Bangkok Abuzz As Latest IPhone 14 Hits The Shelves
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022
THE NATION
Hundreds Of Bangkokians Were Seen Camping Out In The CentralWorld Plaza On Friday Morning, Waiting For The Apple Store To Open.
The reason? To be the first few to get their hands on the latest iPhone 14, of course.
Thailand is among the few “first-tier” countries where Apple debuts its latest products.
The newest iPhone 14 debuted on September 8 and Apple began taking orders the following day. The phone went on the shelves on Friday in more than 30 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, China, France, Japan and Thailand.
Prices for iPhone 14 start at 32,900 baht, iPhone 14 Plus at 37,900 baht, iPhone 14 Pro at 41,900 baht, while iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at 44,900 baht.
Renowned Thai Filmmaker ‘Mom Noi’, 69, Succumbs To Lung Cancer
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022
THE NATION
Thailand’s Well-Known Director And Screenwriter ML Pundhevanop Dhewakul, Better Known As “Mom Noi”, Succumbed To Lung Cancer In Hospital On Thursday. He Was 69.
He had been undergoing treatment at the Bangkok Christian Hospital for the past two months.
The director’s passing was marked by condolences posted on social media by many important names in the film industry, including the motion picture production giant Sahamongkol Film International Ltd.
“Mom Noi is one of Thailand’s most prominent film directors. His first movie, ‘Plerng Phitsawas’ was produced under the Sahamongkol banner in 1984 and made Sinjai Plengpanich into Thailand’s first superstar,” the company said.
Pundhevanop earned many awards and accolades during his career and was the creator of many big-screen and television hits, including “Chang Mun Chun Mai Care” (1986), “Nang Nuan” (1987), “Khwam Rak Mai Mi Chue” (1990), “Mahasajan Hang Rak” (1995) and “Anda Kub Fahsai” (1998).
His last film, “Six Characters”, was coincidentally scheduled to premiere on Thursday – the day of his passing.
Pundhevanop was born on March 16, 1953, and had never married.
Homemade Gun Brought In To Settle Score Behind Classroom Explosion
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022
THE NATION
Police Found A .38 Calibre Homemade Gun In A Canal That Is Believed To Be Behind The “Mysterious Explosion” That Killed A Ninth-Grader In School On Thursday Afternoon.
The explosion occurred in a computer class at Wat Lat Pla Duk School in Nonthaburi’s Bang Bua Thong district, with 15-year-old Noppasil Ngamsud sustaining fatal injuries. It was initially suspected that a computer had blown up.
Deputy Nonthaburi police chief Pol Colonel Phumthat Khositwanitpong said while interrogation, a boy reportedly confessed he had brought a homemade gun to class to settle a quarrel with Noppasil, but it accidentally went off.
The boy reportedly said that after the incident he contacted his 20-year-old friend, identified only as Sent, to help him get rid of the gun. Police then interrogated Sent until he reportedly confessed to taking the gun from the boy and dumping it in the Bang Phai Canal, which is about 1.5 kilometres away from the school.
At around 8pm on Thursday, divers found a .38 calibre homemade gun in the canal and will continue canvassing the area to look for other evidence.
Classmates reportedly told police that the alleged attacker had never shown any violent tendencies, but had been absent from school frequently. They also said they were unaware of a quarrel between him and Noppasil.
Paweena Ngamsud, 35, said Noppasil was her only son, who was studious and never caused any problems. She is waiting for more information on the incident.
The school principal, meanwhile, will be questioned over alleged negligence.
Wet Weather Forecast For Most Of Thailand From Saturday To Wednesday
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022
THE NATION
Most Of Thailand Will See Rain And Gusty Winds For The Next Five Days, With Isolated Heavy To Very Heavy Rain Hitting The North, Northeast, Central Including Greater Bangkok, East And The South.
The Thai Meteorological Department issued a warning on Friday saying the rain was being brought by another high-pressure system from China that will extend to upper Laos and upper Vietnam from Saturday to Wednesday. This will make the monsoon trough lie across the North, Central and Northeast regions.
The southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand will also strengthen during the period.
People have been advised to beware of severe conditions that may cause flash floods and runoffs, especially along waterways near foothills and lowlands.
The department also said waves in upper Andaman and upper Gulf will be 1 to 2 metres high and higher during thundershowers. Ships are advised to proceed with caution.
Areas to be affected by heavy rain are:
Saturday
North: Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun
Northeast: Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Surin, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani
East: Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat
Sunday-Monday
North: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Phetchabun, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak
Northeast: Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Yasothon, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani
First Edition Of Cosmoprof CBE ASEAN Opened In Bangkok
THU, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022
The First Edition Of Cosmoprof CBE ASEAN Is Opening Its Doors. Organised By BolognaFiere, Informa Markets And China Beauty Expo, The Exhibition Is Welcoming International Stakeholders From September 15-17, 2022 At The IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center In Bangkok, Thailand.
More than 500 high-quality exhibitors and brands are ready to present their new proposals at Cosmoprof CBE ASEAN, taking advantage of an exhibition space of around 10,000 square meters.
More than 6,000 professional visitors are expected to attend the 3-day event, interacting with key players of the beauty industry to discover the main trends and novelties influencing the South-East Asia market.
Country Pavilions from Korea, Italy and France are attending, too.
Cosmoprof CBE ASEAN hosts international beauty companies from across the world, together with quality suppliers from the local market, providing the most comprehensive showcase of finished products and packaging solutions, including Perfumery, Cosmetics & Toiletries; Professional Beauty Salon & Spa; Hair & Nails; Herbal Products; Natural & Organic; Nutraceuticals & Dietary Supplements.
A ‘Beauty Made in Thailand’ section is showcasing local companies. Companies and operators can also find exhibitors from OEM/ODM, machinery & equipment, primary and secondary packaging, ingredients & laboratory, and define the most suitable partner for the launch of new projects.
“We are really enthusiastic about Cosmoprof CBE ASEAN, a brand-new event of the Cosmoprof international platform focusing on South-East Asia”, says Gianpiero Calzolari, President of BolognaFiere. “The show is the result of the solid collaboration of BolognaFiere Group with Informa Markets and China Beauty Expo to support the beauty industry in entering new markets and finding new business opportunities in the region. We are ready to welcome stakeholders from all over the world, and we wish a great edition of Cosmoprof CBE ASEAN to all our exhibitors and attendees”.
“Cosmoprof CBE ASEAN is a doorstep to the fast-growing South East Asia market, people from across the world fly over here to look for new products and business opportunities,” says David Bondi, Senior Vice President – Asia of Informa Markets. “The show opens up the potential for more cutting-edge products, services and trends to reach the region’s growing network of buyers, distributors, suppliers and retailers.”
“China Beauty Expo is delighted to be part of the launch of Cosmoprof CBE ASEAN. Thailand has already established itself as a beauty hub with high quality and innovation, offering huge opportunities for Chinese brands and supply chains. Cosmoprof CBE ASEAN will gradually provide Chinese stakeholders with the best opportunity to discover the Southeast Asia market.” declared Sang Ying, Deputy General Manager of Shanghai Baiwen Co Ltd.
The first edition of Cosmoprof CBE ASEAN is supported by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and Thai Cosmetic Manufacturers Association (TCMA).
Major ASEAN associations also support the show by sending buyer groups to visit the fair: ASEAN Cosmetics Association (ACA), Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP), The cosmetics, Toiletry and Fragrance Association of Singapore (CTFAS), The Malaysian Cosmetics & Toiletries Industry Group (MCTIG), Specialists in Wellness Association Singapore (SWAS), Vietnam Essential Oils & Aromatherapy Cosmetics Association (VOCA), and Laos Cosmetics Association.
The Organizers are really thankful for the strategic support these associations are offering to achieve a great event.
The exhibition is sponsored by Shane Co., Ltd and ITA – Italian Trade Agency.
World’s First Columbia Pictures Theme Park Opens In Thailand In October
THU, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022
Sony Pictures Entertainment And Amazon Falls Have Confirmed The October 12nd 2022, Opening -To The Public- Of The World’s First Fully-Branded Columbia Pictures Movie Theme Park, Columbia Pictures Aquaverse.
“We are delighted to be teaming up with Liakat Dhanji and Amazon Falls on launching Sony Pictures’ first theme and water park and are inspired by his vision of creating an immersive entertainment destination for Thailand “, said Jeffrey Godsick, Executive Vice President of Global Partnership, Brand Management and Head of Location Based Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Columbia Pictures’ Aquaverse is the next step in Sony Pictures’ larger global strategy to grow and expand location-based entertainment by utilizing its globally known film and TV brands. They are creating opportunities for all audiences around the world to immerse themselves deeper into our stories through water parks, touring exhibitions, and theme park attractions.
“Sony Pictures’ breadth of global content, technology and talent leadership will be invaluable in creating a fully immersive experience that will bring curiosity and wonder to a global audience. The launch of Columbia Pictures’ Aquaverse represents a first step in what we envision to be a broader collaboration that will pioneer the future of an integrated entertainment destination as part of the EEC’s smart city, ” said Liakat Dhanji, CEO and Chairman of Amazon Falls Co. Ltd., owners and operators of Columbia Pictures’ Aquaverse.
Alongside unique rides and attractions, They look forward to forging new partnerships with top accommodation, technology, retail and F&B partners as we curate an unmatched lifestyle experience that will resonate with all our visitors”.
“We are proud to welcome and commit to giving our full support to Sony Pictures Entertainment and Amazon Falls Company Ltd. in Columbia Pictures’ Aquaverse which is poised to set new standards for immersive entertainment in the EEC, Thailand. The project is going to play a key role in reshaping the growth dynamism in the EEC,” said Kanit Sangsubhan, Special Advisor on Strategic Development, Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
The theme park will be a key component in our EEC Smart City development plan, and EEC will provide full support, including 5G services and other infrastructure, digital technology, transit links, and partnership with clean energy and investment promotion package to ensure the success of the project and help create a long-term sustainable development in the EEC
The theme park is located 20 minutes South of Pattaya in the Bangsaray area home to 5-star beach resorts, seafood restaurants and tourist attractions.
Extensive and fresh design and theming with new rides and attractions will bring to life characters from some of the biggest and most beloved movies, including Ghostbusters, Jumanji, Bad Boys, Zombieland, The Emoji Movie, Surfs Up and Hotel Transylvania. New attractions will continue to open in the future.
With offerings for visitors of all ages, the park features themed and immersive zones with a range of both water and land-based attractions in addition to an exciting program of live shows, immersive entertainment, interactive props, unique sets, themed restaurants, as well as speciality merchandise and retail locations.
The Mega Wave Pool will host music events, movie screenings and live shows on the main stage featuring giant LED screens and concert-grade Dolby DTS surround sound.
Guests will be transported beyond the big screen and into the worlds of their favourite films, experiencing epic adventures alongside their favourite characters.
Monsters from Hotel Transylvania are ready to greet their human guests at the Hotel Transylvania Zone featuring the largest water play structure in Southeast Asia.
Ghostbusters Proton Stream offers guests an exhilarating journey in the world’s first water dome attraction. The opening of the Bad Boys Race Club marks the first non-water-based ride, of which there will be many more to come.
“Midea” Showcases Innovative HVAC Products And Electrical Appliances At Bangkok RHVAC 2022
BY LINE : THE NATION
THU, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022
“Midea”, The World’s Leading Home Appliances Brand, Joins Bangkok RHVAC 2022 With Its New Special HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, And Air Conditioning) Models From Three Categories That Are Developed Under Midea Group Concept.
It also launches household appliances namely refrigerators, water dispenser, and water heaters that embrace “Future Tech” concept at the event to answer to fulfill professional HVAC technician & new-age consumers’ lifestyles.
Mr Tony Liu, General Manager of MD Consumer Appliance (Thailand) Company Limited or Midea Thailand, reveals that his firm has received fabulous response from Bangkok Refrigeration, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning 2022 or Bangkok RHVAC 2022. Held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC Bangna), the event runs from September 7 to 10, 2022. For the first time in three years, Midea Thailand has returned to a trade exhibition. This time, it takes up “Future Tech” concept in presenting its technologies for each product with aim to raise consumers’ awareness of Midea’s Future Technology.
During Bangkok RHVAC 2022, Midea Thailand showcases its high-tech products that answer well to modern lifestyles and are compatible with future technologies with aim to serve even greater convenience to consumers. The showcase focuses on two main categories: 1) VRF air conditioners that are recommended for high-rise buildings, airports, hospitals, schools, and other types of large buildings; and 2) Magnetic Centrifugal Chiller air conditioners that offer high cooling efficiency, a longer use life, and a lower cost of ownership.
Moreover, Midea Thailand launches many new products at the trade exhibition. Positioned as the firm’s upcoming flagships, these products promise to excite the market throughout 2023. Produced under Midea Building Technology concept, the just-launched air conditioners hail from three categories, for big systems like commercial VRF system & Chiller system, those two systems can applied to all the project size like business unit, airport and hospital, etc., and the product name of “AE Pro”, which representing Highlight products of residential air conditioners, outstanding strengths are Triple E (Easy clean, Easy Save, Easy Maintenance) to provide the best experience while using product on easy clean filer, worry free about the electricity bill while using aircon, and easy for installer to main products; and Xtreme Dura technology equipped on all Midea’s residential air conditioner, which delivers solid durability on all aspect of protection on product side from indoor unit to outdoor unit.
In addition, Midea Thailand for the first time introduce other types of home appliances to Thai market to diversify its portfolio. Among them are modern, stylish, and functional minibar fridges that boast Chest Freeze for highly-efficient food preservation and water heaters that innovatively integrate Bubble Wash (Bubble Washer).
“Via Bangkok RHVAC 2022, we have presented Midea full of technology, new way. Instead of showcasing just air conditioners, we also display other new products like refrigerators, water dispensers and water heaters that are practical for daily life. We have developed these products seriously throughout the past two years to show that Midea is not just a leading home appliances brand but also the manufacturer of various commercial products that can serve to both professional technicians’ and consumers’ various needs,” Mr Liu says.
Not only that Bangkok RHVAC 2022 serves as a forum for showcasing Midea Group’s superior technologies to the market, but it also allows consumers to learn about Midea products’ strengths and directly experience these gadgets. In all, Midea Thailand’s participation in this trade exhibition stimulates consumers’ product trials, enhances partners’ confidence, and encourages more distributors to work with Midea Thailand for business development and further development of HVAC industry.
This year, Thailand’s electrical-appliance industry has continued to face impacts from COVID-19 crisis. As consumers’ spending has slowed down, trade competition mainly focuses on pricing strategies. Midea Thailand, however, has chosen to highlight its variety of products, its impressive product efficiency, and reasonable prices for families and large industrial operators in this situation.
“We are committed to ensuring that our products deliver best value taking into account prices, efficiency, and comprehensive services in our bid to best respond to customers’ needs. We have found that consumers today truly look for best value during their shopping. In other words, if they find quality products with energy-saving technologies and ease-of-use at affordable prices, they have greater tendency to buy. Recognizing such consumer behaviors, Midea Group is determined to continue delivering quality products and best services to customers in pursuit of secure and continued growth in Thailand based on “Future Tech” concept. Presenting best quality and value is crucial to maintaining our leader position,” Mr Liu adds.
On product-development direction, Midea Thailand aims to remove the pain points of its target groups via two groups of products: 1) Products for commercial operators namely MBT innovation products like VRF system and Chiller system that fits to all commercial environment with strong after service support and energy saving innovation, aiming to provide the best products to Thailand market; and 2) Products for households that integrate new technologies for users’ enhanced experiences. These products are durable, reliable, stylish, and well ready to make consumers recognize that they offer great value.
Midea Group, which has long accorded importance to Thai market, has planned to expand its manufacturing base in Thailand further. Presently, it has operated 6 factories in Thailand representing Midea’s destination to growing in Thailand market. Being the biggest in not just Thailand but also Asia, the air-conditioner factory here is Midea Group’s biggest manufacturing facility for residential air conditioner outside China. Midea Group has planned to set up a distribution center for ASEAN market in Thailand too.
Singha Online Named ‘Brand With The Biggest Sales Growth’ In Shopee Brand Conference 2022 In FMCG Category
BY LINE : THE NATION
THU, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022
“Singha Online,” Boonrawd’s Online Distribution Platform And The Company’s Answer To The Ever-Growing Online Consumption, Has Won The Top Seller Growth Award, Which Celebrates The Brand With The Most Significant Sales Growth In The FMCG Category From Shopee Brand Conference 2022.
Mr Vorapat Chavananikul, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer of Boonrawd Trading Co., Ltd reveals that Boonrawd is dedicated to constantly developing and improving its online channel and e-commerce platform due to the shift in consumer behavior. “Singha Online” will be the platform that provides Boonrawd’s consumer goods from beverages like Singha Drinking Water, Purra Mineral Water, Singha Soda, and Singha Lemon Soda, to food and snacks like Masita Seaweed, Pandee Rice, Made by Todd products, and many more premium products.
Furthermore, the company has expanded its e-commerce efforts with Shopee, the nation’s leading marketplace, with quality non-alcohol products and snacks to provide convenience for consumers to shop anywhere and anytime and grow the brand’s customer base.
Singha Online has won the Top Seller Growth in the FMCG category from Shopee Brand Conference 2022, which strengthens the brand as Thai’s favorite beverage and food brand that has provided the best online shopping experience for consumers. The Top Seller Growth is an award for brands with the biggest growth in orders from Shopee, which Singha Online has grown by over seven folds since its opening until now. The brand’s participation in Shopee’s campaigns has also resulted in a 10x sales growth compared to the average period.
As the leader in food and beverage, channel expansion from offline to online and improving the shopping experience for consumers of all types are crucial to success. The brand will constantly deliver in-trend products, provide promotions, and grow new categories to fit consumers’ needs while delivering every single order in time.
Marriott Partners Save The Children To Create Careers For Disadvantaged Young People In Pattani Province, Thailand
BY LINE : THE NATION
THU, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022
Important New Project Will See Many Local Youths From The Restive Southern Province, Including Women, Given Training And Internships With Marriott’s Hotels And Resorts In Thailand.
The Marriott Thailand Business Council has taken another positive step forward in improving the lives of young people and alleviating poverty in Thailand, with the launch of a new partnership with Save the Children, the global organization aimed at supporting underprivileged children around the world.
The province of Pattani in the far south of Thailand has long suffered from low economic growth and high unemployment. A long-running insurgency has also claimed the lives of approximately 7,000 people and shattered the existence of many families. To make matters worse, there are clear gender disparities in Pattani, with many young women having limited access to higher education or employment.
To help Pattani’s young people, including women, rise above these disadvantages, Marriott has teamed up with Save the Children Thailand Foundation to launch a new project aimed at creating job opportunities for local youths. This initiative is being co-funded by USAID and other public and private sector agencies.
Under this important initiative, the children will receive technical/vocational education, training, and certification from accredited independent public and private institutions, helping to improve the students’ employability. Save the Children will deliver “Life Skills for Success” coaching as developed in partnership with Accenture, and Marriott will co-create a new hospitality option with a focus on food and services. Twenty percent of the students who graduate from these programs will be rewarded with internships, including at Marriott’s properties in Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi and Koh Samui.
These internships will comprise extensive training and practical experience, including approximately 60 days of on-the-job training and mentoring with departmental managers. Eight of the interns will be fully sponsored by Marriott, including transport, accommodation, a daily allowance and more. This experience will give each young trainee a clear pathway towards a lifelong career in the hospitality industry – either with Marriott or with another hotel or resort operator.
“The benefits of this program are manifold; not only could it create employment for young people and potentially raise the living standards of entire families, but it could even help to improve social stability – a situation often connected to economic prosperity. The initiative will also help to plug a skills shortage within the hospitality industry, which has been exacerbated by the global pandemic. We are very happy to work with Save the Children and look forward to welcoming the first interns from Pattani into our hotels and resorts soon,” commented Jakob Helgen, Area Vice President – Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Myanmar, Marriott International.
“We are delighted to partner with Save the Children on this critical project. By delivering training and employment opportunities for young people in Pattani, we are not only creating jobs; we are offering the chance of a brighter future for disaffected youths in the province. As part of Marriott’s commitment to equality, we also want to deliver on our promise to empower women to enjoy fulfilling lives and careers. We are excited about realizing the potential of our new associates,” said Tina Liu, who is the first female chairperson of the Marriott Thailand Business Council.
“For many years, Save the Children Thailand has been collaborating with Marriott to provide support for Thai children in need. Building upon this commitment, Marriott’s ‘Youth Employability’ project will provide valuable opportunities for young people in the deep south of Thailand to widen their experience and connections in the hospitality industry, enhance status in the job market and potentially raise their income,” said Prasert Tepanart, Executive Director of Save the Children Thailand Foundation
Mitsubishi Electric Thai Foundation And Kang Yong Electric Organized 7th Annual “Science Classroom”
WED, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022
Mitsubishi Electric Thai Foundation Together With Kang Yong Electric Public Company Limited., Led By Keiji Oya, President, Organized The 7th Annual “Science Classroom” For 50 Students Of Grades 5-6 From Wat Bang Chalong Nok School, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province.
The objective was to instill the love of science in children through fun experiments at a Kang Yong Electric PCL in Samut Prakan province.
Pictured (from left to right)
1. Luckana Pengruck, Director, Wat Bang Chalong Nok School
2. Yasuhito Negishi, Executive Vice President Kang Yong Electric PCL.
3. Keiji Oya, President, Kang Yong Electric PCL.
4. Hiroaki Kondo, Vice Chairman, Mitsubishi Electric Thai Foundation
5. Krit Thongnark, Director, Mitsubishi Electric Thai Foundation
