BANGKOK — The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, in collaboration with the Embassy of Netherlands, the Ministery of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Information and B. Grimm Group Ltd., will present a concert titled “Sound of the Seasons” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 21st, at the Thailand Cultural Centre, which will also celebrate the special year of the 420th Anniversary of Thai-Netherlands Relations.
The Netherlands Embassy and RBSO proudly present a beautiful Christmas Concert by Dutch Conductor – Sander Teepen & Dutch Soprano – Jeannette van Schaik with the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra. This Christmas Concert will highlight and cherish the deep ties that have connected our two Kingdoms for centuries.
Jeannette is one of the Netherlands’ great emerging vocal talents, known for her radiant, luscious voice and heartfelt interpretation. She made her international debut as Mimì in Puccini’s La Bohème at the Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg under the baton of Karel Deseure.
Highlights include the New Year concert tour with the Noord Nederlands Orkest with conductor Ed Spanjaard, Mahler’s Symphony No.2 at the Royal Concertgebouw and her debut with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic orchestra with Sven-David Sandström’s High Mass under the baton of Ryan Bancroft.
Jeannette van Schaik
She has collaborated with orchestras such as the Nederlands Philharmonisch Orkest and Nederlands Kamerorkest, the Residentie Orkest, Tel Aviv Symphony Orchestra, Radio Filharmonisch Orkest, Nationaal Jeugd Orkest, Noord Nederlands Orkest and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.
Jeannette had the pleasure of working with conductors such as Giancarlo Andretta, Sir Mark Elder, Huba Hollóköi, Karel Deseure, Clark Rundell, Paul Nadler, Alexander Joel, Markus Stenz, Karina Cannelakis and Antony Hermus and with stage-directors such as Waut Koeken, Javier Lopéz Piñón, David Prins, Andrea Breth, Alexander Oliver, Sybrand van der Werf, Dominik Beneš and Paul Carr.
Sander Teepen
This concert will feature a variety of pieces to appeal to all ages. From the more mature and classical sounds of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, Ave Maria O Holy Night Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate to the cheery Christmas songs such as Jingle Bell and All I Want For Christmas Is You. The RBSO hopes to celebrate the festive season by providing a family-friendly atmosphere and concert experience.
President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a Time magazine Person of the Year event at the New York Stock Exchange, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration next month — extending a diplomatic olive branch even as Trump threatens to levy massive tariffs on Chinese goods.
Trump’s incoming press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed on Thursday that Trump invited Xi, but said it was “to be determined” if the leader of the United States’ most significant economic and military competitor would attend.
“This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just our allies, but our adversaries and our competitors too,” Leavitt said in an appearance on Fox News’ program ”Fox & Friends.” “We saw this in his first term. He got a lot of criticism for it, but it led to peace around this world. He is willing to talk to anyone and he will always put America’s interest first.”
CBS News first reported the invitation to Xi.
FILE – In this Saturday, June 29, 2019, file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump, left, meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan. Four decades after the U.S. established diplomatic ties with communist China, the relationship between the two is at a turning point. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
Asked at a Chinese Foreign Ministry briefing on Thursday about Trump’s invitation, spokesperson Mao Ning responded: “I have nothing to share at present.”
Leavitt said that other foreign leaders have also been invited, but did not provide any details.
The move by Trump to invite a leader of an adversarial nation to the American moment that is Inauguration Day is unorthodox. But it also squares with his belief that foreign policy—much like a business negotiation—should be carried out with carrots and sticks to get the United States’ opponents to operate closer to his administration’s preferred terms.
Jim Bendat, a historian and author of “Democracy’s Big Day: The Inauguration of Our President,” said he was not aware of a previous U.S. inauguration attended by foreign head of state.
“It’s not necessarily a bad thing to invite foreign leaders to attend,” Bendat said. “But it sure would make more sense to invite an ally before an adversary.”
Trump on Thursday during an appearance at the New York Stock Exchange, where he was ringing the opening bell to open the market, said he’s been “thinking about inviting certain people to the inauguration” without referring to any specific individuals.
“And some people said, ‘Wow, that’s a little risky, isn’t it?’” Trump said. “And I said, ‘Maybe it is. We’ll see. We’ll see what happens.’ But we like to take little chances.”
President-elect Donald Trump gestures after ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
“There is no such plan, at least for the time being,” said Gergely Gulyás, Orban’s chief of staff.
The nationalist Hungarian leader is embraced by Trump but has faced isolation in Europe as he’s sought to undermine the European Union’s support for Ukraine, and routinely blocked, delayed or watered down the bloc’s efforts to provide weapons and funding and to sanction Moscow for its invasion. Orban recently met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
Every country’s chief of mission to the United States will also be invited, according to a Trump Inaugural Committee official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The invitation comes as Trump has vowed to enact massive tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China to get those countries to do more to reduce illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States.
He has said that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada and that China could be hit with even higher tariffs.
China produces precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, but Beijing has stepped up efforts over the last year to crack down on the export of the chemicals.
“We’ve been talking and discussing with President Xi, some things, and others, other world leaders, and I think we’re going to do very well all around,” Trump said in a CNBC interview Thursday.
Xi during a meeting with President Joe Biden last month in Beijing urged the United States not to start a trade war.
President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping before a bilateral meeting, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Lima, Peru. (Leah Millis/Pool Photo via AP)
“Make the wise choice,” Xi cautioned. “Keep exploring the right way for two major countries to get along well with each other.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also pushed back on Trump’s threats, warning such a tariffs move would be perilous for the U.S. economy as well.
Trudeau earlier this week said that Americans “are beginning to wake up to the real reality that tariffs on everything from Canada would make life a lot more expensive” and said he will retaliate if Trump goes ahead with them.
Trump responded by calling Canada a state and Trudeau the governor.
In addition to the tariff dispute, U.S.-China relations are strained over other issues, including what U.S. officials see as Beijing indirectly supporting Russia’s war on Ukraine.
The Biden administration says China has supported Russia with a surge in sales of dual use components that help keep its military industrial base afloat.
U.S. officials also have expressed frustration with Beijing for not doing more to rein in North Korea’s support for the Russian war.
China accounts for the vast majority of North Korea’s trade.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dispatched thousands of troops to Russia to help repel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk border region. The North Koreans also have provided Russia with artillery and other munitions, according to U.S. and South Korean intelligence officials.
Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration takes place a day after the U.S. deadline for ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of social media giant TikTok, to sell the social media app or face a ban in the United States.
A joint operation involving multiple agencies, including the ONCB, and China's NNCC, lead to the warehouse raid in the Samae Dam area of Bang Khun Thian district on December 11, 2024.
BANGKOK — Thai narcotics officials are searching for four Chinese suspects following the seizure of chemical precursors used to manufacture Etomidate, a substance increasingly being abused in e-cigarettes.
A joint operation involving multiple agencies, including the ONCB, and China’s NNCC, lead to the warehouse raid in the Samae Dam area of Bang Khun Thian district on December 11, 2024.
In a press conference at the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) on December 12, Secretary-General Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lakboon announced that authorities discovered seven types of chemicals stored in a Bangkok warehouse. The raid followed an intelligence sharing operation with China’s National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC).
The investigation began on October 30 when NNCC alerted Thai authorities about suspected Etomidate production activities in Thailand, linked to recent arrests in China. A joint operation involving multiple agencies, including the ONCB, Naval Intelligence Department, FDA, Consumer Protection Police, and NNCC, led to the warehouse raid in the Samae Dam area of Bang Khun Thian district on December 11.
“The 2,200 liters of chemicals seized could produce 200 kilograms of Etomidate, worth approximately 140 million baht (30 million yuan, $4 million) and could be used as an additive in up to 600,000 e-cigarette units,” Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat stated.
Etomidate, a short-acting anesthetic, has emerged as a substance of concern due to its abuse potential. When misused, it can cause tremors, loss of balance, and potentially permanent neurological damage or respiratory failure. The drug has gained popularity in China and Taiwan, particularly when mixed with e-cigarettes, and has been linked to cases of abuse.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of ONCB (center), leads a press conference on the seizure of e-cigarette drug precursor chemicals, alongside a NNCC representative from China, at the ONCB office in Bangkok on December 12, 2024.
While Etomidate is not currently classified as an illegal substance in Thailand, ONCB plans to propose its listing as a Category 2 psychotropic substance. The four Chinese suspects, who rented the warehouse and are wanted in China on drug-related charges, remain at large in Thailand. Authorities are working to apprehend them for extradition to China.
Chonburi police arrest 10 Chinese and 3 Korean nationals who are allegedly running an illegal call center targeting victims with fraudulent product sales and tour packages in a luxury Pattaya pool villa on Dec. 12, 2024.
PATTAYA — Unusually high electricity bills reaching tens of thousands of baht led Chonburi police to uncover a major international scam operation in two luxury Pattaya pool villas on Thursday.
The investigation culminated in the arrest of 13 foreign nationals who were allegedly running an illegal call center targeting victims with fraudulent product sales and tour packages.
In a coordinated operation on December 12, Chonburi Provincial Police and Pattaya Police investigators raided two locations in View Point Village, Soi Chaiyapruek 1, Moo 10, Nongprue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
The first target, a two-story house, yielded six male Chinese nationals on the ground floor along with multiple laptop computers. The second location led to the discovery of seven more suspects – four Chinese nationals (three men and one woman) and three Korean nationals.
Chonburi Provincial Police and Pattaya Police investigators raid two locations in View Point Village, Soi Chaiyapruek 1, Moo 10, Nongprue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province on Dec. 12, 2024.
Both properties were luxury villas equipped with private swimming pools. Police seized approximately 30 computers, 30 mobile phones, and various other equipment suspected to be used in the criminal operation.
Police Major General Thawatchakiat Jindakhuansanong, Chief of Chonburi Provincial Police, stated that the operation was part of the Royal Thai Police’s broader initiative to combat transnational crime and call center scams.
“Initial investigations reveal multiple scam patterns primarily targeting Chinese and Korean nationals,” he explained. “The gang would trick victims into purchasing products and transferring money.” Authorities are currently investigating whether any Thai nationals were among the victims.
Police seize computers, mobile phones, and various other equipment suspected to be used in the criminal operation.
The suspects were found to be converting their criminal proceeds into cryptocurrency to obscure the money trail. Police confirmed this operation is distinct from previously busted call center gangs in the area, representing a new criminal group that had recently established operations in Pattaya.
Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the operation’s financial transactions and its potential links to broader criminal networks. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Thai authorities in combating sophisticated international fraud operations operating within the country.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivers her administration's 90-day progress report "2025 Empowering Thais: A Real Possibility" at the NBT station on December 12, 2024.
BANGKOK — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered her administration’s 90-day progress report on December 12, focusing primarily on future initiatives under the theme “2025 Empowering Thais: A Real Possibility” rather than current achievements.
The presentation, which followed her succession of Srettha Thavisin as the country’s leader, drew criticism from opposition parties for being more aspirational than concrete.
In her address via the state-run NBT station, Paetongtarn unveiled an ambitious agenda for 2025, including major infrastructure projects and social welfare programs. Key initiatives include tackling environmental challenges, with plans to address flooding through new floodway construction and a targeted 50% reduction in burning activities in Chiang Mai to combat PM2.5 pollution.
Housing for Thais
The government’s economic proposals feature support for SMEs in rice exports, promotion of AI and EV industries, and development of the semiconductor sector. A significant workforce development program aims to train 280,000 students to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness in these industries.
Notable social welfare programs announced include the “One Tambon One Scholarship” initiative, providing opportunities for bright students to study at top universities domestically and abroad.
PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra poses alongside Deputy PMs at the NBT station where she delivered her administration’s 90-day progress report on December 12, 2024.
The “Baan Pheu Khon Thai” housing project promises affordable 30-square-meter apartments on State Railway Authority land, with 99-year leasehold options at 4,000 baht monthly payments.
True Digital Wallets
She detailed the government’s 10,000-baht Digital Wallet initiative, which has been structured as a three-phase rollout, with its first phase already successfully completed in 2024, benefiting 14 million vulnerable citizens.
The program is now moving into its second phase, which will distribute cash payments to 4 million elderly citizens before the Chinese New Year on January 29, 2025. The final phase, set for completion in 2025, will mark the full transition to a true digital wallet system. This last phase is particularly significant as it aims to establish a digital bridge between citizens and government services, representing a crucial step in Thailand’s transformation toward a digital economy.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivers her administration’s 90-day progress report “2025 Empowering Thais: A Real Possibility” at the NBT station on December 12, 2024.
Other significant announcements included a three-year debt moratorium for heavily indebted individuals, and debt clearance for accounts under 5,000 baht affecting over 335,000 account holders. The government also plans to implement a maximum 20-baht fare for MRT lines and establish district-level bilingual schools in 2025.
The presentation emphasized Thailand’s aspirations to become a global culinary and festival destination, aiming to minimize low tourist seasons while bringing the informal sector, currently at 49% of GDP, into the regulated economy.
Mixed Reactions
Opposition leader Nattapong Ruangpanyawut of the People’s Party criticized the presentation, arguing that it lacked concrete solutions to pressing issues, particularly bureaucratic reform and decentralization. He emphasized that Thailand’s drug problems cannot be effectively addressed without tackling border issues and conflicts with neighboring countries.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivers her administration’s 90-day progress report “2025 Empowering Thais: A Real Possibility” at the NBT station on December 12, 2024.
Sirikanya Tansakul, deputy leader of the People’s Party, pointed out that the government has actually been in power for 1 year and 4 months when including Srettha’s tenure, yet failed to provide a comprehensive review of past achievements.
Meanwhile, the business sector has expressed support for the government’s 90-day performance. Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, praised the administration’s efforts in tourism, soft power initiatives, and particularly its success in attracting major global tech investments in areas such as Data Centers, Cloud Services, EV manufacturing, and semiconductor production.
However, he noted that workforce development and investment incentives still need improvement, while acknowledging the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle household and business debt issues despite limited progress.
On November 28th, Michelin Guide Ceremony 2025 Thailand was grandly held in Bangkok. As the “Global Partner” of Michelin Guide, Wuliangye made a remarkable appearance, showcasing a variety of products. Hua Tao, General Manager of Wuliangye Yibin Co., Ltd., attended the event.
Over 300 guests, including prominent Bangkok media representatives, Michelin-starred chefs, and industry influencers were invited to the event. Chen Chong, Chairman of Wuliangye Import and Export Co., Ltd., attended the event, along with Galaxy EdutainmentCo., Ltd., Wuliangye Exclusive Distributor, Thailand, which also provided support.
At the event, Wuliangye showcased a range of products, including Wuliangye·Ziqidonglai, Wuliangye Panda Series, Classic Wuliangye, and the Baijiu cocktail base “Wugusong”. The event featured a special “Wugroni” cocktail crafting and tasting area, showcasing the traditional essence and modern allure of Chinese Baijiu in an innovative format. This provided guests with a dual feast of flavors and cultural richness.
The Wuliangye booth drew the attention of numerous high-profile guests, including Thapani Gia Tipeiwen, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Michelin one-star chef Shunjie Shimamura, and three-star chef Jiang Minggu, who stopped by to observe and taste the showcased offerings. The on-site staff provided detailed introductions to Wuliangye’s rich history, unique Baijiu-making techniques, and distinctive flavor profiles to the guests.
During the event, Hua Tao engaged in an in-depth discussion with Manuel Fafian, President and Managing Director for East Asia & Oceania at Michelin. He stated that Wuliangye and Michelin Guide share the same fundamental values: where there is gourmet cuisine, there is fine Baijiu. He expressed a desire to strengthen communication and collaboration moving forward, continuing to explore innovative ways to express the “Gourmet Cuisine + Fine Baijiu”experience, allowing global consumers to savor more stories of harmony on their palates.
Thai cuisine is renowned worldwide for its delicate balance of sour, spicy, salty, sweet, and bitter flavors, which aligns perfectly with Wuliangye’s five-grain formula and its craftsmanship in achieving a harmonious taste. Yibin’s unique natural environment and Wuliangye’s Baijiu-making techniques with millennium history provide a solid foundation for this cross-cultural fusion, allowing Wuliangye and Thai cuisine to beautifully complement each other.
At the dinner, Rishi Naleendra, the star chef of Michelin two-star restaurant Cloudstreet, expertly crafted the “Baijiu-Infused Wagyu Beef Tartar,” which paired perfectly with Wuliangye. The aroma of Wuliangye penetrates with the tenderness and juiciness of the Wagyu beef, while the Baijiu’s fragrant notes are perfectly infused into the marinating and roasting process, delivering an unparalleled sensory experience for each guest.
This event marked the final stop of the year for Wuliangye since officially becoming the “Global Partner” of Michelin Guide in September. From the craftsmanship of Japanese cuisine to the exquisiteness of Italian cuisine, the diverse integration of Malaysian cuisine, and the regional flavors of Thai cuisine, Wuliangye showcased the seamless integration of Chinese Baijiu with global cuisines through four Michelin Guide Ceremonies.
The cooperation between Wuliangye and Michelin Guide is not only a vivid embodiment of the fusion between Chinese Baijiu culture and global culinary traditions but also provides a powerful momentum to the internationalization of Chinese Baijiu, showcasing Wuliangye’s modern, youthful, and global brand image to the world. In the future, Wuliangye will continue to promote Chinese Baijiu culture with a global perspective, offering international consumers more exceptional “Gourmet Cuisine + Fine Baijiu”experiences.
Thai and Chinese authorities, led by Acting Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwphan and Chinese Minister Counselor Wu Zhiwu, hold a meeting to outline a comprehensive strategy focusing on regional cooperation, law enforcement, and technological development at the Foreign Ministry on Dec. 11, 2024.
BANGKOK — Thai and Chinese authorities have strengthened their alliance in combating international call center scams, following a high-level meeting between cyber crime officials from both countries.
The meeting, led by Acting Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwphan and Chinese Minister Counselor Wu Zhiwu, outlined a comprehensive strategy focusing on regional cooperation, law enforcement, and technological development.
The discussion focused on five key points:
1. Root Causes of Scam Centers
The focus was on international cooperation, particularly between Thailand, China, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos, to effectively and sustainably tackle high-tech fraud centers. The aim is to achieve concrete and consistent results in tackling these problems.
2. Roles of Law Enforcement in Thailand
The Royal Thai Police has underlined its commitment to ensuring that no fraud centers operate in the country. Efforts to combat online crime have been consistent and have maintained Thailand’s positive image internationally. Thai authorities have responded to all complaints, dismantled fraud centers within the country and shared information with foreign authorities. They encouraged other nations to follow suit.
3. Exchanging Information on Offenders
The meeting emphasized the importance of sharing data on suspects and offenders across countries in order to increase efficiency in the fight against cross-border fraud.
4. Joint Training and Technology Development
Proposals have been made for the reciprocal use of advanced technologies, such as false base stations, to prevent their illegal use and protect the public from fraud.
5. Support legislation and enforcement
Emphasize the importance of joint law enforcement to extradite transnational criminals for prosecution, while fostering cooperation with other countries in the region.
Gambling and scam suspects escorted by Chinese police officers are pictured on a chartered flight to China, April 13, 2024. Two police-chartered civilian flights brought back 130 gambling and scam suspects from Cambodia earlier on April 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Gang)
“Thai police have demonstrated exceptional professionalism,” noted Wu Zhiwu, highlighting recent successes in cross-border cooperation. “Since February 2024, Thai-Myanmar collaboration has facilitated the extradition of 889 criminals to China.”
In a related development, the Thai Cabinet approved a new electronic data linkage system agreement with China’s Customs Department, aimed at streamlining cross-border trade processes. Thailand has established a dedicated task force to implement this system and develop efficient data-sharing protocols.
The initiative represents a significant step forward in bilateral cooperation between Thailand and China in addressing cybercrime while facilitating legitimate trade operations.
Phillip Securities Thailand has closed a major deal to acquire RHB Securities Thailand, strengthening its stock brokerage business. The merger is expected to boost revenue by more than 50% while expanding services and client base amid challenging conditions in Thailand’s capital market.
Bangkok, November 25, 2024 – Phillip Securities (Thailand) Public Company Limited, or PhillipCapital Thailand, has announced a strategic acquisition agreement with RHB Securities (Thailand) Public Company Limited, marking a significant merger in Thailand’s securities industry.
The merger will result in Phillip Securities (Thailand) more than doubling its market share in the securities industry, representing a trading value of more than 200 billion baht, with projected revenue growth exceeding 50%.
This consolidation will create opportunities for exponential growth in the stock brokerage industry by expanding the client base and increasing the number of Financial Advisors, ultimately improving operational efficiency. The combined entity will be well-positioned to meet the challenges of the modern investment landscape and will be able to provide securities trading services in 20 global capital markets. This marks an important milestone for PhillipCapital Group, which has operated in Thailand for 26 years
Mr. Cameron Payne Frazier, Chief Executive Officer of Phillip Securities (Thailand) Public Company Limited, stated: “We are very positive about the acquisition of RHB Securities (Thailand) Public Company Limited. It fits perfectly with our long term growth strategy and gives us an opportunity to serve more customers with our full range of products.”
Mr. Sanupong Suthadtumakul, Executive Director of Phillip Securities (Thailand), added: “The acquisition of RHB Securities (Thailand) will strengthen our Financial Advisor base. We remain committed to developing our organization in four key areas: improving service efficiency, building long-term investor relationships, developing responsive products, and implementing cutting-edge technology in our services, aligned with our mission as a trusted ‘Partner in Investment.'”
About Phillip Securities (Thailand) Public Company Limited:
Phillip Securities (Thailand) is part of PhillipCapital Group, headquartered in Singapore, established in 1975 and approaching its 50th anniversary in 2025. The company specializes in diverse investment services, covering stocks, derivatives, mutual funds, and other financial products. The group serves over 1.5 million clients worldwide, with Assets Under Management (AUM) of over US$50 billion, and shareholders’ funds in excess of US$2.5 billion.
In Thailand, Phillip Securities has operated since 1998, focusing on comprehensive services for both domestic and international investors, while offering diverse products and services and utilizing modern technology to enhance service efficiency. For more information about the company, please visit: www.phillip.co.th
Hino Motors Sales (Thailand) Ltd., is committed to develop the skills of Hino truck dealers who provide services to customers throughout Thailand. Emphasizing on being the popular truck brand, Hino holds “the Hino Total Support Contest”, an activity which focuses on the development and leverage of the Hino dealers’ skills for excellence in the aspects of sales, spare part selling and service providing. In continuity, Hino has been holding the Hino Total Support Contest, for 30 times, covering intensive theoretical and practical parts and highlighting the applying of knowledge in real-life work, on site; the Contest will help the truck dealers to develop skills and apply their gained knowledge to improve and move the Hino businesses forward for further business progression and efficiency.
This year, it is an honor to have Mr. Sarmart Pattamasukhon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Keiichi Yoshimura, Senior Vice President of Mobility Business Division in Mitsui & Co., (Thailand) Ltd. , Mr. Masahiro Kumasaka, Chief Officer Director of Hino Motors Asia Ltd., Mr. Chaiyant Nimnualphong, President of Hino Motors Manufacturing (Thailand) Ltd., and Ms. Yumiko Kawamura, President of Hino Motors Sales (Thailand) Ltd., preside over the opening event for the Hino Total Support Contest. Together with other business partners, relevant parties attended the event and supported the aforementioned activity, on December 4, 2024, at Miracle Grand Convention Hotel, Bangkok.
Ms. Yumiko Kawamura, President of Hino Motors Sales (Thailand) Ltd., has mentioned that the contest activity illustrated the fact that Hino has been developing its personnel and products, involving trucks and buses continually and consistently. The Hino Total Support Contest would enhance dealer experiences in terms of 3s: Sales/ Service/ and Spare Parts. Moreover, Hino’s integrated tool called Total Support, such as HINO-CONNECT, or financial presentation, could be used for creating benefits and advantages, and supporting the customers’ businesses. Personnel from the dealer sector, throughout Thailand, would be supported and promoted in the aspects of skill and competency development, and knowledge enhancement for work, in order to propel the Hino’s businesses forward and leverage the labor standards for personnel expertise; these factors would be a part in the country development toward prosperity and sustainability, which was the highest goal to reach for in the set up contest, complying with this year’s core policy of Hino: Customer Smile. Hino is more than ready to make our customers smile and be happy with Hino products.
After the afternoon contest was finished, the award announcement and reception party were held in the evening. Winners of the contest received monetary awards, honorary medals, and flags. During the event, contestants and participants enjoyed seeing the entertaining concert and performances by the Artist, Tanya R-Siam.
The 30th Hino Total Support Contest Announcement for the Year of 2024 Winners with the Highest Scores in Total from the 3 Categories of the Contest (Sales, Service, and Spare Parts) : Hino Trang Co., Ltd
Total Score Sales Category Winner – Khun Chattapitchaya Srichansang, from Chairatchakarn (Bangkok) Co., Ltd. (Ratchaburi) Runner-Up – Khun Supapat Kitjapipat, from Chairatchakarn (Bangkok) Co., Ltd. Second Runner-Up – Khun Atchara Chutilanchakorn, from Mitsui Bussan Automotive (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Consolation Winner – Khun Mintra Annithi, from Chairatchakarn Chachoengsao Co., Ltd.
Spare Parts Category Winner – Khun Jaruwan Chansawang, from Hino Trang Co., Ltd. Runner-Up – Khun Songkran Duang-am, from Phitsanulok Motor Sales Co., Ltd. (Nakhonsawan) Second Runner-Up – Khun Annop Suwannachote, from Phitsanulok Motors Sales Co., Ltd. Consolation Winner – Khun Pichaisak Puangwatpho, from Chairatchakarn (Bangkok) Co., Ltd. (Bangbuathong)
Service Category Winner – Khun Ronnakrit Rakchan / Khun Nitipon Khamjon and Khun Patipat Pankaew, from Hino Trang Co., Ltd. Runner-Up – Khun Antika Pattarakulchai / Khun Pattamawan Suhat / Khun Sirichai Sangngam and Khun Winai Wongsawek, from Chairatchakarn (Bangkok) Co., Ltd. (Rama 2) Second Runner-Up – Khun Saowaluck Buapok / Khun Tawatchai Ayuyo / Khun Pathomchai Tosang and Khun Wuttichai Kodmongkol, from Hino Siam Nakorn Co., Ltd. Consolation Winner – Khun Suchet Hatthee / Khun Chulalak Sophap / Khun Yutthana Kuanchom and Khun Teerapat Suksawas, from Chai Ratchakarn (Bangkok) Co., Ltd. (Chon Buri Branch)
Hino would like to congratulate to all winners. We hope that the Hino Total Support Contest would develop the contestants’ skills and competency, and allow them to live up to their potentials, for the utmost benefits, for delivering great services, creating good experiences to customers, putting smiles on customers’ faces (Customer Smile Policy), and impressing Hino customers throughout the country.
Follow us for more Hino news and activities via channels, as follows: http://www.hinothailand.com, Facebook: Hino Thailand Fan Club, Line: @hinoth, YouTube: Hino Thailand Official, and TikTok: @hinoth
In this photo provided by South Korea Presidential Office, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks at the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (South Korea Presidential Office via AP)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s president defended his martial law decree as an act of governance and denied rebellion charges, vowing Thursday to “fight to the end” in the face of attempts to impeach him and intensifying investigations into last week’s dramatic move.
Yoon Suk Yeol’s televised statement came hours before the main liberal opposition Democratic Party submits a new impeachment motion against Yoon to put it on a floor vote this weekend.
Yoon’s Dec. 3 martial law declaration, the first of its kind in more than 40 years in South Korea, has generated political chaos and large protests calling for his ouster. The decree brought hundreds of armed troops attempting to encircle parliament and raiding the election commission, though no major violence or injuries occurred. Martial law lasted only six hours as Yoon was forced to lift it after the National Assembly unanimously voted it down.
Yoon, a conservative, said he enacted martial law as a warning to the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, which controls parliament. He called the party “a monster” and “anti-state forces” that he said tried to use its legislative muscle to impeach top officials, undermined the government’s budget bill for next year and sympathized with North Korea.
“I will fight to the end to prevent the forces and criminal groups that have been responsible for paralyzing the country’s government and disrupting the nation’s constitutional order from threatening the future of the Republic of Korea,” Yoon said.
“The opposition is now doing a sword dance of chaos, claiming that the declaration of martial law constitutes to an act of rebellion. But was it really?” he said.
People watch a TV screen showing the live broadcast of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s announcement at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Yoon said martial law was an act of governance that cannot be the subject of investigations and doesn’t amount to rebellion. He said the deployment of nearly 300 soldiers to the National Assembly was designed to maintain order, not dissolve or paralyze it.
The Democratic Party quickly dismissed Yoon’s statement as “an expression of extreme delusion” and “a declaration of war against the people.” Kim Min-seok, head of a party task force, accused the president of attempting to incite pro-Yoon riots by far-right forces. He said the Democratic Party will focus on getting the motion impeaching Yoon passed on Saturday.
It’s unclear how Yoon’s comments will affect his fate. The Democratic Party and smaller opposition parties hold 192 seats combined, eight votes short of a two-thirds majority, or 200 of the 300 lawmakers, in the National Assembly. The earlier attempt to impeach Yoon failed with most lawmakers from Yoon’s governing People Power Party boycotting the vote.
Yoon’s speech was expected to deepen a divide inside the PPP. When party chair Han Dong-hun, a critic of Yoon, called Yoon’s statement “a confession of rebellion” during a party meeting, Yoon loyalists angrily jeered and called on Han to stop speaking. Han has urged party members to vote in favor of Yoon’s impeachment.
Opposition parties and even some PPP members say the martial law decree was unconstitutional. They say South Korean law allows the president to declare martial law only during wartime or similar emergencies. They argue that deploying troops to seal the National Assembly to suspend its political activities amounted to rebellion because the constitution doesn’t give a president such rights in any situation.
Police, prosecutors and other agencies are investigating whether Yoon and others involved in imposing martial law committed rebellion, abuse of power and other crimes. Earlier this week, the Justice Ministry banned Yoon from leaving the country, but it’s still unclear if they would be able to detain or arrest him. A conviction for rebellion carries a maximum penalty of death.
South Korean law gives a president immunity from prosecution while in office, except for allegations of rebellion or treason. This means that Yoon can be questioned and detained by investigative agencies over his martial law decree, but many observers doubt that authorities will forcefully detain him because of the potential for clashes with his presidential security service.
Participants stage a rally to demand South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, outside the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahnn Young-joon)
On Wednesday, Yoon’s presidential security service didn’t allow police to search the presidential office.
Yoon’s statement was seen as an about-face. Last Saturday, Yoon apologized over declaring martial law, saying that he won’t avoid responsibility for it. He said he would leave it to his party to chart a course through the political turmoil, “including matters related to my term in office.”
On Wednesday, Yoon’s former defense minister, Kim Yong Hyun, was arrested on allegations of playing a key role in a rebellion and committing abuse of power. The national police chief and the head of Seoul’s metropolitan police have been detained while their actions of sending police forces to the National Assembly are investigated as a criminal matter.
Kim, who resigned after martial law was lifted, is one of Yoon’s close associates. He has been accused of recommending martial law to Yoon and sending troops to the National Assembly to block lawmakers from voting on it. He tried to kill himself in detention, but correctional officers stopped him and he was in stable condition, according to the Justice Ministry.
FILE – South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, right, looks on as South Korea’s Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun speaks during a news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, on Nov. 1, 2024. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP, File)
In his speech Thursday, Yoon said he had discussed imposing martial law only with Kim before he informed other top officials about it at a Cabinet meeting just before its declaration.
On the night of Dec. 3, besides the National Assembly, Yoon and Kim sent troops to the National Election Commission. That raised speculation that he might have tried to seize computer servers at the commission as he believed unfounded rumors that the results of April’s parliamentary elections, in which his party suffered steep losses, were rigged.
Yoon said he asked Kim to examine the supposed vulnerabilities of the commission’s computer systems, which Yoon said was hampering the credibility of election results. He accused the commission of resisting a thorough inspection by Seoul’s spy agency following a cyberattack attributed to North Korea-backed hackers last year.
If Yoon is impeached, his presidential powers would be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office or retore his powers. If he is dismissed, a new presidential election would be required within 60 days.
