Thailand Gears Up for the “2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference

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21 February 2024, 14:11

Thailand Gears Up for the “2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference”

Bangkok, Thailand – On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), Mr. Thalerngsak Petsuwan, announced the readiness of the Ministry to host the “2nd United Nations Decade Regional Conference & 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference” (the Conference).

Aligned with the vision of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MNRE, Pol. Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan, the upcoming event underscores the crucial role of marine science and technology in advancing ocean sustainibility.

The press conference was attended by distinguished guests including Mr. Chidchanok Sukmongkol, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR); Mr. Wenxi Zhu, Head of the UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (IOC/WESTPAC) Office; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thamasak Yeemin, President of the Marine Science Association of Thailand (MSAT), accompanied by the representatives from Kasetsart University, Burapha University – Chanthaburi Campus, Chulalongkorn University, Ramkhamhaeng University, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya – Trang Campus, officials of MNRE and DMCR, and media personels.

Mr. Thalerngsak Petsuwan emphasized Pol. Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan’s vision to position Thailand as a prominent knowledge exchange hub for marine science and technology, not only at national level but also at the regional level. The Thai government, in collaboration with IOC/WESTPAC, is set to co-organize the 2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference and the 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference, which will take place from April 22 to 25, 2024, at the Berkeley Hotel in Pratunam, Bangkok. On behalf of MNRE, Captain Rachata expresses gratitude to the IOC/WESTPAC and the local organizing committee, which includes DMCR, MSAT, and five leading universities for their tireless effort for over a year in preparation of the Conference. He underscored that the Conferences are envisioned as transformative platforms, aiming to accelerate the development of ocean science solutations to sustainable development.

Mr. Chidchanok Sukmongkol, Deputy Director-General of DMCR, provided insight into the conference’s structure druring 22 – 25 April 2024. The event will feature 7 keynote speakers, 25 scientific sessions, a special forum, 13 Decade Action workshops, 12 Decade Action incubators, and private company exhibition booths. Since August 2023, the organizing team has received over 1,300 registrations, including 831 abstract submissions, from over 60 countries.

The Conference will bring together various ocean stakeholders, including governments, research communities, private sector, philanthropic foundations, UN agencies, NGOs and civil society, to present the current status of ocean knowledge, take stock of the first three years’ achievements of the Ocean Decade Actions, identify future priorities, and continuously catalyze partnerships and concrete actions for transformative ocean-based solutions to sustainability challenges in the region, such as resource depletion, marine pollution, biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, climate change and ocean acidification, and natural hazards.

Young scientists are incentivized by six awards for the best oral and poster presentations, while the WESTPAC Outstanding Scientist Award 2024 awaits the nominated ocean scientists who have significantly contributed to the international cooperation among countries in the region. Additionally, a photo competition on “Coral Reef Restoration” is open for entry until 15 March 2024, with more details at www.ioc-westpac.org/photo-competition.

Mr. Wenxi Zhu, Head of the IOC/WESTPAC Office, a coordinating body of UNESCO in the region, highly commended Thailand for hosting the Conference, and its contribution to advancing marine science research, particularly for marine and coastal management, biodiversity conservation, and ocean ecosystem health. The lasting commitment of Thailand has been seen as a significant step toward a sustainable marine economy, making a positive impact at both regional and global levels.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thammasak Yeemin, President of MSAT extended his gratitude to IOC/WESTPAC and MNRE for co-organizing the Conference in Thailand. He highlighted the significance of this opportunity for Thai research personnel to engage in a valuable exchange of perspectives with diverse sectors from different countries. Particularly beneficial to the early career ocean professionals (ECOPs), this platform will enhance and broaden their research horizons and networks both regionally and globally. It represents a noteworthy stride in the co-development of “The Science We Need for the Ocean We Want.”

On behalf of the local organizing committee, Mr. Chidchanok extends a warm invitation to all interested parties to register for the Conference, through the official website www.iocwestpac2024.com, by March 1, 2024. Anticipated outcomes from the Conference includes, but not limited to, the promotion of knowledge, fostering collaboration, and the establishment of a resilient ocean network at national and international levels.

“Don’t miss the chance to contribute to the advancement of ocean-related initiatives and to strengthen connections within the community. Your active participation is crucial for shaping the success of these impactful events”, Mr. Chidchanok conveyed his final message.

Bangkok Produce Promotes GAP Standards to Corn Growers

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Contributor

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21 February 2024, 11:40

Bangkok Produce Promotes GAP Standards to Corn Growers Combat the PM2.5 dust and Haze issue.

Bangkok Produce Merchandising Public Company Limited, a subsidiary of the agro-food conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods), is committed to the ethical sourcing of agricultural raw materials for animal feed production. With a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly sourcing practices, the company emphasizes the eradication of deforestation and the challenge of PM2.5 pollution.

In collaboration with government authorities, Bangkok Produce has initiated a comprehensive program to enable farmers to cultivate corn in accordance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards. This effort includes a pivotal partnership with the Sisaket Provincial Agricultural Extension Office to educate the farming community in Non Khun District, Sisaket province, on GAP standards for corn cultivation.

The program is designed to promote sustainable farming practices that enhance crop yield efficiency, lower operational expenses, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the cultivation process. This strategy aims to increase the competitiveness of farmers, ensuring their financial stability and livelihood sustainability.

During these educational sessions, Bangkok Produce has introduced the “F.Farm” application, a digital platform that provides farmers with access to crucial cultivation data. This tool aims to enhance the quality of their produce, making it ideal for direct supply to animal feed manufacturers. The application delivers comprehensive insights into weather forecasts, market trends, and crop management practices, etc.

Mr. Worapot Suratwisit, Deputy Managing Director of Bangkok Produce, has highlighted the company’s recognition of the harmful impacts of PM2.5 pollution stemming from various sectors, including industry, agriculture, and construction. This concern prompted the launch of one of Thailand’s inaugural traceability systems in 2016 for the sourcing of animal feed corn, ensuring that all corn supplied to the company’s operations in Thailand is free from deforestation and crop residue burning, in line with CP Group’s strict sourcing policies.

This commitment extends to avoiding corn sourced from deforested areas and those affected by crop burning. The traceability system is now being expanded to the company’s operations in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Bangladesh.

The training sessions underscore the company’s firm policy against purchasing or importing animal feed raw materials from areas involved in deforestation or crop residue burning. This stance contributes to broader efforts to reduce PM2.5 pollution and smog in Thailand.

Furthermore, Bangkok Produce has fostered partnerships with government bodies, business partners, and farmers through a Public-Private Partnership model. This model requires the use of satellite imaging technology to detect and prevent crop burning in cornfields, promoting a traceability system that ensures responsible sourcing. These efforts are augmented by the dissemination of modern agricultural technologies and practices among the farming community, reinforcing the company’s dedication to sustainable agricultural advancement.

Committed to minimizing greenhouse gas emissions across its supply chain, Bangkok Produce’s efforts in sustainable corn sourcing are integral to achieving a Net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050, ensuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural products and the global food production system.

US Vetoes an Arab-Backed Un Resolution Demanding an Immediate Humanitarian Cease-Fire in Gaza

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Associated Press

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21 February 2024, 01:09

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United States on Tuesday vetoed an Arab-backed and widely supported U.N. resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war in the embattled Gaza Strip, saying it would interfere with negotiations on a deal to free hostages abducted in Israel.

The vote in the 15-member Security Council was 13-1 with the United Kingdom abstaining, reflecting the strong support from countries around the globe for ending the more than four-month war, which started when Hamas militants invaded southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage. Since then, more than 29,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military offensive, according to the Gaza Health Ministry which says the vast majority were women and children.

It was the third U.S. veto of a Security Council resolution demanding a cease-fire in Gaza and came a day after the United States circulated a rival resolution that would support a temporary cease-fire in Gaza linked to the release of all hostages and call for the lifting of all restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Virtually every council member — including the United States — expressed serious concern at the impending catastrophe in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah, where some 1.5 million Palestinians have sought refuge, if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu goes ahead with his plan to evacuate civilians from the city and move Israel’s military offensive to the area bordering Egypt, where Israel says Hamas fighters are hiding.

Before the vote, Algeria’s U.N. Ambassador Amar Bendjama, the Arab representative on the council, said: “This resolution stands for truth and humanity standing against the advocates for murder and hatred.”

“A vote in favor of this draft resolution is a support to the Palestinians right to life,” he said. “Conversely, voting against it implies an endorsement of the brutal violence and collective punishment inflicted against them.”

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the United States understands the council’s desire for urgent action but believes the resolution would “negatively impact” sensitive negotiations on a hostage deal and pause in fighting for at least six weeks. If that happens, “we can take the time to build a more enduring peace,” she said.

The proposed U.S. resolution, Thomas-Greenfield said, “would do what this text does not — pressure Hamas to take the hostage deal that is on the table and help secure a pause that allows humanitarian assistance to reach Palestinian civilians in desperate need.”

What happens next remains to be seen.

AP24051583864197 — Riyad Mansour, Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations, blows a kiss to someone before the start of Security Council meeting at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

The 22-nation Arab Group could take its resolution to the U.N. General Assembly, which includes all 193 U.N. member nations, where it is virtually certain to be approved. But unlike Security Council resolutions, assembly resolutions are not legally binding.

Thomas-Greenfield told the council the United States “will work in earnest in negotiating” on its proposed resolution, leaving time for all council members to comment, “rather than impose an arbitrary deadline for the vote.”

The defeated Arab-backed resolution would have demanded an immediate humanitarian cease-fire to be respected by all parties, which implies an end to the war.

By contrast, the U.S. draft resolution would underscore the Security Council’s support for a temporary cease-fire “as soon as practicable, based on the formula of all hostages being released,” and call for “lifting all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale.”

It is the first time the U.S. has used the word “cease-fire,” as opposed to cessation of hostilities.

The Arab draft would also have demanded the immediate release of all hostages, rejected the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians, called for unhindered humanitarian access throughout Gaza, and reiterated council demands that Israel and Hamas “scrupulously comply” with international law, especially the protection of civilians.

Without naming either party, it would have condemned “all acts of terrorism” and reiterated the council’s “unwavering commitment” to a two-state solution with two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace.

AP24051614760696 — Gilad Erdan, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, speaks during a Security Council meeting at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

In measures sure to anger Israel — and reinforce differences and tensions between U.S. President Joe Biden and Israel’s Netanyahu — the U.S. draft resolution reiterates the same unwavering commitment to a two-state solution, which the Israeli leader opposes.

Biden has repeatedly called on Israel to protect Palestinian civilians, and the draft resolution says Israel’s planned major ground offensive in Rafah “should not proceed under current circumstances.”

And it warns that further displacement of civilians, “including potentially into neighboring countries,” a reference to Egypt, would have serious implications for regional peace and security.

In another criticism directed at Israel, the U.S. draft “condemns calls by government ministers for the resettlement of Gaza and rejects an attempt at demographic or territorial change in Gaza that would violate international law.”

While this was the third U.S. veto of a Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, the council has adopted two resolutions on Gaza where the U.S. abstained.

Its first resolution, on Nov. 15, called for “urgent and extended humanitarian pauses” in Gaza to address the escalating crisis for Palestinian civilians during Israel’s aerial and ground attacks.

On Dec. 22, the council adopted a watered-down resolution calling for immediately speeding aid deliveries to hungry and desperate civilians in Gaza, but without the original plea for an “urgent suspension of hostilities” between Israel and Hamas.

It did call for “creating the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.” The steps are not defined, but diplomats said it was the council’s first reference to stopping fighting.

5 Arrested in Connection With Death of Teenager in Japan Lake

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Kyodo News

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21 February 2024, 00:17

lake murder — Photo taken Feb. 13, 2024, shows the area in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, where the body of a high school boy was found earlier, with Lake Hamana in the background. (Kyodo)

SHIZUOKA – Police on Tuesday arrested five individuals including four teenagers after the body of a 17-year-old boy with Chinese nationality was found in a central Japan lake earlier this month.

The five are Neo Horiuchi, 21, from Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, an 18-year-old man with Philippine nationality and three 17-year-old boys, including one with Brazilian nationality. They were arrested on charges including assaulting Ukawa Saito, who was enrolled at a correspondence high school.

The police are investigating the relationship between the five and the victim.

An autopsy has indicated that Saito was drowned, with his body bearing multiple bruises.

Saito, who lived in Fukuroi, a city in western Shizuoka Prefecture, was reported missing by his family on Feb. 7 and his body was found two days later by an angler at Lake Hamana, also in the western part of the prefecture.

A 74-year-old man working near where the body was found said the area is usually quiet, with only occasional visitors such as anglers and local residents for exercise.

“It is not the kind of place high school students come, especially at night when there are no streetlights,” he said.

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Body of 17-year-old boy found in central Japan lake, murder suspected

Algerian Man Arrested for Buddha Amulet Theft Before Fleeing

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Khaosod English

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20 February 2024, 18:04

An Algerian man suspected of stealing a gold-framed Buddha amulet worth 20,000 baht from a gold shop was arrested on February 20, 2024.

BANGKOK – Officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau and Chana Songkhram Police Station arrested an Algerian man suspected of stealing a gold-framed Buddha amulet worth 20,000 baht from a gold shop on February 20, 2024 while he was packing his clothes to fly back to his home country.

Pol. Lt. Col. Piyarat Wessakosol, deputy director of the Sub-Department of Child and Women’s Protection, has informed Pol. Lt. Col. Chakkree Nareephol, inspector of Special Operations Division 1, to arrest Algerian national Garou Doubir and confiscate the stolen Buddha amulet. The arrest was made in a hotel room in Phra Sumen Road, Talad Yod Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok.

Pol. Col. Santi Kornkasem, director of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Children and Women Protection Division, said the owner of the gold store, Yong Seng Heng, located on Phra Sumen Road, Talad Yod Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, reported that a foreign man with an unknown name and nationality had come to the store to inquire about buying gold jewelry but had not purchased anything. After he left the store, it was discovered that an item was missing from the store.

When the owner checked the CCTV footage, he saw a foreign man pick up a gold-framed Buddha amulet worth 20,000 baht and walk away with it. The owner then filed a report at the Chana Songkhram police station.

Later, the police tracked down the suspect and seized the stolen evidence while Mr. Garou was packing his clothes to fly back to his home country.

The Algerian suspect confessed that the evidence seized by the police was the item he had stolen from the Yong Seng Heng store. The police therefore charged him with “theft or receiving stolen property” and took him to Chana Songkhram police station for further prosecution.

During a background check, the police discovered that the suspect had frequently traveled back and forth between Thailand and Algeria. They therefore suspect that the suspect may have committed similar thefts several times before. Police are therefore asking any gold and jewelry store owners who suspect that they have been robbed in a similar manner to contact the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Children and Women Protection Division or Chana Songkhram Police Station and provide information.

Jasmine Technology Solution Rebounds With 106% Profit Increase In 2023

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Contributor

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20 February 2024, 16:56

BANGKOK – Jasmine Technology Solution Public Company Limited (JTS) revealed a 106% profit increase in 2023, up 111 million baht from a loss of 105 million baht in 2022.

Revenue from the telecommunications and internet service business grew by 194 million baht in 2023, a 10% increase compared to the previous year, and aims to continuously increase revenue from network expansion and data centers to meet customer needs.

Moreover, the company is advancing to create the State-Of-The-Art (SOTA) Generative AI Large Language Model (LLM) for the Thai language, planning to sign a contract within the first quarter of 2024 with partners like KT Corporation, who have experience developing Generative AI in South Korea, and are preparing to create a platform that meets the needs of B2G, B2B, and B2C customers.

By the end of 2023, the company has accumulated more than 245.88630025 Bitcoins, with the potential for Bitcoin prices to surge due to several positive factors in 2024, including the upcoming Halving in April 2024, the approval of BTC ETFs by the U.S. SEC, which will make it easier for investors to access Bitcoin investments, and the expected decrease in interest rates in 2024, which could drive more capital into the Bitcoin market.

JTS also plans to increase the use of alternative energy in Bitcoin mining to reduce operational costs and long-term environmental impact.

Andreas Brehme, Scorer of West Germany’s Winning Goal In the 1990 World Cup Final, Dies At 63

By

Associated Press

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20 February 2024, 16:18

Soccer Obit Brehme — FILE - Germany players celebrate after Andreas Brehme, left on ground, scores the winning goal in the World Cup soccer final match against Argentina, in the Olympic Stadium, in Rome, July 8, 1990. (AP Photo/Carlo Fumagalli, File)

BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s 1990 World Cup hero Andreas Brehme has died.

Brehme endeared himself to the nation in the final when he scored a late penalty after team captain Lothar Matthäus’ boots broke to give West Germany a 1-0 win over Diego Maradona’s Argentina.

Brehme’s partner Susanne Schaefer told Germany’s dpa news agency on Tuesday that he died “suddenly and unexpectedly” in the night from a cardiac arrest. He was 63.

“I can’t believe it at all. The news of Andreas’ sudden death makes me incredibly sad,” national teammate Rudi Völler said. “Andi was our World Cup hero, but for me he was much more. He was my close friend and companion to this day. I will miss his wonderful love of life.”

Known affectionately as “Andi” Brehme, the Hamburg-born player was a star of German soccer in the 1980s and 1990s. He played mostly as an attacking left back and will always be associated with the 1990 World Cup triumph.

He scored in the semifinal against England, which West Germany eventually won on penalties, and his penalty decided the final. Winning the title brought a wave of national celebrations across Germany, which was in the process of reunification after the fall of the Berlin Wall the year before.

Such sad news coming out of Germany. RIP Andreas Brehme who has passed away at the age Of 63. An unbelievable player and pioneer of his position.❤️pic.twitter.com/clA1P4yiJy

— 90s Footballers (@90sPlayers) February 20, 2024

Brehme’s title-winning goal in Rome was also celebrated a short distance away at Inter Milan, the Italian club he was playing for at the time as part of a formidable German trinity including national teammates Matthäus and Jürgen Klinsmann.

As captain, Matthäus would normally have taken West Germany’s penalty in the final, but the No. 10 broke his boots in the first half and didn’t feel confident as his replacement boots were too big.

“It was a smart decision to let Andreas Brehme take the penalty,” Matthäus later said.

“Someone has to step up. And for us, it was a case of whoever was feeling confident,” Brehme said in a FIFA interview in 2017. “The main thing is that the penalty goes in and we become world champions.”

Brehme acknowledged the penalty decision was “dubious” though that didn’t stop him from tucking away the spot kick against the previously unbeatable Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea in the 85th minute. West Germany had dominated the game but found Goycochea in inspired form.

“That night at the Olimpico, facing up against Sergio Goycochea, a fearsome goalkeeper who had already kept out Donadoni and Aldo Serena at the San Paolo, Brehme opted to take with his right (boot). A placed effort, almost caressed towards goal: he zipped it along the floor, right into the bottom left, unstoppable,” Inter wrote on the club website.

Brehme, who wheeled away and jumped in celebration, had already helped Inter to the Serie A title in 1989. He would go to win the UEFA Cup with the club two years later.

“A magnificent player, a true Interista. Ciao Andy, forever a legend,” said Inter, which announced that it would wear black armbands during its Champions League match against Atlético Madrid later Tuesday.

Brehme won two Bundesliga titles, first with Bayern Munich in 1987, then in improbable fashion with promoted Kaiserslautern in his final season before retirement in 1998.

Altogether, Brehme played 10 seasons for the Red Devils over over two stints. He won the German Cup with Kaiserslautern in 1996 – the same season it was relegated from the Bundesliga. Brehme cried as he was consoled by Bayer Leverkusen’s Völler upon his team’s relegation. But he had a happy end with the club’s Bundesliga win two years later.

Kaiserslautern said on Tuesday it was “deeply saddened” by Brehme’s unexpected death and it had tributes planned for the coming days.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge played with Brehme for West Germany at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

“Andi was a great team player, very loyal and dependable. His love of life was contagious and it makes me so sad that he had to leave us at 63,” Rummenigge said.

AP24051393740666 — From left, Germany national soccer team’s Franz Beckenbauer, Lothar Matthaeus and Andreas Brehme pose with the World Cup trophy on July 9, 1990. (Wolfgang Eilmes/dpa via AP)

Brehme also played for Real Zaragoza in Spain before rejoining Kaiserslautern for his second stint.

He went into coaching after winning the Bundesliga with Kaiserslautern, first with the same club, which he led to the semifinals of the UEFA Cup in 2001, and then second-division Unterhaching. His last coaching role was at Stuttgart as assistant to coach Giovanni Trapattoni in the 2005-06 season.

Brehme’s death comes the month after that of his friend Franz Beckenbauer, who coached the World Cup-winning team in 1990.

“As a young boy I had, like probably every boy in Germany had, a Franz Beckenbauer poster hanging above my bed,” Brehme told dpa last month. “Later, he became my boss and I could work with him. And in the end we became close friends. So I have a lot to thank Franz for.”

Brehme played 86 international games for West Germany and unified Germany.

“One of Germany’s greatest and best players of all time,” German soccer federation president Bernd Neuendorf said. “German football owes him a lot.”

A Poor Tiger Is Caught After 5 Days of Wandering Into Village

By

Khaosod English

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20 February 2024, 15:18

tiger11 — The poor tiger was blind in her left eye and had a corneal ulcer. (Photo: Conservation Area Administration Office 12)

KAMPHAENG PHET – Officials from Khlong Lan National Park, along with related agencies and a team from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), successfully captured a skinny tiger that had wandered into a village in Khlong Lan National Park in Kamphaeng Phet Province on Tuesday after a five-day operation involving more than 60 officials.

An initial health check revealed that the tiger was a 2-year-old female that was 1.5 meters long and 60 centimeters high. Originally, officials mistook her for a male.

tiger4 — The Facebook page “Thailand Tiger Project DNP” posted a photo of the young tiger that was caught in the forest on Monday night, Feb.19 in Khlong Lan National Park in Kamphaeng Phet Province.

Mr. Phanudech Kerdmali, President of the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation, named the tiger “Bala Gol” or “Khlong Lan”,” which is the name for a tiger in the Karen language. He explained to the villagers that Bala Gol did not want to cause any trouble. She was just hungry because her mother could no longer look after her and she had to go out and find food herself.

“The conflict between wildlife and communities living near protected forests is becoming more frequent. The best solution is to find ways for them to coexist,” he said.

At 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 13, a tiger was discovered guarding a pig carcass. It was around 80 metres from the local’s home. The search crew was about to shoot the tranquillizer, but the tiger alerted in time and jumped free from the encirclement.

The officials then split into teams to monitor the village and surround the 30-rai area of tamarind and bamboo forest where the tiger was suspected. At around 9:50 pm on February 19, a camera trap set up by WWF Thailand recorded the tiger coming back behind the waterfall temple, Khlong Lan Waterfall Meditation Center, to eat the bait that had been set out. The tiger then stepped on a leg-hold trap. The officers then fired the tranquilizer dart.

A veterinarian from the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Breeding Station coordinated with park officials on the scene to quickly move the tiger out of the forest and into a waiting cage. This was done in a hurry as there was a risk of the tranquilizer wearing off during the 100-kilometer drive to the Khao Nang Ram Wildlife Research Station in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Tambon Rabam, Lan Sak District, Uthai Thani Province.

tiger5 — According to Phanudech Kerdmali, President of the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation, Bala Gol the tiger just hungry because her mother could no longer look after her and she had to go out of the forest and find food herself.

The tiger weighed around 80–90 kilograms. Even though she had gained weight by eating the bait over several days, she was in poor physical condition (body condition score 2–2.5). She suffered a corneal ulcer, left eye blindness, and a tiny left paw cut. Before being driven, the vet gave her antibiotics, vitamins, and treatments for her pale pink gums.

Officials from Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Khao Nang Ram Wildlife Research Station, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Breeding Station and a veterinarian from the Conservation Area Administration Office 12 (Nakhon Sawan) will take care of the tiger’s care and rehabilitation. Bala Gol will be fitted with a radio collar to track her movements before she is released back into the wild.

tiger1 — Karen Namtok villagers in Khlong Lan District, Kamphaeng Phet Province, photographed a skinny tiger walking on the road on Feb.16, 2024.

tiger2 — Karen Namtok villagers photographed a skinny tiger hiding in the cassava and sweet tamarind forests.

A camera trap set up by WWF Thailand recorded the tiger in the Khlong Lan National Park, on Feb 18, 2024.

tiger9 — An initial health check revealed that the tiger was a 2-year-old female that was 1.5 meters long and 60 centimeters high.

tiger8 — The officials on the scene quickly move the tiger out of the forest and into a waiting cage on Feb.20, 2024.

Singapore Airshow to Feature Aerial Displays and the International Debut of China’s C919

By

Associated Press

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20 February 2024, 13:49

SINGAPORE (AP) — The Singapore Airshow – Asia’s largest – kicks off Tuesday with an array of aerial displays including some by China’s COMAC C919 narrow-body airliner.

It’s the first time Singapore has opened the event to the public since 2020, when a scaled-down version went ahead as the COVID-19 pandemic was just starting.

The biennial show comes as Asia’s aviation sector is taking off following the hard years of the pandemic, when many countries in the region closed their borders to most international travel.

Subhas Menon, director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, said that this year’s show was “back in full swing” with over 1,000 exhibitors.

“The Singapore Airshow is a good opportunity for exhibitors to show off the direction they’re going, in terms of technology like autonomous vehicles and so forth,” Menon said in an interview Tuesday.

He said passenger loads in the region are nearly back to pre-COVID levels, and that Asia Pacific is expected to account for 50% of the growth in air travel demand this year.

But even as the aviation sector bounces back, the industry faces a broader supply chain crunch, with parts and plane shortages and shortages of personnel, from air crews to pilots.

“Supply chain issues are definitely affecting the timely delivery of aircraft and spares, and that’s one of the reasons why capacity growth is lagging behind traffic growth,” Menon said.

“We do not know when this will ease as it’s related to trade tensions and geopolitical problems that are happening around the world,” he said.

On Tuesday, China’s Tibet Airlines finalized an order for 40 C919 passenger jets and 10 ARJ21 regional jets from the Commercial Aircraft Company of China (COMAC). The two companies signed the deal on the sidelines of the airshow.

COMAC’s C919 is a narrow-body airliner, similar to the Airbus A320neo and Boeing’s 737 Max jets. COMAC designed many of the C919’s parts but some of its key components, including its engine, are still sourced from the West.

The orders come as COMAC attempts to position itself as a viable option for single-aisle jets, as companies like Boeing and Airbus grapple with a backlog of orders.

The company has received over 1,000 orders for its C919, according to Chinese media, although the plane is currently only certified in mainland China. Four C919s are currently operational with China Eastern Airlines.

Highlights of this year’s show include an aerial display of China’s C919. Airbus will also be showcasing its widebody A350-1000 aircraft.

The C919’s debut at the show is the first time the jet has made a trip outside Chinese territory, though the aircraft performed a fly-past in Hong Kong in December in its its first foray outside of mainland China.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force will deploy an F-15SG fighter jet and an AH-64D Apache helicopter for its aerial display. The U.S. Air Force’s B-52 Stratofortress will also make a fly-past on Thursday.

The lineup also includes the Republic of Korea Air Force’s Black Eagles, the Indonesian Air Force’s Jupiter and the Royal Australian Air Force’s Roulettes. The Indian Air Force’s Sarang aerial display team will showcase its aerial acrobatics.

U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing will not be featuring any passenger jets at the show. The firm is under scrutiny after a midflight blowout of a fuselage panel on one of its 737 Max 9 jets last month.

AP24051127769987 — Visitors stand near an F35A aircraft on display during the first day of the Singapore Airshow in Singapore, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

This year’s airshow is also expected to spotlight sustainable aviation, with Airbus using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel made of feedstock from cooking oil and tallow, together with conventional jet fuel for the A350-1000 aircraft in its aerial display.

Hyundai’s U.S.-based Supernal unit, which specializes in advanced mobility aircraft such as air taxis, is also an exhibitor in this year’s airshow.

The event, which runs from Feb. 20 to 25, is expected to draw more than 50,000 visitors. Over 1,000 companies from over 50 countries are participating.

AP24051238112280 — South Korea’s Air Force’s Black Eagles performs during first day of Singapore Airshow in Singapore, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Thailand Promotes Childbirth as Its Population Risks Diminish

By

Khaosod English

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20 February 2024, 13:27

BANGKOK – The Public Relations Department said on Monday that the government is embarking on a “groundbreaking mission” to promote childbirth and make it a national priority by March.

It includes introducing the “Give Birth, Great World” initiative, steered by the Ministry of Public Health.

“Fertility clinics in hospitals are gearing up to provide all-encompassing support, including planning, diagnosing, and treating infertility. With the introduction of advanced reproductive technologies like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF), new avenues are being opened for those dreaming of parenthood, promising a brighter future and stronger human capital.”

Health minister Cholanan Srikaew and public health officials pose with children at an event to boost the birth rate on Nov. 15, 2023.

It adds that “efforts are underway to enhance work-life balance, extend financial aid to families, streamline parental leave, and champion inclusive laws for all eager to start families. These pivotal measures aim to counteract the dwindling birth rates.”

Thailand, the department adds, faced a historically low birth rate with only 485,085 new births in 2022 and a continuous population decline.

“Thailand risks seeing its population diminish to a mere 33 million in the next six decades, posing serious threats to labour availability and economic stability.”

“The nation is rallying to come together in support of this crucial initiative, aiming to cultivate a thriving and populous Thailand. Let’s spread the word, embracing this call to action for growth and joy for generations to come,” it says.

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