In a world where technology and sustainability dance a delicate ballet, it’s fitting that Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, along with The Standard news agency, decided to commemorate its milestone 40th anniversary with an event that could very well set the stage for future choreography. The 14th Greenovative Forum, aptly themed “Crafting Tomorrow’s Future with Sustainable Energy and AI,” was no ordinary gathering – it was a confluence of minds eager to envision a future powered by clean energy and artificial intelligence, held at the innovative True Digital Park West. As the curtains were drawn, spotlight shining brightly on over 600 attendees comprising both local and international experts, Mr. Prasong Poontaneat, esteemed Acting Chairperson of Bangchak’s Board of Directors, took center stage to inaugurate the forum. His successor at the podium, the enigmatic Mr. Chaiwat Kovavisarach, Group CEO and President of Bangchak, regaled the audience with his keynote speech, “AI,…
Posts published in “Thailand”
In the ever-evolving tapestry of Thai politics, drama and debate often find themselves center stage, especially when the narrative weaves through the corridors of power in Bangkok. And so it is with the recent buzz surrounding Noppadon Pattama’s proposal—a hot topic sparking interest like fireworks on a clear summer night! Noppadon, a Pheu Thai list MP, has deftly thrown a cat among the pigeons by suggesting a vigorous debate over the 2001 Thailand-Cambodia memorandum of understanding (MoU) concerning joint development in the Gulf of Thailand. This proposal is but the latest chapter in a saga that, like a good novel, promises more plot twists than a thriller. Leading the intrigue on the government side is Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, boasting a dual role as the head honcho of the Bhumjaithai Party. Always one for open dialogue, Anutin has given a thumbs up to the idea…
In a groundbreaking move, a dedicated team of medical professionals at the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health is offering a lifeline to young hearts with their innovative Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation (PPVI) procedure. This cutting-edge method stands at the frontier of medical advancement, promising to reduce the need for repeated invasive surgeries in patients beset by critical congenital heart disease. According to the Department of Medical Services (DMS), every year in Thailand sees the birth of approximately 4,000 babies with congenital heart disease, a staggering 10% of whom suffer from severe conditions requiring immediate medical intervention. Dr. Taweesilp Visanuyothin, the esteemed Director-General of DMS, explains how such disorders can be a surprise package, discovered during prenatal screening or, in some cases, only after birth. With congenital heart disease affecting eight out of every 1,000 newborns, the numbers add up rapidly. Considering the annual birth rate exceeding half a…
In a world where choices often define our quality of life, it’s about time that the realm of HIV prevention steps up its game. Recently, a dynamic forum highlighted the urgent need for diversifying PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) medication options, aiming to provide individuals with a personal armor, customized to fit their unique lifestyles. Enter Nittaya Phanuphak, the formidable executive director of the Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI), who is championing this transformative movement forward. Why the clamor for diversity, you might wonder? Well, the current star in the lineup, oral PrEP, is undoubtedly a powerhouse when it comes to warding off HIV. Its track record is sterling, yet, like all stars, it has its quirks. Taking it with steadfast regularity can sometimes be as awkward as flaunting flip-flops to a black-tie event—particularly for those with bustling lives rife with unpredictable schedules. Besides the logistical hassles, the obligatory medical…
Fury unleashed by the unyielding rains swamped Sungai Kolok district in Narathiwat recently, turning what were once bustling neighborhoods into islands in a sea of despair. With tens of thousands affected, evacuation operations were carried out, and those stranded were rescued and taken to safety. (Photo: Royal Thai Navy) Amidst the chaos, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stepped forward with a beacon of hope, announcing the government’s decision to offer compensation to each household engulfed by the South’s deluge. Mirroring efforts made in the North earlier, the proposed solace amounts to 9,000 baht per household and is set to bring some relief to the flood-ravaged provinces. As both an earnest politician and the Interior Minister, Mr. Anutin assured that respite was in sight with meteorologists forecasting a downturn in the relentless rains. “Our brave local authorities are tirelessly evaluating the extent of havoc wreaked on both private homes and crucial…
In a remarkable stride towards achieving environmental sustainability, the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) has embarked on an ambitious project: the integration of solar rooftops across its ports. This green initiative isn’t just a minor shift; it’s a major leap towards sculpting “green ports” as a pivotal component of the country’s broader ecological commitments. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri proudly unveiled this venture, emphasizing its alignment with the ever-pressing global need for ecological responsibility. The deputy minister articulated the ministry’s steadfast dedication to steering all its agencies towards adopting green logistics. This is not merely an isolated endeavor but a calculated stride towards nurturing a low-carbon society, harmonizing with the tenets of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles—a testament to Thailand’s forward-thinking vision. A primary benefit of the solar rooftops is their capacity to significantly diminish carbon dioxide and other noxious greenhouse gas emissions. This transformation, in concert with PAT’s…
Vientiane: In the heart of Southeast Asia, a beacon of hope shines for Myanmar as the next round of extended informal consultations is set to take place in bustling Bangkok this month. The talks are poised to bolster the esteemed five-point consensus on Myanmar, previously put forth by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Chatoulong Bouasisavath, the director-general of Laos’ Asean Department, relayed this promising news during the 8th Asean Media Forum held in Vientiane, the charming capital of Laos. Laos, proudly donning the Asean chair mantle this year, gears up for crucial conversations that will see past, present, and future Asean chairs pool wisdom and resources. This dynamic trio will engage in a comprehensive review of the five-point consensus, a framework adopted during the chairmanship of industrious Indonesia last year. With Malaysia waiting in the wings to claim the chair in the coming year, the role of each…
The political scene in Thailand is once again abuzz with lively discussions, as the Bhumjaithai Party rallies behind Pheu Thai list MP Noppadon Pattama’s suggestion for a general debate. This political tête-à-tête revolves around the infamous 2001 Thailand-Cambodia memorandum of understanding (MoU) concerning joint development in the Gulf of Thailand. Stepping into the limelight is Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister, and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, who stands staunchly in favor of this intriguing dialogue. It’s a grand spectacle, as Mr. Noppadon calls for this debate under Section 152 of the constitution, allowing the MPs and senators to delve into the depths of the MoU in the next parliamentary session. The aim? To douse any political protests before they catch fire. Mr. Anutin, with a flair of assurance, declares that such discussions are the parliamentarians’ rightful domain, driven by facts and noble intentions. He firmly reassures the public that the…
At the heart of the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, amidst the futuristic backdrop of True Digital Park West, an air of excitement and curiosity enveloped the 14th Greenovative Forum. This year, the event was themed “Crafting Tomorrow’s Future with Sustainable Energy and AI,” and it served as the celebratory hallmark of Bangchak Corporation Plc’s 40th anniversary. With Prasong Poontaneat, the acting board chairman, sharing opening remarks, the event set the stage for a thrilling discourse on the intersections of artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable energy. AI is a buzzword that’s hard to ignore in today’s tech-savvy world. While it promises to revolutionize numerous industries with its advanced computational capabilities, it relentlessly consumes electricity like an insatiable behemoth. The core dilemma highlighted at the forum was this: as the global community inches toward cleaner energy solutions, how do we feed AI’s ever-growing hunger for power without compromising our environmental goals? Chaiwat…
In the bustling world of global business, where the stakes are higher and the competition fiercer, emerges a beacon of leadership—Mr. Bandhit, CEO of Thaioil Plc. This year, Mr. Bandhit has been honored with the illustrious title of CEO of the Year, a distinction that resonates deeply within the corridors of power, not just in Thailand but on a global scale. His acumen is being tested in the shadow of a towering challenge: the $5.37 billion Clean Fuel Project (CFP), which is currently stalled due to a complex web of disputes and delays involving its main contractors. Thaioil Plc, steadfast in its vision to soar among the elite echelons of the world’s top refineries, is now poised to leverage its rights under a parent guarantee agreement. This assertive measure is being contemplated as negotiations with the central contractor coalition, known as UJV, tread water, showing few signs of resolution. This…