#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Dtac unveils 3-pronged strategy for ‘new normal’ era

Jul 24. 2020Dtac CEO Sharad Mehrotra

By The Nation

Total Access Communication (dtac) said it is combating the Covid-19 fallout with a three-pronged strategy – seamless digital ecosystems, network capacity improvements nationwide and new ways of work.

With the World Bank predicting 8.3 million Thais could lose their income to the virus crisis, dtac said it has announced affordable offers to meet customers’ everyday needs, such as insurance and online shopping. It is also supporting customers’ rapidly increasing data usage by accelerating its rollout of high-capacity massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) and TDD (Time Division Duplex) sites, which are compatible with 76 per cent of mobile devices used by dtac customers.

Dtac CEO Sharad Mehrotra said the pandemic had transformed Thai consumers’ behaviour:

Average monthly data consumption per user grew 44 per cent from January to June, following the explosion of work-from-home apps such as Zoom and MS Teams.

Redemption of dtac online shopping rewards grew fivefold during the same period, as shop closures pushed customers towards digital channels.

Data usage grew five times faster in the provinces than in Bangkok, and is remaining high despite lockdown measures being eased – a sign many are choosing to stay in their hometown rather than face joblessness in Bangkok.

Dtac said it is responding by blending offline and online services and joining with partners across industries to offer a wide range of services and products on its mobile application.

On the network front, dtac announced sustained investments in the second half of 2020 to respond to the massive human migration triggered by Covid-19 and the rise of remote work.

This includes meeting a nationwide target of over 20,000 high-speed TDD sites on 2300MHZ (in partnership with TOT) within 2020; tripling capacity at high-traffic spots nationwide, with additional Massive MIMO sites for an enhanced mobile broadband experience; continued rollout of 5G on 26GHz in select sites and 700MHz (pending National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission approval) with industry use cases in the Eastern Economic Corridor in Q3 such as smart video surveillance and fixed wireless access; and increased coverage on 700MHz in key regions (pending NBTC approval).

Meanwhile, due to the acceleration of change, dtac is also implementing an internal transformation programme based on flexible work, automation and a new company culture. All of dtac’s offices now allow flexible work for 95 per cent of employees, allowing them to come to the office every other week or only when needed.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Mango Tree opens newest eatery in Tokyo

Jul 24. 2020

By The Nation

Leading Thai restaurant operator, Mango Tree Worldwide, has just opened the Mango Tree Café Tokyo Dome City LaQua, located in one of the Japanese capital’s top entertainment complexes.

This opening underscores Mango Tree’s confidence in Asia’s hospitality industry after the Covid-19 pandemic. As life in many countries is slowly returning to normal, most of Mango Tree’s 69 outlets worldwide have now reopened in line with the “new normal” with advanced safety standards and social distancing.

The company has also reinforced its focus on healthy cuisine, using organic ingredients and local produce to create fresh and sustainable dishes.

Trevor MacKenzie, global managing director of Mango Tree Worldwide, said Japan has successfully handled the outbreak and Mango Tree’s faith in the country is demonstrated by this new opening. It plans to expand further in Japan by opening new outlets in popular, high-profile locations.

Mango Tree Worldwide currently has 29 outlets in Japan under five brands: Mango Tree, Mango Tree Bistro, Mango Tree Café, Mango Tree Deli and Mango Tree Kitchen. This latest addition to the group’s portfolio follows the launch of five new locations in 2019 in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

MINT raises almost Bt10bn in oversubscribed rights offering

Jul 24. 2020

By The Nation

Minor International (MINT) said it has raised Bt9.858 billion through its rights offering issuance, which was oversubscribed by about 30 per cent despite business and capital market volatility due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

MINT received strong support from the full range of investors and shareholders, including domestic, regional and international institutional investors, as well as retail investors, said the company.

The funds raised will be used for working capital and to refinance existing debt obligations, as well as acting as a cushion for unexpected uncertainty amid the currently improving Covid-19 situation.

The hospitality, restaurant and leisure group said the transaction marks the culmination of its comprehensive funding strategy,

Earlier, MINT successfully issued US$300 million in perpetual bonds. The company also received support from creditors and bondholders by obtaining a waiver of financial covenant testing until the end of fiscal year 2020.

In addition, MINT is seeking to raise about Bt5 billion in additional equity from 3-year warrants, which will be issued to all shareholders on August 7.

The company reports gradual recovery across its businesses since mid-May, with 72 per cent of its hotels and 95 per cent of its restaurant now open.

“The overwhelming success of the rights offering illustrates our shareholders’ strong confidence in the company’s future. Additionally, both the rights issuance and warrants are rewards for our shareholders as the true value of the company should strengthen when the global pandemic subsides,” William E Heinecke, MINT’s founder and board chairman, said.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

MEA offers free skills training for electricians

Jul 24. 2020

By THE NATION

On Wednesday (July 22), Phongphan Kanlaprawit, deputy director-general of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), presided over the opening ceremony of MEA’s 2020 Training Programme for Building Electricians Level 1 (First Batch), which was held at the MEA Head Office in Nonthaburi.

The programme is open to interested electricians who want to improve their skills free of charge. It consists of a classroom session on July 22 followed by a practical course on July 23-24.

“MEA realises the importance of skills that electricians must possess in order to install, monitor and maintain an efficient electrical system within the building as well as guarantee the safety of users,” said Phongphan. “Graduates will receive a certificate from the Labour Ministry’s Department of Skill Development. Furthermore, they can participate in advanced classes provided by MEA such as for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers, or become a service provider under the MEA e-Fix application, which offers electrical services to residential users in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan.”

The training programme is a part of MEA’s “Professional Electrician Initiative” which has been running since 2016, for which the MEA covers the instructors’ fee and provides equipment as well as the venue so that candidates can participate free of charge.

Free training for the next batches is as follows:

2nd Batch: August 26-28 (application closes on August 10)

3rd Batch: September 30-October 2 (application closes on September 14)

4th Batch: November 25-27 (application closes on November 9)

For more details and for application, visit: https://www.mea.or.th/minisite/electrician

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Dive into Lamont’s daring designs at Gaysorn Village

Jul 22. 2020Alexander LamontDesigner Alexander Lamont has unveiled his latest collection of furniture, lighting and decor at his flagship store in Bangkok’s Gaysorn Village mall.

The Sirena collection marks Lamonte’s 20th year in the design business and draws on meticulous workmanship, rare materials and aesthetic taste refined by his life lived between East and West.

His luxurious contemporary forms are infused with an uncompromising approach to innovation, craftsmanship and quality. This has been achieved through the mastery of ancient skills and techniques, and a willingness to break through those same traditions.

Sirena is a sumptuous new collection of furniture, lighting and art objects crafted with help from Brazilian designer Antonio da Motta. Ideas that invoke symbolism and power are explored throughout the collection. Majestic form and subtle texture are brought to life through Lamont’s palette of precious materials and artisan virtuosity.

Sirena is introduced in conjunction with the launch of Alexander Lamont’s Couture 20/20, a catalogue presenting two decades of the British designer’s work along with new interpretations of some of his classic designs.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

EXIM Thailand and China, Japan banks to loan Bt10.5bn for BCPG energy projects

Jul 20. 2020

By THE NATION

The state-owned Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Thailand) today signed a joint agreement to finance hydroelectric power plants in Laos with Bt5.41 billion in loans. The agreement was signed with Thailand’s BCPG Plc (the plants’ developer) and the Industrial and the Commercial Bank of China (Thai) (ICBC Thai).

EXIM Thailand said the deal falls under the Thai government’s policy to promote trade and investment connectivity between Thailand and its neighbouring countries, and also the Laotian government policy to promote the country as the “Battery of Asia”.

Meanwhile, EXIM Thailand and Mitsui Trust Bank (Thai) (SMTBT) also signed an agreement to loan Bt1.9 billion (6,465.07 million yen) to support the Chiba 1 solar power plant project in Japan.

Under the first of these two agreements, EXIM Thailand is collaborating with BCPG to fund development of the Nam San 3A and Nam San 3B hydroelectric power dams with a combined generating capacity of 114MW in Laos. The projects and a 500MW transmission line are being built under a power-purchase agreement with Vietnam, which will buy electricity from the dams.

The second agreement is part of EXIM Thailand’s solar power plant financing scheme worth about Bt6.15 billion (21,188.22 million yen) in addition to another two solar farm projects – the Komagane and Yabuki, with a total capacity of 87MW – under an MOU with SMTBT and Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Japan. The solar financing pacts aid Thai business investment in Japan.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Akara Hotel opens Viva Filipinas Restaurant

Jul 19. 2020

By The Nation

The owner of Akara Hotel on Phya Thai Road in Bangkok, Zenaida Vannaying, arranged a cultural show of traditional Filipino dancers for the grand opening of Viva Filipinas Restaurant at the hotel.

Pictured are (from second left): Natapanu Nopakun, deputy director-general of the Information Department and deputy spokesperson at the Foreign Ministry, Zenaida and Mai Vannaying.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Thaicom and ARV form drone technology joint venture

Jul 16. 2020Thaicom CEO Anant Kaewruamvongs, left, and Thana Slanvetpan, ARV general manager, at the signing ceremony.

By The Nation

Thai Advance Innovation Co Ltd (Thai AI), a subsidiary of satellite operator Thaicom, today signed a shareholders agreement with AI and Robotics Ventures (ARV), a subsidiary of PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP), to collaborate on development of drone technology.

The initial phase of the partnership focuses on drones for smart farming solutions to strengthen Thailand’s agricultural sector.

The two companies are establishing ATi Technologies Co Ltd to develop the drones with registered capital of Bt20 million.

Thai AI and ARV will each hold a 50 per cent stake in the new firm. Under the agreement, ATi Technologies will develop advanced drone technology, helping farmers improve agricultural productivity and addressing development challenges in Thailand’s agricultural sector.

“ARV is an important strategic partner for Thai AI. In November last year, Thai AI and ARV entered into an agreement to cooperate on drone development for agricultural use,” said Thaicom chief executive officer Anant Kaewruamvongs.

The joint venture marks a big step forward to leverage advanced solutions and a full range of drone technology-enabled innovative agricultural services, and enhance the capability of drone technology in Thailand.”

Thana Slanvetpan, ARV general manager, said: “Our collaboration with Thaicom is a cornerstone of our partnership strategy for business growth. The new company, ATi Technologies Co Ltd, will develop drone solutions and conduct research for a wide variety of applications including data analytics and digital farming, as well as work together with companies in the agricultural industry. The company will also explore future drone-related opportunities to help drive the Thai economy with innovation.”

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

MEA launches campaign for use of electric tuk-tuks in tourism

Jul 16. 2020

By THE NATION

The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) has joined hands with Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) to promote the use of electric tuk-tuks in tourism businesses.

MEA deputy director Wilas Chaloeysat and EVAT president Krisada Uttamote on Wednesday (July 15) jointly presided over the opening ceremony of “Change Tuk-Tuks to New Normal” campaign at MEA Head Office in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei district.

The campaign aims to promote the use of electric tuk-tuks to reduce environmental impact, especially in tourism businesses, after the government has eased lockdown measures.

“Tuk-tuks are an iconic vehicle of Thailand that could help promote a positive image among domestic and foreign tourists,” said Wias. “To comply with the new normal standard, the MEA has supported 150 sets of clear canvass to help prevent passengers from catching Covid-19 virus while enjoying city views in tuk-tuks that run in crowded neighbourhoods such as Sukhumvit, Na Na, Khlong Toei and Sanam Luang.”

Meanwhile, EVAT will provide technical knowledge to tuk-tuk drivers participating in the programme on how to switch from an LPG-powered engine to an electrical one as well as the environmental benefits of using electric vehicles.

This campaign is part of MEA’s mission to promote the use of electric vehicles for both personal and business uses to ensure sustainable energy consumption in the metropolitan areas, the authority said.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

RATCH Group ties up with Geleximco to invest in Vietnam power projects

Jul 15. 2020

By The Nation

RATCH Group, through its wholly-owned subsidiary RH International (Singapore), signed a partnership with joint stock firm, Geleximco Group, with the aim of investing in Vietnam’s An Binh Energy and Infrastructure Fund (ABEIF).

Under the agreement, RH International will acquire a 49 per cent stake in ABEIF, which is valued at US$78.5 million (about Bt2.5 billion), while Geleximco will hold 51 per cent equity in the fund.

Kijja Sripathangkura, RATCH Group’s chief executive officer, said Geleximco is Vietnam’s leading large-scale industrial conglomerate that has been playing an active role in different businesses including energy, infrastructure, industry, real estate, finance, trading and services.

ABEIF, whose portfolio comprises conventional and renewable power projects with a total combined capacity of 2,620 megawatts, will potentially drive the company’s investment in energy and infrastructure.

Of the four projects it has invested in, the 620MW project in northern Vietnam went into operation recently.

ABEIF’s current assets include:

• 620MW Thang Long power plant fired by anthracite coal,

• 650MW coal power plant project currently being built in northern Vietnam,

• 1,200MW coal power plant project in early stages of development in central Vietnam,

• 150MW hydroelectric power plant in early stages of development in northern Vietnam.