Toy Expo 2024 Features the Works of 20 Hong Kong Designers

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3 April 2024, 13:54

BANGKOK – Hong Kong Pavilion, under the brand of Hong Kong Art Toy Story, will return to Thailand Toy Expo (TTE), Southeast Asia’s premier toy fair, in April 2024.

Original art toys by 20 Hong Kong designers will be showcased in the pavilion, offering
a unique and captivating experience for collectors and art toy, enthusiasts in Thailand and the ASEAN region.

Organised by Innovative Entrepreneur Association (IEA) and supported by Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the Lead Sponsor, Hong Kong Art Toy Story aims to collectively promote Hong Kong’s original art toys under a distinctive branding.

By setting up exhibitions in overseas countries and Hong Kong Pavilion at TTE, the project showcases the creativity and achievements of Hong Kong’s original art toys, helping the designers explore more business opportunities in new markets with potential.

The Hong Kong Pavilion is to be set up at the Dazzle Zone of CentralWorld, Bangkok, during the TTE 2024 from April 4 to 7, with the title New Fairy Tale. The TTE is one of the largest toy fairs in Asia, bringing 150 exhibitors and more than 300,000 buyers every year to the four-day exhibition.

Through the Hong Kong Pavilion at TTE, the exhibiting Hong Kong 20 designers are not only able to display and sell their recent works of original art toy, but also explore cooperation opportunities and increase exposure in overseas markets.

The Hong Kong Pavilion at TTE 2024 will be a vibrant showcase featuring a diverse selection of original art toys by three established and 17 emerging Hong Kong designers. The established designers are Rainbo, Ryan Lee and Winson Ma, while the emerging ones are Aaron Lau, Anna Chan, Cheng Ki KI, Felix Ip , Gilbert Yam, Gino Lai, Joseph Tang, Keith Li, Leo Pak, LeonLollipop, Leung Kwok Kin, Lock Lai, Mickey Mic, Ricky Chan, Sunny Tam, Tomm Wong and Tony Leung.

Attend Hong Kong Pavilion at TTE 2024
Date: April 4-7, 2024
Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Venue: Dazzle Zone, CentralWorld, Bangkok, Thailand
Admission: Free admission

Schedule of extended activities by exhibiting Hong Kong designers are as follows:
6 April 2024 13.30 – 13.45
6 April 2024 13.45 – 14.00
7 April 2024 12.30 – 12.45
7 April 2024 12.45 – 13.00

More information on artists and their works can be founded at www.hkarttoystory.com

BDMS Invests In CARIVA for AI-Driven Personalized Diagnosis

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Khaosod English

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3 April 2024, 13:00

BDMS invests in CARIVA for AI-driven personalized diagnosis, streamlining cutting-edge innovation in sustainable healthcare

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited, or BDMS announced an investment in CARIVA, Thailand’s forefront medical technology startup company in Southeast Asia as a medical AI developer of Medical Large Language Models (Medical LLMs).

This project aims to leverage Thailand’s medical advancement to the next level by bringing artificial intelligence (AI) innovations to help interpret, analyze, and provide relevant information to the lab examination.

This AI implementation functions as a medical assistant in analyzing the patients’ conditions to heighten the efficiency of care and is one of BDMS’ Sandbox projects to develop innovations in 5 areas: disease screening and diagnosis, data analysis for service improvement, technology for work process reduction, technology for timely health monitoring, and technology for sustainable medical services.

CARIVA

This collaborative investment helps raise the bar in preventive healthcare services, personalized medicine, preliminary screening for abnormalities, and data analysis from individual test results for effective and timely treatment, especially prevention from chronic diseases in the future which can be detected and prevented beforehand.

BDMS aims to drive cutting-edge health innovation development to allow quick and convenient access to health information which helps improve the quality of life through comprehensive and equitable healthcare.

In the past 3 years, BDMS has provided funding to 4 startup companies in Thailand to jointly develop multiple healthcare innovations. Currently, 7 newly developed innovation projects have already been put into practice to help improve medical standards and healthcare services through artificial intelligence innovations used by medical personnel.

Dr. Patcharin Boonyarungsun, Vice President of Sustainability, Quality, and Innovation Management; Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited, revealed that last year BDMS put more than 1,500 million Baht in Serie A level investments, to jointly develop medical and healthcare innovations with Thai startups companies.

As a result, BDMS successfully launched projects including the Perceptra Project which uses AI to read x-ray results for medical radiologists, the Mineed Project or a dissolving needle (Microneedle) that helps in the treatment and is not toxic to the body, the OOCA application that was developed for use in online consultations with psychiatrists and psychologists, the “BeDee” application, providing Tele-health, Tele-pharmacy, Tele-medicine service, medical supplies (Health Mall), and health knowledge through curated Health content.

Dr. Patcharin stated that these projects supported by BDMS are part of the Sandbox program aiming to create change in the Healthcare industry by streamlining these AI innovations to help increase efficiency in many aspects of physicians’ work.

The development of AI innovation, however, cannot be accomplished alone. As for BDMS, we work hand in hand with the government sector, medical schools, and startup companies to alleviate medical services, with an emphasis on physical and mental health which are both important as we strive to develop sustainable quality of life.

“We sincerely hope to be one of the forces that help raise Thai public health standards to further increase the country’s competitiveness,” Dr. Patcharin concluded.CARIVA’s Medical LLMs under the name PreceptorAI is a medical chatbot on the LINE application that has been in service since April 2023, acting as a consultant and decision-making assistant for medical personnel.

Mr. Siwadon Matayakun, the co-founder of CARIVA (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said that from the beginning, CARIVA has continued to expand the innovation of medical artificial intelligence to be an assistant for medical personnel, such as ‘Lab Interpretation Solution’, ‘ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition,)’ recording and validating real-time medical order data using automatic speech recognition technology which helps record medical information more accurately and quickly.

Siwadon Matayakun Narongchai Limpiyapirom — Mr. Siwadon Matayakun, the co-founder of CARIVA (Thailand) Co. and Mr. Narongchai Limpiyapirom, the co-founder of CARIVA (Thailand) Co.

It also reduces the burden of paperwork in the work process with ‘Symptom Checkers’ – an AI in the form of a chatbot to assess symptoms and analyze the possibility of disease. CARIVA’s artificial intelligence technology combined with the expertise of medical personnel will help promote BDMS’s medical excellence and is ready to expand this implementation to leading hospitals overseas.

In addition, Mr. Narongchai Limpiyapirom, the co-founder of CARIVA (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said that the “Lab Interpretation” project under the Sandbox has been trialed at the Health Design Center at Bangkok Hospital Head Office to help interpret health data in collaboration with medical experts. Besides increasing patient care service efficiency, this project also connects to health data and displays results in a digital format through the BeDee Health Ecosystem Platform.

This allows patients to access information anywhere, anytime, including being able to receive health services, including medical consultations through Tele-consultation, medicine delivery service, and necessary medical supplies through Tele-pharmacy and Health Mall, including receiving health information for comprehensive health care through Health Content, where all services are performed by expert medical personnel in the BDMS network.

Dr. Sarita Bunsupha, Managing Director of Health Plaza Company Limited, a BDMS subsidiary that develops the BeDee Application, said that in addition to the benefits that AI will help doctors read health examination results for greater accuracy in data analysis, users can also read their health results in a modern, beautiful, and easy-to-understand format. In case of any abnormalities found in health examination results, such as a risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, or other diseases, the patient can plan further treatment by consulting a specialized doctor, or a pharmacist free of charge through a single BeDee application.

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About BDMS

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited or BDMS is a network of private hospitals, encompassing 6 distinct brands, operating across 59 locations in Thailand and beyond. Renowned for its commitment to international standards and comprehensive healthcare services, BDMS stands at the forefront of the industry.

Emphasizing sustainable business practices, BDMS secures the top position in global sustainability rankings within the healthcare sector in 2023 (Health Care Providers & Services) both at the global level (DJSI World) and in the emerging market group (DJSI Emerging Markets) for the third year in a row from S&P Global Assessment. BDMS exemplifies leadership in both medical services and sustainability initiatives, setting a benchmark for the industry worldwide.

About CARIVA

CARIVA (Thailand) Company Limited, known as CARIVA, is a prominent leader in artificial intelligence technology and digital medical solutions. CARIVA specializes in advancing healthcare services through innovative technologies under the supervision of its parent company, AI and Robotics Ventures (ARV). With a focus on excellence, CARIVA collaborates with healthcare providers to enhance patient care and optimize operations through cutting-edge AI and digital solutions.

About BeDee

BeDee is a versatile application platform offering round-the-clock access to comprehensive health services. Users can benefit from medical consultation services provided by a team of doctors and specialists spanning over 30 fields, as well as medication consultation services facilitated by pharmacists. Moreover, BeDee serves as a hub for health products and disease-specific items, all held to stringent standards set by the BDMS group, ensuring quality and reliability for users seeking healthcare solutions.

Aqua-Tots Swim School Brings Core Values To Thai Market

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Contributor

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3 April 2024, 11:15

Aqua-Tots Swim School Brings Core Values To Thai Market

The largest international swim school franchise puts families first in Thailand

Aqua-Tots Swim School – founded 33 years ago in a small, Arizona pool – has always had one simple, powerful mission: to prevent childhood drownings. Since then, the company has expanded its vision into making swim lessons available to children in every corner of the globe.

Their world-renowned curriculum is used to teach more than five million swim lessons every year in 14 different countries. One of the company’s fastest growing markets is in Thailand, with their latest location in Chiang Rai set to open in early summer. Aqua-Tots is committed to bringing their proven tools and strategies to support franchisees around the world.

Master developer of several Thailand locations, Tiparad “Jaa” Sitthimonamnuay has combined one of her locations with her academy, Give Education Co., to offer a wide variety of subjects. The school has offered music, art, dance and Taekwondo classes for more than 10 years, and continues to grow. While most subjects taught are recreational, only one teaches a skill necessary for survival—swimming.

The two companies align on several core values, fostering a synergy that has allowed them to be extremely productive and efficient. Both strongly believe that prioritizing the needs of students, employees and franchise owners is the key to overall success.

“The Aqua-Tots curriculum is deeply rooted in child development. We take into account that the learning process of each child is different due to age, mental maturity, physical ability and preferences,” Sitthimonamnuay shared. “We also make sure to keep class sizes small so that each child can receive the personalized attention they need.”

At Aqua-Tots, nothing is more important than the comfort of families. The company puts emphasis on creating positive social and physical environments for tots and parents alike. Schools use heated pools that are under constant supervision by aquatic managers. Every moment of the day is spent making sure the pool is a clean, safe and warm atmosphere to learn in, giving parents peace of mind and making it easy to focus for children.

Instructors use the Aqua-Card, a helpful tool that measures a child’s progress along their swim journey. They record feedback on a student’s performance after each session and share it with the parents. This helps parents form sustainable and achievable expectations for their child and streamlines the process of becoming a safe and confident swimmer.

“Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide,” according to the World Health Organization. Aqua-Tots creates the highest quality swim school experience, developing safe and confident swimmers who can safely navigate the water for life.

The brand is committed to creating standards for franchisees, offering support in marketing, training and business operations, creating consistency across all locations. Aqua-Tots also understands the differences in cultures and is adaptive to the needs of those around the world.

In order to leave a legacy of safety for generations to come, Aqua-Tots places importance on selecting franchise owners who align with the company’s core values and bring in-depth business knowledge. By selecting candidates who can transfer ownership to their children, the organization is able to ensure a positive company culture is retained.

About Aqua-Tots Swim School

Founded in 1991 and headquartered in the Phoenix area, Aqua-Tots Swim School is making waves as the largest international provider of year-round, indoor swim instruction, community outreach and drowning prevention education. Its trusted program is dedicated to children of all abilities from four months to 12 years old and features a proven curriculum used to teach more than five million swim lessons each year.

Recognized in Entrepreneur’s Top 15 Children’s Franchises of 2023, Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, Inc. Magazine’s Top 5000 and Franchise Times’ Top 200, Aqua-Tots has more than 145 locations in 25 states across 14 countries and is rapidly expanding with 90 locations in development. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit aqua-tots.com/franchise-development and for more information about Aqua-Tots or to sign up for lessons near you, visit aqua-tots.com and follow Aqua-Tots on Facebook and Instagram.

A Strong Earthquake Shakes Taiwan, Damaging Buildings and Causing a Small Tsunami

By

Associated Press

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3 April 2024, 09:36

Taiwan Earthquake — In this image taken from a video footage run by TVBS, a partially collapsed building is seen in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. A powerful earthquake rocked the entire island of Taiwan early Wednesday, collapsing buildings in a city and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on Japanese islands. (TVBS via AP)

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — A powerful earthquake rocked Taiwan during the morning rush Wednesday, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands.

Taiwan says quake is its biggest since 1999 temblor.

A five-story building in lightly populated Hualien appeared heavily damaged, collapsing its first floor and leaving the rest leaning at a 45-degree angle. In the capital, Taipei, tiles fell from older buildings and within some newer office complexes. Schools evacuated their students to sports fields, equipping them with protective yellow head coverings. Many small children also wore motorcycle helmets to guard against falling objects amid continuing aftershocks.

AP24094048399732 — In this image taken from a video footage run by TVBS, residents rescue a child from a partially collapsed building in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (TVBS via AP)

AP24094048188828 — In this image taken from a video footage run by TVBS, a man checks a partially collapsed building in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (TVBS via AP)

Train service was suspended across the island of 23 million people, as was subway service in Taipei, where a newly constructed above-ground line partially separated. The national legislature, a converted school built before World War II, also had damage to walls and ceilings.

Despite the quake striking at the height of the morning rush hour, there was little panic on the island that regularly is rocked by temblors and holds drills at schools and issues notices via public media and mobile phone. Schools and government offices were given the option of cancelling work and classes.

There was still no word on casualties in Hualien, where a deadly quake in 2018 collapsed a historic hotel and other buildings. Taiwan’s worst quake in recent years struck on Sept. 21, 1999 with a magnitude of 7.7, causing 2,400 deaths, injuring around 100,000 and destroying thousands of buildings.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said a tsunami wave of 30 centimeters (about 1 feet) was detected on the coast of Yonaguni island about 15 minutes after the quake struck. Smaller waves were measured in Ishigaki and Miyako islands. Japan’s Self Defense Forces sent aircraft to gather information about the tsunami impact around the Okinawa region and were preparing shelters for evacuees if necessary.

AP24094042465771 — In this image taken from a video footage run by TVBS, a partially collapsed building is seen in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (TVBS via AP)

Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency gave the magnitude as 7.2 while the U.S. Geological Survey put it at 7.4. It struck at 7:58 a.m. about 18 kilometers south-southwest of Hualien and was about 35 kilometers (21 miles) deep.

The head of Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring bureau, Wu Chien-fu, said effects were detected as far away as Kinmen, a Taiwanese-controlled island off the coast of China. Multiple aftershocks were felt in Taipei in the hour after the initial quake. The USGS said one of the subsequent quakes was 6.5 magnitude and 11.8 kilometers (7 miles) deep.

China issued no tsunami warnings for the Chinese mainland. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami threat to Hawaii or the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam.

The quake was believed to be the biggest in Taiwan since a temblor in 1999 caused extensive damage. Taiwan lies along the Pacific ”“Ring of Fire,” the line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean where most of the world’s earthquake’s occur.

Deputy Chief of Thailand’s National Police Surrenders for Arrest on Money Laundering Charge

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Associated Press

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3 April 2024, 01:16

JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI, BANGKOK — A deputy chief of Thailand’s national police force involved in many high-profile cases turned himself in to fellow officers on Tuesday after a court issued a warrant for his arrest on money laundering charges.

Police Gen. Surachate Hakparn had recently been suspended from his duties due to his involvement in infighting among the department’s top ranks.

Thai media reported that the Bangkok Criminal Court approved an arrest warrant for Surachate on money laundering charges earlier Tuesday. Public broadcaster Thai PBS and Thai Rath, the country’s largest circulation newspaper, reported that the court issued the warrant because Surachate failed to report for questioning after three summonses had been issued for him.

Surachate went to Bangkok’s Taopoon neighborhood police station Tuesday evening to hear the charges against him, and after several hours emerged to tell reporters he had come to comply with the warrant and would let due process take its course.

“I’m not worried,” he commented as he jostled his way through a scrum of reporters before getting into a waiting car. He said he had been released on bail but did not specify the amount.

The arrest occurred less than two weeks after Surachate was suspended at the same time as national police chief Torsak Sukvimol. Their suspensions followed a very public feud surrounding accusations that Surachate had involvement in an illegal online gambling operation. Allegations against Surachate and his counter-allegations appeared to be signs of a serious conflict within the highest echelons of the police department.

Surachate’s residence in Bangkok was raided in September last year in an operation police said was related to an illegal online gambling network. Eight police officers who were Surachate’s subordinates were arrested on the day of the raid in connection with the case.

At the time, the position of the chief of the national police was about to be filled and Surachate had been one of the frontrunners. Torsak was appointed to the position just days late.

Thailand’s national police force has a tradition of fierce internal politicking, as well as a longstanding reputation for corruption at all levels.

Police appeared to ramp up their investigation of abuse of power, bribery and money laundering allegations against Surachate last month, and openly accused him of being connected with online gambling operators.

police chief — Chief Royal Thai Police Torsak Sukvimol, left, Duputy Chief the royal Thai Police Surachate Hakparn, embrace after a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, March 20, 2024.(AP Photo/Pirun Nanta)

Surachate responded by launching a press campaign, aided by lawyers, in which they maintained his innocence, claimed foul play to discredit him and accused other top-ranking police officers of taking money from online gambling networks.

As the spat escalated, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, whose office supervises the national police department, signed an order to suspend both Surachate and Torsak and to set up a special committee to investigate the various allegations.

Surachate was a rising star after being appointed in 2018 to the Police Immigration Bureaube, and came well known for his frequent media appearances, but he was suddenly removed from his post and disappeared temporarily from public view in 2019.

He returned to the national police agency in 2021 when then-Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha appointed him as an adviser to the police chief, and he then started climbing the ranks again.

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Thailand’s National Police Chief and His Deputy Are Suspended Amid Rumors of a Power Struggle

Two British Are Arrested for Working in Krabi Nightlife Venue

By

Khaosod English

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3 April 2024, 00:53

KRABI – On April 2, immigration officials from Krabi Province, along with police officers from Krabi Provincial Police Station and Ao Nang Police Station, conducted an inspection of entertainment venues in the Ao Nang Subdistrict, Mueang Krabi District.

Officials discovered foreigners working without a work permit. Miss Karen, 37, of British nationality, worked as a mic controller, or MC, serving tourists, while Mr. Gareth, 45, also of British nationality, worked as a DJ, playing music for tourists in a nightclub.

The enforcement officials requested to see the work permit, but both foreigners were unable to present it. The authorities then arrested them, charging them with “being a foreigner working without permission or working outside of your right to do.”

Later, a Thai woman named Miss Warintorn identified herself as the bar manager. She admitted that the shop was set up as a service nightclub without permission. The officers then made an arrest. Ms. Warinthorn reported an allegation of “opening a service place without permission.” After that, they transported the three arrested individuals to the Ao Nang Police Station for legal proceedings.

Immigration officers indicated that Krabi receives a large number of tourists. Immigration has to inspect the area to protect the safety of tourists and citizens. Additionally, it is critical to instill confidence among travellers. Therefore, if any citizens witness wrongdoing, they can contact Krabi Provincial Immigration at 075 611097.

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40 Occupations in Thailand Restricted; Foreigner Hiring Prohibited

From Palanquin to Golf Cart: Chula Royal Emblem Politicised

By

Khaosod English

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2 April 2024, 21:18

chula3 — Thai actress Aff Taksaorn (left), then a Chulalongkorn student, was chosen to carry the emblem in the traditional Phra Kiew parade. This year, 2024, the procession was instead transported by golf cart.

BANGKOK – The 75th Chula-Thammasat football tradition, which took place on Sunday sparked a fierce political debate in Thailand. The controversy was not about the football match itself but about the procession of the royal coat of arms, the “Phra Kiew”, on the side of the Chula.

The Phra Kiew is an ornament worn as a decoration on the head or hair of a king’s child. It is the royal insignia of King Chulalongkorn.

Traditionally, the Phra Kiew was carried on a palanquin by male students. This year, however, it was transported on the back of a golf cart, a marked departure from the past. This change met with widespread criticism in conservative circles, including from M.C. Julajerm Yukol, who expressed his dismay as “depressing” and questioned whether this was disrespectful to the royal emblem.

Dr. Wiphu Kamnueddee, an Associate Professor at Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, went further, stating on Facebook that he would not accept graduates from Chulalongkorn University’s medical school who participated in this year’s procession.

chula2 — Traditionally, the Phra Kiew was carried on a palanquin by male students.

Phramongkutklao College of Medicine’s PR Office issued an apology late on Tuesday after this Associate Professor from its college posted on Facebook Monday, saying that the college had ordered him to delete that post, because it was not the college’s policy.

Critics argued that the use of a golf cart to transport the Phra Kiew was inappropriate and showed a lack of taste. They emphasized that the Phra Kiew represents the legacy of King Rama V and King Rama VI, the founders of Chulalongkorn University.

The organizers of the CU-TU Unity Football Match 2024 defended their decision, stating on 1 April that the Phra Kiew was a symbol of pride for Chulalongkorn students. They also pointed out that the procession included symbols of the various academic disciplines taught at the university.

The controversy surrounding the Phra Kiew procession has its roots in the cancellation of the event in 2021, when Thailand was still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic and youth-led protests demanding political reform.

chula4 — M.C. Julajerm Yukol posted this picture with a message that expressed his dismay as “depressing” and questioned whether this was disrespectful to the royal emblem.

The Chulalongkorn University Student Council, representing a new generation, voted unanimously in favor of abolishing the practice of selecting a student as the Phra Kiew bearer to end the reproduction of outdated traditions that reflect inequality within the institution.

According to the Chulalongkorn University Archives, the earliest evidence of the Phra Kiew procession in the Chula-Thammasat Football Tradition dates back to 1964. At that time, only female students were selected to carry the emblem.

The selection process was often criticized for promoting a specific beauty standard. Additionally, the practice of male students carrying the palanquin was seen by some as a symbol of feudalistic culture.

The decision to abolish the Phra Kiew procession in October 2021 faced significant opposition from conservative alumni. The recent use of a golf cart further ignited their anger, highlighting the deep political divisions in Thai society.

chula1 — The 75th Chula-Thammasat Unity Football Match takes place on March 31, 2024. Thammasat does not have the issue of emblem procession because it is founded by common people.

A 12-Year-Old Student Opens Fire at a School in Finland, Killing 1 and Wounding 2 Others

By

Associated Press

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2 April 2024, 20:24

HELSINKI (AP) — A 12-year-old student opened fire at a secondary school in southern Finland on Tuesday morning, killing one and seriously wounding two other students, police said. The suspect was later apprehended.

Heavily armed police cordoned off the Viertola school — a large educational institution including lower and upper secondary schools with a total of about 800 students — in the city of Vantaa, just outside the capital, Helsinki, after receiving a call about a shooting incident at 09:08 a.m.

Police said both the suspect and the victims were 12 years old.

One of the students had died instantly after being shot, Chief of Police Ilkka Koskimäki from the Eastern Uusimaa Police Department told a news conference. The other two were seriously wounded, he said.

The weapon used in the shooting was a registered handgun that was licensed to the suspect’s relative, Detective Inspector Kimmo Hyvärinen said.

AP24093312255524 — Police officers patrol outside Viertola comprehensive school, in Vantaa, Finland, Tuesday, April 2, 2024.Police in Finland say a 12-year-old student has opened fire at a secondary school in southern Finland. (Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva via AP)

The suspect was detained in the Helsinki area less than one hour after the shooting with a handgun in his possession, police said. He admitted to the shooting in an initial police hearing but there is no immediate word of the motive, police said, adding that the case is being investigated as a murder and two attempted murders.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo offered condolences to the families of the victims in postings on X with both saying they were shocked over the shooting.

“What makes it particularly shocking is the age of the victim and the suspect,” Orpo said during a news conference later Tuesday. “I can assure you that this (shooting) will be carefully reviewed and conclusions will be drawn that this will not happen again.”

The minimum age of criminal liability in Finland is 15 years, which means the suspect cannot be formally arrested. A suspect younger than 15 can only be heard by the police after which they will be handed over to Finland’s child welfare authorities.

AP24093288845976 — Police officers at the scene of Viertola comprehensive school, in Vantaa, Finland, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Finnish police say a number of people were wounded in a shooting at a school outside Helsinki and a suspect was detained. (Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva via AP)

In the past decades, Finland has witnessed two major deadly school shootings.

In November 2007, a 18-year-old student armed with a semi-automatic pistol opened fire at the premises of the Jokela high school in Tuusula, southern Finland, killing nine people. He was found dead with self-inflicted wounds.

Less than a year later, in September 2008, a 22-year-old student shot and killed 10 people with a semi-automatic pistol at a vocational college in Kauhajoki, southwestern Finland, before fatally shooting himself.

In the Nordic nation of 5.6 million, there are more than 1.5 million licensed firearms and about 430,000 license holders, according to the Finnish Interior Ministry. Hunting and gun-ownership have long traditions in the sparsely-populated northern European country.

Responsibility for granting permits for ordinary firearms rests with local police departments.

Following the school shootings in 2007 and 2008, Finland tightened its gun laws by raising the minimum age for firearms ownership and giving police greater powers to make background checks on individuals applying for a gun license.

The Interior Ministry said Finland will pay respects to the victims of the school shooting on Wednesday when all state agencies and institutions will lower the national flag to half staff. Private households are encouraged to join in the commemoration, the ministry said.

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The JAO Ping River Cruise by Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

By

Contributor

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2 April 2024, 17:41

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort expands its luxury cruise offering, with two boats and four different itineraries. Each departs daily from the resort’s private pier on the banks of the Mae Ping River.

At Anantara Chiang Mai, the Mae Ping River is very much part of the resort experience: morning yoga, breakfast under the bodhi trees, lazing by the pool, sunset cocktails on the rooftop – all take place overlooking the city’s ancient lifeline. Now, with the addition of its private pier, signature Anantara experiences extend to the river itself.

JAO Ping, meaning “king of the river”, offers daily cruises for both individuals and groups, guests and visitors. Its fleet consists of two hand-carved teak boats, the Nam Jai, a scorpion-tail for up to eight passengers, and the Nam Jit, a larger pontoon complete with a bar, dining area and dedicated facilities on board to host up to 24 seated passengers or 40 passengers on a private charter.

As part of the Anantara brand promise to immerse its guests in the real destination, the JAO Ping morning cruise visits the nearby Wat Ket Karam, one of Chiang Mai’s oldest communities. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the unique neighbourhood of Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs living side by side, as well as make merit. They can then refuel at what was once the city’s best kept secret, but now is in the Michelin Thailand guide – the roadside Lung Kajohn with its delicious bite-sized dumplings.

The Nam Jai also drifts through the city at twilight, under iconic bridges, past small temples and into lush green. As the sky stills, the river glitters gold, and the banks come to life with thousands of lights, guests enjoy free-flow canapés and cocktails.

The deck of Nam Jit is the setting for a regal tradition – daily afternoon tea. The signature Anantara experience takes classic English and adds a hint of the tropics, with every pastry, scone and cake seasonal, freshly baked and artfully presented. Guests may enjoy each bite paired with their choice of tea or coffee, or even sparkling wine.

The dinner cruise is a sumptuous affair, with four courses of royal Thai cuisine served by starlight. Free-flow drinks enhance the experience, with champagne toasts to a magical night. The boat’s bar is also manned by a mixologist shaking up signature crafted cocktails.

The JAO Ping River Cruise departs at 9.00 am, 2.30 pm, 5.00 pm and 6.00 pm daily, depending on weather conditions and advance reservation, from the resort’s Long Muan Pier. Prices start from THB 990++ per person, with private charters also available.

For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please follow us on Facebook; Twitter and Instagram.

For more information, https://mhg.to/1cw5y
Phone +66 (0) 53 253 333
e-mail : [email protected]
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Explore the Allure of Patong Beach at Amari Phuket

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Contributor

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2 April 2024, 17:40

Close enough, yet far from it all… is synonymous to the setting of Amari Phuket, located at the southern end of the bustling Patong, the island’s most famous beach.

Making way from the town centre filled with the sights and sounds of a happening beach town towards the resort, guests will traverse the Coral Bridge passing a fishing village lined with colourful long tail boats.

Prior to the hotel’s opening in 1984, the only way the neighbouring villagers could travel to Patong was via boat across a canal; to help provide the community with a better connection to nearby Patong, Amari Phuket built the Coral Bridge which till today serves as the point of access for all guests to the resort.

The contrasting calm and lushness of the resort becomes apparent as guests make their way along the driveway, passing trees standing tall along the hillside all the way to the open-air lobby. As they enter the lobby, they are welcomed by a dramatic ceiling installation inspired by birds’ nest. Phuket island is a prime stopover point for migratory birds and also home to many unique species, and the ceiling installation reflects the island’s diverse wildlife.

The installation is handcrafted from rattan, an important item in local daily life. The lobby area directly connects to the Superior and Deluxe Wings, the original parts of the hotel. There are 197 superior rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites, each of which is a comfortable haven brimming with personality.

Every room has an ocean view and a private balcony, where guests can relax and enjoy the sea breeze. With twice the space and luxury, the suites offer added comfort and a private sun terrace with a magnificent view of Patong Bay.

Stepping down to the Samutr Bar aptly named for its stunning ocean views as “Samutr” is Thai for ocean, guests can relax during the day lounging on day beds or until late with nightly entertainment. Just below the bar is the Voyager Lounge, where guests can unwind.

The Lounge also has a library and computer stations with complimentary Internet access. Perfect for those wanting to enjoy their holiday to every last minute, guests can relax in the Lounge or utilise the locker room with storage facilities and showers for that last snorkel before boarding a late flight! To keep the little ones entertained, the Kids Club next door offers activities and space for them to play.

Leaving the lobby area, guests will see the first of three pools at Amari Phuket. The lap pool is ideal to swim or lounge the day away whilst enjoying drinks and foods from the adjacent La Gritta serving authentic Italian dishes inspired by the home cooking of Chef Marco Cacia. Following the covered walkways, guests will make way to another seaside dining option: Rim Talay, an all-day dining restaurant serving extensive international à la carte menu, alongside daily theme night buffets and live cooking stations.

Guests can also relax with a cocktail and light nibbles at the Rim Talay Pool Bar, lounging on the day beds dotting the freeform pool. Here guests also have a chance to see the natural preserved coral reef of Patong Beach which becomes visible during the low tide on the beach in front of Rim Talay.

Moving further towards the end of the resort’s hidden cove is the Breeze Spa. Ideal for a day of relaxation, guests can choose from a range of body massages and facial treatments in open-air pagodas or “salas” dotted across the hillside. Relax with a massage as the sounds of the ocean helps drift you to sleep.

Venturing through the lush tropical forest with rich green canopies over top and sounds of the water cascading town from the hill, guests will find a private jetty at the very edge of this private cove. A prime viewing spot, guests will enjoy a unique view of three beaches: Patong, Kalim and Tri Trang.

The Jetty offers another spot to relax in the sun or enjoy a memorable private dining experience under the stars in the evening. Here guests can also grab a snorkel and explore the schools of colourful marine life.

For an elevated perspective, guests can venture up to the new all-suite Ocean Wing perched atop the beach wing of the resort. Comprising 183 units, divided into one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with extra space, including kitchens and dining areas, the Ocean Wing introduces a new standard of accommodation to Phuket.

The wing is also home to the exclusive Clubhouse, where club guests can enjoy awe-inspiring 270-degree view of Patong Bay. Designed to offer enhanced privacy and enjoyment, the Clubhouse features an infinity pool, a sun deck, and its own fitness centre, all of which are reserved exclusively for club guests.

The Clubhouse Lounge serves breakfast and an all-day à la carte dining menu. Complimentary tea, coffee and light snacks are available throughout the day, with sunset complimentary cocktails and pre-dinner canapés served daily from 17:30 to 18:30 hrs.

Guest can visit the well-equipped FIT Centre to burn some calories. Make the most of Amari Phuket’s extensive facilities, which include resort shops, a dive centre and a tailor. The resort also offers the Idea Room and Coral Room for small meetings or events.

Reserve your room for your next holiday today at https://bit.ly/45i2ajP

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Tel: +66 (0) 7634 0106

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