Asst. Prof. Dr. Uthai Meekham shows the innovation results for the project "Changing white PS foam waste into lightweight construction materials.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA — Suranaree University of Technology launched on June 6 the research and innovation results for the project “Changing white PS foam waste into lightweight construction materials.” It was conducted by Asst. Prof. Dr. Uthai Meekham, a lecturer in the Department of Design Technology at the School of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Uthai utilized PS white foam waste, commonly used in various industries as cushioning for package transportation. The foam went through a two-step grinding process. The first step involved grinding the foam to the size of a marble and then further grinding it to the size of tiny grains of sand. The second step involved coating the fine foam pellets with glue, which attached to the foam beads.
The foam beads coated with glue and mixed with fly ash from industrial plants prevent clumping. The resulting material looks like small pebbles and can be used in engineering construction materials. It can be moulded into various shapes, such as bricks, blocks, and lightweight bricks.
The innovative material was developed as floor and wall tiles in laboratory experiments, with added color and aesthetic appeal. It retains strength while being lighter compared to standard ratios, making it a novel option for lightweight construction materials.
The amount of waste, mainly plastic, Styrofoam, and various packaging materials that decompose slowly, grows annually. Disposal methods for these wastes often incur high costs. This innovation explicitly targets white foam waste, a type of POLYSTYRENE (PS) foam used for cushioning and cooling boxes, which has consistently increased in volume.
Lightweight construction materials are produced from PS foam waste.
Therefore, the researchers had an idea to transform white foam waste according to the principles of “LIGHTWEIGHT PRODUCT DESIGN APPLICATIONS.”
They used waste materials from the industrial sector or packaging molded from commonly found white foam that can be upcycled to create a new type of “LIGHTWEIGHT ENGINEERED” material with special properties suitable for the construction industry.
Its outstanding feature is the capacity to adjust its style, size, and shape to suit various needs, such as creating tiled walkway surfaces. These artificial sandstone wall panels are used in building decoration as a substitute for gravel and sand, and the material is also used to produce lightweight plant pots through casting processes.
Lightweight construction materials are produced from PS foam waste.
The benefits of this innovation are:
It is capable of managing large quantities of foam waste that need to go through a recycling process to be reused. Although it involves higher costs than other plastic types, transitioning from waste to new upcycling will decrease the build-up of foam waste and increase the cycle of reusing it.
It helps obtain lightweight construction materials that can be created in various forms, not limited to just blocks or bricks. The material should enable collaboration to design items best suited for their intended use. For example, it could be used to create large lightweight plant pots for urban areas or to incorporate them into tall office buildings and residential condos.
Lastly, it can be further developed for commercial use and lead to career opportunities, especially for small to medium community enterprises, as the production cost is low. The main raw materials, such as leftover white foam waste, cheap fly ash from industrial plants, coating glues, and molding and grinding-compacting machines, are largely available within the country. This could be another way to generate income for the community.
"'Balakol', a one-eyed blind tigress who used to wander in the community areas, has been released into the Thap Lan forest on June 6, 2024. (Thailand Tiger Project)
PRACHIN BURI – The thin, left-eye blind tigress, which had previously wandered out of Mae Wong National Park and onto the road in the middle of a Karen village at Moo 18, Khlong Lan Phatthana Subdistrict, Khlong Lan District, Kamphaeng Phet Province since February 16, has now returned to the forest in Prachin Buri Province on June 6.
With the help of the Department of National Parks officials, this female tiger, named ‘Balakol’ which means ‘Khlong Lan’ in Karen language, received treatment for her eye wound, a wound on her left paw, and malnutrition. She stayed for 3 months at the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani Province.
Mr. Weera Khunchairak, Deputy Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, revealed that the tigress Balakol is around 2 years old, with a body length of about 1.60 meters, a height of 55 centimeters, a tail length of 60 centimeters, and weighs approximately 105 kilograms.
“‘Balakol’, a one-eyed blind tigress who used to wander in the community areas, has been released into the Thap Lan forest on June 6, 2024. (Thailand Tiger Project)
She is considered a fully grown tigress, in good health, able to live in the forest, and has the instincts of a predator. The officials, therefore, decided to release Balakol into the Thap Lan forest.
The reason for choosing to release her in the Thap Lan forest, besides being quite far from the community, is that the Khlong Lan forest, which is connected to the western forest, is still very abundant. This will help spread genetic diversity and increase the abundance of the forest ecosystem.
FILE – Balakol the tigress just hungry because her mother could no longer look after her and she had to go out of the forest and find food herself in February 2024.
The officials have attached a radio tracking collar to monitor her movements and to ensure she does not pose a danger to people, as well as to follow up on Balakol’s life.
“This tigress is a subspecies found in Southeast Asia, so the prey animals are of the same subspecies. Even though there are tigers in the Thap Lan forest, it is believed that Balakol will be able to adapt. Moreover, tigers are predators and do not naturally eat their own kind. Currently, the officials are still closely monitoring to assess whether Balakol can hunt prey and live in the Thap Lan forest,” he said.
The DSI officers, in cooperation with other authorities in Phuket, raided three businesses allegedly run by foreigners on June 6, 2024.
PHUKET — The Department of Special Investigation (DSI), in cooperation with the Immigration Police, Tourist Police and other authorities in Phuket, raided three businesses allegedly run by foreigners. These companies are suspected of running illegal activities under the guise of legal businesses.
Mr. Thaveewat Surasit, Director of the DSI’s Security Cases Division, explained that the joint operation targeted three locations for which the authorities had search warrants. The aim was to investigate individuals and intermediaries involved in registering businesses for foreigners.
The DSI officers, in cooperation with other authorities in Phuket, raided three businesses allegedly run by foreigners on June 6, 2024.
“The purpose of enforcing the law is to prevent foreigners from exploiting loopholes in the law and at the same time to ensure that the law does not have a negative impact on investment. The aim is to attract beneficial investors into the country while excluding those who cause harm. Phuket is a critical area in this regard,” he said at the meeting.
As a result, officials from the Department of Tourism, the Department of Enterprise Development, the Tourist Police, the Immigration Police, the Phuket Police and the Institute of Forensic Science conducted simultaneous searches at the businesses concerned. The main aim was to collect data in order to take legal action in connection with foreigners’ businesses.
The first two locations were in Golden View Village, The Splash Courting, Kathu District, Phuket. The first company was Phuket Best Accounting Co., Ltd. at 9/511, and the second was a two-story building at 9/484. Records for Russian, Pakistani and Indian nationals with financial transactions totaling 200-300 million baht were seized at both locations.
The third location was a residential house in Rock Garden Village, Ratsada Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District.
The investigations into these suspicious groups have been a special case for the DSI since the end of last year. The financial data points to two main groups: Europeans, mainly Russians, and another group consisting of Pakistanis and Indians. The Russian group is mainly active in the real estate and hotel business, while the Pakistani and Indian groups focus on restaurants. According to the files, only a few Thais are involved.
The DSI officers, in cooperation with other authorities in Phuket, raided three businesses allegedly run by foreigners on June 6, 2024.
CP Group Global Sourcing Expo 2024 aims at Elevating Thailand as a Global Food Hub
Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) and CP Group are excited to announce the CP Group Global Sourcing Expo 2024. The event was held at the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, providing a dynamic platform for international businesspeople and food producers to network, showcase their products, and negotiate business deals with CP Foods and CP Group partners, including leading restaurant operators, hotels, and food service businesses both domestically and internationally. The goal was to offer Thai people access to high-quality food from around the world and to promote Thailand as a world food center.
The CP Group Global Sourcing Expo 2024 highlighted CP Foods’ extensive network and distribution channels, which help in creating new business opportunities for partners. The event brought together food producers from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Japan, the United States, South Korea, Chile, and the United Kingdom. These producers presented and exchanged food innovations with partners in Thailand and abroad, providing more choices and access to good quality food and positioning Thailand as the center of the global food business.
Prasit Boondoungprasert, CEO of CP Foods, emphasized the company’s commitment to the CP Group’s philosophy of the three benefits to sustainability: benefits to the countries in which the company operates, benefits to society, and benefits to the company. He stated, “We initiated this Business Matching event to promote the growth of SMEs in the countries where we operate, while also giving Thai entrepreneurs, such as restaurants, access to a wider variety of products, offering new choices for the Thai food industry.”
Richard Lovell, Director of Global Procurement & Networking at CPF Food Network, noted that this is the third iteration of the event, featuring 43 distributors from over 10 countries. They showcased a diverse selection of carefully chosen food items, including premium-grade beef, fine dining food, fresh seafood, ready-to-eat food, fruits and vegetables, snacks, and beverages. The event has already received positive feedback from Thai entrepreneurs.
The CP Group Global Sourcing Expo 2024 was honored by the presence of Chettaphan Maksamphan, Director-General of the Department of American and Pacific Affairs, along with ambassadors from Japan, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Poland, Spain, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and commercial ambassadors from various other countries. These distinguished participants explored new business opportunities in Thai food exports and the importation of quality food ingredients, supporting Thailand’s ambition to become the kitchen of the world.
Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is unwavering in its mission to harness innovation and technology to optimize production efficiency, quality, and food safety standards. Concurrently, the company places importance on ecosystem conservation, safeguarding biodiversity, and restoring balance of nature – the cornerstone of food security. This commitment aligns with CP Foods’ vision to become the “Kitchen of the World,” ensuring consumer well-being and healthy planet through sustainable practices.
These comprehensive initiatives commemorate CP Foods’ recognition of the United Nations’ World Environment Day on June 5th, echoing the 2024 theme “Our Land, Our Future, We are #GenerationRestoration.” They also resonate with the celebration of World Food Safety Day on June 7th.
Mrs. Kobboon Srichai, Head of Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations at CP Foods, revealed that ensuring equity and sufficient access to quality food in all circumstances remains a top priority. The company champions environmentally conscious business operations by responsibly utilizing natural resources and maximizing their benefits, driven by the ambition to conserve biodiversity and maintain nature’s delicate equilibrium.
To fulfill its role as the “Kitchen of the World,” CP Foods also prioritizes fostering consumer awareness about food safety by promoting nutritious and healthy food consumption. The company collaborates with partners and relevant health and food production organizations to bolster food safety standards.
Furthermore, CP Foods is pioneering a synergistic approach to upholding consumer well-being and planetary health by harnessing innovations and technologies to enhance efficiency across the entire food production chain – from animal feed manufacturing and farming to food processing. This comprehensive strategy fortifies the highest standards of food quality and safety while mitigating food waste, losses, and environmental impacts.
The company is at the forefront of developing eco-conscious feed solutions that curtail excess nitrogen in animal waste and championing animal welfare practices. CP Foods has implemented biogas systems for waste management in its every pig farms and layer chicken complexes nationwide, while amplifying the utilization of renewable energy sources throughout its operations.
Particularly this year, the company is prioritizing water management strategies to address drought challenges while optimizing water resources through the 3Rs principle (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) and deploying cutting-edge technological solutions for water management. CP Foods collaborates closely with government agencies and local communities to conserve and restore watersheds and water sources, including the long-running Mun River Conservation Project, which has spanned over 15 years. This program targets securing vital water basins in Thailand’s northeastern provinces.
The company is continuously instilling awareness and encouraging employees to unite their efforts in safeguarding the surrounding environment and natural resources. While, fostering networks with government entities, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders to restore forest areas, water sources, soil quality, and clean air for future generations.
Most significantly, the company aims to raise awareness among children and youth, empowering them as partners in planetary preservation through the “CPF Green Sea We Share” project. This initiative imparts a legacy of environmental responsibility and cultivating a better world.
By galvanizing collective action and nurturing eco-consciousness across all levels, CP Foods exemplifies its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. These endeavors underscore the company’s vision of harmonizing business growth with sustainable practices that revitalize ecosystems and secure a thriving planet for generations to come.
BANGKOK – Although it is a European tournament, Thai football fans are eagerly awaiting Euro 2024, which will be held in Germany this year and starts next week.
On June 6, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin who is a football fan, chaired a press conference at the Government House, regarding the live broadcast of the 2024 European Football Championship from Germany for Thai viewers. He was joined by Komol Jungrungruangkit, Chairman of Summit Footwear Co., Ltd. (Aerosoft), as the licensee for the live broadcast.
Relevant ministers, the Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand and a group of sponsors, including the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited, Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited, PTT Public Company Limited, and Thai Beverage Public Company Limited also attended.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin who is a football fan, chaired a press conference at the Government House, regarding the live broadcast of the 2024.
Private sector support
“Football is a popular sport among Thai people, and the Euro 2024 tournament is the biggest football event, second only to the World Cup. In addition to promoting sports and international sports competitions, the government believes that the over 60 million Thai people have the right to know about and watch world-class competitions, which is something that this government considers important,” said the Prime Minister.
He added that the government has taken the lead in inviting the private sector to support the live broadcast of the Euro 2024 football tournament without using any government funds. He thanked to Aerosoft, which must be thanked as a key leader, as well as the chairman of PTT Public Company Limited, Airports of Thailand, and Bangkok Airways.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin states that the government has taken the lead in inviting the private sector to support the live broadcast of the Euro 2024 football tournament.
The PM also said this live broadcast is expected to increase happiness for the audience and make the restaurant and sports bar business more lively. The matches will be mainly aired on PPTV 36 and may also be supplemented by Channel 9 MCOT HD and NBT2HD for every match.
Broadcasting rights is higher
Previously, during the Euro 2020 tournament, Summit Footwear Co., Ltd. surprised Thai football fans by becoming the licensee for the live broadcast of the competition. The song “Aerosoft Cheers Euro” was promoted during every match, making it well-known among football fans. This time, it is expected that the government’s NBT station will be the main channel for the live broadcast.
Komol Jungrungruangkit, Chairman of Aerosoft believed that if Thailand does not broadcast the football tournament, it will miss out on tourism opportunities because during the tournament, it coincides with the time when many tourists from the European continent come to travel in Thailand. He is therefore very pleased and sincere in supporting the government’s policy.
Komol Jungrungruangkit, Chairman of Summit Footwear Co., Ltd. (Aerosoft)
Regarding the value of purchasing the broadcasting rights for the Euro football tournament this time, Mr. Komol said that he could not disclose the figures because it is a secret between the private sector and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), but he can only say that the value is greater than the previous Euro football tournament.
When asked whether the song used to promote this live broadcast will still be the same song used in the previous Euro football tournament, Mr. Komol said that he is currently approaching many singers and artists, but he still wants the song to be as fun as before.
Football Fans Tour to Germany
Chatree Tangthiengkul, managing director of World Planet International Co Ltd, a major Thai tour operator, told “Prachachat” that his company organizes trips to Germany and has secured a number of tickets for various matches.
While not as many as before the COVID-19 pandemic due to the increased cost of accommodation, food and other expenses, 5-6 tour groups have booked with the number of participants ranging from 15 to 28 people. These include friends, family groups and companies booking for marketing purposes, sales promotion or as gifts for fans.
Final Match Ticket Costs: 450,000 Baht
“This tour is organized as a travel package. The groups leave 1-2 days in advance and then travel to the stadium, where they usually arrive 2 hours before the match to eat and drink before watching the game. After the game, they return to their accommodation and continue their sightseeing tour before returning to Thailand. Most customers have been booking in advance since late last year or early this year because of the lengthy visa process,” Chatree said.
The Managing Director of World Planet mentioned that this year had been a challenge due to the high costs. Customers from the ASEAN countries, who used to attend, are almost non-existent this year. Travel costs for the semi-finals are around 380,000 baht and for the finals around 450,000 baht. Some tickets are still available, but only for those who already have a European visa, as it is now too late to apply.
FILE – German soccer fans celebrate after the World Cup Group of 16 soccer match between Germany and Sweden at a public viewing zone in Berlin on Saturday, June 24, 2006. Germany won 2:0. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
First Round Matches: 200,000 Baht
A source from another tour operator mentioned that the first package deals for the 2024 European Football Championships are coming onto the market, mainly from companies that are regularly active due to their ticketing partnerships. Prices for the preliminary matches are around 200,000 baht, while prices for the later matches range from 280,000to 300,000 baht, depending on ticket prices, airlines and accommodation.
“In Thailand, there are many die-hard football fans from all over the world who usually travel with their regular tour operators. Some companies focus on selling to their own customer groups as getting tickets for the matches is a must before organizing these trips,” the source said.
Multiple Price Packages Available
Reporters have noted that travel companies have started to advertise travel packages. Tidtour Travel, for example, is offering an 8-day, 5-night package for the England-Denmark and Turkey-Portugal matches from June 18-25, 2024, at a price of 224,000 baht, which guarantees 100 tickets.
Uni-Thai Trip Co, Ltd. is offering an 8-day, 5-night package for the final round from July 11-18, 2024 starting at 289,000 baht. Other packages include a 7-day, 4-night trip for the group stage matches from June 18-24, 2024 from 185,000 baht and another from June 19-25, 2024 from 275,000 baht.
Central vs. The Mall: TV Sales Battle
Reporters also noted that electronics stores offer TV promotions, which are popular during major sporting events. Power Mall, part of The Mall Group, is running the Power Mall The Ultimate Mega Screen campaign, offering up to 50% off high-end audiovisual and IT products. Customers who purchase OLED or QLED TVs will receive a free Dolce Gusto coffee machine with 0% installment for 10 months from May 15 to July 29, 2024.
Power Buy, part of Central Group, is running a campaign from June 1 to July 14, 2024, offering sharp TV discounts and trade-in offers of up to 10,000 baht and 10% off on participating TV brands such as Samsung, LG, TCL, Hisense, Sharp, Toshiba, Haier, Panasonic and Skyworth.
Prachachat Business Photo
Hat Yai Prepares for Euro Excitement
Wittaya Saelim, a professional tour guide in Songkhla, mentioned that football matches such as the World Cup and European Championships boost tourism as fans can watch the matches at various places such as cafes, pubs and restaurants. Usually, tourists with high spending power come to Songkhla during these seasons as neighbouring Malaysia imposes strict religious policing measures.
A source from a pub in Hatyai said the entertainment venues are ready for Euro 2024, attracting tourists and increasing sales of drinks and food by about 60%. Veerawit Khrueasombat, president of the Patong Entertainment Business Operators Association, noted that the venues and staff are decorated according to the football atmosphere, as football is a highly anticipated sport that takes place every two years and is only surpassed by the World Cup.
Matichon Group’s Promotional Campaign
Khaosod and Matichon, two of Thailand’s leading media outlets are running a Euro 2024 campaign asking readers to cut out coupons from their newspapers for a chance to win big prizes worth millions of baht. This campaign is in collaboration with various companies to promote participation in Euro 2024.
BANGKOK — Indonesian police officers have already deported one of Thailand’s most wanted fugitives, and now Thailand has to hunt for the Indonesian drug lord and deport him as well.
Chaowalit Thongduang, also known as Pang Na-nhoad, was arrested on Indonesia’s tourist island of Bali following months on the run in connection with several killings and drug trafficking charges in Thailand. He was deported and arrived in Thailand on June 4, 2024.
Khaosod Online reported on the background of the Thai government, with Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, and his delegation traveled to cooperate with Indonesian authorities to bring back Pang Na-nhoad to stand trial in Thailand. This was done as part of talks to exchange vital information on drug and cross-border fraud cases.
The information came from the Malaysian Drug Enforcement Unit, the Indonesian Narcotics Control Board and Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB).
Indonesian police officers escort Thai fugitive Chaowalit Thongduang in Jakarta, Indonesia. Indonesian and Thai authorities said Monday, June 3, 2024, (Kompas TV via AP)
According to the information, the Indonesian authorities had informed Thailand via Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lakboon, Secretary General of ONCB, for help in locating Freddy Pratama, a major drug trafficker who has been issued a red notice by Interpol and is currently on the run.
An arrest warrant had been issued for Freddy for allegedly smuggling 10.2 tons of methamphetamine crystals and more than 11,000 ecstasy pills to Indonesia between 2020 and 2023. It is estimated that Freddy Pratama’s network smuggled 100-500 kilograms of drugs into Indonesia every month, often hidden in tea bags.
According to reports, the extradition of Paeng Nanhood from Indonesia to Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, was accompanied by six Indonesian police officers who traveled to Thailand to assist in locating the whereabouts of Freddy Pratama after learning that he was still hiding at the Thai-Myanmar border.
Freddy Pratama
In addition, Brigadier General Mukti Juharsa, head of the Drug Enforcement Department, confirmed via local media that the Thai authorities were ready to prosecute Freddy’s wife for money laundering.
In 2023, Indonesian authorities worked with Thai authorities to arrest Freddy and his network after discovering that he was hiding in Thailand and living with his Thai wife, known as “Casanova” On September 12, 2023, Freddy’s drug network was arrested.
This operation was a joint effort of: 1. Indonesian National Police (INP), 2. Royal Thai Police (RTP), 3. Thai Immigration Bureau, 4. Thai Narcotics Suppression Bureau, 5. Bangkok Interpol, 6. DEA (U.S.), 7. Royal Malaysian Police (RMP), and 8. Indonesian Customs.
Thailand arrested three members of Freddy’s network who had fled to Thailand, while Malaysian authorities arrested two suspects and Indonesian authorities arrested over 40 suspects. In addition, further investigations in Indonesia have been extended to over 800 suspects within this network.
During the joint operation, up to 20 tons of drugs were seized and assets worth over 700 million baht were confiscated.
According to Antara Indonesian news agency, the Indonesian police believe drug lord Fredy Pratama remains concealed in a forest location within Thailand.
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to senior news leaders of international news agencies on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum at the Lakhta Center skyscraper, the headquarters of Russian gas monopoly Gazprom in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. (Valentina Pevtsova, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — President Vladimir Putin warned Wednesday that Russia could provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets in response to NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use their arms to attack Russian territory.
Putin also reaffirmed Moscow’s readiness to use nuclear weapons if it sees a threat to its sovereignty.
The recent actions by the West will further undermine international security and could lead to “very serious problems,” he said, taking questions from international journalists — something that has become extremely rare since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine.
“That would mark their direct involvement in the war against the Russian Federation, and we reserve the right to act the same way,” Putin added.
The United States and Germany recently authorized Ukraine to hit some targets on Russian soil with the long-range weapons they are supplying to Kyiv.
On Wednesday, a Western official and a U.S. senator said Ukraine has used U.S. weapons to strike inside Russia under newly approved guidance from President Joe Biden that allows American arms to be used for the limited purpose of defending Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. The official was not authorized to comment publicly on the sensitive matter and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Putin claimed that using some Western-supplied weapons involves military personnel of those countries controlling the missiles and selecting targets, and therefore he said Moscow could take “asymmetrical” steps elsewhere in the world. The U.S. military said it does not control the missiles it provides to Ukraine or the targets.
“If they consider it possible to deliver such weapons to the combat zone to launch strikes on our territory and create problems for us, why don’t we have the right to supply weapons of the same type to some regions of the world where they can be used to launch strikes on sensitive facilities of the countries that do it to Russia?” he said.
“We will think about it,” he told the journalists on the sidelines of the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Asked whether Russia could resort to using nuclear arms, Putin said the conditions for utilizing that arsenal are clearly spelled out in Moscow’s security doctrine.
“For some reason, they believe in the West that Russia will never use it,” he said.
“Look at what is written there,” he said of Russia’s nuclear doctrine. “If somebody’s actions threaten our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we consider it possible to use all means at our disposal.”
Even Russia’s battlefield nuclear weapons are much more powerful than what the U.S. used against Japan in World War II, Putin said.
Speaking to senior news leaders of international news agencies, including The Associated Press, for more than three hours, Putin also said nothing will change in terms of Russia-U.S. relations regardless of whether Biden or Donald Trump wins the American presidential election in November.
“We will work with any president the American people elect,” Putin said.
“I say absolutely sincerely, I wouldn’t say that we believe that after the election something will change on the Russian track in the American politics,” he added. “We don’t think so. We think nothing that serious will happen.”
Putin also said Trump’s felony conviction at his hush money trial last week was the result of “the use of the court system as part of the internal political struggle.”
The Russian leader faced questions on various topics, although the more than two years of fighting in Ukraine dominated the session.
Putin claimed the West had opportunities to end the fighting in Ukraine but did not act on them, citing a letter he once supposedly wrote to Biden that said hostilities could end in two or three months if Washington stopped supplying Kyiv with weapons.
Asked about Russian military losses, Putin said that no country would reveal that information during hostilities but claimed without providing details that Ukraine’s casualties are five times greater than Russia’s.
He also said Ukraine has more than 1,300 Russian troops in captivity, while more than 6,400 Ukrainian soldiers are being held in Russia.
The claims could not be independently verified and some Western estimates put Russia’s losses much higher than Ukraine’s.
Asked by AP about the case of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, Putin said the U.S. is “taking energetic steps” to secure his release. Gershkovich was jailed over a year ago while on a reporting trip and charged with espionage. The journalist, his employer and the U.S. have denied the allegations, and Washington has declared him to be wrongfully detained.
Putin said that any such releases “aren’t decided via mass media” but through a “discreet, calm and professional approach.”
“And they certainly should be decided only on the basis of reciprocity,” he added, an allusion to a potential prisoner swap.
Putin has used the St. Petersburg forum as a showcase for touting Russia’s development and seeking investors. The meeting with journalists took place in Gazprom’s new global headquarters, a needle-shaped 81-story skyscraper overlooking the Gulf of Finland.
While meetings with journalists were part of previous sessions, he has not taken questions from Western journalists at the St. Petersburg event since sending troops to Ukraine.
Last year, journalists from countries that Russia regards as unfriendly — including the U.S., the U.K. and the European Union — were not invited, and Western officials and investors also steered clear of the session after wide-ranging sanctions were imposed on Moscow over Ukraine.
Immigration officers arrested Mr. Abul, a 61-year-old Iranian national, at a condominium in Bangkok.
BANGKOK – An Iranian businessman, who fled Chonburi to Bangkok, was arrested for defrauding a compatriot, causing 21 million baht in damages.
Immigration officers arrested Mr. Abul, a 61-year-old Iranian national, based on an arrest warrant issued by the Chonburi Provincial Court. He was apprehended at a condominium room on Rom Klao Road, Lat Krabang District, Bangkok.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Phantana Nutcharot, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, stated in a press conference that Mr. Abul is accused of filing a false report, causing a government official to record false information in a public or official document, and entering false information in company documents to deceive a partnership, company, partners, or shareholders, causing them to lose benefits they are entitled to.
Immigration officers show a chart which summarizes the investigation leading to the arrest of an Iranian suspect.
In this case, the victim, who is also Iranian, filed a complaint with the investigating officer at Si Racha Police Station, Chonburi Province, stating that Mr. Abul had falsely amended the minutes of a meeting of a private company in the Yan Nawa area of Bangkok to grant himself the authority to sell the company’s land located in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province.
Mr. Abul’s actions caused the company and its partners to suffer damages amounting to over 21 million baht or about 573,400 USD, but he evaded responsibility by claiming he was unaware of the situation before fleeing.
Subsequently, the police investigated and gathered evidence to request an arrest warrant from the Chonburi Provincial Court for Mr. Abul. They discovered that he had fled to hide in a condominium room in Bangkok. He was then arrested and handed over to the investigating officers at Si Racha Police Station for legal proceedings.
As Euro 2024 and the Paris Games focus on environmental sustainability, Khaosod-Matichon has chosen EV cars and electric scooters as the grand prizes for this campaign.
BANGKOK – Matichon Public Company Limited, led by “Khaosod” and “Matichon,” two of Thailand’s leading media outlets, reinforced their leadership in sports events by holding a press conference to launch the “Khaosod-Matichon Euro 2024 – Paris Games” campaign, celebrating two world-class sports events held this year at Khaosod office, Bangkok.
On June 5, 2024, they have teamed up with partners: Carabao World Class Beverage, MG Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Neta Auto (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Honda Motorcycles, Charoen Pokphand Group Co., Ltd., Advanced Info Service Public Co., Ltd., Versus Sports Group Co., Ltd., and AIA Thailand to create the “Khaosod Matichon Euro 2024 – Paris Games” activity.
Khaosod-Matichon presents this campaign to bring joy to their audience through on-ground, online, and print media. They highlighted that Khaosod will provide live broadcasts, emphasizing their value in delivering game analysis and predictions. They believe that cheering for the teams encourages people in Thailand to exercise and play sports.
Khaosod-Matichon held a press conference to launch the “Khaosod Matichon Euro 2024 – Paris Games” campaign.
As Euro 2024 and the Paris Games focus on environmental sustainability, Khaosod-Matichon has chosen EV cars and electric scooters as the grand prizes for this campaign. There are two levels of luck to win from, with a total prize value of over 5 million baht:
EURO 2024 – First Luck
To participate, simply answer the question, “Which national team do you support to be the Euro 2024 champion?” and fill in your name, surname, address, and phone number by hand on a coupon between June 6 and July 12, 2024. Send the completed coupons back to Khaosod Company Limited. Each coupon will be entered into a prize draw, and the winners will be announced after the tournament concludes.
Prizes:
1st prize: NETA V II, an electric car valued at 549,000 baht (1 prize)
2nd prize: Honda Scoopy i Prestige mode, a motorcycle valued at 54,000 baht (5 prizes)
3rd prize: Gold valued at 20,000 baht (10 prizes), among others.
The last date for coupon submissions is July 12, 2024. The prize draw will take place on July 24, 2024, in the Khaosod meeting room. The lucky winners will be announced on July 30, 2024, and prizes will be distributed from August 5 to August 9, 2024.
Komethi Sukprasert, the first Thai male BMX athlete to compete in the Olympics, takes a photo with a Neta electric vehicle (EV).
Paris Games – Second Luck
Participate by answering the question, “Do you think the Thai national team will win a gold medal?” Fill in your name, surname, address, and telephone number by hand on a coupon from Matichon newspaper, Khaosod newspaper, or Matichon Sudsapda magazine between July 15 and August 11, 2024. Return the completed coupons to Khaosod Company Limited. The prize draws for this activity will also occur after the tournament ends.
Prizes:
1st prize: MG 4 ELECTRIC XPOWER car, valued at 809,900 baht (1 prize)
2nd prize: Honda Wave 110 i motorcycle, valued at 46,000 baht (5 prizes)
3rd prize: Gold valued at 20,000 baht (25 prizes), among others.
The last date for coupon submissions is August 11, 2024. The prize draws will occur on August 23, 2024, in the Khaosod meeting room. The prize winners will be announced on August 30, 2024, and rewards will be distributed from September 6 to September 10, 2024.
MG 4 ELECTRIC XPOWER car,
For the Olympic Games, which will be held from July 26, 2024, to August 11, 2024, Thai athletes will be participating in the competition. Pimol Srivikorn, President of the Taekwondo Association of Thailand, General Decha Hemkrasri, President of the Thai Cycling Association, and View-Yaowapa Burapolchai, a former Thai national taekwondo athlete who won the bronze medal at the 2004 Olympic Games and currently serves as the President of the Thai Olympic Athletes Association, have all expressed their pride in Thai athletes who have made it through to compete in this global event. They invite all Thai people to support and cheer for the Thai athletes throughout the competition.
Pimol stated that sports help unite people in this country, transcending political “colors” and fostering unity through shared happiness. Taekwondo athletes might be a bit nervous because they are expected to help win medals in this Olympics, but everyone will try their best. He asked Thai people to come together and cheer for the athletes.
“Taekwondo athletes might be a bit nervous because they are expected to help win medals in this Olympics, but everyone will try their best,” says Pimol Srivikorn, President of the Taekwondo Association of Thailand.
