“Ministry of Public Health” Opens “InterCare Asia 2020” To build Academic-International Innovative Network For Promoting Thailand as ASEAN’s Model Medical Hub for Elderly Car

Head Advisor to the Minister of Public Health opens the 5th “InterCare Asia 2020”, the trade show of complete products and innovations on health and living of elderly, and revealed that it will be an international stage for building academic and innovative network for elderly in order to promote Thailand as the medical hub and model country for elderly care of ASEAN. The host indicates that elderly market will have bright future in long-term with value of 107,000 million baht and over per year. This event will show several advanced technologies consisted of over 100 booths of elderly products and services causing the host believe that over 500 million baht will be spent in this event.

Dr. ML. Somchai Chakkrapan, Head Advisor to the Minister of Public Health said after the opening ceremony of InterCare Asia 2020 that, in 2020, Thailand has over 12 million populations with the age of 60 years and over calculated to be around 18% of total populations and this percentage will be increased to reach 20% in 2021. Consequently, Thailand is completely considered as aging society. Since Thai government realizes on such importance, Thai government defines “aging society” as a national agenda in order to prepare Thailand to deal with “complete aging society” and to make all sectors realize on importance of such preparation to become aging qualitatively. The Ministry of Public Health performed integration with related agencies to drive operation, establish direction and goal for making people in working age realize on importance of preparation for aging in order to become elderly persons who can look after themselves in daily life with good quality of life as well as making people in Thai society to consider elderly persons as potential persons. InterCare 2020 is considered as preparation of all sectors for dealing with aging society in the future as well as development of technologies, innovations, and knowledge for providing good services to public. Moreover, the Ministry of Public Health also aims to upgrade Thailand as the ASEAN’s medical and innovative hub for elderly by driving ASEAN’s member countries to establish ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) that is the center for developing knowledge, supporting researches, promoting innovations, and creating medical database of ASEAN leading to policy establishment and guidelines for mutual development of member countries. 

“For InterCare Asia 2020, the Ministry of Public Health considers that this event could become a stage to build academic network among domestic and international agencies as well as generate perception on Thailand’s roles for promoting Thailand as the medical hub concretely. In this event, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, cooperates with Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat Univresity, and NSTDA to hold some seminars for providing knowledge on health care and medicine for elderly, for example, direction of health innovations for elderly persons from hospitals to communities” Head Advisor to the Minister of Public Health said. 

Mr. Sakchai Pattarapreechakul, the Managing Director of N.C.C. Exhibition Organization Company Limited revealed that it could be considered that elderly market has high potential with demands covering several businesses based on Thailand’s situation which the number of elderly persons increases continuously. Entrepreneurs start to focus on elderly market increasingly in order to respond demands in long-term. Consequently, the value of elderly market reaches 107,000 million baht per year. Therefore, the 5th InterCare Asia 2020, the trade show of complete products and innovations on health and living of elderly, will be held during October 15th – 17th, 2020, at Hall 101, Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC). This event will gather quality and internationally accepted elderly products and services as well as transfer knowledge from government and private sectors in order to build academic network and business network for giving new opportunities to entrepreneurs. During this event, it is estimated that 500 million baht will be spent in this event and after this event. 

In this event, there will be many interesting activities including free health check-up programs from Samrong Medical Hospital and CGH Hospital, trade fair of Smart Life Products for Elderly People, innovations or technologies for improving quality of life of elderly persons, for example, Dinsow AI Nose launching, the world’s first innovation for screening cancer through breath with accuracy of 93% helping to check breast cancer and lung cancer that is manufactured by a Thai company, CT Asia Robotics, and “Genie”, a robot from TA ROBOT that will be demonstrated in facilitating elderly persons, Smart Home devices for home convenience from Hafele with simulation of toilets that are suitable for elderly persons, toilet door technology for wheel chair users, anti-bacteria door handles, various models of support devices, and furniture for elderly, home loan for elderly persons from Government Housing Bank and activities from OPPY Club, technology courses for elderly persons, for example, YouTube, social media. In addition, this event also presented various kinds of elderly products, for example, soft food from SOFT spoon, beds for patients or persons with problem on bedsore from APEX, ready-to-eat boiled egg white bar from Eighty Eight, etc. 

Miss Kanokporn Damrongkul, the Director of Exhibition and Event Department, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB said that, during COVID-19 situation, TCEB established a Re- Energizing Exhibition campaign to promote convention and exhibition under “New Norm” through technology tools program, for example, Virtual Meeting Space, in order to connect this event with online community and support entrepreneurs with online convention and exhibition platform for generating new experience of event participation via online and offline efficiently. In 2020, TCEB will apply such policy to promote conventions and exhibitions as well as InterCare Asia 2020 that has been supported by TCEB for 5 consecutive years. Since Thailand is becoming aging society completely, development and improvement of quality of life of elderly persons is considered as the important factor for industrial sector in driving Thailand’s economy in the future. 

Mr. Chartchai Panitcheewa, the Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries or FTI, said that InterCare Asia 2020 is considered as an important stage allowing entrepreneurs to show their potential in manufacturing products for responding to elderly market and add business value through meeting new business partners for responding to demands of this market in the future. Consequently, FTI supports this event by publicizing this event to over 11,000 members and inviting members that are medical equipment and health industries as well as supplementary industry to hold their booths in this event under the pavilion of Federation of Thai Industries. Moreover, FTI also presents new innovations in this event, for example, “Phan”, the electric Tuk Tuk that is designed with lower floor for convenience of elderly persons and persons using wheelchairs, etc. 

InterCare Asia 2020 will be held during October 15th – 17th, 2020, at Hall 101, Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC). For more information, please visit: http://intercare-asia.com/

TAT launches ‘Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2020 - Non-Stop Shopping’ From 15 July to 15 September 2020, Thai and foreign residents can take advantage of an unprecedented number of deals and promotions.

Bangkok, 9 July 2020 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the ‘Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2020 - Non-Stop Shopping’ from 15 July to 15 September, 2020, to stimulate tourism spending and help entrepreneurs in tourism-related industries. Miss Thapanee kiatphaibool. -. Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business (TAT), said, "The ‘Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2020 – ‘Non-Stop Shopping’ will continue to promote the image of Thailand as a shopping destination, while also helping all operators affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“It will offer products from the fashion, sports, communication technology, home decor, childcare, food and cuisine, hotel, spa, and various tourist industries at special prices. This along with gifts and many more privileges is intended to attract interest from Thai and foreign residents and create new experiences in shopping.

"TAT has invited over 10,000 establishments across the country to join the ‘Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2020 - Non-Stop Shopping’ project and give special privileges to Thai and foreign residents throughout the two-month period in the main tourism centres of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya and Hat Yai.

The project will differ from the last three years, which formerly focussed on discounts from participating establishments, and event marketing in key areas and lucky draws. This year’s project will take an “O2O: Online to Offline approach” through online activities on the project’s LINE official account (online) that will offer gift vouchers for shoppers to redeem as discounts at participating establishments (offline). 

Weekly online sales promotions on different categories of products and services will be introduced to entice interest among Thai and foreign residents throughout the two-month period. Week 1: Travel, hotels, airlines and vehicles. Week 2: Fashion, beauty, spa and kids. Week 3: 8.8 Flash Sale. Week 4: Food and beverages. Week 5: Entertainment and sport. Week 6: Property, home décor, and souvenirs. Week 7: IT, gadgets, and electronics. Week 8: 9.9 Flash Sale.

On two ‘lucky days’ within the two-month period, TAT is also planning online activities to stimulate spending under the ‘Non-Stop Shopping’ concept, with giveaways and lucky draws. The ‘8.8 Happy Moment’ campaign on 8 August offers 4,100 vouchers, worth 660,000 Baht, through online quiz games. 

The ‘9.9 Get Lucky Number 9’ campaign on 9 September offers 20 gift vouchers, worth 100,000 Baht, via online games on Facebook: Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2020. TAT is also collaborating with the leading on-line shopping platform, Shopee, to organise a sales promotion campaign during 15 July - 31 August, 2020, to increase sales channels for participating entrepreneurs.

The UTU application, a global bank-affiliated platform will also be used to offer special privileges to collect points, redeem points and give cash back to tourists using credit and debit cards from their affiliates. 

Shoppers who buy products and services from participating entrepreneurs during the two month ‘Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2020 – ‘Non-Stop Shopping’ will also be eligible to win 20 big prizes after the completion of the project including return tickets of a domestic flight from Thai AirAsia and THAI Smile, Mitsubishi New Xpander Cross car, accommodation package from Bandara Villas in Phuket, gadgets and more worth over 1,000,000 Baht. The lucky draw will take place at the Conrad Bangkok Hotel on 17 September, 2020.

Last but not least, TAT is offering 2020 shopping bags under the “Responsible Tourism – Non Stop Giving Bags” campaign. Shoppers will be invited to snap their photos at participating establishments’ display areas and post on their personal social media channels with #amazingthailandgrandsale2020 and #nonstopshopping2020 for a chance to receive a shopping bag.

TAT expects the project to generate 100 million Baht in direct spending on products and services in the various categories, and help enhance sales promotion for at least 10,000 entrepreneurs in the tourism and travel-related industries in Thailand. For more information, visit www.amazingthailandgrandsale.com or Facebook: Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2020.

“Buy One Get One Free” Voucher Promotion Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort

Thai nationals and expats have the opportunity to explore the marine eco-systems of the Andaman Sea and the comforts of the resort’s -chic bungalows and villas

Sustainable travel experience leader, Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, is offering Thai residents the opportunity to leave the stress of the city behind and enjoy a blissful beachfront break on Phi Phi Island with its limited-time offer, “Buy One Get One Free”.

With the travel plans of thousands of Thai and expat families getting back on track, the resort is ideal for families looking for something a little extra during their time off – with a host of fun and learning activities focusing on eco-discovery through the resort’s ground-breaking Marine Discovery Centre run by a resident marine biologist, which is dedicated to the conservation of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi National Park.

Guests will have the opportunity to adopt and re-introduce clownfish to the ocean, plant coral at the marine nursery, dive, snorkel and explore the mangrove-lined tributaries by two-man kayaks that surround the resort while learning about Thailand’s unique eco-system and astounding biodiversity.

Set in 70 acres of lush tropical gardens with an 800-metre-long stretch of soft sand, overlooking the Andaman Sea, Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort is a spectacular seafront retreat. Thai nationals and expat residents can unwind and enjoy an array of activities, including dining overlooking the ocean at Beach House, treatments in the jungle spa, island excursions and children’s workshops. 

Under the new limited time offer, Thai residents and expats who buy a voucher before 31 July 2020 can get a free night and item for every night and item booked. This promotion includes a choice of bungalows and villas, plus daily breakfast, welcome drinks, in-room fruit and free Wi-Fi. Stays are valid until 25 December 2020.

Room	Now – 31 October 2020	01 November – 25 December 2020
Superior Bungalow	5,500	7,500
Deluxe Garden Bungalow	6,300	8,500
Deluxe Bungalow	7,300	10,000
Deluxe Seaview Bungalow	8,300	11,500
2 Bedroom Family Bungalow	10,300	13,500
Beachfront Junior Suite	10,300	13,500
Hillside Pool Villa	12,000	15,000
Extra Adult	1,500	1,900
Extra Child (4-12 years)	750	950

The above rates are quoted in Thai Baht (THB), per room per night and include prevailing tax and 10% service charge

Privileges:
  -Get a free night for every night you book if you purchase a voucher by 31 July 2020 for a stay from now until 25 December 2020
  -Get a free item or service for every item or service you buy before 31 July 2020 through a voucher, also valid until 25 December 2020. Services and items include food & beverages, mini bar, spa treatments, transfers, excursions, laundry, and gifts
  -Daily breakfast
  -Welcome drink
  -In-room welcome fruit basket
  -Complimentary Wi-Fi
  -Scheduled transfer from Phuket to resort by speedboat at THB 1,250 per person per way instead of THB 2,119

Terms and Conditions:
  -“Buy One Get One Free” Voucher Promotion is applicable to Thai residents only. A valid ID or work permit is required upon arrival. The free night(s) must be used directly after the paid night(s) and cannot be accumulated for future stays
  -Children up to 3 years old can stay for free using existing beds and have access to breakfast
  -This promotion is based on availability and cannot to be combined with other offers or promotions.

For more information or to make your reservation, please contact Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort at: Tel. +66 (2) 058 9888 ext. 306 | Email. reservations@phiphiislandvillage.com

Initial result of the trial in monkeys is promising. Thailand COVID-19 vaccine program is on track with the planned human trial later this year.

Dr. Suvit Maesincee, Thailand's Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation gave the latest updates on Thailand's COVID-19 Vaccine Program that the initial result on the trial which he witnessed the first doses in Monkey last month is promising. "All monkeys receiving the mRNA vaccine construct remain healthy and free of side effects. Blood test shows that the monkeys produce satisfactory level of antibody against the SARS-CoV -2, the virus that caused COVID-19", Suvit said. He added that "The Government is committed to support and fast-track the vaccine development efforts, both domestically as well as collaboratively with academic and industrial partners around the world."

"Currently, we have 5 COVID-19 candidate vaccines in development" , according to Professor Sirirurg Songsivilai, Secretary-General of National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and Head of Emergency Operating Center on Medical Innovation, Research and Development of Thailand' s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Some vaccine candidates are in early stage of development, but 2 candidate vaccines are already in animal evaluation. The mRNA vaccine developed by Chulalongkorn University has proceeded through evaluation in mouse and then in monkey. Second dose in Monkey is given on June 22 at the National Primate Center in Saraburi, north of Bangkok. "We are very cautious and conducted the trial under strict regulations. With this encouraging result, we have proceeded with the second dose and expect that the antibody level will get even higher in the next few weeks. If things go according to plan, and this is the big ifs, of course, human trial should start later this year". The inter -ministerial COVID-19 Vaccine Program is jointly supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), Ministry of Public Health. The government has earmarked 3 billion Bahts (around USD 100 million) to support the vaccine effort.

hailand is well on track on the control of the first wave of COVID -19 outbreak. So far, 3,148 individuals are infected, with 58 deaths. There are no domestic cases for 4 consecutive weeks, with all recent cases are returning citizens from overseas who are under the managed state quarantine.

SHISEIDO supports 10 hospitals for Face shield & products from Shiseido group

Shiseido (Thailand) Company, Limited presented a donation of “Face shields and products from Shiseido group” to 10 hospitals in Bangkok and Chonburi area. To support health workers in the battle against.

Bangkok - April, 22 2020 Khun Parichart Veerasatien; Managing Director, SHISEIDO (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. has donated and handed face shields and products from the Shiseido group to Phramongkutklao Hospital to support medical professionals working hard on the front line to fight the pandemic. Presented donations to Major General Ruttavitch Vuttipadahpibu, MD; Chief of Office Commander of Phramongkutklao Hospital.

Shiseido (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. will also donate “Face shields and products from Shiseido group” to these other hospitals: The Thai Red Cross Society, Police General Hospital, Ramathibodi Hospital, Vajira Hospital, Somdejprapinklao Hospital, Srithanya Hospital, Bamrasnaradura Hospital, Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital and Bang Lamung Hospital during April 22-24, 2020

Khun Parichart Veerasatien also stated that “Shiseido is aware of the situation, while also recognizes the vital roles of the medical professional teams as they are battling the pandemic in the front line and also seeing the lack of necessary equipment for testing and screening patients in many hospitals. Therefore, we would like to be a part of helping out and supporting them by giving the face shield to 10 hospitals, both in Bangkok and other province, and presenting the products from the Shiseido group to the medical professional as well.”