BMA Inspection Reveals: Over Half of Chatuchak Market Pet Shops Unlicensed

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14 June 2024, 14:06

BANGKOK — The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has just raided and inspected animal shops at Chatuchak Market after the worst fire incident involving pets occurred on Tuesday.

Forty-four shops were found to be operating without licenses, and 25 of them were urged to expedite their applications. Additional fire extinguishers are ready to be ordered and installed.

Assoc. Prof. Tavida Kamonvej, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, and other officials visited Chatuchak Plaza Market, Chatuchak District, to inspect the pet shops on June 13, 2024. The delegation included the Director of the Health Department, the Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the District Director, the Animal Welfare and Veterinary Services Division, the Department of Livestock Development, and other related officials.

Thawida mentioned that an inspection was conducted today in Zone D, the pet and pet equipment sales section at Chatuchak Market. There are a total of 160 shops in this area. The inspection aimed to ensure that business owners selling and raising animals have obtained a business license, which is crucial due to the potential health risks associated with dealing with animals.

Following confirmation from the Department of Health regarding the legal requirement that businesses trading in animals are classified as hazardous to health and must have a license to trade or profit as an intermediary dealing with animals or animal corpses (R.10) from the Department of Livestock Development, a survey revealed that out of 44 animal traders, only 19 have the required R.10 license from the Department of Livestock Development.

Mr. Somkiat Phansri, Director of the Animal Welfare and Veterinary Services Division of the Department of Livestock Development, stated that he was there to educate the traders that even selling just one pet requires a license.

He urged the managers of the Chatuchak Market to inform traders to promptly apply for the R.10 license with the Department of Livestock Development and the A.P.2 hazardous business license with the BMA.

Every store selling animals must provide animal welfare according to specified standards, including living space, temperature control, and disease prevention, to ensure that the animals have an excellent physical environment and can exhibit natural behavior. Additionally, the commercial area is a crowded space with various risks beyond fire hazards. Consequently, the market needs to take care of safety equipment.

The manager of Chatuchak Plaza Market outlined the safety measures at the market. Currently, one fire extinguisher is installed per 200 square meters. An extra 60 extinguishers, including water and chemical types, will be added in the coming month.

Tawida emphasized the possibility of increasing the number of extinguishers to 2-3 per area. It is crucial because a fire could rapidly spread in case of an outbreak, making one tank per 200 square meters insufficient.

Afterward, representatives from BMA and the Department of Livestock Development will revisit the area to better understand the process for obtaining both types of licenses. They will also establish a service unit at Chatuchak Market to assist traders in obtaining both licenses.

The BMA has faced heavy criticism for initiating an investigation following the tragic fire incident. Meanwhile, numerous animal lovers are advocating for the complete shutdown of the animal market.

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Home Fans Anxious To See if Germany Can Fire up Euro 2024 in Opener Against Canny Scotland

By

Associated Press

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14 June 2024, 13:41

Euro 2024 Soccer Germany — Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann, front center, players and staff members walk on the pitch during a training session of the German national soccer team in Herzogenaurach, Germany, Thursday, June 13, 2024. (Federico Gambarini/dpa via AP)

MUNICH (AP) — The sound of bagpipes, and men in kilts on the streets of Munich — Scotland is in town and the excitement is ramping up ahead of the European Championship curtain-raiser on Friday.

Host nation Germany plays Scotland at Allianz Arena in the opener of the monthlong tournament.

The final is in Berlin on July 14 and Germany is even keener to get there after three straight fiascos at major tournaments that has forced its fans to readjust their expectations of the men’s national team.

“We are not here just to say hello but we still have to be humble,” Germany defender Antonio Rüdiger said. “We don’t have to talk about past tournaments, we all know what happened there.

“It’s been up and down for us all the way here and that’s why we have to be humble. The first match is very important and then we’ll see what happens during the rest of the tournament.”

pg168 — From left, Germany’s Antonio Rudiger, Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, Jonathan Tah and Benjamin Henrichs attend a training session in Freudenstadt, Germany, Wednesday June 12, 2024, ahead of the Euro 2024 European soccer Championships. (Christian Charisius/dpa via AP)

A good first match and group stage would set off a new wave of excitement in Germany, even though scenes similar to when it brilliantly hosted the 2006 World Cup (and reached the semifinals) are hard to imagine in a changed political landscape.

While the Scots are out in droves in Munich, proudly wearing their team jerseys (many combined with kilts), there is hardly a sighting of a Germany shirt or flag. Political extremists are flourishing, anxiety pervades the country, and the national team has under-performed. It is understandable the home fans are going about their daily life in contrast to the partying visitors.

The anticipation might still be simmering but Germany captain İlkay Gündoğan believes a convincing start could change the picture.

h25 — FILE – Tournament mascot ‘Albaert’ poses for the media during the presentation of the European soccer championship ‘EURO 2024’ trophy at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File)

“I think the atmosphere will be positive but then they will look at how we’re playing, how much will we’ll show. So we have to then pass it on to the fans,” he said on the eve of the match. “At the end no one remembers how you won a game, they just remember that you won.

“No other game is like the first one because after that you can use the momentum, use the euphoria for the next few games. That’s why the most important objective is to win the game.”

While the Germans are bemused by their raucous Scottish counterparts, there should still be plenty of more colors on matchday. And plenty of pressure on the home nation which is the clear favorite.

“We are the team with a little more pressure, and they will certainly want to take advantage of that,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Thursday. “We can beat the pressure and we can beat Scotland.”

Germany went out at the group stage of both previous World Cups and was eliminated by England in the round of 16 at Euro 2020. But defeat to Scotland would be a shock, even though the Scots have improved significantly in recent years.

“It’s going to be an amazing experience … being part of that kind of opening ceremony,” Scotland forward Ryan Christie said when asked about playing the opening match.

“Germany, an amazing team. All the international teams go through peaks and drops in form. But when these big tournaments come up, the big teams normally show up most of the time. So it will be a really tough game.”

Hungary and Switzerland are also in Group A.

Having failed to reach the Euros from 2000-16, Scotland has qualified for back-to-back tournaments and the next aim is to reach the knockout stage for the first time.

“Qualifying for the first Euros was massive for us, and then to get two in a row was incredible. But now we want to compete … we don’t want to have any regrets this time,” Scotland captain Andy Robertson said on Thursday.

u31 — FILE – Inside view of the ‘Allianz Arena’ stadium prior to the German Bundesliga soccer match between FC Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt in Munich, Germany, April 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)

“What’s the worst that can happen? We go into a long list of (Scotland) teams that have failed to make it out of the group. And that’s the worst that can happen. So let’s start from that point and move on from it. And we believe that we can be the team that can create history.”

Scotland showed during the qualifying campaign it can surprise, in beating Spain and Norway.

However, Scotland has won only one of its last 13 matches against Germany and that was more than 25 years ago, 1-0 in a friendly in April 1999.

Plus, Germany has another, rather more unusual motivation to win the trophy on its own turf.

Deniz Undav has said he will shave the head of fellow Germany forward Thomas Müller if the team becomes European champion.

“Thomas Müller bald? Then we have to do everything we can to make this happen. I don’t think he will look so beautiful with a shaved head,” defender Rüdiger said with a laugh.

Phuket’s Massive Purchasing Power: Central Expands Luxury Zone

By

Khaosod English

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14 June 2024, 03:17

PHUKET – The Central Group currently has the most investments in Phuket after Bangkok. These include 4 shopping malls, 5 department stores, 7 hotels, 3 condominiums, and other group companies, such as Supersports, Power Buy, Thai Watsadu, BNB Home, B2S, OfficeMate, Tops Food Hall, Tops Market, Tops Daily and Tops Vita, said its executive.

Mr. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Central Pattana Public Company Limited (CPN), revealed that Central Phuket has developed as planned into a shopping mall in line with the city’s development and in line with the government’s strategic plan to make Phuket a “top destination for global jet setters” that attracts high spending power from around the world.

“We opened the Central Phuket Festival in 2004, recognizing the potential and huge spending power of the city. Later, in 2018, we opened Central Phuket Floresta to offer a luxury lifestyle comparable to world-class seaside cities such as the Riviera, Santorini, Miami Beach and Hawaii,” said Mr. Nattakit.

He added that Central Phuket Floresta has been open for six years and has been well received due to its huge spending power, with footfall increasing by more than 30 percent compared to pre-COVID times.

According to The1 database, Central Phuket customers have the highest per capita spend of any Central mall nationwide. This reflects the growth of the luxury market in Thailand, which currently has a market value of 160 billion baht and is growing at 5.62 percent. It is expected to surpass the Singapore market by 2028.

Central Phuket2.jpg — Ms. Wilaiwan Pitimanaree, Senior Director of Phuket Operations at Central Pattana Public Company Limited, and Mr. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Central Pattana Public Company Limited (CPN)

Ms. Wilaiwan Pitimanaree, Senior Director of Phuket Operations at Central Pattana Public Company Limited, said that the purchasing power of the luxury market in Phuket, driven by the tourism sector, is growing significantly. This has prompted Central to invest in expanding the luxury zone fourfold, from 2,000 square meters at the end of 2024 to 4,000 square meters and 8,000 square meters by 2026.

This expansion will accommodate existing brands, which will increase their space, and new brands, whose number will rise from the current 14 to 30, including Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Omega, Pmt the Hour Glass, Saint Laurent, Versace and Zegna.

Three new brands will be added by the end of 2024, including PRADA, which will open in August. The luxury zone will be expanded by moving the brand stores from the second floor to the second floor and opening new super-luxury stores on the second floor.

The traffic volume in the center of Phuket has increased considerably and averages 80,000-100,000 people per day. On the Floresta side, which is a luxury shopping center, about 50,000 people come every day and by the end of this year, traffic will increase by 20 percent after the expansion is completed.

The customers are 30 percent Thai, including those from Bangkok and Phuket, and 70 percent foreigners, such as Russians, Europeans, Middle Easterners, Indians, Chinese and Americans.

“Both tourists and expatriates live and work in Phuket, totaling about 100,000 people. Phuket is becoming a shopping destination outside Bangkok, comparable to the world’s luxury destinations such as London and Singapore,” said Ms. Wilaiwan.

She emphasized that Phuket is the second largest economic contributor after Bangkok. In 2023, Phuket generated 380 billion baht in tourism revenue, and in 2024 it is expected to reach 450 billion baht. By the end of this year, more than 12 million tourists are expected to visit Phuket, making it the second most visited province in the country after Bangkok.

Phuket is considered a “second home” for both Thai and foreign millionaires, who buy pool villas for 100 million baht each. With an infrastructure ready to welcome tourists from all over the world, including the second phase of Phuket Airport expansion to be completed by 2027, and facilities such as hospitals, international schools, marinas, golf courses and private jets, Phuket is becoming a global destination.

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Subaru-Suzuki Halts Production in Thailand With Two Reasons

By

Khaosod English

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14 June 2024, 02:43

BANGKOK — Krungthai COMPASS, an Economic Research Center, analyzed two main reasons that prompted Subaru and Suzuki to shut down their production lines in Thailand in the end of this year and in the next year.

The company estimates that the overall impact on Thai car production will be minimal, while used car dealers face the risk of lower gross profits as prices fall in line with new car prices.

Krungthai COMPASS published on June 13 an analysis of Subaru and Suzuki’s decision to shut down their production lines in Thailand. The main reasons for this decision are:

1. Increasing Market Challenges: Reflecting on the continuous decline in sales and market share as Thai consumers show less interest in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Both Subaru and Suzuki mainly offer ICE vehicles in Thailand, leading to sustained losses.

2. Continuous Financial Losses: Over the past five years (2019-2023), both car manufacturers have faced combined net losses totaling 3.781 billion baht.

Initially, it is assumed that this event will not have a significant impact on overall Thai car production, as the production share of the two manufacturers is not very high. It is expected that the drop in car production in 2025 will be around 6,500 units, from the previously forecast 1,800,000 units to 1,793,500 units.

However, this could be the first warning sign that the Thai automotive industry is facing major challenges in the transition to the electric vehicle (EV) era. It remains to be seen whether other car manufacturers will also cease production, similar to Subaru and Suzuki, as competition from electric vehicles increases.

Subaru and Suzuki have stated that the plant closures are merely a strategic business adjustment. They assure that they will continue to be present in the Thai market and instead import vehicles from factories in ASEAN, Japan and India. However, consumers may feel insecure, especially with regard to after-sales service and maintenance as well as the resale value of used cars.

Another point to consider is car prices, which could rise due to import tax structures. The import of finished vehicles (CBU) from abroad could lead to significantly higher prices than the original sales prices in the countries of origin.

This is particularly true for imports from countries that are not part of free trade agreements (FTAs), on which taxes of up to 95% of the vehicle’s CIF price can be levied. Consumers may be paying double the original price for imported cars, affecting their purchasing decisions and potentially impacting sales of both brands.

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Speech by Mr. Pongsak Ruktapongpisal, on the 25th Anniversary of KIS International School

By

matchantika.m

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13 June 2024, 16:56

Speech by Mr. Pongsak Ruktapongpisal, Former Minister of Transport, on the 25th Anniversary of KIS International School

Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen,

Congratulations KIS on reaching this remarkable milestone of 25 years of success! These 25 years have flown by, and it feels like just yesterday that I first thought about starting this school.

Many people have wondered why I, an engineer, contractor, and real estate developer with no background in education, decided to start KIS. I would like to share with you the vision and what inspired me to do it.

I grew up in a very poor family and had to fight for everything. I taught myself many things and loved to read. Reading, especially Chinese martial arts stories, taught me that
continual practice and learning are key to becoming the best. This early interest in education stayed with me. I got into Triam Udom Suksa, one of the best high schools in the
country, and later graduated from Chulalongkorn University with a degree in Civil Engineering.

No description available. — Mr. Ray Davis, KIS Board Chair and Mr. Pongsak Ruktapongpisal

There were 4 important events in my life that sparked my interest to start a school. The first story is a personal one about my nephew, who was doing very poorly in school in
Thailand with a grade 0.8. I took him to the US, where a Catholic school accepted him. Within a year, his grades improved dramatically to almost 4.0, and he went on to
complete his master’s degree. This made me wonder why the education system in Thailand wasn’t working as well for him and made me want to know more.

The second event was in 1993-1994 when I accompanied the Minister of Commerce, Uthai Pimchaichon, to the US to negotiate trade agreements. There, I met Khun Pornpimon Kannarat (Pauline), a young lobbyist fluent in English who helped make the trip successful.

Later, she introduced me to Washington International School (WIS), describing it as one of the top 5 high schools in the world. Many diplomats’ children studied there, and I saw how these children, even those for whom English was not their first language, could learn, quickly adapt to the environment, and go on to study at top universities. This was the first time I came across the IB curriculum, and made me realize that education in Thailand needed to change.

When I looked at the education system in Thailand, I often wondered why some students succeeded while others struggled. I believe a child-centered education approach was the key. I noticed that children could remember names and objects without teaching.

However, when asked to recite the alphabet, they could remember all the letters but struggled to identify individual ones. This highlights the difference between rote learning and child-centered learning, where students are active participants in their own learning. Children are naturally curious and learn better when they are interested in the subject.

This approach builds confidence and helps them make a greater impact on society. This idea further inspired me to start a school that focused on this type of education.

The third event that got me thinking about the school was the rise of technology in the 1990s. I realized that education needed to keep up with the changing world. I wanted to create a school that not only provided a good education but also prepared students for the future with new and innovative technologies.

I remembered that I outcompeted one of Thailand’s largest construction companies to build a factory in Pathum Thani for an Australian company, using computer programming and software to create CPM critical path method and strategies. Having the ability to use technology correctly can further enhance more opportunities in life and that is what I want to provide for the future generations.

Lastly, the final event and the most important one that made my vision stronger was when I had my twins, Kook and Kik, in 1995. I wanted a good school for them that provided all the opportunities and resources needed to be the best version of themselves.

Instead of sending them abroad, it is at that moment that I decided to start a school here. With the help of Khun Pornpimon, Khun Tang Natrudee, Khun Kumaree, Khun Kanokporn, and WIS, KIS was founded (formally known as Kesinee International School). Thank you for making my dreams and vision a reality. I want to give a special thank you to Khun Tang again and express my gratitude for her strong support of this school.

So, what is next? As we look ahead to the future, I am committed to expanding opportunities for our students. The world is changing quickly with new technologies and innovations that are transforming our lifestyle, jobs, and interactions, especially with the rise of social media. We see increasing reliance on AI, robotics, and drones, which can help transportation but also serve as weapons. These developments and changes raise important questions about how we prepare and what kind of education is needed for the next generations to thrive in the 21st Century.

That is why I have decided to start a new school alongside Dr.Chanchai Ruayrungruang and Reignwood Group. This time I have my twins, Kook and Kik, coming full circle to take on the challenge and create this new campus at Reignwood Park while continuing the wonderful achievements at KIS Bangkok. The vision remains the same – to make KIS, both the Bangkok campus and Reignwood Park, the best school in Thailand and in Asia.

Thank you all for your support, dedication and shared vision.
Together, we will continue to shape a brighter future for our students and communities.

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Fan favourite Disney Music returns with the RBSO

By

Contributor

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13 June 2024, 14:38

The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and B. Grimm Group Ltd. – at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm on Saturday the 22nd of June at the Thailand Cultural Centre, present a concert featuring the music of classic Disney animations. Dr. Vanich Potavanich, director and resident conductor of the RBSO, will return to conduct this family-focused performance.

He is an experienced conductor who received the Silpathorn Artist Awards – 2014, awarded by the Ministry of Culture. Dr. Vanich has served as Principal Trumpet of the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra from 1986 until the present.

As a prolific composer and arranger, his works cover more than three hundred original compositions and arrangements. He is presently a Composer in Residence at Rangsit University. Although Maestro has conducted the RBSO through more serious classical concerts, he is capable of bringing his energy towards themed concerts, recently conducting the sold-out performances of Anime and Hans Zimmer.

The RBSO is no stranger to themed concerts and their importance in engaging a younger audience. Disney, in particular, is renowned for its high-quality storytelling, with music playing a crucial role in creating memorable cinematic experiences. The songs in Disney movies enhance the storytelling by setting the tone, developing characters, advancing the plot, and foreshadowing future events.

They also help viewers connect emotionally with the characters, evoking nostalgia and engaging young audiences. Disney’s music has become ingrained in pop culture and entertainment, with individual melodies and cadence becoming iconic.

Each one of your favourite characters and soundtracks from the Walt Disney Animation Studios is instantly recognisable, having affected the lives of millions of viewers for over a century. Beyond entertainment, these Films are filled with important messages about friendships, family and overcoming challenges.

This concert takes you on a symphonic magic carpet ride through some of Disney’s most memorable scores and songs, featuring Disney Princesses from Mulan, Aladdin, Tangled, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Moana, Pocahontas, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty.

Of course, Disney Music would be incomplete without the vocalists; therefore, this concert will feature the voices of Pijika Jittaputta, Kimiko Mashima, Gracy Wizzle and Kemawat Rungtham. Don’t miss their renditions of Disney music for all ages, which transport you to another world and make you believe in magic.

Tickets are available at Thaiticketmajor: https://www.thaiticketmajor.com/concert/rbso-2024-music-of-disney.html

Monsoon Erodes 500 Meters of Na Jomtien Beach; Authorities Begin Repairs

By

Khaosod English

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13 June 2024, 09:24

PATTAYA – The current erosion problem at Na Jomtien Beach is due to the monsoon and rainy season bringing storms and rain to the Gulf of Thailand.

Na Jomtien Beach, where the Marine Department had piled up sand, is an open beach that is directly connected to the sea and stretches for 2.8 kilometers. When monsoon winds occur, they create ocean waves that hit the shore and cause natural erosion along the beach slope.

On Tuesday, Ekkarach Khantharo, Director of Pattaya Regional Marine Office, together with Ms. Rapeephan Rattanaliem, Mayor of Na Jomtien Sub-district, Pattaya Marine Office officials, municipal engineers and public health officials inspected the erosion damage on Na Jomtien beach opposite Pu Pen restaurant. The aim was to find a solution to the problem caused by monsoon waves and heavy rain.

najomtian2 — Thai authorities inspected the erosion damage on Na Jomtien beach opposite Pu Pen restaurant on June 10, 2024.

Ekkarach explained that At Na Jomtien Beach, a 1,000-meter-long section of the sand-filled area has eroded into the sea and a 400-meter-long section drops 1.5 meters steeply. This erosion poses a safety risk to the public and tourists, especially at night when accidents can occur.

To avoid accidents and unforeseen incidents, the Pattaya Marine Office and Na Jomtien Municipality have taken urgent safety measures. They are in the process of reducing the steep slope of the 1.5 meter high beach area to make it safer. Heavy machinery is being used to level the sand and collect the sand blown into the sea. This process is expected to take 2-3 days. In addition, warning signs will be put up to inform the public and tourists about the erosion problem and advise them to temporarily avoid the area.

super slot — Thai authorities inspected the erosion damage on Na Jomtien beach opposite Pu Pen restaurant.

Rapeephan Rattanaliem explained that the city government has taken measures to solve the problems of local residents, tourists and affected businesses to reduce the impact. Over the past two days, public health officials have been clearing sand from the streets and washing them with water trucks.

In addition, a solution has been agreed with Pattaya’s navy officials. It was agreed to plant trees along the beach to stabilize the sand and prevent it from affecting passers-by. Heavy machinery will also be used to smooth the sand and create a gentler slope.

Public announcements inform the public and tourists not to use the area for photography for the time being.

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Hundreds of Betta Fish Survive From Fire at Chatuchak Pet Market

By

Khaosod English

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13 June 2024, 00:04

fish chatuchak2 — Police officers take hundreds of surviving Siamese Fighting Fish to be reunited with their owners.

BANGKOK — There are some lucky pets that survived Thailand’s worst fire for pets, including Siamese Fighting Fish or Betta Fish, said a police officer.

Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiewphan, Commander of the Central Institute of Forensic Science, along with a team of forensic officers, visited the scene of the fire at the Srisomrat Market project in the Chatuchak area on June 12, 2024.

Pol.Lt.Gen. Trirong stated that on June 11, there were safety concerns due to residual heat and falling concrete fragments observed during the fire scene inspection in the pet building. As a result, the team has returned for another inspection today. They found hundreds of Siamese Fighting Fish are among the surviving animals and have been reunited with their owners.

Moreover, the initial inquiry established a potential point of origin for the fire based on information from a security guard. Early findings indicated that the suspected origin of the fire contained electrical devices and revered items, including a Kuman Thong idol honored by the shop owner.

fish chatuchak1 — Police officer discovers hundreds of Siamese Fighting Fish are among the surviving animals.

An extensive investigation will be carried out to establish the precise cause of the fire. The outcomes will be fast-tracked while ensuring thoroughness. Professionals specializing in structural inspection and electrical appliances will participate in the inquiry to determine the source of the ignition.

Additionally, an electrical expert has already been presented on-site to help identify the actual cause of the fire.

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Mahidol Shines Among Top 20 Globally in THE Impact Rankings, Leads in Thailand

By

CHAYAPON PONLAWAT freelance reporter

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12 June 2024, 22:06

Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer, Times Higher Education (THE)

BANGKOK — The Times Higher Education (THE) successfully hosted the 2024 Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) in Thailand. This was the third year in a row they organized this event, following the first in England and the second in Saudi Arabia.

The congress took place from June 10-13, 2024, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. It was a joint effort with Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation.

The congress aimed to encourage collaboration among universities to support sustainability goals. Alongside the event, THE published the 2024 “THE Impact Rankings,” which highlight universities that are actively contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These rankings assess universities in four main areas: research, university policies and practices, societal engagement at local and global levels, and teaching quality.

In 2024, 222 universities from Asia took part in the rankings. Thailand played a significant role as one of the world’s top contributors, with 77 Thai universities included in the rankings. This marked an increase from 65 universities in 2023 and 51 in 2022. The universities included public and private institutions, Rajabhat Universities, and Rajamangala Universities from various provinces.

Mahidol-Thammasat climb, Chula drop

The 2024 THE Impact Rankings have identified Western Sydney University in Australia as the top performer globally, followed closely by the University of Manchester, the University of Tasmania, Aalborg University in Denmark, and RMIT University in Australia.

Mahidol University stands out among Thai universities, achieving a global ranking of 19th overall in the 2024 THE Impact Rankings. It excelled notably in SDG 3 – Good Health & Well-Being, ranking third globally with a score of 94.5 points.

Additionally, Mahidol University performed strongly in Gender Equality (5th globally), Industrial Innovation and Infrastructure (9th globally), and Partnership for Goals (17th globally).

In contrast, Chulalongkorn University dropped to 43rd globally from its previous rank of 17th, while Chiang Mai University slipped to 75th from 74th. However, Thammasat University showed improvement, climbing to 81st from the 101-200 range.

Mahidol University is Thailand’s highest-ranked university overall, sharing the 19th position globally. It leads among Thai universities in five SDGs: Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Life Below Water (SDG 14), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

Thailand boasts two universities in the top 50 globally, four in the top 100, and nine in the top 200 in the overall category of THE Impact Rankings. With 77 universities ranked, Thailand ranks seventh globally in university representation. Thai universities are prominently featured in the top 100 across 15 out of the 17 SDGs, with significant presence in SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG 4 – Quality Education, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, each having five universities in the top 100.

Climb the ladder

Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Times Higher Education (THE), outlined the pivotal factors contributing to universities’ success. He highlighted a comprehensive four-fold evaluation framework: research impact, teaching quality, university practices (stewardship) in implementing SDG-related research, and outreach initiatives fostering collaboration with society at local, regional, and global levels.

The rankings also reflect each university’s overall performance across the four frameworks. However, THE Impact Rankings go further by categorizing universities into 17 specific Goals, highlighting their unique strengths such as Gender Equality, Good Health & Well-Being reducing poverty, and Life Below Water. This approach helps showcase the diverse goals and capabilities of each university.

Therefore, when a university scores very well in one aspect but receives a bad overall score in the world rankings, it doesn’t mean that the university is not good on a global stage. For example, a university near the sea might focus on SDGs related to Life Below Water, demonstrating its specialized expertise in that area. THE Impact Rankings encompass all 17 Goals, allowing universities to emphasize their particular strengths and contributions effectively.

“This underscores how universities can leverage their unique strengths to contribute to global rankings.”

When asked about the benefits of being ranked in the Impact Rankings for Thai universities, THE highlighted the global importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), comparing them to the artificial intelligence. They explain that sustainability goes beyond just industries. it also includes education. Teaching sustainability is crucial for raising awareness and knowledge among future generations.

‘THE SDGs’ cover a range of issues such as environmental protection, gender equality, justice, hunger relief, and poverty reduction—each represented among their 17 goals. Therefore, universities recognized for their achievements in any of these areas play a vital role in preparing graduates who excel across various fields and contribute significantly to global sustainability efforts.

Local Strengths to Global Challenges

Baty continued, noting the enthusiasm among Thai universities that submitted data for the rankings, reflecting a strong desire to ascend global standings—a positive development. However, he acknowledged that the proportion of universities participating in the rankings versus those achieving rankings remains relatively small compared to other nations.

Regarding the role of university size and history in evaluations, Baty said that “THE Impact Rankings do not assess a university’s size, heritage, funding, or reputation. This ensures fairness for young & dynamic institutions with exceptional results.”

He concludes by highlighting the unique strengths found in many Thai universities, whether they are in big cities or rural areas. He noted that while these universities excel in different areas, there’s a challenge in making local research recognized globally. This involves not just presenting research on an international scale but also making sure it’s widely shared and applied across borders—a difficult task for many Thai institutions.

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Wealthy Woman Falls Victim to $5.4Million Scam, 76 Suspects Involved

By

Khaosod English

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12 June 2024, 21:30

PATHUM THANI — An elderly and wealthy woman in Kanchanaburi province, who had been a supplier management specialist at a prestigious college in the United States, was scammed and lost 200 million baht (5.4 million USD).

Cyber police investigated the case and found 76 persons involved, acting as mule account holders across the country. They collected evidence and applied for 69 arrest warrants at Nonthaburi Provincial Court, with 7 suspects turning themselves in.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Worawat Watnakornbancha, commander of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), said the woman was deceived by a group posing as government officials who falsely accused her of money laundering and threatened her to transfer money for verification. She believed them and transferred money to the criminals’ accounts 115 times, resulting in a loss of over 200 million baht.

Then, he sent the task force with an arrest warrant from Nonthaburi Provincial Court to apprehend Mr. Sombat Kaewmani, 31, a resident of Pathum Thani province. Mr. Sombat was one of the members of the gang who had opened the accounts for the money transfers.

The cyber police launched Operation “SAVING GOOD MAN” to dismantle this global call center fraud network. In the process, 40 suspects were arrested and 29 others are still being pursued. Mr. Sombat was arrested in the Khlong Sip Song area in Bangkok’s Nong Chok district.

He was charged with “conspiracy to defraud the public, conspiracy to impersonate another person to defraud, conspiracy to enter false data into a computer system whereby the public could be harmed, and allowing others to use their bank accounts, electronic cards or e-wallets without the intent to use them for their own purposes, knowing or having knowledge that they would be used for technological or other criminal offenses.”

Pol. Lt. Gen. Worawat added that during interrogation, Mr. Sombat confessed that he had applied for an online job via Facebook in late 2023. Someone contacted him, offering a salary of 8,000-12,000 baht. He was then picked up from Khlong Paet, Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani, and taken to Poipet, Cambodia, via an illegal natural border crossing at Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province.

When he reached the border, an intermediary took him through a warehouse and across a river on a makeshift foam raft to a 25-story building in Poipet, near the Thai border. Mr. Sombat worked at the call center for about six months and was confined to the designated area. His job was to open bank accounts and scan his face for transactions of more than 50,000 baht to transfer money to other accounts.

He was paid 4,000 baht to open an account and 1,000 baht a day for face scans, with higher payments depending on the transaction amount. He eventually decided to flee back to Thailand before he was arrested by the police.

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