B.Grimm Power Highlights Robust Growth in 2023

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29 February 2024, 14:25

Dr. Harald Link, Chairman of B.Grimm and President of B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited (BGRIM), has unveiled the outstanding performance of the company in 2023, characterized by a significant recovery. Normalized Net Profit (NNP) surged to 2,056 million baht, a notable increase from 375 million baht in the previous year, which was severely impacted by the gas price crisis.

This remarkable turnaround can be credited to several pivotal factors. Firstly, production capacity from operational projects increased by 667 megawatts. Additionally, there was a resurgence in profit margins per unit between the Ft electricity price and natural gas costs.

Moreover, there was a 1.2% uptick in the amount of electricity sold to industrial customers, and a 2.5% reduction in the volume of natural gas use per unit, achieved through continuous improvement in power plant efficiency.

In 2023, B.Grimm Power achieved a significant milestone by expanding our production capacity to 4 gigawatts through the successful commercial operation of several planned power plants. Additionally, strategic investments were made in key markets such as the Republic of Korea and Malaysia, further solidifying our position in driving collaborative development within the regional energy sector.

A significant milestone in 2023 was the advancement of B.Grimm Power’s “Greenleap: Global and Green” strategy, underscoring our steadfast commitment to sustainable development.

Presently, B.Grimm Power is actively engaged in multiple renewable energy projects, further solidifying our position as a leader in the global renewable energy sector. Currently, we have a number of projects under development and construction with secured Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) totaling 698 megawatts.

Additionally, there is ongoing development of wind power projects exceeding 1 gigawatt in the Republic of Korea, a solar power initiative ranging from 250 to 300 megawatts in the Republic of Italy, and a renewable energy project under the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) program in Thailand totaling 339.3 megawatts.

Furthermore, B.Grimm Power is actively pursuing renewable energy projects in several other countries, including the Philippines, Cambodia, Greece, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This comprehensive approach aligns with the company’s long-term operating strategy aimed at fostering diverse investments and establishing leadership in the global renewable energy arena.

B.Grimm Power is committed to fostering the growth of the nation’s industrial sector. In 2023, we successfully added new industrial users (IU) totaling 52.1 megawatts, as planned. This achievement stems from delivering responsive services and providing renewable energy production certificates (REC) to customers. The company is dedicated to advancing regional industrial development for a sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

In 2023, B.Grimm Power was honored with three prestigious sustainability recognitions. we earned the highest “AAA” rating from SET ESG Ratings (formerly known as Thailand Sustainability Investment or THSI) and secured a place in The Sustainability Yearbook by S&P Global for the third consecutive year, achieving a top 10% global ranking in the electricity utilities industry in the 2024 yearbook.

Additionally, we maintained our standing as a member of the FTSE4Good Index. These acknowledgments underscore our steadfast commitment to doing business with compassion and responsibility towards the economy, society, and the environment.

Furthermore, B.Grimm Power places significant emphasis on ethical governance, as demonstrated by our ongoing certification as a member of the Thai Private Sector Collective Action Coalition against Corruption (CAC) for the third consecutive term, highlighting our unwavering dedication to transparent operations and robust corporate governance.

For the direction in 2024, Dr. Harald Link outlined plans to expand investments in projects with low greenhouse gas emissions, both domestically and globally. The focus is on advancing green energy initiatives by participating in the government’s upcoming round of electricity procurement bids, adhering to regulations that mandate sourcing electricity from renewable energy under the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) program.

The strategy involves proceeding with the commercial operation of power plant projects in Thailand, Japan, and the Republic of Korea as outlined. Furthermore, there’s a target to onboard new industrial users (IU) with a connected load of 50-60 megawatts through electricity purchase agreements, reinforcing and affirming B.Grimm Power’s leadership position in the industrial sector.

In the long run, B.Grimm Power strives to emerge as a global leader in energy production. By 2030, the goal is to expand the portfolio to a capacity of 10,000 megawatts as per the power purchase agreements and achieve the milestone of reaching Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050.

B.Grimm Power has declared a dividend of 0.36 baht per share for the year 2023. This dividend comprises an interim dividend of 0.18 baht per share and the final dividend of 0.18 baht per share, with the dividend payout rate remaining at 45% of Normalised Net Profit.

The ex-dividend (XD) date is scheduled for March 13, 2024, and the dividend payment date is slated for May 10, 2024. Approval of this dividend will be sought at the 2024 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.

RATCH and GULF Pioneer On with the First Private LNG

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29 February 2024, 10:35

Import for Hin Kong Power Plant, Marking a New Era of National Deregulated Gas Market Policy

Hinkong Power Holding Company Ltd (HKH), a subsidiary of RATCH Group PCL. (RATCH) and Gulf Energy Development Plc. (GULF), celebrates a significant milestone upon the arrival of its first 62,000-ton LNG cargo at the LNG Map Ta Phut Terminal 2 in Nong Fab, Rayong Province.

RATCH Group PCL. (RATCH) and Gulf Energy Development Plc. (GULF) have successfully imported the first cargo of 62,000 tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) through Hinkong Power Holding Company Ltd (HKH) to supply the 700-MW Hin Kong Power Plant, Unit 1, which is scheduled to commence commercial operation on March 1. This groundbreaking initiative by HKH demonstrates the private sector’s commitment to adhere to the deregulation of Thailand’s gas market policy.

This milestone paves the way for increased competition and minimizes risks associated with gas procurement, ultimately enhancing energy security and fostering the country’s economic growth.

In accordance with the National Energy Policy Council’s (NEPC) guidelines to encourage competition in the natural gas sector and complying with the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) requirements for shipper license applications, Hin Kong Power Holding Company Limited (HKH), a joint venture in which RATCH owns 51% of shares and GULF holds 49%, has been one of eight companies to be awarded a shipper license. This license allows for the operation of a gas procurement business and the wholesale of natural gas via the LNG import market, with an allocated quota of 1.4 million tons per annum (MTPA)

Miss Choosri Kietkajornkul, Chief Executive Officer, RATCH, stated, “The Hin Kong Power Plant Project in Ratchaburi province plays a vital role in electricity generation, enhancing power security for the power system in the western region. The project, under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), features two combined cycle power plants with a total capacity of 1,400 MW, utilizing natural gas as the primary fuel source. Hin Kong Power Holding Company Limited ensures the procurement of LNG fuel at quality and reasonable costs.

Additionally, the company also oversees and manages the delivery of natural gas to the Hin Kong Power Plant in line with the production schedule. Today’s first LNG shipment signifies a pivotal moment for HKH, marking the beginning of the private power producer venturing into the upstream business value chain of natural gas supply and honing its operational focus on fuel management.

This is crucial for the efficiency and stability of the electricity production process and enable reliable electricity generation, which will be supplied to Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand (EGAT) under the 25-year power purchase agreement.”

Mrs. Porntipa Chinvetkitvanit, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, GULF, stated, “Hin Kong Power Holding Company Limited has taken a bold step forward by becoming the first private company in Thailand to import an LNG cargo. This milestone aligns with the government’s policy to deregulate the gas market, benefitting the country’s electricity production costs, creating more options for gas users, and positively impacting the overall economy and industrial sector. In 2024, HKH plans to import approximately 0.64 million tons of LNG to fuel the Hin Kong Power Plant, enabling the company to efficiently manage electricity production costs.”

“Looking ahead, GULF plans to import approximately 7.8 MTPA of LNG to fuel its Independent Power Producer (IPP) power plants, the Gulf Pluak Daeng (GPD) and Gulf Sriracha (GSRC), as well as supply 19 Small Power Producer’s (SPP) industrial customers, and PTT Natural Gas Distribution Co., Ltd. (PTT NGD). Additionally, GULF will utilize the LNG at its under-development LNG Terminal located at Map Ta Phut Industrial Port Phase 3 in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), further expanding access to LNG for the region.” Mrs. Porntipa added.

Mr. Thanapong Chiemanukulkit, Managing Director, HKH, said that HKH is ready to procure fuel sources by importing LNG, ensuring quality and adequate supply to meet the fuel demand, with the aim to supporting steady and efficient electricity generation at the Hin Kong Power Plant. HKH has entered into a 3-year LNG Supply Agreement with Gunvor Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Gunvor), a subsidiary of Gunvor Group Ltd., which guarantees the supply and import of approximately 0.5 million tons of LNG annually by Gunvor to fuel the Hin Kong Power Plant Project.

HKH will utilize the facilities of PTT LNG Company Limited’s LNG Map Ta Phut Terminal 2 (LMPT 2) for the conversion of LNG from liquid into gas, before it is transferred to PTT’s gas pipeline system to supply the Hin Kong Power Plant.

A Tourist Injured in Phuket Parasailing Returns to China

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Khaosod English

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29 February 2024, 01:38

PHUKET – A Chinese female tourist who had posted the video blaming the parasailing operator for causing her to have an accident that ended in a fractured leg at Karon Beach, Mueang District, Phuket Province, which drew attention from the Chinese and Thai public, returned to China on February 28, 2024.

Miss Han’s 43-second video has gone viral on social media. It has received at least 4 million views, and many people have commented. It is also hot news in Thailand; even Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated in an interview that he is concerned about tourists who visit Thailand. As a result, he encouraged relevant agencies and business operators to help ensure the safety of tourists as well.

chinese Parasail 4 — Parasailing can be found in Karon Beach, Phuket.

Miss Han suffered an accident on February 24. She said that the operator just advised her to use the parasailing service without providing details or directions. Instead, it was quickly drawn up into the air, causing her to hit the ground when it was landing, breaking her leg.

Initially, the parasailing operator at Karon Beach paid damages in the amount of 200,000 baht, which she used to treat surgery on a steel brace on a broken leg worth 150,000 baht..

chinese Parasail 2 — Phuket Tourist Police personnel assist a Chinese tourist who is injured and need a wheelchair to board a flight back to her country on February 28.

When her story made headlines, Phuket officials summoned the operators to arrange a damage settlement with her. The operator agreed to pay 400,000 baht; at first, 140,000 baht was supplied and will be progressively sent to her, which satisfied her.

At the same time, the operator asked the Chinese tourist to remove the video from social media, which she promised to do before returning to China.

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A Former Thai Police Chief Will Face Charges for Allegedly Helping a Red Bull Scion Avoid Justice

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Associated Press

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28 February 2024, 18:59

JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI, BANGKOK — Prosecutors in Thailand announced Tuesday they will indict a former national police chief on charges of impeding legal action against an heir to the Red Bull energy drink fortune who was accused of killing a Bangkok police officer in a 2012 hit-and-run.

Several government officials and police officers have been accused of a conspiracy to help Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya escape justice by fleeing abroad in a case widely held up as an example of how the rich and well-connected enjoy impunity in Thailand.

Vorayuth is the grandson of Chaleo Yoovidhya, one of the creators of the globally famous Red Bull brand. Forbes magazine puts the family’s net worth at $20 billion.

Somyot Poompanmoung, the police chief in 2014-15, and other suspects were charged with abuse of power in order to aid an individual to avoid prosecution. Somyot was accused by the National Anti-Corruption Commission last year of involvement in tampering with evidence by altering the record of the speed of the car that Vorayuth was allegedly driving at the time of the accident.

AP24058384289714 — FILE – Thai Police chief Gen. Somyot Poompanmoung talks to reporters before a meeting about Anti Human Trafficking at the police headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 8, 2015.(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

The Office of the Attorney General said it also will indict seven other people including police officers, a lawyer, an engineering specialist and a former deputy attorney general in relation to the case.

Vorayuth was believed to be at the wheel of a Ferrari that struck the back of a traffic policeman’s motorcycle on a main Bangkok road. The officer, Wichean Glunprasert, was flung from his motorbike and died at the scene. The car sped off but police followed a trail of oil and brake fluid to the Yoovidhya family’s luxury compound on a nearby side road.

Wichean’s family have told Thai media that they received compensation of 3 million baht ($83,000) from the Yoovidhya family in exchange for them not pursuing further legal action.

An image posted to the Instagram account of Porpeer Salin Suyarnsettakorn on July 2, 2015, shows Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya, whose grandfather co-founded energy drink company Red Bull, standing next to a black Porsche with customized license plates in London. (Photo via AP) — An image posted to the Instagram account of Porpeer Salin Suyarnsettakorn on July 2, 2015, shows Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, whose grandfather co-founded energy drink company Red Bull, standing next to a black Porsche with customized license plates in London. (Photo via AP)

For years Vorayuth avoided court by not turning up to meet prosecutors. At the same time he continued to lead a busy, globetrotting life, flying in private Red Bull jets to attend F1 races, snowboarding in Japan and cruising in Venice, among other activities. It was only after his lifestyle was revealed by an Associated Press investigation, and Vorayuth was confronted on a London doorstep by AP reporters, that Thai police issued an arrest warrant in 2017.

He left Thailand three days before the warrant was issued and his whereabouts since then have not been publicly known. His Thai passport was revoked. Interpol issued a “Red Notice” for him in August 2017.

Meanwhile, almost all charges against him have expired due to the statute of limitations. The last remaining charge — causing death by reckless driving — will expire in 2027.

Russian Woman Who Loves Riding Scooter Dies in Sattahip Sea

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Khaosod English

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28 February 2024, 18:43

sattahip russian1 — A Russian woman's body was discovered in the sea near Bang Saray Beach, Sattahip District, on February 28, 2024.

CHONBURI – Officials at Sattahip Police Station in Chonburi Province began investigating the case of a Russian female body discovered in the sea near Bang Saray Beach, Village No. 2, Sattahip District, on February 28.

The body is Miss Masperovich, a 35-year-old Russian woman. She reportedly moved to Thailand with her Russian husband and one child. Mr. Preecha Pipatphon, the head of the Bang Saray rescue team, stated that he frequently spotted this woman riding an electric scooter around the streets of Bang Saray market.

Ratchanee Ruangrong, 63, a beach sweeper who discovered the body, claimed she was sweeping up leaves and garbage on Bang Saray Beach at 5:00 a.m. when she noticed an abandoned electric scooter. So she took a torch and searched along the coast, but there was no one there.

sattahip russian2 — The video footage shows the Russian woman was riding an electric scooter alone down the beachfront route on Tuesday night.

sattahip russian3 — A Russian woman’s body was discovered in the sea near Bang Saray Beach, Sattahip District, on February 28, 2024.

She continued collecting bottles on the beach until she reached the coastline, where she discovered the body of the foreign woman in the ocean. She called her, but received no response. As a result, she promptly summoned officials to conduct an investigation.

Miss Masperovich body was dressed in exercise clothing and sneakers. There were no signs of an attack. Authorities also discovered the deceased’s things on the beach, which included a jacket, a black scooter, a can of beer, 590 baht in cash, two phones, and a marijuana cigarette. They were kept as evidence.

The body was transferred to Bangkok Police Hospital for an autopsy and forensic examination. The reason of death is usually acknowledged within one day.

According to CCTV footage from the area nearby, the Russian woman was riding an electric scooter alone down the beachfront route on Tuesday night, around 9:30 p.m., then travelling from the road to the beach until the early hours of the morning. The investigators suspect she was in an accident and fell unconscious from a breakwater around 1-2 metres high, causing death by drowning.

CP Foods Secures Top Prize in 2023 DTN Smart Labeling Contest

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Contributor

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28 February 2024, 17:41

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods), a leading integrated agriculture and food company, continues its commitment to designing and developing sustainable packaging in response to customer requirements and evolving trading regulations.

The company’s packaging team representatives have clinched the first prize in the DTN Smart Labeling Contest 2023, organized by the Ministry of Commerce’s Department of International Trade Negotiations.

This prestigious award recognizes CP Foods for its innovative packaging and labeling solution, showcasing a smart label prototype that harnesses Augmented Reality (AR) technology.

This groundbreaking approach seamlessly integrates digital and physical elements, creating a unique marketing tool to foster broader consumer engagement.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Phumtham Wechayachai, bestowed honors upon CP Foods’ Packaging Design Team from CPF Food Research and Development Center, including Worayod Sukcham and Pornpimon Tapaneyapong, for their project that not only utilizes sustainable packaging materials but also incorporates modern technology. Operating under the theme “Good food delivers good feelings to consumers,” their project employs smart labels to enhance the overall consumer experience.

CP Foods remains dedicated to enhancing food security and places significant emphasis on the thoughtful design and development of its food product packaging and labeling. This commitment is integral to the company’s broader strategy of ensuring consumer confidence in product quality and safety, providing nutritious food sourced responsibly through sustainable production processes.

The DTN Smart Labeling Contest 2023 aims to enhance the capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs in the field of smart labeling, cultivating a new generation of product packaging designers adept at adapting to changing regulations and practices in international trade. The initiative particularly focuses on equipping businesses to navigate the competitive landscapes of global markets, with an emphasis on preparedness for trading conditions in the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Patek Philippe and Cortina Watch open new Bangkok boutique

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Contributor

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28 February 2024, 16:49

Patek Philippe opens its first standalone boutique in Bangkok with Cortina Watch, expanding their partnership across Southeast Asia.

BANGKOK – A longstanding and treasured partnership between the last family-owned Genevan watch manufacturer, Patek Philippe, and Cortina Watch culminated in the first Patek Philippe boutique in Southeast Asia managed by the retailer in 2009.

With a shared vision of bringing the finest timepieces with over 180 years of brand expertise and philosophy to horological connoisseurs across the region, Patek Philippe and Cortina Watch have opened its newest boutique in Bangkok, Thailand, in February 2024.

An architectural beauty inspired by timeless elegance

Located on the ground floor of Central Embassy in the vibrant heart of Bangkok’s rich cultural district, the boutique boasts an impressive 108 square meters of space with an elegant and contemporary design.

The store features a brand new façade concept with grooved stone exterior walls that contrast against the textured decorative panels and leather-clad walls that are part of the showcase windows. The main doors feature engraved glass over which the brand’s logo and Calatrava Cross symbols are set on a grooved metal panel.

Every detail of the boutique is carefully curated to transport guests into a universe of exceptional timekeeping, enriched by Patek Philippe’s history and tradition. Upon stepping through its expansive doors, guests can view some of the world’s finest timepieces in the main watch gallery. Within the boutique, gentle hues of beige and shades of brown create an inviting ambiance, where time is suspended and tradition is honoured.

Guests can explore the displays of Patek Philippe timepieces housed within the boutique’s showcases, or simply relax in various designated areas. Laser-cut screens that feature the brand’s emblematic Calatrava cross motif offer additional privacy for customer conversations.

Finally, a VIP room located right at the back of the boutique provides complete privacy. A small library of books dedicated to watchmaking, including the Patek Philippe Authorized Biography, have been carefully curated for browsing.

The right side of the boutique offers a bar set-up where guests can enjoy a refreshing drink and discuss haute horlogerie with likeminded enthusiasts. This lounge ambiance encourages guests to unwind and speak with Cortina Watch’s retail specialists to learn more about Patek Philippe’s watchmaking savoir faire.

A unique artwork

Finally, a unique feature of this boutique is a triptych artwork that is inspired by an exceptional creation by Patek Philippe – the Peacock Ref. 1627M Cloisonné Enamel Dome Table Clock. The Manufacture’s Dome Table Clocks are prized for their rarity, with only a few pieces produced each year.

Each clock is unique in design and are never replicated again. The panels of each clock, including the hemispherical dome cover, are decorated using various Rare Handcrafts practiced by Patek Philippe, with a particular highlight on enamelling. Each clock is the work of a single artisan, who has the skill to bring its own unique design to life.

The Peacock Ref. 1627M features the elegant and regal creature in different poses across three panels. A green and a blue peacock are perched on the branches of a maple before a bright blue sky in opposite panels; in another, its train is fully spread in display.

The dial and dome of the clock features a detailed depiction of its covert feathers and eyespot in a patterned design. These artistic depictions are crafted using the traditional technique of cloisonné enameling, a process that takes a single enamel artist days and even weeks to complete.

The triptych of the Ref. 1627M magnifies the design of the Dome Clock so that guests can admire the beautiful artwork in the lounge area of the boutique. The blue and green peacocks, native to India and Southeast Asia respectively, symbolise fortune, kindness, patience, and compassion among other qualities in Asian culture.

A trusting and favourable partnership for over five decades

“Since the first Cortina Watch Boutique opened at Erawan Bangkok in 2004, and more recently followed by the Central Embassy expansion in 2017, Patek Philippe has been our key partner for nearly twenty years. It is a brand that rouses our heartfelt dedication and attention. This dedication reflects our enduring commitment to delivering the highest level of service to collectors and enthusiasts in Thailand. We take immense pride in the creation of this boutique, designed to deliver unparalleled experiences for watch enthusiasts in Thailand,” says Mr. Krist Chatikaratana, Managing Director of Cortina Watch Thailand.

“The opening of the new boutique with Cortina Watch Thailand is a testament to the strong and longstanding friendship between Patek Philippe & Cortina Watch. We are very grateful to our Thai clients and, we look forward to our next plan in the near future that will further strengthen our relationship with both Cortina Watch and our clients in Thailand”, says Mr. Thierry Stern, President of Patek Philippe.

Patek Philippe and Cortina Watch have been close partners since 1972. What started as a personal friendship between Mr. Anthony Lim, the founder of Cortina Watch, and Mr. Henri Stern in 1956, evolved into a powerful professional alliance that has steadily grown over the last 52 years. Today, Cortina Watch manages eight boutiques across Southeast and East Asia, in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and now Thailand.

AIS Introduces Open API with International Standards Endorsed by GSMA

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Contributor

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28 February 2024, 16:47

AIS, the leader in Cognitive Tech-co and telecommunications services in Thailand, has unveiled its Open Application Programming Interface (Open API) adhering to international standards, designed according to the CAMARA Open API standards, and certified by GSMA.

This move aims to simplify accessing and utilizing telecommunications services and various capabilities from network service providers, empowering app developers, solution providers, and businesses to innovate and seize opportunities more rapidly.

The AIS Open API comprises 11 sets of APIs that can enhance the capabilities of applications, including APIs for user authentication validation, such as Silent Network Authentication APIs for verifying users’ phone numbers (Number Verify) and checking users’ SIM card swaps (SIM Swap) using trusted information from network service providers’ system.

These APIs aid in verifying users’ identities for various applications and preventing cyber fraud, which is increasingly prevalent. These APIs have been fully developed and tested, already deployed in commercial digital applications, and are ready to serve business customers and organizations.

Mr. Phupa Akavipat, Acting Chief Enterprise Business Officer, AIS, stated, “AIS recognizes the importance and benefits of enabling developers to access services and capabilities of telecommunications service providers, which will support and expedite the development of secure application and digital service with seamless user experience.

Prioritizing the security of digital service users will positively impact the overall economy. Standardizing APIs is crucial, and collaborating with GSMA and designing according to CAMARA Open API standards will help application developers enhance and deploy services more quickly across operator networks, enabling them to work more efficiently, reducing development complexity for developers working with service providers, and fostering digital application innovation for the future.”

Henry Calvert, Head of Networks, GSMA, added, “GSMA welcomes and supports AIS in developing Open APIs to create great new digital services for mobile customers. We believe this platform will play a key role in supporting organizational developers, especially in Thailand and Southeast Asia, in accessing diverse capabilities and innovations of telecommunications networks. Through the GSMA Open Gateway initiative and interoperable APIs the mobile industry can help developers rapidly develop new services and applications, enhancing security and efficiency, for online customers.”

In this initiative, AIS will accelerate market development through API usage collaboration with app developers and solution providers, fostering partnerships to work together, supporting necessary technical aspects and fostering ideas to create innovation. Exploring ways to utilize these APIs with various digital products and creating new Use Cases represents a new opportunity for partners from businesses, app developers, and solution providers to collaborate to accelerate development for mutual business, economic, and societal benefits.

This time, AIS has introduced one of partner customers already working together on AIS Open API, IPification, a solution provider that verifies identities using IP Address technology and phone numbers to prevent digital system fraud on a global scale. With a customer base including both financial industry and OTT giants like Alibaba and others, totaling more than 3.5 billion users worldwide, this service will elevate mobile transaction security, allowing user identity verification through the Number Verify API without traditional OTP, offering convenient, secure, and near-instantaneous verification, enhancing customer experiences, increasing sales opportunities, or digital transactions for businesses significantly.

“AIS Open API – For those interested in AIS Open API services, you can contact the AIS Business team immediately. In addition to the mentioned services, there are also services tailored for businesses of all sizes. Interested parties can find more information at AIS website or contact the sales team responsible for your organization.” added Mr. Phupa Akavipat

MOC Expands Boy’s Love to Girl’s Love Partnerships To Boost Export

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Khaosod English

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28 February 2024, 16:18

girlslove2 — Freen and Becky, the Girl's Love series' actresses and "The Loyal Pin" creators, will work together with the Ministry of Commerce to choose Thai products for the series.

BANGKOK – The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) expands its reach to Girl’s Love to promote local community products for global export.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced via social media (X) that the ministry has partnered with Idol Factory, a producer of the Girl’s Love (GL) series, to promote Thai products in the global market.

He explained that following the success of the Boy’s Love series such as “KinnPorsche The Series”, this collaboration is another step forward for the Ministry of Commerce in its efforts to promote Thai products from the local community in the global market.

🤝🤝🤝#ฟรีนเบค #FreenBecky #srchafreen #Beckysangels #กระทรวงพาณิชย์#MOCxIDF pic.twitter.com/nI0iKOOLgu

— กระทรวงพาณิชย์ (@ThailandMOC) February 28, 2024

The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Intent (MOI) on “Promoting Thai Products and Services to the Global Market through Girl’s Love (GL) Series” between the Ministry of Commerce and Idol Factory Co., Ltd. #MOCxIDF took place at the Ministry of Commerce on February 28, 2024.

Rebecca Patricia Armstrong (Becky) and Sarocha Chankimha (Freen), rising stars from the GL series “GAP The Series”, the first Thai GL series from Idol Factory which achieved great success and won the Popular Vote Award from Nine Entertain Awards 2023, attended the press conference. The two actresses are also starring in the new series “Pin Phak” or “The Loyal Pin,” which has generated a lot of buzz among fans of Freen-Becky both in Thailand and abroad.

theloyalpin4 — Rebecca Patricia Armstrong (Becky) and Sarocha Chankimha (Freen) attend the MOCxIDF press conference at the Ministry of Commerce on February 28, 2024.

“Freen and Becky are internationally renowned actresses for the Girl’s Love series. As a result, we are certain that featuring Thai items and services in the Pin Phak series will help elevate Thai community products to the global stage and generate money for people. This will help create around 2 billion in value for Thailand’s economy,” said Commerce Minister Phumtham.

Earlier, the Ministry of Commerce collaborated with Be On Cloud – BOC, a producer of world-class BL series, to launch a major project for 2024 with the series “Shine”. The project stars popular BL actors Mile Phakphum Romsaithong and Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat.

This project will promote Thai products, services, tourism, and culture by incorporating them seamlessly into the BL series. This will allow consumers to learn about, recognize, and increase their consumption of Thai products and services following the lead of Thai series in the future.

boyslove2 — BL actors Mile Phakphum Romsaithong and Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat attend the MOC X BOC news conference to promote Thai products in both home and international markets at the Ministry of Commerce on January 31, 2024.

According to the Department of International Trade Promotion, the Thai movie and series sector and related industries will generate 8,000 million baht in exports by 2023. In 2024, it will likely reach 10,000 million baht, particularly in the Y-movie and Y-series, which are expected to expand in value from 1,000 million baht to 2,000 million baht as a result of the Ministry of Commerce’s proactive cooperation with the private sector.

MSDHS and AIS Collaborate to Build Cyber-Savvy Citizens.

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Contributor

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28 February 2024, 15:34

Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), in collaboration with AIS and partners including the Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health, and King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, is taking a sustainable approach to address cybersecurity challenges.

They’re doing this by equipping both MSDHS personnel and the general public of all ages with digital intelligence skills through “Aunjai Cyber Syllabus” to MSDHS personnel and Thai People of all ages.

This initiative aims to empower Thais to become responsible digital citizens who can navigate online environments accurately and securely. By increasing awareness and understanding of cyber threats, the project seeks to elevate the digital wellness of the Thai people, ensuring they can stay informed and protected online.

Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security stated that Cybercrimes poses a significant threat, causing substantial harm to society. Addressing this urgent issue requires collaboration across all sectors. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), committed to improving the quality of life and security for Thai citizens, actively fosters cooperation to equip the public with essential digital skills for safe online interaction.

“ This collaboration with AIS see the “Aunjai Cyber Syllabus” being delivered to over 11,000 MSDHS personnel, enhancing their digital skills and preparing them to share this knowledge with the public. Ultimately, this initiative aims to empower everyone to use the internet safely and avoid online threats,” he said.

Mr. Somchai Lertsutiwong, Chief Executive Officer of AIS, explained that AIS, as a leading digital service provider, goes beyond building a robust infrastructure for Thailand. We are committed to sustainable development, and that includes prioritising the elevation of digital skills for Thais. We firmly believe that empowering individuals with knowledge is the key to combating cyber threats effectively.

We have developed learning programs like the “Aunjai Cyber Syllabus” to empower Thais with crucial digital skills. Its core content revolves around the 4Ps:

Practice: Developing responsible and proficient digital technology use.
Personality: Safeguarding online privacy and protecting personal information.
Protection: Understanding and mitigating cyber threats to ensure online safety.
Participation: Fostering respectful and responsible communication and behavior online.

Through collaborations with diverse public and private partners, the “Aunjai Cyber Syllabus” has expanded its reach, benefiting educators, students, and the public. To date, over 320,000 Thai citizens have accessed and benefitted from this valuable learning program.

We’re proud to announce another significant collaboration with a key government agency dedicated to improving people’s lives and security: the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS).

“This collaboration is another significant partnership with a government agency that plays a crucial role in improving people’s lives and security: the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. This partnership sees us delivering the “Aunjai Cyber Syllabus” to MSDHS personnel. By equipping them with essential digital skills and cybersecurity knowledge, they can then effectively disseminate this information to the Thai public.” concluded Mr. Somchai.

Our collaborative effort ensures the “Aunjai Cyber Syllabus” content is meticulously adjusted to meet the essential digital citizen skills of each learner group. For example, the course specifically incorporates enhanced knowledge of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) for organizational workforces, exceeding the content offered in the public course.

Learners can access the ” Aunjai Cyber Syllabus” course at www.learndiaunjaicyber.ais.co.th, the “Aunjai CYBER” application, www.m-society.go.th, www.dop.go.th, and the Gold by DOP application.

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