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

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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

Experience the Excellence at BASIS Bangkok’s Event

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Contributor

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5 October 2023, 15:46

Experience the Excellence at BASIS Bangkok’s Open House Event on October 28th, 2023!

BASIS International School Bangkok, with its world-class standards imported from America, invites you to discover our exceptional campus at our upcoming Open House event on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

As the 35th school in the esteemed BASIS School network, BASIS International School Bangkok presents a unique curriculum that has been meticulously designed and developed over three decades. It’s no wonder that we are among the top-ranking schools in the United States. From Nursery to Grade 12, we offer an academically rigorous program that focuses on unlocking the infinite potential of our students. Our goal is to help them achieve their true potential, preparing them to meet future challenges and soar on a global scale. Our track record speaks for itself, as BASIS network schools have consistently empowered students to gain acceptance into renowned universities worldwide and establish themselves as remarkable individuals in the global society.

At BASIS Bangkok, we strive for continuous excellence by integrating our curriculum to align with the context of Thai society. We understand that cultivating Thainess is of utmost importance, and thus, we celebrate the uniqueness of language, art, and culture at every education levels. While maintaining a standardized and internationally competitive teaching program, our school has become one of the best international schools in Thailand. We place academics at the forefront and provide a conducive environment and state-of-the-art facilities that ignite a love for learning. Our dedicated faculty members are handpicked for their expertise, knowledge, and creativity, firmly believing in the potential of every child to excel.

The Open House event at Basis International School Bangkok presents an opportunity for you to witness firsthand why BASIS students eagerly attend school every day. You will be immersed in the authentic teaching atmosphere within our well-equipped classrooms, facilitated by our two expert teachers, SET and LET.

Our SET teachers are specialists in their respective subjects, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the material. On the other hand, our LET teachers focus on developing children’s creativity and learning behaviors, fostering a well-rounded education. At BASIS, we emphasize preparing our students for the future, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Mark your calendars for our Open House event on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 9am to 11:30am Remember to register at https://booking.readyplanet.com/b/ugvil8fq/5107

to secure your spot. For any inquiries, feel free to contact us at Tel. 0 2415 0099 or email us at [email protected]. You can also find us on LINE at @BASISAdmissions

Join us in exploring the limitless possibilities and unrivaled educational experience at BASIS International School Bangkok. See you at the Open House!

Myanmar Guerrilla Group Claims It Killed a Businessman Who Helped Supply Arms to the Military

By

Associated Press

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5 October 2023, 11:45

Nyan Lwin Aung2 — Nyan Lwin Aung in a junta-controlled Yangon regional government office on Feb. 18, 2023. (Urban Owls)

GRANT PECK BANGKOK — A guerrilla group claimed responsibility Wednesday for this week’s fatal shooting of a businessman accused of being an arms dealer for Myanmar’s military, in the latest assassination carried out by militants opposed to military rule.

Gunmen fatally shot Nyan Lwin Aung while he was eating fried rice at a street food stall in downtown Yangon at 10 p.m on Monday, according to a witness, media reports and a statement from the guerrilla group Urban Owls.

A person who ate at the same stall the night of the attack told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he saw a customer there with a serious head wound who was then sent to Yangon General Hospital. The witness spoke on the condition of anonymity because he feared being arrested by the military.

A member of a free funeral service charity, who also asked not to be named for the same reason, said that 36-year-old Nyan Lwin Aung’s body was sent to the mortuary on Tuesday.

The guerrillas’ statement said the shooting is “yet another warning to all business tycoons and associates” of the country’s repressive military government.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the army takeover more than 2 1/2 years ago that seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering widespread popular opposition. After peaceful demonstrations were put down with lethal force, many opponents of military rule took up arms, and large parts of the country are now embroiled in bitter conflict.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a Thailand-based group that monitors human rights in Myanmar, at least 4,141 civilians have been killed by the security forces since the army’s takeover.

An Urban Owls statement sent to The Associated Press on Wednesday claimed that Nyan Lwin Aung was a young tycoon with unrestricted access to key military ministries and that he had proclaimed himself “a military-family businessman.”

It said he regularly accompanied delegations of the military government to Russia, a major arms supplier of Myanmar, and had close ties with an executive official at Russia’s Defense Ministry. The guerrilla group posted on its Facebook page what it said were photos of Nyan Lwin Aung meeting with Russian Defense Ministry officials in Russia.

The guerrilla group also claimed he was the primary procurement handler for the Home Affairs Ministry’s program to import and install facial recognition security cameras for large-scale public surveillance.

Those claims could not immediately be verified. Phone calls by the AP to seek comment from two companies which Nyan Lwin Aung was reported to have founded went unanswered.

Guerrilla groups such as Urban Owls have carried out frequent targeted killings and small bombings in recent months in the country’s cities. The targets typically are people believed to be informers or collaborators with the military.

There is no clear tally of how many such people have been killed. They include low-level civil servants, but also important officials or backers of the military government.

In November 2021, a former navy officer who was the chief finance officer of Myanmar’s military-linked telecommunications company was fatally shot on a Yangon street.

Than Than Swe, then a deputy governor of Myanmar’s central bank, was shot at her home in Yangon in April 2022. She survived and was promoted to the bank governor.

In April this year, Sai Kyaw Thu, deputy director-general of the military-appointed Union Election Commission, was shot by the members of an urban guerrilla group.

Nyan Lwin Aung appears to have been the third target whose assassination has been claimed by the Urban Owls. It followed the killings in March of Min Tayza Nyunt Tin, a veteran corporate lawyer accused of helping launder money for the ruling generals, and in June of Ye Khaine, Yangon International Airport’s security chief, accused of arresting or restricting the travel of pro-democracy activists and people in the resistance’s civil disobedience movement.

Media outlets sympathetic to the military reported on their channels on the Telegram messaging platform that Nyan Lwin Aung was shot in the temple by a member of the People’s Defense Force, the loosely organized nationwide armed wing of the pro-democracy National Unity Government, a major opposition group coordinating resistance to the military government. The relationship of Urban Owls to the People’s Defense Force is unclear.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZES LARGEST CHARITY GOLF FUNDRAISING EVENT IN THAILAND TO DRIVE POSITIVE CHANGE

By

Contributor

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5 October 2023, 11:10

As it prepares to host the kingdom’s biggest charity golf day in Phuket this November, the company reaffirms its deep commitment to Serve Our World

Bangkok, Thailand – Marriot International announced today its 2nd annual Marriott Bonvoy Charity Golf Day in Phuket, Thailand, to fundraise for charitable causes as part of its commitment to make a positive impact wherever it does business. Following its successful inaugural edition in 2022, which raised over THB 2 million for charitable partners, this full-day event will take place on the 3rd November 3, 2023, at Blue Canyon Country Club, attracting golfers from around the world to take part in Thailand’s biggest charity golf day.

Guided by the company’s social impact and sustainability platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, the event aims to attract over 350 participants with all proceeds to be donated to three highly worthwhile organizations in Thailand: Save the Children, Asia Center Foundation, and Scholars of Sustenance (SOS).

“The hotel industry must recognize that we have a responsibility to tackle the world’s most pressing issues. We have a unique opportunity to be a force for good. At Marriott, we have made a long-term commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Guided by our 2025 Sustainability & Social Impact Goals, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, we are aiming to make a positive impact wherever we do business,” said Mr. Brad Edman, Multi-Property Vice President – Southern Thailand and General Manager at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa.

As part of Marriott International’s commitment to creating a positive impact wherever it does business, the Thailand Marriott Business Council collaborates with non-profits, from UNICEF to The Thai Red Cross Society, Childrens’s Miracle Network Hospitals, International Rescue Committee, Prince’s Trust, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, World Central Kitchen and World Wildlife Fund, to support some of the most pressing social and environmental issues in the country. The Thailand Marriott Business Council is part of a worldwide network of Marriott International hotel leaders who work closely with hundreds of local charities and internationally recognized non-profit organizations, from children’s charities and wildlife funds to disaster relief organizations, sustainability bodies and many more.

In addition to the 2nd annual Marriott Bonvoy Charity Golf Day in Phuket, here are a few examples of milestones marking Marriott’s commitment to Serve Our World in Thailand:

Providing better training and job opportunities: To support youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, Marriott Thailand signed an MoU with Save the Children Thailand Foundation to provide youth from Pattani province, a conflict area, with vocational training to improve their employability. Most recently, the company also signed an MoU with Khon Kaen University International College (KKUIC) to empower the next generation of hospitality professionals in Northeast Thailand.
Reducing environmental footprint: Sustainability is integrated into every aspect of Marriott’s operations in Thailand. By tracking and managing its waste, water and energy consumption, the group is pursuing its 2025 Sustainability Goals to reduce food waste by 50%, water intensity by 15%, and carbon intensity by 30%. Marriott has already eliminated single-use plastics from its properties, and on the issue of food waste, the company works with SOS to donate thousands of meals to disadvantaged communities. It is also in the process of rolling out 165 EV charging stations across Thailand by 2025, and has the long-term goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Marriott strives to empower its associates to drive change from within. Each hotel has set up an internal committee to identify and prioritize opportunities for sustainable operations, such as responsible sourcing, food waste strategies, organic gardens and more. This helps to create a culture of accountability to drive the company forward.

Inspiring guests to do good with Marriott Bonvoy: Guests are also an integral part of Marriott’s sustainability commitment. Under “Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™”, a program that offers curated purpose-driven experiences that focus on three distinct pillars: Marine Conservation, Environmental Protection, and Community Engagement. Examples of partnership projects include a “Bamboo Shark Nursery” at JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa and JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites, “Help the Herd,” a collaboration between Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and the Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary, and “Helmets for Kids,” at Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa which the hotel guests can paint and donate motorcycle helmets for needed local schoolchildren.

“Our guests and associates are our biggest inspiration. They are the driving force behind Serve360. Research shows that 83% of global travelers believe that sustainable travel is vital, so we are dedicated to providing them with ways of integrating meaningful experiences into their vacations. This is the future of travel and we are proud to empower guests and associates to create a better tomorrow for the planet,” added Mr. Daryn Hudson, Co-Chair of Marriott’s International Business Councils Thailand, and General Manager at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort.

For more information about Marriott’s Serve 360 program, please visit serve360.marriott.com

Driving the Wrong Way and Falling Into the Sea Kills Two Women

By

Khaosod English

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4 October 2023, 19:32

into the sea — A crane was used to pull the damaged car out of the water.

Police officers from Sattahip Police Station, Chonburi Province, were notified of an incident in which a Toyota SUV bearing the Nonthaburi licence plate plunged off the end of the Chuk Samet Ferry Pier, Sattahip Naval Base, Samae San Subdistrict, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province, into the sea at 4:00 a.m. on October 4.

At 6:00 a.m., divers retrieved the bodies of two women who were trapped in an underwater car at a depth of 15 metres. Both remains were taken to the Forensic Institute at Bangkok Police Hospital for autopsies to determine the cause of death. Meanwhile, a crane was used to pull the damaged car out of the water.

car Sattahip2 — A crane pulls the damaged car out of the water.

Raweepap Madsara, 20, a survivor, said he and three female friends drove from Bangkok to Sattahip. On the way back to Bangkok, they dropped off a female companion at Samae San before driving out, missed their way onto the pier, and fell into the sea. He smashed the car window and just escaped. But the driver and passenger sat beside each other, stuck inside the sinking car.

According to the investigation, at 1:24 a.m., when the car was travelling towards Ban Chang District, Rayong Province, it climbed the sidewalk’s edge. The car was then parked along Sukhumvit Road, near the Mountain B Pub entrance.

The Mountain B pub in Sattahip District caught fire on August 5, 2022, killing at least 26 people and injuring at least 50.

car mountainB — Two women are in front of the car, parking near the Mountain B Pub entrance.

Ms. Haneul Kim, 22 years old and partly Thai-Korean, and Ms. Natthawan Bun-at, 23 years old, got out of the car to inspect the vehicle. At the time, the two were cheerfully speaking, taunting, and laughing. One person also took photos in front of the car before driving away and headed to Chuk Samet Pier, which is over 15 kilometres distant.

The dashcam video revealed the timing of the car’s unfamiliar driving before it went straight to the scene of the accident and then crashed into the sea at 1:57 a.m. This has led to criticism and claims that the Mountain B pub is cursed.

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Blank Gun Reveals New Concerns in Bangkok Mall Shooting

By

Khaosod English

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4 October 2023, 16:41

Apart from the investigation that focused on the mental state of the 14-year-old shooter who used a blank gun to kill two women and injure five others on Tuesday evening, attention has now turned to the possession and modification of guns, raising the need for increased control measures.

Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukvimol, Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, has instructed all police stations in his jurisdiction to investigate, arrest and focus on individuals involved in illegal gun possession, both in ground operations and online transactions. The goal is to crack down on all types of illegal firearms and solve a growing problem.

On October 4, police authorities discovered that the weapon used in the incident was a self-modified ‘blank gun’ whose barrel had been altered to function like a real firearm. This revelation underscores the need to introduce measures such as laws to regulate alarm guns.

blankgun4 — A self-modified ‘blank gun’ whose barrel had been altered to function like a real firearm.

These weapons have sparked debates between the police and the Department of Provincial Administration in the past, resulting in the unimpeded importation and online sale of such firearms.

Licensing of real guns is restricted and limited to people 20 years or older. The penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm is up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 20,000 baht ($538), while blank gun can be freely purchased. This ease of access and distribution channels has resulted in blank firearms being readily available.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Amnat Traiphot, deputy commissioner general of the Royal Thai Police, stressed that criminals have recently used mostly illegal firearms, including blank guns modified to fire real bullets.

boy shooting1 — The police uncovered rounds of ammunition and bullet casings at the young gunman’s house in Bangkok.

Shockingly, evidence from the main evidence section shows that, on average, over 100 blank gun barrels are seized per month, which equates to 1,200-1,500 barrels per year. Most of these weapons are blank guns modified for illegal purposes and used in various criminal activities.

During Operation CyberCop cracked down on online scammers conducted by Cyber Police in July, a significant number of firearms and ammunition were seized, including approximately 2,000 blank gun barrels and over 100,000 rounds of ammunition. Many of these items were purchased online through websites and delivered by private couriers.

paragon shooting1 — The 14-year-old gunman (black shirt) was arrested on the third floor of the Kempinski Hotel.

In that press release, the Firearms Administration affirms that modified blank guns that can fire bullets have the same potential lethality as real firearms. The force of firing a modified alarm pistol can cause serious injury and even death within an hour, underscoring the dangerous nature of these firearms beyond mere imitations.

The Associated Press reported that 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 research project at Australia’s University of Sydney.

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CP Foods Unveils ‘Thai Food – Mission to Space’ at Sustainability Expo SX2023

By

Contributor

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4 October 2023, 16:26

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) took the spotlight at the Sustainability Expo SX2023, Asean’s Largest Sustainability Exposition, with its “Thai Food – Mission to Space” campaign.

It is a response to global food safety and security challenges. Partnering with eminent foundations, the company leverages cutting-edge technology, ensuring their processes are in line with NASA’s rigorous space safety criterias. This emphasizes Thailand’s prominent position as a leading chicken exporter on the global stage.

CP Foods’ CEO, Prasit Boondoungprasert, remarked that the company, forerunner in food production, is devoted to sustainable development. This commitment is evident in their integration of technology and innovation for enhanced production efficiency, as well as their reliance on renewable energy. CP Foods also places a high emphasis on social and environmental care.

An exemplar of this commitment is their “Thai Food – Mission to Space” project. This initiative meets the Space Food Safety Standard, one of the most stringent safety benchmarks, aligning with NASA’s food safety protocols. This ensures every meal is of exceptional quality, nutritionally rich, and entirely safe, with no residues, gaining approval from top global entities.

Additionally, Thailand currently ranks as the world’s fourth-largest chicken exporter, boasting space-level safety certifications. This not only bolsters Thailand’s economy but also uplifts the production chain, from the supply chain to the farmers, fostering better living conditions and sustainable business growth.

This year, CP Foods is presenting its “Thai Food – Mission to Space” theme in the Better Me section on the G floor. Distinguished personalities such as Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul of the Chaipattana Foundation, Thanphuying Putrie Viravaidya from the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, and the main coordinator, Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, graced the CP Foods display during its inauguration.

Meanwhile, CP Foods showcases its culinary prowess in the Food Festival area on the LG floor, introducing its MEAT ZERO brand plant-based delicacies, including chicken nuggets and gyoza, stemming from the PLANT-TEC alternative protein innovation. They also feature space-grade chicken dishes like chicken breast burgers. Visitors have the opportunity to watch a live cooking show featuring CP Chicken Steak with Fresh Fruit Salsa, demonstrating chemical-free preparation of space-grade chicken.

Over in the Marketplace section at LG HALL 8, the Jerhigh booth stands out. They promote eco-conscious pet solutions, showcasing the Jerhigh & Jinny Freeze Dried collection. Made from 100% human-grade chicken, these treats adhere to human food standards. Once rehydrated, these freeze-dried goodies regain their soft texture. Plus, visitors can engage in interactive games and stand a chance to snag premium pet treats.

On October 4th, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Nalinee Robinson, the Head of R&D for CP Foods, will be part of a panel discussing “Future Food, development, and innovation for food security” at Talk Stage HALL 4 on the G floor.

To cap it off, SX 2023 is ongoing at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) until October 8. The event boasts over 300 speakers from more than 500 sustainable ventures, solidifying its reputation as ASEAN’s top sustainability summit.

Thailand Offers Condolences to China, Myanmar, and Laos After Mall Shooting in Bangkok

By

Khaosod English

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4 October 2023, 15:08

paragon govt3 — Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin attends the event at Siam Paragon on October 4, 2023, one day after the mass shooting incident.

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin attended the launch event of “SCBX NEXT TECH: The Future Global Tech Community for Young Generations” at Siam Paragon Department Stores on the morning of October 4, as scheduled. He stressed the importance of moving forward and doing everything possible to overcome such challenges after a 14-year-old opened fire at the mall, killing two people and injuring five others, including foreign nationals from China, Myanmar and Laos.

He expressed his deepest regret for the incident that occurred Tuesday night, noting that the government would want to extend its condolences to the families of the injured and deceased.

“The incident was an uncontrollable force majeure event. I believe Siam Paragon Shopping Centre and government officials did everything possible to ensure safety. May this event be the last. The government will fully reinforce preventive measures,” he said.

paragon govt4 — PM Srettha Thavisin offers his condolences to the families of the injured and deceased, including Chinese, Myanmar, and Laos.

Before attending the event, the Prime Minister called Lao People’s Democratic Republic Ambassador to Thailand Khampan Aunlawan to offer his condolences. He also informed Laos that His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen would take care of the medical treatment of all injured victims.

In addition, the Prime Minister also coordinated phone calls with the Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to Thailand to offer condolences, especially for the Myanmar worker who was one of the two fatalities. Condolences were also sent to the Chinese ambassador as of Tuesday evening.

At this time, Panpree Phitthanukorn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and relevant departments have convened a meeting to develop measures to improve security in public areas and tourist attractions. These include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the National Police.

paragon govt1 — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the National Police convene for a meeting to develop security measures for public spaces and tourist destinations.

In addition to official government statements expressing condolences to the families of the victims and the injured, the State Department established a Situation Command Center to communicate with and assist the affected families.

Sudawan Wangsuphakitkoson, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said that the Thai government would provide full support and assistance to Chinese tourists who were victims of the incident and had traveled to Thailand under a visa waiver program.

The day before the incident Sudawan just revealed that the statistics of foreign tourists accumulated in the first 9 months, the latest data from 1 Jan. – 1 Oct. 2023, numbered 20,051,535 people, an increase of 250% compared to the same period of the year. Thailand generated 839,409 million baht in income from foreign tourist spending.

AP23277296243672 — A bouquet of flowers is offered in front of the Siam Paragon Mall in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)

During September 25 – October 1, was the first week of enforcing the Visa Exemption or Visa-Free measure for Chinese and Kazakhstan tourists. This makes Chinese tourists the market that entered Thailand the most last week with 106,472 people, an increase of 44,744 people or an increase of 72.49% compared to the previous week (Sep. 18 – 24).

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the director general of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said that TAT will evaluate the situation regarding Chinese tourist numbers in the near future. However, they will first take three measures. These include strengthening security measures in all areas, providing psychological care and support to those affected, both Thai and foreign nationals.

To boost confidence among both Thai residents and tourists, TAT has established a three-level communication framework for the short, medium, and long terms.

Thai Govt Acts Rapidly After Mall Shooting Kills Chinese Tourist

By

Khaosod English

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4 October 2023, 05:13

boy shooting3 — Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin arrived at Siam Paragon Department Store at 7:20 p.m., October 3 for an update on the situation.

The government urgently responds to the mass shooting incident on Tuesday afternoon, October 3, 2023, in which a 14-year-old boy opened fire in the Siam Paragon Department Store, killing two people and injured five more.

There were Chinese tourists killed and injured, which could have an impact on Thailand’s tourism when the visa exemption for Chinese travellers only recently began.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin arrived at Siam Paragon Department Store at 7:20 p.m. for an update on the situation from National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukwimon. At 8:00 p.m., he visited the injuries at the Police Hospital and the Chulalongkorn Hospital.

boy shooting4 — Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visited the injuries at the Police Hospital on Tuesday night.

Srettha expressed his condolences for this loss to the relatives of the deceased, injured and all those affected, including the families of a Chinese tourist who died and one injured through talking with Mr. Han Zhiqiang, Chinese Ambassador to Thailand about at 8:30 p.m.

He mentioned that the ambassador was grateful that His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen received all the injured under royal care. He also thanked the work of all Thai officials who took immediate action, but the Chinese Embassy asked the government to show security measures so that the embassy can help communicate news to the people so that they understand the issue and that travel and tourism are not harmed.

The Prime Minister stated that he immediately directed all relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Health, and the police, to investigate the causes of such instances and developed preventative measures. The Thai government will now implement the strictest safety measures to ensure the safety of all travellers.

boy shooting2 — The police detain a 14-year-old gunman at Kempinski Hotel.

He additionally said that the female Chinese tourist who died and one who was injured were travelling with two other individuals. The other two could not be found at first, until the assistant consul of China in Thailand notified him that they were both safe.

The shocking incident started at 4.40 p.m. on the M, second and third floor of the mall and concluded at 5:09 p.m. when the gunman dropped his weapon and kneeled. He was detained by police on the third floor of the Siam Campinski Hotel nearby.

According to the investigation, police uncovered five rounds of ammunition of various calibres, 15 bullet casings of varied sizes, one silver pistol imitation, one black imitation mega-gun, and a shooting target paper in the teenage gunman’s residence.

The juvenile suspect was placed in isolation and cared for in accordance with youth rights. He is closely monitored by both doctors and psychiatrists, after he told the police that he had heard someone command him to shoot.

Siam Paragon issued a statement saying: we extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. We also would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the police, volunteers, and our security team for their dedicated efforts in bringing the situation under control and to everyone for their support during this difficult time.

While the Essence, an expensive private school, in which the 14-year-old gunman is enrolled issued a statement Tuesday night expressing condolences to those killed and injured and their families but also asks the public to respect the privacy of the family of the gunman.

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The 14-year-old Bangkok Mall Gunman Is Arrested After Killing 2

By

Khaosod English

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3 October 2023, 18:49

On Tuesday, October 3, a 14-year-old male gunman with long hair and a tight-fitting black shirt and camouflage trousers carried out a horrific attack in the heart of downtown Bangkok. He used a mock handgun to fire individuals inside the Paragon Department Store in the Siam Square neighbourhood, killing two people and injuring five others.

The two fatalities are foreigners: a Chinese woman was shot and killed at the scene, and a Myanmar woman was shot once in the neck and twice in the back and died in the hospital.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:40 p.m. on the M floor, followed by the second and third floors, while tourists and shoppers were in the mall. On the fifth floor of the mall, actors, staff members, and entertainment reporters gathered for a Channel 3 television event promoting the launch of 13 dramas.

paragon shooting3 — People were gradually evacuated from the Royal Paragon Hall on October 3, 2023.

People were evacuated from the mall following the gunfire. The Royal Paragon Hall door on the fifth level was shut for security. Later, they were gradually evacuated as the shooter fled to the Kempinski Hotel.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin acknowledged the occurrence and directed Police National Chief Torsak Suwimon to go to the scene during this time.

The incident concluded at 5:09 p.m. when the gunman dropped his weapon and kneeled. He was detained on the third floor of the Siam Campinski Hotel by police.

He told the police that he had heard someone command him to shoot.

paragon shooting2 — The 14-year-old gunman was arrested on the third floor of the Kempinski Hotel.

Crimes involving firearms are common in Thailand. This is due to the enormous number of citizens in Thailand who have access to firearms. According to the Small Arms Survey, there will be over 10.3 million firearms in Thailand by 2022, the highest amount in the ASEAN region, and it is currently ranked 13th in the world.

In addition, according to data from 2022, Thailand had 2,804 firearm-related fatalities, ranking 15th in the globe and equating to a gun death rate of 3.91 per 100,000 people.

However, mass shooting incidents are uncommon in Thailand. The most serious occurrence was a 34-year-old police officer’s slaughter in a children’s nursery on October 6, 2022. There were 38 fatalities, the most of whom were children.

The most violent shooting at a department store occurred on February 8, 2020, at Terminal 21 Mall in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. 30 individuals were killed by a soldier.

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