DIY your very own THAI croissant – at ground level
Mar 04. 2021
By The NationThose fluffy, plump croissants served in Thai Airways (THAI) flights are now available at street level.
The meticulously rolled and folded pastry – prepared by a former pastry chef from a Michelin restaurant – is made from flour and butter especially imported from France.
A plain croissant goes for Bt75, but diners can amuse their palates by adding a sauce or topping for Bt18 each. Sauces are on offer include coconut, dark chocolate and lemon curd while toppings include roasted coconut, almond slices, crushed macadamia, hazelnuts or cashew nuts.
You can get your hands on these croissants at the Puff and Pie pop-up café in the foyer of the THAI headquarters on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, or at the THAI office on Silom Road daily from 7am to 2pm.
Delivery is also available. Call THAI headquarters between 9am and 2pm on weekdays at (090) 980 3795 and (090) 980 3798 or the Silom office from 7am to 1pm daily at
Dow introduces first innovative thermal conductive gap filler in Thailand for assembly and output of EV batteries
Mar 04. 2021
By The Nation
Dow Thailand Group, a leading global materials science company, has launched the first silicone innovation for electric vehicle (EV) battery assembly in Thailand by offering high performance thermal conductive silicone DOWSIL™ TC-5515 LT. The product is among the latest technologies popular in the industry abroad. It helps break limitations in the electric vehicle industry by enhancing performance and extending the life of EV batteries, while reducing production costs from modifying workpieces. This innovative product in now ready for sale to entrepreneurs in Thailand.
Dow developed DOWSILTM TC-5515 LT, a high-performance and low-density thermal conductive gap filler for EV battery packs, to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide – a cause of global warming from fuel combustion. With the new product, Thailand automotive battery manufacturers are prepared to meet critical needs presented by the worldwide EV market. The product performs reliably and is applicable to automatic production for EV battery assembly. The product features include, though are not limited to:
• Thermal conductive for heat dissipation
• Low density for light weight requirement
• Resistance to thermal shock (-40°C to 125°C) aging
• Resistance to high temperature and humidity aging
• UL 94V0 flammability standard
• Providing stress relief during the assembly process
It is also reworkable and leaves no strains when removed; therefore, it can reduce the cost of modifying workpieces.
Dr. Taninchote Lertpongkijja, Dow Thailand Consumer Solutions Marketing Manager, said, “Efficient thermal management is critical for EV battery safety and lifespan. Direct thermal conduction, such as a liquid cooling system, is one of the most effective ways to carry heat away from the EV battery. Dow’s comprehensive and efficient silicone solutions not only help manufacturers troubleshoot challenges, but also bring great benefits to the development of EV and mobility industries.” Dr. Lertpongkijja adds, “Especially among new products, DOWSIL™ TC-5515 LT Low Density Thermal Gap Filler is trusted among leading EV producers. Now, we are delivering this latest innovation to Thailand’s local EV battery manufacturers.”
BJC Big C Foundation donated 3.65 Tons of Rice to support Camillian Home for Children Living with Disabilities
Mar 02. 2021
By The Nation
BJC Big C Foundation led byAswin Techajareonvikul Executive Vice President of BJC Big C Foundation and Chief Executive Officer & President of BJC Big C Group recently donated 3.65 tons of Rice to support Camillian Home for Children Living with Disabilities, Lat Krabang, as well as to distribute to communities in need. The ceremony was presided over by H.E. Lorenzo Galanti, Ambassador of Italy to the Kingdom of Thailand with Father Anusorn Nilkhet, Director of Camillian Homeat Embassy of Italy in Bangkok, CRC Tower All Seasons Place.
Labour Ministry, Huawei launch academy to enhance Thailand’s digital workforce
Feb 22. 2021Gracing the occasion were Prof Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat (center), Deputy Labour Minister, ML Puntarik Smiti (5th right), Advisor to the Deputy Minister, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasatien (4th left), Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr Thawat Benchatikul (5th left), Director-General of Department of Skill Development, Mr. Chakrit Decha (3rd left), Ms. Jiraporn Punyarit (2nd left), Ms. Darunee Nithitaweekul (left), Deputy Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, Mr. Prateep Songlumyong (right), Inspector-General of Ministry of Labour, Mr. Thavorn Chalassathien (3rd right), Vice Chairman of The Federation of Thai Industries and Mr. Edison Cheng (4th right), Director of Public Affair and Communication – Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., who came to the Ministry of Labor to show their solid support for the projects.
By The Nation
The Labour Ministry held the “Building Thailand Digital Workforce” event to launch Digital Skill Development Academy (DISDA), which will oversee the development of digital skills among the country’s workforce.
As part of its launch, DISDA also held its first seminar, “Enhance Business and Industry with Digital Technology Skill Development”, in collaboration with Huawei Technologies (Thailand). The aim of this seminar was to share knowledge with more than 100 business operators on the latest in IT technology as well as exchange views on the demand for digital workforce development.
The event was held in response to Thailand’s serious need to build a skilled workforce as S-curve industries are being developed in line with the government’s Industry 4.0 policy.
The Labour Ministry is also introducing a series of initiatives to ensure the country can meet the needs of the labour market in the near future, which will bring down the unemployment rate and boost the standard of living.
Deputy Labour Minister Prof Dr Narumon Pinyosinwat said the academy will provide digital skills training programmes and courses to young Thais who want to enter the digital workplace.
“The ministry is joining hands with the private sector to help build a healthy digital labour ecosystem through on-the-job training to drive the country’s Digital Thailand policy. With rising demand from S-curve industries, the ministry is ready to support the national strategy by prioritising digital labour development to make Thailand a fully digital society.”
Courses will be provided by top industry experts who will share their expertise to prepare young professionals to become part of the digital economy. Workshops, specialised training courses and leadership seminars will be added to the curriculum to encourage young minds to generate new ideas and launch digital projects.
Also launched at the event was the Department of Skill Development’s new app, which makes the department’s services easily accessible. The app’s key features include training courses, labour-skill standards, e-certificate or diploma, information on the Skill Development Promotion Act, newsroom, contacts, FAQs etc. The app can be downloaded and will soon be available on Huawei Mobile Service’s App Gallery.
Narumon said that now Thailand is undergoing digital transformation, it needs a workforce that is prepared to serve a digital ecosystem.
“We want to fuel the tech world with a workforce that is creative, innovative and inspired. Partnering with industry movers such as Huawei will ensure that we are producing industry-ready talent through programs aligned with the needs of the industry,” she explained. “Our strategy is to support digital workforce development, whether it is through centres of learning such as DISDA, or seminars for targeted audience groups. Developing skills will also improve the employability of young people and ensure Thailand’s readiness for a digital economy.”
DISDA’s first seminar on skill development was organised exclusively for technical professionals from the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Chamber of Commerce. Experts from Huawei Thailand were at hand to present the latest technology, trends and products in the ICT world.
At the seminar Varaporn Pangboonyanon, deputy director of the AP Learning Service Department, explained how 5G will have an impact on the government’s Industry 4.0 and play a role in the country’s development.
Prayuth Tungsangob, Huawei’s chief technology officer, discussed the topic of providing enterprise solutions for industrial transformation, and explained how advanced connectivity can change the digital landscape.
Chawansit Rongthong, senior solution architect from Huawei Cloud, shared thoughts on how Huawei’s Cloud solutions can help businesses and industries accelerate modernisation.
GSB’s new loan scheme for SMEs hits Bt10 billion limit in three days
Feb 22. 2021
By THE NATION
The Government Savings Bank (GSB) has launched a new loan campaign in which small and medium businesses (SMEs) in tourism and related industries affected by the Covid-19 outbreak can use their land title deed as collateral for loans.
The campaign had been approved by the Cabinet on February 15 as part of a plan to revive the tourism industry after the Covid-19 fallout.
“The campaign started on February 18 and so far over 1,500 entrepreneurs have applied for loans,” bank president Withai Ratanakorn said on Monday.
“The loan budget of Bt10 billion has already been requested by the registrants, so we decided to close registration via the website www.gsb.or.th until further notice.”
Withai added that the registration only lets applicants state the amount they wished to borrow while no approval had been granted yet.
“The bank would now consider each applicant and would only grant loans to those who were in eligible industries as well as present a valid collateral,” he said. “If the bank has leftover budget from the first round of consideration, we will later open registration for the second round.”
Nation Broadcasting Corp boosted by 88% rise in revenue
Feb 19. 2021Shine Bunnag
By The Nation
Nation Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) on Friday revealed company revenue rose 88 per cent last year.
NBC revenue in 2020 was Bt911.53 million, up 88 per cent from the year before. However, the company’s net profit was Bt32.13 million, down 89 per cent year on year.
Shine Bunnag, NBC chairman of the board of directors, said most of the revenue came from NBC’s home shopping business and business restructuring.
He added that the company would pay the Bt48-million digital TV licence fee to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission by May this year.
“This year, we will adjust NBC’s capital structure to ensure that the company will be able to pay dividends to shareholders,” said Shine.
He expected NBC’s revenue to increase by 6 per cent this year if Thailand is spared another wave of Covid-19, emphasising the company’s commitment to presenting fact-based and socially responsible news via its digital TV and online outlets.
“This year, NBC will hold two large events, namely the Kom Chad Luek Awards and the 50th anniversary of The Nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the first branch of Nation Coffee will open at Nation Tower in March, part of plans to launch 10 branches in Bangkok this year.
“Our strong point is that Nation Coffee uses coffee beans grown in the country to produce quality beverages at an affordable price,” he added.
Ajinomoto unveils healthy ‘answer’ to high-salt diet
Feb 19. 2021
By The Nation
More than 22 million Thais suffer from ailments due to high salt and sodium consumption and each year 20,000 of them die from one of four related diseases, costing the country an estimated Bt98.9 billion a year.
To help tackle this problem, Japanese food corporation Ajinomoto has developed a low-sodium flavour enhancer to help Thai food manufacturers produce healthier instant noodles, snacks and seasoning products.
Salt Answer Kem can reduce salt use by 30 per cent while maintaining taste and enhancing the flavour of spices such as chilli and garlic, said Ajinomoto.
As a flavour-enhancer, the new product can also reduce ingredient costs for food producers, said the company.
dtac Accelerates 700 MHz Rollout To Bring High-Speed For All
Feb 19. 2021
By THE NATIONFebruary 18, 2021 – dtac is ramping up the rollout of its low-band 700 MHz network to bring high-speed internet for all. The license for the new spectrum was acquired on 24 December 2020 and dtac turned on more than 2,400 sites within Q4, 2020. An aggressive rollout plan in 2021 includes targeting an additional 4,000 sites for Q1 alone followed by accelerated expansion throughout the year.
The 700 MHz spectrum will bring additional coverage both indoors and in rural areas, improving the customer experience significantly. This is in addition to constant additions to the dtac network in terms of speed and capacity. dtac added 3,000 base stations on the 2300 MHz spectrum (spectrum in partnership with NT or former TOT) in 2020, reaching a total of approximately 20,400 base stations. The total number of users on 4G is currently 12.2 million, accounting for 64 percent of the overall customer base.
Moreover, dtac successfully upgraded the network last year with 5G-ready massive MIMO technology on mid-band while launching 5G uses cases with industry partners on the 26 GHz band (high-band). The 700 MHz band thus complements dtac’s strong portfolio of low-, mid- and high-band spectrum.
Mr. Sharad Mehrotra, CEO of Total Access Communication PLC or dtac said, “With the rollout of 5G-ready massive MIMO technology last year and over 20,000 high-speed 4G TDD sites, we improved network capacity by three times, giving our customers the highest download speeds in Thailand. With the deployment of 700 MHz network, we will significantly improve coverage and speed nationwide and allow customers to enjoy more of our services.”
As part of the rollout, dtac is also introducing 5G services on 700 MHz band in six major cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phuket, and Surat Thani. dtac will be rapidly expanding 5G sites to other high-traffic areas across the country throughout 2021, catering to growing demand as more 5G devices become available in the market.
Moreover, dtac is deploying dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) technology with the 700 MHz network to enable both 5G and 4G services on the same band without bandwidth sharing and at optimal efficiency.
“We’re confident that dtac’s network improvements will deliver an exceptional experience for our users. They will also accelerate Thailand’s digital transformation. Our 5G journey started with initiating industry partnerships on the 26 GHz band, and now we add 5G on 700 MHz or low-band to continue exploring which use cases will benefit our customers and industry partners the most,” said Mr. Mehrotra.
5G on 700 MHz offers improved low-band capacity and innovative network features such as dedicated networks, lower latencies, and higher quality-of-service guarantees. Through these features, dtac will continue to explore opportunities for commercial, industrial, and public interest use cases with various partners in the fields of smart cities, smart farming, smart energy, smart security, and more.
Currently, 41 models of Android and iOS mobile devices support 700 MHz 5G service with 175 models supporting 700 MHz 4G. Many upcoming smartphones will also support 700 MHz 5G and 4G services. Users can check for 700 MHz band-compatible mobile devices and coverage at http://www.dtac.co.th/network
Marriott Bonvoy mobile app refreshed to offer a more intuitive and personalized experience in anticipation of increased desire for travel
Feb 19. 2021
By THE NATIONIncludes New Booking Options, Enhanced Customization for Contactless Experiences and Tailored Ways to Earn and Redeem Points Beyond the Stay Toward Free Nights
Marriott Bonvoy, the highly awarded travel program from Marriott International, has released a redesigned, more intuitive version of its mobile app in anticipation of increased desire and demand for travel this year. Featuring new travel shopping options based on inspiring destinations and access to more experiences to book, such as premium vacation rentals from Homes & Villas by Marriott International as well as destination tours and activities, the app will offer members even more personalized recommendations and offers to maximize their points earned when traveling and even when they are not. As the centerpiece of the company’s mobile-first mindset, the Marriott Bonvoy app ensures guests receive the best available rate; enjoy program benefits such as exclusive member rates and accruing points for stays; and enables members to customize their experience. The app will make it easier for guests to choose a contactless option for check-in and check-out, easy access to mobile keys, and the ability to request services and amenities via chat and mobile requests.
“The enhanced Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app is a must-have travel companion. It simplifies the travel planning process, allows for the most frictionless experience before and during your stay and gets smarter the more you interact with it,” said Leigh Zarelli, Senior Vice President Digital, Marriott International. “Only the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app offers travelers so much whether it is the breadth of global accommodations — from 7,500 hotels among our 30 brands to home rentals — destination experiences and relevant and customizable content for travel inspiration. Through tailored, displayed offers, members can learn how to earn hundreds of thousands of points just by booking stays, or going about their daily lives’ grocery shopping, ordering takeout or buying items for their home.”
What’s new on the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app:
• New Shopping and Booking Options: Homes & Villas by Marriott International home rentals, Work Anywhere with Marriott Bonvoy day, stay and play passes and Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities are all now available through in-app browsing. By booking via the app, guests are guaranteed the lowest rate available and is one of the ways members can earn points and receive on-property benefits during stays.
• More Customization During the Stay: Improvements and additions to mobile requests and mobile key enable members to get more from their experience and choose to minimize contact and better maintain social distance.
o Mobile Key, available at over 4000 properties, is now accessible on the home screen once checked in. Making it easy to skip the desk and minimize social interactions.
o Mobile Requests now contains more one-touch-buttons so users can order a crib, shoeshine, and dry cleaning, along with bath towels, pillows, bath products and more, as well as the ability to chat directly with hotel staff.
• Making it Easier for Members to Earn Points: Members can capitalize on points promotions relevant to them on the home screen and their account page. This provides members with easy to access, tailored Marriott Bonvoy American Express and Chase limited time offers, as well as access to points promotions with Eat Around Town and Hertz.
• Increased Functionality for Non-Members: While nearly a million people used the app to become members in 2020, those not ready to join for free can still search and book stays easier than before.
• Updated Searching & Booking with New, Dynamic Map: Users can search and book accommodations by hotel brand, destination, price or points needed for a free night’s stay.
• And More Improvements for the Frequent App Users:
o Updated Marriott Bonvoy account profile page highlighting personalized promotions, on-property benefits to take advantage of during stays and full account activity.
o Member numbers can be copied and pasted onto other web-based forms.
o FaceID and TouchID automatically engages after the first login.
o Room numbers will now appear on the home screen.
***For APAC and MEA: Members now can access a QR code in the app that can be scanned at select on-property restaurants to earn and redeem points for food and beverage purchases.
An ever-expanding travel program, Marriott Bonvoy connects 30 extraordinary hotel brands with 7,500 properties located in 132 countries & territories, 20,000 premium and luxury vacation home rentals, and tens of thousands of tours & activities enabling members countless ways to earn and redeem points for a perfect and personalized travel experience. The refreshed Marriott Bonvoy mobile app provides front and center, easy access to points earning opportunities, as well as the ability to sign-up for and earn points with the Marriott Bonvoy co-brand credit cards, providing additional ways beyond the stay for members to earn points.
The app is available in seven languages – English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Chinese. Four additional languages will be added later this year including Italian (April), Russian (May), Portuguese (June) and Arabic (August). The improved app experience launches first on Apple’s iOS operating system which accounts for most Marriott Bonvoy app users followed the Android operating system later this year.
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa to introduce purpose-driven environmental protection experience as part of ‘Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy’
Feb 16. 2021
By THE NATION
PHUKET, THAILAND – 15 Feb 2021 – Against the backdrop of the global pandemic, and with travelers increasingly aspiring to make a positive impact on the communities they visit whether locally or abroad, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa introduces the Turtle Shelter, as part of Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy.
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa joins 14 other Marriott International properties across Asia Pacific as part of the program’s pilot launch. Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy is a program offering meaningful travel across Asia Pacific, aiming to create opportunities for guests to forge first-hand connections with local communities and the environment during their stay, promoting both cultural understanding and positive change.
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa is nestled on Mai Khao Beach, next to Sirinat National Park, which is where leatherback sea turtles come to nest and lay eggs. As custodians of this land, the resort understands that it has a responsibility to protect these endangered reptiles. The Turtle Shelter is a dedicated facility at the property, operated in partnership with the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Rehabilitation & Education Center and Phuket Marine Biology Center, which helps to care for the turtles that are disable and injured on Mai Khao Beach. Hotel guests can visit the shelter, learn about the turtles’ life-cycle, observe feeding sessions and be educated about the environmental issues that impact their survival.
The resort’s turtle mascot, Nong Ta Wahn, is on-hand meet and greet guests and all visitors will receive a turtle bracelet made by the local community. The hotel has also created plenty of turtle-themed features around the resort, especially at the kid’s club and pool, and guests can take part in turtle towel-folding classes! The 16th Mai Khao Turtle Run is taking place virtually this year, to raise awareness of the project. The overall aim is to deliver meaningful experiences for every guest, which raise awareness about the plight of leatherback sea turtles and support their conservation, while also working with the local community and generating benefits for the entire area.
Every year during Songkran Festival, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa together with Mai Khao Marine Turtle Rehabilitation & Education Center organize an annual “Sea Turtles Release Ceremony”. The aim of this event is to release fully recovered turtles back to their natural habitat in the ocean.
“One of the growing trends we’re observing is how conscious people are of their personal impact on the environment and the destinations they visit,” said George Varughese, General Manager, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. “The Turtle Shelter offered at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa provides an excellent opportunity for our guests to connect with nature, allowing them to give back while staying with us. We are excited to launch the Turtle Shelter as part of Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy and look forward to bringing truly meaningful travel to our guests at home, or from abroad once international travel resumes.”
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Gracing the occasion were Prof Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat (center), Deputy Labour Minister, ML Puntarik Smiti (5th right), Advisor to the Deputy Minister, Mr. Pairoj Chotikasatien (4th left), Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr Thawat Benchatikul (5th left), Director-General of Department of Skill Development, Mr. Chakrit Decha (3rd left), Ms. Jiraporn Punyarit (2nd left), Ms. Darunee Nithitaweekul (left), Deputy Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, Mr. Prateep Songlumyong (right), Inspector-General of Ministry of Labour, Mr. Thavorn Chalassathien (3rd right), Vice Chairman of The Federation of Thai Industries and Mr. Edison Cheng (4th right), Director of Public Affair and Communication – Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., who came to the Ministry of Labor to show their solid support for the projects.
Shine Bunnag
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