AIS, in collaboration with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), has conducted a successful test of the mobile emergency alert system “Cell Broadcast,” now compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. The test confirmed that alerts could be delivered across both platforms following Apple’s recent rollout of Cell Broadcast support in iOS 18 for iPhone users in Thailand. AIS recommends that all iPhone users promptly update their devices to iOS 18 to ensure they can receive emergency alerts.
This marks a significant step forward in enhancing Thailand’s national emergency alert readiness, enabling timely communication of critical information to the public. The test was conducted at the NBTC auditorium on Friday, April 18, 2025, and was attended by Trairat Viriyasirikul, Acting Secretary-General of NBTC; Waroonthep Watcharaporn, Head of Business Relations, AIS; and Wasit Wattanasap, Head of Nationwide Operations and Support Business Unit, AIS.
Currently, while the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is developing the Cell Broadcast Entity (CBE) — the government’s command and control system — the agency has requested the cooperation of mobile operators to disseminate emergency alerts via two systems:
Cell Broadcast Service (CBS) via operators
Available on Android smartphones running version 12 or higher
Available on iPhones running iOS 18
** Note: CBS is not supported on:
2G and 3G devices
iPhone X (10) smartphones or earlier that cannot be updated to iOS 18
SMS System
Still necessary to send SMS messages to address the limitations of the CBS, which is not compatible with 2G, 3G phones and iPhone X (10) smartphones or earlier
DDPM will manage the SMS dispatches, including the alert message content, targeted locations, and provinces. Messages will be sent through SMS Sender Names such as “DDPM” (Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation) and “TMD” (Thai Meteorological Department).
Officials detain a Swedish passenger at Suvarnabhumi Airport after he traveled from Udon Thani Airport and left suspicious objects in his luggage, on April 17, 2025.
UDON THANI — Officials at Udon Thani International Airport were alarmed after detecting explosive precursor materials in a Swedish passenger’s luggage, prompting them to call in an EOD unit for investigation.
At 8:00 p.m. on April 17, Thipawan Wangsanuwat, Director of Udon Thani International Airport, notified Udon Thani City Police Station that a male Swedish passenger had left some of his luggage behind under suspicious circumstances. The authorities requested additional support from relevant agencies.
Udon Thani Airport officials evacuate passengers of the last flight from the passenger terminal after discovering suspicious objects that needed examination, on April 17, 2025.
CCTV footage revealed the luggage belonged to Eric, 58, who was traveling from Udon Thani Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport on AirAsia flight FB 4353, departing Udon Thani at 8:20 p.m. He left the suspicious items at Terminal 2 of the airport.
When notified, officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport located Eric, who was uncooperative and subsequently detained pending investigation. Examination of the suspicious items revealed “Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP),” an explosive precursor. K9 units were called in for additional screening, and a “Taylor Tank Bomb” (blast reducer) was moved to the location where the bag was found.
EOD officials bring the suspicious object outside the passenger terminal at Udon Thani Airport for examination on April 17, 2025. Results showed it was not an explosive device.
After all airlines had their last passengers depart, EOD Unit 23 from Udon Thani (Royal Thai Air Force) conducted the removal operation with support units standing by. After about 30 minutes, they concluded there were no dangerous materials or illegal items present.
Eric, the Swedish owner of the luggage, later admitted the bag contained used clothes and Thai herbs he intended to take back to Sweden but had decided not to bring aboard due to issues. This matched the contents found in the bag: unwashed used clothes, personal items, and dried herbs including butterfly pea flowers, roselle, bael fruit, and others.
Officials concluded that the explosive precursor detection might have come from the passenger’s clothes if he had been in places related to explosives, sound and light shows, or traditional Isan firecrackers and rocket festivals. They emphasized that all security procedures were properly followed.
Officials gather around the suspicious package after it was proven not to be an explosive, outside the passenger terminal at Udon Thani Airport late Thursday night, April 17, 2025.
In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Cambodian Hun Manet, right, shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jingping during a welcome meeting in the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AKP via AP)
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cambodia on Thursday for a two-day state visit that serves as an opportunity to further strengthen China’s already robust relations with its closest ally in Southeast Asia.
The visit, Xi’s first since 2016, concludes a three-nation tour that included stops in Vietnam and Malaysia. China has been increasing its influence in the region over the past decade, largely by exercising its substantial economic leverage.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet recently described Beijing as “an important and indispensable friend of Cambodia that has helped support the country’s economic and social development.”
Xi was welcomed at the airport in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh by King Norodom Sihamoni, who later granted him a royal audience. Xi also met later with Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen, who is Hun Manet’s father and predecessor as prime minister.
In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen, right, walks together with Chinese President Xi Jingping, left, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AKP via AP)
In a statement at the airport after his arrival on his presidential aircraft, an American-made Air China Boeing 747, Xi declared “Cambodia is a priority in China’s neighborhood diplomacy.”
“China will unswervingly support Cambodia in upholding strategic autonomy and in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions,” he said, according to a transcript distributed by the Chinese embassy.
Trade was likely a major topic of Xi’s discussions in Cambodia, which faces among the highest tariff rates proposed by Washington. In addition to Trump’s universal 10% tariff, the country faces the threat of a 49% tax on exports to the U.S. once his 90-day pause expires.
Xi’s tour was organized before Trump announced his global “reciprocal” tariffs on April 2.
In Vietnam and Malaysia, Xi emphasized strengthening ties, particularly in trade and investment, amid global economic uncertainties and the backdrop of trade tensions with the United States. He underscored the need to oppose unilateralism and protectionism and uphold the multilateral trading system.
China is presenting itself as a source of stability and certainty as Southeast Asia; where Trump’s tariffs threaten the region’s export-oriented economies whose largest markets are generally the United States.
In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni, center right, and Chinese President Xi Jingping, center left, attend a welcome ceremony at Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AKP via AP)
“The timing of the visit is extraordinarily auspicious for China, falling just in the wake of the announcement of Trump’s tariffs that have caused managed consternation in Cambodia and Vietnam,” while also causing “upset” in Malaysia, which faces lower rates, Astrid Norén-Nilsson, a senior lecturer in the Study of Contemporary South-East Asia at Sweden’s Lund University, commented in an email interview.
“Xi Jinping can now carry out the tour equipped with the moral authority and goodwill of a singularly constant friend and reliable trading partner.”
In addition to discussing bilateral ties and regional and international issues, Hun Manet said on the Telegram social and messaging app that he and Xi presided over the signing of 37 documents covering investment, trade, education, finance, information, youth work, agriculture, health, water resources, tourism, women’s affairs and other subjects.
Xi’s visit came on the 50th anniversary of the April 17, 1975 takeover of Cambodia by the communist Khmer Rouge, who imposed a reign of terror with Maoist-inspired policies that saw an estimated 1.7 million Cambodians die of starvation, overwork or executions.
Beijing was the main foreign backer of the Khmer Rouge and supported the group in carrying on a guerrilla war even after it was ousted from power in 1979 by an invasion from Vietnam, though such history is rarely discussed by either country.
Cambodia’s rapid growth in recent decades has been fueled largely by Beijing.
In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni, front right, shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jingping, front left, during a welcome meeting at Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AKP via AP)
In Hun Manet’s remarks earlier this month at the inauguration of a Chinese-funded road, he called China “a first-class partner country,” pointing to achievements like the inauguration of the Chinese-named Angkor Siem Reap Airport and a Phnom Penh ring road named after Xi as evidence of continued strong relations and gratitude, and noted China’s continued ranking as the top investor in Cambodia in 2024.
China is Cambodia’s largest trading partner, surpassing $15 billion in 2024 and representing nearly 30% of Cambodia’s total trade volume, though greatly in Beijing’s favor.
Beijing also helped fund an expansion of the Ream Naval Base on Cambodia’s southern coast, raising worries it could become a strategic outpost for the Chinese navy in the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodia has repeatedly denied any agreement granting China special privileges or the establishment of a foreign military base.
Cambodia has stated that warships from all friendly countries are welcome to dock at its new pier, provided they comply with certain conditions. Japan announced on Tuesday that two of its minesweepers will visit the Ream base this weekend in the first foreign navy visit since the expansion project was completed.
Damage to the BMW driven by a politician's son that crashed into a pickup truck on the highway near the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok exit on April 16, 2025.
BANGKOK — The son of a Thai politician is under fire after he drove a BMW recklessly and rammed into another vehicle. This sparked public outrage and drew comparisons to the infamous 2012 hit-and-run case involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, who fled the country to avoid prosecution.
However, the national police chief insists that this case will not go the same way.
On April 17, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police, responded to a viral clip showing a red-painted BMW swerving in front of a pickup truck on the highway near the Rangsit–Nakhon Nayok exit late on April 16.
The pickup lost control and crashed into the roadside. The elderly driver, 65, suffered broken ribs and remains in intensive care, while a female passenger, 64, sustained minor injuries.
Damage to the pickup truck that was hit by a BMW driven by a politician’s son on the highway near the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok exit on April 16, 2025.
The incident sparked a wave of public criticism after it was revealed that the BMW driver was a local council candidate with close ties to a well-known local politician.
Pol. Gen. Kittirat, who had seen the video, condemned the BMW driver’s behavior as “disgusting” and unacceptable in society.
“I am sad that people still drive like this on our roads. What if a child had been in that vehicle? This kind of behavior has no place in society,” he said.
He urged the public to drive calmly and considerately and emphasized that such reckless actions are intolerable and must be punished by all means available.
A screenshot from CCTV shows the moment of accident.
“The perpetrator not only broke the law, but also displayed a complete lack of conscience, especially by bragging about his connections to a famous politician in the area in order to appear influential. This person shows no remorse, continues to brag and clearly lacks maturity and responsibility. Society is watching closely to see how this case unfolds as it will test the fairness and transparency of the Thai justice system,” he added.
Pol. Col. Kuekkong Disawat, superintendent of Highway Police Division 8, said authorities will wait until the injured are released from the hospital and the medical reports are ready before summoning both sides for questioning. Charges are expected to be filed sometime next week.
Evidence has already been collected, including dashcam footage and Department of Highways video footage. Preliminary investigations show that the accident occurred as both vehicles exited the M-Four toll plaza at KM 26+100 in Thanyaburi.
At this point, the road narrowed from three lanes to two lanes. The pickup truck moved into the right lane and cut in front of the BMW. The BMW then lost control and crashed into the crash barrier, leading to the sequence of events seen in the video.
Pol. Col. Kuekkong said that when checking the BMW driver’s alcohol level, none was found. The officers therefore took his statement to gather details and recorded it in the daily log as evidence.
Meanwhile, Kritsada Leenawarattana, former mayor of Thanyaburi Subdistrict and father of the BMW driver, Smithipat “Peach” Leenawarattana in this case, gave an interview to reporters while visiting those injured by his son’s actions at the hospital in the Rangsit area. He said, “I’m not worried. My son did wrong and apologized. I’m not taking my son’s side. I don’t know where my son is going. I haven’t seen him.” He spoke with evident emotional displeasure.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, left, meets Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, right, at the Government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Thailand's Government Spokesman Office via AP)
BANGKOK (AP) — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the leader of Myanmar’s military government, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, visited the Thai capital on Thursday for diplomatic talks widely assumed to focus on efforts to restore peace in war-torn Myanmar.
Authorities said the talks would focus on humanitarian assistance following an earthquake in March that devastated Myanmar, and to promote the extension of a fragile ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery.
Anwar also met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who said they discussed issues of bilateral interest, including development along their mutual border and how nations in the region can respond to the new tariff policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.
There was scarce official news of Min Aung Hlaing’s activities on Thursday, and he had not been seen in public.
Myanmar’s military leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, attends the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (6 th BIMSTEC) summit in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, April 4, 2025. (Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry via AP)
But the unusual top-level contacts and rare trip abroad by Min Aung Hlaing, as well as the involvement of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, suggest a more substantive political agenda. Thaksin is serving as an informal chief advisor to Anwar, current chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian nations, meeting occasionally with the Malaysian leader on various issues.
Thaksin, who is the father of current Prime Minister Paetongtarn and seen as pulling the strings of her government, has focused on back-channel diplomacy to end Myanmar’s conflict.
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in February 2021, leading to armed conflict across the country.
The United Nations last week warned that damage caused by the March 28 quake will cause food shortages and a possible public health emergency, worsening the existing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where the civil war had already displaced more than 3 million people.
Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for Myanmar’s military government, said on Wednesday that the death toll from the 7.7 magnitude quake had reached 3,725, with 5,106 injured.
Ahead of his Bangkok trip, Anwar announced that he would push for an extension of the soon-to-expire ceasefires declared by the Myanmar army and its foes, pro-democracy resistance forces and ethnic minority armed groups, to ease aid efforts.
The U.N. Human Rights Office has accused the military of ongoing attacks after the earthquake, and independent Myanmar media and witnesses say the army has conducted numerous airstrikes and artillery attacks since the quake.
People clean debris from damaged buildings in the aftermath of an earthquake on March 28, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Monday, April 7, 2025. (AP Photo)
However, some experts hope what is known as “disaster diplomacy” can turn the current ceasefires into a broader peacemaking effort where other have failed before.
The 10-member ASEAN, to which Myanmar belongs, agreed soon after the army’s 2021 takeover on a Five-Point Consensus peace plan, but Myanmar’s military government failed to implement it. The regional bloc has since largely barred Min Aung Hlaing and senior members of his ruling council from its high-level meetings.
Min Aung Hlaing’s attendance at a BIMSTEC summit of leaders of nations in Bangkok earlier this month was a rare exception and drew criticism for legitimizing his rule. Thailand has been accused by the opponents of military rule in Myanmar of failing to pressure the generals to make any concessions that could end Myanmar’s violent struggle.
Thaksin claimed to Thai media that he met with Min Aung Hlaing during the BIMSTEC summit and urged him to engage in peace talks with resistance forces. He has said he met separately with ethnic minority groups engaged in fighting against the military.
In this photo released by Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, from left to right Nepal Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Myanmar’s military leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, Sri Lanka Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, pose for a photograph during the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (6 th BIMSTEC) summit in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, April 4, 2025. (Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry via AP)
Critics of the military government said Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to Bangkok is not aimed at ensuring that aid is delivered based on actual needs.
“Rather than supporting the people of Myanmar, these actions risk legitimizing the illegal military coup and reinforcing the regime responsible for their suffering. Therefore, we firmly object to any such decisions,” said a joint statement Wednesday by the shadow National Unity Government, the country’s leading resistance group, and other groups battling the military government.
Opponents of the army accuse it of weaponizing aid, and say foreign humanitarian assistance should be delivered outside military channels.
Myanmar frees around 4,900 prisoners including some political detainees
The head of Myanmar’s military government granted amnesty to around 4,900 prisoners to mark the country’s traditional new year, state-run media reported Thursday, and an independent watchdog said they included at least 22 political detainees.
At least 19 buses with prisoners aboard left Yangon’s Insein prison and were welcomed outside the gate by excited family members and friends who had been waiting since early morning.
The Political Prisoners Network — Myanmar, an independent watchdog group that records violations of human rights in Myanmar’s prisons, said in a statement that by its initial count, 22 political prisoners had been freed.
Released prisoners on a bus are welcomed by family members and colleagues outside the main gate of Insein prison as the head of Myanmar’s military government granted amnesty to thousands of prisoners to mark the country’s traditional New Year Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the ruling military council, pardoned 4,893 prisoners, MRTV reported. Thirteen foreigners will also be released and deported from Myanmar, it said in a separate statement.
Other prisoners received reduced sentences, except for those convicted of serious charges such as murder and rape, or those jailed on charges under various other security acts.
If the freed detainees violate the law again, they will have to serve the remainder of their original sentences in addition to any new sentence, according to the terms of their release. Mass amnesties on the holiday are not unusual in Myanmar.
Myanmar has been under military rule since Feb. 1, 2021, when its army ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government. The takeover was met with massive nonviolent resistance, which has since become a widespread armed struggle. The country is now in civil war.
A released prisoner, center, is welcomed by family members outside the main gate of Insein prison as the head of Myanmar’s military government granted amnesty to thousands of prisoners to mark the country’s traditional New Year Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
Some 22,197 political detainees, including Suu Kyi, were in detention as of last Friday, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an independent organization that keeps detailed tallies of arrests and casualties linked to the nation’s political conflicts.
Many political detainees had been held on a charge of incitement, a catch-all offense widely used to arrest critics of the government or military and punishable by up to three years in prison.
Among those imprisoned for incitement who were freed Thursday was the film director who works under the name of Steel and is also known as Dwe Myittar. He was arrested in March 2023 and had been held in Insein Prison.
Family members and colleagues wait to welcome released prisoners outside the main gate of Insein prison as the head of Myanmar’s military government granted amnesty to thousands of prisoners to mark the country’s traditional New Year Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
This year’s celebrations of Thingyan, the new year’s holiday, were more reserved than usual due to a nationwide grieving period following a devastating March 28 earthquake that killed about 3,725 people and leveled structures from new condos to ancient pagodas.
In a new year’s speech, Min Aung Hlaing said his government will carry out reconstruction and rehabilitation measures in the quake-affected areas as quickly as possible. He also reaffirmed plans to hold a general election by the end of the year and called on opposition groups fighting the army to resolve the conflicts in political ways.
During the holiday, the violent struggle between the army and pro-democracy forces continued with reports of clashes in the countryside but the number of casualties was unclear.
Family members and colleagues wait to welcome released prisoners outside the main gate of Insein prison as the head of Myanmar’s military government granted amnesty to thousands of prisoners to mark the country’s traditional New Year Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)
The Chinese driver vomited and fell asleep at the wheel after crashing into vehicles parked along Pattaya 3 Road, Chonburi, on April 17, 2025.
PATTAYA — A Chinese tourist’s night out in Pattaya in a series of collisions after he crashed into multiple parked vehicles and then fell asleep at the wheel, police reported today.
The Pattaya Police Station received a call at 4:30 a.m. on April 17 about an incident involving a pickup truck that had collided with three parked vehicles – two motorcycles and one car – causing significant damage.
The accident occurred on Pattaya 3 Road at the entrance of Soi 21 Chaloem Phra Kiat, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found the pickup truck with its engine still running and a foreign national sleeping inside. The owners of the damaged vehicles were not present at the time.
The Chinese driver exited his vehicle to vomit on the street after crashing into vehicles parked along Pattaya 3 Road, Chonburi, on April 17, 2025.
According to witnesses, while reporters were documenting the accident scene, the driver attempted to flee but was too intoxicated to drive effectively. He stepped on the accelerator, causing his vehicle to crash again, resulting in severe damage to the front of his pickup truck that rendered it immobile.
The driver, visibly heavily intoxicated, then exited the vehicle to inspect the damage before walking to the back of his truck where he vomited profusely. After returning to his vehicle, he was seen opening the window and inducing himself to vomit again.
When police officers arrived and attempted to question him, the Chinese man was incoherent. Officers tried unsuccessfully to contact his relatives or acquaintances.
Police subsequently took the driver to the station for alcohol testing and are now working to contact the owners of the damaged vehicles to assess the property damage for legal proceedings against the Chinese tourist.
The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO) has returned to Thailand following a debut tour in the Russian Federation, marking a significant milestone in the orchestra’s four-decade history. B.Grimm, the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs supported this tour.
As part of the closing of the year of cultural exchanges and tourism between Thailand and Russia, the RBSO captivated audiences in two of Russia’s most iconic concert halls — the Grand Philharmonic Hall in St. Petersburg on the 2nd of April and Zaryadye Concert Hall in Moscow on the 4th of April— with full-house performances that highlighted the richness of Thai music and cultural diplomacy.
Led by Maestro Vanich Potavanich, the orchestra presented a program composed exclusively of works by distinguished Thai composers, showcasing Thailand’s vibrant and evolving music scene. Audiences were deeply moved by Siam Soundscapes by Thai National Artist Dr. Prof. Narongrit Dhamabutra, which fused modern symphonic language with Thai traditional motifs and the emotionally resonant Fantasia on Themes of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, celebrating the late King Rama IX’s musical legacy.
A particular highlight was the performance of two orchestral works composed by HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya — Le Mariage de minuit – Fantaisie pour piano et orchestre and Nefreretta for violin and orchestra. These pieces, rich in narrative and lyricism, were brilliantly interpreted by young yet masterful Russian soloists Dmitry Masleev (piano) and Haik Kazazyan (violin), signifying a strong musical dialogue between the two nations.
The tour took place amid great anticipation and heartfelt support. In St. Petersburg, Governor Alexander Beglov welcomed the Thai delegation and offered words of solidarity following the recent regional earthquake that had impacted Thailand. Thai Ambassador to Russia, H.E. Sasivat Wongsinsawat, emphasized that the music performed was a true representation of Thai identity and cultural pride.
The concerts were attended by many dignitaries, including the Honorary Consul in St. Petersburg, Mr Yuri Kovalchuk, Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, Ms Olga Lyubimova, who gave an opening speech and Mr Evgeny Tomikhin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Thailand, who praised the tour as a significant cultural bridge:
“This concert tour by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra marks a historic moment in Thai-Russian cultural relations. Music, with its profound ability to unite people beyond language, truly deepens the friendship between our nations.”
Russian audiences and media alike warmly received the concerts. The Russian audience was impressed by the songs and talents of Thai musicians and compositions, with thunderous applause throughout the music halls in both cities. Russians found the songs performed by the RBSO to be exotic for Russians who are familiar with Western symphony orchestras.
They praised the beauty and potential of the Thai orchestra, saying that it was of international quality. Prestigious Russian outlet Izvestia praised the RBSO for bringing “the flavour of the East combined with academic symphonic tradition” and described the performances as a cultural bridge “between civilizations.”
This tour not only elevated the international presence of the RBSO but also reinforced the power of music as a universal language. Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Chettaphan Maksamphan, summed up the sentiment perfectly:
“The audience welcomed us with open hearts. It was a wonderful evening that conveyed the essence and soul of Thailand — no translation was needed.”
With this successful tour, the RBSO has continued developing towards a world-class symphonic ensemble and reaffirms its important role as a cultural ambassador.
Debuting today, this exclusive dining series invites travelers to explore the rich connection between food, culture, and travel through Marriott Bonvoy’s award-winning restaurants and celebrated chefs.
BETHESDA, MD – April 2025 – From uncovering the rich history of a destination through its native ingredients to sharing a meal in your bucket-list restaurant, epicurean moments create memories that stay with us long after the final taste. In celebration of the powerful connection between dining and travel, Marriott Bonvoy is proud to introduce a new and exclusive dining series, offering travelers extraordinary journeys to some of Marriott Bonvoy’s finest culinary destinations.
Launching today via the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform, the Award-Winning Dining Series will showcase a collection of experiences at Michelin-starred and critically acclaimed restaurants within Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio. Curated itineraries will immerse guests in local culture, history, and art through food, featuring exclusive menus crafted by world-renowned chefs.
“At this year’s Cayman Cookout—one of Marriott Bonvoy’s most beloved and exclusive culinary celebrations—our guests named ‘Best in Class Dining’ as the top trend for 2025, describing a desire for crafting memorable experiences through cultural immersion fused with high quality food and world class culinary preparation,” said Peggy Roe, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer of Marriott International. “With more than 40 Michelin-starred restaurants and an incredible lineup of award-winning dining destinations, we aim to provide members who are passionate about culinary and travel, access to experiences they can’t find anywhere else. This new series is more than just a meal—it’s about storytelling, discovery, and the unforgettable connections that happen around the table.”
Select experiences at Luxury Group, Marriott International destinations include:
Aqua at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg – Explore Wolfsburg’s rich connection to automotive history, brought to life through an unforgettable culinary journey at three Michelin-starred Aqua. The weekend will include exclusive access to an invite-only private vault that houses some of the rarest cars in the world. Following the tour, guests will be treated to a five-course tasting menu handcrafted by Chef Sven Elverfeld celebrating the masterful craftsmanship in an elegant atmosphere. Before departure, members can explore the Autostadt, meaning automobile city in German, where they can explore current exhibitions, interactive driving opportunities and more. The Moment includes a two-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg.
Atlas at The St. Regis Atlanta – Celebrate the intersection of art, food and wine during a private dining affair at Michelin-starred Atlas at The St. Regis Atlanta. Guests will tour the impressive collection of 20th-century artwork including timeless masterpieces from Picasso, Soutine, van Gogh and Chagall before witnessing the signature St. Regis ritual of Champagne Sabrage. The evening will conclude with a nine-course bold and whimsical meal created exclusively for the event by chef Freddy Money.
Later this year, the Award-Winning Dining series will feature events with Lilac, the Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant at The Tampa EDITION; L’Envol, the two Michelin-starred French haute cuisine establishment at The St. Regis Hong Kong; Blue by Eric Ripert, the Caribbean’s first and only Forbes Five-Star restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; and more.
Additional Moments in the series from Marriott Bonvoy’s distinctive culinary portfolio across the globe include:
Lady Helen at Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collection – Uncover the heritage and spirit of Ireland while delighting in modern Irish cuisine at Michelin-starred Lady Helen. After a day exploring the storied 500 acres of Mount Juliet, guests will be immersed in the best the estate has to offer through a one-of-a-kind menu crafted by Chef John Kelly. The historical journey through the Emerald Isle will continue the following day with a tour of Curraghmore Estate and tasting of the limited-edition Curraghmore Whiskey, hosted by Founder & CEO, Richard de la Poer Beresford, The Earl of Tyrone. After the tasting, guests will tour the Ballylinch Stud Farm, one of Europe’s leading thoroughbred racehorse breeding operations. Guests will enjoy a two-night stay in the Manor House at Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collection.
Idylio by Apreda at The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, Autograph Collection of Pacini Group– Venture to the heart of the Eternal City for an extraordinary weekend steeped in the timeless elegance of Rome. The itinerary includes a private tour of local historic wonders led by renowned classicist Mary Beard, followed by a four-course dinner at Michelin-starred Idylio by Apreda, crafted by Chef Francesco Apreda. Guests will enjoy a two-night stay at The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, Autograph Collection.
The Award-Winning Dining Series from Marriott Bonvoy Moments will feature new culinary adventures on the platform through the end of 2025, almost one Moment every month, and continue into 2026. The events will be auctioned on the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform where members use their points earned from travel and everyday activities for exceptional, one-of-a-kind experiences.
To learn more about the series and upcoming Marriott Bonvoy Moments, please visit moments.marriottbonvoy.com. Discover Marriott Bonvoy’s entire dining collection at marriott.com/en-us/dining.mi
BANGKOK — Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been selected as one of the “Young Global Leaders 2025,” a recognition of global changemakers under 40 years of age.
The World Economic Forum has unveiled its 2025 cohort of Young Global Leaders (YGL) – 116 exceptional individuals under 40 who are redefining leadership in a changing world. Thailand’s Prime Minister is among those honored.
“This reflects Thailand’s leadership vision on the world stage and reinforces confidence in her ability to create positive change for Thailand,” Jirayu Huangsap, an advisor to the Prime Minister, stated.
He added that the PM has been recognized for her leadership qualities and vision, which are believed to bring positive change in governing the country. This comes despite her being the youngest female Prime Minister in both Thailand and Asia, having assumed office just a few months ago.
“Her leadership in addressing social issues, including scammer networks, drug problems, and various disasters, while also implementing key policies into action,” Jirayu explained.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra
He highlighted several of Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s achievements, such as the 30-baht universal healthcare program, her participation in global leadership forums to attract international business investment to Thailand, and most recently, her role as chairperson of Thailand’s Soft Power Committee, which has promoted Thai Songkran festival as a global celebration.
Other leaders included in this selection are Nomzamo Mbatha, Actress and Founder of the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation; Ritesh Agarwal, Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of OYO Rooms; Milojko Spajic, Prime Minister of Montenegro; and Akira Sakano, Founder and Representative Director at Zero Waste Japan.
According to the World Economic Forum‘s website, in this era of disruption—including climate change, geopolitical instability, and technological upheaval—the world needs a new kind of leadership that values collaboration over competition, long-term vision over short-term wins, and the courage to question as much as the capacity to act.
Image: World Economic Forum
The Forum of Young Global Leaders was established to meet that need by cultivating a diverse community of individuals who are redefining leadership in the 21st century. Each year, more than 100 outstanding leaders are selected for their bold ideas, breakthrough work, and commitment to meaningful change.
The Class of 2025 represents over 50 countries and spans multiple sectors including finance, technology, climate science, public service, and creative industries. These leaders will embark on a three-year curated leadership journey featuring academic modules with world-class institutions, immersive learning experiences, and global convenings aligned with the World Economic Forum’s mission.
“To tackle the world’s pressing issues, a new leadership is required. The Class of 2025 exemplifies the future of leadership, innovation and collaboration that is at the heart of the Young Global Leaders community,” said Ida Jeng Christensen, Head of the Forum of Young Global Leaders.
Khao Yai National Park officials descend to rescue two injured Filipino women caught in a landslide of soil and rocks, bringing them up for transport to the hospital on April 16, 2025.
PRACHINBURI — Two Filipino English language teachers in Bangkok experienced an unexpected accident while spending the Songkran holiday break leading a group of children and adults on a nature tour in Khao Yai National Park, when they were injured by a landslide.
Mr. Chaiya Huayhongthong, Chief of Khao Yai National Park, reported the incident to the Prachinburi City Police Station in the early afternoon of April 16. He stated that a landslide had injured two female Filipino tourists near the bridge leading to the second level of Haew Narok Waterfall in the Khao Yai National Park World Heritage Site.
Both injured persons received assistance and were transported to Aphaiphubet Hospital in Prachinburi Province. The first victim, Mary Ann, 38, suffered a fractured upper right leg and an open wound. The second victim, Cecil, also 38, sustained injuries to her neck. Doctors are monitoring her condition after X-rays of her cervical spine and an MRI scan.
Khao Yai National Park officials descend to rescue two injured Filipino women caught in a landslide of soil and rocks, bringing them up for transport to the hospital on April 16, 2025.
Police officials revealed that the two Filipino women were leading a group of seven people—two children and five adults—who had traveled from Bangkok to visit Khao Yai National Park.
Before descending to view the lower level of Haew Narok Waterfall, while climbing the bridge to view the second level of the waterfall, a landslide of soil and rocks struck the tourist group. The debris hit these two women who were at the back of the group, after the children and others had already passed through.
The Khao Yai National Park Chief disclosed that before the landslide occurred, there had been continuous rainfall on the mountain for 4-5 days. As an initial precaution, he had ordered the closure of the path leading down to the lower Haew Narok Waterfall after discovering that the bridge railing was broken.
