Two Arrested Over Death of Thai Social Media Star ‘Bank Lester’

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29 December 2024, 04:27

bank lester case1 — A photo of Bank Lester is displayed in front of his casket during the funeral ceremony on Dec. 28, 2024.

BANGKOK — In a disturbing development that has shocked Thailand, authorities have arrested multiple individuals connected to the death of “Bank Lester” Thanakarn Kanthee, a 27-year-old TikTok personality with intellectual disabilities who died on Christmas night after being challenged to consume excessive amounts of alcohol for money.

Police have taken into custody at least two key suspects. The first, Ekkachat “M” Meeprom (35), was arrested at his house in Chantaburi province for allegedly encouraging Bank to drink two 350ml bottles of brandy in exchange for 10,000 baht per bottle. He has been denied bail and faces charges of negligent homicide.

bank lester case M — Ekkachat ‘M’ (32) is arrested on Dec. 28, 2024, for allegedly encouraging Bank Lester to drink two 350ml bottles of brandy in exchange for 10,000 baht per bottle.

According to court documents, the incident occurred at around 11 p.m. during a party at Om Sin Agriculture Shop in Chanthaburi province.

The second arrest was Theerawat “Bird” Srirong (36), who allegedly brought Bank to the fatal party. Bird is accused of regularly exploiting Bank, who has over 100,000 TikTok followers, for social media content. He was arrested at a coffee shop inside a PTT gas station in Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province.

Bird faces charges related to uploading inappropriate content and potential human trafficking violations, as authorities continue their investigation.

bank lester case bird — Theerawat ‘Bird’ Srirong (center) faces charges related to uploading inappropriate content and potential human trafficking violations.

During Bank’s funeral service at Wat Yu Dee Satthatham temple in Bangkok, several content creators who had previously exploited Bank came to seek forgiveness from his 80-year-old grandmother. Among them was Thanapol “Boat Own-wai” (40), who apologized for a viral video where he vomited on Bank’s head, and Alongkorn “Meng” (41), who admitted to paying Bank 2,000 baht to consume lubricant gel.

Social Development Minister Varawut Silpa-archa addressed the tragedy, calling for an end to the exploitation of individuals with disabilities for social media content. “While content creation has become a significant source of income, I urge society not to profit from others’ disabilities,” he stated.

bank lester case3 — Thanapol ‘Boat Own-wai’ (40) apologizes at funeral for viral video showing him vomiting on Bank Lester’s head

Bank Leicester grew up in Bangkok’s slums under his grandmother’s care after his parents’ separation when he was just two months old. By age seven, he was selling flower garlands on the streets. He later gained social media fame through performing dangerous and degrading acts for money, including participating in underground fight clubs and various hazardous stunts.

The minister confirmed that Bank held a disability card issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. The ministry is now reviewing additional support measures for Bank’s elderly grandmother, including potential housing improvements and elderly care allowances.

This case has sparked a broader discussion about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in Thailand’s social media landscape, with authorities emphasizing the need for stronger protections and support systems for people with disabilities.

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Baby Gorilla Trafficking Ring Linked to Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market

By

Khaosod English

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29 December 2024, 03:05

BANGKOK — Thai authorities have uncovered new evidence in an international wildlife trafficking case involving a baby gorilla, with potential links to a wealthy buyer from a third Asian country. The investigation has also revealed concerning connections to Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market as a hub for exotic animal trade networks.

The case began on December 21 when Turkish customs officials at Istanbul Airport intercepted a baby gorilla, an endangered species, hidden in a wooden crate. The shipment originated from Nigeria and was destined for Bangkok, Thailand.

Following the discovery, Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division collaborated with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and Istanbul’s CITES office to investigate the trafficking network. On December 25, Thai authorities executed a search warrant at an animal farm in Nakhon Pathom province to gather evidence.

nakhon pathom farm — Thai authorities executed a search warrant at an animal farm in Nakhon Pathom province to gather evidence on Dec. 25, 2024.

Department of National Parks Chief Attapon Charoenchansa revealed on December 28 that investigators had made significant progress, including intelligence suggesting the involvement of a wealthy exotic animal collector from another Asian country.

“Gorillas require extensive space for proper care, making illegal possession particularly challenging,” Charoenchansa explained. “We continue to uncover more suspicious activities and leads, though we need solid evidence to prosecute the perpetrators. Further planning meetings will be held after the New Year holiday.”

gorilla thai1 — Turkish customs officials at Istanbul Airport intercepts a baby gorilla, an endangered species, hidden in a wooden crate on Dec. 21, 2024.

The investigation has also revealed Chatuchak Market’s role not as a direct sales point for illegal wildlife, but as an information exchange hub for ordering exotic animals from abroad. “While Chatuchak is known for legal animal trade, it has become a networking center for facilitating imports and exports. We’ve ordered comprehensive monitoring of all animal shops, including those not under CITES regulations,” Charoenchansa stated.

Authorities are now working to establish clear evidence linking all parties involved, from source countries to final destinations. “We have a picture of how this network operates, but successful prosecution requires concrete evidence and international cooperation,” Charoenchansa added.

The investigation continues as authorities work to dismantle this international wildlife trafficking network and bring those responsible to justice.

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Putin Apologizes for ‘Tragic Incident’ Following Azerbaijani Plane Crash

By

Associated Press

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29 December 2024, 02:37

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday apologized to his Azerbaijani counterpart for what he called a “tragic incident” following the crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people, but stopped short of acknowledging that Moscow was responsible.

Putin’s apology came as allegations mounted that the plane had been shot down by Russian air defenses attempting to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike near Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya.

An official Kremlin statement issued Saturday said that air defense systems were firing near Grozny airport as the airliner “repeatedly” attempted to land there on Wednesday. It did not explicitly say one of these hit the plane.

The statement said Putin apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev “for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace.”

AP24363470131199 — Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting via videoconference at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Sergei Ilyin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

The readout said Russia has launched a criminal probe into the incident, and Azerbaijani state prosecutors have arrived in Grozny to participate. The Kremlin also said that “relevant services” from Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are jointly investigating the crash site near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan.

The plane was flying from Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, to Grozny when it turned toward Kazakhstan, hundreds of kilometers (miles) across the Caspian Sea from its intended destination, and crashed while making an attempt to land. There were 29 survivors.

According to a readout of the call provided by Aliyev’s press office, the Azerbaijani president told Putin that the plane was subject to “external physical and technical interference,” although he also stopped short of blaming Russian air defenses.

Aliyev noted that the plane had multiple holes in its fuselage and that the occupants had sustained injuries “due to foreign particles penetrating the cabin mid-flight.”

AP24363408160000 — People attend a funeral of Mahammadali Eganov who died in the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crash near the Kazakhstan’s airport of Aktau at the age of 13, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (AP Photo)

He said that a team of international experts had begun probing the incident at Azerbaijan’s initiative, but provided no details. Earlier this week, the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General’s office confirmed that investigators from Azerbaijan are working in Grozny.

On Friday, a U.S. official and an Azerbaijani minister made separate statements blaming the crash on an external weapon, echoing those made by aviation experts who blamed the crash on Russian air defense systems responding to a Ukrainian attack.

Passengers and crew who survived the crash told Azerbaijani media that they heard loud noises on the aircraft as it was circling over Grozny.

Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia’s civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia, said Friday that as the plane was preparing to land in Grozny in deep fog, Ukrainian drones were targeting the city, prompting authorities to close the area to air traffic.

Yadrov said that after the captain made two unsuccessful attempts to land, he was offered other airports but decided to fly to Aktau.

AP24360329080398 — The wreckage of Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 lays on the ground near the airport of Aktau, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Azamat Sarsenbayev)

Earlier in the week, Rosaviatsia had cited unspecified early evidence as showing that a bird strike led to an emergency on board.

In the days following the crash, Azerbaijan Airlines blamed “physical and technical interference” and announced the suspension of flights to several Russian airports. It didn’t say where the interference came from or provide any further details.

If proven that the plane crashed after being hit by Russian fire, it would be the second deadly civil aviation accident linked to fighting in Ukraine. Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was downed with a Russian surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people aboard, as it flew over the area in eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists in 2014.

Russia has denied responsibility, but a Dutch court in 2022 convicted two Russians and a pro-Russia Ukrainian man for their role in downing the plane with an air defense system brought into Ukraine from a Russian military base.

Following Wednesday’s suspension of flights from Baku to Grozny and nearby Makhachkala, Azerbaijan Airlines announced Friday that it would also halt service to eight more Russian cities.

Several other airlines have made similar announcements since the crash. Kazakhstan’s Qazaq Air on Friday said it would stop flying from Astana to the Russian city of Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains for a month.

Turkmenistan Airlines, the Central Asian country’s flagship carrier, on Saturday halted flights to Moscow for at least a month, citing safety concerns. Earlier this week, Israel’s El Al carrier suspended service from Tel Aviv to the Russian capital, citing “developments in Russia’s airspace.”

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Teen Siblings Donate Equipment to Support Dugong Conservation Efforts

By

MC Marketing

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29 December 2024, 01:06

Two teenage environmental activists have donated vital equipment to support Thailand’s dugong conservation program. Arin Thongtang, 17, and his sister Arisa, 15, presented two portable power stations worth 40,000 baht to the Andaman Coastal and Marine Research Center in Phuket.

The donation ceremony took place on December 26 at the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources in Bangkok. The equipment will power drone operations for surveying seagrass beds and tracking dugong movements in their natural habitat.

The siblings, who founded the conservation group Below the Tides, are currently spearheading the “Long Live Dugongs” campaign. Their next goal is to raise 240,000 baht for a specialized thermal surveillance drone to enhance dugong research and protection efforts.

dugong2 — Arin Thongtang, 17, and his sister Arisa, 15, presented two portable power stations worth 40,000 baht to the Andaman Coastal and Marine Research Center in Phuket.

“We’ve raised part of the funds through Taejai.com, but we still need about 80,000 baht to reach our total goal of 280,000 baht by June 2025,” said Arin Thongtang. The campaign has collected 22,750 baht as of December.

Department Director-General Pinsak Suraswadi praised the teenagers’ dedication to marine conservation. “Their support extends beyond this project to previous initiatives involving sea turtle protection and coral reef preservation,” he said. “These young environmentalists are inspiring their peers to participate in conservation efforts.”

Below the Tides continues to accept donations through Taejai.com for their dugong conservation project, which focuses on protecting the endangered marine mammals and their critical seagrass habitat.

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Pattaya Raid Uncovers Global Online Gambling Ring Run by South Koreans

By

Khaosod English

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28 December 2024, 23:48

PATTAYA — Thai police have uncovered a major online gambling operation in Pattaya, where South Korean nationals were running a server facility serving over 20,000 users worldwide.

The raid, led by Police Major General Thawatchakiat Jindakhuansanong and Police Colonel Nawin Theerawit, targeted a two-story house in Soi Chaiyapruek 1, Nongprue, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province on December 28.

During the operation, authorities found 13 South Korean men operating more than 40 computers across two rooms in the heavily secured property, which was equipped with comprehensive CCTV coverage. One South Korean female employee and a Burmese housekeeper were also present at the premises.

korean gambling web2 — The investigation reveals the South Korean group operated an online gambling platform offering baccarat, slots, and sports betting.

Investigation revealed the group was operating www.myrunking01.com, an online gambling platform offering various games including baccarat, slots, and sports betting. The operation was sophisticated, with staff assigned to different roles including user management, payment processing, and new customer acquisition. While the platform primarily targeted South Korean gamblers, it accepted players worldwide who could understand Korean, explicitly excluding Thai nationals.

Police seized substantial evidence including 24 desktop computers, 12 laptops, 28 mobile phones, over 20 South Korean passports, and nearly 40 OTP (One-Time Password) devices used for payment notifications.

Additional raids on two other houses in the same village, believed to be staff accommodations, yielded further evidence including a safe, though some suspects had already fled the scene.

korean gambling web1 — During a raid in Pattaya on Dec. 28, 2024, Thai authorities arrested 13 South Korean men who were operating more than 40 computers from two rooms in a suburban house.

According to Police Major General Thawatchakiat, the operation had been running for approximately three months and had processed transactions worth over 120 million baht (5.16 billion won, $3.6 million). The investigation was initiated after locals reported suspicious activities, including unusual foot traffic and frequent food deliveries to the property.

Thai authorities are now coordinating with the South Korean embassy as part of a broader crackdown on foreign-operated illegal gambling and call center scams, in line with government policy.

Local residents reported that the area has seen multiple instances of foreign groups renting properties for illegal gambling and call center operations, though they noted that this particular group had operated quietly for nearly a year, mainly keeping to themselves and using scooters for transportation.

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Thai Police Launch Phone Scam Crackdown at Cambodia Border

By

Khaosod English

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28 December 2024, 20:20

SA KAEO — The Royal Thai Police have intensified efforts to combat transnational call center fraud with a new initiative dubbed “Blasting the Bridge of Criminals” in Sa Kaeo Province. The operation targets criminal networks operating from Poipet, Cambodia, which have been systematically defrauding Thai citizens.

Police Cyber Taskforce Director Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabutr led a strategic meeting at the Sa Kaeo Immigration Office on December 28, followed by a border area inspection. Of particular interest was a 25-story building in Cambodia visible from the Thai border, believed to be a hub for fraudulent operations.

“These transnational criminal organizations, primarily led by foreign nationals, have caused substantial financial damage to Thai citizens and pose a significant national security threat,” stated Pol. Gen. Thatchai during a press conference at Rong Kluea Market.

The initiative, developed in partnership with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), comprises three main strategies: disrupting unauthorized communication signals, enhancing border control measures, and preventing the smuggling of criminal equipment.

Investigations through the Royal Thai Police’s online complaint center have traced numerous fraudulent calls and messages to Poipet. In response, authorities have identified three suspicious communication towers near the border allegedly transmitting signals to the 25-story building. The NBTC has ordered these signals suspended and is pursuing legal action against involved parties.

scam sakaeo1 — Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, Senior Inspector General and Director of the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT), and his team inspect the border area, including a 25-story building in the neighboring country, on Dec. 28, 2024.

The operation also targets individuals who facilitate these crimes, including those who open bank accounts for criminals or provide facial recognition data. Law enforcement will enforce strict measures against border crossings through both official checkpoints and unauthorized routes.

“The Police Cyber Taskforce will maintain oversight of these operations to ensure their effectiveness in reducing transnational crime,” Pol. Gen. Thatchai emphasized. He also issued a stern warning to Thai citizens, stating that any involvement with these criminal organizations, including crossing the border to work for them, will result in severe legal consequences.

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Olivia Hussey, Star of the 1968 Film ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ Dies at 73

By

Associated Press

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28 December 2024, 18:39

Franco ZeffirelliOlivia HusseyLeonard Whiting — FILE - "Romeo and Juliette" movie director Franco Zeffirelli, left, actors Olivia Hussey, center, and Leonard Whiting are seen after the Parisian premiere of the film in Paris on Sept. 25, 1968. (AP Photo/Eustache Cardenas, File)

LONDON (AP) — Olivia Hussey, the actor who starred as a teenage Juliet in the 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” has died, her family said on social media Saturday. She was 73.

Hussey died on Friday, “peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones,” a statement posted to her Instagram account said.

Hussey was 15 when director Franco Zeffirelli cast her in his adaptation of the William Shakespeare tragedy after spotting her onstage in the play “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” which also starred Vanessa Redgrave.

AP24363345164770 — FILE – Actress Olivia Hussey smiles as she appears at the Japan premiere of her latest film “Mother Teresa of Calcutta” in Tokyo Wednesday, June 15, 2005. (AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara, File)

“Romeo and Juliet” won two Oscars and Hussey won a Golden Globe for best new actress for her part as Juliet, opposite British actor Leonard Whiting, who was 16 at the time.

Decades later Hussey and Whiting brought a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures alleging sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud over nude scenes in the film.

They alleged that they were initially told they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in a bedroom scene, but on the day of the shoot Zeffirelli told the pair they would wear only body makeup and that the camera would be positioned in a way that would not show nudity. They alleged they were filmed in the nude without their knowledge.

The case was dismissed by a Los Angeles County judge in 2023, who found their depiction could not be considered child pornography and the pair filed their claim too late.

Whiting was among those paying tribute to Hussey on Saturday. “Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will remember your beauty inside and out forever,” he wrote.

Hussey was born on April 17, 1951, in Bueno Aires, Argentina, and moved to London as a child. She studied at the Italia Conti Academy drama school.

AP24363349676691 — FILE – Leonard Whiting, left, and Olivia Hussey arrive at the screening of “The Producers” at the 2018 TCM Classic Film Festival Opening Night at the TCL Chinese Theatre on April 26, 2018, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File)

She also starred as Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 television series “Jesus of Nazareth,” as well as the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile” and horror movies “Black Christmas” and “Psycho IV: The Beginning.”

She is survived by her husband, David Glen Eisley, her three children and a grandson.

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2025: A Golden Year for Cinemas, MAJOR Stock Surges with Blockbuster Hits

By

Khaosod English

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28 December 2024, 14:46

major top ten 2024 — Major Cineplex's Top 10 Movies of 2024 across Thailand. The list includes 8 Thai films and 2 Hollywood films: 1. Death Whisperer 2 (Tee Yod 2 in Thai), 2.How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (LAHN MAH inThai), 3.Deadpool and Wolverine (Hollywood), 4. Godzilla x Kong (Hollywood), 5 Pee Nak 4, 6 Anong, 7. The Paradise Of Thorns (Wiman Nam in Thai), 8. Hor Taew Taek Haek Sapa Yod, 9. Term 3, and 10. Wai Num 2544

BANGKOK — Asia Plus Securities predicts 2025 to be a golden year for the movie industry. MAJOR Cineplex Group Public Company Limited (MAJOR) is expected to post excellent earnings in Q4/2024 thanks to a slew of blockbuster releases and cost-cutting strategies. The valuation is considered attractive with additional upside potential from a share buyback program. The price target is set at THB 20.

Prasit Rattanakijkamol, CFA, CISA, Analyst at Asia Plus Securities, predicts that MAJOR will perform remarkably in Q4/2024 despite a slight decline in box office receipts compared to Q4/2023. Last year’s results were boosted by three Thai films — “The Undertaker” (THB 730 million), “Death Whisperer” (THB 500 million) and “4 Kings 2” (THB 250 million) — which together generated substantial revenues.

In Q4/2024, “Death Whisperer 2” generated THB 811 million in revenue nationwide, of which THB 549 million was attributable to MAJOR. Other releases such as “Venom 3” (THB 58 million) and “Moana 2” (THB 48 million) fell short of expectations, but the company remains optimistic about upcoming blockbusters such as “Kraven”, “Sonic 3” and the Thai film “Khun Chai”, which is scheduled for late December.

The lower cinema income impacted related segments such as popcorn and beverages, while other business areas showed an improvement: advertising was strengthened by new customers and product tie-ins with “Death Whisperer 2”. Bowling and leasing revenues increased with the economic recovery. Film content Significant contributions from the co-production of “Death Whisperer 2”, in which MAJOR has a 50 percent stake.

In addition, MAJOR will recognize special gains from the sale of long-term leasehold rights of the Ratchayothin branch to Major Cineplex Lifestyle Leasehold Property Fund (MJLF), adding THB 58.56 million to other income. Together with the fair value adjustments, the net profit in Q4/2024 is estimated to be THB 270-320 million, which is similar to the THB 335 million realized in Q4/2023.

Asia Plus Securities expects the movie industry to thrive in 2025, driven by sequels of Thai hits (Death Whisperer, Nakee, The Undertaker, E-Riam Sing and Luang Pee Jazz) as well as global blockbusters (Avatar 3, Mission Impossible 8 and Captain America). MAJOR’s goal is to sell 40 million tickets, surpassing the 2019 pre-COVID target of 34.22 million tickets.

MAJOR plans to expand its high-margin popcorn and beverage segment. They want to introduce creative popcorn containers inspired by Hollywood blockbusters and install 30 self-order kiosks in large cinemas to improve customer convenience and reduce labor costs by THB 30-40 million annually. They also plan to expand the popcorn range to include new flavors such as Nori Seaweed, sold exclusively at 7-Eleven, with the aim of selling 600,000 packs in the first three months.

MAJOR is implementing cost-saving measures in the IT area by switching to usage-based vendor contracts, which could reduce annual expenses by THB 50 million.

Given promising blockbusters, effective cost management and potential valuation gains, Asia Plus Securities maintains an outperform rating on MAJOR, with a DCF-based fair value of THB 20, equivalent to a P/E of 19x.

For the financial management share buyback program, with a maximum budget of THB 1 billion, the buyback period is set from July 16, 2024 to January 16, 2025. This initiative serves as a hedge against short-term share price declines. As of December 24, 2024, MAJOR has repurchased 64.73 million shares, representing 7.81 percent of the total outstanding shares. This leaves THB 96.4 million for further buybacks.

After completion of the buyback program, analysts believe it is likely that MAJOR will reduce its share capital by canceling all repurchased shares that have not been resold. This is in line with MAJOR’s previous buyback project in May 2024, where the company reduced its paid-in capital by 65.53 million shares. Such a reduction, achieved through the cancellation of repurchased shares, would increase the fair value according to the DCF method due to a reduction in the denominator, i.e. the total number of shares.

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ThaiBev Ambitiously Launched Thailand’s first Premier Scotch Whisky – PRAKAAN

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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28 December 2024, 13:52

BANGKOK — Beverage giant ThaiBev is embarking on an ambitious venture to create Thailand’s first premium single malt whisky that’s internationally recognised, and after over half a decade of hard work, the elixir of life is now available in three expressions.

Last week, a number of selected guests, and members of the press, were invited to sample the three expressions of PRAKAAN single malt whisky paired with food at The House on Sathorn for a memorable evening.

Mr Prapakon Thongtheppairot, Chief Spirits Product Group of Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (ThaiBev), explained to the forty-or-so guests that PRAKAAN single malt, distilled with local spring water in Kamphaeng Phet province is about provenance, passion, and pride.

The Western Forest Complex, which includes the province of Kamphaeng Phet, sits near the distillery. It is considered the largest remaining forest track in mainland Southeast Asia and covers an area of 18,000 square kilometres. (for comparison, the island of Phuket is 543 square kilometres, while Singapore is 750 square kilometres, and Bangkok 1,569 square kilometres.)

This is where PRAKAAN (which means a fort, alluding to the fortification of the ancient city and reflected in the red-brick walls of its distillery, derived its name from.)

Prapakon also spoke about pride, the pride that Thailand finally has its own locally-distilled premium single malt whisky.

PRAKAAN is truly an ambitious project because its goal is to sell Thai-made premium single malt whiskies that they and Thais can be proud of.

It follows Asian trail blazers and success stories like Japan’s now over-priced Nikka and Yamazaki single malt whiskies, and Taiwan’s award-winning Kavalan distillery, whom I had the intoxicated pleasure of visiting the distillery over a decade ago upon the invitation of the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry, and was duly impressed.

So how do the three expressions of PRAKAAN single malt whisky meet my expectations?

Let’s start with the cheapest, PRAKAAN Select Cask, which is still not cheap at all at 2,250 baht for a 70 cl bottle. (Please note that this story cannot show an image of the spirits in their bottles due to the restrictions under Thai laws which were aimed at discouraging alcoholism.)

PRAKAAN Select Cask is aged in ex-bourbon oak casks and was described by the distillery as “the epitome of our house style”. The distillery says “it is rich and smooth with tropical fruit, honey, vanilla, and hints of lemon peel.”

While I find it drinkable, select cask PRAKAAN is not my glass of single malt. The notes is not as flowery as I had expected for the price and it has a rather short finish despite its acceptable taste.

If you want to enjoy PRAKAAN premium Thai single malt whiskies, go for their more expensive double cask or peated malt.

This I think is partly due to the fact that PRAKAAN is, after all, still a new distillery and none of its three expressions has an age statement. A female Prakaan executive told me the minimum age is 3 years and above, although the maturation process differs from that of Scotland, or even Japan, due to the hot and humid climate in Thailand. I remember reading about one brand of Indian single malt whisky and an argument that maturing them in India for a year is roughly equivalent to three years in Scotland due to the different climate.

Brand Ambassador Warathep Chandeeraj, who is also their international sales manager, said the closest style to PRAKAAN is highland single malts in Scotland. He told me PRAKAAN distillery is now well over half a decade old.

Given its price, PRAKAAN Select Cask will have to compete with the likes of Glenmorangie’s The Original (aged 10 years in Bourbon cask, and a satisfying drink at 2,249 baht for a 70 cl bottle in a local liquor store in Bangkok, and also served at receptions at the British Residence in Bangkok) which is an entry-level highland single malt, thus the competition is indeed severe.

PRAKAAN double cask, matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry oak casks, (2,850 baht, and the priciest among the three expressions) is clearly a more complex and satisfying drink. It’s something the Thai embassies abroad can, or even should, stock some to serve its foreign guests on special occasions. I detected some spices and fruits in the notes and it is a satisfying wee dram. (Each expression at the dinner table that evening was served two ways: on a tulip tasting glass, and on a rock.)

Finally, this is something I can enjoy although I believe 10 years from now, a longer maturation period will do wonders and that’s something ThaiBev can’t buy outright.

BTW, PRAKAAN described its double cask single malt as full-bodied with “long-lasting complexity with multiple layers of spicy, raisin, and chocolate in a perfect balance”.

Let me put it briefly and bluntly, PRAKAAN double cask is the most complex of the three expressions, although like the rest, it contains no age statement.

The third and last expression, PRAKAAN peated malt (2,500 baht), is highly recommended for those into peaty, or smoky whisky. I would say that personally this is the most enjoyable of the three partly because the imported peat from Islay, combined with Scottish barley, ensured that the relative harshness from the relatively short maturation years is not an issue when it’s overpowered by peat.

“Deep and intense smokiness,” was how it was described by the distillery, and “overlaid by vanilla, honey, and sweet long-lasting finish.”

In the end, all three, particularly the two more expensive expressions, are worth trying, even savouring. They are the pride of one of Thailand’s largest conglomerates, which made a fortune selling beer (it’s Chang beer, BTW) and now they want to be noticed and take pride in making premium single malt whisky in Thailand that Thais can be proud of as well. I can’t wait to see how Prakaan distillery will mature in, say 10 years from now, although I am in no rush to see another decade pass within the blink of an eye.

During the course of our dinner and whisky drinking, Mr Prapakon said when he was in charge of Thailand’s premium rum (Phraya Rum) some years ago, he spent two years drinking all of the best rum from around the world. ThaiBev now relies on him, and his team, to make sure Prakaan will sooner than later be recognised and appreciated, not just in Thailand, but abroad.

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Foreign Tourist Wanted for Fireworks Incident in Pattaya

By

Khaosod English

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28 December 2024, 12:31

PATTAYA — Police are searching for a foreign tourist who caused injuries and property damage after incorrectly lighting fireworks on Buakhao Road in Pattaya on Christmas night.

CCTV footage shows the incident occurred at 00:16 a.m. on December 26 when the tourist lit a large firework tube upside down outside a beer bar. The mishandled firework exploded at street level, sending debris into a nearby shop and causing injuries to several Thai and foreign pedestrians.

The suspect, described as a tall, heavily tattooed man wearing a black Under Armour shirt and cream-colored shorts, fled the scene via Soi Excite.

“The damage to our merchandise exceeds 20,000 baht,” said shop employee Ms. Maem (pseudonym), 38. “We’re fortunate the building didn’t catch fire, or it could have been much worse.”

Witness Sutthipong, 35, a food vendor, reported the suspect used what appeared to be a 10-shot firework tube. “He placed it upside down on the ground instead of pointing it skyward, causing a violent explosion that sent everyone running for safety,” he said.

Pattaya City Police Station is actively investigating the case. The suspect is approximately 185-195cm tall, bald, and heavyset. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.

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