According to the most recent research from Future Market Insights, the worldwide women's health supplement market was valued at over US$ 1,42,645.6 million in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 7.5% during the forecast period. From US$ 1,52,169.9 million in 2024 to US$ 2,94,014.8 million in 2034 is anticipated to be the market valuation.

The women’s health supplement market has been expanding in recent years. Women are refocusing on taking vitamins & minerals and practicing preventative medicine.

Around half of women over the age of 65 in North Carolina are said to be dealing with two or more chronic conditions, according to the Center for Women's Health Research at UNC Report Card 2022. It is a progress report that focuses on the health and healthcare requirements of North Carolina's 5+ million women. Chronic illness has a detrimental effect on women's general physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Women suffering from post-menopausal symptoms of hot flashes, calcium deficiency, difficulty in concentrating, depression, and mental confusion are commonly found problems. Along with this, anemia is extremely common in women of menstruating age, for whom these dietary supplements are very beneficial on a day-to-day basis.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that 57.6% of people in the United States aged 20 and above have used a dietary supplement within the previous 30 days. Women were more likely than men to have done so (63.8%).

Due to the rising number of working women and their increased concern for well-being, the demand for different health & beauty supplements has been rising globally. The market for several health supplements among women to keep them fit to deal with a fast-paced life has also been considerably impacted. This is due to the increased awareness among women to maintain a healthy lifestyle and minimize stress.

Competition Landscape

The women’s health supplement market is witnessing high demand as individuals become increasingly concerned about their health. This has led to a surging adoption of these supplements by customers, driving growth of the market. The market is characterized by the presence of several players, including local, emerging, and established companies.

Bangkok, the vibrant heart of Thailand, offers more than just bustling markets and towering skyscrapers. For those with an explorer's spirit, the city reveals a tapestry of hidden gems that beckon to be discovered. From ancient palaces steeped in history to cultural centers showcasing Thailand's artistic heritage, this guide is tailored for travel enthusiasts aged 25 to 55 who seek to delve deeper into Bangkok's rich tapestry.

The Grand Palace: A Glimpse into Royalty

At the heart of Bangkok lies the awe-inspiring Grand Palace, an architectural marvel and a living testament to Thailand's regal heritage. Constructed in the era of King Rama I, it served as the royal residence until King Rama V's reign. Today, it stands as a ceremonial ground, hosting regal events and welcoming dignitaries. The palace is divided into the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the royal residence, further subdivided into the Outer Court, Middle Court, and Inner Court. Each area bears witness to centuries of Thai history, offering a window into the lives of royalty. When visiting, opt for respectful attire in black or white to honor the late King Rama IX. Explore the Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations, and Coins, showcasing Thai regalia and currency.

Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram: Home to the Emerald Buddha

Nestled within the Grand Palace compound is Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, known colloquially as Wat Phra Kaeo. This revered temple enshrines the Phra Kaeo Morakot, or Emerald Buddha, and serves as the backdrop for significant religious ceremonies. With origins dating back to 1784, the temple boasts intricate murals, eight chedis, and the Prasat Phra Thep Bidon. Don't miss the stunning murals depicting the "Ramakian" within the temple's hallowed halls.

Chao Phraya Bodindecha (Sing Singhaseni) Museum: A Glimpse into History

Nestled within Bodindecha School, this museum pays tribute to the esteemed Chao Phraya Bodindecha (Sing Singhaseni). A key figure in Rattanakosin history, he left an indelible mark on military, diplomacy, politics, and economy. The museum showcases his biography, personal effects, and the legacy of Bodindecha School. Immerse yourself in the three Thai golden teakwood houses, each offering a unique facet of Chao Phraya's life and contributions.

Suan Pakkad Palace: Artistry Amidst Nature

A visit to Suan Pakkad Palace transports visitors to a realm of traditional Thai homes ensconced in verdant gardens. Once the abode of Prince and Princess Chumbhot of Nagara Svagar, it now houses a treasure trove of authentic Thai architecture, artifacts, and historical antiques. Additionally, it features surrealist art masterpieces by Princess Marsi Paribatra. Marvel at the exquisite artifacts from Udon Thani's Ban Chiang pre-historic district, which offer a glimpse into Thailand's ancient past.

Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre: Broadway Comes to Bangkok

This Broadway-standard theatre, located near the Thailand Cultural Center, brings the magic of Broadway to Bangkok's doorstep. With a seating capacity of 1455, it hosts awe-inspiring performances, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the world of theater. Arrive early to partake in pre-show activities, and consider exploring the adjacent Thailand Cultural Center for a deeper cultural experience.

Thailand Cultural Centre: Preserving and Propagating Culture

At the heart of Bangkok's cultural preservation lies the Thailand Cultural Centre, a beacon for both domestic and international cultural exchange. Established in 1983, it stands as a hub for exhibitions, performances, and crucial meetings. The centre also houses the Thai Museum, a treasure trove of cultural heritage. Dive into the Thai Museum to embark on a journey through Thailand's rich cultural tapestry.

Conclusion

Bangkok's hidden gems await the discerning traveller, offering a mosaic of history, culture, and art. From the grandeur of the Grand Palace to the cultural immersion at Thailand Cultural Centre, each gem invites exploration. Embark on this journey, and let Bangkok's vibrant tapestry weave its magic on your soul. Happy travels!

The National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), or NIA, is continuing to drive Thailand's Innovation Index to the 30th place by 2030 in the role of a "Focal Conductor" that connects with domestic and international partners to promote and support innovation-based entrepreneurs in all dimensions. This will lead to sustainable economic and social impacts for the country with 7 main strategies which are: 1) To create and enhance innovation-based entrepreneurial competency in targeted industries with networks throughout the supply chain; 2) To promote open innovation and open up the Thai innovation system; 3) To promote access and the utilization of infrastructure with universities and science parks; 4) To be a center for creating an ecosystem that promotes the utilization of innovation; 5) To promote innovation marketing both domestically and internationally; 6) To raise awareness and recognize the importance of innovation in all sectors; and 7) To develop the organization into one that is ready for change and which grows sustainably.

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), or NIA, revealed that in 2023, the policy of using innovation to drive the economy, society and infrastructure necessary for the development of the country had been discussed and roles in order to bring the country to compete at the macro level again were clearly defined. Through this drive, the NIA is another agency that plays a role both in terms of policy makers, facilitating an innovation ecosystem for work capability and for business value creation, including creating innovation among entrepreneurs, startups and government sectors. In addition, there is an important goal to accelerate Thailand to become one of the 30 leading innovation countries in the world by 2030.

"In order to enhance the direction of Thailand's innovation drive to be in line with the global context, the NIA has a new strategy under the concept of "Create the Dot - Connect the Dot - Value Creation" through the "Groom Grant Growth" mechanism and the "2 reduce 3 increase" approach, which is to reduce inequality by focusing on open innovation through the exposure to new ideas from startups and SMEs to fill weaknesses or to combat social and economic problems. Second, to reduce barriers to access and to leverage innovation for all sectors along with revising regulations that could hinder growth and increasing opportunities to access funding sources for both the public and private sectors. Also, to increase the number of innovators and innovation-based entrepreneurs. To create employment, increasing the GDP and creating the image of an "Innovation Nation" as well as increasing the potential of innovation-based entrepreneurs. This will provide the opportunity to expand the market and to create Thai innovative brands that are ready to compete with innovations from abroad," he said.

For the years 2023 – 2027, the NIA has changed its role from being a "system integrator" to become a "Focal Conductor", which will be another new role according to the 7 strategies, he said, namely:

1) To create and upgrade innovation-based entrepreneurs (IBEs) in targeted industries together with networks throughout the supply chain to develop and expand the results of important projects in 5 industry groups: 1) Food Tech & Ag Tech 2) Travel Tech 3) Med Tech 4) Climate Tech and 5) Soft power by promoting IBEs to protect and manage intellectual property in innovative products and to use the NIA Academy as the main mechanism for developing IBEs through an intense curriculum. This is also to be achieved by establishing a network of cooperation with external agencies such as the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Confederation of Thai SMEs, The Federation of Thai Industries, The Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, the Siam Commercial Bank, the Government Savings Bank, the Government Housing Bank, etc., with a goal being that in 4 years there will be 10,000 innovation-based entrepreneurs along with 15,000 innovation personnel and workers and with an impact value in targeted industries and areas of 20,000 million baht.

2) To promote open innovation and to make the Thai innovation system more open by placing an emphasis on open funding and links to other sources of funds. Regionally-aligned industry sector funding should enhance the capacity for grant applications and in preparing project proposals with innovation networks such as universities, science parks, The Federation of Thai Industries, The Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Thai Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneurs Group (YEC) and the Confederation of Thai SMEs to diversify opportunities to access sources of capital in the region, streamlining processes and expediting disbursements in grant projects. Using innovative coupons to provide faster funding as well as linking sources of funding, whether from state-owned banks or other sources of funding, both domestically and internationally. The goal in 4 years is 2,000 million baht in funds to support innovations managed by the NIA, supporting 1,500 projects and innovative businesses with an investment value of 2,000 million baht, with 5 times the cost-effectiveness and with the impact of innovation funding creating 3 new support mechanisms.

3) To promote access and the utilization of infrastructure with universities and science parks by working closely with the regional science parks and provincial governors to establish innovation committees as has been done in Phatthalung and Chiang Mai provinces. Also creating innovation networks in border areas in cooperation with agencies under the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Higher Education, such as the Department of Community Development, research agencies and universities, including the DEPA CEA, to increase the area of innovation provinces to be comprehensive and to generate results and have an impact in each region. The goal in 4 years is more than 3,000 IBEs participating, promoting the utilization of innovation infrastructure in 40 universities and 16 parks, creating regional innovation investment of 20,000 million baht. The urban innovation index ranking has risen by 5 places with innovation development centers in 12 provinces, 12 innovation districts and 3 regional offices.

4) To be a center for creating an ecosystem that promotes the utilization of innovation that facilitates the participation of all sectors, collaborating with partner agencies both domestically and internationally to promote and support IBEs both financial and in other dimensions. This emphasizes using innovation to create economic and social impact, building a network for utilizing research outcomes and creating a space to support startups like Station F of the French Republic. Also, tasks include preparing a database of Thai innovation systems, making policy recommendations and pushing for laws that strengthen the Thai innovation system, such as financial and tax policies that support innovative businesses, IP tax redemption, or policies that support targeted industries and extending privileges in Innovation Districts with the BOI and Draft Act to promote startup enterprises.

5) To promote innovation marketing both domestically and internationally for products and services of innovation-based entrepreneurs in the form of a "Business Brotherhood", allowing large companies to support the business expansion of IBEs, such as promoting the marketing of innovative products with CP All, Makro, Siam Piwat and Central Group companies, including promoting IBEs to know how to build a brand, marketing through e-commerce platforms by expanding the cooperation with Shopee in the InnoMall project with other platforms such as TikTok and Line, including creating a catalog of innovative products in both Thai and English. In collaboration with agencies in the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the goal in 4 years is 1,000 IBEs participating in the project with the value growth from domestic and international markets to be 1,000 million baht.

6) To raise awareness and recognize the importance of innovation in all sectors through the Innovation Thailand project, organizing innovation award contests, SITE events, Ubon Art Fest events to create a coalition in driving the Thai innovation system. The goal in 4 years is the number of online and onsite participants of at least 50,000 people, with the number of online content visitors of not less than 2,000,000.

7) To develop the organization into one that is ready for change and which grows sustainably, focusing on cross-functional work, reducing complicated work processes. supporting job rotation, promoting creativity, implementing project-based management and setting clear and consistent Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) across the organization. Personnel management should be systematic, transparent and fair, emphasizing teamwork in order to achieve the mission of the organization as well as introducing the concept of sufficiency economy and ESG principles into operations.

"Within a year, the NIA has set a goal to make progress in Thai innovation both in terms of value and brand image, whether it is to push the draft Act to promote start-up enterprises successfully or to create a space to support startups based on the French Republic's Station F model. This will be an area where startups and investors gather and are equipped with facilities, consulting firms, global technology offices and promotion program for support of both public and private companies," he said.

"In addition, it will also create a network for utilizing research outcomes with agencies under the Ministry of Higher Education, making policy recommendations and pushing for laws that strengthen the Thai innovation system, such as financial and tax policies that support innovative businesses, IP Tax Redemption, or policies that support targeted industries, expanding privileges in innovation districts with the BOI, linking innovation databases and creating a platform for Innovation Thailand, etc.," Dr.Krithpaka concluded.

In photo: Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), or NIA

With the summer holiday fast approaching, families are in search of the perfect destination to create unforgettable memories with their children. Look no further than Bangkok, a vibrant city that caters to families with its diverse attractions, rich cultural experiences, delectable cuisine, affordable prices, and a wide range of shopping options. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable family vacation in Bangkok, thorough preparation and a positive mindset are the keys.

Bangkok experiences hot temperatures ranging from 35C-40C during the summer, along with occasional rainfall. It is advisable for families to pack lightweight clothing, umbrellas, and water-resistant shoes or slippers. When visiting temple attractions, long skirts or pants with sleeve shirts are recommended. Indoor activities are a great option and provide relief from the hot and humid weather during this season.

Bangkok's shopping centers offer an unparalleled experience and are accessible via the BTS Skytrain. Siam Paragon, Thailand's top shopping destination, is a must-visit for families. Located at BTS Siam station, Siam Paragon features Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, a giant indoor aquarium, where kids can marvel at the wonders of the sea. Gourmet Eats on the floor above offers a delightful Bangkok street food experience in an air-conditioned environment. The 3rd floor of Siam Paragon is a paradise for both kids and moms, offering reasonably priced toys and high-quality gear.

For families seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, Emporium and EmQuartier, under The Mall Group, at Prompong BTS station are the perfect options. These shopping malls integrate green space into their unique designs and cater to luxury brands. Carefully curated cosmetics, fragrances, apparel, and household products at the beauty hall on the G floor offer a luxurious experience for mothers. EmQuartier, located just across the street, offers exciting activities for children, including Bounce, a jumping stadium, and EmJoy, featuring Bunjee, an unique flying experience while also benefiting the posture and bone alignment. Both rooftop bars, restaurants, and the Gourmet Thai section offer excellent culinary experiences to families.

Before embarking on the shopping adventure, take note of these tips. While tourist cards obtained on the spot at Emporium, Emquartier or Paragon offer a 5% discount, the concierge and bellboys at the hotel have a secret deal: 10% discount card exclusively for tourists. In Thailand, tourists can claim VAT refunds once they spend 2,000 Baht at a single store/day.

Mr. Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, secretary-general of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), delivered a lecture on "Open Data: Anti-Corruption Weaponry in Digital Age" at the PPTV FORUM 2023, on May 25, 2023. Taking up the theme of Open Government: Game Changer in Fight against Corruption, the event was held at Movenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok.

Kasemmongkol said that the promotion of transparency and open government data are the core of good governance or good public management. Both the United Nations and the World Bank have recognized this promotion as key to successful development efforts in many nations around the world. Such principles are also enshrined in Sections 76 and 164 of Thailand's Constitution.

Section 76 stipulates that the state must promote the development of morality and transparency in accordance with the principles of good public management among all types of state organizations so as to deliver maximum benefits to people via state functions and services that uphold equality, quality, efficiency and transparency. People therefore are direct beneficiaries. Section 164, meanwhile, states that the government must ensure and arrange for good public management. Therefore, the promotion of transparency via open government data and ethical state operations have had utmost importance.

Good governance or good public management has six pillars namely 1) Rule of Law; 2) Transparency & Data Disclosure that is being discussed today; 3) Morality; 4) Public Participation in State Operations; 5) Responsibility; and 6) Cost-efficient & Time-Efficient State Operations.

Regarding the NACC Board's and the government's policies on the promotion of good governance and anti-corruption in the public sector, multidimensional guidelines have been laid down as follows:

1. The promotion is enshrined in the constitution;

2. The promotion is enshrined in the Anti-Corruption Act and many laws on the administration of state affairs; and

3. The promotion is a part of national strategies, master plans, and action plans of each government agency.

The NACC Board and the government have issued many measures to enhance the integrity of state officials. Nowadays, state officials' corruption risk is significantly lower than in the past. Even if corrupt practices are undetected in the beginning, investigations can be launched retroactively.

One of the anti-corruption measures used by the NACC and the government is the promotion of transparency. There are many tools for the promotion such as information laws and legislations that upgrade digital-government operations.

Kasemmongkol said that people needed to physically go to government agencies to receive their services in the past. Officials also had the right to call in people and have face-to-face meetings involved talks. Negotiations for bribes may emerge during such meetings. So, if our bureaucratic system has reduced face-to-face meetings between people and state officials, or if we use other means of contacts, the risk of bribery talks will be lower. The new way of contacts can also save state budget as well as people's money. Several countries have already developed digital systems to facilitate state operations or digitalized state services.

The development of digital-government operations starts by integrating systems for enhanced efficiency or service delivery in the way that reduces the exercising of state officials' judgements, curbs the risk of corruption, and promotes greater government-data disclosure for better transparency. The NACC, in collaboration with the government, has already pushed for several relevant laws for the development of state operations and good governance. Moreover, the NACC has launched the Integrity and Transparency Assessment (ITA) as a key tool.

On laws related to the promotion of transparency and good governance in the public sector, the Act on Management of State Affairs by Electronic Means B.E. 2565 stipulates that to seek an approval, a permit, a tax refund, a certificate, a registration, a construction permit or the likes, people no longer have to queue up physically at government agencies. They can just file requests electronically. After this act came into force and related systems sprang into operations, people can just contact authorities online. They do not have to travel to government agencies. Such approach saves people's time in contacting government agencies. There is no need for face-to-face contact, which may lead to negotiations for bribes.

Several other laws have also been introduced to increase bureaucracy's efficiency and to prevent bribery. For example, the Licensing Facilitation Act B.E. 2558 requires that each government agency specify clearly how long it will take to respond to each request. In the past, people had waited really long to get response because there was no clear timeframe. Traders, entrepreneurs, and people who wanted fast results thus ended up paying bribes to shorten the period of government agency's request review. However, with the Licensing Facilitation Act in place, agencies of all ministries and departments must release a manual detailing how long it will take for them to complete each task. If they fail to comply with the timeframe, a person contacting them may file a complaint. This is just one of many laws that country have introduced to curb corruption risks.

Regarding the promotion of open data, the NACC Board and the government have worked together in preparing several measures. One of them is ITA. Everyone wants to see transparency in the public sector and comprehensive data disclosure so, currently basic data that are useful to both the people's sector and the private sector; government agencies' performance data, and importantly data related to budgets and procurements are open data that all government agencies must release to the public. They must be held accountable and ready to provide explanations to the public. Such data had not been treated as the government's confidential information anymore. The principles behind such data disclosure have applied to NACC's ITA model. All government agencies therefore have to embrace these principles as they seek to comply with ITA criteria.

Kasemmongkol thought that many of people must be quite familiar with ITA and that some of them may have doubts or misunderstandings about it. Therefore, he provided clarification about ITA and its objectives.

He said ITA is not mainly designed as an assessment of corrupt practices. In essence, it is about assessing good governance in regard to management and tools used for the implementation of anti-corruption projects / activities. It is therefore a tool for state agencies to improve their operations or e-services, and importantly to disclose data in line with laws and strategies, paving the way for these agencies to have good governance and lower corruption or abuse-of-authority risks. Based on its indicators and assessment topics, ITA gives 95 points to the management and implementation of projects / activities and five points to the awareness of corruption issues among personnel.

To make it easier to understand, he compared ITA to a basic health check. With this check, we will be able to identify abnormalities in one's body or if any body function is below standard. Upon learning about the abnormalities or the function that fails to meet proper standard, patients need to adjust their behaviors.

He emphasized that ITA is not a medicine. It cannot provide recovery. But patients can recover or regain good health, if they change their behaviors (for example by improving their operations and management). Family members must also help by creating a proper environment (for example by issuing supportive legal measures and state supervision). If patients follow such guidelines, they can become stronger. But if they do not change or ignore problems, cancer may develop. In the end, their illness may worsen to the point of a crisis and the NACC will have to use legal actions to remove those cancerous problems.

Kasemmongkol said that during the past many years, changes have been happening with the digitalization of state operations. Data disclosure has increased in a tangible manner in compliance with laws.

The NACC Board and the government have used the aforementioned measures and framework to improve state operations and deter state officials' wayward behaviors. If all sides have followed these measures and framework on a continual basis, all civil servants and state officials will become familiar with such practices. Over time, their conscience and attitude will change in line with such standards. They will behave accordingly, regardless of these measures and framework. Civil servants and state officials will in the end be accustomed to serving people, ensuring public convenience, and refraining from corruption or abuse of authority.

Tianlong, an innovative high-tech company specializing in molecular diagnostic products in China, has partnered with public hospitals in northern Thailand to build up detection measures for hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV), and for the early diagnosis and treatment of the viruses. Globally, more than 350 million people are living with viral hepatitis, and 9 in ten people living with hepatitis are unaware of their diagnosis. Tianlong's HCV&HBV detection solution can help reduce the transmission of the disease by enabling early diagnosis and proper treatment.

Tianlong's HCV&HBV detection solution has been successfully installed in public hospitals in Thailand, and its solution will be seen in more local hospitals in the future. Tianlong's HCV&HBV reagents, compatible with its nucleic acid extractor PANA9600S and PCR system Gentier 96, provide a rapid test with high sensitivity, which has received great praise from high-end users.

"Tianlong can give timely responses both online and offline when we need technical support. We have great confidence in Tianlong's products, and we would welcome more cooperation in the future," said a local hospital representative in Thailand.

Tianlong's STIs solutions will also be applied in Thailand soon to help prevent and control sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Tianlong is committed to expanding its presence in Thailand and working closely with local partners to provide excellent solutions and services for its customers. The company believes that its molecular diagnostic solutions for hepatitis and other diseases will become increasingly popular in the local market, helping to improve the health and well-being of local people.

Tianlong is an innovative high-tech company specializing in molecular diagnostic products in China. Since its foundation in 1997, Tianlong has devoted itself to providing integrated PCR lab solutions for professionals worldwide. The company has a wide range of products, ranging from devices to reagents, including nucleic acid extractors, real-time PCR systems, all-in-one molecular diagnosis systems, sample processing systems, liquid handling systems, and 300 kinds of compatible reagents.

Celebrate Pride Month: experience the magic of colourful Pride festivals here in Thailand, supporting and celebrating the LGBTQIAN+ community. Join the Spectacular Pride parade at Central World shopping center – one of a leader of the celebration of the Pride festival in Thailand, JVs with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand, partners from government and private sectors led by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Galderma Thailand, Muse by Metinee, Bangkok PRIDE and Tiffany's Show Pattaya Co., Ltd. to roll out the great celebration of THAILAND'S PRIDE CELEBRATION 2023 – 'PRIDE FOR ALL'

The Biggest Pride Parade – waving rainbow flags in eight branches nationwide led by 'Proud to be Pride' at Central World with the show 'Fly High In The Sky for Pride' and Fashion Parade that gathers over 500+ models together with the 'This is my look' Parade from Galderma (Thailand) to express self-expression with confidence and charm. Followed by the sensational 'Pride Concert' by Thailand's leading artists.

Echoing voices of diversity and equality with the Bangkok Pride 2023 parade, which Central World co-hosted with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in addition to Naruemit Pride. The parade are moved from the Pathumwan intersection to the Ratchaprasong intersection at Central World, waving the beautiful and spectacular 144.8-meter rainbow flag with hundreds of thousands of people joining the grand procession. Enjoy special shows, mini concerts and celebrations of gender diversity attended by provincial governors ambassadors, government agencies and representatives from the LGBTQIAN+ community.

Pride Talk with UNDP, listen to discussions from key persons in the LGBTQIAN+ community at centralwOrld, Central Pattaya, Phuket, Udonthani, Khon Kaen, Chiangmai and Chonburi. Enjoy Pride Competitions of Miss International Queen with national costumes at centralwOrld. Pride Vibe – experience an art installation from artist: 'Teayii' Prapatsorn with her work: 'Seat a Pride' throughout two full months at centralwOrld (June-July 2023) and at Central Chonburi under the art concept of 'Mirror Mirror: Reflect Yourself'.

As Thailand is now the first country in ASEAN to liberalize hemp and cannabis for medical use, Thai Leaf Biotechnology Co., Ltd. has unveiled its plan to develop products with CBD extract, to address the needs of the medical and healthcare market in Thailand and ASEAN.

From recent developments in the Thai market, it is understandable for consumers and the general public to have controversial issues and resistance to this important breakthrough, as they are still confused between hemp and marijuana - the two varieties within the Cannabis family. Christopher Utz, Director of Product Development at Thai Leaf explained that the clear difference is that hemp contains high levels of CBD but low levels of THC, making it safe, unlike marijuana, which has THC levels in excess of 0.2%, making it narcotic, or making one "high". Generally speaking, THC acts on the nervous system to give an intoxicating effect, while CBD has no side effects, but has numerous therapeutic and medical benefits, as well as bringing the body back to its "neutral strange". Simply put, hemp is known for health as opposed to marijuana which is used for recreational purposes.

Not generally known, hemp is one of the most useful plants on Earth. Among thousand other uses, it can be used to make materials, ropes, textiles, and paper, it can be used as fuel and can also be consumed. More recently, it has been developed for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical use.

Mr. Utz further emphasized the science behind the benefits of CBD discovered merely 30 years ago. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological regulating system comprised of molecules called endocannabinoids naturally produced by the human body, -i.e. to help maintain homeostasis or, in other words, "balancing" your body, easing pain, sleep, mood, energy, inflammation and appetite. Cannabinoids such as CBD are found naturally within the cannabis plant and can mimic the functions of endocannabinoids and help to address any imbalance within the body.

Mr. Utz looks forward to the introduction of Thai Leaf's outstanding hemp-infused nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products in 2023. All Thai Leaf products have a tremendous amount of experience and research behind them and they will have a noticeable health impact for its consumers.

Robert Traill, President of Thai Leaf announced that Thai Leaf has a 3-year research collaboration with world's leading Cornell University, in the United States to develop a new tropical hemp strain for Thailand. The new strain would be able to grow with shorter day-lengths, be resistant to mold and have high CBD potency with negligible THC.

With the founders' extensive background and experience in both the agricultural and pharmaceutical industry, Thai Leaf's end-game is in pharmaceutical CBD products. This background is what distinguishes Thai leaf from other producers. It has the experience of the highest production standards and combines it with expertise and know-how from the US and Canada.

Mr. Traill is extremely positive about the growth of the industry in Thailand. The Thai CBD market is currently worth THB 7 billion, and forecasted to grow to THB 50 billion within the next three years. Thailand is the first country in the region to legalize hemp-derived CBD, and is in a unique and strong position to be a leader in the ASEAN region of 650 million potential consumers.

Currently, due to the ambiguous stage of the laws, there may be unstandardized products that do not possess the claimed qualities and may contain undesirable compounds. Thai Leaf calls for a benchmark of standardization and traceability, which all producers need to adhere to, so that the consumer is guaranteed with the highest quality of products.

The extraction and distillation of hemp biomass to produce high quality cannabinoids and CBD is an important step in providing fine quality products for the CBD industry. "There are simply no shortcuts to having good equipment and systems in place". Thai Leaf's final focus is pharmaceutical (medical) CBD. Therefore, it is essential that its factory is built to US GMP and European PIC/s standard (the highest standard for the medical industry) utilizing world-leading extraction, distillation and crystallization equipment from the US and Germany. Having Master Growers from the US and importing standard operation systems, also allows Thai Leaf to leverage decades of experience and know-how within its products.

To summarize, with the right regulations in place, standards will automatically rise for all manufacturers, making it possible for Thailand to become a hub and regional leader for Hemp-derived raw materials, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products, with high hopes that hemp becomes an economic crop for the Kingdom of Thailand.