Prayut upbeat over ministry’s forecast of 4% GDP growth this year
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 08, 2023
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has backed the Energy Ministry’s prediction that Thailand’s economy could expand by as much as 4% this year.
Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Wednesday that Prayut acknowledged the estimate submitted by Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow earlier this week.
The ministry forecasts Thai GDP could grow 4% in 2023, pointing to strong fiscal and financial discipline plus a sovereign credit rating that remains the same as last year.
It said government measures to mitigate impacts from the global economic downturn, together with the continued infrastructure development and efforts to seek investment in new technology and innovation will also push economic expansion.
Anucha added that the government’s success in reviving diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia after 32 years will help expand Thailand’s export markets in the Middle East and Africa.
The Energy Ministry also forecast investment privileges granted to Thai and foreign businesses will rise to over 700 billion baht this year, with the 1 trillion-baht milestone following soon after.
Thai trade delegation bags contracts worth THB1.3 billion in UAE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2023
The Thai delegation to Dubai returned with trade contracts worth more than 1.3 billion baht under its belt, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said.
Jurin led a team of senior ministry officials and representatives of private companies to the United Arab Emirates on Monday and Tuesday.
Before returning to Thailand on Tuesday, Jurin and his delegation met government officials and Thai companies operating in Dubai.
After the meeting, Jurin said the trip has resulted in the signing of five contracts worth 1.33 billion baht. Of them, two worth 21 million baht are related to food, one worth 630 million baht related to sanitary ware, one auto parts contract worth 542 million baht and one melamine ware contract worth 140 million baht.
Thai contractors will start supplying goods based on the contracts within this year, Jurin said.
At the meeting, state and private agencies agreed that Dubai could serve as a staging point for Thai firms to access markets in the six Gulf Cooperation Council nations, namely Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain.
The meeting was informed that about 15 to 18 Thai small- and medium-sized firms are operating in Dubai, including SCG International Middle East Trading LLC, Perfect Companion Trading LLC, as well as Little Bangkok and Siam restaurants.
The meeting also resolved to set up a Thai-UAE business council to facilitate bilateral trade and investments between Thailand and UAE.
The council will be a formal business platform endorsed by both governments, Jurin said, adding that it would generate some 30 billion baht of trade revenue for Thailand.
The minister said UAE is a top market for Thailand in the Middle East, with bilateral trade accounting for 730 billion baht last year, up by 74%. Of the total, 118 billion accounted for UAE’s exports to Thailand, up 22.19%.
The meeting also learned that a Thai developer has opened the Thai Souq in the Souk Al Marfa wholesale market in the heart of Dubai Deira.
Jurin said the Thai Souq has over 30 stalls that sell Thai products, including foods, drinks, artworks, souvenirs, fashion and accessory goods as well as Thai massage shops.
Jurin said the management of Thai Souq is willing to share its knowledge of exports to the UAE and operating businesses there with Thai SMEs.
The Crystal Grill House: Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park and Asset World Corporation introduces a glamorous new era of riverside gastronomy
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2023
Bangkok, Thailand, February 3, 2023 – Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park and Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) is inviting guests to step into a glamorous world of gastronomy and mixology at The Crystal Grill House, a stylish departure from a traditional steak and seafood restaurant on the banks of the Chao Phraya, Bangkok’s historic “River of Kings.”
Situated directly on the waterside at Asiatique The Riverfront Destination, the heritage-focused retail and lifestyle destination, The Crystal Grill House is a stylish grill house that celebrates the joy of global exploration. Situated opposite Sirimahannop, the reimagined tall ship that sailed between Thailand and the world in the early 1900s, The Crystal Grill House will recapture the spirit of this enchanting age.
Guests can unwind in five elegant private dining pavilions, sip signature cocktails and fine wines at the vibrant bar, or savor creative bites at the open kitchen with casual counter-style seating – all enclosed in a glistening glasshouse – or unwind on the banks of the river at the alfresco terrace. This makes The Crystal Grill House ideal for special occasions and celebrations, evening drinks or memorable meals, enhanced by a chic vintage design and set against the backdrop of the rippling river.
The menu focuses on the finest cuts of meat and fresh seafood cooked to-order on a signature charcoal-wood-fired Josper Grill. A variety of woods are burned daily and the embers imbue a unique fragrance that enlivens the natural flavor of the ingredients. Guests can indulge in timeless steakhouse fare, including mouth-watering cuts of beef, sublime seafood and a curated international wine list. A selection of oysters and a series of “Appetizers” will showcase the chefs’ culinary creativity. Every dining experience can end on a sweet note with a selection of international desserts.
Talented bartenders will serve up a selection of fine wines, spirits and beers, as well as classic and signature cocktails. Globetrotting options include America, India, Persia, China and Japan, all crafted using international specialty spirits and fresh ingredients.
Located at Asiatique The Riverfront Destination, The Crystal Grill House is easily accessible by road and river, including shuttle boat services from the pier next to Saphan Taksin BTS skytrain station. The stylish new venue will open daily from 16.30 hrs. to midnight (last orders at 23.30 hrs.). With a capacity of just 95 guests, advanced reservations are recommended.
For more information and to discover this new era of glamour and gastronomy next to the Chao Phraya River, please call +66 (0) 2 059 5999 or email restaurant reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com
Dell Technologies appoints new President for Asia Pacific & Japan
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2023
Bangkok, February 7, 2023 – Dell Technologies announces the appointment of Peter Marrs as president of its Asia Pacific & Japan (APJ) region, effective immediately. Marrs succeeds Amit Midha, who will be leaving Dell Technologies to pursue an opportunity outside of the company.
In his new position, Marrs will lead the region’s growth and development across the company’s extensive technology portfolio. He will be responsible for driving the corporate strategy and sales in Dell’s APJ region which includes Australia, New Zealand, India, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. Based in Singapore, Marrs will report to John Byrne, President of Sales, Global Theaters and Dell Technologies Select, Dell Technologies.
“I’m excited to have Peter lead our business in this very important region. He has more than a decade of experience across APJ, and a deep understanding and appreciation for Dell’s customers and partners in the region. With his strong track record on delivering results, I am confident that Peter will help shape the future of Dell in APJ,” said Byrne.
“The opportunities in APJ are immense, and I’m thrilled to lead Dell business in the region,” said Marrs. “We have a talented team, strong portfolio of solutions and a culture that fosters innovation. We are well placed to help our customers and partners in APJ succeed on their digital transformation journeys, and drive our growth in the region.”
Marrs has more than 30 years of experience in the IT industry, 23 years at Dell. He has held global and regional senior management roles in both the enterprise and client businesses. He joined Dell Technologies in 2000 in enterprise product development and spent over a decade in leadership roles in APJ. He was most recently the senior vice president of Data Center Solutions for the International business. Previously he has served as senior vice president of APJ Enterprise Solutions, senior vice president of APJ Client Solutions Group, vice president of APJ Solutions Sales, president & general manager of Dell Korea, and executive director of Solutions Sales for ASEAN.
Marrs earned his Master of Business Administration from Syracuse University and has a Bachelor of Science in Business from Lemoyne College.
Moore’s law, sustainability and data centres: How software will handle the future data explosion
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2023
An important principle in the development of IT over the decades has been Moore’s Law. Simply put, it predicted that transistor density in processors would double every two years as development progresses.
Despite many predictions of its demise, it has remained a more or less guiding principle. However, what is perhaps less well known is a similarly persistent trend in the data centre space.
Despite a 6-fold increase in the data being processed since 2010, data centre energy consumption has only risen by 6% to 2018 (Masanet et al, 2020). How has that been possible, and how does it inform sustainability developments into the future?
Where does the data come from?
To contextualise this development, we must first understand where the data processing increase has come from. The Apple iPad got its debut in 2010, which also saw the introduction of Instagram and Microsoft’s Azure cloud service. 2011 introduced us to Minecraft, Snapchat, and Uber, with 2013 bringing Amazon’s Alexa, accompanied by Xbox One and PlayStation. 2017 brought Fortnite and Tiktok.
Social media engagement over the period increased manifold, while global data production went from estimates of 2 zettabytes in 2010 to 41 zettabytes in 2019. IDC estimates global data load will rise to a staggering 175 zettabytes by 2025.
The pandemic effect has been substantial, with the MENA region seeing a big increase in messaging and social media usage: Social Media Users in MEA and Latin America spend the most time on social networks, averaging over 3.5 hours a day.
More than half of users in MEA (57%) reported (May 2020) spending even more time on social media as a result of the pandemic. Similarly, in a separate study, 71% of Middle East respondents reported WhatsApp and other messaging apps usage increased since the outbreak of the pandemic.
What impact does all that data have?
To understand the impact of this data explosion, a concept has been developed called data gravity. Coined by engineer David McRory, the term refers to the tendency of an accumulation of data to attract applications and services toward it, precipitating further accumulation, which can lead to immobilisation of the data, as well as underutilisation. Data that grows too big, too fast can become immobile, reducing its value and increasing its opacity. Only low latency, high bandwidth services, combined with new data architectures can combat this growing, and largely undocumented phenomenon.
What tech developments have made this possible?
Multiple technological developments can account for this data explosion being handled with only minimal increases in energy consumption, from improvements in processor design and manufacture, through power supply units and storage, but also the migration of workloads from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud.
Schneider Electric has been committed to sustainable business for decades. That has meant a renewed focus on efficiency in all aspects of design and operation. Gains have been made in efficiency in power and cooling, with UPS systems and modular power supplies showing significant gains with each generation, culminating in the likes of the current Galaxy VL line. This line’s use of lithium-ion batteries has not only increased efficiency, it has extended operational life, reduced environmental impact in reducing raw materials, and facilitated “energized swapping”, where the addition and/or replacement of power modules can be performed with zero downtime, while increasing protection to operators and service personnel.
Advances in cooling, such as flow control through rack, row and pod containment systems, liquid cooling, and intelligent software control ensure that the pure data processing gains are met and matched.
By ensuring that every link in the chain of power from energy grid to rack is as efficient, intelligent, and instrumented as possible, we provide the right basis for the rapid development in compute, network, and storage that continues daily.
Where does software and apps fit here?
Another key element of the technological development that has allowed such relentless efficiency has been the application of better instrumentation, data gathering, and analysis that allows for better control and orchestration. This was illustrated by Google’s DeepMind AI, where the energy used for cooling was reduced at one of its data centres by some 40% in 2016, which represented a 15% overall reduction in power usage. This was accomplished using historical data from data centre sensors such as temperature, power, pump speeds, setpoints, etc, to improve data centre energy efficiency. The AI system predicted the future temperature and pressure of the data centre over the coming hour and made recommendations to control consumption appropriately.
The development of data centre infrastructure management (DCIM) systems has continued apace too, allowing the integration of AI to take advantage of all of these hardware and infrastructure developments. These experiments are now features, allowing unprecedented visibility and control. For those designing for new developments, software such as ETAP, allows power efficiency to be built into the design from the outset, while also accommodating microgrid architectures.
What new data sources will contribute to this?
The data explosion is expected to continue increasing, with developments such as industrial IoT, 5G, with increasing general automation and autonomous vehicles as driving factors. The data that will be generated, far from the centralized data infrastructure, must be handled, processed and turned into intelligence quickly, where it is needed.
New data architectures are expected to improve efficiency in how all of that is handled. Edge computing is seen as an important approach to manage more data being generated at the edge.
In one example, genomic research generates terabytes of data, often daily. Sending all that data to a centralized data centre would be slow, demand high bandwidth and be inefficient. The Wellcome Sanger Institute created an edge computing approach that allowed it to process data close to where it is produced, the genomic sequencers, with only what is necessary centralized. This saves on storage, bandwidth and speeds the time to intelligence from data. That is where the edge paradigm has come to us, said Simon Binley, data centre manager, Sanger Institute.
Modular data centres, micro data centres and better storage management will all contribute to handling this developing wave efficiently, keeping that data centre energy consumption line as flat into the future. In the MENA region, 5G, and centralisation with edge architectures will be balanced by more hyperscale facilities linking major demand centres.
What effects will this have on the whole data ecosystem?
However, efficiency must extend through not just the supply chain, but also throughout lifecycles. Vendors, suppliers, and partners must all be engaged to ensure that no part of the ecosystem lags in applying the tools to ensure efficiency. This applies as much in the design time of new equipment and applications as it does through working life and decommissioning. Understanding how an entire business ecosystem impacts the environment will be vital to truly achieving net zero goals.
Agreed standards, transparency and measurability are all vital factors to ensure results.
These considerations are taking hold across the region, great efforts being made to do better. Greater transparency is now accepted and embraced, with more and more organisations reporting their progress.
Tools and processes shared
The data centre sector has much that will be of use to organisations and industries going on the journey of sustainability towards increasing circularity. With the expertise and experience in efficiency, combined with the tools and intelligence from operations, and deep commitments to tight targets for net-zero operations, the data centre sector can not only handle the data explosion and digital demands of the world, but do so sustainably, while providing others with the tools and insights to do the same for their respective sectors.
GULF, Singtel, and AIS kick off the establishment of the new data center
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2023
GSA management, led by Mr. Ratthaphol Cheunsomchit (4th from left), Chairman of the Board, join the groundbreaking ceremony for the new 20+ MW data center in Bang Phli, Samutprakan province.
GULF, Singtel, and AIS commence the construction of the new 20+ MW data center, which will be operated by GSA Data Center Company Limited (GSA), the joint venture between the three companies. It is poised to be the best-in-class hyperconnected data center with state-of-the-art technologies, a high level of security systems, efficient energy management, and the incorporation of renewable energy to reduce its carbon footprint. The data center will serve the greater demands of enterprises and cloud service providers in Thailand and overseas, in line with the rapid growth of digital infrastructure in the region. The data center is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2025.
GSA is the joint venture between Gulf Infrastructure Company Limited (the subsidiary of Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited; GULF), ST Dynamo TH PTE LTD. (the subsidiary of Singapore Telecommunications Limited; Singtel), and AIS DC Venture Company Limited (the subsidiary of Advanced Info Services Public Company Limited; AIS), with equity stakes of 40%, 35%, and 25%, respectively. This collaboration increases the value of the data center company by capitalizing on the strengths of each partner. GULF is well-established in the energy and infrastructure business with a portfolio of green energy projects in domestic and international markets and an extensive business network, while Singtel has substantial technological expertise in the development and operation of hyperscale data centers and a diversified global customer base that includes hyperscalers. AIS has local expertise in domestic networks, developing and operating multiple locations of data center facilities in Thailand as well as experience in serving a significant number of enterprise customers.
Mr. Ravi Kurmarohita, Chief Executive Officer, GSA Data Center Company Limited, stated, “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony marks another milestone in GSA’s data center development and is considered an auspicious occasion to officially start the construction of the GSA data center. This state-of-the-art, high-quality data center is located in a strategic location near Bangkok. It seeks to integrate cutting-edge technology and renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance efficiency in energy management to support sustainable operations. With increasing demand from enterprises, particularly cloud service providers, the company therefore sees a strong growth potential of the data center business in a move towards digital transformation.”
The GSA data center will be constructed in compliance with world-class standards in order to obtain certifications such as TIA-942 Certification Rated-3, LEED Gold, Threat and Vulnerability Assessment (TVRA), and ISO 27001. The GSA data center is scheduled to begin commercial operations by 2025.
From left to right: 1. Mr. Mark Chong, Board Member, GSA (Deputy CEO, AIS) 2. Mr. Ravi Kurmarohita, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member, GSA (Chief International Business Officer, GULF) 3. Mr. Bill Chang, Board Member, GSA (CEO, Singtel Group Enterprise, and CEO, Regional Data Center Business) 4. Mr. Ratthaphol Cheunsomchit, Chairman of the Board, GSA (Deputy CEO, GULF) 5. Mr. Arthur Lang, Board Member, GSA (CFO, Singtel Group) 6. Mr. Andrew Lim, Chief Operation Officer, GSA 7. Mr. Weerayuth Panichkul, CFO, GSA
AIS Business aims to accelerate achievement of digital transformation for Thai enterprises
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 06, 2023
Nongluck Ajanapanya
AIS Business, a subsidiary of Advanced Info Service (AIS), intends to play a key role in enabling local and regional enterprises to accelerate their digital transformation.
AIS Business will focus on accelerating growth beyond pandemic recovery, modernising trusted digital infrastructure to improve efficiency, agility, and security, and creating sustainable business with digital solutions, according to the company’s business direction for 2023
Tanapong Ittisakulchai, AIS chief enterprise business officer, told a media briefing on Monday that most Thai businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, are still in the early stages of digital transformation. He said AIS Business wants to be their partner in providing 5G technology that is customised to what SMEs want for their own solutions.
He pointed to a big gap between the country’s aspirations and its current situation. “If the country’s goal is Thailand 4.0, Thai businesses are still at 2.0,” he pointed out.
“Most of them recognise their own pain points while looking for solutions that are unique to them. AIS Business will consult with them and assist them in locating the appropriate technology or digital solution from our territory,” Tanapong said.
“This year will see the creation of a complete digital business ecosystem that will meet the needs of every organisation in every dimension,” he vowed.
He said the company would continue to focus on five strategies: connecting the 5G ecosystem to improve businesses; improving secured network performance with intelligent networks; improving trusted digital infrastructure and platform of cloud and data centre; improving digital marketing and data-driven business capability; and delivering solution and managed services by trusted professionals.
He expected double-digit growth for AIS Business this year and to expand its partners as much as possible. AIS Business currently has over 200 partners, including technology companies, government agencies, industry experts, and SMEs and startups.
Centara Extends Hotel Management Agreement for Centara Chaan Talay Resort & Villas Trat
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 06, 2023
Centara Hotels & Resorts, has confirmed the signing of a new Hotel Management Agreement with Khun Kanoknat Adhyanasakul, the owners of Centara Chaan Talay Resort & Villas Trat, to continue managing this successful property for a period of 10 more years.
This not only marks the continuation of a long-term partnership between Centara and Khun Kanoknat, but also Centara’s ongoing commitment to delivering world-class guest experiences and Thai family valued hospitality.
Surrounded by untouched jungle and a pristine 400-metre stretch of white sand beach, Centara Chaan Talay Resort & Villas Trat entices guests with its remote yet accessible tropical location, serene atmosphere and spacious suites and villas.
Designed for couples, families and holidaymakers, this pet-friendly resort also welcomes dogs weighing less than 20 kilogrammes. During their stay, guests have access to a stunning beachfront infinity pool with a dedicated children’s swimming area, complimentary use of non-motorised water sports including kayaking and snorkelling, as well as Chaan Talay Healthy Massage. The resort also features all-day beachside dining, a beachside bar and in-room dining options to suit the needs of every traveller.
Centara Chaan Talay Resort & Villas Trat is conveniently located 40 minutes from Trat town and a 60-minute drive away from Trat Airport.
Nestled on the northern tip of the island of Koh Kood, Soneva Kiri is one of Thailand’s most romantic hideaways and Valentine’s celebrations begin from the moment guests wake.
Enjoy a sunrise breakfast cruise on a traditional wooden boat or a private breakfast amongst the treetops at the resort’s iconic bamboo pod, complete with Champagne, fruits and freshly-baked pastries.
During the day, unwind on the soft sands of South Beach with a cocktail in hand or explore the colourful underwater realms of nearby Koh Rang National Marine Park. Guests can also sip on cocktails as the sun sinks over the island’s sparkling waters.
An array of romantic dining experiences then awaits as evening falls, including dinner under the stars at the Lunar Deck, a romantic meal at The View and Kruua Mae Tuk, or a candlelit Valentine’s dinner on the Arrival Pier. For younger guests, there’s also Valentine’s card-making at the Eco Den and sumptuous crêpe and chocolate truffle-making workshops.
Central Retail plans major investment in 2023 for 15% boost in revenue
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 06, 2023
Nongluck Ajanapanya
Central Retail Corporation (CRC), Thailand’s leading multi-format and multi-category retailing platform, intends to invest 28 billion baht this year with the goal of generating 270 billion baht in total revenue this year.
The target would be a 15% increase over 2022.
Yol Phokasub, CRC’s chief executive officer, told a press conference on Monday that this investment would accelerate monumental growth within five business groups while prioritising sustainable growth and leading the retail business to a strong future.
CRC Five’s core businesses include food, fashion, hardline, property, and health and wellness.
Yol said that the decision was made as the CRC sees various positive signs in both the retail and service sectors, as well as how the economy and tourism are fully revitalising themselves, together with China reopening its country, and consumer purchasing power recovering at a promising rate.
The company’s long-term growth will be driven by four major strategies, he explained.
The first is to accelerate its core business growth in three major markets: Thailand, Vietnam, and Italy. Diversifying customers, opening new branches, maintaining a conservative cash flow, and renovating community malls will all contribute to growth.
The second strategy is to improve its omni-retail platform with the help of technology and AI to provide an exceptional customer experience, he said.
The third goal is to create new growth pillars by focusing on new exciting and sizeable businesses that would better meet customer needs and strengthen our position in both Thailand and Vietnam.
The fourth strategy is to form alliances through acquisition, joint investment, and even spin-off, Yol said.
“The four strategies that have been discussed and implemented have positioned Central Retail well towards ‘The Next Sustainable Growth’,” said Yol.
“We will continue to develop and grow the business sustainably as the nation’s first green and sustainable retail through these four strategies.”
Other CRC goals for this year include committing to 30% energy consumption from clean and renewable sources in the property business, 10% waste diversion to landfill, 10% reduction in water consumption, 20% eco-friendly and sustainably sourced products, and 5,000 rai (800 hectares) of green area and forestation to achieve net-zero green house gas emissions.
The announcement was made following a successful year in 2022 in which CRC was able to expand its business portfolio and achieve exponential growth in Thailand, Vietnam, and Italy across all business groups. This has resulted in a 20% increase in total revenue, exceeding CRC’s performance target for 2022.
The meeting also resolved to set up a Thai-UAE business council to facilitate bilateral trade and investments between Thailand and UAE.
The meeting also learned that a Thai developer has opened the Thai Souq in the Souk Al Marfa wholesale market in the heart of Dubai Deira.
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