A screenshot from Abominable, a China-U.S. co-production animated family film.
BEIJING (Xinhua) — A Chinese-American co-production, “Abominable,” dominated the box office in North America in its opening weekend, collecting a solid 20.85 million U.S. dollars during the first three days of release.
It’s the biggest opening for an original animated movie in North America so far this year.
The animated family film is the co-production between the California-based DreamWorks Animation, a subsidiary of Universal Pictures, and the Shanghai-based Pearl Studios, formerly known as Oriental DreamWorks.
“Abominable” was released worldwide by Universal Pictures, but in China it will be solely distributed by Pearl Studios and is set to open on Oct. 1.
Written and directed by Jill Culton and co-directed by Todd Wilderman, the film stars the voices of Chloe Bennet, Albert Tsai, Tenzing Norgay Trainor, Eddie Izzard, Sarah Paulson, Tsai Chin and Michelle Wong.
The animated adventure, with a reported 75 million dollars budget, follows a Chinese teenage girl who encounters a Yeti on the rooftop of her Shanghai apartment building and embarks on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth, the majestic Himalayas.
Universal Pictures has partnered with the audio tech company TheaterEars to offer a Mandarin-language version of “Abominable” for Chinese-speaking moviegoers. By using the TheaterEars app, users will be able to listen to a Mandarin audio track at any of the over 4,000 U.S. theaters showing the film, according to an earlier report by American entertainment news outlet Variety.
Actresses Chloe Bennet (L, Front) and Sarah Paulson (R, Front) pose for photos with costumed Yeti before the world premiere of the film “Abominable” during the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Toronto, Canada, on Sept. 7, 2019. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)
It’s the first time that a nationally released Hollywood movie has offered a Chinese audio option in the United States, said the Variety.
The film received a generally positive “A” rating from moviegoers on CinemaScore and an 80-percent certified fresh rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes to date.
“Abominable” has grossed 30.5 million dollars worldwide this weekend, according to studio figures collected by measurement firm Comscore.
Members of the armed forces rehearse for China's National Day Parade. Image: Xinhua.
BEIJING (AP) — A parade Tuesday by China’s secretive military will be a rare look at its rapidly developing arsenal, including possibly a nuclear-capable missile that could reach the United States in 30 minutes, as Beijing gets closer to matching Washington and other powers in weapons technology.
The Dongfeng 41 is one of a series of new weapons Chinese media say might be unveiled during the parade marking the ruling Communist Party’s 70th anniversary in power. Others include a supersonic drone and a robot submarine.
The parade will highlight Beijing’s ambition to enforce claims to Taiwan, the South China Sea and other disputed territories — and to challenge Washington as the region’s dominant force.
The People’s Liberation Army, the world’s biggest military with 2 million men and women in uniform and the second-highest annual spending after the United States, also is working on fighter planes, the first Chinese-built aircraft carrier and nuclear-powered submarines.
In this Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, photo, Chinese paramilitary policemen patrol as a Chinese military vehicle possibly carrying a drone passes along the Jianguomenwai Avenue during a rehearsal for the 70th anniversary of Communist China, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
“There are quite a lot of observers, including the U.S. military, who say, ‘This is getting close to what we do,’ and they are starting to worry,” said Siemon Wezeman of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Tuesday’s parade will include 15,000 troops, more than 160 aircraft and 580 pieces of military equipment, according to Ministry of Defense spokesman Maj. Gen. Cai Zhijun.
Many new weapons “will be shown for the first time,” Cai told reporters last week. Asked whether that would include the Dongfeng 41, Cai said, “Please wait and see.”
The ability to project power is increasingly urgent for Chinese leaders who want to control shipping lanes and waters also claimed by Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines and other governments.
“China has developed nuclear, space, cyberspace and other capabilities that can reach potential adversaries across the globe,” the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency said in a report in January.
Last year’s spending on the PLA rose 5% to $250 billion, or about 10 times its 1994 level, according to SIPRI. The United States, with a force of 1.3 million, was far ahead at $650 billion, or more than 2½ times China’s level.
Beijing is regarded, along with the United States, as a leader in drone aircraft, which it sells in the Middle East.
“In unpiloted aerial vehicles, China has made a lot of progress in recent years and has a vast array of systems under development,” said Harry Boyd of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London.
In this Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, photo, a Chinese military vehicle carrying what appears to be a drone passes along the Jianguomenwai Avenue during a rehearsal for the 70th anniversary of Communist China, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
No details of the Dongfeng 41 have been released, but the Center for Strategic & International Studies in Washington says it may have the world’s longest range at 15,000 kilometers (9,400 miles).
Analysts say the DF-41, flying at 25 times the speed of sound, might be able to reach the United States in 30 minutes with up to 10 warheads for separate targets — a technology known as MIRV, or multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles.
China’s current mainstay missile, the Dongfeng 31, has a range of more than 11,200 kilometers (6,990 miles) that puts most of the continental United States within reach.
Photos circulated on Chinese social media of parade preparations show blurry images of a possible attack drone dubbed “Sharp Sword” and another drone, the DR-8 or Wuzhen 8.
The parade also might give more subtle signs of China’s plans, said Wezeman.
Airborne tankers or marines in amphibious vehicles could “indicate the importance of long-range intervention,” he said. Air defense missiles might show Beijing is preparing for war with the United States or another advanced opponent.
Analysts want to know about Chinese software, electronics and wireless control networks, said Wezeman.
“Ten vehicles full of antennas may give an indication that is something that is becoming more important for China,” he said.
If mobile launchers for nuclear missiles are displayed, that might help to shed light on how Beijing sees “the challenge of maintaining credibility with their nuclear deterrent,” Boyd said.
China has about 280 nuclear warheads, compared with 6,450 for the United States and 6,850 for Russia, according to SIPRI. Beijing says it wants a “minimum credible nuclear deterrent” but won’t be the first to use atomic weapons in a conflict.
Mobile launchers “would make it more difficult for any potential enemy to do a first strike,” said Boyd.
Satellite photos show China is increasing the number of launchers for DF-41 and DF-31 missiles from 18 to as many as 36, Boyd said.
That suggests planners believe that minimum nuclear force “needs to be larger,” he said. “It needs to have more advanced systems with MIRV capability to remain credible, in their eyes.”
Bangkok, Thailand, September 26, 2019 – Marriott Thailand Business Council, in association with Operation Smile Thailand, is hosting the eighth edition of “FIGHT NIGHT 2019”, a charity boxing event that raise funds to provide free surgeries for children affected by cleft palate and other facial deformities.
The adrenaline-rush event, “FIGHT NIGHT”, which is in its eighth edition, is slated to take place on October 10, 2019 at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park where amateur boxers are welcome to showcase their performance in the ring. Staged in lavish and fun Las Vegas-style, the bouts are accompanied by sumptuous feast of food and drinks, plus lucky draw for a special prize. All proceeds from ticket sales and ringside VIP tables will go to benefit Operation Smile Thailand.
Mr. Simon Bell, General Manager of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park said, “FIGHT NIGHT is our annual charity event that has been organized in conjunction with Operation Smile Thailand to raise funds to aid thousands of children in Thailand and beyond. We at Marriott International all have big smiles on our faces and pride in our hearts as we are operating our business with social responsibilities and a commitment to give back to the community. We hope to give children with cleft lips and nasal deformities better living conditions so that they are able to support themselves and their families, and enjoy a fulfilled life.”
Marriott Thailand Business Council is determined to support the community through various social responsible activities wherever it operates. The council has supported Operation Smile Thailand with various fund raising events that include FIGHT NIGHT and Marriott Thailand Open while Marriott volunteers participate in medical activities all over Thailand. The social responsible effort goes along with Marriott International’s resolution, “Serve 360 – Doing Good in Every Direction”, the policy that was first introduced to the public in 2017 to run through 2025.
Operation Smile Thailand is one of the world’s largest non-profit medical volunteer organizations founded by Dr. Bill Magee and wife Kathy Magee. The mission is to give free operations for children with cleft nasal and facial deformity in Thailand and nearby countries. Since 1977, medical and non-medical volunteers as well as staff members of Operation Smile Thailand have been working tirelessly to perform more than 12,000 free surgeries for children in rural areas throughout Thailand. Marriott Thailand Business Council is lending support to Operation Smile Thailand with aspiration to give better lives to children with cleft nasal deformity throughout Thailand, blessing them with eternal beautiful smiles.
FIGHT NIGHT is on October 10, 2019 from 18.30hrs. at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. Guests can join Marriott Thailand Business Council’s effort in supporting Operation Smile Thailand with THB 4,200 entry per person (inclusive of food and drinks). VIP packages include THB 40,000 for a table for 10 and THB 50,000 for a ringside table for 10. Reservation can be made at [email protected] or call 0-2059-5999.
September 24, 2019 Aston Martin Bangkok, the sole authorised importer and dealer of Aston Martin in Thailand, under the Master Group Corporation (Asia) or MGC-ASIA hosts an exclusive ‘Design Masterclass by Marek Reichman’, a masterclass curated by world class automotive designer Mr. Marek Reichman whose vision represents a DNA of Aston Martin and also significant characters of the brand’s masterpieces at Aston Martin Boutique Showroom Siam Paragon.
“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Marek Reichman at Aston Martin Boutique Showroom as this becomes an opportunity to experience this precious moment with world-renowned automotive designer” stated Pornseak Pharksuwan, General Manager of Aston Martin Bangkok.
Born in Sheffield, United Kingdom, Mr. Marek Reichman is the mastermind behind the beauty of Aston Martin models such as the V12 Vantage S, Vanquish Volante, Rapide S, DB11, New Vantage, DBS superleggera and Aston Martin Vulcan. Reichman currently occupies a role of Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin Lagonda and during this exclusive event he narrates a trend of automotive design, experiences from special projects he has participated as well as a glimpse of the brand-new ‘DBX’ SUV design which will be officially launched soon.
In 2007, Aston Martin Lagonda built a new automotive design studio at headquarter in Gaydon. The building possesses cutting-edge appearance from its excellent design using premium oak wood, guaranteed by winning an honorable award from Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 2008. The studio has since become an origin of Aston Martin’s attractive designs of present and future.
For more information, please contact Aston Martin Bangkok
Rama 3 showroom tel. 02-670-6040
Aston Martin Boutique Showroom Siam Paragon tel. 02-610-9775
Siam Daikin Sales, the leader in air conditioning innovation and manufacturer of Daikin air conditioners, recently signed an MOU with EGAT to participate as energy consultant for 2019. The agreement also includes more production of level 5 energy saving air conditioners to reduce energy consumption by 6.08 million units in accordance with the Ministry of Energy’s Energy 4.0 agenda and 20-year energy saving plan to reduce 30% energy use by 2036.
Mr. Akihisa Yokoyama, President of Siam Daikin Sales, the leader in air conditioning innovation, enthused that the MOU on 2019 energy consultancy prompts Daikin to manufacture air conditioners with level 5 energy saving, a label which is endorsed and certified by Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand or EGAT.
“Daikin is determined to develop more innovations and pass on technologies of air cooling of the future, both for our residential and commercial products that cater to all needs of the consumers. This mission aspires Daikin to become the leader of quality air conditioners with the goal to maximize performance and energy efficiency that goes with the global trend in environmental preservation, energy saving and sustainability. This effort also complies with the agenda of the Ministry of Energy,” Mr. Akihisa Yokoyama said.
Participating organizations in 2019 are categorized in three groups:
Supporting organizations that include the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai SME, Hotels & Buildings Chief Engineering’s Club and Thai ESCO.
Manufacturers of air conditioners with level 5 energy saving label and chiller entrepreneurs
24 allies that signed the agreement with potential to expand the network
All participating parties are determined to work together and drive Thailand towards Energy 4.0.
Mr. Viboon Rerksirathai, Governor of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), said that EGAT initiated the energy consultancy campaign to promote efficient energy consumption with the goal to reduce energy consumption 0.1-0.3% of overall nationwide usage of 5,872 units per year according to the 2036 energy saving plan, which is widely endorsed by partners and allies. In 2019, EGAT looks to save energy by 6.08 million units through the initiative to comply with the Ministry of Energy’s strategy of 20-year energy saving plan (2015-2036) to reduce energy intensity by 30% within 2036. So far, EGAT has managed to reduce the energy intensity by 8%.
A file photo of Tesakan Gin Jay (vegetarian festival).
BANGKOK — As the annual vegetarian festival kicks off on Saturday, public health officials have warned citizens not to overindulge in carbs.
Sukhum Kanpimai, permanent secretary of the Public Health Ministry, warned on Friday that vegetarian foods can sometimes be surprisingly high in sugar. He recommends choosing brown over white rice.
He also said that those who can afford to do so should buy organic vegetables and fruits. People should eat at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables each day, said the permanent secretary.
For those who can’t afford organic, Sukhum recommends immersing produce in water for 15 minutes before washing for two minutes. This method removes 25 to 63 percent of chemicals and pesticides, he said.
He also recommends soaking produce in a mixture using half a tablespoon of baking soda and 10 liters of water. This method apparently removes up to 95 percent of chemicals.
The vegetarian festival was started by Chinese migrants in Thailand as a way to thank the gods for a successful journey.
BANGKOK — American pop-rock band OneRepublic is coming to lead this year’s Spotify on Stage in Oct.
One Republic’s second time in the capital is part of a gig hosted by music streaming service Spotify at BITEC Bangna on Oct. 16. Tickets are on sale online for 1,400 baht. A free Spotify account is required to buy tickets.
Best known for their hits like “Counting Stars,” “Secrets,” and “Apologize,” the sextet, founded in 2002, consists of vocalist Ryan Tedder (who has written songs for other artists such as Adele and Maroon 5), guitarists Zack Filkins and Drew Brown, bassist Brent Kutzle, drummer Eddie Fisher, and keyboardist Brian Willett.
OneRepublic rose to fame from a MySpace blog. Their 2007 debut album “Dreaming Out Loud,” soared to the top ten in charts across several countries. The single “Apologize” was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2009. Their latest album, “Human,” is expected to be released this November.
The concert will be joined by Thai rapper F.Hero and K-pop boy band Stray Kids.
F.Hero Ft. P-Hot, YOUNGOHM, FYMME – “เสือสิ้นลาย” (Stripeless Tiger)
Environmental activist Greta Thunberg, of Sweden, addresses the Climate Action Summit in the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters, Sept. 23, 2019. Image: Associated Press
Why do some people feel so threatened by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg?
One part of the answer is that she’s just 16, with no formal expertise on what she believes to be impending global climate catastrophe and mass extinction.
Patriarchy and paternalism were turned upside-down when Thunberg began to take time off school to demonstrate outside the Swedish parliament every Friday in August last year.
This week saw Thunberg, who inspired school climate strikes in major cities around the globe, including Bangkok, be invited to speak at the UN Climate Action Summit – or rather, in the eyes of some, to preach, frown and even lash out at world leaders.
There are those who say she is aggressive, a climate fundamentalist that sees things in black and white, and will make unnecessary enemies with her approach.
But say all you want about Thunberg. The discussion about climate change that has been generated by this girl, who has over two million followers on Twitter, is spreading faster than the Amazon fire.
There is something about being a child. It’s children and the child in us adults that dare to dream idealistically – unweighted by cynicism, not jaded by years of disappointment, and not limited by our professional and domestic demands.
The value of keeping the child in our adult hearts alive cannot be overlooked, for without it there will be little passion left for thinking beyond one’s comfort zone. Thunberg dares to dream and act, while many adults have become too cynical and lethargic in the face of borderless problems such as climate change.
Alas, so far Thailand is feeling little impact from the Greta Thunberg effect. Last Friday, when Bangkok held its Climate Strike protest, only 150 or so showed up, mostly expats and foreign students with signs in English. When it comes to climate change, Thailand seems stuck in a gigantic, single-use plastic bubble.
Thunberg reportedly convinced her parents to become vegan and give up flying in order to reduce their carbon footprints. In contrast, many Thai vegans are only vegan because they want to go to heaven, to be reincarnated into a good life, or because they pity the animals. Few think about their carbon footprint.
Thunberg has dragged many adults around the world out of their comfort zones, but the bubble in Thailand seems almost impenetrable. Not only are children still being treated as children here. Even adults are infantilized in a land where political leaders think they know best and simply expect citizens to comply.
It will probably take the city turning into a waterworld metropolis before adult Bangkokians start acting.
Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit. Insert: A registration statement submitted to the US Department of Justice, left, and a contract between Thanathorn and APCO Worldwide LLC, right.
BANGKOK — Top government officials on Friday ordered a probe into the Future Forward Party after it admitted to hiring an American lobbyist to facilitate the party leader’s visit to the US in July.
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said he has seen the contract between American public relations firm APCO Worldwide and the leader of the Future Forward Party Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit that surfaced in the media on Thursday, though he refused to link it with the recent rally against Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha in New York.
“I’ve seen it,” Prawit said. “I don’t know whether it relates to the protesters. We have to look into it.”
A reporter then asked him whether the opposition party is the mastermind of the new movement.
“Let’s follow what they’ve said. At least the Prime Minister handled the situation well and could continue his speech,” he responded.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam declined to comment on whether the hiring violates any law.
“I don’t know. I can’t remember,” he said.
In a statement issued Friday on its Facebook page, the party said it’s normal practice for a foreign politician to hire a facilitator to arrange meetings with local political figures and academics. It also insisted that the document was not leaked as some media had claimed.
“These documents have to be disclosed as per US law, under which any work related to politics has to be revealed for transparency,” reads the statement.
“Thanathorn hired APCO Worldwide LLC to facilitate arrangements with local individuals and organizations during his visit to the US from July 12 to 16,” the statement continued. “Some appointments have to be registered beforehand, so a representative is needed in accordance with the US law.”
The statement was made in response to some media reports that accused Thanathorn of hiring a lobbyist to create negative impressions of the current administration. The party denied the allegations.
Thanathorn went to the US to explain his working principles and the situation in Thailand, as well as to learn about policy implementation in the US, according to the statement.
Though the party claimed it hired the firm to facilitate Thanathorn’s visit in July, the length of the contract, which costs 10,000 dollars a month, is effective until the end of the year.
The party’s spokeswoman Pannika Wanich has not responded to a reporter’s questions as of press time.
The contract also said that Thanathorn authorized the firm to carry out political activities on his behalf, which have been defined as any activity that intends to influence any agency or official of the US government or the public.
Thanathorn said he will go on Facebook Live to clarify the matter later today.
During his five-day visit to the US, Thanathorn gave interviews about Thailand’s political situation to a number of foreign media agencies, including NBC News, Bloomberg, and VOA Thai.
A barista pouring boiling water onto grounded coffee beans.
BANGKOK — Regulars at Bangkok’s famous ‘Gallery Drip Coffee’ might come for the caffeine jolt, but they stay for the relaxing process of watching baristas prepare drip coffee.
Piyachat Trithaworn, founder and owner of Gallery Drip, says Thais are increasingly interested in savoring the complexity, acidity and aroma of Thai-grown drip coffee.
Gallery Drip is about quality, not quantity. Sometimes the shop only manages to secure half a sack of single origin beans from its source in the north of Thailand, but Piyachat is still happy to serve it to his customers.
“It begins with choosing coffee [beans] that we like. We deal with farmers to the point of becoming friends,” the 45-year-old shop owner, who make regular visits to the north, said.
The shop, which has been around for seven years on the ground floor of the Bangkok Art and Culture Center, doubled its floor space in June this year – a testament to the growing demand.
Piyachat making a cup of drip coffee.
Piyachat believes there’s a lot of levels to the growing drip coffee wave. The taste is more delicate and nuanced due to a lighter roasting process, and the option to choose between a variety of both local and foreign single origin beans. But it’s also the process of watching drip coffee being prepared that attracts repeat customers (70 per cent of customers are Thais, and the other 30 per cent foreigners, Piyachat reports).
“The baristas here are experienced,” Wattanapong Jaiwat, 31, a regular customer of four years who drops by three to four times a week, said.
Asked why he doesn’t opt for a machined-made espresso or Americano, Wattanapong said the experience of watching the coffee being prepared generates “peace of mind.” It takes about four to five minutes to prepare a cup of drip coffee.
At the heart of the coffee shop are eight tall seats around the bar, where one can watch the hand grinding of beans and the pouring of hot water through the dripping process.
People who sit around the bar not only chat, but even confide in the eight baristas who staff the shop.
“They confide in us about suffering, life, love and just about anything,” Pichayat said, pouring hot water onto ground coffee beans, releasing a fresh aroma.
For those not keen on a chat, other tables will leave you to yourself or your drinking companion. A new favorite is a long table for four facing the skywalk, with open views of the sky.
A medium-size cup of drip coffee, or 220 ml, starts from 80 baht and goes up to 100 baht. While not cheap by any means, since the minimum wage in Bangkok is roughly 330 baht, a regular customer said it’s reasonable compared to other drip coffee shops which regularly charge 150 baht and more for a cup.
Virtually all single origin Thai coffee beans are sourced from the north – mostly Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Nan and Lampang provinces. The shop currently offer four varieties, as well as foreign single origin beans as well.
One option is from Kenya. Pichayat travelled all the way to the East African country to test the beans and eventually secured half a ton, which are now almost gone. He offers Kenya’s Embu Kangunu for 120 baht a cup. The most expensive Thai beans, Baan Wat Chan Dry from a border area between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces, is 100 baht a cup. The latter is billed as balanced and sweet, with a note of dried fruit.
Though a 90 per cent tax is imposed on imported beans, Piychat said quality Thai beans are actually twice or thrice global market prices due to small farm sizes and relative rarity. Some farms, he said, only began cultivating coffee four decades ago when Christian missionaries introduced specimens.
“We want to know how good Thai coffee can get,” Piyachat said. “Some customers, after liking particular beans, want to meet the farmers and see their farm.”
Gallery Drip Coffee also serves pasties and bakery.
Tags showing the origins and flavor notes of each bean.
Gallery Drip Coffee is open every day except Monday from 10.30am to 8.30pm. It is located on the ground floor of the Bangkok Art and Culture Center.
