, the Managing Director of International Pet Food, emphasized that the “Veterinarians with Heart” project has already assisted over 40,000 dogs across 32 dog foundations and shelters. The goal is to inspire young individuals to responsibly care for their pets, treating them as integral family members and providing enduring love, regardless of any changes in their appearance or behavior. This approach plays a crucial role in addressing the problem of abandoned dogs.

To involve dog lovers in the “Veterinarians with Heart” project through the “Veterinary Idol” voting campaign on www.jerhigh.com, which was active from December 6, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Each vote translates to Jerhigh dog food products (1 vote = 10 grams of Jerhigh, worth 7 baht), with Jerhigh generously supporting the project by donating dog food valued at 5,000,000 baht. These substantial contributions will be distributed among 12 animal foundations and shelters nationwide.

This year, the 12 selected animal foundations and shelters benefiting from the “Veterinarians with Heart” project include: the ARK Chiangmai Foundation in Chiang Mai, Smile Dog Home Foundation in Songkhla, Khon Kaen Homeless Dog Fund in Khon Kaen, Baan Ae 4 Legs Shelter in Maha Sarakham, Baan Nang Fa Stray Animals in Saraburi, Baan Rak Ma Salaya, Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom, Wangluang Dog House Project, Walailak University in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Kanchanaburi 4 Legs in Kanchanaburi, Koh Sunuk Buddhamonthon Park in Nakhon Pathom, P. Lek’s Dog Shelter in Chonburi, Khanom dog welfare in Nakhon Srithammarat and Foundation for Disabled Animal Shelter (Banglen branch) in Nakhon Pathom

Furthermore, the company offers the unique opportunity for Veterinary Idols to visit Jerhigh’s cutting-edge manufacturing plant, renowned for producing high-quality, human-grade food and snacks for dogs. This initiative aims to impart knowledge on pet food production to the next generation of veterinarians.

Jerhigh remains steadfast in its commitment to bridging the gap between pet owners and dogs under the motto “Feed me with love.” The company is dedicated to advancing pet food innovations through AAFCO-standard production processes, which mirror those used in human food production. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology and ensuring high-quality, traceable ingredients, Jerhigh aims to safeguard the health and longevity of pets.

Blaze Takes Lives of 21 Stray Cats from Poor Woman, 5 Survive

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Khaosod English

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8 July 2024, 12:06

BANGKOK — A tragic fire broke out at 4-story commercial building in a residential area in Soi Chang Akat Uthit 15, Don Mueang District, Bangkok, late Sunday night, killing 21 cats which were under the care of a female traditional massage therapist.

Officials took 10 minutes to control the fire. There were no human injuries or fatalities. However, 21 cats on the second floor died. Officials managed to save 5 cats that had inhaled smoke. The owner cried, both saddened by the loss of the beloved cats and grateful that officials were able to save 5 of them.

carfire5 — A fire breaks out at 4-story commercial building in a residential area in Soi Chang Akat Uthit 15, Don Mueang District, Bangkok, on July 7, 2024.

Mrs. Aranya Sintravadhee, 65 years old, the cat owner, stated that she loves dogs and cats very much. She has been living in the room where the fire occurred for 3-4 years. At first, she brought only a few cats to raise. Later, when neighbours learned of her love for cats, they brought her newborn kittens, abused cats, or abandoned strays.

Feeling sorry for them, she ended up caring for nearly 30 cats and 1 dog, not knowing how many were male or female.

She works as a traditional massage therapist and lives alone in the room where the incident occurred. Her daily income from massages, just a few hundred baht, is used to buy cat food, spending over 10,000 baht per month. Additionally, there are expenses for vaccinating the dogs and cats. She cares for them as best she can with her limited resources.

Before the incident, someone came to take her out to massage a client. She locked the dog and cats in the room. Shortly after leaving, a neighbor called to inform her that her room was on fire. She rushed back to find the entire room ablaze.

cat fire4 — Rescuers manage to save 5 cats that had inhaled smoke.

“I feel so sorry for the cats that died. We were very attached after caring for them for so long. 21 cats died. The Ruamkatanyu Foundation will cremate them at a temple. The injured cats that survived have been sent to an animal hospital. I don’t know where I’ll get the money for their treatment. There’s also the dog I raised that I believe survived, but I don’t know where it went,” Aranya said.

On July 8, forensic officials inspected the scene to determine the cause of the fire.

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Thailand’s Halal Industry Set for Expansion Following GMTI 2024 Ranking

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Khaosod English

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8 July 2024, 11:29

BANGKOK — The Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024, which ranked Thailand 32nd among popular destinations for Muslim tourists and 5th among non-OIC countries, has made the Thai government confident about the halal industry.

On July 8, 2024, Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharong revealed that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin supports broad development of the halal industry, including food, tourism, fashion, and soft power, aiming to establish Thailand as a central hub for all dimensions of halal.

The PM has also ordered the relevant agencies to create plans to upgrade the halal industry development, increase tourism activities to attract Muslim tourists, and further strengthen Thailand’s prominence in this market to correspond with the country’s potential.

There is an expectation for high growth in the Muslim tourism market in 2024, with an estimated population of around 168 million international Muslim global tourists, a 5% increase over pre-COVID-19 levels.

This growth reflected the increasing importance of the Muslim tourist market. Mastercard-Crescent Rating has ranked the top Muslim tourist destinations in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024. With a score of 52, Thailand is ranked 5th among non-Muslim nations (Non-OIC) and 32nd out of 145 top tourist attractions for Muslims. This ranking remains unchanged from 2023.

Thailand is renowned for its natural beauty and pioneering role in the halal food and products industry. Since Thailand has significant Muslim communities, it has a cultural understanding, a multicultural environment, is friendly to Muslim tourists, and provides widespread availability of halal cuisine, making Thailand a top choice for Muslim tourists.

Meanwhile, part of the success is attributed to the Prime Minister’s policies that continuously develop the halal industry, which is in line with Thailand’s 5-year Halal Industry Development Policy (2024-2028). This initiative has led to the establishment of the Thai Halal Industry Center to elevate technology and manufacturing innovation, emphasizing value-added product creation alongside Halal standards.

It promotes domestic and international Halal trade, develops the Halal Ecosystem, establishes MOUs with target markets, and forms the National Halal Industry Committee (NHIC) to set policies for Thai Halal product development, enhancing Thailand’s soft power identity and driving the efficiency of the Halal industry towards becoming an ASEAN Halal Hub.

“The success of the Prime Minister’s policy to support the development of halal products means that Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations for Muslim tourists. Related to increasing competitiveness in order to meet the tourism trends of Muslim tourists,” Chai Wacharonke said.

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