Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat attacks secretary general of Progressive Movement Piyabutr Saengkanokkul on Tuesday saying Piyabutr is undermining the party in the upcoming general election by publicly criticising it. Pita called Piyabutr “unprofessional” and dragging the party down instead of helping it.
“Stop being unprofessional, if you are not rowing, do not rock the boat.” Pita wrote on his Facebook page Tuesday, adding that the party needs to concentrate on the upcoming general election.
Pita Limjaroenrat
Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the founder of the Future Forward Party and the founder of the Progressive Movement with Piyabutr after their party dissolved three years ago, seemed to try to reconcile by posting that he and Piyabutr always support the Move Forward Party and Pita.
However, Piyabutr, who was secretary general of Future Forward Party wrote later on Wednesday that Pita is only claiming credits for himself while relying on others in the party to work hard.
“Who exactly didn’t row but kept rocking the boat?” he wrote.
FILE – Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, Pita Limjaroenrat and Piyabutr Saengkanokkul
Piyabutr said he will expose the flaws and unmasked the real Pita in the coming days on social media.
“I can’t let it slide… or it would be a sin to the party and country,” Piyabutr wrote.
He also said he wants the party to be bolder and take stronger stance on issues like the lese majeste law.
While former Move Forward Party member Chris Potranandana who recently resigned from the party, also posted “Move Forward Party could have been better. You have to stop thinking that all critics are your enemies. You’re here for politics. So you have to listen to whether the management team will solve the problems or not.”
Chris had accused the party of being non participatory, led by a small clique of people and on the verge of becoming a hypocritical party.
However at the end of the day, both Piyabutr and Pita shared photos of themselves meeting and noted that they had already resolved their differences. They also apologized to all the supporters and insisted that they would focus on the upcoming general election campaign.
Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, center, and Taiwanese officials pose for photos with a U.S. delegation led by California Rep. Ro Khanna, sixth from left, during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Taipei, Taiwan on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)
BEIJING (AP) — China on Wednesday sharply criticized a visit to Taiwan by a senior Pentagon official and reaffirmed it has sanctioned Lockheed Martin and a unit of Raytheon for supplying military equipment to the self-governing island democracy.
The comments from the Cabinet’s Taiwan Affairs Office underscore the dramatic deterioration in relations between Beijing and Washington over Taiwan, technology, spying allegations, and, increasingly, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Asked about the reported visit by Michael Chase, deputy assistant secretary of defense for China, office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian said China “resolutely opposes any official interaction and military collaboration” between the U.S. and Taiwan.
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen exchanges gift with California Rep. Ro Khanna during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Taipei, Taiwan on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)
Efforts by Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party to cement the island’s independence with foreign assistance are “doomed to failure,” Zhu told reporters.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory to be brought under its control by force if necessary, and has been stepping up its military and diplomatic harassment. The sides split amid civil war in 1949, and China’s authoritarian Communist Party has never held sway over the island.
A Pentagon spokesperson did not comment directly on Chase’s visit, repeating that “our commitment to Taiwan is rock-solid and contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and within the region.” Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it had no information about any such visit.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said a “new round of tensions” in the Taiwan Strait was a result of the Taiwanese authorities’ attempts to “seek independence with U.S. support, as well as the U.S. intention to contain China with Taiwan.”
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen at right speaks with California Rep. Ro Khanna during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Taipei, Taiwan on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)
“We urge the U.S. to … stop any form of official U.S.-Taiwan contacts, stop meddling in the Taiwan issue and stop creating new factors of tension in the Taiwan Strait,” Wang said at a daily briefing.
Tensions between the U.S. and China again ratcheted up last month after Washington accused Beijing of sending a spy balloon that was shot down over the American East Coast. Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled a trip to Beijing in the wake of the incident and said over the weekend that the United States was concerned China would provide weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine.
China, which has declared a “no limits” friendship with Russia, has pointedly refused to criticize Moscow’s actions, blaming the U.S. and NATO for provoking the Kremlin, and has blasted the punishing sanctions imposed on Russia. Russia, in turn, has strongly backed China over Taiwan.
On a visit to Moscow Tuesday, the Communist Party’s top diplomat Wang Yi said relations between Moscow and Beijing are “solid as a rock” and will “stand the test of the volatile international situation.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, right, and the Chinese Communist Party’s foreign policy chief Wang Yi enter a hall for their talks in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023. (Alexander Nemenov/Pool Photo via AP)
Russia and China have an “excellent opportunity to continue close strategic cooperation and contacts to protect our shared strategic interests,” Wang said.
Wang Wenbin, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said he had no information about a possible visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow this spring.
A delegation of U.S. lawmakers visiting Taiwan met on Tuesday with President Tsai Ing-wen, who said she looked for increased cooperation on issues from security to climate change.
On Monday, the delegation met with the head of the legislature as part of their five-day visit. They include Reps. Ro Khanna of California, Tony Gonzales of Texas, Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts and Jonathan Jackson of Illinois.
The congressional team held talks with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s founder Morris Chang, considered the father of the island’s world-leading microchip industry that is now investing heavily in U.S. production.
Khanna and Auchincloss are both members of the new House select committee focused on competition with China.
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, center, shakes hands with California Rep. Ro Khanna during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Taipei, Taiwan on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)
Amid the flurry of exchanges, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and head of the National Security Council Wellington Koo were in Washington on Tuesday for what are believed to be security meetings.
They were filmed by Taiwan’s private TVBS television station entering the offices of the body the U.S. uses to oversee relations with Taiwan in lieu of formal diplomatic ties. Washington cut formal relations in 1979 in order to establish ties with Beijing, but remains the island’s chief political and military ally.
China has increasingly lashed back at the increase in exchanges with Taiwan by officials and elected representatives from the U.S. and other democratic nations. China’s campaign of diplomatic isolation has left Taiwan with just 14 formal allies, although it retains robust unofficial relations with dozens of other countries.
Last Thursday, China imposed trade and investment sanctions against Lockheed Martin Corp. and Raytheon Technologies Corp.’s Raytheon Missiles and Defense, barring them from importing goods into China or making new investments in the country.
The Ministry of Commerce declared they had been added to the “unreliable entity” list of companies whose activities are restricted because they might endanger national sovereignty, security or development interests. It wasn’t clear what impact the penalties would have.
Ousted and fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra said the Pheu Thai Party will eventually have three Prime Minister candidates and not just his youngest daughter Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra.
The comment made during his weekly social media talk “Care Talk” Tuesday night was in reaction to some opponents who say there’ll be a new round of political unrest if another Shinawatra becomes PM.
Thaksin said his daughter is campaigning hard despite being seven-month pregnant. He has known that she is a fighter, but she is stronger than he had expected. Anyway, he is very caring about her because she is the apple of his eye.
instagram ingshin21
He also lashes back at PM Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha who last week accused SC Asset, which is owned by the family, of selling big mansion to Chinese illegal businessmen with access to Thai nationality as part of the package.
Thaksin said such allegation is ludicrous and only a “water buffalo”, or a very dumb person, could possibly have made such a remark as SC Asset doesn’t run Thailand
Bangkok (February 22, 2023) – Siam Piwat Group, a leading real estate and retail developer, is reinforcing its success as the developer of world-class destinations as Siam Paragon has won the Best Brand Performance on Social Media Award in the Shopping Center and Department StoreCategoryand ICONSIAM has been named one of the five finalists at the Thailand Social Awards, hosted by Wisesight (Thailand) Co. Ltd.
The accolades reflect the strength of Siam Piwat Group as the Visionary Icon in delivering unparalleled and unique experiences across its shopping centers though both online and offline platforms that have won over the hearts of social media users.
Ms. Thanaporn Tantiyanon, Head of Business Unit, Siam Paragon, said, “I’m very pleased and proud that Siam Paragon has been named the winner for Best Brand Performance on Social Media in the shopping center and department store category. This award underlines Siam Paragon’s success in delivering to its customers experiences beyond expectations across all dimensions through a diverse array of marketing activities, events, and product launches for many world-class brands across various industries. This has enabled Siam Paragon to maintain its top-of-mind position and strong presence among social media users. Currently, Siam Paragon is undergoing a major transformation that will elevate this world-class landmark to new heights of excellence and into an epicenter of lifestyles that will cater to lifestyle needs across all aspects of the future in a more comprehensive manner.”
Ms. Suma Wongphan, Executive Vice President, ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., stated, “This social media accolade testifies to the success of our plans to carry out marketing activities through extraordinary experience and deliver services that truly resonate with the customers. By analyzing both data from the platforms as well as data obtained by monitoring online media, we have gained insights into each group of customers and been better able to deliver more tailored and personalized content, services, and promotions. In addition, the fact that ICONSIAM has been selected as the venue for various world-class conferences, seminars, and entertainment activities by world-renowned artists has significantly heightened the engagement rates among our customers and those interested in our brand and marketing activities on social media. This has played a vital role in placing us on the list of the top five brands with the best social media performance. This award highlights our success and aspiration to establish ICONSIAM as a world-class destination and represent Thailand by showcasing the unique essence of Thainess to the world and bringing together the finest offerings of Thailand and of the world to this global landmark by the Chao Phraya River.”
Mr. Kla Tangsuwan, CEO, Wisesight (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said Siam Paragon has been named the winner of the Best Brand Performance on Social Media Award in the Shopping Center and Department Store Category at the Thailand Social Awards this year. The selection process involved the collection of data from the social media accounts of more than 2,000 brands, with data from over 80 brands specifically gathered for the Shopping Center and Department Store Category. The data was then analyzed by a team of 18 consultants. The metrics were based on both the brands’ own social media channels and how the brands were talked about elsewhere. The four main platforms that served as data sources were Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
“In this year’s ranking, Siam Piwat’s shopping centers have claimed two spots on the list. Siam Paragon, with an exceptional score among its competitors, has secured the top spot for the best brand performance on social media in the department store and shopping mall category, while ICONSIAM has been named as one of the five finalists in the same category.”
The Thailand Social Awards is the largest social media award program in Thailand, hosted by Wisesight (Thailand) Co. Ltd.,a social media analytics service provider. The award ceremony was organized in True Icon Hall at ICONSIAM on February 22, 2023. Held for the 11th consecutive year, the award program seeks to celebrate the creative use of social media, elevate the social media business, and recognize brands, influencers, and personnel with outstanding performance and marketing capabilities on social media in different categories based on concrete metrics.
Thai Airways is considering ceasing Thai Smile Airways and merging it to reduce losses. Thai Airways also punished a flight attendant after the investigation concluded that the service was faulty.
Thai Airways sources told told Prachachat Business that the airline will restructure within July. It is possible that Thai Smile airways, a subsidiary, will be closed and merge with Thai airways. The plan aims to bring the company under a unified management team and strategy after the company has consistently flown in heavy losses.
According to the Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, Thai Smile Airways has made losses since its inception. From 2013 to 2021, the airline has made a cumulative loss of nearly 16 billion baht, or 460 million US dollars.
According to Thai Smile’s communications team, the airline has a total of 815 employees as of 16 February 2023. The financial report for 2021 also shows that the airline owns 20 aircraft.
The sources added that a restructuring strategy aims to unite all subsidiaries into a single operation comprising the central management office, staff, cabin crews-pilots and back-office system: Finance, Accounting, Purchasing and Human Resources, in order to reduce fixed costs and operating expenses. The company also hopes to achieve greater efficiency in human resources and aircraft.
In addition, the company plans to use only Thai Airways Kitchen, without resorting to external suppliers. They will also look for a single point of purchase to make a bargain out of the volume of orders.
Once the management team agrees to the plan, all cabin crew will have to swap their uniforms for Thai Airways’, and all food served on the flight will be exclusively Thai Airway Kitchen.
facebook Thai Smile Airways
Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri said the management team had not yet concluded to the plan and was reviewing the pros and cons of the restructuring plan. He added, however, that the restructuring plan was part of the recovery plan that had been approved by the restructuring managers and the creditors’ committee.
Punish a flight attendant
Meanwhile, the airline’s official Facebook page, THAI Corporate Communications, posted a message on February 21, stating that the company punished a flight attendant for not providing adequate service with a one-month pay cut and that she or he would not be allowed to work for a month.
Capture from viral video noted that food trays were not collected.
This followed a viral video on TikTok showing a group of passengers on a flight from Singapore to Thailand whose food trays were not collected when the plane was about to land.
The airline shall also penalised the crew responsible for this flight and all flight attendants involved by issuing an official warning. All crew members involved must immediately attend safety training. The company will later consider whether to allow the crew to return to work.
The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) is an apex national organization representing over 10,000 handicrafts manufactures and exporters from India. The Council facilitates business and provides comprehensive information about the sector to international buyers and ensures optimal interface between the Indian handicrafts industry and the buyers.
The EPCH is also a leading B2B trade fair organizer and organizes events of national prominence i.e., IHGF Delhi Fair – Autumn and Spring editions, the world’s largest handicrafts show on Home, Lifestyle, Fashion, Textiles and Furniture.
This year, IHGF Delhi Fair, is slated to be bigger and spectacular in its Spring 2023 edition to be held in March from 15th to 19th, 2023. Resuming its earlier form and stature with each successive show, this fair will be a full capacity show. The response and superb revival can be attributed to exemplary growth in exhibitor participation as well as buyer attendance in the past three editions.
The upcoming 55th edition is structured with a larger display with over 3000 exhibitors, theme as well as collective displays, several curated lines and design affirmations with a cross section of exhibitors ranging from medium and small exporters, artisan
entrepreneurs and designers to India’s leading manufacturer exporters.
A choice of over 2000 products and more than 300 trend specific design developments across 14 display segments, defines this show held at the plush India Expo Centre & Mart, New Delhi-NCR.
In the show’s famed broad based segments of Home, Fashion, Lifestyle, Textiles and Furniture, the product range will feature housewares, home furnishing, furniture, gifts and decorative, lamps and lighting, Christmas & festive décor, fashion jewellery & accessories, spa & wellness, carpets and rugs, bathroom accessories, garden accessories, educational toys & games, handmade paper products & stationery and leather bags.
Collectively they offer a full spectrum of thoughtfully curated concepts and products at a single platform.
Added attractions like Theme Pavilions, Trend Areas, Craft Demonstrations, Ramp Presentations and Knowledge Seminars, besides Buyer Lounges and Refreshment Zones would make attending the show a truly wholesome experience. This five days trade
appointment is a sustained, proven and progressive resource for importers, wholesalers, retail chains and design professionals. Pre-registrations have already begun.
Major Product Groups at IHGF Delhi Fair
Gifts and Decoratives | Furniture & Accessories | Home Furnishing & Textiles |
Houseware | Fashion Jewellery & Accessories |Lamps and Lighting| Christmas and
Festive Décor | Carpets, Rugs & Floor Coverings | Bathroom & Bath Accessories, Spa &
Wellness |Garden and Outdoor | Educational Toys and Games |Handmade Paper
Products & Stationery |Candles, Incense & Potpourri |Leather Bags & Cases
The last physical i.e. in person edition of the fair was held in October 2022 and had the distinction of being the first Mega Event of prominence post COVID to open to a global audience in Asia with over 3000 exhibitors.
The fair was visited by a large number of overseas buyers and their representatives from over 100 countries and territories and reported business of over Rs. 3500 crores or US$ 423 million. The success of this fair gave a message of confidence to the world that “India has opened up for business for buyers from all across the world”.
“Major Development” has once again reaffirmed its strategic goals to become a ‘LifeScape Developer’ with its bold ‘LifeScape at a New Height’ 2023 business plan. The plan encompasses the ‘three-pronged business strategy scheme’ which includes soldifying its core real estate business, fortifying lifescape and petscape and diversifying revenue. It also premieres seven new residential and condominium projects with an all-time-high combined value of 14.7 billion baht. The new projects will account for the demands of various consumer segments, from luxurious condominiums to wellness-oriented residences to premium townhomes and more. A wide range of prime locations will also be available, from highly sought-after areas in the heart of Bangkok’s CBDs to easily accessible suburban neighbourhoods. New high-calibre executives have also been appointed to key positions to ensure a satisfied customer experience for all involved and to instil the ‘Warrior Mindset’ in the hearts of employees at all levels at the same time. The 2023 business plan will also detail the company’s aspiration and readiness for the era of digital transformation, as well as cement its status as the No. 1 real estate developer brand when it comes to pet-friendliness, ensuring pet-friendly, eco-friendly facilities in all of its residential projects. With such an impressive business plan in place, the company is confident of achieving solid and substantial growths in the years ahead, targeting 7 billion baht in sales and 5 billion baht in revenue in 2023 alone.
Ms. Petrada Poolvoraraks, CEO and Executive Director of Major Development Public Company Limited, Thailand’s leading developer of luxurious real estate and pet-friendly residences, stated that, “We remain committed to transforming ourselves from a real-estate developer to a ‘LifeScape Developer’, aspiring to improve quality of life for our customers in virtually all dimensions. Today, we announce the ‘LifeScape at a New Height’ 2023 business plan that aims to build on our strengths and potential to reach even new heights of business successes.”
Such a goal will be achieved through the ‘three-pronged business strategy scheme’ that includes the following:
Solidify Residential-Scape: Strengthening capabilities of the company’s core businesses.
Fortify LifeScape & PetScape: Emphasizing the strengths of all real-estate brands under the company.
Diversify Revenue: Minimizing risks and maximizing opportunities through well-planned business and revenue diversification.
Solidify Residential-Scape
The company’s core real estate businesses will be strengthened through the unveiling of seven new projects valued at 14.7 billion baht in total, creating an all-time-high combined value of all projects launched in one year in the company’s 24-year history. Of these seven new projects, there will be two super-luxury high-rise condominiums valued at 8.8 billion baht, as well as five landed residential projects valued at 5.9 billion baht. At the same time, the following five new real estate brands covering various consumer segments will be launched.
Marquis: Super-luxury condominiums with a focus on superb wellness and wellbeing.
Mayfield: High-end premium townhomes that promote living in the embrace of nature.
Mayfield Lane: Luxury landed residences in prime central locations.
Milford: High-end, premium-quality townhomes
Untitled brand soon to be announced: Super-luxury, limited-edition landed residences
Locations of the new projects offer a variety options, from prime CBD locations to extended CBD areas and to suburban neighbourhoods in Greater Bangkok. To name a few, the new projects will offer quality living in such highly sought-after areas of Bangkok as Phrom Pong Sukhumvit, Phayathai, Pattanakarn, Ladprao and Ramkamhaeng.
“During the downtime over the past few years, launches of new projects were refrained. But we never stopped developing. We took the opportunity to restructure our company in various dimensions to ensure that we will be ready for the imminent transformation into the digital age. Appointments have been made to put new high-calibre executives in key positions responsible for a thoroughly satisfying customer experience. Efforts have been made to instil in our employees the ‘Warrior Mindset’ mentality, preparing them for difficult circumstances. Investments have also been made to create a digital platform that will ensure our company transform efficiently and remain ready for whatever challenges the future will bring in the years ahead. With such a plan in place, we are confident that we will be able to reach even new heights of successes.”
Fortify LifeScape & PetScape
Under this scheme, the strengths of all real estate brands under the company will be emphasized. They include the company’s acclaimed status as the No. 1 developer of pet-friendly residences. Collaborations with prominent partners will also ensure high-quality crafted works in areas such as project designs and quality construction materials. The signature ‘Care-Share-Change’ initiative will aim to contribute to improving qualities of life for people in the society. Large-sized, super-efficient air purifying units will be installed in all of the company’s construction sites to ensure cleaner air quality for all. Specially designed pet bins have been installed in all projects. Efforts have also been made to provide help to pets in need under the care of various charities and foundations.
Diversify Revenue
Risks are minimized and opportunities are maximized through well-thought-out business and revenue diversification. Under the ‘LifeScape Developer’ vision, more horizontal projects and more new businesses will be created, with a primary aim to respond to the ever-changing lifestyle demands of HealthScape and TechScappe consumers.
Ms. Petrada explained further, “The overall Thai economy, as well as the Thai real estate industry, has seen noticeable signs of fast recovery especially from the tourism sector. This will undoubtedly add more purchasing power back to the people. I believe our ‘LifeScape at a New Height’ plan comes out just at the right time with launches of new projects with an all-time-high combined value. Besides, recurring income from our recovering hotel and office building businesses, as well as revenues from new businesses we are venturing into will contribute to ensuring solid and substantial business growths for Major Development. In 2023 alone, we are targeting 7 billion baht in sales and 5 billion baht in revenue.”
“We are determined to build a good future for everyone, alongside ensuring robust and sustainable business growths. In the long term, our business portfolios will be even more diversified between vertical and horizontal projects, gearing ourselves up for any challenges of the future. More exciting new projects will soon be announced, and many new non-real estate businesses will be explored. We hope to increase this proportion of our total business portfolios to 20% in the next five years.”, added Ms. Petrada.
Major Development Public Company Limited is one Thailand’s premier real estate developers. The company operates three business groups; namely, 1. Residential Projects for Sales, 2. Commercial Real Estate Projects such as hotels and office buildings, and 3. Real Estate-related Services. The company has a vision in generating steady business growth through luxurious real estate projects that comprehensively respond to ever-changing demands of consumers.
ISTANBUL (AP) — Survivors of the earthquake that jolted Turkey and Syria 15 days ago, killing tens of thousands of people and leaving hundreds of thousands of others homeless, dealt with more trauma and loss Tuesday after another deadly quake and aftershocks rocked the region.
The 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Monday evening had its epicenter in the Defne district of Turkey’s Hatay province, which was of the area’s worst affected by the Feb. 6 magnitude 7.8 quake that killed nearly 46,000 people in the two countries.
Turkey’s disaster management authority, AFAD, said the new quake killed six people and injured 294 others, including 18 who were in critical condition. In Syria, a woman and a girl died as a result of panic during the earthquake in the provinces of Hama and Tartus, pro-government media said.
Monday’s quake was felt in Jordan, Cyprus, Israel, Lebanon and Egypt. A magnitude 5.8 quake followed, along with dozens of aftershocks. The White Helmets, northwest Syria’s civil defense organization, said about 190 people suffered injuries in rebel-held areas and that several flimsy buildings collapsed but there were no reports of anyone trapped under the debris.
A soldier carries a man after being injured in the latest earthquake in Hatay, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 20, 2023. (Efekan Akyuz/Depo Photos via AP)
In Turkey, teacher Zuher Capar, 42, said he was mourning the loss of relatives in the original earthquake and having a meal with his aunt and uncle near the Hatay town of Samandag when they felt Monday’s temblor.
“It shook a little, then it grew strong,” he said. “The electricity went and there were screams everywhere. There were small children in the house. They were screaming, my aunt was crying.”
On Feb. 6, Capar rushed to try to help his cousin, the cousin’s wife and the couple’s small children out of the rubble of their collapsed home, but they did not survive.
“We had barely overcome the sadness (from the first earthquake),” he said.
Rescue team members search for people in a destroyed building during the aftermath of an earthquake in Hatay, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 20, 2023. (Ugur Yildirim/DIA via AP)
While his large family’s home withstood the quake earlier in the month, it was damaged on Monday. Capar said they are too frightened to sleep there and plan to stay in a large tent and cars.
“We are trying to stay strong but it is a terrifying process. The cities we knew, the memories we had, have been destroyed,” he said. “When we go in the streets, there is only rubble and heavy machinery. It’s like a horror movie scene.”
Turkish officials warned residents not to go into the remains of their homes, but people have done so to retrieve what they can. Three of the people killed Monday were inside a damaged four-story building when the new quake hit.
Aftershocks and the instability of the structure complicated the rescue effort, and it took several hours for search crews to find the bodies, Turkish news agency DHA said.
Dr. Tahsin Cinar, an anesthesiologist using vacation time to help provide medical care in Hatay as a representative of the Turkish Medical Association, said earthquake survivors need serious help with their mental health.
“They feel so alone, so deserted and very anxious. Even a small tremor leads to a big anxious reaction,” he said.
Syrians wait to cross into Syria from Turkey at the Cilvegozu border gate, near the town of Antakya, southeastern Turkey, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Unal Cam)
Cinar and other volunteers initially provided emergency care for people with physical injuries. Now, they are seeing more signs of psychological trauma, depression and the stress that comes with a lack of safe housing, winter weather and a pause in education.
“There is nearly nothing to create social well-being,” he said.
The U.N.’s World Food Program said Monday’s quake frightened employees who were distributing food to hundreds of thousands of people in northwest Syria and Turkey. The employees are sleeping in their cars in freezing temperatures while still trying to do their jobs, the program said.
Kamal Abuhassan’s small house in Jinderis, Syria, was damaged in the the first earthquake, but after a few days, he and his family returned. They ran out when Monday’s quake hit; the dwelling is now partially collapsed into piles of rubble.
“Our house is ruined, but at least our kids are OK,“ Abuhassan said.
He has set up a tent just outside the house, too afraid to go back inside.
“We just don’t know when the next earthquake is going to happen. Where else are we supposed to go other than tents?” he said.
A man walks past destroyed buildings in Antakya, southeastern Turkey, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Unal Cam)
Some 13.5 million people live in Turkey’s 11 quake-hit provinces, where authorities said more than 139,000 buildings were either destroyed or so severely damaged that they need to be torn down.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said 865,000 people were living in tents as of Tuesday. Some 270 tent cities have been set up in the affected provinces, and winter weather added to the suffering of displaced citizens.
Umit Ozalp, who has lived in the city of Antakya for 40 years, was preparing to leave, joining others carrying just a few small bags at a bus station.
“We have nothing left. Our home, our homeland, our children. We lost our work. Our situation is painful,” Ozalp said.
Kenan Caglar, a bus company employee, said the company was transporting at least 2,000 passengers a day, most bound for Istanbul or the Mediterranean cities of Antalya and Mersin.
The majority of deaths in the massive Feb. 6 quake, which was followed by a magnitude 7.5 temblor nine hours later, were in Turkey, where at least 42,310 people died, according to the disaster management agency.
Turkey’s defense minister said about 20,000 Syrians living in Turkey had returned to Syria after the quakes.
“They are returning to their lands because they lost their homes and their relatives,” Hulusi Akar said from Hatay on Tuesday.
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Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey. Omar Alham in Jinderis, Syria contributed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin gives his annual state of the nation address in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. (Pavel Bednyakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
Russia is suspending its participation in rather than withdrawing from the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with the United States, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday.
NATO demanded in early February that Russia “return to the implementation” of the New START and allow inspections of its nuclear facilities. That “sounds like some kind of nonsense amid today’s confrontation,” Putin said in his annual address to the Federal Assembly.
Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures as he gives his annual state of the nation address in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. (Dmitry Astakhov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
According to Xinhua coverage, Putin pointed out the combined strike potential of NATO as Britain and France also have nuclear arsenals that pose a threat to Russia. Meanwhile, Moscow has information that “certain figures in Washington” are considering nuclear weapon tests to develop new types of nuclear weapons.
The New START, the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty in force between the two nuclear superpowers, can be extended by a maximum of five years with the consent of the two countries. Russia and the United States officially extended the treaty by five years on Feb. 3, 2021.
“In this situation, the Russian Defense Ministry and Rosatom (Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation) must ensure readiness for testing Russian nuclear weapons. Of course, we will not be the first to do this. But if the United States conducts a test, then will we,” Putin said.
The Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile blasts off during a test launch from the Plesetsk launch pad in northwestern Russia, March 30, 2018. (Russian Defense Ministry)
While Associated Press reported that in his long-delayed state-of-the-nation address, Putin also cast his country — and Ukraine — as victims of Western double-dealing and said it was Russia, not Ukraine, fighting for its very existence.
“We aren’t fighting the Ukrainian people,” Putin said ahead of the war’s first anniversary Friday. “The Ukrainian people have become hostages of the Kyiv regime and its Western masters, which have effectively occupied the country.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures as he gives his annual state of the nation address in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
The speech reiterated a litany of grievances he has frequently offered as justification for the widely condemned military campaign while vowing no military letup in a conflict that has reawakened Cold War fears.
On top of that, Putin sharply upped the ante by declaring Moscow would suspend its participation in the New START Treaty. The pact, signed in 2010 by the U.S. and Russia, caps the number of long-range nuclear warheads the two sides can deploy and limits the use of missiles that can carry atomic weapons.
Putin also said Russia should stand ready to resume nuclear weapons tests if the U.S. does so, a move that would end a global ban on such tests in place since the Cold War era.
Participants applaud Russian President Vladimir Putin after his annual state of the nation address in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. (Maxim Blinov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken described Moscow’s decision as “really unfortunate and very irresponsible.”
“We’ll be watching carefully to see what Russia actually does,” he said while visiting Greece.
It was the second time in recent days the Ukraine war showed it could spread into perilous new terrain, after Blinken told China over the weekend that it would be a “serious problem” if Beijing provided arms and ammunition to Russia.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during the opening ceremony for a new wing of the U.S. embassy in Athens, Greece, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas, Pool)
China and Russia have aligned their foreign policies to oppose Washington. Beijing has refused to condemn Russia’s invasion or atrocities against civilians in Ukraine while strongly criticizing Western economic sanctions on Moscow. At the end of last year, Russia and China held joint naval drills in the East China Sea.
The deputy head of Ukraine’s intelligence service, Vadym Skibitskyi, told The Associated Press that his agency hasn’t so far seen any signs that China is providing weapons to Moscow.
Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, and made a dash toward Kyiv, apparently expecting to overrun the capital quickly. But stiff resistance from Ukrainian forces — supported by Western weapons — turned back Moscow’s troops. While Ukraine has reclaimed many areas initially seized by Russia, the sides have become bogged down elsewhere.
The war has revived the divide between Russia and the West, reinvigorated the NATO alliance, and created the biggest threat to Putin’s rule of more than two-decades. U.S. President Joe Biden, fresh off a surprise visit to Kyiv, was in Poland on Tuesday to solidify that Western unity.
While Russia’s Constitution mandates that the president deliver the speech annually, Putin never gave one in 2022, as his troops rolled into Ukraine and suffered repeated setbacks. Much of it covered old ground, as Putin offered his own version of recent history, discounting Ukraine’s arguments that it needed Western help to thwart a Russian military takeover.
“Western elites aren’t trying to conceal their goals, to inflict a ‘strategic defeat’ to Russia,” Putin said in the speech broadcast on all state TV channels. “They intend to transform the local conflict into a global confrontation.”
He added that Russia was prepared to respond since “it will be a matter of our country’s existence.” He has repeatedly depicted NATO’s expansion to include countries close to Russia as an existential threat to his country.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, who was in Ukraine on Tuesday, said she wished Putin had taken a different approach.
“What we heard this morning was propaganda that we already know,” Meloni said in English. “He says (Russia) worked on diplomacy to avoid the conflict, but the truth is that there is somebody who is the invader and somebody who is defending itself.”
Putin denied any wrongdoing in Ukraine, even after Kremlin forces struck civilian targets, including hospitals, and are widely accused of war crimes. Ukraine’s military reported Tuesday that Russian forces shelled the southern cities of Kherson and Ochakiv while Putin spoke, killing six.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lamented that Russian forces were “again mercilessly killing the civilian population.”
US President Joe Biden, left, delivers a statement as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy listens to him at Mariinsky Palace during an unannounced visit, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, Feb. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Putin began his speech with strong words for those countries that provided Kyiv with crucial military support and warned them against supplying any longer-range weapons.
“It’s they who have started the war. And we are using force to end it,” Putin said before an audience of lawmakers, state officials and soldiers.
Putin also accused the West of taking aim at Russian culture, religion and values because it is aware that “it is impossible to defeat Russia on the battlefield.”
Likewise, he said Western sanctions hadn’t “achieved anything and will not achieve anything.”
Reflecting the Kremlin’s clampdown on free speech and press, it barred coverage of the address by media from “unfriendly” countries, including the U.S., the U.K. and those in the European Union, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying their journalists could watch the broadcast.
President Joe Biden walks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral on a surprise visit, Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, in Kyiv. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)
He previously told reporters that the speech’s delay had to do with Putin’s “work schedule,” but Russian media reports linked it to the setbacks by Russian forces. The Russian president also postponed the state-of-the-nation address in 2017. Last year, the Kremlin also canceled two other big annual events — Putin’s news conference and a highly scripted phone-in marathon taking questions from the public.
Analysts expected Putin’s speech would be tough in the wake of Biden’s visit to Kyiv on Monday, which he did not mention. In his own speech later Tuesday, Biden was expected to highlight the commitment of the central European country and other allies to Ukraine over the past year.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that Biden’s address would not be “some kind of head to head” with Putin’s.
“This is not a rhetorical contest with anyone else,” said.
TK Park True Digital Park – located on the 3rd floor of True Digital Park West on Sukhumvit Road – is the first branch in the TK Park system.
Bangkok, February 2023 – TK park today announced the opening of its new library branch in Bangkok – TK Park True Digital Park, operated by TK Park and True Digital Park.
Located on the 3rd floor of True Digital Park West Building, ASEAN’s largest tech hub and start-up community, the 960-sq. m. library provides a safe learning space for employees, students, parents and kids.
In particular, this mini library offers learning opportunities to TK Park patrons living in the Bangna and Punnawithi communities immediately, with no need to sign up for a new membership. The offer is part of the “One Library” program aimed at connecting the knowledge center’s libraries nationwide to provide convenience to its patrons.
TK Park Director-General Kittiratana Pitipanich said: “TK Park True Digital Park, our brand new library in the city, is a 960-square-meter facility which that has been carefully designed to promote learning. It has over 80 seats and offers more than 1,800 print books covering different genres from business to technology and innovation for employees.
The library also has self-help books for improving yourself, along with novels, translated books and international magazines for adults and students. It has family books and kids’ storytelling books too.
TK Park Director-General Kittiratana Pitipanich
“On top of that, we have a space for visitors wishing to read e-book and e-magazines through TK Read and Libby By Overdrive that offers good English books. Our self-service stations make borrowing and returning books easy. Signing up for a new membership at this latest library is a breeze. You can do it through an automatic machine at the new library at your convenience. We also have a corner for kids and the family to do fun activities together.
TK Park True Digital Park is just a stone’s throw away from 101 The Third Place, one of the city’s newest lifestyle complexes and BTS SkyTrain’s Punnawithi station, and easily accessible through skywalks. It is open now from 10am to 8pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
“TK Park True Digital Park serves as a sandbox, or our mini library pilot scheme, which could be extended to other areas. We expect to see collaborative expansion with other companies and players to create new libraries and learning spaces elsewhere.
“We have collected data on the reading behaviors of new library users to learn about their reading interests, what kinds of books they are reading and what types of activities they want to do. The data are then processed and analyzed. The findings are reference points for improving our services and for creating activities that serve their exact needs.” Mr Kittiratana said.
Guidelines for the library use and special offers
Visitors who want to use the reading space at the TK Park True Digital Park don’t need to scan MyQR to access the place and use the service.
Those who wish to borrow a book from the new library are required to sign up for a membership using MyTK app.
Tenants of True Digital Park Building are entitled to free membership at the new library for a year. They can sign up for it through MyTK app and the automatic machine located in front of the library.
Patrons who obtain a membership at TK Park CentralWorld Bangkok can use the new library’s services including borrowing and returning books immediately. They don’t need to sign up for new membership at the TK Park True Digital Park.
For more information, please contact 02 009 1101 or add Line at @truedigitalpark
