Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week 2023 Empowering Thai Soft Power to the Global Stage

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6 October 2023, 15:38

Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week 2023 Unveils Spectacular Fashion, Empowering Thai Soft Power to the Global Stage

Siam Paragon solidifies its position as a ‘World Class Fashion Destination’ with the returns of ‘Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week 2023’ (BIFW2023), showcasing the global potential of Thai fashion, one of the country’s powerful soft powers.

Embracing the theme of “The Future of Fashion,” BIFW2023 foster sustainability for future of the fashion world. Collaborating with 12 prominent Thai brands, Siam Paragon is hosting a series of fashion shows, presenting their latest collections from 5-8 October 2023, at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon.

Kicking off on October 5, 2023, the first day of this exciting event was fashion shows by ISSUE, presented by Purra, and VATANIKA, presented by AION – AIONIC AUTO. Continuing the fashion extravaganza on October 6, 2023, the spotlight will be on Kloset and Absolute Siam x Holy Number 7 x 789, with an exciting collaboration with Korean streetwear brand HOLY NUMBER 7 and Thai rising star 789. October 7, 2023, promises a packed schedule of fashion shows, featuring Leisure Projects presented by Crocs, NAGARA, MOO, and an exciting collaboration between Greyhound Original and TikTok.

The grand finale to the fashion week on October 8, 2023, will be an extraordinary showcase featuring PAINKILLER Atelier presented by Seiko 5 Sports, FRI27NOV presented by SCG, TUBE GALLERY presented by TAT, and FLYNOW.

The BIFW2023 event is a collaboration between both the public and private sectors, featuring support from esteemed partners including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), AIONIC AUTO, Crocs, TikTok, Seiko, Purra Natural Mineral Water, Harper’s Bazaar magazine, SCG, Chatrium Grand Bangkok, and M.A.C Cosmetics.

This year, focusing on “The Future of Fashion,” many brand are dedicated to showcasing fashion designs that adhere to the concept of sustainability—a global trend that has garnered significant attention in the fashion industry, particularly among top brands. These efforts involve utilizing recycled materials, and other eco-conscious choices. Top models, as well as leading artists and celebrities, are gracing the catwalk and attend fashion shows.

Additionally, there will be an engaging panel discussion focusing on fashion and sustainability. Distinguished representatives from the government sector and numerous renowned Thai designers will contribute their insights and expertise to this discussion. Scheduled for 7-8 October 2023, at SCBX NEXT STAGE, 4 Floor of Siam Paragon, the free event is open for interested individuals.

Siam Paragon has taken part in uniting the potential of both the public and private sectors, along with partners from diverse industries, to forge a robust fashion industry ecosystem. Together, they have curated a remarkable fashion phenomenon that interconnects various dimensions of fashion through this event.

This event has not only offered a platform for showcasing fashion creations rooted in sustainability but has also introduced a fresh and unexpected experience for a global audience. Through the social media channels of Siam Paragon and the ONESIAM SuperApp, it goes beyond simply presenting a spectacular fashion show. It also serves as a medium for conveying the stories of the brands and designers, enabling viewers to immerse themselves more deeply in every collection.

Furthermore, this event seamlessly integrates the fashion experience with convenient shopping through the ONESIAM SuperApp. Fashion enthusiasts can indulge in ‘Shop-Off the Runway,’ allowing them to reserve and purchase the latest collections from the BIFW2023 runway with ease, right at their fingertips. Shopping via this channel also comes with a range of enticing benefits. This approach truly represents the pinnacle of a superior fashion experience that encompasses every dimension.

The event also features discussions revolving around the concept of advancing Thai fashion through sustainable design. These discussions will include insights from representatives of the government sector and prominent designers in Thailand. One such discussion, titled “Make ~IM~Possible: OTOP & MSMEs Fashion Go Global,” is scheduled for October 7, 2023, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The speakers for this discussion will include representatives from the “OTOP Premium Go Inter” project by the Department of International Trade Promotion, as well as leading Thai brands EK Thongprasert, Yanet, and Mr. Leaf.

There will also be a discussion centered on the topic “Innovation + Design for Sustainable Lifestyle Products” taking place on October 8, 2023, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. This discussion will be led by Thai designers associated with the Designer Room & Talent Thai (DSR & TT) project, which includes notable names such as Q Design & Play, Wishulada, and Renim Project. These designers have experience in participating in world-class fashion shows and possess a keen idea of driving Thai fashion forward with a focus on sustainable design principles.

Both engaging discussions are open to interested individuals to attend free of charge, at SCBX NEXT STAGE, on the 4 Floor of Siam Paragon.

Experience the fashion event of the year at Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week 2023, from 5-8 October at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon. You can stay updated on all the action by following the runway and watching live fashion shows during all 12 shows via www.siamparagon.co.th or on Facebook at Siam Paragon throughout the entire Fashion Week.

#SiamParagon #BIFW2023 #SiamParagonBIFW2023

A Teenage Shooter Is Found To Have Trained in a Military Facility

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Khaosod English

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6 October 2023, 14:40

The mall shooting in Bangkok on Tuesday not only revealed a blank gun trade in Thailand that can be transformed into lethal weapons, but it also raised questions about how a shooting range allowed a 14-year-old shooter access to it.

The military spokesman announced on October 6, that a video clip circulating on the Internet showed the 14-year-old suspect training with firearms at a shooting range. It was noted that this shooting range was part of the facilities of the Territorial Defense Command.

This place was open to members who wanted to practice shooting sports and also offered training in the use of firearms to both military personnel and interested civilians. The rules of this shooting range allowed members to bring certified individuals to use the facilities, with strict adherence to the range’s regulations.

It was determined that the suspect was not a member of this shooting range. This led to the suspicion that someone else had brought him in. After reviewing the security camera footage from the last ten days, no images of the suspect were found.

The military spokesman said, “Currently, our unit is in contact with all the employees of the firing range to gather information about the suspect’s use of the facility. The military has provided useful information to assist the police in their ongoing investigation.”

The shooting at Siam Paragon on October 3 killed a Chinese tourist and a Myanmar worker, while five others were injured. One of the injured victims remains in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the head.

The investigation also revealed that the 14-year-old suspect had fired up to 40 shots, 11 of which hit the deceased and the injured. The Thai government is working to address this situation by reviewing firearms control measures, both from a legal and enforcement perspective.

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True Crop Award by National Innovation 2023

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Contributor

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6 October 2023, 14:08

Bangkok October 6, 2023 – Assoc. Prof. Soranit Silatham M.D., Chairman of the National Innovation Board of Thailand congratulated and presented the National Innovation Awards 2023 in the Innovative Private Large Organization category to True Corporation Plc. represented by Mr. Chakkrit Urairat (left), Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, as an organization with outstanding innovation initiatives and creating obvious values to the nation in various aspects.

This has led to innovation enthusiast in every social sector, strengthening the potential of Thai innovators and propelling the country’s innovation ecosystem on the occasion of National Innovation Day 2023 organized by the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation at Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon.

Mr. Chakkrit Urairat, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, True Corporation Plc said that “Innovation” is the heart that drives True Corporation to become state-of-the-art and sustainable telecom-tech company. True has received the National Innovation Awards for the 3rd year and this year in the Innovative Private Large Organization category. It is another pride that reflects True Corporation’s determination in operating business that focuses on innovations which has been recognized in a national level.

The company is determined to seriously create innovative organization, from cultivating the solid “CO-CREATION” corporate culture, supporting and building True innovators who are filled with potential and creativity to continuously adopt digital technology to develop innovative products & services to sustainably deliver values to the society and the nation, covering all aspects including economy, society and environment.

“After the amalgamation of True-dtac, True Corporation is moving forward to conduct clear innovation policy with over 680 innovations being created by True innovators that generate revenue and reduce cost of the company by over 4 billion Baht. At the same time, it has collaborated with academic institutions and alliances in creating over 100 innovations including co-operation with 1,000 start-up teams.

Currently, True has more than 100 innovations from internal and external collaborations that have been registered as Intellectual Properties. Another factor for its achievement is its product & service development that accommodates the lifestyles of consumers in the digital era as well as innovations for the society such as for the vulnerable group and environmental conservation.

True Corporation vows to continue to become a true digital innovation organization with target to have 5,000 innovators by 2030, allocating 3% of its expense budget as a research scholarship with 15% of its total revenue being generated from innovative products & services as well as 200 innovations being registered as Intellectual Properties,” Mr. Chakkrit concluded.

#องค์กรนวัตกรรม

#ทรูองค์กรแห่งนวัตกรรม

#trueinnovation

EnwastExpo 2023 Joins the Movement Towards a Better Planet

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Contributor

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6 October 2023, 11:01

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) collaborates with Environmental Network launch “Environmental and Waste Management Expo 2023 (EnwastExpo 2023) “Join the movement towards a better planet”

On October 4, 2023, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), in collaboration with government and private environmental partners, has launched the “Environmental and Waste Management Expo 2023” (EnwastExpo2023) under the concept of “Join the movement towards a better planet”.

Miss Pimphattra Wichaikul, Minister of Industry, presided over the opening ceremony at the main stage of Hall 6, IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center with Dr.Chulphong Thaweesri, Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works; Assoc. Prof. Dr.Weris Amrapal, Governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand; Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department; Mr. Kriangkrai Thiennukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI); and a network of environmental partners from both public and private sectors, the media participated in the activity stages at Hall 6 of the IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center.

Miss Pimpatra Wichaikul, Minister of Industry, stated that following the policy announcement by the Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Srettha Thavisin, on September 11th, 2023, the government intends to promote new economic development initiatives. These initiatives include the development of the digital economy, high technology, green industries, and national security sectors, as well as investment in research, technology, and innovation within the country.

These efforts aim to serve as a new driving force for the economy, enhance the country’s competitiveness, and facilitate the further development of special economic zones and economic corridors in all four regions to improve efficiency. Moreover, there will be a focus on urban development aligned with city plans that cater to the needs of the people, thereby spreading prosperity and economic activities across the regions.

The government remains committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and will continue its Carbon Neutrality policy to position Thailand as a leader in ASEAN in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable development will provide significant opportunities for global trade, which is crucial for Thailand.

“Ministry of Industry has been working on reforms to transition towards Eco Industrial for Carbon Neutrality, aiming to raise the level “The industry is good. Living together with sustainable community”.

By establishing a four-dimensional framework for operations, we aim to achieve the following objectives: 1st Dimension: Achieving business success, 2nd Dimension: Ensuring the well-being of the community surrounding the industrial factory, 3rd Dimension: Prioritizing environmental care and transitioning to a green industry and 4th dimension: Promoting income distribution to improve people’s quality of life.

It will promote and support operations aligned with sustainable industrial goals, with a focus on environmental friendliness. This includes the establishment of a comprehensive system for the management, control, and responsible disposal of industrial waste that avoids any adverse impact on the community.

We are also committed to using alternative energy sources as we move toward embracing the concepts of the bioeconomy and the circular economy (Bio Circular Economy). These initiatives will drive the creation of a prototype zero-carbon industry (Zero Carbon Industry) in the next phase.”

Mr.Kriengkrai Thiennukul, Chairman of FTI, explained that the exhibition is a response to environmental changes, particularly the annual increase in the rate of waste generation. According to the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), Thailand produced approximately 27 million tons of waste in 2017, equivalent to 74,998 tons daily. Of this, 33 tons per year of industrial waste were hazardous, often mismanaged, and illegally disposed of. Therefore, addressing the problem requires proper waste management, an expansion of waste services, and the adoption of technology.

“In addition, Mr. Kriengkrai also elaborated on the theme of this exhibition, which is “Join the movement towards a better planet”. He discussed three key components:

The source, which represents the generator of pollution and waste.
Along the way, where government policies are needed to oversee and address the problem properly, ultimately leading to the creation of a balanced and sustainable environment.
The destination, which involves individuals who will contribute to reducing, treating, and eliminating pollution and waste by utilizing technological tools for better management. This approach takes into account the value of investment and aims to reinvest profits into society.”

“FTI is committed to promoting the country’s economy through the Environmental Management Industry Club (EMIC), which supports overall industrial sustainability. We are prepared to apply innovations and technology to the waste management system to address environmental challenges sustainably,” stated Mr. Thiennukul.

Furthermore, Mr. Thiennukul elaborated on the exhibition’s theme, ” Join the movement towards a better planet,” which has three components including Upstreamer: The waste producer, Downstreamer: the waste manager, waste treatment, and disposal entities that adopt technology to enhance their systems cost-effectively while contributing to society and Middlestreamer: enforcing government policies to maintain practice standards, resulting in a sustainable and balanced environment.

Mr.Teerapol Tirawasin, President of Environmental Management Industry Club (EMIC) under the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), announced that this marked the first initiative exhibition organized by EMIC, FTI with the received support from various environmental government and private organizations, including the Department of Industrial Works, Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, Pollution Control Department, Department of Local Administration, Department of Primary Industries and Mines, SCG, AMATA Facility, and the Thai Environmental Engineers Association.

This exhibition also commemorates the 20th anniversary of EMIC and aims to support the environmental management industry in Thailand without pursuing profit, with the goal of introducing new technologies for waste management at all levels, from industrial to community to household.

“For EnwastExpo2023, we support the transfer of environmental and waste management technology for the entire system which includes business matching activities, seminars on new knowledge and recent changing circumstances and presenting new communication technology and laws in Thailand. All of these are included in this expo for those who interest on this matter in particular.”, emphasized Mr. Tirawasin.

The expo is exhibited into 3 parts; the first zone exhibits new technology and innovation of environment and waste management including the exhibition of the original recycling innovation. The second zone includes the environment seminars such as “environment management in Thailand” and a special keynote on “the factory law and subordinate legislations enforced in 2023 for industrial waste generators”.

The third zone, lastly, includes business matching activities between the manufacturers, technology distributors, entry industrial waste generators and the customers of waste management and recycling.

It is expected to have visitors from government officials, management teams and private companies from over 40,000 factories, management and staff members from over 10,000 local administration offices across the country including academics, students and general visitors.

In total, it is estimated to have at least 10,000 visitors a day. In addition, there are over 300 deals from business matching activities, over 20 topics of seminars and workshops, innovation exhibitions from over 100 environmental companies and brands and mini concerts from famous artists everyday.

For those who are interested, everyone is welcome to attend the EnwastExpo2023 from October 4th to 6th, 2023 at Hall 6 of the IMPACT Arena, Exhibition & Convention Center.

A Year After Thai Day Care Center Massacre, A Family Copes With Their Grief

By

Associated Press

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6 October 2023, 09:35

Thailand Shooting Anniversary — Former The Young Children's Development Center, the site of a horrific attack, sits quiet as the sun sets in the rural town of Uthai Sawan, in Nong Bua Lamphu province northeastern Thailand, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI UTHAI SAWAN, Thailand — In a simply built concrete house a few meters (yards) off a dirt road in the rural town of Uthai Sawan in northeastern Thailand, Tawee Lasopha wakes up before sunrise to catch fish from his pond, then moves onto household chores with his wife, cooking breakfast and preparing his grandchildren for school.

Under the blazing morning sun, he walks his two young grandsons out to the main road to wait for their school van before going about his day, picking vegetables and weeding.

It’s an idyllic scene, and not so rare for the Thai countryside. But a dark cloud hangs over Tawee and his village. His family is forever scarred by the sudden loss of the boys’ mother, who died last year in Thailand’s deadliest mass killing, in which 36 people were killed, including 24 toddlers.

AP23278124438920 — On Friday, Oct. 6, Tawee Lasopha marks the first anniversary of the death of his daughter Maliwan Lasopha. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Although the shock was felt all over Thailand, highlighting gun control issues, memories of the tragedy had largely faded outside the village until this past Tuesday, when a 14-year-old boy with a handgun shot dead two people and wounded five others at an upscale mall in the country’s capital, Bangkok.

“These kinds of incidents seem to happen more as days go by. If the law is stronger, it might help reduce them, but if we continue as we are now, that won’t happen. Things will remain the same,” Tawee said this week in an interview at his home.

Thailand has one of the highest rates of gun deaths in Asia, though mass shootings are rare. There are about 10 guns per 100 people in Thailand, including those owned illegally, compared with less than one per 100 in neighboring Malaysia, according to GunPolicy.org, a project at Australia’s University of Sydney.

On Friday, Tawee marks the first anniversary of the death of his daughter, Maliwan Lasopha. She was one of the two teaching staff among the three dozen people killed by a former police officer who carried out a grisly gun and knife attack at the local day care center in Nong Bua Lamphu province, which is in one of Thailand’s poorest regions.

“I lost hope. I don’t know how much longer I can go on like this,” Tawee said softly as he sat on his home’s porch, which he fashioned himself. He repeatedly turned with sad eyes to cast a glance at a framed portrait of Maliwan, his youngest child, who died at the age of 34.

Tawee, now 59 and unemployed, lives with his 58-year-old wife Mongkol Uppachai, trying to make ends meet to help support three grandchildren, two of whom are Maliwan’s offspring. Tawee said he continues to fish and farm vegetables on his land to sell, but most of the household income comes from Maliwan’s widower, who now works in the neighboring country of Laos and only comes back to visit a few times a year.

Tawee and Mongkol laugh and play cheerfully with their grandchildren, their voices lilting with joy around the kids, but betray sadness when speaking about the loss of their daughter. Tawee recalled that Maliwan, who was a strong personality not inclined to speaking in an overly sweet manner, was well loved by the children, their parents and her colleagues.

“These days, when I go out to see neighbors, they tell me to forget. How could I forget? I can’t forget it for the rest of my life,” he lamented. “This child… I can’t forget.”

AP23278127208612 — Tawee Lasopha and his grandson Thanathorn Sopha, son of his daughter Maliwan Lasopha who was killed in a knife and gun attack at The Young Children’s Development Center, walk to catch a school bus in the rural town of Uthai Sawan, in Nong Bua Lamphu province, northeastern Thailand, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

His small town remains shaken in the aftermath of the gruesome mass killing, which also upended the relatively secure, if modest, existence Tawee’s family once had.

The former welder said his daughter always worked hard to help out the family, in which she was the only one with a regular income. Her prospects looked good, as she was about to get her state-certified degree in non-formal education before the attack occurred.

Although several government agencies provided compensation to Tawee’s family after Maliwan’s death, her parents said their future remains unsettled as the money is not enough to cover their debts and the grandchildren’s education.

Kingsag Poolgasem, the village chief of Ban Tha Uthai Nuea, where Tawee’s family lives, said residents who were affected have received both monetary aid and mental health care, and their lives have started to slowly return to normal. He noted, however, that it would take years for people to truly heal.

“Our people started to get better, but if you ask me, on behalf of the administration that leads and governs all people in the village, I still think about it. I still worry. I don’t want anything bad to happen again,” he said.

AP23278127504113 — Thanathorn Sopha, son of Maliwan Lasopha who was killed in a knife and gun attack at The Young Children’s Development Center, plays at his house after school in the rural town of Uthai Sawan, in Nong Bua Lamphu province, northeastern Thailand, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

He said security measures against another such outburst of violence have been implemented, such as checkpoints and patrols around the village.

The man who carried out the 2022 massacre was Panya Kamrap, a 34-year-old police officer fired a year earlier for drug use. His rampage began as he drove to the day care center, where he shot and stabbed staff and children. He then fled, continued running people over with his truck and shooting passersby as he headed home, where he killed his wife and child before taking his own life.

Two dozen of those killed were preschoolers who had been taking an afternoon nap, and photos taken by first responders showed their tiny bodies still lying on blankets. In some images, slashes to the victims’ faces and gunshot wounds in their heads could be seen.

The trigger for the attacker’s actions remains unknown, though it appears he was under pressure due to money and marital problems. He was due to appear in court on a drug charge the following day.

Tawee sadly recalled that he had not seen his daughter for about a week before her death because he had some temporary work away from home.

He said he collapsed twice that fateful day when he learned that Maliwan had been slain. She had been slashed and shot in the head, he explained, and he couldn’t bear seeing her body until the day she was cremated, five days afterward.

The site of the attack is now an empty building, although the local administration office in the same compound still functions. All signs and display boards that were in front of the center have been removed and its operations shifted to a school that sits a few kilometers (miles) away.

Fate granted Tawee’s family one lucky break. Maliwan’s youngest boy, who is now 3 years old, usually went to the child care center with his mom if his grandparents were busy preparing fish for sale. On that day, however, Maliwan appeared to be in a rush and left home without taking her son, said Tawee.

“He was blessed. If he went that day, I wouldn’t be sitting here, if it were both of them,” he said. “It’s already so difficult that I lost one.”″

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Suvarnabhumi Suspends An Employee For Otter On The Plane

By

Khaosod English

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5 October 2023, 23:48

The otter rolls about on the carpet before it is captured by flight attendants.

A video recording of a chaotic incident on an aeroplane shows flight attendants catching little animals has gone viral on social media. They mistaken the first for a mice and discovered a baby otter. Another, though, was a white rat.

The airline in the video was VietJet, which flew from Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport. Due to the incident, the plane arrived one hour late.

According to Taiwanese media, the police at Taoyuan airport found a bag of Chinese passengers that allegedly contained 28 star turtles, a snake, one marmot, two otters, and two other unknown rodents. The creatures were seen being removed from the aircraft.

turtle plane — A bag of Chinese passengers contained 28 star turtles.

Suvarnabhumi Airport later revealed in an investigation that the error was made on Oct. 14 by an employee of an outsource security company, Airports of Thailand Co., Ltd. The two Chinese travellers who had brought animals on board had gone through the X-ray machine at the security checkpoint at 1:45 p.m.

An image analysis worker was sceptical about whether or not the bag included forbidden items. As a result, he passed the bag to another employee to open for identification purposes. However, that employee did not inspect the bag. Instead, passengers were permitted to proceed through the security checkpoint and onto the plane.

rat plane — The small animals were seen being removed from the aircraft.

This incident occurred as a result of an employee’s error, despite the fact that airport technology systems are used at checkpoints and are capable of operating in accordance with standards. The technique for checking forbidden items is well established.

Suvarnabhumi Airport has immediately suspended that employee. If the investigation reveals that he or she violated normal operating procedures, he or she will face legal consequences.

The airport also cautions all Thai and foreign passengers not engage in criminal activities by carrying animals or animal carcasses, both living and non-living, onboard planes entering or leaving the country.

“If you wish to bring your pet on a trip, please obtain proper permission. Otherwise, they risk breaking the law, both Thai and international, and must be penalised with both a fine and imprisonment,” it stated.

Deadly Thai Mall Shooting Exposes Murky Trade In Blank Handguns That Are Turned Into Lethal Weapons

By

Associated Press

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5 October 2023, 22:04

BANGKOK (AP) — Police in Thailand said Thursday they have arrested three men they accuse of selling the handgun and ammunition used by a 14-year-old boy who allegedly killed two people and wounded five others at a shopping mall in Bangkok.

The shooting Tuesday at the Siam Paragon mall in the Thai capital has highlighted a gray area of the gun trade: the sale of handguns originally manufactured to shoot blanks but which can be modified to fire live ammunition. Thai police identified the gun used in Tuesday’s shootings as one of these so-called blank, or blank-firing, handguns.

Blank guns generally face fewer restrictions and can be imported and registered more easily than regular guns. What alarms law enforcement authorities in several countries, not just Thailand, is that such guns can not only be turned into lethal weapons, but also are harder to trace than real guns.

On Wednesday, a Thai police spokesman said 10,000 blank guns are in circulation in the country, and the authorities have announced plans to tighten controls, possibly including a ban on selling such firearms.

Press reports in the past year from South Africa, New Zealand and Britain cite those countries’ police officials expressing similar concerns about the increasing use of blank guns.

Because many blank guns are replicas of real handguns, criminals sometimes use them even without modification, to frighten victims.

Blank guns have been openly advertised on sale on the internet, even on sites of major online retailers in Asia. In the arrests announced Thursday, the alleged suppliers were said to have been selling already modified guns.

Two men, a father and a son, were arrested in the southern province of Yala, and another man in Bangkok on accusations of possessing and selling illegal weapons, announced Noppasilp Poonsawat, deputy chief of Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police bureau.

They are suspected of selling a modified blank gun and bullets to the teenager who has been accused of carrying out the mall attack, which killed a Chinese tourist and a woman from Myanmar who worked at a toy store in the area.

The teen accused of Tuesday’s shooting has been sent to a juvenile detention center and his parents have not requested his release on bail, according to the Central Juvenile and Family Court.

The arrested men — Suwannahong Promkanajarn and Akarawit Jaithong from Yala, and Piyabut Pienpitak of Bangkok — have denied wrongdoing.

A police search of a house belonging to the men in Yala found blank guns, hundreds of blank bullets and gun barrels, Deputy Police Chief Noppasilp said. Police also found blank gun being carried by the suspect in Bangkok, and one in his office.

Police were led to the alleged sellers after searching the suspected shooter’s phone and finding he was in touch with them about a month ago, Noppasilp said. He said it appeared that they have been selling modified blank guns and bullets for a year or two.

AP23278369390916 — Akarawit Jaithong attends a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. . (AP Photo/Surat Sappakun)

Yala province in Thailand’s deep south, where the blank guns were alleged to have been modified, has for almost two decades been the the site of a violent Muslim separatist insurgency. Demand for arms there is especially high, and in the past the government has promoted the distribution of firearms to Buddhist residents arming themselves against the insurgents.

In Southeast Asia, Thailand is second to the Philippine in total and per capita gun-related deaths..

Gun laws in Thailand are relatively restrictive, but the country nonetheless has one of the highest levels of gun ownership in Asia, according to GunPolicy.org, a research project at Australia’s University of Sydney.

There are about 10 guns per 100 people in Thailand when including those owned illegally, as compared with less than one per 100 in the country’s peaceful Southeast Asian neighbor Malaysia, according to the organization.

Penalties for unlawful possession in Thailand include prison terms from 1 to 10 years and fines up to 20,000 baht ($539). There are strict licensing laws but critics say the registration process for firearms isn’t nearly tough enough.

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Jerry Harner and Grant Peck reported from Bangkok. Associated Press journalists Jutarat Skulpichetrat in Bangkok and Jintamas Saksornchai in Uthai Sawan, Thailand, contributed to this report

Flash Floods Kill at Least 14 in Northeastern India and Leave More Than 100 Missing

By

Associated Press

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5 October 2023, 18:31

India Sikkim Floods — Cars lie submerged in water after flash floods triggered by a sudden heavy rainfall swamped the Rangpo town in Sikkim, India, Thursday, Oct.5. 2023. (AP Photo/Prakash Adhikari)

NEW DELHI (AP) — Rescue workers were searching for more than 100 people on Thursday after flash floods triggered by a sudden heavy rainfall swamped several towns in northeastern India, killing at least 14 people, officials said.

More than 2,000 people were rescued after Wednesday’s floods, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority said in a statement, adding that state authorities set up 26 relief camps for more than 22,000 people impacted by the floods.

The Press Trust of India news agency reported that 102 people were missing and cited state government officials saying 14 people died in the floods.

AP23278211695572 — Buildings are inundated after flash floods triggered by a sudden heavy rainfall swamped the Rangpo town in Sikkim, India, Thursday, Oct.5. 2023. The flooding took place along the Teesta River in the Lachen Valley of the north-eastern state, and was worsened when parts of a dam were washed away. (AP Photo/Prakash Adhikari)

AP23278224456049 — A vehicle is seen partially submerged in water after flash floods triggered by a sudden heavy rainfall swamped the Rangpo town in Sikkim, India, Thursday, Oct.5. 2023. (AP Photo/Prakash Adhikari)

Among the missing were 22 army soldiers, officials said. One soldier who had been reported missing on Wednesday was later rescued by authorities, local media reported. Some army camps and vehicles were submerged under mud following the floods.

Eleven bridges were washed away by the floodwaters, which also hit pipelines and damaged or destroyed more than 270 houses in four districts, officials said.

The flooding occurred along the Teesta River in the Lachen Valley in Sikkim state and was worsened when parts of a dam were washed away.

Several towns, including Dikchu and Rangpo in the Teesta basin, were flooded, and schools in four districts were ordered shut until Sunday, the state’s education department said.

Parts of a highway that links Sikkim, the state capital, with the rest of the country were washed away.

AP23278194063840 — A vehicle that got washed away lies beneath a tree after flash floods triggered by a sudden heavy rainfall swamped the Rangpo town in Sikkim, India, Thursday, Oct.5. 2023. (AP Photo/Prakash Adhikari)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office said in a statement that the government would support state authorities in the aftermath of the flooding.

The flooding was caused by cloudbursts — sudden, very heavy rains — which are defined as when more than 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) of rainfall occurs within 10 square kilometers (3.8 square miles) within an hour. Cloudbursts can cause intense flooding and landslides affecting thousands of people.

The mountainous Himalayan region where Sikkim is located has seen heavy monsoon rains this season.

Nearly 50 people died in flash floods and landslides in August in nearby Himachal Pradesh state. Record rains in July killed more than 100 people over two weeks in northern India, as roads were waterlogged and homes collapsed.

AP23278215543792 — Women and children sit at a relief camp after flash floods triggered by a sudden heavy rainfall swamped the Rangpo town in Sikkim, India, Thursday, Oct.5. 2023. (AP Photo/Prakash Adhikari)

Disasters caused by landslides and floods are common in India’s Himalayan region during the June-September monsoon season. Scientists say they are becoming more frequent as global warming contributes to the melting of glaciers there.

“This is, incredibly sadly, another classic case of a cascading hazard chain that amplifies as you go downstream,” said Jakob Steiner, a climate scientist with the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development, commenting on Wednesday’s flash flooding.

Earlier this year, Steiner’s organization published a report saying that Himalayan glaciers could lose 80% of their volume if global warming isn’t controlled.

In February 2021, flash floods killed nearly 200 people and washed away houses in Uttarakhand state in northern India.

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Ashok Sharma reported from New Delhi. Associated Press Writer Sibi Arasu contributed to this report from Bengaluru, India.

Thailand Takes Steps To Control Firearms After Mall Shooting

By

Khaosod English

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5 October 2023, 16:38

firearms — At the house in Pracha Uthit, Bangkok, Police found that it was being used as a production and modification facility for BB guns and blank guns.

Following an incident in which a 14-year-old boy opened fire at Siam Paragon, a shopping mall, on Tuesday, October 3, the Thai government is pushing forward with measures to control firearms.

The incident tragically killed a Chinese tourist and a Myanmar worker. It also injured several others, including a Thai woman who suffered serious head injuries from the gunshot.

On October 5, two suspects, Suwanhong, Brahmin, 44, and Akkharawit Jaithong, 22, were arrested in Yala province for selling blank guns without a permit to a 14-year-old gunman. The other one was detained in Bangkok.

firearms 3 — Two suspects were arrested in Yala province.for selling blank guns without a permit to a 14-year-old gunman.

Piyabut Phianpitak, 31, was apprehended at his work place on Rama 3 Road nearby while having two blank guns and ammunition. He acted as a middleman who received guns from a father and son in Yala Province. and then sent it to a 14-year-old child who bought it.

Separately, Wirayut Nateetharat, a 41-year-old Phuket resident, was apprehended at a residence in the Pracha Uthit area. Police discovered that this house was being utilised as a production and modification facility for BB guns and blank firearms.

Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister, and the Ministry of Interior, at the same time, instructed the Director General of the Provincial Administration to take measures to restrict the carrying of firearms by ordinary citizens. This decision is in response to individuals who wish to carry firearms for self-defence purposes and will now only be allowed by authorised individuals, such as law enforcement officers.

In addition, they review laws and regulations regarding firearms and imitation firearms that pose a danger to the public, including a BB gun that can be converted to dangerous weapons. Recommendations are to be made on how to better control these items and more stringent regulations are enacted.

anutin firearms — Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister, and the Ministry of Interior

With respect to shooting ranges, Anutin proposed to restrict access and prohibit persons who are not of legal age from shooting in these facilities. Individuals who claim they need to carry firearms for training purposes will also be subject to stricter controls, and there could be regulations requiring them to keep their firearms at the ranges instead of carrying them around.

Yongyut Wongpiromsant, advisor to the Department of Mental Health, stressed the urgent need to address the issue of firearms, as failure to do so could lead to problems similar to those in the United States, where gun control remains a challenge. He emphasised that Thailand’s Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives and Fireworks Act has remained untouched since 1947.

firearms 1 — Police found that it was being used as a production and modification facility for BB guns and blank guns at the house in Pracha Uthit, Bangkok.

In addition, the country needs to develop mental health services nationwide to address problems that often lead to violence. Adequate funding and plans to support true mental health services must be established to respond to escalating problems and prevent further violence.

“Mass media coverage can influence behaviour and imitation, leading to a future incident. It is important that society reduce hatred and hostility towards the families of perpetrators. This includes digging up information about the families of the perpetrators, because in our society everyone is a victim, and it is important to avoid violating personal rights,” Yongyut stressed.

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KMUTNB Ranked among the Top 6 Universities in Thailand and No. 2

By

Contributor

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5 October 2023, 15:55

On 27 September 2023, Times Higher Education has released the “Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.” King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok is ranked as the No. 2 university in Thailand for research quality. Across all universities nationwide, KMUTNB is one among the top 6 universities, while it is among the best 1201–1500 universities in a worldwide comparison. Over 1,904 universities in 108 countries has been under evaluation, and 19 Thai universities appear in the ranking out of 27 universities being evaluated.

KMUTNB has steadily climbed up the rankings ladder for the past few years, and the achievement of this international recognition reflects the university’s academic excellence and research quality.

For further information https://bit.ly/KMUTNB-THE-WUR-2024
For further information https://bit.ly/KMUTNB-THE-WUR-2024

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