A Group Of Senior Lao Journalists Made A Courtesy Call On The Nation Group As Part Of Their Five-Day Visit To Thailand This Week.
The group, led by Lao Journalists Association (LJA) president Savankhone Razmountry, was greeted by Nation Group chairman Shine Bunnag and other senior executives on Wednesday afternoon.
Both sides exchanged views on the current situation of the media industry and the impact of digital disruption on the media worldwide, as well as the changing behaviour of media consumers.
Shine told the visiting Lao journalists about the Nation Group’s move to reduce its reliance on giant online platforms that tend to revise their algorithm rules regularly. He said that in order to survive, media outlets would have to rely more on their own platforms, such as mobile applications or websites.
Meanwhile, Nation Group vice chairman Somchai Meesen and managing editor Weerasak Pongaksorn stressed that online media outlets need to offer in-depth analytical content, and not just news coverage, in order to stay competitive.
The Lao visitors also observed the editorial department and the studio of Nation TV, which is equipped with modern technology.
The Lao media group is on a visit to Thailand from September 13 to 17.
The LJA has retained good ties with the Thai Journalists Association.
Police In Superhero Outfits Are Guardians Of Uttaradit Fair
BY LINE : THE NATION
THU, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022
Creative Officers At A Police Station In Uttaradit’s Muang District Donned Superhero Costumes To Keep Security And Assist Visitors At A Popular Annual Fruit Fair In This Northern Province.
The langsat, longkong, OTOP fair is being held at a ground in front of Phraya Pichai statute from Monday to next Thursday.
Several of the policemen were seen attired in Spiderman, Hulk, Venom and Captain America costumes, much to the excitement of children – and the amusement of adults – visiting the fair.
The “superheroes” were seen helping children and the elderly cross the road to the fair and keeping a close eye on the overall situation.
Since the fair also features concerts, police fear teenagers would engage in fistfights, so the station found it necessary to dispatch a mobile detention van to the scene to warn the concert goers to behave, said station commander Pol Colonel Somkasem Jarak.
The Commerce Ministry Has Teamed Up With Lazada To Promote Premium Grade Geographical Indication (GI) Products For Consumers Nationwide Via The Popular Online Shopping Platform.
Deputy Commerce Minister Sinit Lertkrai said on Wednesday that the ministry’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) had been promoting new marketing opportunities for GI products via both online and traditional channels in a bid to promote local economies and generate income to both farmers and entrepreneurs.
“We have partnered with several marketing platforms, including Lazada, our latest partner, who will select premium-grade GI products and promote them on their platform for consumers to conveniently browse through. Purchased products will be delivered directly to their homes,” he said.
The department has implemented the GI certification system to protect a product by certifying that it comes from a certain area and has characteristics that cannot be replicated elsewhere, Sinit said.
It helps add value to the product and prevents competitors from using the area’s name and misleading the public about a product’s origins. It also acts as a certification, showing the product possesses certain qualities, or enjoys a reputation, due to its geographical origin, he explained.
Premium-grade GI products that have been selected to spearhead Lazada’s marketing campaign include Thep Sadej coffee from Chiang Mai, Pae Jor Khew beans from Tak, Mor Hom fabric from Phrae, Bang Kra Thum sun-dried banana from Phitsanulok and Thung Kula Ronghai jasmine rice from Roi Et.
If you are interested in GI products, you can visit Lazada’s page for the purpose at https://www.lazada.co.th/thaigishop. The first 100 customers who go in for 500 baht purchases of GI products will receive a 100-baht discount (valid until September 30).
More information on GI products can be found on Facebook: GI Thailand.
Local Authorities Can Decide Rate Of Land Tax: Finance Ministry
BY LINE : THE NATION
THU, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022
Local Authorities Can Use Their Discretion To Determine Whether Or Not Landowners Are Growing Plants On Their Lands Just To Avoid Paying Tax On Vacant Land, The Finance Ministry Said On Wednesday.
Ministry permanent secretary Krisda Chinavicharana was responding to a query by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, which had inquired about the enforcement of the Land and Building Tax Act of 2019 regarding the fact that many landowners were going in for so-called “agriculture” to avoid paying increased tax on vacant land.
The act, which came into effect on January 1, 2020, states that owners of unused or abandoned land must pay tax of 0.3 per cent of the property’s value, while land used for agriculture is taxed starting at only 0.01 per cent to a maximum 0.15 per cent.
After the law went into effect, some landowners reportedly started growing easy-to-care-for crops such as bananas, lime and papaya, especially in prime locations in Bangkok along Ratchadaphisek, Rama IX and Ekamai roads.
Krisda said the Finance Ministry allows local authorities to use their discretion to determine the intention of landowners.
“If officials conclude that growing trees on one’s land is not in line with true agricultural purposes, they can proceed to enforce the tax rate for unused land,” he made clear.
Krisda also advised local authorities to refer to the Finance Ministry’s announcement on requirements for agricultural use of land, which stipulated 51 types of crops that can be grown on land and the minimum number per rai that will be considered as “growing for true agricultural purposes”.
For example, at least 200 banana plants must be grown per rai. For papayas it is 175 trees and for lime it must be 50 trees.
Twenty-Four Provinces Have Been Warned Of Flash Floods And Overflows From Rivers And Canals From Saturday Until Next Tuesday (September 17-21) Due To Heavy Rains Brought On By A Monsoon Trough And The Southwest Monsoon.
The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) issued the warning on Thursday, citing a weather forecast by the Meteorological Department, which said most of Thailand would experience more rainfall with isolated heavy showers until Sunday. This is due to the monsoon trough across the North and the Northeast, while the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf will strengthen.
The ONWR warned that from September 17 to 21, the following areas are prone to flash floods and river overflows, while suggesting that people residing near rivers and their basins follow the latest updates on weather and water levels:
North: Chiang Mai, Phrae, Nan, Lampang, Kamphaengphet, Tak, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun.
Northeast: Loei, Bueng Kan, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Chaiyaphum, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Si Sa Ket and Nakhon Ratchasima.
Central region: Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi.
West: Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi.
East: Chanthaburi and Trat.
The ONWR also urged authorities to closely monitor the water levels of 13 dams and large reservoirs that would be affected by heavy rains and issue a warning to surrounding communities when the water rises to near critical levels. They are:
– Mae Ngat Somboon Chon, Chiang Mai
– Kiew Kho Ma, Kiew Lom and Mae Mok, Lampang
– Thab Salao, Uthai Thani
– Krasiao, Suphan Buri
– Ubol Ratana, Khon Kaen
– Lam Takhong, Lam Phra Phloeng, and Mun Bon, Nakhon Ratchasima
– Klong Si Yat, Chachoengsao
– Bang Phra, Chonburi
– Nong Pla Lai, Rayong.
The office asked local authorities to prepare evacuation plans for people living near rivers and in flood-prone areas, and issue warnings beforehand to allow adequate time for people to escape expected floods.
As Countdown Begins To Apec Summit, Govt Campaign To Create Public Awareness
BY LINE : NONGLUCK AJANAPANYA
WED, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022
Thailand Has Launched A Campaign To Demonstrate Its Readiness To Host The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit 2022, With A Variety Of Activities.
They are aimed at raising Thai people’s awareness of how to be welcoming hosts as the country counts down to the gathering of leaders in November.
Anucha Nakasai, the Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, said on Wednesday during the opening ceremony in Bangkok that the campaign is part of the Government Public Relations Department’s mission to create awareness and understanding about the benefits of the summit and encourage the participation of Thai people.
The government’s “Thailand Ready, Apec Ready” campaign is being organised under the concept of “Open. Connect. Balance”, which is the main theme of Apec Summit 2022.
“Being the host of the Apec Summit at this time is very important to the country. It is a great opportunity to show Thailand’s potential to global leaders and the business sector so that they will be confident to trade and invest in the country,” said Anucha.
Anucha said that besides emphasising the country’s potential and readiness to colloborate with all parties, the campaign will focus on the development of environmental management systems under the concept of bio, circular, green (BCG) economy model as the main idea to highlight the issues.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s Public Relations Department has appointed nine representatives to Apec 2022.
All of them are well-known public figures in their respective fields, including unicorn Flash Express CEO Komsan Saelee, actress and model Khemanit Jamikorn, famous Thai chef Chumpol Jangprai, Miss Universe Thailand 2021 Anchilee Scott-Kemmis, Miss Universe Thailand 2021 first runner-up Tharina Botes, NFT artist Titipun Tubthong, actress and social entrepreneur Khemupsorn Sirisukha, Agricultural Technology startup Aukrit Unahalekhaka, and actress and activist Suppasit Jongcheveevat to aid in the promotion of Apec 2022 in Thailand.
Each of the nine representatives will be assigned one of three groups: open, connect, or balance.
Komson, CEO and founder of Flash Express, Thailand’s first startup unicorn, stated that under the “Open” theme, he wanted to demonstrate the country’s potential beyond export, tourism, and hospitality. Thailand is eager to embrace new digital and technology.
Chef Chumpol, for his part, stated that he intends to demonstrate Thailand’s strength in food security. Regardless of the crisis, he stated that Thailand is fortunate to be free of food shortages. Hence, he wishes to pave the way for Thai food and gastronomy to expand to the new level.
Chumpol is the main chef in charge of the dinner menu for the Apec Summit 2022’s opening gala night.
Titipun, an NFT artist who works under the ‘Connect’ theme, added that connection is one of the key words to success nowadays. This is due to the fact that when people connect, more innovation and opportunities follow. So, the Apec Summit is a great opportunity for all Thais to make new connections.
Khemupsorn, a social entrepreneur under the “Sirithai” brand who works under the “Balance” theme, believes the Apec Summit will be an opportunity to remind all parties of the importance of social, economic, and environmental development. Everything must work in tandem.
The public will be made aware of Thailand’s readiness for the Apec Summit through presentation of activities, performances, videos, and demonstration booths related to the main activities, such as food for the future competition. The event will take place from September until the Apec Summit on November 18-19.
The theme “Thailand Ready, Apec Ready” is to demonstrate the soft power potential of Thai youth and to make Thai people aware, proud and ready to host Apec Summit 2022.
Arsenal’s League Game Against Man City Postponed To Accommodate PSV Tie Following Queen’s Death
BY LINE : THE NATION
WED, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022
Arsenal’s League Fixture Against Manchester City In October Has Been Postponed In Order To Allow For The Europa League Game Between The London Club And PSV Eindhoven To Be Played, UEFA And The Premier League Said On Wednesday (September 14).
The group stage game between Arsenal and PSV, which was scheduled to be played on Thursday at the Emirates Stadium, was postponed due to a lack of adequate security personnel following the death of Queen Elizabeth.
The match will now be played on Oct. 20, a day after Arsenal were to face City.
“UEFA would like to thank the Premier League and the clubs concerned for their flexibility and cooperation in the rescheduling of the UEFA Europa League match,” UEFA said in a statement.
The Premier League said a date for the league game between Arsenal and City would be announced in “due course.”
League-leaders Arsenal travel to face Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday.
In-Form Amarin Leads Contenders In Thailand Mixed Photocall
BY LINE : THE NATION
WED, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022
Title Favourites Led By Last Circuit’s Runner-Up Amarin Kraivixien Posed For The Camera Under The Theme “Parametric Design” In A Promotional Activity Ahead Of Their Participation For The Bt5 Million Thailand Mixed Presented By TrustGolf Which Tees Off On Thursday At The Gasson Legacy Golf Club In Lamphun
The 26-year-old Amarin, who produced his best career finish at lone second last month at the Thana City Golf Club, was joined in the photocall by Arpichaya Yubol, winner of the inaugural edition last year, former LPGA member Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong, Chommapat Pongthanarak, young-gun Vanchai Luangnitikul and rising star Sirapob Yapala.
The photoshoot, which took place at Terracotta Gardens @ Lamphun on Tuesday, was conducted under the theme called “Parametric Design” which reflects the development of Thailand Mixed Tour over the past two years. The tour is moving towards its aim to support Thai players on the global stage as it granted them slots to compete in its alliances including the Ladies European Tour, Asian Tour and Australian LPGA Tour.
The season finale Thailand Mixed, which offers the most lucrative prize money of Bt5 million, will be competed on a 72-hole stroke-play format with top 60 and ties (not including amateurs), after 36 holes, qualifying for the weekend rounds. The player with the lowest score will walk away with the winning trophy after four days.
Priority lists for the 5th and final Thailand Mixed event include former Thailand Mixed winners (2021-2022), amateur winners (2022), top 20 players from the 2021 Thailand TrustGolf Tour Order of Merits, top 80 players from the 2022 Thailand TrustGolf Tour Order of Merits and sponsor invites.
Apart from the lucrative prize money, there is a special award for a female player with the best score (but must finish in the top five on the leaders’ board). She will be granted a wildcard into the Women’s Australian Open, an ALPGA event, in December. One slot was already given to Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong following her lone third position in the previous Thailand Mixed edition.
The Thailand Mixed is organised by TrustGolf, an indoor training center with advanced technology. It is supported by the Sports Authority of Thailand, the National Sports Development Fund, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Bangkok Bank, B.Grimm Company, Bond Holdings, AISPLAY, Bridgestone, Trust Pharmacy, Trust Live Streaming, Adidas Golf, Balance Golf Nutrition, Leborn, LMV, Longa, the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration and Gatsson Legacy Golf Club in Lamphun.
Jetts 24 Hour Fitness Opens A New Branch In Chanthaburi
BY LINE : THE NATION
WED, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022
Jetts 24 Hour Fitness Opens A New Club In Eastern Thailand, Adheres 5-Year Plan Of Expanding To 100 Clubs Nationwide.
After the outbreak of Covid-19 – Healthy lifestyle trends are boomer than ever, enabling Jetts 24 Hour Fitness to be the fastest growing operator in the Thai fitness market.
The company highlights value effectiveness and having branches across the country as its unique selling points. Its clubs are not just a place to exercise but a place for all members to do activities together.
In the fourth quarter of 2022, Jetts 24 Hour Fitness launched its first social event, “Jetts Neon Party”, inviting fitness club members and partners to join an exercise competition and enjoy a party.
This event is aimed to be a spot for new and old members to socialise and make new friends. In this quarter, the company also plans to open 12 new clubs a year and expand to the Eastern of Thailand.
The fitness is confident that its ambitious 5-year growth plan of expanding to 100 branches nationwide will be achievable.
Dane Cantwell, Country Managing Director of Jetts 24 Hour Fitness (Thailand), said: “Jetts Fitness is a famous gym brand from Australia with members around the world and holds the record for having the most branches in Thailand. It has been operating in Thailand for 6 years starting with the first 2 branches in Nawamin and Town in Town.
We currently have 39 branches in Thailand, 2 of them are Jetts Black which are located at Gaysorn Village and The PARQ Rama IV and 37 of them are Jetts Red focusing on opening 24 hours.”
Cantwell said, “Jetts Black is fully equipped with top-of-the-line performance equipment for solo gym days. It also offers packed schedules with a range of world-class group exercises, specialised and experienced trainers, and healthy cafes spot for gym goers to refuel and re-energise.
Jetts Fitness has approximately 30,000 members, aged 25-30 years old (the working-age population). Our female members like to join exercise classes, and male members like to use exercise equipment to grow and strengthen their muscles.
Jetts Fitness’ plan is to open 12 new clubs a year, allocating about 3 per cent of revenue for marketing. In the next 5 years, the company aims to have 100 clubs all over Thailand, budgeting 30-45 million baht a club, and each club’s payback period is 3 years.
“We are strongly confident that the opening of new branches will increase the number of members for each club to no fewer than 1,200 members.”, Cantwell stated.
The initial branch expansion plan will collaborate with partners, such as Central Group. Jetts Fitness is preparing to open a new club in Eastern Thailand at Central Chanthaburi by the end of 2022.
The company believes that the new club will be received a lot of attention like the club at Central Ayutthaya which was opened after Covid-19 restrictions have been relaxed in the earlier of 2022.
“Although gyms in Thailand had temporarily closed for two years because of the pandemic, but after the government eased the restrictions to allow people to live a normal life, the fitness industry has bounced back even stronger. Jetts Fitness has grown by leaps and bounds as more people realise the importance of exercise. They also realise that fitness is a lifestyle, not a trend.” said Cantwell.
Jetts Fitness has incessantly been sharpening its competitive edges so as to differentiate itself. The factors that influence people to choose Jetts Fitness are it offers value for money, the membership fee starts at only 1,600 baht per month, and 39 branches in prime locations in Bangkok that provide easy access from BTS and MRT stations and residential areas in other provinces. Fitness classes can be booked through Jetts Fitness’ application, making members more convenient and motivating.
“Jetts Fitness does not only offer places to exercise, it provides places for members to socialise and make friends which creates a sense of harmony both physically and mentally. Recently, we have organised Jetts Neon Party at our club in The PARQ Rama IV. The event featured games in various fitness classes such as the J-Series Exclusive Class, which is a signature exercise class of Jetts Fitness.
“It is a fun cardio class for strengthening the upper body, lower body, and the core of the body. It doubly increases metabolism in a moderate stage. In the future, we will continue to organise activities like this in every club. Members can keep up the information at Jetts Fitness clubs from the branch or from our social media.” Cantwell concluded.
Thai Futsal Team Clinch Semis Spot With Win Over Mozambique
BY LINE : THE NATION
WED, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022
Thailand Beat Mozambique 3-1 In The 2022 Continental Futsal Championship Thailand On Wednesday In Their Group A Encounter At Indoor Stadium Huamark In Bangkok To Reach The Knockout Stage Of The Tournament.
Narongsak Wingwon, Itticha Praphaphan and Jetsada Chudech scored for Thailand, while Vasco Mahesse scored for Mozambique, who are ranked world No. 66. Thailand had drawn 2-2 against Morocco on Sunday.
After two matches, Thailand, ranked world No. 20, finished second in Group A with four points from one win and a draw, losing the top spot to Morocco due to lesser of number of goals scored.
In the semi-final on Thursday, Thailand will take on Group B toppers Iran at 4.30 pm, while Morocco face Finland at 7.30pm.
Vietnam will play Mozambique at 2pm for fifth place.
Since the fair also features concerts, police fear teenagers would engage in fistfights, so the station found it necessary to dispatch a mobile detention van to the scene to warn the concert goers to behave, said station commander Pol Colonel Somkasem Jarak.
Chef Chumpol, for his part, stated that he intends to demonstrate Thailand’s strength in food security. Regardless of the crisis, he stated that Thailand is fortunate to be free of food shortages. Hence, he wishes to pave the way for Thai food and gastronomy to expand to the new level.
The public will be made aware of Thailand’s readiness for the Apec Summit through presentation of activities, performances, videos, and demonstration booths related to the main activities, such as food for the future competition. The event will take place from September until the Apec Summit on November 18-19.
