FILE - The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft of Singapore Airlines, front, is parked after the SQ321 London-Singapore flight, that encountered severe turbulence, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, near Bangkok, Thailand, on May 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Singapore Airlines said Tuesday it has offered compensation to passengers of a flight that hit extreme turbulence last month, in a rare case that killed one passenger and injured dozens.
The Being 777 jet, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew from London to Singapore, ran into sudden turbulence over the Irrawaddy basin on May 20, hurling people and items around the cabin. The plane diverted to Thailand.
A 73-year-old British man died of a suspected heart attack and dozens were hospitalized including those with spinal, brain and bone or organ damages. Nineteen people remained hospitalized in Bangkok.
Singapore Airlines said it has offered $10,000 in compensation for passengers with minor injuries.
“For those who sustained more serious injuries from the incident, we have invited them to discuss a compensation offer to meet each of their specific circumstances when they feel well and ready to do so,” it said in a statement.
Those medically assessed to have sustained serious injuries, requiring long-term medical care and requesting financial assistance will receive an advance payment of $25,000 for their immediate needs, it said. “This will be part of the final compensation that these passengers will receive,” it said.
The airline said it will also provide full air fare refunds to all passengers on the flight, including those without any injuries. All passengers will also receive delay compensation in accordance with European Union or U.K. regulations, it said.
The airline added that it had already given all passengers 1,000 Singapore dollars ($739) each for their immediate needs, covered medical expenses of injured passengers, and arranged for their family members and loved ones to fly up to Bangkok where requested.
A preliminary investigation by Singapore’s Transport Ministry said the plane went through huge swings in g-force in less than five seconds, likely causing the injuries to people who weren’t buckled into their seats. It said the jet dropped 178 feet (54 meters) in less than one second, which “likely resulted in the occupants who were not belted up to become airborne” before falling back down.
Officials said the turbulence was believed to have struck when meals were being served and many people were not using seat belts. Passengers have described the “ sheer terror ” of the aircraft shuddering, loose items flying and injured people lying paralyzed on the floor of the plane.
It was unclear what caused the turbulence. Most people associate turbulence with heavy storms, but the most dangerous type is so-called clear air turbulence. Such turbulence can occur in wispy cirrus clouds or even in clear air near thunderstorms, as differences in temperature and pressure create powerful currents of fast-moving air.
According to a 2021 report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, turbulence accounted for 37.6% of all accidents on larger commercial airlines between 2009 and 2018. The Federal Aviation Administration has said there were 146 serious injuries from turbulence from 2009 to 2021.
Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks during an announcement of new products on the Apple campus in Cupertino, Calif., Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple has jumped into the race to bring generative artificial intelligence to the masses, spotlighting a slew of features Monday designed to soup up the iPhone, iPad and Mac.
And in a move befitting a company known for its marketing prowess, the AI technology coming as part of free software updates later this year is being billed as “Apple Intelligence.”
People attend an Apple event announcing new products in Cupertino, Calif., Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Even as it tried to put its own stamp on technology’s hottest area, Apple tacitly acknowledged during its World Wide Developers Conference that it needs help catching up with companies like Microsoft and Google, which have emerged as the early leaders in AI. Apple is leaning on ChatGPT, made by the San Francisco startup OpenAI, to make its often-bumbling virtual assistant Siri smarter and more helpful.
“All of this goes beyond artificial intelligence, it’s personal intelligence, and it is the next big step for Apple,” CEO Tim Cook said.
Siri’s optional gateway to ChatGPT will be free to all iPhone users and made available on other Apple products once the option is baked into the next generation of Apple’s operating systems. ChatGPT subscribers are supposed to be able to easily sync their existing accounts when using the iPhone, and should get more advanced features than free users would.
xiOS 18 brings new ways to customize iPhone, additional ways to stay connected in Messages, the biggest-ever redesign on the Photos app, and so much more. (Photo: Business Wire)
To herald the alliance with Apple, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sat in the front row of the packed conference, which was attended by developers from more than 60 countries.
“Together with Apple, we’re making it easier for people to benefit from what AI can offer,” Altman said in a statement.
Beyond allowing Siri to tap into ChatGPT’s storehouse of knowledge, Apple is giving its 13-year-old virtual assistant an extensive makeover designed to make it more personable and versatile, even as it currently fields about 1.5 billion queries a day.
When Apple releases free updates to the software powering the iPhone and its other products this fall, Siri will signal its presence with flashing lights along the edges of the display screen. It will be able to handle hundreds of more tasks — including chores that may require tapping into third-party devices — than it can now, based on Monday’s presentations.
Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks during an announcement of new products on the Apple campus in Cupertino, Calif., Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Apple’s full suite of upcoming features will only work on more recent models of the iPhone, iPad and Mac because the devices require advanced processors. For instance, consumers will need last year’s iPhone 15 Pro or buy the next model coming out later this year to take full advantage of Apple’s AI package, although all the tools will work on Macs dating back to 2020 after that computer’s next operating system is installed.
The AI-packed updates coming to the next versions of Apple software are meant to enable the billions of people who use the company’s devices to get more done in less time, while also giving them access to creative tools that could liven things up. For instance, Apple will deploy AI to allow people to create emojis, dubbed “Genmojis” on the fly to fit the vibe they are trying to convey.
Apple today announced new updates across its platforms that help empower users and keep them in control of their data. (Photo: Business Wire)
Apple’s goal with AI “is not to replace users, but empower them,” Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, told reporters. Users will also have the option of going into the device settings to turn off any AI tools they don’t want.
Monday’s showcase seemed aimed at allaying concerns Apple might be losing its edge with the advent of AI, a technology expected to be as revolutionary as the 2007 introduction of the Phone. Both Google and Samsung have already released smartphone models touting AI features as their main attractions, while Apple has been stuck in an uncharacteristically extended sales slump.
AI mania is the main reason that Nvidia, the dominant maker of the chips underlying the technology, has seen its market value rocket from about $300 billion at the end of 2022 to about $3 trillion. The meteoric rise allowed Nvidia to surpass Apple as the second most valuable company in the U.S. Earlier this year, Microsoft also eclipsed the iPhone maker on the strength of its so-far successful push into AI.
A large screen shows Apple CEO Tim Cook during an announcement of new products on the Apple campus in Cupertino, Calif., Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Investors didn’t seem as impressed with Apple’s AI presentation as the crowd that came to the company’s Cupertino, California, headquarters to see it. Apple’s stock price dipped nearly 2% Monday.
Despite that negative reaction, Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives asserted in a research note that Apple is “taking the right path.” He hailed the presentation as a “historical” day for a company that already has reshaped the tech industry and society.
Besides pulling AI tricks out of its bag, Apple also used the conference to confirm that it will be rolling out a technology called Rich Communications Service, or RCS, to its iMessage app. The technology should improve the quality and security of texting between iPhones and devices powered by Android software, such as the Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel.
watchOS 11 offers breakthrough insights into users’ health and fitness, and more personalization than ever. (Photo: Business Wire)
The change, due out with the next version of iPhone’s operating software, won’t eliminate the blue bubbles denoting texts originating from iPhones and the green bubbles marking text sent from Android devices — a distinction that has become a source of social stigma.
In another upcoming twist to the iPhone’s messaging app, users will be able to write a text (or have an AI tool compose it) in advance and schedule a specific time to automatically send it.
Monday’s presentation marked the second straight year that Apple has created a stir at its developers conference by using it to usher in a trendy form of technology that other companies already had employed.
macOS Sequoia expands Continuity features with iPhone Mirroring, adds new productivity and video conferencing tools, and offers a more immersive gaming experience with an amazing lineup of titles. (Graphic: Business Wire)
Last year, Apple provided an early look at its mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, which wasn’t released until early 2024. Nevertheless, Apple’s push into mixed reality — with a twist that it bills as “spatial computing” — has raised hopes that there will be more consumer interest in this niche technology.
Part of that optimism stems from Apple’s history of releasing technology later than others, then using sleek designs and slick marketing campaigns to overcome its tardy start.
Bringing more AI to the iPhone will likely raise privacy concerns — a topic that Apple has gone to great lengths to assure its loyal customers it can be trusted not to peer too deeply into their personal lives. Apple did talk extensively Monday about its efforts to build strong privacy protections and controls around its AI technology.
One way Apple is trying to convince consumers that the iPhone won’t be used to spy on them is harnessing its chip technology so most of its AI-powered features are handled on the device itself instead of at remote data centers, often called “the cloud.” Going down this route would also help protect Apple’s profit margins because AI processing through the cloud is far more expensive than when it is run solely on a device.
When Apple users make AI demands that requiring computing power beyond what’s available on the device, the tasks will be handled by what the company is calling a “private cloud” that is supposed to shield their personal data.
Apple’s AI “will be aware of your personal data without collecting your personal data,” Federighi said.
The officers seize more than 2,000 unused foreign mobile phone SIM cards and 5 mobile phones from the three Chinese susoects on June 10, 2024.
TAK — Highway Police arrested three Chinese suspected of being call center gang on Monday as they were carrying 2,000 mobile phone SIM cards.
Pol. Lt. Col. Sathit Samanphap, Superintendent of the 5th Highway Police Station, led a team on a mission on the Sukhothai-Tak Road at kilometer 109, on June 10. They noticed a suspicious Toyota Altis driving past at high speed, so they pursued the vehicle in a police car until they reached the area of Nam Ruem Subdistrict, Mueang Tak District and signaled for the car to stop for inspection.
The driver was a 53-year-old Thai man named Narong Sunanta. The three passengers were all Chinese: Mr. Hai Yang, 25 years old; Mr. Chen Yong Liang, 31 years old; and Mr. Lin Chen, 31 years old. None of them had passports or personal identification documents.
The officers also found more than 2,000 unused foreign mobile phone SIM cards and 5 mobile phones, raising suspicions that they may be involved in a call center gang network. The items were seized as evidence.
The three Chinese individuals are suspected of being involved in a call center gang network.
Narong confessed that he had picked up the group of Chinese individuals from a resort in Sukhothai Province to take them to Mae Sot District, Tak Province, for a fee of 3,000 baht per trip. He had done this 2-3 times before.
The Chinese individuals claimed that they had traveled from Cambodia by plane, landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport. A friend then picked them up and took them to a hotel near the airport. The next day, someone came to take them to Mae Sot so they could continue their journey to Myanmar. As for the mobile phone SIM cards, they claimed that they did not own them but that a friend had put them in the car.
The highway police officers then brought all the suspects to Mueang Tak Police Station to proceed with charges of illegal entry into the country.
BANGKOK — Euro 2024, the European football tournament starting on June 14 in Germany, is expected to boost economic circulation in Thailand as well.
Mr. Thanavath Phonvichai, President of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Economic and Business Forecasting Center, revealed on June 10 the results of a survey on the behavior and spending of the public during the Euro 2024 football tournament.
It is expected that the economic circulation will be 87.6 billion baht or 2.365 billion USD, an increase of 14 percent compared to the previous Euro tournament.
This can be broken down into 20.5 billion baht in economic spending, an increase of 5.1 percent, and 67 billion baht in non-economic spending (football betting), an increase of 17.10 percent.
“This year’s editions are considered lively because the live broadcasts lead to many economic activities, such as selling food and drinks and eating out to watch the games. It shows that people should return to normal soccer cheer. This can be seen from the spending in the economic system, which exceeds 20 billion baht this time, the highest in 8 years. The most outstanding growth is in non-economic spending, or soccer betting, which has risen to 67 billion baht, the highest in 16 years.”
Mr. Thanavath Phonvichai (center), President of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Economic and Business Forecasting Center
Ms. Umakamol Sunthornsurat, deputy director of the Economic and Business Forecasting Center at the College of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said that from the European Soccer Championship spending behavior survey of more than a thousand samples across the country, most will spend more than in the last Euro. The highest spending will be on food and drinks, about 3,700 baht per person. Spending on food and drinks is 4,497 baht per person and buying soccer team memorabilia is 2,475 baht per person.
Approximately 70 percent said they would spend more than the previous Euro. Notably, the behavior of betting on football has increased, with 35.6 percent of the samples indicating they would bet on football, mostly with cash. On average, they would spend more than 2,000 baht per match, or an average of 23,574 baht throughout the season.
AP PHOTO
For the form of football betting, 58.5 percent bet with cash, 21.5 percent bet with food, and 20 percent bet with items. The source of money for betting is mainly 51.8 percent from salary and regular income, 38.7 percent from savings, 4.7 percent from parents, 4.4 percent from bonuses, and 0.4 percent from loans.
The reasons for betting on Euro football are 47.1 percent for fun, 44.7 percent hoping for a reward from betting, 6.3 percent to invite others to play, 1.4 percent as a trend, and 0.2 percent for other reasons.
The top 5 teams that most Thais support are England, Germany, France, Portugal, and Italy. The top 5 teams expected to win the championship are England, France, Spain, Germany, and Italy.
Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of Interior, looks at the high-quality products in the OTOP MID YEAR 2024 event, on June 10, 2024.
NONTHABURI – The OTOP MID YEAR 2024 event, which is taking place now at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, is one of the efforts by the current government to revive the success of the project that was once highly prosperous during the government of Thaksin Shinawatra.
One Tambon, One Product (OTOP) is a local entrepreneurship stimulation project designed by Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during his Thai Rak Thai government from 2001 to 2006. The OTOP scheme is a self-help effort in which rural communities collaborate to create a product that can be sold both locally and internationally.
Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of Interior, and delegation preside over the opening ceremony of the OTOP MID YEAR 2024 event.
Drawing inspiration from Japan’s successful One Village, One Product (OVOP) programme, the OTOP programme encourages village communities to improve the quality and marketing of local products by selecting one superior product from each tambon to receive formal branding as a “starred OTOP product.”
The latest OTOP showcase and sale event, held from June 8 to 16, 2024, was officially opened on June 10 by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of Interior. He said that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin assigned him to preside over the opening ceremony to emphasize that the government has a policy to reduce social inequality by encouraging people to have careers, jobs, and income.
The government attaches importance to the expansion and support of OTOP product development through the development of producers, promotion of entrepreneurs, upgrading the quality and standards of 3-5 star products, and increasing marketing channels.
“People can support the products, making the event lively. The more purchasing power there is, the more encouraged the entrepreneurs will be to further develop the quality of OTOP products because every OTOP product is produced by Thai people, using Thai materials and Thai labour, and adds value to Thailand,” he said.
Mr. Kriang Kaltinan, Deputy Minister of Interior
Mr. Kriang Kaltinan, Deputy Minister of Interior, stated that the first day of the event had a good response as expected. The first day’s sales reached 66,433,310 baht, while the total orders were 4,321,673 baht, resulting in 70,754,983 baht.
On the second day, more than 30,000 people attended, and in the first two days, each zone had a total sales of over 142 million baht combined.
This year’s event showcased unique wisdom that reflects the local culture in each region. The event featured product exhibitions, demonstrations, and sales in over 60,000 square meters. Over 2,000 booths presented OTOP 3 to 5-star products, inviting visitors to sample items from over 160 stores nationwide. Additionally, the event included an OTOP artist zone with over 60 artists.
A designated area known as the Health & SPA zone allows participants to unwind in a serene Thai spa style. People are encouraged to relax in a calming environment while enjoying various health and relaxation massages.
Besides, “golden minute” activities are scheduled twice daily during the event. Throughout the nine days, there will be lottery drawings for lucky draws. To participate, buy 1,000 baht worth of products and you’ll receive a lucky draw coupon to win daily prizes worth more than 40,000 baht with larger prizes totaling more than 400,000 baht on the event’s final day.
Martin Schwenk (left), Chief Executive Officer and President of Mercedes-Benz Thailand Limited, visits the Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant in Samut Prakan.
BANGKOK — Mercedes-Benz accelerates the expansion of its EV production base in Thailand, renewing its contract with Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant (TAAP) for 10 years, extending the production base, after celebrating 45 years with 200,000 vehicles produced.
Chai Watcharong, a Thai government spokesperson, congratulated Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) on Monday for renewing its contract with Thonburi Car Assembly Plant Co., Ltd. for 10 years as a partner in car assembly and electric car battery production, focusing on the Circular Economy concept.
Mercedes-Benz has also responded to the policy of promoting the Circular Economy concept by delivering 2 MWh lithium-ion battery cells (Cellblocks) collected from high-voltage batteries used for testing in the production process to the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) within this July.
The purpose is to utilize these cells for supporting research, development, and technology transfer to Thai society, as well as upgrading Thai personnel and supporting the testing of domestically produced electric vehicle batteries to meet world-class standards.
“This aligns with the government agencies’ efforts to increase the country’s potential to support production, be a crucial regional supply chain, and take action to support Thailand as a Future Mobility Hub,” he said.
Martin Schwenk, Chief Executive Officer and President of Mercedes-Benz Thailand Limited, stated that the industrial expertise of Thonburi Car Assembly Plant has perfectly matched the DNA of Mercedes-Benz. Additionally, they have collaborated to create a history of luxury cars that have been with Thai people for a long time and are outstanding in technology and innovation.
Currently, more than 13 car models are in production at the factory, including A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS, C-Coupe, GLC-Coupe, CLS, Maybach S-Class, and EQS. Since 1979, the factory produced its 200,000th Mercedes-Benz vehicle in January.
Rattaphol Viriyapant, Chairman of Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Co., Ltd., stated that the company has expanded its automotive assembly line to cover all segments and support the production of batteries and the assembly of electric vehicles through the factory of Thonburi Energy Storage Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (TESM), which has initiated the production of batteries and the assembly of 100% electric vehicles, starting with the first model, the EQS 500 4MATIC AMG Premium.
“We remain committed to developing the quality of our factories and the potential of our personnel to ensure that all customers have confidence in every stage of production. This is to be a part of elevating the Thai automotive industry and creating a new legend for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Thailand,” he said.
Supporters of French far-right National Rally react at the party election night headquarters, Sunday, June 9, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Lewis Joly)
BRUSSELS (AP) — A four-day election has shaken the foundations of the European Union, with the far right rocking ruling parties in France and Germany, the bloc’s traditional driving forces. For the next five years it will be harder for the European Parliament to make decisions.
French President Emmanuel Macron called snap national elections after Marine Le Pen’s National Rally humbled his pro-European centrists in the polls. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats also suffered as the extreme-right Alternative for Germany shrugged off scandals to make massive gains.
In Italy, the party of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which has neo-fascist roots, won more than 28% of the national vote for the EU assembly, which would make it a key player in forming future alliances.
Green and pro-business liberal groups across Europe suffered heavy defeats, but mainstream formations held their ground, with the center-right European People’s Party remaining the biggest bloc in the 27-nation EU’s assembly.
POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE IN FRANCE
Voters in France will return to the polls in just three weeks after Macron dissolved parliament and called snap national elections. Le Pen’s anti-immigration, nationalist party was estimated to get around 31%-32% of the vote. While a National Rally win was expected, the scale of the victory was a surprise, more than doubling the share of Macron’s Renaissance party, which was projected to reach around 15%. It should become clear by mid-July whether a weakened Macron will be forced to work with a far-right government in an uncomfortable “cohabitation.”
SCANDALS DO LITTLE TO HARM GERMANY’S HARD RIGHT
Scholz’s ruling Social Democrats recorded their worst post-World War II result in a nationwide vote, with 13.9%. Alternative for Germany finished second with around 15.9%. The far-right party suffered a string of recent setbacks, including scandals surrounding its two lead candidates in the EU parliament elections. But voters appear to have shrugged them off. The result is better than the AfD’s 11% in 2019 but still short of poll ratings earlier this year. Germany’s opposition center-right Union bloc took 30% of the vote.
The center-right European People’s Party is projected to win 191 seats in the EU assembly and remains by far the biggest group. The EPP garnered a few more seats, but the parliament is also expanding from 705 seats in 2019 to 720 seats this year, so the increase was marginal. The second-biggest bloc, the center-left Socialists and Democrats, lost some ground but with 135 seats comfortably retains its place. EPP lead candidate Ursula von der Leyen had flirted with parties to the right during election campaigning, but after early results were announced she called on the socialists and pro-business liberals to work together in a pro-European alliance.
GREENS AND LIBERALS TAKE A HIT
The environmentalist Greens were perhaps the biggest losers overall. They are likely to lose around 20 seats in the EU parliament, almost a third of their tally from 2019. A series of protests across Europe by farmers angered at the burden imposed by new climate laws helped to damage their chances. The EU considers itself a world leader in combating global warming. Senior members had hoped that Greens parties already in government in places like Germany would hold their ground. But projections suggested that Germany’s Greens, the second-biggest party in Scholz’s coalition, would fall from a peak of 20.5% five years ago to around 12%. Liberal parties across Europe, including Macron’s, were also expected to give away a combined 20 seats in the assembly, making them the other biggest losers in this election.
Empty envelopes of postal ballots for the European elections lie on the floor in a hall of the fair sound in Frankfurt, Germany, Sunday, June 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
WHAT’S NEXT?
Senior party officials and number-crunchers are meeting Monday to work out what kind of groups and alliances might be formed in the parliament for the next five years. Party presidents will hold their first formal talks on Tuesday. One thing is clear: The results will slow decision-making and the passing of legislation on issues ranging from climate change to farm subsidies. EU presidents and prime ministers will hold a summit on June 17 to take stock of the results. They will also discuss whether to return von der Leyen to the helm of the EU’s powerful executive branch, the European Commission.
Before and after combination picture of the Lanna-style giant sculpture at Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham, a famous temple in Chiang Mai Province, which was restored by the Fine Arts Department team.
BANGKOK — After being widely criticized over the weekend about the restoration of more than 400-year-old Lanna-style giant statues in a Chiang Mai temple, where the cement coating made the statues look completely rebuilt, the Fine Arts Department defends its work.
On June 10, Mr. Phanombuth Jantarachoti, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, told ‘Matichon’ that this topic naturally has both supporters and critics. He insisted that the Fine Arts Department team has documented all the evidence and steps of the restoration process at Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham in the Mueang district of Chiang Mai province.
Earlier, Assistant Professor Dr. Surachai Chongchitngam, a lecturer at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University, has posted a complaint that Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham, a famous temple in Chiang Mai Province, has plastered cement over the statues, leaving no trace of the ancient artifacts. This act has diminished the value of these precious ancient artworks and caused damage to the arts.
“The Lanna-style giant sculptures were originally in perfect condition, albeit very old, 400-500 years, and had unique characteristics that differed from the giant statues in Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin art in Bangkok. Therefore, they held historical value that is rare and should be preserved,” Assistant Professor Dr. Surachai stated.
He also call for the person responsible for the idea of the restoration and the one who funded it should come forward and take responsibility, along with the relevant authorities, and provide an explanation to the public.
Subsequently, Phra Khru Samuh Boonlert Chaiyavaso, the abbot, and Phra Phira, a monk responsible for overseeing the restoration of the two giants, stated that earlier this year, the governor of Chiang Mai visited the temple. Impressed by the site, he noticed the damaged statues and coordinated with the Fine Arts Department for their restoration, which was completed several months ago.
“The entire temple is already listed by the Fine Arts Department, meaning the temple has no right to carry out restoration work on its own. Our role is only to observe and facilitate the work of the officials handling the restoration,” the monks said.
Director-General of the Fine Arts Department explained that Wat Umong is a tourist attraction where many people come to pray. The temple houses two huge statues that are in a dilapidated state as sand and gravel are falling from the stucco. Therefore, Chiang Mai Province has talked to the Fine Arts Department about restoring these sculptures.
The Department of Fine Arts then provided a budget for the restoration of the two giants. There were two options for the restoration method. The first was traditional restoration, which carried a high risk of further damage.
The second method the restoration team decided on was to place a layer or modeling over the original structure of the giants. This method not only protects the original stucco layer, but also restores the full form of the statues and prevents them from becoming ruins.
A layer of modeling has been placed over the original structure of the Lanna-style giant sculptures at Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham, Chiang Mai.
After discussions with the province, the Fine Arts Department opted for the second method, as the temple is still a major tourist attraction with many devotees. This method was carefully considered in terms of artistic style. If there was insufficient evidence, the method could not have been used. The department commissioned suitable local craftsmen to carry out the restoration.
The chosen method aimed to restore the statues to their original, complete state, referring to ancient art forms, such as adding elements based on historical evidence found on the hands of the giants. This process was based on thorough research, which was not about giving old statues a new look, but restoring them according to traditional art styles.
“The records of this restoration have been archived in the Chiang Mai archives. As a result, there will be evidence of the methods and reasoning applied in this year’s restoration, even 50 or 100 years from now,” said Mr. Phanombuth.
IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) Thailand Chapter held a press conference announcing the 10th IEEE International Smart Cities Conference under the main theme “Smart Cities: Revolution for Mankind.” The event featured Mr. Wilas Chaloeysat, Chairman of IEEE Power & Energy Society – Thailand and Governor of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) to assign Mr. Somchai Homklinkaew, Senior Vice Chairman, IEEE Power & Energy Society – Thailand and Deputy Governor, Power System Planning and Innovation at the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) join with Associate Professor Dr. Nopbhorn Leeprechanon IEEE PES Vice Chair Meeting and Conference and Associate Professor Dr. Supavadee Aramvith Chair of IEEE Thailand Section in conjunction with Associate Professor Dr. Montri Wiboonrat, Conference Chair of ISC2 2024 and Dr. Jaruwan Suwannasat, Director of MICE Intelligence and Innovation Department and Acting Executive Advisor at the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). The press conference took place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
Associate Professor Dr. Nopbhorn Leeprechanon, IEEE PES Vice Chair Meeting and Conference shared “This marks a significant opportunity for Thailand, as it is the first time that this international smart city and energy event will be held in the country and in Southeast Asia. Previously, the IEEE International Smart Cities Conference has been held annually in various countries across Europe and America, covering both academic conferences and international exhibitions.”
Led by Mr. Wilas Chaloeysat, Chairman of IEEE Power & Energy Society – Thailand “The IEEE PES Thailand Chapter is the main organizer for the 10th IEEE International Smart Cities Conference (IEEE-ISC2-2024), scheduled to take place from October 29 to November 1, 2024, at the Royal Cliff Grand Hotel in Pattaya, Chonburi. Under the theme “Smart Cities: Revolution for Mankind,” the conference is now accepting academic and research papers. This platform allows researchers, academics, developers, and students in engineering, technology, and innovation to share their work and collaborate on smart city development. It also provides an opportunity for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences with smart city leaders from both national and international levels.”
Additionally, the event will feature an exhibition showcasing innovations and technologies related to smart cities. This is a prime opportunity for Thailand to demonstrate its capabilities in smart city development, stimulate research and innovation, promote cooperation in smart city development, and build sustainable international networks among smart city development leaders.
Prof. Georges Sissis, Chair of IEEE Smart Cities, stated in his online keynote address, “IEEE Smart Cities aims to be a leading professional organization engaged with stakeholders in developing sustainability, resilience, equity, and privacy. Respecting the needs of diverse communities, businesses, and industries, we focus on smart cities technologies and systems that meet these varied demands. I extend my gratitude to all supporters from government, private sectors, and associations who recognize the importance of this conference.”
Associate Professor Dr. Montri Viboonratanakij, Conference Chair of ISC2 2024, commented, “Smart Cities represent the advanced technology of the modern era. These advancements help us optimize energy use, reduce waste, and minimize carbon emissions. The era of carbon reduction is not just about technology but also about creating livable and resilient communities, empowering citizens to make sustainable choices, promoting the green economy, and ensuring that new smart cities grow in harmony with the environment.”
Associate Professor Dr. Nopbhorn Leeprechanon, IEEE PES Vice Chair Meeting and Conference mentioned “Today’s press conference was attended by supporters from various organizations, including state enterprises, associations, and private sectors. Supporters include the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), Provincial Electricity Authority, PTT Public Company Limited, Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), Board of Investment (BOI), Engineering Institute of Thailand under H.M. the King’s Patronage, as well as leading international companies like Hitachi Energy (Thailand) and Schneider Electric (Thailand) as diamond sponsors, and other supporters. This shows the significance all sectors place on the upcoming conference and exhibition.”
The main target groups for the 2024 IEEE International Smart Cities Conference include experts, researchers, developers, academics, students, policy analysts, architects, engineers from government and private sectors, civil society, and the general public involved in engineering, technology, and smart city innovations, as well as smart city executives and leading entrepreneurs from national and international levels. The event is expected to attract 500-700 participants.
Join us for the 10th IEEE International Smart Cities Conference (IEEE-ISC2-2024) under the main theme “Smart Cities: Revolution for Mankind” from October 29 to November 1, 2024, at the Royal Cliff Grand Hotel, Pattaya, Chonburi.
Photo Credit: Atthapol Yanyonglert / Red Bull Content Pool
THAILAND, JUNE 8 2024 – The energy was palpable at the Red Bull Dance Your Style Thailand National Finals, held on June 8 at the iconic Hua Lamphong train station in Bangkok. The intense battle rounds of unadulterated skill, set to unpredictable tunes, culminated in Red Bull naming 21 year-old popping dancer, StefanosKoukas, from Pattaya as the first-ever Red Bull Dance Your Style Thailand National Champion, giving him the wings to soar to the global stage.
Stefanos bested 15 of the country’s top dancers. He is now bound for Mumbai, India for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete against the best dance talents from 50 other countries as the exclusive representative of Thailand at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals.
The finalists gave their all during the competition until it was down to Stefanos and Gun The Zoo (Mr. Woragun Ngamchuensuwan), a 32 year-old hip-hop dancer from Songkla, to battle it out for the crown. Stefanos’ musicality and impeccable precision in hitting every beat to a diverse selection of songs captivated the audience, who also served as the competition’s judges. This earned him the top spot and the chance to compete against the world’s elite dancers.
Photo Credit: Kaoru Kuptsov / Red Bull Content Pool
“It was a great experience, and it was so much fun,” stated Stefanos. “I enjoyed every moment, especially the final round where I was pushed to double my energy!”
Since beginning his dance journey 15 years ago, Stefanos has dedicated countless hours to perfecting his craft. As he prepares to go head-to-head with the finest dancers from all over the world, Stefanos is even more determined to bring his A-game, making sure he is physically and mentally ready for what is certain to be a fierce competition. He expressed his excitement and enthusiasm in being Thailand’s representative for the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals.
“I would like to thank everyone coming here to cheer me on at this national final round, and I am so excited to go to the world finals in India because I have been watching this competition for so long. I can’t wait!” exclaimed Stefanos.
Stefanos’ crowning as the first-ever Red Bull Dance Your Style Thailand National Champion marks a historic event for the country’s dance scene.
Red Bull’s Dance Consultant, Tai – Darika Sangnak, reflected on this momentous occasion saying, “This was a groundbreaking moment for dance in Thailand.” She added, “It’s not just an opportunity to showcase the incredible talent we have but also a significant step towards paving the way for future generations of dancers. I believe Red Bull Dance Your Style will inspire young dancers across the country to pursue their dreams and elevate the art form to new heights.”
Photo Credit: Sean Chen / Red Bull Content Pool
Don’t miss the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final, happening on November 9, 2024 at Dome, NSCI in Mumbai, India. See you there!
Celebrate Stefanos’ win and follow his journey to the world stage by visiting Red Bull’s social media pages (TikTok | Instagram | Facebook) and its website, and Red Bull’s official dance accounts (TikTok| Instagram)
