Girl Abandoned By British Father Gets Eye Surgery

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8 June 2023, 08:48

Social media unites to support eye surgery for abandoned Half-Thai-British girl. Many internet users send words of encouragement to Angel, a 9-year-old girl, who will have to undergo eye surgery on June 8, 2023 after her story deeply touched people’s hearts.

Angel lives with her mother, Amporn Park, who is 45 years old in an unfinished one-storey house in Non-Sri Thong, Ban Chai Sub-District, Bandung District, Udon Thani Province. Angle’s father left her mother three years ago and has not contacted them since.

british girl6 — Angel was in her house in Udon Thani. She lived with her mom.

At the beginning of the new semester in May, Angel could not go to school because she had been showing symptoms of diabetic retinopathy since April. When she came home from playing with friends, she said to her mother, “Mum, I can not see well.” She then accidentally bumped into a door at her grandmother’s house. Her mother then took her to a doctor.

The doctor at the Bandung Crown Prince Hospital found that the girl had developed diabetic retinopathy, thyroid disease and a cataract. Currently, the child can only see blurry and relies on familiarity to find her way around the house.

british girl1 — Angel was preparing for eye surgery in the hospital.

The child’s mother expressed her deepest sympathy for her daughter with tears in her eyes and mentioned that it breaks her heart that Angel has to receive injections 4 times a day.

Amporn added that when the couple was still together, the household situation was manageable. But after her father left the family, she had to sell her car to support the family and cover the cost of Angel’s visits to the doctor. Sometimes they rely on the public buses to get around. Still, the mother refuses to accept donations.

britis girl2 — Angel attended the class last year.

Angel said naively, “I am not in pain at the moment. I want to be able to see. When I grow up, I want to be a teacher. I love my mother, but I do not love my father, because he is cruel.”

Miss Aoraphan Charoensuk, Angel’s class teacher in 3rd grade, describes her as an incredibly kind and well-mannered child. She is attentive and speaks eloquently. The teacher wishes that Angel would recover from her visual impairment and be able to learn again because her friends ask about her every day.

british girl3 — Miss Aoraphan Charoensuk

Lisa’s Phenomenal: Traditional Thai Sarong-Attire Becomes Trendy

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Khaosod English

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8 June 2023, 08:28

After BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Lalisa Manobal, posted pictures of herself in a traditional Thai sarong checking in with friends in Ayutthaya province, the old town has seen a surge in tourist numbers and the Thai sarong has become a trendy fashion outfit.

At Wat Chaiwattanaram in Ayutthaya, several Thai tourists dressed in Thai attire were seen visiting and photographing the heritage site, following the route of Lisa. This trend is similar to the previous wave in 2018 when a Thai historical drama called ‘Love Destiny’ became famous.

lisa ayut — LISA (@lalalalisa_m) instagram

Lalita Prinok, a tourist in Thai dress, told a reporter that when she heard about Lisa’s visit to Wat Chaiwattanaram with her friends in Thai dress, she decided to repeat the trip. She said that she wanted to thank Lisa for getting the people of Thailand to wear Thai sarongs and dresses again.

This trend of Lisa’s is not only limited to Ayutthaya; the sale of sarongs is also increasing by leaps and bounds in other provinces, especially in the northeast of Thailand. Some of the provinces are Buriram, her hometown, Si Sa Ket, Nakhon Ratchasima and Udon Thani.

S 133799947 — Pheu Thai Party female members said they supported this fashion trend.

lisa sarong4 — Many sarongs are sold in Na Kha Market.

Charnruean, the shop where Lisa got the sarong, has seen the best surge in sales. The shop is located in Na Kha Market in the Na Kha sub-district of Udon Thani. It is the largest Thai fabric outlet in the province.

Suwimol Chaiwing, 61, the mother of Thai actress Diana Flipo, who is close friends with Lisa and participated in the Ayuttaya trip, said her daughter had told her earlier that they would visit Ayuttaya. She then asked her mother to send sarongs to wear during the trip.

Suwimol sent several sarongs, including a fabric called “dyed ikat in the mud” in the “Khor-Nark” (Naga) pattern, an old traditional pattern of the local Northeast Thai people. The older generation likes to wear this pattern to the temple. This is the pattern Lisa chose.

“When I sent it, I did not expect her [Lisa] to wear it. I tailor this as an additional sarong that they can choose to wear or not. I am thrilled that she chose to wear it and I want to thank Lisa because she is the representative of a new generation. She could inspire the younger generation to wear Thai clothes to the temple and make the younger generation realize the value of Thai fabrics.”

Suwimol said that their products are already sold out. If a customer wants to pre-order the sarong, they can visit her Facebook page with the name “Charnruean Na-Kha” or the Instagram account with the same name.

lisa diana — Diana Flipo, who occasionally wears sarongs, received them from her mother, Suwimol Chaiwing.

She informed that customers may have to wait up to 1 month as the shop has received several orders. However, she stressed that these orders will help local weavers earn more income. The shop will continue to sell the product at the same price of 2,800 baht per sarong.

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Previous article: Lisa Blackpink’s Visit Brings Ayutthaya To Life

Prince Harry To Tabloid Newspaper’s Lawyer: ‘Nobody Wants To Be Phone Hacked’

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Associated Press

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8 June 2023, 02:08

Britain Prince Harry Legal Cases — Prince Harry arrives at the High Court in London, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry entered a London courtroom on a mission to prove that the publisher of the Daily Mirror tabloid had hacked his phone and unlawfully snooped on his life.

He left the witness box Wednesday having shown that he was highly suspicious of how Mirror Group Newspapers obtained information for stories about him, but without offering phone records or much other evidence to support his hacking claim.

AP23158380874360 — A court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Britain’s Prince Harry being being cross examined by Andrew Green KC, as he gives evidence at the Rolls Buildings in central London, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. (Elizabeth Cook/PA via AP)

“I believe that phone hacking was at an industrial scale across at least three of the papers at the time,” the Duke of Sussex asserted in his second day of testimony in London’s High Court. “That is beyond any doubt.”

Phone hacking is central to his case against Mirror Group and two related lawsuits against other British tabloid publishers that he claims invaded his privacy by eavesdropping on emails and using other illegal methods to report on the smallest details of his life, causing him great emotional turmoil.

Harry is the first senior member of the royal family to testify in court in over 130 years, and his high-stakes gamble in taking his cases to trial is unprecedented in modern times. In addition to a desire to hold the newspapers accountable for a “destructive” role in his life and what he said was a cover-up of the hacking scandal, the pursuit indicates the seriousness of his larger mission to reform the press.

“Finding out about this level of cover up is what makes me want to see my MGN claim through to the end, so people can really understand what happened,” he testified.

During cross-examination, Mirror Group attorney Andrew Green pressed the prince to explain which elements of articles had come from hacking and how he could prove it without providing call data.

Harry continued to insist that parts of certain stories were suspicious and said Green should consult the reporters who wrote the articles about what they did. He said reporters had used burner phones and destroyed records.

Green, who has said Harry’s phone was not hacked, asked the witness if he would be relieved or upset if the judge reached the same conclusion.

“To have a decision against me … given that Mirror Group have admitted hacking, yes, it would feel like an injustice,” Harry responded.

“So you want to have been phone hacked?” Green said.

“Nobody wants to be phone hacked,” Harry replied.

AP23158329873344 — Prince Harry arrives at the High Court in London, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Harry’s suspicions of the press run deep. He questioned not only whether unnamed sources were real but also whether people quoted by name had actually said the things attributed to them.

More than once, he said that seeing something in print attributed to someone “doesn’t mean that it’s true” and said false information was added to stories “to put people like myself off the scent.”

Green asked if he really thought that journalists would be foolish enough to risk getting caught phone hacking after a News of the World reporter and a private investigator went to prison for such activity in 2007.

“I believe the risk is worth the reward for them,” Harry answered.

Green has apologized for the one instance Mirror Group has admitted to hiring a private investigator to dig up dirt on Harry, though it was not among the claims he has brought. Mirror Group denies or doesn’t admit his other allegations.

AP23158459805138 — This court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook shows Britain’s Prince Harry, left, with his counsel David Sherborne giving evidence at the Rolls Buildings in central London, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. (Elizabeth Cook/PA via AP)

Harry, the 38-year-old younger son of King Charles III, is the first senior British royal since an ancestor, the future King Edward VII, appeared as a witness in a trial over a gambling scandal in 1891.

Harry has said the royal family avoided legal entanglements to prevent having to be put in the witness box.

His case dates from 1996 to 2011 — a period when phone hacking by tabloid journalists was later discovered to have been widespread. The scandal led to revelations of more intrusive means such as phone tapping, home bugging and using deception to obtain flight information and medical records.

Harry’s fury at the U.K. press runs through his memoir, “Spare.” He blames paparazzi for causing the car crash that killed his mother, and said intrusion by the U.K. press, including allegedly racist articles, led him and his wife, Meghan, to flee to the U.S. in 2020 and leave royal life behind.

Mirror Group has paid more than 100 million pounds ($125 million) to settle hundreds of unlawful information-gathering claims, and printed an apology to phone hacking victims in 2015.

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BRIAN MELLEY reported from London.

Groundbreaking Held For Cambodia’s Second Expressway, Linking Capital To Vietnam

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Associated Press

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8 June 2023, 00:29

hunsen bridge2 — FB Samdech Hun Sen, Cambodian Prime Minister

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday presided over a groundbreaking ceremony for construction of the country’s second expressway, which will link the capital, Phnom Penh, to the eastern border with Vietnam.

The road to Bavet city in Svay Rieng province, a total length of 135 kilometers (84 miles), is projected to take 48 months to construct and cost $1.35 billion. It is a project of China Bridge and Road Corp., which is building it under a 50-year build-operate-transfer contract.

hunsen bridge3 — Samdech Hun Sen, Cambodian Prime Minister

The road is Cambodia’s second expressway after the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, which opened last year and connects the capital with the country’s main port on the Gulf of Thailand.

China is Cambodia’s biggest investor and closest political partner, whose assistance largely underpins the Southeast Asian nation’s economy.

Speaking at Wednesday’s ceremony, Hun Sen praised the expressway for being part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, its worldwide infrastructure development program.

hunsen bridge1 — Samdech Hun Sen, Cambodian Prime Minister

He said the initiative has played a significant role in boosting socioeconomic development in Cambodia and other participating countries. Critics of the Chinese program accuse it of imposing financial terms that have led to onerous debts.

Hun Sen said a feasibility study is underway for a third expressway that would link Phnom Penh to Siem Reap province, site of the famous Angkor temples, and extend to Poipet on the western border with Thailand.

The PARQ Celebrates Pride Month with “Colors of Pride”

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Contributor

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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

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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.

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