The PARQ Celebrates Pride Month with “Colors of Pride”

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7 June 2023, 15:14

The PARQ Celebrates Pride Month with “Colors of Pride” Campaign Supporting Equality and Gender Diversity through Special Promotions and Various Activities Throughout June.

The PARQ Life, the epitome of premium retail lifestyle, organizes activities to continuously reinforce the concept of “Life Well Balanced” by launching its latest campaign “Colors of Pride” to welcome the Pride Month celebration, honoring the LGBTQIA+ community. Let’s all come together and wear hats in support of equality and gender diversity. Free!!! exclusive “Colors of Pride” bucket hat when you spend 1,500 Baht or more at any of the shops in The PARQ Life from June 1 – 30, 2023.

In addition, The PARQ Life has curated an exceptional array of promotions, events, and exclusive deals in collaboration with renowned retailers throughout the month of June.

Starting with F REHAB – a leading physical therapy and rehabilitation clinic, they are celebrating Pride Month by showcasing their expertise in body recovery and understanding various forms of pain. They are offering special discounts for everyone, promoting inclusivity, through their “Pain Relief” physiotherapy program. Originally priced at 1,799 Baht, it is now available at a special rate of just 1,500 Baht from today until June 30th.

Cheat Day by Modish, a trendy and health-conscious restaurant, welcomes everyone to enjoy guilt-free indulgence every day. As part of the festive celebrations, they are thrilled to present their special promotion “Happy Pride Month”. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with their new, vibrant soda creation, and don’t miss the exclusive Buy 1 Get 1 offer, exclusively available throughout the entire month of June.

The Chocolate Factory – a haven for chocolate lovers, is proud to be part of the support for equality and diversity. They are delighted to unveil their latest addition: a premium selection of chocolates in vivid rainbow colors, specially crafted to commemorate Pride Month. Their objective is to offer customers a delightful and enchanting experience, where they can indulge in a wide variety of delectable treats. Starting this June, be prepared to embark on a journey of pure chocolate bliss at The Chocolate Factory.

Discover an extraordinary offer from Tim Hortons – the largest coffee and donut chain in Canada. Delight in a complimentary Chocolate Rainbow or Classic Rainbow donut when you purchase any 16 oz beverage during the entire month of June. It’s the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to delightful flavors and colorful indulgence.

A must-visit for yogurt enthusiasts, Yogurt Culture offers a variety of Greek yogurt flavors with over 20 delectable toppings. In their commitment to promote a healthy lifestyle and foster a sense of pride, they have unveiled a special promotion: For every purchase of 300 Baht or more per receipt, customers will receive a 50 Baht gift voucher to be redeemed on their next purchase. This exclusive offer is valid throughout the entire month of June.

BAB Café – a charming semi-gallery café in a serene garden setting, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation, is delighted to celebrate Pride Month with their extraordinary beverage menu, a variety of vibrant colored “Cold Press Juice” for a refreshing experience. Additionally, there is a free entry art exhibition titled ‘Man-Made Apocalypse’ by the artist Supmanee Chaisansuk, showcasing the desolation and the sad state of the environment through the use of smoke and visual imagery. Experience our unique workshops featuring Impure Conceptual Drinks workshop on June 3, 2023 as well as Art Therapy workshop by psychologists on June 10, 2023. For more information Facebook: The PARQ or Website: www.theparq.com.

And Proud J&T Flower – a premium flower shop that goes beyond just arranging and delivering flowers. They are dedicated to deliver positive messages to the recipients on your special occasions. With their expertise gained over a decade, they meticulously select, arrange, and design fresh flowers that embody the vibrant essence of pride, much like a rainbow.

Furthermore, there will be the “Colors of Pride” talk series, supported by numerous leading partners, including 3M Thailand Company Limited, Suntory Pepsico Beverage (Thailand) Company Limited, Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Company Limited, Organon (Thailand) Limited, Marsh PB Company Limited, Jones Lang LaSalle (Thailand) Limited, Schaeffler Manufacturing (thailand) Company Limited, Muaythai Mania Company Limited (Head Office) (MTM).

United in their mission, they join forces to promote the values of equality, embracing diverse viewpoints and harmonious lifestyles, to encourage inclusive thinking and foster a shared sense of pride. This event will be held from June 13 – 16, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM daily, at Level 1 of The PARQ Life. Those who are interested are welcome to participate in the activities, with daily prizes available to be won.

The PARQ Life offers a variety of well-known health service stores and restaurants. Additionally, when you spend 1,500 Baht or more on dining, drinks, and shopping (receipts from multiple stores on the same day can be combined), you will receive a complimentary limited edition “Colors of Pride” bucket hat from The PARQ Life! Join us in celebrating diversity and experience a heightened sense of pride at The PARQ Life (MRT Sirikit Convention Center, Exit 2) from June 1 – 30, 2023.

For the latest news and more information on “Colors of Pride”
Facebook: The PARQ Instagram: @THEPARQBKK Website: www.theparq.com
Tel. 02-080-5700 #COLOROFPRIDE #ThePARQ #LifeWellBalanced

Thailand Cuts Power to Myanmar Border Towns’ Notorious Casinos, but They Keep Operating

By

Associated Press

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7 June 2023, 14:44

shwe kokko4 — Shwe Kokko Town / Khaosod Photo / Wichai Thaprieo

BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai state enterprise that has been exporting electricity to neighboring Myanmar has cut off power to two border towns with notorious casino complexes that allegedly host major organized crime operations, Thai officials said Tuesday.

The towns of Shwe Kokko and Lay Kay Kaw in Myanmar host gambling and entertainment complexes developed by Chinese investors that are accused of being centers where people from other nations are tricked into taking jobs and then put into virtual captivity and forced to work in call centers conducting internet scams. There also are allegations that the complexes are centers for drug and human trafficking.

Power from Thailand’s Provincial Electricity Authority to the complexes in Myawaddy township in Kayin state was cut at midnight on Monday, said Montsak Kaew-orn, a police chief in Thailand’s neighboring Mae Sot district.

He said business in the affected towns seemed to be carrying on with no disruption because the owners of the complexes had prepared for the situation and could probably operate for the next few weeks using their own generators.

Thai Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda, speaking to reporters in Bangkok, said the power to the two towns was cut because the supply contract expired and Myanmar’s government declined to extend it. Thailand is ready to resume supplying power should Myanmar decide to renew the deal, he said.

Myanmar’s military government has not publicly explained its position on the matter. However, the Global New Light of Myanmar reported that Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai met on May 31 with Home Affairs Minister Lt. Gen. Soe Htut and high-ranking police officers for talks on regional issues, including online fraud and gambling on the Myanmar-China and Myanmar-Thailand borders and “enhancement of cooperation in the fight against transnational crimes.”

The casino complexes are operated in what amount to autonomous development zones controlled by Chinese investors in cooperation with the Border Guard Force, a militia belonging to the area’s ethnic Karen minority.

Lawlessness, especially drug trafficking, flourishes in Myanmar’s border region because the central government is unable to fully exercise authority there. Many groups such as the Karen have armed groups seeking political autonomy, but some factions ally with criminal gangs instead of fighting the government. The government tolerates that as a way of keeping the militias on its side.

Thailand public broadcaster Thai PBS reported that power at Shwe Kokko went out for about 30 seconds before being restored at its main buildings, while the outer parts of the town remained dark. KK Park, a casino complex linked to cyberscam forced labor by escapees of Chinese, Malaysia and other nationalities, showed no signs of a blackout at all, the report said.

Montsak, the police chief, said the Karen Border Guard Force is still in negotiation with Myanmar’s government to renew the power contract.

“If the negotiation is not fruitful, we might start to see some impact in one or two weeks,” he said.

Reports last week said the Myanmar government asked Thai authorities to cut the power supply to the casino areas, prompting an inter-agency meeting on the Thai side to discuss the possible impacts, such as a disruption of cross-border business or increased illegal entry.
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JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI reported from Bangkok.

HIKVISION Taps into Thailand’s “Commercial Display Market” at InfoComm Asia 2023

By

Contributor

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7 June 2023, 13:22

HIKVISION Actively Taps into Thailand’s “Commercial Display Market”, Highlights World-Class Status & Showcases Innovative Product Lineup at InfoComm Asia 2023

HIKVISION, leader of commercial displays, provider of AIOT (AI + IoT) and the world’s biggest seller of security systems, underlines its positioning as a “Tech Company” by actively tapping into Thailand’s commercial display market and showcasing an impressive range of advanced audio & visual innovations at InfoComm Asia 2023. The company has also opened its Commercial Display Service Center in support of after-sales services, with a firm focus on corporate customers and government agencies.

Mr. Jerry Xu, Managing Director of Hikvision IOT (Thailand) Company Limited, reveals that his company will this year focus on establishing HIKVISION as a commercial-display leader and making the brand well recognized among target groups such as leading organizations, enterprises, and government agencies. Branding activities will highlight HIKVISION’s status as a “Tech Company” with constant innovation development.

Its remarkable profile includes Pixel Pitch 0.7 mm LED screen, which boasts a higher definition and will enter the market later this year. Moreover, HIKVISION has developed IFP screens and accessories useful to meetings such as loudspeakers, microphones, and face-recognition cameras.

HIKVISION’s communication strategy places an emphasis on quality and technologies to reinvigorate its image as a global leader of security and AI technologies. Also, its corporate communications seek to assure customers that HIKVISION intends to operate its businesses in Thailand in the long run with plans to invest in R&D on a continual basis. HIKVISION has set up its business units in Thailand too so that customers can be rest assured that if a need arises, they will get timely support and assistance.

To respond increasingly better to corporate customers’ and government agencies’ needs, HIKVISION has invested in the establishment of its Commercial Display Service Center to dedicatedly provide after-sales services to customers in this sector. Commercial display category covers LED screens, both indoor and outdoor types. Demand for these products has been rising significantly as their usage for PR purposes has been growing both in the government and private sectors. HIKVISION, moreover, plans to actively promote the use of its interactive screens for new-style meetings as it aims to blend its products into all types of businesses.

“HIKVISION has expanded its product lineup beyond CCTV cameras by investing in the development of a commercial-display business. After three years of efforts in this field, we would like to inform our partners and customers that HIKVISION is now well ready to serve customers in terms of modern technologies, service center, and national reference sites,” Mr. Xu says.

Mr. Winyoo Klomklow, Head of Commercial Display TH BU at Hikvision IOT (Thailand) Company Limited, reveals that many leading enterprises and organizations in Thailand have chosen HIKVISION LED and interactive screens. Highlight installations of these devices are at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) where indoor p2.5 screens spread over 260 square meters.

Outdoor screens with curve splicing and p2.5 outdoor screens cover 140 square meters at the same center. In all, this world-class facility has used HIKVISION LED screens for more than 400 square meters of its area on top of deploying more than 80 HIKVISION screens as its LCD Video Wall and Digital Signages. All these screens are controlled centrally via HIKVISION’s HikCentral FocSign.

Another key reference site is KLOUD by Kbank. HIKVISION LED screen there is considered the most beautiful one in Siam Square. Featuring 3D technology, this giant screen is in the size of over 300 square meters. In addition, KLOUD by Kbank boasts semi-outdoor LED stairs. Also created by HIKVISION are the building’s outdoor screen that provides weather data to passers-by and all indoor screens at main hall.

Moreover, HIKVISION products have also blended into many prominent automotive showrooms such as GWM at ICONSIAM, GWM at Siam Square, Benz Bang Na, and Isuzu Phra Ram 3.

After tapping into Thailand’s commercial-display market last year, HIKVISION has achieved remarkable success. Its distributor management and its development of system integrators, who have been accumulating experience over time, have also contributed to the brand’s ability to attract many more customers. This year, several projects in Thailand have already chosen HIKVISION commercial displays for their facilities.

“Because we are the global leader of AIOT technologies, our corporate image will bring our product positioning to the next level. Our innovations from backend systems, to storage devices, CCTV systems, to frontend systems, and to screens are perfect answers in terms of functionality,” Mr. Winyoo says.

Currently, HIKVISION’s B2B customer base has been growing and generating more than half of its income. Major customers are traffic agencies that need CCTV cameras to detect speeding or read license plates. In this segment, high accuracy and modern software are key factors. For the B2C market, HIKVISION has managed EZVIZ brand via its subsidiary. Target groups are consumers who need IoT devices in modern designs for their homes, as EZVIZ products can fulfill their lifestyles.

“We have been growing from our security-product business. So, our commercial display business is relatively young. But we have developed this new business because we have recognized its growth opportunity. It may still be in its infancy today. But of course, we are now seriously promoting it and will continue to do so in the future,” Mr. Winyoo continues.

HIKVISION product lineup now covers digital signages, LCD video walls, IFP interactive flat panels, LED displays and controllers. More than 70 per cent of HIKVISION commercial-display sales come from LED-screen sales, with indoor pixel pitch 2.5 mm as a flagship product.

This year, HIKVISION intends to promote displays with higher definitions such as P1.8 and P1.5. In the interactive flat panel (IFP) category, new products will be launched on a continual basis. Able to simultaneously respond to 45 touchpoints, these innovations can support smart-education systems. They can efficiently function alongside CCTV cameras, embedded with AI technologies, in support of educational innovations.

HIKVISION has recently showcased its innovative audio and visual products at InfoComm Asia 2023, which were held between 24 and 26 May 2023 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Highlights at the showcase were commercial displays. Available in many categories, these products are very functional and answer various business needs. For example, Pixel Pitch 0.9 mm screens work perfect for command centers, while 3D LED screens and LED tunnels – formed by 90-degree-angle panels – enable new ways of advertising.

Transparent screens, meanwhile, allow shop displays to present their content with a touch of novelty. Interactive screens, on their parts, can simulate smart classrooms, support smart-education system, and complement modern meeting rooms.

Apart from its participation at InfoComm Asia 2023, HIKVISION has also conducted roadshows to each Thai region for the mission of presenting its innovative products to partners and customers. The company has also planned to reach out to niche markets such as educational market and smart-building market.

Paetongtarn Confirms Thaksin’s Return to Thailand; MFP Regards as a Personal Matter

By

Khaosod English

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7 June 2023, 12:28

pita paetong — Pita Limjaroenrat and Paetongtarn Shinawatra attended the meeting at Pheu Thai Party office on Wednesday.

As the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has announced his intention to return to Thailand in July, this is another condition that could pose a challenge for the new coalition government .

Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the head of the Pheu Thai family and Pheu Thai Party PM candidate said on Sunday that her father will undoubtedly return to Thailand in July, though she is unaware of the specific date.

“Should I go pick him up?” she teased to reporters. “As a daughter, I’d like to pick him up myself,” she continues. I’m looking forward to seeing him again. Just thinking about it makes me excited. I’ll keep you updated if I learn anything else.”

thaksin paetong — Thaksin Shinawatra and Paetongtarn his daughter

Paetongtarn confirms again on Wednesday her father is arranging for his return to Thailand while Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is still caretaker PM. She added Thaksin will abide by the law but didn’t say whether he will go to prison.

Chaitawat Tulathorn, secretary-general of the Move Forward Party, which led eight parties to form a government, said it was a personal matter. There is a legal procedure in place to support it. Everyone has the right to go to court.

Mr. Chaitawat explained that there are different elements to the amnesty law that the Move Forward Party will present to parliament if it becomes the government. Amnesty plans will engage people in political cases or political expressions with political intentions, but not in other situations such as corruption or assault charges that impact people’s lives and bodies. The purpose, however, is to reduce conflict and engage in reconciliation.

In a previous interview on this topic, Mr. Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the MFP and the PM candidate, stated that it was a citizen’s right, not Thaksin’s alone, and that everyone should be entitled to fight a lawsuit with the rule of law and impartiality.

“It is a point of reconciliation for me that justice must come first. We will be able to face new difficulties and deliver Thailand to the future that we desire if we can overcome the country’s 17-year struggle,” said Pita.

GULF hosts USC Marshall Executive MBA Visit Inspiring Business Scholars

By

Contributor

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7 June 2023, 11:37

GULF, led by Mr. Smith Banomyong, Chief Asset Management & Investment Officer, welcomes the Executive MBA class from Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California (USC) for a visit to gain insights into GULF business, and the company’s sustainability efforts in the evolving business landscape.

Gulf Energy Development Plc. (GULF) hosted an interactive informative session for a cohort of 65 Executive MBA (EMBA) students from Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California (USC) with a focus on sharing valuable insights into the company’s business, the pivotal success factors, investment strategies, and the company’s sustainability efforts in the evolving business environment.

GULF discussed the company’s business diversification and its move towards decarbonization, as well as the company’s endeavor in corporate social responsibility to promote social development and enhance the quality of life for the people within and outside the organization.

The session also aligns with GULF’s ongoing commitment in education through initiatives such as student mentoring, scholarship provisions, and support for various educational programs.

Mr. Smith Banomyong, Chief Asset Management & Investment Officer, GULF, discussed the company’s business overview and strategies to achieve sustainable business in the era of energy transition with investments in renewable energy, including hydropower, wind, and solar projects in Thailand and overseas, which will support global decarbonization efforts and catapult GULF to stand among other top-tiered multinational players in the global industry.

The expansion of its digital infrastructure business was also highlighted, citing investments in Intouch Holdings Company (INTUCH), the partnership with Binance, and additional investments in Thaicom PCL (THCOM) as contributing factors. In addition, Mr. Smith emphasized the importance of cultivating a strong working culture and nurturing human capital, recognizing that the company’s success relies on the talent and dedication of all employees.

He also acknowledged the indispensable role played by the trust and support of shareholders and investors in driving the company’s achievements forward. The session concluded with an overview of the sustainability efforts through Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) framework and commitment to corporate social responsibility, as the company remains committed to conducting its business responsibly with the aim of improving the quality of life for all members of society.

The session drew strong interest from the students of the EMBA class, with a variety of questions from participants sparking interesting in-depth discussions.

Acacia Reed, Chief Operating Officer, L.A. Care Health Plan, shared her thoughts towards the session, “I love the engagement, the leadership, the involvement of the company in their employees’ lives, and the overall operations. Highlights about GULF transforming into digital was very exciting. The key takeaway I learned is to expand beyond just the industry that you are in, to tap into new areas like the way GULF did.

We have discussed a number of times how your portfolio diversification is interesting, so to set yourself apart, you do not have to think within the industry that you started in. You can definitely go beyond to serve the community that you are in, which is really cool. Thank you for having us here.”

Ky-Won Lee, Senior Vice President of Finance, Game Play Network, commented, “I was impressed with the company’s renewable energy commitment and how GULF aims to double the renewable energy investment and renewable sources. I like seeing GULF set foot in many different businesses, including digital. Having been in different countries, I also see the trends of how big conglomerates are now turning to be more vertical, with different business lines, rather than expanding horizontally like in the past.

This is interesting, so I think the companies in Thailand seem to be pivoting a little bit faster. I also feel like GULF knows innovation happens when you try something new, fail fast, pivot, and innovate. Since GULF has done well in the energy industry, the company might have the opportunity and resources to be able to try out new business lines, so that feels like GULF is almost like the venture company.”

Nicholas Balogh, Director of Strategic Finance, Riot of Games, said, “I was intrigued that an established business in a specific sector like GULF sought to diversify into so many different spaces, and how that connect to each other. If you look at it on paper, it does not look like it makes sense, but then when the executive started to unpack the rationale behind each deal or acquisition, we could connect the dots of how data center, digital asset trading platform, and provision of low-cost energy, come hand in hand with sustainability, and how it could lead to a long-term business ecosystem.”

“I appreciate the deep insight into the culture of the company, right from how it was founded until now. The executive was very transparent and candid about their individual culture. He was very transparent about giving us the in-depth knowledge of what they are looking for and how their culture is, which they acknowledge is specific to GULF. After visiting many firms in Thailand, we concluded the trip here, so we would like to express our sincere gratitude to GULF for helping end it on a high note.” Sharon Wang, Associate General Counsel, Meta said.

The EMBA Class from the Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California has a module on global business where students visit firms in many countries to learn about different approaches to doing business around the world. For this module, they visited firms in many countries including Thailand.

These students are accomplished senior or middle-level executives within their respective firms, armed with an average of 15 years of valuable work experience. Most students are based in Southern California and are professionals from various industries, including entertainment, technology, healthcare, and education.

The USC EMBA visit is one of a number of visits GULF has hosted for USC students. In addition to providing students with an opportunity to learn directly from the personal experiences and in-depth knowledge of a senior executive of the company, the session also aligns with GULF’s ongoing commitment to support education through mentoring students, providing scholarships, and participating in various educational programs.

Additional details about GULF’s business and corporate social responsibility commitments can be found in its Annual and Sustainability Reports.

J-pop Group Arashi’s Sho Sakurai Breaks Silence On Agency’s Sex Scandal

By

Kyodo News

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7 June 2023, 00:43

A member of the Japanese pop idol group Arashi broke his silence Monday over sexual abuse allegations involving the band’s agency Johnny & Associates Inc., urging the company to get to the bottom of the scandal.

“I want the agency to probe exactly what happened without having people concerned speak against their will while protecting their privacy,” Sho Sakurai said, speaking as an anchor during the TV program “news zero.”

arashi1 — Arashi / Sakurai Sho Instagram

Sakurai, 41, who became an anchor on the program in 2006, joined other people related to Johnny & Associates in calling on one of Japan’s most influential entertainment agencies to “ensure this kind of scandal will never happen again.”

Earlier Monday, three former members of the Tokyo-based agency who have alleged sexual abuse by its late founder Johnny Kitagawa submitted a petition with some 40,000 signatures to ruling and opposition parties, asking them to revise the child abuse prevention law to protect minors from similar wrongdoings.

Sakurai also asked the public to be mindful that talking about or handling the issue based on groundless information could hurt some, including those who are now “living new lives” outside the entertainment industry.

“We must avoid having such people get drawn into the allegations. That should take top priority,” he said.

johnny scandal — Japanese actor Yasushi Hashida (C, R) and two former teen idols give Jun Azumi (C, L), Diet affairs chief of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, a petition with about 40,000 signatures calling for the revision of Japan’s child abuse prevention law at the Diet building in Tokyo on June 5, 2023. (Kyodo)

The five-member boy band Arashi has been on hiatus since the end of 2020. Sakurai was an original member of the group, which debuted in 1999.

The allegations that Kitagawa sexually abused teenagers have garnered attention since the BBC aired a documentary in March that included interviews with victims. Kitagawa died in 2019 at the age of 87.

The agency’s president Julie Keiko Fujishima made a public apology last month in connection with the scandal, while stopping short of confirming the claims by former members. Veteran singer Masahiko Kondo, who left the agency in 2021, reportedly urged agency officials to respond to the issue properly.

“Anyone Can Be a Part of It” – Thai Grassroots Efforts Combat Ocean Pollution

By

Xinhua News Agency

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6 June 2023, 19:37

envir xinhua3 — Volunteers show trash they have just collected on a beach in Pattaya, Thailand, May 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

by Song Yu, Tim Santasombat

BANGKOK, June 6 (Xinhua) — Ahead of World Environment Day, a group of local environmentalists gathered on the shores of Thailand’s coastal city of Pattaya for a beach cleaning event, to address the growing issue of domestic waste polluting the ocean, exacerbated by the return of post-pandemic tourism.

The sight of beverage bottles, plastic bags, food packaging, and discarded ropes strewn across the once-pristine shoreline deeply troubled Amara Wichithong, a 60-year-old environmentalist and former windsurfing world champion.

Leveraging her expertise in tracking ocean currents, Amara has become adept at identifying the precise pathways of waste in the sea. The recent beach cleaning event in Pattaya was just one of many initiatives she has organized.

Under the scorching midday sun, volunteers, ranging in age from 17 to 87, enthusiastically collected litter scattered across the sandy beach and cleared the garbage concealed among the roots of mangrove trees. Afterward, they gathered and sorted the collected waste, readying it for proper disposal.

“Anyone can be a part of it. It’s a small yet empowering action,” said Bibb, a volunteer from the local environmental organization Trash Hero.

Since becoming an active participant in 2017, Bibb has seen the significance of individual involvement in tackling the crisis of marine plastic pollution. For newcomers like Jessica, meanwhile, the cleanup effort in her childhood neighborhood brings a sense of fulfillment.

According to the United Nations report, around 11 million tons of plastic enter the ocean annually, causing severe damage to marine ecosystems and endangering both marine life and human livelihoods.

In Thailand alone, the latest figures are far from optimistic. Data from the Pollution Control Department shows that the country generated 25.7 million tons of solid waste in 2022, a 2.8 percent increase from the previous year. The prevalence of single-use plastic packaging, fueled by food delivery and online shopping, remains a pressing concern.
As the number of inbound foreign visitors steadily rises, soaring from 400,000 in 2021 to 11 million in 2022, the overall volume of trash continues to surge, as reported by the agency.
Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine ecologist at Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Fisheries, pointed out that while these volunteers tirelessly collect visible trash washed ashore, a significant portion of the marine debris remains submerged and will never be completely collected.
“The only tangible way to solve marine litter is through mandatory waste management, imposing extra charges on those producing low-grade trash while promoting the competitiveness of biodegradable and recycled products,” Thon said.

The Thai government has launched an action plan on waste management, aiming to phase out and eventually ban single-use plastic goods and polystyrene food containers. They also seek to reduce plastic usage by transitioning to eco-friendly renewable materials and imposing a complete ban on imported plastic waste by 2025.

The experienced volunteers also acknowledge that a long-term solution requires more than just cleaning efforts. Their primary focus now includes raising public awareness about environmental conservation, especially among the younger generation.
“Many local schools have been reaching out to us, asking if they can join our initiative. Now, I have to organize these events about three times a month because everyone wants to be a part of it,” Amara said.

Kronthong Sanyakul, one of the organizers of the Trash Hero Pattaya branch, highlighted their collaborative efforts with local government-related agencies to reduce waste in tourist areas, involving hotels, restaurants, and individuals.
Their next goal is to inspire communities across Pattaya to organize similar events and foster awareness among the youth about the importance of environmental protection, she added.

Amara believes that with increasing engagement from individuals participating in similar endeavors, significant change can be achieved within a decade.

An Abandoned Dog Has Been Waiting for Her Owner for 2 Months

By

Khaosod English

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6 June 2023, 18:53

An online social media account posted texts and pictures searching for the owner of a dog in Uthai Thani Province, 200 kilometres north of Bangkok.

The caption reads: “She has been waiting for 2 months for the owner to pick her up. The owner is her whole world. She’s been standing here all day for 2 months and not going anywhere. She is waiting. I am not sure if she was abandoned or fell out of the car. She is on the roadside of Ban Khao Pha Rad, Nam Rop sub-district, Lan Sak district, Uthai Thani.”

The Khaosod reporter went to the scene, a roadside in Moo 13, Ban Suanmhai, Nam Rop sub-district, Lan Sak district, Uthai Thani and found Ms. Namkhang, 56, the owner of the account who had posted the aforementioned texts.

The reporter also found the female dog with a collar on the roadside gesturing to look for something or someone. It is reported that there is no information about the owner of the dog to date.

Namkhang is also not sure if the dog was abandoned or fell out of a car. It has been two months and no one has tried to look for the dog. She said she tried to take the dog home but it refused.

“Sometimes the dog runs after a car, but later returns to the same spot. I and other locals feel sorry for it and they try to bring the dog some food and water regularly. Unfortunately, there is no trace of its owner. I took the photo of the dog and try to spread the word because this dog seems to love its owner very much. Normally the dog runs after a car because she thinks it is her owner’s car. I am worried that one day the dog might be involved in an accident. Whoever the owner is, please take the dog now,” Namkhang said.

UOB Thailand offers exclusive Italy visa application service for UOB Infinite cardholders and Citi premium segment cardholders

By

Contributor

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6 June 2023, 17:33

Bangkok, 6 June 2023 – UOB Thailand announces an exclusive visa application privilege for UOB Infinite cardholders and Citi premium segment cardholders planning to travel to Italy. Effective today the exclusive benefit expedites the visa application process, providing customers with a delightful experience.

Mrs Vira–Anong Chiranakhorn Phutrakul, Head of Retail and Brand, UOB Thailand said “We understand that UOB Infinite customers and Citi premium segment cardholders are avid globetrotters with packed schedules. They constantly crave exceptional dining, travel and retail experiences. Thus, we do the necessary work to enhance their lives, making it easier and more convenient for them to indulge in the things they love.”

Customers with a UOB Infinite card and Citi premium segment cardholders can apply for the Italy visa in the exclusive Premium Lounge of the VFS Visa Application Centre without a prior appointment by displaying their card. They will be exempted from providing any further proof of financial or employment documents.

In addition, customers with a UOB Infinite card and Citi premium segment cardholders can enjoy dining privileges at leading Italian restaurants including Giglio Trattoria Fiorentina, La Bottega di Luca, L’OLIVA Ristorante and Wine Bar, La Dotta, Enoteca and Cantina Wine Bar & Italian Kitchen. They will also receive a 10 per cent discount when shopping at all nine branches of Rinascente, Italy.

UOB Infinite card is available exclusively by invitation only. Experience the ultimate luxurious lifestyle with UOB Infinite, which offers exclusive privileges such as a red–carpet experience, personalised bespoke service, and an unforgettable first–class journey. Please visit http://go.uob.com/infinite for more detail.

Pita Fights Against ITV’s Revival; Already Transferred Shares

By

Khaosod English

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6 June 2023, 14:56

pita pt3 — Pita Limjaroenrat, PM candidate gave an interview at Pheu Thai Party thathe has transferred the ITV shares to prevent some people from reviving the TV station in order to disqualify him from becoming PM.

Just a day after not answering the media questions about the sale of shares in ITV, Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Mover Forward Party and candidate to be Thailand’s next prime minister, revealed on June 6, he has recently transferred the shares, which he inherited from his late father, to another inheritor to prevent some people from reviving the TV station in order to disqualify him from becoming PM.

Before giving an interview at Pheu Thai Party, Pita posted on his Facebook: “I am ready to fight against the efforts to revive ITV and block us.”

He said that since March 7, 2007, the Office of the Permanent Secretary notified ITV Public Company Limited (ITV) of the termination of the contract and the Ultra High-Frequency (UHF) operating agreement, which led to the end of the joint agreement. As a result, ITV could no longer use the frequency for its operations and lost its status as a mass media.

“On March 16, 2007, the court assigned me the administrator of my father’s estate, with the ITV shares no longer having any economic value. In 2014, the ITV shares were delisted from the Stock Exchange of Thailand, so they can no longer be traded on the stock exchange. Since becoming a Member of Parliament, I have disclosed my assets and liabilities to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and have been extremely transparent in this matter.

pita pt1 — Pita Limjaroenrat, PM candidate, came to Pheu Thai Party for the weekly meeting of the 8-party coalition on June 6, 2023.

Recently, however, there have been attempts to revive ITV as a mass media platform to attack me. For example, controversial changes were made to ITV’s financial statement filing form by changing the previously stated description from “a holding company principally engaged in the non-financial business” to “television media” in 2022, even though the business cannot be operated. And most recently it was changed to “advertising media and returns from investments” in 2023.

During the shareholders’ meeting on April 26 2023, some shareholders asked a question: “Is ITV in the media business?” Do you in your fair mind believe that this question was asked with a political agenda? And please answer for yourself whether you think this is an attempt to revive ITV as a mass media platform, yes or no.

pita pt4 — Pita Limjaroenrat, PM candidate, answered the question at Pheu Thai Party for the weekly meeting of the 8-party coalition on June 6, 2023.

In view of various contentious issues that have arisen, I have taken the decision to seek a successor to inherit and manage the ITV shares to avoid problems arising from the process of reviving ITV as a mass media platform.

I wish to assure everyone that I am fully prepared to give clarity to the Election Commission (EC) on this matter without any misgivings or worries. I will not neglect my work. From now on, I will continue with the preparations for the transfer of power and the formation of the Move Forward government with Pita as the Prime Minister to ensure its successful implementation,” said Pita.

On the same day, Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a Palang Pracharath Party member who was the first to file a petition with the Election Commission (EC) demanding an investigation into Pita’s involvement in ITV, submitted additional information to the EC for the seventh time on the grounds that Pita had not answered questions about the sale of ITV shares.

Ruangkrai speculated that Pita may have transferred the shares to someone else after filing the complaint on May 10, 2023.

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