Indian Rescuers Pull Out All 41 Workers Who Were Trapped In A Tunnel For 17 Days

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28 November 2023, 23:53

India Tunnel Collapse — Pushkar Singh Dhami, right, Chief Minister of the state of Uttarakhand, greeting a worker rescued from the site of an under-construction road tunnel that collapsed in Silkyara in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, India, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. (Uttarakhand State Department of Information and Public Relations via AP)

UTTARKASHI, India (AP) — All 41 construction workers who were trapped in a collapsed mountain tunnel in northern India for more than two weeks were pulled out on Tuesday, bringing an end to a drawn-out rescue mission that had grabbed the country’s attention for days.

A crowd of local residents gathered around the tunnel erupted in joy and shouted slogans of “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, or “Long live mother India,” and set off firecrackers in celebration. Officials presented the first rescued workers with garlands made of flowers, hanging them around their necks as the crowd cheered.

AP23332573135527 — Ambulances drive past carrying workers rescued from the site of an under-construction road tunnel that collapsed in Silkyara in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, India, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. (AP Photo)

Nitin Gadkari, the minister of road transport and highways, said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he was “completely relieved and happy” after all workers were rescued from the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi following an ordeal that lasted 17 days.

“I am very happy that all the 41 trapped workers have come out and their lives have been saved,” he said in a video message posted on X. Gadkari added that “this was a well-coordinated effort by multiple agencies, marking one of the most significant rescue operations in recent years.”

The workers were pulled out through a passageway made of welded pipes that rescuers previously pushed through dirt and rocks. They will each have an initial health checkup at a temporary medical camp set up inside the 13-meter (42.6 feet) wide tunnel.

AP23332576898677 — Ambulances drive out of the tunnel carrying rescued workers in Silkyara in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, India, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. (AP Photo)

One of the rescuers, Devender, who only gave his first name, told the New Delhi Television channel that “the trapped workers were overjoyed when they spotted us in the tunnel. Some rushed toward me and hugged me.”

The massive rescue mission had many on edge. The workers got trapped on Nov. 12, when a landslide caused a portion of the 4.5-kilometer (2.8-mile) tunnel they were building in Uttarakhand state to collapse about 200 meters (650 feet) from the entrance.

They survived on food and oxygen supplied through narrow steel pipes.

Kirti Panwar, a state government spokesperson, said about a dozen men had worked overnight to manually dig through rocks and debris, taking turns to drill using hand-held drilling tools and clearing out the muck in what he said was the final stretch of the rescue operation.

AP23332417103073 — An ambulance waits to carry workers from the site of an under-construction road tunnel that collapsed in Silkyara in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, India, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. (AP Photo)

Rescuers resorted to manual digging after the drilling machine broke down on Friday while drilling horizontally from the front because of the mountainous terrain of Uttarakhand. The machine bored through about 47 meters (nearly 154 feet) out of approximately the 57-60 meters (nearly 187-196 feet) needed, before rescuers started to work by hand to create a passageway to evacuate the trapped workers.

By Tuesday, they had drilled through more than 58 meters (190 feet). As dusk fell, families of those trapped underground gathered near the site of the accident, anxiously waiting to see their loved ones emerge from the tunnel.

Among them was Jaimal Singh who said he was hopeful he would soon see his brother Gabbar Singh, who is trapped inside. “Even nature looks cheerful today … the weather is good. Let’s hope this ends soon,” he told the Press Trust of India news agency.

AP23332544656388 — Pushkar Singh Dhami, right, Chief Minister of the state of Uttarakhand, greeting a worker rescued from the site of an under-construction road tunnel that collapsed in Silkyara in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, India, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. (Uttarakhand State Department of Information and Public Relations via AP)

Rescue teams had inserted pipes into dug-out areas and welded them together so the workers could be brought out on wheeled stretchers. On Sunday, rescuers also began to create a vertical channel with a newly replaced drilling machine as a contingency plan.

What began as a rescue mission expected to take a few days has turned into weeks, and officials have been hesitant to give a timeline for when it might be completed.

“I just feel good. The drilling on top of the mountain is coming along perfectly, in the tunnel, it’s coming along very well. I have never said ‘I feel good’ before,” Arnold Dix, an international tunneling expert who is helping with the rescue, told reporters at the site earlier on Tuesday.

AP23332575413982 — A line of ambulances drive past carrying workers rescued from the site of an under-construction road tunnel that collapsed in Silkyara in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, India, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. (AP Photo)

Most of the trapped workers are migrant laborers from across the country. Many of their families have traveled to the location, where they have camped out for days to get updates on the rescue effort and in hopes of seeing their relatives soon.

As the operation unfolded, the trapped workers were supplied with hot meals through a 6-inch (15-centimeter) pipe after days of surviving only on dry food sent through a narrower pipe. They were getting oxygen through a separate pipe, and more than a dozen doctors, including psychiatrists, were at the site, monitoring their health.

The tunnel the workers were building was designed as part of the Chardham all-weather road, which will connect various Hindu pilgrimage sites. Some experts say the project, a flagship initiative of the federal government, will exacerbate fragile conditions in the upper Himalayas, where several towns are built atop landslide debris.

Large numbers of pilgrims and tourists visit Uttarakhand’s many Hindu temples, with the number increasing over the years because of the continued construction of buildings and roadways.

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Tragic Death of a Single Mother and Her Child Underscore the Issue of Loan Sharks

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Khaosod English

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28 November 2023, 20:28

BANGKOK – It has been reported that a 38-year-old single mother committed suicide with her 7-year-old daughter in a house in Chanthaburi province. The tragic incident occurred before Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Finance Minister, announced the plan to solve the loan shark problem and declared that it was a “national agenda” on November 28, 2023.

In a suicide note, she wrote that no one understood the pain of having no money and no relatives to sympathize with her. She had been starving for 3 days and was still in debt. She wanted her daughter to go with her.

chantaburi debt1 — The single mother wrote that no one understood the pain of having no money and being in debt.

Her 72-year-old father said his daughter was a beverage vendor at the market near a supermarket in Chanthaburi province. She divorced her former husband when her daughter was young. She had borrowed about 50,000 baht from an acquaintance and was stressed about it.

Many Thai citizens are suffering from debt, which has led to several cases of suicide. On November 28, Srettha mentioned that the government would put this long-standing problem on the national agenda.

srettha debt — PM Srettha Thavisin mentioned that the government would put this long-standing debt problem on the national agenda.

“For me, the loan shark is modern world slavery. This is the ‘new world slavery’ that robs people of their freedom and their dreams. This problem is too big to solve without the government as a middleman. We need to work with many sectors today: government officials, the police and the Ministry of Finance to prevent people from falling into the same snare again.”

Srettha emphasized that the government, as mediator, will negotiate fairly with all parties involved. The government will take care from the beginning of the unfair contact to the unfair interest rate and any violence involved.

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Bangkok Landlord Shocked by Huge Pile of Trash in Rent Room

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Khaosod English

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28 November 2023, 18:48

room trash1 — The trash piled up to the ceiling in the rent room.

BANGKOK – A landlord was shocked upon discovering that a room in Bangkok she rented out over the past decade to a nice-looking female government official, aged 42, hid mountains of rubbish inside that would require 250 garbage bags to remove them all.

Panadda told Khaosod Online on November 28 that the moment of truth came when she received complaints by other tenants that there were rats, worms, and bad smells coming out of the room’s door. The woman who rented the place hasn’t been back for two years but kept the room and paid the 1,500 baht monthly rent without fail, however.

room trash2 — The tenant claimed she was upset that the landlord didn’t inform her in advance because there were “valuables” in the room.

“My father-in-law and I even cried. We couldn’t accept what we saw. I was shocked by the enormous pile of junk, which was high to the ceiling and some of which had been opened to bring the waste in and pack it as well. The wardrobe was packed full of trash. Worms, rats, and cockroaches are abundant in the waste pile. Some of them were dead and left traces along the room’s walls,” Panadda stated.

She posted the story on FB said she had to ask neighbours for help and the trash piled up to the ceiling. Dead rats and snakes were also found inside the room.

roomtrash3 — Mountains of rubbish inside that would require 250 garbage bags to remove them all.

“I spent nearly 3,000 baht on garbage bags to clean up the mess in the room, and I counted 250 large bags that the dormitories also came to help themselves with.” But even after thoroughly cleaning, wiping, and washing twice with various detergents, the foul odour remains. I haven’t been able to find a means to clean it up until now. “It is expected that a complete renovation will be necessary,” Panadda stated.

When the tenant was contacted, she was upset that the landlord didn’t inform her in advance, adding there were valuables in the room though the landlord insists there was nothing but piles of trash and proceeded to report the incident to Hua Mak police.

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CP Chicken: Go For Launch’ Campaign Triumphs

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Contributor

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28 November 2023, 17:39

‘CP Chicken: Go For Launch’ Campaign Triumphs with 11 ADMAN AWARDS 2023, Garnering Top Honors in the ‘Ad That Works’ Category

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited, or CP Foods, has achieved remarkable success with its ‘Thai Chicken: Mission to Space’ advertising campaign, uniquely titled ‘First Time in the World: Thai Chicken Goes to Space with CP.’ This groundbreaking campaign has been recognized with 11 awards at the ADMAN AWARDS 2023, a testament to its impactful advertising and communication strategy, perfectly embodying the ‘Don’t Make Ads, Make Impact’ ethos.

The campaign notably received the ‘Ad That Works’ award, a prestigious accolade that acknowledges advertising that merges exceptional creativity with significant consumer and industry impact. This award reflects CPF’s dedication to addressing consumer needs for safe, hygienic, and residue-free fresh food. The campaign’s concept aimed to elevate public awareness about the highest levels of food safety standards achieved through cutting-edge technology in farming and production processes. It showcased a revolutionary narrative in the fresh meat industry, setting new safety benchmarks by undertaking a project to send Thai chicken into space. CPF is collaborating with Johnson Space Food Lab to conduct comprehensive tests, including bacteria and chemical residue detection, from upstream to downstream processes, ensuring CP brand chicken meat meets the rigorous standards for space-grade food in line with NASA’s criteria.

Anarkawee Chooratn, Head of Corporate Marketing at CP Foods, underscored the collaboration with Wolf Bangkok, a leading advertising agency in Asia, Digital I Do, an online media agency, and IDEE STUDIO, an event agency, in this innovative campaign. The campaign’s novel idea of sending chicken meat into space as astronaut food earned substantial attention. The advertisement film received widespread acclaim, clinching 11 awards at the ADMAN Awards, including two gold, two silver, and seven bronze awards. A highlight was winning silver in the ‘Ad That Works’ (Effective Communication) category, one of the competition’s most prestigious honours. Additionally, the ‘CP Chicken: Go For Launch’ ad film was awarded the 30 Young Judges Award, a special recognition chosen by a committee of young professionals under 30 years of age.

Anarkawee Chooratn expressed immense pride in these 11 recognitions from the ADMAN Awards 2023 and extended gratitude to Wolf Bangkok for creating a campaign that resonated across consumer segments. “The campaign assures that CP Chicken products are fresh and safe, meeting Space Safety Standards. These awards strengthen CPF’s commitment to innovating and enhancing food safety standards for our consumers,” Anarkawee stated.

CEAT collaborated with FIDIC to host the FIDIC Asia Pacific Conference 2023

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Contributor

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28 November 2023, 17:21

CEAT collaborated with FIDIC to host the FIDIC Asia Pacific Conference 2023, themed ‘Engineering towards Net Zero,’ aimed at achieving net zero emissions in Thailand by 2065. The Governor of Bangkok attended the event’s opening, which welcomed over 200 participants from 20 countries.

What is Net Zero? How important is it? How can Thailand reduce greenhouse gas emissions to “zero” by 2065 ? What innovations are Thailand and other countries using to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? If we cannot reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or in the next 27 years, would Bangkok be submerged?

Hosted by the Consulting Engineers Association of Thailand (CEAT), the FIDIC Asia Pacific Conference 2023 centered on the theme ‘Engineering towards Net Zero,’ took place from November 26 to 28 at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok.

This international gathering brought together engineering experts from the construction industry in Thailand and abroad, including government representatives and environmental stakeholders. Discussions revolved around the challenges, opportunities, and successful initiatives in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These discussions are pivotal in shaping campaigns to achieve net zero emissions by 2065.

Over 200 participants hailing from 20 different countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, Korea, China, among others, contributed to the discussions.

The official press conference and opening ceremony occurred on Monday, November 27, 2023, at the Grand Ballroom of the Millennium Hilton Hotel, Bangkok.

Several Thai government representatives, including Dr. Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok; Dr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Secretary General of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning; Mr. Chawalit Chantararat, the President of the Consulting Engineers Association of Thailand; Mr. Sudhir Dhawan, the President of FIDIC Asia – Pacific, India; Dr. Widhoon Chiamchittrong, the Advisor of the Consulting Engineers Association of Thailand; and Mr. Niwat Thanpitinan, the Chairman of the FIDIC Asia Pacific Conference 2023, were present.

The seminar covered five critical topics: 1) Building Design emphasizing low-carbon buildings 2) Energy Solutions 3) Transportation and Logistics focusing on low-carbon transportation 4) Urban & Rural Development encompassing urban planning, community development 5) Water Supply & Sanitation, and lastly, Special Session introducing the Group of Young engineers with Green Hearts (FIDIC Future Leaders).

Topics included innovative approaches such as ‘Innovations for Green Buildings towards Net Zero’ by SCG (Thailand) Co., Ltd., ‘Wastewater Treatment towards Net Zero’ by Thammasorn Energy And Environmental Management Co., Ltd., Thailand, and ‘Are EVs really helping Thailand reach Net Zero?’ by Amita Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd., among others.

Additionally, lessons from various countries were shared, such as Suwon, South Korea, which achieved carbon neutrality through community collaboration, Net Zero buildings from Malaysia, guidelines for reducing carbon in buildings by Vietnam, zero-waste construction by Indonesia, water power by India, renewable energy by the Philippines, indigenous technology by Sri Lanka, Net Zero management by Nepal and Net Zero Standards in Singapore, among others.

Mr. Niwat Thanpitinan, the Chairman of the FIDIC Asia Pacific Conference 2023, mentioned, “Representing over 20 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, FIDIC ASIA PACIFIC chose Thailand to host this event. The topic of Net Zero requires cooperation from various sectors, and Thailand’s proactive stance in this matter is evident. CEAT play a pivotal role in designing and managing projects, and it’s our responsibility to raise awareness among project owners about the benefits of green buildings for their projects and the world.”

Mr. Chawalit Chantararat, the President of CEAT, highlighted, “Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, result from human activities and persist in the atmosphere for extended periods, ranging from 200 to 450 years.

Currently, the atmosphere contains an alarming 411 parts per million (PPM) of accumulated greenhouse gases. Should this level rise to 475 PPM, it will pose a grave threat to life on Earth. According to a United Nations study, if greenhouse gas emissions are not drastically reduced by 2050 or in the next 27 years, sea levels in the Gulf of Thailand could surge by 70 centimeters, potentially submerging Bangkok.”

Dr. Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok, emphasized, “Making Net Zero a reality, not just a slogan, is imperative. While the 30-year roadmap to achieving net zero emissions may seem distant, Bangkok has set a short-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 3% per year.

chadchart fidic — Dr. Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok

Collaboration within the engineering sectors is crucial to achieving this. We must view these efforts not as costs but as business opportunities. Additionally, Bangkok plans to initiate campaigns to reduce energy consumption in buildings, promote sustainable transportation, manage waste effectively, and encourage the use of energy-saving LED light bulbs.”

Dr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich Secretary-General, Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, added, “Thailand aims not only for Net Zero by 2065 but also sets a short-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30-40% by 2030. The government encourages the adoption of alternative energy sources, promotes electric trains for intercity commuting, emphasizes public rail transportation, and advocates for water-efficient practices in the agricultural sector.

The seminar offered valuable insights and lessons from various countries in the Asia-Pacific region that could be applied in Thailand.”

The event also included a Business Matching activity to facilitate knowledge exchange and promote Thailand’s Soft Power, highlighted by the Low Carbon Loy Krathong Festival along the Chao Phraya River. Furthermore, discussions focused on the future and challenges faced by FIDIC, the global representative organization of the International Consulting Engineers Association, comprising over one million engineering professionals and 40,000 companies from more than 100 countries worldwide, in leading its members toward achieving the Net Zero goal.”

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We May Be Post-COVID Era, But COVID is Not Fully Gone

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Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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28 November 2023, 13:00

240877547_3089575201284126_2814798008444820332_n — A coronavirus vaccine distribution center in Bangkok seen on Sept. 27, 2021.

SINGAPORE — At a recent media roundtable on the evolving landscape of respiratory disease management in the Asia Pacific region held in Singapore and organized by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Dr. Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious disease specialist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, was quick to declare it is just a matter of time when the next COVID pandemic, with new and deadly mutation, breaks out.

“It’s a certainty – like life, death, and taxes,” Leong told reporters from half a dozen countries in the region.

“The virus is moving, adapting … It’s [for] the virus to decide [about mutation path],” Leong said, adding this requires regularly updating COVID-19 vaccines once a year

“After 180 days, the body forgets. Only 60 percent effectiveness [remains]. If you’re not taking a booster, you’re setting yourself for another COVID infection. COVID-19 was a lot worse than influenza – five times the risk of death,” he said, adding that while vaccines offer the first safety net, the second safety net can be found in oral antivirals.

From Taiwan, Prof. Yang Kuang-Yao, a professor at the Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan, added the reason why a new pandemic will likely occur and the public should take it seriously is because COVID is relatively new.

“COVID is unlike influenza because it’s relatively new,” Yang told the roundtable, adding that COVID-19 is four years old to be exact, while influenza has been around for 10,000 years and humans had time and generations to adapt and deal with it.

Yang’s advice for an infected person is to get treatment early, within five days of being infected in order to avoid severe conditions.

Those at higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes include people aged 65 and older, people with heart conditions such as heart failure, those suffering from chronic lung conditions including asthma, people who smoke, those with cirrhosis, those with kidney conditions, HIV infections, pregnant women, those with Down’s syndrome, and people with obesity.

Leong added that 65 million people around the world suffer from long COVID, and taking antiviral medications can reduce long COVID risks. There could be a lost generation due to long COVID, Leong said. Common symptoms include mood swing, fatigue, sleep disorder, and headache.

Some complain of side effects from taking oral antivirals including bitterness of antiviral pills or developing diarrhea, but a senior Pfizer executive assured that just like any modern medicine, there is always a tradeoff, adding that there is no medicine which has no side effects.

Dr. Ruangwit Thamaree, senior medical office manager at Pfizer Thailand, told this writer on the phone Monday the next COVID pandemic could lie five to 10 years from now, but daily infections still occur today.

Ruangwit said the COVID figures are currently updated weekly in Thailand, but most likely underreported as counting is largely based on those infected and hospitalized.

“The government may not be paying much attention,” Ruangwit said, acknowledging what might best be described as COVID fatigue, where many members of the general public simply wanted to move on in life in the post-COVID era and forget about the difficult years of lock down and lack of vaccines.

According to the government’s COVID-19 Information Center on Monday, the week between Nov. 19 and 25 saw 480 new infections and two deaths. The total death figure since Jan. 1, 2023 is 823.

If there is a next pandemic, Ruangwit predicted, it would take less time to come up with a new vaccine – three months for DNA sequencing, another three to six months for trial period, and then hopefully a quick approval by the authorities on an emergency basis.

For the meantime, the physician suggested the public to use rubbing alcohol to clean their hands, wash hands often with soap, wear masks while being in a crowded indoor environment including on an airplane, and get a booster shot every four to five months.

“I hope there will be a campaign ahead of this holiday season to raise awareness,” Ruangwit added.

Line Operator Says 440,000 Personal Records Leaked In Data Breach

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Kyodo News

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28 November 2023, 00:11

TOKYO – Tech giant LY Corp. reported a massive data breach on Monday, saying as many as 440,000 items of personal data, including more than 300,000 linked to Line messaging app users, were leaked due to unauthorized access to an affiliate’s computer system in October.

The leaked data did not contain information regarding bank accounts, credit cards or chat messages in the Line app, a popular social communications tool in Japan. There have been no reports of misuse so far, the company said.

It said the leaked data included users’ age group, gender, and some of their service use histories, as well as information regarding the company’s business partners and employees, such as email addresses, names and affiliations.

While the company confirmed the data leak on Oct. 29, it said it took about a month to make the announcement as it required time to confirm the scale of the breach.

“We sincerely apologize to our users and all relevant parties for any inconvenience or concern caused. We deeply regret this incident and will do our best to prevent any reoccurrence,” the company said in a statement.

It has reported the case to the communications ministry.

LY was formed in October through the merger of Z Holdings Corp. and its group companies Line Corp. and Yahoo Japan Corp., a news portal site operator.

The leakage was caused when malware infected a computer owned by an employee of a subcontractor used by the company’s South Korea-based affiliate, Naver Cloud Corp., it said.

Naver Cloud and LY share an in-house system for dealing with employee and other personnel information managed with a common authentication system, which allowed unauthorized access into LY’s internal system, the company said.

The company initiated an investigation after detecting suspicious access on Oct. 17, concluding by Oct. 27 that it was highly likely an external breach. The initial unauthorized access occurred on Oct. 9.

It said it is contacting users, business partners and customers individually who it believes are at risk of being directly impacted by the leakage.

As of the end of September, some 96 million people were using the messaging app in Japan, with another 100 million users outside the country, according to the company.

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Belgian Man Writes Letter of Apology to Thai Housemaid Before Tragic Death

By

Khaosod English

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27 November 2023, 17:46

bel chiangmai3 — A house in Soi 141/356 Moo 2, Ton Pao Sub District, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai Province.

CHIANG MAI – A Thai housemaid who had returned to her hometown in Mae Taeng district found a letter from her Belgian employer apologising for his decision to end his life.

Police at San Kamphaeng Police Station in Chiang Mai Province were notified on the evening of November 26 that a Belgian man had died in a house in Soi 141/356 Moo 2, Ton Pao Sub District, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai Province.

They investigated and found the body of Mr Alain, a 73-year-old Belgian man, on the balcony on the second floor of the house. A helium gas canister, which he had used to commit suicide, was found next to his body.

bel chiangmai4 — A helium gas canister was found next to the Belgian’s body.

The authorities found no signs of forced entry or a struggle. They also found a document with a message in which he apologized to his family and the maid. The document described his decision to end his life on November 25 at 17:00.

Ms. Bawornluck Jakla, a 54-year-old Thai housemaid, told police she returned to Mae Taeng on 24 November. She returned to the employer’s house on 26 November, saw the apology letter and went to the bedroom to check. She could not open the door because the man had locked it. She could not reach him on the phone either. She then called the police, who found Alain dead.

bel chiangmai1 — The Belgian employer left a message on his bedroom door warning the housemaid not to enter the room alone.

bel chiangmai2 — The Belgian man left a letter to thank his Thai housemaid.

The maid said that the Belgian was struggling with a number of problems, including family and business problems. His ex-partner and children had moved abroad several years ago.

The preliminary medical opinion is that the Belgian died of asphyxiation. He had already been dead for 6 to 12 hours. There were no signs of foul play. The authorities have sent the body for further examination. It will then be handed over to the man’s relatives or friends for religious ceremonies.

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Siam Piwat Joins Forces With Partners To Put Its Global Destinations

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Contributor

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27 November 2023, 16:05

With the Co-creation and Collaboration to Win strategies as the key to success and global reputation, Siam Piwat joins forces with partners to put its global destinations

Bangkok – Siam Piwat Group – a leading retail estate and retail developer, the operator of global destinations like Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discover, and a joint partner of ICONSIAM, ICS, and Siam Premium Outlets, has established its leadership as the developer of the world’s premier destinations that have won the hearts of people both in Thailand and around the world.

In addition, its destinations have been selected as venues of choice for a series of major international events by luxury brands as well as world tour events throughout the year-end period for the year 2023, reflecting the trust and confidence of the group’s partners as well as Siam Piwat’s strength and readiness to elevate Thailand into the global destination.

Siam Piwat’s destinations have been chosen as venues of choice by global brands for world-class mega-events, reinforcing its leadership in the luxury market.

‘HERMÈS IN THE MAKING IN BANGKOK’ Exhibition – November 25 – December 3, 2023 at The Pinnacle, 8th Floor, ICONSIAM

ICONSIAM has been chosen as the venue of choice by Hermès for Hermès in the Making in Bangkok – a grand traveling exhibition that will make a stop in Thailand to showcase the world-renowned luxury brand’s knowledge of sustainability and social stewardship. All attendees will have an opportunity to learn about Hermès’ artisans and get a glimpse into the unique spirit of creativity and innovation through the brand’s wares.

The exhibition will also feature various interactive games and activities that promise an extraordinary experience that will take you to the edge of imagination.

Bulgari’s “Magnificent Wonders” festive displays, Nov 30, 2023 – Jan 16, 2024, Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon

The globally renowned brand Bulgari is collaborating with Siam Paragon to infuse the spirit of festivity into the shopping mall under the theme “Magnificent Wonders,” with a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree radiating the light of joy and hope to be featured prominently in the heart of Parc Paragon and the Jewel Zone transformed with an exclusive magnificent festive display and a spectacular illuminated tunnel that will be shining beautifully at night throughout the festive season.

This collaboration further underscores Siam Paragon’s position as one of the world’s finest luxury destinations.

Get ready to experience the magic of Cartier, the famed French jewelry and watch brand, as they transform ICONSIAM into the land of imagination with an exclusive installation titled “The Fabulous House”, which captures the exquisite beauty of the brand’s historic boutiques across three countries, flown here to Thailand to bring a gift of happiness to all. The installation is open to public for those wishing to experience the magic and capture memorable photos from December 6, 2023 to January 7, 2024 at ICONSIAM.

Delivering experiences beyond expectation with a full panoply of world tour events

Siam Piwat Group’s shopping centers house spaces that serve as arenas for global art and culture. As nexus points where culture, art, and fashion converge and fuse, these spaces have enabled Siam Piwat to create first-ever experiences that exceed all expectations and cannot be found anywhere else in order to inspire and offer something special to everyone.

In addition, these spaces are home to a diverse range of communities and provide a platform where everyone can share ideas and experiences hard to come by elsewhere.

World-class immersive digital art exhibition “Monet & Friends Alive Bangkok,” from today until January 7, 2023 at the Attraction Hall, 6th Floor, ICONSIAM

Enjoy a world-class art experience at the immersive digital art exhibition Monet & Friends Alive Bangkok, brought to life by the creator and producer Grande Experiences in collaboration with Live Impact Events, a world-class experience creator, and ICONSIAM, the global landmark by the Chao Phraya River.

This exhibition marks the first time ever that the Thai audience can have an up-close-and-personal experience the visual and sounds of 19th-century Europe through the masterpieces of Claude Monet, one of the world’s most influential French impressionist artists, as well as through the works of 14 other artists, all presented as an immersive digital art exhibition under the overarching theme “An Immersive Adventure into French Impressionism.”

“Xu Hongfei World Tour Exhibition – Thailand: Love in Siam,” from today until December 20, 2023 at Napalai Terrace, 7th Floor, ICONSIAM

ICONSIAM has been chosen as the only venue in Thailand for the Xu Hongfei World Tour Exhibition – Thailand: Love in Siam, which features globally acclaimed sculptures from the prestigious Guangzhou Sculpture Institute, created by the renowned Chinese artist Xu Hongfei.

His highly successful Chubby Women in Thailand sculpture series has been showcased 50 times globally since 2013, including in 20 major art museums and in landmarks in various countries, such as France, Australia, Italy, the UK, Singapore, Turkey, the US, Germany, Cuba, Japan, and many more.

Joining forces with a world-class partner to delight visitors like never before with a globally renowned character

“Celebrate Like Never Before” – Invitation to the World of Frozen,” from today to November 30 at River Park, ICONSIAM

ICONSIAM and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort have joined forces in a grand regional-scale collaboration to bring to Thai fans a gigantic 10-meter inflatable Olaf leaning on a traditional Thai triangular pillow, marking the first time ever that the massively popular character from the renowned Disney animation Frozen is officially presented with a distinctive Thai element.

As an ambassador of the World of Frozen, the giant Olaf comes with an invitation card, inviting all visitors to “Celebrate Like Never Before – Invitation to the World of Frozen,” which has been exquisitely designed exclusively for Thailand, leaving a lasting impression on both Thai and international visitors alike.

Bellygom, the playful pink teddy bear from South Korea, has arrived in Thailand to bring smiles and joy to all, from today until January 14, 2024 at Discovery Plaza, Siam Discovery.

Siam Discovery celebrates the much-anticipated arrival of Bellygom, the wildly popular playful pink teddy bear from South Korea. The prankster teddy bear first rose to stardom on Youtube in 2018 and has since shot to international fame with over 200 million accumulated views and more than 1.4 million followers on various social media platforms.

A larger-than-life 4-meter-tall Bellygom now stands as a distinctive landmark for the festive season alongside the Sustainable Living X’mas Tree 2023, another not-to-be-missed icon for everyone to capture unique and memorable moments with.

As the developer of a platform for world-class destinations, Siam Piwat takes pride in being trusted and chosen by global partners to host global-level events and curate world-class experiences that surpass all expectations for Thai and international visitors.

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B.Grimm Joins Forces With CNN For a Global Campaign That Shines a Spotlight on Tiger Habitat and Conservation

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Contributor

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27 November 2023, 15:36

B.Grimm, a multi business corporation based in Thailand, is extending its partnership with CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) on an advertising and sponsorship campaign centered on conservation efforts for tiger populations and habitats.

As part of this campaign, the multiplatform strand Mission Tiger returned with B.Grimm as its exclusive sponsor. Recently being hailed as the National Winner for the Best Infotainment Programme at the Asian Creative Academy Awards 2023, the award-winning show tells the story of the tiger through their ecosystem and explores how building a strong ecosystem allows tiger population to thrive.

Hosted by CNN’s Senior International Correspondent Will Ripley, the new episode is airing on CNN International in November 2023 to explore how people committed to the cause of tiger conservation are reversing the threats tigers face, bringing benefits to wildlife and communities alike.

“Environmental sustainability remains a key focus for CNN, and we are delighted to collaborate with reputed brand partners like B.Grimm who are deeply committed to bringing awareness around the protection and conservation of this majestic species” said Cathy Ibal, Senior Vice President, CNN International Commercial.

“We are confident that this award-winning show powered by CNN’s immersive storytelling will resonate with audiences by showcasing the importance of advocating the need to protect wild tigers.”

Dr. Harald Link, President of B.Grimm, emphasizes that doing business with compassion promotes the harmonious coexistence of businesses with nature and communities. Over the past decade, B.Grimm has actively supported tiger conservation initiatives through collaborative efforts involving both the public and private sectors.

Their partnership with CNN, a globally renowned news channel, is seen as a crucial avenue for disseminating content produced by CNN’s exceptional news team, leveraging their extensive reach. This collaboration is intended to highlight the pivotal role of tigers in the ecosystem and serves as the cornerstone of B.Grimm’s unwavering commitment to environmental preservation in the years ahead.

With a history spanning more than 145 years, B.Grimm has conducted business operations in Thailand guided by a philosophy of conducting business generously to promote a harmonious coexistence with nature. The company places a strong emphasis on creating advantages for both people and society, with a special focus on environmental conservation and wildlife preservation.

Dr. Harald Link expressed his conviction that the alliance with CNN News Agency will play a pivotal role in raising awareness and inspiring individuals to actively participate in tiger conservation and the protection of their habitats, especially the forests that house these magnificent creatures.

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