‘Billy’ murder suspect reinstated as conservation office director
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
THE NATION
The former chief of Kaeng Krachan National Park, Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, has been reinstated to his previous post although he has been charged in court over the disappearance and alleged murder of a Karen rights activist.
Natural Resources and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Jatuporn Buruspat signed the order to reinstate Chaiwat as director of the ninth conservation area management office of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, effective from October 1.
After Chaiwat became a suspect in the case of the disappearance and death of Porlajee “Billy” Rakchongcharoen, he was transferred from the post of office director to an inactive job at the Natural Resources and Environment Permanent Secretariat.
The ministry had issued an order dated April 2, 2021, slapping Chaiwat with graft disciplinary punishment by removing him from government service because he faced charges in the Billy case.
Chaiwat later filed a complaint with the Phetchaburi Administrative Court, alleging that the order was unlawful. On July 27 this year, the court issued an injunction, ordering the ministry to reinstate Chaiwat to his previous post before the court rules in the administrative case.
On Monday, Chaiwat and three other defendants – Bunthan Butsarakham, Thanaset Chaemthet and Kritsanaphong Chitthet – pleaded innocent after they were formally charged in the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in the Billy case.
The charges include premeditated murder, criminal intimidation with weapons, unlawful detention and concealing a corpse.
On April 17, 2014, Billy, who had been actively campaigning for the rights of Karen villagers to live in Kaeng Krachan park, was last seen when he was detained by Chaiwat and other park officials at the park’s Ma Rew checkpoint.
The checkpoint is located at the main entrance to Bang Klong village.
The court will start the trial on December 26, with inspection of the lists of evidence and witnesses submitted by both sides.
Thailand is first country to approve manufacturing of the Covid nasal spray
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
The spray has been developed through the joint efforts of Chulalongkorn University, Silpakorn University, the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) and Hibiocy Co Ltd, an affiliate of Roujukiss International PCL or KISS
Worrawan Chaikamnerd, CEO of Hibiocy Co Ltd and KISS, Flt Lt Dr Nimit Prasitdumrong, Honorary Expert of Hibiocy Co Ltd have today joined with the public sector led by Assoc Prof Dr Chanchai Sittipunt, dean of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine and GPO Managing Director Dr Withoon Danwiboon to announce the development and the rollout of an “antibody nasal spray”.
This special event was held at Samyan Mitrtown Hall, with HSRI Managing Director Dr Nopporn Cheanklin kindly presiding over the event.
A great source of national pride “The Covid-19 situation in many countries including Thailand is now in a ‘stable condition. But it’s imperative that Thailand continues to watch the situation, trends and figures closely, as we adapt to live with the coronavirus,” Dr Nopporn says.
Over the past two years, Thai scientists and researchers from the public and private sectors have worked together to develop a range of protective and diagnostic tools in a bid to curb the spread of the virus and help people protect themselves from infection.
Recently, the two sectors teamed up to develop an antibody-based nasal spray, which serves as the latest shield in offering extra protection against Covid-19.
The breakthrough was transferred to the private sector which carried out clinical research to meet the standards needed for registration with the Thai FDA.
The antibodies that were created to make the spray have been already patented. They have been used to make an antibody-based nasal spray sold under the tradename “Vaill CoviTRAP Anti-CoV Nasal Spray”, making Thailand the first country in the world to approve the commercial manufacturing of the spray.
” The project’s success is a testament to Thailand’s strong commitment to overcoming the pandemic as well as to its efficient work and high-quality health personnel,” Dr Nopporn says.
He notes that the Thai government has worked hard to strengthen the country’s health systems over the years.
“With this optional protective tool, I believe that we will be able to better deal with this unprecedented health crisis more effectively and sustainably in the future.” He says.
A breakthrough in fighting off the coronavirus infection Dr Chanchai also notes that Thailand still needs to remain vigilant amid profound uncertainties and monitor the situation closely, while local scientists and researchers also need to actively work to provide updates on medical research, the latest advances and challenges for fighting against Covid-19, particularly the long-term effects of coronavirus.
Since the start of the pandemic, Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine has worked with other institutions and faculties to develop tools using medical innovation to assist the Public Health Ministry’s fight against the coronavirus. These include the development of the ChulaCov 19 vaccine, antigen test kits (ATKs) and ventilators.
“ We take great pride in having shared our knowledge with companies in the healthcare industry that put the evidence-based research we’ve carried into use. It’s great to see that such collaboration has led to the development of a product,” Dr Chanchai says.
A team of researchers at the Faculty have worked on developing the spray since the onset of the pandemic two years ago, the team then discovered the antibody used in the prototype and patented it.
He explains the antibody-based nasal spray has been developed through a research project on a monoclonal antibody cocktail obtained from Covid-19 patients who have fully recovered. It has proven capable of inhibiting Covid-19 infections.
Monoclonal antibodies are a powerful tool in clinical research with applications in many fields including biotechnology.
Staying on par with world-class quality standards Dr Withoon Danwiboon says his organization has supported the Ministry’s work by producing, supplying, reserving and distributing medicines, medical supplies and protective tools for use in the country during the health crisis.
In addition, the organization has worked to promote the local pharmaceutical industry in using medical innovations for the production of quality medicines and tools and supports the research and development of pharmaceutical products and medical supplies.
“We are delighted to be selected as the manufacturer of this “antibody-based nasal spray,” Dr Withoon says, adding that the nasal spray has been registered with and approved by the Thai FDA.
A promising nasal spray Worrawan says the spray is now available on the market. She notes that the spray can be effective in suppressing coronavirus infections, citing a clinical trial that has shown that the spray can reduce infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 effectively. It can offer about 6 hours of protection with just two sprays per nostril. The antibody-based nasal spray could stop the coronavirus from infecting the body by trapping the virus that enters the nose and neutralizing or weakening it, making it unable to cause an infection inside the body.
Thai automakers urged to cash in on Cambodia’s EV drive
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2022
THE NATION
Thai electric vehicle (EV) automakers have been advised to export vehicles or invest in Cambodia as Phnom Penh is campaigning for more use of EVs in a bid to mitigate the environmental impact of fossil fuels.
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) said on Sunday that the Cambodian government is promoting the use of EVs by its citizens, as this vehicle would be popular in the future.
Citing a news report in the Phnom Penh Post, the department said the Cambodian government is wooing the private sector, especially from the US, to invest in its EV charging stations nationwide.
The Cambodian government has also publicised the benefits of EVs among residents, especially the low expense of EV charging, the department added.
“Cambodia’s Public Works and Transport Ministry report stated that EV charging costs only US$4 [150 baht] per 100 kilometres compared to fossil fuel costs of more than $10 per 100 kilometres,” the department said.
The department added that Cambodia’s Public Works and Transport Minister Sun Chanthol expected the EV industry to grow further.
“However, there are many challenges for Cambodia’s EV transition, such as maintenance services, staff with expertise in battery storage, and availability of charging stations,” the department said.
The department added that Cambodia’s Public Works and Transport Ministry is putting its efforts into increasing the number of EV charging stations and supporting large filling-station operators to set up charging stations.
Currently, Cambodia has 10 EV charging stations in Phnom Penh. Two charging stations on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway will be opened soon, the department added.
Bangkok Airways wins two Best Regional Airline Awards 2022 for six consecutive years
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
THE NATION
The Skytrax Institute has recently announced the winners of the 2022 World Airline Awards, dubbed as the Oscar of the aviation industry, and Bangkok Airways has once again been crowned the winner of two prestigious awards; The World’s Best Regional Airline and The Best Regional Airline in Asia.
This is a remarkable achievement for Bangkok Airways as it has now won these two titles for six consecutive years. The awards were presented to Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited and airline’s management at the Grand Ballroom of The Langham Hotel, London. In addition, the airline was also ranked 23rd in the Top 100 World’s Best Airlines category.
Puttipong said, “On behalf of the management and staff at Bangkok Airways, I feel deeply honored and of course delighted to receive these prestigious awards. These awards show that Bangkok Airways has been striving to improve our services both onboard and on the ground, providing a unique passenger journey across all touchpoints while ensuring the highest safety and hygiene standards.”
“I would like to express our sincere gratitude to our customers around the world who continued to have trust and confidence in our products and services and for casting their votes for us. This recognition has now made us the only airline in the world that has won these awards for six consecutive years. Furthermore, I would also like to thank the ones that made it possible — our entire team at Bangkok Airways – who have worked hard to ensure every passenger of ours was well taken care of, despite the challenges we all had to face. These awards offer a great deal of encouragement for everyone at Bangkok Airways to continue to deliver the best to our passengers. We are all motivated to further deepen our commitment to provide high-quality service, hygiene, and safety to make sure every journey is an exceptional one,” Puttipong added.
Energy Absolute collaborates with Computer Forms (Malaysia) Berhad for mass transportation development
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
THE NATION
EA Mobility Holding, a subsidiary company of Energy Absolute, has collaborated with Computer Forms (Malaysia) Berhad (CFM) to sign the contract of HOA (Head of Agreement) for developing Malaysia to become a zero carbon emission society to improve the quality of life for Malaysians. This change could implement electric transportation within the urban area for less greenhouse gas emission.
On September 26, the Head of Agreement was established between Datuk Wira Justin Lim Hwa Tat, Board of directors, Computer Forms (Malaysia) Berhad (CFM) and Mr Somphote Ahunai, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Absolute, who attended the ceremony. The purpose of this agreement is to establish the Joint Venture to invest in the electric vehicles business and the Ecosystem of electric vehicles completely in Malaysia.
Currently, Malaysia has a policy to decrease the consumption of fossil fuels and encourage the use of electric vehicles by up to 37% following the policy within 2022-2040. Furthermore, Joining COP26 from Malaysia’s government for responding to the national policy to become a zero carbon emission society. There is the main reason for the Joint Venture to develop a fully electric transportation system. CFM is interested in the performance and potential of Energy Absolute becomes the leader in the Clean Energy business and Electric vehicles in Thailand through their variety of products that have zero carbon emission. There are many types of businesses Developing and producing batteries, producing electric vehicles such as Electric buses, Electric Ferries and charging station providers. The charging station has a high technology named Ultra Fast Charge that could speed up the electric charge to 80% within 15-20 minutes.
Mr Somphote Ahunai, CEO, Energy Absolute, said that it is so honourable to establish the Joint Venture with CFM for developing mass transportation. This step could be one of the significant moments for EA that the company’s technology named Ultra-fast charge is accepted, and the organizational innovation is developed and produced in Thailand. Expanding the business to Malaysia can establish Joint Venture and develop products shortly that could expand the market in the Asia Pacific region and global market.
In the first phase, CFM will support the Joint Venture to explore the Electric vehicle market and Electric Charge Station in Malaysia. There is the signing of the Head of Agreement about trading electric bus 200 buses to Gemilang International Limited (GML) also installation Ultra Fast Charing station that can charge 15-20 minutes. This system is suitable for mass transportation because it’s not required to take a long time to charge.
The second phase will cover expanding the transportation market in Malaysia through EA’s products including Electric buses, Electric ferries and Electric trucks and also establishing a factory to produce many types of products in Malaysia.
This collaboration could be beneficial to both companies and could improve mass transportation in urban area to produce less pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emission. The Joint Venture from EMH and CFM would be the great opportunity for improving electric mass transportation by international collaboration. Lastly, it could encourage the consumption of clean energy and be a significant production base of electric vehicles shortly.
GQ Smart T-Shirt – maximum comfort, effortless washing
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
THE NATION
Introducing the GQ Smart T-Shirt, a T-shirt with the latest innovations for your maximum comfort that is also easy to clean.
GQ Smart T-Shirt makes your life easier and is suitable for all activities. GQ Air and GQ Stretch innovations eliminate the concern over sweat smell, while ensuring that the fabric is always flexible and breathable for all actions.
GQ Guard offers water repellent capability that allows you to enjoy your life to the fullest without worrying about stains. Meanwhile, GQ Smart innovation offers a wrinkle-free surface that needs no ironing, saving both time and electricity.
GQ Smart T-Shirt features smaller fabric threads that result in a soft, comfortable feel while minimising irritation on the skin.
GQ Smart T-Shirt comes in nine colours and five sizes, from S to XXL, offering a simple yet unique style for men and women. Available at online shop https://gqsize.link/AXCagY or GQ shops nationwide.
MotoGP riders ready for fierce fight at OR Thailand Grand Prix
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
THE NATION
The globe’s elite MotoGP riders got into fighting mood for this weekend’s OR Thailand Grand Prix by donning boxing gloves at Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok on Tuesday.
Led by MotoGP great Álex Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio, the two-wheeled warriors were at the world-famous Muay Thai venue for a photo shoot to promote Sunday’s race.
Also squaring up to the camera were Thai Moto2 riders Somkiat Chantra and Keminth Kubo, along with Spanish Moto2 rider Albert Arenas and Izan Guevara from the Moto3 class.
Fabio Quartararo leads the MotoGP standings on 219 points followed by Francesco Bagnaia (201) and Aleix Espargaro (194) as the riders head into the 17th round of the championship.
All eyes in the home crowd will be on Somkiat, who will start the Moto2 race in ninth place in the standings on 120 points, 14 points behind championship leader Augusto Fernandez.
Meanwhile, Keminth is 28th on four points and will be looking to make his mark at his home circuit.
The OR Thailand Grand Prix 2022 will be held from Friday to Sunday (September 30- October 2) at Chang International Circuit in Buriram.
Arpichaya Defies Wet Condition to Lead at SAT-TWT Open in Rayong
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
THE NATION
Three-time runner Arpichaya Yubol launched her campaign in the eighth SAT-TWT Open Road to World Ranking in style following an unblemished opening round 68 at the Rayong Green Valley Country Club on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old from Saraburi, runner-up in the first two SAT-TWT Opens last year and again in the previous circuit at the Kabinburi Sport Club three weeks ago, crafted three birdies at the front nine and one more after the turn.
She carried a stroke lead ahead of the chasing pack which included Trichat Cheenglab, Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong, Nanthikarn Raksachat, Chayanit Wangmahaporn, Cholcheva Wongras, Pannarai Meesom-us, JackieChulya and Kornkanok Sungpankhao.
Despite the dampened condition at the par 72 6,378-yard landscape due to seasonal rains, Arpichaya proceeded through her round without a bogey.
“As the course was soaked, the ball didn’t roll at all, making it tougher to hit the approach shots. I’m quite happy to hit under-par under a condition like this,” said Arpichaya who just celebrated her second victory of the year a fortnight ago in the Thailand Mixed event in Lumphun.
“It all came down to who came up with better lop shots. I’m quite satisfied with the level that I’m playing these days. But I don’t set a goal to win this week. I just want to sharpen my skills before the second stage of the LPGA Q-School (in October),” added Arpichaya who is trying to earn a card on the biggest women’s golf tour on the globe.
“With the results that I have been producing over the past couple of months, I’m quite confident that I will make it. I just have to keep doing what I have been doing lately,” she said.
Among the eight players with three under-par-72 was 17-year-old Pannarai who shot four birdies against a lone bogey on the 15th hole.
“I just played one shot at a time and tried not to think too much. I have been working with a mental coach, so I have been playing with less pressure for quite some time,” said Pannarai who has yet to celebrate a breakthrough win on a local major tour.
“My game plan is to hit the fairways and the greens. I also have enter the second round pressure free and enjoy the golf game,” the teenager said.
Kalasin-based Kornkanok, 16, was another promising player to surge into contention after she fired five birdies against two bogeys.
“I just stuck to my game plan and didn’t bother to look at the scoreboard. My putter really helped me out there as the wet condition made it a bit tough for us this week. To be frank, I was surprised to hit under-par today,” the teenager said.
BTSC loses case over cancellation of Orange Line bidding
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
THE NATION
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) was on Tuesday acquitted of unlawfully cancelling the first bidding process for the Orange Line’s western section.
The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Tuesday ruled that the bid selection committee was authorised to cancel the process in the interest of the state and commuters.
The lawsuit was filed by the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTSC), operator of the Skytrain and one of the original bidders, against MRTA governor Pakapong Sirikantaramas and six members of the selection committee.
It alleged that the seven defendants violated the Criminal Code by abusing their authority in cancelling bidding for the 128-billion-baht contract to construct the Orange Line section and operate the entire line.
The court reasoned that the seven defendants had changed the bidding rules and timeframe in line with the goal of the MRTA and Cabinet.
The changes were made after lengthy discussions among the committee and were not dictated by the governor, the court said.
It found that the plaintiff failed to provide convincing evidence that defendants cancelled bidding to benefit a private firm or had committed any malfeasance. The court also dismissed the plaintiff’s accusation that the defendants had discriminated against and persecuted BTSC.
The Orange Line project will run 35.9 kilometres from Min Buri in eastern Bangkok to Bang Khunon in the west.
The eastern section from the Thailand Cultural Centre to Min Buri is under construction and will stretch 22.5km with 17 stations, 10 of them underground.
The western section from Thailand Cultural Centre to Bang Khunnon will run for 13.4km with 11 underground stations.
The MRTA cancelled the first bid process on February 3 last year on grounds that it needed to change the bid criteria to prioritise technical data. Bids had already been put in by Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM), and a consortium of BTSC, Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction and RATCH Group.
The second bid process was held on July 27 with two participants – the BEM and Italian-Thai Development Group. BEM won the contract by meeting technological requirements and offering the lowest price.
Siam Piwat showcases ECOTOPIA, Thailand’s first eco-lifestyle multi-brand store, at Sustainability Expo 2022
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
THE NATION
Positioned as a model of value co-creation, the store highlights Siam Piwat’s capabilities as an organization of sustainability
Bangkok (September 26, 2022) – Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., a leading real estate and retail developer, the owner and operator of world-class projects such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, a joint owner of ICONSIAM and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, has reaffirmed its business philosophy of creating sustainable and mutual growth at the Sustainability Expo 2022 (SX2022), Southeast Asia’s largest sustainability event. At the expo, Siam Piwat set up a booth that encapsulated the essence ECOTOPIA – Thailand’s first and largest eco-lifestyle multi-brand store, reflecting its business tenet of creating shared value to foster sustainable growth for all and create net positive impacts for society, the environment, and the country.
As a pioneer introducing novelty for a better world, Siam Piwat has opened ECOTOPIA since 2017 to create Asia’s leading eco-lifestyle destination that offers environmental-friendly and well-being products for eco-conscious consumers. It has collaborated with 12 eco-co-creators and more than 300 brands of small entrepreneurs to curate more than 100,000 eco-friendly items available at more than 1,000 square meters, the third floor, Siam Discovery.
Ms. Narathip Rattapradit, Chief Operating Officer, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., said, “The Sustainability Expo 2022, which was held under the theme of sufficiency and sustainability for the world, marked a major collaboration of Thailand’s leading organizations to create Good Balance, Better World, which shared the same business approach as Siam Piwat. It also presented an excellent opportunity for Siam Piwat to present a model of brand development that produced tangible sustainability outcomes. Over the course of 63 years, all projects developed by Siam Piwat have focused on creating shared value and net positive impacts for society and the country.
Siam Piwat has driven its business with the concept of sustainability, as can be seen in various projects, such as Siam Piwat 360° Waste Journey to Zero Waste, which seeks to achieve closed-loop waste management in accordance with circular economy principles, as well as the launch of Thailand’s first-ever drive-thru drop-off points for cleaned used packaging, which not only promotes waste separation but also helps to systematically bring waste into the management process, so that it can be recycled into raw materials or upcycled for other uses, thus contributing to the restoration of environmental balance.
Ms. Usara Yongpiyakul, Chief Executive Officer – Retail Business Group, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., stated that “ECOTOPIA is a brand that has been developed in order to cultivate eco-consciousness in everyday life and encourage environmental revitalization. It has become a platform that revolutionizes the retail industry by creating a new business ecosystem that brings together nature lovers and an eco-community that unites them in an effort to change the world for the better. ECOTOPIA has also been ranked among the top 20 best retail stores in Asia by Inside Retail, Asia’s leading retail media, marking another successful step forward for Siam Piwat in its efforts to its advance sustainability business.”
The design and presentation of the ECOTOPIA booth also reflected Siam Piwat’s commitment to sustainability, as the components could be disassembled for further use.
You can visit ECOTOPIA by Siam Piwat both at the showcase booth in Exhibition Hall 3 on G Floor in the Better Living Zone and at the Marketplace Booth on LG Floor in the Marketplace Zone at the Sustainability Expo 2022, held on September 26 – October 2, 2022 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. A variety of activities await all visitors every day at the booth in the exhibition zone, including a photo corner and workshops held in collaboration with ECOTOPIA’s co-creators who are eco-curators, where you can learn how to color the sky with soft pastels with Friend & Forest and ENVIRONMAN, join “Uncle Ree” or Charee Boonyavinij for a workshop on how to grow vegetables for health and the environment, or take part in a workshop for nature-loving ladies hosted by Cleo in collaboration with Ali, a brand of chemical-free organic cleaning products.
The first 1,000 visitors to the ECOTOPIA booth in the Marketplace Zone will also receive an exclusive gift — vegetable seeds from Uncle Ree Farm, and will be eligible for special promotions and discounts.
For more information about activities, please visit: Facebook: ECOTOPIA and Sustainability Expo or www.sustainabilityexpo.com
On Monday, Chaiwat and three other defendants – Bunthan Butsarakham, Thanaset Chaemthet and Kritsanaphong Chitthet – pleaded innocent after they were formally charged in the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in the Billy case.
