Covermat Co.,Ltd. Signs the MOU with Diversey Hygiene (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. to Expand the Healthcare Business, Promoting the Innovative Products: Medical Disinfectants and Cleaning Products in One-Stop Services. Covermat Co.,Ltd. is the leading company in the market of green industry and consumable medical supplies and equipment. The Company is led by Mr. Nattawoot Leadrutdachakul
Founder & Chief Executive Officer for the Administrative Affairs (the 3rd person from the right), Mr. Vikas Mittal, Managing Director for Thailand, Indonesia & Indochina (the 3rd person from the left), together with the team of executives. Relevant persons have signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Distributorship Agreement to push and expand the healthcare business forward, regarding the innovative products: medical disinfectants and cleaning products in Thailand. Covermat can ensure that this agreement will help customers to get access to the innovative products with high quality at the global level, and get services thoroughly. Moreover, the Company is confident that its whole-year revenues will grow more than 20%. Apart from efficiencies, Diversey products have packages and containers that use less plastics, complying with the Company’s business directions that are driven by the BCG Model.
Covermat has won the awards from the national forum: the Thailand’s Top SME Award 2023, on November 23, 2023. Covermat is highlighted in terms of the outstanding business operational methods in the world of new era. The Company gains trust and reliability in doing joint-business with the world’s various leading brands.
During the MOU Signing. Covermat has perceived the potentials of the healthcare products that are expanding at a high rate; it cooperates with the leading brand like Diversey. The Diversey’s Oxivir Excel CE Wipe and Spray products are the global products which meet the needs of the leading hospitals that may look for high quality products, to reduce risks from diseases, and save cost when buying cleaning products. In addition, the Diversey Team has qualified personnel who have sufficient knowledge and specialized expertise, so the Company believes that this cooperation will drive the businesses of the 2 parties forward, towards strong and sustainable growth.
Chang Chun-Fu, Representative of
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand
Chang Chun-Fu
Representative of
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand
___________
The rising concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has led to an alarming increase in global average temperatures, setting new historical records. This phenomenon has had a significant impact on countries like Thailand and Taiwan, which have experienced the effects of climate change at an unprecedented speed.
The occurrence of extreme weather threats has now become a shared challenge that we must address. Taiwan is working together with the international community toward the common goal of net-zero emissions. It is looking for opportunities to contribute its strengths in green and other technologies. With the world facing the threat of climate change, Taiwan is a trustworthy partner.
In the face of escalating climate change threats, countries around the world have been taking action towards achieving the “2050 net-zero emissions” target, among which includes members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In October 2021, ASEAN released the ASEAN State of Climate Change Report (ASCCR), emphasizing their commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2065.
Thailand, in November 2021, also introduced its “Long-term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategy” (LT-LEDS), setting targets for carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065. Taiwan is also dedicated to the transition towards net-zero emissions goal.
This February, President Tsai Ing-wen announced the enactment of the Climate Change Response Act, codifying the 2050 net-zero emissions goal into law. By elevating the net-zero target from a policy declaration to a legal requirement, Taiwan has demonstrated its determination to cut emissions. The government is setting up a carbon pricing mechanism and introducing financial incentives to guide businesses toward sustainable, low-carbon development.
In 2022, Taiwan published its Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050 and announced 12 key strategies for net-zero transition. Based on the twin governance foundations of technology research and development and climate legislation, Taiwan is stepping up energy, industrial, lifestyle, and social transition.
The first phase (2023 to 2026) of the net-zero science and technology programwill focus on five main development areas—sustainable and future-oriented energy sources, low-carbon and carbon reduction, negative carbon emissions, the circular economy, and humanities and social sciences. The program will promote net-zero technology research, development, and applications.
Taiwan has achieved outstanding results in energy transition. For the past 10 years, energy intensity has improved by an annual average of 2.9 percent. According to a 2022 report published by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Taiwan’s energy efficiency has risen to eighth in the world, second only to Japan in Asia.
Over the last five years, Taiwan’s installed capacity of renewable energy has grown by an average of 21.9 percent each year. The global average is 9.1 percent. Taiwan has outperformed its Asian neighbors including the Republic of Korea, China, and Japan. In 2023, the combined capacity of wind and solar power installations in Taiwan reached around 13.9 gigawatts, a sevenfold increase from 2016.
A total of 264 offshore wind turbines have been installed nationwide. Renewable energy is expected to generate 10 percent of all Taiwan’s electricity this year. To ensure a stable power supply and reduce air pollution and carbon emissions, the government will continue to maximize the development of green power and future-oriented energy and further improve energy efficiency.
Through these efforts, together with complementary measures such as developing diversified energy storage and strengthening power grid resilience, Taiwan is steadily achieving energy transition.
As more countries commit to net-zero emissions, Taiwan has made structural reforms to consolidate its environmental authorities and strengthen administrative capacity. This August, the Environmental Protection Administration was restructured and upgraded to the Ministry of Environment (MOE).
Its newly established Climate Change Administration coordinates efforts to respond to climate change and reduce greenhouse gases. The results of scientific research on climate change and the implementation of adaptation actions have been published in the Adaptation Communication report.
Taiwan also set up an interdisciplinary team to compile the Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan. The initiative promotes nature-based solutions and empowers vulnerable groups. These efforts aim to boost Taiwan’s overall capacity to respond to climate change, protect public safety, and promote national sustainable development.
Through the newly established Resource Circulation Administration under the MOE, the previous focus on controlling pollution has shifted to developing overall resource circulation, improving the efficiency of environmental governance, developing a circular economy, and introducing the concept of zero-waste.
Building on existing solid foundations, Taiwan has formulated three circulation strategies—using green designs for waste reduction at the source, recycling and reusing resources, and balancing and managing waste treatment capacity. A well-functioning circular network will be created in coordination with upstream, midstream, and downstream industries. Taiwan is also developing innovative technologies and systems to support resource circulation and accelerate progress toward the vision of zero-waste and net-zero emissions.
Taiwan is an export-oriented economy. Its business operations are heavily influenced by international conditions and regulations. With the global trends toward carbon border adjustment mechanisms and green supply chain requirements, the government has established an interministerial coordination mechanism to help companies understand and reduce the carbon content of their products and promote a carbon pricing system.
Taiwan’s Green Finance Action Plan supports the low-carbon transition of industry by steering capital investment to green or sustainable businesses; improving the environmental, social, and corporate governance of Taiwanese companies; and strengthening their sustainable development.
The Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange (TCX), established this August, creates incentives for enterprises to reduce carbon emissions through market trading and exchanges. The TCX also promotes low-carbon technology research and development, strengthens carbon market talent cultivation, and drives the virtuous cycle of the green economy.
As a force for good in the world, Taiwan continues to pragmatically seek opportunities to contribute to the international community, despite encountering multiple obstacles. Leveraging its advantages and strengths in green technology development, Taiwan can apply its expertise to programs in fields such as disaster relief, disaster prevention, the environment, medicine, public health, and green energy.
We look forward to the Taiwanese people gaining equal access to the work of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. We hope that Taiwan will be able to join international cooperation mechanisms to address climate change, participate in negotiations related to the Paris Agreement, and take collective action with the international community to jointly overcome the climate crisis.
The German suspect shows video of money that he had bribed Thai officers (left) and the girl who he paid for the sex service.
NONG BUA LAMPHU – High-ranking Thai officials, including the Prime Minister, ordered an investigation into a German media documentary that claimed one of two foreign suspects involved in child prostitution paid a 1 million baht bribe and escaped.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Sunday, December 3, during his visit to Nong Bua Lamphu Province that he discussed and gave orders to the Ministry of Justice and the Royal Thai Police to carefully look at this matter.
“The incident mentioned in the documentary happened last year. But no matter when it happens, we have to fix it. Because it is our duty. As I said, tourism promotion policy is a big issue. We solved these problems together,” said the PM.
Deutsche Welle (DW) published a documentary titled “Sex Tourism in Thailand,” which showed the film team came across evidence of paedophilia crimes, even though the officials said there is no longer any prostitution of minors in the red-light district of Pattaya.
The documentary also mentioned a German national who is still able to leave the country shortly after his arrest under scandalous circumstances in 2022. This man told an interview in Frankfurt, Germany, that he had paid a one million baht bribe to leave Thailand for Germany.
A documentary titled “Sex Tourism in Thailand of DW
According to Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakphan, deputy national police chief, two foreign suspects bought the services of juveniles under the age of 18. One is British, while the other is German. They were later arrested. He also directed that the probe be expanded by the Pattaya Police Station.
It was later revealed that the foreign males had already been granted bail by the court. Meanwhile, the Immigration Bureau has banned these two individuals since they are not permitted to leave the country. However, when the German guy asked the court for permission to leave the country, the court granted his request.
Thai police announced the arrest of individuals in child prostitution rings last year.
Pol. Gen. Surachet further stated in Nong Bua Lamphu that he is presently reviewing whether or not the Pattaya Police Station investigators follow the regulations, recognising that this is a serious concern. On December 5, he will hold a press conference.
Furthermore, in the instance of police officers accused of accepting bribes, Pol. Gen. Surachet stated that he has directed a team to do a thorough investigation, including the money pathway. If a crime is discovered, it must be prosecuted.
Gene Simmons, left, Tommy Thayer and Paul Stanley of KISS perform during the final night of the "Kiss Farewell Tour" on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
On Saturday night, Kiss closed out the final performance of their “The End of the Road” farewell tour at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden.
But as dedicated fans surely know — they were never going to call it quits. Not really.
During their encore, the band’s current lineup — founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons as well as guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer — left the stage to reveal digital avatars of themselves. After the transformation, the virtual Kiss launched into a performance of “God Gave Rock and Roll to You.”
Gene Simmons, left, and Tommy Thayer of KISS perform during the final night of the “Kiss Farewell Tour” on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
The cutting-edge technology was used to tease a new chapter of the rock band: after 50 years of Kiss, the band is now interested in a kind of digital immortality.
The avatars were created by George Lucas’ special-effects company, Industrial Light & Magic, in partnership with Pophouse Entertainment Group, the latter of which was co-founded by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus. The two companies recently teamed up for the “ABBA Voyage” show in London, in which fans could attend a full concert by the Swedish band — as performed by their digital avatars.
Tommy Thayer of KISS performs during the final night of the “Kiss Farewell Tour” on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Per Sundin, CEO of Pophouse Entertainment, says this new technology allows Kiss to continue their legacy for “eternity.” He says the band wasn’t on stage during virtual performance because “that’s the key thing,” of the future-seeking technology. “Kiss could have a concert in three cities in the same night across three different continents. That’s what you could do with this.”
In order to create their digital avatars, who are depicted as a kind of superhero version of the band, Kiss performed in motion capture suits.
Paul Stanley of KISS performs during the final night of the “Kiss Farewell Tour” on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Experimentation with this kind of technology has become increasingly common in certain sections of the music industry. In October K-pop star Mark Tuan partnered with Soul Machines to create an autonomously automated “digital twin” called “Digital Mark.” In doing so, Tuan became the first celebrity to attach their likeness to OpenAI’s GPT integration, artificial intelligence technology that allows fans to engage in one-on-one conversations with Tuan’s avatar.
Aespa, the K-pop girl group, frequently perform alongside their digital avatars — the quartet is meant to be viewed as an octet with digital twins. Another girl group, Eternity, is made up entirely of virtual characters — no humans necessary.
Gene Simmons of KISS performs during the final night of the “Kiss Farewell Tour” on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
“What we’ve accomplished has been amazing, but it’s not enough. The band deserves to live on because the band is bigger than we are,” Kiss frontman Paul Stanley said in a roundtable interview. “It’s exciting for us to go the next step and see Kiss immortalized.”
“We can be forever young and forever iconic by taking us to places we’ve never dreamed of before,” Kiss bassist Gene Simmons added. “The technology is going to make Paul jump higher than he’s ever done before.”
And for those who couldn’t make the Madison Square Garden show — stay tuned, because a Kiss avatar concert may very well be on the way.
KOH SAMUI – On December 3, after spending all day trying, Samui police in Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand, found the body of a young French tourist who had fallen from the upper waterfall.
Radio Centre 191, Koh Samui Police Station, got information on a French tourist, Mr. Ryan Meghan, 20 years old, who might have fallen from Na Mueang Waterfall 2 in Na Mueang Subdistrict, Koh Samui District. So they went to investigate with Koh Samui District administrative officials while rescue workers at Koh Samui Hospital mobilised a team to hunt for him.
Three French female visitors, friends of Ryan’s, were present. According to the Koh Samui Tourist Police, the women and Ryan climbed up to the higher level of the waterfall, while Ryan went swimming elsewhere. They couldn’t see him after only 5 minutes. So they yelled his name, but there was no response.
They discovered Ryan’s slippers and mobile phone on the floor while walking around, leading them to suspect he had an accident and fell into a waterfall. So they went to seek assistance from the authorities.
The officials then took the team to the waterfall’s base, where they had to walk in. Due to weather conditions, the search was difficult. It was believed that the search team would be in danger when it got dark and there wasn’t enough light. As a result, the search had to be put on hold.
Later, around 8:40 a.m. on Dec. 3, officials arrived with various tools, equipment, and ropes to climb from the waterfall’s cliff to search amid the rocks and operate the drone to search from above. Ryan’s body was discovered in a crack of rocks in the pool on the third floor around 11:15 a.m. They assisted in the difficult removal of the lifeless body from the waterfall. It takes about three hours.
Following that, Koh Samui Police Station investigators took the body for an autopsy and stored it at Koh Samui Hospital. At the same time, notify the embassy and conduct more investigations on the cause.
PM Srettha Thavisin waves to reporters as he enjoys his coffee at the steps of the Government House on Nov. 23, 2023.
The Thai office of a global bank invited me for lunch earlier this week to discuss Thai political prospects with a group of 20 Thai and foreign institutional investors on their semi-annual macro trip to the region to get a better sense of the state of Thai economy and politics.
Though I am not at liberty to reveal the name of the bank, the six questions submitted by the Thai chief economist (and vice president) shows institutional investors are concerned about stability and predictability of Thai politics, which definitely will have a repercussion of the economy and it is worth having a look.
Here are the six questions sent to me in English and my notes for the answers that I gave them while trying to manage my lunch on Thursday in Bangkok.
In your view, what are the differences between Prayut’s and Srettha’s administration, given that several coalition partners are unchanged. Might a Pheu Thai-led government be more progressive in economic reforms?
Answer: This is not a military-led government, and the Pheu Thai Party is more business-oriented. Given the current precarious state of the economy, PM Srettha will have to try hard to revive the flagging economy so national security issues are now in the back seat. The military are now content in watching how Srettha will fare while they have their proxy parties in the coalition. I don’t think Srettha wants to unnecessarily break the bank of some very influential big businesses in certain sectors such as energy, however. The government would then be attracting too many powerful enemies.
How do you assess the stability of the current coalition government? Do you see the possibility of an early election in 2024? What might be the triggers for such an event?
Answer: It’s fairly stable for the meantime. Only a major economic crisis could undermine the current administration next year. Many citizens have faced years of political conflicts and junta’s rules, and they now want to see the government focus on bread and butter issues. There’s a political fatigue and little appetite for political protests while the military junta have failed to deliver over the near decade in power so people also will reject another coup attempt. They want to see what Srettha can achieve, and he will be given time to prove himself.
Thailand has seen several violent protests by the younger generation during the pandemic. Do you expect any protests in 2024 and what might be the triggers for such events?
Answer: It’s possible, especially if more young Thais are being locked up under the controversial and anachronistic lese majeste law which carries a maximum imprisonment term of 15 years for effectively not just defaming or insulting, but criticizing the monarchy. If some prominent political detainees, particularly prisoners of conscience such as monarchy-reform protest co-leader Arnon Nampa, die in prison, then one can expect a mass protest on the streets of Bangkok.
Do you expect much progress in constitutional reform by 2025? Why or why not?
Answer: Not really. Progress will be slow. It’s customary for the sitting government to dissolve the House and call for fresh elections once a new charter is in place, so the government is expected to stall in order to buy more time in power.
The progressive Move Forward Party and its former leader Pita still have charges against them pending at the Constitutional Court. What outcomes do you expect for them, and how might society and their supporters react?
Answer: I believe the established elites will read the room when it comes to the political mood in the months ahead and see if they could get away with it before making the final decision. Judging by history, one can never rule out a party dissolution and political ban for Pita. This could reignite a new round of massive street protest accompanied by political uncertainties.
How do you see the role of the Shinawatra family in the coming years with the rise of PT leader Paethongtarn [Shinawatra] and return of Mr Thaksin?
Answer: The Shinawatra family will continue to exert and expand its dynastic political base and influence now that it has struck a truce with the established elites under a new political landscape where it is seen as the lesser of the two evils compared to Move Forward Party and the monarchy-reform (as well as anti-monarchy) movements. The success of the Shinawatra clan will largely depend on how successfully the government handles the economy, particularly if they can significantly improve the lot of the poor and the working class and be able to continue to appease the established old elites as well as the military.
Upon arriving at the prosecutor’s office, 6 Vietnamese illegal immigrants opened the car door and ran away.
LAMPANG – Thai police in Lampang Province, northern Thailand, had spent the entire day chasing six Vietnamese individuals who ran away on their way to the public prosecutor’s office.
Local police at Sop Prap police station said they noticed a suspicious Toyota SUV with five passengers on Saturday morning, December 2. They initially thought these people were dealing illegal drugs and asked for a phone check.
At that moment, an 18-wheeled articulated truck pulled up, so the police signaled for it to stop and be checked. The passengers in these two cars were talking on their phones.
Police found two Vietnamese women hiding in a temple opposite the prosecutor’s office.
During the investigation, many water tanks are discovered, but when they are lifted up, they find 17 illegal Vietnamese nationals hiding. The police then arrest 5 Thai and 17 Vietnamese nationals.
Upon arriving at the prosecutor’s office, 6 Vietnamese illegal immigrants, both men and women, opened the car door and ran away.
The last two Vietnamese men were arrested at night.
The local police reported the incident to the 191 call center and received further assistance. They managed to arrest 2 Vietnamese women who were hiding in a temple opposite the prosecutor’s office. Both admitted that they were shocked and scared, so they decided to just run away.
Later, the police were able to arrest 2 other Vietnamese men who were near a grocery store about 2 kilometers from the policeman’s office.
The last two men people were arrested at night in a hotel in Lampang, 2 kilometers from the scene. The 5 Thai nationals were taken to the prisons.
The head coaches of Hungary Marco Rossi, left, Switzerland Murat Yakin, center, and Germany Julian Nagelsmann, right, pose next to the trophy after the draw for the UEFA Euro 2024 soccer tournament finals in Hamburg, Germany, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — The draw ceremony for the European Championship in men’s soccer was disrupted by unexplained noises that competed for attention with the team names being read out on stage on Saturday.
The interruption, which seemed to sound like sexual noises, was clearly heard for several minutes on the ceremony broadcast from a concert hall in Hamburg.
A British prankster claimed credit on social media for the stunt and posted footage of himself making cell phone calls to activate a ring tone in the venue which has excellent accoustics.
Former soccer player Brian Laudrup holds up the name Switzerland during the draw for the UEFA Euro 2024 soccer tournament finals in Hamburg, Germany, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
UEFA director of competitions Giorgio Marchetti noted the noise in his commentary before continuing with the draw for the last five places for lower-ranked teams in the 24-nation tournament lineup. The sound continued sporadically until the draw was completed.
Similar noises disrupted a BBC live broadcast of an English soccer game in January between Wolverhampton and Liverpool. It turned out to be a prank use of a mobile phone next to the studio.
Euro 2024 is being played in 10 Germany cities from June 14 to July 14.
A Group Look At The Draw For The European Championship
GROUP A
Germany, Hungary, Scotland, Switzerland
Host Germany had a year to forget in 2023 but can look to 2024 with optimism.
The draw was relatively kind to coach Julian Nagelsmann who, since being hired in September, has overseen two of the team’s six losses in 13 friendlies.
Germany’s first competitive game since a group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup will be a June 14 tournament opener in Munich against a Scotland. The Scots beat Spain in qualifying but have little tournament track record.
Hungary did test Germany in their Euro 2020 group, taking a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw, but failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Switzerland is in turmoil and coach Murat Yakin’s federation bosses had to give him a vote of confidence midweek just to attend the draw. Yakin has widely reported tense relations with his captain Granit Xhaka.
Former soccer Gianluigi Buffon holds up the name Germany during the draw for the UEFA Euro 2024 soccer tournament finals in Hamburg, Germany, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
GROUP B
Spain, Albania, Croatia, Italy
It wouldn’t be a Euro tournament without Spain vs Italy, winners of three of the past four titles.
Their June 20 game in Gelsenkirchen makes it five straight meetings dating to the Euro 2008 quarterfinals.
Croatia was eliminated from Euro 2020 by Spain’s thrilling 5-3 extra-time win in the round of 16, but one of the most resilient teams in soccer has thrived in tough groups at World Cups.
With Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modrić still orchestrating the team at age 38, Croatia can never be underestimated.
Albania won its qualifying group ahead of more fancied Poland and the Czech Republic, and was ranked in the draw seedings above Croatia and Italy. The team that will play at just its second major tournament has found inspiration under Brazilian coach Sylvinho.
“Our opponents are used to playing in European and World Cup finals,” said Sylvinho, the former Arsenal and Barcelona left back.
GROUP C
England, Denmark, Slovenia, Serbia
England and France were the standout European teams at the 2022 World Cup and went unbeaten through qualifying.
England also has, in Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, two free-scoring and arguably the most in-form players in world soccer.
“They are used to playing in big matches together and individually, so we are excited and all looking forward to the summer,” England coach Gareth Southgate said.
Still, a June 16 start against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen will be a test before facing a Denmark team which got seven goals in qualifying from Rasmus Højlund, signed by Manchester United after the club could not get Kane.
Slovenia lost to England 1-0 at its last major tournament, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and shapes as the outsider at its first Euro since 2000.
A scoreboard shows the final draw, except the play-off winners during the draw for the UEFA Euro 2024 soccer tournament finals in Hamburg, Germany, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
GROUP D
France, Austria, Netherlands, Playoff winner (Poland, Estonia, Wales or Finland)
France is soccer’s No. 2-ranked team behind Argentina, and the World Cup beaten finalist last year and champion in 2018.
Still, France fell out of Euro 2020 in the round of 16, against Switzerland, and this group is among the more difficult.
Austria impressed in qualifying yet coach Ralf Rangnick spoke of drawing “probably the most difficult we could get” from draw pots one and three.
France and the Netherlands will meet in their second game, on June 21 in Leipzig. France won 4-0 at home and 2-1 in Amsterdam when they met in the qualifying group.
Another possible bump in the road for France — the Group D winner cannot meet a third-place team from another group in the round. Awaiting them is the runner-up from Group F.
GROUP E
Belgium, Romania, Slovakia, Playoff winner (Israel, Iceland, Bosnia-Herzegovina or Ukraine)
Belgium is no longer in its “Golden Generation” era but a team with Thibaut Courtois, Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku at its core should still be formidable. Albeit, Courtois and De Bruyne have been out injured since the start of the season.
Winger Jeremy Doku’s flourishing on the left wing at Manchester City makes him a more feared prospect than when he was emerging during Euro 2020, where Belgium lost a quarterfinal to Italy.
Belgium’s opening games against Slovakia and Romania add up to a simple start for a top-seeded team.
The fourth group member could be Israel or Ukraine, who are playing in neutral countries with domestic leagues disrupted while their nations are at war. Israel at Euro 2024 would present the biggest security planning issue for German authorities.
Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo can be feeling déjà vu here. They faced Turkey and the Czechs in the group stage of Euro 2008, with co-host Switzerland.
Portugal topped the standings that time and will be fancied to do so again after sweeping through qualifying with a perfect 10 wins and 10 goals from its 38-year-old superstar.
Turkey surprised by winning a qualifying group ahead of Croatia, though has disappointed at the past two Euros when arriving with fashionable predictions of success.
UEFA gifts a tournament entry in the playoffs to the third-tier of member nations and this group is where that team will land: Greece was the Euro 2004 champion and the others would be tournament novices.
Portugal was the Euro 2016 champion, when it also was the late starter in Group F. The Portuguese and Czechs will be the last teams to begin play, when they meet on June 18 in Leipzig.
Thai hostages, who were previously released, hug their newly-freed compatriots at the Shamir Medical Center in Israel, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. (Thailand's Foreign Ministry via AP )
BANGKOK – Mrs. Kanchana Phattharachoke, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, stated on December 2 that the six released hostages will return to Thailand on December 4, 2023, on El Al Airlines flight LY. 081, which arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport at approximately 12.15 p.m. with the following names:
Mr. Phatthanayuth DonSokri
Mr. Owas Suriyasri
Mr. Paiboon Rattanil
Mr. Kong Sae Lao
Mr. Chakraphan Sikena
Mr. Chalermchai Saengkaew
Panpree Phitthanukorn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, had previously flown to Israel on November 28-29 to visit and receive Thais who had been taken captive and had been released. On November 30, the first three waves of 17 persons returned to Thailand.
Two newly-freed Thai hostages hug Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, center, at the Shamir Medical Center in Israel, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. (Thailand’s Foreign Ministry via AP )
“It is estimated that there are still nine Thai people being held hostages, and the Thai government will do its utmost to help ensure their safe release as soon as possible,” said the spokesperson.
On the same day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the following statement in response to the resumption of hostilities in Gaza:
“Thailand is gravely concerned with the resumption of fighting in Gaza since 1 December 2023, following a seven-day truce, and is saddened to see the rise in numbers of casualties.
Thailand calls on all parties to avoid further hostilities, and return to the negotiations to extend the truce so that humanitarian assistance can reach those in need, further loss and bloodshed can be avoided, anda sustainable solution can be found.”
hailand’s Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, held a press conference with Thai hostages who were freed from Hamas after they arrived at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Nov. 30, 2023.Ms. Phannapa Chandrarom, Thai Ambassador in Tel Aviv and Mr. Chulawat Narintharangkun Na Ayutthaya, visit two newly-freed Thai hostages on Dec. 1.
The Associated Press reported that Israeli strikes on houses and buildings have killed at least 178 people throughout the Gaza Strip in the first hours of fighting after a weeklong truce collapsed Friday, according to the Health Ministry there.
Israel said it struck more than 200 Hamas targets. Militants in Gaza resumed firing rockets into Israel, and fighting broke out between Israel and Hezbollah militants operating along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon.
Cease-fire mediator Qatar said efforts are ongoing to renew the truce, which saw Israel pause most military activity in Gaza and release 300 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for militants freeing over 100 hostages held in Gaza.
Palestinians flee from east to west of Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, during the ongoing Israeli bombardment, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
Weeks of Israeli bombardment and a ground campaign have left homeless more than three-quarters of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, causing a humanitarian crisis as they face widespread shortages of food, water and other supplies. No trucks carrying aid entered Gaza from Egypt on Friday, Palestinians authorities said.
Up until the truce began, more than 13,300 Palestinians have been killed — roughly two-thirds of them women and minors — according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. The toll is likely much higher. Some 1,200 Israelis were killed, mostly during Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel that triggered the war.
During the truce, which began Nov. 24, Hamas and other militants in Gaza released more than 100 hostages — 81 Israelis and 24 from other nationalities, mainly Thais. Israel freed 240 Palestinians from its prisons. Virtually all from both sides were women and children.
CHACHOENGSAO – Police in Chachoengsao Province are searching for a pickup truck driver who hit a foreigner on a motorcycle, causing it to catch fire. A British rider identified as Michael Jakob, 59, died later at the hospital.
The accident happened at 3:30 p.m. on December 2, on road 304, Chang Phanom Sarakham-Khao Hin Son, Koh Khanun Subdistrict, in the U-Turn area. A large bike had been hit and caught fire. The entire vehicle had been ruined, while the pickup truck escaped from the scence heading towards Kabin Buri.
The badly injured British driver was brought to Phanom Sarakham Hospital by Phanom Sarakham Rescue Volunteers, where he eventually died.
Two foreign friends of a deceased person reported that they rode motorcycles with the British and saw their friend’s motorcycle strike, lose control, crash, and catch fire when they arrived at the scene.
The camera on their motorcycle filmed the entire incident, and there was also a CCTV camera in the surrounding area that captured the footage utilised by the police to find the pickup truck driver for further prosecution.
