The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Public Health and the President of Rayong Administrative Organization Preside Over the Closing Ceremony of the KMUTNB x SP TF-SCALE 2023

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27 March 2023, 16:33

On 15 March 2023, Conference Room, Office of the President Building, KMUTNB Rayong Campus, Dr. Satit Pitutecha, Deputy Minister of Public Health, and Dr. Piya Pitutecha, President of Rayong Provincial Administrative Organization, honored to co-preside over the closing ceremony, delivered congratulatory remarks, and presented certificates to the participants and facilitators of the KMUTNB

x SP Temasek Foundation Specialists’ Community and Leadership Exchange Programme 2023 (KMUTNB x SP TF-SCALE 2023). The two distinguished guests were warmly welcomed by Prof. Dr. Thanin Silpcharu, Vice President for KMUTNB Rayong Campus, and Dr. Sarawut Suebyaem, Assistant to the President for Financial and General Affairs.

King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok and Singapore Polytechnic has continually developed a close academic collaboration for years. The beginning of this productive partnership began with the signing of the 1st MoU in 2018. Since then, both institutions consistently co-organized activities to develop the student’s potential, especially to promote their understanding in Design Thinking Methodology. Those activities enabled the students to both improve their empathy skills and innovation skills. KMUTNB always places importance on the promotion of design thinking skills as the students can apply it with the knowledge being learned in classes to create innovative solutions that will benefit the whole community. This is also in line with the university’s mission to provide the best possible practice-based learning education. In the past few years, both institutions cooperated to hold several activities as follows.

The Learning Express (LeX) 20018 in 2018, at KMUTNB Bangkok and Ang Thong Province
The Learning Express (LeX) 20019 in 2019, at KMUTNB Prachinburi Campus

However, the outbreak of coronavirus 2019 has made the onsite activity impossible. As the pandemic situation has improved now, KMUTNB and Singpore Polytechnic were agreed to organize the Temasek Specialists’ Community and Leadership Exchange (TF SCALE). The program was divided into two parts. The first part was held between 18 September to 1 October 2022 in Singapore. Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Foundation provided scholarships for 20 KMUTNB students to attend this Program in Singapore, and it was also participated by the students from other universities in ASEAN countries, like Muhammadiyah University of Makassar and Politeknik Negeri Ujung Pandang, Indonesia, National University Management, Cambodia.

The second part called “KMUTNB x SP Temasek Foundation Specialists’ Community and Leadership Exchange” was arranged at KMUTNB Rayong campus during 6 – 17 March 2023. This program allowed 20 Thai participants and 20 Singaporean participant to visit the local community to survey the problems of villagers under the supervision of 2 Thai facilitators and 2 Singaporean facilitators. Then, the students will analyze the collected data and brainstorm to design innovative solutions for the local community. The theme of the students’ projects was preventive healthcare. The students had an opportunity visited and conducted interview at the four health promoting hospitals in Rayong Province, including Ban Krachet Health Promoting Hospital, Ban Nong Sapan Promoting Hospital, Ban Chakbok Health Promoting Hospital, and Ban Phayun Promoting Hospital. This program gave a chance to the participants to contribute to find innovative solutions for the community in the aspect of healthcare. Beside improving design thinking skills, the students will learn to work as a team, develop cross-cultural competence and build a connection with international friends.

ONDE synergized MUT transform Thailand to be space technology creator through APSCO’s activities

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Contributor

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27 March 2023, 16:33

When talking about satellites or other space-related subjects, most people would view such as being far from their everyday experiences. However, products derived from space-related innovations are part of most people’s lives, directly or indirectly. From the moment we wake up and tune in to morning TV shows or drive to work via navigation application. In addition, weather forecast satellite data let us know what to wear each day and warns us about natural disasters, like hurricanes, forest fires, or floods – which prevents and limits the damage done and lives lost. So, we already take advantage of space-related technologies to live our lives. Furthermore, many people may also not realize that Thailand is involved in the space industry through over 35,000 businesses, although 95% of them may be SMEs or startups. All of them, however, bring economic benefits to Thailand to the tune of about 56.122 billion THB per year.

Dr. Phornphan Tannukit, Executive Director of National Space Affairs Division, the Office of National Digital Economy and Society Commission (ONDE), stated that nowadays digital technology is being combined with space technology at an increasing rate – particularly in satellite technology. Meanwhile, a satellite no longer needs to be large affecting the reduction of development costs. Satellite developers are no longer subjected to high knowledge requirements in Sciences or Engineering. Recently, Thai youths have had success in designing and building small satellites for international competitions – having won awards and bringing honor to Thailand. Thailand never lacks smart people, but we have limited stages for those people to shine and maximize their potential.

Thailand’s government realized the importance of supporting a domestic satellite development capability as well as mission design, component design, satellite development, satellite assembly, and integration for a small satellite, likes Cubesat. Since such small or nano-satellites have low production costs and can also be used for commercial purposes with specific tasks. It also supports Thailand’s new space economy, along with international collaboration, by participating in the Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) activities so that we can gain knowledge and experience, which is important to satellite development. Dr. Phornphan also emphasized that it is one of mechanism or tool, which can be used to advance the integration of Thai knowledge and expertise across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics applied to invention and problem-solving through hands-on experience.

The APSCO CubeSat Competition (ACC) project aims to build expertise regarding the technology, which enables CubeSat development among the 8 APSCO member states, which are Thailand, China, Pakistan, Iran, Peru, Bangladesh, and Türkiye, through competition of Engineering Model (EM) development, which dimension not to exceed 3U within 3 years.

The competition allows participants of 5 teams per state to have the opportunity to learn about conceptual design and preliminary design through online training then be evaluated by ACC referee board according to international standards. The top-performing team from each member-state will be awarded 100,000 USD to produce an engineering model of their satellite design.

ACC-Thailand was initiated with the goal of supporting the activities of the ACC, which is responsible by ONDE on behalf of the Thai government and ONDE honorably selected the Mahanakorn University of Technology (MUT) as a host to run the ACC-Thailand since MUT is packed with high experience experts who have studied, researched and promoted space and satellite technology for over 25 years.

Thus, ACC-Thailand is an important milestone to inspire and give opportunity to students, experts, and those interested to use their knowledge and ability to design and build CubeSats. Moreover, ACC-Thailand is a bridge connecting the business & industrial sectors with Thai youths, including the entrepreneurs can potentially make use of the technology created by Thai youths to expand their businesses.

For the trend of satellite technology in the Asia-Pacific region, Assistant Professor Dr. Panavy Pookaiyaudom, President of the Mahanakorn University of Technology, discussed that Space technology in the Asia Pacific region has high-level advancement. China, Japan, India, and South Korea can build and launch their own satellites. They also mainly focus to create a small satellite in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) because it does not require high cost to build and launch, and it requires fewer people and less time to develop so that more of them can be built and can work well in a satellite constellation mission, of course, it can give more beneficial to human living. Besides, it is the important tool to drive Thailand’s social and economy, which can be applied in military and civilian affairs such as law enforcement, smart city, precision agriculture, including the disaster management and protection.

Another breakthrough in communication is satellite internet, which provides global coverage and does not rely on a terrain connection. Therefore, it is more reliable and can help prevent public and private sector data loss due to poor network connectivity.

“ACC-Thailand is an important activity of MUT launched a stage for Thai youths, who are the future human capital of Thailand, to showcase their knowledge and skills.

It is also an activity model, which can develop together both human potential and rapid-changed technology. Moreover, it helps people stay current with technological trends like space technology. The activity not only unlocks the potential of Thai youths, but also drives them to create innovations which can maybe change the world,” Assistant Professor Dr. Panavy concluded.

ONDE and MUT along with the experts in space and satellite technology hope that the ACC and ACC-Thailand’s missions will bring about significant change in Thailand.

As Thailand was satellite buyer, but with this project, it can move forward to becoming a commercial satellite builder. We do not aim to create a prototype, but we aim to make commercial satellites. This will be a breakthrough in Thailand’s space economy, which will sustainably improve Thailand’s economy in the long run.

Locals Protest in Chiang Rai, Calling on the Govt To Solve PM2.5

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Khaosod English

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27 March 2023, 15:48

Residents of Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand, gathered on Monday afternoon, in front of the district office to demand that the government address the worsening air pollution problem. Protesters carried placards reading “Stop the Fire” and “Save Mae Sai.”

On Monday, March 27, 2023, PM2.5 microdust particle levels put Chiang Rai districts in Thailand among the top four most polluted places. Mae Sai came in fourth, which made the dust hang low in the air, look orange, and block the view for only 1 kilometre.

According to the Air Quality and Noise Management Bureau, Pollution Control Department, PM 2.5 pollution in downtown Chiang Mai is 232 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) and in Mae Sai district, Chaing Rai, it is 542 µg/m3 PM 2.5.

When people have to travel to work or run animal-related errands, they are confronted with pollution that irritates their eyes and nose. Some residents said they were having trouble breathing.

Noppadon Pattama, the vice-chairman of Pheu Thai Policy Strategy, said this year has seen the worst PM2.5 levels and this has become an ASEAN issue. However, he does not see the government using all its resources to solve the problem or find a long-term solution. He said the issues in Chiang Rai stem from burning in the area as well as neighbouring countries. And it has a terrifying hot spot.

Pheu Thai, a political party, suggested the government 4 measures:

Go on the ground to understand the plight of the locals and use all resources to tackle the root of the problem, such as burning the fields and helping local farmers better harvest their produce.
Send a minister to negotiate with neighbouring countries and solve the problems in each other’s territories.
Demand an urgent meeting and raise the point in the ASEAN Forum to find a solid solution.
Talk to large companies that hire farmers to grow these crops, such as maize under contract farming, to prevent the burning of fields and find modern technological tools to harvest them.

Watcharapong Khamla, a public health doctor in Chiang Rai province, said the number of patients with respiratory issues increased to 3,478 cases between 19 and 26 March 2023.

During this time in Mae Sai district, it is reported that 372 patients experienced irritation in the nose and soar throat. They were outpatients who came to check their symptoms and then went back home. Another group of patients took medication online.

For patients with severe symptoms, Watcharapong stressed that there is a capacity to admit patients and are ready 24 hours.

“I would caution people against wearing masks to avoid PM 2.5. This could help avoid respiratory symptoms, even if you are in a house or a building that is an enclosed space. If you have an air purifier, use it,” Watcharapong said.

Is the David Porn? Come See, Italians Tell Florida Parents

By

Associated Press

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27 March 2023, 14:40

ROME (AP) — The Florence museum housing Michelangelo’s Renaissance masterpiece the David on Sunday invited parents and students from a Florida charter school to visit after complaints about a lesson featuring the statue forced the principal to resign.

Florence Mayor Dario Nardella also tweeted an invitation for the principal to visit so he can personally honor her. Confusing art with pornography was “ridiculous,” Nardella said.

The board of the Tallahassee Classical School pressured Principal Hope Carrasquilla to resign last week after an image of the David was shown to a sixth-grade art class. The school has a policy requiring parents to be notified in advance about “controversial” topics being taught.

The incredulous Italian response highlighted how the U.S. culture wars are often perceived in Europe, where despite a rise in right-wing sentiment and governance, the Renaissance and its masterpieces, even its naked ones, are generally free of controversy. Sunday’s front page of the Italian daily publication Corriere della Sera featured a cartoon by its leading satirist depicting David with his genitals covered by an image of Uncle Sam and the word “Shame.”

Carrasquilla believes the board targeted her after three parents complained about a lesson including a photo of the David, a 5-meter tall (17 foot) nude marble sculpture dating from 1504. The work, reflecting the height of the Italian Renaissance, depicts the Biblical David going to fight Goliath armed only with his faith in God.

Carrasquilla has said two parents complained because they weren’t notified in advance that a nude would be shown, while a third called the iconic statue pornographic.

Carrasquilla said in a phone interview Sunday that she is “very honored” by the invitations to Italy and she may accept.

“I am totally, like, wow,” Carasquilla said. “I’ve been to Florence before and have seen the David up close and in person, but I would love to go and be a guest of the mayor.”

Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dell’Accademia, where the David resides, expressed astonishment at the controversy.

“To think that David could be pornographic means truly not understanding the contents of the Bible, not understanding Western culture and not understanding Renaissance art,” Hollberg said in a telephone interview.

She invited the principal, school board, parents and student body to view the “purity” of the statue.

Tallahassee Classical is a charter school. While it is taxpayer-funded and tuition-free, it operates almost entirely independently of the local school district and is sought out by parents seeking an alternative to the public school curriculum.

About 400 students from kindergarten through 12th grade attend the three-year-old institution, which is now on its third principal. It follows a curriculum designed by Hillsdale College, a conservative Christian school in Michigan frequently consulted by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on educational issues.

AP23085582258774 — FILE – Michelangelo’s “David statue” in Florence, Italy, on Jan. 23, 2015. The head of Florence’s Galleria del’Accademia on Sunday March 26, 2023 invited the parents and students of a Florida charter school to visit and see Michelangelo’s “David,” after the school principal was forced to resign following parental complaints that an image of the nude Renaissance masterpiece was shown to a sixth-grade art class. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File)

Barney Bishop, chairman of Tallahassee Classical’s school board, has told reporters that while the photo of the statue played a part in Carrasquilla’s ouster, it wasn’t the only factor. He has declined to elaborate, while defending the decision.

“Parents are entitled to know anytime their child is being taught a controversial topic and picture,” Bishop said in an interview with Slate online magazine.

Several parents and teachers plan to protest Carrasquilla’s exit at Monday night’s school board meeting, but Carrasquilla said she isn’t sure she would take the job back even if it were offered.

“There’s been such controversy and such upheaval,” she said. “I would really have to consider, ‘Is this truly what is best?’”

Marla Stone, head of humanities studies at the American Academy in Rome, said the Florida incident was another episode in escalating U.S. culture wars and questioned how the statue could be considered so controversial as to warrant a prior warning.

“What we have here is a moral crusade against the body, sexuality, and gender expression and an ignorance of history,” Stone said in an email. “The incident is about fear, fear of beauty, of difference, and of the possibilities embedded in art.”

Michelangelo Buonarroti sculpted the David between 1501-1504 after being commissioned by the Cathedral of Florence. The statue is the showpiece of the Accademia, and helps draw 1.7 million visitors each year to the museum.

“It is incredibly sought-after by Americans who want to do selfies and enjoy the beauty of this statue,” Director Hollberg said.

The museum, like many in Europe, is free for student groups. There was no indication that any trip would be subsidized by the city or museum.
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NICOLE WINFIELD reported from Rome, and TERRY SPENCER reported from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ Comes Out Blazing With $73.5M

By

Associated Press

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27 March 2023, 01:59

Film Review - John Wick 4 — Keanu Reeves as John Wick in a scene from "John Wick 4." (Murray Close/Lionsgate via AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — “John Wick: Chapter 4,” the fourth installment in the Keanu Reeves assassin series, debuted with a franchise-best $73.5 million at the box office, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The Lionsgate film, starring Reeves as the reluctant-but-not-that-reluctant killer John Wick, exceeded both expectations and previous opening weekends in the R-rated franchise. Since first launching in 2014 with “John Wick” ($14 million on its opening weekend), the Chad Stahelski-directed series has steadily grown as a ticket-seller with each sequel. The 2017 follow-up opened with $30.4 million, and the 2019 third chapter, “Parabellum,” debuted with $56.8 million.

AP23080610319133 — This image released by Lionsgate shows Keanu Reeves as John Wick in a scene from “John Wick 4.” (Murray Close/Lionsgate via AP)

But “Chapter 4,” running two hours and 49 minutes and costing at least $100 million to produce, is the biggest film yet in the once-lean action series. Critics also said it was a franchise high point, scoring 95% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. The film, which drew a 69% male audience, added $64 million overseas. It’s Lionsgate’s biggest success of the pandemic era.

“When you make a fourth in an action franchise, you have to expect it to go down. That is the nature of these franchises,” said Joe Drake, chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “But we kept seeing signals and it was wonderful to see the movie they delivered. We saw the audience wanting more.”

Though “John Wick” has been bigger at the box office with each new release — an enviable and rare trajectory among Hollywood franchises — “Chapter 4” brings some finality to Reeves’ character. The actor hasn’t entirely dismissed continuing the series, telling interviewers “never say never.”

AP23080118320014 — Keanu Reeves, right, star of “John Wick: Chapter 4,” arrives at the premiere of the film, Monday, March 20, 2023, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Regardless, the franchise is set to keep humming. A spin-off titled “Ballerina” starring Ana de Armas and co-starring Reeves has already been shot. The miniseries “The Continental,” with Mel Gibson, is upcoming on Peacock.

“Chad and Keanu have created this world and that world continues to expand. I don’t know what all the edges of that world are, still,” said Drake. “As best they can, they’ll continue to try to seduce Keanu to come back and do things. He gets beat up in these shows. He really does. And at the end he’s like, ‘I’m not doing it anymore.’ Then you watch him sit in the theater and feel that audience.”

“So we’re going to continue to look for ways to meet that demand.”

The release of “John Wick: Chapter 4,” which included a surprise premiere at SXSW, was also bittersweet. Lance Reddick, who plays the Continental Hotel concierge, Charon, in the films, unexpectedly died at the age of 60 a week before the film’s release.

But the success of “John Wick: Chapter 4” adds to a strong start in 2023 for Hollywood. After ticket sales rebounded to about 67% of pre-pandemic levels last year, the release lineup is steadier and more packed this year. Sequels have led the way, including “Creed III” and “Scream VI.” Ticket sales are up 28% from last year, according to data firm Comscore.

But there have been some exceptions. After its disappointing $30.5 million debut last weekend, the superhero sequel “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” slumped to second place with $9.7 million in its second weekend. The Warner Bros. release dropped steeply, tumbling 68% from its launch.

“Scream VI” took third place with $8.4 million in its third weekend, bringing its total thus far to $90.4 million domestic and $139.3 million worldwide. “Creed III” followed in fourth with $8.4 million. Michael B. Jordan’s sequel is up to $140.9 million domestic.

The weekend’s other new releases were more modest.

Zach Braff’s “A Good Person,” starring Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman, opened on 530 theaters. The MGM release grossed $834,000. IFC Films’ “The Lost King,” with Sally Hawkins and Steve Coogan, debuted with $575,000 in 753 locations.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

1. “John Wick: Chapter 4,” $73.5 million.

2. “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” $9.7 million.

3. “Scream VI,” $8.4 million.

4. “Creed III,” $8.4 million.

5. “65,” $3.3 million.

6. “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” $2.4 million.

7. “Cocaine Bear,” $2.1 million.

8. “Jesus Revolution,” $2 million.

9. “Champions,” $1.5 million.

10. “Avatar: The Way of Water,” $1.4 million.

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Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP

Planets on Parade: 5 Will Be Lined up in Night Sky This Week

By

Associated Press

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27 March 2023, 01:16

NEW YORK (AP) — Keep an eye to the sky this week for a chance to see a planetary hangout.

Five planets — Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Uranus and Mars — will line up near the moon.

WHERE AND WHEN CAN YOU SEE THEM?

The best day to catch the whole group is Tuesday. You’ll want to look to the western horizon right after sunset, said NASA astronomer Bill Cooke.

The planets will stretch from the horizon line to around halfway up the night sky. But don’t be late: Mercury and Jupiter will quickly dip below the horizon around half an hour after sunset.

The five-planet spread can be seen from anywhere on Earth, as long as you have clear skies and a view of the west.

“That’s the beauty of these planetary alignments. It doesn’t take much,” Cooke said.

DO I NEED BINOCULARS?

Maybe. Jupiter, Venus and Mars will all be pretty easy to see since they shine brightly, Cooke said. Venus will be one of the brightest things in the sky, and Mars will be hanging out near the moon with a reddish glow. Mercury and Uranus could be trickier to spot, since they will be dimmer. You’ll probably need to grab a pair of binoculars.

If you’re a “planet collector,” it’s a rare chance to spot Uranus, which usually isn’t visible, Cooke said. Look out for its green glow just above Venus.

DOES THIS HAPPEN OFTEN?

Different numbers and groups of planets line up in the sky from time to time. There was a five-planet lineup last summer and there’s another one in June, with a slightly different makeup.

This kind of alignment happens when the planets’ orbits line them up on one side of the sun from Earth’s perspective, Cooke said.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Thai Agriculture Would Increase, With a Focus on Durian Insurance

By

Khaosod English

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26 March 2023, 20:51

Chantanon Wannakejohn, deputy secretary-general of the Office of Agricultural Economy (OAE), said agriculture growth would increase by 2 to 3 per cent to reach THB 700bn to THB 800bn in 2023.

In the first quarter of this year, the sector recorded GDP growth of 5.5 per cent, equivalent to THB 182 billion.

Good weather and sufficient rain were the most important factors in agricultural production. In addition, the average selling prices of agricultural products were at a reasonable level, which made farmers pay even more attention to their production processes, resulting in more farmers hiring more people to prepare the soil and harvest products such as off-season rice, sugar cane and maize.

thai genuine rice2 — Thai jasmine rice / Credit : Technology Chaoban

However, the sector also experienced setbacks in some sectors, such as an epidemic in cattle and pigs, a decline in fisheries as energy prices skyrocketed, leading to less travel to fish, and a decline in freshwater fish farming, such as tilapia and catfish, as farmers faced rising fish feed costs.

The following agricultural GDP sectors recorded growth:

Plantations at 7.9 per cent over the previous year. Some of the crops that recorded production growth are out-of-season rice, sugarcane, pineapple, rubber, oil palm, longan, durian, mangosteen and rambutan. In contrast, the production of rice, maize and cassava declined

Forestry at 0.7 per cent. The growth is due to the demand for eucalyptus for the production of paper, especially in Japan and China. Demand for bird’s nests as an ingredient in the manufacturing industry and exports to China is also increasing. Demand for charcoal is also increasing as the service industry is restored in both hotels and restaurants. It is also exported to China, Japan and South Korea.

Durian Insurance

Chantanon said OAE plans to systematise insurance for all sectors of the business, starting with the introduction of agricultural insurance in the last 2-3 years to help farmers who first grow rice and maize. This year, OAE has focused on high-value fruits such as durian. The first project has already been implemented in Nonthaburi province.

For durian insurance, the system is based on calculating the wind strength and the potential impact of the wind to cause the durian to fall. The office will extend its coverage to Rayong and Chanthaburi. The private sector will then play a role in ensuring durian for farmers.

Chantanon pointed out that there are several related laws that need to be revised. Currently, there are 1.3 million rai durian farms in Thailand. This insurance will help protect farmers.

“Durian insurance will start in Rayong and Chanthaburi provinces. We will set up wind force metres to find out at what wind force a durian falls and calculate how much we should pay farmers. In the future, however, the system needs to be more comprehensive, e.g. insurance to support the farmer in case of an accident or if he does not get an adequate selling price. We are in the process of reviewing the law. This will take a little time,” said Chantanon.

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Opinion: When a Dutch Reporter Encountered a Convicted Dutch Pedophile at a Bangkok Bar

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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26 March 2023, 15:00

Bo Hanna in front of a bar in Bangkok's Silom Soi 2 where he encountered the convicted Dutch pedophile.

With millions of tourists returning to Thailand after nearly three years of COVID-19 lockdown, it is almost inevitable that Thailand will see undesirable visitors to the kingdom among them. This includes pedophiles.

I recently met a young Dutch journalist in Bangkok who wanted to recount to me his encounter with what he certainly believed was unmistakably a convicted Dutch pedophile at a Bangkok gay bar.

Bo Hanna, twenty-something, is an Amsterdam-based independent journalist who focuses of human rights and has written about the case of the Dutch pedophile whom he will accidentally come across in Bangkok. Hanna was visiting Bangkok when one night, the ethnic-Egyptian Dutch reporter noticed an uncannily familiar face of a fellow Dutch one night at a bar in Silom Soi 2 in late January.

Not happy with the staring and photo taking across the bar, the forty-something pedophile and his Dutch mate gave Hanna an angry look, but Hanna decided to approach them.

“I know it’s a little awkward situation right now but please make sure your friend behaves,” Hanna recalled telling the friend of the alleged convicted pedophile whom we shall call Jan in Dutch. “I’m not his mother,” was the reply.

Hanna and Jan soon ran into one another again at the bar’s toilet and it did not take long before Jan told Hanna, “I don’t need you to tell me how to lead my life.”

“You better behave,” Hanna warns the man who recognized him as the Dutch journalist with a special focus on the issue.

“You don’t think I learned any lesson?” Jan replied.

“I genuinely hope you’re speaking the truth,” Hanna told me of his reaction to Jan’s words. “Yeah sure, because of all the places, you are in Thailand. How about taking it as advice from a good friend.”

Jan extended his hand out for a handshake, but Hanna refused to reciprocate and walked away. That was their last encounter in Bangkok.

According to Hanna, Jan (not his real name), was convicted by a Dutch Court for possession and dissemination of over 5,000 “extremely violent” child pornography files and has served about a year and a half in prison before being released on probation last year. “That’s why when I saw him, I was shocked. To me it was like I saw a murderer.”

Hanna told me the Dutch authorities should have monitored him more closely and not allowed to travel to countries known for pedophilia-related activities and sexual exploitation of children.

Hanna said the court has not said he has a travel ban per se. Although convicted pedophiles like Jan who is still on probation needs to get an approval from an office, which is part of the Justice Ministry, before traveling abroad outside the EU zone (as there is no travel restrictions within EU zone). And Thailand, along with Cambodia and the Philippines, are preferred destinations for Dutch pedophiles.

“Thailand is one of the top destinations for people engaging in this child-sex industry.”

Indeed, we read news about pedophile-related crimes every now and then, the latest one being earlier this week when Matichon, a sister daily of Khaosod English, reports a move in Phuket’s Soi Bangla of Patong Beach where bar business operators met on Monday to adhere to a rule not to hire anyone below the age of 18 for sex work.

The move came after a recent police raid at one bar where underage sex workers were found. The nightlife business operators fear it will affect the image of the area, which is popular among foreign tourists.

Back to Bangkok, there would not be any arrest of people like Jan because he has served his time in prison and is now considered a free man, at least as far as Thailand is concerned.

I told Hanna the Thai authorities would not be keen because they are more concerned about getting more and more foreign tourists visiting the country.

Hanna posted on Twitter and Instagram about his encounter and alerted a Dutch NGO, which managed to pull strings and confirmed that Jan had quickly left Bangkok after the encounter with him.

He said Dutch public radio then contacted him and wanted to interview him. At the last minute, the radio program pulled out because the politician from a political party which support a travel ban on people like Jan told the radio it is a private matter.

“The program wanted to make it happen but said they needed a politician or expert in the episode to make it a discussion. So, they cancelled it due to the fact that no relevant politician or lawyer wanted to talk about the issue.”

“[They] cancelled it, saying it’s a private matter. We have a problem talking about the issue and not getting emotional,” Hanna told me.

Hanna added it is surreal, however, as in Holland, you cannot leave the country if you have not paid your parking fine.

“You can be stopped at the airport. I think it doesn’t make sense. They put children here at risk. I am criticizing my country for not doing the right thing. People here deserve better than that,” he said, adding that underage Thais should not be exploited due to the gap of income between Thailand and the Netherlands.

May be Thailand needs to implement a certain system, he added.

Listening to Hanna’s last words, a recommendation for Thailand, I wonder if I should, or could, expect more from Thai society, particularly the Thai authorities, to tackle the issue which has left some young Thais vulnerable or with permanent psychological scars as a result of sexual exploitations.

Perhaps Thai NGOs could keep tabs on the names of these convicted foreign pedophiles and send it to the Thai Immigration Police to monitor? I offered no words to Hanna that would encourage him to expect more.

Feature: Therapy Dogs Taking Anxiety Out of Legal System for Abused Kids

By

Kyodo News

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26 March 2023, 14:41

dog therapy2 — A therapy dog is shown in photo taken in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, in February 2023. (Kyodo)

Therapy dogs have been used in Japan for the past three years to ease anxiety felt by child sexual abuse victims and others as they are interviewed about their harrowing experiences, with the animals providing solace and security while the children are caught up in the legal system.

In Tokyo, Kanagawa and Aichi prefectures, dogs have been tasked with helping in more than 100 cases and are now considered a valuable resource for their ability to alleviate stress on children who might have to give difficult testimony to prosecutors and child guidance center staff.

Despite such positive returns, a lack of financial support and handlers is preventing the service from expanding.

Public prosecutors, police and guidance center staff work together with Tsunagg, a nonprofit organization based in the city of Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, which provides dogs on request from authorities who want them for the long-term support they provide.

dog therapy1 — Koto Mizukami, director of the Japan Service Dog Association’s training department, accompanies a therapy dog in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, in February 2023. (Kyodo)

In coordination with the Japan Service Dog Association and the Japanese Animal Hospital Association, two groups that supply dog handlers, the animals in most cases are sent to welfare centers, hospitals and other facilities where children are being cared for.

According to Tsunagg, abused children often shut down or become emotionally unstable in stressful situations. But there have been cases in which they are helped to relax through interactions with dogs, making them more receptive to discussing their experiences.

Therapy dogs “smooth over the conversations with the kids,” one questioner said.

In the United States, where the concept of using dogs as therapeutic aids originated, having the animals present during interviews became an option after a 1989 case that dealt with the sexual abuse of a 4-year-old girl. At present, there are some 300 therapy dogs dedicated to the task in the country.

Trauma for child abuse victims often surfaces after they are moved to a safe place so “they feel an increased pressure to testify,” said Yoko Maruyama, a medical doctor at the Nagoya central children’s welfare center. “They have seen success in the United States where children cuddling dogs has led to reduced stress and anxiety,” she added.

In 2014 in Japan, child psychiatrists and others began introducing therapy dogs to assist children forced into the judicial process. With lawyers subsequently joining, the movement led to the foundation of Tsunagg in April 2019.

A golden retriever named Fran became in March 2020 the first therapy dog recognized by Tsunagg’s certification committee of executive members and others.

Dogs with calm temperaments and that are not easily upset or distracted by new environments are suited to the program. The committee has certified a total of 18 dogs, 12 of which are currently active.

In July 2020, a therapy dog was allowed to enter a courthouse where it snuggled by the feet of a child who was providing testimony in an abuse case. To date, there have been three such situations in Japan.

The program depends entirely on donations to raise, train and dispatch the dogs. According to the Japan Service Dog Association, raising a dog costs about 2.5 million yen ($19,000).

The central and local governments have yet to integrate the program into the legal system, and public subsidies remain scarce.

Tsunagg’s current scope of activities is limited to only the prefectures of Tokyo, Kanagawa and Aichi where its members are mainly active. Furthermore, an official said, “We have been proceeding cautiously to gain trust in the judicial arena.”

Securing people capable of connecting with investigative agencies, courts and child welfare centers is also necessary to expand the service to other regions.

“I have witnessed numerous cases of kids opening up because of their interactions with the dogs,” said Koto Mizukami, an experienced dog handler and head of training at the service dog association. “I want a lot more people to know about our activities.”

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Honduras Forms Diplomatic Ties With China After Taiwan Break

By

Associated Press

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26 March 2023, 13:07

China Honduras — Honduras' Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina Garcia, left, and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang shake hands after a signing ceremony in Beijing, Sunday, March 26, 2023. (CCTV via AP)

BEIJING (AP) — Honduras formed diplomatic ties with China on Sunday after breaking off relations with Taiwan, which is increasingly isolated and now recognized by only 13 sovereign states, including Vatican City.

Foreign ministers from China and Honduras signed a joint communique in Beijing — a decision the Chinese Foreign Ministry hailed as “the right choice.”

The new ties come amid rising tensions between Beijing and the United States, including over China’s increasing assertiveness toward self-ruled Taiwan, and signal growing Chinese influence in Latin America. The new China-Honduras relationship was announced after the Honduran and Taiwanese governments made separate announcements that they were severing ties.

AP23085154277997 — A pole, third left, where Honduras national flag used to fly is vacant outside the Diplomatic Quarter building in Taipei, Taiwan, Sunday, March 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

The Honduran Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Twitter that its government recognizes “only one China in the world” and that Beijing “is the only legitimate government that represents all of China.”

It added that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, and as of today, the Honduran government has informed Taiwan of the severance of diplomatic relations, pledging not to have any official relationship or contact with Taiwan.”

Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told a news conference Sunday that Taiwan had ended its relations with Honduras to “safeguard its sovereignty and dignity.”

AP23085077681611 — In this image from video released by Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office, Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, center, prepares to speak at a press conference after Honduras announced severance of diplomatic ties with Taiwan, in Taipei, Taiwan, Sunday, March 26, 2023. (Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs via AP)

Wu said that Honduran President Xiomara Castro and her team always had a “fantasy” about China and had raised the issue of switching ties before the presidential election in Honduras in 2021. Relations between Taiwan and Honduras were once stable, he said, but China had not stopped luring Honduras.

The Honduran administration had asked Taiwan for billions of dollars of aid and compared its proposals with China’s, Wu said, as he detailed the work Taiwan had done to help develop its former ally.

“The Castro government dismissed our nation’s longstanding assistance and relations and carried out talks to form diplomatic ties with China. Our government feels pained and regretful,” he said.

AP23085044558566 — FILE – In this file photo provided by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwan’s Vice President Lai Ching-te, left, presents an aid package, including oxygen concentrators, during a meeting with Honduran President Xiomara Castro in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)

Taiwan’s presidential office spokesperson Olivia Lin said in a statement that relations between both sides had lasted for more than 80 years.

“China has suppressed Taiwan’s international space for long and unilaterally endangers the region’s peace and stability,” she was quoted saying in the statement.

Analysts have warned over the implications of the newly formed ties between China and Honduras. Political analyst Graco Pérez in Honduras said Beijing’s narrative would highlight the benefits, including investment and job creation, “but that is all going to be illusory.”

Pérez noted that some other countries have established such relations, but “it didn’t turn out to be what had been offered.”

For decades China has funneled billions of dollars into investment and infrastructure projects across Latin America. That investment has translated to rising power for China and a growing number of allies.

In Honduras, it has come in the form of construction of a hydroelectric dam project in central Honduras built by the Chinese company SINOHYDRO with about $300 million in Chinese government financing.

Honduras is the ninth diplomatic ally that Taipei has lost to Beijing since pro-independence President Tsai Ing-wen first took office in May 2016.

AP23085154777734 — People pass by the Diplomatic Quarter building which houses the Honduran Embassy, in Taipei, Taiwan, Sunday, March 26, 2023. . (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

China and Taiwan have been locked in a battle for diplomatic recognition since the sides split amid civil war in 1949, with Beijing spending billions to win recognition for its “one China” policy.

China claims Taiwan is part of its territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary, and refuses most contacts with countries that maintain formal ties with the island democracy. It threatens retaliation against countries merely for increasing contacts.

Taiwan still has ties with Belize, Paraguay and Guatemala in Latin America, and Vatican City. Most of its remaining partners are island nations in the Caribbean and South Pacific, along with Eswatini in southern Africa.

Tsai is set to begin a 10-day trip on Wednesday with visits to Guatemala and Belize. Her delegation will also stop in New York and Los Angeles, Lin said last week. Taiwan’s Vice Foreign Minister Alexander Yui earlier said the purpose of Tsai’s trip is to highlight the island’s friendship with the two Latin American countries.

Despite China’s campaign of isolation, Taiwan retains robust informal ties with more than 100 other countries, most importantly the United States. The U.S. doesn’t have diplomatic relations with Taiwan but has maintained that Taipei is an important partner in the Indo-Pacific.

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