UNICEF-supported Campaign Promotes Healthier Food Environments in Asia-pacific

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2 March 2023, 18:46

The “Fix My Food” campaign is a two-day co-creation workshop brainstorming ideas and identifying potential partners to assist in the campaign’s rollout in their respective countries.

BANGKOK, March 2 (Xinhua) — Youth and celebrities from eight countries, including China, took part in a UNICEF-supported campaign in Bangkok this week, to promote the need for healthier food environments in the Asia-Pacific.

The “Fix My Food” campaign is a two-day co-creation workshop brainstorming ideas and identifying potential partners to assist in the campaign’s rollout in their respective countries.
Traditional healthy fresh food diets are being replaced by highly processed and unhealthy junk food and drinks, “resulting in poor diets that have a devastating impact on the health and well-being of children in the region,” Roland Kupka, regional nutrition adviser for UNICEF East Asia and Pacific office, told Xinhua on Monday.

More than one in three adolescents in the region drink at least one sugary drink a day, while over half consume fast food once or more a week, and less than half are eating enough fruit and vegetables every day, according to UNICEF.

UNICEF has been working closely with governments and partners to introduce policies and legislation to curb the increase of the sale and the marketing of unhealthy food and drink in the region.

UNICEF2 — Meng Qianshan (C), a nutrition educator from Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, takes part in the UNICEF-supported “Fix My Food” campaign in Bangkok, Thailand, Feb. 27, 2023. (UNICEF China/Handout via Xinhua)

China, which has friendly cooperation with UNICEF, is taking an active role in children and food issues, said Lely Djuhari, Chief of Communication and Advocacy of UNICEF China. “We are aware that progress has been made in the realization of children’s rights in China, and much work remains to be done to improve children’s nutrition.”

With youth leading the campaign and support from celebrities and influencers, UNICEF hopes to create awareness about the impact of the changing food environment on the lives of girls and boys and the urgent need for governments, the private sector and civil society to take collective action to build a healthier food environment across the region.

“Upon coming home, I hope to work with my peers and youth groups in China,” said Chen Feipeng, a 24-year-old postgraduate student, who was recommended by the All China Youth Federation to attend the workshop.

“Through Hope Kitchen (a government nutrition program), which will contribute to improved access to affordable, available, well-packaged, and well-marketed healthy food options that everyone wants to buy,” he said.

This initiative will be implemented in the eight participating countries, China, Cambodia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Mongolia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste and Vietnam, and supported by UNICEF country offices and partners as part of UNICEF’s work to mobilize and empower young people to take action.

“Children’s diets influence both their physical and mental health, and all sectors of the society need to collectively build a child-friendly food environment, and promote a sustainable food system,” said Meng Qianshan, a nutrition educator from Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

Authorities Are Asked to Check for Chinese Retail Investors

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Khaosod English

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2 March 2023, 18:14

A group of Thai importers who import products from China have petitioned the government agency to investigate Samanea Plaza, fearing it could hamper Thai private businesses.

Samanea Plaza, a 200 rai retail and wholesale shop on Bang Na-Trat Frontage Rd, has been operating since late 2021 to sell all goods imported from China, from clothing and jewellry to electronic products and home furniture and decorations.

The group has 3 companies registered: Samanea Bangna 02 Limited, Samanea Bangna Limited, and Samanea Holdings (Thailand) Limited.

By initial checking, the companies are all registered by Thai citizens; therefore, it is not necessary for them to ask for permission to do business under the Foreign Business Act. They had the status of a Thai company.

If you look at the shareholding, more than 90 percent are Thai. Although they are of Chinese descent, they all have Thai identity cards. The only foreigners among the shareholders are from Hong Kong and hold only 1 percent of the shares.

A representative of the retail sector said the investigation request could be due to the losses of shops in Thailand whose products are imported from China, as well as Chinese businessmen in Thailand facing more competition from mainland Chinese businessmen who can source cheaper products.

Visit Limlurcha, vice-chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and honorary president of the Thai Food Processors Association, said Thailand has experienced a flood of imported Chinese food in recent years.

This can be seen in the products on the shelves of retail shops. The products imported from China are cheaper. It is up to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate whether these products were imported legally or not.

In the past, due to a lack of sufficient officers, the FDA and the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) have worked closely together to investigate dietary supplements and cosmetics. FDA officials first investigate on-site to determine whether the products are legally distributed under the Thai Food Act, B.E. 2522 (1979).

The team then seizes the offending product and sends it to a laboratory for further testing. If the products are found to be illegal, the police will proceed according to the law.

For the Samanea, the investigation began at the same time that the FDA and CPPD began their investigation into several Chinese import shops in Bangkok and found that the food and beverages were mislabelled, did not have a Thai label and were missing the FDA number. They seized more than 120 types of products, totalling more than 3,700 products. The FDA has also ordered provincial health authorities to investigate in their own province.

Harry, Meghan Asked To Leave UK Home in Further Royal Rift

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Khaosod English

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2 March 2023, 15:50

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle — FILE - Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)

LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have been asked to vacate their home in Britain, suggesting a further fraying of ties with the royal family amid preparations for the coronation of his father, King Charles III.

Frogmore Cottage, on the grounds of Windsor Castle west of London, had been intended as the couple’s main residence before they gave up royal duties and moved to Southern California. The Sun newspaper reported that Charles started the eviction process on Jan. 11, the day after the publication of Harry’s explosive memoir “Spare.”

“We can confirm The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been requested to vacate their residence at Frogmore Cottage,” a spokesperson for the couple said in statement.

Disclosures Harry made in “Spare” deepened the rift between him and his family. The book included his account of private conversations with his father, and his brother, Prince William.

After they left Britain, Harry and Meghan had said Frogmore Cottage would remain their base when they visited the U.K.

In September 2020, a spokesman announced the couple had repaid 2.4 million pounds ($3.2 million) in British taxpayers’ money that was used to renovate the home when they were working members of the royal family.

The money “fully covered” the cost of the renovation, the spokesman said.

Water Monitor Meat Was Not Destined for Fish Balls

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Khaosod English

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2 March 2023, 15:00

Water monitor meat was not destined for processing into fish balls. It also could not be found in the markets along the borders.

Police confirm hours after Wednesday’s raid on a slaughterhouse in Suphan Buri province, central Thailand, where 59 Asian water monitor carcasses and 32 still alive animals were found, that the meat was not destined for processing into fish balls as originally thought.

monitor11 — A slaughterhouse in Suphan Buri province, central Thailand, where 59 water monitor carcasses and 32 still alive animals were found

Central Investigation Bureau police said the meat was sent to markets along Thailand’s eastern border to be consumed by those who prefer wild animal meat. Police also discovered 28 turtle carcasses

It was reported that there was a business illegally bringing the meat of water monitor lizards from Suphan Buri to Trat, a province in Thailand’s southeastern corner, borders Cambodiato make food out of it, especially in the markets along the borders of Bo Rai District, Mueng District and Khlong Yai District.

monitor2 — A slaughterhouse in Suphan Buri province, central Thailand, where 59 water monitor carcasses and 32 still alive animals were found.

water monitor3 — Police confirm the water monitor meat was not destined for processing into fish balls as originally thought

Khao Sod reporters investigated on the ground at the markets in Bo Phloi Sub-district, Bo Rai District, Trat on Thursday. Most of the markets are still functioning normally and selling chicken, pork, beef and other ingredients, despite the news that water monitor meat is to be sold in the area. The reporters did not see any water monitor meat in the area.

Supit Tiengtaisong, a pork seller and member of the Bo Phloi market committee, said that there had never been a seller of water monitor meat in the market. He added that people in the area normally consume almost 100 per cent pork, beef and chicken. People do not sell water monitor meat because no one eats it and it is a wild product whose sale is illegal. He added that he was not sure if other markets sell water monitor meat as he had never checked.

no monitor — There is no water monitor meat in the market.

Another Cambodian vegetable trader, Shu, who runs his business in the area, said that Cambodians are familiar with the water monitor but do not usually eat ita meat, as Cambodians usually eat pork, beef and chicken, similar to Thai people.

Ekachai Piensriwatchara, deputy director general of the department of health, said the meat of the water monitor does not contain nutrients. It could possibly contain bacteria that cause diarrhoea and digestive problems.

The Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator) is a large varanid lizard native to South and Southeast Asia. It is one of the most common monitor lizards in Asia, ranging from coastal northeast India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, mainland Southeast Asia, and southern China to Indonesian islands where it lives close to water. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Over 26,000 Evacuated as Floods Hit Malaysia Again; 1 Dead

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Associated Press

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2 March 2023, 14:13

Malaysia Flood — In this photo released by National Disaster Management Agency, the army evacuate residents on Chaah town in Segamat, in southern Johor state, Malaysia, Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Rescuers in boats plucked flood victims trapped on rooftops and hauled others to safety as incessant rain submerged homes and villages in parts of Malaysia, leading to over 26,000 people evacuated as of Thursday. (National Disaster Management Agency via AP)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Rescuers in boats retrieved families trapped on rooftops and hauled others to safety as villages and towns in parts of Malaysia were submerged in floodwaters, leading to over 26,000 people being evacuated as of Thursday. One person died when his car was swept away by floodwaters.

The southern Johor state, neighboring Singapore, was the worst hit with some 25,000 people moved to relief centers in schools and community halls. The figure more than doubled from Tuesday, officials said. Five other states were also hit by floods after incessant rain on Wednesday deluged the area.

AP23061169683533 — In this photo released by National Disaster Management Agency, the army evacuate residents on Chaah town in Segamat, in southern Johor state, Malaysia, Wednesday, March 1, 2023. (National Disaster Management Agency via AP)

The country is experiencing its sixth episode of continuous heavy rain from the annual monsoon season that started in November, the Meteorological Department said, warning it could drag on until April.

In December, tens of thousands of people were also evacuated due to flooding.

The department warned that rain will persist in Johor and other parts of the country that could cause further flash floods Thursday.

AP23061169621233 — In this photo released by National Disaster Management Agency, the army evacuate residents on Chaah town in Segamat, in southern Johor state, Malaysia, Wednesday, March 1, 2023. (National Disaster Management Agency via AP)

Social media posts showed photos of a road that had collapsed due to overflowing water after a heavy downpour, vehicles and homes submerged in muddy waters, and shuttered shops.

In Johor, authorities said a man driving to work in a palm oil plantation was found dead after rescuers retrieved his car, which had been washed away by floodwaters.

AP23061169547122 — In this photo released by National Disaster Management Agency, the army evacuate residents on Chaah town in Segamat, in southern Johor state, Malaysia, Wednesday, March 1, 2023. (National Disaster Management Agency via AP)

Images posted by the National Flood Disaster Agency showed rescuers wading chest-deep in some areas in Johor to help victims trapped in their homes and carrying a baby in a bucket to safety.

The agency warned that waters in 25 rivers nationwide have reached dangerous levels. Data showed that 102 landslides have occurred since November due to heavy rain, it said.

Husband of Ex-japan Princess Mako Registered as Lawyer in N.Y.

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Kyodo News

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2 March 2023, 01:28

NEW YORK (Kyodo) – Kei Komuro, the husband of Japanese former princess Mako Komuro, has been registered as a lawyer in the U.S. state of New York, a local judicial website showed.

Komuro’s registration, dated Monday according to the New York State Unified Court System, came after he passed the state’s bar examination on his third attempt last July.

His title in a legal firm in New York he has been working for has been changed from law clerk to associate.

Komuro, 31, graduated from New York City’s Fordham University School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree in May 2021. He and Emperor Naruhito’s 31-year-old niece have been living in the city since late 2021.

They tied the knot in October that year amid public unease over the marriage due to a financial dispute involving Komuro’s mother and her former fiance.

The 1947 Imperial House Law, which limits heirs to the imperial throne to males with an emperor in the paternal line, requires female royals to give up their status when they marry commoners.

Matichon PCL Reported 69.75 million Baht of Net Profit in 2022

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Khaosod English

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2 March 2023, 00:53

Matichon Public Company Limited’s operation reported to the Stock Exchange of Thailand ending December 31, 2022 generated (excluding additional revenue) 710.40 million baht (20.5 million U.S. dollars) in revenue. It was an increase of 17.02 million baht, or a 2.45 percent increase, from the same period in 2021 which registered a total revenue (excluding other income sources) of 693.38 million baht.

Parnbua Boonparn, Managing Director, noted that the increased consolidated revenue is the result of the company initiating new businesses and well rounded which led to new dynamics in media business. This operation offers quality content packaged in platforms and activities while forging a wide network for alliances.

The transformation toward online media led to an increasing online-based advertisement which currently amounts to 72.6 percent of total advertising revenue.

“We are a leader in the industry with Khaosod Facebook platform, is the most followed mass media Facebook page in the country, including the level of interaction from followers as well as the total number of view achieved by its video clips in also the highest among mass media companies in the country.” Boonparn said.

As for Khaosod and Matichon news websites, they’re also popular and ranked at Number 2 and 4 respectively, according to True Hits ranking.

Furthermore, the YouTube channels of Matichon and Khaosod TVs saw new and diverse programmes being introduced. Short video clips such as those from the TikTok app are also being produced and are becoming increasingly popular among the new generation.

Khaosod’s TikTok has been ranked as Number 1 among mass media producers in the Asia Pacific region. All these constitute the potentials and abilities of the “company” to generate income.

As for the print media business, the income from selling pocketbooks and subscriptions have increased 43.93 percent. This led to the “company” to raise the prices of its magazines and increase the quality of content.

The “company” not only succeeded in maintaining its readership base but in fact continually expanded the number of subscribers. It participates in book fairs that have made a comeback and become popular again both at regional and national levels.

The “company” also organized “Matichon Awards 2022” to inject excitement and buzz among those in the circle of writers and poets. It fosters new readers among the younger generation.

The income generated from printing books and texts to order from its printing house increased by 32.72 percent. This stems from its marketing and the demand for quality printed materials on special occasions.

The “company” has also seriously embarked on a marketing offensive that has been emulated by other media firms. For 2022, the revenue from seminar and other related activities rose by 47.65 percent – a result of expansion in diverse events organized reaching new target groups.

What’s more, the “company” also expanded its collaboration to various alliances in the field of tourism, arts, culture, communities, both within Thailand and abroad. Retail alliance are also being forged with convenient stores to sell our books at 200 purchasing spots nationwide.

As for our financial strength as of 31 December, 2022, the company is in possession of cash and items equivalent to cash as well as current assets totaling 1.32 billion baht. This sum is equal to 69.04 percent of the total assets of the “company” and an increase of 2.32 percent compared to 2021.

As a result of diverse and well-rounded new business strategy initiatives which met the target led to the growth of revenue and the strengthening of the “company” financial strength. This was coupled by an effective control of expenditure. It led the “company” to register 69.75 million baht (2 million U.S. dollars) of net profit in 2022.

Paralyzed Polar Bear Striving for Recovery in Moscow Zoo

By

Xinhua News Agency

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1 March 2023, 23:49

polar bear1 — Paralyzed polar bear Dikson crawls on snow in Moscow Zoo in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Meng Jing)

MOSCOW, March 1, 2023 (Xinhua) – To meet Dikson, a three-year-old male polar bear, it is better to go as soon as Moscow Zoo opens at nine o’clock. February mornings in Moscow are still freezing, but lively Dikson seems to enjoy playing in the snow, a scene totally different from that six months ago.

Dikson is named after an island in Krasnoyarsk Krai of Russia, where it was found in September last year.

At that time, the paralyzed bear dehydrated severely and all it could move was its head and front paws, as it was reportedly shot by a villager for self-protection.

RECOVERING IN ZOOA

few days after it was found, the young bear was sent to Moscow Zoo for a better cure. Also in here, Dikson had a damaged tooth removed. After more than five months into his rehabilitation, the bear is now recovering well, having grown from merely 60 kg to 160 kg.

Ivan Pazhetnov, head of the department of carnivores at Moscow Zoo, said the bear did not show any aggression upon its arrival. Some days later, it could recognize its caretakers’ voices.

The zoo arranged internal enclosures for Dikson, with glass walls covered from outside and a few small observation windows left. Within its living quarters, there is a swimming pool, where it can be trained to move and catch fish.

When Dikson’s caretakers released fish into the water, the tender creature suddenly showed interest and began to approach the pool.

After pointing its nose close to the water surface for a while, the bear turned around and lunged into the icy pool backward, where it looked rather accustomed. After a short while, it made its way back ashore. For every step forward, Dikson had to lean forward, and bow its head with full strength to counter the weight of its lower body, half a step at a time.

Dikson will stay in Moscow Zoo for a while as it still needs continuous medical care, the zoo said.

polar bear2 — Paralyzed polar bear Dikson is seen in Moscow Zoo in Moscow, Russia, Feb. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Meng Jing)

VULNERABLE POLAR BEAR

Polar Bear is a Red Book animal in Russia, and scientists believe the bears are now in decline in some areas due to various reasons. The work Moscow Zoo has been conducting is pioneering, as it is the first time in Russia that a polar bear in such a grave condition was transported to a zoo and rescued.Dikson’s caretakers recently have accustomed it to a vibratory massager, aimed at stimulating muscle contraction through an electrical impulse to prevent lactic acid stagnation.

Veterinarians have observed positive dynamics in the bear’s condition, as Dikson occasionally puts his hind left paw from “lying” to “sitting” position, moves its ankle more often and responds to touch.

“The goals and objectives of rehabilitation are to achieve some kind of partial regression of the cut, so that we have a bear that eventually stands on its hind legs,” said Pazhetnov.

On International Polar Bear Day, which fell on Monday, Svetlana Akulova, head of Moscow Zoo, called on everyone to raise awareness of protecting polar bears, saying the animals are powerful, but also vulnerable.

Global warming and man-made climate change have been making life tough for these impressive predators, with around 22,000 polar bears left in the wild, the World Wide Fund for Nature said on its website.Dikson is fortunate to be cured, while its brothers and sisters are still facing a serious challenge.

Justin Bieber Concert in Bangkok Has Been Cancelled

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Khaosod English

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1 March 2023, 22:39

AEG Presents Asia and Live Nation Tero Entertainment announced Wednesday afternoon the delayed JUSTIN BIEBER JUSTICE WORLD TOUR BANGKOK, as well as concerts in the United States, Ireland, France, Poland, Australia, Denmark, and the Czech Republic, has been cancelled.

“Customers who have purchased tickets can receive refunds through ThaiTicketMajor’s 11 main outlets. Please contact ThaiTicketMajor call centre on 0 2262 3838 or email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Refunds will be available from March 6, 2023 until April 30, 2023,” the firms said on its FB page.

“AEG Presents Asia and Live Nation Tero Entertainment deeply apologize for any inconvenience caused…”

According to CNN, the artist and his representatives haven’t commented on the cancellations or given a reason.

Fans in London, where Bieber was originally scheduled to perform in February, received an email from events company AXS on Tuesday stating: “We regret to inform you that the Justin Bieber shows planned to take place at The O2 arena have been cancelled.”

Bieber first announced that he would be taking a break from performing in June, one month after his tour began, due to having Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome, which left his face partially paralyzed.

The pop star then resumed touring at the end of July.

However, after going to Europe and performing six live shows, “it took a real toll” on him, the singer announced in a statement posted on Twitter in September.

He added that he needs to make his health “the priority” right now: “I’m going to be ok, but I need time to rest and get better.”

Srettha Thavisin’s Entry Into Politics Causes Different Reactions

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Khaosod English

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1 March 2023, 20:26

The appointment of real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin as chief economic advisor for the main opposition Pheu Thai Party on Wednesday elicited many reactions from political figures.

Sretta is widely expected to be another PM candidate for the party, along with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin. The law allows for three PM candidates from each party.

Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha was moody again on Wednesday when reporters ask him about Srettha as chief economic advisor. Sretta is also a potential PM candidate.

“Mark my words. The term “country’s economy” does not refer to the economy or business of a family. Don’t you understand? It belongs to the entire nation… don’t bother asking me!.” Gen. Prayut said

Deputy PM Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, who’s also leader of the ruling Phalang Pracharath Party, said: “It’s doesn’t matter who’s [being appointed]. We have our own people.”

Bhumjai Thai Party leader Anutin Charnveerakul meanwhile congratulates the party as said Srettha is an able, experienced, knowledgeable person as well as a successful businessman. Anutin added he known Srettha for over a decade and the political competition will make people more confident in elections and democracy.

Srettha meanwhile said he has been a member of the Pheu Thai Party for a while and had offered advice senior party executives thus the appointment is an auspicious occasion. He added It’s time to return the power to the people.

Srettha said the party’s PM candidate Paetongtarn is now seven month pregnant so he’ll be assisting the party in campaigning the way he’s good at. Asked if this is the first step to become a PM candidate, Srettha said let’s not jump to conclusions yet.

เศรษฐา2 — FILE – Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra

Paetongtarn meanwhile declined to react to Prayut’s verbal attack on Srettha today but pointed out that Prayut is a senior political figure while she’s more junior so she won’t be commenting on the matter.

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