AIS and Huawei Jointly Complete First Commercial Verification of 5G RedCap in Asia Pacific

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27 September 2023, 10:38

AIS and Huawei, Thailand’s leading mobile operator, recently completed Thailand’s first 5G RedCap commercial test in Bangkok. The test was conducted on both 700MHz and 2600MHz commercial network, and used diversified commercial RedCap terminals, including DTU (Data Transfer Units) and CCTV cameras.

Comprehensive capabilities were verified during the test, e.g. downlink and uplink peak throughput, mobility performance, coexistence of RedCap and eMBB UEs. The test result shows that both AIS’s 5G network and RedCap terminals performance achieved expectation, this will be an important milestone for RedCap commercialization.

5G RedCap is a new technology defined in 3GPP Release 17. It is designed for medium- and high-speed IoT applications, such as industrial sensors, smart wearables, video surveillance. By simplifying the baseband, RF, and antenna units, RedCap has much lower costs and power consumption than 5G eMBB.

Compared with 4G CAT4 UEs, RedCap inherits native capabilities of 5G, such as high capacity and lower latency. In addition, RedCap supports key toB capabilities such as slicing and positioning.

\Wasit Wattanasap, Head of Nationwide Operations and Support Business Unit at AIS, noted, “Alongside developing our services to deliver maximum quality, we are powered by cutting-edge innovation to level up 5G tech, part of our obligation to support the future sustainable growth of the digital economy. This was the spark for the collaboration with global partners such as Huawei to upgrade Thailand’s 5G network to world-class digital infrastructure, aligned with the vision of transforming towards Cognitive Tech-Co

We have recently conducted successful trials of a pivotal aspect of 5G technology . AIS 2600MHz and 700MHz dual-band 5G network provides leading consumer experience. AIS is also committed to technology and application innovations, improving vertical industry production efficiency. RedCap is an important achievement of 5G technology evolution.

It will reduce 70% of 5G module costs, accelerating 5G industry applications. AIS will cooperate with Huawei and industry partners to explore RedCap applications in industrial control, energy and power, smart cities, smart wearables and more.”

Huawei stated, “Redcap is a promising technology to unleash 5G network potential, could be used in diversified scenarios. Huawei will continue to help AIS build high-quality 5G network through JIC innovation, incubate more 5G applications with industry partners, support acceleration of Thailand industry digital transformation.”

A Fire At A Wedding Hall In Northern Iraq Has Killed More Than 100 People And Injured 150

By

Associated Press

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27 September 2023, 10:30

Iraq Wedding Fire — Security forces gather at the site of a fatal fire in the district of Hamdaniya in Mosul, Iraq, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. A fire that raced through a hall hosting a Christian wedding in northern Iraq killed multiple people, authorities said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Farid Abdulwahed)

MOSUL, Iraq (AP) — A fire that raced through a hall hosting a Christian wedding in northern Iraq killed at least 100 people and injured 150 others, authorities said Wednesday, warning the death toll could rise.

The fire happened in Iraq’s Nineveh province in its Hamdaniya area, authorities said. That’s a predominantly Christian area just outside of the city of Mosul, some 335 kilometers (205 miles) northwest of the capital, Baghdad.

Television footage showed flames rushing over the wedding hall as the fire took hold. In the blaze’s aftermath, only charred metal and debris could be seen as people walked through the scene of the fire, the only light coming from television cameras and the lights of onlookers’ mobile phones.

AP23270087944148 — A view shows the aftermath of a fire that broke out during a wedding celebration, in the district of Hamdaniya in Mosul, Iraq, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Farid Abdulwahed)

Survivors arrived at local hospitals, receiving oxygen and bandaged, as their families milled through hallways and outside as workers organized more oxygen cylinders.

The health department in Nineveh province raised the death toll to 114. Health Ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr earlier put the number of injured at 150 via the state-run Iraqi News Agency.

“All efforts are being made to provide relief to those affected by the unfortunate accident,” al-Badr said.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered an investigation into the fire and asked the country’s Interior and Health officials to provide relief, his office said in a statement online.

AP23270102451766 — This image made from video shows the wedding hall building following a fatal fire at a wedding celebration, in the district of Hamdaniya in Mosul, Iraq, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Farid Abdulwahed)

Najim al-Jubouri, the provincial governor of Nineveh, said some of the injured had been transferred to regional hospitals. He cautioned there were no final casualty figures yet from the blaze, which suggests the death toll still may rise.

There was no immediate official word on the cause of the blaze but initial reports by the Kurdish television news channel Rudaw suggested fireworks at the venue may have sparked the fire.

Civil defense officials quoted by the Iraqi News Agency described the wedding hall’s exterior as being decorated with highly flammable cladding that were illegal in the country.

“The fire led to the collapse of parts of the hall as a result of the use of highly flammable, low-cost building materials that collapse within minutes when the fire breaks out,” civil defense said.

AP23270105533816 — An Iraqi girl with burns in her hand lies on a bed in a hospital in Hamdaniya in Mosul, Iraq, as she was injured in a fire at a wedding hall Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Farid Abdulwahed)

It wasn’t immediately clear why authorities in Iraq allowed the cladding to be used on the hall, though corruption and mismanagement remains endemic two decades after the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

While some types of cladding can be made with fire-resistant material, experts say those that have caught fire at the wedding hall and elsewhere weren’t designed to meet stricter safety standards and often were put onto buildings without any breaks to slow or halt a possible blaze. That includes the 2017 Grenfell Fire in London that killed 72 people in the greatest loss of life in a fire on British soil since World War II, as well as multiple high-rise fires in the United Arab Emirates.

The fire was the latest disaster to strike Iraq’s shrinking Christian minority, which over the past two decades has been violently targeted by extremists first from al-Qaida and then the Islamic State militant group. Although the Nineveh plains, the historic homeland, was wrested back from the Islamic State group six years ago, some towns are still mostly rubble and lack basic services. Many Christians have left for Europe, Australia or the United States.

The number of Christians in Iraq today is estimated at 150,000, compared to 1.5 million in 2003. Iraq’s total population is more than 40 million.

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FARID ABDULWAHED reported from Mosul. Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.

Panipak Likens Winning a Second Asian Games Gold to a Movie

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Khaosod English

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26 September 2023, 18:44

panipak6 — "Tennis" Panipak Wongpattanakit cries with joy after winning the gold medal in the thrilling game.

Panipak Wongpattanakit, 26, won Thailand’s first gold medal at the 19th Asian Games. Winning her second gold medal at the Asian Games may not come as a surprise to Thai people, as she is the world’s No. 1 in women’s taekwondo, but the competition in Hangzhou, China, on September 25 left her thrilled as if she were in a movie.

“It felt like a movie in which I am the leading actress,” Panipak said with a laugh in an interview on Tuesday after defeating Qing Guo, the Chinese athlete, in 2-1 sets, 7-6, 1-2, 12-9. She secured the gold medal in the women’s taekwondo category up to 49 kg.

panipak2 — Panipak Wongpattanakit won her second gold medal at the Asian Games.

In the third set, Panipak was down 0-6 when an error by the umpires put her behind 0-23. The Thai team protested to the umpires for a while until the score was 0-6 again. She then regained her composure and eventually won 12-9, securing her last gold at the Asian Games amid tears of joy.

panipak7 — The tally was incorrectly changed from 0-6 to 0-23 on the scoreboard.

Panipak, nicknamed “Tennis,” has been training taekwondo since she was 9 years old. She called this competition a perfect ending to the Asian Games and expressed her pride in bringing gold to Thailand. She thanked the spectators for their tireless encouragement and everyone who supported her.

“When the score suddenly went up to 0-23, I think everyone in the country was shocked, including me. I was very disappointed, almost inconsolable. But when I made a comeback and won, I got so much encouragement from home, from my team, from my coaches. They all cheered so loudly. My international friends were also very supportive, so I told myself that I will give it my all whether I win or lose,” Panipak said.

panipak1 — Sudawan Wangsuphakitkoson, Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, congratulated Panipak Wongpattanakit for winning the gold medal and Phannapa Hansujin for receiving the bronze medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou on September 26.

This championship victory is Panipak’s 49th title and her fourth this year, following the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia, the 2023 World Grand Prix in Rome, Italy, and the 31st World College Games in Chengdu, China.

When asked what the next story was for her if this competition was like a movie, Panipak replied, “The next story is the Olympics next year. I want everyone at home to support me. It will be my last Olympics before retirement, and I want to end it with a gold medal.”

PM Set Up Committee To Investigate Big Joke’s House Search

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Khaosod English

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26 September 2023, 16:58

bigjoke 11 — Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, or "Big Joke," initially resisted the search of his house on September 25, 2023.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has appointed a committee of three investigators to check on the police search of the residence of Deputy National Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, or “Big Joke.”

This incident has raised questions about political maneuvering within the police force in a week when the Prime Minister is expected to appoint a new police chief.

On September 26, Prime Minister Srettha signed the appointment of a committee to investigate the case of police searches of the residences of high-ranking police officers and various government officials throughout the country.

The committee is comprised of three members who are not directly engaged in the issue and are known for their integrity and expertise. Chatchai Promlert, the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, is the committee’s chairman; Chatpong Jiraphanthu, the former deputy attorney general, is a committee member; and Pol. Gen. Winai Thongsong, the former deputy police commander, is a committee member and the committee’s secretary.

The investigation is expected to be completed within 15 days.

srettha police — Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin signed the appointment of a committee to investigate the case of police searches of Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, or “Big Joke,” on September 26, 2023.

The Prime Minister expressed his concern about this case, which has attracted a great deal of public attention and shaken public confidence in the judiciary. However, it will not affect the ongoing process to appoint the new national police chief, originally scheduled for September 27.

Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn filed a petition with the Criminal Court requesting an investigation into a violation of court authority in this case. He stated in an interview Tuesday that the search warrant issued against him was an attempt to cover up the truth.

He spoke bluntly that it was a “judicial deception” because the search warrant did not include information about his current residence, which might not have been approved by the court if the court had known it was his house. He stressed that he was not involved in the case in any way.

“I must say that after this the court will be afraid of the police, because it looks as if the court has been deceived. After this, the work of the police will be even more difficult. It will be more difficult to get a court order,” he said.

bigjoke12 — Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn gives an interview on Tuesday, September 26, 2023.

“Today I may stay or not, it is not important. But I have to tell this to the public and to the people in the organization so that they know that it is corruption. You can not do it just like that. This is a technique of theft. Can you imagine what would happen to ordinary people if something like this happened to me as deputy national police chief?”

He further stated that this matter is an internal police matter, an attempt to tarnish his reputation, especially after his extensive work in combating illegal online gambling and investigating financial networks.

The case aims to link money transfers from online gambling websites to bank accounts of his family members and close associates. He stated that he will wait for the questioning of his associates when they are released on bail.

gunman kill police4 — Kamnan Nok hosted a Chinese dinner party at which Pol. Maj. Sivakorn Saibua, a 32-year-old lieutenant of the highway patrol, was shot dead.

It is noteworthy that some of the eight police officers who were close subordinates of Pol. Gen. Surachate and arrested in connection with this case were part of the team involved in the investigation of the murder of Pol. Maj. Siwakorn Saibua. The incident was related to a house owned by a prominent and influential figure. More than 25 police officers were interrogated in connection with this incident.

Two weeks later, six of Pol. Gen. Surachate’s subordinates were arrested on charges of money laundering, organizing fake bank accounts and aiding and abetting gambling. One of these individuals is Pol. Gen. Phakphum Pitsamai, who can be seen in a photo next to Minnie, the owner of the gambling website, in a hugging pose, taking Minnie to an event where she was joined by Pol. Gen. Surachate.

Pol. Gen. Surachate had denied any involvement with Minnie, stating that the clip was from an event a year ago where he was unaware of his subordinates’ connection to Minnie.

26 จ่อออกหมายจับเพิ่ม — Pol. Gen. Phakphum Pitsamai (right), who can be seen in a photo next to Minnie, the owner of the gambling website

Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphob Phuridet, said Tuesday the search at the residence of Pol. Gen. Surachate had nothing to do with the latter’s recent role in arresting an influential figure and some police officers involving the case of Pol. Maj. Siwakorn.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphob added that fully-armed commandos from his bureau were dispatched under the order of the central command of the national police, and he was little aware of the details.

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B.Grimm Power Reveals Ambitious Growth Plans Aligned with ‘GreenLeap,’

By

Contributor

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26 September 2023, 16:57

B.Grimm Power Reveals Ambitious Growth Plans Aligned with ‘GreenLeap,’ Drive Strong Global and Domestic Partnerships, Enhancing Power Plant Efficiency and Expanding Renewable Energy Portfolio Toward Net Zero Carbon Emissions.

Bangkok, September 25, 2023 — B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited (BGRIM), a Thailand’s leading industrial power producer, reaffirms its commitment to becoming a global energy leader and its unwavering dedication to achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050. With a strategic objective aligned with power purchase agreements, B.Grimm Power is striving to expand its power production capacity to 10,000 megawatts by 2030, cementing its position as a key contributor to the global clean energy landscape.

B.Grimm Power is actively exploring diverse fundraising avenues, underpinned by meticulous long-term planning aimed at fortifying its capital structure and facilitating sustainable business growth. This initiative is in perfect harmony with B.Grimm Power’s overarching strategy, known as “GreenLeap – Global and Green.”

B.Grimm Power is equally committed to nurturing robust business partnerships, with a strong emphasis on forging enduring collaborations both domestically and internationally, all of which have consistently proven to be highly successful over the years.

Dr. Harald Link, President of B.Grimm Power, has unveiled the cornerstone of B.Grimm Power’s business strategy: the pursuit of stable and sustainable growth through strategic partnerships. This approach is exemplified by B.Grimm Power’s longstanding collaborations with entities such as Amata Corporation Public Company Limited and Siemens Energy Company Limited, spanning nearly three decades.

Furthermore, B.Grimm Power actively collaborates with industry leaders including Asia Industrial Estate Company Limited, Singha Estate Public Company Limited, Univentures Public Company Limited, Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCG), PEA Encom International Company Limited, and China Energy Engineering Corporation, among others. This unwavering commitment to business expansion, both within Thailand and on a global scale, is driven by a spirit of compassion.

For nearly 30 years, B.Grimm Power has adeptly initiated and managed the commercial operation of its SPP power plant projects, catering exclusively to the industrial power sector. B.Grimm Power’s pivotal role in sustaining industrial growth and contributing to the Thai economy is achieved by providing consistent and reliable supplies of electricity and steam.

B.Grimm Power remains dedicated to enhancing power plant efficiency by harnessing cutting-edge technology and advanced digital tools, while concurrently optimizing fuel consumption. This strategic focus aligns with the specific needs of the industrial sector and enables B.Grimm Power to provide comprehensive industrial solutions to its clientele.

Additionally, B.Grimm Power demonstrates its competence in exploring alternative energy sources for future electricity production, underscoring the importance of sustainable fuels. B.Grimm Power is actively researching the integration of green hydrogen, ammonia, and other sustainable options into its electricity production processes.

B.Grimm Power’s strategic direction is oriented towards expanding investments in renewable energy power plants, both domestically and internationally, aligning seamlessly with its overarching vision encapsulated in “GreenLeap – Global and Green.”

B.Grimm Power has set an ambitious target to increase power production capacity to achieve Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) of 10,000 megawatts by 2030 through ongoing projects in South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Italy, Greece, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand.

Moreover, B.Grimm Power envisions bolstering the proportion of renewable energy within its portfolio to exceed 50%, effectively mitigating the impact of natural gas price fluctuations in the long term.

Dr. Harald Link’s statement emphasizes B.Grimm Power’s active engagement in enhancing financial management. As of mid-2023, B.Grimm Power maintains a substantial cash reserve totaling 29,000 million baht. Concurrently, B.Grimm Power is diligently researching and exploring the most suitable capital structure and strategies to secure a diverse array of funding sources in anticipation of future growth.

These potential funding avenues include bond issuance, green bonds, perpetual bonds, infrastructure funds, and asset monetization. Furthermore, B.Grimm Power is proactively pursuing opportunities to onboard new partners for investment in current ventures and collaborative expansion in the future, including fundraising at subsidiary level through initial public offerings (IPOs). This strategic step is positioned to provide ample resources for forthcoming growth initiatives.

“Driven by the B.Grimm Power’s vision to empower the world compassionately, we aspire to become a global leader in energy production and are diligently progressing towards the goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050,” concluded Dr. Harald Link.

“Brother” 15th Mangrove Preservation and Restoration Project

By

Contributor

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26 September 2023, 16:51

Brother, the leader in printer innovation, together with its partners organized “15th Brother Volunteer Mangrove Forest Conservation and Restoration”, a part of its sustainable development strategy. The mangrove tree planting activity in the mangrove forest area at Klong Khone Mangrove Forest Conservation Center, Samut Songkhram Province.

The survival rate of newly planted mangrove forests is expected to increase by 70%-80% and to generate oxygen by 91,000-104,000 pounds or 40,950-46,800 kg/year, hoping to create sustainable natural life cycle for the past 14 years.

The event at Klong Khone Mangrove Forest Conservation Center, Samut Songkhram province received great support from the management team of Brother Commercial (Thailand) Co., Ltd. led by Mr. Teerawut Supapunpinyo, Managing Director, Mr. Pornpuck Upaisilpsataporn, General Manager, Finance and Administration, Ms. Rassiyakorn Tantavanit, General Manager, Customer Service. The representatives from Klong Khone Mangrove Forest Conservation Center and more than 120 volunteer employees and partners participated in the activity.

Mr. Teerawut Supapunpinyo, Managing Director, Brother Commercial (Thailand) Co., Ltd. said that “Brother’s Commitment to Environment is one of the commitments that Brother Group and Brother (Thailand) attached to in all operations, including products, regulations, guidelines and communities. We’re committed to Brother Group Environmental Vision 2050 to protect the environment and reduce CO2 emission throughout the value chain.

Brother factories in Japan and the United Kingdom has installed solar panels, used resource circulation, and included biodiversity conservation, according to the context of each country. For Thailand, we have coastal areas, therefore, we initiated coastal erosion prevention projects and aquatic animal nursery, followed by mangrove reforestation projects that have been continuously implemented.”

“For sustainability goals, we focus on the entire value chain under the concept of At Your Side, or Brother’s commitment to provide our customers and all stakeholders with innovative quality products, while contributing to society and protecting our planet. The implementation is divided into the medium-term 2030 strategy, when we aim to reduce the carbon dioxide that contributes to greenhouse gases by 30%, minimize the use of new plastics, put used plastics into the recycling process, and encourage consumers to reuse packaging and printing materials to reduce the e-waste.”

“For our long-term strategy 2050, we will co-create a decarbonization society to achieve zero carbon dioxide from fossil fuels and switch to natural renewable energy while maintaining the balance of the world’s ecosystem as much as possible.”

Mr. Teerawut also revealed that Brother’s CSR includes both the environment and the local community. We have continuously implemented and received good feedback and participation from our employees and partners. For example, we have helped cancer patients. In addition, there are quarterly sub-CSR activities, which employees can initiate and then propose.

Mr. Pornpuck Upaisilpsataporn, General Manager, Finance and Administration, Brother Commercial (Thailand) Co., Ltd. said that the “Brother Volunteer Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Project” has been running for 15th consecutive year. “We have initiated this project with the main objective of increasing green space, engaging the community, creating a positive environmental impact, and most importantly, continuity and generating income for the community.”

“We have consulted with the local communities to ensure that the trees planted have a survival rate of 70% – 80% and generate oxygen of 91,000-104,000 pounds or 40,950-46,800 kilograms per year. Over the past 14 years, the “Brother Volunteer for Mangrove Forest Conservation” project has been conducted in 3 provinces, namely Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram to give back to both the community and the environment, the essential foundation for both businesses and society to grow sustainably.”

Mr. Pornpuck also mentioned that the company consulted with the local community in the preparation for the activity to get the recommendation of plant species to ensure the survival rate of trees. For example, cork trees are suitable for sandy and muddy riverbank areas while mangroves are suitable for areas where the muddy soil is flooded regularly.

Klong Khone Mangrove Forest Conservation Center located in Khlong Khone, Muang District, Samut Songkhram province was initiated in 1991 by Mr. Paiboon Rattanapongtara or Pooyai Chong together with Khlong Khone people. They started planting mangroves in Khlong Khone sub-District after the mangrove forest was heavily deforested for shrimp farming resulting in the depletion of aquatic resources in the area.

The local fishery can no longer feed their families. When they started planting the mangroves, the forest in Khlong Khone sub-District began to recover. In addition, the Center received extensive benevolence from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who recognized the importance of planting mangroves in Klong Khone.

HRH has participated in planting the forests many times (in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002 and 2004). The mangrove forest in Klong Khone has been revived.

“Now at 15th “Brother Volunteer for Mangrove Forest Conservation”, we have set a target to plant 500 trees in the closed area of 2 rai. All trees will be taken care of by the surrounding communities. This is a collaboration between Brother and the community, with more than 120 volunteer employees and partner organizations participating.” Mr. Pornpuck said.

Ms. Rassiyakorn Tantavanich, General Manager, Customer Service, Brother Commercial (Thailand) Co., Ltd. added that “For Brother, CSR is the foundation for ethical business conduct for colleagues, business associates, competitors, communities and the environment. It is what our employees in all units, whether marketing, customer service or sales department adhere to. For example, for the service, from reception to the completion of the repair process, we designed the process to comply with CSR in every step.

Customers who come for repair service will be advised on the machine maintenance so that it lasts a long time. This will reduce costs and indirectly protect the environment. For the e-waste generated from repair, we will properly sort and destroy. Our customers can be confident that they can be a part of environmental protection.”

“Brother Volunteer for Mangrove Forests Conservation and Restoration” received the Double circle level of “NIJUUMARU” PROJECT certificate from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN-J), Japan, demonstrating excellence in the continuous implementation of the Mangrove Forest Project to conserve the environment and restore the balance of life cycle in the mangrove ecosystem. The cooperation from many sectors that come together to participate in the activities created better results every year, reflecting Brother’s commitment to sustainable development.

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AIS 5G Boosts Free China Visa Policy in Partnership with Trip.com

By

Contributor

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26 September 2023, 14:55

Seamless service covers every stage of the journey catering to Chinese tourists. The AIS Lucky SIM Card is the key to unlocking communications for reassurance throughout the entire trip.

AIS 5G has joined forces with China’s leading online travel agent (OTA), Trip.com, in response to the new policy of free visas for China. The policy will stimulate Thailand’s tourism sector by delivering a seamless user experience for Chinese tourists when planning their travels on the Ctrip platform.

Everything is covered from booking air tickets, hotels and tourism packages to services from AIS 5G. These provide exceptional convenience to Chinese tourists and travelers who can purchase the SIM card before they arrive in Thailand with the AIS LUCKY SIM CARD.

This in turn enables seamless connections to the 5G network which has the best coverage, as the widest, furthest, highest and deepest in Thailand. Top tourist attractions such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Khaosan Road and Chatuchak Park are covered, to provide the best digital experience for Chinese tourists throughout their trip.

They can communicate with each other, post to social media and share their impressions without any glitches or interruptions.

Mr. Pratthana Leelapanang, Chief Consumer Business Officer at AIS said, “The tourism sector is a key economic driver for Thailand. This is clearly seen from the new government issuing a tourism stimulus policy to exempt Chinese tourists from visa requirements, temporarily for a period of five months. This covers two of the long Chinese vacations or Golden Weeks which include China’s National Day on 1 October and Chinese New Year in February next year.

The visa incentive is hoped to lure Chinese tourists back to Thailand. AIS, one of the country’s major private sector telecom and digital services providers, is fully supportive of an Ecosystem which will help Thai tourism recover and resume its journey of upward growth. This is achieved by strategic partnerships with partners such as Trip.com group, China’s number one OTA.

“Together, we are bringing a wonderful experience to Chinese tourists. They can seamlessly plan their visit to Thailand on the Ctrip platform, which includes booking flights, hotel accommodation and tour packages as well as telecom services from AIS such as the AIS LUCKY SIM CARD. Chinese tourists can purchase the SIM card and activate it before they even travel, for a digital experience that will reassure them throughout their trip in Thailand.

We are confident of being able to power Thai tourism by relying on the strengths in different sectors to stimulate travel and tourism in Thailand. This collaboration will enable them to share their impressions of Thai tourist attractions to the rest of the world. It is also a key mechanism to revive growth in the tourism sector.”

Ms. Rudeephan Temcheun, Business Development Director of Trip.com Group commented, “We are very excited now that going forward, Trip.com Group will have a more diverse and complete offer. By working with Thailand’s number one telecom provider, AIS, we will be delivering telecom services to Chinese tourists which will enable them to plan their entire trip from a single place. This ranges from booking air tickets and accommodation to planning their travels and including the services of the AIS tourist SIM and will enable tourists to design their travels as they wish.

This is a huge convenience for tourists currently planning a trip to Thailand, who will receive a complete and distinctive experience. We sincerely hope that this partnership is not just adding telecom services to our platform, but is also promoting international relations, which will lead to the growth of the tourist sector in both countries.”

Chinese tourists or travelers who wish to visit Thailand can purchase the AIS LUCKY SIM CARD on the Ctrip platform for with a wide array of packages on offer to choose from, aligning with the needs of each traveler coming to Thailand.

Chinese tourists purchasing the LUCKY SIM CARD also receive a range of exclusive privileges including discounts on travel insurance worth 50,000 THB, shopping at famous stores and dining at famous restaurants in Thailand, which have been specially curated for Chinese tourists.

For more details see https://www.ais.th/en/consumers/package/international/tourist-plan/china

South Korea Parades Troops And Powerful Weapons In Its Biggest Armed Forces Day Ceremony In Years

By

Associated Press

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26 September 2023, 14:00

South Korea Koreas Tensions — South Korea's missiles are carried in a parade during the 75th South Korea Armed Forces Day ceremony in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea paraded thousands of troops and an array of weapons capable of striking North Korea through its capital as part of its biggest Armed Forces Day ceremony in 10 years on Tuesday, as its president vowed to build a stronger military to thwart any provocation by the North.

Concerns are growing that North Korea is seeking Russian help in expanding its nuclear arsenal in return for supplying Moscow with conventional arms exhausted by its war with Ukraine.

AP23269356652217 — South Korea’s army soldiers take part in a parade during the 75th South Korea Armed Forces Day ceremony in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

“After looking at your imposing march today, I believe our people would trust you and have faith in our national security,” President Yoon Suk Yeol told cheering soldiers at the end of the ceremony in a central Seoul plaza. “I’ll always support you together with our people.”

Earlier, South Korea rolled tanks, artillery systems, drones and powerful ballistic missiles capable of hitting all of North Korea through the streets of Seoul, amid steady autumn rains. About 4,000 South Korean troops carrying rifles or flags followed them, accompanied by about 300 U.S. soldiers, in the first such military parade since 2013.

As the soldiers and their weapons went past, Yoon waved, clapped and flashed a thumbs-up.

AP23269340336266 — South Korean army’s armored vehicles take part in a parade during the 75th South Korea Armed Forces Day ceremony in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Since taking office last year, he has been pushing hard to beef up South Korea’s defense capability while expanding military drills with the United States in response to North Korea’s advancing nuclear arsenal.

But a complication in Seoul and Washington’s efforts to curb the North’s nuclear ambitions is the latest North Korean push to deepen military cooperation with Russia. Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Russia’s far eastern region to meet with President Vladimir Putin and visit key military sites.

North Korea reportedly wants to receive Russian technologies to help its development of spy satellites, nuclear-propelled submarines and powerful long-range missiles. Such weapons would pose a major security threat to South Korea and the U.S.

AP23269202991215 — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol waves to crowd during a celebration to mark 75th anniversary of Armed Forces Day, in Seongnam, South Korea, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. (Kim Hong-Ji/Pool Photo via AP)

In a formal Armed Forces Day ceremony at a military airport near Seoul earlier Tuesday, Yoon said he’ll strive to build “a strong military that instills fear in the enemy.”

“Based on battle-ready combat capabilities and a solid readiness posture, our military will immediately retaliate against any North Korean provocation,” he said. “If North Korea uses nuclear weapons, its regime will be brought to an end by an overwhelming response” from the South Korean-U.S. alliance.

That ceremony drew about 6,700 soldiers and 200 weapons assets, the largest of its kind since 2013, according to South Korean officials.

Yoon didn’t mention North Korean-Russian ties in either of his two speeches Tuesday. But in an address to the U.N. General Assembly last week, he said South Korea “will not sit idly by” if North Korea and Russia agree to such weapons deals in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban all weapons trading with North Korea.

AP23269340239903 — South Korean army’s armored vehicles take part in a parade during the 75th South Korea Armed Forces Day ceremony in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

U.S. officials have also said that North Korea and Russia would face consequences if they go ahead with such deals.

Also Tuesday, senior diplomats from South Korea, Japan and China met in Seoul and agreed to hold the first summit of their leaders in four years “at the earliest convenient time,” according to a statement from South Korea’s Foreign Ministry. No date has been fixed, however, and the South Korean statement said the three countries agreed to hold a related foreign ministers’ meeting in a couple of months.

Yoon said last week that Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had expressed their support for a trilateral summit in South Korea.

Yoon’s moves to strengthen South Korea’s military alliance with the U.S. and boost Seoul-Washington-Tokyo security cooperation have caused concerns that Seoul’s relations with China, its biggest trading partner, will be undermined. But Yoon says Seoul-Washington-Tokyo cooperation won’t marginalize any particular nation.

Create Your Dream Wedding in Thailand With “Marry Me at Marriott”

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Contributor

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26 September 2023, 10:52

Two-day wedding & honeymoon fair will take place at Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel from October 7-8, 2023, helping brides & grooms to craft a truly unforgettable occasion

BANGKOK, THAILAND, September 2023 – Marry Me at Marriott, Marriott Bonvoy’s world-class wedding and honeymoon showcase, will return to Bangkok this October, providing brides, grooms and professional wedding planners with everything they need to create truly extraordinary events in Thailand.

Hosted at Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel from October 7-8, 2023, this two-day wedding fair is a “one stop shop” that will immerse guests in a world of romance. Representatives from 35 of Marriott’s hotels and resorts will be present, ranging from vibrant city hotels to blissful beachfront resorts, enchanting upcountry retreats and more, revealing an endless array of options for couples who want to get married in Thailand.

These hotels and resorts, which encompass 15 distinct brands, will offer an unparalleled selection of venues for every size and style of wedding, from glamorous ballrooms to elegant pool decks, glorious beaches and many more. These exceptional spaces can also set the stage for pre-wedding photo shoots, engagement ceremonies, bridal rituals, intimate meals, lavish receptions, heavenly honeymoons and so much more.

To bring the event to life, an MC and live music will engage guests and create an uplifting atmosphere and a dedicated “Food Showcase” will provide a delicious insight into the diverse Thai and international catering options. Couples will also be able to chat to Marriott’s trusted professional partners, which range from wedding planners, dressmakers and jewelry designers, to photographers, beauty therapists, musicians and even fortune tellers, to help personalize every element of their big day.

And of course, every hotel and resort attending Marry Me at Marriott will present a selection of exclusive promotions and packages, which can be customized to suit every budget. Brides and grooms who confirm their booking during the wedding fair will also be entered into a lucky draw to win fantastic prizes and Marriott Bonvoy members can earn up to 60,000 bonus points, which can be redeemed for honeymoon stays!

Marry Me at Marriott will be staged at the Royal Maneeya Ballroom, M Floor, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel on Saturday and Sunday, October 7-8, 2023. Come and chat with our experts and make your dream wedding a reality in Thailand with Marriott Bonvoy!

Hotels participating in Marry Me at Marriott include:

Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok
Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
The St. Regis Bangkok
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok
JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok
Courtyard Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok
Courtyard by Marriott North Pattaya
Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa
Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Marriott Executive Apartments – Sukhumvit Park
Le Méridien Bangkok
Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
W Bangkok
Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa
Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa / Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas
The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui
Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa
Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
W Koh Samui
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa
Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa
Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach
Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort
The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket
Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa

Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection Celebrates Its Opening with Enticing Stay Packages

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Contributor

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26 September 2023, 10:52

BANGKOK – September 2023 – Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection– part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 31 extraordinary hotel brands – brings the art of storytelling to life in Thong Lor, Sukhumvit, one of the city’s most vibrant districts and the go-to destination for those seeking an eclectic mix of cuisine, culture, and entertainment.

To celebrate the opening, the hotel offers special deals which will be available from September 30, 2023 onwards: Member Rate Stay for Breakfast, Globetrotter Package, Ultimate Dining – 7 Courses, and Ultimate Dining – 10 Courses.

Starting at THB 7,053++ per night, the “Member Rate Stay for Breakfast” grants guests daily breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children aged below twelve, 5,000 Bonus Points per night and a special rate of THB 1,600++ per night for one extra guest.

The “Globetrotter Package” includes daily breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children aged below twelve, 5,000 Bonus points per night, all-day free-flow coffee/tea and selected soft drinks, 3 alcoholic beverages (local beer, house wine, selected cocktails), or 3 selected snacks available from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm at EKKALUCK Bar or the rooftop pool. Moreover, an extra guest can enjoy a special rate of THB 2,300++ per night. Rates start at THB 7,853++ per night.

Designed with foodies in mind, the “Ultimate Dining – 7 Courses” deal comes with perks such as daily breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children aged below twelve, 5,000 bonus points per night, a special rate for an extra guest of THB 5,600++ per night and a daily 7-course signature dinner by Chef Wuttisak Wuttiamporn at EKKALUCK. A wine pairing is also available for an additional charge. The rates for this package begin at THB 10,353++ per night.

The “Ultimate Dining – 10 Courses” package comes with all the perks that the above-mentioned “Ultimate Dining – 7 Courses” deal has, as well as an additional 3 courses in the daily signature dinner by Chef Wuttisak Wuttiamporn at EKKALUCK (wine pairing available for an additional charge). Price starts at THB 13,353++ per night, with a special rate of THB 8,600++ per night for an extra guest.

Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection and our team of staff are looking forward to you enjoying our warm hospitality.

To learn more and to reserve an urban escape at Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection, please visit http://www.madipaidibangkok.com/.

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