“ICONSIAM” Furthers its Success Continuing to Invest 500 million in Marketing

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7 November 2023, 18:02

Join Forces with Partners in Organizing a Phenomenal Event to Celebrate 5 Years of Success From 9 – 11 November at TRUE ICON HALL, 7th Floor, ICONSIAM

ICONSIAM celebrates its 5th anniversary of success, announcing its expansion into a world-class destination along the Chao Phraya River, reinforcing its strength by joining hands with partners around the world to organize World Class Events throughout the year, along with raising the level of Soft Power to promote Thai traditional festivals as large-scale, world-class events. Together with partners including Kasikorn Bank, Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Co., Ltd.,

The ICONSIAM Superlux Residence Corporation Co., Ltd. and Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., organized the special event ‘ICONSIAM – The 5th Anniversary of The ICON Unrivaled’ renovated the entire area along the Chao Phraya River to create a grand light and sound show, along with world-famous foreign actors and artists come together to celebrate ICONSIAM as a Global Destination based on the concept of ‘The best of Thailand Meets the Best of the World’, from November 9 -11 at TRUE ICON HALL, 7th Floor, ICONSIAM

Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., said “ICONSIAM takes great pride in achieving its visionary goal established by its founders and investors, to bring success to Thailand. This mission involves creating a magnet that places Thailand at the top of the global stage and in the hearts of people worldwide.

To commemorate the 5-year milestone of its business operations, ICONSIAM has received recognition from both Thai and international tourists as a Global Destination and an iconic symbol of Thailand on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Looking forward, ICONSIAM has developed a strategy to partner with global allies in organizing World Class Events throughout the year within the shopping complex, planning to elevate significant Thai festivals and traditions to become global events, such as the Loy Krathong Festival, Songkran Festival, Kite flying, and more.

ICONSIAM is committed to working with relevant government agencies such as the Ministry of Culture and various partners to propel Thailand towards becoming a globally influential cultural hub, or a Global Cultural Influence, through the use of Thailand’s soft power on the world stage. This influence extends across various dimensions, including culture, food, cinema, fashion, design, and more.

Mr. Supoj mentioned that the celebration of the 5th Anniversary is aimed at supporting and stimulating the economy while drawing both domestic and international tourists. ICONSIAM has joined hands with key partners, including Kasikorn Bank, Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Co., Ltd., The ICONSIAM Superlux Residence Corporation Co., Ltd. and Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., to organize a grand 5th-anniversary campaign with an estimated budget of 500 million baht, five-month world-class events, promotions, special offers and various entertainment activities.

This event aims to showcase Thailand’s soft power to attract global tourists and, at the same time, invite internationally renowned artists to collaborate with Thai artists in various dimensions. International artists who will participate in the 5th-anniversary celebration at ICONSIAM on November 9th, include “Lee Junho,” an actor from the popular TV series “King the Land” and a member of the boy band “2PM,” and “Mark Tuan,” a former member of GOT7.

The 5th anniversary celebration promises to be an extraordinary event, offering a shopping experience with special promotions worth more than 30 million baht.

Mr. Supoj added “For the promotional campaign to celebrate the 5th anniversary, a total of 30-million-baht worth of prizes will be awarded throughout the final two months. The first campaign runs from November 9 – 30 2023 under the concept “THE ICON Unrivaled”, customers will have the chance to win exciting prizes, including a Tesla Model 3 electric car worth 1,599,000 baht, Yamaha XMAX CONNECTED motorcycle with helmet worth 200,000 baht, a Diamond pendant from Jubilee, and many other prizes, a total of 24,500 prizes.

Secondly, customers who spend on a specified amount can choose to redeem prizes such as ICONSIAM Travel Bag Set, THANN set or Siam Gift Card. As for the third prizes between November 9-11, receive an additional 9,000 Viz Coin (1 Viz Coin equals 1 baht) when spending with the One Siam Kasikorn Credit Card for 300,000 baht or more per sales slip.

This big campaign brings together the power of business partners and more than 300 stores in ICONSIAM that are ready to offer many discounts and special privileges to customers.

“ICONSIAM is considered one of the most iconic projects. Bringing the best of Thailand together with the best of the world, ‘The Best of Thailand Meets The Best of The World’ presents the goodness in every dimension of Thainess. Ready to bring the greatness of wonders from every corner of the world.

Let’s come together to make it happen in Bangkok. We grow and do business under a strategy of co-creation. (Co-Creation) and creating shared benefits for all parties (Creating Shared Value) enable sustainable growth with all sectors. It creates a positive response to society, community, and the environment and is an important part that brings ICONSIAM to greatness on the world stage.

Success throughout 5 years of ICONSIAM It arises from the power of cooperation of partners in all sectors, including the government, private sector, and civil society. and surrounding communities that are involved in all projects On this special occasion We therefore invite all partners in all sectors and the public to come celebrate together under the concept of The 5th Anniversary of The ICON Unrivaled for the happiness and prosperity of all sectors. and together reinforce to everyone that Thailand is not defeated by any nation in the world,” Mr. Supoj said.

For the 5th Anniversary of ICONSIAM – The 5th Anniversary of The ICON Unrivaled, ICONSIAM is determined to focus on every details of each event to deliver an unparalleled experience. The celebration will take place from November 9-11 November, 2023, at TRUE ICON HALL, 7th Floor, ICONSIAM, with spectacular performances from world-famous artists throughout 3 days, details as follows:

November 9, 2023 (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

Witness a grand spectacle with world-renowned artists and over 40 Thai superstars walking the red carpet along the Chao Phraya River to kick off the 5th-anniversary celebration. Joining this event are international superstar “Lee Junho” from ‘King the Land’ and the member of the popular boy band ‘2PM’, Thailand’s leading artists, including PP Krit, Billkin, Tor Saksit, Ally Nitibhon, James Jirayu Tangsrisuk, Chanon Santinatornkul, Bright Rapheephong, 789 DEBUT GROUP (12), Blue Pongtiwat, Jazzy Kirana, Veena Praveena, and many more. Special guest performance by the global superstar “Mark Tuan,” who has flown in to join the celebration.

Experience the spectacular Phenomenon of The ICON Unrivaled, a visually and sonically stunning performance specially crafted for this event, emphasizing the concept of “the best of Thailand meets the best of the world,” merging Thailand’s regional pride with contemporary appeal, along with the beautiful song “The ICON of Dream” performed by top artists such as Tor Saksit and Ally Nitibhon. Ending the memorable evening with a mini-concert, Celebration of Prosperity, from the hottest duo PP Krit and Billkin, followed by the female singer Sarah Salola.

November 10, 2023 (6:00 PM onwards)

ATLAS fans can enjoy the Phenomenon of The ICON Unrivaled with a concert by, consisting of 7 members: Junior, Poom, Jet, Nice, Erwin, Muon and Tad.

November 11, 2023 (6:00 PM onwards)

Enjoy the Phenomenon of The ICON Unrivaled performance, followed by a concert by Peck Palitchoke, the popular singer who will bring his hit songs to delight his fans.

Join in the celebration of this grand global event commemorating the 5th Anniversary of ICONSIAM – The 5th Anniversary of The ICON Unrivaled. The event will take place from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on November 9 – 11, 2023, at TRUE ICON HALL, 7th Floor, ICONSIAM. The general guests can attend this event for free. For more details, please contact Facebook: ICONSIAM or call 1338.

Three Thais Falls Victim To Human Trafficking In Taiwan

By

Khaosod English

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7 November 2023, 17:17

Bangkok – Three Thais had been deceived by a human trafficking syndicate that promised them employment in Taiwan. When they arrived in Taiwan, they were abandoned on a mountain.

Ekaphop Leuangprasert, the founder of the Saimai Tong Rod (Sai Mai must survive) foundation, succeeded in helping three Thais to report their situation to the Central Investigation Bureau of the Royal Thai Police on November 7.

The victims are asking the police and the Ministry of Labor for help to catch the culprits behind this human trafficking. This is worrying because these traffickers create seemingly legitimate profiles and use social media to deceive potential victims who hope to find better job opportunities abroad, for example in South Korea or Taiwan.

thai victim taiwan1 — Three Thais report their situation to the Central Investigation Bureau of the Royal Thai Police on November 7.

Many people have fallen for this scam and ended up losing money for traveling expenses, only to be stranded or even forced to work in terrible conditions.

Furthermore, it has been found that these trafficking groups often operate under the guise of travel companies before exploiting the workers they smuggle in. This has also had a negative impact on Thailand’s reputation and has led to misunderstandings among Thai tourists who may be falsely associated with these illegal activities.

ExxonMobil and B-Quik offer special promotion for B-Member members

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Contributor

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7 November 2023, 16:39

(From left to right) Busararat Assaratanakul, B-Quik chief operating officer; Henk Kiks, B-Quik chief executive officer; Manoch Munjitjuntra, ExxonMobil Thailand Lubricant sales manager.

Celebrating 20-year business partnership with a special promotion: “Mobil thanks customers, giving away prizes worth over a million baht”

ExxonMobil Marketing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (“ExxonMobil”) and B-Quik Co., Ltd. (“B-Quik”) celebrated 20 years’ business partnership with a special lucky draw promotion: “Mobil thanks customers, giving away prizes worth over a million baht” for B-Member customers who change the participating Mobil 1 and Mobil Super engine oil and filters between 1 October 2023 and 30 November 2023 at all B-Quik service centers nationwide. Prizes include 20 15.16-gram gold bars (each valued at 32,300Bht*), 20 iPad 10th generation (each valued at 17,900Bht), 20 Apple Watch SE (each valued at 9,900Bht), and 200 BQ Racing x Mobil T-shirts (each valued at 699Bht), total 260 prizes with value more than 1MBht. Customers can view the terms and conditions of the prize draw and promotion details via Line Official Account: @B-Quik1153.

Manoch Munjitjuntra, Thailand lubricants sales manager, ExxonMobil said, “We are very pleased to have been partner with a complete automotive service center like B-Quik for 20 years. To celebrate this auspicious anniversary, ExxonMobil joins with B-Quik to organize a special lucky draw promotion to thank our customers for their long trust. ExxonMobil and B-Quik share the same vision and goal of delivering high quality engine maintenance to customers. We are confident that the two companies will maintain a good business partnership for the long term in the future.”

B-Quik started serving Mobil branded lubricants to customers since 2003. ExxonMobil has supported B-Quik Racing with Mobil 1 products to prove the outstanding performance and reputation of high performance engine lubricants for over 10 years.

Henk Kiks, B-Quik chief executive officer said, “B-Quik is very pleased to be a business partner with ExxonMobil for 20 years. We are committed to making all our customers satisfied with quality products and services. At present, B-Quik has the largest network of complete car service centers in Thailand. We have more than 200 branches covering the entire country. We aim to leverage every marketing communication channel and cover all communication platform to reach our customers of every generation more conveniently and quickly. With the great support from customers, B-Quik would like to reward customers with a B-Member membership program that offers special discounts up to 7% to member customers. B-members can collect points from every 25 Baht spend at B-Quik which can be used for redeeming for discounts or special privileges from B-Quik and many of our business partners.”

DeeMoney increases cross-border payments to Myanmar market

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Contributor

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7 November 2023, 15:40

DeeMoney partners with SCB to facilitate secure cross-border money transfers, expanding access to the Myanmar market

Sawasdee Shop Co., Ltd., operating as a fintech company, introduced the DeeMoney platform, a robust Thai cross-border transaction system supporting over 26 currencies across 50 countries globally. This company has solidified a business partnership with Siam Commercial Bank, announcing their collaboration to enhance the money transfer service from Thailand to Myanmar. The focus lies in developing cross-border money transfer services that are not only easy, convenient, and swift but also offer superior exchange rates compared to the existing market rates. The primary goal is to facilitate over 2 million Myanmar workers, including small and medium-sized business operators (SMEs), seeking to transfer money back to Myanmar. The aim is to establish itself as the preferred choice for the Myanmar community, targeting no less than 150,000 active users and a transaction value exceeding 2 billion baht by the close of 2024.

A survey conducted by DeeMoney in February 2023 revealed that more than 94% of Myanmar workers typically transferred money to their home country through informal channels such as money transfer agents (Hundi), while a few chose to transport the money themselves or via acquaintances. Merely a small percentage utilized formal banking channels for money transfers. This trend is attributed to the limited access most users have to financial services (being ‘Unbanked’). Moreover, the exchange rates within the conventional financial system are notably higher compared to the rates offered by informal services (Hundi).

The outcomes of this survey prompted the collaborative effort between DeeMoney and SCB to directly manage the exchange rates between the Thai baht and the Myanmar kyat. Consequently, DeeMoney has emerged as one of the key service providers offering the most competitive exchange rates for money transfers from Thailand to Myanmar. Importantly, this collaboration has obtained authorization from the central banks of both countries, namely the Bank of Thailand and the Central Bank of Myanmar.

Regarding destination countries, DeeMoney is steadfast in its commitment to expanding its network coverage extensively, enabling customers to transfer funds to prominent bank accounts in Myanmar, including institutions such as A Bank, Aya Bank, CB Bank, KBZ Bank, Yoma Bank, and more than 20 other banks. Furthermore, there is a strategic objective to extend money transfer services to electronic wallets (e-wallets) with substantial user bases, such as WAVEPAY, Wave Money, A+ Wallet, AYA Pay, and others. The goal is to ensure that there are over 8 million accounts ready to receive money and that recipients can conveniently withdraw cash from more than 130,000 bank branches, ATMs, and various service points nationwide.

DeeMoney guarantees prompt delivery of funds to recipients when customers opt to transfer money to e-wallets, ensuring immediate availability. For transfers to bank accounts, the process typically takes only one business day. However, it’s important to note that the maximum transaction value for each transfer is capped at 50,000 baht.

Mr. Aswin Phlaphongphanich, CEO, and co-founder of DeeMoney, said “DeeMoney and SCB share a strong partnership that acknowledges the significance of advancing financial services for over 2 million Myanmar citizens residing and working in Thailand. These individuals annually wish to send money back home, totaling more than USD 1.33 billion or approximately 48 billion baht. Our aim is to empower them to transfer money securely through the DeeMoney application, eliminating the reliance on brokers as seen in the past. Users can seamlessly conduct transactions anytime, anywhere, with utmost convenience and security, utilizing the DeeMoney application with a flat fee of only 49 baht per transaction. Furthermore, the application and call center offer services in the Myanmar language everyday”

He continued, “This collaboration between DeeMoney, SCB, and partner banks in Myanmar marks a significant step towards developing the crucial cross-border remittance ecosystem between Thailand and Myanmar for the future.”

In a bid to further strengthen the initiative for international money transfers, DeeMoney has launched an extensive annual promotional “DeeMoney, OWNDEE Win Tesla and more” campaign. This campaign offers customers using the DeeMoney application to transfer money abroad an opportunity to win exciting prizes. Any transfer of 1,000 baht or more per transaction qualifies customers to enter a draw to win a Tesla Model 3 electric car, a new 2022 Honda Wave 110i motorcycle, an iPhone 14 Pro Max smartphone, AirPods Pro Gen2, and various other prizes, collectively valued at over 3.5 million baht. Those interested in the “DeeMoney, OWNDEE Win Tesla and more” campaign can explore details on DeeMoney Facebook page and the website www.deemoney.com.”

Mr. Thanawatn Kittisuwan, Executive Vice President of the Digital Juristic Function at Siam Commercial Bank, highlighted, “The trajectory of international money transfers in the banking industry during the first nine months of 2023 signals a more favorable direction, indicative of economic recovery and enhanced foreign trade. In a borderless financial landscape, transactions have expanded to a diverse customer base, spanning new territories. This has escalated the market’s demand for varied forms of money transfer. To address these evolving needs, particularly those of individual customers and small to medium-sized businesses seeking agile working capital and faster transactional processes compared to conventional methods, SCB is committed to delivering seamless service through all available channels. We aim to provide an array of financial solutions to meet the demands of today’s customers. Hence, the collaboration with DeeMoney, a fintech with specialized expertise in international money transfer services and an extensive network, enables us to introduce a new form of international money transfer service through the DeeMoney application to Myanmar workers and business operators in Thailand who hold accounts with Siam Commercial Bank. This service is designed to offer swift, secure, and competitively priced money transfer solutions.”

“At present, more than 300,000 Myanmar workers and business operators in Thailand have deposit accounts with Siam Commercial Bank. We anticipate that this partnership will not only expand our account base but also open avenues for providing additional financial services to the Myanmar community in Thailand. This collaboration aligns with our vision of establishing Siam Commercial Bank as a pivotal money transfer hub in the ASEAN region, marking a significant milestone in the fintech and banking sectors. It ushers in an era of seamless global money transfers, fostering financial inclusion in Thailand and ASEAN countries. Going forward, our plan is to sustain this partnership with DeeMoney to extend services to labor groups and neighboring businesses in Thailand,” Mr. Thanawatn emphasized.

“Decathlon” Celebrates the 8th Anniversary

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Contributor

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7 November 2023, 15:38

“Decathlon” Celebrates the 8th Anniversary with “Find Your Sport at Decathlon” Campaign,Turning Your Unwanted Sports Equip into New Favorite Ones

November 2, 2023 – Bangkok: Decathlon Thailand celebrates its 8th anniversary by highlighting the ideas that sports can be everyone’s cup of tea. “Don’t say you don’t like sports; it’s just you haven’t found the right sports for yourself,” is the key message for this campaign. To celebrate this special moment, Decathlon wants to see everyone finding their right and loved sports and having more fun. Customers don’t have to limit themselves to playing sports that don’t fit their styles. Everybody is encouraged to bring their sports equipment and redeem for new ones. This activity is part of the “Find Your Sport at Decathlon” campaign.

Mr. Dhiren Shetty, Chief Executive Officer of Decathlon Thailand, says, “It has been eight years since Decathlon started our sporting goods retailer in Thailand. During these years, we have offered sport equipment for over 60 categories, or more than 5,000 products under one roof. Our products are affordable, suitable for all ages and all types of sport players.”

Decathlon believes that sports are magical for the world and for everyone, especially when one can find the right sports for themselves. Finding the right sports will lead to another world filled with magic, joy and fun.

Due to its 8th anniversary, Decathlon Thailand invites everyone to find “the right sports” in their own way with the special campaign “Find Your Sport at Decathlon.” The campaign is based on the concept that sports are for everybody. If you don’t enjoy what you play, it might be because that sport is not suitable for you.

Hence, Decathlon warmly welcomes all customers to find their sports, whether they are professional sports players who want to encounter challenges from new sports or newbies who are still deciding which sports to start with. All interested customers are invited to find their right sports by bringing current/ unwanted sports equipment, regardless of which category, and redeeming new sports equipment at Decathlon. The purpose of this campaign is to see everyone have a good time with sports and take care of their health.

For current/ unwanted sports equipment, Decathlon partners with The Mirror Foundation to distribute and provide the equipment for those in need.

The “Find Your Sport at Decathlon” campaign will begin from November 18, 2023 – December 3, 2023. Anyone interested in this campaign can register at https://www.decathlon.co.th/s/find-your-sports. The three registration steps are as follows:

If you are not a member, please sign up. If you are already a member, please update your email information.
Select time, date, and store. Then specify what kind of sports equipment you will bring to redeem.
Receive a confirmation email.

On a scheduled date, please bring your sports equipment to your chosen store. You would receive up to a THB900 coupon for buying new sports equipment at all five selected stores of Decathlon during the operating dates and hours.

For Decathlon Bangna, the activity will take place on November 18, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For Decathlon Rama II, the activity will take place on November 19, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. – 9.30 p.m.
For Decathlon Bangyai, the activity will take place on November 25, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
For Decathlon Rama IV, the activity will take place on November 26, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
For Decathlon Rangsit, the activity will take place on December 3, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Decathlon is a French sporting goods retailer with the most extensive collection of categories. The head office is in Lille, France. At Decathlon, more than 5,000 items are on offer, including sportswear and sports equipment. The products cover over 60 kinds of sports. Decathlon has stores in more than 70 countries worldwide. In Thailand, there are 21 branches in total, including the locations where you can find “your sport.”

For registration and more information, please scan this QR code:

For further information about the ‘Find Your Sport at Decathlon’ campaign, please email us at [email protected], or send a message to our Facebook page Decathlon Thailand ดีแคทลอน ประเทศไทย.

Bangkok Police Arrest Chinese Man Who Raped American Woman

By

Khaosod English

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7 November 2023, 14:34

rape cae2 — Police officers questioned a Chinese man, 25, a suspect, on charges of forcibly sexually assaulting another person.

Three days after an American woman reported she had been raped in her residence in Bangkok, Thailand, police officers from Huai Khwang Police Station arrested Mr. He Tianming, a 25-year-old Chinese national, on charges of forcibly sexually assaulting another person.

The Chinese man was arrested at a residence on Ratchadaphisek Road, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok on November 7.

This case stems from an incident that took place on 4 November. At the time, a 24-year-old American woman reported that she had been attacked by a man, known only by his nickname “Tim”, via the dating app Tinder.

The two had met in a bar in the middle of the night on November 2. At 2:00 am on 3 November, the man became violent in her room, even though she had previously agreed not to engage in sexual activity.

She reiterated her intention to take legal action, while the man admitted to arranging the meeting via the app for sexual intercourse, which the woman had not consented to. The police will continue the prosecution.

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The English Court’s Ruling In “Nop Narongdej” Case Has No Valid in Thailand

By

Contributor

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7 November 2023, 13:45

ณพ ณรงค์เดช พร้อม วีระวงค์ จิตต์มิตรภาพ ที่ปรึกษากฎหมาย — Weerawong Chittmittrapap and Nop Narongdej

Nop Narongdej’s lawyers issued a press release explaining the latest developments in the Wind Energy Holding (WEH) stock case. They confirm that the Thai court has ruled the sale of WEH shares by REC to Khunying Korkaew “not deemed defrauding creditors,” and the English court’s ruling to punish Mr. Nop Narongdej and several other defendants is not valid in Thailand.

The press release stated that before Mr. Nopporn Suppipat’s companies filed the WEH shares-related case in the English court, specifically the Business and Property Courts of England and Wales (Commercial Court), Mr. Nopporn’s companies already filed a “criminal case” in the Thai court, specifically the South Bangkok Municipal Court, on January 23, 2018, on the matter of “cheating against creditors.”

They requested the court to punish Mr. Nop Narongdej, and several other defendants according to the Thai Penal Code, alleging that the transfer of WEH shares held by REC to Khunying Korkaew was done with “special intent” to prevent Mr. Nopporn’s companies from collecting debt from Mr. Nop’s companies, which were the shareholders of REC.

At the time Mr. Nopporn’s companies filed the case in the English court, the Thai court had not yet made a judgment.

Mr. Nopporn’s companies filed the case in the English court six months later, on August 7, 2018, as a “civil case” to claim damages from Mr. Nop’s group, adding three more defendants from the Thai court case: Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), Mr. Arthid Nanthawithaya, and Mr. Weerawong Chittmittrapap as defendants, alleging that all defendants jointly committed a “wrongful act” according to the Thai Civil and Commercial Code.

This involved the defendants jointly and intentionally “committing an offense” against Mr. Nopporn’s companies, thereby causing damage to Mr. Nopporn’s group. The alleged “commission of the offense” was characterized as “defrauding creditors” according to the Thai Penal Code.

This was because REC transferred the held WEH shares to Khunying Korkaew with “special intent” to prevent Mr. Nopporn’s companies from collecting debt from Mr. Nop’s companies, the shareholders of REC. This was the same fact that Mr. Nopporn’s companies had previously filed a “criminal case” in the Thai court.

The English court would have to apply “Thai law”, which is the law of the country where the “wrongful act” occurred, in making its judgment.

The English court made its ruling on 31 July 2023, dismissing the case against Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) and Mr. Arthid, but ordering all the remaining defendants to jointly pay a substantial amount of money to Mr. Nopporn’s companies.

The English court ruled that there was “defrauding creditors” according to the Thai Penal Code, which constituted a joint act of “wrongful act” by the defendants according to the Thai Civil and Commercial Code.

However, on October 31, the South Bangkok Municipal Court made a “dismissal” judgment for Khunying Korkaew, Mr. Nop, and all the other defendants, stating that they did not commit “defrauding creditors,” which effectively completely reversed the judgment of the English court. Therefore, the past judgment of the English court no longer holds any validity for anyone to claim for any purpose in Thailand.

The South Bangkok Municipal Court has ruled that the sale of shares in Wind Energy Limited by REC is “not considered as defrauding creditors” since there was no “special intent” to cause Mr. Nopporn’s companies to not receive debt repayment from Mr. Nop’s companies, an element of the offense of “defrauding creditors.” “Because it was an action taken out of necessity and was a consequence of Mr. Nopporn’s own defective qualities… which caused significant investment obstacles for Wind Energy Limited, which are considered factors in business operations. Should these not be re-structured, they would inevitably damage the value of already invested assets, including the value of the business that must be continued in the future, which the damage… would also cause harm to other investors involved in the business.” That is, the act was done out of necessity arising from Mr. Nopporn.

Furthermore, the South Bangkok Municipal Court also ruled that in the evidence provided by Mr. Nopporn’s group, “no mention was made of the fact that Mr. Nopporn, who was the executive with control over the original operations of Wind Energy Limited, was accused of committing offenses … under the Penal Code, Section 112, which was a major cause of operational problems for the Wind Energy Limited group since late 2014. The presentation of evidence by Mr. Nopporn’s group was evasive by not revealing the detrimental facts about Mr. Nopporn, who was the former top executive of the Wind Energy Limited group, implying concealment of facts which were the cause of the problems created by Mr. Nopporn himself and resulted in the business facing obstacles and losing credibility among investors and financial institutions that would support investment funding. Especially that fact caused Siam Commercial Bank not to approve the drawdown of the loan that Watabak Limited, which is part of the Wind Energy Limited group, urgently needed for business operations.”

Mr. Weerawong Chittmittrapap, a legal advisor, said that the decision by an English judge that the defendants conspired to “defraud the creditors” stems from a refusal to consider evidence presented by witnesses who have no “motive” that would make them unreliable. Mr. Weerawong insisted that he had no other interest or “motive” that would necessitate giving advice to the client that would lead to an illegal act. All these facts were presented in the case and were well acknowledged by the English judge.

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Photos Of Thai Hostages Show They Are Alive, Prime Minister Says

By

Associated Press

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6 November 2023, 22:51

Israel Palestinians — Palestinians look for survivors under the rubble of a destroyed building following an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis refugee camp, southern Gaza Strip, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Mohammed Dahman)

BANGKOK — Thailand’s government has photographs of Thai workers who are being held hostage in Gaza by Hamas following its October 7 attack on Israel, showing they are alive, the prime minister said Monday.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin did not say how many hostages the photos showed. The Thai government’s official number of “abductions” is 24. Thirty-four Thais are known to have been killed and 19 injured.

“There is an update that there are photos of the hostages. So, we understand that at least they are still alive. The negotiation efforts are still ongoing,” Srettha told reporters.

Thailand is pursuing several channels to obtain the release of the hostages, including a trip last week by Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara to Egypt and Qatar.

Almost 8,000 Thai workers have returned home from Israel out of a pre-attack total of around 30,000. Most are employed as semi-skilled farm laborers who come from poorer regions of Thailand and are able to earn a much better income by working abroad.

Israeli Forces Cut Off North Gaza As Palestinian Death Toll Passes 10,000

By

Associated Press

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6 November 2023, 21:30

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli forces severed North Gaza from the rest of the besieged territory and pounded it with intense airstrikes overnight into Monday, setting the stage for an expected push into the dense confines of Gaza City and an even bloodier phase of the month-old war.

Already, the Palestinian death toll passed 10,000, the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Monday. The ministry does not distinguish between fighters and civilians. Some 1,400 Israelis have died, mostly civilians killed in the Oct. 7 incursion by Hamas that started the war.

The figures mark a grim milestone in what has quickly become the deadliest round of Israeli-Palestinian violence since Israel’s establishment 75 years ago, with no end in sight as Israel vows to remove Hamas from power and crush its military capabilities.

AP23309634724980 — Fire and smoke rises from buildings following Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Abed Khaled)

Casualties are only likely to rise as the war turns to close urban combat. Troops are expected to enter Gaza City soon, Israeli media reported, and Palestinian militants who have had years to prepare are likely to fight street by street, launching ambushes from a vast network of tunnels.

“We’re closing in on them,” said Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an Israeli military spokesman. “We’ve completed our encirclement, separating Hamas strongholds in the north from the south.”

The military said it struck 450 targets overnight and ground troops took over a Hamas compound. A one-way corridor for residents to flee south remains available for the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who remain in Gaza City and other parts of the north, according to the military.

Some 1.5 million Palestinians, or around 70% of Gaza’s population, have fled their homes since the war began. Food, medicine, fuel and water are running low, and U.N.-run schools-turned-shelters are beyond capacity. Many people are sleeping on the streets outside.

Mobile phone and internet service went down overnight, the third territory-wide outage since the start of the war, but was gradually restored on Monday. Aid workers say the outages make it even harder for civilians to seek safety or call ambulances.

AP23310374056342 — Samir Ayoub, uncle of three children who were killed by an Israeli airstrike, puts flowers on their car in the town of Ainata, a Lebanese border village with Israel in south Lebanon, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)

Israel has so far rejected U.S. suggestions for a pause in fighting to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries and the release of some of the estimated 240 hostages seized by Hamas in its raid. Israel has also dismissed calls for a broader cease-fire from increasingly alarmed Arab countries — including Jordan and Egypt, which made peace with it decades ago.

After days of intense diplomacy around the Middle East, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up his tour of the region on Monday, saying efforts to secure a humanitarian pause, negotiate the release of hostages and plan for a post-Hamas Gaza were still “a work in progress” without pointing to any concrete achievements.

The war has also stoked wider tensions, with Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group trading fire along the border. In another sign of growing unrest, a Palestinian man stabbed and wounded two members of Israel’s paramilitary Border Police in east Jerusalem before being shot dead, according to police and an Associated Press reporter at the scene.

Israel captured east Jerusalem, along with Gaza and the West Bank, in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians want all three territories for a future state. Israel annexed east Jerusalem in a move not recognized by most of the international community and considers the entire city its capital.

In northern Gaza, a Jordanian military cargo plane air-dropped medical aid to a field hospital, King Abdullah II said early Monday. It appeared to be the first such airdrop of the war, raising the possibility of another avenue for aid delivery besides Egypt’s Rafah crossing, which has so far been the only entry point.

Over 450 trucks carrying aid have been allowed to enter Gaza from Egypt since Oct. 21. But humanitarian workers say the aid that has come through the Rafah crossing is insufficient to meet mounting needs in the territory, which is home to some 2.3 million Palestinians.

The crossing was closed on Saturday and Sunday because of a dispute among Israel, Egypt and Hamas. But it reopened Monday for the evacuation of patients and foreign passport holders, according to Wael Abu Omar, a spokesman for the Palestinian Crossings Authority.

Northern Gaza is facing a severe water shortage, as there is no fuel to pump from municipal wells and Israel shut off the region’s main line. The U.N. office for humanitarian affairs said seven water facilities across Gaza were struck over the last two days and sustained “major damage,” raising the risk of sewage flooding. Israel has restored two water pipelines in central and southern Gaza, the U.N. said.

Some 800,000 people have heeded Israeli military orders to flee to southern Gaza. Some 2,000 people, many carrying only what they could hold in their arms, walked down Gaza’s main north-south highway on Sunday. “The children saw tanks for the first time. Oh world, have mercy on us,” said one Palestinian man, who declined to give his name.

But Israeli bombardments have continued across the territory, and strikes in central and southern Gaza — the purported safe zone — killed dozens of people on Sunday. Israel blames civilian casualties on Hamas, accusing the militants of operating in residential neighborhoods.

After another strike Monday, in the southern town of Khan Younis, men dug through the rubble with sledgehammers and their bare hands. A young boy caked in dust screamed as he was rolled onto a stretcher and carried away. At least two people were killed, according to an AP reporter at the scene.

Earlier Monday, Palestinians held a mass funeral for 66 people outside a hospital in the central town of Deir al-Balah. The bodies were wrapped in white sheets on the ground outside the hospital morgue. A man with bandages wrapped around his head placed his hand on a child’s body and wept.

The Health Ministry said that 10,022 people have been killed in Gaza, including over 4,100 children and 2,600 women.

AP23309592796494 — Palestinians inspect the damage of a destroyed house following an Israeli airstrike in Jabaliya refugee camp, on the outskirts of Gaza City, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Mohammed Alaswad)

Meanwhile, four civilians were killed by an Israeli airstrike on a vehicle in south Lebanon late Sunday, including three children, a local civil defense official and state-run media reported. The Israeli military said it was reviewing the strike, after initially saying it had struck Hezbollah targets following anti-tank fire that killed an Israeli civilian. Hezbollah said it fired Grad rockets into Israel in response.

In the overnight strikes in Gaza, the Israeli military said it had killed a senior Hamas militant, identified as Jamal Mussa, who had allegedly carried out a shooting attack against Israeli soldiers in Gaza in 1993.

It said 30 Israeli troops have been killed since the ground offensive began over a week ago. Hamas and other militants have continued firing rockets into Israel, disrupting daily life even as most are intercepted or fall in open areas. Tens of thousands of Israelis have evacuated from communities near the volatile borders with Gaza and Lebanon.

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Thai Smile Terminates in Jan 2024; Its Fleet Moves to Thai Airways

By

Khaosod English

-

6 November 2023, 19:52

AW IG แจ้งปลอม — Thai Smile says goodbye.

Thai Smile, a domestic subsidiary of Thai Airways established in 2011, will cease operations and transfer all its activities and staff to an internal company in January 2024.

Chai Eiam-siri, the CEO of Thai Airways, announced the restructuring plan. Currently, 20 Airbus A320s are being taken over from Thai Smile, which were mainly used on domestic and international short-haul routes. There are also plans to bring Thai Smile’s employees under the Thai Airways umbrella. This transition is expected to be completed by January 2024.

So far, 4 aircraft have already been handed over. The process of returning 20 aircraft to Thai Airway begins with the airline notifying the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the Ministry of Transport.

Once the 20 aircraft have been returned, the Air Operator’s Licence (AOL) must be cancelled. This measure will lead to the end of the WE Airline Code for Thai Smile. In addition, Thai Smile’s licence will expire in January 2024.

This change will reduce Thai Airways’ average daily aircraft utilisation from 12-13 hours to 11 hours per day, which is still higher than Thai Smile’s average of 9 hours per day. This change is expected to reduce Thai Airways’ hourly operating costs by approximately 20 percent.

thaiairways4 — Chai Eiam-siri, the CEO of Thai Airways

Mr Chai mentioned that the employees of Thai Smile will have to work under Thai Airways. Thai Smile’s pilots and crew will continue to use Airbus A320 aircraft and operate both domestic and international routes under the airline’s TG code. Thai Airways will expand its service on all routes previously operated by Thai Smile.

As far as the name “Thai Smile Airways” is concerned, it is currently assumed that it will remain registered as an independent company. Thai Airways sees opportunities to utilize Thai Smile for other aviation related businesses.

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