Kenyans set new records as 7th Buriram Marathon draws over 30,000 runners
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2023
Runners from Kenya set new records at the Buriram Marathon in both the male and female categories on Saturday.
More than 30,000 participants, including 1,063 foreign runners from 46 countries, joined the races on a course that passes by the major attractions in the Northeast province’s Muang district.
Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn presided over the opening ceremony of the marathon promoting Buriram as a “runners’ paradise”.
The event featured four races – a marathon (42.195 kilometres), a half marathon (21.1km), a mini marathon (10km), and a fun run (4.554km) – with start times staggered from late afternoon to late evening.
Kenyan Titus Kipkoskai, 30, set a new record in the men’s marathon with a time of 2.08.57, shaving almost three seconds off the previous record of 2.11.46. Kenyan Agnes Kaino set a record in the women’s marathon with a time of 2.28.08. The previous record was 2.32.41.
Thai male and female runners, Sanchai Namkhet and Linda Intachit, finished their marathons just seconds behind, at 2.30.00 and 2.51.51, respectively.
Sanchai said he was satisfied because his time was faster than the previous year. He also thanked his fans for cheering him on.
Kenyan runner James Caranja took first place in the men’s half marathon with a time of 1.09.29. Thai runner Onanong Wongsorn won the women’s half marathon with a time of 1.24.29.
Thai runner Nattawut Innum, who won third place in the men’s half marathon – with a time of 1.06.05 – said he was satisfied with the result because he broke the record for the 18 to 29 years old age group of 1.07.58.
Thai runners Nattawat Innum and Khemjira Chua-in won first place in the men’s and women’s mini marathons, with times of 32.10 and 39.20 minutes to complete the distance, respectively. Nattawat is Nattawut’s younger brother.
Kunlavut, Supanida carry Thai hopes in Indian Open semi-finals
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2023
Thailand’s world No. 8 Kunlavut Vitidsarn booked his second straight semi-final appearance on the BWF World Tour after he stamped his authority over former world champion Lo Kean Yew of Singapore in the Yonex Sunrise India Open badminton on Friday.
Seven days after reaching the Malaysian Open last four, the in-form Thai No. 1 utilised his signature defensive game to upset the Singaporean third seed 21-12 21-17 in the quarter-finals. It was Kunlavut’s fourth straight win over the 2021 BWF world champion.
After a sluggish start that saw him trail Lo 7-11 at the first intermission, the 21-year-old Thai tightened his defensive strategy while his opponent made a string of unforced errors. Kunlavut reeled off 12 straight points to surge ahead at 19-11, allowing just one more point to his rival before landing the opener with ease.
World No. 7 Lo raised his game and pushed his Thai rival to the limit in the second game. But at 17-all, Kunlavut surged ahead, taking four successive points to close the deal. It was the first time that Kunlavut had beaten Lo in straight games. Last week, he prevailed over the Singaporean in three games in Malaysia.
In Saturday’s semi-finals, the Thai ace will face world No. 3 Anthony Sinisuka Ginting of Indonesia.
On the women’s side, Thailand’s world No. 30 Supanida Katehong got a walk-over into the semi-finals after Olympic gold medalist Chen Yufei of China pulled out due to illness.
Supanida will take on world No. 1 Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, the title winner in Malaysia last week. However, Pornpawee Chochuwong, the other Thai in the quarter-finals, was sent packing by second-seeded An Se Young of South Korea 21-14 21-14.
After eight minutes of intense action, the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion scored a third-round knockout victory over #2-ranked contender Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov at ONE Friday Fights 1 on January 20.
Nong-O struggled in the opening frame at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, as the much lankier Russian hopped in and out of the Thai superstar’s range and pelted him with jabs and straight punches.
Ramazanov tried to punish the defending titleholder’s legs with low kicks as well, and all seemed to be working out for the Venum Training Camp Thailand product – especially after rocking Nong-O with a loopy punch at the end of the round.
When the second canto kicked off, Ramazanov upped the pace and sent more guard-splitting punches through his rival’s forearm defense. At that moment, the Thai knew he was in for a fight, as he was forced to battle from behind his gloves with split-second reactions.
However, it also appeared that “Babyface Killer” was beginning to feel the effects of his output. After his combinations, he would take a gulp of oxygen and, Nong-O – sensing the challenger was wilting – began to wear his menacing grimace.
In round three, Nong-O found his range and rhythm, and he unloaded punch after punch onto Ramazanov’s head and torso. As a matter of fact, the defending ONE World Champion beat the challenger from one corner of the ring to the next.
For a good two minutes, the Thai legend exhausted himself on “Babyface Killer.” Overhand rights, uppercuts, left hooks, straight punches to the torso – they came at his opponent from every angle and all at once. But it was a left shovel hook that brought an overwhelmed Ramazanov to his knees, and then to all fours.
The Russian couldn’t return to his feet, so referee Olivier Coste called a stop to the action at 2:14 of round three, awarding Nong-O the win and his seventh successful World Title defense. ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong then gifted the bantamweight Muay Thai king a US$50,000 performance bonus.
The concept of Zuma was born as a result of one chef’s obsessive passion with Japanese cuisine and his conviction that London was the place to develop his take on traditional Japanese food.
A fortuitous meeting between Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney not only resulted in the realisation of a vision, with Zuma restaurant opening in Knightsbridge in 2002, but was also the beginning of a partnership that successfully expanded the concept worldwide.
Zuma has successfully launched several locations across the world including Hong Kong (2007), Dubai (2008), Istanbul (2008), Miami (2010), Datca Peninsula (2013), Abu Dhabi (2014), New York (2015), Rome (2016), Las Vegas (2017) and most recently Boston (2019). Zuma Bangkok opened in November 2011.
Design
An essential component of Zuma is in its surroundings that are inspired by the 4 elements of Earth, Fire, Water and Air. The esteemed Japanese design company Super Potato was commissioned to materialise the vision. Designer, Noriyoshi Muramatsu, quickly developed an emotional attachment to the project and used his expertise, both spiritually and aesthetically. Amid his symbolic design, he introduced calming water features and used antique pine, re-cycled from old Japanese houses. He believes the wood to hold the goodwill of the previous owners. It took over 3 months of travel and research, to locate the exact granite and different woods that were ultimately selected for the project. Zuma is about a complete dining experience and complement the taste and flavour of the food.
Food and drinks
Zuma’s characteristic culinary concept features a main kitchen, sushi counter and robata grill offering modern, sophisticated Japanese cuisine.
Greatly influenced by his time in Japan, chef Rainer Becker has introduced a modern, elegant and sophisticated cuisine philosophy, which has been inspired by the more informal Japanese dining style – Izakaya. The menu is authentic but not traditional. Essentially it is made up of three different components: the main kitchen – offering a selection of contemporary dishes, the Sushi Bar – with dedicated sushi chefs, and the Robata Grill – a concept which originates from the cooking style of northern Japanese fishermen.
An exciting and innovative range of drinks perfectly complement the cuisine. Indeed, Zuma boasted the first sake sommelier in Europe. Such is Becker’s dedication to sake, that he serves 40 different varieties, including his own Biwa no Choju, which is brewed exclusively for Zuma from the waters of Lake Biwa in the Shiga prefecture. The lake’s natural mineral water was made legendary in Japan by the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshiro, who in the 15th century created the rules that govern Japanese cooking styles and tea ceremonies today.
Zuma Bangkok also boasts an ample selection of fine wines.
Bar at Zuma
In addition to the wines and sakes offered in the restaurant, the award-winning bar at Zuma is a destination in its own right. This unique and celebrated venue is renowned for its signature cocktails- using premium ingredients and select Japanese spirits.
Book Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2023
Farida Waller
Life in a world where you are surrounded by people should never be lonely. But for Adeline “Addie” LaRue, loneliness is redefined – she has to spend centuries alone, forgotten, isolated, all because of a bargain she makes with Luc “The Darkness” in exchange for freedom.
The deal is she can be free and immortal, except nobody will remember her, ever. The author, VE Schwab, takes readers on a whimsical journey over 300 years, from the time LaRue is born in the 18th century in a small French village to 2014 when she meets the love of her life in a small New York bookshop.
Published in 2020, “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” was on the New York Times bestseller list and is now being considered for film adaptation. It was nominated for the 2020 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel, but lost to “Middlegame” by fellow American author Seanan McGuire.
Schwab, however, has more than 20 books under her belt, including bestsellers “Vicious” and “A Darker Shade of Magic”.
In her latest offering, Schwab does not just weave a story through significant times in history, but also sheds light on depression and LaRue’s inability to forge lasting connections.
“Being forgotten, she thinks, is a bit like going mad. You begin to wonder what is real, if you are real. After all, how can a thing be real if it cannot be remembered?” the author says. Though depression and other mental health issues are now more commonly talked about, they are still unscalable mountains for the sufferers.
This challenge is captured by Schwab’s depiction of the deal LaRue has made with Luc – she cannot speak or write her name, leave no footprints behind or even be photographed.
People can interact with her, but she is immediately forgotten as soon as she is out of sight.
Though immortal, LaRue still feels all the physical and mental anguish suffered by humans – before she wakes up again. If she wants to end this eternal torture, she will have to give her soul over to Luc.
“I am stronger than your God and older than your devil. I am the darkness between stars, and the roots beneath the earth. I am promise, and potential, and when it comes to playing games, I divine the rules, I set the pieces, and I choose when to play,” he says.
LaRue’s adventures take readers across time, countries and continents, from masquerade balls in Venice to becoming a German prisoner of war during World War II.
Yet, though LaRue was condemned to a life of invisibility, the reader learns how far a young woman will go to make a mark until one day, in a little bookshop in New York, she meets the love of her life, Henry Strauss, who says “I remember you”.
The tale sheds light on the fact that support, bonds and social interaction are necessary for survival. Like Matthew Lieberman says in his book, “Social: Why Our Brains are Wired to Connect”, humanity’s need to associate socially with others is as fundamental as the need for food, water and a roof over our heads.
Schwab captures this hunger for connection with a dreamlike character-driven narrative, grabbing the reader with intrigue, surprises, twists, romance and dark emotions.
The book takes readers on an enchanting voyage as LaRue grows from a naïve village girl to a sophisticated young woman who knows how to play Luc’s games.
The book ends on a cliffhanger with the possibility of a sequel and a nagging question: Would you rather be forgotten but free, or remembered but shackled?
Hackers using Google search ads for software to push malware, website warns
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2023
Hackers have been pushing malware via Google search ads for popular software, including VLC, 7-Zip, CCleaner, and Winrar, warns tech security website BleepingComputer.
Hackers are setting up fake websites for free, open-source software to promote malicious downloads through advertisements that appear in Google search results, the website said.
It cited the case of crypto influencer Alex, also known as “NFT God”, who was recently hacked after launching a fake executable for the open broadcaster software that allows video recording and live streaming, which he had downloaded from an advertisement that appeared in Google search results.
Alex was likely attacked by information-stealing malware targeting saved browser passwords, cookies, and cryptocurrency wallets.
According to BleepingComputer, he soon found that his account at the OpenSea NFT marketplace had also been compromised and that a different wallet was listed as the owner of one of his digital assets.
BleepingComputer listed 10 popular programs that users should double check before clicking on the download links that appear in Google searches:
7-Zip
Blender 3D
Capcut
CCleaner
Notepad++
OBS
Rufus
VirtualBox
VLC Media Player
WinRAR
Putty
The website advises that the latest antivirus software, either free or paid, be installed and updated on any device before downloading from sites users are unsure of.
Furthermore, using ad-blockers, which are available as extensions in most web browsers, can decrease the risk of accidentally clicking on sponsored links, as they stop advertisements from being loaded and displayed on a web page, including search results.
BleepingComputer has submitted their findings to Google, who responded by removing the reported malicious ads in accordance with the company’s policy on brand impersonation prevention.
What should our governments do about emerging technologies?
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2023
Never before have the governments around the world found themselves in a situation where they are not certain what to do. They are facing a rapidly changing technological landscape, as new and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things are rapidly transforming industries and society as a whole.
In order to ensure that these technologies are developed and deployed in ways that benefit society, governments are expected to take a proactive and strategic approach to their regulation and adoption.
In addition, they should also take a holistic approach to the development and deployment of emerging technologies. This includes considering the broader social, economic, and environmental impacts of these technologies, as well as their potential long-term effects on society. They should also work to ensure that all members of society have access to the benefits of these technologies, and that no one is left behind.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is perhaps the fastest developing technology that has the potential to transform almost every industry and improve people’s lives in many ways. However, there are also potential risks and challenges that must be addressed. Governments are increasingly recognizing the need to take a well-defined approach to the development and deployment of AI in order to ensure that the benefits of this technology are widely distributed and that the potential negative impacts are minimized.
One key aspect to AI is to establish clear and consistent regulations for its development and deployment. This includes guidelines for the ethical use of AI, as well as rules for data privacy and security. Additionally, governments can establish national AI ethics boards, which will help ensure that the development of AI aligns with social values and ethical principles.
One specific example of this is the use of AI in the workplace, which has the potential to increase productivity and efficiency. However, if not properly regulated, it could also lead to job displacement and perpetuate bias and discrimination. Governments should thus develop policies to ensure that the benefits of AI are widely distributed and that the potential negative impacts are minimized, such as retraining programs for workers who may be displaced by AI.
Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize many industries, including finance, supply chain management, and voting systems. As such, governments are beginning to consider how they should approach this technology.
First and foremost, governments should approach blockchain with an open mind and a willingness to experiment. While the technology is still in its early stages and many of its potential uses have yet to be fully realized, there are already a number of promising applications that could have a significant impact on government operations and services. For example, blockchain-based voting systems could increase transparency and voter turnout, while blockchain-based supply chain management could improve the traceability and accountability of goods.
One of the key ways that governments can approach blockchain is by providing a clear regulatory framework for the technology. While blockchain is decentralized by design, governments can still play a role in ensuring that the technology is used in a responsible and lawful manner. This could include creating guidelines for how blockchain-based companies should operate, setting standards for the security and privacy of blockchain systems, and ensuring that blockchain-based systems comply with existing laws and regulations.
Blockchain is still a relatively new technology and there are many unanswered questions about how it can be used and what its impact will be. By investing in research and development, governments can help to further advance the technology and better understand its potential uses and implications.
In addition, governments should also consider partnering with private sector entities to explore the potential of blockchain technology. The private sector has a wealth of experience and expertise in this area, and by working together, governments and private companies can help to accelerate the development and deployment of blockchain-based systems.
The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work, connecting a vast array of devices to the internet and allowing them to communicate with each other in order to perform a wide range of tasks. As governments begin to grapple with how to regulate this rapidly-evolving technology, it is important that they take a strategic and holistic approach that balances the need for innovation and growth with the need to protect citizens’ privacy and security.
One key area where governments should focus is on developing and implementing regulations that promote the responsible use of IoT devices. This might include setting standards for device manufacturers to ensure that their products are secure and can be easily updated to protect against potential vulnerabilities, as well as guidelines for businesses and individuals on how to properly use and secure IoT devices. Additionally, governments should work to create a legal framework that provides clear guidance on issues such as data ownership and privacy, helping to ensure that citizens’ personal information is protected and that they have control over how it is used.
Another important area for governments to focus on is in creating an environment that encourages the growth and development of IoT-related industries. This might include providing funding and support for research and development, as well as creating incentives for businesses to invest in IoT technologies. Additionally, governments should work to improve digital infrastructure, such as investing in 5G networks, which will be key to the success of IoT.
Overall, as emerging technologies continue to transform society and the global economy, governments must take a proactive and strategic approach to their development and deployment. By establishing clear regulations, promoting collaboration and cooperation, and considering the broader social and economic impacts of these technologies, governments can ensure that they are developed and deployed in ways that benefit society as a whole.
Minor International accelerates growth strategy, unveils three-year strategic plan
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2023
Nongluck Ajanapanya
Minor International (MINT), a Thai multinational focused on hospitality, restaurant, and lifestyle brands, has launched a three-year strategic plan focused on accelerating growth by improving productivity, cutting costs, and refining data analytics, MINT group CEO Dillip Rajakarier said on Friday.
“Moving into 2023, MINT is fully committed to driving business ‘back to growth’ with prudent business strategies and investment plans for Minor Hotels, Minor Food, and Minor Lifestyle, in order to remain market leaders capable of accommodating current and future customer demand,” he told a press conference.
MINT’s three-year strategic plan focuses on strengthening its brand portfolio, improving productivity and profitability, collaborating with partners to achieve growth, enhancing innovation and digitisation, empowering people and teams, and ensuring long-term growth, he said.
The company also anticipated that the rising number of tourists following the reopening of borders would help support business growth this year.
Dillip Rajakarier
“Tourist arrivals in Thailand are expected to rise from around 11 million in 2022 to 22 million in 2023. The two-fold increase in arrivals will be achieved as a result of Mainland China’s recent reopening on January 8, 2023, which is expected to result in additional tourist arrivals to previous forecasts, stimulate demand, and further drive economic activities for all MINT businesses,” he said.
Minor Hotels, Rajakarier said, would continue to see revenue growth this year due to an increase in advance bookings.
The company intends to raise both occupancy and room rates. It will also improve service to attract more business travellers and increase marketing, he said.
Minor Food’s revenues continue to grow across all channels while costs are being cut to increase profitability, Rajakarier said.
“New initiatives, such as new store formats, customer loyalty programmes to increase customer engagement, and new product development to create market excitement are examples of such efforts,” he said. “These strategies will continue to propel Minor Food to the forefront of its industry.”
Minor Lifestyle has expanded by focusing on being more customer-centric online as the e-commerce market expands, he said, adding that the unit of MINT would leverage data analytics “to increase customer retention and acquire new customers”.
Chaiyapat Paitoon
MINT issued new subordinated perpetual bonds, MINT No.1/2566, on December 2, 2022. MINT is rated “A” with a “stable” outlook by TRIS Rating, while the subordinated perpetual bonds are rated “BBB+”.
Chaiyapat Paitoon, MINT’s chief financial officer, said the funds raised from the bonds would help the company grow.
The new subordinated debentures will be sold to the public between February 7 and 9, through 11 Thai financial institutions.
Chinese astronauts send Chinese New Year greetings from space station
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2023
The Shenzhou-15 astronauts Fei Junlong, Deng Qingming and Zhang Lu sent their Chinese New Year greetings from China’s Tiangong space station in a video released by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on New Year’s Eve.
The trio, dressed in blue jumpsuits with dark red patterns, each held a sticker showing their own calligraphy. Two of the stickers were written with the Chinese character “fu”, meaning good luck, and the other sent good luck wishes from Tiangong.
“Wearing new clothes, eating dumplings and sending blessings — the festive customs and atmosphere are the same here,” said Zhang.
The astronauts have decorated the orbiting space station, about 400 km above Earth, with red couplets and Chinese knots.
“I believe that, at the moment, many people are sticking to their work posts just like us, which is also a kind of happiness,” said Deng, adding that each individual’s dreams and efforts can converge together into a vigorous force to promote the country’s modernization drive.
Fei, the commander, wished the country and its people peace and prosperity.
In another video also released by the CMSA Saturday, the astronauts displayed 40 paintings by children in a “space painting exhibition” as a New Year gift to all Chinese people.
The paintings, launched together with the Shenzhou-15 mission on Nov. 29 last year, depicted the children’s impressions and expectations of the country’s rapid development, diverse cultural traditions and brave space exploration.
The Shenzhou-15 mission wraps up the last stage of the space station construction and kicks off the first stage of its application and development.
During their six-month stay in orbit, the Shenzhou-15 crew will carry out more than 40 experiments and tests in the fields of space science research and application, space medicine and space technology, and will conduct extravehicular activities on three to four occasions.
Sydney’s Chinatown hops back into business for Year of the Rabbit
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2023
Sydney’s Chinatown hopped back into business on Saturday to welcome in the Lunar New Year dedicated to the rabbit, with locals and tourists taking to the streets after years of on-off Covid-19 lockdowns.
As a dance troupe performed the iconic lion dance, visitors photographed rabbit-inspired installations and embraced the spirit of the Lunar New Year.
Businesses like Sharetea in the heart of Chinatown were pleased with Covid-induced lockdowns coming to an end and thousands of people out to celebrate.
“It’s very busy, obviously after two years of Covid and right now we can actually can celebrate an actual Lunar New Year,” Sharetea employee Jayzer Nguyen told Reuters from the store.
Nguyen added that with borders open with the rest of the world it would be good for business.
“There are many and many Chinese people going out and not only Chinese people but also other Asian people like Vietnamese, and Indonesian. And it’s like a breakthrough for the business,” he said adding that in the new year, he would hope the business expands and he continues to sell more tea.
Covid-19 restrictions had hampered Lunar New Year festivities since 2020 but Sydneysider Eric Kha said that all the hustle and liveliness is how Chinatown should be.
“It feels great. It feels like the city is back to normal, lively again just like pre-covid and this is how it’s supposed to be for Chinatown,” he told Reuters.
Some Chinese students studying in Sydney have different views of the situation back home.
Dong Shu Lin said the situation in China was stable and with his family and friends having had Covid already he was not worried about the pandemic in China, adding it was similar to Sydney. While Crystal Li is still worried for her family back home as she can’t return during the festive season.
Russians flock to see Chinese New Year celebration in Moscow
Hundreds of Muscovites visited on Saturday (January 21) Chinese Lunar New Year celebration in the Russian capital.
The event was staged at a famous VDNKH (Exhibition of Economic Achievements) exhibition centre, known for its Soviet-style surroundings.
Despite the fact that the Chinese population in Moscow is relatively small, interest in China and Chinese culture is on the rise in Russia. Last week the Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that the relations between the two countries were as good as ever.
The interest in China comes at a time when the relations between Russia and the West hit the lowest point over what Russia calls a “Special Military Operation in Ukraine.”
Dillip Rajakarier
Chaiyapat Paitoon
SootinClaimon.Com 