Category: The Bangkok Post

The Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) and the Government of Saskatchewan, Canada, represented by the Ministry of Trade and Export Development, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate industrial decarbonisation and knowledge exchange in support of Thailand’s Net Zero by 2050 roadmap.

The MOU outlines collaboration in clean energy and advanced CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage) technologies, as well as long-term pilot projects within the Saraburi Sandbox. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, and senior representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan.

The Government of Saskatchewan brings extensive expertise in low-carbon technologies, while TCMA has long been committed to advancing Thailand’s cement industry towards its 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap.

Mr Nopadol Ramyarupa, Vice-Chairman and Acting Chairman of TCMA, said the agreement marks an important step in expanding international partnerships to accelerate progress. ‘TCMA is delighted to sign this MOU with the Government of Saskatchewan. This collaboration aims to accelerate the Thai cement industry’s transition to Net Zero by 2050 through technological innovation in clean energy and CCUS. A potential pilot project in the Saraburi Sandbox could also serve as a role model for industry decarbonisation, inspiring the region and beyond.’

The partnership will establish a joint working group to develop projects, share knowledge, and track progress through annual reports. It also emphasises capacity building, training, workshops, seminars and business linkages between Saskatchewan and Thailand.

Hon. Warren Kaeding, Minister of Trade and Export Development of Saskatchewan, said: ‘This partnership demonstrates how Saskatchewan’s expertise in clean energy and innovation is creating global opportunities. The collaboration with TCMA not only allows us to share knowledge with Thailand and ASEAN, but also reinforces Canada-Thailand relations in addressing climate change while expanding trade and investment opportunities.’

Mr Pavich Kesavawong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, commended the partnership, noting that it will give Thailand access to advanced technologies critical for achieving greenhouse gas reduction targets. He added that the department stands ready to integrate economic opportunities with social benefits, aligning policies to drive Thailand towards a low-carbon society.

Mr Panotson Sujayanont, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, said carbon reduction is a priority for the industrial sector and key to enhancing competitiveness. He stressed that the department is prepared to support the adoption of advanced low-carbon technologies to help industries transition to sustainable development.

This MOU establishes a framework for exchanging expertise and fostering collaboration between Thailand and Saskatchewan, marking a key milestone for TCMA in advancing Thailand’s efforts to achieve its climate commitments.

Marking three decades of success in Vietnam, Thailand’s leading paint and chemical manufacturer is charting an ambitious path forward. Under the theme ‘Painting Dreams, Building Futures,’ TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited or TOA has unveiled a vision to expand its business, strengthen its leadership in innovation, and drive sustainable growth in the Vietnamese market, reinforcing its standing as a trusted brand for consumers and partners alike.

Founded as Thailand’s No. 1 paint brand, TOA has steadily expanded across ASEAN. Beginning with the import of premium-quality paint from Japan in 1964, the company entered Vietnam in 1995 with the establishment of TOA Paint (Vietnam) Co., Ltd., reflecting its philosophy of ‘fishing in the ocean’ by growing beyond domestic borders to become a key regional player.

Today, TOA’s comprehensive product portfolio spans decorative paints, wood coatings, industrial coatings, construction chemicals, ready-mix mortars, tiles, gypsum boards, and JOMOO sanitary ware. Its breadth of offerings has enabled it to outperform several global top-five competitors and consolidate its position as a major force in ASEAN. The company now operates production plants in seven countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia and Malaysia, underlining its regional success and growth potential.

Mr Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon, CEO of TOA, noted that entering the Vietnamese market three decades ago was a strategic step that embodied TOA’s philosophy of ‘thinking ahead, acting first.’ Leveraging its expertise and innovation from Thailand, the company successfully tapped into Vietnam’s dynamic real estate sector and resurgent industrial production, paving the way for sustained growth and recognition as a regional industry leader.

TOA Vietnam’s performance has been outstanding, recording average annual sales revenue of over THB 1.5 billion in the past three years. Its distribution network now covers more than 1,200 retail stores and major projects nationwide. TOA’s commitment to R and D has yielded climate-appropriate innovations, such as heat-reflective coatings, mould-resistant formulas and eco-friendly solutions. These advances earned the Golden Dragon Awards 2023 in the ‘Premium Products’ category, further cementing support from contractors and designers. Overseas markets currently contribute around 15% of TOA’s total revenue.

In November 2023, TOA (Vietnam) opened a state-of-the-art distribution centre in Ho Chi Minh City to bolster production and logistics capacity. Equipped with automated systems and LEED Gold-certified processes, the centre enables a fivefold increase in storage and distribution while cutting CO‚ emissions through reduced fossil fuel use, a tangible step in TOA’s sustainability journey, reaffirming its commitment to preserving the environment and reducing impacts on climate conditions.

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its market coverage and product portfolio, with a strong focus on construction chemicals to provide end-to-end solutions. It will continue investing in eco-friendly innovations, including low-VOC paints certified with Singapore’s Green Label, aligning with both consumer demand and government sustainability policies. Brand reinforcement will involve closer collaboration with customers, partners and distributors, restructuring distribution channels, and establishing more regional hubs in remote provinces to serve millions of consumers more effectively. This also includes increasing the production efficiency to strengthen the TOA’s sustainable growth along with consumers.

Mr Jatuphat emphasised that over its 61 years in Thailand and 30 years in Vietnam, TOA has consistently upheld its leadership in paints and chemicals across Southeast Asia. ‘We are committed to sustainable growth founded on good governance and transparency, aiming to create long-term happiness for future generations while supporting community and environmental development,’ he said.

He expressed gratitude to stakeholders, customers, partners and employees, whose trust and dedication have been central to TOA’s success. With decades of experience, he added, TOA is confident it will continue to hold a strong place in consumers’ hearts while advancing its presence across ASEAN.

A court has backed prosecutors and denied bail for Nopparat Benjawatananun, the former National Office of Buddhism (NOB) chief who fled to the United States after he was accused of embezzling subsidies for the restoration of temples across the country, the Office of the Attorney-General announced on Monday.

Mr Nopparat, who was extradited to Thailand on Saturday, was taken into police custody as he had two active warrants against him.

The warrants, issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 7 and Region 9 in 2023, accused him of diverting funds meant to go towards the renovation and development of over 65 temples across the country.

The warrants also noted his alleged involvement in the embezzlement of funds allocated to a further 65 temples in the deep South.

Mr Nopparat fled to the US after the scandal broke out eight years ago. The US Marshals Service finally located and detained him in April.

OAG, in cooperation with the Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), secured the extradition of Mr Nopparat last weekend.

According to OAG spokesman, Sakkasem Nisaiyok, Mr Nopparat was brought to the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 7 Monday morning to acknowledge the charges against him.

Mr Nopparat will remain in custody until Oct 10 as prosecutors opposed bail, calling him a flight risk.

Mr Nopparat is accused of misappropriating properties, corruption and malfeasance under sections 83, 147, 151 and 157 of the Criminal Code, after authorities detected irregularities in the renovation of Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan in Ayutthaya.

Mr Sakkasem said the allegations against Mr Nopparat carry severe penalties as they involve large sums of money that he and his associates allegedly embezzled from the government.