Visitors take photos of Myaku-Myaku, the official mascot of Expo 2025 on the opening day of Osaka Expo 2025 in Osaka, western Japan, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
OSAKA — The World Exposition in Osaka opened Sunday, kicking off a six-month event centered on designing a sustainable future society, in what organizers hope will boost the domestic economy despite concerns over late-running preparations.
The expo will continue until Oct. 13 on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay, with 158 countries and regions participating. Some 28.2 million people are projected to visit.
Its major exhibits are encircled by the Grand Ring, which has a circumference of 2 kilometers and is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest wooden architectural structure.
The Grand Ring is seen on Friday April 11, 2025 prior to the opening day of Osaka Expo 2025 in Osaka, western Japan. (Kyodo News via AP)
At the Japan pavilion, main exhibits include a “Mars rock” discovered by a Japanese research team in Antarctica in 2000, while the Osaka prefectural and city government’s health-themed pavilion features sheets of heart muscle made from iPS cells.
Another major draw will be the 42 “Type A” pavilions by exhibiting countries including the United States and China.
The first public day comes after test-runs at the site earlier in the month. An opening ceremony featuring dancing, singing and light show was held on Saturday with 1,300 people including Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba attending.
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako wave after the opening ceremony of the Osaka Expo 2025 in Osaka, western Japan Saturday, April 12, 2025. (Jia Haocheng/Pool Photo via AP)Masakazu Tokura (C), chairman of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, declares the expo in Osaka open on April 13, 2025. (Kyodo)People queue up at an entrance gate before the opening of the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka on April 13, 2025. (Kyodo)
The government estimates the event will have an economic impact worth 2.92 trillion yen ($20 billion) nationwide, based on the visitor target of 28.2 million people. On peak days, 220,000 people are projected to visit.
Anticipation for the event has been dampened, however, by headlines over unfinished pavilions and ballooning costs. The bill for the event has nearly doubled from an initial estimate to 235 billion yen.
Delays in pavilion construction have left organizers rushing to meet the opening date deadline. Five countries, including Nepal, which has been preparing a Type A pavilion, were unable to have their exhibits ready in time, according to the organizers.
Advance ticket sales have been slower than expected. Data current to Wednesday showed around 9 million advance tickets had been sold for the event since November 2023, far off the organizers’ 14-million target.
Japan has hosted the World Exposition twice before, most recently in Aichi Prefecture in 2005. Osaka previously held it in 1970, an event that drew more than 64 million primarily domestic visitors and came to be seen as symbolizing Japan’s rise as an economic power.
Elephant sculptures are seen at Thailand’s pavilion the day before the opening of the Expo 2025 in Osaka, central Japan, Saturday, April 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)The Grand Ring is seen on March 8, 2025 prior to the opening of Osaka Expo 2025 in Osaka, western Japan. (Kyodo News via AP)Visitors take photos on the opening day of Osaka Expo 2025 in Osaka, western Japan, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
Aerial drone image from the Metropolitan Police showing the 33-story State Audit Office building construction that completely collapsed due to tremors from the Myanmar earthquake. This was the only building in Bangkok that collapsed on March 28, 2025.
Although Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra had originally given 7 days for related government agencies to report to her as to why the 33-storey State Audit Office building was the only building in Thailand which collapsed due to the tremors from the deadly 7.7 magnitude quake in Myanmar two weeks ago, she has since extended the deadline to 90 days.
Three months is a long time, particularly in a society collectively suffering from a low attention span, including that of the Thai press ever chasing the next breaking news.
If anything, the task of recovering over sixty more bodies, that should reasonably be presumed to be lifeless, despite Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt still calling it a search and rescue mission as of today, 16 days after the incident, and to clear up 40,000 tonnes of concrete and steel will probably keep the press focused for the next few weeks, however.
Getting the answer as to what went wrong, and why it’s the only high-rise building which collapsed is imperative for the country to lay down further measures, if needed, to prevent the tragedy from striking again. This is not going to be easy as the co-constructors Italian-Thai Development and China Railway Number 10 – both are major firms, the latter a Chinese state enterprise, basically with the backing of the Chinese state itself as made apparent by a recent report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC Australia) that state-controlled Chinese media Xinhua news agency has deleted news about the collapsed building in connection with China Railway Number 10. This was probably a move by the Chinese state to limit the potential damage to the reputation of its state enterprise.
Two weeks on, some progress has been made by the government, however. Yesterday saw Minister of Industry Akanat Promphan ordering a raid at a Rayong-based Chinese steel bars manufacturer, Xin Ke Yuan, after a search order was granted by the court. Xin Ke Yuan, which supplied steel bars and rods for the construction of the State Audit Office building, has failed two quality tests. It is suspected that their products were substandard and may be a factor leading to the collapse of the building late last month. (Do note that Akanat is from the pro-junta United Thai Nations Party and once co-led massive protests against then PM Yingluck Shinawatra, which eventually led to the 2014 coup.)
This was followed by the Board of Investment cancelling the investment rights and privileges afforded to the Chinese firm on the same day after the court also ordered the suspension of the sales of products made by Xin Ke Yuan.
Moving on to the Thai side, there are also concerns as to how we can trust that a fair probe can be made against the State Audit Office (SAO). We have heard Deputy PM and Interior Minister Anutin Charnveerakul admitting to the press that he enjoys a close relationship with Auditor General Mr Monthien Charoenpol but will not help him due to the severity of the incident.
Might it not be best for PM Paetongtarn to politely remove Anutin from any roles related to the continued probe instead of having Anutin reporting to the PM about the progress of the probe? This is the least the PM can do to reassure the public that there won’t be any (potential) nepotism that would favor SAO and the auditor general.
What’s more, it would be gullible for the government and the public to believe whatever SAO leaders say at face value.
Monthien was heavily criticised for not even mentioning those who were killed, trapped, and injured when he wrote a note to his 4,000 officials. Also, he claims on Friday, two weeks after the building’s collapse, that he has been visiting the site since day 1 despite the fact that not a single news agency had spotted him at the site until two weeks after.
One of Monthien’s deputies also told a House Committee on Independent Organizations on Friday that he, or basically SAO, has no knowledge that the construction involved a Chinese firm. It took only a few hours after that for copies of the construction contract, clearly naming China Railway Number 10, to spread on social media along with a video of the contract signing where the name of the Chinese State Enterprise was read out.
Cranes work on stacks of containers at the Bangkok Port in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
BANGKOK — Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined Thailand’s approach to U.S. trade and tariff policies ahead of his upcoming visit to the United States. The strategy focuses on increasing exports to the U.S. while simultaneously boosting imports of American goods.
In a statement following the April 11 meeting of Thailand’s committee tasked with handling U.S. tariff policies, Pichai revealed that detailed discussions took place concerning specific products. Various industry groups involved in U.S. trade were consulted to prepare negotiation strategies.
“As for when we will fly to the U.S. for negotiations, it must be as soon as possible,” Pichai stated. “The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has already accepted our request, though no specific date has been set yet.”
He added that he plans to travel with Commerce Minister Pichai Naripattapan, noting humorously that “when someone calls ‘Pichai,’ both of us will turn around at the same time.” Private sector representatives will join them to strengthen Thailand’s position.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira (right) announces the results of the Trump tariff policy response committee meeting, stating that he and Commerce Minister Pichai Naripattapun (left) will travel together to negotiate with U.S. trade representatives, April 11, 2025.
Plans to Increase U.S. Corn Imports
The Deputy PM explained that Thailand must identify its export strengths, particularly in animal feed processing. Currently, Thailand exports only 3% of its processed animal feed to the U.S. market, but increasing this figure to 6% would bring significant benefits, facilitated by importing raw materials from the U.S.
Thailand currently uses 9 million tons of corn annually for processing, with domestic production at 4 million tons and the remainder imported from various countries. Pichai suggested reallocating import sources in Thailand’s favor, noting that American corn imports could potentially lower production costs for animal feed.
Regarding investment strategies, the Board of Investment (BOI) must adapt its approach due to significant changes in the global situation. Negotiations about natural gas imports or potential investments by Thai state enterprises in U.S. natural gas fields will be considered, with Pichai emphasizing that if Thailand purchases gas from the U.S., prices must remain reasonable.
American corn imports could potentially lower production costs for animal feed, says Deputy PM and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.
Negotiations Will Take Time
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has previously announced that the government’s strategy must be both “fast and accurate.” After comprehensive preparation and monitoring developments across affected sectors, the government will determine its negotiation approach.
“I must emphasize that negotiations won’t conclude in a single round but will take time and occur at various levels,” the Prime Minister had stated. “We believe these changes will have structural economic impacts, so we must prepare both mitigation measures for those affected in the short term and consider long-term economic restructuring and continuous market diversification to ensure Thailand’s economy remains strong.”
Concern About Silent New Orders
Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce who attended the meeting, expressed concern that despite President Trump’s 90-day delay in tariff implementation, the April 2 tariff announcement has already had troubling effects.
“New orders have become remarkably quiet because nobody knows what prices to negotiate,” Poj revealed. “This is becoming a major problem in an already tense atmosphere. If the situation remains unclear, export figures for June-July will drop significantly.”
Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce
For Thai goods with existing orders to the U.S. at the original tariff rates, shipments must leave port by May 10 at the latest.
Hoping to Turn Crisis into Opportunity
Poj also announced that he will lead a delegation from the Thai Chamber of Commerce, together with the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand and government representatives, to explore investment opportunities at the SelectUSA event, where all American states invite foreign investment.
His delegation is scheduled to travel May 9-14, followed by a Thailand-U.S. seminar in Thailand from May 19-21 aimed at enhancing bilateral investment between the two countries.
Cannabis shop in Moo 5, Sai Thai Subdistrict, Muang District, Krabi Province that was raided by five men late Friday night. The shop owner allowed reporters to view the premises on April 12, 2025.
KRABI — A Thai woman has reported that five unidentified men stormed into her cannabis shop in Krabi and attempted to assault her Irish husband, who managed to escape through the back of the store. The frightened wife quickly filed a police report, suspecting that someone who had borrowed money from her husband but never repaid it might be behind the attack.
Ms. Nalin Hinghoydee, 22, said the incident occurred around midnight on April 11. Security cameras inside the shop, located in Moo 5, Sai Thai Subdistrict, Muang District, Krabi Province, captured the entire event. Before the incident, a foreign man had video-called her 25-year-old husband, threatening him and displaying a gun.
She recognized this man as someone who had borrowed money from her husband and refused to repay it, which led to a dispute when they were living in Pattaya. The couple had relocated to Krabi seven months ago, and this was the first time the man had called.
The security footage shows five men jumping out of a four-door pickup truck parked in front of the shop and rushing toward the foreign shop owner who was standing nearby while male and female customers were inside the shop at the counter. He immediately fled toward the back of the shop. The video then shows three men running back to the entrance while two others pursued the foreigner behind the shop.
The intruders refused to speak when Ms. Nalin attempted to question them about their intentions. They eventually left, and her husband later returned with a 10-centimeter wound on his right knee sustained while fleeing from the attackers.
Cannabis shop in Moo 5, Sai Thai Subdistrict, Muang District, Krabi Province that was raided by five men late Friday night. The shop owner allowed reporters to view the premises on April 12, 2025.
Following the incident, Ms. Nalin went to file a report at Ao Nang Police Station, located approximately 1 kilometer from her shop. However, officers informed her that her shop was under the jurisdiction of Muang Krabi Police Station, which was much farther away.
Uncertain about proceeding with the police report, the couple posted the video clip on social media to alert others and the press about the incident, seeking help as they were unsure whether the attackers might be officials.
Ms. Nalin has since gathered evidence and filed a formal complaint with Muang Krabi Police Station, requesting that authorities track down the intruders who threatened them, stating that they will continue to live in fear otherwise.
Bangkok will adjust its rubbish collection and disposal fees from October 2025 to better reflect actual costs.
BANGKOK — The waste reduction plan in Bangkok, which has been ongoing since 2022, reaches another level of advancement this year as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced a policy for residents to begin managing and separating waste from their own residences in order to reduce waste collection fees.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced on April 11 that the city will adjust its rubbish collection and disposal fees from October 2025 to better reflect actual costs and encourage residents to separate their waste.
Currently, the BMA spends approximately 7,000 million baht per year on waste collection and disposal, while actually collecting only 500 million baht per year from households. In 2024, the BMA collects about 10,000 tons of waste per day, with nearly 50% being food waste.
The New Rates Depend on Type of Waste
The new rates follow an order published in the Royal Gazette on March 31 as part of the Public Health Act 2025, which requires all property owners or residents to pay charges based on the amount and type of waste they generate.
The fee for the collection and disposal of sewage and grease waste is 600 baht per cubic metre per service, of which 300 baht is for collection and transportation and 300 baht is for disposal.
For general solid waste, the fees are divided into monthly and one-time fees. For monthly collection, households that generate no more than 20 litres of waste per day must pay 60 baht per month (30 baht for collection and transport and 30 baht for disposal). However, if the household sorts its waste and registers with the BMA in accordance with the approved guidelines, the fee remains at the original 20 baht.
Publicity for color-coded waste sorting bins: green for wet waste, blue for recyclable waste, yellow for general waste, and red for infectious waste.
For households that generate more than 20 litres but not more than 1 cubic metre of waste per day, the fee is 120 baht per 20 litres. For households that generate more than 1 cubic metre per day, the fee is 8,000 baht per cubic metre (3,250 baht for collection and transport and 4,750 baht for disposal).
For one-time collection of general solid waste, fees vary depending on volume:
If the waste does not exceed 500 litres, the charge is 255 baht per service (125 baht for collection and transport and 130 baht for disposal).
If the waste is more than 500 litres but not more than 1 cubic metre, the fee is 370 baht per service (180 baht for collection and transport and 190 baht for disposal).
If the volume exceeds 1 cubic metre, the charge per unit is 495 baht per cubic metre (245 baht for collection and transport and 250 baht for disposal)
Infectious Waste Costs Higher
For infectious waste, the fees are divided into monthly and one-off services. On a monthly basis, the fee is 780 baht per month if the quantity does not exceed 13 litres per day or 2 kilograms (300 baht for collection and transport and 480 baht for disposal).
If the quantity exceeds 13 litres per day or 2 kilogrammes, the fee is 480 baht per unit (300 baht for collection and transport and 480 baht for disposal).
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt
There are two components for one-time collection of infectious waste:
Firstly, the service fee is 3,000 baht per collection. If the transport distance is more than 10 kilometres, an additional 15 baht per kilometre will be charged, bringing the total amount to 5,000 baht.
Secondly, the transport fee is 75 baht per 100 litres or per 15 kilogrammes. If the volume of waste is 100 litres or less or weighs 15 kilograms or less, the charge is 75 baht per service. For disposal, if the amount is not more than 6.5 litres or 1 kilogramme, the fee is 8 baht per unit.
BKK Waste Pay Application
Governor Chadchart explained that the “This House Doesn’t Mix Waste: Sort Your Trash, Save Your Cash” campaign is designed to encourage residents to reduce and separate their waste at the source. This initiative is expected to reduce the amount of waste Bangkok has to dispose of, which in turn will lead to a reduction in the associated fees. Households can now register for individual participation via the BKK Waste Pay application.
There are two types of registration: individual and group registration. Individual registration applies to general private households that generate no more than 20 litres of waste per day, including detached houses, houses in housing estates and condominiums or unincorporated dwellings. Homeowners or tenants who wish to participate in the programme can register via the BKK Waste Pay app or website.
BKK Waste Pay Applicatiob
If you don’t have a smartphone, you can register with the staff at the fee collection centre or at the district office where your home is located. From August 1, 2025, the system will start sending reminders to present photo proof of waste separation. The new rates will come into force in October 2025, 180 days after the publication of the decree in the Royal Gazette.
The following information is required for registration: an 11-digit house number, full name, telephone number and photos of four categories of sorted waste: food waste, recyclables, hazardous waste and general waste. Registered households will receive free food waste bags for the first year and random checks will be carried out to ensure proper waste sorting.
The group registration applies to housing estates, residential communities with legal entities and designated municipalities in accordance with BMA regulations, provided that each unit does not generate more than 20 litres of waste per day and that central waste sorting and collection areas are set up for the four types of waste.
Group registration will begin on August 1, 2025 and the new tariffs will also come into force in October 2025.
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, has announced the successful outcome of the Thailand International Auto Parts & Accessories Show 2025 (TAPA 2025). The event garnered a positive response from international business professionals, attracting over 7,000 visitors and generating a total trade value of nearly 3,000 million baht.
Ms. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director-General of the DITP, revealed that TAPA 2025, held from 3-5 April 2025, at BITEC, Bangkok, achieved remarkable success. The event welcomed international business visitors from around the world, facilitating business negotiations and creating trade opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs, resulting in a total revenue of 2,952 million baht for the country.
In terms of exhibitor’s participation, the event featured 682 leading companies with 1,091 booths. The total number of visitors reached 7,199 from 87 countries. The top three product categories of interest were Body Parts, Spare Parts, and Engines & Transmissions.
TAPA 2025 is organized by the DITP, in collaboration with associations in Thailand’s auto parts industry. The aim is to provide a platform for trade negotiations, business expansion, and knowledge sharing on new trends for business professionals and those involved in the auto parts industry.
See you again at TAPA 2027 during 1-3 April 2027 at BITEC, Bangkok.
Immigration police arrest one of four British suspects allegedly involved in planning a major cannabis smuggling operation at a condominium in Bangkok on April 10, 2025.
KOH SAMUI — Immigration police have arrested one of four British suspects allegedly involved in planning a major cannabis smuggling operation on Koh Samui. This follows the March arrest of 16 individuals and seizure of over 600 kilograms of cannabis that was intended for export, primarily to London, through Samui Airport in Surat Thani province.
Police Major General Nattakorn Praphayon, Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, revealed that the foreign suspects had distinct roles in the operation. The British group was responsible for planning the smuggling of cannabis flowers through Samui Airport, arranging accommodation for drug couriers, organizing transportation, establishing storage locations, and recruiting foreign nationals to transport the cannabis out of Thailand.
After immigration investigators in Surat Thani filed a complaint with Bo Phut Police Station, the Koh Samui Provincial Court issued four arrest warrants for suspects involved in the network.
Immigration police bring a British suspect allegedly involved in planning a major cannabis smuggling operation back to Koh Samui after arresting him in Bangkok on April 10, 2025.
One of the primary suspects, Mr. Adel, 30, was arrested on April 10. He allegedly played a crucial role in the operation by securing accommodations to hide cannabis-filled bags and coordinating foreign couriers who transported the drugs out of the country. Following the arrests of several network members, Adel fled Koh Samui and was hiding in a luxury condominium in central Bangkok.
Immigration police, armed with an arrest warrant issued by the Koh Samui Provincial Court on April 9, 2025, apprehended Adel and charged him with attempting to export goods without passing through customs procedures, attempting to export controlled herbal plants (cannabis flowers) without permission, and possessing controlled herbal plants (cannabis flowers) for sale without authorization. The suspect was then transferred to Bo Phut Police Station for legal proceedings.
Dried cannabis flowers packed inside one of the seven suitcases belonging to four British tourists and one Malaysian national, transported by Thai officials from Koh Samui Airport for inspection at Bo Phut Police Station on March 12, 2025.
The Deputy Commissioner added that the three remaining suspects are still being tracked by Surat Thani Immigration investigators. Their arrest warrants have been entered into the Immigration Bureau’s biometric surveillance system to prevent them from fleeing the country.
Police Major General Songprod Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Division 6, stated that Police General Kit Rat Phanphet, the National Police Chief, has directed authorities to accelerate efforts to apprehend foreign nationals using Thailand as a base for criminal activities. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the Immigration Bureau, which operates 24 hours a day.
Phuket police search and seize a significant cache of narcotics and weapons at Jordanian suspect's residence in Thalang District.
PHUKET — Police have arrested several foreign and Thai nationals in a series of connected raids targeting an international drug trafficking network operating in Phuket, authorities announced today.
Police Lieutenant General Surapong Thanomjit, Commander of Provincial Police Region 8, along with officers from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, held a press conference on April 11 to detail the arrests of suspects in three related cases involving drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession.
Jordanian Caught with Massive Drug Stash
In the first case, police acted on intelligence reports about a Jordanian suspect smuggling narcotics into Thailand. Officers set up a checkpoint on Ban Ya-Cherng Talay Road where they stopped and searched a 42-year-old Jordanian man identified as Jihad. A search of his shoulder bag revealed quantities of ketamine, cocaine, and ecstasy pills.
Police Lieutenant General Surapong Thanomjit, Commander of Provincial Police Region 8, holds a press conference displaying seized drug evidence in the case of arrested Jordanian man, French man, and Thai woman involved in drug trafficking and weapons possession at the Queen Sirikit 72nd Anniversary Building, Thalang Road, Phuket Province, on April 11, 2025.
Further investigation led officers to two residences in Thalang district’s Sri Soonthorn and Cherng Talay sub-districts, where they discovered a significant cache of narcotics and weapons. In total, authorities seized:
3,740.8 grams of ketamine
1,138.1 grams of cocaine
28,217 ecstasy pills
4 long guns
248 rounds of ammunition
The suspect faces multiple charges including illegal entry into the Kingdom, possession of Category 1 (ecstasy) and Category 2 (ketamine, cocaine) narcotics with intent to sell without authorization in a manner threatening national security and public safety, and illegal weapons possession.
Chart showing the investigation and arrests of Jordanian man, French man, and Thai woman involved in drug trafficking and weapons possession, including the search of a medical establishment that employed staff without proper medical licenses.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
French, Thai Woman Arrested in Linked Raid
Following the first arrest, police investigations revealed connections between the Jordanian suspect and a 43-year-old French national identified as Mr. Daniel and his 34-year-old Thai female associate, Ms. Phantiwa. Officers raided their condominium in Kamala sub-district, Kathu district, where they discovered:
5 bags of ketamine weighing 15.16 grams
2 ecstasy pills
13 pieces of drug manufacturing equipment
22 bottles of unauthorized pharmaceutical products
Both suspects were charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell and unauthorized production of modern medications.
Medical Establishment Searched
Police subsequently inspected a medical establishment operated by Ms. Phantiwa on Phra Barami Road in Patong. While no illegal items were found on the premises, two female employees—Ms. Chanapa, 31, and Ms. Suttida, 30—were found working without proper medical licenses. Both employees and Ms. Phantiwa face additional charges related to unauthorized operation of a healthcare facility.
Heightened Security During Songkran
During the press conference, the Region 8 Police Commander also presided over a ceremony dispatching 220 officers for crime prevention operations during the upcoming Songkran festival.
He emphasized that authorities will continue strict enforcement measures against criminal activities, particularly during the Songkran 2025 celebrations, using all legal means available—including visa revocation and deportation for foreign offenders.
Police Lieutenant General Surapong Thanomjit, Commander of Provincial Police Region 8 presides over a ceremony dispatching 220 officers for crime prevention operations during the upcoming Songkran festival on April 11, 2025.
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
An aerial view of new cars waiting for shipment at a pier for ro-ro ships in Yantai city in eastern China's Shandong province Sunday, March 30, 2025. (Chinatopix Via AP) CHINA OUT
BEIJING (AP) — China announced countermeasures on Friday, raising tariffs on U.S. goods from 84% to 125% starting Saturday.
The U.S. and China have escalated trade war by raising tariffs even as U.S. President Donald Trump hit a pause on tariffs for other countries.
Trump’s universal tariffs on China total 145%. When Trump announced Wednesday that China faced 125% tariffs, he did not include a 20% tariff on China tied to its role in fentanyl production.
“The U.S. alternately raising abnormally high tariffs on China has become a numbers game, which has no practical economic significance, and will become a joke in the history of the world economy,” a Commerce Ministry spokesman said in a statement announcing the countermeasure. “However, if the US insists on continuing to substantially infringe on China’s interests, China will resolutely counter and fight to the end.”
China’s Commerce Ministry said it was filing another lawsuit with the World Trade Organization on the raising of U.S. tariffs.
A person walks past Bank of China U.S.A. New York Branch, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Asian shares sink as China-US trade war escalates
BANGKOK (AP) — Asian shares sank Friday after U.S. stocks gave up much of their historic gains from the day before.
The deepening worries over President Donald Trump’s trade war initially helped pull Japan’s Nikkei 225 share index down 5.6%.
By mid-morning in Tokyo, it was down 4.2% at 33,148.45.
The yen surged against the U.S. dollar, which also lost value against the euro.
One dollar bought 143.64 Japanese yen, down from about 146 yen a day earlier. The euro rose to $1.1306 from $1.1195.
South Korea’s Kospi fell 1.3% to 2,413.16, while in Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 shed 1.2% to 7,619.70.
In China markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged down 0.4% to 20,606.04 and Shanghai’s lost 0.2% to 3,218.94.
Taiwan’s Taiex gained 1.5% as investors expect more orders would transfer to Taiwan under the worsening China-US trade war.
An aerial view of imported iron ore in a port in Yantai city in eastern China’s Shandong province Sunday, March 30, 2025. (Chinatopix Via AP) CHINA OUT
China announced more countermeasures against the United States and losses for U.S. stocks accelerated after the White House clarified that the United States will tax Chinese imports at 145%, not the 125% rate that Trump had written about in his posting on Truth Social Wednesday, once other previously announced tariffs were included. The drop for the S&P 500 exceeded 6% at one point.
China, meanwhile, has been seeking to join forces with other countries in apparent hopes of forming a united front against Trump. The world’s second-largest economy is also ramping up its own countermeasures to Trump’s tariffs.
Investors are viewing Trump’s decision to delay higher tariffs for most countries for 90 days as a ploy, not a pivot, Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said in a commentary.
“That’s the market hitting the brakes, hard. The sugar high from Trump’s tariff pause is fading fast, and Asia’s about to feel the comedown. The champagne’s flat, the party’s over and the tape is twitching,” he wrote.
On Thursday, the S&P 500 tumbled 3.5% to 5,268.05, slicing into Wednesday’s surge of 9.5% following Trump’s decision to pause many of his tariffs worldwide. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.5% to 39,593.66, and the Nasdaq composite tumbled 4.3% to 16,387.31.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
“Trump blinks,” UBS strategist Bhanu Baweja wrote in a report about the president’s decision on tariffs, “but the damage isn’t all undone.”
The stock price of Warner Bros. Discovery, the company behind “A Minecraft Movie,” dropped 12.5% for one of Wall Street’s sharpest losses after China said Thursday it will “appropriately reduce the number of imported U.S. films.” The Walt Disney Co.’s stock sank 6.8%
A spokesperson for the China Film Administration said it is “inevitable” that Chinese audiences would find American films less palatable given the “wrong move by the U.S. to wantonly implement tariffs on China.”
That was after Trump and his Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, sent a clear message to other countries Wednesday after announcing their pause on tariffs for most countries: “Do not retaliate, and you will be rewarded.”
The European Union said Thursday it will put its trade retaliation measures on hold for 90 days and leave room for a negotiated solution.
President Donald Trump speaks at a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Washington. (Pool via AP)
Thursday’s swings also hit the bond market, which has historically played the role of enforcer against politicians and economic policies it deemed imprudent. It helped topple the United Kingdom’s Liz Truss in 2022, for example, whose 49 days made her Britain’s shortest-serving prime minister.
Earlier this week, big jumps for U.S. Treasury yields had rattled the market, so much that Trump said Wednesday he had been watching how investors were “getting a little queasy.”
Several reasons could have been behind the sharp, sudden rise in yields. Hedge funds may have sold Treasurys in order to raise cash, and investors outside the United States may be dumping their U.S. government bonds because of the trade war. Regardless of the reasons behind it, higher Treasury yields crank up pressure on the stock market and push rates higher for mortgages and other loans for U.S. households and businesses.
The 10-year Treasury yield had calmed following Trump’s U-turn on tariffs, dropping all the way back to 4.30% shortly after the release of a better-than-expected report on inflation Thursday morning. That’s after it had shot up to nearly 4.50% Wednesday morning from just 4.01% at the end of last week.
As Thursday progressed, though, the 10-year Treasury yield climbed once again and reached 4.40%. It was trading at 4.39% early Friday.
In other dealings early Friday, U.S. benchmark crude oil lost 37 cents to $59.70 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Brent crude, the international standard, fell 30 cents to $63.03 per barrel.
