Madrid, Spain – Patrick Group, in partnership with the Real Madrid Foundation, has officially launched the “Real Madrid Foundation Clinics Thailand,” marking the first program together in Thailand. This initiative offers a unique chance for Thai youths who are passionate about football to experience elite-level training designed to enhance their potential and skills, led by Real Madrid Foundation coaches traveling directly from Spain. The training camp will take place from February 12-16, 2025, at KIS International School Reignwood Park in Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani province.
The Real Madrid Foundation Clinics Thailand aims to elevate the football skills of Thai youths to international standards, fostering determination and discipline through a training program certified by the globally renowned Real Madrid Foundation. Open to youth aged 8-15, the clinic offers intensive 5-day training in the Real Madrid club style, programmed by experienced Real Madrid Foundation coaches. Participants will also receive a certificate of participation from the Real Madrid Foundation, making this a truly exceptional opportunity for young athletes.
As an official partner of the Real Madrid Foundation in Thailand, Patrick Group is honored to offer this unique opportunity to Thai youths, aiming to advance their potential to a world-class level. On November 22, 2024, a special presentation ceremony took place at Real Madrid, featuring a photo with the “Thailand 2025” shirt, symbolizing the commitment to bringing Real Madrid Foundation Clinics to Thailand.
Prutsanai Mahakkapong, President of Patrick Group, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to introduce the Real Madrid Foundation Clinics Thailand project. This marks the first step in providing Thai youths with world-class football training experiences, opening doors for them to develop their potential in sports and life on multiple aspects.”
Parents and youths aged 8-15 interested in participating in the clinic of “Real Madrid Foundation Clinics Thailand” at KIS International School Reignwood Park, Lam Luk Ka, from February 12-16, 2025, can find registration details and further information by calling 065-530-9999 or by visiting Patrick Group’s website and social media channels listed below:
Activities in 16 communities across Bangkok, Phuket, Phang Nga, and Pattaya use hotels’ surplus food to feed disadvantaged local people, as part of efforts to alleviate hunger and reduce food waste
Bangkok, Thailand – Marriott International has marked World Food Day 2024 with a series of highly important community activities to promote sustainable food production and combat hunger in Thailand, all in collaboration with its long-term charitable partner, Scholars of Sustenance Foundation (SOS Thailand).
Created by the United Nations, World Food Day falls annually on October 16th with the goal of eradicating global hunger by 2030. Contributing to this occasion, the associates at Marriott’s properties in Bangkok, Phuket, Phang Nga, and Pattaya joined forces with SOS Thailand to provide meals to underprivileged local people, including children, while also reducing food waste and CO2 emissions.
In Bangkok, 19 of the group’s hotels staged a series of major food distribution events across the Thai capital on October 28th. Surplus food from the hotels’ kitchens and restaurants was donated to SOS Thailand, which transformed it into 2,000 delicious meals. These were then given to residents in underprivileged urban areas, including Chumchon Khlongtoei, Soi Phra Chen, Bon Kai, and Soi Khua Phrik.
In Southern Thailand, Marriott’s hotels and resorts in Phuket and Phang Nga came together with SOS Thailand for a significant event at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town. Surplus food from 14 properties was used to craft 3,000 meals, which were then distributed by SOS Thailand in seven separate activities across Phuket including Vichit Municipality, Rassada Municipality, Nakorn Municipality, Behind the Auditorium Community, Kathu Municipality, Chalong Subdistrict, and Koh Kaew Subdistrict.
The World Food Day activities continued in November 2024, as Courtyard by Marriott North Pattaya worked with SOS Thailand to prepare 140 meals for young people in Chonburi, in collaboration with the province’s Department of Juvenile Observation & Protection.
“We are delighted to come together with SOS Thailand, our charitable partner, to provide over 5,000 meals for underprivileged people, including children, in Thailand. Despite progress, malnutrition still affects some communities, and through our Serve360 program, Marriott is fully committed to supporting the goals of World Food Day by helping to alleviate hunger wherever we operate. I would like to thank all our associates and friends at SOS Thailand for their efforts in staging these impactful events,” said Daryn Hudson, Co-Chair of Marriott’s International Business Councils Thailand and General Manager at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort.
The World Food Day initiatives are only one aspect of Marriott International’s partnership with SOS Thailand. So far in 2024, the group’s hotels and resorts in Thailand have donated more than 21,606kg of surplus food to SOS, which used these ingredients to create 90,749 meals for local communities.
For more information about Marriott’s Serve360 program, please visit serve360.marriott.com.
ONYX Hospitality Group, Thailand’s leading management company for premier hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences, as well as a diverse range of hospitality experiences, is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new joint venture with Equatorial Group from Malaysia to co-develop “EQ Phuket”, a luxury hospitality project in Phuket, Thailand. Expected to open in 2028, this landmark project represents a significant milestone in ONYX Hospitality Group’s business expansion, complementing its esteemed brands, Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence. This exciting venture is a pivotal development for both companies, uniting Equatorial’s award-winning EQ brand with ONYX’s diverse portfolio.
The official joint venture signing ceremony took place on 18 November 2024, a moment which symbolised the shared vision and strong partnership between ONYX Hospitality Group and Equatorial Group. With a total investment of THB 2,500 million, the new development will be located on Kata Beach, one of Phuket’s most iconic and scenic locations. The rare and prime site features both stunning hilltop views and direct beach access, making it a highly sought-after destination for discerning travellers. The project will be located next to a new F&B destination.
The Equatorial Group has set a new standard for hospitality in Malaysia with its flagship EQ in Kuala Lumpur: the combination of its stylish design and exceptional guest experience along with its reputation for having some of the finest food & beverage venues in the city has won it international acclaim (most recently as Kuala Lumpur’s #1 hotel for the third consecutive year by Travel + Leisure Asia). As a joint venture partner, Equatorial Group brings its deep-rooted commitment to quality and guest-focused luxury, making this partnership a strong blend of strengths that promises to create an outstanding hotel property in Phuket.
Its unwavering commitment to excellence and attention to detail make Equatorial Group the ideal JV partner for ONYX Hospitality Group in this exciting project in Phuket, combining the strengths of both brands to deliver a truly exceptional experience.
Yuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The new joint venture with Equatorial Group represents a pivotal step in our growth strategy, underscoring our commitment to delivering world-class hospitality experiences. By combining ONYX’s tailored approach with Equatorial Group’s expertise, we are confident this project will set a new standard in luxury hospitality. The unique location, paired with spacious rooms and exceptional amenities, will make it a must-visit destination. Together, we are not only creating a spectacular property but also strengthening our position in the region and enhancing the tourism landscape of Phuket.”
Donald Lim, Chief Executive Officer of Equatorial Group, commented: “Equatorial has been at the forefront of the hospitality industry for over fifty years in Malaysia. We are driven by our mission to create exceptional and enduring experiences with a distinctively Asian touch and our partnership with ONYX aligns perfectly.” He further elaborates, “the introduction of our EQ brand at the uppermost tier has taken the Malaysian hospitality industry to a new level. This exciting project begins the expansion of the EQ brand and we are delighted to be doing so with ONYX.”
EQ Phuket is slated to offer 180 spacious units, catering to a wide range of regional, long-haul, and short-haul markets. Designed by one of the region’s leading architects, the resort will offer an unparalleled combination of hilltop serenity and beachfront luxury. Guests will have access to a range of world-class amenities, including expansive F&B outlets and exclusive facilities located directly on the beach plot.
Sustainability will be a central focus in the design and construction of this new project. The buildings will seamlessly blend with the natural landscape, ensuring that no large trees are removed. There is also a commitment to preserving a significant green space, with significant majority of the overall area dedicated to greenery.
The new venture reflects ONYX Hospitality Group’s commitment to growth, excellence, and delivering personalised guest experiences. With a focus on a ‘Tailored Approach to Hospitality,’ ONYX strives to be the best medium-sized hospitality management company in Southeast Asia. This vision drives their operations, ensuring each guest enjoys a unique, world-class experience. Through this project in Phuket, ONYX continues its mission to create innovative and memorable experiences while expanding its presence in key markets.
The collaboration between ONYX Hospitality Group and Equatorial Group underscores the strength of their partnership, founded on shared goals and a commitment to quality. This joint venture is set to drive future growth for both companies, creating a standout property in one of Thailand’s most coveted destinations. Combining architectural excellence, natural beauty, and expansive facilities, the project is poised to become a flagship for ONYX and a new highlight in Phuket’s thriving tourism scene.
For more information on ONYX Hospitality Group please visit: www.onyx-hospitality.com
CCTV footage from inside a Buriram shop shows the four suspects allegedly running a sophisticated scam targeting a local shopkeeper on Nov. 26, 2024.
BURIRAM — Four Pakistani nationals were arrested in Buriram province after allegedly running a sophisticated scam targeting local shopkeepers, particularly elderly store owners, using language barriers to confuse their victims and steal money.
The suspects, identified as Muhammad Ramzan, 35, Muhammad Saleem, 34, Amir Hussain, 24, and Muhammad Imran, 21, were apprehended by Buriram Provincial Police following multiple reports from local businesses.
The scammers’ modus operandi involved entering small retail shops and attempting to purchase beer with a 1,000 baht note. They would deliberately create confusion by switching between English and Urdu while communicating with the shopkeepers. The group would then claim to change their minds about the purchase, request a different brand, or pretend to wait for change, ultimately deceiving shop owners into giving them both the money and merchandise.
The four Pakistani suspects initially deny the allegations, but confess after being confronted with CCTV evidence on Nov. 26, 2024.
The scheme was exposed when one vigilant shop owner, who noticed their suspicious behavior, pointed out the store’s CCTV cameras. This prompted the group to leave, and the incident was reported to the police.
Police Major General Rutthaphon Naowarat, head of Buriram Provincial Police, ordered an investigation after receiving multiple complaints. The suspects were caught in a white rental Toyota near a local bank in downtown Buriram.
Initially denying the allegations, the group confessed after being confronted with CCTV evidence. Investigation revealed they had been traveling across several provinces, targeting 5-8 shops daily and specifically choosing elderly shopkeepers who were more vulnerable to their scheme. Each successful scam netted them approximately 950 baht.
The suspects have been charged with theft using a vehicle, an offense carrying a maximum penalty of seven years and six months imprisonment and a fine of up to 150,000 baht.
Foreigners who violate Thai law are subject to the same penalties as Thai citizens. After serving their sentence, their visa will be revoked and they will be deported from the Kingdom of Thailand.
BANGKOK — Finance Minister revealed three main requirements from foreign investors – land availability, green electricity, and skilled labor – that help attract investment to Thailand. He emphasized that businesses must prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions to advance the country towards a green economy.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira delivered a special address at the seminar “2025 Net Zero and the Challenges of The New Global Economy” on November 26. He discussed the urgent need to slow global temperature rise, starting with greenhouse gas emission reduction.
The government must accelerate action on this issue with clear targets, particularly regarding carbon credits. Thailand has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30%.
Initial assessments suggest Thailand may not yet fully recognize this data’s importance, necessitating rapid legal compliance measures. Non-compliance may become illegal as the world increasingly emphasizes green economy and energy.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira delivers a special address at the seminar “2025 Net Zero and the Challenges of The New Global Economy” on November 26, 2024.
European countries have begun implementing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which adjusts carbon pricing for cross-border trade into the EU to prevent carbon leakage. This factor requires Thai businesses to adapt quickly. Industrial estates producing goods for Europe must transition to green operations, with government support for investments aligned with global green economic policies.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) applications through Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) in the first nine months of 2024 broke a 10-year record, reaching over 700 billion baht or more than US$20 billion.
Three key requirements from foreign investors for investing in Thailand include:
Access to developed land at reasonable prices
Green electricity supply
Skilled labor force for modern industries
The Finance Minister confirmed the government’s full commitment to meeting these requirements: “We will complete these components, focusing on speed and clear energy policies, with our full cooperation and urgency.”
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra presided over the National Energy Policy Committee meeting on Nov. 26, 2024.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated during the National Energy Policy Committee meeting that all countries she met during international conferences showed strong interest in clean energy. She urged relevant agencies to focus more on this area to facilitate investment.
Regarding clean energy expansion, she emphasized following plans without delays and called for expedited improvements to clean energy selection and purchasing criteria, particularly for Direct Power Purchase Agreements (Direct PPA), to maintain competitiveness with neighboring countries like Malaysia.
Channel 3 Thailand has sent emails to affected staff members, requesting them to sign acknowledgment forms on November 26-27, 2024, at Maleenont office building.
BANGKOK — Thailand’s major broadcaster Channel 3 has announced a significant restructuring plan affecting approximately 100 employees. The network has sent emails to affected staff members, requesting them to sign acknowledgment forms on November 26-27, 2024, at the Maleenont office building.
The restructuring plan, set to take effect on December 31, 2024, includes specific leave policies for December. Starting December 1, 2024, employees with remaining leave days can utilize them during the month. However, the HR department has warned that those who take unauthorized leave beyond their allocated days may face deductions from their severance packages.
Affected employees received notification through company emails, informing them of their required participation in the organizational restructuring program. The emails detail that these changes will impact the employment status of certain staff members.
The network has established a formal process for the transition, including mandatory briefing sessions where employees will receive detailed information about their evaluation results and compensation packages. Severance payments will be provided in accordance with Thai labor laws, though the specific departments affected have not been publicly disclosed.
Channel 3
The Rise of Thailand’s First Commercial TV
Channel 3, Thailand’s first commercial television network launched in 1970, is facing another major restructuring as it adapts to the changing media landscape. The network, operated by BEC Multimedia Company Limited under BEC World Public Company Limited, has announced its fourth round of staff reductions.
Known as a private media enterprise run by the Maleenont family, Channel 3 reached its peak popularity in the 1980s by broadcasting hit international series from Hollywood (including Charlie’s Angels, CHiPs, Starsky & Hutch, and miniseries Roots) and Asian content from Hong Kong (The Bund, Legend of the Condor Heroes, Reincarnated) and Taiwan (Judge Bao).
The network also gained recognition for producing high-quality Thai dramas and launching numerous leading Thai actors who gained international followers. It even collaborated with Hong Kong’s TVB on drama productions.
Golden Era and Digital Transition
Under Prawit Maleenont’s leadership, Channel 3 experienced its most prosperous period, excelling in both drama and news content. In 2013, the network acquired three digital TV licenses: Channel 3 HD (33), Channel 3 SD (28), and Channel 3 Family (13).
However, this expansion coincided with significant digital disruption as online media transformed viewer behavior. Prawit resigned from all positions in November 2016 and sold his BEC World shares. By 2019, the network had terminated Channel 3 SD and Channel 3 family.
Channel 3 terminated its Channel 3 SD and Channel 3 Family operations on September 30, 2019.
Recent reports suggest Channel 3 plans to reduce its workforce by 30%, with department heads evaluating staff across all divisions, including the news department, which supports all the channel’s news programs. Some employees have voluntarily joined the restructuring program.
The latest round of layoffs has been communicated via email to affected staff. While the initial focus was on early retirement for employees aged 55 and above, the current restructuring also impacts younger staff aged 30-40. Many employees express shock at the announcement, particularly those who haven’t prepared for career transitions.
Disruption Extends Far Beyond Channel 3
Thailand’s media landscape is experiencing a significant transformation, with traditional outlets across all platforms struggling to maintain revenue streams. The disruption extends far beyond Channel 3’s recent restructuring, affecting the entire media industry.
Since 2019, Thailand’s digital TV landscape has contracted significantly, with the number of channels dropping from 24 to 15. Meanwhile, traditional print media, including magazines and newspapers, continue to cease operations or pivot to online platforms in a bid for survival.
According to joint data from the Stock Exchange of Thailand and TRIS Rating, the media industry’s performance in the first half of 2024 shows concerning trends:
Overall media and publishing revenue declined 4.60% year-over-year
Digital TV operators saw a sharper 12.16% revenue drop
Publishing sector revenue fell by 7.85%
Digital TV operators have been particularly hard hit by changing advertising patterns. Ad revenue and airtime sales decreased by 5.6% in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. This decline is primarily attributed to advertisers shifting to online platforms and social media, which offer lower costs and broader reach.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at an election night watch party, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump threatened on Monday to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China as soon as he takes office as part of his effort to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China, as one of his first executive orders.
The tariffs, if implemented, could dramatically raise prices for American consumers on everything from gas to automobiles to agricultural products. The U.S. is the largest importer of goods in the world, with Mexico, China and Canada its top three suppliers, according to the most recent U.S. Census data.
Trump made the threats in a pair of posts on his Truth Social site in which he railed against an influx of illegal migrants, even though southern border apprehensions have been hovering near four-year lows.
“On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders,” he wrote, complaining that “thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before,” even though violent crime is down from pandemic highs.
He said the new tariffs would remain in place “until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!”
FILE – A truck arrives to pick up a shipping container near vessels moored at Maersk APM Terminals Pacific at the Port of Los Angeles, on Nov. 30, 2021. When President Joe Biden took office in 2021, he kept much of former President Trump’s combative trade policy in place, including the China tariffs. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
“Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power,” he went on, “and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!”
A senior Canadian government official said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Trump spoke after Trump’s posts. The two spoke about the border and trade and had a good conversation, the official said. The official was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Trump also turned his ire on China, saying he has “had many talks with China about the massive amounts of drugs, in particular Fentanyl, being sent into the United States – But to no avail.”
“Until such time as they stop, we will be charging China an additional 10% Tariff, above any additional Tariffs, on all of their many products coming into the United States of America,” he wrote.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington cautioned on Monday that there will be losers on all sides if there is a trade war.
“China-US economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial in nature,” embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu posted on X. “No one will win a trade war or a #tariff war.” He added that China had taken steps in the last year to help stem drug trafficking.
It is unclear whether Trump will actually go through with the threats or if he is using them as a negotiating tactic before he returns to the White House in the new year.
Trump’s nominee for treasury secretary, Scott Bessent — who if confirmed, would be one of several officials responsible for imposing tariffs on other countries — has on several occasions said tariffs are a means of negotiation.
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)
He wrote in a Fox News op-ed last week, before his nomination, that tariffs are “a useful tool for achieving the president’s foreign policy objectives. Whether it is getting allies to spend more on their own defense, opening foreign markets to U.S. exports, securing cooperation on ending illegal immigration and interdicting fentanyl trafficking, or deterring military aggression, tariffs can play a central role.”
Trump won the election in large part due to voter frustration over inflation, but his threatened tariffs pose the risk of pushing prices even higher for food, autos and other goods. If inflationary pressures increase, the Federal Reserve might need to keep its benchmark interest rates higher.
Trump’s threats come as arrests for illegally crossing the border from Mexico have been falling. The most recent U.S. numbers for October show arrests remain near four-year lows, with U.S. Border Patrol making 56,530 arrests in October, less than one third of the tally from October last year.
Meanwhile, arrests for illegally crossing the border from Canada have been rising over the past two years. The Border Patrol made 23,721 arrests between October 2023 and September 2024, compared with 10,021 the previous 12 months. More than 14,000 of those arrested on the Canadian border were Indian — more than 10 times the number two years ago.
Last week, a jury convicted two men on charges related to human smuggling for their roles in an international operation that led to the deaths of a family of Indian migrants who froze while trying to cross the Canada-U.S. border during a 2022 blizzard.
Much of America’s fentanyl is smuggled from Mexico. Border seizures of the drug rose sharply under President Joe Biden, and U.S. officials tallied about 21,900 pounds (12,247 kilograms) of fentanyl seized in the 2024 government budget year, compared with 2,545 pounds (1,154 kilograms) in 2019, when Trump was president.
Supporters of President Donald Trump gather in anticipation of his visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, in Harlingen, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
If Trump were to move forward with the threatened tariffs, the new taxes would pose an enormous challenge for the economies of Canada and Mexico, in particular.
The Canadian dollar weakened sharply in foreign exchange markets immediately following Trump’s post.
During Trump’s first term, his move to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, and reports that he was considering a 25% tariff on the Canadian auto sector were considered an existential threat in Canada. Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and 75% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S.
The tariffs would also throw into doubt the reliability of the 2020 trade deal brokered in large part by Trump with Canada and Mexico, the USMCA, which replaced NAFTA and is up for review in 2026.
It’s unclear from Trump’s social media post how he would legally apply tariff hikes on those two pivotal U.S. trade partners, but the 2020 deal allows for national security exceptions.
Trump transition team officials did not immediately respond to questions about what authority he would use, what he would need to see to prevent the tariffs from being implemented and how they would impact prices in the U.S.
When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term in office, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum.
FILE – President Donald Trump greets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau upon his arrival at the White House, June 20, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
Many of the U.S. products were chosen for their political rather than economic impact. For example, Canada imports just $3 million worth of yogurt from the U.S. annually and most of it comes from one plant in Wisconsin, the home state of then-Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. That product was hit with a 10% duty.
The Canadian government, in a joint statement from Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister Dominic Leblanc, emphasized the close relationship between the two countries and said they will discuss the border and vast economic ties with the incoming administration.
“Canada places the highest priority on border security and the integrity of our shared border. Our relationship today is balanced and mutually beneficial, particularly for American workers,” the statement read.
Freeland, who chairs a special Cabinet committee on Canada-U.S. relations to address concerns about another Trump presidency, has said the president-elect’s promise to launch a mass deportation and concern that that could lead to an influx of migrants to Canada, is a top focus of the committee.
A second senior Canadian official had said before Trump’s posts that Canadian officials were expecting him to issue executive orders on trade and the border as soon as he assumes office. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Mexico’s Foreign Relations Department and Economy Department also had no immediate reaction to Trump’s statements. Normally such weighty issues are handled by the president at her morning press briefings.
Last week, a senior Chinese commerce official said higher tariffs on Chinese exports would backfire by raising prices for consumers. Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen also said China can manage the impact of such “external shocks.”
Actor Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying poses with the Emmy for Best Performance by an Actress at the 52nd International Emmy Awards at the New York Hilton Midtown on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)
NEW YORK — Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying has won the International Emmy Award for Best Performance for her compelling role in the Thai drama film “Hunger.” This marks a significant achievement for Thai entertainment on the global stage.
In “Hunger,” released on Netflix in April 2023, Aokbab delivers a powerful performance as Aoy, a young street-food cook who enters the high-pressure world of fine dining. The drama, directed by Sitisiri Mongkolsiri and written by Kongdej Jaturanrasamee, explores the intense dynamics of the culinary world through her character’s journey under the mentorship of the notorious Chef Paul, portrayed by Nopachai Jayanama.
Thai actress Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying shares a photo of herself with her award medal, writing “Me and the best performance by an actress medal 🥇 #myfirstmedal” on her Instagram (@aokbab).
The film, a collaboration between Song Sound Production and Netflix, also features Gunn Svasti as Tone, a supportive sous chef. Since its release, “Hunger” has garnered widespread critical acclaim, with Chuengcharoensukying’s performance receiving particular praise from international audiences.
This prestigious International Emmy win not only recognizes Aokbab’s exceptional talent but also highlights the growing global recognition of Thai cinema and television content. The achievement represents a milestone for Thailand’s entertainment industry and its increasing influence in international markets.
Actor Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying attends the 52nd International Emmy Awards at the New York Hilton Midtown on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)
Chutimon “Aokbab” Chuengcharoensukying was born in Bangkok on February 2, 1996. Her nickname “Aokbab” means “to design” in Thai, and she also carries the Chinese surname Zhuang. She pursued her education at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts.
Beginning her modeling career at age 15, Chutimon achieved international recognition as the first Thai model to be featured in Harper’s Bazaar UK, appearing in their October 2013 issue’s “A Shadow of a Jade Empire” spread.
Her acting debut came in 2017 with the critically acclaimed film “Bad Genius,” where she played the lead role of Lynn. The performance earned her widespread praise and marked a historic moment in Thai cinema when she became the first Thai actress to receive the Screen International Rising Star Asia Award at the 16th New York Asian Film Festival.
The 52nd edition of the International Emmy Awards was held in New York on November 25, 2024, marking a grand celebration of global television. This year’s Emmy Awards featured 56 nominations from 21 countries, underlining its stature as a truly international platform for recognizing television excellence. The nominations spanned 14 categories.
Here is the full list of winners:
Arts Programming Award – Pianoforte
Best Performance by an Actress – Aokbab-Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying in “Hunger”
Non-Scripted Entertainment Award – “Restaurant Misverstand – Season 2” (The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes)
Sports Documentary Award – “Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story”
Short-Form Series Award – “Punt de no retorn” (Point of No Return)
Kids: Live-Action Award – “En af Drengene” (One of the Boys)
Kids: Factual & Entertainment Award – “La Vida Secreta de tu Mente” (The Secret Life of Your Mind)
Kids: Animation Award – “Tabby McTat”
TV Movie/Mini-Series Award – “Liebes Kind” (Dear Child)
Comedy Award – “División Palermo”
Best Performance by an Actor – Timothy Spall in “The Sixth Commandment”
Telenovela Award – “La Promesa” (The Vow)
Documentary Award – “Otto Baxter: Not A F***ing Horror Story”
Drama Series Award – “Les Gouttes de Dieu” (Drops of God)
Celebrity Solstice makes a day-trip stop at Koh Samui on November 25, 2024.
KOH SAMUI — Luxury cruise ship MV Celebrity Solstice made a day-trip stop at Koh Samui on November 25, bringing 3,900 passengers and crew members to the popular tourist island.
The vessel, arriving from Laem Chabang port in Chonburi, carried 2,700 tourists primarily from the UK, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, and the US, along with 1,200 crew members. Local authorities, including tourist police and tourism officials, were present to ensure visitors’ safety and convenience.
Most tourists opted for safari tours to explore the island’s mountains or visited key attractions by taxi, including the Big Buddha temple, Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, and Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks. Local businesses expect around 5 million baht ($145K) in revenue from the visit.
Celebrity Solstice makes a day-trip stop at Koh Samui on November 25, 2024.
Earlier on November 5, the Celebrity Solstice cruise ship brought 2,830 international tourists plus crew on a day trip to Koh Samui, anchoring in Ban Na Thon Bay. Passengers disembarked to explore tourist attractions and shop around the island before the ship departed for Laem Chabang port in the evening.
The Celebrity Solstice’s route includes Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand’s Laem Chabang, and Koh Samui before returning to Singapore. Koh Samui is scheduled to welcome 73 cruise ships between November 2024 and late 2025, a 10% increase from the previous year.
Screenshot from a viral internet video showing liquid leaking at the mall, which was later confirmed to be from a kitchen grease pipe, not a toilet waste.
BANGKOK — Chatuchak officials have completed their investigation of a viral sewage incident at a prominent shopping mall in the Lat Phrao area, confirming that the yellow-colored liquid flooding parts of the building originated from a burst kitchen grease pipe, not a toilet waste line as initially speculated on social media.
The incident, which occurred on November 23 at approximately 6:20 PM, sparked widespread concern after images of the yellow liquid went viral online, with many internet users mistakenly identifying it as human waste.
Ms. Patkorn Sinsuk, Director of Chatuchak District, dispatched environmental and sanitation officials to investigate the incident. Their inspection revealed that the leak stemmed from a clogged grease trap connected to restaurants on the fourth floor. The buildup of pressure in the pipe caused it to burst, resulting in the spillage.
Screenshot from a viral internet video showing liquid leaking at the mall, which was later confirmed to be from a kitchen grease pipe, not a toilet waste.
Mall management confirmed that eight stores were affected by the incident, with cleanup completed within an hour. The mall has already initiated compensation discussions with affected vendors, and no mall visitors were directly impacted by the spillage.
Following the investigation, district officials provided sanitation recommendations to the fourth-floor restaurants, emphasizing proper waste management and grease disposal practices. The mall’s facility management team has been instructed to conduct a thorough cleaning of the entire drainage system to prevent similar incidents.
The shopping center has strongly refuted claims about toilet waste involvement and has warned of potential legal action against those spreading misinformation about the incident.
