Norwegian Salmon Mania in Thailand Keeps Growing

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16 May 2025, 10:53

BANGKOK — Thais love salmon and saba, which may be an understatement. The exports of fresh Norwegian salmon, mackerel (saba), and fjord trout to Thailand continues to grow, with a 12 percent growth in 2024, according to Ashild Nakken, Norwegian Seafood Council’s Director for Southeast Asia on Thursday.

Speaking at a special lunch at the Norwegian Residence in Bangkok, Nakken added as for 2025, so far, the exports of salmon and fjord trout have risen “by an impressive 18 percent.”

While 20 years ago, Norwegian seafood arriving in Thailand was mostly frozen, today 90 percent of these fish arrives fresh, transported by air, including via Thai Airways which for the past 12 months have resumed daily flights between Bangkok and Oslo, the capital of Norway.

norway salmon2 — A special lunch at the Norwegian Residence in Bangkok (KHAOSOD Photo/Pravit Rojanaphruk)

Marking 120 years of Thai-Norway diplomatic relations, a small group of media representatives were invited for lunch at the Norwegian Residence on Thursday. It was more of a feast, prepared by Chef Jib, Chapornpat Dapachutisan, head chef at The Sukhothai Hotel’s Celadon Restaurant, who also operates a Chef Table in Bangkok.

The lunch successfully showcased how Norwegian salmon, saba, fjord trout and cold-water prawn can be employed to cook delicious Thai food such as grilled Norwegian mackerel with Northern Thai larb chili and pickled nango, fish sauce-cured Norwegian salmon with pear and chili mint sauce, tom kha soup with fjord trout, orange and young coconut, northern style tomato dipping with cold-water prawn, and more.

norway salmon6 — Chef Jib, Chapornpat Dapachutisan, head chef at The Sukhothai Hotel’s Celadon Restaurant (KHAOSOD Photo/Pravit Rojanaphruk)

norway salmon1 — A special lunch successfully showcases how Norwegian salmon, saba, fjord trout and cold-water prawn can be employed to cook delicious Thai food, at the Norwegian Residence in Bangkok on May 15, 2025. (Pravit Rojanaphruk)

Chef Jib told the diners that Norwegian saba, which has tiger stripe, is particularly fatty and tasteful; it can be fried without oil and with little or no seasoning.

While enjoying the exclusive lunch, Nakken told Khaosod English’s Pravit Rojanaphruk that Thailand is Norway’s biggest seafood export destination, followed by Vietnam and Singapore. She added that around 90 percent of Norwegian seafood exports to Thailand is salmon.

Thai Airways has joined hands to celebrate 120 years of the two nations’ diplomatic relations by joining the Norwegian Embassy and Norwegian Seafood Council to run a campaign called “From Sea to Sky: 120 Years of Friendship” (and also marking one year of the resumption of direct daily flights between Bangkok and Oslo) by giving away 6 round-trip tickets from Bangkok to Oslo valued at 390,000 baht when purchasing Norwegian seafood products at participating stores and restaurants nationwide.

norway salmon4 — A special lunch successfully showcases how Norwegian salmon, saba, fjord trout and cold-water prawn can be employed to cook delicious Thai food, at the Norwegian Residence in Bangkok on May 15, 2025. (Pravit Rojanaphruk)

norway salmon3 — Marking 120 years of Thai-Norway diplomatic relations, a small group of media representatives are invited for lunch at the Norwegian Residence on May 15, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Pravit Rojanaphruk)

From now until June 15, it’s for those purchasing Norwegian saba, followed by salmon between July and August.

Phi-roon Sakulthong, Team Lead for Nordic Countries at Thai Airways, said he trusts that the campaign is the start of countless years of friendship to come.

The Thai Airways executive added that while 15 to 18 tonnes of Norwegian seafood is flown via TG daily, some goes to Singapore, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea. On the other hand, he said, many Thais are now visiting Norway to see the aurora.

Welcoming the guests to the Norwegian Residence was Deputy Head of the Norwegian Mission in Bangkok Thea Martine Ottmann, who is acting as chargé d’affaires, who said Thailand established the diplomatic ties with Norway from the first year of Norway’s independence in 1905.

“Thailand has been our friend from the very beginning,” she said, adding that she is looking forward to see the signed free trade agreement with Norway under EFTA (which includes Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) hopefully come into effect in early 2026.

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Thai Abbot Caught in $9M Embezzlement for Gambling and Woman

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Khaosod English

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16 May 2025, 02:12

abbot1 — The former abbot of Wat Rai Khing, who recently disrobed and changed from monk's robes to white clothing, gives testimony to police in the 300-million-baht temple embezzlement case at the Crime Suppression Division office on May 15, 2025.

BANGKOK — A scandal has rocked Thailand’s religious community as the abbot of the renowned Wat Rai Khing temple in Nakhon Pathom province has been arrested for embezzling 300 million baht (approximately $9 million) to fund online baccarat gambling activities. He also lent at least 40 million baht ($1.2 million) to his close female associate.

According to Police Lieutenant General Jirapop Phuridet, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), who announced the investigation results on May 15, undercover officers infiltrated Wat Rai Khing for nearly seven months following reports that Phra Dhammavajiranuvatara, also known as “Chao Khun Yaem,” had misappropriated substantial temple funds.

Investigators discovered evidence of money transfers from temple accounts to external personal accounts, amounting to over 100 million baht. The financial trail revealed connections to online baccarat gambling websites.

abbot3 — Phra Dhammavajiranuvatara, the abbot of Wat Rai Khing in Nakhon Pathom province, surrenders at the Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok after an arrest warrant was issued in a case involving the embezzlement of 300 million baht from the temple on May 15, 2025.

Authorities subsequently obtained a court arrest warrant for the abbot on charges of being an official responsible for purchasing or safeguarding property who misappropriated or dishonestly converted that property for personal use, being an official who improperly performed or neglected official duties, and being a state official who performed or neglected duties dishonestly. Under Thai law, temple abbots are considered officials.

After the court approved the arrest warrant on May 15, the abbot surrendered to authorities and provided testimony. By evening, he had willingly disrobed from monkhood. Investigators detained him for continued questioning throughout the night.

Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, stated that the operation was originally scheduled for May 16, but the suspect surrendered beforehand after becoming aware of the investigation. This does not affect the case, which is supported by scientific evidence.

Authorities will expand the investigation to all involved parties and coordinate with the Supreme Sangha Council for further consideration.

abbot2 — Ms. Orawan, believed to be an online gambling broker, was detained from her condominium in Pattaya and brought for questioning at the Crime Suppression Division office in Bangkok on May 15, 2025.

Another suspect named in the arrest warrant, Ms. Aranyawan, was apprehended at a condominium in Pattaya. She confessed to supporting the criminal activities and admitted to knowing Phra Dhammavajiranuvatara since her school days at Wat Rai Khing school. After receiving the abbot’s kindness, she asked to borrow 40 million baht for investment purposes in 2021. She subsequently maintained regular contact through video calls to seek advice on various matters.

The investigation uncovered conversation clips between Phra Dhammavajiranuvatara and Ms. Aranyawan discussing the collection of debts worth 500,000 baht each on four separate occasions. Additionally, investigators discovered videos of the woman bathing on the former monk’s mobile phone.

17 Warrants Issued in Bangkok Fatal Building Collapse Case

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Khaosod English

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15 May 2025, 20:42

warrant SAO collapse2 — Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announces the end of the mission to search for missing persons and remove debris from the State Audit Office building that collapsed due to the Mach 28 earthquake, on May 13, 2025.

BANGKOK — Thai Police have issued arrest warrants for 17 individuals in connection with the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in Bangkok, including prominent business figure Premchai Karnasuta, Chairman of Italian-Thai Development. Engineers, project supervisors, and the China Railway joint venture are also facing charges.

The suspects face prosecution both as individuals and as corporate entities for failing to comply with construction regulations resulting in fatalities.

The announcement came on May 15, the same day the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officially declared an end to the disaster zone status and returned control of the site where the new SAO building collapsed on March 28.

warrant SAO collapse1 — Police Major General Noppasin Poolsawat, Deputy Metropolitan Police Commander, in his capacity as Deputy Chief of the Investigation Team for the State Audit Office building collapse case, at Bang Sue Police Station, meeting with the investigation team before issuing arrest warrants for 17 individuals involved, on May 15, 2025.

Multiple Building Code Violations

After examining documentary evidence and witness testimonies, investigators discovered that the building design failed to comply with ministerial regulations and standards. The elevator shaft walls were positioned along the rear edge rather than the center of the building, causing the building’s torsion center to shift away from the structural center.

When the building swayed during an earthquake, this misalignment caused the elevator shaft walls and supporting columns to collapse almost simultaneously, resulting in the entire structure rapidly falling in a vertical direction.

Tests on cement samples from the construction site revealed that the concrete strength did not meet the required KSC standard measurements. Additionally, some steel reinforcement bars recovered from the site did not conform to design specifications.

Forensic examination also confirmed that the signature of Somkiat Chusangsri, a professional engineer whose name appeared on documents, had been forged. Handwriting analysis determined that the signature on the construction documents differed significantly from Somkiat’s authentic signature.

Suspects Categorized in Three Groups

Based on this evidence, the investigation team led by Police Major General Somkuan Phuengsap and Police Major General Noppasin Poolsawat has divided the suspects into three categories:

Group 1: Design Companies
This includes Forum Architect Co., Ltd. and Mainhart (Thailand), who contracted with the State Audit Office, with one authorized signatory and five structural engineers who signed the blueprints. A total of six suspects face charges in this group.

Group 2: Construction Supervision Companies
The PKW joint venture, which includes PN Synchronize Co., Ltd., KP Consultants and Management Co., Ltd., and W. and Associates Consultants Co., Ltd. Five individuals from these companies are facing charges.

Group 3: Construction Contractors
This group includes Italian-Thai Development PCL and China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) Co., Ltd., along with representatives of the ITD-CREC joint venture. Six individuals face charges in this group.

stae audit building — An image of the State Audit Office building after structural completion before it collapsed following the Myanmar earthquake that sent tremors to Bangkok on March 28, 2025.

Among the 17 suspects named in the warrants are 64-year-old Suchart Chutipaphakorn, director of Forum Architect Co., Ltd., 71-year-old Premchai Karnasuta, chairman of Italian-Thai Development, and 85-year-old engineer Pimol Charoenying. Despite previously claiming in interviews that he was not involved in design work, Charoenying’s signature appears on the collapsed SAO building construction plans.

The State Audit Office building was the only structure in Bangkok to collapse due to tremors from the Myanmar earthquake on March 28, resulting in numerous worker casualties. According to data from the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Police General Hospital, the death toll of those already identified stands at 92, with 4 people still missing and 9 injured.

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Thai Officials Seize Over 200 Tons of Electronic Waste Illegally Imported From the US

By

Associated Press

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15 May 2025, 18:31

Thailand E-Waste — Thai officials show samples of illegally imported electronic waste from the United States which they said they seized at Bangkok Port during a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

BANGKOK (AP) — Thai officials said Wednesday they seized 238 tons of illegally imported electronic waste from the United States at the port of Bangkok, one of the biggest lots they’ve found this year.

The waste, which came in 10 large containers, was declared as mixed metal scrap but turned out to be circuit boards mixed in a huge pile of metal scrap, said Theeraj Athanavanich, director-general of the Customs Department. It was found Tuesday in a random inspection.

A U.N. report last year said electronic waste is piling up worldwide. Some 62 million tons of electronic waste was generated in 2022 and that figure is on track to reach 82 million tons by 2030, the report said. It said only 22% of the waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022 and that quantity is expected to fall to 20% by the end of the decade due to higher consumption, limited repair options, shorter product life cycles, and inadequate management infrastructure.

AP25134367998090 — A Thai official shows a sample of illegally imported electronic waste from the United States which they said they seized at Bangkok Port during a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

AP25134367858208 — Thai officials display samples of illegally imported electronic waste from the United States which they said they seized at Bangkok Port during a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Theeraj said Thai authorities are looking to press charges including falsely declaring imported goods, illegally importing electronic waste and planning to return the waste to its country of origin.

“It’s important that we take action on this kind of goods,” he said. “There are environmental impacts that are dangerous to the people, especially communities around factories that might import these things for processing, then recycling.”

Electronic waste creates huge health hazards. Many components are laden with lead and mercury, cadmium and other toxins. Recyclers are after gold, silver, palladium and copper, mainly from printed circuit boards, but lax controls mean that facilities often burn plastics to release encased copper and use unsafe methods to extract precious metals.

AP25134367854648 — A Thai official shows samples of illegally imported electronic waste from the United States which they said they seized at Bangkok Port during a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Thailand passed a ban on the import of a range of electronic waste products in 2020. The Cabinet in February approved an expanded list of the banned waste.

Sunthron Kewsawang, deputy director-general of the Department of Industrial Works, said officials suspected at least two factories in Samut Sakhon province, which borders Bangkok, are involved in importing the waste.

In January, the Customs Department said it seized 256 tons of illegally imported electronic waste from Japan and Hong Kong at a port in eastern Thailand.

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Thailand Closes Similan Islands for 5 Months to Restore Nature

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Khaosod English

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15 May 2025, 17:51

similan1 — The Similan Islands is closed annually from May 16 to October 14, 2025.

PHANG NGA — The Similan Islands will be closed annually from May 16 to October 14, with the 2025 closure starting tomorrow. Upon reopening, a new E-Ticket system will require advance planning for tourist visits.

Acting head of Similan Islands National Park, Warawut Saengthong, stated on May 15 that the park will close for five months, ceasing tourism and overnight accommodations, following the directive of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, which also ordered the closure of Surin Islands during the same period to allow nature to recover and prevent dangers from unpredictable weather conditions during the monsoon season.

During this time, officials will work to improve infrastructure, hold meetings with tour operators for planning, management and reciprocal agreements on marketing, tourism services, boat tour preparation, permitting procedures and conservation efforts.

similan2 — The Similan Islands is closed annually from May 16 to October 14, 2025.

The Similan Islands National park will also work with local communities and partner networks to organize environmental initiatives such as beach clean-ups, energy conservation campaigns and conservation activities.

“Based on the experience so far during the opening season, there are still some issues that need to be addressed,” said Warawut. “Some boat operators fail to educate tourists about park rules and responsible behavior. Others ignore the impact on the environment or even engage in illegal fishing within the marine national park.”

The park has outlined six key management strategies to balance resource use with marine and coastal ecosystem conservation:

Conducting baseline and ecosystem change surveys across all marine ecosystems.

Developing interpretive communication systems focusing on marine biodiversity, coral reef ecosystems, and human activity impacts.
Enhancing and maintaining boundary markers and buoys to clearly demarcate protected areas.
Implementing quality patrols covering at least 80% of the park area with consistent frequency.
Advancing innovations and technologies to prevent and enforce against environmental violations.
Preparing disaster response plans, including surveillance, early warning systems, and standardized rescue protocols.

The Similan Islands National Park will reopen on October 15 and implement a mandatory E-Ticket system, along with five other national parks. All Thai and foreign tourists must buy their tickets online and provide identification. Thai visitors will use the ThaiID system, while foreign tourists will use their passport numbers.

Tickets can be bought in advance or on the day of visit until 8:00 a.m., after which the final tourist count for the day will be conducted.

If tour operators are found providing false information about visitor numbers or nationalities compared to E-Ticket records, penalties will be enforced:

First offense: 5,000 baht fine.
Second offense: 20,000 baht fine.
Third offense: 100,000 baht fine.

For repeat violations, the park will review the operator’s eligibility for conducting tourism activities in the upcoming season.

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Trump Marvels at Wealth of His Arab Hosts While He Eyes White House and Air Force One Upgrades

By

Associated Press

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15 May 2025, 15:26

APTOPIX Trump Mideast — Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani welcomes President Donald Trump during an official welcoming ceremony at the Amiri Diwan in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Donald Trump is the most powerful and famous person on the planet, at the helm of the biggest economy and the strongest military.

But on his trip to the Middle East this week, the American president is sounding more than a little envious of his Arab hosts.

He admired the marble in the Qatari palace as “perfecto” and “very hard to buy.” He praised the “gleaming marvels” of the skyline in Saudi Arabia. And he groused about the “much smaller” and “much less impressive” plane that is Air Force One.

On his flight to the region, Trump said the Gulf states all have “these brand-new Boeing 747s,” while he was stuck using a version nearly 40 years old.

AP25134687138443 — President Donald Trump speaks as Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani looks on during a state dinner at Lusail Palace in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The president is so impatient for a replacement plane that he is considering accepting a donated model from Qatar, despite concerns that it could be less secure, costly to retrofit and a violation of the U.S. Constitution’s prohibition on foreign gifts. He presented no national security imperative for a swift upgrade rather than waiting for Boeing to finish new Air Force One jets that have been in the works for years.

It sounded like a case of keeping up with the Joneses, only in this case the Joneses are oil-rich leaders of Middle Eastern autocracies. For a former real estate developer with flamboyant tastes, Trump’s trip has been a tantalizing peek into the lives of his more opulent counterparts.

“The job you’ve done is second to none,” Trump told Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, gazing up at his surroundings in the palace known as the Amiri Diwan. “You look at this, it’s so beautiful. As a construction person, I’m seeing perfect marble. This is what they call perfecto.”

There have been other lavish touches on the trip, which will wind up with a stop in the United Arab Emirates. Air Force One received fighter jet escorts, honor guards stood by with golden swords in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the presidential limousine was welcomed by riders on camelback in Doha, Qatar.

AP25134753175606 — President Donald Trump signs a FIFA soccer ball as Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and FIFA President Gianni Infantino looks on at the Lusail Palace, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Doha, Qatar, as they marked the passing of World Cup hosting duties from Qatar, which held it in 2022, to the United States, which is hosting in 2026. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

“We appreciate those camels,” Trump told Al Thani. “I haven’t seen camels like that in a long time. That was some greeting.”

He continued to praise Qatar at a state dinner, where he mused that there “wasn’t a tree out of place” in the landscaping. Trump was astounded by the accommodations in Lusail, a new city outside of Doha that was built from the ground up.

“This is not your normal house. This is a palace,” he said after signing the guest book.

Nothing was said about the migrant workers who raced to develop the country’s infrastructure for the World Cup tournament three years ago, or Qatar’s lack of political freedom, which makes possible such elaborate central planning.

The Republican president’s admiration reflects an aesthetic and political vision at odds with American tradition. After declaring independence from the British monarchy, the Founding Fathers wanted to eschew anything that suggested royalty. Even as the United States emerged as the global superpower, the country and its leaders emphasized a facade of humility.

But that’s never been Trump’s style. The billionaire’s New York City penthouse is embellished with gold and marble, and parts of his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida are modeled after France’s Palace of Versailles.

AP25135256905563 — President Donald Trump speaks, seated between Kelly Ortberg President and CEO of Boeing, left, and Larry Culp, CEO of GE Aerospace during a business roundtable, in the presence of Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Doha, Qatar. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

After winning a second term last year, Trump is eager to bring the same approach to the presidency, and it’s likely that his visit to the Middle East will fuel his desire for renovations. The White House, despite its grandeur, can be quite cramped. Office space is limited, and state dinners are sometimes held in a fancy tent to accommodate enough guests.

Trump said he wants to build “a beautiful, beautiful ballroom like I have at Mar-a-Lago, as beautiful as can be.” He promised to foot the $100 million bill.

“I think we’ve outgrown the tent stuff, right, don’t you think?” he said recently.

Trump has also talked about paving over the lawn in the Rose Garden, turning it into a patio with “gorgeous stone” that would be easier for holding events.

Some upgrades have already taken place, particularly in the Oval Office. There are gold accents to the fireplace, doorway arches, walls and other areas of the room. The walls have become increasingly packed with portraits of past presidents. A model of a new Air Force One — complete with a paint scheme that echoes his personal jet — sits on a table in the center of the room.

One prized addition is a copy of the Declaration of Independence, which is concealed behind a curtain to protect it from sunlight. He sometimes dramatically unveils the document for guests.

“You see the new and improved Oval Office as it becomes more and more beautiful,” the president told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during a recent visit. He said it’s been renovated “with great love and 24-karat gold — that always helps too.”

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“Love Pride Parade 2025” to Showcase Bangkok as LGBTQIA+ Friendly Destination

By

Contributor

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15 May 2025, 15:05

Bangkok, Thailand – The private sector coalition, led by EM DISTRICT and The Mall Group, in collaboration with government officials, is organizing the grand celebration of Pride Month under the banner of “LOVE PRIDE ♡ PARADE, BANGKOK 2025,” to be held at The EM DISTRICT from 27 to 29 June 2025. A series of creative activities for the Pride community will take place throughout June, culminating in the spectacular “LOVE PRIDE ♡ PARADE,” the longest pride parade in Asia. This landmark event aims to elevate the Pride Month celebration to a regional level, positioning Thailand as an “LGBTQIA+ Friendly Destination” and supporting Bangkok’s candidacy to host “WORLD PRIDE 2030”

“LOVE PRIDE ♡ PARADE, BANGKOK 2025” marks a significant collaboration between over 100 leading private organizations and public sector agencies to enhance Thailand’s global image as

a welcoming and inclusive destination. It also celebrates Thailand becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize marriage equality, aligning with global Pride Month celebrations. The event is poised to become a regional landmark Pride festival and a must-visit global destination, driving Thailand’s creative economy and reinforcing Bangkok’s bid to host “WORLD PRIDE 2030” under the IGNITE THAILAND TOURISM initiative and Soft Power Strategy, which will generate socio-economic benefits nationwide.

The press conference was honored by government representatives, including Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Mr. Phimuk Simaroj, Secretary to the Bangkok Governor, who jointly affirmed continuous government efforts in promoting equality and diversity to strengthen Thailand’s tourism image and readiness to host “WORLD PRIDE 2030” Representing the private sector, Ms. Supaluck Umpujh, Vice Chair of the Private Sector Coalition and Chairwoman of The Mall Group Co., Ltd. (SIAM PARAGON RETAIL, EM DISTRICT, BANGKOK MALL), shared the business sector’s commitment to supporting diversity and equality. She also unveiled details of the grand “LOVE PRIDE ♡ PARADE, BANGKOK 2025,” taking place from 27 to 29 June 2025, along with a variety of creative activities to celebrate Pride Month throughout June.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, stated, “The enactment of the Marriage Equality Law in January 2025 made Thailand the first Southeast Asian country and the third in Asia to achieve this milestone. This landmark legislation not only enhances quality of life through equal rights but also positively impacts tourism and the economy. It is projected that within two years of the law’s implementation, international tourist arrivals will increase by four million annually, generating over USD 2 billion (approximately THB 67 billion) in tourism revenue and boosting GDP by 0.3%. The collaboration between public and private sectors in organizing this year’s grander ‘LOVE PRIDE ♡ PARADE, BANGKOK 2025’ will reinforce Thailand’s image as an LGBTQIA+ Friendly Destination and further stimulate tourism and economic growth.”

Mr. Phimuk Simaroj, Secretary to the Bangkok Governor, added, “Bangkok has consistently promoted diversity to create a vibrant and inclusive city that embraces equality. With ongoing initiatives that celebrate differences and foster social harmony, we support and co-host various activities advocating diversity across all dimensions. This aligns with our mission to position Thailand and Bangkok as hosts of WORLD PRIDE 2030 and a global destination for LGBTQIA+ communities.”

Ms. Supaluck Umpujh, Vice Chair of the Private Sector Coalition and Chairwoman of The Mall Group, remarked, “At EM DISTRICT and The Mall Group, we place strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. We value and respect individual differences and strive to create equal opportunities for all within our organization. We empower LGBTQIA+ employees to contribute their talents to business development by providing creative platforms and inclusive spaces for expression, as well as equal opportunities for career advancement. As committed advocates of diversity, we are proud to join forces with government and private partners in organizing this annual grand Pride Month celebration, which not only supports inclusivity but also aligns with national economic and tourism strategies to drive overall development.”

Throughout June 2025, The EM DISTRICT will host a series of vibrant events and highlights.

The celebration will kick off with EMFASHIONICON EDGE 2025, a groundbreaking fashion event that honors diverse identities and showcases the unique urban spirit of Bangkok. The event will bring together fashion lovers, artists, influencers, and representatives from all walks of life on a spectacular sky runway at the new 14th floor space of the EMSPHERE shopping center. Fashion, music, and vibrant lighting will tell stories of pride, courage, and individuality. The event also invites young talents of all genders to audition and participate in the fashion show.

The grand finale of the month will be the “LOVE PRIDE ♡ PARADE” under the theme “Spectrum Forward: Power of Creation” on Sunday, 29 June 2025. This will be the most spectacular parade to date, with Asia’s longest rainbow parade. Featuring trailer floats from public and private sectors in finance, tourism, aviation, hospitality, sports, fashion, entertainment, and lifestyle—all decorated in vibrant pride themes. Supercars, convertibles, motorcycles, and Thailand’s iconic tuk-tuks will also join the parade. Celebrities, actors, beauty queens, pet lovers, same-sex couples, and influencers from all fields will join the 6-kilometer parade from Suphachalasai National Stadium along Rama I Road, passing through Pathumwan, Siam, Ratchaprasong, Ploenchit, Asoke, and Sukhumvit, ending at Benchasiri Park.

From 27 to 29 June 2025, The EM DISTRICT will also present three themed markets celebrating diversity and lifestyle:

“Celebrity Chef Market” – A culinary experience featuring booths by renowned celebrities and chefs such as A Supachai’s kitchen, Pa Ko’s fermented fish sauce by Ko Teerasak, Nina Kitchen by Ning Panita and Hana Tassanawalai, Lerttip x DJ Bookko x Chef Kik, and more. Refreshing drinks will be available at the Market Hall, GF, EMSPHERE.
“Thai Designer Curated Society” – A showcase of exclusive Pride-themed collections by top Thai fashion brands such as ASAVA, ISSUE, Milin, RATI, THEATRE and more. Enjoy a chill beverage bar at the Sphere Gallery, MF, EMSPHERE.
“Young Talent Society Market” – A platform for Pride community members and young creators to present handmade works from students of Kasetsart, Chulalongkorn, Thammasat, and other universities. The Art & Craft Market and Pride Fair will also feature chic fashion and lifestyle items. Enjoy live DJs and bands at the Fashion & Lifestyle Market at Quartier Avenue, G floor, EMQUARTIER.

Don’t miss the SHINE STAGE, a performance platform celebrating diverse talents. Taking place on 28–29 June 2025 at Sphere Street, EMSPHERE, the stage will host renowned artists and celebrities representing inclusivity and delivering unforgettable entertainment.

Additionally, The EM DISTRICT will be adorned with vibrant decorations under the theme “PEACE, LOVE, and UNITY.” Highlights include monumental installation art such as a giant hand holding a heart painted in pride colors in front of EMQUARTIER, symbolizing love, equality, and unity, and a giant pink King Kong waving the pride flag in front of EMSPHERE. Sphere Street will be transformed into

a colorful Pride Road throughout June.

Join us in reinforcing Thailand’s image as an LGBTQIA+ Friendly Destination and celebrate Pride Month at “LOVE PRIDE ♡ PARADE, BANGKOK 2025”—the region’s grandest celebration of diversity and equality, from 27 to 29 June 2025 at The EM DISTRICT.

Israeli-Thai Cannabis Shop Owners Caught Selling Magic Mushrooms in Samui

By

Khaosod English

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15 May 2025, 13:12

Koh Samui authorities arrest an Israeli man and his Thai wife at their "Snoopy Samui" cannabis shop for selling magic mushrooms, a Category 5 narcotic, on May 15, 2025.

KOH SAMUI — Authorities arrested an Israeli man and his Thai wife at their “Snoopy Samui” cannabis shop after an undercover operation revealed they were secretly selling magic mushrooms, a Category 5 narcotic.

Local authorities in Koh Samui, in coordination with the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 and Bo Phut Police Station officers, raided a cannabis shop named “Snoopy Samui” in Moo 2, Bo Phut sub-district on May 14, following a tip from a concerned citizen that the establishment was secretly selling magic mushrooms (a Category 5 narcotic) to tourists and the general public.

Undercover officers conducted a sting operation, purchasing magic mushrooms from the shop with marked 1,000 baht banknotes that had been photocopied as evidence. During surveillance, officers observed a Thai woman and a foreigner standing behind the counter. The undercover agent successfully bought one bag of magic mushrooms for 800 baht.

magic mushroom2 — Koh Samui authorities arrest an Israeli man and his Thai wife at their “Snoopy Samui” cannabis shop for selling magic mushrooms, a Category 5 narcotic, on May 15, 2025.

After the transaction was completed, authorities identified themselves and arrested the couple: Mr. Ben, 29, an Israeli national, and Ms. Bualoei, 39, a Thai citizen. A search of the premises uncovered additional Category 5 narcotics (magic mushrooms) including one bag weighing 2.32 grams, another bag weighing 58 grams, and two containers weighing 247 grams and 173 grams respectively. All items were seized as evidence.

The pair has been charged with possession of Category 5 narcotics (magic mushrooms) with intent to sell and illegal distribution. They were transferred to Bo Phut Police Station for legal proceedings. If convicted, they face penalties of up to 2 years imprisonment, a fine not exceeding 40,000 baht, or both.

Magic mushrooms, also known as “shrooms,” are fungi containing psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. When consumed, psilocybin is converted in the body to psilocin, which produces the psychoactive effects.

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54 People Killed in Overnight Airstrikes on Southern Gaza City

By

Associated Press

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15 May 2025, 11:37

Israel Palestinians — Palestinians inspect the rubble of the Al-Lahham family's home, destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, on Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Multiple airstrikes hit Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis overnight into Thursday, killing more than 50 people in a second consecutive night of heavy bombing.

The strikes come as U.S. President Donald Trump visits the Middle East, visiting Gulf states but not Israel. There had been widespread hope that Trump’s regional visit could usher in a ceasefire deal or renewal of humanitarian aid to Gaza. An Israeli blockade of the territory is now in its third month.

An Associated Press cameraman in Khan Younis counted 10 airstrikes on the city overnight into Thursday, and saw numerous bodies taken to the morgue in the city’s Nasser Hospital. Some bodies arrived in pieces, with some body bags containing the remains of multiple people. The hospital’s morgue confirmed 54 people had been killed.

The dead included a journalist working for Qatari television network Al Araby TV, the network announced on social media, saying Hasan Samour had been killed along with 11 members of his family in one of the strikes in Khan Younis.

The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the strikes.

It was the second night of heavy bombing, after airstrikes Wednesday on northern and southern Gaza killed at least 70 people, including almost two dozen children.

Israel has vowed to escalate the war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed earlier in the week to push ahead with a promised escalation of force in Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip to pursue his aim of destroying the Hamas militant group, which governs Gaza.

In comments released by Netanyahu’s office Tuesday, the prime minister said Israeli forces were days away from entering Gaza “with great strength to complete the mission … It means destroying Hamas.”

International rights group Human Rights Watch said Thursday that Israel’s stated plan of seizing Gaza and displacing hundreds of thousands of people “inches closer to extermination,” and called on the international community to speak out against it.

The war began when Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people in an Oct. 7, 2023 intrusion into southern Israel. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed nearly 53,000 Palestinians, many of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. Almost 3,000 have been killed since Israel broke a ceasefire on March 18, the ministry said.

Hamas still holds 58 of the roughly 250 hostages it took during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel, with 23 believed to still be alive, although Israeli authorities have expressed concern for the status of three of those.

Gaza’s only hospital providing cancer treatments out of service due to Israeli strikes

Gaza’s Health Ministry said Thursday that Israeli strikes have rendered the European Hospital Khan Younis — the only remaining facility providing cancer treatments in Gaza — out of service due to severe damage to its infrastructure and access roads.

The shutdown halts all specialized treatments, including cardiac surgeries and cancer care, the ministry added.

AP25135292507492 — Palestinians inspect the rubble of the Al-Zainati family’s home, destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, on Thursday, May 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The Israeli military conducted two airstrikes against the European Hospital Tuesday, saying it was targeting a Hamas command center beneath the facility. Six people were killed in the strike.

European Hospital director Imad al-Hout told AP there had been 200 patients in the hospital at the time of Tuesday’s strikes. They were all gradually evacuated, with the last 90 transferred to other hospitals, including Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, on Wednesday morning. Efforts were now underway to coordinate repairs to the facility, he added.

Israeli blockade of aid into Gaza in its third month

Israel’s offensive has obliterated vast swathes of Gaza’s urban landscape and displaced 90% of the population, often multiple times. It halted the entry of all aid, including food and medication, into the territory on March 2, and international food security experts have warned that Gaza will likely fall into famine if Israel doesn’t lift its blockade and stop its military campaign.

Nearly half a million Palestinians are facing possible starvation while 1 million others can barely get enough food, according to findings by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a leading international authority on the severity of hunger crises.

Human Rights Watch said Israel’s plan to seize Gaza and remain there, coupled with the “systematic destruction” of civilian infrastructure and the block on all imports into the territory, were cause for signatories to the Genocide Convention to act to prevent Israel’s moves.

Israel vehemently denies accusations that it is committing genocide in Gaza.

The group also called on Hamas to free the hostages it still holds.

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B.Grimm Power Announces 51.6% Increase in Q1 2025 Profit

By

MC Marketing

-

15 May 2025, 11:21

BANGKOK — Dr. Harald Link, Group President of B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited (BGRIM), revealed that the financial performance in the first quarter of 2025 grew strongly, with Normalized Net Profit (NNP) attributable to the parent company increasing by 51.6% to 749 million baht, and EBITDA reaching 3,725 million baht, growing by 2.6% compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the consolidated net profit attributable to the parent company stood at 654 million baht, increasing from 379 million baht in the same period of the previous year, driven by five key factors:

1) the consolidation of Malacha performance after its 100% acquisition in May 2024; 2) an 8.8% increase in steam sales volume to industrial users (IUs) in Thailand compared to the same period last year; 3) a greater share of profits from associates and joint ventures; 4) a decrease in natural gas prices; and 5) realized gains from foreign exchange (FX).

Dr. Harald Link, Group President of B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited

Additionally, B.Grimm Power successfully synchronized new industrial users in Thailand with a combined capacity of 6.9 MW, including customers from the home appliance, tire, and chemical sectors. Furthermore, B.Grimm LNG imported two LNG shipments in March and April, totaling approximately 130,000 tons, into the pool gas system to fuel B.Grimm Power’s combined-cycle power plants.

During the first quarter, B.Grimm Power successfully commenced the commercial operation of the Kuchinashi, a ground-mounted solar power project with a total installed capacity of 14 MW in Japan, operating under a 16-year power sale agreement with Tohoku Electric Power Corporation.

In addition, B.Grimm Power continued to expand its business by establishing Amata B.Grimm Renewable Energy Co., Ltd., a new joint venture where B.Grimm Power Smart Solutions Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary) holds 25% stake, and Amata U Co., Ltd. holds 75%, to engage in generation, distribution, and sale of solar energy.

Another key milestone for B.Grimm Power was advancing collaboration with partners both domestically and internationally. In February, B.Grimm Power, together with NS BlueScope, signed a power purchase agreement to develop a 12 MW ground-mounted solar project at the NS BlueScope factory in Rayong Province, to increase the proportion of renewable energy usage in the factory, equivalent to reducing up to approximately 9,000 tons of carbon emissions per year.

Moreover, to promote the use of renewable energy in the business sector, B.Grimm Power has delivered Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to Kasikorn Asset Management Company, providing clean energy solutions for the financial and investment sectors and fostering a low-carbon society.

Furthermore, B.Grimm Power reaffirmed its achievements through awards and recognition. B.Grimm Power received “The Best of ESG” award from the Future Trends Awards 2025, organized by Future Trends, Thailand’s leading trend media, reflecting B.Grimm Power’s operations that comprehensively cover good governance, social, and environmental dimensions, considering the benefits of all stakeholders.

B.Grimm Power also received nine awards from FinanceAsia, Hong Kong’s leading financial magazine, reflecting its professional business operations under the philosophy of “Empowering the World Compassionately.”

Dr. Harald Link stated that this year’s business operations are facing headwinds from U.S. trade and tariff policies, which may cause electricity consumption of industrial estate customers to decrease by approximately 5-10% compared to 2024, the trade war between the U.S. and major economies may have a positive effect through lower natural gas prices.

We forecast natural gas prices for SPPs in 2025 to range between 320-340 baht per million BTU, similar to 2024, where the average gas price was 324 baht per million BTU, and plan to import up to five LNG shipments into the pool gas system.

“The attraction of new customers such as data centers will help mitigate the impact, as electricity demand from these customers is less sensitive to tariff measures and global trade slowdowns and is also supported by the continuous growth of the digital economy. B.Grimm Power will closely monitor the situation to assess any potential impact on certain industrial customers and will jointly develop response strategies and mitigation measures,” Dr. Harald Link said.

For the 2025 target, B.Grimm Power aims to synchronize 40-50 MW of new industrial users. Several ongoing projects are under construction and expected to achieve COD between 2025 and early 2026, with a combined installed capacity of 610.5 MW, as outlined below:

1.U-Tapao Solar Power Project (Phase 1) – 18 MW.
2.KOPOS Onshore Wind Power Project – 20 MW.
3.INSEE B.Grimm Solar Power Project – 80 MW.
4.Zhongce Rubber Solar Rooftop Project in Amata City Rayong – 35 MW.
5.386 Solar Rooftop Project – 27.5 MW.
6.ARECO Solar Power Plant – 65 MW.
7.Nakwol 1 Offshore Wind Power Project – 365 MW.

As for long-term goals, B.Grimm Power aims to become a global leader in power generation and to achieve Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050, as well as to expand its total installed capacity to 10,000 MW by 2030.

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Multiple Building Code Violations

Suspects Categorized in Three Groups

Israel has vowed to escalate the war

Gaza’s only hospital providing cancer treatments out of service due to Israeli strikes

Israeli blockade of aid into Gaza in its third month

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