Bangkok
Sura Krishna triumphs in Bangkok: A lightning victory for Bangladesh
In a stunning display of skill and power, Bangladesh's boxing pride, Sura Krishna Chakma, known for his lightning-fast hands, secured a phenomenal victory in an international match today (January 25, 2024) in Bangkok.
The much-anticipated event, "Way of the Champions: Roar of Dragons," hosted by Thailand's premier promoter, Highland Promotions, at the Spaceplus venue, saw Sura Krishna, popularly known as “Jummo Rock”, taking on Thai contender Sornram Sopakul in the Lightweight division.
The bout, initially slated for six rounds, was dramatically cut short when Sura Krishna delivered a knockout just 1 minute and 50 seconds into the second round, according to a media release. His formidable combination of powerful punches and sharp jabs enthralled the audience, demonstrating his boxing mastery.
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This victory follows Sura Krishna's previous triumph in the Super Lightweight Intercontinental Championship under the Asian Boxing Federation, further cementing his status as a global boxing icon.
The event was graced by the presence of prominent figures from the Bangladesh Boxing Foundation, including Chairman Adnan Haroon and Vice Chairman Arman Haque, who celebrated Sura Krishna's remarkable achievement.
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In his statement, Haroon expressed immense pride: "Witnessing our nation's finest lightweight boxer triumph in the biggest promotion in Thailand is both a joyous and proud moment for us."
The tournament featured 10 bouts, highlighting the talents of boxers from various countries such as Singapore, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Australia, and Bangladesh, offering a spectacle of international boxing prowess.
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With sanctioning from both the WBA (World Boxing Association) Asia and the Asian Boxing Federation, the event upheld high standards of competitive sportsmanship.
Supporting Bangladesh's participation, bKash collaborated with Xcel Sports Management and Promotions, ensuring a seamless and impactful presence in the international boxing arena.
BTCCI to promote Bangladesh as 'gateway to South Asia' for Thailand
A 50-member trade delegation from Bangladesh will be visiting Thailand to take part in the biggest business-to-business matchmaking seminar to be held in Bangkok on November 30.
The delegation will be led by Abdur Rahim, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce; Makawadee Sumitmor, Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh; and Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTCCI) President Shams Mahmud.
Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry along with the Commerce Ministry of Thailand and the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka jointly organised this program.
The delegation visit will be the first of a series of planned visits to Thailand by Bangladesh Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry to make Thailand the gateway for Bangladesh to Southeast Asia and promote Bangladesh as the gateway to South Asia for Thailand, BTCCI said on Tuesday.
Read: BGMEA chief for stepping up economic diplomacy to boost Bangladesh-US trade
A seminar titled “Bangladesh and Thailand: New Horizons for Trade and Investment” will also be held during this time where Dr Masrur Reaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange, will make the keynote presentation.
Over 100 Thai companies will be participating in this event, comprising of agro, beauty and skincare, construction, light engineering, textile, aviation, hospitality, renewable energy, and fisheries sectors.
During this visit, important discussions are expected to take place regarding free trade agreement between Bangladesh and Thailand along with ways to encourage FDI, joint ventures, transfer of technology, and new avenues of cooperation.
Besides this, the delegation leaders will make courtesy calls on Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Thailand Trade Representative; Sarun Charoensuwan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Ekachat Seetavorarat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce.
Read: BMCCI advocates for business-friendly environment in meeting with deputy governor of central bank
Four factory visits have been arranged to showcase cutting edge technologies in garments and textile, environmental management, construction, light engineering, and agro sectors for the delegation members.
US-Bangla to operate daily flights on Dhaka-Bangkok route from Dec 1
US-Bangla Airlines is going to operate daily flights from Dhaka to Bangkok from December 1 this year.
Currently, US-Bangla operates flights five days a week on Dhaka-Bangkok route.
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Due to the additional demand of passengers, it will leave Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 11:45 am on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday for Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport and land in Bangkok at 3:15 pm local time from December 1.
On the same day, it will take off from Bangkok at 4:20 pm and reach Dhaka at 6:05 pm.
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It will take off from Dhaka at 9:40 am on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and land in Bangkok at 1:10 pm local time. On the same day, it will take off from Bangkok at 1:55 pm and reach Dhaka at 3:40 pm.
The minimum fare for one-way on Dhaka-Bangkok route has been fixed at Tk 27,507 and return fare at Tk 33,154. The rent includes all types of taxes and surcharges.
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Currently, US-Bangla operates flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Chennai, Male, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Sharjah, Dubai, Muscat and Kolkata.
US-Bangla Airlines has a total of 20 aircraft including 8 Boeing 737-800, 9 ATR 72-600.
Climate Change: Leaders gather at annual UN policy forum in Bangkok to tackle the most daunting threat
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) opened its 79th session in Bangkok on Monday with global and regional leaders calling for urgent action to combat climate change and its dire impacts.
They urged countries in the region to meet their nationally determined contributions, intensify development of climate-sensitive technology, nurture policy environments supporting both industrial diversification and low-emission transport, as well as increase investments in renewable energy infrastructure.
“Asia and the Pacific can set the pace of climate action in the decades to come. Most countries in the region have already pledged carbon neutrality goals towards mid-century. But we need to accelerate action, with steep reductions in emissions within the next few years,” said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his opening message.
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Climate change poses major challenges to all strands of sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.
The region includes 13 of the 30 countries most vulnerable to climate impacts and without concerted action, it could see an additional 7.5 million people fall into poverty by 2030.
“Each one of us and every aspect of our world is being affected. Those who are most exposed and have the fewest resources to respond to climate change, however, are the most vulnerable,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP.
She added that the integrated nature of climate change calls for holistic, multisectoral solutions as well as targeted support.
Fekitamoeloa Katoa ʻUtoikamanu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Tourism of Tonga who was elected Chair of the 79th session, underscored that inclusive intergovernmental platforms such as ESCAP are a lifeline for the Pacific. “While the Pacific small island developing states contribute less than 0.03 percent of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, they are amongst the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In this regard, ESCAP is an important platform to advocate for regional and global action to achieve their climate goals.”
“The IPCC clearly demonstrates that the lower the emissions in 2030, the lower the challenge in limiting global warming to 1.5°C after 2030. Integrated planning, coherent policies, and economic stimulus investments designed to meet both the Sustainable Development Goals and climate challenges can generate significant co-benefits and speed up progress,” said Lachezara Stoeva, President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
“We used to say that the choices we make will define the future for the generations after us. Now we have to say that the choices we make will decide whether there will be a future for the generations after us,” shared Csaba Kőrösi, President of the United Nations General Assembly. He added, “We are not lacking in ideas and plans; it is high time we realized them.”
Heads of states and governments from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mongolia, Palau, the Philippines, Samoa, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu and the Cook Islands also addressed the opening session.
While voicing grave concerns about the complexities and growing threats of climate change on sustainable development, they expressed their optimism for shared solidarity and cooperation towards building a resilient, sustainable and prosperous future for all.
More than 880 participants from 61 member States, associate members and permanent observers as well as representatives from academia, international organizations, youth, business and civil society are attending the session this week.
It is expected to culminate on Friday with the adoption of ten resolutions covering, among others, recommendations for accelerated climate action, ocean protection, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, supporting countries in special situations, promoting digital cooperation and inclusion, the use of space applications for sustainable development, advancing sustainable urban development and launching a new decade of persons with disabilities.
Academic seminar on the occasion of Mother Language Day held in Bangkok
An academic seminar was jointly organized by Kasetsart University and Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok on Friday at Kasetsart University campus on the occasion of International Mother Language Day 2023.
In the opening ceremony, The Ambassador of Bangladesh to Bangkok Mohammed Abdul Hye was present as a special guest where Dr. Ladawan Puangchit, Vice President (Academic Affairs) of Kasetsart University and Director of Kasetsart University International College and Dr. Buncha Chinnasri, Deputy Director of Kasetsart University International College were also present.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Mohammed Abdul Hye mentioned in his remarks that the main source of the vocabulary of both Bangla and Thai languages is Sanskrit. The same source of written form-the Brahmi script is used in both the languages.
Therefore, there is ample scope for further comparative research on Bangla and Thai languages, he added.
The Ambassador emphasized on organizing such academic seminars on a regular basis and assured that the Bangladesh Embassy would come forward for such an endeavor with Kasetsart University in the future.
At the outset, the Deputy Director of Kasetsart University International College Dr. Buncha explained the background of this joint venture of Kasetsart University and Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok.
Moreover, Dr. Puangchit, in her welcome speech, mentioned the ongoing activities between Kasetsart University and the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok including specially earmarked scholarships for Bangladeshi graduates in Masters and Post-doctoral programmes.
During the seminar, Dr. Kowit Pimpuang, Associate Professor of Thai Language Department of Kasetsart University, Dr. Sombat Mangmeesukhsiri, Managing Director of the Sanskrit Studies Centre of Silapakorn University and International Mother Language Institute Director General and Dhaka University Communication Disorders department professor Dr. Hakim Arif participated as panelists.
At the end, Maleka Parveen, Minister (Political) and Deputy Head of Mission of the Bangladesh Embassy, expressed her sincere thanks to all the panelists for their enlightening discussions.
Thai AirAsia launches Dhaka-Bangkok flight
Thai AirAsia, a subsidiary of Malaysia-based AirAsia Aviation Group, has launched the Dhaka-Bangkok flight.
The inaugural flight from Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport landed at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Friday at midnight.
The airline will operate four weekly flights between Dhaka and Don Mueang.
The incoming flight carried several eminent passengers, including Thai AirAsia officials.
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Thai Air Asia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya, Regional Commercial Head Tansita Akrarittipirom and its senior executives of corporate communications were part of the delegation.
Thai AirAsia's inaugural flight launching ceremony was held at a Dhaka hotel Saturday. Md Mahbub Ali, state minister for civil aviation and tourism, was the chief guest at the event.
Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman, Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Makawadee Sumitmor, Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim, and Santisuk were also present.
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Thai Air Asia GSA, TAS Aviation Chairman KM Mozibul Hoque, Vice-Chairman and CEO Sheikh Mamunul Hoque, Managing Director Morsedul Alam Chaklader; directors Kazi Shah Muzakker Ahmadul Hoque, Md Atiqur Rahman Masud, Anwar Abedin Manik and other members of the company also joined the event.
AirAsia, voted the world's best low-cost airline for 13 years in a row in Skytrax awards, has been operating 14 weekly flights between Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur since 2015.
Raushon Ershad returns home from Thailand
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Raushon Ershad returned home from Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, on Monday after nearly seven and a half months of stay there for medical treatment.
She reached Hazrat Shahjajal International Airport around 12 noon, said her assistant private secretary Md Mamum Hasan.
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Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader along with the party’s senior leaders welcomed the opposition leader at the airport.
Earlier on Sunday, GM Quader said Raushon, the chief patron of the Jatiya Party, was now doing well as her physical condition improved a lot.
Rahgir Al Mahi Saad Ershad MP (Rangpur-3) who along with his wife Mahima Ershad accompanied Raushon in Bangkok throughout her stay there said his mother is now fine, but very weak.
“She has problems in her legs and still can’t walk properly. It may take time for her to gain back her strength. She needs more physiotherapy,” he said.
Read:Raushon Ershad taken to Bangkok for better treatment
Saad said Raushon will also go to Bangkok for follow-up treatment on July 4 next.
On November 5 last year, Raushon was flown to Thailand by an air ambulance as her health condition turned critical. She has been receiving treatment at Bumrungrad Hospital since then.
Earlier, Raushon Ershad, 78, underwent treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) as she fell ill seriously due to old age complications.
2nd FOC: Dhaka, Bangkok discuss cooperation; logo unveiled
The second round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Thailand was held in Bangkok on Tuesday that discussed cooperation on matters of mutual interest in regional and international forums.
Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Masud Bin Momen and his Thai counterpart Permanent Secretary Thani Thongphakdi led their respective delegations.
Read:New US Ambassador Peter Haas arrives in Dhaka
The meeting reviewed the overall state of bilateral relations including development of cooperation in the political, economic, security, connectivity, technical, consular, cultural and social spheres and expansion to newer areas based on shared interests.
They emphasized on the need for exchanging high level visits and reactivating all bilateral mechanisms to further expand and consolidate cooperation in various fields, said a media release.
After the official talks, the two Foreign Secretaries unveiled the logo for celebrating the 50 years of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Thailand later this year.
Dhaka, Bangkok keen to take trade, investment ties to new heights
Bangladesh and Thailand have agreed to further intensify the trade and investment relations between the two countries for raising the relationship to a newer height.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday congratulated Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Don Pramudwinai on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-Thailand diplomatic relations and discussed ways of strengthening the cooperation.
During the telephone conversation, the Foreign Ministers exchanged greetings of the New Year.
During the phone call, both the Ministers agreed to jointly celebrate the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic ties in a befitting manner.
READ: Special articles to be published marking golden jubilee of Dhaka-Bangkok diplomatic ties: Thai embassy
Both Foreign Ministers expressed satisfaction at the existing bilateral relations.
Dr Momen applauded the Thai Government’s offer of DFQF scheme to the Bangladeshi products in its market till 2026.
He emphasized on enhanced connectivity between Bangladesh and Thailand for further strengthening bilateral and regional trade relations by joining the proposed India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway.
The Foreign Minister acknowledged the Thai investment in some infrastructure development projects of Bangladesh and encouraged more investment from Thai investors in various sectors, particularly in the agro-processing industries.
He informed his Thai counterpart of various investment incentives offered by Bangladesh and the opportunities for investment in the 100 economic zones and the high-tech parks.
While apprising of the pressure that Bangladesh is facing on account of an additional 1.1 million displaced Rohingyas sheltered temporarily purely on humanitarian grounds, Dr Momen solicited Thai support for an expeditious resolution of the Rohingya crisis.
He urged for a more coordinated and proactive support of ASEAN in this regard for the peace, stability and security of the greater region.
Dr Momen appreciated remarkable support by the Thai Government during the COVID 19 Pandemic, particularly for facilitating 17 repatriation flights carrying both Thai and Bangladeshi nationals.
He praised Thailand's initiatives for development and production of Covid-19 vaccines and discussed with his Thai counterpart of the Covid-19 situation in Bangladesh and the various measures adopted by the government of Bangladesh in this regard.
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Both the Foreign Ministers stressed the importance of exchanging more high level visits, particularly during this important year of celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the diplomatic relations this year, for infusing further dynamism and vitality to the existing friendly relations between the two countries.
They expressed optimism that the upcoming Second Foreign Office Consultations would be successful and pave the way for deeper engagements between the two countries.
Biman to resume Bangkok flights from Dec 2
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to resume operations on its Dhaka-Bangkok-Dhaka route from December 2.The flight will leave Dhaka for Bangkok twice a week at 11:30am on Thursdays and Sundays.The return flight will depart Bangkok every Thursday and Sunday at 4:15 pm local time (6.15pm in Dhaka).Passengers can collect tickets from any sales office of Biman, sales center head office in Balakaand authorized sales centers.Passengers can travel to Bangkok at least 14 days after receiving the full dose of the Covid-19 vaccine recognized by the Thai authorities. Passengers must register for ‘Thailand Pass’ from the website: https://tp.consular.go.th/Passengers willing to travel to Thailand must have Covid test and a negative certificate within a maximum of 72 hours before departure. After reaching the country, they will have to be tested again.
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Passengers will be able to visit the designated tourist destinations only if their Covid test reports are negative after their arrival in Thailand.Passengers are not required to stay in the hotel quarantine but they will be required to stay in the sandbox area (designated tourist centers) for 7 days under the 'sandbox program' by the Thai authorities.
READ: Biman resumes direct flights to Abu DhabiPassengers will need to make a 7-day reservation at an SHA + hotel recognized by Thailand's tourism authority in the sandbox area and they must have insurance coverage of USD 50,000. SHA is a certificate given by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to hotels and services that meet pandemic-level safety and health standards