GULF Commences Commercial Operation of the First Unit of GSRC Power Project
Apr 01. 2021
By The Nation (sponsored news)
Gulf SRC Company Limited, a subsidiary of Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited (GULF) commenced the sale of electricity generated from the Gulf SRC power project’s (GSRC) first unit, with a capacity of 662.50 megawatts, to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) on March 31, 2021 under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) scheme. The power project is located in the WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 1, Si Racha district, Chonburi province with a total installed power generation capacity of 2,650 megawatts and will supply a contracted power generation capacity of 2,500 megawatts to EGAT pursuant to a 25-year power purchase agreement.
The GSRC power project is one of the IPPs that uses natural gas as source of fuel under Independent Power Development Company Limited (IPD), the operator of two IPP power projects including the GSRC, and GPD, a 2,650-MW power project. The two projects under IPD make up a combined installed power generation capacity of 5,300 megawatts.
GSRC is scheduled to commence commercial operation for units 2-4 in October 2021, March 2022, and October 2022, respectively, while GPD is scheduled to commence commercial operation between 2023-2024.
MQDC readies to open show units with immersive experience sales commence 8 May with special opening pricing until 15 May
Apr 01. 2021
By THE NATION
Bangkok (1 April 2021) – Magnolia Quality Development Corporation (MQDC), announced, today, that The Forestias, Thailand’s largest property development project valued at Bht 125,000 million, will begin official sales of its multiple residential components on 8 May with special opening pricing until 15 May.
It will also open the ‘Forest Pavilion’ which is an ‘experience centre’ built to showcase the vision and concept of the project through extraordinary immersive experiences designed and brought to life by the world’s most eminent specialists. The Forest Pavilion is the largest such experience centre ever created by a developer in Thailand and was built with an investment of Bht 1,400 million.
Strategically located in the high-growth EEC corridor, The Forestias is a development comprised of a wide range of residential components designed to cater to different lifestyle needs. The focus of the developers is to design every aspect of the project and its residential elements to promote heathier and happier living.
Mr. Kittiphun Ouiyamaphun, Project Director – The Forestias, MQDC, said, “The Forest Pavilion experience centre has more than 6,500 square metres of floor space to let people really feel what this project is about through multi-sensory experiences. It will help people see how this is a town in which every aspect is designed for healthier and happier living as well as showcases sample units of the multiple residential components within The Forestias.”
The Forest Pavilion experience centre was created through a collaboration between MQDC and a group of specialist organisations and people that are among the best in the world in their respective fields. It was designed by UK-headquartered world-class architectural firm Foster+Partners Thailand. ITEC Entertainment (USA), the creator of entertainment experiences for Disneyland, DisneySea and Universal Studios, developed experiences and recreational activities inside the project. VAVE Studio of Germany created experiential stories in different zones of the pavilion. And, Thailand’s famous Bug Studio contributed multi-disciplinary designs to present unprecedented experiences.
One of the highlights inside the Forest Pavilion is the ‘Chamber of Secrets’ where the project’s vision is presented through an animation created by DEC Media and T&B Media Global (Thailand). Viewers are treated to an exciting wrap-around experience that surrounds them using ‘The Wall’ screens with the world’s most advanced technology. ‘The Wall’ is a modular microLED display that gives a revolutionary viewing experience utilising AI picture enhancement for ultra-realistic experiences.
Mr. Ouiyamaphun said, “The Forestias is a new global prototype for a town development. It has been designed and is being built by some of the world’s most respected experts as well as foremost global and local organisations to ensure that residents can lead healthier and happier lives.”
“The global COVID pandemic has been reminder to everyone about the importance of good health and a healthy environment in which to live. People have increased the importance they attach to choosing a home and an environment that promotes a healthy life, where they can be safe, as well as where they can get closer to nature. Managing air quality and light inside the residences, as well as designing good home layouts and careful material selection make the project exceptional,” said Mr. Ouiyamaphun.
Located on a 398-rai plot of land on Bang Na-Trad Road km 7 on a prime site in the strategic EEC corridor, The Forestias includes multiple residential components, commercial space for offices, a sports complex, lifestyle and family entertainment facilities, retail and food & beverage outlets, as well as a Town Centre for community activities and cultural pursuits, a family centre, a theatre, an event hall, and multiple markets.
Among the residential components at The Forestias are three ‘Whizdom’ high-rise condominium buildings that are designed to perfectly suit the lifestyles of first jobbers, couples starting families, and with one building specifically designed for the needs of pet lovers. There are also ‘Mulberry Grove’ low-rise condominiums that bring residents very close to nature, as well as ‘Mulberry Grove Villas’ cluster-home residences for extended, multi-generational families who wish to live close together in multiple homes that are easily connected. Another residential offering is ‘The Aspen Tree’ residences. These are designed to suit the special needs of older residents and which come lifetime care services. Also available are ‘Six Senses’ residences that are super luxury villas, which are managed by the globally admired ‘Six Senses’ brand.
One of the most unusual features of The Forestias is a 30-rai forest area that has been planted from seeds and saplings and which is at the centre of the development. There is a 1.6 kilometre ‘canopy walkway’ that links many of the development’s components and provides a ‘nature-walk’ weaving above the forest. These features are inspired by the belief that living closer to the various wonders of nature is one of the most important factors to bring happiness to people.
PTTEP strikes another oil and gas discovery offshore Malaysia
Mar 30. 2021
By THE NATION
PTT Exploration and Production Pcl (PTTEP) announced a successful oil and gas discovery from the first exploration well, Sirung-1, in Block SK405B, off the coast of Sarawak, offshore Malaysia.
The achievement is the latest outcome of PTTEP’s strategy to add reserves for long-term growth.
PTTEP chief executive officer Phongsthorn Thavisin said that the company through its subsidiary, PTTEP Sarawak Oil Limited, had commenced the drilling of Sirung-1 wildcat well in Block SK405B in January 2021. The well was drilled to a total depth of 2,538 metres where it encountered a significant oil and gas column of more than 100 metres, in the clastic reservoirs. An appraisal well is scheduled in near future to assess the upside resources, he said.
“The Sirung-1 exploration well marks PTTEP’s third discovery offshore Malaysia following SK410B’s Lang Lebah and SK417’s Dokong. PTTEP also plans to explore nearby prospects in this PSC next year. The achievements have strengthened our investment base as we continue to expand our exploration horizon in Malaysia,” said the CEO.
Block SK405B is located in shallow waters, approximately 137 kilometres off the coast of Sarawak (Bintulu).
PTTEP Sarawak Oil Limited is the operator with 59.5 per cent participating interest.
Moeco Oil (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd hold 25.5 and 15 per cent interest respectively.
Apart from the Sarawak SK405B, there are also SK410B, SK314A, SK438, SK417, PM407 and PM415, all still in the exploration stage, he said.
Major projects in PTTEP’s portfolio in Malaysia include the producing assets in Block K, SK309, SK311, the Rotan-Buloh field in Block H and the jointly operated gas fields with Petronas Carigali in the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area.
PTTEP is also a joint investor with PTT, through the PTT Global LNG Co, in the MLNG Train 9 Project, an LNG liquefaction plant in Sarawak.
The St Regis Bangkok is celebrating its 10th anniversary in April, with a month-long series of immersive activities.
To mark a decade in the Thai capital, Marriott International is showcasing The St Regis’s storied heritage, which dates from 1904, with a series of signature rituals inspired by Caroline Astor, doyenne of the Gilded Age and matriarch of The St Regis brand’s founding family.
A prominent 19th-century socialite, Mrs Astor was the mother of Colonel John Jacob “JJ” Astor IV (from whom the hotel’s teddy bear gets its name), who founded The St Regis New York as a place to pursue his epicurean passions and entertain the city’s luminaries.
Celebrating The St Regis Bangkok’s 10th anniversary, guests can follow in Mrs Astor’s footsteps and engage in the brand’s signature rituals, including a Siam Mary cocktail class (the hotel’s reimagined version of the classic Bloody Mary, which was originally created at The St Regis New York’s King Cole Bar in 1934), and a private sabering, the ritual adopted by JJ Astor to mark the transition from day to evening.
Once considered a glamorous gathering for the city’s high society, afternoon tea was a favourite pastime of Mrs Astor, who transformed the occasion into a private social event for 400 personally invited guests. Today, Time for Tea remains a quintessential tradition of The St Regis. In honour of Mrs. Astor, The St Regis Bangkok has created a special “Caroline’s Afternoon Tea”, which will be available throughout April and May.
St Regis butlers will offer exclusive services, such as packing and unpacking, signature beverage services, garment pressing and more, as they have done for over a century.
“More than a century since The St Regis was founded in New York, its legacy of impeccable services and spirit of innovation is kept very much alive at 45 hotels and resorts around the world,,” said Klaus Christandl, general manager, The St Regis Bangkok.
“As we look back at the past decade, we can feel proud to have set new standards of service in a Kingdom already famed for its hospitality,” he added.
Promotion available for bookings at The House of Astor with an exclusive room from April 1-30, and stays until September 30.
For more information and reservations, call +66 (0) 2207 7777 or visit www.stregisbangkok.com.
Thai- German project to upscale sanitizer production to reduce spread of Covid-19
Mar 29. 2021
By THE NATION
A Thai-German collaboration aims to help tackle Covid-19 by upscaling sanitizer production in Thailand and promoting hand hygiene.
A memorandum of understanding was signed by Dr Kittinan Anakamanee, CEO of the Healthcare Accreditation Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), Reinhold Elges, director Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit Thailand, and Sayan Roy, managing director of B. Braun (Thailand) Ltd for implementation of the project in response to the Covid-19 situation in Thailand.
The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by Jan Scheer, deputy head of mission and head of economic affairs at the embassy of Germany.
The collaboration of the three partners aims to improve Covid-19 prevention through investment in the increase in additional capacity of softa-gel alcohol hand sanitizer, which has been tested as global standards EN 14476 efficacy against enveloped virus including the coronavirus, EN 1500 recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) and EN 1276 with Department of Medical Sciences recommendation. The alcohol hand rub will be given to healthcare personnel at 55 selected healthcare facilities in high-risk zones as well as low-income farmer groups in rural farming communities in Thailand.
In addition, the project will develop e-learning modules for communities and healthcare personnel to update knowledge of hand hygiene and self-protection.
mu Space gets BOI investment incentives to compete in global space industry
Mar 29. 2021
By The Nation
Satellite and space technology company mu Space and Advanced Technology Co Ltd has secured Board of Investment (BOI) investment promotion privileges to compete in the international space technology market.
mu Space is granted A1 level of investment promotion incentives and privileges, the highest rank of any eligible incentives, with the manufacturing of its small satellite components in a category of high technology industry; manufacture or repair of aircraft, or aerospace devices and equipment section.
The company said its investment plan focuses on two aspects — machinery, and research and development.
The main objective of mu Space’s investment in machinery is to serve the manufacturing process. These machines include raw materials and equipment both domestically and internationally made, such as 3D printer or additive manufacturing, CNC machine, robotic Arms, Attitude Control Test Bed, Air bearing, helmholtz cage, and sun simulator. For investments in R&D and spacecraft engineering systems, the company plans to impart knowledge on satellites and space technology.
mu Space founder and CEO,Varayuth ‘James’ Yenbamroong, said: “Innovations that blend technology and art need the use of knowledge on real science, engineering, and fundamental thinking that our team has implemented earnestly.”
The CEO strongly views the company’s young team members as mu Space’s strength.
“We have a group of young-generation personnel that have high capability. Thailand also has the advantages of natural resources and energy as well as existing infrastructure from heavy industry like automotive manufacturing.”
mu space is granted BOI incentives and privileges including eight years of exemption from corporate income tax, exemption of import duties on machinery, exemption of import duties on raw materials used in R&D, exemption of import duties on raw materials used in production of export, as well as merit on decentralisation which is a 50 per cent reduction of income tax for another 5 years, along with other privileges that are not tax-related.
“Our plan in the next 3-5 years is generating thousands of highly paid jobs, offering higher payments for talents in the new technology circle, and boosting more trading within the community. We hope to eventually establish a high technology ecosystem that attracts people’s attention and interest in technology,” says James.
Key groups of mu space’s clients are private companies such as telecommunications and internet service providers, state enterprises such as space and defence agencies, heavy industry, and other aerospace companies.
“We are the first mover in Asean and often compared with other players in Europe, the US, and Australia. What we have already invested will begin to take off within the next 3-5 years”, added the CEO.
mu space team is currently developing Space Internet Data Center. The company is also expanding its operations to a new factory (size M), which is 10 times bigger than its original one and helps increase production capacity. The company is planning to launch its self-developed satellite and space technology at mu space’s technology day event. This satellite will have its first actual test launch into space and will be ready for service within 2021, the company said.
UNDP and Japan partner to aid vulnerable groups hit hard by Covid-19 in Thailand
Mar 26. 2021
By THE NATION
The UN Development Program (UNDP) with support from the government of Japan has offered grants to vulnerable groups suffering from socio-economic impacts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic in Thailand.
The outbreak of the pandemic has caused significant disruption to the Thai economy, resulting in one of the most severe economic downturns ever faced in the history of the country. Although stimulus packages have been put in place by the Thai government to restructure the economy, the crisis has widespread repercussions on individuals.
The Covid-19 Social and Economic Response and Recovery project was developed in alignment with the World Health Organization’s “Covid-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan”, the United Nations Partnership Framework (2017-21) and the UNDP Country Programme for Thailand (2017-21).
Following a national call for grant submissions and a competitive process, a selection committee consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, Chiang Mai University, Prince of Songkla University and UN Women, awarded 24 non-governmental organisations and civic society organisations across Thailand. The grants amount to US$1 million and are funded by the Japanese government.
Fumihiko Goto, Counsellor and Deputy Permanent Representative to ESCAP, Embassy of Japan in Bangkok.
“To fight against Covid-19, Thailand and Japan are facing the same challenges in securing vaccines for our citizens, balancing between containing the pandemic and promoting economic recovery,” said Fumihiko Goto, counsellor and deputy permanent representative to ESCAP, Embassy of Japan in Bangkok. “Despite the common challenges we are facing, I am pleased and proud that we could start a new page of cooperation with our local partners in Thailand with help from our longstanding partner, the United Nations Development Program in Thailand.”
The 24 selected projects receive US$10,000 to $50,000 each and will need to be implemented between January to June 2021. Grant activities will target approximately 16,000 direct and 100,000 indirect beneficiaries across the country, will promote gender-sensitive economic empowerment interventions, improve access to basic services, ensure food security targeting the most vulnerable groups, including youth, people with disability, ethnic minorities, the LGBTI community, victims of gender-based violence, including low-income groups.
Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative of UNDP in Thailand delivered remarks at the launch event.
“Thanks to the generous contribution of Japan, the UNDP is able to further strengthen our contribution to Thailand’s response to the pandemic. These grants are empowering Thai civil society to provide assistance to vulnerable communities impacted by Covid-19 and address some of the acute socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. We are grateful to our government partners and other members of the selection committee for their collaboration at effectively ensuring no one is left behind in the country’s recovery,” said Renaud Meyer, resident representative of UNDP in Thailand.
Under this grant programme, activities implemented to support Thailand’s Covid-19 recovery include an employment programme through digital skills training for people with disability, community-led social protection services for sex workers, innovative sustainable highland agriculture system practices for stateless people, and career counselling for young social entrepreneurs.
Grants issued under this project will reach up to 100,000 vulnerable individuals to mitigate the pandemic’s socio-economic impact in different geographical areas throughout Thailand, contributing to the achievement of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, UNDP said.
Thais can go without cash for up to 8 days as digital payment usage rises: Visa
Mar 25. 2021Suripong Tantiyanon – Visa Thailand
By THE NATION
More than four in five Thais (82 per cent) have tried going cashless, on average succeeding at living for more than a week (8 days) without using cash, the Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes study showed on Wednesday.
The pandemic has also prompted non-users to choose contactless payments over cash, with these payments being most used among first-timers at 26 per cent, followed by contactless cards (23 per cent) and QR code (21 per cent).
“Over recent years there has been a steady increase in people using digital payments, and the events of the past year have only accelerated the progress,” Visa Thailand country manager Suripong Tantiyanon said.
“This is evident throughout the world and here in Thailand. We believe these consumer preferences are not temporary and are here to stay.”
According to the study, the top three benefits of a cashless society are it helps in restricting the spread of infection (61 per cent), it means no more queues at banks (60 per cent) and it enables people to track financial records easily (59 per cent).
When it comes to awareness, Thai consumers are most familiar with QR code payments (94 per cent), followed by mobile contactless payments (92 per cent) and contactless cards (89 per cent). In terms of usage, mobile contactless payment is the most used among all types of contactless payments at 45 per cent, followed by QR code (42 per cent) and contactless card (41 per cent).
Thais believe the pandemic has accelerated the time it will take for the country to become a cashless society with payment innovation playing an increasingly important role in people’s daily lives.
In the current circumstances, they believe a cashless society could be a possibility by 2026, whereas before the pandemic respondents thought this wouldn’t be possible until 2030, the study showed.
“This year will be a year of recovery despite the persistence of uncertainty. It is essential for businesses to ensure they are prepared to meet changing consumer demands as they become more familiar with alternative payment methods,” Suripong added.
MEA signs pact to study waste-to-energy power project
Mar 23. 2021
By The Nation
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority and New Sky Energy (Thailand) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to study the option of building a waste-to-energy plant.
The plant, to be built as part of a Thailand-China cooperation, is part of a micro-grid pilot project that aims to expand alternative energy usage in metropolitan areas as well as promote environmental protection.
The MoU was signed by MEA governor Kirapat Jiamset and New Sky Energy (Thailand)’s chief executive officer He Ning. Also present at the ceremony were Parliament President Chuan Leekpai; Wang Li Ping, China’s minister-counsellor for economics and commercial affairs; Deputy Education Minister Kalaya Sophonpanich; and deputy Bangkok governor Pol Lt-General Sophon Phisutthiwong.
Kirapat said MEA aimed to deliver electricity effectively to serve rising demands, coupled with responsibility to society and the environment.
New Sky Energy (Thailand), meanwhile, is already operating waste-incineration plants in Thailand.
This cooperation aims to study the possibility of developing a micro-grid system in areas near the incineration plant, so communities nearby do not need to rely on the main power grid.
Generating power from waste will also help boost the country’s electricity security. This cooperation comes under the policies of the Interior and Energy ministries and is also part of the MEA’s Smart Grid system.
New Sky Energy has been operating the 500 tonnes per day Nong Khaem Solid Waste Disposal Centre in cooperation with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) since 2016 and has signed a deal with the BMA to develop incineration plants with a capacity of at least 1,000 tonnes per day. The new plants are at Nong Khaem and Onnut, which should be able to provide energy to the main system by 2024.
This collaboration is part of China’s move to promote strategic partnerships with Asean countries in the Greater Mekong sub-region.
New oral Covid-19 vaccine candidate ‘produces antibodies after a single dose’
Mar 23. 2021
By THE NATION
Premas Biotech, an Indian developer of novel biotherapeutic and vaccine candidates, on Tuesday announced the development of an oral Covid-19 vaccine that has shown efficacy after a single dose, in conjunction with Nasdaq-listed Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Accelerating the vaccine’s path to market, Premas, Oramed and other shareholders have formed Oravax Medical Inc, which has received exclusive licences from Oramed and Premas to develop oral Covid-19 vaccines.
After a single dose of the Oravax Covid-19 capsule, efficacy was evident through antibody production in a pilot animal study.
Oravax’s vaccine promoted both systemic immunity through Immunoglobulin G (IgG), the most common antibody in blood and bodily fluids that protects against viral infections, and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) which protects the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts against infection.
Premas’ protein-based VLP (virus-like particle) vaccine candidate creates triple protection against the Sars CoV-2 virus Spike, Membrane, and Envelope targets, the company said.
The vaccine candidate is also safe, efficacious and well tolerated at normal to high doses, and generated high titres of neutralising antibodies. The VLP is manufactured using Premas’ proprietary D-Crypt platform, which is highly scalable and can be manufactured on large scales.
Premas Biotech co-founder and managing director, Dr. Prabuddha Kundu, said: “An oral Covid-19 vaccine that harnesses and combines the true potential of the two platforms, Premas’ D-Crypt technology platform with Oramed’s world-leading oral protein delivery platform POD, is an excellent example of a true collaboration and can rapidly advance into late-stage clinical trials.
“Oramed’s experience and success in conducting Phase 2 and 3 oral protein trials positions our programme very favourably in the race to find an effective oral Covid-19 vaccine that can be administered by anyone anywhere. We are looking forward to sharing clinical data soon.”
“We are very excited about our oral vaccine candidate’s potential to help end the pandemic,” said Nadav Kidron, CEO of Oramed.
“An oral Covid-19 vaccine would eliminate several barriers to rapid, widescale distribution, enabling people to take the vaccine themselves at home. While ease of administration is critical today to accelerate inoculation rates, an oral vaccine could become even more valuable in the likely case that a Covid-19 vaccine may be required annually or biannually like the standard flu shot,” Kidron said.
Varayuth ‘James’ Yenbamroong, said: “Innovations that blend technology and art need the use of knowledge on real science, engineering, and fundamental thinking that our team has implemented earnestly.”
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