Chonburi FC terminates goalkeeper Worawut’s contract after hit-and-kill incident
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022
Chonburi FC terminated the contract of their goalkeeper who killed a person while driving under the influence after the club’s statement on Wednesday drew backlash.
Early on Wednesday, Chonburi FC goalkeeper Worawut Sukuna, 23, allegedly killed a person and injured another on a Chonburi sea bridge while driving under the influence, according to the police.
The club subsequently released a statement saying it would not allow two of its team who were involved in the incident to play any more games until the case is closed, but many said the club’s move was not enough.
Moreover, Worawut was released on bail after the club made an attempt to defuse the situation. He vowed not to drink alcohol again for the rest of his life.
Club president Wittaya Khunpluem said its executives and staff held another meeting immediately after they received “more evidence” about the drink-driving incident.
Wittaya said the club has now decided to terminate Worawut’s contract with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, the club has accepted the resignation of manager Sasis Singtothong, who was rumoured to have gone for a drink with the players before the shocking incident.
Wittaya reiterated that the club strongly disagreed with Worawut’s behaviour as he was allegedly drunk when he hit and killed a person with his car. The club said his action flew in the face of its morals and aim to help Chonburi residents lead a healthy life, which includes shunning alcohol before driving.
He added that the club will not protect any wrongdoers and will fully cooperate with the police over legal action against Worawut. The club also vowed to “control” its footballers and staff from causing such an incident again.
Body of missing Russian tourist found in Patong Bay after a 6-day search
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022
The body of 53-year-old Russian national Elena Rusradchenko was found on Wednesday floating in Patong Bay about 40 kilometres from Naithon beach in Phuket’s Thalang district, where she was last seen on October 20.
Rusradchenko’s friends said she had gone to the beach to swim at 10am but had not answered phone calls since then, triggering a search for her since last Thursday.
Her body, which was reportedly found by local fishermen, was taken to Thalang hospital for an autopsy to find the cause of her death after Rusradchenko’s friends confirmed it was her.
Authorities have contacted the deceased’s family to collect her body for a funeral.
Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, who joined the search party in the past week, expressed his condolences to the deceased’s family and thanked everyone who took part in the search.
Phiphat said authorities have constantly warned tourists not to swim in the sea during thundershowers or high waves, but sometimes tourists ignore the warning.
“Some believe in their swimming ability as they have conquered more challenging waves,” Phiphat said.
“However, the conditions of each sea are different and sometimes unpredictable, which could lead to a loss of life that no one wishes for.”
Phiphat said his ministry would use the incident as a lesson to prepare more rescue gear and staff at seaside attractions for the safety of tourists. Additional measures will be discussed with the prime minister, he added.
Thais head to Japan in droves even as tour-package prices soar
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022
Many Thai have snapped up tour packages to Japan this year as the Covid-19 crisis had kept them from visiting that country for the past two years, the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) reported on Wednesday.
TTAA board committee member Jirawat Wongsomsri said many Thais decided to purchase tour packages to Japan even though prices have risen by 80-100 per cent compared to before the Covid-19 pandemic due to the rising global oil price.
He added that other Thais who missed this chance would have to wait for next year, when a number of airlines will operate more flights to Japan.
“The price of tour packages for five days three nights and six days four nights before the Covid crisis was around 20,000 and 30,000 baht, respectively, but it is now around 45,000 and 50,000 baht,” he pointed out.
Jirawat said tour-package prices will become more expensive instead of cheaper for trips which are not far away.
Many Thais began travelling to Japan since the country reopened with conditions in June, such as limiting the number of visitors to no more than 50,000 per day, requesting travellers to apply for visas and allowing travel only with tour operators, he said.
More Thais have flocked to Japan since October 11, as Tokyo is now issuing free visas, while a host of airlines have restarted flights, Jirawat said.
The association, as a tour wholesaler, can sell 10,000 packages to Japan for November, a 50 per cent decrease compared to 20,000 before the Covid crisis,” he added.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) executive director for East Asia Chuwit Sirivajjakul said Japanese, meanwhile, have flocked to Thailand since October 11.
He said up to 31,000 Japanese visited the kingdom between October 1 and 24, higher than about 10,000 per month before the Covid pandemic.
“However, TAT was uncertain that many Japanese in Thailand could not return to their home country as tickets to Japan were snapped up by Thais,” he said.
Japan is considered a popular destination and more Thais are likely to visit that country as the yen weakens, Chuwit said.
“TAT has cooperated with Japanese travel agents to launch tour package to attract Japanese to Thailand,” he said, adding that the packages are expected to be launched in December.
The move is in line with TAT’s plan to draw 350,000 Japanese tourists to Thailand this year, Chuwit said.
Bail unlikely for SWAT officer who allegedly shot one dead, injured two others
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022
A Trang SWAT member who allegedly shot dead a man and injured two others inside a pub early on Tuesday is unlikely to be given bail.
Pol Sgt-Major Chutipon Nakkaew or “Sergeant Bird”, a member of the provincial Special Weapons and Tactics police force, turned himself in at Trang police station in Muang district early on Wednesday after authorities launched a hunt for the gunman responsible for the local pub shooting.
The incident took place inside the Country Home pub in Trang’s Muang district at 1.13am.
Chutipon reportedly confessed that he fired multiple shots from a police standard issue 9mm Glock19 handgun at Jitakorn Kongchan, 32, after a quarrel and stray bullets hit the victim’s friend, Ekkapoj Phetrat, 34, and another pubgoer, Phisit Aphiwanphakdee, 48. Jitakorn was killed on the spot, while the other two were injured.
Chutipon then fled the scene in a car, picked up a M4 carbine and a bullet-proof vest from his residence in the Trang police compound, reportedly for “protection”, then went into hiding in a forest about 1.5km away from the residence, before deciding to turn himself in.
Chutipon reportedly said the quarrel was sparked by him accidentally bumping into Jitakorn’s table as he returned to his own table after stepping out for a smoke. A quarrel led to pushing and shoving by both parties, before ending in the shooting.
Provincial Police Region 9 commissioner Pol Lt-General Nanthadet Yoinual said on Wednesday that Chutipon has been charged with murder and carrying and discharging firearms in a public place without proper cause. Investigators advised against granting him bail, he said.
All superiors of the suspect will be placed under disciplinary investigation, Nanthadet said.
According to him, the police are deeply sorry for the incident and promised to employ stricter measures on firearm usage by police officers.
There is a visible change in consumer behaviour in Thailand over the past few years, with a greater focus on self-care, especially in terms of health and beauty, a study has said.
According to a Nielsen CMV study in 2022, 84 per cent of Thais purchase health and beauty products. In particular, purchases of vitamins and supplements have grown 229 per cent from 2019. There has also been a shift in how health and beauty products are purchased by consumers with a 292 per cent growth in online sales.
What is more, Thai consumers have beauty on the brain; 60% of them want to look younger and 44% want to have better skin. This is a golden opportunity for brands to target their products at a market where demand is high.
As consumer demand goes up, brands are pumping up advertising budgets to promote their products and campaigns according to Nielsen WizzAd+ solution, which collates ad spending and advertising information of various brands. It found that brands in the health and beauty sector spent more than 6.3 billion baht on advertising in 2022, making it one of the top industry spenders on advertising in Thailand.
In line with the trend of online shopping, brands are also increasing their advertising budget, especially in digital channels, Nielsen WizzAd+ found that the number of impressions or people who saw ads related to health and beauty on digital channels in August reached 632 million impressions, mostly from vitamins and supplements products and followed by the skincare products (UV/Whitening)
The health and beauty industry is highly competitive in advertising, with Nielsen WizzAd+ finding that in 2022 more than 1,300 health and beauty brands spent on digital advertising and producing over 36,000 digital media creatives with each brand using a different design strategy to attract different customers. 93% of digital ads were display ads, such as images or banners which is a medium that can generate engagement and reach consumers well and only 7% were video ads.
Nielsen WizzAd+ not only captures advertising information in digital channels but also in TV, radio, print (newspapers and magazines), cinema, and out-of-home across major, mid and minor categories. In addition to being able to see the advertising spending of various brands, Nielsen WizzAd+ can also view creative information including media plans of competitors giving insight into the what, when, where and how of competitor spending. This set of information will help to navigate a crowded media landscape with actionable insights to identify prospects, analyse brand strategies and learn from past advertising campaigns to plan for the next.
“The Collectors” launched at Thailand Game Show 2022 as the first game in Thailand that focuses on environmental protection and sustainable development
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2022
Charoen Pokphand Group and True Digital Plus join hands with partners from the government, private sector, and civil society with expertise in sustainable development and video game development to launch a new sustainability-themed mobile game at Thailand Game Show 2022, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC).
These partners include the Department of International Organizations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, the United Nations Development Programme, the SDG Research and Support Programme (SDG Move), and True Axion Interactive Co., Ltd. The Collectors is a game about collecting trash and protecting the planet. As the first game in Thailand that highlight the principles of sustainable development, The Collectors represents a new dimension in mobile gaming.
The Collectors was developed from a prototype game about sorting and recycling waste called Trashed, which was created by the team THAItan, the winner of the SDG Game Fest design and development competition. The aim of the competition was to establish video games as a medium through which audiences can better understand and learn about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while having fun. The game will help raise awareness among the youth about environmental issues. Furthermore, The Collectors also integrates into its gameplay six key SDGs: Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, Clean Water and Sanitation, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, and Life Below Water.
The game is designed to be easy and fun to play, whilst educating players on proper waste management. There are various game modes: Story Mode takes players through the main story; Challenge Mode lets players compete for the best score; and Multiplayer Mode allows 6 players to play together simultaneously. These fun modes teach players about properly managing waste and recycling to protect the environment and lead sustainable lifestyles. The game also does not contain any in-app purchase of any kind.
At the launch event’s panel discussion, the partners supporting the development of the game are represented by Ms Cataleya Phatoomros, Director of the Development Affairs Division, International Organizations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Mana Prapakamol, General Manager True Digital Plus Co., Ltd. & True Axion Interactive Co., Ltd., Ms Aphinya Siranart, Head of Exploration, UNDP Accelerator Labs, Dr Yanin Chivakidakarn Huyakorn, Deputy Director of the Knowledge Communication Department, Center for SDG Research and Support (SDG Move), Dr Thuttai Keeratipongpaiboon, Director of International Strategy and Coordination Division Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, Mrs Konrawan Sapitaks, Assistant Vice President Global Partnership for Sustainability and Communications, Charoen Pokphand Group Co., Ltd., and Mr Anat Lokaew, member of THAItan Team, winner of SDGs Game Fest competition.
Furthermore, the partners will expand the game’s reach both domestically and internationally through their networks, including C.P. Group’s partner educational institutions. The Collectors will raise awareness about sustainable development and serve as a model for many countries to put sustainability into practice. Finally, it will also further empower Thai developers and inject innovation and creativity into the Thai gaming industry, enabling its growth into the global market. News on The Collectors can be followed at https://www.facebook.com/thecollectorsgame
Connected Car technology set to transform automotive industry, NTT DATA study shows
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2022
NTT DATA (Thailand) Co, Ltd, a subsidiary of NTT DATA Corporation and a global digital business and IT service leader, unveiled a study that finds 47 per cent of motorists are ready to switch to a brand that offers new technologies and named the “Connected Car” technology as a key trend the auto industry.
The Connected Car market is projected to hit US$191.83 billion in 2028 in line with technological advancement, market competition and enhanced vehicle safety. The study also identified two challenges faced by the automotive industry and offered suggestions for gaining a competitive advantage.
NTT DATA has partnered with the world’s leading carmakers to develop an application that connects vehicles through TCU technology, whose smart algorithms enable carmakers to gain insight from driving data to create added value and further innovations for businesses covering all aspects of a smart car.
Hironari Tomioka, President and Chief Executive Officer at NTT DATA (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated that NTT DATA has published a report entitled “Automotive Aftersales” about aftersales in the global automotive industry, for digital customer engagement.
The report finds that 47% of consumers are likely to change a car brand when options with more advanced technologies become available. These include Connected Car technology, which enables cars to connect over networks to other communication devices.
Connected Car is an Internet of Things (IoT) technology that can transmit data and control the vehicle’s operations.
Connected Car is a technology trend that will enhance market competitiveness in an increasingly connected world. The IoT technology has transformed how we live and work and created business opportunities in all industries, improving customer experience and adding value in business.
It has brought about changes in several industries including the automotive one, leading to cooperation and alliance-building among innovative solutions providers to keep the industry moving and meet current customer needs in the age of digital transformation.
A Fortune Business Insights report says that the global Connected Car market size was USD 55.56 billion in 2020; the market grew to USD 59.70 billion in 2021 and is estimated to reach USD 191.83 billion in 2028.
The projected growth is due to several factors, such as the demand for advanced technologies to gain a position of prominence and strength for a competitive advantage.
An increase in road accidents across the globe also prompts automobile manufacturers to set safety as a top priority.
However, NTT DATA has identified challenges in overcoming a turning point faced by the automotive industry currently, to create opportunities for competition. These include:
1. Make a car brand stand out: Not only being a manufacturer or distributor, but the brand has to take into account the delivery of experience to customers through services to maintain customer loyalty.
2. Integration of new technologies to help analyze data without consulting experts may lead to data privacy and security issues, which may affect the vehicle’s functions.
The Connected Car technology can enhance safety and convenience for drivers as it enables monitoring, management and control of the vehicle via a smart phone.
For example, it allows drivers to use an application to lock/unlock the door, start the car, or turn on the air condition.
It also increases safety for drivers by showing car status, tracking car location on the application in an event of a stolen car, and sending out alerts when entering or exiting an area or when speeding is detected (geo fence & speed alert) and when a severe incident occurs such as an accident that activates the airbag, the system will notify the call center automatically to coordinate assistance from first responders.
“NTT DATA sees challenges and opportunities that will enable business partners to overcome challenges and maintain their competitive edge in the industry.
This is why we joined forces with the automotive industry to develop an application, with a telematics control unit (TCU) installed in vehicles to connect users to their car via the application, allowing them to control the car remotely with TCU which comes with a smart algorithm.
This enables automakers to gain insights from driving data to build added value and create innovations for business.
Hironari Tomioka
NTT DATA offers a Connected Car technology that covers all the needs of automakers and drivers, from setting usage requirements, project planning, compliance evaluation, monitoring and control of IT infrastructure to deliver quality assurance.
In addition, NTT DATA continues to develop services to bring the automotive industry on the path of progress.
” NTT DATA also fully supports the development of electric vehicles (EV) by providing EV charging platforms to become prepared in terms of technology and services and be able to integrate with EVs or develop EV charging stations to accommodate future demand growth.” Hironari said.
Seventh Belt and Road Summit attracted 19,000+ participants, bringing government and business leaders together to facilitate project matching
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2022
The seventh Belt and Road Summit, jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), saw more than 80 senior government officials and business leaders from the Belt and Road region gathered on August 31 and September 1, to share their insights under the theme “Heralding a New Chapter: Collaborate and Innovate”.
Continuing in the tradition of being a formal, substantial and high-quality event, the summit saw state leaders and senior officials, regional government leaders and business leaders gathered to explore the business potential of the Belt and Road Initiative, and to drive synergies and create a win-win situation through multilateral collaborations such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). For the first time, the summit was held in a hybrid format, overcoming geographical boundaries by allowing those who were unable to attend in person to participate virtually. More than 19,000 attendees representing over 80 countries and regions participated online or at the physical event.
In the opening session, Dr Peter K N Lam, HKTDC Chairman, delivered welcoming remarks. John Lee, HKSAR Chief Executive, delivered the opening address. Han Zheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, delivered the keynote speech. Wang Wentao, Minister, Ministry of Commerce, the People’s Republic of China; Hao Peng, Chairman, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC), the People’s Republic of China and Lin Nianxiu, Vice Chairman, National Development and Reform Commission, the People’s Republic of China, delivered special addresses while Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization, gave a keynote address.
Mr Lee said in his opening speech: “The global rise of protectionism has reminded us of how important regional co-operation is. We have to work together for the better future of the region. Hong Kong is therefore very pleased to see the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, come into force earlier this year. The landmark agreement underlines the open, inclusive, rules-based trade and investment partnership that RCEP’s member states are committed to realising. We believe that regional economic integration is an essential complement to multilateral trade. Hong Kong is seeking early accession to RCEP. It will enable us to deepen the collaboration and connections we enjoy with our close partners. The Belt and Road was created to build connectivity, to bring business, and people, together. No one does that better than Hong Kong, thanks to our ‘one country, two systems’ principle; thanks to our longstanding East-meets-West experience and the boundless opportunities afforded us in national development.”
Delivering the keynote speech, Mr Han said: “Hong Kong is an active participant, contributor and beneficiary of the Belt and Road Initiative. We are pleased to see that since the initiative launched, Hong Kong has actively negotiated and signed cooperation agreements with co-construction countries, developing trade and investment cooperation, service standard connection, international financial cooperation and exchange between people. Hong Kong plays an important role in Belt and Road development, as well as expanding its own development space. Hong Kong deserves full recognition for its work in this area. The Central Authorities will adhere to the principle of ‘one country, two systems’ in the long run, fully supporting Hong Kong in maintaining its unique status and advantages. Authorities fully support Hong Kong’s active participation in and contribution to the Belt and Road development.”
Addressing the opening session, Mr Zhang said: “The COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, climate change and anti-globalization sentiment are the four major factors that I believe could affect the reshaping of the landscape of global trade policies. It is very challenging but can still be managed well if the whole world works together. To address these challenges, I strongly encourage enhanced dialogue and cooperation between all governments to find collective solutions because none of these challenges can be addressed by one government alone. Global challenges require global solutions.”
Dr Lam said: “The HKTDC is honoured to have Vice Premier Han Zheng deliver an important keynote speech at today’s summit, giving a more specific illustration of Hong Kong’s role as an active participant, contributor and beneficiary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Following President Xi Jinping’s important speech on 1 July, the Vice Premier’s ‘Four Hopes’ for Hong Kong’s participation in the construction of the Belt and Road further highlighted the direction of the city’s development. The HKTDC has always been committed to promoting the Belt and Road Initiative and development opportunities. The team and I will continue our efforts to promote Hong Kong as an international business platform and services hub and contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative.”
More than 800 one-to-one matching sessions
The business matching and project pitching sessions at the summit remained popular among project owners and attendees. More than 280 investment projects from the Belt and Road region and beyond were presented at the summit, covering four main areas, namely: (1) energy, natural resources and public utilities; (2) innovation and technology; (3) urban development; and (4) transportation and logistics infrastructure. The projects focused on areas such as smart city development, data centres and e-commerce related investments. More than 800 one-to-one business matching meetings were arranged for project owners, investors and professional service providers to pave the way for collaboration agreements.
Real opportunities in RCEP but some challenges
Multilateral collaboration creates more frequent cross-border trade and investment, and is becoming more important than ever in driving a strong recovery in the Asia-Pacific region following the pandemic. The RCEP, which came into effect this year, stands as the largest free trade agreement in history, accounting for 30% of the world’s population and GDP. Combined with the joint effort of more than 180 countries connected through the Belt and Road Initiative, it will further strengthen regional economic integration around the world. In the Business Plenary titled “Collaborate for a Bright New Era”, business leaders from economies along the Belt and Road and the RCEP shared their insights and explored how these initiatives and agreements can complement each other to drive strong economic growth and promote cross-border collaboration between businesses of all sizes.
The 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key, shared his views on the RCEP. “One of the things that are challenged is the supply chains. China is a really a huge market, and we source a lot of goods from China. We can see the impact the breaking down of those supply chains has had on global inflation.”
Aswin Techajareonvikul, Chief Executive Officer and President of Berli Jucker Public Company Limited, shared that the Thailand enterprises have well received the potential of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). “It is in tune with our 20-year strategy and Thailand’s ongoing projects for economic development under the Thailand 4.0 economic model. We are able to expand trade and investment to our neighbouring countries. We can also better link with the world market, especially for the CLMV countries [Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam].”
Liu Liange, Chairman of the Bank of China, said: “Most of the members in the RCEP are located in important junctions along the Belt and Road. This not only fosters connectivity between value chains and supply chains, but also further expands the ‘social circle’ of the Belt and Road Initiative, engaging more countries and businesses in the construction of the Belt and Road and in broader collaboration, as well as forming the dual-engine of the Belt and Road Initiative and RCEP within the region”
The seventh Belt and Road Summit was made possible by its Strategic Partner, China International Capital Corporation (CICC); Regional Banking Partner, Bank of China (Hong Kong); and Platinum Sponsors, China Mobile International and China Unicom.
3D Innovareef: Sculpture to restore Thai marine ecosystem
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2022
The Veterinary Medical Aquatic Animal Research Center of Excellence (VMARCE), Chulalongkorn University has created Innovareef — lifelike cement-based structures, convenient for planula settlement and growth, accelerating recovery of the coral reef ecosystem, promoting eco-tourism as well as functioning as smart stations for marine environmental monitoring.
Beautiful coral reefs in Thai seas have been gradually deteriorating due to global warming that causes coral bleaching, in addition to certain human activities without proper control and environmental consciousness. Currently, only one-third of the beautiful and perfect coral reefs remain! If we don’t solve this problem now, there will be no marine food sources, dive sites for nature study, and tourism income sources for the next generations.
The past solutions of artificial reefs made from used car tires, tanks, PVC pipes, and cement cubes have created visual pollution as they do not blend in with the underwater nature. Besides, these artificial reefs are occasionally drifted out by tidal forces, submerged by the sand, or decomposed into microplastic garbage.
“In nature conservation, methods are as important as results,” notes Associate Professor Dr Nantarika Chansue, Director of VMARCE and Head of Ornamental Aquatic Animal and Aquatic Animals for Conservation Research Unit (OAAC), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, on the concepts of Innovareef for the conservation of coral reefs and marine beauty.
Associate Professor Dr Nantarika Chansue
“We’re trying to create lifelike artificial reefs with lifelike branches to promote settlement of planula and pores for tidal forces resistance and habitats for marine species. Our Innovareef will help accelerate the recovery of coral reefs to match their destruction rate.”
How does Innovareef work in place of natural coral reefs?
Naturally, coral reefs function as barriers against strong tides on stormy days, habitats for various marine species, and sources of food for humans. Proper maintenance of their condition and diversity means the assurance of the food sources for our stomach and mind.
Corals are marine invertebrates with soft bodies and calcium carbonate forming their hard skeletons. The baby coral is called “planula” which drifts along water currents and settles on a hard surface like rocks or reefs to continue its growth. Other types of corals that reproduce asexually grow shoots and branch out depending on their species.
Hence, the research team has modeled the Innovareef based on the nature of corals. Dr Nantarika explains how the Innovareef differs from other artificial reefs as follows:
1. Coral nutrient coating – Innovareed is coated with calcium and phosphate nutrients that corals need to thrive. Collected data indicates that the planula settled on the Innovareef grow faster than those on natural reefs by approximately three to four centimeters a year. (Naturally, corals grow extremely slowly. For example, hard corals grow about one centimeter a year. In other word, we have to wait for one century to see a one-meter-diameter hard coral!)
2. Biomimicry – Flat surfaces of Innovareef accommodate the settlement of planula; its holes and cavities serve as habitats and hiding places for fish, benthic animals, and marine invertebrates.
3. Resistance to tidal forces – With hydrodynamics technology, Innovareef’s design enhances its resistance to tidal forces. This is different from other artificial reefs that are made of more delicate materials, often submerged by the sand and drifting out by tidal forces, becoming marine pollution.
Smart Station: Global warming monitoring coral reefs
The research team has installed marine environment monitoring equipment on the Innovareef so that it becomes “a smart station” that can, for example, measure the water temperature, tidal forces, and potential of Hydrogen (pH).
“These measurements benefit not only the marine species in the Innovareef but also the entire coral reef where the Innovareef is installed. As we all know that coral bleaching is caused by the rising temperature of seawater causing corals to die. With these smart stations, we now have sufficient data to save the entire coral reef”, says Dr Nantarika.
Background of Innovareef
Dr Nantarika explains that knowledge from different fields is essential in the creation of lifelike Innovareef. For example, in 3D Cement Printing, the pH of the selected type of cement is close to that of seawater. The design concept is that of Lego—easily assembled and disassembled blocks—to facilitate the transportation of Innovareef from the production site to the sea.
“The team has been through stages of design, molding, creating uneven surfaces, casting branches separately as well as performing tests on vortex, sinking of the base, and resistance to tidal waves both in our laboratory and at sea, before we have the Innovareef that’s resistant to tidal waves, sturdy, not submerged into the sand, with small vortex around it and branches to enhance natural settlements of planula.”
Initially, the VMARCE designed only one size of Innovareef—100 X 160 X 50 (width X length X height) centimeters. Subsequently, the “Love the Sea” project by Earth Agenda Foundation—in collaboration with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE); Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University; and Siam Cement Group (SCG)—used this prototype to further develop five more types of Innovareef, namely: 1. Brain coral: 150 x 160 x 56 centimeters; 2. Brain coral: 160 x 160 x 65 centimeters; 3. Barrel sponge: 150 x 200 x 95 centimeters; 4. Marine sponge 1: 50 x 50 x 65 centimeters; and 5. Marine sponge 2: 85 x 85 x 65 centimeters.
Building Homes for Corals: Restoring Hope for the Sea
Since 2020, the research team has installed several Innovareefs along the coasts of Chonburi province, including Si Chang Island, Lan Island, and Sattahip.
“The area suitable for the installation of Innovareef is less than 10 meters deep with exposure to sunlight and, importantly, some remaining natural coral reefs. These will enhance the natural settlement and growth of planula.”
Transportation and installation of Innovareef are simple and convenient: each set of Innovareef comprises three units—the main component and two attachments.
“The Innovareef is not too large. It’s light-weighted and can be carried by anyone thus saving transportation costs. You can simply put it at any desired location in the sea and then dive down to put all the units together to complete the Innovareef.”
“Not even five minutes afterward, fish and several marine creatures start to come in to survey and make it their new habitat, leading to biodiversity around the Innovareef.”
“More importantly, the post–installation data indicates that the settlement and growth rates of planula on the Innovareef are better than those on other artificial reefs,” says Dr Nantarika with a smile.
Consequently, the research team is confident that Innovareef will help accelerate the recovery of coral reefs and the return of marine health. A worthwhile investment, the total cost of materials, production, transportation, and complete installation of an Innovareef is only about THB 26,000!
With these benefits, it’s not a surprise that Innovareef won the National Innovation Awards (NIAWARDS) 2020 for Product and Service Design.
Brazilian model crowned Miss Grand International, Thailand’s Engfa runner-up
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2022
Miss Grand Thailand Engfa Waraha bagged the runner up title of Miss Grand International 2022 as Brazil’s Isabella Novaes Menin took the crown on Tuesday night.
The final round of the Miss Grand International (MGI) 2022 beauty pageant concluded at the Sentul International Convention Centre in Bogor, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Novaes Menin, a 26-year-old model and entrepreneur, beat 67 other contestants to win her country’s first-ever golden crown. She succeeds last year’s winner Nguyen Thuy Thuc Tien of Vietnam.
Thailand’s Engfa was named first runner-up while Indonesia’s Andina Julie, Venezuela’s Luiseth Materán and the Czech Republic’s Mariana Bečková were second, third and fourth runners-up, respectively.
This year’s pageant marked the 10th anniversary of Miss Grand International, which was founded in 2013. The spectacular final show also featured on stage all former MGI queens and a Golden Grand Award for MGI’s national directors for the first time.
This year, directors from Vietnam bagged gold while those from Japan and Spain shared silver.
The top 10 finalists will stay a week in Jakarta for a media tour before heading to Bangkok, where MGI is based. They are also expected to travel to several countries as part of the pageant’s 10th anniversary world tour.
Hironari Tomioka
Associate Professor Dr Nantarika Chansue
