The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya – and in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and B. Grimm Group Ltd. – will present a concert on 25th February at the Thailand Cultural Centre featuring a fresh new talent on the international violin circuit.
The Romanian violinist Ioana Cristina Goicea. Born in 1992 into a family of professional violinists, she will perform Camille Saint-Saëns’ gorgeous Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor opus 26. Dutch conductor Sander Teepen returns to conduct the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, opening the programme with Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture (Fingal’s Cave)and concluding with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A major opus 92.
Goicea won First Prize at the 2017 Michael Hill International Violin Competition in New Zealand, with critics praising her passionate performance and describing her as “a new star in the musical firmament.”
In 2018 she won First Prize at the German Music Competition in Bonn and was a laureate of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis. In 2019 she became a prize-winner of the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition in Brussels, and is also the winner of the J. Brahms International Competition (2013) and laureate of the “Fritz Kreisler” International Violin Competition Vienna (2014).
She has performed as a soloist with countless prestigious orchestras, including the Belgian National Orchestra, Nürnberger Symphoniker, Staatskapelle Halle, the Auckland Philharmonia, the Indianapolis Symphony, the George Enescu Philharmonic Bucharest, and the Beethoven Orchestra Bonn. In October 2020, at the tender age of twenty seven, she was appointed violin professor at the renowned University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna – a major achievement for such a young artist.
Since 2020 Sander Teepen has been on the faculty of Rotterdam’s Codarts Conservatory conducting department, and has worked with numerous orchestras including the Hague Philharmonic Orchestra, South Netherlands Philharmonic, the Gelders Orchestra, the Brabants Orchestra, and the Limburg Symphonic Orchestra.
He is known and respected for his ability to connect with other musicians in a very inspirational and spontaneous manner.
A Joro spider has a colorful body and weaves a large golden orb-web. (Photo provided to Xinhua)
CHONGQING, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) — A team of Chinese researchers has revealed a hierarchical mechanism under spider dragline silk spinning, which is expected to benefit spider-inspired artificial fibers.
Spider dragline silk makes up the main scaffolding of a spider’s web. Dragline silk has good mechanical properties and bionic application potential, but the amount of natural spider silk is limited. Many researchers dedicate their research to the secretion and synthesis process of dragline silk, hoping to realize artificial synthesis.
Researchers from China’s Southwest University first presented a chromosome-scale genome for the Joro spider (Trichonephila clavate), which has a colorful body and weaves a large golden orb-web, identifying 37,607 genes coding proteins.
The major ampullate gland (Ma gland), the source of dragline silk, comprises a tail, a sac, and an elongated duct. The researchers found a hierarchical biosynthesis of substances like spidroins (main proteins in spider silk), organic acids, and lipids in the different sections of the Ma gland.
The researchers reported their findings in the journal Nature Communications. They said the study provided a theoretical basis for studying the origin and evolution of spiders, dragline silk, and developing spider-inspired artificial fibers.
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — An 85-year-old woman was killed by an alligator while walking her dog in a senior living community on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, officials said.
The woman was walking her dog on Monday afternoon beside a canal in Spanish Lakes Fairway near Fort Pierce when the nearly 11-foot (3.3-meters) gator attacked the dog, St. Lucie Sheriff Ken Mascara said.
A trapper from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission later tracked down the gator and deputies helped get it on a truck. It was taken from the scene.
“FWC is in charge of the investigation, however we assisted with a helicopter and manpower,” Mascara said.
The woman’s name has not been released. Officials said the dog survived the attack, but its condition wasn’t immediately known.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, between 1948 and 2021 there have been 442 unprovoked alligator bites on humans, including 26 fatalities. The chances of a person in Florida being injured in an unprovoked alligator attack is about one in 3.1 million, according to the commission.
Once on the endangered species list, the alligator has recovered to the point that wildlife officials estimate the Florida population at more than 1.3 million animals.
Officials warn people to be careful around bodies of water, as well as against feeding alligators.
“Although alligators can move quickly on land, they are not well adapted for capturing prey out of the water,” the agency’s website said. “However, they can lunge at prey within a few feet of the shoreline.”
Fort Pierce is about 70 miles (112 kilometers) north of West Palm Beach.
A 2.7 metre-long crocodile which went missing five days ago from a circus troupe was found and caught from Ping River in Nakhon Sawan province on Wednesday.
Named “Ai Bod” or “The Blind”, The crocodile was just bought with two others from Chai Nat Province to the circus “Smart Little Elephant” for showing in Nakorn Sawan. It disappeared while the group’s car was parked in the area not far from the river in Banphot Phisai District.
On February 17, the circus owner rushed to report the incident to the police, and he later apologized to the locals. People in that area were scared for five days until the officers and rescuers captured the croc. They were relieved and thanked the search team.
The crocodile was found 100 metres away from where it was last spotted. The reptile suffered injuries when it was caught and is now cared for by veterinarian and temporarily kept at Nakhon Sawan Inland Fisheries Research and Development Centre.
Matichon Group will hold five forums and operate ten strategies with its various partners to offer comprehensive coverage of the upcoming general election 2023.
The group, which includes Matichon newspaper, Matichon TV, Matichon Weekender, Prachachat business news, Khaosod Thai and Khaosod English, will partner with five organizations to offer in depth and comprehensive election coverage.
The partners are: Thailand Development and Research Institute (TDRI), Thammasat University’s Pridi Banomyong International College, Institute of Politics and Policy Analysis, MFEC, a leading tech company, and Matichon Information Centre.
Details of the activities will be formally announced at a press conference on Thursday, Feb 23, at the ground floor of Matichon Building at 10.30 a.m. to 11.45 a.m. which can be followed through the group’s various media including a live coverage in English on Khaosod English.
The press conference entitled “Election 2023 A New Chapter for Thailand” will hear Prab Boonpan, Matichon Deputy MD for Digital Media and Technology discuss the activities together with TDRI Chairman Somkiat Tangkitvanich, President/CEO, Mfec PCL Siriwat Vongjarukorn, Assoc Prof Dr Tanaporn Sriyakoon, director of the Institute of Politics and Policy Analysis and Asst Prof Akarapong Kamkoon, Dean of Pridi Banomyong International College.
On the same day, a special talks will be delivered by writer Sorakol Adulyanond, aka
Num Muangchan and Thammasat law lecturer Parinya Thewanaruemitkun on the topic “Election 2023 Analysis: Thailand’s Future”.
As for the five forums and platforms to be followed in the weeks ahead, they are:
1) Election Policies Forum. Major parties will be invited by Matichon to sell their policies on March 13 in a forum moderated by Thai Politics Group at Pullman King Power Hotel (Soi Rang Nam).
2) Election 2023 In Depth. Matichon TV will decode the upcoming election by discussing the issue with leading political scientists Tanaporn Sriyakoon and Dr Satithorn Thananitichote of King Prajadhipok Institute. The event will be made available through Matichon Live Streaming on March 20.
3) On March 31 at Thammasat University’s Minor Conference Hall, Khaosod will host a forum for young Thais to express their political aspirations and expectations. New generation of politicians will also be invited to speak and the event will be moderated by Puwanart Kunpalin.
4) On April 5, Matichon will invite representatives from diverse groups of voters to discuss the election. The event will be disseminated through all Matichon media platforms.
5) On April 19, major PM candidates will speak with Matichon to demonstrate their vision and convince voters to support them.
But that’s not all. Matichon Group will pursue ten strategies through various platforms for a better coverage of the upcoming election.
1) An ad hoc website in Thai language: www.matichon.co.th/election/2566 will be up and running to reports on the five forums and more.
2) The Thai-language websites of Matichon, Prachachat and Khaosod will pool resources and synnergize with Matichon Information Centre for a more rounded and in depth reports on the political, economic and social dimension of the election.
3) All the group’s media will utilise all platforms available, including Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Twitter for its election coverage.
4) Matichon TV will keep reporting about election both at the local and national level on TV from Monday to Friday from now until the election day.
5) Matichon TV will have a weekly in depth election programme at 9pm every Tuesday night.
6) Khaosod Thai will talk to local voters. The coverage will be led by popular field reporter Natty Tanyaluck Wannakoet and disseminated through all Khaosod media platforms.
7) Local Khaosod reporters will ask local voters what they want to see after the election.
8) Prachachat business news will interview 10 major business leaders online. Interviewees include CP Group’s Suphachai Chearavanont, Suphajee Suthumpun of Dusit Hotels and Resorts Group and Jareeporn Jarukornsakul of WHA Industrial Development.
9) Exclusive contents on key election figures on Matichon Weekender in collaboration with Sorakol Adulyanond.
10) Live reports from the fronts of voting booths nationwide on the election day.
Last but not least, Matichon Group’s media will also have special election publication with new design that will provide voters with information to help them make the important decisions on election day.
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.
