South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun speaks at a news conference in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
A national petition to the South Korean National Assembly demanding an increase in the statutory rape age to under 19 years old has gained momentum following K-Pop star Kim Soo-hyun’s tearful press conference on Monday.
Kim Soo-hyun, who has a large fanbase in Thailand, firmly denied allegations of dating and grooming the late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor.
“I did not date her when she was a minor,” Kim stated. “Apart from the fact that we were both actors, we were just an ordinary couple like anyone else. We had feelings for each other, and as time passed, we eventually parted ways. After that, we rarely kept in touch.”
His lawyer and agency, Goldmedalist, announced a lawsuit against multiple parties, including a YouTube channel and Kim Sae-ron’s family, accusing them of defamation and violation of information protection laws.
Kim Soo-hyun’s press conference has divided Thai fans, with many believing his emotional display is causing more damage than before.
Kim Sae-ron was found dead at home in February at age 24, nearly two years after retreating from public view following a drunk-driving conviction that prompted heavy public backlash. She was fined approximately $14,000 for the offense.
South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun sheds tears as he was speaking at a news conference in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
The intense competition in the Korean entertainment industry creates tremendous pressure on actors and singers, especially when they enter a career downturn with fewer opportunities and financial burdens. Combined with depression, this has led to periodic cases of Korean celebrities taking their own lives.
Following her death, stories about their secret relationship began spreading on social media, with Kim Sae-ron’s mother and family members releasing photos allegedly showing Kim Soo-hyun’s close relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was underage. Kim Soo-hyun has denied these claims and stated that many text messages circulating online, purportedly between him and Kim Sae-ron, are false.
Photos allegedly showing Kim Soo-hyun’s close relationship with Kim Sae-ron
Beyond the entertainment aspect, this case has led to political demands for stronger laws protecting minors. As of Wednesday at 2 p.m., the petition had gathered 33,643 signatures since being filed on March 31.
The petition calls for the amendment to be named the “Kim Soo-hyun Prevention Act,” urging lawmakers to expand statutory rape laws to include ages 13 to 19. Currently, South Korean statutory rape laws only protect those aged 13 to 16.
“Recently, the grooming sexual crime committed by Korean Wave star Kim Soo-hyun against child actress Kim Sae-ron, who was a minor at the time when he was an adult, has been revealed, causing nationwide anger,” the petitioner stated. The petition continues by requesting that the statutory rape age be raised to “between 13 and under 19” with strengthened penalties.
Mrs. Chutamas Ngamjitkul, Marketing Director of BRAND’S Essence of Chicken at Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd, the leader of health enrichment products under the BRAND’S trademark in Thailand and Asia, revealed that over the 4-month period, the company conducted the “Drink BRAND’S, Scan the Number in the Bottle” campaign through the loyalty platform on LINE OA. It invested heavily in this first loyalty program to give back to all consumers while promoting the benefits of Carnosine in BRAND’S Essence of Chicken. Carnosine, a dipeptide that is easily absorbed, was highlighted through the experience of drinking BRAND’S Essence of Chicken continuously for 7 days, allowing consumers to see the results for themselves. The campaign attracted more than 150,000 participants, with over 960,000 bottles of BRAND’S Essence of Chicken scanned within just 4 months indicates an increase in consumption frequency, with consumers drinking BRAND’S Essence of Chicken at an average of up to 11 bottles per person.
Another factor contributing to the campaign’s success was its rewarding and communication strategies, which attract consumers by offering cashback from the first bottle via True Money Wallet and promoting through various channels, including storefront media, sales staff, and partners. This approach resulted in a continuous increase in the number of campaign participants.
For the prizes in the 2024 “Drink BRAND’S, Scan the Number in the Bottle” campaign, BRAND’S Chicken Essence gave back to participants a total value of over 6 million baht. This included giving away 1 baht gold to more than 31 lucky participants, totaling over 1.3 million baht, and offering the grand prize of a Tesla Model 3 car, valued at 1.649 million baht, to one lucky winner.
Mr. Anuwat Tiansri, the lucky winner of the grand prize, a Tesla Model 3, shared that “I am very happy to receive this incredible prize of a Tesla car. As a senior, I have been drinking BRAND’S Essence of Chicken every day for a long time. After drinking it, I feel that helps me stay focused and refreshed, thanks to theCarnosine and Vitamin B 12 found in the Essence of Chicken. Last year, when BRAND’S launched the campaign, I decided to join, and I was lucky enough to win the grand prize. I am truly grateful to BRAND’S for this amazing reward and for running such a great campaign that gives back to consumers. I encourage everyone to try BRAND’S Essence of Chicken—not only for its health benefits, but also because in the next campaign, you could be the lucky winner!”
In addition, BRAND’S Chicken Essence has continued the “Drink BRAND’S, Scan the Number in the Bottle” campaign in 2025 with attractive and diverse benefits to better meet the needs of consumers.
Follow great activities from BRAND’S Chicken Essence on Facebook: Brand’s World Thailand
K9 named Lek, center, works as an emotional support with relatives of workers of a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after Friday's earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
BANGKOK (AP) — For most of the day, somberness clouded over a makeshift shelter set up for grief-stricken relatives of dozens of workers who remain missing at the building collapse in Bangkok. They huddled together, a short distance from the rubble, awaiting news for their loved ones to be found.
But for a few minutes, their faces broke out in smiles, as a group of fluffy, playful golden retrievers approached the waiting relatives on a break from the dogs’ rescue mission.
Bangkok is more than 800 miles (1,287 kilometers) from the epicenter of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday. Fifteen of the 22 deaths reported in Bangkok were people found at the site of the collapsed high-rise, according to the Bangkok city authorities. Around 70 workers remain missing.
Pornchai Chaodongbang has been waiting for her missing brother at the site since Sunday. She said she was crying every day since the news broke, and when she saw the site of the ruins, she collapsed.
On Tuesday evening, she and dozens of others were visited by Sahara, Safari and Lek, rescue dogs from K9 USAR Thailand, a non-profit that works closely with the Thai government in disaster and humanitarian relief efforts.
Pornchai’s face lit up as she played with them. She said her spirit was lifted a little. “I saw in the news that they were helping the crew up there. I felt a little happier,” she said.
It’s the dogs’ main job to climb the rubble, sniffing for any sign of humans trapped underneath. But Alongkot Chukaew, deputy director of the group, said they are also offering emotional support on the side, as his experience working with the dogs in many of their missions showed that they can give moments of comfort to disaster victims.
K9 named Safari work as an emotional support with Relatives of workers of a high-rise building under construction that collapsed in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March 31, 2025, (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
He saw that happened with Sahara during the rescue mission after the 2023 earthquake in Turkey.
“At times when people were feeling down, she walked over to relatives of the victims who were sitting among the rubble. I saw the children come to her, play with her. Amid those great losses, it’s a small moment of happiness that can lift their spirits. From that day on, it’s what we have been trying to do during our breaks,” he said.
They chose the dogs that are gentle to visit the relatives, he said. “I believe their gentleness is what gives a spirit to the relatives. It’s also like making a promise that they will be here with them until all the victims are found.”
Samran Khotchomphun said she has been waiting for her missing grandson and granddaughter since the first day of the collapse. She said she cried through the first three days because she couldn’t cope with the situation.
Samran said the dogs offered her a brief comfort and hope on day five of the search and rescue operations.
“I told the dogs, please help find them. My hope is hanging on you,” she said.
FILE - Val Kilmer poses for a portrait, Jan. 9, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Val Kilmer, the brooding, versatile actor who played fan favorite Iceman in “Top Gun,” donned a voluminous cape as Batman in “Batman Forever” and portrayed Jim Morrison in “The Doors,” has died. He was 65.
Kilmer died Tuesday night in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends, his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, said in an email to The Associated Press.
Val Kilmer died from pneumonia. He had recovered after a 2014 throat cancer diagnosis that required two tracheotomies.
“I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. I have behaved bizarrely to some. I deny none of this and have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed,” he says toward the end of “Val,” the 2021 documentary on his career. “And I am blessed.”
Kilmer, the youngest actor ever accepted to the prestigious Juilliard School at the time he attended, experienced the ups and downs of fame more dramatically than most. His break came in 1984’s spy spoof “Top Secret!” followed by the comedy “Real Genius” in 1985. Kilmer would later show his comedy chops again in films including “MacGruber” and “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.”
FILE – Val Kilmer arrives at the 54th annual GRAMMY Awards, Feb. 12, 2012, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)
His movie career hit its zenith in the early 1990s as he made a name for himself as a dashing leading man, starring alongside Kurt Russell and Bill Paxton in 1993’s “Tombstone,” as Elvis’ ghost in “True Romance” and as a bank-robbing demolition expert in Michael Mann’s 1995 film “Heat” with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.
The actor — who took part in the Method branch of Suzuki arts training — threw himself into parts. When he played Doc Holliday in “Tombstone,” he filled his bed with ice for the final scene to mimic the feeling of dying from tuberculosis. To play Morrison, he wore leather pants all the time, asked castmates and crew to only refer to him as Jim Morrison and blasted The Doors for a year.
That intensity also gave Kilmer a reputation that he was difficult to work with, something he grudgingly agreed with later in life, but always defending himself by emphasizing art over commerce.
“In an unflinching attempt to empower directors, actors and other collaborators to honor the truth and essence of each project, an attempt to breathe Suzukian life into a myriad of Hollywood moments, I had been deemed difficult and alienated the head of every major studio,” he wrote in his memoir, “I’m Your Huckleberry.”
One of his more iconic roles — hotshot pilot Tom “Iceman” Kazansky opposite Tom Cruise — almost didn’t happen. Kilmer was courted by director Tony Scott for “Top Gun” but initially balked. “I didn’t want the part. I didn’t care about the film. The story didn’t interest me,” he wrote in his memoir. He agreed after being promised that his role would improve from the initial script. He would reprise the role in the film’s 2022 sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick.”
One career nadir was playing Batman in Joel Schumacher’s goofy, garish “Batman Forever” with Nicole Kidman and opposite Chris O’Donnell‘s Robin — before George Clooney took up the mantle for 1997’s “Batman & Robin” and after Michael Keaton played the Dark Knight in 1989’s “Batman” and 1992’s “Batman Returns.”
Janet Maslin in The New York Times said Kilmer was “hamstrung by the straight-man aspects of the role,” while Roger Ebert deadpanned that he was a “completely acceptable” substitute for Keaton. Kilmer, who was one and done as Batman, blamed much of his performance on the suit.
The Times was the first to report his death on Tuesday.
“When you’re in it, you can barely move and people have to help you stand up and sit down,” Kilmer said in “Val.” “You also can’t hear anything and after a while people stop talking to you, it’s very isolating. It was a struggle for me to get a performance past the suit, and it was frustrating until I realised that my role in the film was just to show up and stand where I was told to.”
His next projects were the film version of the 1960s TV series “The Saint” — fussily putting on wigs, accents and glasses — and “The Island of Dr. Moreau” with Marlon Brando, which became one of the decade’s most infamously cursed productions.
David Gregory’s 2014 documentary “Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley’s Island of Dr. Moreau,” described a cursed set that included a hurricane, Kilmer bullying director Richard Stanley, the firing of Stanley via fax (who sneaked back on set as an extra with a mask on) and extensive rewrites by Kilmer and Brando. The older actor told the younger at one point: “‘It’s a job now, Val. A lark. We’ll get through it.’ I was as sad as I’ve ever been on a set,” Kilmer wrote in his memoir.
In 1996, Entertainment Weekly ran a cover story about Kilmer titled ″The Man Hollywood Loves to Hate.″ The directors Schumacher and John Frankenheimer, who finished “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” said he was difficult. Frankenheimer said there were two things he would never do: ″Climb Mount Everest and work with Val Kilmer again.″
Other artists came to his defense, like D. J. Caruso, who directed Kilmer in ″The Salton Sea″ and said the actor simply liked to talk out scenes and enjoyed having a director’s attention.
″Val needs to immerse himself in a character. I think what happened with directors like Frankenheimer and Schumacher is that Val would ask a lot of questions, and a guy like Schumacher would say, ‘You’re Batman! Just go do it,’″ Caruso told The New York Times in 2002.
After “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” the movies were smaller, like David Mamet human-trafficking thriller “Spartan”; ″Joe the King″ in 1999, in which he played a paunchy, abusive alcoholic; and playing the doomed ’70s porn star John Holmes in 2003’s “Wonderland.” He also threw himself into his one-man stage show “Citizen Twain,” in which he played Mark Twain.
“I enjoy the depth and soul the piece has that Twain had for his fellow man and America,” he told Variety in 2018. “And the comedy that’s always so close to the surface, and how valuable his genius is for us today. Still, we battle racism and greed. The same country, it’s greatness and it’s tragedy.”
Kilmer spent his formative years in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles. He attended Chatsworth High School alongside future Oscar winner Kevin Spacey and future Emmy winner Mare Winningham. At 17, he was the youngest drama student ever admitted at the Juilliard School in 1981.
Shortly after he left for Juilliard, his younger brother, 15-year-old Wesley, suffered an epileptic seizure in the family’s Jacuzzi and died on the way to the hospital. Wesley was an aspiring filmmaker when he died.
″I miss him and miss his things. I have his art up. I like to think about what he would have created. I’m still inspired by him,″ Kilmer told the Times.
While still at Juilliard, Kilmer co-wrote and appeared in the play “How It All Began” and later turned down a role in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Outsiders” for the Broadway play, “Slab Boys,” alongside Kevin Bacon and Sean Penn.
Kilmer published two books of poetry (including “My Edens After Burns”) and was nominated for a Grammy in 2012 for spoken word album for “The Mark of Zorro.” He was also a visual artist and a lifelong Christian Scientist.
He dated Cher, married and divorced actor Joanne Whalley.
He is survived by their two children, Mercedes and Jack.
Cambodian authorities handed over 56 Thai people, including 35 men, 21 women, and two children, to Thai officials on March 28, 2025.
BANGKOK — Thai authorities have apprehended 56 individuals involved in a massive call center fraud operation based in Cambodia. The suspects, now repatriated to Thailand, are linked to 1,154 cases of fraud that caused financial damages exceeding 709 million baht ($20.7 million) to victims across the country.
Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Senior Inspector General and Director of the Police Cyber Taskforce and Anti-Human Trafficking Center, announced on April 1 the successful repatriation of 56 Thai nationals involved in transnational call center fraud operations based in Cambodia.
During a press conference at the Cyber Crime Investigation Division 2 Headquarters in Muang Thong Thani, Pol. Gen. Thatchai detailed the operation that stemmed from Cambodian authorities’ raids on two locations in Poipet on March 22. The raids targeted Thai-run call center gangs that had been recruiting Thais to open fraudulent bank and cryptocurrency accounts.
“These criminal networks are responsible for 1,154 fraud cases with damages exceeding 709 million baht,” stated Pol. Gen. Thatchai.
Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Senior Inspector General and Director of the Police Cyber Taskforce and Anti-Human Trafficking Center, speaks at a press conference at the Cyber Crime Investigation Division 2 Headquarters in Muang Thong Thani on April 1, 2025.
Of the 63 Thais initially arrested in Cambodia, seven key suspects remain detained there for further investigation. The 56 returnees include 35 men, 21 women, and two children. Five of the suspects had active arrest warrants before their arrest.
Investigations revealed that 53 of the suspects had illegally crossed the Thai-Cambodian border through natural passageways to avoid immigration checkpoints. A screening process determined that none were victims of human trafficking, and all detainees showed no signs of physical abuse.
The call center operation’s typical recruitment pattern included luring Thais through social media job offers, paying them 3,000-5,000 baht per mule bank account opened, arranging illegal border crossings, and involving them in facial scans and money transfers for fraud operations.
Police officers display images of houses belonging to Thai mule account owners in Cambodia during a press conference on April 1, 2025.
One detained suspect revealed that recruits were housed in two-story townhouses in Poipet with segregated sleeping areas for men and women, where they were forced to open online financial accounts for money laundering purposes.
On March 31, the Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for 54 individuals on charges including participation in a transnational criminal organization, association with a criminal syndicate, public fraud, and uploading false information into computer systems.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai expressed gratitude to Cambodian authorities for their cooperation, highlighting that improved investigation methods have prevented scammers from falsely claiming trafficking victim status to evade prosecution.
“The Thai and Cambodian governments remain committed to working together to eliminate these transnational scam operations and protect our citizens from fraud,” he concluded.
K9 named Safari works as an emotional support with relatives of workers of a high-rise building under construction that collapsed in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
BANGKOK (AP) — When the earthquake that hit Myanmar sent its tremors to Thailand, Naruemon Thonglek didn’t immediately know it also had collapsed a high-rise building under construction in Bangkok.
Seeing images of the debris on television news later, Naruemon immediately recognized the building where her long-time Burmese partner, his son and four of her friends had worked for the past month.
“My legs gave up. I lost all strength in my hands,” she said. “After the quake stopped I called him, messaged him, but there was no response. I couldn’t contact him. I sent him voice messages and he never read it. Then I knew for sure that he must have been inside.”
Naruemol Thonglek, top right, waits for news of her partner, sitting with other people looking for their relatives who were at the site where an under-construction high-rise building collapsed after an earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March, 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
At least 18 people died in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, more than 800 miles (1,287 kilometers) from the center of the magnitude 7.7 quake in Myanmar on Friday, which killed more than 2,000 people there. According to Myanmar state television, the quake has so far killed 2,065 people, with more than 3,900 injured and about 270 missing.
Relief agencies expect those numbers to rise sharply, since access is slow to remote areas where communications are down.
In Bangkok, 78 people remain missing. Thai authorities are racing against time to find anyone left alive under the ruins as the crucial 72-hour mark passes. While the authorities have said they detected possible sounds of life, so far only one person was pulled alive from the rubble.
A woman whose husband is missing waits at the site of an under-construction high-rise building that collapsed after Friday’s earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Tavida Kamolvej, Bangkok’s deputy governor, told reporters at the site Monday that crews are speeding up the search.
“Every second really counts,” she said.
Among those missing are the mother and younger sister of Chanpen Kaewnoi, who had been working at the site for a couple of months.
Chanpen said she couldn’t contact them after the quake, but later was told by a survivor that they had been on the fifth floor of the 30-story building.
“He told me that they ran from the fifth floor, and once he reached the ground, the building just collapsed,” she said. “He said he couldn’t find my mom and my sister. He said it was just a split second and he lost them.”
Relatives waiting to hear the news of their missing family members watch as paramedics treat a person who feel unconscious while waiting at the site of an under-construction high-rise building that collapsed after Friday’s earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Naruemon said her partner, Kyi Tan, and the other five were assigned to work much higher up on the 26th floor. While her partner had extensive construction experience, this was his first high-rise project. As he left home on the morning of the quake, he said he would stay late in the hope of finishing his work by the end of the month.
Naruemon and Chanpen said they never heard their family members raise safety concerns while working at the building.
The authorities said they are investigating the cause of the building collapse as criticisms and concerns grow over safety and quality standards of Bangkok buildings. Chadchart Sittipunt, the city governor, has ordered a blanket inspection of all high-rise buildings in the capital.
Videos of the collapse show the building, which was meant to be a new State Audit Office, shaking a little before tumbling to the ground, sending a huge plume of dust into the sky as people scream and run away.
Heavy machinery are employed to clear the huge pile of concrete at the site of an under-construction high-rise building that collapsed after an earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
When Naruemon arrived at the site the following day, the scene of the ruins broke her spirit.
“I had a meltdown. I could only pray. I kept calling for them,” she said. “I wanted them to come back. I was so devastated. I didn’t know what to do.”
For two days, Naruemon walked around near the site with her family and friends, hoping to see any developments as heavy machines and rescue crews searched for survivors. She prayed and performed a religious rite asking the spirits to protect her loved ones.
“I want everyone trapped there to be found. In whatever conditions, I’m ok with it,” she said. “I’ve already made some peace with it. It’s been a few days already. A part of me still hopes they will survive, for a miracle, if it exists.”
The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) holds a press conference regarding the death of a British fighter, Joseph Itai Rinomhota, on Koh Samui, at Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok on April 1, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Ekachai Rattanawong)
BANGKOK — The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) has announced stricter safety enforcement following the death of a British fighter on Koh Samui last week.
In a press conference titled “Not in Our Olympic Muaythai” held at Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok on April 1, IFMA officials presented crucial information regarding athlete safety measures after 30-year-old British national Joseph Itai Rinomhota died following a five-round Muay Thai fight against local fighter Superlek at Samui International Boxing Stadium on March 28.
IFMA Secretary-General Stephan Fox described the incident as a “tragic loss” and emphasized that while the press conference wasn’t meant to attack any organization, it aimed to advocate for changes in athlete safety protocols.
“IFMA will not compromise on safety for Muay Thai and firmly stands for protecting athletes, especially youth,” Fox stated. He announced plans to travel to Lausanne, Switzerland, to meet with International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry to report the incident and protect Muay Thai’s Olympic aspirations.
IFMA Secretary-General Stephan Fox speaks at a press conference regarding the death of a British fighter, Joseph Itai Rinomhota, on Koh Samui, at Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok on April 1, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Ekachai Rattanawong)
According to Samui police records, Joseph collapsed and suffered cardiac arrest five minutes after his first-ever boxing match. Despite initially walking off the ring normally after the referee stopped the fight in the third round following a kick to his rib cage, he was pronounced dead at 11:00 p.m. at a local hospital.
Dr. Sakchay Tapsuwan, IFMA President, stressed that safety must be the priority in all levels of boxing competitions. “We’ve questioned the local Surat Thani match organizers whether all regulations set by the Boxing Committee were followed. There are laws governing fighter safety, but whether practitioners neglected them is a matter for investigation,” he said.
Critics have noted that Joseph should not have been matched against an experienced fighter for his debut bout, and that he had been kicked in the ribs multiple times before the referee intervened.
Somchart Charoenwatcharawit, President of the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand, added that this incident serves as a warning that requires preventive methods and stricter measures, especially with Muay Thai’s Olympic prospects. “We must demonstrate that Muay Thai is a sport with standards that protects its athletes,” he said, urging provincial boxing offices to be more vigilant in enforcing regulations.
Evacuees look up at tall buildings in Bangkok during tremors from the Myanmar earthquake on March 28. High-rise structures in Bangkok suffered no damage, with only one building under construction collapsing, which is currently under investigation. (MATICHON Photo/Rattaseema Phongsan)
BANGKOK — Following a strong 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, the shaking of which reached Bangkok, a city where there are many high-rise buildings, including mid-rise buildings of 8 stories and skyscrapers of 40-50 stories, totaling 5,994 buildings, the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building under construction has caused alarm among condominium residents.
The high-rise sector and Thailand’s condominium market in 2025 face at least two challenges:
1) the global circulation of images showing the collapse of the SAO building under construction has tarnished Thailand’s tourism image at a time when the country is highly dependent on international tourists as its main economic driver
2) the psychological impact on residents, many of whom are considering selling their condominiums due to lingering fears.
Prasert Taedullayasatit, president of the Thai Condominium Association, addressed these concerns in an interview with Prachachat Business and answered 10 questions about the expected impact on Thailand’s real estate sector.
Prasert Taedullayasatitม president of the Thai Condominium Association
The first question was about the condominium situation.
Prasert explained, drawing a comparison: The COVID-19 pandemic has put Thailand’s medical community to the test; similarly, the earthquake in Myanmar has put the standards of our high-rise construction to the test.
“We have the highest safety standards for buildings in the world. Even buildings with large glass facades were not damaged. Of course, high-rise buildings can suffer some material damage or minor problems inside, but these are manageable through inspections and repairs. If two or three buildings had collapsed on March 28, our whole country would be in ruins,” he said.
Prasert explained that Thailand has invested in earthquake-resistant construction since 2007 and that these investments are bearing fruit today. “We should publicize this success internationally. We could even export Thai know-how in building construction abroad because our standards have been proven worldwide. Our buildings have withstood significant earthquakes without structural failure, making them a worthwhile long-term investment.”
Question 2 – Will the condominium market collapse this year?
Not at all, quite the opposite. While some may be troubled by visible cracks or material detachments, it is important to regain composure and realize that not a single life was lost in our country. To be fair, there were no fatalities in any inhabited building, without any bias towards our own industry.
This incident confirms Thailand’s building laws and regulations, which have been strictly enforced since 2007.
Our earthquake-resistant building laws were enacted in 2007 and slightly revised in 2009 and 2021 to refine details. However, the core principles from 2007 remain robust and provide a solid legal framework.
Question 3 – How is the Condominium Association communicating with members and developers?
Everyone has taken action: Supalai, Sansiri, Origin, Ananda and others, and introduced quick-win measures for all projects. Third-party assessments are then carried out to build trust. Neutral engineering firms will be brought in to ensure safety and restore confidence.
The current priority is to address the immediate concerns of local residents, ensure buildings are habitable and remove any material detachments. Immediate action is being taken to restore functionality, including systems such as elevators, water and fire protection that may have been affected by the movement of the building during the quake.
Lights from apartments in high rise buildings illuminate the night sky in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
As for the visible cracks, neutral engineering teams are assessing the severity. Serious problems will be addressed immediately, while concerns will be assessed in further steps by specialist engineers.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Department of Public Works have issued building inspection measures. Companies have deployed their engineering teams, and volunteer engineers are inspecting older buildings that are no longer under the care of developers in coordination with government agencies and engineering councils to ensure structural safety and necessary repairs.
Question 4 – How about buildings constructed before 2007 ?
Buildings erected earlier are sufficiently stable. Although the law only came into force in 2007, many existing buildings were constructed with considerable strength, so there were no major problems. The recent earthquake showed that pre-2007 buildings were not affected.
The exceptions include old buildings, some of which are centuries old, often cultural landmarks such as temples, which were not designed to withstand earthquakes. Damage to such structures, including cracks in historic sites, requires the attention of the Fine Arts Department.
There have been no collapses in residential areas, although some houses in the northern region, built using less robust methods such as hexagonal piles or without proper foundations, have suffered minor collapses. In contrast, high-rise buildings have comprehensive legal regulations to ensure their resilience.
Thailand has specific ministerial regulations on earthquake safety that provide a solid legal structure. Above all, our human resources in medicine and engineering are exceptional and help us successfully navigate through unprecedented events such as this earthquake.
Question 5 – To what Richter scale are our high-rise laws designed to withstand ?
Generally around 7-8 on the Richter scale, about 7 if the epicenter is directly under Bangkok. We are located along the earthquake routes and not directly above the epicenters, so our structures withstood. This event served as a stress test and not a single building failed.
Considering the possibility of aftershocks, Thailand has already withstood an 8.2 magnitude quake with no structural failures. The buildings have deformed as designed and have not collapsed, even though cracks have appeared.
Similar to a stress test, where the highest load is reached without collapse, our building standards and safety factors have proven their worth.
Question 6 – What guidelines do developers have for post-earthquake response ?
Currently, the contracts include a 2-year guarantee for the components and a 5-year guarantee for the building fabric on handover. There are also long-term insurance policies for high-rise buildings, which must be renewed annually.
Individual mortgage contracts also stipulate insurance against natural disasters covering both the building and the individual units, as required by financial institutions.
For cash buyers, condominium legal entities maintain building insurance that provides coverage. This separation between the land, which is not affected, and the buildings ensures comprehensive protection. The Thai Condominium Act enforces these standards and provides a solid legal framework.
Importantly, the mandatory insurance policies, which are renewed annually, ensure that funds are available for maintenance and repairs, even for buildings that are no longer under the direct care of the developers.
Question 7 – What guidelines should consumers follow to handle earthquakes ?
At the moment, private individuals are inspecting their properties, with neutral parties assessing the buildings to restore confidence. It is important to remain calm and recognize that despite the unprecedented earthquake, no lives have been lost.
Residents should not neglect the annual fire and natural disaster drills required by law. While these drills may seem cumbersome, they have proven to be effective, allowing for orderly evacuations and crowd management during the recent earthquake.
We need to communicate these strengths together to build national confidence. If we only focus on the negative aspects, such as the collapse of the SAO building built by a Chinese contractor, it could damage Thailand’s reputation in the world. Instead, we should emphasize that none of the skyscrapers in Bangkok collapsed.
Question 8 – Should there be an earthquake early warning system in the future ?
Not really. No one can predict an earthquake in advance. We only become aware of it when we feel the tremors. At that moment, the government’s responsibility is simply to provide information more quickly. That is all. During the incident, people planned things down to the minute. They relied on their instincts and evacuated the buildings themselves.
Now it’s about creating a quick win. We need to build confidence that our buildings have not collapsed. Thailand has passed the test. The 8.2 magnitude quake had no consequences. If we compare the situation after the earthquake in Mandalay with that in Thailand, we can clearly see the difference in the extent of the damage.
We need to restore confidence. If we don’t solve the problem of trust, no one will listen to what we are saying now. People are panicking. We have to wait until consumer sentiment returns. It’s time to bring people back to reality.
Cracks are inevitable because buildings are designed to bend to prevent collapse. The cracks and minor damage can be repaired, but structurally the buildings have remained intact. This fact needs to be clearly acknowledged first — once people understand this, everything becomes easier.
Thai administrative officers conducting inspections of accommodations in the Huai Khwang-Sutthisan area of Bangkok on March 6, 2025.
Question 9 – Will people still dare to live in high-rise buildings ?
I think it is impossible to avoid it. It’s like the great flood of 2011, when terraced housing neighborhoods in Bangkok’s outskirts were inundated. Workers and employees saw their houses under two meters of water and hesitated to take them over. But as the water receded and their incomes stabilized, they returned to complete the transfers. This is a model we call “no choice, can’t change”
The earthquake may shake people’s emotions for a month or two. But following the same “no choice, can’t change” model, once people have calmed down, they will realize that living in high-rise buildings is safe. Not a single building collapsed, not a single one, even under the strain of an 8.2 magnitude quake. There may have been damage to decorative features, but the structural integrity of the buildings protected everyone’s lives. Once the panic has subsided, people will understand this better.
Thailand’s knowledge base lies in two major fields: Medicine and engineering. In the past, civil engineering was the most important discipline. Today, it has shifted more towards IT engineering. In the past, the most talented students studied civil engineering. Architecture was another highly respected profession, buildings had to be not only beautiful, but also structurally sound and meet the engineers’ code of conduct. Most structures must first meet strength requirements certified by engineers.
Question 10 – Will the earthquake impact be positive or negative for foreign buyers ?
This is a matter that requires joint communication efforts. The image currently circulating abroad is that of the collapse of the SAO building. This is the only image that is being shown internationally. Therefore, the association had to issue official statements in three languages: Thai, English and Chinese, clearly stating that Thai buildings are completely earthquake-proof. At the moment, people are only seeing this one image of the SAO building collapse. CNN has repeatedly shown only this clip. We need to work together to communicate the true facts.
The actual damage from this earthquake is small; it is minor damage, not a major disaster. We need to restore confidence in Thailand. Events like this are not frequent.
People are understandably shaken at the moment. We need to give them time to calm down. Thai citizens are incredibly fortunate to be protected by laws of such a high standard. These regulations ensure the long-term safety of life and property.
Thailand’s beauty and aesthetic industry is thriving, with continuous growth over the past five years. According to the Department of Business Development, the country now has 6,621 registered beauty-related businesses, with foreign investments reaching $83.1 million. The number of beauty business registrations surged from 527 in 2020 to 1,161 in 2023 and 1,135 in 2024, with a total registered capital of $5.65 billion.
In the last three years, annual revenue from Thailand’s beauty sector has consistently exceeded $9 billion:
2021: $9.05 billion
2022: $10.54 billion
2023: $10.78 billion
With such rapid industry growth and fierce competition, staying informed about the latest advancements is essential for plastic surgeons like Dr. Theerapong Poonyakariyagorn, the owner of Bcoss Clinic in Bangkok. He continuously updates his skills and knowledge to provide cutting-edge treatments for his patients.
Why Keeping Up with Trends and Tools is Crucial
The world of plastic surgery is ever-evolving, with new techniques, technologies, and medical devices emerging constantly. Augmented reality, AI, and advanced medical imaging are reshaping the field, while pharmaceutical and injectable innovations continue to push boundaries.
“Graduating from medical school is just the beginning,” says Dr. Theerapong. “In plastic surgery, lifelong learning is essential. Our field advances rapidly, and staying ahead means better outcomes for my patients.”
Dr. Theerapong actively engages in professional organizations, including the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Attending global conferences is a key part of his professional growth.
“I always read industry publications and try to attend the major conferences,” says Dr. Theerapong. “These meetings help me learn about new techniques and technologies as soon as possible. It takes time for studies to be completed, but staying informed allows me to assess these advancements and integrate them into my practice”.
Networking is another valuable way to stay informed. By maintaining close connections with colleagues worldwide, Dr. Theerapong gains early insights into innovations.“Different regions may get access to new implants, injectables, or devices earlier, so by networking with international colleagues, I get a preview of what’s coming next”.
The Arab Health Conference Experience
Last month, Dr. Theerapong attended the Arab Health conference in Dubai, where he explored cutting-edge developments in medical imaging. One of the most impressive advancements was Siemens’ AI-powered imaging solutions. These innovations promise to streamline workflows and enhance diagnostic accuracy, making treatments more efficient for both surgeons and patients.
“We are seeing AI-powered visualizations that allow us to make faster, more precise decisions”, says Dr. Theerapong. “This kind of technology is changing the way we approach complex procedures”.
In addition to attending conferences, Dr. Theerapong follows celebrity trends and industry leaders on social media to stay ahead of patient preferences. He even runs his own TikTok channel, where he educates the public about the latest procedures and shares expert insights on plastic surgery trends.
If you’re interested in the latest advancements in plastic surgery or want to explore options for enhancing your appearance, Dr. Theerapongand the team at Bcoss Clinic in Bangkok are ready to help.
Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods), has confirmed that the company has conducted thorough inspections of all operational sites following the powerful earthquake in Myanmar that affected Thailand on Friday, March 28, 2025. He reassures the public that the incident has not disrupted production activities or operations across Thailand. Furthermore, all business units are prioritizing measures to safeguard employee well-being and mitigate any potential impact in affected areas.
CP Foods extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected. “Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this devastating earthquake. We stand in solidarity with the affected communities and remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting them during this difficult time,” Prasit stated.
As part of its humanitarian efforts, CP Foods, in collaboration with the 1st Field Artillery Regiment, King’s Guard, has mobilized resources to aid the ongoing search and rescue mission for survivors of the collapsed building in Jatujak, Bangkok. This includes providing operational tents to support rescue operations at the disaster site. Through its “Food from the Heart” initiative, the company is supplying essential food items, including fresh eggs, chicken, and pork, to mobile relief kitchens operated by organizations such as the Phetkasem Foundation and the Good Deed Organization Foundation.
These efforts ensure the preparation of ready-to-eat meals for the dedicated military personnel, engineering teams, field medical teams, disaster relief agencies, rescue volunteers, charitable organizations, and members of the press stationed at the Joint Disaster Relief Command Center in Jatujak, Bangkok.
Additionally, CP Foods volunteers are distributing drinking water and ready-to-eat food products, such as steamed eggs, hard-boiled eggs, and herbal eggs, to sustain frontline responders and volunteers actively engaged in relief operations.
Recognizing the critical importance of search-and-rescue operations conducted by K9 dogs—specially trained canines from the Military Animal Department, Police Dog Unit, and USAR Thailand—those are working tirelessly to locate and assist survivors. CP Foods provides them with “Jerhigh” pet food and snacks to ensure they stay healthy.
CP Foods extends our heartfelt support to everyone as we navigate this hardship together with strength and safety.
