Marriott International Hosts Two-Week Consumer Travel Fair To Boost Thailand’s Tourism Industry

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9 March 2021, 06:00

Running from 15-28 March 2021, the “Marriott Thailand Travel Show” will allow local nationals and expats to pick up vouchers with up to 70% added value, plus attractive partner offers at more than 40 hotels and resorts nationwide

Marriott International will celebrate the joy of travel in Thailand this month, as it hosts a major event in the center of Bangkok aimed at giving local residents even more opportunities to stay at world-class hotels and resorts in desirable destinations all across the Kingdom.

The “Marriott Thailand Travel Show” will see more than 40 Marriott International hotels and resorts, covering 14 distinct brands, gather together at Siam Paragon from 15^th to 28^th March 2021, to showcase their superlative services and offer an array of attractive promotions to attendees.

Over the course of two weeks, local residents can discover the outstanding accommodation, innovative restaurants and fantastic leisure facilities available at Marriott’s entire portfolio of hotels and resorts in Thailand. Customers will be able to purchase vouchers for value-added stays that combine their chosen room, suite or villa with spa treatments, delectable dining and more with up to sensational 70% bonus!

And that’s not all; under a partnership with “KTC” or Krungthai Card Public Company Limited, and Krungsri Credit Card or Krungsriayudhya Card Co.,Ltd.,visitors to the Marriott Thailand Travel Show will be treated to extra privileges.

For every THB 5,000 spent at the fair, KTC cardholders will be rewarded with a THB 100 voucher for accommodation, dining or spa at JW Marriott Bangkok Hotel (maximum THB 500 per person per day). The three top spenders, with a minimum spend of THB 80,000 over the course of the two-week event, will receive special prizes! Also, under the KTC FOREVER program, cardholders will be able to earn 12% cash back on purchases made at the fair, when they show their sales slips. For example, a guest who spends THB 5,000 can get THB 600 back! KTC World Travel Service will also be in attendance, offering enticing airfares for travel to and from Marriott’s destinations.

In addition, Krungsri Credit Card customers who join the Marriott Thailand Travel Show will be awarded THB 100 voucher for every THB 5,000 spent at the event (maximum THB 500 per person per day), get premium value at THB 5,590 when the accumulated spending over THB 50,000, and great prizes for daily top spender value at THB 10,590. Also, cardholders will be able to earn 13% cash back when redeeming Krungsri points at the fair.

Club Marriott booth will present the many benefits of joining this exclusive membership program, and attendees will be given the chance to join at a discounted rate!

As one of the largest hospitality companies in Thailand, Marriott International has an important role to play in stimulating the Kingdom’s tourism industry. Thai nationals and expats can enjoy staycations in desirable destinations nationwide, including urban sojourns in Bangkok, island escapes in Phuket and Koh Samui, blissful beachfront breaks in Krabi or Khao Lak, weekend retreats in Hua Hin, Pattaya and Rayong, or captivating cultural experiences in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. With 14 distinct brands ranging from modern midscale hotels to ultra-luxury resorts, every guest can find their ultimate vacation.

The Marriott Thailand Travel Show will be hosted at the Lifestyle Hall, on the 2^nd floor of Siam Paragon, Bangkok, from 15^th to 28^th March 2021. The first week (15-21 March) will feature 20 hotels and resorts and a Club Marriott booth, and the second week (22-28 March) will showcase a further 21 properties and a Club Marriott booth.

For more information, please visit https://hotel-deals.marriott.com/marriott-thailand-travel-show/

Participating hotels and resorts:

First Week (15-21 March 2021)

Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11
Courtyard by Marriott North Pattaya
Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort
JW Marriott Bangkok Hotel
Le Méridien Bangkok
Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort
Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa
Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort
Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa
Marriott Executive Apartments – Sathorn Vista, Bangkok
Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa
Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa
Sheraton Samui Resort
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket
The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui
The St. Regis Bangkok
W Bangkok
Club Marriott

Participating hotels and resorts:

Second Week (22-28 March 2021)

Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
Le Méridien Chiang Mai Resort
Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa Nai Yang Beach
Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa
Marriott Executive Apartments – Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok
Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel
Renaissance Koh Samui Resort
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa
Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok
The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa
Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui
W Koh Samui
Club Marriott

“Marry Me at Marriott” Wedding & Honeymoon Fair Brings Dreams To Life for Brides and Grooms in Bangkok

By

Khaosod English

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9 March 2021, 06:00

Three-day event presents wonderful wedding packages and honeymoon deals at 35 Marriott International hotels and resorts in Thailand, along with a wide range of professional partners – including a horoscope area to find the most auspicious date!

Marriott International will make dreams come true for brides and grooms across Thailand this month, when it hosts a major wedding and honeymoon fair in Bangkok – the latest edition of a romantic annual event that showcases a spectacular selection of services available to couples who want to walk down the aisle in Thailand in 2021.

“Marry Me at Marriott, with the Best Honeymoon Deals” will run from 19^th to 21^st March 2021 at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, as 35 Marriott International hotels and resorts in Thailand come together under one roof to promote their wonderful wedding offerings, including world-class venues, creative catering, fantastic facilities, dreamy décor, value-added packages and much more!

A wide range of trusted suppliers will also be on display, providing everything from wedding dress design, shoes and jewelry to invitation cards, photography, professional planning, bridal services and live music, so couples can make every element of their “big day” absolutely perfect, with the best possible partners. A series of live food stalls will enliven the event and offer a tantalizing taste of the cuisine at each Marriott hotel and resort, and a horoscope area will help brides and grooms choose the most auspicious date for their wedding!

For the first time this year, Marriott’s annual wedding fair will also present heavenly honeymoon promotions in Thailand! With sumptuous suites, luxurious pool villas, sublime spas and private dining opportunities available all across the Kingdom, including a choice of blissful beach resorts, every couple can enjoy a truly magical start to their new life together.

Tie the knot at Marriott this year and receive add-on benefits for couples who book their wedding at any participating hotel or resort before 31 December, 2021:

20% saving on the wedding and reception
One complimentary guest for every 100 paid guests
A gift of 2 complimentary rooms for the parents of the bride and groom
Double Marriott Bonvoy points

If 2021 is your wedding year, make it truly extraordinary! Whatever size, style or theme of ceremony you’re dreaming of, Marriott International can bring your vision to life!

“Marry Me at Marriott, with the Best Honeymoon Deals” will be hosted in the Grand Hall (M Floor) of The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, from 19^th to 21^st March 2021, 10.00 to 20.00 hrs.

For more information, please visit: https://www.marriottweddingsthailand.com/blog/marry-me-at-marriott

Participating Hotels

Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11
Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort
Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa
JW Marriott Bangkok Hotel
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
Le Méridien Bangkok
Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, Thailand
Le Meridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa
Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa!
Marriott Executive Apartments Sukhumvit Park – Bangkok
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Nai Yang Beach
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa
Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel
Renaissance Koh Samui
Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa
Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa/Sheraton Hua Hin Pranuburi Villas
Sheraton Samui Resort
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket
The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui
The St Regis Bangkok
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok
The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket
Vana Belle, A Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui
W Bangkok
W Koh Samui

Participating partners;

Venus Couture (Wedding Dress)

Tory Diamonds Fine Jewellery

Box Wedding (Photography)

La Da Wan The Wedding Planner

SIRENA (Wedding Shoes)

Music Connection (Live Band)

Samitivej Hospital (แพ็กเกจเจ้าสาว)

ANYA AWEDDING.COM (Wedding Invitation)

Thailand Charges More Activists With Sedition, Royal Insults

By

Associated Press

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8 March 2021, 18:52

Pro-democracy activists, from second from left , Panupong Jardnok, Jatupat Boonpattararaksa gesture with a three-fingers salute, a symbol of resistance as they arrive at the Attorney General office in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March 8, 2021. Prosecutors in Thailand charged 18 pro-democracy activists Monday with sedition while lodging additional charges against three of them for defaming the monarchy during protests in September last year. (AP Phioto/Sakchai Lalit)

BANGKOK (AP) — Prosecutors in Thailand charged 18 pro-democracy activists with sedition on Monday, while lodging additional charges of insulting the monarchy against three of them.

The sedition charges, which carry a maximum penalty of up to seven years in prison, stem from an antigovernment rally in September, though details on the alleged offenses were not immediately clear.

The three charged with violating the lese majeste law, which outlaws criticism of senior members of the royal family, are Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, Jatupat Boonpattararaksa and Panupong Jadnok. A court denied bail for all three, and they were being transferred to prison.

AP21067229072661 — Pro-democracy activists, from second left, Panupong Jadnok, Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul and Jatupat Boonpattararaksa receive a flower from a supporter as they arrived at the Attorney General office in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March 8, 2021. Prosecutors in Thailand charged 18 pro-democracy activists with sedition on Monday, while lodging additional charges of insulting the monarchy against three of them. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Thai authorities have stepped up their legal offensive against those involved in a student-led protest movement that is pushing for Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his government to step down, the constitution to be amended to make it more democratic and the monarchy to be reformed to make it more accountable.

The latter demand is the most radical and controversial because the monarchy has rarely faced any public scrutiny and is considered by many to be an untouchable pillar of Thai identity. Those found guilty of violating the law against criticizing or insulting key royals face up to 15 years in prison per offense.

AP21067243324436 — A cat walks on top of a gate at criminal court as the security persons wait for activists’ arrival for a court procedure in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March 8, 2021. Prosecutors in Thailand charged 18 pro-democracy activists with sedition on Monday, while lodging additional charges of insulting the monarchy against three of them. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

The protest movement has struck a chord with many Thais but alienated others, especially royalists shocked at its criticisms of the monarchy. The movement began to lose steam late last year amid differences among its factions, and because of a resurgence of the coronavirus in Thailand.

Prosecutors last month charged four protest leaders with lese majeste and they were denied bail.

Jatupat, who was imprisoned for violating the lese majeste law in 2017, said he and the other activists charged Monday would keep fighting from jail.

“The movement outside will surely continue no matter what happens,” he said.

Jatupat on Sunday completed a nearly 250-kilometer (155-mile) walk from Thailand’s northeast to Bangkok’s Democracy Monument. Along the way, he campaigned and talked to people about ousting Prayuth, amending the constitution and abolishing the lese majeste law.

According to the group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, at least 382 people, including 13 minors, have been charged in connection with the protests, which picked up momentum last summer. At least 60 of those people have been charged with lese majeste.

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Story: Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul. Associated Press writer Bill Bredesen contributed to this report.

Yingluck: Women Should Be Leading Efforts to Amend Charter

By

Khaosod English

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8 March 2021, 15:30

Yingluck Shinawatra in a photo posted to her Facebook on International Women's Day 2021.

BANGKOK — Women should be leading efforts to amend the military-backed constitution, former PM Yingluck Shinawatra said in her International Women’s Day statement on Monday.

Yingluck, whose government was overthrown in a 2014 coup, also expressed her concerns over the deteriorating level of freedom in Thailand after the U.S.-based rights watchdog Freedom House downgraded the country to “Not Free” in its latest report published last week.

“I support women and everyone who are fighting for democracy, for their rights, freedom, and equality,” Yingluck said on her Facebook. “Thailand is facing many challenges as with other countries, but furthermore, we are being deprived of freedom.”

She went on, “Unfortunately after the coup, the freedom index fell to 30 because the current constitution has been written to keep the junta in power, while taking a toll on the freedom of Thai people. When I led the government, Thailand scored 53 and 54 in 2013 and 2014 respectively.”

Yingluck fled Thailand in 2017, shortly before she was found guilty in a lengthy corruption trial. The ex-premier has since living in exile overseas together with her brother and former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, whose government was also ousted in a 2006 coup.

Constitution amendment is one of the three core demands of pro-democracy demonstrators in ongoing protests that have raged since mid-2020.

The Freedom House cited a number of reasons for the demotion, including the dissolution of the opposition Future Forward Party and the crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators.

Thailand scored 32 out of 100 last year, a slight improvement partly due to the first general election after five years of military rule in 2019.

Memorable Quotes From Meghan and Harry’s Oprah Interview

By

Associated Press

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8 March 2021, 15:12

Oprah Meghan and Harry Interview — This image provided by Harpo Productions shows Prince Harry, left, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, speaking about expecting their second child during an interview with Oprah Winfrey. "Oprah with Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special" airs March 7 as a two-hour exclusive primetime special on the CBS Television Network. (Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions via AP)

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Memorable quotes and major revelations from Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Meghan and Harry, their first since stepping away from royal life:

“I just didn’t want to be alive anymore. And that was very clear and real and frightening.” — Meghan, on the suicidal thoughts she had after joining the royal family.

There were ”concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born.” — Meghan, on the royal reaction to her son Archie.

“I wouldn’t have been able to, because I myself was trapped as well” — Harry, on whether he would have stepped down from his royal duties had he never met Meghan.

AP21060413212788 — This image provided by Harpo Productions shows Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, left, in conversation with Oprah Winfrey. (Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions via AP)

“I left my career, my life. I left everything because I love him. Our plan was to do this forever.” — Meghan, on allegations that she schemed from the start to pull Harry from the royal family.

“I think she would feel very angry with how this has played out. And very sad. But ultimately, all she’d ever want is for us to be happy.” — Harry on his late mother, Princess Diana.

“To have a boy and then a girl, what more can you ask for? But now we’ve got our family. We’ve got the four of us and our two dogs.” — Harry, after revealing the couple’s forthcoming second child is a girl.

“It made me cry and it really hurt my feelings. And I thought in the context of everything else that was going on in those days leading to the wedding that it didn’t make sense to not be just doing whatever what everyone else was doing, which was trying to be supportive.” — Meghan, on a dispute with her sister-in-law Princess Kate, which she said the press got exactly backward by reporting she had made Kate cry.

“I’ve never blindsided my grandmother. I have too much respect for her.” — Harry, on whether he failed to prepare Queen Elizabeth II for the news he was stepping down from royal duties.

“The queen has always been wonderful to me.” — Meghan.

“I wasn’t planning to say anything shocking. I’m just telling you what happened.” — Meghan.

Find Your “Pizza Perfection” in Bangkok With Marriott International – Including a Free Second Pizza for Marriott Bonvoy Members!

By

Khaosod English

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8 March 2021, 06:00

4 March 2021, Bangkok, Thailand – Pizza is one of life’s timeless pleasures. So appetizing, so versatile and great for sharing, this Italian specialty can be enjoyed at any time of day with all your friends and family. It’s no wonder that this comfort food, which was born on the streets of southern Italy, now delights diners in every corner of the world!

Throughout March and April, Marriott International invites guests and local residents in Bangkok to find their “Pizza Perfection” at a choice of 20 hotel restaurants, café, lounges and bars! Under an enticing new promotion, diners can discover more than 20 fresh, wood-fired pizzas, ranging from traditional Italian to tempting Thai, international flavors and even a sweet dessert variety. Dining with a friend? Marriott Bonvoy members will get their second pizza for FREE!

For a true taste of Italy, the talented chefs at Rossini’s, the authentic Italian trattoria at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, will serve their famous “Rossini’s Burrata, Culatta Ham & Rucola” pizza; Giorgio’s at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers is preparing classic “Quattro Stagioni” and “Quattro Formaggi” pizzas; Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok – Marriott Executive Apartments is offering the original “Pizza Margherita” at Bistro M and Bar on 3; and 57th Street, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, is showcasing a sensational “Spicy Salami” pizza.

Fancy infusing your Italian experience with Thai flavors? BBCO, the casual bakery at JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok, has created “Larb Gai” and “Prik Pao Talay” pizzas; MoMo Café at Sathorn Vista, Bangkok – Marriott Executive Apartments has crafted “Thai Green Curry” and “Satay Nuea” pizzas; while Orchid Café and The Living Room at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok are offering a spicy seafood “Kra Pao Talay” pizza!

Other unique international options can be experienced at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok’s Zest Bar & Terrace, which is serving an “Indian Chicken Tandoori” pizza; and The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, where a “Murgh Malai Tikka” pizza is available at three venues. Akira Back, the Japanese-inspired dining destination at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, is inviting guests to savor the “Eringi” mushroom pizza; and The Kitchen Table at W Bangkok has created a succulent “Pulled Pork” pizza.

“Seafood Lovers” will love the special pizza at 57^th Street, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit; the “Smoked Salmon, Asparagus & Rocket” pizza at La Tavola, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel; or the innovative “Tuna” pizza at Akira Back, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. Finally, diners with a sweet tooth should head to The Bakery, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, for the sumptuous “S’mores Nutella” pizza!

A total of 25 different pizzas are available at 20 of Marriott’s popular hotel restaurants, cafés, lounges and bars in Bangkok from 1 March to 30 April 2021! So gather your loved ones and discover the timeless pleasures of perfect pizzas and great company. Buon appetito!

Prices start from just THB 280 and Marriott Bonvoy members get their second pizza for FREE! Not a member yet? CLICK HERE to join today! For reservation and further information, please visit https://marriottbonvoyasia.com/R+B/seasonalMenu/Bangkok-Pizza-Perfection

Participating hotel restaurants and bars are as follows:

57^th Street, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
Akira Back, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
MoMo Café, Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok (Delivery only)
BBCO, JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok
La Tavola, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel
Giorgio’s, Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Lobby Lounge, Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
MoMo Café, Sathorn Vista, Bangkok – Marriott Executive Apartments
Orchid Café, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
The Living Room, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
Rossini’s, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
Bistro M, Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok – Marriott Executive Apartments
Bar on 3, Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok – Marriott Executive Apartments
The Allium, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
The View, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
Rain Tree Café, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
The Glaz Bar, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok
Zest Bar & Terrace, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok
The Kitchen Table, W Bangkok

Opinion: Diminishing Trust and Increasing Political Violence

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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6 March 2021, 15:00

153536048_4071239942894907_4367860175611131512_o — Protesters clash with riot police on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road on Feb. 28, 2021.

When the parliament-appointed National Reconciliation Committee on Monday invited me to offer my views about the political protests, I highlighted the need for trust and non-violence.

Trust is diminishing while violence increasing, I told the committee. This week’s panel on the lese majeste law at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand showed how little or no “good faith” remains between supporters and opponents of the controversial law. There was no dialogue, just a monologue.

After the Wednesday’s event, lese majeste supporter and panelist Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of Thai Phakdee Party and ultra-royalist group of the same name wrote on his Facebook account: “What I got from the debate on the lese majeste law at the FCCT was distortion of truth and academic principles”.

On the other side of the ring, panelist and opponent of the lese majeste law Yaowalak Anuphan, head of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, also reacted on her Facebook page.

She wrote on the following day: “I think the panel last night was useless. It wasn’t a venue to deliberate a common solution. I won’t be joining such a panel again. It’s a big waste of time. They didn’t talk with reasons but with emotions. How can we move forward?”

In case you weren’t convinced by the two panelists from opposing political pole, Bangkok-based French Yan Marchal expat was also there and summarized it as follows.

“This panel on lese majeste lasted 3 hours and hardly qualified as a debate. The positions of both sides were so far from each other – and their dislike for each other so palpable – that no interactive discussion would have made sense.

The highlight of the show was probably lese majeste supporter Arnond Sakworawich angrily shaking his head each time it was the other side’s turn to speak, as if it was physically painful for him to bear with their speech while waiting for his turn,” Yan perceptively wrote on his Facebook page.

To be fair, this has become a common state of political affairs in Thailand.

In tandem with the breaking down of any possible dialogue and deliberation is the growing political violence.

At the monarchy-reform cum anti-government protest last Saturday, police claimed 90 officers were injured. One riot police officer died of stroke. On the protesters’ side, scores were beaten with batons and over twenty arrested.

ตร.รุกไล่ มวลชนล่าถอย ๒๑๐๓๐๖ — *A riot police fires rubber bullet at anti-government demonstrators in front of the 1st Infantry Regiment army base on Feb. 28, 2021.*

Police used rubber bullets for the first time last Saturday. A reporter from Prachatai online news said he overheard one police officer say the rules of engagement are anything goes now.

On the demonstrators’ side, rocks and bricks were thrown at police, along with plastic as well as glass bottles and home-made explosives.

As the REDEM, or Restart Democracy Group which is the reincarnation of Free Youth Group, plans to protest again this Saturday, some have already exchanged Molotov Cocktail recipe in anticipation of growing police violence.

Some young protesters have lost hope that any dialogue or parliamentary process could bring about monarchy reform and political change. That’s why some are turning to violence as a means to raise awareness.

One must not forget that there also exists a deeper level of structural violence which goes deeper and more profound than the police’s use of rubber bullets.

Laws such as lese majeste and sedition are currently being used to incarcerate a number of mostly-young protest leaders. They see the laws as unjust, and to detain someone under pre-trial detention is not just a denial of justice but a form of structural violence.

Power Couple Quits Jobs to Work as Private Chefs in Pandemic

By

Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

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6 March 2021, 13:50

Left: Jeremy Simeon and Jitlada “Tang” Sirachadapong. Right: Tomyum tuile and chili jam paste made by the couple. Photo: Jitlada Sirachadapong / Courtesy

KOH SAMUI — A little over a year ago, New Zealander Jeremy Simeon was working as an executive chef at a luxury resort on Koh Samui. His girlfriend, Jitlada “Tang” Sirachadapong, was a lawyer in Bangkok with 17-year experience in the job. And then everything changed.

The coronavirus outbreak struck, closing down borders and turning the popular island into a ghost town. With tourists gone, Jeremy’s career was no longer a safe and stable one like it was. So he and Jitlada took a gamble. They left their jobs and started a new business: they’d be private chefs for hire, cooking up fine-dining meals in private homes – just when restaurants were ordered to close down amid the pandemic.

No doubt it was huge upheaval for Jitlada, 38, who spent nearly half her life in law firms, working mostly on LGBT and disability rights. She had no background as a professional chef, but she has always loved cooking. And that’s enough for her.

“I worked with a lot of LGBT people. The same feeling that katoey have, where they are unable to come out and be themselves made me think of how I was unable to do what I really loved, which was cooking,” Jitlada said.

S 31957066 1 — *A deserted beach on Koh Samui amid the coronavirus pandemic in July 2020.*

For six months now, under the name Chada Culinary, the couple has been cooking fine dining meals for people vacationing in villas on Samui. They target a niche, yet growing, client base: high-end families and celebrities who would rather eat at a luxury beach home than go out because of COVID-19 anxiety.

“They’re thinking, well, where can we go this year?” Jeremy said. The pair spoke to Khaosod English for an interview in Bangkok during their business trip to the capital. “Dining in is the new dining out.”

But the venture’s image as a hobby available only to the ultrarich hiso may be deceptive, when you consider the price they charge.

The range for Chada Culinary is between 1,850 baht to 2,800 baht a person, with the most expensive being an eight-course omakase. That’s actually more affordable than many of the fine-dining venues in the glitzy parts of Bangkok.

S 2769110 e1615016775996 — *Chada Culinary’s grilled duck curry (kaeng phed ped yaang) with grape slices and flower garnishes. Photo: Jitlada Sirachadapong / Courtesy*

To compare, Michelin-starred Ginza Sushi Ichi offers dinner omakase for 5,000 and 7,000 baht – service and tax not included. A seven-course dinner set at Blue by Alain Ducasse runs for 4,950.

The pandemic also means a high-end vacationing on Samui isn’t as high-end as it used to be. A private villa on Samui can be rented for a cost of 5,000 baht per night on Airbnb. A Bangkok Airways flight to the island is sometimes as inexpensive as 2,500 baht.

“Yes, private dining might be for rich people, but we want food to be accessible to everybody,” Jitlada said. “We want everybody to benefit from that, not just high-end people.”

‘The Market Has Changed A Lot’

For Jeremy, 49, the new venture is a next step for his career as an executive chef – he cooked for Ed Sheeran when he vacationed at Song Saa private island in Cambodia.

The transition was much harder for Jitlada, who struggled to convince her family that leaving a stable lawyer job to start a cooking business in the height of a pandemic and soaring unemployment is really the logical thing to do.

“My heart was already there,” she said. “But I don’t think my father could take the fact that part of my job involves scraping and cleaning dishes.”

Jeremy said the pandemic “forced him to do his own thing,” and the two began approaching villas and offered private omakase packages for vacationers lumped in with the villa stay, which would in turn support resort staff.

S 31957066 2 — *Swede puree and caviar. Photo: Jitlada Sirachadapong / Courtesy*

“Before COVID, if you had a nice restaurant, good food, and a good view, you would get people coming. But the market has changed a lot,” the New Zealander said.

He gives a nod to one of his favorite restaurants in Bangkok, Saawaan, in the presentation of Thai food in a modern way. Clients often assume Jeremy is cooking the Western food and Jitlada the Thai, but the reverse is true.

The pair carry cooking equipment and meal prep ingredients to villas, making dishes like Kaeng Kua Supparot Goong, or shrimp and pineapple curry and grilled duck curry (kaeng phed ped yaang) with grape slices and flower garnishes.

Once, a client has asked for albino beluga to be subbed in, or white caviar that costs at least 20,000 baht a jar.

A Stormy Year for Samui

But Jeremy and Jitlada said the glamorous elements of their job doesn’t blind them from the harsh reality of so many lives upended by the pandemic on the island – the hardship is simply impossible to ignore.

Food bank queues were so huge in the streets that police were deployed to ease traffic flow. Although Thai tourists later trickled back to the island, their spending habits can’t match the foreign travelers and backpackers. Afterall, office workers from Bangkok are unlikely to be interested in beach chair massage or hair braiding.

“An entire section of Chaweng Beach is gone. Half the bars, massage places, resorts, are gone,” Jeremy said.

Top: A popular travel blogger shares her experience of visiting Koh Samui during the coronavirus pandemic.

He saw hotel occupancy plunge from 75 percent to 8 percent, with places staying open just to avoid laying off staff. Vendors who used to sell sunglasses switched to setting up tables and chairs to sell curry and noodles in front of their homes, but it’s never for a lot of money, Jeremy said.

One auntie who used to braid hair for foreign tourists caught the couple’s attention. They recalled seeing her, jobless and forlorn on the beach, so they boxed some extra food they prepared for a private dining session then handed it to the auntie. The reaction was heart-wrenching, Jeremy remembered.

“She started crying and holding my hands. I had to jump back in the car and get out of there, or else I would have a breakdown,” he said. “It’s really a hard time for some people during COVID. You might have food, but what about people like her?”

สมุย … มันสุดวังเวง!!!
เมืองท่องเที่ยวมันสาหัสจริงๆ
มันจะเป็นแบบนี้อีกนานแค่ไหน?
คงจะพากันตายไปก่อนแน่ๆ

ภูเก็ต กระบี่ พังงา ป่าตอง
เชียงใหม่ บางแสน พัทยา
เป็นยังไงกันบ้างก็ไม่รู้นะ
เป็นห่วงแต่คงช่วยอะไรไม่ได้
คนทวีตก็หายใจระรวยๆเหมือนกัน pic.twitter.com/7JBHCOWrgh

— Global Citizen (@Citizen2600) September 10, 2020

Top: A Twitter user shows the dire situation on Koh Samui during the coronavirus pandemic in September 2020.

With the grim reality of life under the pandemic always fresh in their mind, Jeremy and Jitlada pledged to donate 10 percent of their revenues to several charities, including Healing Family Foundation for Autistic People in Chiang Mai, the Redemptorist Foundation for the Development of Persons with Disabilities in Pattaya, and the Ban Nana Mae Sai nonprofit for children in Chiang Rai.

Health professionals and hospitality workers on Samui are eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. The government said the initiative is to prepare for reopening the border to foreign tourists. But it remains unclear when that’ll actually happen – no timeframe has been discussed as of now.

Starting to Enjoy Life Again

Misery on the island aside, Jitlada said she enjoys her newfound passion way more than the old life of poring over hundreds of legal documents. She had no previous cooking experience, so she trained with Hanuman, a foreign Thai cooking expert, before taking her leap of faith.

As for Jeremy, he said that being able to get his hands on cooking as part of a small team has revived his dormant love for cooking.

“I’m starting to enjoy it again. At an executive level, mostly it’s managing people and numbers,” Jeremy said of his old job.

Neither regret waving goodbye to a stable corporate salary and saying hello to prepping curries in holiday villas.

“Use this opportunity to do what you really love to do. You’ll make money eventually,” Jeremy said.

“It’s like we get to go on vacation and cook each day, but with a different view,” Jitlada said. “We’re blessed.”

The two urged Bangkokians to take their next trip down to Samui. “It’s the best time to visit. It’s completely empty,” Jeremy said.

Follow Chada Culinary on their Facebook and Instagram.

Khaosod English signing out, March 6, 2021.

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Russian Family Bakes Bangkok’s Tangiest ‘Sourdough’

By

Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

-

6 March 2021, 12:08

Andrei Matveenkov, Daria Matveenkova, 5, and Olga Matveenkova holding loaves of sourdough bread.

BANGKOK — They say Russia is between Europe and Asia, but is fully neither and rather its own category. And so between the dense, dark ryes of Germany and the fluffy, sweetened milk breads of Asia are the Matveenkov’s crunchy, yet moist sourdoughs.

“Sourdough Bangkok,” a humble family-run bakery cafe which opened in November, has gained a cult following for tangy bread lovers even in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

“At some point in the 90s, all bread became crap because of commercial yeast,” Olga Matveenkova, 39, said. “All this bread is Russian heritage and recipes, with just flour, water, salt, and starter. People from different countries have told me that this is the bread of their childhood.”

Sourdough Bangkok is founded by Olga and her husband Andrei Matveenkov. Their daughter Daria can be found skipping around the roomy tables on some days.

If dropping by, do not forget to take home a Classic Wheat sourdough loaf (120 baht) or a Wheat Loaf with Seeds (160 baht). To put it simply, a loaf takes two days to make, since no commercial yeast is used to hasten the process.

The result is a large loaf crunchy on the outside, moist and springy on the inside, naturally low in gluten. The author herself has been to the cafe several times before deciding to review it, and found that the breads were very light for Asian stomachs, and even aided in digestion.

“Ours is 100 percent sourdough. Some bakeries may label a bread as sourdough even if they only use five percent. There’s no law about that,” Olga said.

Rye sourdough loaves are also available (180 baht), and take one day to make. Lovely, round golden sourdough brioches (120 baht) are only available on the weekends and take a whopping 42 hours to make.

DSCF2742 copy — Avocado open sandwich (200 baht).

If planning to have some coffee and a chat with a friend, the cafe is very reasonably-priced, with most dishes under 200 baht. The avocado open sandwich (200 baht) served with a slice of classic wheat sourdough, a smear of truffle, and a mix of avocado and cucumber chunks, topped with two poached eggs.

DSCF2730 copy — Borscht with rye sourdough (120 baht).

Vegetarian borscht served with rye sourdough is just 120 baht and incredibly filling (“It’s like a stamp of Russia, like tom yum for Thai,” Andrei said.) For more Russian-ness, blinis are also available (100 baht).

All coffees are under 100 baht, such as the iced cappuccino at 95 baht, and TWG teas are also available at 130 baht, going well with macarons (50 baht) which come in coconut, matcha, lemon, milk chocolate with salted caramel, and strawberry.

From Island to City

The family started baking sourdough in 2019, after they were unable to find the kind of bread they wanted in Thailand. Upon encouraging feedback from friends, they started supplying bakeries and supermarkets on Koh Phangan.

“If I eat bread with yeast, it becomes like a brick inside my stomach,” Andrei said. “But with this bread, I have no problem at all. I’m not uncomfortable. I’ve eaten half a loaf every day for 1.5 years, and didn’t gain weight like I did with other breads.”

Even amidst the pandemic, the Matveenkovs knew that their bread needed more space to rise – and so moved to bangkok in June in order to start their cafe in November.

“We didn’t come because of the pandemic, but because we needed our natural business to grow. We’re lucky to make it,” Olga said. “I was surprised that so many Bangkokian people know about sourdough. I thought our clientele would be foreign, but it’s 50/50 Thais.”

Their starter dough is one and a half years old (it doesn’t have a name, though). Even when the family was travelling around Thailand, they would bring the little starter in a suitcase of ice (“We feed it every day, like a baby,” Andrei said.)

Tucked into a side soi off Pan Road, Sourdough Bangkok is a large, airy space two floors high, all white walls and wooden furniture. It’s roomy and sunny, a refreshing break from other cafes in the city which are only getting tinier and tinier, with microscopic tables.

And a Russian word of the day from the Matveenkovs: sourdough is xleb na zakvaske (хлеб на закваске).

Sourdough Bangkok is open from 9am to 6pm every day, except Tuesdays. The cafe is an equidistant 10 minute walk from either BTS Saint Louis or BTS Surasak.

This review is unsponsored and is based on a hosted visit.

DSCF2718 copy — Brioche being prepared on Friday for Saturday.

Protesters Defy Myanmar Security Forces as UN Action Urged

By

Associated Press

-

6 March 2021, 09:00

1000 (8) — Women grieve as they view the body of Zwee Htet Soe, a protester who died during a Mar. 3 anti-coup protest, during his funeral in Yangon, Myanmar, Friday, Mar. 5, 2021. (AP Photo)

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Demonstrators defied growing violence by Myanmar security forces and staged more anti-coup rallies Friday, while the U.N. special envoy for the country called for urgent Security Council action, saying about 50 peaceful protesters were killed and scores were injured in the military’s worst crackdowns this week.

The escalation of violence has put pressure on the world community to act to restrain the junta, which seized power on Feb. 1 by ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Large protests against military rule have occurred daily in many cities and towns. Security forces escalated their crackdown with greater use of lethal force and mass arrests. At least 18 protesters were shot and killed Sunday and 38 on Wednesday, according to the U.N. Human Rights Office. More than 1,000 have been arrested, the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said.

Protests continued in the biggest cities of Yangon and Mandalay and elsewhere Friday. They were met again with force by police, and gunfire was heard. In Mandalay, Zaw Myo was fatally shot as the 26-year-old and other residents sought to protect a march by a group of engineers.

U.N. special envoy Christine Schraner Burgener said in her briefing to a closed Security Council meeting that council unity and “robust” action are critical “in pushing for a stop to the violence and the restoration of Myanmar’s democratic institutions.”

“We must denounce the actions by the military,” she said in her briefing, as released by the U.N. “It is critical that this council is resolute and coherent in putting the security forces on notice and standing with the people of Myanmar firmly, in support of the clear November election results.”

Schraner Burgener reiterated an earlier appeal to the international community not to “lend legitimacy or recognition to this regime that has been forcefully imposed and nothing but chaos has since followed.”

She urged council members to hear “the voices of the people of Myanmar” and support Kyaw Moe Tun, the country’s U.N. ambassador who was terminated by the military after denouncing the coup in a dramatic speech to the General Assembly. The military appointed his deputy, who resigned a day later and Tun has said he remains Myanmar’s permanent representative to the U.N.

The Security Council took no immediate action. Council diplomats said Britain circulated a draft presidential statement for consideration, a step below a legally binding resolution.

1000 5 6 — *Armed police stand guard on a major street to preven anti-coup demonstration in Yangon, Myanmar, Friday, March 5, 2021. (AP Photo)*

Any kind of coordinated action at the U.N. will be difficult because two permanent members of the Security Council, China and Russia, are likely to veto it.

Schraner Burgener, a veteran Swiss diplomat, said she hopes to visit Myanmar and use her “good offices” to find a peaceful solution through dialogue.

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department said Friday that the government has taken action to prevent Myanmar’s military from improperly accessing more than $1 billion in Myanmar government funds held in the United States.

And YouTube removed five channels run by Myanmar’s military for violating its guidelines and said it is watching for any further violations. It earlier pulled dozens of channels as part of an investigation into content uploaded in a coordinated influence campaign.

The decision by YouTube followed Facebook’s earlier announcement that it has removed all Myanmar military-linked pages from its site and Instagram, which it owns.

Many cases of targeted brutality by security forces in the streets have been captured in photos and videos that have circulated widely on social media. Videos have showed security forces shooting people at point-blank range and chasing down and savagely beating demonstrators.

1000 1 — *Anti-coup protesters hold up images of deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi as they gather in Yangon, Myanmar, Friday, Mar. 5, 2021. (AP Photo)*

The U.S. called the images appalling, the U.N. human rights chief said it was time to “end the military’s stranglehold over democracy in Myanmar,” and the world body’s independent expert on human rights in the country, Tom Andrews, urged Security Council members to watch the videos.

While many abuses are committed by police, there is even greater concern about military forces — notorious for decades of brutal counterinsurgency tactics and human rights abuses — being deployed in Myanmar’s cities.

They include members of the army’s 77th Light Infantry Division, which was also sent to the streets in 2007 to suppress anti-junta rallies, firing on protesters and ramming them with trucks, witnesses told Human Rights Watch.

The 99th Light Infantry Division also has been deployed, including in Mandalay. It is infamous for its counterinsurgency campaigns against ethnic minorities, including spearheading the response that led to a brutal crackdown that caused more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee from Rakhine state to Bangladesh. It also has been accused of war crimes in Shan state, another ethnic minority area, in 2016 and early 2017.

A leader of barred lawmakers who say they are the legitimate representatives of the country released a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging the Security Council to help end the violence and restore the ousted government.

The letter asked for outside parties to help prevent human rights violations, sanctions on military leaders and military-linked businesses, a total arms embargo and penalties for perpetrators of atrocities.

1000 3 1 — *Anti-coup protesters wearing helmets and masks take positions as police gather in Yangon, Myanmar, Friday, March 5, 2021. (AP Photo)*

The letter is signed by Dr. Sasa, who uses one name, on behalf of the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, Myanmar’s Parliament, which the military has barred from convening. The lawmakers want foreign countries and international organizations to recognize them instead of the junta.

Schraner Burgener said earlier this week she warned Myanmar’s army that the world’s nations and the Security Council “might take huge, strong measures.”

“And the answer was, ‘We are used to sanctions, and we survived those sanctions in the past,’” she said. When she also warned that Myanmar would become isolated, Schraner Burgener said, “the answer was, ‘We have to learn to walk with only a few friends.’”

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has urged a halt to violence and the start of talks on a peaceful solution in Myanmar.

The 10-member regional group, which includes Myanmar, is constrained from enacting serious measures by a tradition of acting by consensus and reluctance to interfere in each other’s internal affairs.

1000 2 — *Anti-coup protesters wearing protective gear take positions as police gather in Yangon, Myanmar, Friday, March 5, 2021. (AP Photo)*

However, one member, Singapore, was outspoken Friday in criticizing Myanmar’s coup.

“It is the height of national shame for the armed forces of any country to turn its arms against its own people,” Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said in Parliament.

But he also warned that the approach favored by some Western nations of pressuring Myanmar’s generals with sanctions would not be effective.

“Despite all our fervor and earnest hopes of reconciliation … the keys ultimately lie within Myanmar. And there’s a limit to how far external pressure will be brought to bear,” he said.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in tweeted that the use of violence against the people of Myanmar must stop.

“There should not be any more loss of lives. We condemn the violent suppression of protests by the military and the police forces and strongly call for the immediate release of all those detained including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi,” he said.

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From Island to City

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