#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

B&G Park bets on bright future for premium office space despite Covid-19 setback

Jul 02. 2020

By THE NATION

B&G Park Co Ltd (B&G), a developer of commercial real estate projects, aims to make its brand a leader within Asean in office building and hotel real estate development.

It plans to raise funds in the third quarter of the year after the Security Exchange Commission (SEC)’s approval to set up BG Real Estate Investment Trust.

The company is confident that the demand for office buildings will continue to grow despite the change in work behaviour and in choosing the size of rental spaces due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Theprit Srichawla, director of B&G, said the company specialised in commercial real estate development branching into two main groups — tourism and hotels — at home and abroad,. They include Avani Hua Hin Resort & Villas and office buildings such as Interchange 21 building in the heart of the Asoke-Sukhumvit CBD area near the BTS Asoke Station and MRT Sukhumvit Station.

Theprit said the trend of office buildings for the rent market after the Covid-19 outbreak could change as some businesses may reduce their investment. But the demand for office space rental will remain albeit in a different format. This may be in the form of reduced floor area to suit the work-from-home behavioural trend, he added.

Theprit Srichawla

He said the company has been well prepared and had made adjustments prior to the crisis through a strategy to manage office rental space, and to have close and regular communication with tenants. In addition, the company has concluded that to reset rental prices to compete with other operators of office buildings for rent is not a proper strategy in the present environment. “The more ideal solution would be to provide convenience and services that will support the tenants’ operations,” Theprit said.

“During this period, the company adopted active measures to help the tenants by arranging office areas. The building had a variety of businesses that were small tenants, and the company helped the tenants affected by the imposition of the emergency decree by waiving the rents… The company has reduced the rents on a case-by-case basis to provide flexibility that would allow the tenants to carry on with their businesses. These support measures are expected to end soon. Therefore, this situation will not significantly impact the tenants in their ability to rent the office spaces and we are confident that this will not affect the investment of the BGREIT that will occur in the near future,” Theprit added.

Lately, the company has set up a trust fund to raise capital for the Interchange 21 project.

The SEC has started its consideration of the initial public offering application and the filing of B&G Leasehold Real Estate Investment Trust (BGREIT). B&G REIT Management Co Ltd, a B&G subsidiary, will manage the trust fund while Siam Commercial Bank Plc will be the financial adviser. BGREIT will initially invest in the Interchange 21 project for approximately 25 years with registered capital of not more than Bt8.043 billion, consisting of Bt6.543 billion in raised funds and Bt1.5 billion in long-term loans. The company is expected to be approved for listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand within the third quarter of 2020.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

New cloud tech simplifies WiFi security for SMEs

Jul 01. 2020

By THE NATION

Internet security for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) has been beefed up with the release of Zyxel Networks’ latest Nebula Cloud Networking Solution update.

The update features the industry’s first DPPSK for simplified WiFi security for SMBs, said Zyxel, enabling them to deliver cloud-manageable networking services via the Nebula.

The Nebula closes the security hole left by sharing WiFi passwords with guests or employees, instead offering cloud authentication enhancement through the Dynamic Personal Pre-Shared Key (DPPSK) feature – the first time this has been made available to the SMB market.

With DPPSK, each user is given a unique WiFi password, said the firm. With the tap of a button, passwords can be customised to expire or last for a particular timeframe, making management of WiFi access for multiple users simple, convenient, and secure.

“Zyxel’s enhanced Nebula provides SMBs with the tools they need to easily and securely onboard visitors, guests or employees to their WiFi,” said Jonas Dekkers, co-founder of the Wiflex project from Complit Networks in Belgium. 

“We applaud Zyxel Networks for opening their API to MSPs, giving our customers, and a far wider range of SMBs, the opportunity to achieve more secure, easy, and cloud-manageable WiFi onboarding services for their businesses. We already created our own cloud-based onboarding solution for guests [visitor registration] and employees based on Azure and G Suite with the unique DPPSK feature of Zyxel.”

The June Nebula release also features the Zyxel GS1350 series of surveillance switches. The switch boasts extended range, with all PoE ports supporting data transmission up to 250 metres to allow for deployment at a distance. Meanwhile, businesses can reduce downtime with the Auto PD Recovery feature to easily restart a malfunctioning power device. All of which, says Zyxel, allows network admins to save resources and more easily manage their CCTV networks through the cloud without having to send field engineers to visit each site.

The firm adds that the Nebula’s new SSID NAT function enables small businesses to set up Nebula-compatible access points (APs) as a router or gateway capable of assigning IP addresses to wireless clients, such as customer or staff phones and laptops, reducing the overhead of additional network infrastructure for many small businesses.

Other products available under the updated Nebula include new WiFi 6 APs (WAX610D, NWA210AX), XS1930 multi-gigabit switches and GS2220 aggregation switches, adding up to a total of 52 devices to its product portfolio. For more info, visit http://www.zyxel.com/nebula.

Nebula Cloud Networking solution allows you to control and manage Zyxel’s native and compatible Nebula access points, switches and gateways, all from one place with ease.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Dtac launches pharmacy e-vouchers to broaden healthcare access

Jul 01. 2020How Lih Ren, Chief Marketing Officer (2nd from right), and Sukannee Lertsukwibul, Head of Prepaid Market and Product at Total Access Communications Plc or dtac (left) Cindy Kua, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Sunday Ins Co (right), and Teera Kanokkanjanarat, CEO and co-founder of Arincare Co (2nd from left)

By THE NATION

Amid growing concern over health and financial hardship, dtac is tackling the issues of self-medication and fake drugs by making visits to the pharmacy more affordable.

Dtac’s Jaidee pharmacy vouchers are valid at participating pharmacies and can be purchased at discounts of 50%.

Under this scheme, both prepaid and post-paid dtac customers can purchase vouchers worth up to Bt200 for Bt89, while vouchers worth up to Bt300 cost only Bt150. The e-vouchers can then be redeemed at participating drug stores by showing the confirmation SMS. The campaign lasts until December 31, 2020. For more information, visit www.dtac.co.th/s/Evoucher.

Certified pharmacies nationwide can apply to join the project at http://bit.ly/arincare or dial (064) 226 6888 for details.

How Lih Ren, Chief Marketing Officer at Total Access Communications Plc (dtac), said: “Dtac starts from the challenges our customers face in their daily lives and then looks for solutions that empower them. Jaidee pharmacy vouchers bring health and peace of mind to customers who are often outside of the healthcare system.”

During the peak time of Covid-19 between February and April, a survey showed that 60% of Thais visited drug stores to seek medical advice and get information on disease prevention.

The vast majority of dtac customers use prepaid packages, and most of them are low-income earners. They feel financial insecurity and are concerned about the economic downturn, income reduction, unemployment and a higher cost of living fuelled by medical costs. Dtac customers can buy e-vouchers via USSD, before showing the confirmation SMS and collecting medications at participating drug stores.

There two options for prepaid customers: First, buy an Bt89 e-voucher (VAT exclusive) and get up to Bt200 in credit via *496*51#. Second, buy a Bt150 e-voucher (VAT exclusive) and get up to Bt300 in credit via *496*52#. The offer is limited to four times per month per person.

Post-paid customers can buy a Bt150 e-voucher (VAT exclusive) and get up to Bt300 in credit via *496*52#. The offer is limited to four times per month per person.

Customers will get an e-voucher code via SMS, which will last seven days. The voucher is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash.

For further information, please visit www.dtac.co.th/s/Evoucher

“The campaign for Jaidee pharmacy vouchers is initiated by dtac in collaboration with insurance tech startup Sunday Ins, and the digital platform for pharmacists and drugstores, Arincare. To date, customers can redeem e-voucher at more than 400 drug stores nationwide. Dtac aims to expand the offer to every district within this year and eventually reach every sub-district. The effort aims to give customers easy access to healthcare services everywhere in Thailand,” said How.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

IMPACT reopens for large-scale events under the new normal

Jun 30. 2020

By The Nation

Big-time event organiser, IMPACT Exhibition Management Co Ltd, is reopening IMPACT Muang Thong Thani under the new normal with an emphasis on “smart” and maximum safety provided by UVC sterilisation units.

The 140,000 square metre convention centre, the largest in Southeast Asia, has been inspected by government officials and given the go-ahead for events in the third and fourth quarters.

During the three-month Covid-19 lockdown, IMPACT implemented precautionary and preventive measures in line with guidelines issued by the government, including ensuring a 4sqm space between people during meetings, workshops or seminars, 1-metre space between attendees of parties, product launches, contests and sports competitions and 5sqm space between those attending music events or concerts.

IMPACT has also prepared guidelines for visitors to follow in different areas of the complex.

Apart from this, IMPACT is also offering customers the option of holding virtual seminars. In line with the government’s policy of controlling crowd density, the space for holding meetings has dropped sharply. However, with IMPACT’s new hybrid system, participants have the option of registering for physical or virtual attendance. This way, meetings can accommodate anything from 100 to 3,000 participants.

Equipment such as cameras will be provided at these meetings and technical staff will also be at hand to provide assistance.

So far, more than 20 events have been scheduled for the rest of the year, including gatherings of government agencies, a shareholder’s meeting as well as exhibitions held by the public and private sectors, such as the Mid-Year Sale and Bangkok Motor Show, which are expected to attract huge crowds.

“One of the largest events that people have been looking forward to is the 41st Bangkok International Motor Show, which will be held from July 15 to 26. This will be one of the largest events after the Covid-19 lockdown, and we hope visitors adhere strictly to the Covid-19 preventive measures. This event will become a model for future ones,” said Paul Kanjanapas, managing director of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co Ltd and an executive of IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Samyan Mitrtown all set to hold marketplace event

Jun 30. 2020

By The Nation

Samyan Mitrtown is set to hold its “Mitr Marketplace for CU” event from July16 to 19 after the venue was inspected for safety in this new normal situation.

Department of Health deputy director-general Dr Danai Teewunda together with MICE Capabilities Department director Orachorn Wongpan-ngam and Prachuab Noiarmat, the chief of the Environment and Sanitation Section, Pathumwan District Office, paid the Samyan Mitrtown Hall a visit to assess the venue’s readiness in hosting the event. The venue said it is abiding by the Public Health Ministry’s Department of Disease Control guidelines.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

KBTG launches Eatable – a ‘complete’ food-ordering app

Jun 29. 2020KBTG chairman Ruangroj Poonpol, centre, and KBTG’s senior principal visionary architect Dr Charoenchai Boworntummarat, right, along with KBTG’s advanced partnership engineer Dr Surasak Chantasirichot launch the ‘Eatable’ food-ordering platform.

By THE NATION

Kasikorn Business-Technology Group (KBTG) on Monday (June 29) launched Eatable, a food-ordering app that caters to the new normal by providing contactless services for customers who want to either dine at restaurants, order take outs or have their food delivered at home.

While restaurateurs do not need to download the application or pay fees and can manage their back-office system online on a real-time basis, diners can browse menus, order food, and make contactless payment. The platform will be fully rolled out by October.

Ruangroj Poonpol, KBTG chairman, said restaurants are doing their best to adapt to the new normal and according to KResearch, market turnover for restaurants this year is likely to stand at around Bt380 billion, down almost 10 per cent compared to last year because customers are preferring to eat at home due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Hence, in line with this trend, KBTG has designed and developed “Eatable” – a complete online food ordering service for restaurants and consumers. For instance, those who wish to dine at restaurants can order food by scanning the QR code at their table or by opening a link created by the Eatable platform. This way, diners will not have to wait for the server to take their order.

Customers wanting to pick up their food can place their order via the platform and set a time for pick up. This way, they will not have to wait at the restaurant.

Customers who want their food delivered can place their orders using an online menu and can choose the cheapest delivery option.

Restauranteurs, meanwhile, can use the platform to launch promotions, as well as create or change information and prices. The platform also has a feature that helps restaurants keep track of orders and update customers in real time.

In September, Eatable will be linked to an online payment service, which allows its customers to place orders and make payments through a single channel.

KBTG will also launch “Kai Tai Dian Cai” food ordering programme that caters to Chinese tourists at the end of the year. This app can be used via WeChat.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

AirAsia offers ‘Unlimited Pass’

Jun 29. 2020

By THE NATION

In a move to support domestic tourism, AirAsia has introduced its “Unlimited Pass”, offering a limited number of tickets for Bt2,999 for travel on its domestic routes, the airline said.

Tickets are on sale from today until July 5 for travel anytime from July 20 to December 17, 2020.

Under this offer, guests can fly to 23 top domestic destinations, including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Nan, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen.

“The Covid-19 situation has significantly impacted the economy and the tourism sector, especially in terms of foreign tourist spending in the country, which has yet to return to normal,” AirAsia Thailand chief executive Santisuk Klongchaiya said.

“To support both the public and private sectors, AirAsia has launched the Unlimited Pass for the first time in Thailand to help stimulate domestic air travel and provide a welcome boost for the economy. AirAsia is looking to offer the best convenience and value to our guests as well as reassure them that their health and safety is our top priority,” Santisuk said.

“We also wish to reassure our passengers that we have stepped up all precautionary measures to do with safety and hygiene, on the ground and in the air, to ensure our guests arrive safely and healthy at their destinations,” he added.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Empire Tower granted MEA’s ‘Energy Saving Building’ award

Jun 26. 2020

By THE NATION

Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) has granted an “Energy Saving Building” badge to Empire Tower as part of its energy saving campaign.

On Thursday (June 25), MEA deputy director-general Santi Namsinwichetchai presided over the ceremony to award the Energy Saving Building badge to Jatuphong Jaturawong, general manager of Empire Tower, at its Sathorn Room.

Located in Bangkok’s Sathorn district on the corner of South Sathorn and Narathiwat roads, Empire Tower won the MEA Energy Saving Building 2019 award for office buildings.

“MEA has organised the MEA Energy Saving Building campaign every year since 2012 to reward buildings in MEA’s jurisdiction [Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan] for demonstrating effective usage and conservation of energy,” said Santi. “The winner of each category can display the badge on their building as proof of their efforts and to assure customers of efficient energy management within the facilities.”

“Empire Tower passes the MEA Index standards in terms of energy usage, lighting quality and air quality,” he added.

Since the start of the campaign, 366 buildings have entered the competition and 203 have met MEA Index standards.

“The campaign has helped reduce energy usage by 39.46 million units or Bt154 million, as well as reducing emissions of carbon dioxide by over 23,000 tonnes,” he added.

Next year MEA is planning to add another tier of awards to the campaign, called MEA Energy Saving Building Plus, in which winners must demonstrate both efficient energy usage and efforts to reduce PM2.5 dust particles within the building.

More information is available at www.meaenergysavingbuilding.net and Facebook: MEAaward.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Siriraj Hospital trials 5G driverless vehicle for new medical era

Jun 25. 2020Takorn Tantasith, third left, secretary-general of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, together with Abel Deng, fourth left, CEO of Huawei Technologies (Thailand), hand over a 5G unmanned vehicle to Siriraj Hospital under the “Unmanned Vehicle Pilot Project Driving Thai Healthcare to 5G Era” project. Receiving the donation on behalf of the hospital are Prof Dr Prasit Watanapa, second left, Dean of Faculty of Medicine, and Assoc Prof Visit Vamvanij, first left, hospital director of Siriraj Hospital.

By THE NATION

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) today (June 25) announced it had joined with Siriraj Hospital and Huawei Technologies (Thailand) to pioneer the use of 5G-powered unmanned vehicles in Thai healthcare.

NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith said the self-driving vehicle takes advantage of Huawei’s 5G technology to offer contactless delivery of medical supplies.

The “Unmanned Vehicle Pilot Project Driving Thai Healthcare to the 5G Era” will enable the NBTC to evaluate the benefits and efficiency of the vehicle before putting it to different uses in other hospitals across Thailand.

The pilot project is designed to push the Thai medical system into the 5G era by applying world-class technology and innovation to drive medical services and the healthcare industry.

Such technology can replace manpower in logistics since it operates in complex environments within Siriraj Hospital. The autonomous car offers safe, convenient and cost-effective solutions while reducing the workload of healthcare workers and improving patient safety. 5G technology will be progressively applied in the national health system to boost the transition to “smart hospitals” in the near future.

“The NBTC has been utilising 5G technology at community hospitals and large local hospitals to pilot remote treatment of four health conditions – eye diseases, skin diseases, blood pressure abnormalities and diabetes,” Takorn added.

“Moreover, remote medical care has also expanded to local prisons, namely Khao Bin Central Prison and Ratchaburi Central Prison in Ratchaburi province, to give easier medical access to people and prisoners in remote areas. The ongoing NBTC projects aim to drive greater benefits from 5G innovation into different aspects of life across the country.

“Thailand has the advantages of a successful 5G auction and of being a 5G leader in Asean. The NBTC recognises these competitive advantages and is promoting integration of 5G technology in different sectors to close the digital divide in the country. This will prepare Thailand for a digital transformation that drives our daily life, work and manufacturing forward,” said Takorn.

Prof Dr Prasit Watanapa, dean of Siriraj Hospital’s Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University, said: “As a result of the Covid-19 situation, the safety of patients and medical workers must be prioritised, including effective use of resources.

“Siriraj Hospital places importance on taking full advantage of digital technology in order to holistically increase the efficiency of medical services and operations. The 5G vehicle pilot project will enhance the central logistics system within the hospital.

“At the initial stage, it will be used to transport and distribute medicines for contactless delivery which will help reduce workload and infection risks of frontline workers. This is another important step to improve the quality of healthcare services for long-term development and sustainability.”

Abel Deng, CEO of Huawei Technologies (Thailand), added: “As a global leading company in technology, Huawei is honoured and delighted to continuously take part in assisting Thai medical staff. The pilot project … will operate under Huawei’s 5G technology to help transport medical supplies within the hospital.”

It exemplifies the accelerated digitalisation of Thailand’s medical services, as 5G will play a key role in the next generation of healthcare, he added.

5G applications in the domain of public health could also inspire businesses in other sectors to leverage 5G’s popularity and explore new applications of the technology, he said.

Most significantly, 5G technology will be the key driving force in the Thai economy’s recovery and power new economic and societal growth for the country in every aspect, he added.

#ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

AIS taps 5G tech to boost economic recovery

Jun 25. 2020AIS chief executive officer Somchai Lertsutiwong

By THE NATION

Advanced Info Service (AIS) is joining forces with partners in various industries to use its 5G network and solutions to enhance their competitiveness and revive the virus-battered economy.

The Covid-19 pandemic had caused greater impact worldwide than almost any other crisis, noted AIS chief executive officer Somchai Lertsutiwong. He identified three phases of the pandemic phenomenon: the fall into crisis, the fight to overcome the crisis, and struggle to create a sustainable future.

“We need digital infrastructure as a strong foundation to support and enhance our capabilities, especially technology like AIS 5G, which acts like a new vessel infusing the country with lifeblood for the journey ahead.”

Related story: 5G subscriptions to hit 190 million this year

AIS has invested more than Bt1.1 trillion in rolling out telecom infrastructure over the past 30 years and has set aside a budget of Bt35 billion-Bt45 billion to develop digital infrastructure this year.

AIS 5G technology was capable of boosting all major industrial sectors to help the country’s economic engines recover, said Somchai.

In the public health sector, AIS 5G solutions are supporting medics and helping them handle the pandemic.

In the industries of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), AIS has provided 5G network service and solutions to leading firms to enhance their operations.

In the retail sector, AIS is developing 5G Smart Retail with Central Retail Group.

On February 21 this year, AIS became the first operator to launch 5G services in Thailand, before expanding the network to all 77 provinces in last May.

Related Story: Krabi Airport to get 5G facility through Huawei in pilot project