Woman Who Fled To Thailand After Hit-and-run Crash Killed Michigan Student Enters No-contest Plea

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16 June 2023, 16:56

Thailand US Pedestrian Killed — Deputy National Police Chief Surachet Hakpal, left, talks to reporters with Tubtim "Sue" Howson, 57, during press conference at police headquarter in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. Howson allegedly struck Michigan State University student Benjamin Kable, 22, shortly before dawn on Jan. 1. She flew to Thailand on a one-way ticket on Jan. 3, according to U.S. authorities. (Royal Thai Police via AP)

A Detroit-area woman accused of fleeing to Thailand after killing a Michigan State University student in a hit-and-run crash pleaded no contest Wednesday to failing to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death.

Tubtim “Sue” Howson, 57, of Oakland County, entered the plea in Oakland County Circuit Court in connection with the New Year’s Day hit-and-run that killed 22-year-old Ben Kable of Shelby Township, The Macomb Daily reported.

Kable was walking on an Oakland County road before dawn on Jan 1. Kable was home from the university for the holidays.

Howson is a dual U.S. and Thai citizen and left Michigan for Bangkok on Jan. 3. Authorities in Thailand took her into custody there. She was returned to the U.S. in February and extradited to Michigan.

A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing purposes.

Howson is scheduled to be sentenced on July 26 and faces up to five years in prison. She’s being held in the Oakland County Jail on a $1 million bond.

Howson has been working and living in Michigan with her family and two children for more than 20 years, authorities have said.

AIS levels up Aunjai Cyber in partnership with KMUTT and other experts

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Contributor

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16 June 2023, 16:04

AIS levels up Aunjai Cyber in partnership with KMUTT and other experts Launches Thailand Cyber Wellness Index, the first measure of digital skills in Thailand Shockingly, over 44.04% are vulnerable to cyber threats

Launches Thailand Cyber Wellness Index, the first measure of digital skills in Thailand

Shockingly, over 44.04% are vulnerable to cyber threats

The mission of Aunjai Cyber Is to build digital skills and develop digital services, select solutions and be a tool to protect Thai people from ongoing cyber threats. Today, it is upgrading this work to another level with the first ever measuring tool of digital savviness in Thailand, the Thailand Cyber Wellness Index. This is conducted in partnership with King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) and a range of experts in technology, health, mass communication, education and measurement and evaluation.

These have brainstormed an educational framework alongside procedures and methodology to collect data, characterize the sample groups, and conduct analysis to arrive at conclusions, which is the essence of the Thailand Cyber Wellness Index. This is according to accurate standards and correct identification of target groups.

It is a new standard of digital citizenship in a society using digital technology ever more. The index is being spread among cyber security networks of both the state and private sector. It will bring together knowledge and understanding of using digital to every segment of the Thai public in the future.

AIS Chief Executive Somchai Lertsutiwong commented, “The issue of cyber threats has become a matter of global concern, as there is a direct relationship with the transformation to the fully digital society. This has impacts at the individual level, whether the theft of personal information, online scams or cyber bullying, or at the national level of cyber security, which is also related to the digital economy and IT systems, which require a serious response.

“AIS is a leader in digital services, and we understand that it is a serious issue for society both now and in the future. For over 4 years, AIS has volunteered to inspire society on this issue, ever since digital technology has started to have a greater role in people’s lifestyles. The AIS Aunjai Cyber program has aimed to build awareness of both the dangers, and the potential impacts, while developing solutions and digital services to protect customers and promote safe use of the Internet, while building a body of knowledge to enhance the savviness and skills of good digital citizens.

Somchai explained further, “Our ongoing efforts in this area have enabled us to see how to address these issues efficiently and sustainably. This is why we came up with the Thailand Cyber Wellness Index, to clearly indicate the levels of digital knowledge and skills In each segment of society. The bodies concerned can use it as a tool, and deliver knowledge to the Thai public, to match each segment, and be consistent with current issues.

Thailand Cyber Wellness Index is the first of its kind in Thailand, and we have achieved it with key partners such as King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), as well as academics from many other areas of study. We are focused on leveling up this matter, to engage every sector.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suvit Saetia. President of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) noted, “We have worked together with AIS on a continuous basis to build knowledge to design the Aunjai Cyber syllabus, which aims to build digital skills among the Thai public. Today, we are extremely proud to be part of this important work in developing measurement tools for the Thailand Cyber Wellness Index.

For this study to be aligned with research standards, to be accurate, precise and credible, we have worked with experts in network security and cyber safety, in terms of technology, health, mass media, education and evaluation to design a research methodology and a framework. Thailand Cyber Wellness Index has been developed as a result with three levels, which are “Advanced”, “Basic” and “Improvement”, which illustrate the digital capabilities of each segment of the Thai public, in each region of the country.

“The Thailand Cyber Wellness Index illustrates digital skills covering Thai user preferences in 7 areas: Digital Use, Digital Literacy, Digital Communication and Collaboration, Digital Rights, Cyber Security and Safety, Cyberbullying and Digital Relationships. The survey methodology covered a range of age cohorts and occupational groups from every province all over Thailand, a total sample size of 21,862.

The survey found that overall, Thai people’s cyber wellness was at the “basic” level, while 44.04% were at the level of “must improve”. This shows that Thailand needs to boost its learning and understanding of using digital among the people.”

Somchai concluded, “The Thailand Cyber Wellness Index has informed us of the areas needing improvement, giving skills and understanding to users on many issues. AIS and its partners will continue to implement this work on an ongoing basis. Finally, we’d like to thank every sector who played their part to create the Thailand Cyber Wellness Index, a new compass showing us the path of developing Thai digital skills safely and responsibly, with efficiency and sustainability.”

Find more details about the Thailand Cyber Wellness Index at https://sustainability.ais.co.th/storage/update/report/advanc-ebook-thailand-cyber-wellness-en.pdf Any enterprise interested in the Thailand Cyber Wellness index can make contact at [email protected]

New International Woodworking & Furniture Trade Exhibition To Place In Bangkok In 2024

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Contributor

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16 June 2023, 15:32

(Bangkok) – A new international trade exhibition for woodworking and furniture industry in ASEAN, hosted by Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment called Thailand International Woodworking and Furniture Exhibition 2024 (TIWF 2024) will take place in Bangkok, Thailand next year, from 18th to 20th September 2024 at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre.

This was announced during an industry briefing organized by IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. and IEC Messevertriebs GmbH on 15th June 2023 held at Grand Center Point Hotel, Terminal 21, Bangkok.

The industry briefing was organized under the theme “Enhancing business opportunities for Thailand’s woodworking and furniture industry in ASEAN market.” The event was very well attended by industry players and professionals from the woodworking and furniture manufacturing sectors, that also included public sector and association representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Forestry Industry Organization, and Thai Timber Association.

TIWF 2024 is jointly organized by IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. from Thailand and IEC Messevertriebs GmbH from Germany. The exhibition will take up over 5,000 sq. meters of exhibition space, with over 200 exhibiting companies, and 4,000 local and international attendees coming from the entire spectrum of the woodworking and furniture supply chain sectors.

The Host Organization of TIWF 2024 is Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. One of the many important strategic functions of the Ministry is overseeing forest and biodiversity management, in critical sectors such as forest, national parks, biodiversity, wildlife, land management, and geological resources.

“The protection and preservation of natural resources and the environment is an important role for the Ministry. We see TIWF 2024 as an important international forum in Thailand to present and discuss the latest technology, solutions, materials, trends, sustainability, and environmental issues impacting the woodworking industry of Thailand and ASEAN” said Mr. Phichit Sombatmak, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Thailand is a net importer of woodworking machinery valued at USD 60.8 million, making it the world’s 30th largest importer of woodworking machinery. Thailand’s key wood product exports are sawn wood, paper and paperboard, fiberboard, particleboard, wooden furniture, and furniture parts. Its wood product exports increased by 30% to THB 109.8 billion (2022), while furniture and part exports increased by 16% to USD 1.8 million (2022).

Mr. Ludger Muller, Managing Director of IEC Messeeverriebs GmbH, Germany, the co-organizer of TIWF 2024 said “Due to lack of domestic supply, there are strong demands for imported processed woods. At the same time, demands for automated woodworking machinery and tools to improve efficiency are increasing.”

Mr. Thanomasak Chiableam, Deputy Managing Director of the Forest Industry Organization (FIO) – one of TIWF’s many supporting organizations – said “FIO generates revenues via a variety of timber-related business activities, such as commercial forest management, and approximately 10% of our revenues comes from timber processing, wooden furniture, and wood treatment amounting to about 250 million baht. We are expecting a 20% growth to reach 300 million baht. I believe our collaboration with TIWF 2024 will help us to speed up our adoption of new technology to improve our production processes to achieve higher profits.”

TIWF 2024 is well supported and endorsed by many key government bodies, industry associations and academic institutions – both locally and internationally. This demonstrates the need of an event like TIWF 2024 to provide the woodworking industry and markets with a dedicated face-to-face international industry forum to meet, discuss, exchange views, learn new knowledge and trends, forge new business deals, network, and address issues impacting the environment and sustainability.

The exhibition will feature the latest machinery and technology, materials and supplies, fittings, hardware and components, and services serving the woodworking industry and markets in Thailand and ASEAN.

Mr. Charlee Sirisakulsphon, President of Ta Chou Industry Co., Ltd., the Gold sponsor of TIWF 2024, said “We are excited to be part of this event. TIWF 2024 provides us the opportunity to showcase our range of products, such as air equipment, packaging equipment, spray painting tools, blades, saws, and many more. This event will serve as an effective business platform for us to connect with potential customers and help us expand our market presence in this region.”

Amongst the key features of TIWF 2024 includes a public-private sector exchange platform for the government and private sectors to discuss and exchange views on policies and opportunities impacting the woodworking industry of Thailand and ASEAN.

On the topic of sustainability, the organizers have launched an initiative called “TIWF Sustainable Reforestation Programme”, aiming to preserve, strengthen, and create diversified forests in Thailand by helping its environment re-establish healthy forest structure to preserve biodiversity within its ecosystem.

Ms. Peerayapan Pongsanam, Senior Manager of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd, added “Through this programme, we will donate USD 1 for every square meter sold at TIWF 2024 to support Thailand’s reforestation programme. We would like to invite all exhibitors and stakeholders of TIWF 2024 to play their parts in greening our wood industry.”

Blue Tree Phuket Holds Its First Padel Tennis Competition, “Thai Padel Series 2023”

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Contributor

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16 June 2023, 11:48

Registration now open! Blue Tree Phuket gets ready to hold its first-ever Padel Tennis competition, “Thai Padel Series 2023”

Padel Tennis has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity over the past 2-3 years, particularly in Europe, and is now emerging as a trending sport in Asia.

Recognizing this trend, Blue Tree Phuket, a comprehensive entertainment hub that supports all aspects of leisure including health and sports, sees the “Thai Padel Series 2023” as an opportunity to generate interest in sports and promote well-being. Padel Tennis is an easy and accessible sport suitable for all ages and genders.

The Padel Tennis Blue Tree Phuket is built to international standards and consists of 4 indoor and 2 outdoor courts. Professional instructors are on hand to provide guidance. Recently, Thai and international players from countries such as China, Singapore, Japan, and the Philippines have registered to participate in the “Thai Padel Series 2023” which will officially open at the Padel Tennis Blue Tree Phuket from June 23rd to 25th.

Those interested can reach out to Daniel Padel Phuket via Whatsapp at (+66) 86-273-3328 to learn more about the competition. For registration, please contact Daniel and provide your full name, nationality, and the Padel Tennis Team you are representing. Men’s registration costs 2,400 baht (4,800 baht per team), while women’s registration costs 1,900 baht (3,800 baht per team).

The training and competition schedule for the “Thai Padel Series 2023” is as follows:

Friday, June 23rd: Team practice/Opening games

Saturday, June 24th, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Group stage matches

Sunday, June 25th, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Playoff and championship matches

Admission fee includes Welcome Package, 3 days for the Padel Tennis Tournaments, a Two-day pass to Blue Tree Lagoon, and a buffet dinner

#บลูทรี #บลูทรีภูเก็ต #BlueTree #BlueTreePhuket

#Entertainmenthub #ThrillandChill #DayandNight

#PadelTennis #Tournaments #PadelTennisTournaments

American Arrested For Pushing 2 US Tourists Into Ravine At Neuschwanstein, Leaving One Woman Dead

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Associated Press

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16 June 2023, 01:43

Germany Attack — People watch the Neuschwanstein castle, in Schwangau, Germany, Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Frank Rumpenhorst/dpa via AP)

BERLIN (AP) — An American man has been arrested in the death of a U.S. tourist and an assault on another near Neuschwanstein castle in southern Germany after he allegedly pushed the two women down a steep slope, authorities said Thursday.

The incident near the popular tourist attraction happened on Wednesday afternoon near the Marienbruecke, a bridge over a gorge close to the castle that offers a famous view of Neuschwanstein.

The 30-year-old man met the two female tourists, ages 21 and 22, on a hiking path and lured them onto a trail that leads to a viewpoint, police said in a statement.

He then “physically attacked” the younger woman, police said. When her companion tried to intervene, he choked her and pushed her down a steep slope.

AP23166465608135 — Tourists stand on the Marienbr’cke bridge, near the Neuschwanstein castle, in Schwangau, Germany, Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Frank Rumpenhorst/dpa via AP)

The assailant then appears to have attempted to sexually assault the 21-year-old before pushing her down the slope as well. She fell nearly 50 meters (165 feet), ending up close to her friend.

A mountain rescue team reached both women. The 22-year-old was “responsive” and taken to a hospital, police said; a helicopter carried the 21-year-old to a different hospital with serious injuries, and she died there overnight.

The suspect left the scene but was arrested quickly nearby. Bystander video posted online showed police leading away a handcuffed man in a T-shirt, jeans and a baseball cap.

Witness Eric Abneri, a recent business graduate from the University of Pittsburgh who shot the video, said the man appeared to have scratches across his face.

“He did not say a single word. He didn’t open his mouth; he didn’t mumble,” Abneri told The Associated Press. “He just walked with the police and that was it.”

AP23166514897309 — People stay on the Marien-Bridge at Castle Neuschwanstein, a 19th century creation by Bavaria’s fairy tale king Ludwig II and world renowned tourist attraction, is pictured in Hohenschwangau near Fuessen, southern Germany, on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Frank Rumpenhorst/dpa via AP)

Abneri said he and friends arrived at the scenic overlook as a helicopter arrived and they saw rescuers lower themselves down to the victims.

“I’m honestly absolutely stunned someone is still alive from this. It is like falling from the top of an absolute cliff,” he said.

Abneri described it as “a very, very difficult rescue because of those cliffs and because the helicopter came mere feet above the tree line at the top of the hill.”

“They did an unbelievable job,” he said.

Police said the man they arrested was American and described him as also a tourist; prosecutors said the women were fellow U.S. citizens. The 22-year-old remained hospitalized Thursday, according to prosecutors.

Authorities didn’t identify either the suspect or the victims or give any further details.

AP23166449876641 — A view of the Neuschwanstein castle, in Schwangau, Germany, Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Frank Rumpenhorst/dpa via AP)

Police said a judge in nearby Kempten on Thursday ordered the suspect held pending a potential indictment — a process that can take months — and he was taken to jail. He is under investigation on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and a sexual offense.

Police said they and prosecutors were focusing on trying to reconstruct exactly what happened and called for any witnesses to come forward.

Neuschwanstein, located in southern Bavaria close to Austria’s border, is one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions.

It is the most famous of the castles built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century. Construction started in 1869 but was never completed. Ludwig died in 1886.

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GEIR MOULSON and FRANK JORDANS reported by Berlin.

ITV Releases A Statement To Clarify Its Scandal Targeting Pita

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Khaosod English

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16 June 2023, 01:29

On June 15, 2023, ITV Publishing Company Limited released the statement “Clarification to Shareholders”, after it was questioned by media that the report of the meeting the ITV annual shareholders was edited, differently from a video recording of that meeting on April 26, 2023, to make it appear that ITV was still operating as a mass media company.

This act was alleged to be part of an attempt to prevent Pita Limchareonrat, leader of the Move Forward Party, from becoming the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand, while Pita inherited shares of ITV as a trustee from his late father.

The ITV statement tried to clarify as the following contents:

Reference is made to the events in the media regarding the minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for 2023 (“Meeting Minutes), the form accompanying the submission of the financial statements (For. BorChor. 3) of ITV Publishing Company Limited (“the Company”) for 2022, and the Quarter 1/2023 financial statements of the Company.

The Company would like to provide clarification of the facts as follows:

1. In the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for 2023 (‘the Meeting”), the Company held a meeting on April 26, 2023 with a total of 9 agenda items. Agenda 1 to Agenda 8 were agendas to report on / approve and consider the normal business operations of the Company. Agenda 9 was an an agenda for other matters, in which no shareholders proposed any other agenda to be considered and approved. As such, the Company gave shareholders an opportunity to inquire about other matters.

At the Meeting, there were repetitive questions from shareholders, or questions and answers that were related to the operations of the Company, to ensure conciseness and clarity, without recording the Meeting verbatim.

Therefore, the Meeting Minuted in question are a summary of answers to several questions that were submitted by shareholders. With regards to the section concerning the legal dispute related to the rights to participate in and operate radio and television broadcasting stations, the Company has made a record of Agenda 9, page 14, that, “The results of legal case are the most important point. If the results have not been announced, it would be very difficult for the Company to conduct any operations at this time…” (translation).

With regards to the section of the Meeting Minutes which stated, “Currently, the Company continue tax statements as usual”, the Company still operates in accordance with the objectives which it registered with Department of Business Development and has not discontinued its business.

2. With regards to the form accompanying the submission of financial statements (For. BorChor. 3) of the Company for 2022 which the Company submitted to the Department of Business Development, the Ministry of Commerce on May 10, 2023, the Company would like to provide notification that revenue from the business operations of the Company is shown in Company’s financial statements for 2022 which were audited and certified by an independent auditor, and were submitted to the Ministry of Commerce.

The aforementioned financial statements show that the Company’s revenue comes from return on investment and interest income only. In addition, the aforementioned financial statements were submitted to the Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 21, 2023.

3. With regards to the Quarter 1/2023 financial statements of the Company, which are posted on the website www.itv.co.th, as is currently being reported in the news, the Company would like to provide notification that aforementioned financial statements are draft financial statements for internal use and have not been reviewed or audited by an auditor. Therefore, the an aforementioned financial statements cannot be used for reference or external purposes, and are not legally binding in any regard.

The Company would like to reiterate that the organization of the Meeting, the recording of Meeting Minutes, the submission of the form accompanying the submission of the financial statements, the financial statements, and other activities undertaken by the Company are normal business activities and are in compliance with the law in every regard.

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Flame for Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games Lit in Liangzhu Culture Site

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Xinhua News Agency

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15 June 2023, 17:24

Hangzhou games4 — The flame is lit during the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games Flame Lighting Ceremony at the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City park in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, on June 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

HANGZHOU, June 15 (Xinhua) — The Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games flame was lit at the Liangzhu ancient city on Thursday, to mark the 100-day countdown to the opening of the 19th Asian Games.

The flame was lit out of a concave mirror using the sun’s rays. Then a flame collector handed the torch to Yi Lianhong, secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, who ignited the cauldron. At the same time, a digital torch relay kicked off online.

China’s Hangzhou is ready to host the 19th Asian Games with a focus on green and sustainable principles supported by high-tech, organizers said on Wednesday.

Hangzhou games1 — The mascots of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 (from L to R) Chenchen, Congcong and Lianlian, unveiled by the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (HAGOC) in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, (Xinhua/HAGOC)

“If the existing venues can be renovated to meet Asiad standards, there is no need to construct new ones, so only 12 of the 56 competition venues for the Hangzhou Asian Games are newly built,” Hangzhou mayor Yao Gaoyuan told a press conference in Beijing.

Green energy sources, such as solar and wind power, have been widely implemented in all the Games venues. Furthermore, online services, digital products, and state-of-the-art facilities have been put in place, eagerly anticipating the arrival of participants from across Asia in approximately 100 days.

Hangzhou games3 — Areial photo taken on Dec. 27, 2021, shows a view of China Hangzhou Esports Center, a venue of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua)

Zhou Jinqiang, deputy president of the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (HAGOC), confirmed at the same press conference that all 45 national and regional Olympic Committees in Asia have registered for the Hangzhou Asiad, demonstrating “immense enthusiasm” for the event.

He added that more than 900 Chinese athletes will be pursuing their dreams at the Hangzhou Asiad.

According to HAGOC, more than 8 million people have already visited the competition and training venues.

“The venues have become popular destinations for the public to engage in sports activities. A series of rehearsal activities have been conducted to further enhance the operations, catering, medical, and transportation services. Currently, all the venues are fully prepared for the Games,” noted Yao.

Hangzhou games2 — Chun’an Jieshou Sports Center Velodrome, a venue of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province. (Photo by Zhou Hengzhong/Xinhua)

Li Yanyi, vice governor of Zhejiang Province, stated at the press conference that the organization of the Asian Games contributed to the improvement of the transportation systems in Hangzhou and other co-host cities, including Ningbo, Wenzhou, Huzhou, Shaoxing and Jinhua.

Currently, Hangzhou has completed a 516-kilometer rail transit and a 480-kilometer expressway network, ensuring smooth transportation during the Games and establishing a solid foundation for the long-term integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, he said.

Hangzhou metro line 19, adorned with the emblem and slogan of the 19th Asian Games, connects the city’s railway stations and international airport, providing significant convenience for local residents since its launch last year.

To mark the 100-day countdown to the Hangzhou Asian Games on Thursday, the Asiad flame will be lit in the archaeological ruins of Liangzhu ancient city in Zhejiang and the medal designs will be released, Li said.

Thailand-Cambodia Launch QR Code Payments to Boost Tourism and Border Trade

By

Khaosod English

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15 June 2023, 16:28

thai-cambodia3 — Khlong Luek, Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo Province

The Bank of Thailand and the National Bank of Cambodia have entered into a second phase of partnership to facilitate convenient and secure payments between the two countries. Through the mobile banking apps of Thai banks: Krung Thai Bank, Krungsri Bank and Kasikornbank, Thai tourists can now make purchases from Cambodian merchants using the code cross-border QR.

This cooperation not only reduces transaction costs but also promotes the use of local currencies, the Thai baht and the Cambodian riel, without the need for currency conversion.

Traisulee Traisoranakul, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, stressed on June 15 that Thai travelers visiting Cambodia can use the mobile banking apps of Thai banks, such as Krung Thai Bank, Krungsri Bank and Kasikornbank, at merchants in Cambodia displaying ACLEDA Bank’s KH QR symbol (Cambodia’s QR Standard).

Cambodian tourists visiting Thailand can now make purchases from Thai merchants through the mobile banking apps of ACLEDA Bank, Sathapana Bank, Hattha Bank, FTB Bank and Cambodia Post Bank.

thai cambodia4 — Sa Kaeo, a province bordering Cambodia

Transactions can be made at Thai merchants displaying the Thai QR codes of Krung Thai Bank, Bangkok Bank, Krungsri Bank, Kasikornbank and Siam Commercial Bank. The spending limit is set at 100,000 baht per transaction and no more than 500,000 baht per day.

In addition to Cambodia, the Bank of Thailand has also worked with central banks in several ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore, to develop QR code payment systems. This initiative aims to promote the use of local currencies within ASEAN, facilitate tourism in the region and reduce the cost of currency exchange.

CPF pledges to manage food loss and food waste sustainably.

By

Contributor

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15 June 2023, 14:59

Mrs. Kobboon Srichai, Head of Corporate Affairs & Investor Relations of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited or CPF, said that under the company’s “CPF 2030 Sustainability in Action Strategy,” the company places importance on efficient resource utilization and waste management throughout the value chain, aiming to achieve zero waste to landfill and incineration.

The company has announced food loss and food waste policies, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which target a reduction of food surplus and food waste by over 50% at the retail and consumer levels.

“CPF is embracing the circular economy principle to foster sustainable food production and consumption, support food security goals, and mitigate the impacts of climate change,” said Kobboon Srichai.

CPF has implemented various initiatives to improve food loss management in the production process as well as reduce the amount of food waste. For instance, the company has initiated the smart egg conveyor system project, an automated egg handling system, to minimize egg damage during transportation from the farm to the egg sorting plant and during the egg sorting process. As a result, the system has enabled the company to reduce more than 1 million damaged eggs in 2022. This year, CPF plans to install the smart egg conveyor system at the company’s 7 egg complexes across the country.

Meanwhile, CPF strives to add value to animal parts and components, such as innards, pig heads, and shredded meat, by selling them as fresh food or processed foods. This approach not only enhances the value of these products but also ensures their safe consumption, as seen with products like pasteurized pork blood cubes and lard. CPF utilizes animal innards, feathers, and eggs that are damaged during production as feed raw materials in a bid to reduce the amount of waste from production lines.

Additionally, the company also turns waste from production processes into value. This includes transitioning waste to energy by installing a biogas system to treat wastewater containing organic matter from animals, thereby producing biogas energy. They also utilize used vegetable oil to produce biodiesel.

CPF has made significant strive in reducing surplus food through collaborations with the Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS) and GEPP Sa-Ard Company (GEPP). Since June 2020, CPF has pioneered the Circular Meal program, which focuses on transforming surplus food into ready-to-eat, delicious, clean, and safe meals, while also managing post-consumer plastic packaging.

From January 2022 to May of this year, the program has provided food to vulnerable groups, including elderly, disabled individuals, and low-income families in Bangkok and its metropolitan area, totaling over 130,000 meals.

The meals provided by CPF are more nutritious and healthier, containing a high level of protein, accounting for 92.5 percent of a meal, which ensures health and wellness. The program has resulted in the reduction of 31.19 tons of food waste and the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions by 23.84 tons of CO2e. Additionally, the program also collects and recycles 7,000 pieces of post-consumer plastic packaging within a closed-loop system. It also manages unrecycled packaging properly and effectively.

Klook: 1,200% Surge in Foreign Tourist Activity Bookings in 5 Months

By

Khaosod English

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15 June 2023, 14:29

Phiphi4 — A beach at Phi Phi Islands national park in Krabi, Thailand. Phi Phi Islands national park, with an area of about 388 square kilometers, attracts numerous tourists every year. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

Wilfred Fan, Chief Commercial Officer of Klook, Asia’s travel platform, announced the marketing campaign results in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) titled “Let Your Journey be THAI.” In the first 5 months, international tourist activity bookings increased by 1,200 per cent compared to the same period in 2022.

The Let Your Journey be THAI program encourages international travelers to visit Thailand and experience the country’s beauty and culture through 5F Soft Power: Food, Fight, Film, Festival and Fashion.

ayutthaya klook — Historical sites in Ayutthaya

The top 5 countries/regions whose travelers booked activities in Thailand through the Klook platform are Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea and Malaysia. The most popular activities in Thailand include day trips such as exploring the southern islands and visiting historical sites in Ayutthaya. Popular activities also include experiencing the beauty of Thailand, such as a boat trip on the Chao Phraya River or a panoramic view of Bangkok from the Mahanakhon Sky Walk.

Another popular activity is a spa, which is popular with international travelers for relaxation. The treatments are popular in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

chaopraya — A boat trip on the Chao Phraya River

For Thai travelers, bookings for both domestic and international tourism activities have increased by over 700 per cent compared to the same period last year. The most popular destinations for Thai travelers are Japan, Europe, Singapore, domestic travel, and Hong Kong. The most popular activities among Thai travelers include visiting amusement parks, buying travel tickets and exploring tourist attractions.

AP21295440083487 — Tourists stand on Bang Tao Beach in Phuket, southern Thailand, Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. Photo: Patrick Quinn / AP

A survey on the travel trends of Millennials and Gen Z shows that the era of “revenge travel” is now over. Trips that will happen from now on show that Thai Millennials are currently planning international trips during the months of June to August. The main motivation is relaxation. They actively seek out travel activities before booking accommodation and prefer the convenience of booking in advance to secure the options they want.

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