Internet Saves Beautiful Man-Buffalo Friendship

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20 November 2018, 12:48

CHAI NAT — Beneath all its crust and saltiness, the internet proved it has a heart in recent days by helping a rural farmer to buy a beloved buffalo he was about to lose.

In under three days, online donors sent over 135,000 baht to Surat Phaeoket – a father of two who earns only 6,000 baht a month – to make Tongkum the buffalo his forever friend. The two went viral last week for smiling and cavorting together in selfies evoking pastoral bliss.

“I’m so inspired that there are so many good people. I’m also happy that people see me as a good person,” Surat said. “Even though we’re strangers, I want to say, thank you so much!”

Reached for comment Tuesday morning, Surat said he was at the provincial livestock department filing the necessary documents to register Tongkum as his buffalo.

After weeks of caring for the animal, Tongkum had been set to be sold to someone else by his owner unless Surat could come up with 100,000 baht. After learning of their pending separation, netizens decided to keep them together by donating that, and a bit more.

Donations ranged from 10 baht to 10,000 baht, Surat said. As for the extra 35,000 baht, he said he would use it to build more bathing ponds for Tongkum as well as a stable with a roof and mosquito nets. Surat is also currently caring for Kao Hom, who is pregnant thanks to the strapping bull Tongkum, and another buffalo called Permpoon.

Due to his fame, Surat said the state Buffalo Bank has agreed to lend him an additional four buffaloes.

Surat also said he will soon make a Facebook page for people to follow his and Tongkum’s adventures in sunny Chai Nat province.

Chai Nat Man’s Lovely Kwai Friendship Warms Hearts

‘Masters of Food & Wine’ Launched First Event (Sponsored)

By

Khaosod English

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20 November 2018, 12:42

BANGKOK — Park Hyatt Bangkok held its first Masters of Food & Wine on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Core to the Park Hyatt brand, every event offers a unique culinary journey to celebrate the brand’s passion for food and beverage.

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Embracing culinary art and wine culture, Park Hyatt’s Masters of Food & Wine programme started in Carmel in 2003 to showcase the brand’s passion for food and beverage. The events offer immersive culinary and beverage experiences to differentiate the Park Hyatt brand globally. As the programme moves forward, its focus on its roots in exquisite and unique experiences provide a platform for highly talented culinary colleagues to share and celebrate their passions with like-minded guests.

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“The program offers a calibre of F&B programming that is interactive and inspiring,” says Executive Chef Franck Detrait. “By offering these events at Park Hyatt Bangkok we will further highlight this point of distinction to our guests, to true connoisseurs.”

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Essential ingredients in each Masters of Food & Wine event start with highly engaging, thought-provoking partners and masters in their craft who relish sharing their passions with others. These events aim to expose guests to rare, noteworthy regional or local food and beverage offerings and immerse guests in unique themes through interactive experiences where knowledge is shared and stories told.

Programs tap into suppliers to tell stories alongside Park Hyatt hotel chefs, sommeliers and mixologists. An evening of surprising delights unfolded at Park Hyatt Bangkok’s first Masters of Food & Wine event which included a roundup of international Masters presenting and sharing knowledge about their products. Masters that participated in this launch event included:

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Patrice Marchand – Cheese Maker and Founder of Les Freres Marchand
Ronald Brown – Wine Maker and Founder, Maverick Wines
Alexandre Bader – Champagne Master and Managing Director, Billecart Salmon
Jean Philippe – Craftman baker and Founder, Maison Jean Philippe
Thibault Spithakis – Founder, Chalong Bay

Ocean Piras – Master of Caviar, Caviar de Neuvic
Billy Marinelli – Founder, Marinelli Shellfish
Philip Bischoff – Bar Manager, Manhattan Bar Singapore
Terawat Teankaprasith – Winner of Designer of the Year Award
Vincent Goyat – Director/Patriarche, Grands Vinsde Bourgogne

Follow Park Hyatt Bangkok’s official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/parkhyattbangkok ) for more information as it unfolds as the next event is scheduled for early 2019.

Junta-Linked Party Retracts Vow to Clinch Supermajority

By

Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief

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20 November 2018, 12:14

Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong speaks at a November 2018 news conference for the Palang Pracharat Party in Bangkok.

BANGKOK — A leader of a pro-junta political party said Tuesday he didn’t really mean it when he predicted winning 70 percent of the lower house in the next election.

Palang Pracharat executive Sontirat Sontijirawong, who also doubles as finance minister in the junta’s cabinet, told reporters he was only trying to “boost the morale” of his supporters when he set a goal of snatching 350 seats – a claim ridiculed as preposterous by opponents.

“It was just a speech to boost morale for the members and [MP] candidates,” Sontirat said before attending today’s weekly cabinet meeting. “It didn’t mean we would carry 350 constituencies. Politically speaking, that’s already impossible.”

Read: ‘Three Friends’ Join Pro-Junta Party, Say Charter Favors Them

Sontirat, who has refused so far to resign from his cabinet post, made headlines with his bold Sunday claim while welcoming new Palang Pracharat members.

“This is a new chapter in history. It’s so incredible to see all of you assembled here as Palang Pracharat,” the minister thundered onstage. “With so many of you like this, how could we not win 350 seats?”

His critics and political opponents immediately raised doubts over the remark. The last politician to achieve such a supermajority in the parliament was former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who won 375 of 500 seats when he was reelected in 2005.

The same number of seats will be up for grabs in the next poll, now slated for late February.

Democrat Party chairman Abhisit Vejjajiva suggested that he either misheard Sontirat’s speech or the 58 year old had misspoken.

Former Pheu Thai MP Navin Boonseth said Sontirat should hold his tongue until he sees the election results.

“It’s up to the voters what party they vote for. He should wait till election day first. Don’t brag now,” Navin said, adding that he believes Pheu Thai will win the majority.

At today’s news conference, Sontirat declined to say how many seats he’s really aiming for.

He also would not answer questions about whether a new redistricting of voter constituencies would benefit his party.

Policeman Accused of Killing 3 at Party in East Timor

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Associated Press

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20 November 2018, 11:58

People queue up to give their votes at a polling station in May in Dili, East Timor. Photo: Kandhi Barnez / Associated Press

DILI, East Timor — Scores of people demonstrated in East Timor’s capital on Monday to protest the killing of three people at a party, allegedly by a drunken policeman.

East Timor police Chief Julio da Costa Hornay said the suspect, officer Jose Mina, has been apprehended. He said the party was hosted by Mina’s police colleague in the Kuluhun neighborhood of Dili city.

“Their attitude has damaged the reputation of the East Timor police institution,” Hornay said, “We will punish them.”

Survivors said the shooting began with a fight between two guests at the party held Saturday night to commemorate a year after the death of the host’s relative. Mina, who was in plain clothes, raised his gun to warn them to stop fighting when the electricity suddenly went out just after midnight.

Witnesses said Mina, apparently heavily drunk, stood on a bench and opened fire randomly in the dark. Three men died instantly and five other guests were hospitalized with gun wounds.

The killings sparked protests throughout the city on Monday, with demonstrators shouting “Police are murderers” and demanding justice.

“The government and police should clarify why police officers can use weapons freely to kill people,” Alberto Sequeira, the father of one of the victims, told a news conference.

“This is not the first time,” he said. “Armed policemen have threatened other families repeatedly but the government has not taken serious measures and now civilians become victims.”

Hornay said police are still investigating the shooting, and are questioning the host and another officer who attended the party.

He said police have clear rules about how use their weapons and there are tough punishments for those who violate them.

“The Kuluhun shooting has devastated our heart,” East Timor President Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo said in a statement. “To see a police officer acting against the law, wearing plain clothes and going to party with a gun and shooting young people, it’s painful to us.”

East Timor, a former Portuguese colony, was occupied by Indonesia for a quarter century. It gained independence after a U.N.-sponsored referendum in 1999 but reprisals by the Indonesian military devastated the country.

Today, its 1.3 million people still face extreme poverty.

Story: Raimundos Oki

See Miss Universe Transform into White Elephant (Video)

By

Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

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20 November 2018, 11:33

Sophida ‘Ning’ Kanchanarin unveils her national costume Monday evening at Ancient City.

SAMUT PRAKAN — The chiseled beauty walked out in a bejeweled, Thai evening dress with a white-veiled contraption on her back. Soon, after she sashayed to stage center, a hood extended over her crowned coiffure and an appendage dropped down to form the head of a white elephant.

Sophida “Ning” Kanchanarin, this year’s Miss Universe Thailand, took to the stage Monday evening at Ancient Siam to present her national costume, a mechanical affair that transforms to resemble a white elephant.

“When Ning walked out wearing it, I was about to cry,” said designer Theer Phasuk. “I was worried about the mechanics of it. I want to improve it so that the trunk is smoother.”

The costume, called “Chang the Icon of Siam” weighs 20 kilograms.

“Now I’m 100 percent ready,” Sophida said. “I’ve been exercising every day and eating clean.”

The Miss Universe pageant will go ahead next month in Bangkok after its fate was briefly thrown into doubt. National costume competitions are an injection of national cultural politics that lend to particularly creative and unusual ideas. In recent years, Thailand has sent a tuk-tuk, an ogre from literary folklore, durian fruit and even a bowl of tom yum kung to represent the nation at major pageants.

That part of the pageant will occur Dec. 10 with finals to follow Dec. 17, both at Impact Muang Thong Thani.

Khaosod English’s interview with Ning:

Miss Universe Thailand Will Be a White Elephant

Thailand to Host 2018 Miss Universe Pageant

Netizens in Uproar Over Miss Universe Thailand

Miss Universe Thailand to Be Maiden-Chasing Ogre in Las Vegas

Durian Dress Wins Best Costume at Latin American Pageant

‘Tom Yum’ Attire Wins Best Costume at Miss Grand Thailand Pageant

Local Pride, Outrageous Costumes Ride High at Miss Grand National (Photos)

Homeless Aussie Who Helped Thwart Attack Charged With Theft

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Associated Press

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20 November 2018, 11:12

SYDNEY — A homeless Australian man who shot to fame after using a shopping trolley to help police thwart last week’s militant attack in Melbourne has been charged over a series of burglaries.

Michael Rogers was hailed as a hero and dubbed “Trolleyman” on social media after emerging from a crowd with a trolley to try to ram a knife-wielding man who killed one person and wounded two others, as two police officers tried to subdue him.

The man, Somali-born Australian Hassain Khalif Shire Ali, was fatally shot in the chest by one officer, with police later saying his actions were terrorism-inspired.

Rogers, 46, became a media celebrity after the attack, his sudden fame also leading to 140,000 Australian dollars (USD$100,000) being raised for him in an online funding drive.

But now his time in the spotlight has been extended for the wrong reasons.

After media reports the police were seeking to question him, Rogers turned himself in on Friday night and was served with five charges relating to recent burglaries in the central Melbourne area.

He was charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of theft, and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

Rogers made a brief appearance in the Melbourne Magistrates Court, and is expected to appear again later this weekend to apply for bail.

Donna Stolzenberg, director of the National Homeless Collective charity, which set up the online fundraiser for Rogers, said he was keen to do the right thing and hand himself in to police.

She told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. the money raised for him will be held in a trust fund for him, and that an accountancy firm had offered to oversee it and give financial advice.

Story: Trevor Marshallsea

Armin Van Buuren Brings ‘A State of Trance’ to Bangkok

By

Lobsang Dundup Sherpa Subirana, Deputy Editor

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20 November 2018, 11:00

Armin Van Buuren in 2012 in Managua, Nicaragua. Photo: Jorge Mejía Peralta / Flickr

BANGKOK — Rave and dance next month when a top Dutch DJ hosts his trademark radio show at an annual Bangkok music festival for the first time.

Armin Van Buuren will present “A State of Trance” for the first time in Thailand next month as part of the two-day 808 Festival, which will also feature the likes of American dubstep DJ Skrillex.

Van Buuren will inaugurate the event with supporting performances by his radio co-host Ruben De Ronde, Norwegian trance DJ Orjan Nilsen, American DJ Estiva, Dutch electro duo NWYR and their Israeli counterparts Vini Vici.

Skrillex will take the decks the day after, featuring supporting acts by Canadian New Beat DJ Rezz, British electro DJ Troyboi and teenage future bass DJ Whethan.

“A State of Trance” is a weekly trance radio show that first aired in 2001. Claiming to reach a weekly audience of about 40 million, it has produced almost 900 episodes and hit the road to host festivals.

The 808 Festival will start at 3pm on Dec. 8 and Dec. 9 at Live Park Rama 9. Get there by taxi from Airport Rail Link Ramkhamhaeng. Tickets are 3,199 baht and can be bought online.

Smirnoff Spooked out Partygoers at Thailand’s Largest Halloween Music Festival (Sponsored)

By

Khaosod English

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20 November 2018, 10:25

Smirnoff Midnight 100, a brand that stands for having fun to the max, provided a whole new experience for Thailand’s partygoers with “Smirnoff Midnight 100 OMG – OH MYGHOST”, Thailand’s first biggest Halloween party. It was an impressive day of frights and great music from a glamorous line-up of internationally acclaimed DJs. “Smirnoff Midnight 100 OMG – OH MYGHOST” took place on the evening of October 27, 2018 at Live Park Rama 9.

For two decades Smirnoff has been active in promoting music culture by supporting artists and music festivals and forming collaborations with artists worldwide to create festivals of art and lifestyle. The brand aims to bring together like-minded individuals who share the same passions for and attitudes towards art and music for entertainment programs where they get to socialize, connect and have a good time together. These activities also offer everyone the opportunity to enjoy new experiences.

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As a brand that promotes connection and freedom of expression, Smirnoff strives to create innovations for consumers through a variety of activities. On this occasion, Smirnoff Midnight 100 was once again mounting a Halloween party in Thailand titled “Smirnoff Midnight 100 Presents OMG – OH MY GHOST”, that was packed with spookiness and fun, at Live Park Rama 9. The venue was transformed into a deserted amusement park that comes alive once again on the night of Halloween.

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Upon arrival, partygoers were in for a range of bizarre, mysterious incidents and stories. Revelers would be delighted by a huge selection of drinks blended with Smirnoff Vodka including black-canned Midnight 100, a familiar drink with its special Halloween-themed packaging design to mark this occasion. Specially designed ice buckets from Smirnoff Midnight Max also provided added ambience. Partygoers also had fun with a string of entertaining activities including Halloween-style make-up and Shockphoto Booth Scare Challenge designed for fearless partygoers.

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World-renowned DJs took to the stage pumping out tons of electronic dance music. These include R3hab, Ghastly, Breathe Carolina, SURA, and Miss KB. The promotion of the planned Halloween blowout has been a great success online with lots of fans posting their photos on social media with the hashtags #SmirnoffOMG #SmirnoffOhMyGhost #ปาร์ตี้ป๋องดำ และ #ป๋องดำ.

Smirnoff Midnight 100 made its debut in Thailand in 2015. Ever since, it has consistently met with a warm reception from Thai consumers as one of the drinks for festive occasions that everyone can enjoy.

Smirnoff commits to provide positive energies to consumers through quality fun-filled activities. Those with a passion for music and revelry are invited to take part in the Halloween party. The drink is ideal for every joyous occasion.

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Diageo Moët Hennessy (Thailand) Ltd (DMHT) is the leading importer and distributor of premium wines and spirits in Thailand. Responsible corporate citizenship is a key element of DMHT’s business philosophy. DMHT strives to ensure its business and products appropriately balance the company’s commitment to act responsibly and the right to trade freely. This commitment is reflected in its corporate ethics and governance, relations with employees, customers, consumers, suppliers and communities, as well as health and safety policies and environmental policies. DMHT is committed to good corporate citizenship and responsible alcohol consumption. DMHT’s global corporate citizenship report and Asia Pacific citizenship report can be found and downloaded atwww.diageo.com.

Diageo Moet Hennessy (Thailand) is the leading importer and distributor of world-leading premium alcohol products. You can visit www.DIAGEO.com for more info. Being part of good corporate governance, DMHT takes responsible drinking seriously.

Transport Minister Open to Raising Some Bus Fares Next Year

By

JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI

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19 November 2018, 16:41

Two private buses block a street on Sep. 1 near CentralPlaza Lardprao in Bangkok. Photo: @KungBKP / Twitter — Two buses block a street on Sep. 1 near CentralPlaza Lardprao in Bangkok. Photo: @KungBKP / Twitter

BANGKOK — The Transport Minister said Monday he would consider raising fares for private bus operators for the first time in nearly four years after he was met with a rally and strike threats.

More than 200 private bus operators representatives held a protest today in front of the ministry demanding fare hikes – 3 baht for unair-conditioned buses and 2 baht for air-conditioned buses. They were invited to meet with the minister, who later said he had ordered the Department of Land Transport to propose new rates as soon as possible.

Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said he agreed with raising fares as fuel prices and wages had increased in recent years. He said he could not promise if the increased rates will be the ones operators demanded, but that he would like to have them approved by Dec. 15.

“I’ve asked the operators to delay the fare raise until after New Year to reduce the impact to those traveling [during the holiday],” Arkhom said.

The rates the firms demanded would see fares in unair-conditioned buses increase from 9 baht to 12 baht, while starting prices in air-conditioned buses would be hiked from 13 baht to 15 baht with a 2-baht increase per distance bracket.

The private operators overseeing more than 4,300 buses servicing Bangkok said yesterday that they would hold a strike next month if the ministry rejects the fare raise. They accused authorities of breaking promise after promise and said they could no longer operate under current rates after years of waiting.

Private buses last had their fares raised in February 2015, while 2,600 state-operated buses haven’t seen fare hikes since September 2011.

Witthaya Premjit, the operators’ representative, said he was pleased with the outcome of today’s meeting, and that they would be happy to hold the prices until after the new year. He said the new rates, if approved, could come into effect from Jan. 5.

Thai, Foreign Cops to Hold Concert at Asiatique

By

Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief

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19 November 2018, 16:24

An undated photo of Thai police band. Image: Royal Thai Police Band

BANGKOK — If you see cops descending on Asiatique this weekend, don’t worry – they aren’t out to catch any visa violators, but to serenade you with their music.

As host of the 23rd World Police Band Concert, Thai police will hold an orchestra concert Saturday at the riverfront tourist destination, alongside musicians from Singaporean, Burmese and Japanese police forces. The concert will also include a police parade.

Another concert marking the occasion will take place Sunday at Mahidol University’s Salaya campus.

Since its first event in Tokyo in 1996, the World Police Band Concert has been held in multiple cities featuring many international police forces, including those from New York, Paris and Hong Kong.

The 23rd World Police Band Concert at Asiatique will take place 4.30pm on Saturday, preceded by a parade at 4pm. Entry is free. The riverfront attraction is reachable via ferry from BTS Saphan Taksin.

The 23rd World Police Band Concert at Prince Mahidol Hall in Mahidol University will take place 4pm on Sunday. Entry is free.

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