Spectacular reservoir will remain a top spot to cool off during the hot season
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023
The Royal Irrigation Department on Sunday assured local residents and tourists that a popular destination near Bangkok, the Bang Phra Reservoir in Chonburi, will not run dry during the hot season.
The massive reservoir set amidst forests and rolling hills will remain at full capacity so visitors can cool off during the hot season, said Prapit Chanma, director-general of the department. The hot season has already begun in eastern Thailand, he added.
The department has worked with the Provincial Waterworks Authority and the Eastern Water Resources Development and Management agency to refill the reservoir in Si Racha district to its full capacity, Prapit said.
A number of large tourist facilities and industrial estates depend on water from the reservoir. As a result, the department has been working closely with its two partner agencies to maintain the reservoir’s level to ensure visitors can continue to use it.
After its level dropped to 112 million cubic metres in early October, the three agencies joined forces to begin diverting water into the reservoir from the Chayanuchit Canal and Bang Pakong River on November 1. It has recently been back to its full capacity, the department chief added.
“The Royal Irrigation Department would like to assure Chonburi residents that they will have plenty of water for use during the dry season. The Bang Phra Reservoir is full,” Prapit said.
The department expropriated land around the reservoir in 1972. It was built in 1975 and can hold 117 million cubic metres of water.
As the area around the reservoir became more fertile, it drew more wildlife, including deer, civets, slow lorises, and fishing cats. More than 130 species of birds now live in the area.
The reservoir rises as much as 35 metres above sea level. Its vast size, green embankments and surrounding hills provide spectacular views. The site is only an hour-and-a-half drive from Bangkok, making it a popular day trip for the capital’s residents. Many local residents visit daily for jogging, swimming and relaxation.
Voters see no difference between Prayut, Prawit as next PM
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023
A recent opinion poll shows that voters see no difference between Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha and his deputy, General Prawit Wongsuwan, as PM candidates.
However, the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida), which conducted the poll, did not ask if the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), led by Prawit, or the United Thai Nation Party (UTNP), which is fielding Prayut, will win the election.
The poll did not offer respondents choices comparing the two parties either.
Instead, the Nida Poll only posed an open-ended question, asking the 1,310 respondents what they felt about the competition between Prawit and Prayut. The poll was conducted over the telephone from January 23 to 25, and respondents could choose more than one answer. The responses were:
• 46.56%: No difference between Prawit and Prayut as they just competing politically
• 28.93%: There are no permanent foes or friends in politics
• 20.53%: Competition adds colour to democracy
• 12.52%: Prayut will have more freedom in making political decisions and running the country
• 10.76%: Despite the competition, the two parties will win fewer MP seats than they won in 2019
• 9.01%: There is an unmendable political rift between Prawit and Prayut
• 8.78%: Prawit and the PPRP will be freer and will join any camp to form a coalition after the election
• 6.56%: The two parties will win more House seats combined compared to the 2019 election
• 6.34%: Prayut supporters who do not like PPRP will come out in force to support the PM
• 3.05%: No comment.
When asked if they think Prayut and Prawit will join hands to form a coalition, the responses were:
Prayut boasts of his achievements as he starts campaigning for votes
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023
Speaking for the first time as a member of the United Thai Nation Party (UTN), Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Thailand will improve further over the next two years under his auspices.
In his campaign speech in Chumphon on Saturday, Prayut also said he will not forget his promise to do his best for the country.
“If we do not continue paving the road, we will not arrive at our destination,” he said, adding that he decided to join UTN because he believes in the party’s ideology.
Prayut also listed his government’s achievements, saying it has done more for the country than its predecessors, especially in improving infrastructure and tackling floods.
“We are building the jigsaw puzzle of your country,” he said, adding that he has been paying attention to all sectors.
He also promised to keep the “Khon La Khrueng” (Let’s Go Halves) subsidy scheme and the state welfare card alive if he returns as premier.
He also said the double-track railway to Chumphon should be ready within this year.
In addition, Prayut highlighted the work his government has done in handling the Covid-19 pandemic and its achievement in restoring ties with Saudi Arabia, which had been strained for more than 30 years.
Now, he said, foreign investments are pouring in.
“We must help each other to build up our country,” he added.
Upon wrapping up the campaign, Prayut said he was excited but admitted that he had to be careful because as premier, everybody was keeping an eye on him.
He added that he loves everybody and that UTC will soon announce its next campaign destination. He also said the has no plans to dissolve the Parliament and that it will end is tenure on March 23 and make way for the May 7 general election.
Chiang Mai beats Singapore as safest city in Southeast Asia
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023
Chiang Mai in the North of Thailand was named Southeast Asia’s safest city and the 32nd safest among 416 cities across the world.
According to the Numbeo website, Chiang Mai won 75.5 points for safety in Southeast Asia, followed by Davao in the Philippines (72.4) and Singapore (70.8).
United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi was named the safest city in the world with 88.8 points, followed by Qatar capital Doha (85.5) and Taiwanese capital Taipei (84.9).
Bangkok, meanwhile, came in 170th globally and 7th in Southeast Asia with 59.5 points.
“Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has thanked all related agencies for ensuring safety among people,” government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said.
He added that this ranking also reflects the government’s efforts in dealing with crimes, improving people’s lives and boosting confidence among foreigners.
Numbeo is the world’s largest database providing indicators on housing, crime rates, healthcare, transportation, cost of living, etc.
Tennis player wanted over fatal road accident quits Thai national team
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023
A 16-year-old tennis player, who faces charges over a fatal road accident, has given up his chance of joining the Thailand national team.
The Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT) posted the player’s resignation letter on Facebook.
The letter, addressed to the association’s president, said the player wanted to resign as member of the national team.
The player also asked LTAT to find a replacement but did not specify the reason behind his decision to quit.
The LTAT Facebook post viral, drawing 10,000 reactions and 3,100 shares as of Sunday morning.
The resignation comes after many netizens aired their dissatisfaction with LTAT for choosing a tennis player who is wanted for killing a 24-year-old man in a road accident in Nakhon Ratchasima on October 1 last year.
Many netizens also pointed out that it was not fair to let the tennis player lead a normal life when another family grieves the loss of their son.
Legal action is being taken, while the tennis player’s family has already provided compensation to the victim’s family.
Swede dies in motorbike crash just 5 days after meeting Thai girlfriend
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023
A 50-year-old Swedish national died immediately after his motorcycle overshot a curve in Roi Et’s Suwannaphum district on Saturday, just five days after he met his Thai girlfriend.
Police, medical staff and rescuers rushed to the scene on Suwannaphum-Ban Dong Mai Road where the body of the Swede, identified only as Stefan, was found.
Police believe the accident occurred because the victim was speeding and possibly lost control at the curve, fell into a roadside ditch and hit his head on a concrete pipe.
His body has been taken for an autopsy with legal procedures to follow, the police added.
Meanwhile, the Swede’s girlfriend Veeranuch Buthinkong, 27, said they had been speaking over social media for the past two years before Stefan flew to Thailand for the first time five days ago.
“After lunch, Stefan said he wanted to go on a ride and take photographs, so I warned him to be careful,” she said.
Stefan died some 6 kilometres from the village, she added.
New specialised units boost Thailand’s chances of becoming world medical hub
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2023
Chanapat Komlongharn
Thailand’s status as a world medical and wellness hub has been further enhanced thanks to special treatment options being offered by Bumrungrad International Hospital.
To meet the needs of its patients, the well-known hospital launched several specialised healthcare services last year, including a Neurocritical Care Unit, a Gastrointestinal Motility Centre, Cornea Transplants Centre, a Comprehensive Sleep Clinic, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), and Radiology AI Treatment.
With such a diversity of services, the hospital can take care of patients suffering from serious diseases and those who are in critical condition, Bumrungrad CEO Dr Artirat Charukitpipat said.
“We want to be the most trusted healthcare and wellness destination,” she added.
The hospital is also focusing on promoting preventive healthcare via its VitalLife wellness centre.
“The centre’s aim is to help our patients live longer, healthier lives,” she said.
The wellness centre earned as much as 1 billion baht in revenue last year, the hospital reported.
Dr Artirat said inclusion, agility, innovation and care (IAIC) and 4C1W (critical care, complicated care, cutting-edge technology, collaboration of experts and wellness) models remain at the core of the hospital’s values.
(From left) Dr Taveesin Tanprayoon, Dr Artirat Charukitpipat, Dr Nimit Taechakraichana
The hospital has been utilising technology to help patients and improve operations, deputy CEO Dr Nimit Taechakraichana said.
He added Bumrungrad is moving towards becoming a fully digitised hospital via technology, including applications, telemedicine, teleconsulting, and fast-track payments.
Some 60% of the hospital’s patients are foreigners, with most of them coming from Myanmar, Qatar, Bangladesh and Cambodia.
Takrit and Suritpreeya Emerge Victorious in JAT C Class
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2023
THE NATION
Takrit Supagonchoowong and Suritpreeya Pruksanubal employed their impressive forms to lift up the boys’ and girls’ C class trophies during the Junior Asian Tour (JAT) golf event at the Southern Hills Golf & Country Club in Hat Yai, Songkhla on Saturday.
The 11-year-old Takrit birdied once on the 11th hole and made two bogeys on the sixth and eighth for a 73. His total of seven over-par-151 was matched by first round leader Wannagorn Bennukul but his better hole-by-hole record propelled him to the title in the boys 10-12 division.
“I was playing really well. I had my heart in my mouth at some point. But I tried to clam down even I didn’t make some putts. I tried to give my all out there,” said Takrit.
Suritpreeya, also at 11, fought back from two bogeys at the front nine to fire four birdies after the turn for a final 70. She completed a wire-to-wire victory on one under-par-143, eight ahead of Rinlapat Jantara on the girls’ side.
“I was really determined to do well since the qualifying round. I was training hard and it paid off this week. I hit the iron close to the pins and made birdies. To be honest, I was so excited at the first tee, but I was so happy to keep my cool and ended with a win,” the girl said.
In class A (age 15-18), Wittaya Ngamhom, despite a disappointing 77, still maintained in the lead on four over-par-148 after the second round of the boys’ category. The 14-year-old had only one birdie as opposed to three bogeys and a double bogey on the fourth hole. Falling a shot behind on 149 was Ingtawan Wangrungwichaisri who shot a round of 73. In the girls’ event, Pryfon Prom-on carded a 75 and an overall 12 over-par-156. She is now the favourite to win the title with a huge lead over Peeyaporn Intasae who trailed 16 strokes behind.
In B class (age 13-14), Tantikorn Klinpeng fired three birdies against two bogeys for a second round 71, sitting glued on top of the leader’s board with a total even-par-144 in the boys’ event while Arisa Bintachitt shot a 74 for a total three over-par-147 in the girls’ competition.
The season-opening edition is one of the six JAT circuits to be held in Thailand this year. It is competed in a stroke-play format and divided into three age groups: 10-12 years, 13-14 years, and 15-18 years.
Each stop features World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and Junior Golf Scoreboard which will serve as the path for youngsters to pursue their golf career in the future. Apart from opportunities to gain world ranking points, youngsters with outstanding results on the Asian Junior Tour will receive wildcards into prestigious events including the LPGA, Ladies European Tour, Asian Tour, TrustGolf Tour and several professional events due in Thailand.
Four girls with the best results from JAT circuits 1-3 will be awarded wildcards into the final qualifying round of the LPGA-Ladies European Tour co-sanctioned Trustgolf Women Scottish Open.
Players, boy and girl, with outstanding results from circuits 1-2 will be granted spots in the Asian Tour – Ladies European co-sanctioned Asian Mixed Cup while those with best results from the JAT circuits 2-3 will earn their slots in the Asian Mixed Stableford Challenge. Furthermore, winners from each JAT circuit will receive wildcards to the Thailand Mixed circuits 1-3 and the No 1 player on the JAT Order of Merits from JAT circuits 1-3 will be eligible for the Thailand Mixed circuit 4.
SEA Games told to choose either ‘Muay Thai’ or ‘Kun Khmer’
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2023
One of the most controversial issues regarding this year’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Phnom Penh is the host country’s announcement that kickboxing will be named “Kun Khmer”.
All references to “Muay Thai” have been removed from the kickboxing schedule from May 5-17.
Instead, the popular sport will be referred to by its Khmer name and will follow Cambodian rules and regulations.
This means Kun Khmer will not be using the same rules and regulations as Muay Thai, which were recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in July 2021.
The IOC also stipulated that all official tournaments of Muay Thai must be supervised by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA).
Cambodia’s announcement has sparked a backlash in Thailand. The Amateur Muaythai Association of Thailand (AMTAT) announced that it would not send athletes to compete in kickboxing at this year’s SEA Games unless the host switched to using Muay Thai rules under IFMA supervision.
To explore the issue, Nation Thailand spoke with Sakchye Tapsuwan, president of both the IFMA and AMTAT, regarding the latter’s decision to boycott the SEA Games in Cambodia, and the role of IFMA at the international level.
Despite the plethora of Muay Thai associations, only the AMTAT has been recognised by the Sports Authority of Thailand. Why?
Thailand is the birthplace of Muay Thai. This fact has made the country the top destination among kickboxing athletes worldwide who seek authentic training in Muay Thai. As a result, there are over a thousand Muay Thai gyms and several Muay Thai associations across Thailand. However, only the Amateur Muaythai Association of Thailand (AMTAT) has been approved by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), which allowed it to add “of Thailand” to its name.
Sakchye explained:
“Thai law stipulates that each sport can have only one association to represent the country. Although there are many Muay Thai associations in Thailand, only the AMTAT can send Thai athletes to compete at international tournaments in the name of Thailand. These tournaments include the World Games and SEA Games.”
Sakchye said he had chaired the AMTAT for over 20 years and helped push Thailand to become a member of the IFMA, which now has 148 member countries.
He explained:
“After I retired from the position of SAT governor in 2000, I worked with the AMTAT and have been coordinating with the IMFA since until Muay Thai, the IMFA and AMTAT were officially recognised by the IOC in 2021. Getting the IOC’s approval is not an easy task, and it took us over 10 years to be at the top of the waiting list to be included in the Olympic Games. This international recognition proves that Muay Thai is a globally popular sport.”
Sakchye Tapsuwan, president of both the IFMA and AMTAT
Why Cambodia is “wrong”
Sakchye insisted that Cambodia’s decision to change the name from “Muay Thai” to “Kun Khmer” and to host the sport without supervision of an international governing body is “wrong” and “cannot be done”.
Sakchye explained:
“In hosting any international sport event, the organiser must coordinate with the international authority responsible for that sport, such as Fifa for football, Aiba (Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur) for boxing, and IFMA for Muay Thai. Furthermore, the organiser must follow the rules and regulations of the respective authority. This is an internationally accepted practice.”
Hosting a Muay Thai event anywhere in the world must be done under IFMA’s supervision, as the ICO has recognised it as the governing body of Muay Thai since July 2021, Sakchye added.
Cambodia must play by the rulse in naming a sport in SEA Games
“Muay Thai is the name of the sport that has been approved by the ICO. If Cambodia were to use ‘Muay’ or ‘Thai Boxing’, we would have no problem as they still carry the same meaning,” said Sakchye. “However, it is not acceptable to change the name entirely to Kun Khmer, not to mention changing of rules and not coordinating with IFMA in hosting the sport.”
Sakchye added that Cambodia had earlier discussed with Thailand to name the sport Kun Khmer Muay, but later cut the last part in the technical handbook for athletes, prompting the AMTAT to decide not to send athletes to the game.
“After Cambodia’s announcement of a new name, the IFMA has alerted all 148 members that sending athletes to an event not sponsored by IFMA will result in punishment. This is the same practice used by other international sport organisations such as Fifa.”
Will Muay Thai change its name to gain international acceptance?
“Many people believe that Muay Thai could be more popular with a different name. But to me, Muay Thai will always be Muay Thai, as that is the name officially recognised by the IOC. This is the first undisputed fact.”
“Secondly, Muay Thai is a cultural heritage of Thailand, therefore, we must not change the name for whatever purpose.”
Sakchye added that the name-change of Thailand’s “Takraw” to “Sepak Takraw” was a different case. The sport shares its origin with other countries, and using a new name would promote cooperation, he explained.
“Muay Thai is unique. It is a part of Thai tradition. Before every match of Muay Thai there must be a ‘Wai Kru’ [guru worshiping] ritual with traditional Thai music played in the background. This was demonstrated in the Muay Thai tournament at Birmingham 2022 World Games, where three orchestra bands from Thailand were invited to participate.”
Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar do not recognise “Muay Thai”
Sakchye said there are only three countries that refuse to recognise Muay Thai as a sport: Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.
“Frankly, I don’t care what they think, since the IFMA, which has 148 countries, already officially recognises Muay Thai,” he said, adding that more than 20 other countries are waiting to join.
“If these three countries won’t join IFMA, then they clearly don’t think of the future of their athletes. This is a shame as there are many excellent kickboxers from these countries.”
Adidas unveils new match ball for 2023 Women’s World Cup
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2023
THE NATION
OCEAUNZ, the official match ball of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 held in Australia and New Zealand, has just been introduced by Adidas, becoming the brand’s ninth match ball produced for the Women’s World Cup.
Designed by Australian local painter Chern’ee Sutton and Kiwi artist Fiona Collis, the match ball’s design features a decoration of blues and greens, inspired by the unique Australasian and New Zealand landscapes.
OCEAUNZ is also decorated with patterns that illustrate various parts of the game, such as goals and footballs.
Since the Women’s Euros tournament set records for watching last year, the upcoming World Cup is expected to be a huge moment, said Franziska Loeffelmann, Design Director of Football Graphics at Adidas.
“We are turning up with a match ball that we’re incredibly proud of – featuring our innovative technology and with a design that represents the natural beauty of the landscape,” he added.
OCEAUNZ features connected ball technology, offering accurate ball data that will be made available to Video Match Officials in real-time, just like the official match ball of the 2022 World Cup.
The innovative connected ball technology results in FIFA’s semi-automated offside technology and offers Video Assistant Referees real-time information to help optimise decision-making.
The ball will cost €150 – or US$163- and be available starting on January 25 in Adidas shops, selected retailers, and online at adidas.com.
To enhance female participation, representation, and leadership, FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 contributed to Common Goal’s “Global Goal 5 Accelerator” project.
The project focuses on increasing women’s participation in a football game.
The tournament will begin on July 20 with the host nation, New Zealand, taking on Norway in the first match, and end with the final on August 20.
If Thailand’s women’s national football team can defeat Cameroon and Portugal in the play-off games, they will be eligible to make their third appearance at the Women’s World Cup.
As the area around the reservoir became more fertile, it drew more wildlife, including deer, civets, slow lorises, and fishing cats. More than 130 species of birds now live in the area.
(From left) Dr Taveesin Tanprayoon, Dr Artirat Charukitpipat, Dr Nimit Taechakraichana
Sakchye Tapsuwan, president of both the IFMA and AMTAT
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