AIS extends partnership with Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC)

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20 October 2023, 15:39

AIS extends partnership with Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC)

Aunjai Cyber syllabus to be taught at over 4,000 private schools nationwide

Objectives to instill digital citizenship and awareness of cyber-hazards

AIS and its government partners, the Department of Mental Health of the Ministry of Public Health and King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, have teamed up with the Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC) to extend the reach of the Aunjai Cyber syllabus. The course levels up knowledge into an online course specifically aimed at building cyber immunity, for the first time in Thailand.

The syllabus has been certified by the Ministry of Education as meeting the requirements of standard curricula to be taught in Thai schools. It will be disseminated to over 2 million students, teachers and school staff affiliated to OPEC at over 4,000 private schools all around the country.

They will become digitally literate and well-versed in using social media correctly, and responsibly. Thai children and young adults will become good digital citizens able to navigate the online world safely. This will contribute to achieving the standards required to improve Thailand’s overall Cyber Wellness Index.

Mr.Monthon Parksuwan, Secretary-General Office of the Private Education Commission commented, “OPEC’s role is to support private education under the oversight of the Ministry of Education. The new policy assigned by Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob is to “Learn well and be happy”. That is, there must be a balance between academic learning and life skills to upgrade the quality of education as a whole.

This year, OPEC has prescribed a strategic plan for managing education and private schools. They must be able to cope with changes which directly impact education. The march of technology in particular is pertinent to students who spend a lot of time online, because of the unknown risks and the possibility of falling victim to cyber-scams.

We are thus obligated to cyber-immunity for students, so that they have the know-how to cope with online information, and avoid lurking cyber-dangers, which can come in many forms. This partnership with AIS, the Department of Mental Health and King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi is another key step fulfilling the strategy of managing education in private schools, and taking it to the next level.

“There is training in the Aunjai Cyber syllabus for teachers and educators around the country at schools affiliated to OPEC. This is accomplished with both Online and Onsite systems for those educators, to introduce this syllabus integrated with a diverse range of other topics, such as science, mathematics, computers and calculations, offered to students at grades from P4 to M6.

It will be extended to some 2 million teachers, educators and students at over 4,000 schools affiliated to OPEC. The Aunjai Cyber courses will kick off In the second semester of the 2023 academic year. They will promote digital literacy, and dealing with the online world safely and responsibly, in line with the objectives of OPEC.”

Mrs.Saichon Submakudom, Head of Public Relations and Business Relations Unit at AIS noted, “AIS has previously brought the Aunjai Cyber syllabus to students and the public through cooperation with the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), responsible for 29,000 schools nationwide, as well as 437 schools administered by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the higher education sector, including Chiang Mai Rajabhat University and Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna.

We have even brought courses to the public through security agencies such as the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), and to senior citizens through the Bangkok Senior Citizen Club Association, and OPPY CLUB by Loxley, an Internet and computer club for the elderly, from which over 300,000 club members have taken the Aunjai Cyber syllabus.”

“This collaboration with the Office of the Private Education Commission is another critical step In providing students at private schools access to courses which can provide digital literacy and cyber immunity. This makes them less likely to fall victim to cyber-scams and they will become responsible digital citizens. As a digital services provider, we are happy to be a hub promoting the responsible use of digital technology, for the utmost safety of our customers and the Thai public overall.”

“Proactivity Shapes Sustainable Development” Research by High School Student

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Contributor

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20 October 2023, 14:10

“Proactivity shapes sustainable development” is innovative research by a Thai high school student aimed at a global future society.

The inspiring 17-year-old high school student, Ariya Taechamahaphan stars as an uprising researcher who develops materials for sustainable energy and industrial applications.

As one of five high school students selected to join Kasetsart University’s Research Experience for High School (REHS) program in the faculty of Materials Engineering, Ariya was given the opportunity to work on three frontline research simultaneously under the mentorship of Assoc.Prof.Dr. Aphichart Rodchanarowan and Asst.Prof.Dr. Gasidit Panomsuwan. These includes:

1.Co-electrodeposition behavior of Ni and 10-µm-sized diamond particles in Ni-Watts baths

Synthesis of Chemically Activated Carbon from Waste Macadamia Shells
Corrosion resistance of FeCoCrNiSn and FeCoCrNiTi high entropy alloy systems cladded on stainless steel 304 by gas tungsten arc

During his time at Kasetsart University, he undertook research for the royal Mah Fah Luang foundation, where he obtained waste macadamia shells from the royal produce and converted them into activated carbon. Under the activation process, Ariya successfully widened carbon structure, allowing it to be applied into electrochemical cells of sustainable organic batteries.

Additionally, he had the opportunity to experience advanced characterization machines (e.g. X-ray Diffractometry, Scanning Electron Microscopes etc.) where he could analyze electrochemical cells and their surface morphologies during real-world implementation.

Being one of Thailand’s leading researches in sustainable energy development, his work was selected to present at the 2023 Thailand Research Expo, where thousands of researchers gather to present their research findings, and inspire youths to take their own research initiatives. His exceptional involvement within university research prompted the Research University Network Thailand to grant him the Innovation award.

In his next chapters, Ariya will dedicate his time towards fabricating battery prototypes from activated carbon and implement them into current electric vehicles to evaluate its feasibility.

“I feel incredibly proud to have taken the decision to reach out and apply for Kasetsart University’s REHS program. I got the opportunity to encounter the brightest and the most enthusiastic mentors at the lab and collaborate in a research that helps mitigate numerous issues in Thailand revolving around waste management and energy conservation. I hope that I can develop what I’ve researched further in my time at University,” said Ariya.

Best Areas to Live in Bangkok

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Contributor

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20 October 2023, 11:31

Bangkok is a vibrant city home to millions of people. As a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia, you may have considered visiting Bangkok to see if it can be a permanent home for you. No district in Bangkok is truly the same, with each having a distinct lifestyle, and where you end up is more dependent on factors like your budget and preferences. Here are the best areas to live in with homes for sale in Bangkok.

Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok

Packing up shop and moving to Bangkok is a challenging feat. As one of the most visited cities in the world, finding a home for sale in Bangkok may seem complicated – there are over 50 districts alone and several other factors to consider. Here are Nestopa’s top picks of the best areas to live in Bangkok.

Sathon

Sathon is a commercial district located in the heart of Bangkok. Offices and skyscrapers intermingle with upscale hotels, malls, and residential spaces. If you want a home for sale in Bangkok, Sathon could be one of your top picks. Owning its close proximity to several government offices and easy access to the rest of Bangkok by BTS, many expats and locals enjoy the convenience and amenities that Sathon offers.

An important thing to remember is that Sathon is not an inexpensive place to live and buying a home for sale in Bangkok will be a bit on the pricey side. Nevertheless, the properties here are well worth the money, and residents in Sathon will have access to the finest that the Big Mango has to offer.

Sukhumvit

Hailed as Bangkok’s longest road, Sukhumvit stretches all the way from Bangkok to the border of Cambodia. Readers are likely familiar with landmarks such as Central World or Siam Paragon, both of which can be found along this important stretch of road in Bangkok. If you’re looking to buy a home for sale in Bangkok, you are sure to be spoiled for choice. Some of Sukhumvit’s most popular areas are Ekkamai, Phrom Phong, Thonglor, and Siam.

Each area has its own quirks and features. Phrom Phong is a notable shopping district filled with some of the city’s trendiest cafes, crafts, and two high-end shopping malls: EmQuartier and the Emporium, while Ekkamai is a charming mix of old and new parts of Bangkok. Largely a residential area, homes for sale in Bangkok are a bit on the pricey side, but not quite the same as Thonglor and more upscale parts of Bangkok.

Lat Phrao

Lat Phrao is a place in which the old and new elements of Bangkok meet. A plethora of transportation options is available for anyone who buys a home for sale in Bangkok within this area. Further adding to its appeal are shopping malls like Central Lat Phrao, and several new high-rise condo projects, meaning you have a lot to do and plenty of ways to get to where you want to be in the Big Mango. Lat Phrao’s position for development means that homes for sale in Bangkok are on the pricey side, although not as pricey as they would be in upscale areas like Sukhumvit.

Silom

Part of Bangkok’s CBD, Silom’s main allure is its status as the Big Mango’s financial district. This area offers an interesting blend of old and new Thailand, with townhouses blending in with ultramodern buildings and offices. Homes for sale in Bangkok’s Silom area, but for those who are willing to splurge

Phra Khanong

P Located along Sukhumvit’s BTS line, Phra Khanong is among the most accessible, affordable, and convenient parts of Bangkok. Although not an expat hub like other districts, its housing options and the feel of a neighborhood can make it appealing for those who want to buy homes for sale in Bangkok.

Bang Na

P Situated in Samut Prakan, Bang Na is not an area people think about when they buy homes for sale in Bangkok. Although located some distance away from Bangkok, Bang Na is connected to the capital via BTS and has regular bus routes traveling to and from the city. A bevy of shopping malls and various housing options makes this an ideal place for buying homes for sale in Bangkok, more so if you’d prefer to be away from the heart of the city.

Xi Meets Thai PM, Pledging To Add New Dimensions To Family-like Bilateral Relations

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Xinhua News Agency

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20 October 2023, 00:26

xi srettha1 — Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is in Beijing for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and an official visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday met with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is in Beijing for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and an official visit.

Srettha made China the first country outside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for an official visit, which fully reflects the great importance that the new government of Thailand attaches to bilateral relations, Xi said.

China stands ready to work with Thailand to continuously add new dimensions to their family-like relations, and transform advantages of the traditional friendship into a driving force for win-win cooperation, Xi said.

He said that the two sides should speed up construction of the China-Thailand railway, expand cooperation in fields including digital economy, green development and new energy, and step up efforts to crack down on cross-border crimes such as telecom fraud and online gambling to create a safe environment for the development of the two countries.

Xi said China is willing to share opportunities in China’s vast market and high-level opening-up to inject positive energy into Asia’s development.

xi srttha3 — Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is in Beijing for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and an official visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 19, 2023. (Thai Government House)

Srettha noted that Thailand will work with China to build a more stable, prosperous and sustainable Thailand-China community with a shared future.

He said Thailand will do its utmost to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Thailand, and welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest and more Chinese citizens to visit Thailand.

Senior Chinese leaders including Cai Qi and Wang Yi were present at the meeting.

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British Ambassador Enjoys Book Expo Thailand And Urges Young People To Read

By

Khaosod English

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19 October 2023, 23:55

British Ambassador to Thailand visits the 28th Book Expo Thailand 2023, praising the event is well organized and vibrant with a great number of visitors.

On October 18, 2023, welcoming by Mr.Suwich Rungwattanapaiboon, president of the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT), and other executives, Mr. Mark Gooding, British Ambassador to Thailand, visited the 28th Book Expo Thailand, which was organized by The Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) and alliances at Hall 5-7, LG Floor, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

The Ambassador enjoyed visiting the event while also visiting the British Embassy’s booth to showcase British literature for the first time in Thailand.

The ambassador said that the embassy decided to participate in the Book Expo Thailand as it is one of the biggest national book fairs in Thailand with many people coming every year.

“At the same time, we are very keen to encourage young people here to read. I want to bring value to British literature from the work of British writers, including classic literature and other British literature that represents values of the UK such as diversity or LGBT and freedom of speech for presenting to the readers to enhance creativity and the way of thinking for young generations,” the ambassador said.

Moreover, the embassy is also interested in the issue of using soft power to strengthen relations between the British and Thai people. Even though we are already close to each other in having music, movies, or football, we have British literature which everyone can access anytime, anywhere.

Therefore, on the 28th, there will be a Book Expo Thailand, we will exhibit literary works by seven famous British writers from the past to the present, divided into 3 zones: the Classical Period, the Democratic Era, and Freedom of Speech and Contemporary.

In addition, the booth also publicizes Chevening scholarship, the UK government’s international scholarships program, which this year marks the 40th anniversary of the scholarship.

The ambassador invites Thai people to apply for scholarships and attend the 28th Book Expo Thailand, saying that it is a great opportunity to learn more about GB classics and contemporary works, and how they portray values of freedom and inclusion. Moreover, the event is very interesting as over one million are available each year.

Mr. Gooding added that his one of favorite books is “Animal Farm”, written by George Orwell. He has applied it to the principles of people management as a leader and how to be responsible for people under management, which must ensure that the care of team members is excellent and fair so as not to be in the same position as the characters in the book.

“Book Expo Thailand 2023” with over one million books available, offering discounts up to 80% is held from 12 – 23 October 2023 at Hall 5-7, LG Floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Monday to Thursday (12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23 October) open 11.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m., Friday – Sunday (13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 October) open 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Carabao Extends Carabao Cup Contract for Three More Years, Expanding Global Reach of Its Beverage Brand

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Contributor

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19 October 2023, 17:38

Carabao has partnered with Thairath TV and TikTok to bring the live broadcast of the Carabao Cup 2023/24 to Thai audiences, allowing them to watch the matches for free.

Carabao Group Public Company Limited has recently announced the renewal of its official sponsorship contract for an additional three years for the Carabao Cup, a renowned football tournament in England that is celebrated by football enthusiasts worldwide and in Thailand. This contract extension underscores Carabao’s commitment to its vision of “World-class Products, World-class Brand.”

In a strategic move to expand its fan base and reach a new generation of viewers across the nation, the brand has forged partnerships with major media players Thairath TV and TikTok to offer free live broadcasts of the Carabao Cup 2023/24 football matches for the Thai audience.

Mr.Kamoldist Smuthkochorn, Deputy Managing Director of the Marketing Division at Carabao Group Public Company Limited, has announced the company’s decision to extend its main sponsorship contract for the Carabao Cup football competition with the English Football League (EFL) for an additional three years. This extension will continue the partnership beyond the current term, which has been set to conclude in 2024. This extension secures Carabao as the primary sponsor of the Carabao Cup until 2027, further aligning with the company’s sports marketing strategy driven by the vision of “World-class Products, World-class Brand.” through the focus on football, which is the world’s most popular sport.

With this contract renewal, Carabao will become the brand supporting the EFL in organizing this world-class football competition for the longest duration in history—10 seasons spanning from 2017 to 2027. This achievement is a source of pride as a Thai brand that has successfully transformed into a world-class brand.

“The extension of our title sponsorship contract for an additional three years underscores our unwavering dedication to elevating the Carabao brand to a new level of excellence. The support requires continuity through the universally beloved sport of football. Our sponsorship for the Carabao Cup exemplifies our commitment to utilizing sports marketing as a tool to establish Carabao as a genuinely world-class beverage brand,” said Kamoldist.

He added, “Beyond being a sponsor of the Carabao Cup, Carabao has partnered with the EFL to foster and lay the groundwork for the Thai football industry through the Carabao Sports initiative. This initiative comprises several projects, including the ‘Carabao Coach the Coaches’ project, aimed at imparting international-level football expertise to the Thai football industry. We’ve collaborated with football coaches from English league clubs, leveraging their skills and experience to share their football training techniques with coaches of Thai youth teams. This initiative aims to elevate the level of coaching, bolster potential, and transfer valuable knowledge to the Thai youth.”

He further elaborated, “Those who successfully complete this program will attain football coaching skills that meet world-class standards, enabling them to nurture and train young players, preparing them for potential careers as professional athletes in the future.

Additionally, we’ve initiated the ‘Carabao Grassroots Football’ project, which aims to supply football equipment to underprivileged youth. We have also invited coaches from the ‘Carabao Coach the Coaches’ project to share their knowledge, skills, and techniques with young players.”

Furthermore, to sustain the enthusiasm generated by this year’s Carabao Cup, Carabao Group has partnered with Kool Supporters Group Company Limited to host the Carabao 7-a-Side Cup 2023, a 7-a-side football tournament of national significance. This competition, now in its second year, offers an opportunity for passionate football enthusiasts to participate in national-level contests.

The qualifying round is scheduled to take place in each region from August 5 to November 19, 2023, comprising a total of 32 pitches held nationwide. This marks a significant doubling in size compared to the 16 pitches held last year, aimed at expanding the reach to football players across the country.

A key highlight of the competition is the quest to identify the best national champion team of the Carabao 7-a-Side Cup 2023. The ultimate prize for this team is an exciting opportunity to fly to London and witness the final round of the Carabao Cup for the 2023/24 season up close.

Kamoldist said, “Our sports-related projects, particularly in football, are part of a long-term commitment that will continue into the future. In the upcoming year, we plan to expand these initiatives on a larger scale than ever before. This expansion is aimed at reaching a broader audience of football fans and consumers throughout the nation. It’s all part of our ongoing sports marketing strategy, which is designed to enhance the visibility of the Carabao brand, both within Thailand and on a global presence.”

In a bid to heighten excitement for this year’s Carabao Cup and attract a broader audience, especially among the newer generations across the nation, the company has formed an alliance with major media players Thairath TV and TikTok. Together, they will live-stream the Carabao Cup 2023/24 football matches for Thai audiences, providing free access to watch the games all the way through to the final round.

Mr.Vatchara Vatcharapol, the Chief Executive Officer of Thairath TV and Thairath Online, said, “Thairath, as a leading media outlet in Thailand, has consistently prioritized live sports broadcasting. We always select and deliver content that aligns with the interests of the Thai people.

Currently, Thairath is delighted to be the official broadcaster, providing high-quality live broadcasts of the Carabao Cup football matches for Thai enthusiasts to cheer on. These exciting matches can be viewed on Thairath TV (Channel 32) and TikTok: @Thairath_Sport. The live broadcasts started from Round 3 on September 27 and will continue until the finals in February next year, covering a total of 12 matches until the Carabao Cup competition crowns its champion.”

“Definitely, Thairath is dedicated to creating engaging content to please football fans. One such program is ‘Nak Su Carabao’ (Carabao Fighters), a special segment as part of the news program on Thairath Noontime News. This program offers regular updates on every aspect of the Carabao Cup every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Moreover, Thairath Online features special sections and content focused on the Carabao Cup. Live sports news updates can also be accessed through ‘Thairath Tells Sports News’ on Facebook: Thairath Sport and special content via TikTok: @Thairath_Sport.”

Mr.Namon Tingsabhat, Sports & Gaming Operations Lead -Thailand ,TikTok, expressed the company’s honor in being a partner for the broadcast of the Carabao Cup 2023/24. This partnership is rooted in the recognition that sports content is a swiftly growing category that captivates TikTok users.

He said, “This partnership marks the first occasion for Thai viewers to watch live broadcasts of world-class football matches via the TikTok platform. It provides an exciting opportunity for fans to support their beloved football teams in real-time, all the way from England. In addition, the collaboration includes insightful content from TikTok creators and highlights from the competition, available on TikTok: @Thairath_Sport. This content is curated for football enthusiasts to closely follow and engage with throughout the season.”

The Carabao Cup holds a special place as a well-established and prestigious football competition in England. It features a total of 92 clubs, comprising 20 from the Premier League and 72 from the English Football League, including the Championship, League One, and League Two. This contributes to the competition’s diverse and captivating nature, as it brings together clubs of varying sizes. The Carabao Cup plays a vital role in adding vibrancy to the world of English football and provides an exciting spectacle for football fans across the globe.

“The Carabao Cup not only contributes to elevating the Carabao brand to a global level while establishing its standout position in Thailand, but it also represents a significant milestone and challenge in marketing a Thai brand to attain international recognition,” said Kamoldist.

“This marks the seventh year of Carabao Group’s corporate branding and product promotion through its association with the Carabao Cup in the British and European markets. This ongoing commitment underscores the organization’s commitment to leveraging sports marketing as a strategic approach to establish its image as a world-class beverage brand.”

Britney Spears Writes of Abortion While Dating Justin Timberlake in Excerpts From Upcoming Memoir

By

Associated Press

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19 October 2023, 17:05

Books Britney Spears — FILE - Britney Spears, left, and Justin Timberlake arrive at the 28th Annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Jan. 8, 2001. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File, File)

Britney Spears wrote that she had an abortion while dating Justin Timberlake more than 20 years ago, according to a peek inside her hotly anticipated memoir.

“If it had been left up to me alone, I never would have done it,” she writes of the procedure, according to the excerpt from “The Woman in Me” published Tuesday in People magazine. “And yet Justin was so sure that he didn’t want to be a father.”

The pregnancy “was a surprise, but for me, it wasn’t a tragedy,” she wrote in the excerpt, saying that she had wanted to start a family with Timberlake — it was just earlier than expected.

“But Justin definitely wasn’t happy about the pregnancy. He said we weren’t ready to have a baby in our lives, that we were way too young,” she wrote. The couple broke up in 2002. It’s unclear when the pregnancy happened.

AP23290633894534 — FILE – Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears appear at the 2002 NBA All-Star game in Philadelphia on Feb. 10, 2002. Spears’ memoir “The Woman in Me” releases Oct. 24. (AP Photo/Chris Gardner, File)

Representatives for Spears declined to offer further comment. Representatives for Timberlake did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press. The AP has not been able to independently review a copy of the “The Woman in Me” yet.

Spears, a prolific user of social media, has not posted to Instagram or X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, since the People stories were published.

In the excerpt published in People, she characterized the abortion as “one of the most agonizing things I have ever experienced in my life.”

Spears’ long-awaited memoir will be published Oct. 24, just months after her divorce from Sam Asghari was announced and promising to shed light on the 41-year-old’s tumultuous decades in the spotlight.

“NO ONE KNOWS WHAT I REALLY THOUGHT … UNTIL NOW,” reads a teaser for the book she posted Sunday. The audiobook will be narrated by actor Michelle Williams.

Hailing from Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears rose to fame as a tween on “The Mickey Mouse Club,” alongside other future stars like Ryan Gosling and Timberlake — a trajectory chronicled in other excerpts published by People.

Despite some further attempts at acting — in the People excerpts, she says the lead in “The Notebook” came down to her and Rachel McAdams and that she was relieved when 2002’s “Crossroads” was “was pretty much the beginning and end of my acting career” — she found indelible stardom with her music career, starting with 1999’s “…Baby One More Time.”

She had two sons with Kevin Federline, but was placed under a court-ordered conservatorship — mostly under the supervision of her father — that controlled her life, money and voice after public breakdowns. That conservatorship would last nearly 14 years, ending in late 2021, after a swelling #FreeBritney movement that helped secure new limits on conservatorships in California.

AP23290633894034 — FILE – Britney Spears, left, and Justin Timberlake arrive at the 28th Annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Jan. 8, 2001. Spears’ memoir “The Woman in Me” releases Oct. 24. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File, File)

Many of Spears’ allegations against her father and others who operated the conservatorship are expected to be heard in a civil trial scheduled for next year.

A 2021 documentary, “Framing Britney Spears,” included an old interview in which Timberlake spoke of sleeping with a former girlfriend and indicated he ridiculed her in his “Cry Me A River” music video. That sparked a backlash in which fans accused the former NSYNC member of contributing to Spears’ breakdown and also renewed ire about his role in Janet Jackson’s so-called wardrobe malfunction during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show. Subsequently, he apologized to Spears and Jackson “because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed.”

A few months later, as Spears revealed long-guarded secrets about what she described as an “abusive” conservatorship in court, Timberlake tweeted his support.

“After what we saw today, we should all be supporting Britney at this time,” he posted in June 2021. “Regardless of our past, good and bad, and no matter how long ago it was… what’s happening to her is just not right.”

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Thailand Announces the Discovery of a New Species of Alligator

By

Khaosod English

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19 October 2023, 16:38

Alligator munensis6 — Alligator munensis is named after the Mun River near where it was found.

Discovering fossils of alligators in Asia, including Alligator munensis in Thailand, shows that the alligator’s habitat was much more extensive in the past than it is today.

Thitiphan Juchanchot, spokesperson for the Department of Natural Resources, Precha Saitong, head of the Department of Fossil Conservation, and Assistant Professor Kantapon Suraprasit, lecturer in geology at the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, jointly announced the results of their research on Alligator munensis, a new species of alligator that was an extinct species, at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on October 18.

The team began their exploration and examination of the Alligator munensis since April 21, 2005, preserving at the Non Sung District Office, Nakhon Ratchasima. They discovered an ancient animal skeleton, consisting of one complete skull, two partial jaws, and five bone fragments.

Alligator munensis4 — Thitiphan Juchanchot, spokesperson for the Department of Natural Resources, Precha Saitong, head of the Department of Fossil Conservation, and Assistant Professor Kantapon Suraprasit, lecturer in geology at the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, jointly announced the results of their research on a new species of alligator.

Its skeleton that was found was almost intact and was buried in sandy sediments about 2 meters below the surface. It is estimated to be 230,000 years old and dates from the middle Pleistocene or younger, making it a new species.

This discovery was published in the journal “Scientific Reports’. The researchers compared this specimen with 19 others previously studied and gave it the name Alligator munensis, which comes from the Mun River near where it was found.

Alligator munensis5 — The skeleton of Alligator munensis was discovered in 2005 in the land of Somporn Noklang in the village of Ban Si Liam, Nakhon Ratchasima, northeastern Thailand.

an extinct species — The skull of Alligator munensis was discovered in 2005.

Alligator munensis has similarities to crocodiles, but differs in having a bowl-shaped snout, whereas crocodiles have a pointed, V-shaped snout with visible upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. When the alligator closes its mouth, both the lower and upper teeth are not visible.

Currently, there are several species of crocodiles around the world, while only two species of alligator remain – Alligator mississippiensis, which is found mainly in the southeastern United States, and Alligator sinensis, which lives in the basin of the Yangtze River in China. Both alligator species are considered critically endangered.

Alligator munensis7 — Reconstruction of Alligator munensis by Márton Szabó

Alligator munensis1 — Alligator munensis is estimated to be 230,000 years old.

The skull characteristics of Alligator munensis are similar to those of Alligator sinensis, indicating that the two types of alligators may share a common ancestor between the Yangtze River Basin and the Mekong-Chao Phraya Basin.

However, the pronounced anatomical differences suggest that the two species split from one another long prior to the Pleistocene, possibly during the uplifting of the Tibetan Plateau during the Miocene.

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CP Cambodia continues “1,000,000 CC of Blood for Cambodia” Campaign

By

Contributor

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19 October 2023, 15:26

CP Cambodia proudly organized a large-scale blood donation event, themed “1,000,000 CC of Blood for Cambodia”, aiming to underline the vital significance of blood donations in saving lives across Cambodia.

Hosted at CP Cambodia’s animal feed factory in the Ang Snoul district, the campaign witnessed the participation of over 300 dedicated CP staff. Collaborative support came from esteemed partners such as the National Blood Transfusion Centre, CPALL Cambodia, Kasetphun Cambodia, and CPPC.

Mr. Wittaya Kreangkriwit, President of C.P. Cambodia, commented, “Today signifies a profound commitment from CP Cambodia towards a humanitarian cause that has the power to transform lives. It also presents an opportunity for us to remember and honor the philanthropic legacy of the late Khunying Tawee Chearavanont, who has always prioritized societal welfare, even as CP has been instrumental in providing employment and livelihoods to countless individuals.”

Dr. Heng Chamroeun, Vice-President of the National Blood Transfusion Centre, shared his heartfelt gratitude: “CP Cambodia’s generosity and commitment to the cause are commendable. I also wish to acknowledge our dedicated staff who were pivotal in making today’s event a resounding success. The success of this campaign propels a positive shift in perception and understanding towards blood donation and health care in our society.”

Underlining its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), this campaign marks the third such initiative by CP Cambodia, engaging approximately 800 participants cumulatively. Mr. Kittiphop Thirachotikun, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, reiterated the company’s dedication to its “CPF 2030 Sustainability in Action” strategy. This vision emphasizes societal enhancement, environmental equilibrium, and adherence to the principles of benefiting the nation, its people, and the company.

In 2023, CP Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to social responsibility was evident:

Food Security: Partnering with the “project school canteen”, CP Cambodia provided nutritious meals to children at the New Hope for Cambodian Children orphanage, emphasizing the importance of high-quality food consumption.

Self-Sufficient Society: Engaging in multiple humanitarian efforts, CP Cambodia has supplied essential medical equipment to numerous hospitals across the country.

Balance of Nature: Setting a robust environmental goal, CP has committed to planting a million trees by 2030, endorsing soil enrichment, water purification, and promoting renewable energy.

CP Foods stands tall as a leading agro-industrial and food conglomerate, not just in Thailand but across the globe. With the vision of being the “Kitchen of the World”, CP’s diverse businesses span from Feed, Farm, to Food, encompassing retail and outlets.

Looking forward, CP Cambodia is determined to weave societal wellbeing and environmental preservation into the fabric of its business blueprint.

Thailand Welcomes China as Its “Elder Brother,” Says Srettha

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Khaosod English

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19 October 2023, 14:58

srettha beijing tour1 — Prime Minister witness activities promoting tourism cooperation between Tourism Authority of Thailand and 8 leading Chinese partners at Grand Ballroom 3, Kerry Hotel. October 19, 2023

Srettha Thavisin, Thailand’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, confirmed the readiness for cooperation in the tourism sector between Thailand and prominent 8 Chinese partners during an official visit to China for the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) on 19 October.

The signing of the Letter of Intent (LOI) on tourism cooperation took place at the Kerry Hotel in Beijing, People’s Republic of China.

The Prime Minister said, The Thai government attaches great importance to the continuous promotion of relations with China in all fields, be it investment, tourism, art, culture and strengthening the excellent relations between the people of the two countries.

“It is like the saying that China and Thailand are not far from being siblings, but I would like to confirm that China is the elder brother. I hope this visit will lead to positive results for tourism, including increased visa exemption.”

srettha beijing tour2 — Prime Minister witness activities promoting tourism cooperation between Tourism Authority of Thailand and 8 leading Chinese partners at Grand Ballroom 3, Kerry Hotel. October 19, 2023

The Letter of Intent highlights the strategic, long-term tourism partnership between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and eight leading Chinese partners, including Ctrip, Ant Group (Alipay), Meituan, Huawei, Spring Airline, Sina News, iQIYI and JekoTrip.

It underlines Thailand’s commitment to strategic cooperation with a focus on quality tourism and restoring confidence in travel to Thailand.

From January to August 2023, about 2.2 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand and benefited from a special visa exemption for tourists from September.

“In addition to the well-known destinations in Thailand such as Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai, I invite Chinese tourists to explore secondary cities with beautiful natural and diverse cultural attractions. I emphasize that Thailand is safe and welcomes all travellers. We are ready to take care of Chinese tourists and provide them with all amenities,” the Prime Minister said.

srettha li qiang — Prime Minister has a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of China at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, China on October 18, 2023.

Earlier, during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on October 18, Srettha expressed his condolences for the shooting incident at Siam Paragon in Bangkok on October 3 that killed a Chinese tourist.

“This is a one-time occurrence that will not occur again. Thailand has increased its security measures to a new level. However, if the Chinese side has any suggestions, I would be grateful. Thailand is always concerned and ready to provide excellent service to Chinese tourists,” the Thai Prime Minister stated.

PM Srettha Thavisin also said on Thursday he was touched that during a welcome reception in Beijing, Chinese singer sang Thai song (Loi Krathong) which reflects the importance placed on Thailand by China. He added he has given a direct phone number to the Chinese counterpart.

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