Carrier Thailand Unleashes the Power of Eight with New XCT8 VRF Solution

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3 October 2023, 10:07

Carrier Thailand introduces its all new XCT8, a power-packed variable refrigerant flow (VRF) solution customized to deliver cooling for buildings. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

When it comes to any building, ensuring the comfort of its occupants is an absolute necessity. A key player in delivering that comfort is the air conditioning system. This is where Carrier’s XCT8 VRF with eight key features transforms the landscape of indoor climate control.

Carrier understands that no two buildings are the same and customers can choose the ideal fit for their unique needs. Therefore, the flexible Carrier XCT8 comes with numerous options for efficiency, space and cost, allowing customers to tailor the system according to their specific demands. With the ability to have 4,000 combinations, Carrier’s XCT8 boasts incredible flexibility and offers the industry’s highest capacity of up to 120 HP, with the possibility of connecting with 128 indoor units.

Carrier’s XCT8 allows customers to choose the most energy-saving combination, ensuring that a building operates at peak efficiency while keeping energy bills in check. Or customers can choose the most space-saving combination that makes the best use of the available real estate, allowing the user to optimize a building’s layout without sacrificing efficiency. It’s a win-win situation for building owners to maximize both comfort and spatial utilization.

“Carrier has been leading innovation since its invention of modern air conditioning 121 years ago,” said Victor Yu, Managing Director, Carrier Thailand. “We are committed to delivering innovative solutions that not only meet but exceed customer expectations. With eight key features of Carrier XCT8, customers are not just investing in a cooling system but embracing a smarter, more sustainable future for their buildings.”

Easy installation and maintenance are top of mind, for reliable operation and building occupants’ comfort. Carrier XCT8 has several features to help installers save time on installation, commissioning and maintenance, including the Wave Tool Advance app which allows installers to access system information and start test runs using some smartphones. For installers wanting to collect and save rich data sets, a new service tool for use with laptop devices that are accessible from either outdoor or indoor locations.

For more information on XCT8, please visit carrierxct8.com/th or follow us on Facebook @CarrierHVACThailand.

Police Arrest Man For Taking Clips Under Skirts of 430 Women

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Khaosod English

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2 October 2023, 23:48

underskirt1 — Tass Sameupak, 29, who was accused of stealthily filming many women under their skirts for seven years, was arrested on October 1, 2023.

On October 2, Metropolitan Police officers and Police Cyber Taskforce Team 5 worked together to investigate Tass Sameupak, 29, who was accused of stealthily filming many women under their skirts for seven years. There were 873 recordings of 430 women and girls taking VDO under their skirts, and one computer PC was among the evidence.

According to the Criminal Court’s arrest warrant, he was arrested on Oct. 1 at a house in Thung Song Hong Subdistrict, Lak Si District, Bangkok, on the charge of “acting indecently against a person over fifteen years of age by threatening in any way by using violent force, that person being in a state of being unable to resist.”

He is also accused of recording images or audio of the obscene act for the purpose of gaining an illegitimate benefit for himself or others, regardless of the method used. which is bullying or oppressing others, causing others to feel humiliation, or creating a public nuisance.

underskirt2 — There were 873 recordings of 430 women and girls taking VDO under their skirts.

Investigators received a report from a woman at a renown shopping mall in the Sam Yan area. He was photographed hidden beneath her skirt. Consequently, the investigation led to Tass’s arrest.

Tass admitted and stated that he comes from a good family and received his bachelor’s degree from a Bangkok university. He has an obsession with unusual pornographic films. After graduating, he was still unemployed, so he began to find a challenge by covertly photographing or filming young women in the bathroom or under their skirts on the internet.

He has been doing it for almost 7 years, doing it on a regular basis with breaks in between. He intended to find victims near numerous famous department stores and to follow the flyover on the route they took.

He would target ladies with good figures who wore skirts. He also looked at the surrounding scenario in a place where there are few people, such as the department store, including the escalator area, which is the easiest to record. He claimed he was convinced that his abilities could film any woman without the victim being aware of him.

“I apologise to the victims who were involved in this incident. I’m going to be more respectful and manly from now on,” Tass claimed. He was taken to Pathumwan Police Station, along with the seized things, to be prosecuted.

National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukwimon has directed that the data on the computer be recovered as soon as possible, since if these films become public, they will ruin the lives of hundreds of young women.

underskirt3 — The accused was convinced that his abilities could film any woman without the victim being aware of him.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Commander-in-Chief, Pol. Maj. Gen. Teeradej Thamsuthee, stated that officers still do not believe all of the claims made by the accused after uncovering evidence retrieved via data recovery from his computer. They believed there were over 430 victims, including over 160 students.

“We would like to advise parents to be cautious of their children. These crooks hide in shopping malls and like to commit their crimes in places where it is easy to snap images secretly. Please tell us on the IDMB Metropolitan Investigation Facebook page if you have been a victim of this individual. We have coordination officers on duty 24 hours a day because this situation has done a lot of harm to women,” he stated.

Thai Police Investigate 2 Bodies Found in Cargo Container From Philippines

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Khaosod English

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2 October 2023, 17:32

Two dead bodies, one male and another female, are in a decomposing state. They were discovered inside a shipping container on Monday morning, October 2, in the Lad Krabang area of Bangkok. The container was transported from the Philippines.

The container originated in the Philippines on September 24, landed at Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi Province on September 28, and was transferred by rail into the ICD warehouse around 5:00 a.m. today, until warehouse personnel opened the container to clean it and discovered two dead. As a result, they summoned the police to conduct an investigation.

The container in which the bodies were discovered is owned by Evergreen Marine Corp., with a length of 6 metres, a width of 2.44 metres, and a height of 2.55 metres. It is two stories thick. The woman’s body was detailed with a gold ring. The man was dressed in shorts with no shirt. He has a tattoo on his chest, arms, and back. Officials believe they have been dead for roughly two weeks and did not die in Thailand.

Officials did not find any documents with them. The bodies showed no signs of struggle or wounds. They discovered a black t-shirt nearby. The fraternity’s name, “Alpha Kappa Rho, Vincit Omnia Veritas,” is written in a foreign language on a letter. It is a humanitarian group that was founded in the Philippines in 1973.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Narongrit Thongtawee, investigating inspector of Nopphawong Railway Police Station, revealed that he will call the owner of the van, the companies that transport each route, the administrators and relevant officials came for a thorough interrogation.

They will also collaborate with the Philippine Embassy to determine whether any people are missing. Officers collected all evidence at the spot and transported it to the police hospital for forensic examination.

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Marriott Bangkok Offers Buffet Dinner & Brunch with Local and International Favourites

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Contributor

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2 October 2023, 16:59

Indulge in a Bountiful Harvest Buffet Dinner & Brunch with a Variety of Local and International Favorites at Reap Factory, Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit 20

Bangkok, Thailand – Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, the stylish hotel in the commercial heart of the Thai capital, has invited diner to a delightful dining experience at Reap Factory, the all-day restaurant that celebrates the bounty of a successful harvest.

Harvest Buffet Dinner will be staged every Thursday and Friday evening (18:00 to 22:00 hrs) and a lively Harvest Saturday Brunch on the last Saturday of the month (12:00 to 15:30 hrs). All of these culinary occasions will showcase an appetizing selection of healthy Thai and international cuisine, crafted using local and seasonal produce including responsibly-raised meats, sustainable seafood and organic fruit, vegetables and herbs, and presented in a rustic, farmhouse style.

Executive Chef Teerathep Tishabhiromya and his highly skilled culinary team will present a series of interactive live stations, starting with a Salad Bar of crisp and colorful vegetables, dressings and ready-made Thai salads, tempting Thai Appetizers (Harvest Buffet Dinner only), sublime Soups and enticing Antipasti & Breads with prime cold cuts, premium cheeses and other accompaniments.

Succulent Seafood on Ice is a key element of the Harvest Buffet Dinner and Saturday Brunch, and guests will be able to savor delicacies such as freshly-shucked oysters, white shrimps, black mussels, rock lobsters and blue swimming crabs from the Andaman Sea, and mud crabs from the Gulf of Thailand. A dedicated Japanese Station will also feature handcrafted sushi, sashimi, maki rolls, tempura and more.

Fresh seafood and premium meats can also be grilled À La Minute by the talented chefs, including river prawns, rock lobsters, sea bass, squid, blue crabs, clams, Babylon whelks, chicken, pork tenderloin and lamb loin, and other special dishes. A Carving Station will feature roasted lamb and roasted Australian rib eye at the Harvest Buffet Dinner and more at the Harvest Saturday Brunch like roasted Australian striploin and roasted chicken, all served with plenty of sides and sauces, and a Pizza and Pasta Station will let every diner choose their ultimate Italian dish.

No Bangkok buffet dinner would be complete without a choice of tempting Thai Hot Dishes, and guests can savor local wok-fried classics, spicy curries, stunning stir-fries and vegetarian options, all served with organic jasmine rice. The Harvest Saturday Brunch will also include a special Chinese Corner with crispy pork belly, shrimp and pork Siu Mai, custard bun and more, plus a Thai Live Noodle Station specializing in traditional Thai pork and Wagyu beef boat noodle soup.

And of course, every meal can end on a sweet note with an array of Thai and international Desserts, from banoffee pie and blueberry cheesecake to mango sticky rice and carved tropical fruits. An interactive Thai Dessert Live Station featuring roti will add an extra dash of culinary theater to the Harvest Brunch.

The Harvest Sunday Brunch will be a fun-filled affair and a great way to spend the weekend with loved ones. Everyone can unwind with two hours of free-flow beverages while enjoying the grooves from live DJ.

The Harvest Buffet Dinner (Thursday and Friday) is priced at THB 999++ per person. The Harvest Saturday Brunch is priced at THB 1,299++ per person including soft drinks, tea and coffee. The free-flow beverage package (beer, wine, sparkling wine and three cocktails) is also available for THB 599++ (from THB 799++) for 2 hours.

Nestled in the beating heart of Bangkok, just a few minutes’ walk from Asoke BTS skytrain and Sukhumvit MRT subway stations, Reap Factory is an outstanding option for hotel guests and local residents seeking a stylish spot to dine and unwind.

For more information and to book your place at the Harvest Buffet Dinner or Harvest Brunch, please call 02 127 5920 or visit www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/reapfactorytwentyandone.

For more information about Reap Factory at Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, please click here.

“Celebrate Like Never Before at ICONSIAM” With “Hong Kong Disneyland Resort”

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Contributor

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2 October 2023, 16:10

Unveiling the World’s First-Ever 10-meter-tall Olaf Representation In Celebration of ICONSIAM’s 5th anniversary and Grand Opening of World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

ICONSIAM, a global landmark along the Chao Phraya, is collaborating with Hong Kong Disneyland Resort to launch “Celebrate Like Never Before at ICONSIAM,” unveiling a 10-meter-tall majestic Olaf representation at River Park, ICONSIAM. This marks the 5th anniversary of ICONSIAM as a global destination and one of the leading travel destinations.

Furthermore, it celebrates the highly anticipated grand opening of World of Frozen, the world’s first and largest “Frozen” themed land on November 20th at Hong Kong Disneyland.

The “Celebrate Like Never Before at ICONSIAM” launch event will officially take place on Friday, October 6, 2023 at River Park, G floor, ICONSIAM. Anna and Elsa, the beloved “Frozen” friends will make a surprise appearance at the event, along with the renowned Thai artist Achiraya Nitibhon (Ally).

Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd. said “ICONSIAM as a global landmark along the Chao Phraya River, has joined forces with Hong Kong Disneyland Resort to celebrate ICONSIAM’s 5th Anniversary and the launch of World of Frozen, the world’s first and largest “Frozen” themed land at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. This is another significant collaboration that is in line with the concept of “Collaboration to Win”, working together with global partners to create new events and activities that exceed our customers’ expectations.

ICONSIAM has set up the entire River Park space for the launch of the majestic Olaf representation. At ICONSIAM, this 10-meter-tall representation of Olaf will be resting on a triangle pillow adorned with exclusive “Frozen” themed patterns, specially designed for ICONSIAM to feature the essence of Thailand. This one-of-a-kind event will provide visitors from near and far with a taste of World of Frozen like never before.”

In addition to the launch event, ICONSIAM is offering its customers an exclusive experience for the opening of World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland. A special promotions campaign with giveaway prizes worth over 1.5 million baht is available for VIZ members who own ONESIAM SuperAPP between 5 – 31 October 2023. Customers who spend 30,000 baht or more will receive a 1-day ticket to Hong Kong Disneyland.

Moreover, those who spend 500,000 baht or more will receive a Hong Kong Disneyland tour package for 4 people per package. The package includes a 2-night accommodation at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel (Seaview room) with World of Frozen themed overlay, along with a 2-day Hong Kong Disneyland ticket from November 16 – 17, 2023, and an exclusive preview ticket to World of Frozen only on November 17, 2023 (Limited prizes available, and eligibility is subject to meeting all requirements. For more details, please contact the gift exchange point’s information counter at ICONSIAM.)

Mr. Michael Moriarty, managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, said: “The royal sisters, Anna and Elsa, have appointed Olaf to send an invitation to everyone from around the world. I’m excited to collaborate with ICONSIAM to extend a warm welcome and invite our guests from Thailand to the first stop in the global tour of a big and fun representation of Olaf and his invitation to Arendelle at ICONSIAM. For the first time in forever, our Thai guests can explore, believe, and be part of the Frozen story in Hong Kong Disneyland.”

“Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is getting ready for the opening of World of Frozen, the world’s first and largest “Frozen” themed land, on November 20. World of Frozen will transport guests to the cinematic and living land – Arendelle. There’s a whole world to explore, from a magical boat journey to Elsa’s Ice Palace high up on North Mountain, to a fun adventure on a sleigh through Arendelle Forest, and encounters with all your favorite Frozen friends.” Michael said.

World of Frozen, inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ films, “Frozen” and “Frozen 2,” which are among the biggest animated films of all time, will transport guests to the cinematic and living land – Arendelle. As an ambassador of Arendelle, the adventurous Olaf is travelling to nations around the world to deliver invitations to one and all to Arendelle.

Made of curiously malleable snow, Olaf’s likenesses will appear in various shapes and forms. Join the celebration from October 5 to November 30, 2023, at River Park, ICONSIAM to witness this 10-meter-tall representation of Olaf and celebrate the gate opening of World of Frozen. For more information, please call 1338 or visit www.iconsiam.com

World Bank Cuts Thailand’s 2024 Growth Second-Lowest in East Asia

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Khaosod English

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2 October 2023, 15:17

Thailand Chinese Tourists — Chinese tourists receive garlands from Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, right, on their arrivals at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakarn province, Thailand, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

The World Bank has cut its forecast for Thailand’ growth in 2023 to 3.4% from the previous forecast of 3.6% in April.

It also cut its economic growth forecast (GDP) for Thailand in 2024 to 3.5% from the previous 3.7%, citing that Thailand’s economic recovery is still lagging behind ASEAN countries and declining exports are a rising challenge. This is the second-lowest growth rate in East Asia (excluding the Pacific), after only Myanmar, which increased at a rate of 3.0%.

However, Thailand’s GDP is forecast to expand marginally next year, and it is still increasing in comparison to many countries that are expected to grow less. China, in particular, is predicted to grow by 5.1% this year, and 4.4% next year, which is in line with the regional average.

According to Aaditya Mattoo, Chief Economist of the World Bank’s East Asia and Pacific Region, Thailand’s economic recovery is still lagging behind that of ASEAN countries, and dropping exports are becoming an increasing concern.

In 2023, private consumption and the gradual recovery of tourism will help in the expansion of economic development and the reduction of poverty, while the inflation rate will fall and energy subsidies will serve to relieve pressure on living costs and private spending.

Fiscal tightening will also be postponed due to increased private consumption. Meanwhile, Thailand’s current public debt has risen to approximately 60% of GDP. This level is not yet considered risky or dangerous.

AP23222300075590 — A worker prepare rice for sale in in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

“Household debt is increasing, reaching almost 80% of GDP, the highest in the region, and is more concerning than government debt. At the same time, the impact of weather and geopolitical tensions poses a risk to Thailand’s economic outlook as well,” the analyst stated.

According to the World Bank’s East Asia and Pacific October 2023 Economic Update, regional growth this year is higher than average growth projected for all other emerging market and developing economies but lower than previously projected. It has cut its GDP forecast for East Asia and the Pacific this year to 5% from a previous forecast of 5.1%. Next year it will grow to 4.5% from a previous forecast of 4.8%.

Growth in China in 2023 is projected to be 5.1% and in the region excluding China to be 4.6%. Growth among Pacific Island Countries is expected to be 5.2%.

Siam Piwat, a Leading Global Destination Developer

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Contributor

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2 October 2023, 13:52

Striving to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
Lead the charge in elevating the district into a model of a smart ecosystem
Set to sign a memorandum of understanding with world-class brands on sustainability by early 2024

Siam Piwat Group, a real estate and retail developer, the owner and operator of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, and a joint venture partner of ICONSIAM and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, is reinforcing its leadership in sustainable world-class destination development by joining forces with partners across all sectors to connect its business to people, society, and the environment.

It is also accelerating projects to power its business with clean energy, pushing forward the 360o waste management program, and taking part in developing Pathumwan into a model of a smart eco-district in order to become Thailand’s first retail property developer to collaborate with the world’s premier brands and organizations on sustainability in pursuit of the United Nations’ sustainability goals, thus meeting the global standard of business practice.

Ms. Naratipe Ruttapradid, Chief Operating Officer, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., said, “Siam Piwat has long been recognized by various world-class brands for centering its business on sustainable concepts and practices. Guided by the vision to benefit society at large and elevate the quality of life for all, we strive to utilize our business as a platform of opportunities, for developing individual capabilities, and to ensure that all parties involved grow and succeed with us. We also prioritize environmental conservation everywhere we operate and promote resource efficiency and reutilization.”

Siam Piwat continues to be as committed as ever to leveraging its capabilities and business networks to create an urban model for environmental revitalization and to drive the adoption of renewable energy and 360o waste management. The Group is set to sign a memorandum of understanding with world-class brands on sustainability by early 2024, with the aim to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

In his remarks on Siam Piwat’s commitment, Assoc. Prof. Singh Intrachooto, Ph.D., a consultant and expert in the field of sustainability, and the key driver and co-developer of Siam Piwat’s sustainability initiatives and eco-projects for over 10 years, stated, “Siam Piwat is a pioneer that has long championed sustainability. In my capacity as consultant to Siam Piwat for more than 10 years, I can say with confidence that it is a private organization with robust and concrete environmental practices that meet and often endeavor to surpass internationally accepted standards.”

Green initiatives developed by Siam Piwat in collaboration with Assoc. Prof. Singh include eco-projects aimed at transforming shopping centers into learning centers on sustainability and “Kheo Siam,” a book on environmental issues in Thailand and across the world, eco-trends, and Siam Piwat’s approaches to environmental management. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in advancing eco-community development and bringing to life ECOTOPIA at Siam Discovery, Asia’s first and largest eco-lifestyle hub. This initiative was born from Siam Piwat CEO Chadatip Chutrakul’s vision to empower communities and producers of eco-friendly product at all levels.

Clean power and waste management towards net-zero

Siam Piwat has incorporated environmental management into its business operations, starting with energy conservation and energy efficiency enhancement by, for instance, replacing existing lighting with LED bulbs to save energy and using AI-powered environmental control systems within its buildings. Furthermore, the company has expanded its efforts towards the use of clean energy, as can be seen in the installation of rooftop solar panels at ICONSIAM, which produce over 1 million kWh annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 550 tCO2e per year.

Siam Piwat also collaborated with Gunkul Engineering Public Company Limited to develop and install a rooftop solar PV system covering more than 20,000 square meters at Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, generating over 4,800,000 kWh of electricity annually and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 4,300 tCO2e per year.

Additionally, Siam Piwat has collaborated with its partners to install electric vehicle charging stations to serve customers at its shopping centers. All these are part of Siam Piwat’s efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the creation of a low carbon society.

Currently, Siam Piwat is collaborating with several leading clean energy organizations in Thailand, including SCG Cleanergy Co., Ltd., which is a subsidiary of the Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCG), and B.Grimm Power Limited, to procure renewable energy (RE), with the goal of enabling every shopping center under Siam Piwat Group to successfully transition towards renewable energy, thus reducing reliance on electricity generated from fossil fuels.

The target is to increase the utilization of renewable energy compared to the total electricity consumption across all areas under Siam Piwat’s direct management to 30% by 2026 and to achieve RE100% in all areas by 2030.

Furthermore, Siam Piwat seeks to address Thailand’s waste management challenges by promoting the maximization of resource efficiency by way of circular economy through Siam Piwat 360° Waste Journey to Zero Waste. To promote efficient waste management, this program has set up a Recycle Collection Center (RCC) in collaboration with various partners to collect and sort cleaned waste for recycling to be repurposed or upcycled for added value. Some of the upcycled products are also available for sale in ECOTOPIA, the Group’s retailer of green products. Siam Piwat’s goal is to divert 50% of its waste from landfill by 2030.

Siam Piwat is also aware of the growing amount of electronic waste (e-waste) and has partnered with Synnex in the Trusted by Synnex E-Waste project to set up collection points for e-waste in Siam Paragon.

Strategy for the development of Pathumwan as a smart model

In addition to the sustainable development of world-class destinations, Siam Piwat strives to advance its business in a way that sustainably creates mutual benefits for all parties in the ecosystem, including various communities in Pathumwan – a district in the heart of Bangkok and home to various projects by Siam Piwat.

Starting today, Siam Piwat is ready to lead the charge in elevating the district into a model of a smart ecosystem. To this end, the company is collaborating with Assoc. Prof. Niramon Serisakul, Director of the Urban Design and Development Center, Center of Excellence in Urban Strategies (UddC-CEUS), the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, who has remarked on the initiative to transform Pathumwan into a smart ecosystem model:

“Pathumwan is the epicenter of shopping destinations for Thai and international visitors of all ages. It offers a diverse range of shopping centers, department stores, and community malls, both vertical and horizontal, catering to the lifestyle of every individual. The area is home to educational institutions, tutoring schools, offices, mixed-use buildings, and more. Siam Piwat’s role as a leader in elevating Pathumwan into a smart eco-district will enhance its competitive edge and enable it to maintain its position as a premier creative economic district and a driver of Thailand’s economy.”

Siam Piwat’s key mission is to advance sustainability in order to enable Thailand to achieve its sustainable development goals and create a better world for all.

A Kuwaiti Tourist Escapes Fire Because He Wakes up to Pee

By

Khaosod English

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2 October 2023, 13:48

Pattaya City Firefighters and Pattaya Disaster Mitigation Centre rescuers hurried to extinguish a fire at the LK Miracle Suite Pattaya Hotel, Third Road, Village No. 10, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, Pattaya City, around 3:00 a.m. on October 2, 2023.

This location was a seven-story hotel. The fire started in a room on the second level. There was a lot of smoke and flames coming from the room and outside the balcony. People were hurriedly evacuated from the building by rescuers. The fire took more than 30 minutes to extinguish.

The injured person’s name is Mr. Jaber Al-Otaibi, a 31-year-old Kuwaiti tourist who stayed in the room that caught fire. The burns on his arms and legs caused him harm. Rescue workers performed first aid before taking him to Bangkok Pattaya Hospital.

Mr. Jaber informed reporters through a translator that he awoke in the middle of the night to go to the toilet. Then he got a burning smell and strolled around the room, looking around, and saw that there was a fire blazing. In a state of shock, he fled to save his life.

“If I didn’t have to pee and woke up to go to the toilet, I might have been burned to death,” he said.

Officials initially estimated the value of the damage to be more than 1 million baht. The cause is under investigation by Forensics Division officials.

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Indonesian President Declares Operation of Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway

By

Xinhua News Agency

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2 October 2023, 11:59

JAKARTA, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) — Indonesian President Joko Widodo declared the official operation of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) at Halim Station in Jakarta Monday morning.

The Indonesian Transportation Ministry issued an operating license Friday to PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, a joint venture consortium between Indonesian and Chinese state-owned firms that constructs and runs the HSR.

At the ceremony, Widodo announced the name of the HSR, “Whoosh,” inspired by the sound of the train, saying that the high-speed train marks the modernization of Indonesia’s transportation mode, which is efficient, environment friendly and integrated with other public transportation tools.

“I declare that ‘Whoosh’ is ready to be operated,” Widodo said.

AP23275142976375 — Indonesian President Joko widodo , center, delivers his speech during the opening ceremony for launching Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway at Halim station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

According to Associated Press, ‘Whoosh’ is Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway, a key project under China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative that will cut travel time between the capital and another major city from the current three hours to about 40 minutes.

The $7.3 billion project, largely funded by China, was constructed by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, known as PT KCIC, a joint venture between an Indonesian consortium of four state-owned companies and China Railway International Co. Ltd. The joint venture said the trains will be the fastest in Southeast Asia, with speeds of up to 350 kph (217 mph).

Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister for maritime and investment, said China Railway has agreed to transfer its technology to Indonesia so that in the future the country’s high-speed trains can be made domestically.

AP23275148463960 — Officials stand near of high-speed railway during the opening ceremony for launching Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway at Padalarang station in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang took a test ride early last month while visiting Jakarta for three days of talks with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations and other countries.

Li rode the train from Halim KCBJ station to the next station ,in West Java’s Karawang city, a 40-kilometer (25-mile) ride that took about 11 minutes. He then returned on the same train.

Widodo took a 25-minutes test ride on the train a week later and told reporters that he felt comfortable sitting or walking inside the bullet train even at its top speeds. He urged people to switch from cars to mass transportation to reduce congestion and pollution, adding that congestion in Jakarta and Bandung is estimated to cost the economy more than $6.5 billion a year.

PT KCIC has also been running a two-week, free-of-charge public trial prior to the inauguration.

Indonesia broke ground on the project in 2016. The line was originally expected to begin operations in 2019, but was delayed by disputes over land acquisition, environmental issues and the COVID-19 pandemic. It was planned to cost 66.7 trillion rupiah ($4.3 billion), but the amount ballooned to 113 trillion rupiah ($7.3 billion).

AP23275148605380 — High-speed train is seen during the opening ceremony for launching Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway at Padalarang station in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

The trains have been modified for Indonesia’s tropical climate and are equipped with a safety system that can respond to earthquakes, floods and other emergency conditions. The 209-meter (685-foot) train has a capacity of 601 passengers.

Ticket prices had not been finalized as of Saturday, but PT KCIC estimated one-way prices per passenger would range from 250,000 rupiah ($16) for second class to 350,000 rupiah ($22.60) for VIP seats.

Passengers going to downtown Bandung need to take a feeder train from the Padalarang station that will add a further 20 minutes, with an estimated cost about 50,000 rupiah ($3.20).

AP23275147825009 — High-speed train is parked during the opening ceremony for launching Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway at Padalarang station in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

The rail deal was signed in October 2015 after Indonesia selected China over Japan in fierce bidding. It was financed with a loan from the China Development Bank for 75% of the cost. The remaining 25% came from the consortium’s own funds.

The project is part of a planned 750-kilometer (466-mile) high-speed train line that would cut across four provinces on Indoensia’s main island of Java and end in the country’s second-largest city, Surabaya.

“I’m so happy and very excited that finally we can ride a bullet train in Indonesia,” said Christianto Nusatya, a Jakarta resident who joined a public test ride last week. “But still, I would prefer to choose a regular train or car, because Jakarta-Bandung is too short and not worth it to be reached by high-speed train.”

Luxury Lockup: Former Japan Prison To Open As High-end Hotel In 2026

By

Kyodo News

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2 October 2023, 10:07

hotel prison1 — File photo shows the gates to the former Nara Prison set to become a luxury hotel, in Nara on May 31, 2022. (Kyodo)

A Japanese resort operator has said it will turn a historic former prison in the western Japanese city of Nara into a luxury hotel set to open in the spring of 2026.

While guests will have the opportunity to appreciate the facility’s rich history that dates back to the early 20th century, Hoshino Resorts Inc. assures that they will not have to endure the confined conditions experienced by its inmates, as multiple cells are being combined to create its 48 guest rooms.

The resort operator promises an “extraordinary stay” in the former prison’s iconic red brick buildings with refurbished interiors. Rooms will retain some period features, including keeping the windows situated high up the walls to prevent jailbreaks.

The new hotel, Hoshinoya Nara Prison, was earlier slated to open its gates in the summer of 2024, but the schedule has been pushed back due to such factors as the need for an earthquake resistance survey.

The site is located near Nara Park, home to tourist attractions, including numerous deer and the Todai-ji temple complex.

hotel prison2 — Provided image shows concept art for the Hoshinoya Nara Prison hotel slated to open in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Hoshino Resorts Inc.)(Kyodo)

Nara Prison, completed in 1908, serves as a rare testament to the Meiji government’s efforts to showcase the modernization of confinement facilities in Japan during that era.

The Romanesque-style main gate has an arched entrance and a cylindrical tower on either side. The former detention center also features the Haviland System, where a central watchhouse oversees multiple radial wings of cells.

At its peak, the prison held 935 inmates, far above its capacity of 650, according to a website preserving its history.

The building was used as a juvenile prison after the end of World War II and closed in 2017 as it aged. It was designated as a nationally important cultural property the same year.

Due to the historic significance of the prison, plans are in the works to build a museum accessible to day visitors on the site where the hotel will be built.

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