SCB Julius Baer welcomes executives from Julius Baer Group and Siam Commercial Bank, reaffirming ambition to expand Thailand wealth management business

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SCB Julius Baer welcomes executives from Julius Baer Group and Siam Commercial Bank, reaffirming ambition to expand Thailand wealth management business

SCB Julius Baer welcomes executives from Julius Baer Group and Siam Commercial Bank, reaffirming ambition to expand Thailand wealth management business

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

SCB-Julius Baer Securities Co., Ltd. (SCB Julius Baer), a joint venture between Siam Commercial Bank, the first Thai bank, and Julius Baer, a leading global wealth management business from Switzerland, recently opened its doors to senior executives from both Julius Baer Group and Siam Commercial Bank to attend its board meeting and discuss the strategic growth direction of its wealth management business in Thailand. The Company is fully committed to establishing itself as the go-to wealth management business for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) in Thailand.

SCB X PCL Chief Executive Officer Arthid Nanthawithaya in his capacity as Chairman of the Board of SCB-Julius Baer Securities Co., Ltd. said, “The wealth management business in Thailand has been expanding rapidly over the past several years, notably among UHNWIs and HNWIs with assets over 100 million Thai baht. We foresee this growth trend continuing, reflecting the optimistic market outlook for our businesses. Delivering excellent wealth management solutions and services are an integral part of the Company’s plan for long-term success. SCB Julius Baer has our full confidence in their ability to support us in developing and expanding our wealth management operations to meet our objectives.” 

SCB Julius Baer welcomes executives from Julius Baer Group and Siam Commercial Bank, reaffirming ambition to expand Thailand wealth management business

SCB-Julius Baer Securities Co., Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Lalitphat Toranavikrai noted, “Our dedication and commitment to growing our wealth management company in Thailand was demonstrated by the presence of top executives from the Julius Baer Group and Siam Commercial Bank at our latest Board meeting where we discussed strategic growth plans. Our established team of investment planning experts with knowledge, experience, and a deep understanding of high-net-worth customers in Thailand and backed by Julius Baer’s international world-class wealth management standards, enables us to advise key clients in Thailand on how to most effectively achieve their investment goals despite challenging global market conditions. As a result, our AUM continued to grow as a result of both the steady additions of new clientele and the continued contributions from our existing clientele.”

SCB Julius Baer welcomes executives from Julius Baer Group and Siam Commercial Bank, reaffirming ambition to expand Thailand wealth management business

Philipp Rickenbacher, Chief Executive Officer of Julius Baer Group Ltd., remarked, “I am delighted to make my first visit to Thailand since the pandemic to meet with colleagues at SCB Julius Baer as well as re-connect with our key clients here. Julius Baer is fully committed to growing in Asia, our second home market, as well as in Thailand, where the demand for global wealth management expertise continues to grow.”

Jimmy Lee, Member of the Executive Board, Julius Baer Group Ltd. and Head of Asia Pacific, Bank Julius Baer, and Member of the Board of Directors, SCB-Julius Baer Securities Co. Ltd., added, “I am confident there are significant opportunities for us to leverage in the Thai wealth management market as clients seek to diversify their investment portfolios and place increasing importance on wealth planning solutions. This outlook bodes well for the SCB Julius Baer team, and we look forward to continuing our close partnership to access the untapped prospects in this key market.”

Bangchak unveils ambitious new strategy as it prepares for sustainable future

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Bangchak unveils ambitious new strategy as it prepares for sustainable future

Bangchak unveils ambitious new strategy as it prepares for sustainable future

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

Bangchak Group has come up with a corporate strategy to enable its five business groups to achieve 10-fold growth in earnings before income tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) by 2030.

Chief executive officer and president Chaiwat Kovavisarach revealed that the group had adapted to the Covid-19 crisis with its 3Rs approach:

  • Refocus, by accelerating the balance between energy security and the transition to clean energy
  • Restructure, by creating new channels to access markets and customers
  • Reimagine, by selecting opportunities and investment tools that optimise returns for the company

In the first nine months of 2022, the group recorded EBITDA of 37.773 billion baht, compared to an average of 10 billion baht from 2015 to 2020.

Bangchak unveils ambitious new strategy as it prepares for sustainable future

“Today, Bangchak Group is moving towards a critical challenging new era to achieve net zero greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions by 2050, with the first milestone of carbon neutrality by 2030.

“As such, Bangchak has adopted a new vision and mission: ‘Crafting a Sustainable World with Evolving Greenovation’, set growth strategies through to 2030 for the five business groups aligned with the BCP 316 NET plan that will lay the foundation of future sustainable growth targets,” Chaiwat said.

Refinery and oil trading

Bangchak unveils ambitious new strategy as it prepares for sustainable future

The company is committed to its niche product refinery capacity such as unconverted oil, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by leveraging growth from new capabilities in addition to refining and process efficiency enhancements, he said.

It aims to increase the EBITDA proportion of non-transportation fuel to more than 60% by 2030.

Marketing business

Bangchak unveils ambitious new strategy as it prepares for sustainable future

The company aims to develop consumer-centric services beyond the service station, through the scale-up of non-oil offerings such as food and beverages, and EV chargers, Chaiwat said.

The company also planned to develop partnerships and revenue from the franchise scheme by expanding the service station network to cover 1,900 stations, and 3,000 Inthanin locations by 2030.

Green Power business

Bangchak unveils ambitious new strategy as it prepares for sustainable future

The company targets to increase its capacity to 6,800 GWh, mainly from green power business growth from local projects under the new Power Development Plan (PDP 2022 from 2022 – 2037) and development abroad as the world transitions to clean energy, compounded by future peripheral growth such as battery and energy storage, Energy as a Service (EaaS), new forms of energy, and low-carbon businesses.

Bio-based products business

Bangchak unveils ambitious new strategy as it prepares for sustainable future

The company targets to increase the proportion of high-value products to more than 70% of EBITDA, to become its core business.

The company plans to emphasise health products development through Synthetic Biology (SynBio) to design and manufacture desired qualities for the global health and beauty segment such as good health and well-being.

Moreover, the company plans to strengthen and expand its biofuel business, especially SAF for the aviation industry.

Natural resources and new business

Bangchak unveils ambitious new strategy as it prepares for sustainable future

To address energy security through the expansion of natural resources businesses, with the exploration and growth business, the company targets to produce more than 100,000 boepd (barrels of oil equivalent per day) by 2030 through capability enhancements of OKEA ASA Norwegian oil field holdings, in which Bangchak Group is the principal shareholder.

Moreover, it is exploring growth in other high-potential locations.

Bangchak unveils ambitious new strategy as it prepares for sustainable future

Apart from this, the company targets to increase the proportion of new developing businesses to 7 billion baht EBITDA by 2030, such as Winnonie, the battery as a service ecosystem for EV-bikes, liquefied natural gas, and new S-curve businesses.

Chaiwat added the strategy will unlock EBITDA growth up to 10-fold by 2030, while also balancing energy security and environmental sustainability, reiterating the approach to develop sustainable business innovation in harmony with the environment and society.

Meanwhile, the company also revealed its new corporate logo which will be effective from Wednesday.

“From 2015, Bangchak Group, as the leader in energy transition, expanded into new businesses such as green energy business, bio-based products, natural resource, Bangchak Initiative and Innovation Center (BiiC), in addition to its foundational businesses of refining and oil trading, and marketing businesses, and becoming a transnational corporation with operations in more than 10 countries around the world.

“Like a journey into a new era, where more opportunities for growth await, leading to the introduction of the new corporate identity and new corporate logo, symbolising everlasting innovative energy power towards the future,” Chaiwat said. “It reflects the vision of ‘Crafting a Sustainable World with Evolving Greenovation, mission of ‘Committing to accelerate sustainable energy transition while balancing energy security.”

“We are energising lives through greenovative solutions and promoting ESG [environmental, social, governance] for all” and corporate strategy for business growth and expansion of Bangchak Group,” Chaiwat said.

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“Super Balance Thailand 2022” showcases junior balance bike tournament with over 2,000 participants

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“Super Balance Thailand 2022” showcases junior balance bike tournament with over 2,000 participants

“Super Balance Thailand 2022” showcases junior balance bike tournament with over 2,000 participants

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

To support the growth of children between the ages of 1.8 and 5 years old, the Happy and Healthy Bike Lane collaborated with Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) and Airports of Thailand PCL (AOT) to hold a “Super Balance Thailand 2022” national-level tournament.

The event, held from November 19 to 20 at the Happy and Healthy Bike Lane at Suvarnabhumi Airport, sought to promote exercise and strengthen family ties. The response exceeded expectations, with almost 2,000 children and their families attending.

“Super Balance Thailand 2022” showcases junior balance bike tournament with over 2,000 participants

Speaking about the event, Siam Commercial Bank Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr Vichit Suraphongchai, revealed that, “Recognizing the importance of youth development and the promotion of a better quality of life for people in local communities, society, and the nation, Siam Commercial Bank continuously engages in initiatives, either alone or in collaboration with network partners and other organizations. The Happy and Healthy Bike Lane at Suvarnabhumi Airport was inaugurated in 2015 thanks to a partnership between SCB and Airports of Thailand PCL. This world-class cycling park is managed by Cycling Track Management Social Enterprise Co., Ltd. and serves as a place allowing people of all ages and genders to exercise for free.

“Super Balance Thailand 2022” showcases junior balance bike tournament with over 2,000 participants

“In 2020, a new balancing bike park was constructed for young children to enhance physical development, strengthen muscles, and exercise problem-solving skills, which garnered an excellent response from parents who brought their children to enjoy the facility. We kicked off the inaugural “Super Balance Thailand 2022” competition during November 19-20. Over 2,000 children and family members attended the event, highlighting the significance of young children’s physical and mental development for skill-building, promotion of sportsmanship, and extracurricular learning. The time spent together doing these activities can be rewarding.”

“Super Balance Thailand 2022” showcases junior balance bike tournament with over 2,000 participants

The “Super Balance Thailand 2022” tournament was the first of its kind on a national level and a huge success, receiving overwhelming attention and favorable feedback from families. A total of 430 children of varying ages took part in the competition. It also garnered the attention of parents, including cyclists who came to participate in a variety of activities, surpassing all expectations. Young winners took home trophies and medals. In addition to the competition, the event included engaging activities such as plaster and cloth bag painting, “Say No to Plastics” environmental games, and an inflatable playground, allowing youngsters to participate in fun and exciting activities during the course of the two-day event.

“Super Balance Thailand 2022” showcases junior balance bike tournament with over 2,000 participants

The Happy and Healthy Bike Lane at Suvarnabhumi Airport is regarded as a top-tier racetrack and is equipped with top-notch facilities, safety measures, and a quality management system. By hosting this tournament, it encourages the growth of children and serves as a true gathering place for families.

“Super Balance Thailand 2022” showcases junior balance bike tournament with over 2,000 participants

Sports apparel, equipment maker Warrix plans IPO this year to pursue expansion

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Sports apparel, equipment maker Warrix plans IPO this year to pursue expansion

Sports apparel, equipment maker Warrix plans IPO this year to pursue expansion

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2022

Nongluck Ajanapanya

Sports apparel and equipment manufacturer Warrix Sport has revealed plans to list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand by the end of the year in order to transition to a healthy, active lifestyle company.

Wisan Wanasaksrisakul, Warrix Sport’s chief executive officer, told a press conference on Wednesday that the move would help the company get liquidity to expand into other sports-related fields.

He said that Warrix has a registered capital of 300 million baht, which is made up of 600 million ordinary shares with a par value of 0.5 baht each.

The total paid-up capital is 210 million baht, divided into 420 million ordinary shares, and the company will issue 180 million ordinary shares in the initial public offering.

Warrix’s only funding source at the moment is the bank, so listing on the stock exchange will enable the company to expand, including the opening of its first sport sciences centre on Rama 9 Road and a new lifestyle community at Siam Square in 2024, he said.

“Aside from selling our products, the centre offers treatment, rehabilitation, consultation, nutrition knowledge, and specialised courses for football, marathon, golf, cycling, and office syndrome from a team of licenced physiotherapists and professional trainers,” Wisan explained.

He also noted that the funds raised from the “Market for Alternative Investment” (MAI) stock market will enable his company to continue investing in in-house R&D, data-driven transformation systems, and working capital in a variety of projects, including sponsorship of major sporting events such as the Fifa World Cup, AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup, and Olympic 2024.

Sports apparel, equipment maker Warrix plans IPO this year to pursue expansion

He assured retail investors that the company could continue to grow at the same rate as it has since its inception 12 years ago, with a clear and viable goal and path to becoming the leader in the holistic integrated sports, wellness, and lifestyle industry.

Warrix’s main revenue currently comes from the sale of non-licensed products, such as classic, collection, and made-to-order products, with revenue proportions of 34.90%, 28.26%, and 16.21% respectively in the first nine months of 2022.

The rest of the revenue is generated by products in the licensed category, which includes national football team products (12.68% of revenue), football club products (3.99%), and other licensed products (1.89%).

There is also 0.54% revenue from other product sales and 0.47% revenue from physical clinic services.

Nongluck Ajanapanya

European brand Beko eyes bigger share of Thai home appliances market

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European brand Beko eyes bigger share of Thai home appliances market

European brand Beko eyes bigger share of Thai home appliances market

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2022

Nongluck Ajanapanya

Beko, a leading European home appliance brand, is planning aggressive moves in 2022-23, with the goal of increasing brand awareness and achieving sales of 2 billion baht by next year.

Beko Thai’s commercial director, Pornchai Trakultechadej, said in an interview the decision was made after the company discovered that less than one in 10 Thai people can still pronounce the proper name of Beko, despite the brand being in the country for seven years.

Some people recognised the brand, but not enough to switch to Beko, he noted.

He revealed that the company plans to double its marketing investment in the Thai market next year, with 85% of the budget, or approximately 200 million baht, going towards digital campaigns focusing on home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dryers, and air-conditioners.

Meanwhile, Beko is targeting 200% growth in online channels with major domestic appliances to contribute around 13% of total market next year, excluding omnichannel.

“We expect our overall sales to reach 1.6 billion baht this year and more than 2 billion baht next year. We still view the overall market positively, as the country’s economy is gradually recovering with the revival of the tourism and services industry,” Pornchai said.

He believes that domestic consumption in the home appliances market has already begun to increase, and that the recovery of the tourism and service industries will provide some liquidity to Thai households, allowing them to replace some of their home appliances, particularly air-conditioners and refrigerators.

Besides, he noted that the increase in the electricity bill next year would push Thai consumers to look for energy-saving models of home appliances to replace old ones.

“Consumer trends today have shifted to emphasise healthy and sanitary living, which aligns with Beko’s goal of promoting healthy living and sustainability through home appliances. As a result, we must raise brand awareness among our target group,” said Pornchai.

Nattinee Techarungnirun, Beko Thai’s marketing and product management director for Asia-Pacific, stated that Beko’s business goal for 2023 is to build strong trust in power and growth while positioning itself as one of Thailand’s top home appliance brands.

“Beko aims to increase brand exposure, brand preference, and drive sales conversion in Thailand, particularly with the help of the right influencers,” Nattinee explained.

Recently, the company revealed its first official Thailand presenter, Bebe Thanchanok Ritnaka, who is highly regarded not only as a healthy lifestyle icon but also as a role model for the modern generation, successful in both work and health.

“We will achieve our goal thanks to our collaboration with Bebe and our advanced but affordable technology,” Nattinee said.

She added that Beko’s premium products segment is driving growth, focusing on pushing large capacity, front-load washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and coffee machines.

Beko is the international home appliances brand of Arçelik, a multinational household appliance manufacturer with 12 brands and 45,000 employees worldwide. It is now one of Europe’s top three home-appliance brands, focusing on designing and manufacturing energy-efficient products for healthy living.

Nongluck Ajanapanya

Anwar Ibrahim’s long journey to become Malaysia’s PM

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Anwar Ibrahim’s long journey to become Malaysia’s PM

Anwar Ibrahim’s long journey to become Malaysia’s PM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

As Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim prepares on Thursday to take over as prime minister following an unprecedented hung Parliament, one of his recent comments serves to sum up the persistence that secured him the job he has eyed for three decades.

“This you need to learn from Anwar Ibrahim – patience, wait a long time, patience,” the opposition leader told reporters outside his home a day after Saturday’s election gave his progressive bloc the most seats in Parliament, but not a majority.

The political uncertainty came to an end on Thursday, as Malaysia’s king appointed Anwar, 75, to be prime minister.

Time and again, the job of prime minister had eluded Anwar, despite getting within striking distance over the years, first as deputy prime minister in the 1990s and later, as official prime minister-in-waiting, in 2018.

In between, he spent nearly a decade in jail for sodomy and corruption on charges he says were politically motivated.

The most charismatic opposition leader the south-east Asian nation has ever seen, Anwar led tens of thousands of Malaysians in street protests in the 1990s against his mentor-turned-foe Mahathir Mohamad.

His strained relationship with the veteran leader shaped Anwar’s own career, as well as Malaysia’s political landscape, for nearly three decades.

Mahathir once called Anwar his friend and protégé, and anointed him his successor. But later, amid sodomy charges and disagreements over how to handle the Asian financial crisis, he said Anwar was unfit to lead “because of his character”.

The two buried the hatchet briefly in 2018 to oust from power the political alliance they once belonged to – only to fall out again within two years, ending their 22-month-old government and plunging Malaysia into a period of instability.

As opposition leader – both from jail and in Parliament – Anwar slowly chipped away at the might of the Barisan Nasional (BN) alliance, Malaysia’s longest-ruling coalition that prioritised the interests of the majority Malays.

His rallying cry of ‘reformasi’, or reforms, resonated nationwide, and is still the main promise of his alliance.

That coalition is multi-ethnic and includes a party that has mainly ethnic-Chinese members and one that is unpopular with the conservative Malay majority.

For decades, Anwar has called for inclusiveness and an overhaul of the political system in the multi-ethnic country.

He called for the removal of affirmative policies favouring Malays and an end to a patronage system that had kept Barisan firmly in power until recently.

Anwar started off as a firebrand Islamic youth leader before joining then prime minister Mahathir’s Umno, which leads the BN alliance.

In 1993, Dr Mahathir made Anwar his deputy, in addition to his role as finance minister. Anwar was expected to take over from Dr Mahathir.

But they fell out after disagreeing over how to handle the Asian financial crisis. By that time, Anwar had also begun to question corruption in the Mahathir-led Umno.

In 1998, Dr Mahathir fired Anwar and, amid the ensuing protests, launched a crackdown on dissent. Anwar was charged with sodomy, a crime in Malaysia, in a move Mr Anwar said aimed to put an end to his political career.

Anwar appeared at his sodomy trial with a black eye, which then became the symbol of the political party he started. Later, the police chief at the time admitted to having assaulted Mr Anwar in prison.

“This man cannot be allowed to become a leader in a country like Malaysia,” Dr Mahathir said about Mr Anwar at a press conference in 1998.

Anwar was freed in 2004, only to be jailed again for sodomy in 2015, two years after leading the opposition to its best electoral performance yet.

The opposition won the popular vote for the first time, despite not securing a parliamentary majority, after years of having gradually gained ground.

In an astonishing turn of events, Anwar and Dr Mahathir agreed to work together for the 2018 election, to oust BN amid widespread graft accusations against its leaders.

Barisan’s Najib Razak has since been jailed in the multi-billion-dollar scandal at state fund 1MDB.

After their win, Dr Mahathir asked for a royal pardon for Mr Anwar and promised to hand power to him within two years.

But their coalition collapsed before that in the face of opposition to the transition, leaving Mr Anwar out in the cold again.

He even faced calls to step down before the election as some believed he had held on for too long.

In a recent interview, Mr Anwar said he knew his limits, when asked if this election would be his last. “Whether I am considered relevant or not in the next few years, that’s for the people to decide,” he said.

With the people’s vote and the king’s choice, he finally became prime minister.

Reuters

ANN news highlights: Thur, Nov 24, 2022

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November 24, 2022

November 24, 2022

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

Check out what’s hot in the region on November 22, as The Nation puts together headlines from members of Asia News Network (ANN). Click to read more:

ANN news highlights: Thur, Nov 24, 2022
Bringing Asia Closer

Economy China
IMF expects gradual growth for China’s economy – 3.2 percent this year, 4.4 percent in 2023 – China Daily
 

Crime
Philippines
Court finds cop guilty of torturing teens, planting evidence during drug war  | Inquirer 
 

India
Anguished Shraddha’s SOS to cops in 2020: ‘Aftab will kill and cut me to pieces’ – The Statesman
 

Thailand
Alleged Chinese drug-ring boss surrenders to police in Bangkok – The Nation
 

Politics Malaysia
Umno sec-gen: Party agrees to unity govt not led by Perikatan – The Star
 

Politics Nepal
Gagan Thapa has tricky path to PM post – Kathmandu Post
 

Terror India
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath calls for urgent global counter terrorism efforts – The Statesman
 

Covid-19 China-Japan
Kishida asked Xi to relax quarantine measures in China – The Japan News
 

Health Vietnam
Việt Nam takes move to curb obesity – Vietnam News
 

Science China
China rolls out core component of world’s largest ‘artificial sun’ | Nation | China Daily
 

Plastics S Korea
The last straw? Korea extends restrictions on single-use items – Korea Herald
 

Climate Indonesia 
Analysis: RI receives flurry of global pledges to help retire coal plants early – Jakarta Post
 

Diplomacy Philippines
Opinion: All diplomacy is local | Inquirer 
 

Politics India
Editorial: Vote at 16? – The Statesman
 

Education Bangladesh
Will multimedia classrooms remain a distant reality? | The Daily Star
 

EV S Korea 
Yoon asks Tesla chief to build ‘gigafactory’ in South Korea – Korea Herald
 

Business China 
Violent protests break out at largest iPhone factory in China –  AFP for Dawn
 

Food Bhutan+
Bhutan joins the seed-sharing initiative  | Kuensel 
 

Finance Myanmar
ANZ set to leave Myanmar citing ‘increasing operational complexity’ | Eleven Media
 

Crypto HK
Treasury chief offers reassurance on crypto regulation concerns | China Daily

Anwar Ibrahim to be sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister at 5pm

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Anwar Ibrahim to be sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister at 5pm

Anwar Ibrahim to be sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister at 5pm

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Anwar Ibrahim will end a 24-year wait to lead Malaysia at 5pm Thursday, when he will be sworn in as Prime Minister.

The Palace said in a statement that the King made the decision after conferring with other rulers in a special meeting of the nation’s nine state monarchs.

“After going through the views of the Malay rulers, His Majesty has consented to appoint Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister,” said Royal Comptroller Fadli Shamsuddin on Thursday afternoon.

This comes after most parties agreed to Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah’s proposal for a unity government after Saturday’s general election threw up Malaysia’s first-ever hung Parliament.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Anwar and his rival Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief Muhyiddin Yassin had been deadlocked and unable to gather the 112 MPs needed for simple majority in the legislature.

After Umno confirmed early Thursday that it would join a unity government, departing from the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition’s earlier stance of remaining in opposition, other parties across the country have followed suit.

Even PN said on Thursday it would consider unity government discussions with like-minded parties.

The Straits Times has learnt that a deal struck between PH and BN – which found itself in the role of kingmaker with 30 MPs despite the Umno-led coalition being humiliated at Saturday’s vote – will see Umno gaining several senior portfolios, with the party’s number two Mohamad Hasan set to be installed as deputy premier.

Anwar’s ascension to the top office, having been sacked as deputy premier in 1998 amid controversial allegations of sodomy and abuse of power, marks a remarkable triumph following a journey that included two stints in prison.

He was appointed deputy prime minister under Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Umno-led government in 1993, but his prospects dimmed after he was jailed for corruption in 1999. His imprisonment sparked street protests and the birth of his PKR, which now leads PH.

Anwar was again imprisoned in 2015 for sodomy, but was given a royal pardon and released in May 2018 after PH won the general election that year. Dr Mahathir, who had left Umno and joined hands with Mr Anwar to secure PH’s victory, became the Prime Minister.

The PKR chief was then widely expected to ascend to power as part of an agreement within PH for him to take over as prime minister in two years from Dr Mahathir. But his progress was again thwarted when the PH government collapsed in February 2020 following defections.

Anwar and Muhyiddin both staked their claim after their respective coalitions won 81 and 73 seats respectively in Saturday’s general election which also saw Dr Mahathir fall from grace in a thumping defeat.

Sultan Abdullah stepped in on Tuesday to surface the idea of a unity government. Muhyiddin’s decision to reject the proposal, claiming he had a simple majority with backing from other parties, proved fatal to his hopes.

Seagulls descend on Don Hoi Lot for first time, prove a tourist magnet

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Seagulls descend on Don Hoi Lot for first time, prove a tourist magnet

Seagulls descend on Don Hoi Lot for first time, prove a tourist magnet

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

Samut Songkhram’s Doi Hot Lot tourist destination has a new attraction this year – a large flock of always-hungry seagulls.

Locals said a flock of hundreds of seagulls arrived at Don Hoi Lot late last month and have become a new magnet for tourists, who are eager to feed them.

This is the first time this year the locals have seen seagulls descending on the area and revitalising tourism after a quiet spell during the Covid-19 crisis.

The birds swoop down on fried chicken and pork skins offered by tourists from 5pm until sunset, the locals said.

For tourists, it is an exciting experience to get close to the seagulls. Many visitors arrive on picnics just to wait to see the birds.

Normally, seagulls travel to breed in the winter at the Bang Pu Recreation Centre in Samut Prakan, another site that draws tourists who head there to feed the birds and capture snapshots.

Don Hoi Lot is a sandbar at the mouth of the Mae Klong River, created by sandy soil sediment, or “Khee Ped Sand” as the locals call it.

It occupies a vast area 3 kilometres wide and 5km long. Tourists love to stop over to buy dried or fresh seafood and dine at seafood restaurants there.

Seagulls descend on Don Hoi Lot for first time, prove a tourist magnetTrader Nopparat, 32, said the flock of seagulls has benefited many groups of people, including foods shops, workers, traders and local fishermen.

“I’m very glad because Don Hoi Lot has been quiet for a long time,” Nopparat said happily.

Suparp Kongraksa, the village headwoman of Moo 4 village in Tambon Bang Chakreng, Samut Songkhram’s Muang district, said she spotted the first group of seagulls late in October.

At first they appeared in a small number but their number kept growing and their presence have attracted crowds of tourists.

She said local people sell fried chicken and pork skins to tourists to feed the seagulls. The birds are expected to stay until April before migrating back to their habitat.

Sarawut Kluaychamnong, mayor of Tambon Bang Chakreng Municipality, said the arrival of seagulls proved the sea at Doi Hoi Lot is fertile with abundant food.

“This is good for Tambon Ban Chakreng. The municipality will assign workers to keep the place tidy and will plan a long-term tourism promotion programme,” Sarawut added.

Experts said the seagulls are brown-headed gulls of the Laridae family. They normally live in areas from Turkmenistan to Mongolia and migrate to Thailand, Indonesia and Australia during the winter to breed. Then migrate back in early May after their chicks can fly.

Visit Mukdahan’s Ban Phu Village to get a taste of rich cultural attractions

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Visit Mukdahan’s Ban Phu Village to get a taste of rich cultural attractions

Visit Mukdahan’s Ban Phu Village to get a taste of rich cultural attractions

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022

Mukdahan has introduced its Ban Phu Village as the province’s first cultural community to promote tourism, the local economy and conservation of folk traditions.

Ban Phu Village in Nong Sung district has been selected by the Culture Ministry as one of ten “Yollwithi Communities” of 2022, under a campaign to introduce cultural attractions in 77 provinces across the country.

Ministry permanent-secretary Yupha Taweewattanakitborvon on Wednesday presided over the opening ceremony of Ban Phu Village as a Yollwithi Community (“yoll” means to see, “withi” means way or path. Together, they can be loosely translated as “to witness folkways”). The ceremony was attended by provincial deputy governor Wutthichai Saowakomut, officials of the Nong Sung district administration office and villagers.

It showcased a traditional dance and drum performance of the Phuthai subculture in the northeastern region, as well as various homemade textile products by villagers.

Visit Mukdahan’s Ban Phu Village to get a taste of rich cultural attractions

Yupha said the Yollwithi Communities project aims to promote local culture, traditions, arts and crafts as tourist attractions and to generate income for local communities. By harnessing the power of creative culture as an economic stimulant, the project is in compliance with the government’s BCG economy model, which focuses on sustainable development through the use of bio, “circular” and green economy practices.

Ban Phu Village has various tourism programmes for visitors in this post-Covid era, including tours to cultural buildings, religious establishments, a floating market, museums, learning centres, homes of artists, and art galleries. All tour guides wear traditional clothes made from handwoven fabric.

“Tourists can travel around the village using the bicycle lane, while homestays with meals are also available for those who seek to experience the authentic Ban Phu lifestyle,” said Yupha.

“For the causal tourist, the village also provides a variety of check-in points for taking photos and shops selling traditional souvenirs.”

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