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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024768

Moscow shows its creative side during Bangkok Design Week

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 09, 2023

Jarupong Krisanaraj

Moscow Creative Tech Highlights, an exhibition that aims to exchange Russia’s innovations and creative technology with Thailand, is being held at Thailand Creative and Design Centre in Bangkok’s Bang Rak district.

The “Created in Moscow” exhibition, organised by Creative Industries Agency (Moscow), is a part of Bangkok Design Week 2023, which is being held across the capital until Sunday.

Evgenia Markova, founder of JM Create and Connect Agency, said Thai-Russian relations in creative industries are experiencing a new phase of development.

“After participation in Chiang Mai Design Week in December 2022, the Moscow industry continues to develop ties with the Thai creative and business communities,” she said.

Evgenia Markova

The objective of the event is to strengthen business and cultural ties between Thai and Russian creative communities. Russia is ready to cooperate with Thailand in other areas, such as boosting the potential of small- and medium-sized enterprises, and the development of the film and animation industry, Markova said.

“We believe that Thailand and Russia will continue strengthening ties to bring prosperity between the two countries,” she said, adding: “Moscow’s participation in Bangkok Design Week is a new example of building an image of the Russian capital as a city with a spirit of innovation and creativity,”

The exhibition features seven Russian products:

• Farrdi clothes made with carbon fibre: a unique, innovative material whose advantages are strength, lightness, flexibility, and high-temperature tolerance.
• Flari LED textiles: table linen and wall panels for atmospheric lighting with a set of electronics that provides light for several days on a single charge.
• SportDots: Innovative sportswear developed with unique dot compression technology.
• Octoglass: smart electrochromic glass with a unique technology that allows you to change the transparency of the glass.
• Surfancy: sensor systems that turn almost any surface into a touch screen.
• Brizr: technologically advanced masks -medical grade personal protective equipment).
• Personalised 3D digital characters: 3D digital character and content creation service that allows you to create a unique character to promote your business.

Apart from Moscow Creative Tech Highlights, other interesting innovations are being showcased by several government and private agencies across Bangkok as part of efforts to promote the capital’s creative economy.

Among the highlights are events in Charoenkrung-Talat Noi, Yaowarat, Samyan-Siam, Ari-Pradipat, Phra Nakhon-Pak Khlong Talat-Nang Loeng, Wongwian Yai-Talat Phlu, Khlong San, Bang Pho, Phrom Phong, and Kaset.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024762

People can now request Bangkok CCTV footage online or at 13 offices 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 09, 2023

People can request footage from Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) security cameras at 13 CCTV centres or via online channels, says Thaiphat Thanasombatkul, director of the BMA’s Traffic and Transport Department.

The BMA has installed CCTV cameras throughout the city to boost public safety and help in reporting and investigation of crimes and traffic incidents. 

To request footage, applicants must first file a report at the police station commanding the area where the incident took place. 

“Then, attach the report and a copy of the applicant’s ID card with the request form,” Thaiphat explained.

“If the application is filed by a proxy, a letter of proxy and copy of the proxy’s ID card are also needed.”

Applicant can then submit the documents in person at any of the BMA’s CCTV centres located in 13 district offices:

• City Hall (Sao Chingcha)
• Chatuchak
• Bang Khen
• Ratchathewi
• Huai Khwang
• Phra Khanong
• Bang Kho Laem
• Min Buri
• Bueng Kum
• Bang Phlat
• Chom Thong
• Bang Bon
• Rat Burana

Those who submit applications at a CCTV centre must collect the footage at the centre when it is ready.

Alternatively, applications and documents can be submitted digitally at the website cctv.bangkok.go.th or via the Line app account @CCTVBANGKOK. For these applications, BMA will provide a digital file of the footage within 24 hours.

Thaiphat urged people to submit their application as soon as possible after the incident, as older footage may be overwritten by new recordings.

Related Stories

BMA offers Bangkokians online access to CCTV footage

5,000 CCTV cameras to be installed in Bangkok to boost security

Bikini-wearing intruder caught on CCTV trying to break into Chiang Mai shop

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024757

Ministry seeks help to stop illegal sugarcane harvest fires

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 09, 2023

To help reduce air pollution, the Industry Ministry has asked two other ministries to help it prevent farmers from illegally burning their sugarcane fields before harvest, said Panuwat Triyangkulsr, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary.

Many sugarcane farmers still burn their fields before harvest even though it can land them in jail. The traditional practice makes harvesting more convenient because fire burns the leaves off the cane. However, it creates air pollution.

Panuwat, who is also acting secretary-general of the Cane and Sugar Board Office, said he asked the two ministries to help because they play a crucial role in supervising the country.

They cooperate with all levels of government, including at the provincial, district and tambon levels, he explained.

Panuwat said he wrote to the permanent secretaries of both ministries to seek greater cooperation on a five-year plan to reduce air pollution that took effect in 2019.

The Industry Ministry has been trying to prevent farmers from stealthily burning their sugarcane fields and has obtained subsidies for farmers who do not burn them, he said.

Still, many farmers ignore the prohibition.

According to the Cane and Sugar Board Office, 29.81% of the 15 million tonnes of sugarcane sold to sugar mills from December 1 to January 31 was burned before it was harvested.

In terms of air pollution, burning on sugarcane plantations is equivalent to burning 1.5 million rai of forest.

The top 15 provinces where sugarcane plantations were burned before harvest are Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, Kalasin, Phetchabun, Khon Kaen, Suphan Buri, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Kanchanaburi, Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Lop Buri, Sa Kaew, Chaiyaphum, and Mukdahan.

The Cane and Sugar Board Office has expressed concern that PM2.5 – fine particles of dust in the air – from burning sugarcane weakens the immune system and makes people more vulnerable to the Covid-19 virus. It also produces smog that can damage the tourism industry, the office said.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024751

LGBT couples can marry in Rayong, honeymoon on Samet, this Valentine’s

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 09, 2023

LGBT and straight couples can register their marriage in Rayong this Valentine’s Day and then honeymoon on the eastern province’s love island of Koh Samet.

The first “Rayong in Love” event will be held at the Phra Chedi Klang Nam in Muang district, a romantic backdrop for couples to tie the knot. The theme will be “Love has no condition”, district chief Ruengrit Prakobtham told a press conference on Wednesday.

“The event welcomes couples of all sexes, including those from LGBT group,” he said. “The district office will issue a marriage certificate for every couple in the fair.”

Ruengrit said marriage certificates issued to LGBT couples will have no legal effect, as Thailand has not yet officially recognised same-sex marriage.

However, they would still have a powerful effect on the hearts of LGBT couples, he said, adding that he would personally sign all the certificates granted in the ceremony.

Participating couples will have a chance to win special prizes including dual gold rings and gift vouchers for hotels and restaurants in Rayong. Newlyweds can also visit booths selling OTOP products and street food in the fair, which runs from 1pm to 8pm next Tuesday.

Those who want the romance to linger can catch a ferry to Koh Samet nearby for a honeymoon on the holiday island.

Apakorn, 42, a member of LGBT community in Rayong, said the community is grateful for the district’s effort to include people of all genders. She said she and her life partner are planning to register their marriage at the event to strengthen their bonds of love.

Related Stories

Bangkok celebrating marriage on Valentine’s Day at district of ‘love’

Opposition rallies MPs to push through same-sex marriage bill

Marriage Equality Bill sails through first reading despite govt pressure

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024747

16 Thai festivals to be promoted on global stage as part of soft power strategy

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 08, 2023

In an effort to promote the country’s cultural traditions and generate more revenue for communities, the Culture Ministry has chosen 16 Thai festivals to be promoted internationally, ministry permanent secretary Yupha Taweewattanakitborvon said on Wednesday.

She said that in alignment with the Bio-Circular-Green economic model, the ministry has been trying to promote Thai soft power at the international level, particularly in the “5F” industries — food, films, fashion, fighting, and festivals.

“The ministry’s Office of the Permanent Secretary will allocate budgets to Culture offices to promote Thai festivals internationally,” she said.

She added that this move also aims to boost the country’s competitiveness, preserve Thai traditions and enable locals to generate revenue from tourism.

The selected festivals include: 

1. Chao Mae Lim Ko Niao Festival (Pattani Province): a homecoming festival for Chinese descendants born and bred in Pattani

2. Ban Chiang World Heritage Festival (Udon Thani): a festival to highlight the historical site of the Ban Chiang area

3. Hok Peng Festival to Worship Phra That Chao Phu Phiang Chae Haeng (Nan): a northern merit-making ritual at the province’s local temple

4. Hae Malai Khao Tok Festival (Yasothon): a cultural celebration where thousands of garlands made by hand connecting popped rice together are displayed on floats

5. Hae Pha Khuen That Festival (Nakhon Si Thammarat): a celebration that involves wrapping a very long piece of sacred yellow cloth around the base of a stupa

6. Korat Street Art (Nakhon Ratchasima): a showcase for the creative works of regional artists

7. Sdok Kok Thom Festival (Sa Kaeo): a festival to highlight the renowned historical Sdok Kok Thom Khmer castle

8. Kram & Craft Sakon Festival (Sakhon Nakhon): a festival of the community’s cultural creativity that involves using natural plants to dye fabric

9. Phuket Food Festival (Phuket): an event with more than 100 foods and beverages, both domestically and internationally, available for foodies 

10. Ngan Bun Klang Ban Festival (Chonburi): an outdoor merit-making ritual when locals stuff food onto banana leaves cut into squares to stave off bad luck

11. Vesak Day Festival (Mae Hong Son): a traditional merit-making ceremony during Vesak Day

12. Festival of Floral Offerings (Saraburi): a traditional merit-making ceremony which involves giving monks beautiful white Khao-Phansa flowers, also known as dok hong hern (flying swan flower)

13. Phaya Sri Satta Nakarata worship Ceremony (Nakhon Phanom): the religious ceremony for the naga believed to reside in the Mekong river

14. Tai Lue Local Festival (Phayao): an event honouring the Tai Lue ethnic community, who have their own distinctive tradition

15. Phetchaburi City of Gastronomy Festival (Phetchaburi): An event where foodies can experience local cuisines and beverages

16. Grand lantern (Khom San Duang) Festival (Lamphun): a celebration in which numerous floating lanterns are let go into the sky

Related Stories: 

• Bangkok Film Festival opens with seminars, screenings, shopping and shows
• Pak Nam Pho Chinese New Year festival roars to life on banks of Chao Phraya
• Tourist dressed in a traditional Thai costume visits Wat Arun temple in Bangkok

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024741

Thailand will be officially free of African Horse Sickness this year: govt

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 08, 2023

Thailand has asked the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) to endorse its status of being free from the African Horse Sickness (AHS) so that the kingdom can resume international equestrian events, a government spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

The government submitted a request to the organisation on January 30 to endorse Thailand as being free of the disease and believes the organisation will agree to the request this year, deputy spokeswoman Ratchada Dhnadirek said.

AHS is an infectious disease affecting all species of horses (including mules, donkeys, and zebras). It attacks the respiratory and circulatory systems, and has a high mortality rate. AHS serotype one was first reported in Thailand in March 2020. It was the first time the disease was found in Asia.

After the outbreak was detected on March 27, 2020, 610 horses in 17 provinces became sick from the disease and 568 of them died, Ratchada said.

The Department of Livestock Development and partner agencies have been working diligently to control and eliminate the disease, she said.

The disease has not been detected in Thailand for more than two years.

The Department of Livestock Development, the Royal Thai Army’s Animal Department, the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand, and the Thailand Equestrian Federation have prepared all the necessary documents for the Thai government to show the WOAH that Thailand is free of the disease, Ratchada said.

WOAH’s scientific committee will need some time to review the documents before it officially declares Thailand free of the disease, she said.

After Thailand regains its AHS-free status, it will be eligible to host international equestrian competitions, import and export horses, and allow them to be freely transported throughout the country.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024736

Bangkok launches urban management exhibition with sister city Astana

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 08, 2023

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is inviting the public to an exhibition on the urban management of Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Thailand and Kazakhstan.

The exhibition is being held until Sunday (February 12) at Bangkok City Library in Phra Nakhon district.

The opening ceremony on Tuesday was presided over by Bangkok deputy governor Tavida Kamolvej, deputy mayor of Astana Nurlan Nurkenov, and Kazakh ambassador to Thailand Arman Issetov. Astana’s deputy mayor Yerlan Bekmurzayev attended via video link.

Tavida said that Bangkok’s leg of the exhibition showcases Astana’s urban management with a focus on culture, tourism, and smart-city aspects of the Kazakh capital to promote mutual learning and exchange of experiences between the two sister cities.

Tavida underlined Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s policy to make the Thai capital a truly sustainable and liveable city.

“This is not an easy mission as Bangkok is full of diversity and has its own problems, both small and large,” she said.

“We hope that the exhibitions will help us learn from Astana’s urban management, especially its smart city and smart traffic system aspects, which are among the challenges facing Bangkok.”

“We also hope the exhibitions will allow the two cities to forge closer relations and grow together sustainably,” she added.

Bekmurzayev said trade volume between the two cities before Covid-19 stood at US$260 million (8.54 billion baht) while over 50,000 tourists travelled between Bangkok and Astana each year. He hoped the two cities could continue their relationship and learn more about each other’s cultures now the pandemic has subsided.

Once the exhibition in Bangkok concludes, the spotlight will be on Thailand’s capital at the subsequent exhibition held at the Kazakhstan National Library in Astana.

Attendees can also learn about each capital’s history, geography, tourist attractions, transportation routes, relationship with sister cities, and best practices in urban management.

Relations between Bangkok and Astana date back to June 11, 2004 when representatives of both cities signed a bilateral cooperation agreement on the economy, culture, tourism, urban planning and management, environment, youth activities and agriculture.

Related Stories

Kazakhstan and Thailand mark three decades of ties with tree planting

Bangkok will get 40 to 50 new pocket parks this year, says BMA

Bangkok checks readiness of tourist coordination centre, tourist kiosks

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024724

Prayut condoles with Turkey as search teams uncover scale of quake horror

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 08, 2023

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai have sent condolences to the people of Turkey as a Thai search and rescue team prepares for its mission in the earthquake-hit country.

The death toll from devastating quakes that hit southern Turkey and northwest Syria on Monday passed 7,800 on Wednesday morning, as more bodies were pulled from the rubble of collapsed buildings. No Thai citizens had been reported dead in the disaster as of Tuesday evening, but some are sheltering in government-provided accommodation after their residences were destroyed in the disaster.

Turkish President Recep Erdoğan has declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces devastated by the 7.8 and 7.7 magnitude earthquakes that left a trail of destruction across a wide area of southern Turkey and neighbouring Syria. Turkey confirmed 5,894 people had been found dead, while 1,932 people have died in Syria for a combined total of 7,826 fatalities. The World Health Organisation estimates the final death toll could reach 20,000 but some experts forecast the figure could rise above 100,000.

Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

In a letter to Erdogan, Prayut expressed his “heartfelt condolences” to the Turkish people, its government, and families bereaved by the disaster, wishing them “strength and courage … during this difficult time”.

There were no reports of Thais being killed or injured by the earthquakes, said Thai ambassador in Ankara, Apirat Sugondhabhirom, on Tuesday.

However, the Royal Thai Embassy has discovered that some residences of Thais living in the disaster zone have been destroyed by the quake. The Thai citizens affected are now living in temporary accommodation provided by Turkish government, Apirat said.

He urged Thais planning to enter Turkey to study the routes to their final destinations and stay updated with developments to avoid the affected areas.

Thailand is deploying a 20-member urban search and rescue (USAR) team to the disaster zone where thousands of buildings are confirmed to have collapsed. More than 8,000 people have been pulled alive from the debris in Turkey, according to authorities.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Ankara can be reached by phone at 90 (533) 641 5698 or via its page, facebook.com/rteankara/.

Related Stories

Syria insists earthquake aid go through Damascus, citing sovereign rights

Rescuers work against time as Turkey-Syria quake death toll passes 7,800

Turkish leader declares emergency as Turkey-Syria quake death toll passes 6,300

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024717

Amnesty International calls for release of Thai political activists

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2023

Amnesty International (AI) issued an urgent call for the release and dismissal of charges against four political activists in Thailand.

AI’s London office on Tuesday called on its supporters across the world to write a letter to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha demanding the immediate release of Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanon, Orawan “Bam” Phuphong, Nutthanit “Bai Por” Duangmusit and Sopon “Get” Suritthamrung.

The agency reminded the government that people have the right to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.

The agency also attacked the authorities of unfairly detaining and prosecuting Tantawan, 21, and Orawan, 23, over false lese majeste charges. The two women were arrested for conducting a public poll on whether royal motorcades were acceptable and have been on hunger strike since January 18.

Natthanit and Sopon, meanwhile, had their bail revoked after they protested the government during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in November last year.

Apart from these four activists, hundreds of protesters also face long prison terms and charges, the rights agency told its supporters.

In its statement on Tuesday, AI also accused Thai authorities of resorting to prosecution and arbitrary detention over charges of defamation of the monarchy, which it said, violated people’s right to freedom.

“We call on the Thai government to urgently ensure that activists on hunger strike are protected from torture and other ill-treatment and to receive ethical health care, including the principle of confidentiality, self-determination, and informed consent,” AI said.

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https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40024715

Police charge travel agent who allegedly attacked Chinese tourist in Phuket

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2023

A Thai travel agent who allegedly attacked a Chinese tourist in Phuket province has been slapped with charges by the police, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Tuesday.

A TikTok video clip of the incident on February 1 went viral among netizens. The clip showed a travel agent kicking a Chinese man and slashing the victim’s arm with a knife.

“The police are working on this case,” Phiphat said.

He added that related agencies, including Tourist Police Region 3 and Phuket Tourist Association, have apologised to the Chinese Embassy for the incident.

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn

According to the police, Chinese tourist Fang Liqiao (36) and his three family members had bought a tour package to Similan Islands in Phang Nga province worth 9,000 baht through Blue Ocean Travel on January 29.

The visitor had reportedly paid 5,000 baht to Blue Ocean Travel in advance. The travel agency had reportedly promised to pick him up and his family at Pamookkoo Resort, where Fang and his family stayed, on January 31.

On January 30, travel agent Wiree Sawangwit (44) told Fang to pay the balance 4,000 baht. The Chinese tourist reportedly promised to pay the amount to the driver on the next day (January 31). Fang also told Wiree that he had moved to Chanalai Flora Resort.

However, Fang and his family could not visit Similan Islands on January 31, as Wiree had reportedly misunderstood that the Chinese family was waiting at Chanalai Flora Resort.

Fang contacted Blue Ocean Travel, which is located near Pamookkoo Resort, in the afternoon to claim a full refund and later contacted Karon Police Station to help him with the negotiations.

Fang claimed a refund of 5,000 baht, but Blue Ocean Travel was willing to refund only 3,400 baht as the travel agency said it had paid 1,600 entry fee to the Mu Ko Similan National park.

On February 1, when Fang came to travel agency at around 10am to claim his 5,000 baht refund, he allegedly attacked Wiree on her face and body.

When Wiree left the travel agency building, Fang reportedly chased her and recorded a video clip with his smartphone. Wiree allegedly kicked the Chinese man before slashing him on his arm with a knife.

Fang later filed a complaint against Wiree at Karon Police Station. He was sent to Chalong Hospital for treatment.

Investigators have now charged Wiree with attacking the Chinese man and carrying a weapon in a public area. Wiree had reportedly pleaded guilty, but said she had just acted in self-defence.

The Chinese tourist returned to China on February 2.

Related stories:

‘Siren service’ for Chinese tourist lands 3 police officers in trouble

Police chief orders probe into ‘siren service’ for Chinese tourist

Chinese tourists return to Chiang Mai just in time for Lunar New Year