CP Foods Enhances Quality Protein Meats and Safeguard Environment with Advanced Probiotics Solutions

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2 February 2024, 16:51

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) leads the way in sustainable livestock farming and food processing. Their comprehensive strategy enhances consumer health by producing high-quality, clean, safe, and nutritionally superior protein meats.

This is achieved by raising pigs, chickens, ducks, and shrimp on innovative probiotic-enriched diets. Such practices not only elevate the quality of a variety of meats, including pork, chicken, duck, and shrimp, but also demonstrate a profound commitment to environmental stewardship.

Recently, the company has achieved a breakthrough in developing innovative enzyme-based food for biogas systems. This advancement aims to increase waste management efficiency and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Dr. Pairat Srichana, Senior Vice President for Feed Technology Office of CP Foods, emphasizes the company’s dedication to all facets of animal farming. CP Foods is committed to researching and developing advanced technology and solutions to improve feed quality, thereby naturally enhancing animal health. This strategy results in eco-friendly, high-quality meats that align with the One Health principles, guaranteeing safe and sustainable food production.

The company adopts a “precise nutrition” approach, formulating specialized feeds tailored to the varying needs of animals at different life stages, in conjunction with animal welfare principles.

This includes rearing animals in closed systems and barns equipped with evaporative cooling, ensuring comfortable living conditions and minimizing the use of antibiotics for treatment. As a result, this practice yields high-quality, residue-free meat and lessens environmental pollution from nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

CP Foods has made significant progress in probiotics development, selecting beneficial microorganisms from their extensive lab database to boost animal immune systems and disease resistance. They have selected the top ten probiotic strains to use in their animal feeds, including those for pigs, chickens, ducks, and CP Pacific shrimps.

Their product range exemplifies their commitment to eco-friendliness. For instance, U FARM’s Cheeva Pork features Omega-3-enriched pork from pigs fed with superfoods like flaxseed, fish oil, and deep-sea algae, raised without the use of antibiotics and aiding in the reduction of nitrogen in pig waste. U FARM’s Benja Chicken is fed by brown rice and enriched with in Omega-3.

It meat has a distinctive pinkish-red color, more tender and juicier. It’s also NSF-certified, ensuring the chicken is raised without antibiotics and added hormones. Additionally, U Farm’s Chakkraphat Duck, a premium duck meat, is raised on a grain-based diet enriched with Omega-3, resulting in juicier meat compared to ordinary duck meat.

CP Foods plays a pivotal role in environmental stewardship. The company has innovated by introducing microorganisms into biogas ponds, enhancing the decomposition of organic waste in wastewater. This technique boosts methane gas production for electricity generation, effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As of 2023, this method has been implemented in over 70 of the company’s pig farms throughout Thailand, enhancing electricity generation efficiency and lowering operational costs. The company is continually engaged in research and development to further refine this process for broader application.

US Navy and Thailand Will Explore HTMS Sukhothai During the Cobra Gold

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2 February 2024, 16:50

In this photo provided by the Royal Thai Navy, the HTMS Sukhothai corvette warship lists off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, Thailand, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. Photo: Royal Thai Navy via AP

The Royal Thai Navy has provided a statement on the collaborative effort with the United States Navy in the exploration of HTMS Sukhothai and the operation to search and remove hazardous objects.

Admiral Chatchai Thongsaad, Commander of the Royal Thai Fleet, stated on February 2 that the cooperation between the Royal Thai Navy and the United States Navy in exploring HTMS Sukhothai and conducting operations to search and eliminate hazardous materials.

He also informed that this action results from the strong relationship between the Royal Thai and US armed forces. The Royal Thai Navy and the United States Navy have discussed joint operation plans, with the United States Pacific Fleet (USPACFLT) confirming its support for this operation.

During the Cobra Gold 2024 exercise, there will be cooperation between the Royal Thai Navy and the United States Navy in conducting detailed underwater explorations of HTMS Sukhothai to confirm hypotheses regarding the cause of its sinking, examine evidence related to the investigation, explore for the lost sailors believed to be trapped inside the ship, and neutralized hazardous objects. The Royal Thai Navy will lead these operations, while the United States Navy will provide the supports.

Both nations’ forces will operate using the same standards for equipment and methods, benefiting from their continuous joint training. Both parties will prioritize safety measures, ensuring the smooth conduct of these operations. Planning for these joint operations is currently underway, as stated by the Royal Thai Navy’s spokesperson’s office.

5 New Species Discovered in Thailand, Both Plants and Insects

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2 February 2024, 16:36

BANGKOK – The National Science Museum Thailand (NSM), under the leadership of Asst. Prof. Dr. Rawin Raviwong, Director of NSM, held a press conference on Wednesday to announce the “Discovery of New Plant and Animal Species in the World”.

The annual discovery of new species is a result of collaboration between domestic and international organizations. These research findings are published in internationally recognized journals, bringing recognition to Thai scholars and contributing to the country’s reputation.

In 2023, the following new species were discovered:

Three types of earwigs:

Mongolabis chiangmaiensis Nishikawa & Jaitrong, 2023, found in the mountainous areas of Chiang Mai province, Mongolabis chantha Nishikawa & Jaitrong, 2023, found in Chanthaburi province, and Mongolabis siamensis Nishikawa & Jaitrong, 2023, found in Pua district, Nan province.

These three species are wingless and, unlike other earwigs, cannot fly. They are brown to dark brown in color and have male genitalia that are longer than they are wide. In addition to the three new species of earwigs, two species have also been recorded for the first time in Thailand. The type specimens of all five species are kept in the NSM’s insect collection.

Chomphuphuang Ant and Top Ant:

Dr. Weeyawat Jaitrong, a senior researcher at NSM, in collaboration with insect experts from the Department of National Parks and professors from Champasak College in Laos, has discovered and named two new ant species of the genus Plagiolepis. The findings were first published in the journal Far Eastern Entomologist, Volume 492, Issue 1, in 2024.

The first species was named in honor of Asst. Prof. Dr. Narin Chomphuphuang, Professor at the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen College, and leader of the biodiversity survey team in Champasak Province, Laos, named Chomphuphuang ant.

The second species was named Top Ant in honor of Varawut Silpa-archa, the former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and his family, who have worked to conserve biological resources in Thailand. Both species have similar characteristics, including a grooved head and long body hair, but the top ant has a rougher thorax than the Chomphuphueng ant.

Fish-egg Forest Ghost Flower

The scientific name is Kaempferia subglobosa Noppornch. & Jenjitt. This plant from the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) belongs to the genus Kaempferia L.

It was discovered by Dr. Natthapol Nopporncharoenkul, researcher at the NSM Division of Botany, in collaboration with Asst. Prof. Dr. Taya Jenjittikul, lecturer at the Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Mahidol College, morphologically described and identified as a “new forest ghost flower species of the genus Kaempferia”.

Fish egg Forest Ghost Flower — Kaempferia subglobosa Noppornch. & Jenjitt

The results were published on January 18, 2024 in the journal Blumea – Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants (Q2), Volume 69. The fish egg forest ghost flower is a plant endemic to Thailand, currently found only in Ban Tak and Sam Nga districts in Tak province.

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Visa-Free Travel Boosts Thai Tourists to China; Japan Remains Top

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2 February 2024, 14:52

BANGKOK – Thailand not only seeks to encourage tourists from all over the world to visit the country, but more Thais are travelling overseas at the moment. Japan remains the top destination, with China moving closer, aided by the Thai-Chinese visa exemption agreement.

Charoen Wangananont, president of the Thai Travel Association (TTAA), said the association expects the total outbound travel market, or Thais traveling abroad, to total about 8-10 million people in 2023, an increase of about 5-10 percent compared to 2022, returning to a level similar to that of 2019 before the COVID-19 outbreak with about 10-11 million people.

The most popular destination for Thais traveling abroad this year continues to be Japan, with a high rate of repeat trips to both major cities and secondary cities. In 2024, an estimated 1.2 to 1.5 million Thais will travel to Japan, which is similar to the 2019 figure of around 1.3 million people and higher than the 2022 figure of around 1 million people.

AP23090198321914 — Visitors view seasonal cherry blossoms from a pedestrian bridge in the Roppongi district, Friday, March 31, 2023, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

The positive factors continue to be the weakening of the Japanese yen and the fall in airline ticket prices due to the increased number of seats on the market. Other markets that are growing significantly are China, Vietnam and Laos.

Thanapol Chiwarattanaporn, vice president of the TTAA and managing director of Quality Express Co, Ltd, a company specializing in tourism and tours at home and abroad, told “Prachachat” that the market that is very good for overseas travel by Thais and is the fastest growing is China. It has been noted that the number of trips has increased exponentially since the beginning of this year.

It is expected that after the application of visa-free travel between China and Thailand from March 1, 2024, the number of trips by Thais to China will increase significantly again.

It is estimated that the number of Thais traveling to China will double in 2024 compared to 2019 before the COVID-19 crisis, with around 600,000 to 700,000 Thais traveling to China. The number will be over 1 million people, roughly equivalent to the number of Thais traveling to Japan, which has long been a popular destination for Thais.

After the visa waiver agreement between Thailand and China was signed on January 28, 2023, it was found that on Trip.com Thailand, the search rate for related search terms in China increased more than four times compared to the previous day. The cities that Thai tourists searched for most frequently are Shanghai, Chengdu, Harbin, Shenzhen, Beijing, Tianjin, Chongqing and Zhangjiajie.

Another market to keep an eye on is South Korea, which has been a problem market in the past due to group travel with registration through the K-ETA system. The South Korean government is expected to abolish the K-ETA system in the second quarter of this year. If it can be abolished, South Korea will probably be a popular market for Thais again.

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Thai Youth Are More Violent Due To A Weak Society, Say Experts

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1 February 2024, 23:41

stab youth1 — Six young adults were apprehended and transported to the Criminal Court, Ratchadaphisek Road on February 1, 2024 after being accused of fatally stabbing a student at a rival college in front of Bangkok's Pathumwan Institute of Technology late on January 26.

BANGKOK – Many social analysts agree that Thai society pushes children towards violence. Children can only express themselves through authority and norms and have little family support or understanding.

Several violent cases have recently occurred among younger people in Thailand, such as the case of a 14-year-old who opened fire in a shopping mall, resulting in the deaths of three victims; five children who assaulted and buried alive a 47-year-old homeless woman; a student who murdered a classmate with a wrench; and another student who fatally stabbed a classmate in front of a flagpole.

Sompong Jitradub, an education expert, said that Thai society is reproducing children in a way that will inevitably lead to the loss of society if the problems are not addressed. He suggests that it is not enough to simply enforce stricter laws. Instead, Thai society must prevent itself from producing fewer children of poor quality.

youth violence — CCTV footage shows five teens assaulting a 47-year-old homeless woman to death in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, on January 12, 2024.

He added that the current family system is weak. Parents are often too busy with their work and spoil their children with expensive gadgets like smartphones instead of spending time with them. Coupled with the inadequacies in the education system, where teachers are burdened with an excessive workload, children are neglected as individuals.

Public indifference or neglect towards these children stems from the normalization of teasing, bullying, and ridicule in the past. While such behaviors were once considered acceptable, they are now viewed as inappropriate due to today’s children having a stronger sense of individuality, intensified by the COVID-19 lockdown.

This isolation has led to excessive smartphone usage, exposing them to violent and inappropriate content. Additionally, easy access to drugs like marijuana, methamphetamine, and electronic cigarettes around schools further contributes to their susceptibility to violence.

youth stab3 — Police officers condoned the scene where a student fatally stabbed a classmate in front of a flagpole in Bangkok on January 29, 2024.

“As someone who has been working with children for 30 years, I can see that the new generation of children is gradually forming gangs, causing problems and unrest everywhere. This is because the school system lacks flexibility and space for children to express themselves and relax. It has become a space filled with authority and regulations. Therefore, it is impossible for any ministry or government department alone to address this issue. The government may need to take on the responsibility and tackle this problem seriously,” he said.

Causes of aggression

According to statistics from the Department of Children and Youth Protection, 12,000 cases of children and young people committing criminal offenses were reported in the period 2022-2023. More than half of the offenders had completed high school and most came from broken homes.

Assoc. Prof. Adisak Plitponkarnpim, director of the National Institute for Child and Family Development at Mahidol University, explains that aggressive behavior in children is typically divided into two categories: those who seek attention and those who respond to threats. The former often has to do with peer pressure and a desire for dominance, while the latter stems from feeling threatened and reacting violently.

youth violence2 — A group of teenagers attacked a 13-year-old student in the middle of a road in Lahan Sai District, Buriram Province. The offenders then took to social media late at night on January 13, 2024, to insult the rival school.

The causes of this aggressive behavior can be traced back to three main factors: genetic predisposition due to abnormal brain development, upbringing and external influences such as media, drugs and academic competition, which destroy the natural joy of childhood and hinder creative thinking.

“There are 700,000 – 800,000 children using electronic cigarettes compared to 70,000 last year”. This is a significant environmental factor that correlates with aggressive behavior and can occur in children growing up in affluent or poor families. There is currently an increasing trend of violent behavior among children, although some cases are likely to remain hidden and have yet to be uncovered.

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King Power Celebrates the Beginning of The New Year with A Dazzling “Kingdom of Dragons”

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1 February 2024, 17:33

“King Power Chinese New Year 2024”, an extravagant celebration event, takes place 1-18 February 2024.

King Power marks the beginning of the new year with festivities heralding a fresh start. The travel-retail giant unveils a spectacle commemorating the grandeur of the Chinese New Year, ushering in the auspicious Year of the Dragon, and bringing everyone into a joyous celebration of new beginnings through the event:

“King Power Chinese New Year 2024.
Power Your Luck, Power Your Life.“

Embarking on a journey towards good fortunes as part of the celebration for the Year of the Dragon through the ‘Kingdom of Dragons’ concept centered around the theme of ‘Luck, Health, Wealth, Love.’ Embrace the potent energy of the dragon that radiates only positive vibes of good fortune, prosperity, happiness, auspiciousness, and fulfillment for both Thai and international visitors.

This event serves as a unifying platform for everyone to gather together to take delight in delectable feasts, seek blessings, enhance personal fortunes, and revel in live concerts featuring renowned artists, along with selected special promotions.

Ascend to prosperity and join in this collective celebration of the power of the Year of the Dragon, spanning 18 days from 1 February to 18 February 2024, at the Crown Atrium at King Power Rangnam. The festivities commence with divine worship and an array of promotional events, from 1 February to 18 February 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.

Engage in highlighted activities scheduled from 6 February to 18 February 2024, between 12:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., set in the vibrant Fountain Square area. It’s an invitation for everyone to gather together, indulge in culinary delights, explore possibilities, make wishes, and relish live concerts featuring a diverse lineup of renowned artists.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 6 February 2024, commencing from 5:00 p.m. onwards. Witness the grandeur of five dragon parades, elegantly striding along the entire Rangnam Road.

Leading the procession will be admired artists, including PP-Krit Amnuaydechkorn, Win-Metawin Opas-iamkajorn, JJ-Kritsanapoom Pibulsonggram, Daneng-Kanyawee Songmuang, Daou-Pittaya Saechua, and Offroad-Kantapon Jindataweephol.

On 10 February 2024, be captivated by the show led by Yin-Anan Wong, accompanied by a special performance by Chamook-Suchanan Mahaphromwan.

On 11 February 2024, immerse in the excitement with Nont-Tanont Chumroen and indulge in the most spectacular live shows, featuring musical performances and a myriad of captivating acts from China.

During the event, everyone will have the opportunity to savor “Auspicious Cuisine from over 50 Renowned Restaurants.” Discover delectable dishes from more than 50 legendary and Michelin Guide-endorsed eateries, including Tang Jai Yoo Restaurant, Tang Jai Yang Michelin Red Pork, Cross BKK, Mott32, Khao Kha Moo Trok Sung, Chaffeine Bubble Milk Tea, Gui Chai Saphan Han, Hong Tae Crispy Fried Chive Pancake, Charm Noodle, Ba Bin Gusto, and many more.

All are welcome to partake in the festivities marking the beginning of the new year and attract positive energies throughout the Year of the Dragon. This underscores King Power as the premier destination for celebrating all festivals in Thailand. Come together to usher in the new year at the “King Power Chinese New Year 2024 Power Your Luck, Power Your Life” event taking place from 1 February to 18 February 2024, at King Power Rangnam.

Phuket Police Suspect Russians Abducted Belarusian Couple For $900k Crypto

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1 February 2024, 17:18

PHUKET – Police officers from Phuket Town Police Station are investigating a suspected abduction incident involving a Belarusian couple at the Oh Ho Farm shop, Tambon Talat Yai, at around 10:00 p.m. on January 31, 2024. The injured man has been taken to the hospital.

The victims, a man and a woman from Belarus, were observed being forcibly dragged into a black Hyundai sedan with a red license plate near the O-OH Farm store. The car then drove off in the direction of Naka Market.

The foreign witness returned to the Royal P Hotel and informed a hotel employee, who then reported the incident to the 191 Emergency Center.

belarus russia — Two Belarusians were observed being forcibly dragged into a black Hyundai sedan with a red licence plate.

On February 1, officers from the Investigation Department of Phuket Provincial Police Region 8, immigration Police and the Tourist Police brought four Russian male suspects to Phuket Town Police Station for questioning. However, as the suspects could not communicate in English, Russian interpreters were called in.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, commander of the Phuket provincial police, said the investigation indicates that the perpetrators are Russian nationals who received a transfer of cryptocurrencies worth about 30 million baht or nearly 900,000 U.S. dollars. However, all four suspects claimed that the incident was just a joke.

Police are currently in a meeting and believe that there must be something definite in this case as the Belarusian refused to speak.

Related articles:

A Russian Man Is Arrested at Phuket Airport in an Attempted Murder Case

Thailand Prepares To Be A Hot Spot For The Chinese New Year

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1 February 2024, 16:18

BANGKOK – Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his satisfaction that Chinese tourists intend to visit Thailand for the Chinese New Year celebration in February, as a result of visa exemption. However, he is equally interested with facilitation and safety in welcome travellers.

On February 1, the Prime Minister directed relevant authorities, such as the Immigration Bureau, to manage immigration checks at the airport to minimise excessive congestion, and the AOT prepared to welcome visitors in a convenient and efficient manner, such as receiving luggage quickly, on time, and accurately. The police must prioritise the safety of tourists and prevent any criminal acts.

Kittipong Kittikachorn, Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), said on Thursday that during the Chinese New Year Festival from February 4-16 (13 days in total), Suvarnabhumi Airport is expected to have a total of 2,366,940 passengers, or approximately 182,072 passengers per day, divided into 1,949,564 international passengers and 417,376 domestic passengers, an increase of 32.73 percent from last year’s Chinese New Year.

AOT also estimates that there will be a total of 12,883 flights during this period, or an average of 991 flights per day, divided into 9,878 international flights (including arrivals and departures) and 3,005 domestic flights (including arrivals and departures), up from 19.99 percent the previous year during the Chinese New Year holiday.

There are 10 airlines requesting to add extra and charter flights, totaling 226 flights, divided into 73 domestic flights and 153 international flights.

Ten airlines have requested extra and charter flights totaling 226 flights, with 73 domestic flights and 153 international flights. The top three airlines that requested additional flights (both inbound and outbound) were Bangkok Airways (73 flights), Thai Vietjet (42 flights), and Shanghai Airlines (26 flights), a 91.53 percent increase over last year’s Chinese New Year festival.

Noppasit Chakkrapitak, President of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Company Limited, anticipates that the Chinese New Year, February 8-14, will be a time for both domestic and foreign travel. with a total flight volume of 16,766 flights, averaging 2,395 per day, a 17% increase over 2023.

During the Chinese New Year, there were 1,894 international flights between Thailand and China, with an average of 270 every day. Aeronautical Radio has produced equipment systems that are ready to provide continuous service in the area of air traffic flow management.

Chai Wacharonke, government spokesman, said earlier that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) statistics on the number of international tourists entering Thailand (latest data as of 28 January). On average, over 20,000 Chinese tourists come to Thailand per day, totaling 444,702 people, making them the largest number of foreign tourists. And Thailand has had over 2,743,147 foreign tourists visit.

In addition, China International Travel Service (Qingdao) CO.,Ltd (CITS) that the results of the visa-free measures have led to the tourist group from Qingdao making Thailand a popular destination, especially during the Chinese New Year, which has the most flight bookings to Thailand.

After the visa waiver agreement between Thailand and China was signed on 28 January 2023, it was found that on Trip.com Thailand, the search rate for related search terms in China increased more than four times compared to the previous day.

The cities that Thai tourists searched for most frequently are Shanghai, Chengdu, Harbin, Shenzhen, Beijing, Tianjin, Chongqing and Zhangjiajie. On the Chinese side, the search rate for search terms relating to Thailand on the Chinese platform Ctrip also increased more than 7-fold compared to the previous month. Searches for flight tickets and hotels also increased more than 6-fold compared to the previous month.

People from Shanghai, Beijing, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Sichuan and Shandong searched more for information about Thailand. And the tourist attractions in Thailand that Chinese tourists searched for the most are Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Pattaya.

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Related articles:

Thailand Expects 75% Recovery in Chinese Tourists This Year

Midea Convention 2024 Unveils Innovative “Hyper Grapfins” and “Buakaw”

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1 February 2024, 14:48

“Midea”, a global leader of air conditioners and electrical appliances, organizes Midea Convention 2024 to present its “Hyper Grapfins” innovation as a flagship of the year and “Buakaw” as the perfect presenter for Midea products’ durability. The company now aims to achieve huge growth and become a top-of-mind brand in the air-conditioner and electrical-appliance market within three years.

Midea Thailand holds Midea Convention 2024 in a grand style under “STRONGER THAN EVER” theme to welcome New Year 2024 on 27 January 2024 at Centara Grand at Central Ladprao, with its partners from across Thailand invited to join the event.

At the convention, the company announces its business direction, product-launch plan, marketing communication strategy, and enhanced after-sales services with the aim to boost customers’ confidence as it proactively taps into the market throughout the coming year.

Mr. Thanawat Wongchanwuth, Deputy General Manager of MD Consumer Appliance (Thailand) Company Limited or Midea Thailand, reveals that Midea Convention 2024 is held to boost partners’ and customers’ confidence in Midea brand and its upcoming marketing campaign. The company has recently launched a key innovation, “Hyper Grapfins”, or the integration of graphene to air conditioners’ outdoor units.

Now available in all Midea’s air-conditioner models, this innovation increases resistance to corrosion, extends product use life, and proves suitable for all weather conditions in Thailand. Midea therefore is a perfect choice for consumers looking for durable and cost-effective air conditioners. Midea is the first brand to have integrated graphene to Thailand’s air-conditioner industry.

Hyper Grapfins is a corrosion-inhibiting coating. When compared with golden coating, this black coating is five times more effective in fighting corrosion. Graphene coating’s effectiveness also lasts between 20 and 50 years (depending on usage conditions and environment). Moreover, its vertical heat distribution releases heat 31% faster. When compared with aluminum foil, it reduces water vapor by 92.5%.

Midea Thailand, moreover, unveils “Buakaw” as the new presenter for its flagship air conditioner “mPro Easy” at the convention. This model’s outstanding design enables easy installation and disassembly as only one knot must be handled. The company expects Buakaw’s fame in Thailand and beyond to raise Midea brand awareness and pave the way for the brand to go into the hearts of more Thais. Buakaw’s character matches well with the brand personality, as his strengths and patience resonate with the durability of the brand’s air-conditioner.

On marketing strategy, Midea Thailand will elevate its transportation system and service delivery through the nationwide expansion of service centers. The move has been planned to provide convenience to customers and respond better to growing demand. On top of this, the company intends to launch new products throughout 2024.

New models of air conditions and household appliances will come to the Thai market to present a greater variety of choices to consumers, with a focus on what suits Thais’ lifestyles and needs the most. Midea Thailand Smart Factory, which is located at the Pinthong Industrial Estate 5, is Midea’s biggest factory for residential air conditioners in Asia. Products from the factory will hit the market for the first time this year. As models made at this facility have been designed and developed for Thailand’s weather conditions, they will play a crucial role in driving Midea’s upcoming big growth.

“This year, we will upgrade our product lineup further. For example, we will launch household appliances for cooking lovers. Our products will be differentiated thanks to our innovations. Importantly, our product presenters will contribute to our branding as we seek to deepen Midea’s status in the heart of Thais,” says Mr. Wiwatchai Sirithaworn, Marketing Manager of MD Consumer Appliance (Thailand) Company Limited or Midea Thailand.

Midea Thailand plans to hold marketing activities throughout 2024. Marketing communications will also be conducted both online and offline across Thailand to raise brand awareness. Promotional activities such as product roadshows and special deals at points of sales are parts of the plan to enhance selling opportunities for Midea’s partners. Midea Thailand’s goals are to raise its business growth by 2.5 times this year and to become a top-of-mind brand among air-conditioner/electrical appliance consumers within three years.

Midea’s products cover not just air conditioners but also various other appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators and chillers, air purifiers, cooling fans, electric fans, microwave ovens, blenders, water heaters, water dispensers, and water purifiers. Midea has operated five factories in Thailand – one for air conditioners, one for refrigerators, one for washing machines, one for small kitchen appliances, and one for compressors.

All of them are located at the Pinthong Industrial Estate 5 in Chon Buri. Together, these factories have been the largest manufacturing base of Midea Group outside China. Midea’s biggest factory in Thailand and Southeast Asia is in this complex. The company has planned to establish its Southeast Asia distribution center too.

Thailand Gets Applause For Not Sending Rock Band Bi-2 To Russia

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1 February 2024, 14:26

rock band russia1 — Phuket Immigration Police officers arrested Russian Rock Band Bi-2 members because they did not have work permits on January 24 after playing a concert in Phuket.

BANGKOK – Kanchana Patarachoke, a Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson, acknowledged on Thursday all the Russian rock band Bi-2 had left Thailand in “accordance with their wishes and Thai immigration laws and regulations.”

Thailand is under the close watch of international human rights campaigners after immigration officers arrested seven members of this band for not having a work permit. During that time, members of a rock band critical of Moscow’s involvement in Ukraine told the media that they feared being deported to Russia.

According to the Associated Press report, five of the seven Bi-2 musicians entered Thailand using Russian passports. At least four of the members are reportedly Israeli nationals, including the two founders, Uman and Bortnik. The latter is also an Australian citizen.

Guitarist and singer Aleksandr “Shura” Uman of Bi-2 said when he arrived at Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, the band was doing well and very tired after their ordeal.

He also called the conditions he and his band faced in a Thai jail as “horrible.”

“We are free and we will keep moving forward,” Uman said.

AP24032579309380 — Aleksandr “Shura” Uman, right, Yegor “Lyova” Bortnik, centre top, and other members of the band Bi-2 make a statement in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Uman thanked the Israeli, American and Australian diplomats, as well as human rights organizations, for their work to bring them to Israel. A handful of supporters met their early-morning flight with signs to welcome them to Israel.

The decision to allow the band to go to Israel was applauded by activists.

“Bangkok was right to refuse Moscow’s demands to send these activist artists back to face certain persecution and worse in Russia,” said Phil Robertson, Human Rights Watch’s deputy Asia director.

Bi-2 has 1.01 million subscribers to its YouTube channel and 376,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Andrei Lugovoi, a member of the lower house of Russia’s parliament, had called the band members “scum” for their criticism of the war in Ukraine.

The Deputy Chief of Immigration Police, Pol. Maj. Gen. Pantama Nutnarot, said on Wednesday that members of the Russian rock band Bi-2 were arrested in Phuket last Thursday because they did not have a work permit in Thailand.

When it was discovered that these band members did not have proper working papers, they were sent to the investigating officer for charges and then to the detention room at the Immigration Police Office in Bangkok.

Maj. Gen. Pantama explained that it’s unknown whether Thailand has already signed an extradition deal with Russia, but individuals sought for political or ethnic reasons will not be returned to Russia.

russia rock — The Bi-2 rock band performed a concert in Phuket on January 24, 2024.

According to human rights principles, extradition is excepted in the case of political prisoners. Even they are the offenders, the Immigration cannot force someone to leave the country. The authorities will let them apply to international agencies such as the UNSCR or the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to become political refugees.

“Under the human rights principles, they can be released on bail to live as a refugee, but with the condition of not being able to pursue a career or do anything that is against the laws of Thailand,” Maj. Gen. Pantama stated.

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Related articles:

Three types of earwigs:

Chomphuphuang Ant and Top Ant:

Fish-egg Forest Ghost Flower

Causes of aggression

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