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

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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/.

Does Game of Thrones in the Thai Police Target “Big Joke”?

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Khaosod English

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25 September 2023, 17:28

A prominent Thai police officer, Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, commonly known as “Big Joke,” deputy national police chief, had his home surprisingly raided by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) with fully-armed commando police on September 25, 2023.

Pol. Gen. Surachate is one of four candidates for promotion to become Thailand’s new police chief. He is a highly respected senior police officer known for his involvement in solving major criminal cases in Thailand, including those involving foreigners.

surachate german case — FILE – Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, Deputy Commissioner of Police, commonly known as “Big Joke,”

Prior to the event, he was also directing a crackdown on powerful figures, which resulted in the arrest of several police officers. As a result, many people believe he is being targeted and barred from becoming the National Police Chief.

The search for Pol. Gen. Surachate’s three-story townhouse at Vipavadee Soi 60, was conducted after cybercrime investigators linked 8 police officers under his command to online gambling. Five of these officers were taken into custody after they were proven to be operators of and profiting from online gambling websites. Police have also issued arrest warrants for 15 civilians.

big joke2 — On September 25, 2023, fully armed commando police officers joined the search for “Big Joke” Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn’s home.

Initially, Pol. Gen. Surachate resisted the search and insisted that, as a senior police officer, he required a higher-ranking officer to be present. Subsequently, when Pol. Gen. Worawat Watnakornbancha, the CCIB Commander, arrived, Pol. Gen. Surachate allowed the search to proceed.

Pol. Gen. Surachate told the press later on the day that the search warrant for his resident for alleged link to online gambling site was an attempt to “discredit” him.

He added that the warrant didn’t specify his name, as the four attached houses were under the name of his relatives, including his father. To search the home of senior police, they must have evidence. In this case, there must be an illegal financial trail. But now there was not a single financial link to him.

“This is a punch below the belt. It is dishonest and unusual. It is a political game in police organisations. It was clearly a discredit to me, while there are many cases that have already come in installments. But I don’t want to mention anyone. Whoever makes a mistake will face legal consequences. I’ll go about my business as normal. I must bear the agony,” he said.

As a video of him singing with ‘Minnie,’ the owner of a huge online gambling website, circulated on social media, Pol. Gen. Surachet stated that he had known for a long time that this video would be used to defame him.

“I don’t know anything about this woman. That day was a party for my subordinates that I paid for last year, but I don’t know who will invite outsiders to the occasion,” he said.

In terms of the police chief’s appointment, he considers himself number two and has no intention of siding with anyone. He also enjoys working and has never competed with anyone. The Prime Minister will decide who will be appointed. People are the indicators.

big joke3 — There were arrest warrants for 23 people involved in online gambling; eight of them are police officers under the Pol. Gen. Surachate command, and the others are civilians.

As his subordinates who are caught on suspicion of , Pol. Gen. Surachate stated that they must explain to the court where their money came from. If any of his subordinates are found guilty, they should not be spared.

Pol. Gen. Worawat later revealed that the search, which found nothing, was an extension of an operation targeting online gambling websites conducted by the police cyber task force. That operation included searches at 30 sites in six provinces and resulted in the arrest of 11 people.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin noted that this incident is significant and has implications for public confidence in state officials. He believed this is part of the government’s policy to remove influential figures, but it is necessary to be fair to all parties.

Pol. Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapas, the head of the National Police, is currently leading the investigation. It is expected that, due to the complexity of the case, a commission of inquiry will be formed, possibly including non-police members. This has nothing to do with this week’s selection of his successor.

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Pfizer Thailand wins the Gold Level “HR Excellence Awards 2023”

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Contributor

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25 September 2023, 17:18

Pfizer Thailand has been honored with the prestigious Gold Level “HR Excellence Awards 2023” for demonstrating exceptional excellence in transforming modern businesses and organizations.

This recognition by the Human Resources Online Institute Singapore reflects Pfizer Thailand’s remarkable achievements in implementing digital technologies to enhance its organizational style and working practices while positioning the company for organic growth as well as moving forward to become a leading and powerful science company that delivers value and meaning to patients in Thailand.

Pfizer Thailand, under the stewardship of Ms. Deborah Seifert, General Manager of Pfizer (Thailand) Limited and Indochina as well as Pfizer worldwide, has embarked on a new era since 2020. As a pioneering biopharmaceutical enterprise, Pfizer is committed to innovation and scientific progress in the sphere of medicine. Its cutting-edge facility is dedicated to Breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.

The company is determined to leverage digital technology to augment its business operations, services, and organizational management. The goal is to achieve its core objective of delivering innovative medicine that can provide preventative and efficacious remedies that meet the evolving needs and expectations of the global community. Pfizer aspires to be a center of excellence, dedicated to enhancing the welfare of patients while applying the latest technological and scientific breakthroughs.

Pfizer, a leading pharmaceutical company, has identified Innovation as one of its five Big Ideas to achieve its objectives. This strategy aims at the disruption calls for innovation in traditional business operations and brings innovation through go-to-market models. Pfizer provides access to information on scientific advancements, disease treatments, and healthcare through various platforms for both medical personnel and the general public.

This information is researched and certified by leading medical institutions, ensuring its reliability and acceptance. Regardless of the changes in Pfizer’s business operations, the company holds its values firmly and manages its organization based on the principles of good governance, transparency, law, ethics, rules, regulations, standards, and policies. This approach is applied to all aspects of the business, ensuring that Pfizer conducts its activities ethically and responsibly.

This Gold Level “HR Excellence Awards 2023” marks as a celebration of Pfizer (Thailand) Limited for its 65th anniversary this year. The award also highlights the company’s outstanding achievements in adapting, continuously changing and developing to remain one of the leading and most trusted biopharmaceutical companies in Thailand for more than six decades.

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Teen Given Prison Term Over Tokyo Rolex Store Robbery

By

Kyodo News

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25 September 2023, 16:44

japan rolex1 — Investigators from the Metropolitan Police Department inspect the scene at Quark Ginza 888, a Rolex specialty store in Tokyo's Ginza shopping district robbed on May 8, 2023. (Kyodo)

TOKYO – A Japanese court sentenced Monday an 18-year-old man to four years and six months in prison for his involvement in the robbery of a Rolex specialty store in Tokyo’s posh Ginza shopping district.

According to the ruling, Shoma Torii and four others, some masked, conspired to break into the store at around 6:20 p.m. on May 8, stealing 74 items worth about 308.6 million yen ($2.1 million). Prosecutors had sought seven years’ imprisonment for the defendant.

In handing down the ruling, Judge Madoka Hiruta of the Tokyo District Court said it was an organized and premeditated crime in which the offenders covered their faces and violently smashed display cases to steal the items.

The judge determined Torii played a subordinate but vital role in the robbery as he threatened store employees with a knife.

It was the first ruling over the high-profile Ginza heist. Of the five arrested, four have been indicted, while the Yokohama Family Court has decided to send the remaining one to a juvenile reformatory.

Among the four indicted, three are aged 18 and 19, but their names have been made public following a revision to Japan’s Juvenile Law in 2022 along with the lowering of the legal age of adulthood from 20 to 18 that allows the media to reveal the names and faces of 18- and 19-year-old offenders accused of committing serious crimes in Japan.

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Discover Monsoon Valley Thailand’s No. 1 Wines, Exclusively at King Power Duty-Free Shops.

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Contributor

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25 September 2023, 16:26

While Thailand has a well-earned reputation for exquisite silk, fine crafts, and delicious local snacks that tourists can’t resist taking home as souvenirs, a hidden gem awaits your discovery – Monsoon Valley Wines, proudly crafted by Thailand’s largest vineyard and recognized as the best-selling local wine brand.

With an impressive collection of over 370 international wine awards, these accolades serve as a testament to their world-class quality. Now, thanks to King Power, your go-to destination for duty-free treasures, you have the perfect opportunity to share these remarkable wines with your loved ones back home.

Imagine a wine that captures the essence of Thai winemaking – that’s Monsoon Valley for you. Cultivated on an expansive 300-rai vineyard located near the picturesque beach town of Hua Hin, just 250 kilometers south of Bangkok, Monsoon Valley tends to over 30 grape varieties and annually produces over 300,000 bottles of wine.

These bottles travel far and wide, finding their way to connoisseurs’ tables not only in England, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and Australia but also gracing the menus of premium restaurants throughout Thailand.

As Alex Albon, Formula 1 driver and Monsoon Valley’s brand ambassador, aptly puts it, “As someone who travels the world, Monsoon Valley wines really showcase the essence of Thailand’s craftsmanship. They are a wonderful gift representing the beauty of Thailand.”

Monsoon Valley is on a mission: to create Thai wines that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best. One remarkable achievement is the prestigious Gold medal earned by the Monsoon Valley Cuvee de Siam Rouge at the esteemed AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge in 2022.

Another significant recognition came when their Monsoon Valley White Shiraz beat out over 150 rosés from around the world in a blind taste test, being named “Best Rose of Thailand” by James Suckling in 2018,

Monsoon Valley Wines make a perfect gift for those who want to bring a unique taste of Thailand back home. Now available at King Power Duty Free, Thailand’s leading travel retailer, with convenient locations at both Rangnam and Suvarnabhumi airport.

Dive into the flavors or find out more about visiting the vineyard in Hua Hin at www.MonsoonValley.com

PM Srettha Welcomes the First Group of Chinese Tourists Under VISA Exemption

By

Khaosod English

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25 September 2023, 15:23

srettha chinese — Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin greets Chinese tourists who come under the VISA exemption for Chinese and Kazakh tourists on their arrivals at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. (Khaosod Photo)

Thailand officially launched the VISA exemption for Chinese and Kazakh tourists on September 25, 2023, in line with the new government’s strategy to boost the economy in the short term.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Han Zhiqiang welcomed the first group of tourists arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Air Asia X flight XJ 761 from Shanghai. The group consisted of 306 Chinese tourists and 35 tourists from other countries.

The prime minister and his team presented all arriving tourists with souvenirs, including flower garlands and elephant pants, as a warm welcome gesture. The first tourists also had the opportunity to take photos with the Prime Minister, which created a joyful atmosphere.

srettha chinese2 — Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin greets a Chinese girl who came with her parents under the VISA exemption for Chinese and Kazakh tourists on their arrivals at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. (Khaosod Photo)

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects the VISA exemption to boost Chinese tourism, resulting in about 4.01 – 4.4 million Chinese tourists visiting Thailand in 2023. This is expected to generate revenue of 257.5 billion baht. In the first five months of the visa waiver, an estimated 2,888,500 Chinese tourists will visit Thailand and generate revenue of 140.3 billion baht, a recovery rate of 62 percent compared to 2019.

In addition, about 150,000 Kazakh tourists are expected to visit Thailand in 2023, with an estimated 129,485 tourists arriving in the first five months of the visa waiver. This represents a 49.7 percent increase over the same period last year, generating approximately 7.9 billion baht in revenue.

AP23256238208030 — FILE – A Chinese tourist rents traditional Thai costumes and poses for a photographer at Wat Arun, or the “Temple of Dawn,” in Bangkok, Thailand, on Jan. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

The government believes that this measure will play a crucial role in reviving Thailand’s economy and contribute to the recovery of Thailand’s tourism industry. It is expected that travel restrictions for Chinese tourists will be eased both in terms of time and money, making it easier for them to choose Thailand as a destination, especially for family, group and incentive travel.

As this policy coincides with Golden Week and Chinese New Year, it is expected to further boost Thailand’s tourism industry in 2023. The government aims to attract 25-30 million international tourists and achieve an 80 percent revenue recovery rate compared to 2019, amounting to 1.5 trillion baht. The total revenue target for 2023 is set at 2.38 trillion baht.

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Thongchai Jaidee Outlasts Justin Leonard in a Playoff to Win at Pebble Beach

By

Associated Press

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25 September 2023, 14:06

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Thongchai Jaidee won his second PGA Tour Champions title, beating Justin Leonard on the fourth playoff hole in the Pure Insurance Championship on Sunday when Leonard hooked his tee shot into a penalty area abutting the Pacific Ocean on the par-5 18th at Pebble Beach.

Jaidee finished with a two-putt par while Leonard had to play his third shot from the tee box and made a double-bogey 7.

The 53-year-old from Thailand has 19 international wins, including six on the European tour. He picked up his first win on the over-50 tour last year in Wisconsin.

The 51-year-old Leonard, who won the British Open in 1997, has yet to win on the PGA Tour Champions, where he returned to competition after working as a television commentator.

Jaidee closed with a 5-under 67 and Leonard shot 68 to finish at 14-under 202 in the 54-hole event. They each parred the 18th on their first try in the playoff and traded birdies when they played it again. Jaidee got up-and-down from a greenside bunker on the par-3 17th to extend the playoff.

Arjun Atwal (69) was third, three shots back, and Paul Stankowski (70) was fourth at 10 under.

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How Is The Y Series Driven By Politics As A Thai Soft Power?

By

Khaosod English

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25 September 2023, 09:38

The Y series, or “boys love” TV drama genre market, has become a strong economy in a few years, and it was also acknowledged as one of Thailand’s soft powers.

The event FEED Y CAPITAL 2ND, The Capital of the Y Series, held on September 23 at Samyan Mitr Town Hall in Bangkok by FEED, a lifestyle content producer under the Matichon Group, was crowded with fans of the Y series, actors and actresses, notably young people.

Besides the FEED Y Capital Awards 2023 awards ceremony, where numerous stars walked the purple carpet, the most well-known series’ actors and actresses, as well as T-POP singers, performed on stage. A special talk on the theme “The Power of Y Series” in Thai Society and Culture and Opportunities in the World Entertainment Industry” by two new generation female politicians highlights politics’ interest in the Y economy.

y feed1 — The FEED Y Capital Awards 2023 awards

Jiraporn Sinthuprai, Pheu Thai Party MP for Roi Et Province, stated that she was a fan of the Y series when she was younger. Loving the Y series was considered a sin at the time and was disregarded by society. However, the Y series is now widely broadcast on major media outlets and is quite popular. A rapidly growing audience base has given rise to a new industry known as the Y Economy.

According to the Department of International Trade Promotion, the Y series production has increased by more than 270% in the last three years, which is considered quite fast, showing the continuously growing audience base. It is also mentioned that Thailand is a country in Asia that produces Y series and has become a hub.

y feed 8 — Billkin Putthipong and PP Krit, the most famous actors of the Y Series, attend the FEED Y CAPITAL 2nd event, being held on September 23 at Samyan Mitrtown Hall, Bangkok. (Khaosod Photo)

Fans in many countries, including Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and China, are enjoying the Y Thai series on massive Chinese platforms. with hundreds of millions of members.

“Not only does the Y series generate economic value, but it also leads to numerous activities like events, concerts, and fan meetings, and many actors have been chosen to be product presenters or brand ambassadors, which can generate very high market value,” said Jiraporn.

y feed3 — The FEED Y Capital Awards 2023 awards ceremony, where numerous stars walked the purple carpet.

Jiraporn, a member of the government’s main party, said the government will establish the Thailand Creative Content Agency (THACCA) to act as an intermediary in promoting Thai soft power in collaboration with the private sector, to set directions and strategies, solve problems and deregulations, and develop the soft power industry, including Y Series. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will preside over the first official meeting, which will take place on October 3, 2023.

Pannika Wanich, Executive Committee of the Progressive Movement, said soft power has official indications on a global scale. The United States came in first, then China and Japan, and South Korea came in 12th. Thailand is placed 35th, which is not bad among the top 120 countries in the world. However, it is insufficient for promoting Thailand.

“The question is, how can Thailand’s soft power ranking be improved?” According to the World Soft Power Index, it must be a country that others can look to as an example. “Everything is ready in terms of culture, economy, quality of life, and education,” she remarked.

Pannika noted that the Y series government strategy should not only focus on marketing or matching sales companies but also on making Thailand a paradise for individuals of every gender. A community where members of all genders can live together and respect gender diversity.

“If foreigners inspired by the Y series visit Thailand and discover that people still discriminate against transsexuals, it will most likely not be soft power.” “The government must do the entire ecosystem in accordance with and with the same value,” she said.

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Gallery of FEED Y CAPITAL 2ND, The Capital of the Y Series (Khaosod Photo)

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The Most Popular Annual Exhibitions, LED and BCT Expo 2023

By

Contributor

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25 September 2023, 09:17

The most popular annual exhibitions, LED and BCT Expo 2023, are set to showcase innovative lighting solutions and the latest construction technology trends at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Muang Thong Thani, Thailand

(Bangkok) – In collaboration with the industry’s government, private sector, and business partners, IMPACT organizes the two significant events of the year from September 20 to 22, 2023. The Building Construction Technology Expo 2023 showcases products and opportunities for Southeast Asia’s construction and building technology industry, and LED Expo Thailand 2023 displays electrical and intelligent lighting innovations.

“We are proud to host participants and experts from across the globe. LED Expo and BCT Expo Thailand serve as a bridge for international collaboration, where ideas, innovations, and partnerships come together.” said Mr. Loy Joon How, General Manager, IMPACT Exhibition Management Co. Ltd., “One of the unique aspects of the LED and BCT exhibitions is the networking opportunity. We look forward to facilitating connections that will drive the industry forward.”, he added.

The LED Expo brings together electrical and intelligent lighting technology, featuring over 400 Thai and international companies, covering an area of over 10,000 square meters at Halls 7-8, IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani.

The event is supported by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, the Electrical and Lighting Technology Laboratory, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, the Thai Electrical and Electronics Industries Association (TEEIA), the Thai IoT Association (TIA), the Thai Lighting Association (TLA), Thai Electrical, Electronics and Telecommunication Industries Association (TETA), and the Thai Electrical and Mechanical Contractors Association.

Organized under the theme ‘Connected lighting for sustainable living’, the show attracts 5000+ industry professionals, government representatives, architects, designers, and industry players.

“LED Expo Thailand has consistently played a pivotal role in driving the LED lighting industry forward. This year, we aim to showcase how LED technology is evolving to meet the challenges of the modern world, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency, and smart applications.”, said Himani Gulati, Director – MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd.

“2023 Zhejiang International Trade Exhibition (Thai)” hosted by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Commerce opens grandly at the IMPACT Exhibition Center in Bangkok, Thailand. The exhibition will continue from September 20th to 22nd.

This Zhejiang exhibition is a continuation of 2022 and fully combines Zhejiang’s lighting, smart city, smart home and other related advantageous industries. It highlights the theme of “high-quality Zhejiang goods, marketing the world” and showcases the development of lighting, smart city, and smart home industries in the Thai market.

Zhejiang brand intelligent manufacturing enterprises, represented by Hikvision, Dahua, Uniview, Yuzhong Gaohong, and Sky-lighting. Focused on showcasing innovative products involved in smart cities, highlighting the achievements of Zhejiang’s traditional industries in the field of technological innovation.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Thailand, especially the establishment of a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Thailand, the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has been expanding day by day.

This year coincides with the tenth anniversary of the “the Belt and Road” initiative. Taking advantage of the trend of building a community of shared future between China and Thailand in a new era, the economic and trade cooperation between Zhejiang and Thailand has ushered in new opportunities

The BCT Expo Thailand showcases products for the building and construction industry, featuring over 150 Thai and international companies, covering an area of more than 5,000 square meters at Hall 5 of IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.

The event is supported by various organizations such as the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), the Consulting Engineers Association of Thailand (CEAT), the Thai Building Information Modeling Association (TBIM), the Thai Facility Management Association (TFMA), the Thai Generator Association (Gen Thai), the Thai Machinery Association (TMA), the Building Inspectors Association (BSA), the Thai Building Manager Association (TBMA), the Environmental Engineering Association of Thailand (EEAT), Drone Association of Thailand (DAT), Singapore Institute of Building Limited (SIBL), Asia Pacific Assistive Robotics Association (APARA), and China Construction Machinery Association (CCMA).

Key highlights of the BCT Expo include an international exhibitor zone, a business matchmaking program, seminars by experts from the public and private sectors, the latest technology presentations, product demonstrations, information exchange between public and private sectors, Thailand’s first-ever AI Summit, and “Smart Environmental Resources Management in Industry 5.0”. The event is expected to draw over 4,000 attendees

Visitors are encouraged to explore the EGAT Pavilion, featuring modern, innovative electrical and intelligent lighting technologies by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). The Pavilion also hosts the Innovative LED Lighting Project Pitching Contest, serving as a platform for students from leading universities in Thailand to demonstrate their abilities and compete for education funds.

Additionally, seminars on various topics related to innovative, bright lighting are available to ensure attendees stay up-to-date on the latest information about lighting projects and innovative city plans in Thailand from both the public and private sectors. The event also creates valuable trade opportunities for entrepreneurs through business matchmaking sessions with business partners. It is expected to have more than 5,000 attendees from 23 countries

NASA’s First Asteroid Samples Land On Earth After Release From Spacecraft

By

Associated Press

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24 September 2023, 22:38

Asteroid Sample Return — This image taken from video provided by NASA TV shows the capsule released by the Osiris-Rex spacecraft lying on the surface near the parachute after landing to Earth, Sunday Sept. 24 2023. (NASA TV via AP)

NASA’s first asteroid samples fetched from deep space parachuted into the Utah desert Sunday to cap a seven-year journey.

In a flyby of Earth, the Osiris-Rex spacecraft released the sample capsule from 63,000 miles (100,000 kilometers) out. The small capsule landed four hours later on a remote expanse of military land, as the mothership set off after another asteroid.

“We have touchdown!” Flight Control announced, immediately repeating the news since the landing occurred three minutes before anticipated. Officials later said the orange striped parachute opened four times higher than anticipated — around 20,000 feet (6,100 meters) — which led to the early touchdown.

AP23267519180069 — Helicopter recovery teams depart the Michael Army Air Field before the arrival of a space capsule carrying NASA’s first asteroid samples on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, to a temporary clean room at Dugway Proving Ground, in Utah. The Osiris-Rex spacecraft released the capsule following a seven-year journey to asteroid Bennu and back. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Scientists estimate the capsule holds at least a cup of rubble from the carbon-rich asteroid known as Bennu, but won’t know for sure until the container is opened. Some spilled and floated away when the spacecraft scooped up too much and rocks jammed the container’s lid during collection three years ago.

Japan, the only other country to bring back asteroid samples, gathered about a teaspoon in a pair of asteroid missions.

The pebbles and dust delivered Sunday represent the biggest haul from beyond the moon. Preserved building blocks from the dawn of our solar system 4.5 billion years ago, the samples will help scientists better understand how Earth and life formed.

Osiris-Rex, the mothership, rocketed away on the $1 billion mission in 2016. It reached Bennu two years later and, using a long stick vacuum, grabbed rubble from the small roundish space rock in 2020. By the time it returned, the spacecraft had logged 4 billion miles (6.2 billion kilometers).

AP23262586475819 — FILE – This illustration provided by NASA depicts the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft at the asteroid Bennu. On Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, the spacecraft will fly by Earth and drop off what is expected to be at least a cupful of rubble it grabbed from the asteroid Bennu, closing out a seven-year quest. (Conceptual Image Lab/Goddard Space Flight Center/NASA via AP, File)

Flight controllers for spacecraft builder Lockheed Martin stood and applauded at touchdown from their base in Colorado, ecstatic to have the precious samples on Earth. NASA camera views showed the charred capsule upside down on the sand with its parachute disconnected and strewn nearby, as the recovery team moved in.

NASA’s recovery effort in Utah included helicopters as well as a temporary clean room set up at the Defense Department’s Utah Test and Training Range. The samples will be flown Monday morning to a new lab at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The building already houses the hundreds of pounds (kilograms) of moon rocks gathered by the Apollo astronauts more than a half-century ago.

The mission’s lead scientist, Dante Lauretta of the University of Arizona, will accompany the samples to Texas. The opening of the container in Houston in the next day or two will be “the real moment of truth,” given the uncertainty over the amount inside, he said ahead of the landing.

Engineers estimate the canister holds 250 grams (8.82 ounces) of material from Bennu, plus or minus 100 grams (plus or minus 3.53 ounces). Even at the low end, it will easily surpass the minimum requirement of the mission, Lauretta said.

It will take a few weeks to get a precise measurement, said NASA’s lead curator Nicole Lunning.

NASA plans a public show-and-tell in October.

AP23262589081430 — FILE – This undated image provided by NASA shows the asteroid Bennu seen from the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. On Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will fly by Earth and drop off what is expected to be at least a cupful of rubble it grabbed from Bennu, closing out a seven-year quest. (NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona/CSA/York/MDA via AP, File)

Currently orbiting the sun 50 million miles (81 million kilometers) from Earth, Bennu is about one-third of a mile (one-half of a kilometer) across, roughly the size of the Empire State Building but shaped like a spinning top. It’s believed to be the broken fragment of a much larger asteroid.

During a two-year survey, Osiris-Rex found Bennu to be a chunky rubble pile full of boulders and craters. The surface was so loose that the spacecraft’s vacuum arm sank a foot or two (0.5 meters) into the asteroid, sucking up more material than anticipated and jamming the lid.

These close-up observations may come in handy late in the next century. Bennu is expected to come dangerously close to Earth in 2182 — possibly close enough to hit. The data gleaned by Osiris-Rex will help with any asteroid-deflection effort, according to Lauretta.

Osiris-Rex is already chasing after the asteroid Apophis, and will reach it in 2029.

This was NASA’s third sample return from a deep-space robotic mission. The Genesis spacecraft dropped off bits of solar wind in 2004, but the samples were compromised when the parachute failed and the capsule slammed into the ground. The Stardust spacecraft successfully delivered comet dust in 2006.

NASA’s plans to return samples from Mars are on hold after an independent review board criticized the cost and complexity. The Martian rover Perseverance has spent the past two years collecting core samples for eventual transport to Earth.

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