Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, left, greets with Thai way tradition 'Wai" to Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after their joint press conference at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
BANGKOK (AP) — Indonesia and Thailand agreed Monday to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership, during the first state visit by an Indonesian president in 20 years and agreed to push for greater trade and investment.
President Prabowo Subianto, who took power last year, was welcomed by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in intermittent rain at Government House in Bangkok. As is traditional, the two leaders reviewed an honor guard before heading inside to hold bilateral talks on the future shape of their relationship.
Subianto’s visit also coincided with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, second left, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, right on the red carpet, review an honor guard during a welcome ceremony at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Paetongtarn said that the two countries agreed to boost cooperation in various fields including trade and investment, tourism, and food security.
The decision to elevate the two countries’ relations to strategic partnership “reflects our shared commitment to strengthen cooperation in several aspects on issues of mutual interest to the people of both countries,” Paetongtarn said in a statement.
They also discussed defense and security issues, which include “enhancing maritime security collaboration, strengthening counterterrorism efforts, bolstering cybersecurity cooperation, increasing joint military exercises and fostering defense industry partnerships,” Subianto said in his speech.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, left, escorted by Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, listens to national anthems during a welcoming ceremony at the government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Paetongtarn said Thai and Indonesian police will strengthen cooperation in suppressing transnational crimes, especially online scams, human trafficking and drug trafficking.
Dozens of Indonesians earlier this year were freed from scam centers in Myanmar and repatriated through Thailand, in part of a large-scale regional crackdown effort. Hundreds of thousands of people are believed to have been lured to work in the region to commit global scams through false romances, bogus investment pitches and illegal gambling schemes. Many of the workers were recruited under false pretenses, only to find themselves trapped in virtual slavery.
Ministers from both countries also signed a memorandum of understanding on health cooperation in a number of fields including prevention and control of communicable diseases and medical tourism.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, front, and Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra leave after their joint press conference at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
They also discussed the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, and Subianto praised Thailand’s constructive role, especially in engaging neighboring countries to seek a peaceful solution in Myanmar and facilitating dialogue between all parties.
“We emphasized the importance of an inclusive national dialogue that can achieve peace and stability in Myanmar,” Subianto said, “We also emphasized the importance of maintaining the unity and centrality of ASEAN.”
The crisis in Myanmar has emerged as one of the bloc’s biggest challenges since a military coup ousted an elected civilian government in February 2021, plunging the country into conflict. It has sparked an armed resistance movement, with rebel forces now controlling large parts of the country. The war has killed tens of thousands of people, and displaced millions.
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Associated Press journalists Jintamas Saksornchai and Jerry Harmer in Bangkok and Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.
Thailand, Phuket | The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket has announced the appointment of Mr. Nils Minken as its General Manager effective 19 May 2025.
Nils brings with him nearly two decades of leadership experience with Marriott International. His journey at The Westin Bund Center Shanghai in 2006, and since then, he has taken on key roles across China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, representing eight brands under the Marriott portfolio, including The Ritz-Carlton.
Throughout his career, Nils has demonstrated a strong track record in operational excellence and brand positioning. Notably, he played a pivotal role in launching the first Autograph Collection hotel in Asia Pacific and was recognized with the prestigious APAC Operational Leader of the Year award. Prior to joining The Naka Island, he served as Executive Assistant Manager at Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse.
A long-time resident of Thailand, Nils holds a deep personal connection to the country, having started his Thailand journey at Renaissance Koh Samui. He values the culture, the warmth of the Thai people, and the incredible opportunities the country presents. His passion for talent development and mentorship aligns with Marriott’s commitment to nurturing future leaders.
The entire The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket team eagerly welcomes Nils and looks forward to continue the successful achievement.
Read more at The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, official website.
Marriott Bonvoy members can discover two tiers of enticing culinary offers, including special dishes, set menus and buffets, at hotels and resorts across the country throughout May, June and July 2025
Bangkok, Thailand: May 2025 – Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, is giving its cherished members the chance to experience world-class cuisine in Thailand with the return of “Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy,” a three-month culinary fiesta that will showcase a series of enticing dining offers all across the kingdom.
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A shop clerk waits for customers behind a sales advertisement at a shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
BANGKOK — Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), reported on May 19 that Thailand’s economy showed resilience in early 2025, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanding by 3.1% in the first quarter. This follows a 3.3% expansion in the fourth quarter of 2024, indicating continued but slightly moderating growth momentum.
Despite this positive quarterly performance, the NESDC has maintained a cautious stance on the full-year outlook. Thailand’s economic growth for 2025 is projected to reach only 1.3-2.3%, with a median forecast of 1.8% – significantly lower than the current quarterly figures suggest.
Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), announces Thailand’s economic report for Q1/2025 and outlook for 2025 at the NESDC office on May 19, 2025.
Global Challenges Impact Growth Prospects
The tempered annual forecast reflects mounting international pressures facing the Thai economy. Danucha highlighted several external factors contributing to the uncertain outlook:
“Trade negotiations following recent U.S. tariff increases present significant challenges for our export sector,” Danucha explained. “Additionally, the ongoing slowdown of China’s economy – one of our largest trading partners – creates further headwinds for Thai businesses.”
The NESDC also expressed concern about heightened uncertainties in emerging market economies, which could further disrupt global trade patterns affecting Thailand.
Domestic Vulnerabilities Require Attention
On the home front, Thailand faces several structural challenges that could limit economic expansion. Household debt remains at concerning levels, with the NESDC warning that loan quality requires careful monitoring to prevent a rise in Non-Performing Loans (NPLs).
The agricultural sector, a significant employer and economic contributor, continues to face climate-related uncertainties. Unpredictable weather patterns could adversely affect crop yields and further strain agricultural income, according to the report.
Farmers in Khok Tum Subdistrict, Mueang Lopburi District, plant cassava by vertically inserting cassava stems in rows on cultivation plots that have already been tilled, loosened, and raised into ridges, on May 9, 2025.
“Both the business sector and the general public must adapt to cope with these changing situations more effectively,” Danucha advised, emphasizing the need for careful expense management across all sectors.
Six-Point Plan for Economic Management
To navigate these challenges, the NESDC has outlined six strategic approaches for the government to implement during the remainder of 2025:
Accelerate Budget Disbursement: Focus on capital expenditure disbursement for fiscal year 2025 and carried-over budget at rates not less than 70% and 90% respectively, particularly for infrastructure projects. This should be paired with measures to enhance fiscal capacity to accommodate global economic uncertainties.
2. Address Trade Barriers: Conduct targeted trade and investment negotiations with the United States, reduce the trade surplus, promote exports of high-potential products, and expand into new markets. The NESDC also recommends accelerating FTA negotiations and attracting investments with emphasis on joint ventures and knowledge transfer.
3. Protect Domestic Production: Strengthen import inspection procedures, increase product standards and penalties, and crack down on smuggling. The council also advises investigating dumping and unfair trade measures while supporting affected entrepreneurs in accessing protective trade measures.
Cranes work on stacks of containers at the Bangkok Port in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
4. Support SMEs: Focus on revenue generation initiatives and enhancing production capacity for small and medium enterprises. This should be coupled with raising awareness of debt relief measures to enable struggling SMEs to successfully restructure their debt.
5. Bolster the Agricultural Sector: Prepare contingency measures for agricultural output fluctuations, support water management initiatives, rehabilitate water sources, and promote technology adoption to increase agricultural productivity.
“These focused interventions will be crucial for maintaining economic stability while navigating both domestic and international challenges in the months ahead,” Danucha concluded.
With careful implementation of these recommendations, the NESDC believes Thailand can weather current uncertainties while laying groundwork for more robust growth in future periods, despite the modest outlook for 2025.
FILE - President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his office said Sunday.
The finding came after the 82-year-old reported urinary symptoms, which led doctors to discover a nodule on his prostate. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday, with the cancer cells having spread to the bone.
“While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management,” his office said. “The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians.”
Prostate cancers are graded for aggressiveness using what’s known as a Gleason score. The scores range from 6 to 10, with 8, 9 and 10 prostate cancers behaving more aggressively. Biden’s office said his score was 9, suggesting his cancer is among the most aggressive.
When prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it often spreads to the bones. Metastasized cancer is much harder to treat than localized cancer because it can be hard for drugs to reach all the tumors and completely root out the disease.
However, when prostate cancers need hormones to grow, as in Biden’s case, they can be susceptible to treatment that deprives the tumors of hormones.
FILE – President Joe Biden, left, and first lady Jill Biden hold hands as they arrive at Fort Lesley J. McNair, Monday, July 1, 2024, in Washington. President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
Outcomes have improved in recent decades and patients can expect to live with metastatic prostate cancer for four or five years, said Dr. Matthew Smith of Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Center.
“It’s very treatable, but not curable,” Smith said. “Most men in this situation would be treated with drugs and would not be advised to have either surgery or radiation therapy.”
Many political leaders sent Biden their wishes for his recovery.
President Donald Trump, a longtime political opponent, posted on social media that he was saddened by the news and “we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Biden’s vice president, Kamala Harris, said on social media that she was keeping him in her family’s “hearts and prayers during this time.”
“Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership,” Harris wrote.
Former President Barack Obama said his thoughts and prayers were with Biden, his former vice president, lauding his toughness. “Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace,” Obama wrote on social media.
The health of Biden was a dominant concern among voters during his time as president. After a calamitous debate performance in June while seeking reelection, Biden abandoned his bid for a second term. Harris became the nominee and lost to Trump, a Republican who returned to the White House after a four-year hiatus.
FILE – Vice President Kamala Harris embraces President Joe Biden after a speech on healthcare in Raleigh, N.C., March. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)
But in recent days, Biden rejected concerns about his age despite reporting in the new book “Original Sin” by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson that aides had shielded the public from the extent of his decline while serving as president.
In February 2023, Biden had a skin lesion removed from his chest that was a basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. And in November 2021, he had a polyp removed from his colon that was a benign, but potentially pre-cancerous lesion.
In 2022, Biden made a “cancer moonshot” one of his administration’s priorities with the goal of halving the cancer death rate over the next 25 years. The initiative was a continuation of his work as vice president to address a disease that had killed his older son, Beau, who died from brain cancer in 2015.
His father, when announcing the goal to halve the cancer death rate, said this could be an “American moment to prove to ourselves and, quite frankly, the world that we can do really big things.”
Bangkok, May 15, 2025 – Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) and Chairman of True Corporation Public Company Limited, announced a strategic partnership with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock and True IDC, Thailand’s number one data center provider. The collaboration is designed to accelerate and elevate Thailand’s digital infrastructure to world-class standards, supporting the rapid growth of AI and cloud computing and helping to drive Thailand to become ASEAN’s leading digital economy hub.
Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) and Chairman of True Corporation Public Company Limited said that the transition to the Giga Data Center Age presents a critical opportunity for Thailand. Countries with strong data center infrastructure will emerge as global digital economy hubs. For this reason, CP Group, through True IDC, Thailand’s No.1 data center and cloud service provider, is establishing this major strategic partnership with GIP, the world’s premier infrastructure investing platform. This partnership is designed to drive the expansion of Thailand’s digital infrastructure and help support the growth of global technology businesses.
“GIP’s global expertise in infrastructure management, combined with True IDC’s strengths in data centers and cloud services, network connectivity, and renewable energy solutions, will enhance True IDC’s capabilities and drive its expansion across ASEAN,” said the CP Group CEO. He further stated that the global economy is now entering the “Giga Data Center Age”, where data is the “New Oil”, making it the most valuable resource that requires data centers for processing. “Data centers will be the heart of the new economy” he emphasized.
Mr. Bayo Ogunlesi, Founding Partner, Chairman, and CEO of GIP, and Senior Managing Director at BlackRock, expressed that “The growth of data consumption and AI requires significant amounts of private capital to fund investments to help the world’s leading data center developers and operators provide this essential infrastructure to their customers,” said Bayo Ogunlesi. “We are very pleased to establish this strategic partnership with CP Group and True IDC to accelerate digital infrastructure capabilities across Thailand and, more broadly, Asia in order to serve growing demand.”
Mr. Thanasorn Jaidee, President of True IDC, affirmed that “True IDC has always been committed to driving Thailand to become the digital hub of ASEAN. This collaboration with GIP will accelerate the realization of that goal. Currently, the hyperscale business and AI technologies are growing at an exponential rate. This partnership will strengthen True IDC’s business expansion and help maintain our position as Thailand’s No.1 data center leader amid intense competition. We are confident that GIP, with its expertise in managing and investing in global infrastructure, will enhance True IDC’s capability to fully expand its business across ASEAN. This collaboration is therefore a key strategy to support the growing digital ecosystem and digital transformation across the region.”
This partnership is expected to significantly accelerate True IDC’s growth. Over the next three to five years, True IDC plans to exponentially grow investment in data center business, targeting the deployment of over US$ 1billion in capital.
In addition, True IDC plans to increase clean energy implementation, invest in R&D for technological and sustainability innovations in data centers, enhance operational standards and corporate governance, and broaden its service footprint across ASEAN. True IDC, CP Group and GIP are committed to strengthening Thailand and ASEAN’s leadership in digital infrastructure, laying the foundation for sustainable technological growth across all sectors.
The partnership between True IDC and GIP-BlackRock is not merely a business expansion; it marks a pivotal step in transforming Thailand into the digital hub of ASEAN. As the world rapidly enters the era of AI and cloud, this collaboration unites Thailand’s No.1 data center leader with a global infrastructure powerhouse to drive the nation’s digital economy forward and attract major technology investments from around the world. This is a defining moment for Thailand’s digital industry, laying a strong foundation for the country to enhance its global presence. True IDC and GIP are committed to building a stable, sustainable, and influential future in the global digital economy—because Thailand will no longer be just a “technology user,” but will rise to become a true center of innovation and digital infrastructure in the region.
About True IDC by CP Group
True Internet Data Center Company Limited (True IDC) by CP Group, headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, is the largest data center provider in Thailand and an AI-Ready Data Center leader. With extensive experience in managing internationally certified data centers in key business districts across Thailand and beyond, True IDC meets the evolving needs of businesses in the digital era. Recognized as a trusted digital infrastructure provider for global enterprises, True IDC plays a crucial role in driving Thailand’s and ASEAN’s digital economy forward.
Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock, is a leading infrastructure investment firm specializing in investing, owning, and operating large-scale assets across the energy, transportation, digital infrastructure, and water & waste management sectors. With over $170 billion in assets under management, GIP focuses on efficient infrastructure asset management, leveraging its exceptional expertise and capabilities to drive community development and create positive economic impact.
Police recover DJ Tate's body in the forest of Thung Na Nang Rok village area, Lat Ya subdistrict, Muang district, Kanchanaburi province on May 18, 2025.
KANCHANABURI — A shocking crime case in Kanchanaburi Province unfolds like the plot of a Thai movie – a handsome man becomes involved with a mafia boss’s woman, ultimately leading to his murder. CCTV footage captured the moment when the victim was dragged into a vehicle.
On May 18, Region 7 Provincial Police received a report from locals who discovered the body of 36-year-old Warapong Khunsrichaturoong, known as “DJ Tate” from his profession, while mushroom hunting in the forest. The body was found in Thung Na Nang Rok village area, Lat Ya subdistrict, Muang district, Kanchanaburi province.
Police Lieutenant General Naiwat Padermchit, Commander of Provincial Police Region 7, led officers using four-wheel-drive vehicles to reach the reported location, traveling 20 minutes from the outer road and walking an additional 5 minutes on foot.
They discovered DJ Tate’s body, which had been deceased for no less than 3 days, with two apparent gunshot wounds to the forehead. Officials transported the body to the Forensic Institute for detailed autopsy.
Police recover DJ Tate’s body in the forest of Thung Na Nang Rok village area, Lat Ya subdistrict, Muang district, Kanchanaburi province on May 18, 2025.
The villager who first discovered the body reported that three days earlier, during rainy weather with dark skies, he became lost and wandered into the area where he spotted the victim’s legs protruding from the forest edge. Frightened, he didn’t approach closer and hurried home without notifying authorities.
Throughout that night, the disturbing image haunted him, prompting him to tell relatives about what he’d seen. His grandmother, who had seen news reports about DJ Tate’s disappearance, suspected it might be him. The villager decided today to return to the location and called Lat Ya Airport Police to investigate.
DJ Tate’s disappearance made headlines on May 15, after security camera footage recorded his abduction in the early morning of May 14. He had just finished work for a female client at a club and was driving to meet a woman named Nittaya. During the drive, he was on the phone with Nittaya, saying that a car was following him. Then there were sounds of him parking his car and [of] DJ Tate being dragged out of his vehicle.
CCTV footage shows the middle vehicle as the car that abducted DJ Tate before disappearing in the early morning of May 14, prior to finding his murdered body in Kanchanaburi province on May 18, 2025.
Ms. Premyuda, DJ Tate’s girlfriend, stated that before the incident, she had warned him about his involvement with another woman named Nam, urging him to stay away as she had heard Nam was connected to a drug-dealing mafia figure. DJ Tate had assured her he was no longer involved. She never imagined the situation would escalate to murder.
Wichian, DJ Tate’s father who traveled 12 hours from Kalasin, a northeastern province, to search for his son in Kanchanaburi, expressed some relief at finally finding his son’s body. He plans to perform spiritual ceremonies and transport the body home for religious rites. Regarding the perpetrators, he hopes police will apprehend them, noting the brutality of shooting his son twice in the head.
DJ Tate’s father, along with lawyers, files a complaint at Kanchanaburi City Police Station against his son’s kidnappers on May 18, 2025.
At 8:00 p.m. on May 18, lawyer Ronarong Kaewphet accompanied DJ Tate’s father to file a complaint at Kanchanaburi City Police Station against the kidnappers on charges of premeditated murder and concealing the cause of death. Wichian thanked officials for their efforts in searching for DJ Tate, despite the tragic outcome.
Initially, authorities have arrested Thanadech, one of the first two suspects brought in for questioning, under a warrant from the Kanchanaburi Provincial Court. It’s expected that on May 19, police will request arrest warrants for at least three more individuals involved in DJ Tate’s kidnapping and murder.
Indonesian Navy arrests Thai captain and four Myanmar crew members on the AUNGTOETOE 99, a vessel flying a Thai flag, for smuggling methamphetamine and cocaine off the coast of Sumatra on May 13, 2025. (Thai-MECC)
BANGKOK — The Thailand Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC) issued a press release today clarifying details about the May 13 incident where the Indonesian Navy seized the AUNGTOETOE 99, a vessel flying a Thai flag, along with its crew for smuggling methamphetamine and cocaine off the coast of Sumatra.
According to the statement, the vessel’s captain is Thai, while the four crew members are Myanmar nationals. However, Thai-MECC noted that after checking their vessel database, no records of this ship were found. Authorities are currently coordinating with international agencies to determine the vessel’s actual nationality.
The Indonesian Navy intercepted and arrested the foreign fishing vessel named Aungtoetoe 99 while it was sailing in the Selat Durian waters near Tanjung Balai Karimun in Riau Islands Province. The vessel aroused suspicion as it had no fishing equipment or fish on board.
The Indonesian Navy seizes the AUNGTOETOE 99, a vessel flying a Thai flag, along with its crew for smuggling methamphetamine and cocaine off the coast of Sumatra on May 13, 2025. (Thai-MECC)Indonesian Navy arrests Thai captain and four Myanmar crew members on the AUNGTOETOE 99, a vessel flying a Thai flag, for smuggling methamphetamine and cocaine off the coast of Sumatra on May 13, 2025. (Thai-MECC)
The drug shipment on the vessel weighed approximately 1.9 tons, consisting of 705 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1,200 kilograms of cocaine, valued at around 428 million USD.
All five arrestees are currently detained in Batam by the Indonesian Navy. The case is being transferred to Indonesia’s National Anti-Narcotics Agency for investigation and prosecution, including tracing the source of the drugs and identifying associated networks.
Under Indonesian law, drug trafficking of this magnitude carries severe penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment or death by firing squad. Indonesia is known for its strict enforcement of drug laws, particularly for major trafficking operations.
Pope Leo XIV holds Mass during the formal inauguration of his pontificate in St. Peter's Square attended by heads of state, royalty and ordinary faithful, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV, history’s first American pope, vowed Sunday to work for unity so that the Catholic Church becomes a symbol of peace in the world, offering a message of communion during an inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square before an estimated 200,000 pilgrims, presidents, patriarchs and princes.
Leo officially opened his pontificate by taking his first popemobile tour through the piazza, a rite of passage that has become synonymous with the papacy’s global reach and mediatic draw. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary smiled and waved from the back of the truck, and stopped to bless some babies in the crowd.
During the Mass, Leo appeared to choke up when the two potent symbols of the papacy were placed on him — the lambswool stole over his shoulders and the fisherman’s ring on his finger — as if the weight of responsibility of leading the 1.4-billion strong church had just sunk in.
He turned his hand to look at the ring and seal and then clasped his hands in front of him in prayer.
Ukraine’s President Volodymr Zelenskyy, center top, flanked by first lady Olena Zelenska and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, standing behind Spain’s King Felipe VI, front row second left, Queen Letizia, and Belgium’s King Philippe, left, attend a Mass for the formal inauguration of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Stefano Costantino)
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, one of the last foreign officials to see Pope Francis before he died, led the U.S. delegation honoring the Chicago-born Leo. Vance paid his respects at the Argentine pope’s tomb upon arriving in Rome late Saturday.
The theme of Leo’s papacy
In his homily, Leo said he wanted to be a servant to the faithful through the two dimensions of the papacy, love and unity, so that the church could be a force for peace in the world.
“I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world,” he said. “In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalises the poorest.”
His call for unity was significant, given the polarization in the Catholic Church in the United States and beyond.
Francis’ radical 12-year pontificate, which emphasized care for the poor and marginalized and disdain for the capitalist economic system, often alienated conservatives and traditionalists. Leo’s May 8 election, after a remarkably quick 24-hour conclave, appears to have pleased conservative Catholics who seem to appreciate his more disciplined, traditional style and Augustinian background, emphasizing core truths of Catholic doctrine.
Leo drove that message home further by wearing the formal red cape of the papacy, or mozzetta, to receive Vance and official government delegations after the Mass. Francis had eschewed many of the formalities of the papacy as part of his simple style, but Leo’s return to the traditional garb has pleased conservatives and traditionalists who cheered when he came out of the loggia on May 8 wearing the red cape.
Pope Leo XIV, on his popemobile, tours St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican prior to the inaugural Mass of his pontifcate, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)
Leo did though break protocol when he gave his older brother, Louis Prevost, a self-described political “MAGA-type,” a bear hug in the basilica when he and his wife came up to greet the pope.
“Let us build a church founded on God’s love, a sign of unity, a missionary church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made restless by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity,” Leo said, referencing some of the themes of Francis’ pontificate as well.
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte was one of around a dozen heads of state who attended, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russia had planned to send its culture minister but was represented by its ambassador, reports said.
Diplomatic protocol also dictated the dress code: While most wore black, the handful of Catholic queens and princesses — Letizia of Spain and Charlene of Monaco among others — wore white in a special privilege allowed them. Three dozen of the world’s other Christian churches sent their own delegations, the Jewish community had a 13-member delegation, half of them rabbis. Other representatives headed Buddhist, Muslim, Zoroastrian, Hindu, Sikh and Jain delegations.
Security was tight, as it was for Francis’ funeral on April 26, which drew an estimated 250,000 people. The Vatican said 200,000 were on hand Sunday in the piazza and surrounding streets, parks and piazzas, where giant television screens and portable toilets were set up.
At the end of the Mass, Leo expressed hope for negotiations to bring a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and offered prayers for the people of Gaza — children, families and elderly who are “reduced to starvation,” he said. Leo made no mention of hostages taken by Hamas from southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, as Francis usually did when praying for Gaza.
Faithful gather as Pope Leo XIV celebrates a Mass for the formal inauguration of his pontificate, in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
Americans are rejoicing
Susan Hanssen, a professor who was born in Chicago and just arrived in Rome to teach, said she thought Leo’s homily of unity would resonate in the U.S. and beyond. “I think he will inspire,” she said after Mass. “What I particularly loved was the phrasing, unity within the doctrine of the faith, and then in love.”
U.S. seminarian Ethan Menning, 21, from Omaha, Nebraska, wrapped himself in an American flag, purchased at a truck stop in Iowa, to celebrate.
“Rome always felt like home for a Catholic, but now coming here and seeing one of our own on the throne of Peter … it almost makes Jesus himself more accessible,” he said.
The two symbols of the papacy handed to Leo were the pallium stole, and the fisherman’s ring. The pallium, draped across his shoulders, symbolizes the pastor carrying his flock as the pope carries the faithful. The ring, which becomes Leo’s official seal, harks back to Jesus’ call to the apostle Peter to cast his fishing nets.
The other symbolically important moment of the Mass was the representational rite of obedience to Leo: Whereas in the past all cardinals would vow obedience to the new pope, more recent papal installations involve representatives of cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons, nuns, married couples and young people participating in the rite.
Gregory and Susan Hudak, who lived for 40 years in the Chicago area, found themselves in Rome after booking a trip in February, with just a faint hope of perhaps glimpsing the pope. Seeing the popemobile pass by in front of them, with the Chicago-born Leo on board, was even better than watching Michael Jordan play, said Gary Hudak, a former altar boy wearing a Chicago Bears hat.
“Originally, the only hope I had coming here was to see the inside of the Sistine Chapel,” he said. “Seeing the pope was not scheduled, it was a long shot hope. And this was a treasure, simple as that.”
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Associated Press writers Giovanna dell’Orto and David Biller, and AP visual journalist Isaia Monteleone contributed to this report.
Devakam Osoth company will use the “Muay” brand as its main spearhead.
BANGKOK — Devakam Osoth Co., Ltd., led by CEO Athichaporn Janprasit, is expanding its business, focusing on office workers and international markets. The company manufactures and distributes pain relief and healthcare products, including “Muay” medicated oil, “Neobun” pain relief patches, and “Neoplast” wound plaster. The CEO acknowledges both opportunities and challenges in the 2025 pain relief product market.
In terms of opportunities, the market for painkillers has seen double-digit growth rates since the COVID-19 pandemic, a trend that is expected to continue. This growth is being driven by the rising prevalence of health problems such as pain and office syndrome worldwide, as well as increasing consumer interest in physical activity, which in turn is increasing demand for pain relief products.
Opportunities and Challenges
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 843 million people worldwide will suffer from lower back pain by 2050. In Thailand, data from the state-run Thai Traditional Medicine Centers indicated that 483,850 people will seek treatment for office syndrome in 2024 alone. These figures highlight the huge business potential of painkillers both in Thailand and internationally.
However, the Thai painkiller market faces two major challenges: intense competition from domestic and international brands offering a variety of products, including patches, oils, gels, sprays and creams, and a decline in the number of foreign tourists, especially from China, which has been a major customer base. In addition, tourist spending has also declined.
Athichaporn Janprasit, CEO of Devakam Osoth Co., Ltd.
Two Main Strategies in 2025
To capitalize on growth opportunities and overcome these challenges, Thewakum Osot will focus on two main strategies in 2025, which coincides with the company’s 80th anniversary. The first strategy is to build a new customer base by improving the awareness and product positioning of its pain relief brands: Muy, Neobun and Neoplast, and introducing new, modern product formats to meet growing consumer demand and offset the decline in tourist spend.
The second strategy is to accelerate international market expansion, particularly in Asia and Europe, to capitalize on long-term growth opportunities arising from existing tourism demand.
“Muay” Will Be the Spearhead
For its international push, the company will use the “Muay” brand as its main spearhead, capitalizing on the global recognition of Muay Thai as part of Thailand’s soft power and its roots in traditional Thai wisdom. The expansion will initially focus on Asian markets, followed by the US, Middle East and Europe. Insights from tourist spending patterns show that the “Muay” brand is well received by European and Chinese consumers who prefer oils and creams, while Asian customers prefer Neobun and Neoplast and Middle Eastern consumers also show a preference for Neobun.
Neobun
The company is currently in the process of selecting partners who are familiar with local health regulations and are committed to building a long-term brand. It already has partners in several countries, including Myanmar, Hong Kong, Laos, Cambodia and some European countries.
“While China remains a market with great potential, the regulatory challenges related to healthcare products make it a more complex market that requires a longer preparation time compared to others,” Ms. Athichaporn said.
She expressed confidence that these strategies will help establish the “Muay” brand in global markets and achieve consistent double-digit annual sales growth, both domestically and internationally. In line with the company’s strategic goals, the share of international sales is expected to increase from the current 10% to over 20% within three years.
