Police Crack Down On Hybrid Fraud; Arrest 2 Chinese And 2 Thais

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29 November 2023, 22:08

chinese phase2 - 1 — The property of the accused group was also investigated

BANGKOK – The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Jirabhop Bhuridej announced the result of the “Shutdown One Billion Hybrid Scam” operation on November 29 after searching 5 target locations in Bangkok and Samut Prakan.

He mentioned that 4 people were arrested: Mr. Ruen Hong Lin, Ms. Zhao Ye, Ms. Lawan Thaweeapiradeepoon and Ms. Savitri Angkabutr, all of whom are subject to an arrest warrant charging them with fraud by false pretenses, dissemination of false information on the Internet, participation in an international criminal organization and money laundering.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Jirabhop mentioned that the police have cracked down on this kind of crime before. Last time, they had used fake Facebook accounts posing as good-looking women and lured people to invest in digital assets, causing a huge loss.

chinese phase2 3 — Pol. Lt. Gen. Jirabhop Bhuridej (center) mentioned that 4 people were arrested: Mr. Ruen Hong Lin, Ms. Zhao Ye, Ms. Lawan Thaweeapiradeepoon and Ms. Savitri Angkabutr.

The crime was committed in a network and with a large organization. Both Chinese and Thai nationals were arrested last time. Last time, 9 people were arrested, including Jagreena Chukhaowong, also known as KeeKee Maxim, 28, a famous model.

More than one billion baht was confiscated.

After the initial operation, police conducted continuous investigations and found that the criminal group was using methods to transfer the money from their illegal activities to buy luxury apartments and invest in the lodge and restaurant business in Ratchada Soi 4. Ms. Jagreena or KeeKee Maczim, the accused who has already been arrested, has been identified as the owner.

Hybrid — The lounge with an investment value of over 200 million baht

In addition, the name of Mr. Ruen Hong Lin, KeeKee’s husband, who is a manager and has invested over 200 million baht, was discovered. The police then conducted another operation and arrested Mr. Ruen Hong Lin and Ms. Zhao Ye, an elder sister of the head of the organization. Two other suspects who had opened fake accounts for the organization were also arrested.

In addition, the property of the accused group was also investigated, including two luxury apartments worth over 80 million baht, the lounge with an investment value of over 200 million baht, three Toyota Alphard cars and imported liquor worth over 1.3 million baht, totaling more than 300 million baht.

For both operations, properties worth over 1,300 million baht have been investigated so far. All defendants have denied the allegations and have been referred for further prosecution.

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Six Thai Airports Will Increase Departure Fees in April 2024

By

Khaosod English

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29 November 2023, 17:17

BANGKOK – Kerati Kijmanawat, President of Airports of Thailand (AOT), announced that AOT will increase the fee for departing passengers in six airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, Mae Fah Luang Airport, Chiang Rai Airport, Phuket Airport, and Hat Yai Airport, starting in April 2024.

It will rise from 700 baht per person to 730 baht per person for international departing passengers and from 100 baht per person to 130 baht per person for domestic departing passengers.

He explained on November 28, that the fee from the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) is legally obliged to be used for the improvement of the airport and for maintenance. Suvarnabhumi Airport has not increased its PSC fee since 2006.

“I would like to emphasize that the increase in PSC is not intended to burden passengers. It is merely a change in the categorization of charges that were included in the tickets. Passengers will not be affected.”

Kerati added that increasing the PSC will help AOT generate more revenue. Although the profit may not be that big, AOT is expected to generate more 3.6 billion in revenue in 2024 with the estimated 120 million passengers.

He also mentioned the plan to improve airports with a budget of 16 billion over the next 20 years, between 2022 and 2042, with more automated check-in and baggage acceptance and the plan to reduce time in passport control and immigration. AOT plans to install Automated Border Control (ABC) systems to replace officers.

Suttipong Kongpool, director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), said the new PSC fee is under review as it must be reasonable compared to other airports in the world.

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23rd AFA Conference 2023: Advancing ASEAN Accounting in the Digital Era

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Contributor

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29 November 2023, 15:18

BANGKOK – The 23rd AFA Conference in 2023, hosted by the Federation of Accounting Professions under Royal Patronage (TFAC), was a landmark event aimed at advancing the skills and potential of ASEAN accounting professionals. Emphasizing preparation for the digital era, the conference focused on shaping future-ready accountants.

The event was inaugurated by key figures: Voravit Janthanakul, President of the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA); Pichit Leelaphantmetha, Vice President of TFAC; and H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN.

The theme “Future ASEAN Accountants: Building a Relevant and Reputable ASEAN Accountancy Profession” underscored the conference’s commitment to enhancing professional capabilities at an international level and adapting to digital transformations.

With over 300 participants, including certified public accountants and industry experts, the conference was a hub for knowledge exchange and skill enhancement. It featured representatives from ASEAN countries and global accounting organizations, all converging at ICONSIAM. The conference stressed the importance of technology, like Cloud AI, in financial analysis, and addressed the need for strategic talent acquisition and ethical business practices.

“This seminar, organized to broaden knowledge, develop skills, and facilitate the sharing of experiences, caters to the dynamic shifts of our times. It particularly focuses on leveraging technological advancements, like the Cloud AI system, for efficient and precise financial analysis.

The seminar aims to serve the demands of both executives and clients, offering strategies to attract and retain proficient accountants. Above all, it emphasizes the promotion of ethical practices in sustainable business operations,” Mr. Vorawit explained.

The event also marked the transition of AFA presidency for 2024-2025 to Prof. Dr. Doan Xuan Tien, Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Accountants and Auditors (VAA), signifying a continued commitment to the profession’s growth in the ASEAN region.

ICONSIAM and Partners Create a Global Countdown “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024”

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Contributor

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29 November 2023, 12:39

ICONSIAM joins force with partners to make a phenomenon “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024” with a total investment of 300 million baht featuring Thai and International artists along with spectacular eco-friendly fireworks display From December 29 – 31, 2023, at River Park, ICONSIAM

A remarkable collaboration unfolds as the government, private sector, and communities along the Chao Phraya River join forces with a total investment of 300 million baht to craft a global countdown phenomenon “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024,” bidding farewell to the old year and ushering in the new, showcasing the glory of Siam to the world stage.
It is expected that more than 11 million people from across the country and around the world will participate in the event, including those attending the fireworks display along the Chao Phraya River and those watching via live broadcasts. This underscores the Chao Phraya River and Thailand as a premier Global Countdown Destination that people worldwide want to visit every year.
Prepare for the pinnacle of a world-class entertainment set on a 360-degree stage featuring 13 top Thai artists along with World-Class K-pop sensation “BamBam” – Kunpimook Bhuwakul, a globally acclaimed Thai artist and one of the members of GOT7, who is set to surprise the audience once again. Stay tuned for the soon-to-be-revealed additional lineup of world-class artists for the delight of Thai and international fans.
The unrivaled phenomenon of the eco-friendly fireworks display under the theme “The Unrivaled Phenomenon of Siam,” surpassing every year with 50,000 dazzling and record-breaking fireworks in Thailand. Set against the most beautiful curve of the Chao Phraya River, from combining efforts of Thai team and the world-class pyrotechnics director, the winner of the 2023 Shinmei Fireworks Competition in Japan.
The pinnacle of drone show phenomenon in a 3D Drone Celebration Show, with over 2,000 drones.
Offering an experience beyond expectations throughout the 3 days and 3 nights from December 29 to 31, 2023, at River Park, ICONSIAM.

Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Company Limited reveled “The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in collaboration with ICONSIAM Company Limited, The ICONSIAM Superlux Residence Corporation Company Limited, Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Company Limited, True Digital Group Company Limited, Coca-Cola (Thailand) Company Limited, CardEx, Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited, and Toyota Motor Thailand Company Limited, and private sectors along with communities along the Chao Phraya River have combined forces to organize the upcoming event, “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024 at ICONSIAM.”

It held under the concept of “The Unrivaled Phenomenon of SIAM,” to support the tourism industry, and to promote Chao Phraya and Thailand as a Global Countdown Destination that people worldwide want to visit.

This event marks a remarkable collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and communities along the Chao Phraya River, united in full force with a total investment of 300 million baht to transform the River Park area at ICONSIAM into a magnificent celebration venue.

It aims to provide an extraordinary New Year’s Eve experience that exceeds expectations, offering unparalleled entertainment never before seen by Thai people and global tourists alike.

Anticipating a crowd of more than 11 million attendees, including event participants, viewers of the fireworks along the Chao Phraya River, and those tuning in from around the country and the world, it is confident that this event will leave a lasting impression, enhance the country’s image, attract more tourists, and stimulate the tourism economy in Thailand.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), expressed, “The Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024, a grand year-end event held annually by TAT, showcases the diverse facets of Thailand in a destination that serves as a significant journey for both Thai and international travelers.

This event not only promotes and boosts tourism in Thailand but also stimulates the economy sustainably, offering a perpetual encouragement for tourism.

Furthermore, it serves as a New Year’s gift, spreading happiness to people across the country. TAT, in collaboration with ICONSIAM, has planned an exceptionally grand celebration along the Chao Phraya River to create spectacular fireworks display at ICONSIAM which will enhance Thailand’s tourism image globally, bringing vibrancy and a festive atmosphere to tourism in Thailand during the year-end, while playing a role in boosting income for the national economy.

Mr. Sing Limpirat, Deputy Director – General of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Department, stated, “The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set a policy regarding the city’s creative and cultural aspects through the ‘Colorful Bangkok’ project. Utilizing cultural arts as a tool to transform the city’s perspective through creative tourism, fostering vibrancy, liveliness, stimulating the economy, promoting the city’s image, and reflecting the readiness of Bangkok to welcome global tourists.

The BMA has coordinated cooperation between the public and private sectors under the ‘Colorful Bangkok Winter Festival’ project, organizing activities simultaneously to boost year-end tourism and serve as a model for future nationwide and international development.

The ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024’ event at ICONSIAM as the key private sector organizing partner, stands out as a prominent highlight of the Colorful Bangkok event, not only adding vibrancy to the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok but also gaining international recognition, building reputation comparable to global countdown events hosted by leading countries worldwide.”

The pinnacle of the global countdown phenomenon in every dimension

Mr. Supoj added ICONSIAM is recognized as the Global Countdown Destination for Thailand’s renowned New Year’s Eve celebration, gaining international acclaim and being broadcasted to a global audience through various major news outlets such as CNN, BBC, AP, Reuters, ABC, and more. This year, we aim to bring joy to the Thai people and tourists alike, with the following highlights:

The ultimate entertainment spectacle

Featuring top Thai and international artists on the special 360-degree stage, with Thai artists including BameeKT, PERSES, Jeff Satur, Proxie, ViiS, 4EVE, ATLAS, Three Man Down, Zee-Pruk Panich, NuNew Chawarin Perdpiriyawong, PP-Krit Amnuaydechkorn, Billkin-Putthipong Assaratanakul, along with “BamBam” – Kunpimook Bhuwakul, a globally acclaimed Thai artist and a member of GOT7. And stay tuned for more world-class artist to be revealed soon.

The unrivaled phenomenon of the world-class eco-friendly fireworks display

The Unrivaled Phenomenon of Siam featuring 50,000 dazzling and record-breaking fireworks, the most extensive and eye-catching in Thailand, along the beautiful curve of the Chao Phraya River. This display is the result of the collaboration with the Thai team and “Okujyo Yoshimasa,” the world-renowned pyrotechnics director, the winner of the 2023 Shinmei Fireworks Competition in Yamagata, Japan.

The pinnacle of the drone show phenomenon

The 3D Drone Celebration Show, with over 2,000 drones illuminating the sky in a breathtaking display.

In addition, ICONSIAM invites everyone to participate in the fireworks photography competition under the theme ‘The Unrivaled Phenomenon of SIAM.’ Participants have the chance to win prizes worth over 200,000 Baht by capturing the joy and beauty of the fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. Esteemed judges, including Mr. Tul Hirunyalawan, President of The Royal Photographic society of Thailand, Mr.Chulawit Santipong, and Ms. Wannapong Surarochprajak, along with the talented actress who loves taking photographs Nychaa -Nuttanicha Dungwattanawanich is invited to join as a judge as well. For those interested, details about the photography competition can visit ICONSIAM’s website at www.iconsiam.com,” concluded Mr. Supoj.

Be part of the global countdown phenomenon, ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2024 at ICONSIAM,’ the grandest event that surpasses each year’s festivities. Taking place from December 29 to 31 at River Park, ICONSIAM, the event is free of charge. Follow the details and conditions for participation at www.iconsiam.com or on Facebook: ICONSIAM.

Alternatively, you can catch the excitement through 15 live broadcast channels, including Thairath TV HD 32, ONE31, PPTV HD 36, and TNN 16. Online viewers can tune in through Facebook on Thairath Online, Daily News Online, Channel ONE31, PPTV HD 36, TNN 16, Khaosod Matichon and Feed.

The live broadcast of the event will commence from 11:00 p.m. onwards. For an alternative virtual experience, tune in to ICONSIAM’s online channels through Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and TikTok Live, starting from 7:15 p.m. onwards.

For members of the general public interested in attending the event, ICONSIAM is easily accessible via various transportation routes, including cars, buses, and passenger boats. If using public rail transportation, take the Silom Line to Krung Thonburi Station and then connect to the Gold Line BTS at G2 Charoen Nakhon Station for a convenient and quick journey to ICONSIAM.

For more information and assistance, call 1338 or visit Facebook: ICONSIAM.

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

By

Associated Press

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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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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.

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