#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Migrant workers handed complaints-and-training lifeline during virus crisis

Aug 21. 2020Sompong Srakaew, the director of LPN

By The Nation

The Labour Protection Network Foundation (LPN) and Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) say they are adapting their complaints and online training platform for migrant workers, to promote human rights under the “new normal”.

For the past three years, LPN’s Labour Hotline has served as a complaints channel which also provides human rights training to both Thai and migrant workers. It equips CPF’s workers with knowledge of labour laws, safety and occupational rules and the company’s best practices.

In line with CPF’s strict safety and epidemic-prevention measures on production lines, LPN this year is carrying out online training and dormitory visits. Off-hour Focus Group conversations outside the workplace encourage workers to express their opinions and raise questions on life adjustments and cultural differences, said CPF.

LPN also hosts training for migrant workers at the countries of origin in Cambodia and Myanmar.

“At pre-employment training prior to the start of their service, workers are given basic information on workplace and living conditions in Thailand, their rights and welfare, said LPN director Sompong Srakaew.

All migrant workers are also introduced to LPN’s complaints hotline, he added.

The services are a prototype collaboration between the private sector and civil society. The aim is to ensure workers’ welfare and assure global consumers that their products come from the supply chain that honours international labour standards, say LPN and CPF.

CPF had taken a good care of all workers’ health, resulting on zero infections during the Covid-19 outbreak, said Sompong. Meanwhile, CPF supplied LPN with fresh eggs and drinking water for distribution to needy migrant workers who lost their jobs or suffered pay cuts during the outbreak, he added.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

 Loxley launches CareChek platform to manage Covid-19 risk at work

Aug 20. 2020Loxley director Vasant Chatikavanij,right

By The Nation

Loxley subsidiary K2 Venture Capital (K2VC) has joined hands with start-up IfYouCan to create the “CareChek” platform, which helps workplaces proactively manage Covid-19 risk among their workers by getting and analysing results quickly and accurately.

Loxley Group established a working team to monitor and prevent the epidemic from spreading through implementing various measures, said Loxley director Vasant Chatikavanij.

CareChek uses predictive analytics and big data analysis through data inputs such as self-reported symptoms, geo-location, demographic and medical research data to target employees who might be at a high risk of transmitting infection.

This differs from pure contact tracing methodology, which is more deterministic and highly manpower intensive, said Loxley.

“For the past three months, we have been testing CareChek with our own employees and we’re now ready to start offering it to other interested organisations. For non-profit organisations where workers are at high risk of Covid-19 infection, Loxley is happy to offer the solution for free as part of our effort to help society get through this difficult period together. We also plan to add new capabilities for the CareChek platform to track other serious diseases,” said Vasant.

The platform works via IfYouCan’s mobile application NotifyMe, which users can install. After registering, users are asked to answer a daily health survey used to calculate their individual risk score.

The app also allows employees to receive official announcements about Covid19 measures, with translations and a text-to-speech function for the visually impaired.

The system will also report the result of individual risk assessments and alert users when they approach any potential high-risk areas.

Through the platform dashboard, organisation admin officials receive near real-time information of the risk assessed by the platform’s algorithm, allowing them to manage personnel more effectively to prevent the virus from spreading.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Dtac offers 5G experience at seven outlets

Aug 20. 2020

By The Nation

Total Access Communication (Dtac) customers will be able to experience amazing 5G speeds on the 26GHz frequency by trying out a new 26GHz-5G smartphone at any of the seven Dtac shops nationwide.

The high-band spectrum, also known as millimetre waves, which will be primarily for industry use, allows the highest speeds, lowest latencies and ultra-high capacity for a wide range of 5G service applications, making them critical for a future of massive internet of things applications.

Dtac chief executive officer Sharad Mehrotra, said, “We want customers to experience the ultra-high-speed 5G that is possible on our high-band spectrum. This year, we will continue exploring use cases for millimetre wave [mmWave] 5G. And we’re also tripling our capacity on mid-band spectrum, which all our customers can enjoy.”

Dtac’s 26GHz frequency band is compatible with a wide range of devices designed for high-brand spectrum. In a report in March, the GSMA said that some 70 5G devices have been announced with mmWave compatibility.

The 5G high-band experience can now be tested on HUAWEI Mate Xs, a foldable smartphone which can support 5G mmWave or 26GHz frequency band exclusively at the following Dtac shops:

Central World, Bangkok

Central Plaza Westgate, Nonthaburi

Future Park Rangsit, Pathum Thani

Central Chonburi

Central Khon Kaen

Central Chiang Mai

Central Festival, Hat Yai.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

CPFTH says 3-day bond issuance a success

Aug 20. 2020

By The Nation

CPF (Thailand) Public Company Limited (CPFTH), a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited, termed its bond issuance of 2.5 times oversubscription with final issuance of Bt20 billion a success.

In a press release, the company said it was “delighted” by the feedback from the offering of five series of debentures to institutional and/or high net worth investors during the period of August 17-19.

CP chief financial officer Paisan Chirakitcharern said the subscription “was over the company’s target”, which resulted in CPFTH’s decision to exercise the greenshoe option to support demand from investors.

The seven joint lead arrangers were Krungthai Bank, KasikornBank, Siam Commercial Bank, Government Savings Bank, CIMB Thai Bank, TMB Bank and Phatra Securities, the statement added.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Youpik expands network by partnering up with auto dealer

Aug 18. 2020

By The Nation

Youpik, an e-commerce platform, is expanding its network by partnering with V Group Cars to help Thai consumers with social-media savvy to cash in by promoting and sharing information about the cars they like.

This is the first time for Youpik to collaborate with a partner in the automotive industry, but is in line with new trends as more brands and products shift their focus to online channels.

Pitchanun Wittayanont, a co-founder of Youpik, said: “Youpik is committed to building a fun and unique platform in the Thai market. We believe in the power of sharing on social media. Since our launch, Youpik has been expanding its partnership with a variety of businesses, so we can offer a variety of products to our customers.”

Buyers on Youpik application get a chance to receive cashback on every item purchased, plus commission when friends purchase items using links shared by “Youpikkers”.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

MEA urges people to beware of electric shocks in monsoon

Aug 17. 2020

By THE NATION

The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) has advised people to beware of electric shocks during the rainy season, while warning that stealing electricity is both illegal and unsafe.

Boonthin Aimyanyao, Occupational Health, Safety and Environment Director at MEA, said that during the rainy season the risk of electrical shock becomes greater, and advised users to be more cautious.

“Electrical users must make sure that the power lines, main switch, breakers, ground lines and appliances in their home are in good condition and safe from water damage,” he said. “Avoid using appliances with damaged power cord, and plugging too many appliances in one power strip, which increase the risk of power overload.”

“The MEA also advises against stealing power from high-voltage lines, which is illegal and greatly increases the risk of electrical shock, not to mention it could cause a blackout in the neighbourhood in case of shortcircuit or explosion,” Boonthin added. “For your safety, temporary electrical users such as weekend markets and construction sites can seek MEA services which are provided by professional staff instead of illegally tapping from high-voltage lines.”

For more information, contact MEA branch offices or MEA Call Centre 1130, Twitter: @MEA_news, Line: @meathailand, Facebook: @Metropolitan.Electricity.Authority or download the “MEA Smart Life” mobile app, available for both Android and iOS users.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Roche rapid test can detect Sars-CoV-2 antibodies, pinpointing cases of infection

Aug 15. 2020

By THE NATION

Pharmaceutical company Roche has launched a rapid test for the detection of antibodies to Sars-CoV-2 to add a point of care testing solution to the fight against Covid-19, the company said.

The launch is a partnership with SD Biosensor Inc, with whom Roche has a global distribution agreement.

The newly developed rapid antibody test is for use in point-of-care settings and can help healthcare professionals identify patients that have developed antibodies against Sars-CoV-2, indicating prior infection, Roche said.

The test is part of the comprehensive Roche diagnostic portfolio to help healthcare systems combat Covid-19, which also includes molecular, serology and digital solutions, the company said.

The rapid antibody test can be performed by healthcare professionals in a number of settings outside clinical labs and near to the patient. This is beneficial in situations where timely decisions are needed, laboratory Sars-CoV-2 testing is not available, or finger prick sampling is the better option over a venous blood draw.

Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Roche Diagnostics, stated that, “We have a global responsibility to help better manage the Covid-19 health crisis and provide solutions to our patients when and where needed. We are proud to have an antibody test for the point of care now included in our Covid-19 diagnostic portfolio.”

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Award-winning GM takes helm at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket

Aug 14. 2020Daryn Hudson

By The Nation

Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort has appointed Daryn Hudson as its general manager ahead of the hotel’s opening in October 2020.

Hudson brings a wealth of experience to the role, having joined Marriott International in 2005 as director of Food & Beverage at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa. The company said he has gone on to become one of its most highly-regarded executives.

A successful spell as GM of the Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Pangyo saw Hudson win the “Asia Pacific General Manager of the Year – Select Service” and “Global Courtyard Diamond General Manager of the Year” awards in 2016.

“I am delighted to take this opportunity. With its large room count and impressive facilities, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort will bring something new to the island’s hospitality landscape, providing options for leisure travellers and large-scale corporate events. I look forward to working with our entire team as we prepare to welcome our first guests later this year,” said Hudson, who will be based in Phuket with his wife and two daughters.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Krungsri, MUFG pledge Bt116m to support Thai, SE Asian students in Japan

Aug 14. 2020Noriaki Goto, MUFG Bank’s Regional Executive for Asia Pacific and Krungsri’s Vice Chairman

By The Nation

Thai students in Japan are being handed Bt29 million to help them get through hardships caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The money is part of a Bt116-million relief fund organised by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), the major shareholder in Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri), to aid Southeast Asian students in Japan during the virus crisis.

MUFG will distribute the donation evenly across four beneficiaries: the Thai Students’ Association in Japan, the Indonesian Embassy in Japan, the Association of Filipino Students in Japan, and the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan.

The donation will serve as financial aid for students experiencing economic hardship or disruption of their studies due to the pandemic.

The nationalities of the student beneficiaries correspond to four markets in which MUFG has made strategic investments over the past few years. MUFG said the donation underscores the group’s commitment to not just economic growth but social well-being in the markets in which it operates. Since 2012, MUFG has invested more than US$14 billion (Bt435 billion) in leading banks in these four countries – VietinBank in Vietnam, Krungsri in Thailand, Security Bank in the Philippines and Bank Danamon in Indonesia.

“As a global bank with deep roots in Asia, MUFG is fully committed to supporting the sustainable development of the communities that it operates in,” said Noriaki Goto, Krungsri’s vice chairman and MUFG Bank’s regional executive for Asia Pacific.

“Just as we are working closely with clients to build resilience in their businesses during these trying times, we hope that this support package will not only provide some measure of relief to students in need but demonstrate our long-term commitment to the deepening of bilateral ties between Japan and key Southeast Asian markets in the MUFG network. This donation is also a show of solidarity with our strategic partner banks, which have been doing admirable work in supporting the relief efforts in their own communities.”

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Suvarnabhumi to get new aviation fuel tank next year

Aug 14. 2020

By The Nation

The Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services (BAFS) Group, Thailand’s leader in integrated fuel servicing, has signed a contract to construct an aviation fuel tank in Suvarnabhumi Airport to handle an expected rise in fuel demand once the midfield satellite building and the airport’s third runway are opened in 2022 and 2024 respectively.

MR Supadis Diskul, BAFS chief executive officer, said the group and engineering consulting firm Index International Group had jointly signed a contract to design and build an aviation fuel tank (T-2306) which will be located in Suvarnabhumi’s aviation fuel storage station.

BAFS has also signed a construction supervision contract for the T-2306 aviation fuel tank and connected equipment with the companies Alana Engineering and Triple – H E & C.

The construction of the fuel tank with a 15,000 cubic-metre capacity is scheduled to be completed within the fourth quarter of 2021.

The new tank will be built with an internal floating roof below the external fixed roof, which will allow the circulation of air and a reduction on the accumulation of chemical vapours. This will also protect the fuel tank from being hit by lightning.

“This project will boost the company’s revenue and underscore our leadership in providing integrated fuel servicing in Thailand, while also supporting BAFS Group’s growth strategy,” Supadis said.