Thai Cabinet Limits Casino Space to 10% in Entertainment Complex Bill

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28 March 2025, 14:19

paetong casino — PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra answers questions about the Entertainment Complex bill on March 28, 2025.

BANGKOK — The long-running debate in Thailand over investment in entertainment complexes has taken a significant step forward. On March 27, the Cabinet approved a draft law proposed by the Council of State, which stipulates that casinos may not account for more than 10% of the total area.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Friday that if the bill passed, it will generate 8 to 35 billion baht in tax revenue. “As for how much money will actually come into the country, that’s not yet clear. We need to get through the first stage first,” she stated.

10% of the Land is Casino

The Prime Minister clarified that the 10% figure being discussed might be misunderstood as referring to investment amounts. “It actually means 10% of the land or usable building space where the entertainment complex is located, such as dedicating an entire floor to a casino,” she explained.

When reporters asked how the government would address ongoing protests from anti-casino groups, the Prime Minister responded that they need to build understanding and will send people to discuss the details. She added that the coalition has no objection to the project.

The entertainment complex project is one the government insists is necessary to develop and increase man-made tourist destinations and stimulate the economy.

Social and Political Opposition

According to government policy, over the past decade, Thailand’s economic growth has been very low, not matching the potential of the country and Thai people. Creating important turning points, especially in the economy and tourism, is therefore essential.

However, the project faces both social and political opposition from anti-gambling groups, religious organizations, and groups opposed to Thaksin Shinawatra, who claimed he initiated this idea more than 20 years ago but faced too much resistance to launch it. Meanwhile, neighboring countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and even Cambodia have already moved ahead with similar projects.

anti casino — Ramkhamhaeng University Student Organization and Student Council stage a protest opposing legal casinos and online gambling at Government House on March 17, 2025.

The opposition parties have raised concerns that the government is rushing this draft legislation because of potential deals with business conglomerates, particularly from China. They are calling for transparent communication to address public skepticism, including clarity on who will benefit from the project and how the licensing process for entertainment complexes will remain transparent, demonstrating clear benefits to the public.

Changes by the State Council

Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap explained that the cabinet had already approved the principles of the law on entertainment complexes drafted by the Ministry of Finance on January 13, 2025 and forwarded it to the State Council for review. The State Council then revised and refined the draft, and the Cabinet has now approved the changes.

4 Key Amendments:

Prosecuting authority: The Prime Minister and the Interior minister will jointly oversee the enforcement of the law (previously only the Prime Minister was tasked with this role).
Extended powers of the Policy Committee: The Policy Committee will have additional responsibilities, including making recommendations to Cabinet on key issues such as business policy for entertainment complexes and the identification of locations for such businesses.
Director Appointment Mechanism: The Policy Committee will be responsible for the appointment of the Director.
Policy framework for entertainment complexes: The Policy Committee must submit a policy framework to Cabinet.

malay casino — Malaysia’s Genting Group is set to open Resorts World Las Vegas, the first new mega-resort on the city’s famed Strip in more than a decade. (Photo courtesy of Resorts World Las Vegas)

A policy framework covering at least the following aspects:

The number of licenses to be issued.
Permitted locations for entertainment complexes.
Investment criteria for public-private partnerships or private-sector investment.
Measures to prevent, mitigate, and remedy potential negative impacts of entertainment complexes.
Public consultation requirements for designated entertainment complex areas.
Casino area restrictions: gambling areas must not exceed 10% of the total land or usable building space, whichever is smaller.
Licensees of entertainment complex businesses will automatically be deemed to hold construction and business operation permits. Those operating casinos will be classified as financial institutions under anti-money laundering laws.
Regulations for casino operations, including: (8.1) Anti-money laundering measures (8.2) A suitable and efficient casino control system (8.3) Measures to prevent and address casino-related issues (not included in the original draft).
Entry requirements for Thai citizens to the casino: Thai nationals wishing to gamble must hold a fixed deposit of at least 50 million baht for at least six months and pass the suitability tests set by the Casino Management Committee. (Previously, Thai nationals were prohibited from registering and paying the fee required by the committee).
Prohibited practices: License holders or other persons are prohibited from hiring or providing incentives to increase the number of players or the amount of money spent at casinos.
Additional administrative penalties: The new penalties include administrative penalties for violations such as non-compliance with the director’s instructions or the admission of persons who are prohibited from entering casinos.
New Criminal Offenses: The revised draft introduces new criminal offenses, such as: enabling gambling in casinos via online systems. Broadcasting casino gambling activities, and engaging in actions that artificially increase the number of gamblers or the amount of money spent on gambling.

Jirayu explained that the bill went through four rounds of public consultation, with the last round taking place over 15 days from February 28 to March 14, 2025. A total of 71,289 people participated, of which 80% (57,000 people) expressed their approval.

The government will submit the Entertainment Complex Bill to the House of Representatives as an urgent agenda item to complete the process before the parliamentary session ends on April 11.

Feedback focused on ensuring clear oversight, mitigating social impacts, identifying appropriate locations and improving joint governance mechanisms. The amendments also emphasize the cost-effectiveness of establishing a regulatory office, increasing flexibility in the role of the Policy Committee and improving public perception of the law.

The next step is to submit the Bill to the House of Representatives for consideration at first reading, followed by the establishment of a Select Committee for further review and amendment. The Government reiterated its commitment to prioritize the economic, investment and tourism benefits of the Entertainment Complex Initiative.

Casinos Will Be Strictly Regulated

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat stated that the main public concern regarding entertainment complexes centers on social issues related to gambling. He explained that clear rules will be established to ensure casino areas are distinctly separated from other entertainment businesses, and individuals under 20 years of age will be prohibited from entering the casinos.

“We will establish a dedicated regulatory committee and implement modern technology, such as AI-equipped surveillance cameras, to monitor and regulate people entering and exiting the premises,” Julapun said. “Those who show patterns of frequent gambling or excessive spending may be tracked and potentially banned from the area.”

Regarding the Council of State’s amendment requiring Thai nationals to have 50 million baht in their accounts to legally enter casinos, the Deputy Minister clarified that this is merely one proposal. “This requirement will be further discussed in parliament to determine appropriate adjustments,” he added.

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New Data Ranks Thai Provinces Most Obsessed with Looking Young

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Contributor

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28 March 2025, 13:09

In Thailand, where aesthetic clinics outnumber 7-Elevens in some areas, looking good isn’t just a personal aspiration. It’s a booming business. According to the Ministry of Public Health, there are more than 8,000 licensed aesthetic clinics operating across the country, serving a growing demand for non-invasive cosmetic treatments.

A new study from Interplast Clinic, a plastic surgery center based in Bangkok, takes a closer look at where that demand is most intense. Researchers analyzed 12 months of Google search data for popular anti-aging treatments including “fillers,” “botox,” and “HIFU.” By adjusting for population size, they created a Beauty Index to rank which provinces are searching for youth-preserving procedures the most.

Bangkok leads the pack, which may come as no surprise. But the rest of the top ten reveals some interesting patterns, from urban outskirts with rising incomes to beachside provinces where appearances matter in both social and professional settings.

Top 5 Youth-Obsessed Provinces in Thailand

Bangkok – Beauty Index: 1.11
Bangkok tops the list by a wide margin. With more than 2,000 aesthetic clinics and a population that places high value on appearance, the capital shows the strongest per-capita interest in anti-aging procedures. Factors like professional competition, income levels, and easy access to clinics all likely contribute to the high demand.
Phuket – Beauty Index: 0.58
Phuket ranks second, with search volume showing particularly strong interest in lip fillers. While the province is best known as a luxury travel destination, local demand appears to be growing as well. Increasing urbanization, rising disposable income, and exposure to global beauty trends may all play a role.
Nonthaburi – Beauty Index: 0.46
Nonthaburi, just outside of Bangkok, comes in third. Known for its upscale residential areas, the province also benefits from proximity to top clinics in the capital. Popular searches suggest growing interest in skin-tightening treatments.
Pathum Thani – Beauty Index: 0.45
Home to major universities like Thammasat and AIT, Pathum Thani has a large population of students and young professionals. As the area continues to develop, interest in aesthetic treatments appears to be rising alongside other lifestyle trends.
Chonburi – Beauty Index: 0.39
Chonburi, which includes the city of Pattaya, ranked fifth. While the province has a strong tourism economy, the relatively high number of Thai-language searches indicate steady demand from residents as well. Local clinics offering non-invasive treatments are becoming increasingly common.

Other Noteworthy Provinces

Chiang Mai ranked joint sixth with a Beauty Index of 0.35. The city has a well-established beauty sector, with growing demand around injectables and skin-lifting procedures such as Ulthera and Ultraformer II.

Rayong also placed in the top ten. Located within driving distance of Bangkok, the province has seen rising interest in cosmetic procedures, possibly tied to ongoing development in the area and increased awareness of aesthetic options.

Smaller provinces such as Ranong (0.21) and Trat (0.19) also showed notable levels of search activity. While these areas are better known for tourism and natural landscapes, the data suggests that interest in anti-aging treatments is not limited to urban centers.

Where Interest Remains Low

At the other end of the list, provinces Si Saket (0.04) recorded the lowest levels of search interest for cosmetic treatments, followed by Narathiwat, Surin and Chaiyaphum all at (0.05). These differences may reflect a mix of factors, including access to services, income levels, and cultural preferences.

A Growing Industry with Regional Differences

Thailand’s aesthetics market continues to expand, offering everything from quick lunchtime procedures to luxury anti-aging packages. This study highlights how interest in these services is distributed across the country. While major cities dominate the top of the list, smaller and more rural provinces are also showing signs of growth as awareness spreads and treatment options become more accessible.

Myanmar Military Chief Reaffirms Election Plans and Calls for Opposition to Join Politics

By

Associated Press

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28 March 2025, 11:36

Myanmar Armed Force Day — Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military council, speaks during a parade to commemorate Myanmar's 80th Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)

BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military chief used a speech at the annual Armed Forces Day celebration Thursday to reaffirm plans to hold a general election by year’s end and call on opposition groups fighting the army to join in party politics and the electoral process.

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said his military government was preparing to hold the election in December and that it will be conducted according to security conditions in the country’s various regions, where there is armed conflict.

He spoke before more than 7,000 military personnel at the parade, held in the capital Naypyitaw. Rifle-bearing servicemen and women stood to attention as the general reviewed their ranks from the back of an open vehicle. They then marched past him in order, saluting him as fighter jets flew overhead, firing off flares into the night sky.

The army’s takeover from Aung San Suu Kyi ’s elected government in February 2021 has been met with widespread opposition, triggering armed resistance, plunging much of the country into conflict. The ruling military has since said an election was the primary goal but has repeatedly pushed back the date.

AP25086594172365 — Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military council, inspects officers during a parade to commemorate Myanmar’s 80th Armed Forces Day, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)

The plan for a general election is widely seen as an attempt to legitimize the military’s seizure of power through the ballot box and to deliver a result that ensures the generals retain control.

In his speech, Min Aung Hlaing also tried to justify the overthrow of Suu Kyi’s elected government with familiar but widely discredited accusations of it failing to investigate irregularities in the November 2020 general election, and repeating that his government would hold “a free and fair election” and hand over power afterward.

The country’s current security situation, with the military believed to control less than half the country, poses a serious challenge to holding elections.

Critics have already said the military-planned election will be neither free nor fair because there is no free media and most of the leaders of Suu Kyi’s popular but now dissolved National League for Democracy party have been arrested. Suu Kyi, 79, is serving prison sentences totaling 27 years after being convicted in a series of politically tainted prosecutions brought by the military.

AP25086638749526 — Police officers stand at attention during a parade to commemorate Myanmar’s 80th Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Thursday, March 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)

The 80th anniversary of Armed Forces Day marks the day in 1945 when the army of Myanmar, then known as Burma, began its fight against occupying Japanese forces who had taken over after driving out the British.

Min Aung Hlaing, during an early March visit to Belarus, a key ally, had announced the time frame for the election. He said then that 53 political parties have already submitted their lists to participate in the election.

State media reported that he reiterated the election plans at an official meeting on Tuesday, though the reports were unclear on whether the vote would be held in the last two weeks of December, the first two weeks of January or over a period extending for those four weeks.

Separately, state-run MRTV television reported Thursday that Min Aung Hlaing granted amnesty to seven foreign prisoners, including four Thais jailed in the southern coastal town of Kawthaung who will be deported.

It is not unusual for amnesties for prisoners to be announced on state or religious holidays.

It wasn’t immediately clear whether the four Thais were the fishermen arrested by Myanmar’s navy in November after patrol boats opened fire on Thai fishing vessels in waters close to their maritime border in the Andaman Sea.

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Warrant Issued for Singaporean in Bangkok Girlfriend’s Birthday Murder

By

Khaosod English

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28 March 2025, 00:39

singapore murder26 — The last photo on Ms. Prao-Pilas's Instagram, showing her with Daniel, her Singaporean boyfriend, while celebrating her birthday. A Patek Philippe watch box, which appears to be a birthday gift, is displayed in front of them, along with the caption "I want to have this moment of my best birthday forever 2025/03/23."

BANGKOK — Thai authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a Singaporean man who fled after his Thai girlfriend was found murdered in a downtown Bangkok apartment. Police investigators have tracked his movement heading toward Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand.

The body of 30-year-old Ms. Prao-Pilas from Khon Kaen province was discovered wrapped in a blanket and bed sheet in the bathroom of a residence on the 22nd floor of a 50-story hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 39, Watthana District, Bangkok at 6:20 p.m. on March 26. The body was unclothed with visible wounds and blood on the head.

According to police, two friends of the deceased filed a report at Thonglor Police Station after being unable to contact Prao-Pilas since Monday evening, March 24. Investigations revealed that her 34-year-old Singaporean boyfriend, Daniel Benjamin Goh, had left Prao-Pilas’s residence since Tuesday night, March 23.

Mother’s Statement

In an interview before traveling from Khon Kaen to retrieve her daughter’s body for religious ceremonies, Prao-Pilas’s mother stated that her daughter met Daniel in Singapore and they had been dating for three years. Her daughter brought her boyfriend to Thailand three years ago, and since then they had been traveling between Singapore and Bangkok.

singaporean — A police officer from Thong Lor Police Station takes photos inside the bathroom where they found the body of a Thai woman during an investigation on March 26, 2025.

The mother mentioned there had been some conflicts between the couple, though not severe. She had witnessed them arguing but nothing violent. However, when her daughter was physically assaulted with bruises, she would send photos to her mother. Most recently, Prao-Pilas had told her mother, “If I disappear for two nights, no one would hurt me except him.”

Arrest Warrant Details

The South Bangkok District Court approved an arrest warrant for Daniel on March 27 on charges of being a foreigner entering and staying in the kingdom without permission or after permission has expired or been revoked, and failing to report an unnatural death to administrative officials or police as soon as possible.

Police Deputy Commissioner Pol. Maj. Gen. Noppasin Poolsawat stated that the police did not issue an arrest warrant for Daniel on murder charges because the forensic medical examination determined that the cause of death of the young woman was heart failure. Therefore, they need to examine the body condition in detail again and wait for the test results.

Timeline of Incidents

Pol. Maj. Gen. Noppasin stated that CCTV footage revealed March 23 was Prao-Pilas’s birthday. She left her condominium at 6:43 p.m. to celebrate with her boyfriend and returned at 9:17 p.m., with Daniel dropping her off at her 22nd floor apartment before leaving. No images of Prao-Pilas leaving her room were found afterward.

singapore murder2 2 — Police Major General Noppasin Poolsawat, Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner, meeting with the metropolitan investigation team and Thonglor Police Station officers to follow up on the case of a Thai woman murdered in a condominium while her Singaporean boyfriend fled, on March 27, 2025.

In contrast, Daniel entered and exited her room several times alone:

At 12:12 a.m. on March 24, he entered her room, then came down to receive two food bags from a delivery rider at 1:31 a.m. before returning to her room
He stayed until morning. At 10:29 a.m. on March 24, Prao-Pilas’s phone called her mother, but she didn’t answer
A few minutes later at 10:35 a.m., her mother called back but no one answered, during which time Daniel was still in the room
Between 12:17 p.m. and 12:46 p.m., Daniel left the room twice. On the second occasion, he came down to receive a paper bag before going back up
At 5:43 p.m., he came down wearing a cap and left the condominium
Hours later, at 3:33 a.m. on March 25, he returned to her room and stayed until morning
At 10:30 a.m., he came down with a small bag and went back up with two more food bags
At 3:16 p.m., Daniel was seen carrying a large suitcase and various belongings out of the condominium while wearing a hat
He called a black Mercedes-Benz through an application and left at 3:19 p.m.
He was dropped off at a restaurant in Sukhumvit Soi 71, then paid 258 baht in cash to be taken to a hotel in the Phetchaburi area
According to witness testimony, Daniel met with two men before boarding a Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck that left Phetchaburi Road and headed toward Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai province, which borders Myanmar

Investigation Details

Pol. Maj. Gen. Noppasin stated that investigations revealed the Singaporean man and Thai woman had a troubled relationship, with the man being extremely jealous. According to the victim’s friends, she had previously filed a complaint about physical assault. The deceased’s body showed bruises around the mouth and arms, but they are awaiting a detailed autopsy report to determine the exact cause of death.

Police investigators have coordinated with immigration police in Chiang Rai province and police in Tachileik (across the border in Myanmar) to track down the suspect.

Pol. Col. Surasak Thienthong, Superintendent of Chiang Rai Immigration, stated that the Mae Sai-Tachileik border crossing at Friendship Bridge No. 1 is a permanent border checkpoint that only allows Thai and Myanmar nationals to cross. People of other nationalities cannot pass through this checkpoint, with officials strictly monitoring the checkpoint.

Natural passages along the border are also strictly monitored by military and border protection agencies to prevent illegal border crossings.

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Previous report:

Singaporean Man Hunted After His Girlfriend Found Murdered in Bangkok

51 Thais and 21 Chinese in Custody in Nominee Company Scheme

By

Khaosod English

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27 March 2025, 19:50

BANGKOK — Thai authorities have arrested 72 individuals and implicated 15 companies in a major crackdown on nominee businesses following an investigation into a Chinese fugitive wanted on an Interpol Red Notice.

The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) conducted raids on March 27 at an accounting firm in Bang Phli Yai, Bang Phli district, and a luxury residence near Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province. The operation resulted in the arrest of 21 Chinese nationals, 51 Thai citizens, and the identification of 15 companies allegedly involved in nominee business practices.

The investigation stemmed from the early March arrest of a Chinese suspect identified as “Mr. Li,” who had been evading Chinese authorities since 2021. Mr. Li is wanted in China for allegedly embezzling 3 billion yuan (approximately 14 billion baht) and had established Anjia International Company in Thailand, which reportedly defrauded Chinese nationals by falsely claiming to provide visas and Thai ID cards.

During the raids, authorities seized five land title deeds, 332 company stamps, two boxes of customer documents, a file related to nominee companies, and 16 visa and work permit applications.

Investigators discovered that a Chinese woman known as “Venus” operated the business from China, recruiting Chinese clients interested in establishing companies in Thailand. She allegedly communicated with her Thai operation via WeChat. The business model involved using Thai employees and associates as nominees to hold shares in companies on behalf of Chinese nationals, circumventing Thai laws restricting foreign ownership of businesses and real estate.

The investigation also revealed that the luxury house raided was owned by a Chinese nominee company. Five additional houses in the same development, valued at over 150 million baht ($4.4 million), were similarly held by Chinese nominee companies. Furthermore, 17 related companies were registered at the same address – an abandoned building in the Bang Sao Thong area that was not functioning as an actual office.

All suspects face charges under the Foreign Business Act, which prohibits foreigners from using Thai nominees to operate businesses in Thailand.

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One Bangkok, CHANINTR Partner on First-of-its-Kind Workplace Solutions

By

MC Marketing

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27 March 2025, 18:09

One Bangkok, reaffirming its leadership in world-class smart office buildings, today announced a partnership with CHANINTR, Thailand’s leading high-end furniture importer and retailer. Revolutionizing the workplace experience, this collaboration introduces a new standard of Workplace Solutions to Thailand for the first time. This aligns with evolving trends in the modern business world, catering to the diverse needs of organizations seeking spaces that facilitate and enhance productivity.

Tattayakorn Benjapattharaseth, Senior Vice President, Head of Offices of One Bangkok, stated: “We are committed to creating office buildings that elevate the quality of work life, aligning with ever-changing global trends. By developing a workplace ecosystem that empowers employees to reach their full potential, we are thrilled to partner with CHANINTR. This collaboration stems from a shared vision to provide the best possible work experience for today’s office users. We’re combining CHANINTR’s expertise in furniture and world-class design from leading brands with our deep understanding of workspace design. Together, we have created comprehensive Workplace Solutions that cater to the diverse and specific needs of organizations of all sizes – large, medium, and small – exceeding expectations.”

“We prioritize the well-being of office workers. Beyond designing spaces that meet their needs, essential elements such as desks and chairs are crucial. In particular, the office furniture prioritizes ergonomics and user health, including designs from Herman Miller. CHANINTR represents this world-renowned brand, known for its strong reputation for health innovation,” said Tattayakorn.

Chanintr Sirisant, Chief Executive Officer of Chanintr Living Limited, added, “CHANINTR is delighted to partner with One Bangkok to deliver solutions that elevate the work experience for tenants and their employees. By leveraging our expertise in high-end furniture and One Bangkok’s exceptional standards, we will co-create inspiring workspaces that drive productivity. This partnership marks our significant expansion into the office building market, catering to the growing demand for flexible, comfortable, and sustainable work environments.”

Key solutions resulting from this collaboration include:

Exclusive Design Consultation Services: CHANINTR offers exclusive benefits to One Bangkok office tenants, including special furniture purchase offers and expert guidance from a dedicated design team.
“Spruce” Office Furniture Rental Services: CHANINTR introduces “Spruce,” a first-of-its-kind monthly high-end furniture rental model. This eco-conscious solution minimizes waste and carbon emissions by reducing furniture disposal, appealing to environmentally responsible organizations. Tenants can select from world-renowned brands such as Herman Miller, Knoll, and others, known for their quality, durability, modern aesthetics, and ergonomic design, ensuring a premium office environment.
One Bangkok Office Show Suite: CHANINTR is co-designing a Show Suite on the 20th floor of One Bangkok Tower 4. This showcase will feature diverse workplace designs, providing tenants with inspiration to create workspaces that meet their unique needs and reflect their corporate identity. The Show Suite will soon open for viewing.

One Bangkok is pursuing the WELL Certification to promote the quality of life, comfort, and safety for residents and occupants. It is the first real estate project in Thailand to receive LEED for Neighborhood Development Platinum certification, signifying its leadership in energy and environmental conservation. Furthermore, One Bangkok has achieved WiredScore Platinum certification, which assesses building quality based on technological infrastructure and digital connectivity, as well as SmartScore Platinum certification, which evaluates the building’s ability to utilize advanced smart technology.

One Bangkok remains dedicated to innovating office solutions, continuously enhancing the tenants’ experience through smart technology and sustainable practices, setting a new benchmark for future office buildings.

SAii Spa Debuts at Laguna Phuket, Setting New Wellness Standards

By

MC Marketing

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27 March 2025, 17:35

PHUKET, THAILAND (17 February 2025): SAii Resorts, the sustainable lifestyle resort brand from S Hotels and Resorts PCL, is pleased to announce the launch of the very first SAii Spa at SAii Laguna Phuket. As holistic wellness continues to gain momentum as a leading trend for 2025, SAii Laguna Phuket is uniquely positioned to support travellers seeking balance and rejuvenation. Nestled on the serene shores of Bang Tao Beach, this sanctuary offers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty and curated wellness experiences. Inspired by the calming qualities of sand and dedicated to bringing peace of mind, SAii Spa is a sanctuary where guests can relax, reconnect, and embrace true wellness.

In Thai, ‘ทราย’ (SAii) means sand, a timeless symbol of transformation, balance, and renewal. At SAii Spa, this philosophy inspires every treatment: offering nourishment to help you Eat Well, relaxation to help guests Sleep Well, resilience to help you Stay Well, grounding to help you Live Well, and restoration to help you Explore Well. Just as sand adapts and evolves with the flow of time, SAii Spa provides a sanctuary for your journey to wellness and harmony. Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of tropical destinations, the spa incorporates elements of sand, sea, and sustainably sourced local ingredients, such as coconuts and Phuket pineapple, ensuring an eco-conscious approach to indulgence.

Signature Experiences

SAii Spa invites guests to embark on a self-care journey that blends ancient traditions with modern therapeutic techniques, offering a sanctuary of relaxation and renewal. With calming decor, natural textures, and eco-conscious practices, the spa provides an atmosphere of harmony, grounding each visitor in the restorative power of nature. Signature treatments such as the SAii Signature Massage, combining Thai stretching and deep tissue techniques, and the Island Ritual, featuring a luxurious body scrub and warm coconut poultice massage, highlight the spa’s commitment to holistic well-being. Guests can also indulge in the Phuket Pineapple Retreat, inspired by the lush tropical heritage of Phuket.

For deep rejuvenation, the SAii Sand Serenity restores balance and eases tension with a Safflower & Honey Sugar Sand Scrub, the SAii Signature Massage, and a soothing Coconut Herbal Compress.

For those seeking an immersive wellness experience, the Restorative Retreats: Recharge and Renew programs offer a personalized approach to relaxation and vitality. Available in one-day (THB 6,999++) and three-day (THB 19,899++) packages, these retreats include daily Move Well activities, nourishing meals, and indulgent spa treatments tailored to individual needs. Designed to cleanse the mind and body, boost energy, and enhance overall health, the retreats are ideal for solo travellers or couples, with pricing starting at THB 1,000++ per person.

Complementing the spa’s offerings, SAii Wellness Gurus craft bespoke experiences for emotional, mental, and physical balance. Guests can enjoy curated dining menus featuring dishes like Tropical Fruit Salad with honey and ginger dressing or Thai-spiced blackened chicken with cumin-spiced pumpkin puree, as well as guided breathwork sessions and mindfulness activities. At SAii Spa, every moment is thoughtfully designed to nurture, inspire, and restore, allowing guests to embrace a lifestyle of vitality and balance.

“SAii Laguna Phuket stands out as a haven for those seeking to prioritise their well-being,” said Bart Callens, Cluster General Manager of SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Phi Phi Island Village. “With our idyllic setting, forward-thinking approach to wellness, and personalised service, we offer guests the chance to truly ‘Stay Well.’”

Global Leaders Convene in Bangkok to Advance Digital Healthcare Solutions

By

MC Marketing

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27 March 2025, 17:32

The International Conference on Promoting Smart Medical Care through Digital is held to create international collaboration on research and development of medical innovations and technologies in order to enhance the efficiency of medical services, lighten staff’s burdens, improve the quality of medical treatments resulting in more effective clinical improvement and response to changes in Thailand’s world market. The conference is well collaborated between The National Research Council of Thailand, the Faculty of Engineering through LogHealth Centre and Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), under supervision of Ministry of Economic Affairs Taiwan, which is a research institute specializing in developing industrial technologies and innovations. It also includes the centre network of specialists in health innovation and technology. The International Conference on Promoting Smart Medical Care through Digital is held on Wednesday 26th, March, 2025 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok.

The International Conference on Promoting Smart Medical Care through Digital is honoured by Assoc.Prof. Cherdchai Nopmaneejumruslers, Vice President for Information Technology and Digital Transformation, Mahidol University, to preside over the opening ceremony for the conference as well as Mr. Stephen Su, Senior Vice President, Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to deliver a speech afterwards.

On this occasion, it is held in great respect to have a keynote speaker from a leading hospital for medical and research centre in healthcare logistics and supply chain. Suggesting more sustainable guidelines to hospitals and related public health units on healthcare digital innovations and smart logistics for infra hospitals, it also includes application of AI for effective management. These areas of topics will be talked by Assoc. Prof. Cherdchai Nopmaneejumruslers, Vice President for Information Technology and Digital Transformation, Mahidol University, especially on dimensions of AI application in smart hospital management through “Smart Hospital Implementation Showcase: AI for Smart Hospital”.

After this, the dimensions of hospital implementation, Professor Atiporn Ingsathit, M.D. Director of Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, will discuss “Smart Hospital Implementation: The Future of Intelligent Healthcare”.

Then, the discussion on challenges of application of digital technologies in hospitals, as in today’s topic as “Smart Hospital Implementation Showcase: Smart Healthcare Logistics Challenges” will be discussed in detail by Associate Professor Dr. Duangpun Kritchanchai, the Director of Centre of Logistics Management and Healthcare Supply Chain, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University.

After this session, there will be more special talks from Ms. Chaoyin Chi, Deputy General Director, Industry, Science, and Technology International Strategy Center (ISTI), ITRI, on the ” Overview of Smart Medical Solutions Ecosystem in Taiwan” in which advance innovations and strategies in developing healthcare technologies through digital changes will be portrayed in dimensions of progress,

and “AI-Driven Healthcare: Trends and Innovations” will be talked by Professor Eric Chuang, Vice President & General Director, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, ITRI, particularly on the development and AI application for the popular healthcare choices.

As aforementioned, there will also be more topics discussed by hospital innovation specialists about new findings of such application for a more effective yet productive medical system.

Thanks to the concurring collaboration between Mahidol University and Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), including the network of healthcare and public health innovation and technology specialists, both Thais and foreigners, it indeed reveals potentials and capability of individual sectors of specializing in healthcare and public health innovation and technology. Through exchanging new findings, creating collaboration, sharing ideas and progress of digital healthcare management, this initiates integration which unquestionably leads to national development.

With the substantial success of the conference “Promoting Smart Medical Care through Digital Solutions”, it allows hospitals, state and private agencies, for both medical industry and public health, to utilize the developed innovations in their hospitals. This helps hospitals respond to any challenges that could possibly take place in the future, either digital technologies, more effective enhancement in medical treatment, and concrete increase of medical servicing satisfaction– making a push for more progress in medical industry, particularly in to-be the era of the digital healthcare system.

Additionally, it raises opportunities for creating both national and international experienced scholar collaboration, especially in medical and public health innovations and technologies; consequently, this should exceedingly enhance the collaboration between educational, industrial, and government sectors, which help outstretch and advance the studies, making a lead to be effectively practical. This very collaboration of educational and industrial sectors will definitely play an important role in driving the future of medical and public health, sustainably.

The IB Diploma Program Can Motivate Students to Perform

By

Contributor

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27 March 2025, 16:50

Learn About the IB Diploma Program

Alt Tag: International Students enrolled in the IB Diploma Program

Many students are more capable in some subjects than they are in others. They spend more time and excel in some subjects simply because they have an intrinsic knack for them and enjoy them more.

The IB Diploma Program was created in 1968 by teachers at the International School of Geneva. They created a two-year program that recognizes students’ different levels of interest and capabilities in different subjects. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program allows these differences to help determine the student’s studies. The program allows students to choose three subjects in which to specialize and study the subjects at a higher level.

The IB Diploma Program is offered to students in Bangkok between the ages of 16-19 at the International School Bangkok (ISB). It’s an ambitious program that features an international outlook. The program is widely recognized for its excellent preparation of students for higher education.

Studies Within the IB Diploma Program

The IB program’s curriculum consists of six subject groups and includes the study of two languages and the IB Diploma Core areas of Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Service, and Activity. Students must also maintain a satisfactory level of intellectual advancement in the other required subjects at Standard Level.

For many of the Diploma Program (DP) courses, students complete externally assessed coursework. Students take written exams for most courses at the end of the DP.

Personal Choice Diploma

Some of our students choose to take our Personal Choice Diploma, which can include several of the IB Diploma courses. Upon satisfactorily completing the courses, the students receive individual IB certificates.

Pathway to Higher Education

Upon graduation, students taking the IB Diploma Program and the Personal Choice Diploma will receive offers from world-renowned colleges and universities.

These institutions recognize the quality and thoroughness of the IB program offered by ISB. With the added benefits of ISB’s diverse curriculum, exceptional teaching standards, and countless opportunities for our students to develop their intellectual skills, ISB ensures that our graduates are prepared to meet and excel at future educational challenges.

Evidence suggests that DP graduates go on to attend colleges and universities at a higher rate than non-IB students. These DP graduates apply to more than 5,000 institutions of higher education in more than 100 countries annually.

Many top universities have established ties with the IB Diploma Program and actively recruit their students from DP graduates. They appreciate that DPs focus on rigorous academic study within a broad yet balanced curriculum and its international outlook that encourages diversity.

DP students also have the opportunity to test their knowledge and skills by applying themselves to community service, which provides valuable work experience outside of the academic world.

Contact ISB for More Information

Contact the International School Bangkok for more information about how the IB Diploma Program may be ideal for students with specific interests in the subjects they’re studying.

Activists Express Concerns Over the Future of 5 Uyghurs in Thai Prison

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

-

27 March 2025, 16:49

BANGKOK — Thai human rights activists on Wednesday night said at a panel discussion at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand that five Uyghurs currently serving prison term for fleeing the Thai Immigration Detention Centre could eventually be deported to China and face possible detention, torture and forced labour. They urged the Thai government to eventually allow these people to seek asylum in a third country.

The five are serving 6-year prison terms at Klong Prem Prison, a maximum-security prison, but Human Rights Watch senior Thai researcher Sunai Phasuk warns the forced deportation to China could happen sooner than later as their prison terms could be reduced due to good conduct and on special royal occasions. He also urges the Paetongtarn government to be sincere in ensuring the safety and freedom of the 100 Uyghurs sent back to China at the end of February.

“The Thai government has been lying all along,” he said, referring to the breach of non refoulement principle, and added that Thai diplomats in Beijing, who will now be entrusted with the duty of checking on the well-being of the 100 Uyghurs in Xinjiang, should at least try to do their job properly.

uyghur fcct2 — A panel discussion about the Uyghur human rights situation takes place at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in Bangkok on March 26, 2025. (Photo By Pravit Rojanaphruk)

“At least show that Thailand has a spine, not bow to the master in Beijing and behave like a vassal state,” said Sunai, who was a panelist at the FCCT on the topic of the Thai government deporting Uyghurs and its recent trip to Xinjiang.

Chalida Tajaroeunsuk, a senior NGO activist working for the rights of Uyghur detainees in Thailand, was another panelist. She warns that the Chinese Embassy is very persistent in pressuring the Thai government to hand over the 5 remaining Uyghurs while Western embassies who work behind the scene are not as direct.

She added the Thai government has also refused to allow related UN agencies to meet with the five in order to start the asylum process, thus making it difficult, if not impossible for Western embassies to help these people.

Speaking on Zoom from the US, Abdulhakim Idris, executive director of the Center for Uyghur Studies in Washington DC, said it’s a shame that the government of Malaysia and Indonesia, both predominantly Muslim countries, have failed to assist the Uyghurs in Thailand. “Shame on Malaysia and Indonesia,” said Idris. “Thailand became complicit in this genocide, used as a tool [by China] to cover up this genicide.”

Phil Robertson, moderator of the panel and FCCT Board Member said Thai government representatives have been invited but decided not to send a representative. Robertson told Khaosod English the FCCT did not reach out to the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok, however.

Khaosod English contacted a Chinese Embassy staff for possible comment but there was no reply as of press time. Also, the US Embassy paid for the entrance fees charged by the FCCT as they invited a dozen Thai journalists to cover the talk on Wednesday night.

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