C.P. Group launches second annual corporate Human Rights Report on Human Rights Day
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
Charoen Pokphand Group publishes its second annual Human Rights Report, developed based on the United Nations Guiding Principles Reporting Framework (UNGPRF). The report is officially released on December 10th, the Human Rights Day. By publishing the report, the Group seeks to emphasize transparency in its business operations and respect for human rights within the Group’s businesses and throughout its value chain.
Mr Suphachai Chearavanont, Chief Executive Officer of C.P. Group, states that Charoen Pokphand Group is committed to conducting business ethically and with respect to human rights. This Human Rights Report presents the Group’s commitments and goals in line with the 3 Benefits Principle of putting the needs of the country and the people ahead of the Group’s business interests.
“Today, Charoen Pokphand Group employs more than 450,000 people across 21 countries and economies. As the Group continues to grow, it becomes ever more important that the protection and promotion of human rights is embedded within corporate culture, so as to ensure that employees at all levels of our business recognize and mitigate human rights risks which exist within our value chain. This year’s human rights report is our second, representing our continued dedication to enhancing and developing our ability to manage human rights issues within our operations and value chain, as well as our efforts to work with our peers and other stakeholders to enact local and even global transformations,” said Mr Suphachai.
Furthermore, Charoen Pokphand Group has reviewed and updated existing and announced new policies regarding human rights issues, such as: Human Rights and Labor Practices; Migrant Workers Recruitment; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Discrimination and Harassment Prevention; Personal Data Protection; and more.
In addition, the report explains the measures the Group has taken against the increased risks of cyber threats, including both digital and physical security. To protect against these risks and complex digital threats, the Group established the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence to act as the center of digital security operations. This allows for a more comprehensive management of risks and threats, while also developing and disseminating best practices for all the Group’s subsidiary businesses and supply chain.
The report also emphasizes the importance of working with stakeholders to address global issues and drive respect for human rights within local communities, groups, and all stakeholders throughout the supply chain. By listening to diverse ideas and voices, the Group is able to promote human rights in more effective ways, driving change in cooperation with both local and international stakeholders.
The Group reports all its efforts, clearly and transparently, in this year’s Human Rights Report. This reinforces the Group’s commitment to respecting human rights in the move towards sustainable and stable growth for society, communities, and all stakeholders.
Marriott anticipates its milestone 50th hotel opening in Thailand in 2023
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
On the heels of Thailand celebrating its milestone of 10 million tourist arrivals in 2022, Marriott International, Inc., announced on Tuesday plans that it expects to reach 50 hotels in the country by mid-2023, including adding an anticipated eight hotels in 2023.
With these openings, the company also expects to debut two new brands – Autograph Collection Hotels and Moxy Hotels – in the country.
“Our growth in Thailand signifies the trust hotel owners and franchisees have in Marriott International and their overall confidence in Thailand’s tourism industry. Leveraging Thailand’s strong hospitality sector, the Thailand Government’s spotlight on the industry and Marriott’s commitment to excellence, we remain laser-focused to continue to meet the increasing travel demand with our expansion plan,” said Jakob Helgen, Area Vice President of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Myanmar, Marriott International.
Premium Brands Continue to Grow in Thailand Marriott International continues to strengthen the presence of its existing premium brands in Thailand, including Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels, Marriott Executive Apartments, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts and Renaissance Hotels. The company anticipates adding its first Autograph Collection Hotels property in Thailand with Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection expected in mid-2023. A diverse portfolio of independent hotels championing individuality, Autograph Collection Hotels properties are selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspective on design and hospitality.
More Options for Extended Stays With the rise of digital nomads and the fusing of business and leisure travel, the company expects to expand its extended stay portfolio with the anticipated opening of three properties under the Marriott Executive Apartments brand in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Area. Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok, Sukhumvit 101; Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok, Sukhumvit 50; and Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok Townhall Sukhumvit are all set to offer hotel services for longer stays, with all the comforts of a home-away-from-home.
Select Service Brands on the Rise New slated openings from Courtyard by Marriott and Moxy Hotels are expected to add to the country’s existing select service portfolio. Each hotel offers distinct value for travellers with streamlined services and amenities, paired with casual, convenient dining options and warm hospitality — all at an approachable price point.
Two Courtyard by Marriott hotels located at Suvarnabhumi Airport and in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area, a well-known downtown commercial district, are anticipated to open in 2023. Courtyard by Marriott offers a sophisticated yet comfortable environment for domestic and international travellers—from savvy business travellers to leisure travellers, no matter the purpose of their trip.
The company also expects to unveil its first Moxy hotel in the country, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong on Ratchadamri Road, bringing a playful, stylish and unconventional hotel experience to the heart of Bangkok’s lifestyle district. With more than 500 rooms, the hotel will provide a spirited, fun and affordable option for young-at-heart travellers looking to discover Bangkok’s bustling nightlife, enticing culinary experiences, and retail delights.
“Thailand offers an all-around unique travel experience—from beaches, and historical and cultural sites to exquisite dining experiences to a vibrant nightlife. Our 2023 expected openings in Thailand reflect the strong demand from both local and international travellers, to discover new and different facets of the Thai Kingdom,” added Jakob Helgen.
Marriott International’s growing presence in Thailand augments its current operation of properties across 14 brands in more than 10 destinations in the Kingdom from Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Khao Lak, Koh Samui and more.
Travellers arriving in Hong Kong are now free to continue directly to the mainland or Macao as long as they meet the required criteria starting Wednesday when the city clocked 14,870 new Covid-19 cases.
With one out of every four travellers to Vietnam this year hailing from Korea, Koreans are expected to play a central role in the revitalization of Vietnam’s tourism industry.
The category called ‘Super OYO’ constantly analyses each hotel’s performance on multiple parameters such as customer ratings and reviews, keeping maximum rooms operational consistently, and smooth check-in experience, among others, said the company.
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday expressed concern over the reported “swarming” of Chinese vessels at the Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Cambodia and France have called for an immediate cessation of airstrikes and drone attacks by Russia against the Ukrainian people and civilian infrastructure, while Prime Minister Hun Sen called his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron a “frank” and “trusted” conversation.
The Group of Seven (G-7) industrialised nations will provide US$15.5 billion (S$21 billion) to Vietnam to help the country transition away from coal, two Western sources told Reuters on Wednesday.
We were told by countless new articles from around the world that China was in a bind with its zero-COVID policy. They suggested that while the approach failed to crush the virus, it was so closely intertwined with President Xi Jinping’s administration that Beijing had been left with no way to back out gracefully.
If there were any illusions about Pakistan having secured peace on its western frontier after the Afghan Taliban’s return to power last August, they should have been dispelled by now.
As employment data improved and tourism recovered thanks to the lifting of COVID-19 mobility restrictions, the Asian Development Bank now expects Philippines’ gross domestic product to grow by 7.4 percent in 2022, better than its 6.5 percent forecast last September.
Binance Holdings, the world’s largest crypto exchange, has sought to counter concerns about outflows by reiterating its position that user assets are underpinned by reserves while also flagging an absence of debt.
Taiwan’s economy minister said on Wednesday that the island remains chipmaker TSMC’s most important production base after the company announced it would more than triple planned investment at its new Arizona plant to $40 billion.
The US Space Forces Korea, mainly tasked with operating space-based assets and detecting and tracking missile launches, was officially launched on Wednesday amid escalating missile threats from North Korea.
The US Space Force activated its overseas component field command in South Korea, a subordinate unit to the newly established US Space Forces Indo-Pacific as well as a sub-unified command of the US Forces Korea (USFK).
The US Space Forces Korea (SPACEFOR-KOR) said it will be “tasked with coordinating space operations and services such as missile warning, position navigation and timing, and satellite communications within the region” in its introduction brochure. It will “provide space planning and employment expertise, as well as space command and control to the commander of US Forces Korea.”
“One of the many mission areas the new component will focus on is missile warning operations, which provides in-theatre near-real-time detection and warning of ballistic missile launches,” the USFK said in a statement released on the occasion of its activation ceremony.
Held at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, the ceremony was attended by the USFK Commander Gen. Paul LaCamera, Commander of the US Space Forces Indo-Pacific Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir and the newly-appointed commander of the SPACEFOR-KOR, Lt. Col. Joshua McCullion.
“Today marks the next milestone in our ironclad commitment to strengthening the alliance,” Lt. Col. McCullion said at Osan Air Base, where the SPACEFOR-KOR will be headquartered. “Just 48 miles north of us exists an existential threat that we must be prepared to deter, defend against, and – if required – defeat. US Space Forces Korea as the newest component must be prepared with our guardians to uphold the fight tonight readiness.”
Gen. LaCamera said the activation of the SPACEFOR-KOR enhances the US’ ability to “defend the homelands and ensures peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.”
“Because of US Space Forces Korea, the alliance is better able to execute multi-domain operations in the Korean Theater of Operation.”
The SPACEFOR-KOR has become the sixth component available to the USFK. The activation is a critical step in “normalizing the presentation of space forces” on the Korean Peninsula, the SPACEFOR-KOR said in its statement.
The SPACEFOR-KOR will conduct a “mission analysis” to decide on what capabilities it can offer and how many personnel are needed to fully integrate across the command, Brig. Gen. Mastalir told reporters after the ceremony.
The activation of the SPACEFOR-KOR is a “logical step in reorganizing US military forces after the establishment of the Space Force” in 2019, given that a space detachment from the US Air Force has long been assigned to the US Forces Korea, said David Maxwell, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a retired US Army Special Forces colonel.
Space assets and capabilities are an integral part of the defence plan for Korea as they are for all military commands and defence plans around the world, Maxwell said. They provide critical capabilities across the spectrum of military disciplines such as communications, navigation, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, missile defence and targeting, he added.
“The capabilities that will be employed tomorrow are the same ones that were employed yesterday so there is no radical or immediate change,” Maxwell said. “However, the establishment of the Space Force and its Space Commands/Components will improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of space support to the warfighting commands over time.”
Echoing this view, Bruce Bennett, a defence researcher at the RAND Corporation and a professor at the Pardee RAND Graduate School, explained that the “main function of US Space Forces Korea will be to handle space-based assets — mainly satellites.”
“The satellites collect intelligence, warn of North Korean missile launches, provide communications, monitor ROK/US operations, potentially participate in information operations against North Korea, and in the future provide advanced missile defence. … Again, most of these functions are not new,” Bennett told The Korea Herald, using the acronym of South Korea’s official name, the Republic of Korea.
“Satellites can detect ballistic missile launches and send that information directly to the missile defence radars so that they can detect North Korean missiles, coordinate with other radars, and obtain an optimal firing solution for their interceptors. This will reduce the number of North Korean missiles able to penetrate the missile defence.”
Yang Uk, an associate research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies think tank, said the SPACEFOR-KOR would be “responsible for controlling and operating space-based assets and therefore it would play a very critical role monitoring and detecting activities related to North Korea’s missile launches and its nuclear buildup.”
“Strengthening US surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities by launching the component field command is also a step further to enable the US Space Force to operate and function aligning with the ‘4D strategy,’” Yang said.
South Korea and the US have established and developed the so-called “4D Operational Concept” or the “Alliance Comprehensive Counter-Missile Operations,” which is a guideline to detect, disrupt, destroy and defend in case of North Korea’s missile attacks.
In a nutshell, Ankit Panda, a senior fellow in the nuclear program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said, “missile warning and tracking would be an important part” of the SPACEFOR-KOR, which will also “help deepen the scope of the alliance activities.”
After the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Mastalir said the conversation between the SPACEFOR-KOR and its South Korean counterpart on enhancing partnership in missile warning and missile defence “should take place in the coming months.”
South Korea’s Air Force in early December launched Space Operations Squadron to strengthen its “capabilities to conduct space operations in practice.” The Air Force said the squadron will cooperate with the US Space Forces Korea to enhance South Korea’s capabilities to carry out combined space operations with its ally.
The SPACEFOR-KOR was also launched around three weeks after the US Space Forces Indo-Pacific – the US Space Force’s first overseas combatant command — was activated on Nov. 22.
“The US Indo-Pacific Command has been trying to step up the Space Force’s activities in Asia more generally to support the Biden administration’s efforts to advance integrated deterrence. This is a broader part of that effort,” Panda said.
Has Chicago dining gone to the dogs? Check out this pooches-only restaurant
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
If you were to pass by Bredwell, a newly-opened eatery in the suburban-Chicago town of Barrington, Illinois, you may mistake it for a typical place to grab a bite to eat.
After all, if you step inside, you’ll see freshly-cooked meats and other ingredients on display at a food bar, similar to what you’d find at fast food chains like Chipotle or Subway.
The big difference here though is that the food at this family-owned restaurant is strictly reserved for man’s best friend.
“This is something different, this is something new,” said Lisa Shade, co-owner of Bredwell alongside her daughter-in-law, Heidi. “When we came up with the concept, we did, you know, do a diligent search to be like, ‘is there somebody out there that’s doing something like us?’ And we didn’t find anyone who was making food fresh in a kitchen and portioning and customizing in a location based on what you tell us about your dog.”
When new customers come to Bredwell, they are asked to answer questions about their dog’s breed, age, size, lifestyle and more to help the restaurant’s team establish a meal plan specifically for the pup.
“We have theoretical values based on the weight in the activity of the dog,” said Rich Rothamel, vice president of quality and operations at Bredwell.
Rothamel has over 45 years of experience in the pet food industry, helping Heinz run their over $2 billion pet food product division.
“One of the biggest problems in the pet industry with dogs is over 50% are overweight, and it’s because the consumer loves their dog but doesn’t know exactly how much to feed,” said Rothamel. “We’ve taken that equation away from them and provided that information with fresh food as well as the nutrition.”
The eatery offers four protein choices; beef, chicken, pork and salmon.
Fruit, vegetables, cheese, or the popular supplementary protein, bacon, can also be added to any meal as a garnish.
Pre-made products, like treats and even a Gatorade-like drink made specifically for dogs, can be found on Bredwell’s shelves.
You can take the quiz and design a meal kit specifically tailored for your pup at http://www.bredwell.com.
Royal Park Rajapruek unveils floral fest for tourists in winter
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
Various kinds of winter flowers and activities are awaiting visitors at Royal Park Rajapruek in Chiang Mai until the end of February next year.
The “Flora Festival” was kicked off at the park since November 1, and it will be ended on February 28.
“The festival aims to promote tourism after the Covid-19 crisis and encourage tourists to spend their happy time with their families and beloved ones,” the park official said.
The festival features various kinds of winter flowers to allow visitors to take photos, such as rose, orchid, geranium, red salvia and pink cosmos.
Visitors can attend limited time activities until the end of February as follows:
▪︎ The event that allows visitors to witness the phenomenon when sun rays go through the door beside the Royal Pavilion; December 1 to 31; 4.50pm to 5.20pm.
▪︎ The Night Light of Flora Fest, an event that will feature lights along both sides of the road to the Royal Pavilion to welcome Christmas and New Year; December 23 to January 2; 5pm to 8pm
▪︎ An event to mark National Children’s Day on January 14
▪︎ An event to mark Valentine’s Day from February 11-14
Thai visitors pay tickets for entering Royal Park Rajapruek at 100 baht (70 baht for children) while foreign tourists pay 200 baht (150 baht for children).
Thai elderly aged 60 years or above, government officials and students pay 70 baht. Entry is free for disabled persons, monks and children under 100 centimetres.
Phuket the top tourist destination for foreigners in 2022
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
Phuket was Thailand’s most visited province by foreign tourists in the first 10 months of 2022 and also the province that generated the most tourism income at 127.9 billion baht, deputy government spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said on Thursday.
Tipanan was citing statistics from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, after Thailand welcomed its 10 millionth foreign visitor this year on December 10.
She said Thailand’s tourism industry is gradually recovering from the impact of Covid-19 since the launch of “Phuket Sandbox”, the government’s tourism sandbox initiative that aimed to reopen Thailand gradually, starting with tourism provinces.
“The success of the programme also came from strong public health measures and Thai people’s cooperation that has helped the tourism industry bounce back in a V-shaped recovery and attracted 10 million visitors before the year-end,” she added.
From January to October this year, Phuket received the highest number of foreign tourists at 2.32 million people, followed by Chonburi (975,026), Surat Thani (606,812), Songkhla (581,808) and Chiang Mai (496,111).
Phuket also tops the chart for tourism revenue in 10 months at 127.9 billion baht, followed by Chonburi (13.2 billion), Surat Thani (7.5 billion), Chiang Mai (4.2 billion) and Songkhla (3.6 billion).
The top 10 foreign visitors by nationality in 10 months are: Malaysian (1.29 million), Indian (698,757), Singaporean (381,940), Laotian (345,709), Vietnamese (340,670), South Korean (316,240), United Kingdom (291,753), United States (283,211), Cambodian (252,862) and German (235,596).
Mass resignation of 29 MPs sparks expectation of early election
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
The House of Representatives on Thursday acknowledged the mass resignation of 29 MPs, leaving only 442 still working in the lower chamber.
Deputy House Speaker Supachai Phosu informed the House that 29 MPs had submitted resignations on Wednesday to take effect on Thursday.
The MPs are thought to have quit in order to contest the upcoming general election under new party banners. The election is tentatively scheduled for May 7 but could be earlier if the prime minister dissolves the House before its four-year term ends on March 22.
There is strong speculation that PM Prayut Chan-o-cha will now dissolve the House to avoid by-elections needed to fill vacant seats left by quitting MPs.
The current House now holds the record for MPs resignations. Since October 6, 36 MPs have quit – 12 from Palang Pracharath, eight from Pheu Thai, eight from Move Forward, two from Setthakij Thai, and one each from the Democrats, Seri Ruam Thai, Ruam Palang, Prarcha Piwat, Prachachart, and Chart Pattana.
Leaving even more empty seats in the House were the 14 MPs disqualified by courts and eight more suspended pending court rulings, mostly related to graft cases.
The ruling coalition has now been reduced to 250 MPs – 85 from Palang Pracharath, 62 from Bhumjaithai, 51 from the Democrats, 14 from Setthakij Thai, 12 from Chart Thai Pattana, six from New Economics, four from Ruam Palang, five Thai Local MPs, three from Chart Pattana, two from Rak Puen Pa Thai, and one each from the Ruam Paen Din Thai, Pua Chart Thai, Kru Thai Pua Prachachon, Thai Citizen, New Democracy, and New Palang Dharma parties.
The opposition benches now have 192 MPs – 123 from Pheu Thai, 45 from Move Forward, 10 from Seri Ruam Thai, six from Prachachart, six from Pua Chart, and one each from the Palang Puanchon Thai and Thai Civilized parties.
Parliament will continue meeting despite MP resignations: Chuan
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
Parliament will continue meeting as scheduled even though several MPs have filed letters of resignation to prepare for the upcoming election, House Speaker Chuan Leekapai said on Thursday.
The MPs are quitting before the House of Representatives’ four-year term ends on March 23. They are reportedly switching to newly formed or other parties ahead of the upcoming election.
Chuan said the House would continue meeting and that it had more than 20 issues to consider before the current session of parliament ends, adding that the parliament had already spent over 2 million on the current House session.
Chuan said that he may add Fridays as another meeting day to ensure MPs have enough time to consider important issues.
He said it was not new for some MPs to be working and attending meetings, while others resign. It happened in the late 1990s during the government of General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh (1996-1997), Chuan said.
The difference now is that the current prime minister and leader of the ruling party are not MPs and, therefore, cannot give advice to other MPs in their party, Chuan said.
He also rebutted rumours that Democrat Party executives are pressuring party leader Jurin Laksanawisit to resign.
Although the party’s image is “not what it used to be ”, the Democrat Party is united, said Chuan, who is president of the Democrat Party’s advisory committee.
Thailand’s troubled China sub deal delayed until June next year
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
Thailand’s troubled deal to purchase a Chinese S26T Yuan-class submarine will be delayed until June next year, a Royal Thai Navy (RTN) spokesman said on Thursday.
Vice Adm Pokkrong Monthatphalin said the RTN met with representatives from the submarine’s manufacturer, China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC), on Tuesday for three days of talks on the submarine’s engine. China’s military attaché joined the talks.
The 13.2-billion-baht submarine deal has been delayed since 2017 after Germany refused to supply the MTU 396 diesel engine specified by Thailand, citing an EU arms embargo on China.
CSOC representatives at this week’s meeting provided technical information about the Chinese CHD620 engine offered as a replacement, Pokkrong said.
The RTN is considering the offer but will send a representative to inspect tests on the engine at the factory in China from January to April next year, he added.
The Navy said the replacement engine must undergo certification by the Chinese navy, which should be completed in June 2023. The CHD620 has reportedly not been used by Chinese submarines before.
The Navy will send information on the Chinese engine to the government and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who doubles as defence minister.
Pokkrong said budget for the submarine will be used carefully despite problems that the Navy is trying hard to solve. The project will proceed with full transparency, he added.
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