Nuan – The Presenter for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Bangkok on November 18 and 19
Nuan is considered of Thailand’s Soft Power for her role in promoting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (#APEC) Summit in Bangkok on Nov 18-19, held under the concept “Open. Connect. Balance.”
Sex: Female
Colour: White, dark brown, orange
First spotted: More than two years ago at the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Location: Faculty of Science, Mahidol University and Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Activities: Relaxing in a grass field when she is not entertaining staff or catching rodents!
Nuan is considered one of Thailand’s “soft powers” for her role in promoting the all-important summit on Instagram, with photos of her going viral on October 1.
Nuan’s “history” is in line with the Apec 2022’s concept “Open. Connect. Balance” as she has travelled between Mahidol University and the Foreign Affairs Ministry with her feline friends.
Nuan – The Presenter for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Bangkok on November 18 and 19
Varawut gets ready for COP27 stage in Egypt to highlight Thailand’s goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2022
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-archa along with Thailand’s representatives on Sunday (November 13) arrived at Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt to participate in the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as the 27th Conference of the Parties or COP27 during November 14-15.
Varawut said the conference this year would focus on five main agendas: 1) The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which coincides with Thailand’s goal of achieving net zero emission and carbon neutrality by 2050. 2) Loss and damage, an important issue in which developed countries should compensate poor countries who are affected by the impact of climate change caused by the emission of greenhouse gases. 3) Climate finance, a mechanism to allocate funds and resources to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate the adaptation to the impact of climate change. 4) Transparent reporting, a practice that all countries must strictly follow to ensure efficient utilisation of information, and 5) The implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which allows countries to voluntarily cooperate with each other to achieve emission reduction targets set out in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Varawut added that Thailand will propose a long-term plan from now until 2065, with a target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions and carbon neutrality within 2050, including measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Thailand from 388 million tonnes equivalent to 120 million tonnes.
“We have also prepared a short-term plan in our NDCs, in which we aim to cut down greenhouse gas emissions by 40% within 2030,” he said. “Furthermore, we will show an agreement on carbon credit trade, technology transfer and fund support with Switzerland, which makes us the world’s first countries that carry on tackling climate change under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.”
The Natural Resources and Environment Minister hoped that the agreement would help promote the use of electric public buses in Thailand and thus reduce the reliance on fossil fuels as well as the amount of PM2.5 dust particles, a major cause of air pollution in big cities.
Thailand’s workforce on Monday (November 14) visited the conference venue to survey the location as well as attend a presentation titled “Thailand Chapter – Net zero cement and concrete roadmap 2050” by SCG at the Thai Pavilion. Thailand’s representatives will attend subforums with international leaders to exchange information and prepare for the main conference scheduled on November 15 from 10 am to 1 pm, local time.
Chef Chumpol promises a memorable Thai feast for Apec leaders
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022
Nongluck Ajanapanya
Chumpol Jangprai, an eminent Thai chef, has promised to infuse the cuisine and even the cutlery at the Apec Summit with Thainess to tell the wonderful story of Thailand.
He was speaking at a press conference on Monday evening, while serving some menu samples to Thai and foreign media.
As the media praised Tom Yum Kung Croquette in the sample menu, he barely managed to conceal his proud smile.
“Aside from the delicious flavour, each of my ingredients and menus has a fascinating backstory. Chicken from the South, organic rice from the once-dry land in the Northeast, juicy river prawns from Central Thailand — they all reflect the regional lifestyle,” Chumpol stated.
He said even the plate, dishes, utensils, decorations, and tableware have Thai stories to tell.
Welcome To Thailand, one of the menu to serve at the APEC gala dinner
Therefore, all Apec leaders and their spouses will see and taste Thainess in every bite, chef Chumpol assured.
“I believe that Thai food is the most influential soft power of the country. It is our natural soft power that is in our very roots. May I be a Thai chef representative to express the spirit of our Thai recipes,” he said.
Chumpol also promised that this memorable menu, themed “Sustainable Thai Gastronomy”, would be timed perfectly to highlight Thailand’s food security.
Ittipol reveals Thai thinking behind choice of souvenirs, performances for Apec Summit
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022
Nongluck Ajanapanya
Eco-friendliness and practical usage were the key ideas behind exploring and selecting all the seven souvenirs for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit 2022, Thailand’s Culture Minister Ittipol Khunpluem said.
Ittipol said at a media briefing on Monday that the concept is shared by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-Ocha, who has attended many international summits and recognises that it is better to give some souvenirs that are usable in daily life.
“Usable means the souvenir can be displayed in the office or used for a specific occasion. Then we must consider the Thai uniqueness of the souvenir, which makes the recipient remember Thailand every time they see or use the souvenir,” Ittipol elaborated.
All the materials used to make the souvenirs are 100 per cent recycled and handcrafted by Thai skilled artisans.
This is to highlight the Bio-Circular-Green economy model, which the country wishes to demonstrate to the world.
One of the colourful traditions followed at Apec summits over the years has been specially tailored outfits for the leaders, which are unveiled at a photo session. Ittipol said that this year’s summit will not have the special clothes for leaders.
Explaining the break in tradition, Ittipol said, “We want to avoid some participants’ reluctance to attend the event. Also, we are concerned that we may not be able to finish the tailored clothes on time because some leaders confirmed their attendance only a few days before the summit,” he said.
The seven souvenirs are:
Image design on silver plate with Centum-Milia repoussé technique
Silver accessory box with Dacem-Milia Repoussé technique
A clothing accessories set (Chaturabhorn)
Silver Nielloware picture frame
Yan Lipao basketry
The Book: Thai Silk for All (Directory of Thai silk)
Coin commemorating the 29th Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting
Ittipol also revealed the performances that will take place at the Apec gala dinner on November 17 at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall.
He stated in choosing the performances, the key ideas were they must be concise, impressive, and convey Thainess. Hence, his agency decided to divide the performance into three acts.
Culture Minister Ittipol Khunpluem (right)
The theme of each act is in line with the theme of the Apec Summit 2022 – Open. Connect. Balance.
The first act, titled “Open To All Opportunities”, will be a music performance played by a four-person Army orchestra and leading Thai singers such as “Bird” Thongchai McIntyre.
The second act, “Connect In All Dimensions”, is a contemporary Thai silk fashion show from designers in all 21 Apec economic zones.
And the third act, “Balance In All Aspects”, will be the main highlight, blending unique Thai performances such as Khon (Thai traditional dance drama), Nora (Traditional Southern Thai dance), and Loy Kratong (a traditional Thai festival to pay respect to the Goddess of water).
“All three acts will be completed in under 90 minutes,” Ittipol promised.
He expected the souvenirs and performances to help promote Thai soft power to the rest of the world.
All set for kicking off Apec Economic Leaders’ Week
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022
The Apec Economic Leaders’ Week kicked off on Monday at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC).
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha welcomed representatives of the “Apec Voices of the Future”, who were at Government House to deliver their “youth declaration”
An exhibition at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) on Thailand’s bio-circular-green (BCG) economic model opened alongside the Apec Economic Leaders’ Week to promote sustainable and inclusive growth.
Members of media work inside the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center where the APEC summit will be held, in Bangkok, Thailand, November 14, 2022. REUTERS/Athit PerawongmethaDelegates walk inside the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center where the APEC summit will be held, in Bangkok, Thailand, November 14, 2022. REUTERS/Athit PerawongmethaRiot police officers stand guard near the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center where the APEC summit will be held, in Bangkok, Thailand, November 14, 2022. REUTERS/Athit PerawongmethaRiot police officers stand guard near the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center where the APEC summit will be held, in Bangkok, Thailand, November 14, 2022. REUTERS/Athit PerawongmethaPolice officers check a vehicle in front of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center where the APEC summit will be held, in Bangkok, Thailand, November 14, 2022. REUTERS/Athit PerawongmethaRiot police officers stand guard near the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center where the APEC summit will be held, in Bangkok, Thailand, November 14, 2022. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
Prayut welcomes youth delegation, as summit kicks off at QSNCC
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha welcomed representatives of the “Apec Voices of the Future”, who were at Government House to deliver their “youth declaration” on Monday.
Upon receiving their declaration, the PM said they are the “voices of the future” and the older generation should be their role models.
The premier also pointed out that this project has been running for several years now, and leaders from all countries should come up with policies for the younger population.
Prayut also called on Thai people to be good hosts and keep Bangkok clean during Apec 2022, as the country is welcoming delegates from many different countries.
He added that later in the day he will be checking out the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, where the Apec Summit is being hosted.
After speaking to reporters, he led the young delegation on a tour around Government House before posing for photos with them outside the Thai Khu Fa building.
Reporters said the premier appeared to be in a good mood and spoke playfully to the young people. When asked if he was particularly happy today, Prayut responded by saying he was happy every day.
As for preparations for the Apec Summit, he said, it is more than 90% ready because preparations have been made for years now.
As for what’s on the agenda at the summit, Prayut said there is nothing to be concerned about as many topics have already been discussed at the Asean Summit last week. He added that the Apec Summit will focus on the economy.
Risk groups urged to get vaccinated amid surge in Covid-19 cases in eight provinces
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022
Thailand’s health authorities on Monday warned of soaring number of Covid-19 cases in eight tourist provinces, including Bangkok, and called on the “608” group — those 60 years old and above, and those with eight underlying health conditions — to get vaccinated
The director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), Dr Thares Krasanairawiwong, said that Covid-19 cases in Thailand were up by 12.8 per cent compared to the previous week, but the number of patients with severe illness rose only slightly, while the fatality rate remained stable. Since Covid-19 is considered a communicable disease under surveillance, it is expected to spread in small waves.
According to a National Health Security Office (NHSO) report, the number of patients admitted to hospitals has gone up in Bangkok and surrounding areas as well as in tourist provinces in the East and South amid an increase in travellers and activities.
From November 6 to 12, it was found that more than half of incubated patients and deaths had not been vaccinated or been given booster shots.
Dr Sophon Iamsirithaworn, DDC’s deputy director-general, encouraged those in “608” risk groups, including patients with underlying health conditions, people who are not fully vaccinated, elderly at the age of more than 60, and pregnant women, to admit themselves to a hospital if they are infected with the disease.
“Elderly people who are not fully vaccinated should stay at home. Family members who are at risk of being infected should avoid contact with the elderly. People ought to get inoculated as it takes more than four months after the last jab to prevent serious health conditions,” Dr Sophon suggested.
The Ministry of Health has prepared sufficient medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies, including LAAB (Long Acting Antibody), to handle the spread. Infirmaries across the country are welcoming people to receive vaccination for free.
An exhibition on Thailand’s bio-circular-green (BCG) economic model opened alongside the Apec Economic Leaders’ Week on Monday to promote sustainable and inclusive growth.
The expo at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) comprises three parts.
The first presents the BCG concept and its success stories in agriculture, industry and tourism sectors driven by relevant government agencies.
The second part showcases goods and products under the “BCG Heroes” campaign as well as Thailand’s candidature for Specialised Expo 2028 in Phuket, which aspires to address global dialogue on sustainability.
The last part exhibits the Thai private sector’s efforts and successes in promoting sustainable business practices.
At the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Thailand would collaborate with global partners to create sustainability, preserve the environment and ensure food security.
He also pointed out that climate change and the environment are urgent issues that need to be tackled immediately.
“The Thailand BCG exhibition highlights the significance of the BCG model to develop a sustainable and inclusive economy,” he said.
He also thanked the curators for putting together a great, informative expo and called on all sectors to work together to achieve sustainable development goals.
Thailand adopted the BCG model as a new, sustainable approach to business and commerce, and it is the overarching thought behind the Apec 2022 theme of “Open. Connect. Balance”.
BCG is being highlighted as a core strategy for sustainable and inclusive growth in the Asia-Pacific region as Apec 2022 addresses challenges and contributes to global efforts towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Obey the law, Chadchart tells anti-government groups planning protests during Apec Summit
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt on Monday asked political protesters at the Lan Khon Muang grounds to obey the law and refrain from marching to other venues to avoid disrupting the Apec Summit.
Two anti-government groups, “Thalufah” and “Ratsadon”, have received the green light from the city to organise a rally at the open space opposite the City Hall in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district from Wednesday to Friday (November 16-18).
The governor said he has instructed the Metropolitan Police Bureau to deploy officials around Lan Khon Muang during the three days to monitor the situation and prevent any negative impact on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit that Thailand is hosting from November 16-19 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
“The city allows people to express their different political opinions in public forums provided they obey the laws,” said Chadchart. “It’s better to give them a space here rather than risk having political rallies in venues that could affect the Apec Summit.”
The governor added that he has told all district offices to clean and unblock the drains in areas they are responsible for to prepare for heavy rains that could result in flash floods. There are forecasts that about 60 per cent of the metropolitan areas will experience downpours this week.
“The rainfall this week should be at a manageable level and is therefore not worrying,” said Chadchart. “The rains might actually help reduce dust particles and improve Bangkok’s air quality.”
The governor asked people to follow the latest updates on traffic closures around the Apec Summit venues — Ratchadaphisek, Duang Phitak, Ploenchit, Wireless and Ratchadamri roads. Avoid using the routes if possible, and prepare some extra time if you have to use detours, he suggested.
“Anyone who can work from home this week, please do so,” he said.
Prawit said that the centre has been opened to continuously monitor the situation and for the preparation of operational plans, while related organisations could report progress to the centre on tasks assigned to them.
The meeting also discussed traffic, motorcades, medical and public health, terrorist prevention, and cybersecurity.
Prawit asked all organisations to follow the plan and to work together as assigned by the centre so that the meetings will run smoothly with maximum efficiency and security.