Thailand’s Five Secondary Cities Offer Their Highlights in Tourism

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16 January 2024, 16:17

As the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have selected 10 secondary cities to be promoted as potential tourism destinations, Prachachat Business has researched 5 provinces that are ready to sell their uniqueness to incoming tourists from all over the world.

Kanchanaburi: A Filmmaking Hub

Vichien Jentrakulroj, president of the Kanchanaburi Chamber of Commerce, said Kanchanaburi wants to become a creative film city after the province has hosted many production teams in recent years. The province has an abundance of natural beauties such as Erawan Waterfall, Sai Yok Waterfall, Khwae Bridge and Mon Bridge. The province is working to simplify the process of obtaining filming permits.

“Although Kanchanaburi is a major tourist destination with over 3 million visitors a year, it only ranks 10th in terms of tourism revenue, which is still low compared to the number of tourists. The Thai Chamber of Commerce has included Kanchanaburi in the list of secondary cities to boost tourism and increase its value.”

Nakhon Phanom: A Global Lai Reur Fai Festival

Thanapat Teekathananon, president of the Nakhon Phanom Chamber of Commerce, said the province will focus on two major events this year, both of which it hopes will achieve global status: The annual Naga Festival, held on July 7 each year, and the annual Lai Reur Fai Festival (Festival of Illuminated Boat Procession).

Nakhon Phanom is well positioned to become a tourist hub, with excellent infrastructure, including air and land transportation. There are currently 4 flights from one airline per day. The province is also a gateway to Laos, Vietnam and southern China.

nakhon panom1 — Festival of Illuminated Boat Procession

The Chamber of Commerce estimates that tourism in Nakhon Phanom could increase by 40 percent following the province’s promotional campaign. The total economic value of tourism is expected to reach 48 billion baht, of which tourism revenue would account for 3.16 billion baht.

In addition, the province is working to become a green city by building three wastewater treatment plants to filter wastewater before it is discharged into the Mekong River. This will help clean the Mekong, improve fish farming and support the way of life along the river. The province is also working to improve waste management.

Chanthaburi: A Food Festival

chanthaburi food — Chanthaburi has a wide variety of delicious and healthy foods

Saksakul Suphakritanan, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office in Chanthaburi, said food is a strong selling point in the province. Chanthaburi has a wide variety of delicious and healthy foods that have interesting stories to tell. For example, the province’s “Path of Faith” route, which includes Wat Buppharam Temple, features nine auspicious dishes that will be served to tourists at the 2024 Food and Film Festival.

Lampang: Ceramics and Lacquer-Dyed Fabric

Peerarak Pichayakul, vice president of the Lampang Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber will focus on two areas: Products and historical tourism. In products, the chamber will promote two main groups: Ceramics, for which Lampang is a major producer. The chamber will work to develop the design, history and value of Lampang ceramics to make them more attractive to consumers.

Secondly, the province will focus on lacquer-dyed fabrics, which are a traditional craft in Lampang. The chamber will work with the provincial governor and the Lampang Red Cross to improve the scientific characteristics of lacquer-dyed fabric.

For historical tourism, Lampang is home to the largest concentration of Burmese temples in Thailand. Visitors can explore the city’s rich history and learn about its unique culture.

Sisaket: Opening of a Border to Preah Vihear

Rattawit Angsukulkiet, president of the Sisaket Chamber of Commerce, said the province is working to open a border crossing to Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as Pha Mo I Daeng. The province is also promoting other attractions such as the Pha Phaya Goopree to attract more tourists.

The province also highlights the Lava Durian, a variety of durian grown on volcanic soil, as well as Suk Samran Beach in Phu Sing District, the source of the first drop of water in Sisaket province, and Koh Klang Nam or the floating island in the center of Sisaket Province with a 3.7-kilometer road around the island.

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Thai Interpreter Arrested for Cross-Border Human Trafficking

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Khaosod English

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16 January 2024, 14:59

CHONBURI – Arthit Leser, 21, a call centre gang interpreter, was arrested on Monday night, after he fled to Bo Win sub-district, Si Racha district, Chonburi province. He had been involved in the case of “Yai 29 Yod,” who forced Thai women to be prostitutes in Poipet, Cambodia.

His arrest, which was carried out by Pol. Maj. Chada Sesawech and a team of investigators, followed an earlier arrest on January 13, 2024, of “Mai 29 Yod” or “Mr. Naphadon,” one of the suspects in a human trafficking ring.

“Mai 29 Yod” is a confidant of “Mr. Liang,” the Chinese call centre gang leader. He keeps looking for unemployed people to send out to work in call centre gangs. Some women are forced into prostitution if they are attractive.

One victim gave information to the police, stating that she had been forced to have sex more than 25 times before being allowed to return home. Her information has helped two female victims in Bangkok before being taken to Cambodia.

interpreter2 — “Mai 29 Yod,” one of the suspects in a human trafficking ring, was arrested on January 13, 2024.

Arthit admitted that he worked as a interpreter for a call centre gang in a neighbouring country. He received a monthly salary of 35,000 baht in cash for working from Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and had Sundays off.

The gang’s modus operandi was to call Thai citizens and pretend to be police officers. There were three steps: first, they would pretend to be the police and call the victim to tell them that they had been accused of a crime.

Secondly, if the victim is convinced, they would be asked to speak to a fake police officer at the station and send a copy of their ID card for confirmation via a line account. The gang would then use the information to create fake documents to make the victim believe they have actually been charged with a crime.

Finally, the victim would be directed to a fake police officer with the rank of superintendent who would attempt to extort money from the victim to “solve” the case.

The highest amount of money the gang had ever extorted from a victim was 2 million baht. The call center gang used an application that made it impossible to identify the caller.

Arthit said he joined the call center gang through a job search page on Facebook called “Jobs in Poipet”. He applied for the job because he could speak Thai and Chinese. The owner of the page then sent him a plane ticket to travel from Chiang Rai to Bangkok. He was then picked up by a car and taken across a natural border crossing to work in the neighboring country.

The 15th AWID International Forum supports women’s rights for RISING TOGETHER Connect-Heal-Thrive

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Contributor

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16 January 2024, 13:08

In anticipation of the highly awaited 15th AWID International Forum, dedicated to championing feminist and gender justice movements, more than 2,500 individuals from all over the world participated in Bangkok Thailand, and 3,000 participated virtually, from November 20 to 24, 2023, for the Pre-Event.

This pivotal gathering laid the groundwork for the main Forum, scheduled for December 2-5, 2024, at the prestigious Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

Hosted by AWID, a global organization committed to advancing women’s rights, the Pre-Event served as a crucial platform for meaningful discourse and forging new alliances in the pursuit of gender equality.

Venue Bangkok, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center

The QSNCC has been selected as the venue for the upcoming 15th AWID International Forum, a decision that highlights the center’s modern design, adaptability, and unwavering thoughtfully designed with accessibility as a core principle, providing a comfortable and professional environment for all attendees. This flexibility ensures a seamless and efficient experience for the Forum, accommodating its diverse needs and aligning with the AWID International Forum’s fundamental values of inclusivity and equality.

Strategic Alliance with Professional Conference Organizer (PCO)

Acknowledging the pivotal role of a Professional Conference Organizer (PCO), the Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) has meticulously selected N.C.C. Management & Development Co., Ltd. (N.C.C.) the distinguished organization with an unwavering commitment to diversity and gender justice, brings to the table a wealth of experience in organizing impactful events that seamlessly align with AWID’s mission and values, to orchestrate its upcoming pre-forum event in Bangkok, Thailand.

N.C.C.’s selection as PCO underscores AWID’s dedication to choosing collaborators who prioritize sustainability and social responsibility in large-scale gatherings, aligning perfectly with AWID’s principles and values. Their proven capabilities and deep commitment to AWID’s principles ensure their success as the PCO for this significant gathering, firmly establishing N.C.C. as AWID’s preferred mission-aligned organizer organization. Their impressive track record, exemplified by the APEC 2022, further cements their position as a trusted and capable organizer organization for AWID.

Warm Welcome and Symbolic Gesture

N.C.C. executives extended a warm welcome to Pre-Event participants, presenting them with a specially crafted welcome drink named “Wonder.” This thoughtful gesture served as a tangible embodiment of N.C.C.’s unwavering commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the pursuit of gender equality.

The carefully chosen name, “Wonder,” was intended to evoke anticipation, excitement, and boundless possibilities, aligning with the spirit of the event and the collective aspirations of participants – a convergence of passionate individuals united by a common purpose, ready to embark on a journey toward a world where equality and justice reign supreme.

Collective Journey for a Brighter Future

The conclusion of the 15th AWID International Forum Pre-Event in November 2023 marked a pivotal moment in the global quest for equality and justice. The event ignited a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a more just and equitable world. Participants and organizers’ unwavering adherence to diplomatic principles, demonstrated through steadfast collaboration and resilience, laid the groundwork for transformative change.

Their dedication to open dialogue, inclusive collaborations, and innovative solutions instilled a profound sense of impact and transformative potential. The message was clear: the journey toward diversity and gender justice deserves unwavering commitment and collective embarkation.

Trump Notches A Commanding Win In The Iowa Caucuses

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Associated Press

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16 January 2024, 11:23

Election 2024 Trump — A U.S, Secret Service agent stands his post before Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a caucus night party in Des Moines, Iowa, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Former President Donald Trump scored a record-setting win in the Iowa caucuses on Monday with his rivals languishing far behind, a victory that sent a resounding message that the GOP’s 2024 presidential nomination is his to lose.

Trump was on track to set a record for a contested Iowa Republican caucus with a margin of victory exceeding the nearly 13 percentage points that Bob Dole won by in 1988.

It was not immediately clear who would emerge as the second-place finisher in the opening contest of the Republican nomination fight, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. In what was expected to be a low-turnout affair, caucusgoers endured life-threatening cold and dangerous driving conditions to meet in hundreds of schools, churches and community centers across the state.

Haley plans to compete vigorously in New Hampshire, where she hopes to be more successful with the state’s independent voters heading into the Jan. 23 primary. DeSantis, meanwhile, is heading straight to South Carolina, a conservative stronghold where the Feb. 24 contest could prove pivotal.

Trump has spent much of the past year building a far more professional organization in Iowa than the relatively haphazard effort he oversaw in 2016, when Texas Sen. Ted Cruz carried the caucuses. His team paid special attention to building a sophisticated digital and data operation to regularly engage with potential supporters and ensure they knew how to participate in the caucuses.

His victory party Monday night was dotted with people wearing white “Trump Caucus Captain” hats like the one the former president donned at a rally on Sunday. Captains were responsible for turning out at least 10 caucusgoers for Trump.

“God called us to do that to support Trump,” said 64-year-old David Lage, donning a captain’s hat at the party.

Iowa has been an uneven predictor of who will ultimately lead Republicans into the general election. George W. Bush’s 2000 victory was the last time a Republican candidate won in Iowa and went on to become the party’s standard-bearer.

But Trump was already looking ahead to a potential general election matchup against President Joe Biden as he addressed hundreds of cheering supporters at a caucus site at the Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa.

“He is totally destroying our country,” Trump said of Biden. “We were a great nation three years ago and today people are laughing at us.”

AP24016075094918 — Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks to caucusgoers, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa. (Michelle Gutierrez/The Des Moines Register via AP)

Biden’s team, meanwhile, announced that he and the Democratic National Committee raised more than $97 million in the last quarter of 2023 and finished the year with $117 million in the bank, an effort to demonstrate how Biden is preparing for the possible rematch while Trump is still competing in the primary.

The Associated Press declared Trump the winner at 7:31 p.m. CST based on an analysis of early returns as well as results of AP VoteCast, a survey of voters who planned to caucus on Monday night. Both showed Trump with an insurmountable lead.

Initial results from eight counties showed Trump with far more than half of the total votes counted as of 7:31 p.m., with the rest of the field trailing far behind. These counties include rural areas that are demographically and politically similar to a large number of counties that have yet to report.

DeSantis and Haley are competing to emerge as the top alternative to the former president. Haley hopes to compete vigorously in New Hampshire, where she hopes to be more successful with the state’s independent voters heading into the Jan. 23 primary. DeSantis is heading to New Hampshire on Tuesday after a stop in South Carolina, a conservative stronghold where the Feb. 24 contest could prove pivotal.

Before she left, Haley offered a subtle jab at Trump while addressing voters at a same caucus site.

“If you want to move forward with no more vendettas, if you want to move forward with a sense of hope, join us in this caucus,” she said. “I ask for your vote. And I promise you I will make sure every day I focus on what it takes to make you proud.”

Several hundred people rose to their feet in applause.

AP24016053523428 — Republican presidential candidate former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley arrives at a caucus site at Franklin Junior High in Des Moines, Iowa, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Trump, meanwhile, was expected to fly to New York Monday night so he could be in court Tuesday. A jury is poised to consider whether he should pay additional damages to a columnist who last year won a $5 million jury award against Trump for sex abuse and defamation.

He will then fly to New Hampshire, the next state in the Republican primary calendar, to hold a rally Tuesday evening.

Trump has made courtroom visits a part of his campaign — heading to court voluntarily twice last week while his opponents campaigned in Iowa — in a strategy that so far is working.

Trump showed significant strength among Iowa’s urban, small-town and rural communities, according to AP VoteCast. He also performed well with evangelical Christians and those without a college degree. And a majority of caucusgoers said that they identify with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement.

One relative weakness for Trump comes in the suburbs, where only about 4 in 10 supported him.

AP VoteCast is a survey of more than 1,500 voters who said they planned to take part in the caucuses. The survey is conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson were also on the ballot in Iowa, as was former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who suspended his campaign last week.

Trump’s success tells a remarkable story of a Republican Party unwilling or unable to move on from a flawed front-runner. He lost to Biden in 2020 after fueling near-constant chaos while in the White House, culminating with his supporters carrying out a deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol. In total, he faces 91 felony charges across four criminal cases.

The U.S. Supreme Court is weighing whether states have the ability to block Trump from the ballot for his role in sparking the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. And he’s facing criminal trials in Washington and Atlanta for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Trump has increasingly echoed authoritarian leaders and framed his campaign as one of retribution. He has spoken openly about using the power of government to pursue his political enemies. He has repeatedly harnessed rhetoric once used by Adolf Hitler to argue that immigrants entering the U.S. illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country.” And he recently shared a word cloud last week to his social media account highlighting “revenge,” “power” and “dictatorship.”

Trump’s legal challenges appear to have done little damage to his reputation. Many of his supporters view the charges through a political lens.

About three-quarters of Iowans responding to AP VoteCast said the charges against Trump are political attempts to undermine him, rather than legitimate attempts to investigate important issues.

Meanwhile, Iowa caucus participants were forced to brave the coldest temperatures in caucus history as forecasters warned that “dangerously cold wind chills” as low as 45 degrees below zero Fahrenheit were possible through noon Tuesday. The conditions, according to the National Weather Service, could lead to “frostbite and hypothermia in a matter of minutes if not properly dressed for the conditions.”

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Peoples reported from Washington. Beaumont reported from Indianola, Iowa, and Fingerhut reported from Fort Dodge, Iowa. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin in Des Moines, Iowa, Adriana Gomez Licon in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report.

“Stay Elevated, Stay Elite” in Thailand With Marriott Bonvoy A New Promotion

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Contributor

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16 January 2024, 10:03

Guests who book higher room categories – including suites and villas – from now until 30th April 2024 will be treated to bonus points and exclusive benefits at hotels and resorts all across the kingdom

Marriott Bonvoy®, the award-winning travel program and marketplace from Marriott International, is inviting discerning guests and international globetrotters to “Stay Elevated, Stay Elite” in Thailand with a new promotion that offers enticing benefits for travelers who book a premium room at participating hotels and resorts all across the “Land of Smiles.”

Available for bookings and stays from 8th January to 30th April 2024 – including the Lunar New Year and Songkran Thai New Year holidays – “Stay Elevated, Stay Elite” will empower Marriott Bonvoy members to earn thousands of bonus points (from the second night onwards) when they book a stay in their chosen hotel’s higher room categories, including beautiful suites and breathtaking pool villas. These bonus points multiply – ranging from 500 to 3,000 points per night – so the longer the stay, the more rewarding it becomes!

And that’s not all; additional perks such as kids stay for free with daily breakfast or complimentary daily drinks for couple will be on offer at participating hotels and resorts. Every property will also provide an inspiring activity, such as cooking lessons with highly skilled chefs, cocktail making with talented mixologists, and creative arts & crafts classes.

Couples can start their year in style with an uplifting city break in Bangkok, with a choice of premium rooms and spectacular suites that overlook the skyline. From sensational shopping to world-class cuisine, captivating cultural attractions and vibrant nightlife, the Thai capital is the ultimate destination to enjoy an elevated stay in 2024.

For Thai and expat families seeking a quick getaway from Bangkok, Marriott Bonvoy’s collection of beachfront resorts in Pattaya, Rayong and Hua Hin are wonderfully child-friendly with a wide range of leisure facilities and activities for all ages. With a selection of spacious rooms and suites, parents and kids can stay together and make magical memories.

Experience-seeking guests who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city can book a stylish suite amid the cool mountains of Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai. These enchanting northern cities exude the timeless charm of Thailand’s ancient Lanna culture, with golden temples and historical wonders, while the lush green hills set the stage for eco-adventures.

For a truly blissful beachfront break or island escape, an amazing array of stunning suites and pristine pool villas can be discovered in Koh Samui, Phuket, Khao Lak or Krabi. Couples, friends and families can come together and immerse their senses in the tropical wonders of Southern Thailand, amid a serene landscape of soft white sands and pure turquoise seas.

With more than 50 hotels and resorts in Thailand to choose from, all featuring premium rooms, suites or villas, Marriott Bonvoy can elevate every stay, from fun-filled family vacations to uplifting escapes and romantic retreats.

For more information and to “Stay Elevated, Stay Elite” with Marriott Bonvoy in Thailand, please visit https://www.marriott.com/offers/stay-elevated-stay-elite-in-thailand-off-102399

Nauru Switches Diplomatic Recognition From Taiwan To China

By

Associated Press

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15 January 2024, 22:38

Joseph WuLimasene TeatuWilliam Brent ChristensenSandra OudkirkNeijon RemaJarden Kephas — FILE - From left, Nauru Ambassador Jarden Kephas, Tuvalu Ambassador Limasene Teatu, Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) director William Brent Christensen, Sandra Oudkirk, U.S. Senior Official for APEC and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands in the State Department's Bureau of East Asian & Pacific Affairs, and Marshall Islands Ambassador Neijon Rema Edwards shake hands together at the inaugural Pacific Islands Dialogue in Taipei, Taiwan, on Oct. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying, File)

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — The Pacific Island nation of Nauru said Monday that it is switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, a move that reduces the dwindling number of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies to 12 around the world.

A statement from the government of Nauru said it was severing ties with Taiwan and seeking a resumption of relations with China.

China claims self-governing Taiwan as its territory and has been peeling off the island’s diplomatic allies, often with promises of development aid. It’s a long-running competition between the two that has swung in China’s favor in recent years.

“This policy change is a significant first step in moving forward with Nauru’s development,” the statement said.

China said it welcomes Nauru’s move to break its “so-called diplomatic ties” with Taiwan.

The decision to re-establish ties with China “once again shows that the one-China principle is where global opinion trends and where the arc of history bends,” a Foreign Ministry statement said.

AP24015319865660 — A pole, third from right, where Nauru national flag used to fly is vacant outside the Diplomatic Quarter building in Taipei, Taiwan, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

Nauru said in its statement that it would move to the one-China principle, which holds that Taiwan is part of China and recognizes Beijing as the government of China. It differs from America’s one-China policy, which recognizes Beijing as China’s government but doesn’t take a position on who rules Taiwan.

The announcement was a blow to Taiwan as it took pride in elections held just two days ago, a show of democracy that would not be possible in China. President-elect Lai Ching-te, who will take office in May, has been described as a separatist by China. His Democratic Progressive Party supports maintaining the status quo, in which Taiwan has its own government and is not part of China.

China says Taiwan must come under its control at some point and has staged frequent military drills around the island to demonstrate its determination.

Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang accused China of purposefully timing the news to the recent election.

“China’s intention is to attack the democracy and freedom that the Taiwanese people are proud of,” Tien said at a news conference.

Two retired U.S. officials praised Taiwan’s democratic process in meetings Monday with President Tsai Ing-wen and other leaders. The Biden administration asked the former officials to visit “in their private capacity” since the U.S. does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

The Nauru announcement caught Jarden Kephas, its ambassador to Taiwan, by surprise.

“There’s nothing that I have to say. It was announced by my government and I was told to pack up and go,” he told the AP.

Taiwan now has official ties with 11 countries and the Vatican. Seven of the nations are in Latin America and the Caribbean, three are in the Pacific Islands and one is in Africa.

Tsunami Floods 190 Hectares After Central Japan Quake

By

Kyodo News

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15 January 2024, 20:02

KANAZAWA – Tsunami waves generated by the powerful earthquake that jolted the Noto Peninsula and its vicinity in central Japan on New Year’s Day swept across some 190 hectares of land in three municipalities, the government said Monday.

The death toll from the quake disaster climbed to 222 as of Monday afternoon, two weeks after the magnitude-7.6 temblor, according to the Ishikawa prefectural government.

The tsunami inflicted damage mostly in the northeastern part of the peninsula, including Suzu and Noto on the Sea of Japan coast, wrecking houses and port facilities, though the full extent of the destruction is yet to be assessed.

The 190 hectares also include areas of the coastal town of Shika in the central part of the prefecture, according to the central government.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a press conference that breakwaters were damaged at least in seven beaches hit by tsunami waves.

This shows an area affected by an earthquake in Noto town, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

The extent of inundation was determined based on images taken by the helicopters of the land ministry and the prefectural government, as well as map information from the country’s Geospatial Information Authority.

A team of the Japan Society of Civil Engineers, which conducted an on-site survey, has found signs of tsunami waves reaching as high as 4 meters in multiple locations.

With lifeline utilities still to recover in the Noto region, the government of disaster-hit Wajima said more than half of the 401 students of all three junior high schools run by the city in Ishikawa’s north will be relocated to prefectural facilities in the southern city of Hakusan on Wednesday to ensure a better educational environment.

Oslo-Bangkok Flights Increase To Attract Scandinavian Tourists

By

Khaosod English

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15 January 2024, 18:11

BANGKOK – At least three airlines—Norse Atlantic Airways, Thai Airways, and Scandinavian Airlines—have increased direct flights from Scandinavian countries to Thailand in 2024.

Ms. Orn Duangchan, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office in Stockholm, revealed that Norse Atlantic Airways will expand its direct flights from Oslo, Norway, to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand (Oslo-Bangkok route) during the summer (2024) and extend to the winter of Thailand (2024-2025).

Orn Duangchan TAT — Ms. Orn Duangchan, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

Norse Atlantic Airways first launched direct flights between Oslo and Bangkok on November 2, 2023, and initially scheduled to end on April 13, 2024. Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which can carry 290 passengers per flight, are in charge of operating the flights. Currently, there are two flights per week.

In summer 2024, flights will begin on May 29 and end on September 7. There will be two flights a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, for a total of 30 flights with a total of 8,700 seats.

In winter 2024-205, flights will begin on October 31, 2024 and end on March 27, 2025 with two flights per week, on Thursdays and Saturdays. From 17 December 2024 to 18 January 2025, an additional flight will be added on Tuesdays, making a total of three flights per week. The total number of flights will be 30, with a total of 8,700 seats.

Norse Atlantic Airways3 — Norse Atlantic Airways first launched direct flights between Oslo and Bangkok on November 2, 2023.

TAT estimates that the increased flights by Norse Atlantic Airways will bring the total number of direct flights between Norway and Thailand to 87 in 2024, with a total of 25,230 seats.

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited will resume direct flights between Oslo and Bangkok in July 2024, with ticket sales beginning in February 2024.

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) will offer direct flights between Copenhagen and Bangkok throughout the winter season of 2023-2024, with three flights per week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from October 30, 2023, to April 2, 2024.

Norse Atlantic Airways2 — Norse Atlantic Airways, Thai Airways, and Scandinavian Airlines have increased direct flights from Scandinavian countries to Thailand in 2024.

Ms. Duangchan stated that as the Scandinavian tourism market (Denmark, Sweden and Norway) is considered a high-value long-haul travel market for Thailand. In 2023, a total of 375,668 tourists from Scandinavia visited Thailand, an increase of 80 percent compared to the same period in 2022.

Scandinavian tourists are also seen as a potential market with high growth potential and high purchasing power. They are particularly interested in visiting beach and seaside destinations. Popular tourist provinces include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chonburi and Surat Thani.

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Chonburi Police Investigate a Small Plane Crash With Two Foreigners

By

Khaosod English

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15 January 2024, 15:48

CHONBURI – A committee of air accident investigators is looking into the cause of a light plane crash in Chonburi province, which killed one and injured another. Both are foreigners with prior experience as pilots.

The accident occurred on January 13, 2024, in a field near a tire shop in Huay Yai district, Chonburi province. At the time of the incident, the weather was clear and there was no strong wind.

A 45-year-old Austrian named Stefan, was pronounced dead at the scene. The injured pilot, a 52-year-old German named Christian, was taken to Wat Yan Sang Wararam Hospital and later transfer to Bangkok Pattaya Hospital. He was wounded with a broken ankle.

small plane3 — The plane crashed into a tree, leaving the left wing hanging on the treetop.

The investigators revealed that they are not to find the culprit, but to find the reasons and how such an incident can be prevented in the future.

The preliminary investigation revealed that both pilots were licensed pilots with extensive experience. Stefan was the initial pilot on the day of the tragedy, and Christian served as his copilot.

The two frequently rented the aircraft, a small 2-seat Rotax 912 Ultra light plane with a single-engine propeller, and flew from Eastern Pattaya Airfield, Soi Thung Klom Tan Man 15, Huai Yai Subdistrict, to Huai Yai Airfield with the other three planes in their group.

Normally, flying this trip takes around 15 minutes. They took off at 8:20 a.m. on January 13. Less than 20 minutes later, the plane crashed.

The plane crashed into a tree, leaving the left wing hanging on the treetop. The engine and propeller were severed, and the debris was spread over an area of more than 10 metres.

Residents who witnessed the crash said the plane exploded in mid-air. The plane then lost control and crashed into a tree before hitting the ground. They then rushed to help the pilots.

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ICONSIAM Presents the First Digital Art Sculpture, “The Magic Dragon 2024 by Miguel Chevalier”

By

Contributor

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15 January 2024, 14:29

ICONSIAM celebrates the Year of the Dragon with the immersive digital art sculpture event “The Magic Dragon 2024 by Miguel Chevalier” the First-Ever Interactive Digital Art Installation Along the Chao Phraya River, From January 12 – 31, 2024 at River Park

ICONSIAM, a global landmark along the Chao Phraya River, celebrates its 5th anniversary and welcomes the new year 2024 by creating a new experience beyond imagination.

The event features “The Magic Dragon 2024 by Miguel Chevalier Software Cyrille Henry & Antoine Villeret” the first-ever Immersive Digital Art Sculpture showcasing a large LED dragon sculpture with intricate interactive patterns, radiating the power of life.

Stretching 55 meters along the Chao Phraya River, this masterpiece by world-renowned French artist “Miguel Chevalier,” known for his digital art pieces that seamlessly combine art and cutting-edge technology.

The official opening ceremony took place on January 12, 2024, and was attended by H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Ambassador of France to Thailand, who officiated the opening ceremony, as well as a well-known actress, Nychaa-Nuttanicha Dungwattanawanich. This digital art exhibition is open to the public from January 12–31, 2024, at River Park, G Floor, ICONSIAM.

Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Company Limited, stated “In order to emphasize its status as a significant global destination and to celebrate its 5th anniversary, ICONSIAM has collaborated with the renowned digital artist, “Miguel Chevalier,” inviting the younger generation and digital art enthusiasts to experience the grandeur of the first-ever Immersive Digital Art Sculpture. This exhibition features a dazzling display of light and color, welcoming the new year 2024 under the auspices of the mighty Year of the Dragon, symbolizing power and abundance. This outstanding creation by Miguel Chevalier marks a remarkable and unprecedented artistic achievement.”

For the first-ever immersive digital art event in the world, “The Magic Dragon 2024 by Miguel Chevalier Software Cyrille Henry & Antoine Villeret” showcases the beauty of a metal structure forming the head and tail of a dragon. This reflects the intricate craftsmanship in the field of digital art that has made Miguel Chevalier well known.

The artwork demonstrates the mastery with its artistic interpretation of the dragon’s body, resembling undulating waves. Composed of 38 geometric vertebrae, each part rotates slightly around a small axis, creating an endless curvilinear and spiraling effect.

This piece allows visitors to enter the dragon’s interior, known as the “body of light,” providing an unprecedented and inspirational experience. Inside the dragon’s belly, LED lights adorn the space, creating an immersive digital art specifically designed for this event. The geometric patterns, resembling motion, align with the symbols of the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Dragon.

It forms a gigantic kaleidoscope that takes viewers on a journey into the world of imagination and poetry, both during the day and night. The patterns respond dynamically to the movements of the visitors through sensors, creating a mesmerizing and ever-changing experience.

Immerse yourself in the fusion of art and innovative technology known as “technological baroque” while entering through this interactive masterpiece. Visitors can dive into the celebratory universe, embodying the entrance into the new year of 2024. Join us and be captivated by the innovative digital art masterpiece, “The Magic Dragon 2024 by Miguel Chevalier” – a unique creation that seamlessly blends technology, tradition, and aesthetics, offering an unforgettable and enriching artistic experience.

Come and be part of this world-class experience, awakening your senses with the mesmerizing light installation stretching 55 meters at “The Magic Dragon 2024”.

This marks the first-ever immersive digital art event in the world, presented on the occasion of ICONSIAM’s 5th anniversary and the grand celebration of the Year of the Dragon 2024, created by the globally renowned digital artist “Miguel Chevalier”, the exhibition takes place from January 12 – 31, 2024, at River Park, G Floor, ICONSIAM.

For more information, please contact 1338 or visit the Facebook page: ICONSIAM.

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