Boosters provide same immunity to all, even to recipients of Sinovac

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A booster shot provides the same level of immunity against Covid-19 to people whose first two shots have been either inactivated or mRNA vaccines, a top virologist said.

Boosters provide same immunity to all, even to recipients of Sinovac

In a Facebook post on Friday, Dr Yong Poovorawan said he and his team have been studying the administration of Covid-19 vaccines in Thailand for the past year and a half.

His latest study, titled “Immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine as a third dose (booster) following two doses of different primary series regimens in Thailand”, was published in the National Library of Medicine (NIH) website (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35920191/) on Wednesday.

The subjects of the study were people who had received an mRNA booster shot (Pfizer) after receiving the first two jabs in Thailand.

He said people who had received two shots of the inactivated vaccines, especially Sinovac, developed similar immunity against Covid-19 as those whose first two jabs had been mRNA vaccines.

His team also studied the effects of different boosters on people whose first two vaccines were a combination of Sinovac and AstraZeneca.

This study, titled “Effects of boosted mRNA and adenoviral-vectored vaccines on immune responses to omicron BA.1 and BA.2 following the heterologous CoronaVac/AZD1222 vaccination”, was published on the NIH website (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35924475/) on Thursday.

This study shows that all booster doses provide similar immunity against the BA.1 and BA.2 subvariants.

Dr Yong and his team also studied the administration of the India-produced Covovax and the US-manufactured Novavax vaccines as a booster.

Results of this study showed that those who have received two doses of these inactivated vaccines had developed similar immunity as those who had received two mRNA jabs.

In the post, Dr Yong said that so far, 20 studies led by him and his team had been published in international medical journals and some governments implemented his suggestions. For instance, he said, the Public Health Ministry here adopted the mix-and-match vaccine formula, while the World Health Organisation based its advice on some of his studies.

Published : August 05, 2022

By : THE NATION

Women fighters make debut at Thailand’s oldest Muay Thai stadium

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Two female boxers will make history today (August 5) when they become the first women to fight at Thailand’s oldest Muay Thai stadium.

Women fighters make debut at Thailand’s oldest Muay Thai stadium

Aida Looksaikongdin and Zarah Venum Muay Thai will kick off a new era at Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok, whose ring has been exclusively preserved for male fighters since it opened 77 years ago in 1945.

Rajadamnern will also be graced by a second all-female bout on Friday night, with Thailand’s Thestar Sit Chor taking on Milagros Andrea Lopez from Argentina.

Rajadamnern Stadium – one of Thailand’s top two venues for Muay Thai alongside Lumpinee Stadium – has been refurbished with a modern sound system and lighting as it reboots for the post-pandemic era.

Along with the introduction of female fighters, Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek is due to fight at the stadium on August 19 – his first Rajadamnern appearance since 2004.

Friday night’s all-female showdowns are part of the Rajadamnern World Series. They will be broadcast live on Workpoint 23 and Go Sport channels from 9.15pm.

Boxing fans can buy a pass to watch the bouts live at https://bit.ly/3QjkNMz.

Women fighters make debut at Thailand’s oldest Muay Thai stadium

Published : August 05, 2022

By : THE NATION

Premier League teams to limit ‘taking the knee’ to significant games

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Premier League teams will limit their pre-match anti-racism gesture of “taking the knee” to only some significant games from the new season, the league said on Wednesday (August 3).

Premier League teams to limit 'taking the knee' to significant games

The Black Lives Matter cause was taken up by Premier League clubs in 2020 following the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis in May that year.
 

Premier League clubs wore the Black Lives Matter logo on their shirts before it was replaced by “No Room for Racism”.

But whether players should continue taking a knee before games has divided opinion across sport, with some analysts saying that the gesture, first performed by NFL player Colin Kaepernick in 2016, was in danger of becoming diluted.

Premier League club captains reaffirmed their commitment to fighting racism and all forms of discrimination but said players had decided to use specific moments during the upcoming campaign, which begins on Friday, to take the knee.
 

“We have decided to select significant moments to take the knee during the season to highlight our unity against all forms of racism and in so doing we continue to show solidarity for a common cause,” Premier League captains said in a statement.

“We remain resolutely committed to eradicate racial prejudice, and to bring about an inclusive society with respect and equal opportunities for all.”

Players will take the knee during the opening match round of the season, “No Room for Racism” match rounds in October and March, Boxing Day fixtures after the World Cup, league matches on the final day of the season and FA Cup and EFL Cup finals.

The Premier League said it supported the decision and would use these opportunities to elevate anti-racism messaging.

“A total of 238,000 pounds ($289,836) will be donated to designated youth clubs on behalf of the captains after 119,000 pounds was raised from the royalties of the ‘No Room For Racism’ sleeve badges sold on club shirts last season,” it added.

The Premier League matched the figure raised from the badges as part of the contribution to those clubs.
 

Published : August 05, 2022

By : THE NATION

National Cyber Security Agency signs MoU to collaborate with Huawei

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The purpose is to increase cybersecurity skills for Thai IT personnel through promoting Huawei’s E-Lab online learning platform, and organizing competition projects and Huawei training courses.

National Cyber Security Agency signs MoU to collaborate with Huawei

The Ministry of Digital Economy and the National Cyber Security Agency has jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cybersecurity cooperation with Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the leading global ICT infrastructure and IT solutions provider. 

Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), spoke on Thailand’s current cybersecurity situation and the cooperation with Huawei: “As data breaches and cyberattacks get increasingly more sophisticated and frequent, gaps in knowledge and cyber skills are impacting organizations more acutely than ever before. That is why the MDES is collaborating with Huawei, a leading digital innovator, to address this challenge by sharing their knowledge on cybersecurity and best practices across industries in order to upskill overall digital capabilities and offer improved educational resources. This collaboration will further encourage public and private organizations to adopt and implement key principles, with the aim of laying a robust talent foundation for Thailand, helping drive Thailand towards a safe and secure digital future.”

General Prachya Chalermwat, Secretary General of the National Cyber Security Agency   General Prachya Chalermwat, Secretary General of the National Cyber Security Agency

General Prachya Chalermwat, Secretary General of the National Cyber Security Agency, said about this cooperation: “A public-private partnership will be critical in building collaboration among private, public, and government entities in order to establish a globally trusted cyberspace in Thailand. We are delighted to sign this MoU between Huawei, as a leading global ICT company and solutions provider, and the NCSA so that together we can improve our cyber security. ” 

Mr. Abel Deng, CEO,  Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd Mr. Abel Deng, CEO, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd

Abel Deng, CEO, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., spoke on the cooperation over the signing of the MoU on cybersecurity: “These efforts have laid a solid foundation for us to sign a cyber security MoU today, which makes improved cybersecurity accessible to the general public. We reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness of security practices and procedures by developing cooperation between Huawei and the NCSA in the area of cybersecurity. Huawei will promote top cyber talent competition and key technological development, covering global trends such as 5G, cloud, mobile, and cybersecurity leadership skills, with the goal of engaging in cybersecurity talent development and knowledge sharing.”

” Huawei will support cyber training courses through the global platform called Huawei E-Lab, which aims to help increase cyber capabilities by providing training on security workshops in order to give participants the opportunity to take action. Furthermore, under this MoU, Huawei will cooperate with the NCSA in the field of establishing and delivering sustainable cyber security training for Thailand to cover all four of the cyber workforce levels: basic, intermediate, advanced, and expert levels,” he added.

E-Lab is a lab platform for Huawei learning service customers. Based on Huawei large-scale hardware lab infrastructure and cloud-based technology, E-Lab helps trainees access the E-Lab over the network at any place and any time to complete practice-based learning such as operation exercises, network simulations, and fault reappearance.

This can help in reducing operation training costs and saving labour. Huawei E-Lab has served more than 260 carriers in 170 countries, supporting more than 1.3 million trainees to develop their ICT competencies. 

Published : August 05, 2022

Swarovski unveils its captivating New Retail Landscape in Thailand

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The very first new store concept in Southeast Asia and India

Swarovski unveils its captivating New Retail Landscape in Thailand

This August, Swarovski brings on its fabulous new store concept to Thailand with the launch of Thailand’s premier New Retail Landscape at Siam Paragon, 1st floor. 

For over a year, Swarovski has been on a spellbinding journey with the reimagining of the brand and retail stores. Commencing with the rollout of 27 Instant Wonder stores around the globe, the magical transformation has culminated in the opening of the first fabulous new stores in key corners of the world in 2021, with more to follow in 2022.

“Our New Retail Landscape is an incredible ode to creativity, and the result of Swarovski’s strong new vision, a realm where science and magic meet. Playful, aware, and always boldly chic our aim is to reflect desires and dreams in the physical space of our stores and to underline our new age of crystal living,” says Giovanna Engelbert, Creative Director at Swarovski. 

Swarovski unveils its captivating New Retail Landscape in Thailand
Swarovski unveils its captivating New Retail Landscape in Thailand

Welcome to a New Retail Landscape

Designed to ignite imaginations, each entrancing store pays homage to the shimmering beauty of crystal, reflecting the uniquely captivating charm of the city itself. Mesmerizing metallic finishes and fluted glass combine with chrome and silk touches throughout. 

For Thailand, Swarovski has opened a 107.9-square-meter New Retail Landscape in Siam Paragon, located in the heart of the shopping district in Bangkok. The store design immerses customers in the brand’s new visual identity with a sensorial retail space decorated in cool blues. Octagonal product displays, metallic sculptures, and luxurious textures come together to inspire a journey of exploration and self-expression. Swarovski’s New Retail Landscape in Bangkok opened on August 1.

Swarovski unveils its captivating New Retail Landscape in Thailand
Swarovski unveils its captivating New Retail Landscape in Thailand

To reflect the brand’s new visual identity, overseen by the beloved Swarovski Swan, guests will be welcomed into a sensorial retail space to discover an array of tempting and tantalizing crystal treasures.

Encouraging exploration and self-expression, different areas in the stores are color-blocked in Swarovski’s signature new brand hues. With myriad octagons adorning the walls in a breathtaking display of product and pattern, the entire concept is a tribute to the wonder of crystal itself.

Swarovski unveils its captivating New Retail Landscape in Thailand
Swarovski unveils its captivating New Retail Landscape in Thailand

For the final flourish, packages wrapped up with signature gross-grain silks and velvets add to the entire spellbinding experience.

An absolute feast for the senses, our sumptuous New Retail Landscapes beckon you in, promising a world filled with magic and special moments.

Swarovski unveils its captivating New Retail Landscape in Thailand

Published : August 04, 2022

Toyota to end production of Vios model in Thailand

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Toyota Motor Thailand (TMT) will stop manufacturing its Vios 1.5L model to make way for the all-new Yaris Ativ to be launched next Tuesday (August 9).

Toyota to end production of Vios model in Thailand

Sales of Vios cars totalled 1,829 in the first six months of the year, compared to 10,648 of the Yaris Ativ sedan and 14,715 of the Yaris hatchback, the company said on Thursday.

The hybrid version of Yaris Ativ is expected to be launched next year.

Toyota vehicle sales in Thailand totalled 142,032 in the first six months of the year, up 21.2 per cent from the same period last year. It sold 38,894 passenger cars in the first six months, a 30.9 per cent increase.

TMT aims to sell 290,000 cars this year, representing a 33 per cent share of the Thai market and up 21 per cent from last year, according to the company’s president, Noriaki Yamashita.

Toyota is expected to manufacture a total of 659,400 cars this year, a 28.3 per cent increase from last year, Yamashita said.

“Due to the government’s economic stimulus measures, the Thai economy is expected to recover in the latter half of the year,” he said.

The TMT president predicted a total output of 880,000 from all car manufacturers in Thailand this year, up 16 per cent over last year.

Published : August 04, 2022

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand launches new CSR program ‘SOLAR FOR LIVES’ to drive Thailand toward a carbon-neutral society

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Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd., in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO: public organization), held a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony for a new environmental project called ‘Solar for Lives’.

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand launches new CSR program ‘SOLAR FOR LIVES’ to drive Thailand toward a carbon-neutral society

In partnership with Thailand’s Public Health Ministry, EGAT, and TGO, Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) has invested 60 million baht to provide solar panel systems, including yearly maintenance, to generate electricity for 40 community hospitals countrywide by 2032.

The solar panels can generate electricity up to a 25-year period. The project will help reduce the hospitals’ carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions more than 17,300 tons over the next ten years. Furthermore, it will reduce the electricity expenses up to 400,000 baht per year for each hospital.

At the MoU signing ceremony, Mr. Eiichi Koito, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) remarked: “As a part of Thai society, we want to see the better lives of Thai people. ‘Solar for Lives’ project has been initiated as our CSR direction ‘To contribute and grow with Thai society’ in three areas: Education, environment, and health. The project will provide Thais better health through supported hospitals while creating a better environment towards carbon neutral direction.”
 

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand launches new CSR program ‘SOLAR FOR LIVES’ to drive Thailand toward a carbon-neutral society

“Our company has a clear direction and consistent actions towards a carbon-neutral society,” he added. “We installed solar panels at our production facility’s rooftop in Laem Chabang, Chonburi, reducing C02 emissions by more than 6,100 tons per year. Our Outlander PHEV is the most environmentally friendly vehicle, according to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). In addition, we also support carbon emission reduction through 60 Years 60 Rai reforestation project.”

Community hospitals to receive solar panels have been selected based on the recommendations by the Public Health Ministry, their power requirements, and physical structure. 

Dr Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, Public Health Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary, said: “Hospitals use a huge amount of energy for 24/7 operations. With stable electricity from solar panels, community hospitals can increase the efficiency of medical services and minimize the gap in healthcare access for people in surrounding communities. This project can support the Ministry’s missions by creating sustainable energy for hospitals, in line with the government’s strategic direction towards a carbon-neutral society.”

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand launches new CSR program ‘SOLAR FOR LIVES’ to drive Thailand toward a carbon-neutral society

Under the ‘Solar for Lives’ project, Mitsubishi Motors Thailand has recently donated the first solar system to Namphong Hospital in Khon Kaen, while the second solar system went to Phaya Mengrai Hospital in Chiang Rai province.

Namphong HospitalNamphong Hospital

Phaya Mengrai HospitalPhaya Mengrai Hospital

Besides the solar systems, Mitsubishi Motors Thailand has also lent one unit of Mitsubishi flagship electric car, Outlander PHEVs, to each hospital to be used for their medical services. This environmentally friendly vehicle can provide a maximum 1,500 watts of power for electrical appliances for outdoor activities. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV does not only provide a reliable source of electricity in an emergency or blackout, but it can also be an alternative option for medical personnel who travel to nearby communities in a 20-kilometre range to provide medical treatments, as the vehicle has an electric-only range of up to 55 kilometres in addition to a hybrid range of over 500 kilometres.

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand launches new CSR program ‘SOLAR FOR LIVES’ to drive Thailand toward a carbon-neutral society
Mitsubishi Motors Thailand launches new CSR program ‘SOLAR FOR LIVES’ to drive Thailand toward a carbon-neutral society

Mitsubishi Motors Thailand commits to its environmental goal of supporting Thailand in becoming carbon neutral. There are a number of green programmes in place to reduce carbon emissions throughout all of the manufacturing operations, including Reforestation, Solar for Lives project, and the production of the electric car – Outlander PHEV that made its debut in Thailand in 2020. The company also installed a rooftop solar system at its Laem Chabang factory in Chonburi, the largest manufacturing centre outside of Japan, which can reduce carbon emissions about 6,100 tons per year.

Published : August 04, 2022

By : THE NATION

Thailand eyeing food exports to China after ban on Taiwan imports

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Thailand is attempting to fill the void in China left by Beijing’s ban on more than 2,000 Taiwanese food imports amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Thailand eyeing food exports to China after ban on Taiwan imports

Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Friday that the Thai trade attaché in Beijing has been instructed to gather a list of products that Thailand can export to China to make up for reduced supply from Taiwan.

“We found demand in food and beverage products, including instant noodles, frozen fish, snacks, fruits and various drinks,” Jurin said.

China imposed targeted economic sanctions on Taiwan, which it considers to be part of its territory, after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a high-profile visit to the island on Wednesday.

Beijing barred shipments from more than 100 Taiwanese exporters of food ranging from fresh produce to baby food, confectionery and pastries.

Jurin, who also doubles as deputy prime minister, said on Friday that Thailand’s imports and exports had not been affected by the tensions between China and Taiwan.

He added that his ministry’s Department of International Trade Promotion would hold an online business-matching event for Thai exporters and Chinese importers on August 24-25. About 150 Thai exporters and some 200 importers from China and Hong Kong have agreed to take part.

The commerce minister said the event would help bolster Thailand’s exports.

In the first six months of the year, Thai exports totalled 5 trillion baht, a 12.9 per cent increase from the same period last year. Last year’s exports totalled 8.5 trillion baht.

Published : August 05, 2022

Weaker dollar, gold sell-offs bolster baht

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The baht opened at 35.82 to the US dollar on Friday, strengthening from Thursday’s close of 36.

Weaker dollar, gold sell-offs bolster baht

The currency is expected to move between 35.70 and 36 during the day, Krungthai Bank market strategist Poon Panichpibool predicted.

Poon said the baht might swing sideways or strengthen more than investors expect due to the weakening of the dollar and the selling off of gold.

Moreover, the baht is supported by the hope of the Thai tourism sector’s recovery.

The currency market, however, is highly volatile as the US employment data is expected to be revealed soon.

If the data is better than expected, then the market may be concerned that the US Federal Reserve will increase the interest rate, which will cause the dollar to strengthen.

Poon said some importers, especially energy companies, will buy the dollar after the baht strengthens beyond the 36 to the dollar level, while some investors may sell the dollar for profits.

The baht’s new support level would be at 35.70 to 35.80 to the dollar while its resistance level is 36.20 to the dollar.

Published : August 05, 2022

By : THE NATION

Thailand confirms first female monkeypox case

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A 22-year-old Thai woman has been confirmed as the fourth monkeypox case in Thailand. All previously confirmed cases are men — Nigerian, Thai and German nationals.

Thailand confirms first female monkeypox case

Department of Disease Control director general Dr Opart Karnkawinpong said on Friday that the woman frequented Bangkok entertainment venues popular among foreign tourists. She is believed to have contracted the disease through physical contact with an infected case, he said.

The woman told health officials she had a fever on July 29 but visited an entertainment venue the following day with Thai and foreign friends.

Later, blisters appeared on her limbs before spreading to other parts of her body including the genital area. She was admitted to a hospital in Samut Prakan province on Wednesday (August 3).

Tests the following day by the Department of Medical Sciences and Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine confirmed she had contracted monkeypox virus, according to Dr Opart.

Thailand confirms first female monkeypox case

She is being treated at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute in Bangkok. Health authorities are attempting to locate people who had close contact with the woman.

Dr Opart stressed that it is not easy to contract monkeypox. However, close physical contact with strangers is a risk factor, he added.

Meanwhile, the chief public health official in Phuket province, Dr Kusak Kukiattikoon, said on Friday that the Thai girlfriend of a 25-year-old German man diagnosed with monkeypox had tested negative for the virus. Her family members are being monitored by medics.

Thailand confirms first female monkeypox case

The German man is Phuket’s second monkeypox case and Thailand’s third.

The country’s first case was discovered on July 18, when a 27-year-old Nigerian man who had overstayed his visa tested positive in Phuket. He then fled to Cambodia, where he was detained and treated in Phnom Penh.

A 47-year-old Thai man was the second confirmed monkeypox case. He is believed to have caught the virus from a Belgian man who has already left Thailand.

As of Thursday, there have been 26,208 confirmed cases of monkeypox in 83 countries. The United States tops the global list with 6,617 cases, followed by Spain (4,806), Germany (2,781), the United Kingdom (2,672), and France (2,239).

Published : August 05, 2022