Acme Worawat, ACT Warriors donate demining robots
'This initiative is not the procurement of weapons for warfare, but the prevention of casualties caused by landmines still present in many parts of Thailand. The 'DOK-ING MV-4 Remote Controlled Mine Clearance System' is a remotely operated demining robot capable of clearing at a speed of 3–5 km/h, controllable from a distance of up to 1,500 metres. It is resistant to explosions and harsh environmental conditions, with a service life of 10–15 years. Its dimensions are well-suited to Thailand's geography, allowing continuous operation in high-risk areas and serving as a shield for soldiers engaged in dangerous frontline missions.'
'Although the procurement involves complex procedures — including compliance with legal requirements, liaison with the Croatian manufacturer, verification of its use for military donation rather than for commercial purposes, coordination with the Royal Thai Army and security agencies, and the acquisition of import permits under the Arms Control Act — I and the ACT Warriors, as ordinary citizens, will make every possible effort to secure this equipment and deliver it to the Royal Thai Army. The intention is to provide a tool for mine clearance that spares our personnel from risking their lives, and to restore those areas as 'safe zones' where Thais can resume their lives in peace and normality.' Mr. Acme Worawat further stated.
Acme Worawat is a prominent Thai businessman, investor, and cryptocurrency billionaire, widely recognised as one of Asia's foremost Bitcoin holders with a portfolio of over 11,000 BTC. He is the founder of ACT (ACET), regarded as Thailand's leading home-grown digital currency. Now in its fourth year, the currency has a total trading volume exceeding $506 million (approximately 18 billion baht) and has over 164,000 holders worldwide. In 2024, he marked a significant philanthropic milestone by organising the 'Acme Vampire Day III', during which thousands of ACT (ACET) holders collectively donated 1 million cubic centimetres of blood and contributed 1 million baht to the Thai Red Cross Society. In addition, Mr. Acme Worawat has been a vocal advocate for integrating Bitcoin into the country's national reserve. He has also made headlines with a proposal to offer interest-free Bitcoin loans to the Thai government.
The initiative to donate a 'Remote-Controlled Mine Clearance System' marks a significant civilian-led effort to support the Royal Thai Army. Spearheaded by investor Acme Worawat together with the ACT Warriors community, the project highlights a powerful demonstration of public support for the Royal Thai Armed Forces. Although the equipment is valued at over 100 million baht, Acme reaffirmed that 'Thailand deserves this, not to wage war, but to prevent the loss of life and to affirm that the life of every Thai citizen is far too valuable to be taken by landmine. There will be no public fundraising. Please be wary of anyone making such claims.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Bangkok Post
an hour ago
- Bangkok Post
UNDP, Generali launch challenge to boost MSME resilience
Generali and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have announced an Insurance Innovation Challenge to strengthen the resilience of Thailand's micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs contribute over 35% of the country's GDP and employ more than 70% of its workforce but are under increasing strain from global risks and market volatility. Despite significant progress in achieving universal health coverage in Thailand, many MSME workers remain excluded from social security schemes and are vulnerable to financial hardship due to rising medical expenses. Limited access to healthcare and financial protection can lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and economic insecurity for both workers and the MSME's that employ them. To address these challenges, the UNDP-Generali Insurance Innovation Challenge in Thailand aims to identify and support inclusive, localised insurance solutions to build the resilience of MSMEs, improve the lives of MSME workers and reinforce Thailand's broader social protection framework. Rob Leonardi, Asia Regional Officer, Generali, said: 'Following a successful experience in Malaysia, it's great to see the UNDP-Generali Innovation Challenge coming to Thailand. MSME resilience is a critical issue around the Asia region, and certainly in Thailand, and this initiative puts innovation at the heart of our efforts to boost resilience. It's also important that solutions reflect the experience of MSMEs in Thailand and are designed with the local context in mind. Together with UNDP, I'm confident that our Innovation Challenge will have a big and positive impact on MSME workers and address their needs in a rapidly evolving world.' By identifying, supporting and expanding existing life and health insurance solutions, the UNDP – Generali Insurance Innovation Challenge will contribute to Thailand's social protection framework, strengthen economic stability, reduce vulnerabilities and provide a critical safety net for MSMEs and their employees in the country. Applications will close on September 30th 2025 and the two winning solutions will be announced in November with an award of up to US$40,000 (approx. THB 1,297,600). Niamh Collier-Smith, UNDP Resident Representative in Thailand, said: 'The sustainability of Thailand's MSMEs is increasingly threatened by rising risks and insurance is a key risk management tool that can help these businesses recover from financial shocks. Insurance solutions tailored to the distinct risks faced by MSMEs, combined with a holistic risk management approach, are critical to enabling them to thrive and continue driving the Thai economy. With the launch of this new innovation challenge to help Thai MSMEs, UNDP is proud to continue our global collaboration with Generali, with our shared focus on helping MSMEs better understand and manage their risks.' Arsh Kaumi, CEO, Generali Thailand, said: 'In Thailand, as in many ASEAN nations, MSMEs play an outsized role in our economic growth and development. Ensuring they are resilient and equipped to navigate disruptions is an indispensable part of our work with UNDP in Thailand. MSMEs are only as strong as their workforce, which puts a priority on keeping employees protected in the face of health and other risks. We're glad to be launching this Insurance Innovation Challenge to encourage innovative solutions and support Thailand MSMEs in being competitive on the global stage. I'm looking forward to the impact we will make and how we can further build the resilience of this essential business community.' This initiative builds on UNDP and Generali's ongoing global collaboration to drive inclusive insurance innovation and expand social protection for those who need it most.
Bangkok Post
4 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
Plan offers free domestic flights to 200,000 foreign arrivals
The Tourism and Sports Ministry plans to offer free domestic flight tickets to 200,000 foreign arrivals to boost tourism nationwide over a three-month period. The ministry expects the give-away to generate 8.8 billion baht in revenue from a budget of 700 million baht, but it still needs cabinet approval. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong said the campaign was themed 'Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights', and would encourage foreign tourists to visit secondary destinations. Japan had used a similar strategy, providing free domestic seats to tourists, earlier this year. He said foreigners holding an international flight ticket would be able to claim one round-trip domestic flight ticket with 20 kilogrammes of baggage for free on six Thai carriers - Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet. The free tickets would be offered when tourists book international flights directly with airlines or online travel agents. "This is an exclusive campaign for foreign visitors who haven't yet booked a ticket," said Mr Sorawong. The ministry plans to propose the scheme to the cabinet for approval next week, seeking 700 million baht from the central budget, he said. The programme is scheduled to run from September to November, with a government subsidy of 1,750 baht per one-way ticket, or 3,500 baht for a round-trip ticket, for each tourist. Punlop Saejew, vice-president of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, said the campaign would help tourism to some extent, although the arrival flow was already strong during high season. He said the campaign would be more effective if launched during the low season. Mr Punlop suggested the government allocate funds to help domestic airfares, which remain a barrier for travellers because of the high cost. Rungroj Santadvanit, president of the lower northeastern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association, said northeastern provinces may not benefit as much from this scheme, as they are not top destinations for foreign tourists, even though Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani have domestic flights from Bangkok. Apart from free flights, Mr Rungroj said authorities should plan marketing strategies and activities tailored to target markets of each location. For example, Buri Ram should promote sports and marathons as a sports tourism hub, while Ubon Ratchathani could highlight attractions along the Mekong River. He said northern provinces should attract more nature lovers from Australia and New Zealand, and the South should draw beach-loving visitors from Scandinavia. 'More importantly, the government must ensure tourism safety and clearly communicate which areas are safe to visit, especially amid the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border tensions,' said Mr Rungroj. As of Aug 17, 20.8 million foreign tourists have visited Thailand this year, a decrease of 7% year-on-year. The largest market was China with 2.9 million arrivals.
Bangkok Post
5 hours ago
- Bangkok Post
Acme Worawat, ACT Warriors donate demining robots
Mr. Worawat Narknawdee, a renowned businessman and investor also known as Acme, announced via his Facebook page 'Acme Traderist – Worawat Narknawdee' his plan to join forces with hundreds of thousands of ACT Warriors in the procurement and donation of the 'DOK-ING MV-4 Remote Controlled Mine Clearance System' from Croatia, valued at over 100 million baht, for aiding the Royal Thai Armed Forces in demining operations on the Thai-Cambodian border. He also tagged the official Facebook page of the Royal Thai Army in the post, stating: 'This initiative is not the procurement of weapons for warfare, but the prevention of casualties caused by landmines still present in many parts of Thailand. The 'DOK-ING MV-4 Remote Controlled Mine Clearance System' is a remotely operated demining robot capable of clearing at a speed of 3–5 km/h, controllable from a distance of up to 1,500 metres. It is resistant to explosions and harsh environmental conditions, with a service life of 10–15 years. Its dimensions are well-suited to Thailand's geography, allowing continuous operation in high-risk areas and serving as a shield for soldiers engaged in dangerous frontline missions.' 'Although the procurement involves complex procedures — including compliance with legal requirements, liaison with the Croatian manufacturer, verification of its use for military donation rather than for commercial purposes, coordination with the Royal Thai Army and security agencies, and the acquisition of import permits under the Arms Control Act — I and the ACT Warriors, as ordinary citizens, will make every possible effort to secure this equipment and deliver it to the Royal Thai Army. The intention is to provide a tool for mine clearance that spares our personnel from risking their lives, and to restore those areas as 'safe zones' where Thais can resume their lives in peace and normality.' Mr. Acme Worawat further stated. Acme Worawat is a prominent Thai businessman, investor, and cryptocurrency billionaire, widely recognised as one of Asia's foremost Bitcoin holders with a portfolio of over 11,000 BTC. He is the founder of ACT (ACET), regarded as Thailand's leading home-grown digital currency. Now in its fourth year, the currency has a total trading volume exceeding $506 million (approximately 18 billion baht) and has over 164,000 holders worldwide. In 2024, he marked a significant philanthropic milestone by organising the 'Acme Vampire Day III', during which thousands of ACT (ACET) holders collectively donated 1 million cubic centimetres of blood and contributed 1 million baht to the Thai Red Cross Society. In addition, Mr. Acme Worawat has been a vocal advocate for integrating Bitcoin into the country's national reserve. He has also made headlines with a proposal to offer interest-free Bitcoin loans to the Thai government. The initiative to donate a 'Remote-Controlled Mine Clearance System' marks a significant civilian-led effort to support the Royal Thai Army. Spearheaded by investor Acme Worawat together with the ACT Warriors community, the project highlights a powerful demonstration of public support for the Royal Thai Armed Forces. Although the equipment is valued at over 100 million baht, Acme reaffirmed that 'Thailand deserves this, not to wage war, but to prevent the loss of life and to affirm that the life of every Thai citizen is far too valuable to be taken by landmine. There will be no public fundraising. Please be wary of anyone making such claims.'
