PTT’s vision for the future: Thailand as LNG hub of the region

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PTT, Thailand’s largest energy conglomerate, has outlined a roadmap for Thailand’s long-term energy security.

PTT's vision for the future: Thailand as LNG hub of the region

Auttapol Rerkpiboon, president and chief executive officer of PTT Public Company Limited, stated during his opening speech at “Future Energy Asia Exhibition and Summit” on Wednesday that the energy giant aimed to make Thailand a liquified natural gas (LNG) hub in Asia over the next few decades.

Although people worldwide realise the urgent need to reduce their dependence on fossil fuel energy, businesses and households at present have huge demands for any kind of energy to move on, said Auttpol.

He explained that of the three categories of fossil fuels — coal, oil, and LNG — natural gas is the cleanest and most eco-friendly, and there is plenty to meet market demand.

“We need natural gas, such as LNG, during this energy transition period from cancelling the use of oil and coal to using renewable energy, such as wind, solar cells, and electricity,” Attapol added.

PTT's vision for the future: Thailand as LNG hub of the region

The hub would be a centre for selling and buying LNG, which means Thailand would purchase LNG from other producers, prepare it for use, and re-export it to other countries in need, such as Japan, China, Cambodia and Laos.

He stated that Thailand’s infrastructure, such as ports and pipelines, are ready to support these processes. He expected that by 2030, the country would export 9 million tons of LNG.

Making Thailand the region’s LNG hub is part of PTT’s plan to secure and sustain Thailand’s energy industry. He revealed that the company had made significant investments in future energy, including renewable energy, energy storage and system-related, EV value chain such as EV charging stations and EV factories, and hydrogen power.

PTT's vision for the future: Thailand as LNG hub of the region

The objective of these investments is to ensure that Thailand maintains its competitiveness during the energy transition period while also being prepared to seize new opportunities when future energy arrives.

Under the concept of “Powering Life with Future Energy and Beyond”, Auttapol insisted energy security is key to achieving energy sustainability.

Thailand needs to supply enough energy for domestic consumption before considering export, and PTT looks forward to investing in renewable energy and related technology abroad, he said.

Apparently, energy sustainability is a critical solution to the current global energy crisis situation like climate change. Countries worldwide, including Thailand, have announced targets to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050 and reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2065.

To achieve such pathways, concrete measures and serious action plans are required.

“PTT’s new vision, ‘Future Energy and Beyond’, will not only invest in future energy but also invest in other new businesses, such as life sciences, electric vehicles, AI, robotics and digitalisation. The proportion of investments in future businesses will reach 30 per cent by 2030,” said the PTT CEO.

Recently, PTT joined Foxconn, the leading Taiwanese tech firm, to build an EV factory in Thailand. The factory will be finished and ready to produce all designs of EV cars by the first quarter of 2024.

Auttapol believes that by working closely with the government sector, PTT could help shape the country’s energy landscape, improve energy consumption and utilisation, and make energy accessible to all.

Published : July 21, 2022

By : Nongluck Ajanapanya

Baht could fluctuate amid economic slowdown concerns: market strategist

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The baht opened at 36.58 to the US dollar on Wednesday, strengthening from Tuesday’s close of 36.61.

Baht could fluctuate amid economic slowdown concerns: market strategist

The currency is expected to move between 36.50 and 36.70 during the day, predicted Krungthai Bank market strategist Poon Panichpibool.

Poon said the dollar might remain stable or even weaken if the market jumps into a risk-on state.

He believes the baht will not weaken past its resistance level of 36.70-36.80 if foreign investors purchase risky Thai assets again.

However, the baht could fluctuate and fail to strengthen because the market is ready to slide back into a risk-off state due to concerns over economic slowdown and worse-than-expected performance by listed companies, Poon said.

Also, investors believe the US Federal Reserve may push the interest rate up by a fair bit, he said.

Moreover, the energy crisis in Europe is a concerning factor in the short term.

Poon advised close monitoring of this situation because the euro might weaken further and cause the dollar to strengthen if Russia halts or decreases the amount of energy sent to Europe.

He also advised investors to use hedging tools such as options to manage risks in a highly volatile currency market.

Published : July 20, 2022

By : THE NATION

Publicis Sapient releases guide on how to make embedded banking work – at scale

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Revenues in global embedded banking are estimated to be USD 50bn, with a compounded annual growth rate of 40%. Publicis Sapient, a digital transformation company, has released a report on what banks need to do to enter and succeed in the market.

Publicis Sapient releases guide on how to make embedded banking work – at scale

Thailand, July 18, 2022,  – Digital transformation company Publicis Sapient today released a guide, written by Korbinian Krainau, Associate Managing Director, Strategy, and Ronnie Mitra Director, Technology & Composable Business Lead, Publicis Sapient, for financial service companies on how to successfully implement embedded finance offerings. 

The report outlines the huge opportunities offered by embedded finance.  While fintechs currently dominate the conversation, banks are starting to engage in the space, particularly with buy now, pay later propositions, but also expanding to other areas in retail and commercial banking. The report covers in depth key approaches available to banks to establish an embedded finance model, along with the necessary capabilities required to launch and scale propositions.
 

The authors cover the challenges that stand in the way of success in embedded finance, and point out that in their experience, banks often fail to gain traction in the market with new propositions due to insuffcient product/market fit. They note that it is therefore vital to appreciate the importance of moving to a new model of product development that recognises and accommodates the needs of the different players: consumers, partners and the bank itself. This helps banks to avoid tired, “me too” propositions and to acknowledge the importance of the ecosystem.

Korbinian Krainau, Associate Managing Director in Publicis Sapient’s Strategy group and report co-author, said: “We’ve identified the four most important archetypes that banks must consider if they want to be relevant in embedded finance, estimated to be a USD50-billion-dollar business with a 40% annual growth rate.”
 
“The great advantage of embedded finance is that it brings banking services to where the customer is, creating simple, linear journeys that can be completed without opening a banking app or website, or inputting card details. This is a strong potential market, but there are challenges that can daunt potential entrants. We have created this guide to present a clear roadmap to success.”
 

The whitepaper covers the key elements required for success: Strategy, customer acquisition, partner acquisition, platform and capability design, and delivery model.

Download full report here: How to make embedded finance work at scale. https://www.publicissapient.com/content/dam/ps-rebrand/industry/financial-services/2022/embedded-banking/CS1645_PS_Embedded_Banking_POV_AW_SCREEN.pdf?utm_source=pr&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=%5b14:44%5d-Marcia-Pacheco–FS_SCT_Banking.as.Service.Embedded.Finance.PR_07.2022_Other&utm_category=Financial.Services
 

Published : July 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

GULF named ‘Best CEO’ at IAA Awards 2021

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Gulf Energy Development Plc. (GULF), led by Mr. Sarath Ratanavadi, Chief Executive Officer, received the ‘Best CEO’ award, in the ‘Resources’ category from the IAA Awards for Listed Companies 2021, organized by the Investment Analysts Association (IAA).

GULF named ‘Best CEO’ at IAA Awards 2021

Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health presided over the award ceremony, held at the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

The event aims to award outstanding CEO, CFO and IR across 8 industries with 24 accolades presented in total. The executives awarded with ‘Best CEO’ were shortlisted from nominations and ratings of analysts and fund managers by considering best-in-class organizational management, expertise in their industry, good corporate governance, participation in analysts’ event together with ability to provide clear relevant insights, and in-depth information, as well as other qualifications that drive the company to sustainable business growth, which will contribute to the expansion of the Thai capital market and the Thai economy going forward.GULF named ‘Best CEO’ at IAA Awards 2021

Published : July 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

The Standard, Hua Hin named as #1 resort hotel In Southeast Asia

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Chic seafront retreat voted as the region’s top property and the 35th best place to stay in the world in the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2022

The Standard, Hua Hin named as #1 resort hotel In Southeast Asia

HUA HIN, THAILAND, JULY 2022: The Standard, Hua Hin, the stylish Thai resort where chic beach vibes meet mid-century style, is celebrating after it was named as the best resort hotel in Southeast Asia, and one of the finest places to stay anywhere in the world!

The Standard, Hua Hin named as #1 resort hotel In Southeast Asia

In the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2022, which are voted for by the discerning readers of the world’s leading luxury travel and lifestyle magazine, The Standard, Hua Hin achieved an outstanding overall score of 97.38 out of 100. This ranked it as the:

  •     #1 Resort Hotel in Southeast Asia
  •     #7 Resort Hotel in Asia
  •     #35 Hotel or Resort in the World

This is a remarkable achievement for such a new hotel, which only started welcoming the world in December 2021. It is also a wonderful reflection of the resort’s impact on the hospitality scene and how its experience-seeking guests have embraced The Standard, Hua Hin’s high-style, culture-rich concept.
 

The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the industry. The awards reflect the personal views of Travel + Leisure’s readership, a group of more than 30 million sophisticated and savvy global travelers who appreciate extraordinary travel and lifestyle experiences. 

The Standard, Hua Hin named as #1 resort hotel In Southeast Asia

The awards are divided into multiple categories, including hotels, airlines, cities, islands, cruise ships, safaris and more, each of which are assigned a scored in a number of categories. The Standard, Hua Hin received especially high ratings for its “value”, “rooms & facilities” and “food”. In fact, it was rated as the #1 hotel in the world in terms of value for money.

“We are so proud that The Standard, Hua Hin has been named the number one resort hotel in Southeast Asia in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2022,” commented Amber Asher, CEO of Standard International. This beautiful region is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking properties, so to be ranked as the best – only six months after we opened our doors – is deeply humbling. We are grateful to everyone who voted for us, and of course to our entire team for making this possible by creating such exceptional guest experiences. We look forward to inviting even more travellers, including Travel + Leisure’s esteemed readers, to rediscover Hua Hin in future.”

The Standard, Hua Hin named as #1 resort hotel In Southeast Asia

Nestled directly on the beach, The Standard, Hua Hin brings a cool Miami vibe to Thailand’s tropical shores. With 199 rooms, suites and villas, the mid-century design Lido pool and bar, a beachfront Thai izakaya restaurant, a juice café and beachside Surf Club, this chic seafront retreat is a haven for curious global explorers. The resort has also elevated the social scene in Hua Hin with a series of cultural “Happenings”, from wellness weekends and artistic escapes to pool parties, live concerts and more. 

The Standard hotels are present in the planet’s most desirable destinations, from Miami Beach to the Maldives, London to New York, Hua Hin, Ibiza and, as of July 29th, Bangkok, with the opening of its Asia flagship, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon. 

The Standard, Hua Hin named as #1 resort hotel In Southeast Asia

Connect with the hotel via:
Facebook: The Standard Hua Hin
Instagram/Line: @thestandardhuahin
Web: www.standardhotels.com/hua-hin
 

Published : July 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

BGRIM’s Angthong co-gen plants off to a good start, ensuring security of supply to EGAT, industries

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BANGKOK, July 11, 2022 — B.Grimm Power PCL (BGRIM), one of Thailand’s private pioneers in mass power production, today heralds the start of the construction of its two latest co-generation plants.

BGRIM's Angthong co-gen plants off to a good start, ensuring security of supply to EGAT, industries

The commencement of the two natural gas-fired powerhouses, each with a 140 megawatts in generation capacity, is marked by a foundation stone laying ceremony presided over by Dr. Harald Link, Chairman of B.Grimm and President of BGRIM, and Dr. Chayanin Debhakam, Chairperson of the Executive Committee of Singha Estate, at 8:29 a.m on the site. 

The two plants are undertaken by B.Grimm Power (Angthong) 2 Ltd and B.Grimm Power (Angthong) 3 Ltd, both are BGRIM’s subsidiaries, at the S Industrial Estate Angthong in Chaiyo District, Angthong Province.

BGRIM's Angthong co-gen plants off to a good start, ensuring security of supply to EGAT, industries

Dr Link said the two powerhouses feature new efficiency technologies that allow them to yield more electrical output than conventional systems. They are scheduled to start commercial operation in 2023 with 280 MW of their combined output are transmitted to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) under a 25-year supply agreement, and all remaining production going to industries at the S Industrial Estate Angthong.

BGRIM's Angthong co-gen plants off to a good start, ensuring security of supply to EGAT, industries

Dr. Chayanin Debhakam said that Singha Estate is delighted to be a part of this important milestone — the groundbreaking ceremony for the two combined-cycle cogeneration power plants; and also to be a partner of B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited, one of Thailand’s leading highly-acknowledged names in energy generation. The two co-gen power plants are environmental-friendly by utilizing technology with turbines and gas to produce electricity. Not only is this technology high production capacity and low carbon emission, and helps reduce global warming, but it is also uplifting S Angthong, the industrial estate where the plants are located, as the World Food Valley and eco-industrial estate, coinciding with the eco industry trend around the globe.

BGRIM's Angthong co-gen plants off to a good start, ensuring security of supply to EGAT, industries

“I would like to thank BGRIM for a great partnership. We hope that this will be the beginning of more collaborations to support each other’s businesses and success in the future.”

Meanwhile, Dr Link said BGRIM has been ramping up investment both at home and abroad with a total outlay of 140 billion baht being embarked over the next five years. The investment will go towards developing power stations under the established power supply contracts and new projects under negotiations which include greenfield developments and acquisition assets. This year, BGRIM expects to secure new power sale contracts totalling at least 1,000 MW in capacity, while recording more than 55 MW in deliveries to new industrial clients.

BGRIM's Angthong co-gen plants off to a good start, ensuring security of supply to EGAT, industries

In addition, BGRIM has managed fuel costs by preparing to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) under long-term contracts starting from 2023. An annual LNG supply of 500,000 tonnes will be directed to BGRIM’s 18 co-generation plants to keep energy production costs in check.

BGRIM is constructing new high-efficiency powerhouses to replace five older plants whose supply contracts have ended. These replacement facilities, with a total installed capacity of 700 MW, are set to come on line commercially in the second half of 2022 with a 15% saving in natural gas burn per unit being achieved, thanks to modern technologies.

BGRIM's Angthong co-gen plants off to a good start, ensuring security of supply to EGAT, industries

BGRIM currently has 56 projects in operation, with a total installed capacity of 3,342 MW, and the firm is on course to boost cumulative power sales to 7,200 MW by 2025 and to 10,000 MW by 2030.
 

Published : July 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

Royce Lab makes debut of ‘The Pronura’ to boost immune system in Thai people  

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Royce Lab has recently launched of ‘The Pronura’, a new dietary supplement developed from five organic plant-based proteins with the addition of probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin, omega-3 from flaxseed oil, and minerals from naturally sourced ingredients.

Royce Lab makes debut of ‘The Pronura’ to boost immune system in Thai people  

Royce Lab International Co., Ltd., the experienced distributor of dietary supplements for white blood cells known as ‘IMMUNELAB Beta-glucan’ admired by a large number of customers in Thailand and worldwide, has recently announced the launch of ‘The Pronura’, a brand-new dietary supplement developed from five organic plant-based proteins with the addition of probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin, omega-3 from flaxseed oil, and minerals from naturally sourced ingredients. Targeting cancer patients and health lovers who seek substantial benefits from excellent sources of proteins, the latest dietary product has been launched to unveil the company’s confidence, reaffirming that the healthy immune system is humans’ best medicine.

Dr. Piya Siangsukone, Managing Director and Research and Development Team, Leader of Royce Lab International Co., Ltd., unveiled the company’s firm decision in 2015 to deliver good health to Thai people by launching ‘IMMUNELAB Beta-glucan’, a dietary supplement boosting white blood cells extracted from yeast’s cell wall under the IMMUNELAB brand. Dr. Piya reaffirms that ‘with the empirical research on human body, healthy white blood cells can help you live a healthy life’. With the reinforcement of the importance of white blood cells, the company has received trust from a large number of consumers, making the company a leader of the Beta-glucan supplement provider in Thai community.   

Royce Lab doesn’t see itself only as a distributor of high-quality dietary supplements but desires to be part of personal ‘wellness lifestyle’ by continuing promoting the importance of healthy food. Following the prolonged COVID-19 situation, people have changed their viewpoints towards body immune system. More people, especially health concern group, has a clearer understanding that better immune system can help reduce the risk of virus infection. People of all ages and genders have paid greater attention to the trend of preventive healthcare to reduce risks of diseases as well as the importance of immune enhancement, reflected in the continuing growth of the healthy food market, particularly the consumption of plant-based food. 

Royce Lab makes debut of ‘The Pronura’ to boost immune system in Thai people  

After successfully providing health-related solutions and services for elderly and patients with various symptoms, the company has found that cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are likely to lose their appetite, while elderly people begin to consume less meat. As a result, these groups are likely to receive inadequate nutrition, especially protein, which is considered a very important nutrient in building and repair body. “If the issue of protein deficiency has been ignored or delayed to be solved, people are likely to experience fatigue, joint pain, and atrophy, including the problems related to the immune system,” said Dr. Piya.

“The Pronura”, organic plant-based protein, derived from the cleanest five organic plant-based proteins, enriched with essential nutrients with probiotics and prebiotics added to promote immune system and efficient digestion. It is an ideal for those who want to revitalize their health or are in need of health boosting. The Pronura’s inimitable formula has been developed by teams of professional doctors, pharmacists, and nutritionists. Thus, it becomes a revolutionary dietary supplement with the following key five essential organic plants.        

•    Brown rice is rich in proteins that Thai people are less allergic to (compared to milk and soy). It also provides high energy, helping you feel full and preventing you from being hungry. With several essential minerals that are important to the body, brown rice efficiently helps in keeping your intestines healthy and fully functional.  

•    Green peas are a good source of protein and energy and are fairly low in fat and cholesterol. Backed by the availability of the branched-chain amino acid (BCAA), this plant-based protein diet plays a key role in maximizing muscle building.      

•    Almonds in particular contain a high proportion of protein and are rich in healthy fats and vitamin E considered a vital source of antioxidants. The high-protein seeds also help reduce cholesterol and offer high energy to fight muscle fatigue.   

•    Quinoa is often described as a superfood containing all nine types of amino acids that are important to your body. In addition to having a high proportion of fiber and antioxidants, quinoa also helps control blood sugar levels and reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol as well as balance your body’s digestive system.     

•    Chia seeds are another increasingly popular superfood rich in protein, including omega-3 that efficiently helps nourish your brain and retina. They also contain high calcium (estimated to be five times higher than cow’s milk) and a large amount of fiber that helps prevent constipation. 

The Pronura also contains a perfect blend of five probiotics supplemented with prebiotics to encourage the probiotics to work more efficiently, supported by omega-3 extracted from flaxseed oil, vitamin, and minerals obtained from natural ingredients. Highly recommended for health lovers, vegans, and people with diabetes.

This newly evolved dietary supplement is more special with the addition of Erythritol, sugar compound used as a low-calorie sweetener, which does not affect insulin levels. Thanks to the relatively mild flavor and the distinctive rice fragrance, The Pronura is easy to intake. It can be added to everyone’s regularly preferred food and drinks.     

Dr. Piya added that in fact, the protein obtained from meat contains the most excellent and complete amino acids that are very important to the body. Unfortunately, meat nowadays has a lot of chemical contaminants. Additionally, according to research, people consuming animal proteins can easily be prone to body internal inflammation. Nowadays, many top Olympic athletes are turning to plant-based proteins under the supervision of professional nutritionists. However, most plant-based proteins are often deficient in one or more specific amino acids. For instance, peas are relatively low in methionine and high in lysine, while grains tend to be poor in lysine, but are good sources of methionine. Hence, to get enough of essential nutrients and amino acids, it is better to consume plant-based proteins extracted from various sources of plants.


For more information about The Pronura, please visit http://www.thepronura.com or call 0-2372-2534.

Published : July 18, 2022

FrieslandCampina suspends production of pasteurised milk in Thailand

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40017924


FrieslandCampina (Thailand) has suspended production and sale of its popular Foremost brand of pasteurised milk, according to the company’s Facebook page.

FrieslandCampina suspends production of pasteurised milk in Thailand

The announcement came after a netizen posted a query on the “Foremost Thailand” Facebook page, asking why she could not find Foremost milk in supermarkets.

The page administrator confirmed that Foremost pasteurised milk was not currently being produced. However, it added that consumers could still purchase other Foremost dairy products at supermarkets nationwide.

“The company has considered this issue thoroughly in line with business strategies,” the post read, adding that its focus would switch to production and distribution of dairy products that can be preserved for longer.

FrieslandCampina suspends production of pasteurised milk in Thailand

FrieslandCampina (Thailand) is the country’s biggest dairy producer, selling UHT milk, pasteurised milk, condensed milk and ready-to-drink yoghurt.

Apart from Foremost, the company also manufactures and sells the Falcon, Debic, Ship and My Boy brands.

The Dutch multinational launched its Thai arm in 1956, gaining the largest market share in dairy thanks to Thais’ increasing thirst for sterilised milk, UHT milk and pasteurised milk.

However, FrieslandCampina (Thailand) suffered a net loss of 1.36 billion baht in 2021, down 180 per cent on 2020 profits, according to Department of Business Development data.

Published : July 19, 2022

By : THE NATION

As tourism recovers, IHG sets its goals high in Thailand

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40017917


Multinational hospitality group IHG plans to aggressively expand in Thailand’s luxury premium hospitality sector, aiming to capitalise on the country’s tourism recovery.

As tourism recovers, IHG sets its goals high in Thailand

Rajit Sukumaran, IHG’s managing director for Southeast Asia and Korea, said during a media group interview in Bangkok on Tuesday, that Thailand’s tourism industry is very positive, with more international tourists expressing a desire to visit Thailand, particularly Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, and Samui Island, which are the top four destinations that IHG’s customers search for on their website.

The growth rate of IHG hotels in Thailand in the first quarter of this year was 61 per cent compared to the same quarter last year, and 82 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2019.

This growth trend reflects the gradual recovery of the country’s tourism. More tourists will visit Thailand in the second half of this year now that the government has lifted the Thailand Pass measure to facilitate entry.

Moreover, the recent success of their first rebranding of Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok marked the entry of Vignette Collection in the country, Sukumaran said.

IHG plans to add two more hotels to this collection with The Aquatique Pattaya, Thailand and Bangkok Chinatown in the next five years, he added.

Ranging from heritage hotels to idyllic resorts, Vignette Collection includes luxury hotels in vibrant destinations.

Sukumaran stated that the demand for premium hotels and resorts is increasing and tourists are looking for not only comfort but also quality and safe hygiene.

Therefore, IHG Hotels & Resorts is partnering local hotel owners and offering them world-class independent hotels with the opportunity to retain their distinctive identity, while benefiting from IHG’s global scale, luxury and lifestyle expertise, and powerful IHG One Rewards loyalty programme, he said.

As tourism recovers, IHG sets its goals high in Thailand

He explained that the company’s great tradition in Thailand and long-term commitment to the country means it is a key element in IHG’s Southeast Asia growth strategy.

Previously, the group used Thailand to launch new brands in Southeast Asia, such as Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, and now Vignette Collection.

“We continue to grow in Thailand, and plan to double our estate there with 35 hotels in the pipeline,” said Sukumaran.

This ambition will be supported by Vignette Collection. IHG’s 17th and newest brand is fully embracing its commitment to responsible business and more than 100 properties globally are anticipated to join over the next 10 years, he said.

IHG continues to enjoy a strong 2022 in Thailand, which included the signing of Kimpton Hua Hin, the fourth Kimpton in the Kingdom. Upcoming openings include InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, Staybridge Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit and Holiday Inn Resort Samui Bophut Beach, as the company looks to double its estate across all brands by 2026.

Published : July 19, 2022

By : Nongluck Ajanapanya

Vaxzevria 73% effective at preventing Omicron-related infections after fourth dose, according to real-world evidence study in Thailand

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Vaccine effectiveness similar across all vaccines studied

Vaxzevria 73% effective at preventing Omicron-related infections after fourth dose, according to real-world evidence study in Thailand

AstraZeneca’s Vaxzevria (ChAdOx1-S [Recombinant]) was effective at preventing COVID-19 infections due to Omicron when used as a fourth dose booster, according to new data from Faculty of Public Health, Chiang Mai University in collaboration with Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office.

In the real-world evidence study, Vaxzevria showed vaccine effectiveness (VE) of 73% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 48-89%) against the highly transmissible Omicron variant when a fourth dose was given on top of any previous primary or booster vaccine.1 According to the study authors, these are the first known data assessing the effectiveness of a mixed (heterologous) four-dose COVID-19 vaccine schedule. 

The findings were published as a preprint in Research Square.
 

Vaxzevria 73% effective at preventing Omicron-related infections after fourth dose, according to real-world evidence study in Thailand

The data showed that a fourth dose of any of the COVID-19 vaccines studied, including Vaxzevria, were 75% effective in preventing Omicron infection (VE 75%, 95% CI 71-80%). The VE of 73% for Vaxzevria was similar to that seen with mRNA vaccines which showed VE of 71% (VE 71%, 95% CI 59-79%). VE was adjusted for age, gender, calendar time and preceding vaccine series type. 

Lead author Emeritus Professor Suwat Chariyalertsak, MD, Dr.PH, Faculty of Public Health, Chiang Mai University, Thailand, said: “This study provides much-needed data showing a fourth dose of any COVID-19 vaccine can help prevent infection due to the highly contagious Omicron variant. Providing continuous protection with boosting is especially important for at-risk groups such as the elderly and those living with chronic health conditions. The data also support the effectiveness of heterologous, or ‘mix and match’, vaccination schedules which may help ongoing efforts to increase population coverage of booster doses.”

John Perez, Senior Vice President, Head of Late Development, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, AstraZeneca, added: “These new data further add to our understanding of the importance of booster doses to protect against COVID-19 infection in an evolving variant landscape. Building on Vaxzevria’s effectiveness in preventing severe disease and death, we now know that Vaxzevria can help prevent Omicron-related infections when given as a fourth dose, with greater protection against infection than was seen following a third dose.”
 

Additionally, a preliminary analysis of hospital data reports VE against severe COVID-19 (requiring invasive mechanical ventilation), and death during the Omicron wave in February and March of 2022. Across all age groups studied, a three-dose mixed schedule provided 98% protection against severe infection or COVID-19-related death. Following a fourth dose booster, the authors observed only a single death, in a person with comorbidities, suggesting very high effectiveness. Analysis of this dataset is ongoing and will be reported at a later date.

The study reported real-world VE of Vaxzevria, CoronaVac and mRNA vaccines utilising an active surveillance network which enabled comparisons of the same patient profiles across both Delta-predominant and Omicron-predominant periods.

To date, over 3 billion doses of Vaxzevria have been released, which based on model outcomes is estimated to have helped save over 6 million lives between 08 December 2020 and 08 December 2021. 
 

Published : July 19, 2022

By : THE NATION