AIS – Lazada to Cater to Greener-Shoppers with ‘Give the E-Waste

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14 February 2024, 17:53

AIS – Lazada to cater to Greener-Shoppers with the ‘Give the E-Waste, Get the Code’ Encouraging the proper disposal of E-Waste, participants receive instant discounts on Lazada.

AIS is advancing towards becoming HUB of E-Waste in its latest collaboration with Lazada, a leading e-commerce platform. Catering to environmentally-conscious online shoppers, they have initiated the ‘Give the E-Waste, Get the Code’ campaign. Emphasizing the mission to actively participate in solving the issue and introducing E-Waste into a proper recycling process without resorting to burial or achieving Zero e-waste to landfill.

Customers are encouraged to responsibly dispose of E-Waste, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, mobile accessories, computer components, and small electronic devices, by dropping them off at participating AIS Shops.

This can be done through the E-Waste+ app, a blockchain E-Waste management platform that makes tracking disposal status easy. Participants receive an immediate discount of 40 Baht for online shopping on the Lazada platform, available from now until July 31, 2024.

Saichon Submakudom, Head of Public Relations and Business Relations at AIS noted “We are elevating AIS’s operations to drive the sustainability of E-waste, towards becoming a HUB of E-Waste with partners in various dimensions, numbering over 190 organizations nationwide. As the HUB of E-Waste, our collaboration with the leading e-commerce platform, Lazada, in this instance underscores the dedication of both organizations to invite and engage customers, as well as raise awareness about the issue of E-Waste. If improperly disposed of, we believe that the ‘Give the E-Waste, Get the Code’ campaign will stimulate customers to recognize the importance and bring their E-Waste to deposit with AIS. This effort will lead to the proper recycling of these items, aligning with our goal of achieving Zero e-waste to landfill.”

Melissa Yunibhand, Chief Business Office, Lazada Thailand said, “At Lazada, we are continuously developing our e-commerce business to help create a positive impact on society. One of the key areas of our ESG efforts focuses on reducing our environmental impact, and this collaboration between Lazada Thailand and AIS will help promote awareness on the importance of proper e-waste disposal, and make it easier and more convenient for consumers to do their part and get rewarded for it.”

Customers can participate in the “Give the E-Waste, Get the Code” campaign by depositing E-Waste items such as mobile phones, tablets, charging cables, adapters, headphones, mobile batteries, or even computer components at AIS Shops participating in the program. This can be done through the E-Waste+ app, a blockchain-based E-Waste management platform that enables users to track the disposal status from the recycling process.

Participants receive an immediate discount code worth 40 Baht, which can be utilized for online shopping on the Lazada platform (with a minimum spend of 299 Baht). Customers can deposit and receive codes up to four times per month.

Further details can be found at https://pages.lazada.co.th/wow/gcp/lazada/channel/th/partnership/aisewaste24

Nestlé Joins SPACE-F Program to Support Food Tech Innovation and Startups

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Contributor

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14 February 2024, 17:06

BANGKOK – Nestlé (Thai) Ltd. announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate with the National Innovation Agency (NIA), Thai Union Group Public Company Limited, and Mahidol University through the SPACE-F program, Thailand’s first global food tech startup incubator and accelerator.

The MoU signing ceremony took place on February 12, 2024, with the theme “Collaboration for the Future of Food,” which portrays the aspiration of all collaborating members to drive the future of the Thai food industry.

It is a collective effort to develop an ecosystem to enhance the growth and competitiveness of food tech startups and support the development of food innovations that meet evolving consumers’ needs. Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, presided over the signing ceremony.

Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), said that one of MHESI flagship goals is to increase innovation capabilities, focusing on leveraging knowledge, science, research, and innovation to enhance our nation’s competitiveness.

“The food industry is indeed the backbone of Thai economy, since Thailand, ranked as the world’s 12th largest food exporter, is poised to surpass 1.5 trillion baht in export value by the year 2023. There are over 136,000 businesses and creating more than 973,000 jobs,” she said.

The SPACE-F program stands as a cornerstone initiative of our ministry, focusing on fostering and developing the potential of FoodTech startups to grow and innovate, thus reshaping the food industry to be more robust and sustainable both nationally and globally, and to drive Thailand to become “Innovation Nation” and move up top 30th Global Innovation Index by 2030.

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) stated that NIA mission is to enhance the country’s innovation system and the food industry is one of the significant target industries that NIA aims to drive.

According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index by startupblink, the Thai startup ecosystem has made substantial strides, currently ranking 52nd globally, 11th in Asia-Pacific, and 4th in ASEAN. Bangkok has witnessed remarkable progress, ascending 25 places to reach the 74th spot globally and securing the 3rd position in ASEAN as one of the top cities for the startup ecosystem.

The program has been encouraging innovation-driven entrepreneurship, with a focus on pioneering trends of the future such as health and wellness, alternative proteins, smart manufacturing, sustainable packaging solutions, and smart food services.

“This is an excellent platform to help startups transform their creative ideas into successful products or business globally. Significantly this year, Nestlé, the leading food, and beverage company from private sector, joins the SPACE-F program to bring its expertise to the program and offer opportunities for both global and local startups to collectively shape the future of the food innovation,” said Dr. Krithpaka.

Mr. Victor Seah, Chairman and CEO of Nestlé Indochina, said that Nestlé delighted to join the SPACE-F program to drive innovations that will help us achieve our company’s purpose.

“We also believe that collaborating with diverse sectors on the SPACE-F program is key to driving Thailand’s food industry to deliver the future of food that is both “Good for You” and “Good for the Planet,” aligned with the company’s strategic focus. We will work together with our program partners and entrepreneurs to innovate more products that are both tastier and healthier, and address sustainability challenges faced by the food industry and the nation,” he said.

With a network of 25 research and development centers globally and 10 product development centers, Nestlé makes a substantial investment of around 1.7 billion Swiss francs (or 70,000 million Thai Baht) annually to support continuous research and development in products that meet the needs of people at all life stages.

Space-F program startups will complement Nestlé’s existing strengths and help us accelerate our contribution to consumers and the food industry.

Mr. Thiraphong Chansiri, President and CEO of Thai Union Group PCL. indicated that the future of food is being rewritten by the innovative minds and relentless pursuits of entrepreneurs worldwide. Thai Union understand that the journey of innovation is fraught with challenges, yet it’s these very challenges that propel the industry forward.

Through initiatives like SPACE-F, Thai Union aim to harness the potential of food technology, addressing the pressing needs of our time while paving the way for sustainable growth. Our mission is clear – to build a robust ecosystem where innovation thrives, technology leads, and sustainability is a priority.

“The collaboration with Nestlé is not just a partnership; it’s a testament to our shared vision of nurturing food entrepreneurs and revolutionizing the food industry through innovation and technology. Together, we are committed to setting new standards, driving meaningful change, and creating a future where the food industry is as resilient as it is revolutionary,” he added.

Prof. Banchong Mahaisavariya, M.D., President of Mahidol University, said Mahidol University is one of the nation’s leading research universities. We are promising for research facilities and equipment, together with experts in varieties of areas including science, food science, nutrition, engineering and related technologies, that would be readily available to support and facilitate our future generation of food entrepreneurs/startups in the SPACE-F program towards developing Thailand to become an Asian hub for future food industry.

SPACE-F program has been running since 2019. The program has already supported a portfolio of 60 local and global startups that have successfully raised over USD 63 million.

The SPACE-F Batch 5 application is open from February 10 to March 31, 2024 into its Food Tech Startup Incubator & Accelerator programs to encourage innovation, drive the growth of food technology, and cultivate business models that offer the potential for exponential growth. This effort will position Thailand as a pivotal food technology hub for the region and beyond.

B.Grimm Power Signs MOU with National Energy Technology Center

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Contributor

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14 February 2024, 16:51

B.Grimm Power Signs MOU with National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC) to Foster Renewable Energy Innovation and Sustainable Development

B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited and the National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), have inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on advancing research and development in renewable energy technologies. This strategic partnership aims to drive knowledge enhancement and innovation, facilitating the integration of relevant technologies across various sectors and supporting the development of skilled personnel for the nation’s future energy security.

Mr. Don Tayatan, Executive Vice President – Customer Relations and Operation Management 2 at B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited, highlighted the company’s commitment to collaborating with ENTEC and NSTDA to advance renewable energy technologies and broaden knowledge and innovation. Leveraging NSTDA’s expertise, particularly in repurposing expired, deteriorated, or unused solar cells, the collaboration seeks to recycle these materials into new solar cells or other useful products. This initiative addresses the imperative for efficient utilization of alternative energy sources and aligns with B.Grimm’s sustainable development framework, which prioritizes environmental considerations.

“B.Grimm is dedicated to promoting the use of alternative energy sources, particularly through the enhancement of solar panel utilization, to better meet the evolving needs of our customers for more efficient alternative energy usage,” said Mr. Don.

The National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), operating under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, serves as a hub in driving excellence in energy technology leadership within the country. It collaborates with various entities, including the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Industry, and other relevant agencies, to translate energy plans into actionable initiatives. The aim is to foster a more comprehensive knowledge base and lead the nation towards technological independence in the energy sector.

This collaboration between B.Grimm Power and ENTEC signifies a significant step forward in advancing renewable energy innovation and promoting sustainable development, aligning with Thailand’s broader energy agenda and commitment to environmental stewardship.

ONYX Hospitality Group Unveils Landmark Sustainability Initiatives

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Contributor

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14 February 2024, 16:47

ONYX Hospitality Group Unveils Landmark Sustainability Initiatives: A Long-Term Commitment to Collaborate with UNESCO for Cultural Sustainability and Ambitious Target of Achieving Carbon Neutrality

ONYX Hospitality Group, a distinguished Bangkok-based hospitality company celebrated for its hotels and resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences – Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence – proudly announces significant developments in its sustainability journey. The company is honoured to be the first hospitality management firm in the Asia Pacific region to declare a long-term commitment to working with UNESCO for Cultural Sustainability. Alongside setting a target to achieve Carbon Neutrality, this landmark partnership marks a milestone in ONYX’s commitment to sustainability.

ONYX Hospitality Group’s work with UNESCO focuses on Cultural Sustainability, with the aim of safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage and community-based tourism across Asia and the Pacific. The commitment extends particularly to cities where ONYX Hospitality Group’s hotels and resorts are located, which currently includes an impressive presence in several countries in the APAC region i.e. Thailand, Malaysia, China including Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Laos.

With a bold vision, ONYX Hospitality Group is on track to surpass 50 properties by 2025, aiming for a formidable portfolio of 70 by 2028. These ambitious goals align seamlessly with the unveiling of new sustainability initiatives, reinforcing ONYX Hospitality Group’s dedication to a “Tailored Approach to Hospitality.” As the company continues its drive to become “The Best Medium-sized Hospitality Management Company in Southeast Asia,” the synergy between robust expansion and enhanced sustainability practices underscores ONYX Hospitality Group’s commitment to excellence.

Amidst this growth trajectory, ONYX Hospitality Group places paramount importance on fortifying its sustainability pledge, recognising the imperative to reduce travel footprints. In this pursuit, ONYX Hospitality Group is not just shaping the present but envisaging a future where succeeding generations can enjoy the same travel privileges. Anchored in the belief that even small changes can yield transformative impacts, ONYX Hospitality Group is dedicated to fostering a positive shift in the industry’s sustainability landscape.

The UNESCO partnership is part of ONYX Hospitality Group’s new sustainability framework, which is structured under four pillars closely linked to the company’s name:

“O” Opportunity – Providing necessary support to underprivileged individuals and organisations to provide suitable opportunities.
“N” Nature – Promoting environmental awareness such as community-involved initiatives, waste management, pollution control, and biodiversity preservation.
“Y” Youth – Taking part in developing younger generations by providing educational support, capability building, and learning experiences.
“X” Collaboration – Establishing long-term alliances to collaborate on promoting sustainability across Culture, Society, and Community. Forging partnerships with suppliers and organisations, all sharing a common goal of serving communities, safeguarding the environment, and supporting cultural projects.

In collaboration with UNESCO, ONYX Hospitality Group will seamlessly integrate cultural and contemporary experiences across its hotels and resorts. This initiative aims to not only showcase and connect with the vibrant local culture but also invites guests to immerse themselves in these unique and enriching experiences and feel a true connection to the surrounding location, which in turn will sustain such intangible heritage for generations to come.

Cultural sensitivity and local community engagement play a pivotal role in enhancing the hospitality industry. In creative tourism context, this ability to interactively incorporate local culture and traditions creates unique and memorable experiences for guests, adding depth and authenticity to hotels.

This approach enables travellers to connect with the destination and its local community on a more profound level. Successful examples of cultural integration include featuring local cuisine, traditional performances, or collaborating with local artisans and designers – actions which bring economic value to the community and its neighbourhood whilst enriching guest experience. These initiatives not only provide a richer experience for guests but also contribute significantly to the socio-economic development and sustenance of the host community.

ONYX Hospitality Group is proud to support UNESCO’s project on ‘Achieving Sustainable Tourism with Intangible Cultural Heritage and Creative City Network in Waterway Cities of ASEAN.’ As part of this collaboration, ONYX Hospitality Group hosted the official launch event with UNESCO on 3rd February 2024, at Amari Bangkok.

In addition, ONYX Hospitality Group embarks on a pioneering initiative with WWF Thailand through the Sustainable Consumption and Production Project. The focus is on laying the foundation and transformation of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, fostering sustainable food systems, preserving biodiversity, environmental protection, conservation projects, and community engagement.

Furthermore, Carbon Neutrality, with the ultimate objective of achieving Net Zero Operations, stands as a cornerstone commitment by ONYX Hospitality Group to both Thailand and the global community, harmonising seamlessly with ONYX Hospitality Group’s core business objectives and operational ethos.

In 2023, 11 properties under the management of ONYX Hospitality Group attained Carbon Footprint for Organization certification from the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO), signifying a noteworthy milestone. This accomplishment lays a solid groundwork, and ONYX Hospitality Group remains steadfast in its dedication to extend this initiative to all properties moving forward.

The new sustainability initiatives reflect ONYX Hospitality Group’s commitment to sustainability by addressing a wide spectrum of sustainability aspects, from cultural preservation to responsible consumption and environmental stewardship, whilst weaving seamlessly into the fabric of the Group’s distinct product brands, services, and culture. They demonstrate ONYX Hospitality Group’s proactive stance in aligning its operations with global sustainability goals and promoting responsible tourism within the industry.

From Left to Right: Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO, ONYX Hospitality Group and Dr. Montira Unakul World Heritage Specialist, National Programme Officer for Culture, UNESCO Bangkok

Visit us at the website www.onyx-hospitality.com.

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ONYXHospitalityGroup/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyxhospitalitygroup/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-hospitality-group/

Carabao Group recognized in S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2024

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Contributor

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14 February 2024, 16:44

Carabao Group secures a position in The Sustainability Yearbook 2024 for the first time, being recognized among enterprises globally for its outstanding sustainable business practices.

This achievement underscores the Group’s “World Class Product, World Class Brand” vision, showcasing comprehensive sustainable management across all dimensions, encompassing environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG).

Carabao Group stands out as one of the top-performing companies, achieving scores within the top 15% when compared to peers in the same industry sector globally. More than 9,400 companies participated in the rigorous evaluation of the S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) in 2023.

“Securing a position among companies with world-class sustainable business practices in The Sustainability Yearbook is a source of pride, reaffirming Carabao Group’s commitment to the vision of ‘World Class Product, World Class Brand.’ I extend my gratitude to all the employees who actively contributed, collaborated, and played a role in this achievement.

Moving forward, we are dedicated to propelling Carabao Group towards robust and sustainable growth, aiming to catalyze positive transformations in the economy, society, and the environment,” expressed Sathien Sathientham, Chief Executive Officer of Carabao Group Public Company Limited.

The Sustainability Yearbook 2024 stands as a globally accepted and investor-trusted sustainability report. The rigorous evaluation criteria employed by the S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) cover environmental, social, governance, and economic dimensions. In the 2023 assessment, the S&P CSA heightened the rigor of its assessment by modifying existing questions and adding more insightful topics.

Attaining a position in The Sustainability Yearbook marks another significant milestone for Carabao Group, highlighting our dedication to fostering business growth in alignment with the sustainability vision of Carabao Business Group: “Contribute to shaping a society of opportunities for a better life.”

College Students Called on To Help Prevent Suicides Among Young

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Kyodo News

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14 February 2024, 16:00

NARA – At a time when suicide rates remain high among young people in Japan, some college students are coming together to learn what they can do to detect the telltale signs of a friend in trouble and become suicide prevention guardians.

The painful experiences young people sometimes go through that may lead to suicide, the methods of dealing with trauma and the support that can be provided to a person to help give them reasons to live are among the subjects taught at the Nara University psychology department in western Japan.

Sociology professor Jin Ota, 68, teaches the seminar to the students out of a sense of urgency, realizing that many young people have lost the meaning and value of their lives. Some of the topics he discusses include cyberbullying and truancy among young children.

“We would like to have a breakthrough in the current situation by educating young people who can save others from despair,” Ota said as he explained the purpose behind the course.

In a recent lecture, Ota explained that although “there are people who say they ‘wish to die,’ what they’re really doing is sending out an SOS that ‘I’m in so much pain, I want to die. But I really want to live,'” he said.

Ota spoke about a case where one of his students was able to recognize a warning sign in a coworker and successfully provided the person with necessary support in a crisis.

According to data from the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, suicide has remained the leading cause of death in Japan among 15-39-year-olds for at least the past decade (2013-2022). The number of elementary, junior high, and high school students who took their own lives rose to 514 in 2022, the highest on record.

The most common causes and motives for suicide among those in their 20s were health and work issues, as well as economic problems involving making a living.

Ota came to have a stronger sense of urgency after finding in his survey, conducted in September 2022, that roughly half of the 557 students polled from several universities, including his own, considered themselves “worthless” or “replaceable anytime.”

The results led him to give greater priority to teaching his students how to tackle issues of suicide among young people.

Some of his students empathize with young people who want to take their own lives, including those who have gone through their own struggles.

A third-year female student, who is 21, said, “I can understand being overwhelmed by that feeling of wanting to kill yourself from time to time.”

She was sexually abused when she was a junior high school student, but because she was unable to acknowledge the emotional turmoil the experience caused her, she began self-harming, a practice that went on for some time.

But through meetings with counselors and others, she decided she wanted to get involved in a profession that healed emotional wounds and enrolled in the department of psychology at Nara University. She said through learning about the emotional wounds of other young people, she has found relief from her own emotional trauma.

When she would confide in trusted friends about her wish to take her own life, she was often told, “Don’t say things like that.” Their reactions only strengthened her feelings of despair, and she would tell herself that she was “living in a different world from others.”

She recalled that she wanted her friends to ask her what was wrong as a way of getting closer to her, instead of admonishing her. She now feels strongly that many young people have had similar experiences of carrying around their unresolved pain.

Japan’s suicide rate among young people is among the highest of the Group of Seven industrialized nations, and countermeasures are urgently needed, experts say.

According to Ota, there are many cases — even among young people of the same generation — where people dismiss revelations about a friend’s wish to die as silly or not worth discussing.

To deal with such cases, Ota recommends people instead take a pause and find out why a friend is suffering. “One word of encouragement can save someone’s life,” he stressed.

Police Hunt for Two Foreigners Suspected of Murdering a Burmese

By

Khaosod English

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14 February 2024, 14:58

BANGKOK – On February 14, 2024, the Lumpini Police notified cooperation from the Immigration Police to track down and apprehend two black-skinned foreigners suspected of murdering a Burmese man on the 23rd floor of a condominium on Sukhumvit Soi 4, Khlong Toei District, Bangkok.

The forensic medical examination by the coroner of Chulalongkorn Hospital revealed that the deceased, Mr. Kyaw Zeyar, a 53-year-old Burmese man, had injuries to his mouth, ears, and head from which blood oozed, but no weapons were found. He is believed to have received a fatal hit to the head.

According to the deceased’s mother, her son was engaged in foreign exchange trading in Thailand in partnership with Mr. William and Mr. John, both identified later as Cameroonian nationalities, not Scottish. The three had gone to a place near Wat Phraya Krai to discuss business before returning to the room where the incident occurred.

The two foreigners had a fierce argument with their son, which ended in a physical altercation. She intervened to end the argument, but was beaten by both men until she fainted. When she woke up, she found her son dead. She rushed to inform the authorities in the mansion and ask the police for help.

Upon examining the property inside the room, officials found that the deceased’s cash amounting to 5 million baht had disappeared. They seized a mysterious travel bag and a safe purchased by the deceased and the perpetrator.

The cause of the confrontation was related to a deal between the group of perpetrators and the deceased to buy counterfeit money. They had ordered silver dye powder and a safe, which they intended to use for the aforementioned plan. However, it is believed that they may have been duped and demanded a refund, but the criminal group refused to return the money, which led to the incident.

In addition to cooperating with the immigration police, the police also analyzed surveillance camera footage to identify the two perpetrators and take legal action.

The PARQ Unveils CURVE LIFE—BALANCE

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Contributor

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14 February 2024, 14:18

The PARQ unveils CURVE LIFE—BALANCE: BLA • BARRE • BAR Event in collaboration with CURVEBKK, Elevating the Concept of ‘Life Well Balanced’

Bangkok – The PARQ, a pioneering mixed-use lifestyle development aimed at fostering smart offices and retail spaces under the theme “Life Well Balanced,” proudly announces its partnership with CURVEBKK, a renowned Barre Exercise studio, to launch the CURVE LIFE—BALANCE: BLA • BARRE • BAR event. Presented by The PARQ, this initiative aims to promote balance in life, emphasizing the importance of holistic self-care for both the body and mind on February 3rd, 2024.

This vibrant gathering brought together health enthusiasts, forming a dynamic Workout Community, who participated in a diverse range of exhilarating exercise activities curated by CURVEBKK. Attendees exchanged self-care tips and explored lifestyle markets featuring health-focused products from popular brands on social media.

The event commenced with an invigorating BLA Wellness talk themed “Workout Life Balance” featuring insights from Ms. Poy – Natasha Soontornvinate, from the Holistic Medical Centre, and renowned Food Science Specialist, Ms. Wasinee Kongnaisat or Sydneyfeelgreat’s. They shared valuable knowledge and experiences on comprehensive health care, underscoring the importance of balanced living.

Continuing with the excitement, the event featured two exclusive classes designed to boost fitness and firmness: Barre Exercise, a ballet-inspired workout that combines interval and bodyweight training for simultaneous fitness and fat burning. The lineup included the Sunset Booty Curve class, focusing on sculpting and tightening the glutes, and the Blacklight Cardio Barre activity, designed to push the body’s limits while adding an extra element of fun with music from DJ Mixes and Live sets.

The energetic atmosphere, enhanced by the Glow in the Dark theme, allowed everyone to fully immerse themselves in self-care under the twilight sky of Bangkok, atop the Q Garden.

Another highlight of the event was the Lifestyle Markets zone, offering a plethora of health-focused products from popular social media brands, providing attendees with the opportunity to shop for items supporting their self-care routines including Gooderly, Moodactiv, Cross’e, Peaches Active, Holistic Medical Centre, Verite, Faceandetc, Fitmeal, Pleased Yoghurt Bar, Khunkale, and among others.

Culminating the day was the BAR Dance the Night Away & Mingle activity, where The PARQ transformed into a pop-up rooftop bar, complete with a live DJ, fostering connections among like-minded individuals and fostering a stronger Workout Community.

Ms. Korbua – Ruchupha Somsopath, one of leading Barre Instructors from CURVEBKK, expressed deep gratitude to The PARQ for valuing holistic health. She highlighted the significance of their ‘Q Garden’ space as a sanctuary, fostering collective efforts toward a ‘Work-Life Balance’ lifestyle. She emphasized the crucial role of balance in modern living, acknowledging The PARQ’s visionary insight and provision of activities aligned with this ethos. She believes the event’s impact empowered countless individuals to find equilibrium in their lives.

CURVE LIFE—BALANCE is another testament to The PARQ’s commitment to supporting balanced living. As the first project in Thailand achieved LEED Gold® Version 4 and WELL Certified™ Core Gold standards, The PARQ continues its dedication to elevating the living standards of its occupants and visitors, providing a balanced life in every aspect.

For the latest news and more information on The PARQ’s activities

Facebook: The PARQ Instagram: @THEPARQBKK Website: www.theparq.com

Tel. 02-080-5700

#ThePARQ #LifeWellBalanced #CurveBKKXThePARQ

For more information, please contact

Frasers Property Thailand

Kanokpong Amnart

Phone: 0-869791916

Email: [email protected]

Branded The Agency Sutadta Lertsanongboon Anchalee Chuakhamhod
Phone: 0-82941-6141 Phone: 0-99735-9614
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Foreigners Complain About Lion Cafes in Phuket and Bangkok

By

Khaosod English

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14 February 2024, 08:59

PHUKET – Foreign visitors to Phuket shared images of the lion cubs in the cafes on social media, and many people expressed their disapproval. One comment read, “This is cruelty to animals. Lion cubs should be with their mothers and pride where they belong, not in a café. We strongly oppose this.”

On February 12, 2024, Shinthep Kanghae, director of the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary, Tourist Police and Phuket City Police Station visited the café in Phuket to investigate. They found the café full of tourists and spoke to Mr. Kai, a Chinese friend of the café owner. Mr. Kai was invited to Phuket City Police Station for questioning.

lion cafe2 — The Glasshouse Cafe and Space, located at Village No. 2, Ratsada Subdistrict, Mueang District Phuket, is where the lion cub was displayed to attract customers.

Mr. Kai told police that the owner of the lion, who is his friend, lives in Krabi province and will return to Phuket soon. He said the lion cub was bought in Bangkok 15 days ago and was brought to the cafe every day for 2-3 hours for tourists to see before being taken back to the owner’s house in Chalong District.

Officers gathered evidence to obtain a search warrant for the house in Chalong where the lion is being kept. They will also investigate whether the lion was brought to the area legally and whether the proper permits were obtained for its transportation. Lions are considered a controlled species in Thailand.

lion cafe7 — A sign notifies customers who want to play with the lions: “I don’t wanna be touched of you outside the fence.”

However, on February 14, police and wildlife officials raided a hotel room in Mueang Phuket District where the Chinese owner, who keeps the cub. The woman said she purchased the cub from Bangkok for 250,000 baht on January 9. However, the integrated chip did not match the registration number, and the location was also unsuitable for wildlife, so the authorities seized a lion cub from her.

The police charge the lion owner violated the Wild Animal Preservation and Protection Act by neglecting to notify the possession of wild animals and moving them without permission.

chinese lion phuket — The Chinese woman said she purchased the cub from Bangkok for 250,000 baht.

The incident in Phuket is similar to an incident that took place in a café in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei district. A team of officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation seized a one-month-old female lion cub.

Mr. Naruporn Tipmontha, director of the Forest Fire Prevention and Control Department, said officials first visited the cafe on January 29, 2024. They only found a receipt for the sale of the lion cub from a foreign animal trading company to the café and a document with a microchip number. However, they did not find the microchip itself and there were no official documents authorizing ownership of the lion cub.

The officials therefore confiscated the lion cub from the café and gave the owner 15 days to produce the necessary documents. However, the owner was unable to provide proof of ownership or transfer of the controlled wild animal.

It was also found that the microchip number belonged to a three-month-old male lion in Nakhon Pathom province. The lion is believed to be around 5 months old and not a female lion at 1 month and 19 days old. Officials went to the same café for further investigation.

The owner of the cafe in Khlong Toei was charged with violating the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act for failing to report possession of a controlled wildlife species. Officers confiscated the lion cub and its cage and took them to the Wildlife Conservation Office of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation for care.

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UK Beauty Chain the Body Shop Goes Into Administration After Years of Struggles

By

Associated Press

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14 February 2024, 04:33

LONDON (AP) — The Body Shop, the British beauty and cosmetics retail chain, said on Tuesday that it has appointed insolvency administrators after years of financial struggles.

The retailer, which grew from a single shop in 1976 to become one of the most recognizable retailers on the British high street with hundreds of stores in the United Kingdom and beyond, is known as an early champion of ethical practices in business.

FRP, the administrators hired by The Body Shop, said it will “now consider all options to find a way forward for the business.”

“The Body Shop has faced an extended period of financial challenges under past owners, coinciding with a difficult trading environment for the wider retail sector,” FRP said.

The announcement came just weeks after the chain’s new owners Aurelius, a European private equity firm specializing in buying and turning around troubled firms, took control of the business.

The retailer of soaps, creams and make up was founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick and her husband as one of the first companies to promote so-called ethical consumerism, highlighting its fair trading practices and cosmetics and skincare products that were not tested on animals.

Roddick, an environmental and human rights campaigner as well as a businesswoman, was lauded as the “Queen of Green” because she put corporate social responsibility and environmentalism front and center of her business long before it became fashionable.

The brand became hugely popular in the 1980s, when it listed on the London Stock Exchange, and has stores in some 80 countries, including many operated through franchises.

Roddick and her husband sold The Body Shop to beauty giant L’Oreal in 2006. The brand was passed on to Natura, the Brazilian cosmetics business, in 2017, which sold it on to Aurelius late last year in a deal valued at 207 million pounds ($261 million.) The company employed about 7,000 people worldwide at the time of the takeover.

At the time, Aurelius expressed optimism that it could re-energize the iconic British brand “despite the challenging retail market.”

The chain will continue to trade through stores and online during the administration process, but the news that it has gone into administration will likely put hundreds of jobs at risk.

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SYLVIA HUI reported from London.

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