Divana Lana Spa Is Opened in Chiang Mai To Promote Health Tourism

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7 December 2023, 14:47

Divana Spa Siripanna Chiang Mai, in collaboration with its partner, Siripanna Villa Resort and Spa, proudly announces the opening of Divana Lana Spa, the first branch outside of Bangkok, under the concept “Sustainability is the new luxury.”

CHIANG MAI – Divana, a brand known for creating top-notch experiences in health and beauty, envisions a comprehensive health and beauty business that focuses on sustainable well-being. The brand emphasizes caring for both internal and external beauty, achieving the highest level of completeness. Divana employs its unique Sensory Design, creating a 7 Sense Experience: sight, touch, whisper, scent, taste, imagination, and soul, to deliver an authentic and elevated experience.

This is the first collaboration between the Divana brand and local partner Siripanna, bringing the Divana spa to Lanna., the first branch outside of Bangkok. The opening ceremony was honored by Mr. Weerapong Ritrod, Vice Governor of Chiang Mai, and Ms. Wipawan Woraputipong, Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization President.

With Mr. Pattanapong Ranuruksa, Mr. Thaneth Jiraswakedelok, CEO & Co-Founder of Divana, and Miss Plenpit Ranuraksa, Director of Divana Spa, along with the executives of Siripanna Villa and Spa Chiang Mai, Mr. Supamit Kitjapipat, extending a warm welcome. Celebrities and guests, including Miss Phimmshin Phakapattchon, Mr. Kunakom Polpanitch, Miss Nanthawimol Polpanitch, Mr. Savit Udayachalerm, Miss Poowadee Kunpalin and Miss Manasnij Isarabhakdi attended the event.

‘Chiang Mai’ is the first destination that Divana intends to open a branch in, recognizing it as a city with a rich and beautiful history, seamlessly blending with its distinctive culture and the enchantment of Lanna-Style. This aligns perfectly with the identity of Divana.
Miss Plenpit Ranuraksa, Director of Divana Spa, said, ‘Divana has the concept of conveying natural relaxation and rehabilitation, even within the city.

Divana’s distinctive feature is its beautiful, ancient house nestled in lush surroundings, echoing the authentic Lanna Style. Siripanna has successfully conveyed the art and culture of Lanna, creating a truly charming natural setting. This synergy inspired Divana to incorporate local culture, lifestyle, and ingredients into the design of Divana Lana Spa, including spa programs like Organic Thai Rice Therapy, and toxin-free local produce, aligning with the concept ‘Sustainability is the new luxury.’

Mr. Supamit Kitjapipat, Executive of Siripanna Villa Resort and Spa Chiang Mai, added, ‘I am seeking a significant spa brand partner to elevate our hospitality to new heights with a forest concept in the city, blending seamlessly with the essence of Lanna Style. The collaboration with Divana Lana Spa in the heart of Chiang Mai is a positive milestone that will promote health tourism in Chiang Mai, serving both Thai and international visitors seeking the unique Lanna Style experience.’

Together, Divana and Siripanna Villa Resort and Spa opened Divana Lana Spa in the center of Chiang Mai, marking a significant milestone that will contribute to the promotion of health tourism in Chiang Mai, known as a landmark for welcoming both Thai and international tourists to the Lanna, for the decoration and ambiance of Divana Lana Spa, local culture, lifestyle, and ingredients are incorporated, derived from the word ‘Lana’ meaning the gathering of people, cultures, and roots of different ethnicities, harmoniously blended together.

The spa features 10 rooms, each named after the ethnic groups rooted in the Chiang Mai province, offering a complete and balanced experience for the body and soul, surrounded by the unique local atmosphere that preserves the distinctiveness of the region.

Finally, Miss Plenpit Ranuraksa concluded, ‘Divana will continue to develop and expand its branches, as our management team has plans to open Divana Spa in several prominent tourist destinations. We aim to reflect Thai culture, people, and lifestyle, allowing Thai and foreign tourists to experience premium relaxation in the heart of the city, following the path set by Divana.

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Location: Chiang Mai. 36 Rat Uthit Rd., Tambon Wat Ket, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
Call: 06-1509-5859
Website: https://www.divanaspa.com
Facebook: Divana Spa
Instagram: divanathailand
Line OA: @divanathailand.

Police Say 3 Dead, Fourth Wounded And Shooter Also Dead In University Of Nevada, Las Vegas Attack

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Associated Press

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7 December 2023, 10:43

Campus Shooting Las Vegas — Law enforcement officers head into the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, campus after reports of an active shooter, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A gunman killed three people and critically wounded a fourth Wednesday at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas before being killed in a shootout with police, authorities said. The attack sent shock waves through a city still scarred by the deaths of 60 people in a 2017 mass shooting only a few miles away on the famous Strip.

Reports of shots fired at about 11:45 a.m. sent police swarming onto the campus while students and professors barricaded themselves inside classrooms and dorm rooms.

AP23340848127408 — Police work the scene of a shooting on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, campus on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)

UNLV Police Chief Adam Garcia said at an evening news conference that campus and local police rushed to the scene, a building housing UNLV’s Lee Business School, where two university detectives killed the suspect during a shootout.

Authorities gave the all-clear about 40 minutes after the first report of an active shooter.

Sheriff Kevin McMahill said students had gathered outside the building to eat and play games. If police hadn’t killed the attacker, “it could have been countless additional lives taken,” he said.

“No student should have to fear pursuing their dreams on a college campus,” the sheriff said.

AP23340847725301 — Amanda Perez, left, is comforted by fellow student Alejandro Barron following a shooting on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, campus, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, in Las Vegas. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)

Authorities didn’t immediately release any additional details about the shootings, the victims, the suspect or a possible motive.

Professor Kevaney Martin took cover under a desk in her classroom, where another faculty member and three students took shelter with her.

“It was terrifying, I can’t even begin to explain,” Martin said. “I was trying to hold it together for my students, and trying not to cry, but the emotions are something I never want to experience again.”

Martin said she was texting friends and loved ones, hoping to receive word a suspect had been detained. When another professor came to the room and told everyone to evacuate, they joined dozens of others rushing out of the building. Martin had her students pile into her car and drove them off campus.

“Once we got away from UNLV, we parked and sat in silence,” she said. “Nobody said a word. We were in utter shock.”

AP23340854288084 — Gurneys are brought to the scene of a fatal shooting that killed several people on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus, on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)

Students and the community were alerted to the emergency by a university post on X that warned: “This is not a test. RUN-HIDE-FIGHT.”

The university said the shooter was at the Beam Hall, Frank and Estella Building, and that police responded to an additional report of shots fired at the nearby student union.

Student Matthew Felsenfeld said he and about 12 classmates barricaded their door in a building near the student union.

“It’s the moment you call your parents and tell them you love them,” said Felsenfeld, a 21-year-old journalism student.

Jordan Eckermann, 25, said he was in his business law class in a second-floor classroom when he heard a loud bang that he thought came from a neighboring music class.

But then a piercing alarm went off, sending students to their feet. Some ran from the room in panic while others heeded the professor’s urging to stay calm, said Eckermann, who walked out and was directed to an exit by a law enforcement officer in a bulletproof vest holding a long gun.

AP23340767868435 — Las Vegas Metro Police respond to a shooting reported on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, campus, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Lucas Peltier)

UNLV’s 332-acre (135-hectare) campus is less than 2 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip. it wasn’t immediately clear how many of the 30,000 students were on campus.

The shooting occurred in a city still scarred by one of the worst mass killings in U.S. history, the Oct. 1, 2017, massacre by a gunman in which 60 people attending a music festival were killed and hundreds more were wounded. The gunman opened fire from a high-rise suite at the Mandalay Bay casino. The UNLV campus is just over 3 miles (5 kilometers) from that location.

In response to the campus shootings, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop of all flights coming into Harry Reid International Airport. The university is roughly 2 miles (3 kilometers) north of the airport.

Classes were canceled through Friday at the university, and UNLV’s basketball game at the University of Dayton, Ohio, was canceled Wednesday night because of the Las Vegas shootings.

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A Doctor Who Died of Lung Cancer Awakens People To Fight PM2.5

By

Khaosod English

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6 December 2023, 21:18

The Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Facebook page posted a message and photos of a merit-making event for Dr. Kritthai Thanasombatkul, who died of lung cancer at the age of 29.

CHIANG MAI – Krittai Thanasombatkul, a medical doctor who became a best-selling author about maintaining his fighting spirit and the meaning of life despite having had last-stage lung cancer since October 2022 and passing away on December 5, donated his body before he died to the Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University.

On December 6, the Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Facebook page released a message and photos of a merit-making event for Dr. Kritthai, with monks praying and praising his body donation. Dr. Kritthai’s father thanked the medical staff and said the family was pleased to contribute the body for further study.

Krittai was 29 and is survived by his wife, Peem, who married him less than two months ago despite knowing he has little time left. His motto was: “It’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.”

Krittai was a lecturer at the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Clinical Statistics Department of Family Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University, and the creator of the Facebook account called “Su-Di-Wa” means “fight definitely.”

He doesn’t smoke and regularly exercises. Some suspect that PM2.5 microdust particles may be the cause of his lung cancer.

lung cancer doctor3 — The Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University Facebook page posted a message and photos of a merit-making event for Dr. Kritthai Thanasombatkul, who died of lung cancer at the age of 29.

Chiang Mai is one of the provinces that faces the highest level of PM2.5 microdust problems in Thailand in recent years due to forest fires, forest burning, and traffic pollution. It was ranked as the city with the highest air pollution in the world many times, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) by the IQAir website.

Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance also expressed his condolences to Dr. Krittai’ s family on Wednesday.

“I visited his site “Su-Di-Wa” with various emotions. It is heartbreaking that the doctor, a non-smoker who exercises regularly, had to be diagnosed with lung cancer. At the same time, despite his illness, he has managed to inspire and encourage those who follow his page, reminding us to cherish every minute of our lives and appreciate the moments we share with our loved ones.”

lung cancer doctor4 — Dr. Krittai Thanasombatkul, a medical doctor, holds his best-selling book, “Su-Di-Wa,” about maintaining his fighting spirit and the meaning of life despite having had last-stage lung cancer.

“As Prime Minister, I cannot deny that this incident has sensitized me to the problem of PM2.5 pollution, which is not easy to solve. The impact of PM2.5 on the Thai people is not just pollution, but a health issue that is prematurely costing the lives of those we love. That’s why I will do all I can to support the Clean Air Act, because clean air should be a basic right for all of us,” stated the PM.

Every year during the winter to dry season, Thailand experiences situations where particulate matter (PM2.5) levels exceed the norm in many areas, especially in 17 northern provinces, Bangkok and the metropolitan region.

This is due to a combination of natural factors, weather conditions and the country’s topography, which favor the accumulation of high levels of particulate matter. This situation has an impact on the environment and the health of the population.

Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Ministry of Health has recently provided guidelines to the governors of all provinces and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to implement measures to prevent and control forest fires, haze and PM2.5 in 2023-2024.

The Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department will monitor and track situations involving forest fires, haze and particulate matter, using technology to support operations and efficiently notify the public.

The operational focus is on the prevention and reduction of pollution at source and the strict enforcement of laws by the relevant authorities, including open burning, transportation, industry and construction.

AP23088217066315 — A thick layer of smog covers the city of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, Wednesday, March 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Wichai Taprieu)

In cases where access to wildfires is difficult, coordination with aviation-supported agencies is emphasized to ensure that personnel welfare and expenditures are in compliance.

For the incineration of agricultural waste, coordination with local administrative organizations and agricultural authorities and the promotion of voluntary work is recommended to prevent incineration and instead promote the recycling and value creation of agricultural waste.

Health departments will provide information on public health care, especially for vulnerable groups, and local government organizations, together with the relevant authorities, will set up safe areas or dust-free rooms to care for people with health problems in necessary situations.

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Taylor Swift Is Named Time Magazine’s Person Of The Year

By

Associated Press

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6 December 2023, 20:24

NEW YORK (AP) — Is the year of Taylor Swift over now? Not yet.

Time Magazine named Swift its person of the year on Wednesday, a week after Spotify announced she was the most-played artist on the streaming platform.

Swift was picked from a group of nine finalists that included Barbie, King Charles III, and OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, among others.

“While her popularity has grown across the decades, this is the year that Swift, 33, achieved a kind of nuclear fusion: shooting art and commerce together to release an energy of historic force,” Time said about her selection.

Her year included the wildly popular Eras Tour and concert movie, the release of her reimagined ‘1989’ album, and her closely watched relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. She’s even the subject of college courses.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was Time’s 2022 person of the year.

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It’s Official: Taylor Swift Has More No. 1 Albums Than Any Woman in History

Songkran’s Soft Power Is Now a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

By

Khaosod English

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6 December 2023, 18:48

BANGKOK – The government agencies congratulated “Songkran in Thailand” for being inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on December 6, 2023.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin led the congratulations and applauded all sectors, including the Secretariat, for their hard work and dedication, particularly the evaluation department and the committee that were chosen for “Songkran in Thailand,” which is on the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

“The government is eager to share Songkran knowledge and practises with the international community.” I am hopeful that dialogue and mutual understanding can lead to peace and stability for all sides. “The government invites visitors from all over the world to come and experience Thailand’s Songkran tradition,” he said.

The Cultural Promotion Department has organised a celebratory event for December 7 at Lan Khon Mueang Town Square in Bangkok. The ceremony will be presided over by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, and Anntonia Porsild, the first runner-up in the Miss Universe 2023 competition, will join the presentation of Songkran goddess Mahothorn Dhevi, who will represent Songkran goddess in 2024.

anntonia show — Anntonia Porsild, the first runner-up in the Miss Universe 2023 pageant, will join the celebrations on December 7.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival” has been inscribed by the Eighteenth Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICS-ICH) held in Kasane, Republic of Botswana.

It is on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (RL) under the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage or the 2003 UNESCO Convention.

“The inscription marks another proud moment for Thailand and will significantly contribute to the international recognition of the values and importance of “Songkran” as the intangible cultural heritage on this very important tradition, as well as the manifestation of local wisdom and cultural diversity in various regions of Thailand,” it stated.

This encouraging news comes at the same time as the National Soft Power Strategic Committee recently decided that the Songkran Festival, which will take place next year, will be the primary festive activity among the 10,000 planned for 2024.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Vice Chairman of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, announced that the next Songkran will be a world-class event called “World Water Festival: The Songkran Phenomenon,” which will take place throughout Thailand’s 77 provinces throughout the month of April.

To date, Thailand has four elements inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, namely, Khon Masked Dance Drama (2018), Nuad Thai (2019), Nora, Dance Drama (2021) and Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival (2023).

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Marriott Celebrates as Eight Restaurants in Thailand Achieve Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best” Awards

By

Contributor

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6 December 2023, 17:16

Bangkok, Thailand – Marriott International is delighted to announce that eight of its diverse dining destinations in Thailand have been honored in the 2023 Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” Awards.

These impressive accolades for hotels and resorts in Bangkok, Khao Lak and Phuket put these exceptional F&B venues in the top 1% of restaurants worldwide!

In the Fine Dining category, five out of the 10 best restaurants in Thailand were from Marriott’s hotels in Bangkok. Akira Back, the innovative Asian restaurant perched on the 37th floor of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, secured #1 place, while The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok achieved positions #4 and #5 respectively for The Silk Road, its contemporary Cantonese restaurant, and Rain Tree Café, the elegant all-day dining destination.

From L-R: The Silk Road at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok ranked No.4;

Paii at The House on Sathorn, W Bangkok, ranked No.9

Also recognized in the top 10 Fine Dining restaurants in Thailand were Paii, the sensational Modern Thai seafood venue at The House on Sathorn, W Bangkok, which achieved #9 place, and The District Grill Room & Bar, the sophisticated steakhouse at Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, which was #10.

A trio of Marriott’s dining venues were also honored in the Everyday Eats category, with three of the 10 best restaurants in Thailand belonging to the group’s hotels and resorts. In #3 place was Sirimahannop, the reimagined tall ship on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, which is operated by Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, while #6 position was achieved by Olive, the beachfront Italian restaurant at JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa and JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites, and #8 place was awarded to Chao Leh Kitchen, the bright and inviting all-day dining venue at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort.

Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” Awards are only given to the very best restaurants, based on the volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions over a 12-month period. Fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor’s eight million listings are awarded “Best of the Best”, so these dining venues represent the highest level of culinary excellence.

Congratulations to all eight of Marriott’s “Best of the Best” award winners and many thanks to all our guests for their outstanding feedback.

For more information about Marriott’s hotels and resorts in Thailand, please visit www.marriott.com/en/destinations/thailand.mi

“LOVEiS Music Foundation” Sets Out for Music Enthusiasts

By

Contributor

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6 December 2023, 16:35

Designed to drive the development of the Thai music industry, the LOVEiS Music Foundation was founded by Thep-ard Kawin-anan, Chairman of the Board of LOVEiS Entertainment and a well-known musician who goes by the name “JEEP TK”. Its aim is to offer equal opportunities for all music enthusiasts to learn, develop their music skills, and pursue their dreams in the entertainment industry.

The recent official launch event was witnessed by the foundation’s committee members, including Naparuedee Chandratip, Vice Chairman of the Board, and Pireeya Teerawattanasawat, Member, Treasurer and Secretary of the Board, as well as several well-known artists namely, NONT TANONT, TINN, PROO Thunwa, and HYBS.

“I have spent years in the music industry working in the management of a company and as an artist and music lover. I have observed how the study of music has grown in popularity over the years and how the number of music students has continuously increased, driven partially by research and studies into the benefits of music. Parents also have positive opinions about music and believe music plays an important role in promoting children’s IQ and EQ.

However, one big challenge is that studying music is costly, so access to this field of study is quite limited. It is important to break this barrier and make music studies accessible to all. We believe this is the first and a very important step to support sustainable development in Thailand. That’s why LOVEiS Music Foundation was established.

LOVEiS Music Foundation has three main objectives. First, to promote music studies and enable children and the general public to have equal access to music studies and skills development. Secondly, to be a centre that promotes knowledge and allows for exchanges on music, and support the continuous development of the Thai music industry. And, thirdly, to collaborate with charitable organizations in the promotion of music studies.

Our mission is to eliminate financial limitations for young music enthusiasts. This will be achieved through three main activities – scholarships, music classes, and the donation of musical instruments to schools nationwide. We believe these will provide a strong foundation to create a healthy music industry with a great pool of quality human resources.

Young children we support will become the inspiration for new generations to love and embrace music, In the future, the music industry will become a new inspiration and influence, the soft power that drives new developments, positive change and enhances Thailand’s reputation,” Thep-ard said.

In the beginning, LOVEiS Music Foundation is partnering with two educational institutes – the College of Music of Mahidol University, and the Faculty of Music of Silpakorn University. The foundation will provide 22 scholarships per year to these educational institutes and increase the opportunities for young students to pursue their dreams at these music schools.

The foundation is also partnering with THEERA MUSIC in buying musical instruments to donate to schools with high potential but which face financial difficulties. The first school to receive donated musical instruments is Wat Lang (Boworn Vittayayon 3) School which took delivery of the instruments on November 16, 2023.

In terms of musical teaching, LOVEiS Foundation plans to introduce after-school activities in guitar, bass, electric keyboard, drums and singing. Children will then have a chance to learn with experienced teachers and professional artists free of charge.

NONT TANONT, a well-known artist signed with LOVEiS Entertainment Co, said that learning in a music school is very helpful to our music skill improvement. Self-learning and practising alone at home is good, but learning from experts and professional artists will unlock our musical capability. We will learn all the notes, and know how to use them correctly. And, with some advice from experts, we can understand music more. We can later enhance our skills and do better.

“LOVEiS Music Foundation will give young kids a short cut to learning because it provides musical instruments and scholarships and organizes classes. When I was young, there was no such opportunity. We had to use our own money. Therefore, I think this is a great opportunity for young people to learn, develop, build their future, pursue their dreams and be happy every single day of their lives.”

LOVEiS Music Foundation will be a light that inspires greater things. It is ready to open up a new window of opportunity that inspires young people to spend their time wisely, to live their lives to the fullest and to make a sound contribution to the country’s music industry.

More information about LOVEiS Music Foundation:

LINE OA: @Loveisfoundation

Thai Police to Meet with German and U.S. Ambassadors on Fugitive Paedophilia Case

By

Khaosod English

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6 December 2023, 15:27

BANGKOK – Thai police were once again suspected of accepting bribes in the case of a German national accused of buying underage girls in Pattaya, Thailand, as reported by the DW documentary, a well-known German media outlet. Thai police were now required to meet with German and U.S. ambassadors in order to request assistance and understanding.

On December 6, Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Centre for Child Protection, Women, Family, and Anti-Trafficking, provided updates on the case of the German man, who claimed that he paid one million baht to Thai officials fleeing the country. It has to accept that the police officers failed to submit an objection to the bail of the man.

big joke interpol — Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakphan, the deputy police chief attended the 91st INTERPOL General Assembly in Vienna, Austria.

As far as disciplinary measures are concerned, he said, the first phase involves the punishment of wardens at the detention centre level for not complying with the national police authority’s regulations for handling cases involving foreign nationals.

Despite the seriousness of the crime, the investigators did not oppose bail for the suspect. Although the court issued a notice after granting bail that the suspect may only leave the country with permission, disciplinary action will be taken against the officers who did not comply with the regulations.

The Region 2 police chief ordered disciplinary action and instructed an internal committee to punish the superintendent of the Pattaya City Police Station, the head of the investigation unit and the investigators at the time for not complying with the National Police Bureau’s regulations.

Regarding the criminal case, the German ambassador to Thailand has been invited on December 8 to discuss the approach Germany intends to take to question the suspect about the alleged payments. If possible, a Thai police team could be sent to Germany for questioning.

In addition, the current police chief of Pattaya Police Station has been instructed to expedite the issuance of an arrest warrant to bring the German suspect to court immediately. As for the American suspect who has already fled the country naturally, the owner of the Cobra Beer Bar, a British national, has been arrested in Thailand while he awaits trial.

Pol. Gen. Surachet stated that this case could have an impact on the assessment of human trafficking in Thailand as it involves an American suspect. He will personally schedule a meeting with the US ambassador to explain the situation.

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Ingredion Celebrates 40 years of Innovation In Thailand

By

Contributor

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6 December 2023, 14:30

Ingredion, a world-leading food and beverage ingredient solution provider, celebrates 40 successful years of doing business in Thailand by reaffirming its commitment to environment, social and governance (ESG) objectives for local communities.

The company has launched the “All Life” program, aiming to achieve zero-waste at its manufacturing plants by 2030, installed solar panels for renewable energy source this year, and continued support for student development at Wat Thoong Kwai Kin in Rayong province.

Ingredion has been a global food ingredient and texture solutions company, providing sweeteners, starches, nutrition ingredients and biomaterials to food and beverage, paper, textile and construction industries in more than 120 countries for over 120 years.

It has accumulated expertise in developing related products, such as texturiser, sweetener and food system solutions, to serve specific needs of its customers. Its products and food solutions have empowered food producers to develop and bring innovative products to the market and drive business growth faster.

Raymond Deidrick, Vice President and General Manager ASEAN, said, “Since our establishment in Thailand in 1983, Ingredion (Thailand) has continued our commitment to business excellence and working closely with its partners to develop and deliver the right innovations and products that best serve consumers. It is our ability to deliver high quality products and innovations that has enabled Ingredion to successfully achieve sustainable growth throughout these years and beyond.”

ESG is one of the key pillars at Ingredion, in addition to developing the innovative products to directly address consumers’ health concern, preferred textures and needs for nutrition, health and wellness.

One of the key driving forces to Ingredion Thailand’s dedication to sustainability is the organization’s goal in our 2023 All Life plan through Everyday Life, Planet Life and Connected Life. In Thailand, Ingredion will focus on driving environmental sustainability through zero waste and renewable energy. The zero-waste initiative includes eliminating waste at plant, reducing landfill and eliminating absolute GHG emissions. Meanwhile, the company is committed to creating renewable energy source by installing solar cells, starting at the Bank Khao Din in Rayong in November 2023.

Ingredion (Thailand) is the first company certified for sustainable tapioca farming with Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI). Today, 100% of our waxy tapioca is sourced sustainably, and we are committing to source all tapioca sustainably by 2025.

Ingredion is driven by high standard and commitment as well as Code of Ethics. Thailand is a major agricultural hub and agricultural products, such as tapioca, rice and sugar, are strategic exports of the country. We are very proud to be a part in driving agricultural sector growth in Thailand and to grow with the society, our business partners, clients, and, most importantly, consumers,” said Deidrick.

Prioritising living harmoniously in Thailand, Ingredion actively participated in social and community development throughout these years. Social responsibility activities, educational supports, helps given in times of crisis, and many more are among activities the company has taken to promote better quality of life of the people and communities.

Manoch Kulnapaeng, Principle of Wat Thoong Kwai Kin School, said, “We strongly appreciate Ingredion’s continuous support for our school development and activities. In the past two years, the company has supported our Children’s Day activity. And, as our playground was too old and not safe for our students, Ingredion recently helped us build a new one. So, now our students can enjoy running, exercising and playing in this playground.

Ingredion’s root began back in 1900 in the US and later expanded its business worldwide. It entered into Thailand via acquisition of Thai Tapioca in Rayong province in 1983. It currently operates tapioca flour and food ingredient manufacturing plants in Kalasin, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Pathom and Rayong, has over 800 employees and a nationwide network of tapioca farmers.

In 2017, Ingredion became the first manufacturer of clean-label functional starches and flours in Thailand. This move directly addresses the growing consumer calls for simpler ingredient lists and cleaner labels by producing NOVATION® functional native starches for clean label food and beverage formulation.

Ingredion Thailand has been working closely with the Thai Tapioca Development Institute to support the advancement of specialty tapioca research and development. Such initiative includes the promotion of waxy tapioca, which Ingredion Thailand uses to develop locally sourced consumer-preferred ingredients.

Ingredion has placed high importance to doing business with commitment to sustainable development of people and the environment in parallel with enhancing technology capability to drive quality of life improvement.

“We are grateful for our amazing 40-year journey in Thailand and look forward to many more years of serving our customers and thriving together with the community in Thailand,” said Deidrick

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2 Boats Adrift In The Andaman Sea With 400 Rohingya Aboard Desperately Need Rescue, Un Says

By

Associated Press

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6 December 2023, 09:17

Bangladesh Rohingya Refugees — FILE - Ethnic Rohingya disembark from their boat upon landing on a beach in Ulee Madon, North Aceh, Indonesia, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Rahmat Mirza, File)

BANGKOK (AP) — An estimated 400 Rohingya Muslims believed to be aboard two boats adrift in the Andaman Sea without adequate supplies could die if more is not done to rescue them, according to the U.N. refugee agency and aid workers.

The number of Rohingya Muslims fleeing by boats in a seasonal exodus — usually from squalid, overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh — has been rising since last year due to cuts to food rations and a spike in gang violence.

“There are about 400 children, women and men looking death in the eye if there are no moves to save these desperate souls,” Babar Baloch, the agency’s Bangkok-based regional spokesperson, told The Associated Press.

The whereabouts of the other boat were unclear.

AP23338520779937 1 — FILE – Ethnic Rohingya men sit on a beach after they landed in Sabang, Aceh province, Indonesia, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Reza Saifullah, File)

The boats apparently embarked from Bangladesh and are reported to have been at sea for about two weeks, he said.

The captain of one of the boats, contacted by the AP, said he had 180 to 190 people on board. They were out of food and water and the engine was damaged. The captain, who gave his name as Maan Nokim, said he feared all on board will die if they do not receive help.

On Sunday, Nokim said the boat was 320 kilometers (200 miles) from Thailand’s west coast. A Thai navy spokesperson, contacted Monday, said he had no information about the boats.

The location is about the same distance from Indonesia’s northernmost province of Aceh, where another boat with 139 people landed Saturday on Sabang Island, off the tip of Sumatra, Baloch said. Those on the ship included 58 children, 45 women and 36 men — the typical balance of those making the sea journey, he said. Hundreds more arrived in Aceh last month.

About 740,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar to the camps in Bangladesh since August 2017, after a brutal counterinsurgency campaign tore through their communities. Myanmar security forces have been accused of mass rapes, killings and the burning of thousands of Rohingya homes, and international courts are considering whether their actions constituted genocide.

Most of the refugees leaving the camps by sea attempt to reach Muslim-dominated Malaysia, hoping to find work there. Thailand turns them away or detains them. Indonesia, another Muslim-dominated country where many end up, also puts them in detention.

AP23338490837376 — FILE – Newly-arrived ethnic Rohingya women, part of a group who was denied landing a few times by local residents, rest at a temporary shelter in Bireun, Aceh province, Indonesia on Nov. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Rafka Zaidan, File)

Baloch said if the two boats adrift are not given assistance, the world “may witness another tragedy such as in December 2022, when a boat with 180 aboard went missing in one of the darkest such incidents in the region.”

The aid group Save the Children said in a Nov. 22 report that 465 Rohingya children had arrived in Indonesia by boat over the previous week and the the number of refugees taking to the seas had increased by more than 80%.

It said more than 3,570 Rohingya Muslims had left Bangladesh and Myanmar this year, up from nearly 2,000 in the same period of 2022. Of those who left this year, 225 are known to have died or were missing, with many others not accounted for.

“The desperate situation of Rohingya families is forcing them to take unacceptable risks in search of a better life. These perilous journeys show that many Rohingya refugees have lost all hope,” Sultana Begum, the group’s manager for humanitarian policy and advocacy, said in a statement.

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Grant Peck reported from Bangkok. Associated Press writer Kristen Gelineau in Sydney, Australia, contributed to this report.

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