China Expands the Number of Countries for Travel by Its Big-Spending Tourists

By

-

10 August 2023, 19:18

China Tourism Boost — FILE - A Chinese tourist in traditional Thai dress poses for a photograp at Wat Arun or the "Temple of Dawn" in Bangkok, Thailand, on Jan. 12, 2023.(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

BEIJING (AP) — China has increased the number of countries that its big-spending tourists can visit by more than 70 following the lifting of its last COVID-19 travel restrictions.

The decision comes as international flights to and from the country gradually return to their pre-pandemic levels.

China implemented strict lockdowns and draconian travel controls within the country and closed its borders almost entirely after the virus was first detected in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019.

Those restrictions began to be lifted late last year, but the government has been hesitant to resume issuing passports and allowing in foreign tourists, as well as giving its citizens the ability to travel abroad.

The expanded options for travel began on Thursday.

AP23222340690852 — FILE – China increased the number of countries that its big-spending tourists can visit by more than 70 following the lifting of its last COVID-19 travel restrictions. (AP Photo/Wichai Thaprieo, File)

“The government agencies in charge will provide businesses in the tourism sector with the necessary guidance for the implementation,” the Foreign Ministry said. “At this moment, we would like to remind all outbound tourists to be well-prepared before each journey, stay safe and healthy and show civility as they travel, enjoy the trip and have a safe journey home.”

Chinese tourists, who generally travel in groups organized by agencies, are known for spending lavishly on hotels, tours, souvenirs and designer brands. Pre-pandemic, they traveled in larger numbers and spent more as a whole than any other nationality, accounting for $255 billion in revenue in 2019, according to business consultancy McKinsey & Company.

Thailand, Japan, Australia and EU countries such as Germany have been among the biggest beneficiaries of the Chinese tourist spending, given the relative ease of obtaining visas and the availability of flights.

AP23222343425775 — Women on the left seek information from an officer on their passport renewals as residents line up at a community police station for document applications including for passports via a machine in Beijing on Feb. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihiko Isozaki on Thursday said Japan and China agreed to revitalize exchanges of people between the two countries when their leaders held talks in November.

“The Japanese government also plans to promote active exchanges of people between the two sides,” Isozaki said.

Though it is unclear how quickly activities by Chinese tour companies will restart, a resumption means Chinese group tourists will return to Japan for the first time in more than three years and will be a major boost for Japanese inbound tourism.

Chinese travelers to Japan totaled about 9.6 million or about 30% of the 31.8 million total foreign tourists in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

___

Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.

_____

Thai Farmer Finds New Crab Breed in Kanchanaburi

By

Khaosod English

-

10 August 2023, 18:05

A new species of beautifully colored crab has been discovered in Thong Pha Phum in Kanchanaburi province by a 48-year-old local farmer Jirapan Khankaew

He was delighted when he found these stunning crabs in his rubber plantation. The new crab species is to be officially registered through academic channels.

Jirapan, resident of Ban Khanun Kli 1, Tha Khanun sub district, Thong Pha Phum district, Kanchanaburi province, shared the beauty of this new crab species on social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok.

He expressed his excitement and happiness after being informed by the district fisheries department on August 10 that the four crabs he had sent to the Kanchanaburi Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center for inspection since June 21 were indeed a new species of freshwater crab.

crab1 — The newly discovered crab species is characterized by its purple coloration of the carapace, with orange-yellow legs and pincers.

The crabs that Jirapan sent belong to the genus Thaiphusa. The District Fisheries Department is in the process of preparing academic documentation for publication in a scientific journal. Once this is published, the research center will be notified and further action will be taken.

Phaisan Ratana, the district’s fisheries officer, mentioned that this discovery of a new crab species will positively impact environmental and natural conservation in the Thong Pha Phum area. It could potentially become a future learning resource and tourist attraction.

The newly discovered crab species is characterized by its purple coloration of the carapace, with orange-yellow legs and pincers. The last segment of the legs and the pincers are colored white. The width of the carapace is about 3.5 centimeters. Both males and females have similar characteristics, especially in the abdominal area.

Thong Pha Phum district is famous for the discovery of the crab species Thaiphusa sirikit, also known as “rule grave” in English. Today, this crab is considered a protected and rare wildlife species and has become a symbol of Thong Pha Phum district that everyone knows.

Siam Piwat Joins with the BAScii Offers an Internship Program

By

Contributor

-

10 August 2023, 17:18

Siam Piwat, a leading real estate and retail developer, the owner and operator of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, and a joint venture partner of ICONSIAM, ICS, and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, has joined forces with the Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation to organize the Siam Piwat x BAScii Internship Program 2023.

The initiative offers young talents an opportunity to enhance their potential and gain experience as interns at an organization recognized as the Icon of Innovation and an imminent developer of world-class destinations.

Through this program, Siam Piwat will be fostering a new generation of leaders to support the growth of the retail industry in the future, underlining its commitment to the creation of a well-growing platform for internal and external parties across all sectors.

Chanisa Kaewruen, Head of Creative and Innovation, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., said that Siam Piwat places great emphasis on driving business with creativity and innovation in its mission to deliver experiences beyond expectations as well as on knowledge and expertise enhancement, particularly among younger generations who will contribute to the limitless growth of the company.

This initiative enables Siam Piwat to share real-world work experience as a business leader, while also opening Siam Piwat’s executive team to a more diverse range of innovative ideas from young talents. Organized for the second consecutive year, the objective of the collaborative program between Siam Piwat and the Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation is to develop new bodies of knowledge and essential work skills for the future as well as contribute to the economic development of Thailand in the future.

A BAScii student participating in last year’s program has been accepted to Siam Piwat’s Think Tank team and tasked with the oversight of the company’s Web 3.0 projects.

For the Siam Piwat x BAScii Internship Program 2023, a total of eight third-year and fourth-year students from the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Integrated Innovation Program, Chulalongkorn University, have been selected for internship, where they will gain hands-on experience and work with executives who are project leaders as well as professionals across various lines of work at Siam Piwat, including Corporate Strategy and Business Growth Division, Shopping Center Business Division, Customer Experience Division, Retail Business Development Division, and Business Development and Investment Division over the course of two months from June to July, 2023.

The participants will also enjoy an opportunity to work closely with function-level executives, with project mentors consistently providing instructions, guidance, and advice throughout the internship period, as well as present their special project plans, with the Chief Executive Officer and senior management in attendance to provide feedback and suggestions.

“As a developer of world-class landmarks, we are equipped to create a unique learning experience for students, where they will take part in our key projects in support of our exponential and limitless business growth. We strive to build a team of young talents who will create inspiration at the global level and develop a well-growing platform for all,” concluded Chanisa.

Thailand’s NPLs Hit the 1 Trillion Mark Again and Appear To Be Rising Further

By

Khaosod English

-

10 August 2023, 15:48

bangkok naorn2 — Bangkok / Photo by Naorn Ongkamol / Khaosod

Surapol Opasatien, CEO of the National Credit Bureau, announced that household debt in Thailand was at 15.96 trillion baht at the end of June 2023, based on Credit Bureau data, both before and after the Bank of Thailand (BOT) revised the data, accounting for 90.6 percent of GDP, indicating economic concerns.

As for non-performing loans (NPLs), as of June 2023, they have again reached the 1 trillion baht mark. This was a 7.7 percent increase from the first quarter, the figure was still 950 billion baht. This is due to the ongoing economic challenges and the gradual ending of government assistance to the population, which has returned to normal policies, increasing the likelihood of rising debt.

สุรพล โอภาสเสถียร — Surapol Opasatien, CEO of the National Credit Bureau

NPLs are composed of various segments: nearly 200 billion baht in auto loans, an 18 percent increase from the same period last year. Home loans total 180 billion baht, personal loans 250 billion baht, credit card debt 560 billion baht, and agricultural loans 720 billion baht.

Special Mention Loan (SM), outstanding loans between 1 – 3 months, has decreased from 600 billion baht to 475 billion baht, mainly due to car loans of 200 billion baht.

In the same period, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, the Governor of the Bank of Thailand, mentioned that the trend of NPLs in the system is likely to increase, especially in Special Mention (SM) loans.

However, he considered this a normal phenomenon and does not expect it to develop into a significant crisis affecting economic stability. He also noted that the economy has not experienced a sharp increase in NPLs.

The governor further stated that Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) for 2023 may be revised downward from initial estimates due to potentially lower numbers in the second quarter of 2023. However, overall growth is still expected to average 3 percent given the uncertain global economic situation affecting exports. The previous estimate was 3.6 percent.

Despite occasional fluctuations, Thailand’s economy continues to recover. Although the figures may be lower than expected in some periods, the overall picture remains in line with the last assessment. Private sector investment is expected to grow by more than 4 percent this year, while international tourism, although slowing from China, will still have around 29 million foreign tourists to support the economy.

AP Thailand – Mitsubishi Estate Mark 10 Years of Partnership

By

Khaosod English

-

10 August 2023, 14:36

Going FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH ahead, AP Thailand – Mitsubishi Estate mark 10 years of partnership.

Tokyo (10 Aug 23) – AP Thailand and Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. are joining closer together to reinforce one of the strongest and longest partnership between two leading property developers, one is Thailand’s real estate elite and the other is at the forefront of Japan’s property development industry for approximately 130 years.

Marking 10th anniversary of their solid collaboration, both companies are looking to plough ahead on FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH roadmap to drive their joint venture further to infinite growth.

They are fully geared up to expand their condominium development investments in Thailand backed by a richly-funded JV company with a registered capital of Bht 12,619,408,010 – all in anticipation of a recovery in the growing market for city-centre condominiums along the mass rapid transit lines as both of them work to share their industry know-how and expertise to lift up the quality of condominium development in Thailand’s middle to high end of the market to ensure all home-owners can have Cheevit Dee Dee Tee Lueak Eng Dai.

Mr. Anuphong Assavabhokhin, CEO, AP Thailand Public Co., Ltd., said that the 10th anniversary of the partnership between Mitsubishi Estate and AP Thailand is a very proud occasion for AP Thailand and it also marks an important milestone that reflects the strength of the joint venture in terms of competiveness and the growth potential of Thailand’s property development sector in comparison to elsewhere in the world.

The partnership between AP Thailand and Mitsubishi Estate is the first and only of its kind in the industry to have a business model where the partners formed a 51:49 joint venture company in Thailand named Premium Residence Company Limited to be the main company to invest in residential development projects in the long term. The company currently has a registered capital of Bht 12,619,408,010.

Above all else, the partnership has contributed enormously to Thailand’s property sector in terms of the amount of investment funds involved in driving the industry creating employment at over 100 companies in the Thai industrial ecosystem, the exchange of knowhow between the partners as well as the sharing of business visions and corporate social responsibility. It is extremely difficult for a short-term joint venture to make such a contribution to society.

“Mitsubishi Estate is unique not just in terms of size and global experience, their executives also have a long-term vision and are ready to work with us for the advancement of Thailand’s property development sector. Also, they immensely inspire AP Thailand’s team to do better with residential developments so our products and services can be part of a good life home-owners lead on their own terms,” added Mr. Anuphong.

Mr. Atsushi Nakajima, President & Chief Executive Officer, Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd., said Mitsubishi Estate’s overseas business started about 40 years ago with real estate development in Europe and the United States.

“Today we have real estate business in many countries and regions in Europe, the United States and Asia which we are currently focusing our investment in. Out of the Asian countries, Thailand is an extremely important base for our overseas business, blessed with an attractive market environment and business opportunities with our excellent partner company, AP Thailand

Throughout 10 years of JV business, we have deepened our mutual understanding of corporate culture and philosophy and enabled to share know-how and ways of managing business from a long-term perspective. This is something that we could not achieve through project to project basis partnership.

AP Mitsubishi6 — AP Thailand and Mitsubishi Estate executives celebrated 10 years of partnership in Tokyo on August 10, 2023.

Over the past 10 years, as our understanding of AP has deepened, our respect has become bigger towards AP’s depth of knowledge in condominium development and its spirit towards product planning. Thanks to AP Thailand, as a same property developer company, we have learned a lot.

We have also been aiming to contribute to the JV business as well as to Thai society by sharing with AP Thailand our knowhow concerning our development projects and various initiatives in Japan. As of now, we are strengthening our efforts to implement an inclusive design into the development of the project.

“We are very happy to be able to contribute to Thai society through our JV business with great partner AP Thailand and we will continue to think about how we can provide value as a Japanese company for Thai society from now on,” ” said Mr.Kakajima.

Over the past 10 years, AP Thailand and Mitsubishi Estate have worked together on 24 joint venture projects to develop condominiums on the plots of land along the mass rapid transit line in the heart of Bangkok. Valued at a total of Bht 116,300 million, all the projects have been well received by homebuyers as evidenced by the sales and ownership transfers.

A total of 13 projects have been sold out. The 11 joint venture projects currently under development and on sale (valued at Bht 55,650 million) have average sales of approximately 60% or Bht 20,375 million worth of sale-ready products.

“Blue Tree Phuket” Announces Final Fitness Training in September

By

Contributor

-

10 August 2023, 10:47

“Blue Tree Phuket” announces final fitness training in September to prepare ‘Triathletes’ for the full-fledged competition of “Pho3nix Kids Triathlon 2023”

The last stretch of fitness preparation arrives with the event “I DID IT SERIES 2023,” organized by Blue Tree Phuket. This event is a prelude to the highly anticipated “Pho3nix Kids Triathlon 2023,” taking place on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

There are two remaining activities for athletes to participate in – the Swim Race scheduled on Saturday, September 16, 2023, and the Aquathlon Race, which will take place on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Registrations are now open and can be submitted to [email protected].

The Swim Race will be conducted on Saturday, September 16, 2023, and is open to participants aged between 5 to 17 years. The Early Bird ticket is priced at 550 baht/person (valid until August 31, 2023), and the regular price is 650 baht per person, which includes a souvenir shirt. The race will be divided into five categories with varying distances as follows:

Ages 5-9: Swim 100 meters
Ages 10-11: Swim 200 meters
Ages 12-13: Swim 300 meters
Ages 14-15: Swim 400 meters
Ages 16-17: Swim 400 meters

The Aquathlon Race will be held on Saturday, September 23 2023. The race offers both individual and team categories. Participants aged from 12 to 50 years and over are all welcome. The Early Bird ticket is priced at 750 baht/person (valid until August 31, 2023), and the regular price is 850 baht per person, which includes a souvenir shirt. The race is divided into categories as follows:

Individual (Separated by Gender):

Age 12: (Swim 300 meters / Run 1.5 kilometers)
Ages 13-15: Male and Female (Swim 300 meters / Run 1.5 kilometers)
Ages 16-29 and Ages 30-39: Two options are available for each category

Swim 600 meters / Run 3 kilometers
Swim 1.2 kilometers / Run 6 kilometers

Ages 40-49 and Age 50 up: Two options are available for each category

Swim 600 meters / Run 3 kilometers
Swim 1.2 kilometers / Run 6 kilometers

Team Category:

Mixed Team: (Swim 1.2 kilometers / Run 6 kilometers)
Male Team: (Swim 1.2 kilometers / Run 6 kilometers)
Female Team (Swim 1.2 kilometers / Run 6 kilometers)

The “I DID IT SERIES 2023,” organized by Blue Tree Phuket, has been running training programs since January 2023. It aimed at nurturing the skills of aspiring professional triathletes. The training focuses on enhancing various skills, building strength and fostering familiarity under the guidance of expert coaches and trainers. This preparation is a stepping stone to the upcoming “Pho3nix Kids Triathlon 2023,” taking place at Blue Tree Phuket on Saturday November 18, 2023.

Furthermore, the top 10 scorers in the individual male and female categories will earn the privilege of participating in the “Pho3nix Kids Triathlon 2023” for free!

Those who are interested can write to [email protected] for registration or call 061-1752896 for more information.

*Notes:

– All participants who register for the “I DID IT SERIES 2023” event will receive a souvenir shirt for each race they compete in after they finish the race.

– The top three winners in each category will receive trophies for their respective events.

#บลูทรี #บลูทรีภูเก็ต #BlueTree #BlueTreePhuket

#Entertainmenthub #ThrillandChill #DayandNight

#IDIDITSERIES2023 #SwimRace #AquathlonRace #Pho3nixKidsTriathlon

ICONSIAM Takes Part in Paying Tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother

By

Contributor

-

10 August 2023, 10:03

“Radiance of the Nation: A Heartfelt Homage to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother,” ICONSIAM Takes Part in Paying Tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother through this Event.

Experience the most splendid Thai fabric event of the year and be mesmerized by the rich heritage of wisdom while celebrating the essence of Thai culture. Join the event at ICONSIAM from August 8 to 14, 2023, for an unforgettable experience.

With a profound appreciation for Her Majesty’s benevolence towards the Thai people, ICONSIAM, a global landmark along the Chao Phraya River, is collaboratively hosting the event “Radiance of the Nation: A Heartfelt Homage to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother”. This event, taking place from August 8 to 14, 2023, marks a sincere tribute to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother on the auspicious occasion of her 91st Birthday Anniversary, on August 12th, 2023. The occasion is made possible through the combined efforts of public and private partners.

The event showcases the most extensive compilation of Thai fabrics of the year, exquisitely presented in the latest royal pattern of dahlia flowers, a cherished symbol of Thai wisdom that has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. The event promises an array of engaging activities in various areas, including:

“ICONCRAFT Thai Textile Heroes 2023” at the Charoennakorn Hall, M Floor

Get ready for the special highlight of the event, “ICONCRAFT Thai Textile Heroes 2023,” a majestic exhibition of Thai fabrics crafted by national artists, showcasing the timeless heritage of wisdom passed down through generations. Adding to the splendor, the esteemed brand SIRIVANNAVARI will unveil its exclusive special edition of silk bags. These exquisite creations are the brainchild of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, the brand’s creative director. The design work, titled “S’Craft: Craftsmanship,” will be presented as a limited collection available only at this event. This special edition collection focuses on contemporary design, seamlessly blending aesthetics with practicality for everyday life. They are thoughtfully designed to suit various occasions, be it daytime errands or evening affairs.

This year’s event is significant, as it introduces a splendid collection of designs, as well as neckties and Thai fabric bow ties specifically crafted for men. Each piece in this collection is a masterpiece of originality, meticulously handwoven and adorned with intricate embroidery. The level of craftsmanship displayed is of the highest caliber, due to the skilled artisans from Sirivannavari Atelier & Academy.

The event’s highlights continue with a captivating showcase of elaborate weaving work, featuring the exquisite masterpieces of two esteemed art teachers whose exceptional artistry and dedication help preserve Thai fabric traditions, including textile masters Meechai Taesujariya from Ban Kham Pun in Ubon Ratchathani province and Weeratham Trakul-ngernthai from Ban Chansoma in Surin province. In addition, prepare to be dazzled by the outstanding designs of Thai textile heroes, including renowned brands and national designers who have skillfully crafted beautiful Thai fabrics, such as ASAVA, ATELIER PICHITA, COLLECTOR PROJECT, MUSE BY GOODMIXER, GREYHOUND, HOME STUDIO SHOP, JIDAPA, KANAPOT, KLOSET, T AND T, TERMTEM STUDIO, THEATRE, TIPA, VICKTEERUT, WISHARAWISH, and accessories including exquisite folding fans from the esteemed brand GALERIE DE HIMMAPAN.

Explore the world of handicrafts for sale and participate in immersive workshops at the Charoennakorn Hall, M Floor.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of handicrafts and Thai fabrics, thoughtfully exhibited and available for purchase at Charoennakorn Hall on the M floor. A diverse array of handcrafted wonders include exquisite products from esteemed organizations such as The Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Chaipattana Foundation, the Patara Maharajanusorn Foundation under the Royal Patronage, and the Friends in Need (of “PA”) Volunteers Foundation under the Thai Red Cross Society, as well as a captivating collection of Bangkok Brand products. For a truly royal experience, head to Rassada Hall on the 1st floor, where you can explore and purchase products from Queen Sirikit’s Textile Museum.

In addition, exclusively for customers with receipts of 800 baht or more from stores or services at ICONSIAM are offered a fantastic opportunity to redeem participation in captivating workshops organized by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Engage in exciting workshops such as making mini-bouquets to be put on clothing and creating small love wreaths for mothers. The workshops will take place at 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. However, please note that each workshop session is limited to only 20 participants per session.

The event also serves as a clothing donation point. Customers attending the event are encouraged to donate clothing, which will be passed on to those in need, vulnerable communities, and victims in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Social Development Office. As a token of appreciation, those who participate in the clothing donation will receive cloth bags, which can be further utilized for various purposes.

Join the Mother’s Day Challenge, special workshop and promotion at SOOKSIAM, G floor

In celebration of Mother’s Day, SOOKSIAM has prepared special activities to honor the love and affection we have for our mothers. From August 10th to August 13th, 2023, express your love for your mother in a simple yet meaningful way by sharing a heartwarming video clip where you express your love to your mom, or post an activity that you’ve enjoyed together with your mother.

Make sure to set the post as public and add the hashtag #Sooksiamlovemom to your post. The first 10 participants will have the privilege of shopping, tasting delightful treats, and enjoying a relaxing time in the charming city of SOOKSIAM – all free of charge!

Another special workshop activity titled “Love Mum, Conserve the Environment,” will be organized in collaboration with Cheewit Cheewa School. This heartwarming workshop will take place from August 11 to 13, 2023, at Cheewit Cheewa School, located on the UG floor.

With the “Infused with Mother’s Love” special promotion, taking place from August 10 to 12, 2023, customers who shop for products or dine at SOOKSIAM on the G Floor with a total purchase of 899 baht will be rewarded with a delightful gift—a complimentary pair of flower-scented candles, valued at 300 baht. For more details about this promotion and any additional conditions, please feel free to inquire at the point of sale.

Choosing a “GIFT FOR MOM” at the ICS Lifestyle Complex, G Floor (located opposite ICONSIAM)

The “GIFT FOR MOM” event on the G floor of ICS (opposite ICONSIAM) is not to be missed for those looking for the perfect gift or souvenir for this special occasion. From August 8 to 14, 2023, this event offers a delightful selection of high-quality gifts that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Everyone is invited to be part of the momentous event, “Radiance of the Nation: A Heartfelt Homage to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother,” which will take place from August 8 to 14, 2023, at both ICONSIAM and ICS Lifestyle Complex (opposite ICONSIAM). For further information or inquiries, please call 1333 or visit www.iconsiam.com

The End-call Button On Your Iphone Could Move Soon. What To Know About Apple’s iOS 17 Change

By

Associated Press

-

10 August 2023, 09:56

Apple-End Button — The location of Apple’s red “end” button is set to slightly move with upcoming iOS 17 updates to the phone app. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Hanging up that phone call? The location of Apple’s red end-call button is set to slightly move with upcoming iOS 17 updates to the phone app, so be wary of your thumb’s muscle memory.

As iPhone users know, the “End” button currently sits prominently away from other call options, in a center position towards the bottom of the screen. But with iOS 17, which officially launches this fall, the red icon will move the right — and other features will move down to join it.

While a iOS 17 preview guide from Apple showed this new setup in June, renewed attention has increased as some explore beta versions of the software upgrade. Images from iOS 17 beta versions shared by multiple news outlets this week show the small — but potentially frustrating — change.

AP23107324907085 — iPhones are on display during a press preview of India’s first Apple Store in Mumbai, India, Monday, April 17, 2023. Apple will open its first retail store in India in Mumbai on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Beyond the end button, there are additional changes to the placement of other call features seen on past iOS versions. The “Mute” and “Speaker” buttons, for example, have swapped — as have the “FaceTime” and “Keyboard” options. And it appears the feature allowing you to search for contacts has merged with the add call option.

The changes have already received reactions on social media, where some predict having some muscle memory errors — noting it could take some time to adjust.

It’s unclear if the call functions will change further before iOS 17 officially rolls out. The Associated Press reached out to Apple for comment Wednesday.

As Apple notes on its website, the company’s beta program allows some Apple users to test out software before it’s released. Feedback from participants helps Apple identify issues and improve software programs before they’re commercially released.

Beyond potential tweaks to call icon locations, iOS 17 is set to bring an array of new features to Apple customers — including improved autocorrect, a new journal app and live voicemail transcription with the ability to pick up and answer as someone is leaving a message.

Improve English With BestKru Ahead Of University Examinations

By

Contributor

-

10 August 2023, 09:28

Improve Your English With BestKru to Prepare for University Examination in 2024

The entrance examination system for higher education admissions is set to open for registration in just 2 months. Recognizing the pressing time constraints faced by students, the leading tutoring website BestKru encourages them to kickstart their exam preparation now.

With an extensive network of expert tutors, the BestKru platform offers a diverse range of subjects, with a particular emphasis on English proficiency. A high English Test score is often a mandatory requirement for admission to various faculties, making it a crucial aspect of academic advancement.

Studying English with private tutors brings numerous benefits to aspiring learners, significantly enhancing their chances of achieving their academic goals. By partnering with seasoned tutors, students gain access to practical and effective language usage techniques, encompassing pronunciation, speaking, reading, writing, and specialized exam preparation. Many tutors on BestKru possess previous years’ exams, offering valuable practice opportunities to sharpen students’ skills.

Private tutors take a personalized approach, catering to each student’s individual needs and capabilities. Adapting their teaching methodologies and curricula to match the students’ skill levels and learning styles, tutors foster a conducive environment for skill development in reading, writing, speaking, listening, as well as targeted preparation for TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, and more.

One of the significant advantages of learning with tutors lies in the one-on-one setting. This arrangement empowers students to dictate their study schedule and select specific topics for improvement, making learning both flexible and convenient. This personalized approach ensures that students can pursue academic excellence without compromising their other daily commitments.

Furthermore, with personalized attention, tutors can meticulously track students’ progress and identify areas that require additional focus, surpassing the capabilities of traditional classroom-based learning. Tutors are uniquely equipped to understand and address each student’s needs, resulting in improved learning outcomes and greater success in mastering the English language.

Whether students aspire to pass a university entrance exam, improve their English for everyday life, seek to pursue overseas education in the USA/UK, or enhance language proficiency for career growth, they can find a dedicated English language tutor on BestKru, ready to offer expert guidance and support to achieve these objectives.

About BestKru

BestKru is a one-on-one tutor search website that offers students a wide variety of private face-to-face tuition and online classes in a variety of school subjects, music skills, languages, and sports in over 90 different categories.

Students can browse a vast library of Thai tutor profiles and select the tutor that matches their desired skill level, experience, and expertise. Contact them directly and free of charge to organize prospective lessons, payment options and convenient teaching times.

A Teacher Rescues 19 Puppies From A Woods Puddle

By

Khaosod English

-

10 August 2023, 01:05

Images of 19 one-month-old puppies left in the woods near a school, drenched in water and trembling, have gone viral on social media.

The reporter discovered that the person who posted the photos was Supatra Linthong, a female teacher at Ban Non Por Daeng School in Kok Muang Subdistrict, Non Sang District, Nong Bua Lam Phu Province.

dog19 4 — Supatra Linthong, a female teacher at Ban Non Por Daeng School.

On August 8, she received a phone call from a friend notifying her that the puppies had been abandoned near her workplace. She and her friend walked through the rain to help place all the puppies in two crates, provide them water, and dry them.

She then posted pictures of the puppies on the internet in the hopes of finding them a home, and they quickly went viral. People from various provinces, including the North and South, indicated an interest in raising pups.

dog19 1 — Some of the 19 puppies left in the wooded puddle.

“Today, all 19 dogs have found new homes.” “I will deliver them to the owners free of charge in Nong Bua Lamphu province and surrounding areas, just like I used to find homes for dogs, to ensure that the puppies are well taken care of,” Teacher Supattra added.

She also suggested in the media that if somebody does not want to raise their pets, they should try to find a home or donor who will. If there are too many, consider contacting sterilisation to help reduce the number. The Livestock Agency now provides free sterilisation. Don’t let those pets perish on the ground.

“All animals have souls, just like ours; if you don’t love them, don’t hurt or discard them,” she said on August 9.

_______

You may interested:

Hot News

LATEST NEWS