Issue 19
Worm farming is environmentally friendly and can help reduce reliance upon chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
As demand from health-conscious consumers grows, so does the need for organic food and products. New Friend Farm realises that today’s consumers seek products that help them feel healthier.
Established in 2010 by Sathaporn and Natita Chayaopars, the company produces organic earthworm faeces or castings and worm products under the Nong Duen brand. It also embraces the King's philosophy of Sufficient Economy.
“We have implemented the philosophy of Sufficient Economy by sustaining business growth,” says Natita Chayaopars. “We take one step at a time and expand in accordance with market demand. The business started through an interest in worm castings and the benefits of natural and chemical-free fertilisers. Plenty of research has been done on worm castings. They are richer in nutrients than most gardening soil and are environmentally friendly. We have refrained from using chemical fertilisers and are committed to constantly improve our products.”
Issue 18
Thailand’s fragrant jasmine rice has been named the world’s finest alongside its Cambodian counterpart at the international World Rice Conference.
Thailand’s brown jasmine rice and Cambodia’s romduol rice species were awarded the coveted title during the sixth World Rice Conference, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in November. For the previous two years, Cambodian rice has walked away with the title, but at this year’s event Thailand’s popular offering was jointly awarded the top prize.
In total, 25 rice samples from 15 countries and regions, including Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Myanmar and the US entered the contest hoping to scoop the coveted title. During the two-day event, a panel of industry experts sampled the different strains before choosing the winner solely based on the appearance and taste of each of the types of rice.
Jeremy Zwinger, president and chief executive officer of the Rice Trader, which organises the annual competition, announced the winners during the conference, which was held at Koh Pich’s convention centre in Phnom Penh.
Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary President of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, claimed the prize is proof of the popularity of Thailand’s tasty rice. "We are one of the world's largest rice exporters and our rice's quality is internationally recognised," he said.
Ophaswongse said that as of the beginning of November, Thailand had exported about eight million tonnes of milled rice and was on track to hit its 10.5 million tonne target by the end of the year. This shows a significant growth of about 70 per cent, meaning Thailand will this year reclaim its former status as the world’s largest rice exporter.
Figures from the end of October show India as the second-largest rice exporter this year with almost seven million tonnes. Vietnam is next with more than 5.34 million tonnes, followed by Pakistan with 2.5 million and the US with just over two million tonnes.
Speaking of Cambodian rice’s joint win with Thailand, Sok Puthyvuth, president of the Cambodia Rice Federation, said, "This is another significant milestone for Cambodia's rice industry. The award clearly reflects our rice's high quality and I hope that the reputation of our rice will continue to be better known internationally." According to Puthyvuth, between January and October this year, Cambodia exported 304,788 tonnes of milled rice, earning about US$180 million.
Jasmine rice is the highest produced strain of rice in Thailand and is regarded as a higher quality grain. Despite having a significantly lower yield than other varieties it usually fetches more than double the price of other strains available on the global marketplace.
Brown jasmine rice is said to carry greater health benefits than its white counterpart because it still contains the bran. It is also rich in vitamins, such as vitamins A and B, and contains antioxidants that boost the working of the nervous system and are said to help fight cancer.
Words by Marissa Carruthers
Issue 16
As tourism numbers seem set to spiral, Bangkok is about to embark on an ambitious new project to ramp up its two international airports.
Thailand’s government will upgrade airports across the country, including Bangkok’s two international visitors hubs Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports, now cruising close to their 60 million passenger a year capacity, as it seeks to boost tourist numbers and lift the country’s economy.
The new projects will complement a range of new airport projects in Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai and Chiang Mai that have been completed in recent years that have helped to accommodate the Southeast Asian region’s booming low cost carrier market and additional regional infrastructure is underway.
Issue 17
With the advent of the ASEAN Economic Community, Thailand’s leading manufacturer of ice makers plans to further expand into international markets.
One of the country’s strongest sectors, Thailand’s electrical and electronics (E&E) industry is looking forward to new market opportunities created by the forthcoming ASEAN Economic Community.
According to figures from the Board of Investment of Thailand, the country is already the world’s second-biggest producer of air conditioners and the fourth largest for refrigerators. Several multinational E&E companies have established bases in Thailand, including Philips, Electrolux, Schneider, Western Digital, Seagate, Sony, Nikon, LG and Samsung.
Issue 15
Thailand’s best designers cause quite a stir at the country’s major houseware and gift fair.
Thailand showcased some of its leading designers at the 38th annual Bangkok International Gift Fair (BIG) and Bangkok International Houseware (BIH) Fair in October. Held in conjunction with the Thai Lifestyle Products Federation (TLPF) and Design & Objects Association, and presided over by Deputy Minister of Commerce, Apiradee Thanthraporn, this year’s theme was ASEAN Life+Style.
“The fair was held to promote Thailand as the largest manufacturing and exporting hub in Asia for gifts, decorative and lifestyle products as well as a platform for foreign buyers to engage with exhibitors,” said DITP Director-General Nuntawan Sakuntanaga.
Over 30,000 visitors were expected to attend the event over five days from October 19 to 23 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), raising some three billion baht in sales.
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