Bangkok Halts THB 30bn Chao Phraya Riverfront Project

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24 March 2023, 01:53

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that he would stop the “Chao Phraya walkway riverfront” project proposed by the Prayut Chan-o-cha government. He added that the project was not worth it and did not meet the needs of the people.

After the Thai Administrative Court ruled on March 22, 2023 to stop the construction of the Chao Phraya walkway, adding that the panel of defendants should adjust 4 points, Bangkok Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon told Prachachat Business that the Bangkok Municipality, which is one of the defendants, will accept the ruling and will not appeal.

However, as this project is part of a government policy, the government policy must be taken into account if the project is to be continued or cancelled.

Wisanu added that in view of Bangkok’s vision under Chadchart’s leadership, this project must be stopped as it will consume too much of Bangkok’s budget. Besides, a long construction along the Chao Praya River might not be in line with the lives of the people in the communities, which would result in the areas not being used optimally.

This was a dream project under Prayut’s government as it was cited as an urgent agenda for the development of the country two days after the coup. It is said that the aim of the project is to solve water management and transport.

“I like cycling because it is the best exercise. I dream of building bike lanes along the Chao Praya River, like in South Korea. It costs a lot of money, but if we do not think about it today, it will not happen. I have tried to talk to the governor of Bangkok because we need to change the urban planning because we cannot live like this anymore,” Prayut said on November 6, 2014.

Later, Aswin Kwanmuang, then governor of Bangkok, enthusiastically embraced the project and proposed to build a walking and cycling path on both sides of the Chao Phraya River, 50 kilometres in total, from the Rama III Bridge to the Phra Nang Klao Bridge, at a cost of THB 30 billion.

The public strongly opposed the project, fearing that it would destroy the lives of people in the communities. On November 21, 2018, the public networks filed a lawsuit with the Administrative Court of Thailand to stop the construction and issue an interim protection order for the duration of the lawsuit. The Administrative Court and the Supreme Administrative Court decided to halt the project until a final decision is made.

The new administrative team in Bangkok proposed a new model to develop the area along the Chao Praya River along the lines of Kudi Chin, a new tourist attraction. Two factors were considered: Will the area be a tourist attraction or a public space and will it meet the needs of the people in the area.

Trade Between China, Mekong Countries Hits $416.7B in 2022

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Xinhua News Agency

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23 March 2023, 23:56

china-mekhong — A a China-Vietnam-Laos freight train loaded with agricultural products at Nanning International Railway Port in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 13, 2021. (China Railway Nanning Group Co., Ltd./Handout via Xinhua )

KUNMING, March 23 (Xinhua) — Trade between China and countries along the Mekong River posted steady growth last year despite COVID-19 and the sluggish global economy.

Thanks to deepened mutual trust and cooperation, China’s trade volume with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam totaled 416.7 billion US dollars in 2022, up 5 percent year on year.

The figures were disclosed at the opening ceremony of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Week 2023, which was held on Thursday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province.

In 2016, the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism was launched by China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. It derives its name from a river that is called the Lancang in China and the Mekong in the five other countries.

The mechanism has since become a landmark cooperation model in the region, and it has continuously injected vitality into regional development.

Join the Colorful Poi Sang Long Ceremony 2023 in Mae Hong Son

By

Khaosod English

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23 March 2023, 19:57

Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mae Hong Son office. cordially invites all tourists to take part in Poi Sang Long ceremony during April 3-5, 2023 at Pang Lor temple or at other places and enjoy the charm of Mae Hong Son City.

Poi Sang Long, a Buddhist novice ordination ceremony, will hold for 3 – 4 days and there will be the interesting activities as follow:

The first day begins when the boys have their heads shaved by parents and relatives. Then, they are bathed and anointed with special waters and dressed up elegantly and colorfully while their faces are superbly embellished.

By this time, the boys are known locally as ‘Sang Long’ or ‘Look Kaew’ (jewel sons). The parade moves around the city, visiting temples to beg forgiveness from abbots and the city pillar at the beginning of the journey. By late afternoon, the boys are carried back to their homes.

Poi Sang Long4 — The boys are known locally as ‘Sang Long’ or ‘Look Kaew’ (jewel sons)

The second day is a grand colorful procession is held, filled with family members and important components of Mae Hong Son’s Tai Yai community. In the parade, there are handmade floats, offerings for the temple, traditional dance and, of course, the boys themselves. The parade go around the city, before it moves down the main streets of town and out to the temples.

The Third day, the procession once again proceeds through the town and the boys are taken to the Temple for the formal ordination ceremony.

Poi Sang Long ceremony in Mae Hong Son is a Buddhist novice ordination ceremony, but unlike any other ceremony of its type in the country. Young boys aged between 7 and 14 are ordained as novices to learn the Buddhist doctrines.

Poi Sang Long5 — The boys are ordained as novices to learn the Buddhist doctrines.

It’s believed that they will gain merit ordaining for their parents. The origins of this festival lie in Buddhist legend. It is believed that the tradition is probably following in the footsteps of Prince Rahula, the Buddha’s own son, who gave up his worldly life to follow his father’s spiritual teachings.

Prince Rahula became the youngest ordained monk and the first novice in Buddhism. Subsequently it became a tradition that young boys should ordain to learn Buddhist teachings. With such high reverence to the Buddhist religion, the people here consider that the celebrations should be as grand as possible.

This colorful festival is one of the most delightful in Mae Hong Son, attracting people from far and wide. The local authorities and the Tourism Authority of Thailand consider this festival to be unique to Mae Hong Son province.

Poi Sang Long3 — This festival to be unique to Mae Hong Son province

Schedule of Poi Sang Long in Mueng District

March 22–25, at Wat Mae Sa Kued (parade starting at 7:00 a.m. on March 24).
March 26-31, at Wat Na Pa Paek (parade starting at 7:00 a.m. on March 30).
April 3-5 at Wat Pang Lor (parade starting at 7:00 a.m. on April 4).
April 3-5 at Wat Kha Han (parade starting at 7:00 a.m. on April 4).
April 22-24 at Wat Nai Soi (parade starting at 7:00 a.m. on April 23).

Schedule of Poi Sang Long in Pai District

April 3-5 at Wat Pa Kam (parade starting at 2:00 p.m. on April 4).
April 5-7 at Wat Mae Na Terng Nai (parade starting at 2:00 p.m. on April 6).
April 29-May 2 at Wat Muang Soi (parade starting at 2:00 p.m. on May 1).

Schedule of Poi Sang Long in Mae Sa-Reang District

April 2-4 at Wat Sri Boon Rueng (parade starting at 4.00 p.m. on April 3).
April 7-9 at Wat Suphan Na Rang Sri (parade starting at 4.00 p.m. on April 8).

Schedule of Poi Sang Long in Pang Ma Pha District

March 20-22 at Wat Mae La Na (parade starting at 7:00 a.m. on March 21).
March 25-28 at Pa Ya Ngu cave abbey (parade starting at 7:00 a.m. on March 27).

Schedule of Poi Sang Long in Khun Yuam District District

March 29 – April 1 at Wat Tor Pae (parade starting at 4.00 p.m. on March 31).
April 3-5 at Wat Kham Nai (parade starting at 7:00 a.m. on April 5).

Schedule of Poi Sang Long in Mae La Noi District

April 5-8 at Wat Doi Kaew (parade starting at 4 p.m. on April 7)

More information please contact at 053-612982-3 or at our Facebook Fan page /TAT. Maehongson.

What Made Beethoven Sick? DNA From His Hair Offers Clues

By

Associated Press

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23 March 2023, 18:09

Beethoven DNA — The Moscheles Lock, from composer Ludwig van Beethoven, with an inscription by former owner Ignaz Moscheles. Hundreds of years after Beethoven's death, researchers have pulled DNA from strands of his hair — and found clues about what killed him, according to a study published Wednesday March 22, 2023. (Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies, San Jose State University via AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly 200 years after Ludwig van Beethoven’s death, researchers pulled DNA from strands of his hair, searching for clues about the health problems and hearing loss that plagued him.

They weren’t able to crack the case of the German composer’s deafness or severe stomach ailments. But they did find a genetic risk for liver disease, plus a liver-damaging hepatitis B infection in the last months of his life.

AP23081406284947 — An original lock of world famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven placed in a gift box, that was a popular collectible in the 19th century, is seen at the Beethoven Haus in Bonn, Germany. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

These factors, along with his chronic drinking, were probably enough to cause the liver failure that is widely believed to have killed him, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Current Biology.

This Sunday marks the 196th anniversary of Beethoven’s death in Vienna on March 26, 1827, at the age of 56. The composer himself wrote that he wanted doctors to study his health problems after he died.

“With Beethoven in particular, it is the case that illnesses sometimes very much limited his creative work,” said study author Axel Schmidt, a geneticist at University Hospital Bonn in Germany. “And for physicians, it has always been a mystery what was really behind it.”

AP23081405423244 — Julia Ronge, Head of Collection at Beethoven Haus, talks during an interview with The Associated Press in Bonn, Germany, on the sequencing project of the genome of world famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven by an international team of researchers led by Cambridge University, Tuesday, March 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Since his death, scientists have long tried to piece together Beethoven’s medical history and have offered a variety of possible explanations for his many maladies.

Now, with advances in ancient DNA technology, researchers have been able to pull genetic clues from locks of Beethoven’s hair that had been snipped off and preserved as keepsakes. They focused on five locks that are “almost certainly authentic,” coming from the same European male, according to the study.

They also looked at three other historical locks, but weren’t able to confirm those were actually Beethoven’s. Previous tests on one of those locks suggested Beethoven had lead poisoning, but researchers concluded that sample was actually from a woman.

AP23080549956000 — The Stumpff Lock, from composer Ludwig van Beethoven, in a laboratory at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History in Germany. (Anthi Tiliakou via AP)

After cleaning Beethoven’s hair one strand at a time, scientists dissolved the pieces into a solution and fished out chunks of DNA, said study author Tristan James Alexander Begg, a biological anthropologist at the University of Cambridge.

Getting genes out was a challenge, since DNA in hair gets chopped up into tiny fragments, explained author Johannes Krause, a paleogeneticist at Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.

But eventually, after using up almost 10 feet (3 meters) of Beethoven’s hair, they were able to piece together a genome that they could “quiz” for signs of genetic disease, Krause said.

AP23081405306484 — The original locks of Ludwig van Beethoven are presented at the Beethoven Haus in Bonn, Germany. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

While researchers didn’t find any clear genetic signs of what caused Beethoven’s gastrointestinal issues, they found that celiac disease and lactose intolerance were unlikely causes. In the future, the genome may offer more clues as we learn more about how genes influence health, Begg said.

The research also led to a surprising discovery: When they tested DNA from living members of the extended Beethoven family, scientists found a discrepancy in the Y chromosomes that get passed down on the father’s side. The Y chromosomes from the five men matched each other — but they didn’t match the composer’s.

AP23081405586893 — The Beethoven Haus, where world famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven was born and lived in Bonn, Germany. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

This suggests there was an “extra-pair paternity event” somewhere in the generations before Beethoven was born, Begg said. In other words, a child born from an extramarital relationship in the composer’s family tree.

The key question of what caused Beethoven’s hearing loss is still unanswered, said Ohio State University’s Dr. Avraham Z. Cooper, who was not involved in the study. And it may be a difficult one to figure out, because genetics can only show us half of the “nature and nurture” equation that makes up our health.

But he added that the mystery is part of what makes Beethoven so captivating: “I think the fact that we can’t know is OK,” Cooper said.

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AP journalist Daniel Niemann contributed to this report from Bonn, Germany.

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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.

Tokyo Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom, Matching 2nd Earliest Record

By

Kyodo News

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23 March 2023, 16:07

cherryblossom1 — People walk under cherry trees in full bloom at Tokyo's Ueno park on March 22, 2023. (Kyodo)

TOKYO – Cherry blossoms were in full bloom on Wednesday, March 22 in central Tokyo, matching 2013, 2020 and 2021 to become the second-earliest day in the year for the seasonal phenomena to occur since records began, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

More than 80 percent of the flowers on a “Somei Yoshino” tree at Yasukuni Shrine, used by the agency as a yardstick to measure the annual event, were in bloom, fulfilling the full-bloom criteria nine days earlier than average and five days earlier than in 2022.

The agency believes the trees’ flowering in the capital was accelerated by temperatures having risen to around 20 degrees on several occasions since they began blooming Tuesday last week.

cherryblossom2 — Tokyo’s Ueno Park is crowded with people viewing the cherry blossoms on March 19, 2023. (Kyodo)

The trees in Tokyo were flowering at the earliest time since observations began in 1953, matching records seen in 2020 and 2021.

Cherry trees across Japan are blooming earlier than usual this year, the agency said, with similar scenes in cities such as Fukuoka, Osaka and Nagoya.

For the first time in three years, parks administered by the Tokyo metropolitan government, such as Ueno Park, have allowed people to gather for parties involving food and drinks during the cherry blossom season.

The Tokyo government had advised people to refrain from holding cherry blossom-viewing parties at parks and public spaces in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

AIS Aunjai CYBER to win WSIS Prize 2023 by ITU and UN

By

Contributor

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23 March 2023, 15:19

AIS showcases capabilities on world stage as the only Thai corporate. AIS Aunjai CYBER to win WSIS Prize 2023 by ITU and UN

AIS has taken its Aunjai CYBER program to represent Thailand, as the only Thai corporate entity able to win an international sustainability award, while also making the top five ranking of 1,800 programs around the world.

The Champion of WSIS Prize 2023 was presented at the WSIS Prizes 2023 in the category of programs using technology for building confidence and security in use of ICTs, hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations (UN).

The award once again validated a proactive approach to addressing cyber issues sustainably. AIS is committed to leverage the potential of its digital networks to develop tools to intervene, alongside up-skilling Thai people’s digital skills, so they can be more aware, and inhabit the digital world safely and responsibly through the AIS Aunjai CYBER program.

Saichon Submakudom, Head of PR at AIS, said, “All members of the AIS teams wish to thank the International Telecommunication Union and the United Nations for recognizing AIS’ commitment to this issue, by ranking the Aunjai CYBER program in the top five of 1,800 sustainability programs entered from around the world. We were also graciously presented with the Champion of WSIS Prize 2023 for Building confidence and security in use of ICTs.

“AIS Aunjai CYBER program was initiated in 2019, at a time when the usage of Internet and social media had increased at a the rapid rate, but various kinds of social problems had arisen. We were then the first network service provider to stand up and be counted as a social hub for building networks through the efforts of our partners, as a united front to address the issue of cyber threats sustainably. We wanted to promote society to use digital tech creatively, securely and responsibly, to benefit people at large.”

Mrs. Suphatra SRIMAITREEPHITHAK Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary/ Permanent Representative, congratulated AIS on winning the Champion of WSIS Prize 2023 for its Aunjai CYBER program, which is a big boost to Thailand’s reputation. “This program has the objective of consistency with the “Thailand 4.0” policy, which has the aim of upgrading digital know-how for the Thai population and protecting Thai users from cyber-threats. it promotes a safe online society and builds digital immunity. It also fulfills the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals under Goal no. 4, Guaranteeing a Quality Education for all, and supports opportunities for lifelong learning.”

Saichon added, “Aunjai CYBER was conceived as a program under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SDG no. 4, Guaranteeing a Quality Education for all. This is aligned with our strategic plan for sustainable operations, which is to support the responsible use of digital networks, while promoting digital literacy and citizenship for Thai people in general. Today, the Aunjai CYBER program has been expanded into many other forms, so it has become a hub of safe and secure Internet usage.”

“The Aunjai CYBER syllabus for cyber-immunity was the first of its kind in Thailand to be certified by the Ministry of Education as being compliant with Thai curricular standards. The syllabus itself was a joint effort between the state and private sectors, and it has been upgraded and rolled out to students at 29,000 schools around the country affiliated to the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC).

“Previous AIS programs such as Aor Sor Mor Online, Smart Kids Brave Hearts, and “Work Wizard” technology for the disabled, have also addressed sustainability issues and won the WSIS Prize. Winning the WSIS Prize 2023 is an achievement of which AIS teams are all immensely proud. We are the only Thai corporation to successfully win an award at the Champion level. We would like to reaffirm our intentions to continue ushering in positive and sustainable change to Thai digital society,” concluded Saichon.

Election Spending Will Boost the Thai Economy by THB 120 Billion

By

Khaosod English

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23 March 2023, 15:18

The Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting (CEBF) at the University of the Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) estimates that up to THB 120 billion will be flown during the two-month election campaign period. The centre is confident that there will be no pause in government spending. Economic growth of 3 to 3.5 percent is expected in the last quarter.

Thanawat Phonvichai, president of the UTCC and advisory chairman of the CBEF, told reporters that after Thailand dissolved its parliament on March 20, 2023, it is expected that there will be elections and the country will have a new government by August.

election2023 3 — Thanawat Phonvichai, (left) president of the UTCC and advisory chairman of the CBEF

He said that at least THB 50bn to 60bn (1.46–1.76 billion U.S. dollars) will be spent during the election campaign. This money will then boost the economy to around THB 100bn to 120bn (2.935 to 3.520 billion U.S. dollars) in April and May, resulting in the economic growth of about 0.5 to 0.7 percent.

Thanawat further pointed out that under a caretaker government, it is understandable that the government will not be able to perform to its full capacity. However, he stressed that it is important for the government to continue all current spending to support the private sector.

He is still confident that the caretaker government will be able to do so. Thanawat, however, acknowledged that there might be a pause while the new government is being formed, as several policies are still being dealt with as part of the policy proposal to parliament.

He said that the public must pay close attention to who will be the next prime minister, whether there will be an overwhelming victory for a particular party, and what the joint formation of government from several parties will look like.

Many political parties want to hold a majority election to influence the formation of the government. Thanawat said all these factors could affect the Thai economy. He stressed that the upcoming elections will be very contested.

Wachira Khuntaweetep, president of CEBF, said that according to the survey on the political impact on the economy, if the elections are held in May 2023, about 40.1 percent of businesses will be affected as they will spend more money during the election campaign and sales of goods and services will increase. This will also boost political confidence.

“About 40.3 percent of private businessmen expect the economy to grow between 3.35 percent and 3.82 percent in the last quarter,” he said.

UTCC estimates growth between 3 percent and 3.5 percent, no change from the previous forecast. The centre expects the [GDP] forecast to be adjusted again in July 2023 after the election.”

About 11.5 percent of business people see negative effects of this election, worrying that economic policies will not continue, that politics will be unstable and that many parties campaign on rising wages.

In addition, 47.5 percent of respondents believe that politics will have a strong impact on the Thai economy.

Businessmen also express their concerns following the dissolution of Parliament. Some 79.5 per cent are concerned that the cost of doing business will increase. 78.3 percent are worried about politics going unchecked. 60.3 percent are worried about political differences. 58.9 percent are worried about the stability of the new government. 57.4 percent are worried that there will be no obvious anti-corruption measures.

The private sector needs government support to reduce production costs, especially wages, interest rates and energy. They want government spending to accelerate, especially while the government is in office.

They also want the government to continue to support the tourism industry and to take care of the stability of the baht and household debt, as the Thai economy has not yet fully taken off and the global economy is still subject to risks.

Kerry Express Has Won the Thailand Top Company Awards

By

Contributor

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23 March 2023, 13:49

Kerry Express Further Cements Its Reign as Leader in Express Parcel Delivery, Having Earned the “Thailand Top Company Awards 2023” in Logistics for an Unprecedented 2 Consecutive Years. With This Incredible Feat, The Brand Is Poised to Bring Happiness Through Every Delivery It Makes.

Bangkok (March 23, 2023) — Kerry Express (“KEX”), the country’s leading express delivery provider, has landed itself yet another accolade to add to its career highlights as Thailand’s leader in express parcel delivery. For a remarkable 2 consecutive years, the company has won the “THAILAND TOP COMPANY AWARDS” in logistics industry.

This highly prestigious award, organized by Business+ magazine and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce under the concept “THE RESILIENCE TO DEGLOBALIZATION,” is presented to companies with exceptional operations and the capability to adjust to the deglobalization trend, which produces sustainable growth.

At the “THAILAND TOP COMPANY AWARDS 2023” ceremony, which was held on March 15, 2023, at the Ballroom of the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, Ms. Pannee Santiwiwatkul, Head of Marketing & Communications, Kerry Express (Thailand) Public Company Limited, as a representative of KEX, was called upon the stage to receive the highly-esteemed THAILAND TOP COMPANY AWARDS 2023 in logistics industry from Prof. Dr. Kasem Wattanachai, Privy Councilor, who presided over the ceremony.

The awards were bestowed upon the best Thai business companies in a variety of industries.

Organized for the 11th consecutive year by Business+ magazine by ARIP Public Company Limited in partnership with the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the THAILAND TOP COMPANY AWARDS is an annual event to recognize and honor business companies with outstanding performance and excellence in various industries.

“This is the 2nd time that Kerry Express has been awarded the THAILAND TOP COMPANY AWARDS, which doubles down the drive to improve our business operations. But we are not content to rest on our laurels; We are relentless in our mission to continually enhance our business, striving to ensure its stability and sustainability amidst the dynamically ever-changing world situation.

We are resolute in our ambition to make sure that our cutting-edge technology-powered services can meet the exact needs of our valued customers, so that our unparalleled excellence in express parcel delivery will be felt by all customer groups and every corner of the country, thus further solidifying our leadership in express parcel delivery,” said Ms. Pannee Santiwiwatkul.

Kerry Express landing yet another THAILAND TOP COMPANY AWARD solidifies its frontrunner position in express parcel delivery of Thailand. It is also a herald of a new direction in its efforts in building brand awareness and setting itself apart from its contemporaries.

Kerry Express is determined to remain the leading provider of express parcel delivery, never letting go of the high level of excellence it has achieved over the years.

THAI Airways Enhances Its Network through Global Ticket Agents

By

Contributor

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23 March 2023, 13:34

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) recently held THAI Networking 2023 “Explore the Endless Horizon” at Amari Watergate Bangkok to boost sales and marketing activities as well as to showcase its new products and inflight services to business partners and over 140 THAI local and international ticket agents from Asia, Australia, and Europe markets.

THAI management and overseas staff, representatives from Mastercard, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) also attended the event.

The Company’s rehabilitation plan progress and commercial strategies were presented at this event to enhance confidence and synchronous collaboration among the ticket agents. This enables them to better serve outbound travel demand into Thailand, which would accordingly elevate the national economy and tourism sectors.

THAI new products and inflight services presented included Royal Orchid Holidays tour packages through an online platform, updated Royal First and Royal Silk classes meals and wines, and inflight entertainment: a digital magazine platform “THAI e-Library” and Sawasdee website, a lifestyle hub providing tourism information.

THAI Networking 2023 “Explore the Endless Horizon” was sponsored by Mastercard, TCEB, PAÑPURI and ONYX Hospitality Group.

Supreme Court Chews on Jack Daniel’s Dog Toy Dispute

By

Associated Press

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23 March 2023, 12:42

Supreme Court-Jack Daniel's-Dog Toy — FILE - A bottle of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey is displayed next to a Bad Spaniels dog toy in Arlington, Va., Nov. 20, 2022. The Supreme Court is hearing a dispute, Wednesday, March 22, 2023 between Jack Daniel’s and the manufacturer of the squeaking dog toy that parodies the liquor’s bottle and label. (AP Photo/Jessica Gresko, file)

WASHINGTON (AP) — A dispute between Jack Daniel’s and the makers of a squeaking dog toy that mimics the whiskey’s signature bottle gave the Supreme Court a lot to chew on Wednesday.

The question for the court involves whether the toy’s maker infringed on Jack Daniel’s trademarks, and the justices were largely on their best behavior, not picking up on the toy’s poop humor and puns.

Still, with three of the justices either completely or almost totally silent, it wasn’t clear from the arguments whether Jack Daniel’s case is on the rocks or whether the makers of the Bad Spaniels toy had been, well, bad.

Justice Samuel Alito expressed skepticism for Jack Daniel’s arguments. “Could any reasonable person think that Jack Daniel’s had approved this use of the mark?” he asked at one point, suggesting the toy was an unmistakable parody and legally acceptable.

When the company’s lawyer pushed back on the justice’s knowledge about dog toys, Alito responded in part with: “I had a dog. I know something about dogs.” His late springer spaniel Zeus sometimes visited the court.

But Justice Elena Kagan seemed more ready to rule against the toy’s manufacturer. “Maybe I just have no sense of humor,” Kagan said to laughter. “But what’s the parody?”

Kagan, whose dry wit is often on display in the courtroom and in her writing, suggested the toy is simply an “ordinary commercial product” that is trading on the look of the liquor company’s bottle.

Arizona-based VIP Products has been selling its Bad Spaniels toy since 2014. It’s part of its Silly Squeakers line of chew toys that mimic liquor, beer, wine and soda bottles. They include Mountain Drool, which parodies Mountain Dew, and Heini Sniff’n, which parodies Heineken.

While Jack Daniel’s bottles have the words “Old No. 7 brand” and “Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey,” the toy proclaims: “The Old No. 2 on Your Tennessee Carpet.” The original bottle notes it is 40% alcohol by volume. The parody features a dog’s face and says it’s “43% Poo by Vol.” and “100% Smelly.”

The packaging of the toy, which retails for around $20, notes in small font: “This product is not affiliated with Jack Daniel Distillery.”

Jack Daniel’s, based in Lynchburg, Tennessee, isn’t amused.

“Jack Daniel’s loves dogs and appreciates a good joke as much as anyone. But Jack Daniel’s likes its customers even more, and doesn’t want them confused or associating its fine whiskey with dog poop,” wrote the company’s attorney Lisa Blatt in a filing with the high court.

Blatt wrote that Jack Daniel’s “welcomes jokes at its expense” but that the toy VIP sells misleads customers, profits “from Jack Daniel’s hard-earned goodwill” and associates its “whiskey with excrement.”

At the heart of the case is the Lanham Act, the country’s major trademark law. It prohibits using a trademark in a way “likely to cause confusion … as to the origin, sponsorship, or approval of … goods.” Jack Daniel’s says that’s what the dog toy does. It says a lower court was wrong to side with VIP.

But VIP Products’ lawyer, Bennett E. Cooper, told the justices in a court filing that Jack Daniel’s “seeks to use the Lanham Act to muzzle even VIP Products LLC’s playful dog-toy parody.”

Nike, Campbell Soup Company, outdoor brand Patagonia and jeans maker Levi Strauss were among those urging the justices in court filings to side with Jack Daniel’s. The company also has the support of the Biden administration.

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Associated Press reporter Mark Sherman contributed to this report.

AIS showcases capabilities on world stage as the only Thai corporate. AIS Aunjai CYBER to win WSIS Prize 2023 by ITU and UN

Kerry Express Further Cements Its Reign as Leader in Express Parcel Delivery, Having Earned the “Thailand Top Company Awards 2023” in Logistics for an Unprecedented 2 Consecutive Years. With This Incredible Feat, The Brand Is Poised to Bring Happiness Through Every Delivery It Makes.

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