British Trio Arrested After Road Rage Incident in Phuket

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14 March 2025, 11:52

PHUKET — Police in Patong have arrested three British nationals following a road rage incident that occurred on March 8 near Patong Hospital in Kathu district, Phuket.

The incident began when a white four-door Ford pickup truck with Phuket red license plates collided with a motorcycle in front of Patong Hospital. According to reports, after the collision, a foreign driver exited the vehicle and threatened the motorcycle rider with a knife.

Following an investigation, Patong Police detective unit apprehended all three foreign nationals on March 13. Police revealed that they tracked down the three men by tracing the pickup truck’s registration.

During questioning at Patong Police Station, the 26-year-old pickup driver admitted to threatening the motorcyclist with a knife. He also claimed he had obtained the vehicle from his cousin, who had rented it before returning to the UK.

road rage british2 — Police officers questioning three British men who admitted to being the individuals in the video footage during an altercation with a Thai motorcyclist, at Patong Police Station on March 13, 2025.

The victim, 38-year-old Surasak Kongbua, told police earlier that the incident happened around 5:15 p.m. on March 8 while he was on his way to purchase equipment for a home repair job.

“I saw the green light at the intersection near Patong Hospital and proceeded normally. I didn’t see the pickup truck coming from the left until it crashed into me, causing my bike to slide about 20 meters,” Surasak explained.

After the crash, bystanders came to help. When Surasak informed the foreigners he was calling police, the situation escalated. The three men attempted to flee in their vehicle, but Surasak tried to prevent their escape.

“When the driver braked and the passenger opened the door, I backed away fearing for my safety,” Surasak recounted. “Then the driver ran toward me and pulled out a knife. I pretended to reach into my pocket, which made them hesitate before they got back in the truck and drove away.”

Police have charged the driver with reckless driving causing physical or mental harm and property damage, which carries a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding 1 month, a fine not exceeding 10,000 baht, or both. He was also charged with carrying a knife in a public place without reasonable cause, an offense that carries a fine of up to 1,000 baht, and the court has the authority to confiscate the weapon.

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Makro Pro Becomes Thailand’s Top Grocery E-Commerce Platform for Small Businesses

By

MC Marketing

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14 March 2025, 11:25

The Future of Wholesale Online: Businesses Adapting to the Digital Era

The surge in online orders from small business operators has propelled Makro PRO to become Thailand’s No. 1 Grocery E-Commerce platform, according to the latest ranking by Euromonitor International, a global leader in market analysis and research. Makro Pro captured a 39.5% market share in sales for 2024, according to the report, with Lotus’s SMART App in second place with a 19.5% market share in Thailand’s total Grocery E-Commerce market value of 64 billion baht. The result reflects the strong potential of CP AXTRA Public Company Limited (CP AXTRA), the operator of Makro and Lotus’s wholesale and retail businesses. The company has successfully adapted to the digital era, effectively developing both platforms to meet the needs of today’s consumers.

‘Makro PRO’, a B2B e-Commerce platform, has achieved remarkable growth in the two years since launching the application in 2023, revolutionizing the online wholesale industry. The platform enables retailers and small business operators to conveniently access high-quality products through a seamless digital system. Adding to its value proposition, Makro PRO offers a Loyalty Program, ‘Makro PRO Point,’ which enhances customer benefits. Currently, the platform processes over 20,000 transactions per day. One of the key factors behind this success is the integration of advanced technology. AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Big Data are leveraged to optimize logistics efficiency and predict customer demand, ensuring that businesses and customers receive the most relevant and in-demand products efficiently.

In line with the Thai E-Commerce Association’s findings, the Grocery E-Commerce market is expanding rapidly due to shifting consumer behavior, with more people turning to digital platforms for essential goods, a trend accelerated by COVID-19. Consequently, companies are prioritizing the development of e-commerce platforms. CP AXTRA is one of the companies experiencing rapid growth in the grocery e-commerce market, with significant development and expansion of its online business over the past 2 years, refining its omnichannel strategies. By harnessing advanced technologies to enhance customer experiences and support a robust business ecosystem, the company is set to solidify its position as a premier Retail Tech Company into the future.

#CPAXTRA #RetailTech #Makro #Lotuss #MakroPro #LotussSmartApp

Mahlkönig Unveils Two New Grinders: The Secret to Enhanced Coffee Flavor

By

MC Marketing

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14 March 2025, 10:20

March 11, 2025, Bangkok – Peaberry Thai, in collaboration with Boncafe, invites coffee lovers to experience superior taste at the “Grinding to the Greatness” event, highlighting the exceptional quality of the German-engineered coffee grinder, Mahlkönig – “The King of Grinders.” With a legacy spanning over 100 years, Mahlkönig has won the trust of users worldwide. The event showcases the latest Grind-by-Sync innovation through two exclusive models, E65W GBS and E80W GBS, giving coffee enthusiasts a first look at these groundbreaking grinders at Baan Puen Bangkok.

Have you ever wondered why freshly ground coffee tastes and smells so much better than pre-ground coffee? The answer lies in the grinder—an essential tool that not only provides convenience but also aligns with the home café lifestyle, making it a must-have for coffee enthusiasts.

Peaberry Thai and Boncafe (Thailand), two leading companies specializing in coffee business solutions, have joined forces to create a groundbreaking event, “Grinding to the Greatness,” celebrating 100 years of Mahlkönig as “The King of Grinders.” This special occasion marks the launch of the latest cutting-edge innovation, “Grind-by-Sync,” German-engineered coffee grinder, featuring two state-of-the-art grinder models—the E65W GBS and E80W GBS—designed to elevate the art of coffee brewing, from bean to cup, for coffee enthusiasts. The event will also host the “Mahlkönig Barista Championship 2025,” bringing together top baristas to compete at the highest level, making waves in Thailand’s coffee industry and setting new benchmarks for specialty coffee in the country.

Khun Chayakarn Kalyanamitra Deputy Managing Director, Commercial of Peaberry Thai Co., Ltd., and Khun Rungaroon Koohasaneh Marketing Director of Boncafe (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated that both Peaberry Thai and Boncafé (Thailand) are leading importers of coffee-related products and equipment, offering a comprehensive range of solutions for the coffee business. With expertise in selecting top-quality brands recognized internationally, they take pride in bringing exceptional products to the market. Notably, this marks the first collaboration between the two companies to launch the latest two models of Mahlkönig coffee grinders, a globally renowned brand. These new grinders feature cutting-edge Sync System technology, setting a new standard in coffee grinding. Designed to meet the needs of both B2B and B2C segments, they ensure precise grind consistency, optimal flavor extraction, and high-speed performance—making them ideal for high-volume coffee brewing while maintaining superior quality in every cup.

Introducing Two Innovative Coffee Grinder Models with Grind-by-Sync Technology

Mahlkönig E65W GBS (Grind-by-Sync) This model allows for direct control by the barista ; 1. Manual Mode: Baristas can set grinding preferences manually. 2. Sync Mode: Utilizing Grind-by-Sync technology, this mode seamlessly synchronizes the grinder with the coffee machine. Users can control and configure settings via the Mahlkönig Sync app, available on both mobile and desktop. The system allows multiple devices to be synced simultaneously and enables real-time monitoring of usage data across multiple locations. Additionally, it features a micrometric stepless adjustment system powered by an electric motor for precise grinding. The grinder’s 65mm steel burrs ensure a consistently high-quality espresso shot in every cup.
Mahlkönig E80W GBS (Grind-by-Sync) This model also features Grind-by-Sync technology for seamless synchronization between the grinder and the coffee machine. However, its key distinction is the enhanced 80mm burrs, which deliver even finer and more consistent grinding. The precision of the grind allows optimal water pressure interaction with coffee grounds, maximizing aroma extraction. This technology ensures perfection in every espresso shot, making it ideal for multi-branch cafés. The ability to centralize grinder settings and monitor grinding operations remotely enhances efficiency for coffee shops and roasteries alike.

Additionally, both models feature electronic grind adjustment using a small motor, allowing for micro-level precision. They also incorporate patented Disc Distance Detection (DDD) technology, which accurately measures and adjusts the burr distance for precise grind settings. Moreover, the high-precision Grind-by-Weight technology ensures that coffee is dispensed based on weight. As for the “with Gbs Enable” feature, it operates through Sync technology, connecting the grinder and espresso machine wirelessly. This ensures that every espresso shot maintains consistent quality and can be replicated across multiple locations using the same device. Furthermore, this technology enhances barista workflow efficiency, making operations smoother and faster. As a result, baristas can spend more time engaging with customers.

To commemorate this milestone, Peaberry Thai and Boncafe (Thailand) invite coffee lovers to join in celebrating 100 years of Mahlkönig. Since its inception in 1924, Mahlkönig has become a leader in coffee grinding innovation, renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. The brand has continuously elevated barista skills worldwide, earning long-standing global recognition.

Additionally, A highlight of this event is the first-ever ‘Mahlkönig Barista Championship 2025,’ a prestigious competition organized in partnership with Peaberry Thai. The competition will feature 16 elite baristas competing in two categories: Espresso and Drip, with cash prizes and product awards totaling over 133,000 THB.”

Prizes Include:

Champion Prize: Receives a cash prize of 6,000 THB, a Mahlkönig trophy, a certificate, and one Mahlkönig E65W GBS coffee grinder worth 119,000 THB.
1st Runner-Up: Receives a cash prize of 4,000 THB, a Mahlkönig trophy, and a certificate.
2nd Runner-Up (2 awards): Each winner receives a cash prize of 2,000 THB, a Mahlkönig trophy, and a certificate.

In the end, great coffee is all about the perfect grind. Discover the magic behind the rich aroma and balanced flavors of high-quality coffee, made possible by premium-grade coffee grinders.

For updates and inquiries, visit Peaberry Thai Co., Ltd. and Boncafe (Thailand) through the following channels: Peaberry Thai Co., Ltd. https://peaberrythai.com/ / Facebook: Peaberry Thai / Instagram: peaberrythai / Line OA: @peaberrythai / Phone: 02-6812424, and Boncafe (Thailand) Co., Ltd. www.boncafe.co.th / Facebook: Boncafe Thailand / Instagram: boncafethailand / Line OA: @boncafethailand / Phone: 02-693-2570

Visitors to Singapore’s Kampong Gelam Spoil For Food Choice

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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14 March 2025, 09:58

Kampong food2 — Photo by Pravit Rojanaphruk

SINGAPORE — Out of 120 F & B shops at Singapore’s popular Ramadan Bazaar at Kampong Gelam, which runs until March 25, there are both innovative and traditional food stalls for visitors to sample and enjoy.

Smashed Taco is one of the most popular stalls there and offers a twist of tacos on thick beef patties and special sauce. Kaleem, 32, and Ammar, 30, run the show and are originally known for smashed burgers. Both said they enjoy traveling abroad in order to sample and be inspired by foreign dishes and to bring and adapt some of these foods to be introduced at home in Singapore.

Kampong food4 — Photo by Pravit Rojanaphruk

Kampong food5 — Photo by Pravit Rojanaphruk

“In Singapore, it’s hard to have a burger joint,” Kaleem recently told a small group of ASEAN journalists at Kampong Gelam, the historical, cultural and religious centre of Singaporean Malays. Kaleem was referring to fierce competition from big American chains like McDonald’s and the like. It’s imperative that they come up with their own special sauce, both for salsa and burger, and it was a success, with many queuing for their fast food.

Another innovative food stall on offer is Satay Ummi. It’s a satay with a twist in that it’s a pan-fried satay instead of grilled and served not in a stick but in pieces. Lydia Izzati, the lady who owns the stall and restaurant, said it allows for a couple to consume the famous dish more easily and neatly.

Kampong food1 — Photo by Pravit Rojanaphruk

“It’s easier to eat,” she explained, adding that a young woman with her boyfriend can serve a small piece of satay to one another instead of having to hold a full stick of satay, which comes in chicken, beef, and mutton.

On a traditional side is the House of Lemang, which serves beef rendang, a tasty Malaysian curry, considered by many to be the most delicious type of Malay curry. While the stall is temporary, the shop on Kandahar Road in the district has been around for nearly 29 years. The taste is sublime although the dish is becoming more uncommon in Singapore.

The writer have tasted food from all three stalls and they don’t disappoint. But there are dozens more to choose from if you visit the Ramadan Bazaar at Kampong Gelam.

Kampong food3 — Photo by Pravit Rojanaphruk

NOTE: The writer would like to thank One Kampong Gelam for the kind invitation, and to Muse & Motif for organising the trip.
The Ramadan Bazaar runs from 2pm till late at night daily.

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Putin Says He Agrees in Principle With US Proposal for 30-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine

By

Associated Press

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13 March 2025, 23:41

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that he agrees in principle with a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, but the terms need to be worked out, and he emphasized that it should pave the way to lasting peace.

“So the idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it,” Putin told a news conference in Moscow. “But there are issues that we need to discuss, and I think that we need to discuss it with our American colleagues and partners.”

He noted the need to develop a mechanism to control possible breaches of the truce. Another issue, he said, is whether Ukraine could use the 30-day ceasefire to continue mobilization and rearmament.

“We agree with the proposals to halt the fighting, but we proceed from the assumption that the ceasefire should lead to lasting peace and remove the root causes of the crisis,” Putin said.

AP25071702128176 — In this image made from video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, shakes hands with Russian Chief of General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov as he visits military headquarters in the Kursk region of Russia. (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)

Putin noted that while it appeared that the U.S. persuaded Ukraine to accept a ceasefire, Ukraine is interested in that because of the battlefield situation, noting that Ukrainian troops that launched an incursion into Russia’s Kursk region would be fully blocked in the coming days.

“In these conditions, I believe it would be good for the Ukrainian side to secure a ceasefire for at least 30 days,” he said.

Referring to the Ukrainian troops in Kursk, he said: “Will all those who are there come out without a fight?”

Putin thanked U.S. President Donald Trump “for paying so much attention to the settlement in Ukraine.”

He also thanked the leaders of China, India, Brazil and South Africa for their “noble mission to end the fighting to casualties,” a statement that signaled those countries’ potential involvement in a ceasefire deal.

Russia has said it will not accept peacekeepers from any NATO members to monitor a prospective truce.

An envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump arrived Thursday in Moscow for talks on an American-proposed 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine has accepted, but a senior Russian official said the truce would only help Kyiv by giving its weary and shorthanded military a break.

The diplomatic effort coincided with a Russian claim that its troops have driven the Ukrainian army out of a key town in Russia’s Kursk border region, where Moscow has been trying for seven months to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their foothold.

AP25072465163696 — Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko shake hands during their meeting at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (Maxim Shemetov/Pool Photo via AP)

A U.S. official confirmed the arrival of Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment on the matter.

The Russian Defense Ministry’s claim that it recaptured the town of Sudzha, a Ukrainian operational hub in Kursk, came hours after President Vladimir Putin visited his commanders in Kursk. The claim could not be independently verified. Ukrainian officials made no immediate comment.

The renewed Russian military push and Putin’s high-profile visit to his troops unfolded as Trump seeks a diplomatic end to the war, which began more than three years ago with Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The U.S. on Tuesday lifted its March 3 suspension of military aid for Kyiv after senior U.S. and Ukrainian officials reported making progress on how to stop the fighting during talks in Saudi Arabia.

Trump said Wednesday that “it’s up to Russia now” as his administration presses Moscow to agree to the ceasefire. The U.S. president has made veiled threats to hit Russia with new sanctions if it does not engage with peace efforts.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov would not comment on Moscow’s view of the ceasefire proposal.

“Before the talks start, and they haven’t started yet, it would be wrong to talk about it in public,” he told reporters.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC Thursday that Trump is “willing to apply maximum pressure on both sides,” including sanctions that reach the highest scale on Russia.

Senior U.S. officials have said they hope to see Russia stop attacks on Ukraine within the next few days.

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Hungarian Man Arrested for Motorcycle Rental Business on Koh Phangan

By

Khaosod English

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13 March 2025, 22:21

hungary phangan1 — Tourist Police witness the Hungarian suspect actively conducting business, collecting daily rental fees of 700 baht from customers while retaining their passports as collateral on March 13, 2025.

KOH PHANGAN — Tourist Police have arrested a Hungarian national who was operating an unauthorized motorcycle rental business on Koh Phangan island, where he allegedly confiscated tourists’ passports as collateral.

The Tourist Police Division on Koh Phangan received complaints from tourists about a foreigner running a motorcycle rental operation from his rented house. The business, advertised as “Lala Agency,” was located in Song Phi Nong Village in Ban Tai subdistrict of Koh Phangan, Surat Thani province.

Investigation revealed that Laszlo, a 38-year-old Hungarian citizen, was indeed operating a motorcycle rental service through a website specializing in motorcycle rentals on Koh Phangan. The suspect personally signed rental agreements and collected cash payments from customers. During his operations, he reportedly seized tourists’ passports and allegedly intimidated customers by displaying a firearm.

Upon learning of the investigation results, Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueak-am, commander of the Tourist Police, ordered Police Lieutenant Colonel Winit Boonchit of the Tourist Police Division 5 to coordinate with the Koh Phangan Police Station, local administrative authorities, and immigration officers to apprehend the suspect at his residence.

On March 13, the police team arrived at the suspect’s house and found him actively conducting business, collecting daily rental fees of 700 baht from customers while retaining their passports as security. Officers identified themselves and searched the premises, discovering 16 foreign passports.

hungary phagnan2 — Motorcycle rental catalogs are found inside the Hungarian suspect’s house in Song Phi Nong Village in Ban Tai subdistrict of Koh Phangan, Surat Thani province on March 13, 2025.

During questioning, Laszlo admitted to operating the “Lala Agency” rental business, where he personally handled all aspects of the operation including preparing rental agreements, handling cash transactions, cleaning motorcycles, and providing transport services for customers between the pier and his shop.

The Hungarian national was charged with “being a foreigner working beyond permitted rights.” He was handed over to investigators at the Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings. Evidence seized included nine motorcycles, a BB gun with a magazine loaded with pellets, and registration documents for more than 20 motorcycles.

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From Bustling Hub to Silent Shwe Kokko After Anti-Scam Operations

By

Khaosod English

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13 March 2025, 19:07

MYAWADDY — The once-thriving economic zone of Shwe Kokko in Myanmar’s Karen State now stands largely deserted following an intensive anti-scam operation by Thai authorities and the Border Guard Force (BGF), Matichon reports.

Spanning tens of thousands of rai opposite Thailand’s Mae Sot District in Tak Province, the area that previously bustled with activity has fallen silent, with numerous high-rise buildings now vacant and vehicles abandoned.

The dramatic transformation follows coordinated efforts between Thai, Chinese, and Myanmar governments to eliminate fraud networks operating in the region. Thailand has started cutting essential services including electricity, fuel, and communication signals since February 5.

Following that, BGF officials launched their campaign against call center operations on February 12, resulting in a mass exodus of business owners and executives connected to fraudulent activities, though legitimate businesses reportedly continue to operate.

bgf 1month 5 — BGF forces inspect hundreds of foreigners at a Shwe Kokko building as leader Maung Chit Thu pledges to return illegal workers to Thailand, February 24, 2025.

At a March 12 press conference, Lt. Col. Nai Maung So of the Coordination Center for Assistance to Victims of Human Trafficking revealed that over 2,700 individuals have been repatriated to their home countries, with approximately 7,000 still awaiting return. The BGF is currently providing daily food support at 25,000 kyat ($11.90) per person and seeks to expedite the repatriation process despite coordination challenges with foreign governments.

“The raids will continue, possibly once a month, until all fraud operations are eliminated,” Lt. Col. Nai Maung So stated, warning that Chinese investors face severe penalties for any ongoing involvement in call center activities.

bgf 1month4 — Lt. Col. Nai Maung So of the Coordination Center for Assistance to Victims of Human Trafficking, holds a press conference on March 12, 2025,

Officials emphasized that legitimate development projects under the Yatai initiative will proceed, including livestock farming, healthcare facilities, and tourism attractions aimed at creating sustainable economic opportunities for local residents.

During the press conference, Lt. Col. Nai Maung So defended Col. Maung Chit Tu, Secretary-General of the BGF Advisory Committee, describing him as simply a landowner who leases property to Chinese investors with no involvement in trafficking or fraud.

However, this statement comes as Thai authorities have placed Col. Maung Chit Tu under investigation by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for a 2022 case involving eight Indian nationals and potential human trafficking charges.

The press conference concluded with journalists touring a detention center for trafficking victims and viewing confiscated fraud operation equipment that will be transferred to Chinese authorities.

bgf 1month 2 — The scene in Shwe Kokko has become noticeably quieter following the BGF forces’ crackdown on scammer networks on March 12, 2025.

bgf 1month 3 — Surroundings in Shwe Kokko has become noticeably quieter following the BGF forces’ crackdown on scammer networks on March 12, 2025.

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Top 10 Thai Social Media Management Firms: Professional Excellence & Innovation

By

MC Marketing

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13 March 2025, 14:25

As the daily usage time of social media users in Thailand surpasses 8 hours, brands are increasingly demanding more from their management agencies in terms of comprehensive capabilities. Based on the evaluation system of the Thailand Social Media Awards, we have recompiled the list of the top 10 most competitive agencies in 2025, focusing on three key dimensions: data-driven capabilities, depth of technological integration, and industry adaptability.

Evaluation Framework: Core Metrics of Social Media Management in Thailand

According to the “Social Metrics” evaluation system of the Thailand Social Media Awards, agency capabilities must align with the following dimensions:

Owned Channel Performance: Follower growth rate, video views, Facebook intent analysis score;
Earned Channel Performance: Social mentions, sentiment analysis results, user-generated content (UGC) penetration rate;
Technology Empowerment Level: Depth of AI tool application in content optimization and ROI forecasting.

Updated Panorama of the Top 10 Agencies (Listed in Alphabetical Order)

1.AdchariyaÍ

Focusing on dynamic strategic adjustments, through business analysis, competitor benchmarking, and full-cycle optimization, AdchariyaÍ helps brands achieve both short-term exposure and long-term reputation growth in the food delivery (e.g., ShopeeFood) and automotive industries.

Allconnective

As a technology-driven agency, Allconnective specializes in integrated SEO and digital marketing services. By optimizing website structure, customizing keyword strategies, and utilizing AI-generated content, Allconnective helps clients achieve more prominent positions on Google’s search results page. Allconnective’s distinctive approach combines localized search habits in Thailand, such as long-tail keyword optimization and visual search adaptation, providing a dual-powered solution of ‘SEO + social media traffic generation’ for banking and e-commerce platforms.

ANGA

With a dual-track approach that balances technology and creativity, we have consistently received international awards, particularly in the B2B sector. Through precise content distribution on LinkedIn, we successfully increased the ‘comment rate’ to 1.8 times the industry average. Our self-developed video view prediction model is highly compatible with TikTok’s algorithm.

Ario Marketing

As a full-service provider, we specialize in integrating private domain traffic with Facebook advertising through LINE Official Account (OA) customer management features. In a case within the beverage industry, our “interactive feedback” metric ranked in the top 5% of the industry.

ConvertCake

Known for transparent ROI reporting, we optimize TikTok and Instagram advertising strategies through real-time data dashboards. For our beauty industry clients, the “share rate” is 47% higher than the industry benchmark, and we reduce CPC costs by leveraging nano-influencer partnerships.

Galaxy

A visual storytelling expert, we leverage the immersive experiences of Instagram Reels and Stories to successfully create highly engaged user communities for renowned brands like King Power Duty-Free in Thailand. Our “brand affinity” score is industry-leading. We excel in content management across Line, Facebook, and TikTok.

Insightout

A craftsmanship-level data strategist, we commit to serving clients with a ROAS/ROI performance-based model. In the banking sector, our sentiment analysis tools have significantly improved the conversion rate of negative comments.

One Stop Service

A benchmark for multi-platform collaborative operations, we help multinational companies, such as Lotus’s Supermarket, cover six key social scenarios in Thailand through Twitter trend tracking and LINE shopping feature integration. This strategy has led to a daily increase of over 200% in social mentions.

Spyder Agency

The preferred partner for small and medium-sized enterprises, we lower the entry barriers for local brands with free consultations and customized solutions. Our “follower growth rate” ranks in the top 10% within the regional food and beverage industry (e.g., Betagro).

Wunderman Thompson

An international 4A powerhouse, we specialize in developing cross-channel brand communication strategies for large enterprises, such as Porsche Thailand. Our “advocacy” metric has been enhanced by 63% through KOL matrices and UGC campaigns.

Industry Trends and Agency Capability Matching Recommendations

SEO and Social Media Synergy: As demonstrated by Allconnective, it is essential to combine Google search rankings with content distribution on social platforms, particularly Facebook and LINE, to build a complete traffic cycle system. This integration helps brands maintain a consistent and effective online presence across both search engines and social networks.
Nano-Influencer Scaling: Convert Cake and Hnexa Galaxy have validated that by using AI-powered screening tools to collaborate with micro-influencers in bulk, agencies can reduce costs by up to 50% while enhancing the authenticity of interactions. For example, AI recommendation features improve influencer selection efficiency, ensuring more effective partnerships and engagement.
Compliant Data Usage: To comply with Thailand’s PDPA (Personal Data Protection Act), it is necessary to use anonymization techniques when handling user behavior data, such as the anonymous sentiment analysis model by Insightout. This ensures that data processing aligns with legal requirements while maintaining insights into consumer behavior.

For detailed case studies or evaluation criteria, you can refer to the official reports of the Thailand Social Media Awards and the platform behavior analysis from We Are Social.

VIV Asia 2025 Opens Alongside Meat Pro Asia and Horti Agri Events

By

Contributor

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13 March 2025, 13:20

VIV Asia 2025, the leading international trade exhibition for the animal protein production industry, returns with its biggest edition yet. The highly-anticipated event, in co-location with Meat Pro Asia and Horti Agri Next (HAN) Asia, officially opened its doors to the public on March 12. Scheduled to take place until March 14, 2025, the event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from across the globe to shape the future of sustainable food production and agribusiness in Asia.

From seed to feed to food

Creating an unparalleled business and networking experience, the three co-located events cover the entire agrifood supply chain from seed to feed to food. Spread across 75,000 square meters across Challenger Halls 1–3 and Exhibition Halls 5–7, the show hosts up to 1,500 leading companies, with an astounding 93% of exhibitors coming from outside of Thailand. Among the 46 represented countries, nearly half are from Asian nations. With around 50,000 expected attendees, the event is once again set to cement its position as Asia’s largest trade show for the livestock, aquaculture, agriculture, and food processing industries and in history.

Official Opening, the Grand Networking Reception

The Grand Networking Reception event took place on the first night of VIV Asia 2025 and was graced by esteemed dignitaries. One of the special guests present was Mr. Jeroen Van Hooff, CEO & President of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, who delivered the welcome speech. He shares, “VIV Asia is more than an exhibition—it’s a driving force behind Asia’s rise as a global agri-food and animal health powerhouse. With the region contributing over 50% of global agricultural output and food spending projected to hit $8.4 trillion by 2030, Asia is shaping the future of food production, trade, and investment. As urbanization and infrastructure investments accelerate, VIV Asia serves as the key platform where industry leaders forge partnerships, drive innovation, and unlock economic opportunities that will define the region’s growth.”

Another highlight of the night was the strong support received from Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), represented by its Senior Vice President, Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, who delivered a supporting speech. He emphasizes, “Thailand is a key player in Industry 4.0, with agriculture and food production driving economic growth and reinforcing its position as a leading business hub in Asia. VIV Asia, the region’s largest Feed to Food event, exemplifies Thailand’s role as a global business destination, attracting over 50,000 participants annually and delivering significant economic impact across multiple sectors. As we look to 2025, TCEB remains committed to elevating Thailand’s MICE industry by providing strategic solutions, world-class services, and unwavering support to ensure every business event thrives.”

Adding to the momentum was the attendance of H.E. Mr. Prasert Chanthararuangthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand. In his opening remark, he highlights, “With a USD 200 million investment, Thailand’s Food Processing Industry Development Action Plan is positioning the country as ASEAN’s leading food processing hub and a top 10 global food exporter by 2027. This initiative enhances value-added processing across key sectors, making Thailand a prime destination for agribusiness and food processing investments. As a result, the economic impact of these three co-located trade fairs is set to be significant, driving billions in trade deals, investments, and industry advancements over the next three days.”

A comprehensive program at VIV Asia 2025

With key themes such as disease management, biosecurity, and regenerative agriculture, VIV Asia 2025 will continue to showcase the latest innovations and breakthroughs across four key animal protein sources: poultry, swine, aquaculture, and dairy. Attendees will gain first-hand insights into the most advanced developments in breeding, health, nutrition, and smart farming technologies, ensuring they stay ahead in this fast-evolving industry. With Asia’s food demand and sustainability goals at the forefront, the event serves as a key business accelerator, providing attendees with access to cutting-edge technologies and investment insights that shape the industry’s future.

Meanwhile, there are also social events and customer experiences planned ahead. Attendees can look forward to a two-day networking reception featuring performances by renowned artists and bands. Additionally, the IFFA Awards will highlight the next generation of food processing technology from top Asian producers. The NIA Pitching Session will showcase groundbreaking agricultural innovations, while the newly introduced AgriBITs by VIV Worldwide will offer fresh and tech-driven insights into the future of the agrifood industry. As for Horti Agri Next Asia, a major highlight will be the Rainmaker Airplane Showcase, demonstrating advanced weather modification technology used for sustainable agriculture.

And that’s just the beginning—there’s so much more to experience on the show floor! VIV Asia 2025 is open until March 14, 2025. For more information, please visit www.vivasia.nl / www.meatpro-asia.com / www.hortiagrinext-asia.com

END OF PRESS RELEASE – Note for editors

Press contacts:

Ms. Lida Kokkini, Senior Marcom Manager at VIV worldwide, [email protected]
Ms. Saengtip Techapatiphandee, Marcom Manager of VNU Asia Pacific, [email protected]

About VIV worldwide

VIV worldwide is the business network linking professionals from Feed to Food, offering boundless opportunities to the animal protein supply chain players. VIV worldwide developed with dedication a network through 40 years of experience and interactions with the industry, becoming today the leading platform in and for some of the most promising markets of the world. Visit www.viv.net.

About Horti Agri Next Asia (HAN Asia)

HAN Asia is the Horti Agri Next hub edition tailored specifically for the Asian market, showcasing the latest in horticultural food production, landscaping, controlled environment practices, environmental conservation, and agriculture. HAN Asia brings together industry professionals and experts from across Asia and around the world. Join us at HAN Asia to explore the forefront of the Asian horticultural and agricultural industries. For more details, please visit the official website at www.hortiagrinext.com.

About Meat Pro Asia

Meat Pro Asia is a professional trading platform for food processing machinery and packaging technologies. Organised alongside with VIV Asia, the fairs provide the complete supply chain from feed to food to processing and packaging and sales, attracting then entire spectrum of food technology trade buyers in ASEAN region. For more information, please visit the official website at www.meatpro-asia.com

About VNU Group

VNU Group is a globally operating exhibition company with offices in Utrecht (VNU Europe) and Bangkok (VNU Asia Pacific). VNU Group is part of the Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs and represents its international exhibition business outside of the Netherlands. Each VNU office runs a portfolio of exhibition and conference brands with professional expertise on specific markets and industries. The Agri-food exhibition portfolio is a core business in both VNU regional offices. Other VNU Group main event sectors include Tech, Lifestyle, Construction, Lifesciences, Biotech, and more.

About VNU Europe

VNU Europe is a subsidiary company of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs with its base in Utrecht, at the heart of the Netherlands and only 30 minutes from Amsterdam. The VNU Europe office is located within the extensive Jaarbeurs complex. The international team of VNU Europe is wholly involved in the agrifood sector, focusing on the organization of worldwide industry events such as VIV and Horti Agri Next. For more information, visit www.vnueurope.com

About VNU Asia Pacific

VNU Asia Pacific is part of VNU Group, a globally operating exhibition company with offices in Utrecht and Bangkok and consolidates the international exhibition business of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs. In Southeast Asia, Jaarbeurs formed a Joint Venture with TCC Group, a leading corporate conglomerate in the fast-growing region. From its business hub located in Bangkok, VNU Asia Pacific covers all key exhibition markets in South East Asia. VNU Asia Pacific has a constantly expanding portfolio with currently 19 trade shows and event formats both online and face-to-face platforms including brands from the AgriTech, Animal Husbandry, Animal Companion, Food, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, 5G and IoT and Disaster Resilience industries. For more information, visit www.vnuasiapacific.com

British Tourists Caught with 140kg of Cannabis at Samui Airport

By

Khaosod English

-

13 March 2025, 12:58

KOH SAMUI — In a major drug smuggling bust, authorities at Samui International Airport seized 140 kilograms of dried cannabis flowers valued at approximately 4 million baht ($118,340) from four British nationals and one Malaysian citizen who were attempting to transport the contraband to London via Singapore.

On March 12, security officials at the international departure terminal detected suspicious items in seven pieces of luggage during the X-ray screening process. Airport staff immediately alerted Bo Phut Police Station officers and Koh Samui Customs officials, who detained the five foreign nationals for questioning.

Upon inspection, authorities discovered vacuum-sealed packages of dried cannabis flowers hidden inside all seven suitcases. The investigation revealed that two British men were transporting four suitcases containing 85.34 kilograms of cannabis, while two British women carried two suitcases with 35.8 kilograms. The Malaysian national was found with one suitcase containing 22.8 kilograms of the substance.

british samui cannabis3 — Thai officials inspect seven pieces of luggage belonging to four British tourists and one Malaysian national, discovering a total of 140 kg of dried cannabis flowers, at Bo Phut Police Station in Koh Samui, Surat Thani province, on March 12, 2025.

During interrogation, the British men confessed they had been hired to transport the cannabis to London in exchange for debt forgiveness in the UK. The two British women stated they were promised £2,000 ($2,590) each for successfully delivering their packages to London. The Malaysian suspect admitted he was to receive 6,000 ringgit ($1,355) for delivering his suitcase to Singapore.

All five suspects claimed Thai nationals had delivered the pre-packed suitcases to their hotels prior to their departure.

The suspects were charged with attempting to export goods that had not cleared customs procedures and violating Thailand’s Thai Traditional Medicine Protection and Promotion Act regarding controlled herbs (cannabis). The accused confessed to all charges and requested settlement through customs procedures, surrendering the seized items to the state.

british samui cannabis2 — Dried cannabis flowers packed inside one of the seven suitcases belonging to four British tourists and one Malaysian national, transported by Thai officials from Koh Samui Airport for inspection at Bo Phut Police Station on March 12, 2025.

An official source revealed that cannabis smuggling operations from Thailand to the United Kingdom have increased significantly since Thailand relaxed its cannabis laws. Smuggling networks now frequently target smaller airports like Samui, which typically have less stringent security measures compared to major hubs like Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The source noted that dried cannabis flowers from Thailand can fetch several times their original value when sold in the UK market.

This case follows previous statements from Police Lieutenant General Krittapol Yeesakorn, Commander of Provincial Police Region 5, who had warned about multiple cases of foreign nationals attempting to smuggle cannabis flowers abroad, taking advantage of gaps in Thailand’s cannabis control laws which permit possession and transportation within Thailand.

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