200 Lopburi Monkeys Escape from Enclosure, Some Invade Police Station

By

-

17 November 2024, 14:19

LOPBURI — Over 200 monkeys escaped from the Lopburi City Municipality Animal Nursery. As of this morning, more than 60 have returned to their enclosure for food. National Parks Department officials are rushing to capture the remaining monkeys, expecting the operation to take 2-3 days.

The breakout occurred from the third enclosure at the nursery in Pho Kao Ton subdistrict, Muang district, Lopburi province. The escaped monkeys were from the Manora monkey zone, which normally houses about 300 monkeys.

Around 200 escaped on the evening of November 16, wandering the streets, climbing into residents’ homes, and some even invaded the Tha Hin Police Station, forcing officers to hurriedly close all doors and windows.

monkey police2 — Some monkeys invade the Tha Hin Police Station, forcing officers to hurriedly close all doors and windows, on Nov. 17, 2024.

The escape was possible due to old netting in the enclosure, which was built 5-6 years ago. The netting couldn’t withstand the monkeys’ force and created an opening they could escape through.

On the morning of November 17, hundreds of monkeys were still lingering around the enclosure, trying to return for food. Every Sunday, Wat Sao Thong Temple usually holds a food offering ceremony for the monkeys, providing fresh vegetables and fruits. When Phra Khru Sirijariyaporn, the temple’s abbot, arrived with food and called the monkeys, about 40 of them returned to their enclosure.

monkey police4 — Phra Khru Sirijariyaporn, the temple’s abbot, arrived with food and called the monkeys, about 40 of them returned to their enclosure.

Municipal officials are setting up traps with food at various locations to capture as many monkeys as possible. Most of the escaped monkeys haven’t gone far, staying near the enclosure where they can access food and water.

Meanwhile, radio operators at Tha Hin Police Station are keeping watch on the more mischievous monkeys that tend to climb the radio communication poles, as they could cause damage. If any monkeys come too close, staff must try to chase them away.

On Sunday the damaged enclosure has been repaired by municipal officials. The National Parks Department has been notified to send officers to capture the remaining monkeys, expected to take 2-3 days due to the large number of escapees.

The municipality requests that residents who spot any hiding monkeys report their location to the Animal Nursery or Monkey Park staff. This is the second time monkeys have broken out since they were first brought to this facility.

______

Thai Road Safety Pessimism

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

-

17 November 2024, 13:00

Talking to one of Thailand’s leading veteran campaigners for road safety during a lunch earlier this month made me feel more pessimistic, to be honest.

Tairjing Siriphanich, secretary general of Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation, has been campaigning tirelessly over the past two decades and a half against drunk drivers. While there is no doubt that Thais owe him a lot of debt of gratitude for the many lives that were spared by the relatively more stringent traffic police checkpoints and his campaign over the two and a half decades, the man himself looks fatigued. And Thailand remains one of the most dangerous places in the world when it comes to road accidents and fatalities.

Tairjing, was a speaker at a seminar on November 4 at the Alliance Francaise, which was organized by the French Embassy with the UN ESCAP, and other partners, and include a high-profile visit and talk by UN Special Envoy for Road Safety Monsieur Jean Todt, who later met with PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the Government House.

It was during the lunch break on that day that I had a candid conversation with Tairjing, who’s probably in his late sixties now, and asked if more could be done as we were just told at the seminar that Thailand is the most dangerous place in Southeast Asia when it comes to road accidents and deaths.

After all, at least a person is killed on the Thai road somewhere every single hour. (The cumulative stats for 2024 as of today, November 16, before noon, is 12,128 people killed, and 741,619 injured, according to ThaiRSC, an organization keeping and updating related stats.

Taijing then told me how he has been repeatedly told by successive governments that the issue is not “sexy”. During the last election, he said he has managed to convince one of the major parties to declare a clear target to reduce road fatalities as their major election campaign pledge only to have it abandoned at the last minute for something more “sexy”.

I asked if he thought it’s possible for the government’s controlled media to spare 5 minutes each day to report about road accidents and fatalities and he was pessimistic. He added he had to literally beg some local media but mostly failed.

When Todt met the Thai PM, he presented her with a helmet designed especially to be used under hot and humid climate like Thailand, cheap, and passed UN safety standards.

I asked Ratanawadee Winther, a key figure at AIP Foundation, which has been promoting safe roads for years by encouraging for use of safety helmet among motorcyclists and pillion riders, not just in Thailand but Vietnam and Cambodia, as to whether such tropical helmet could be made widely available in Thailand soon. After all, at the same seminar, we were also told that the growing number of motorcyclists not wearing helmets in Southeast Asia means 43 per cent of all road fatalities involve motorcyclists and pillion riders.

Ratanawadee, who was also a speaker at the event, told me Thai laws have to be amended so such helmets can be legally accepted.

It’s clear to me, and to everyone one familiar with Thailand, that we can at least reduce the needless deaths and injuries by, say 20 to 30 percent, in the next few years, if we try hard enough and set a clear target that’s communicated to the public so road users can be more proactive.

Yet it seems there’s no will as people like Tairjing are becoming infectiously pessimistic.

Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark Is Crowned the 73rd Miss Universe

By

Associated Press

-

17 November 2024, 11:58

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark has been crowned Miss Universe.

Kjaer, an animal protection advocate who works in the diamond selling business, beat out Miss Nigeria, Cnidimma Adetshina, at the end of 73rd edition of the competition in Mexico City. Miss Mexico María Fernanda Beltrán placed third. Suchata Chuangsri from Thailand was fourth, and Ileana Márquez from Venezuela was fifth.

It is the first time a Danish contestant has won Miss Universe.

AP24322165297096 — Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig waves after winning the 73rd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Mexico City, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

The pageant was held in the Mexico City Arena, an indoor venue with a capacity for 20,000 people. Supporters inside shouted and waved flags from countries around the world.

The ceremony began with 131 mariachi musicians and singer Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas playing “Mexicana”, a song created by Emilio Estefan for the contest.

The gala was hosted by Mario López; Olivia Culpo, Miss Universe 2012; presenter Zuri Hall; and Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018.

Organizers said that there were more than 120 contestants.

This year some countries were represented for the first time, such as Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, Macau, Maldives, Moldova and Uzbekistan.

This is the third time that Mexico has hosted Miss Universe.

AP24322192499575 — Miss Thailand Suchata Chuangsri, right, and Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig compete during the final round of the 73rd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Mexico City, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

AP24322192544997 — Miss Thailand Suchata Chuangsri competes during the final round of the 73rd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Mexico City, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

AP24322240385512 — Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig, left, Miss Malaysia Sandra Lim, center, and Miss Venezuela Ileana Márquez compete during the final round of the 73rd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Mexico City, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

AP24322170338930 — Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina, left, and Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig compete during the final round of the 73rd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Mexico City, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

AP24322243454456 — Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig, center, poses for the crowd with her mates after winning the 73rd Miss Universe beauty pageant in Mexico City, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

As Trump Whiplash Looms, APEC Closes in Peru with China’s President Xi Front and Center

By

Associated Press

-

17 November 2024, 09:40

Peru APEC Summit — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, third from front left, takes part a family photo during the APEC summit in Lima, Peru on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

LIMA, Peru (AP) — After two days of meetings in Lima that rarely ventured beyond platitudes in discussing the strategies of the region’s major economies, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum wrapped up Saturday with a spirit of detente that many fear the annual summit may not see again for four years.

The 21 leaders from economies bordering the Pacific, including U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, descended on Peru this week at a time when America’s incoming president, Donald Trump, has vowed to withdraw the U.S. from its leadership of a global free trade agenda.

Few could help noting that Biden’s late entrance to the traditional APEC family photo Saturday lent itself to political metaphor, as the rest of the leaders prepared to pose onstage before looking around to find Biden missing.

AP24321645187532 — President Joe Biden talks with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim flanked by Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, left, and South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol, front left, as they gather for the leaders’ group photo during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Lima, Peru, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

They tittered for five awkward minutes before a seemingly dazed Biden emerged and took his place in the far back corner, standing between Thailand’s 38-year-old Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Vietnam President Luong Cuong. Descending the stage, Biden briefly reached for Shinawatra’s hand to steady himself.

Chinese President Xi scored the best spot in the house, front and center beside the host, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte. He draped himself in the banner of globalization this week, inaugurating a massive $1.3 billion megaport in Peru that promises to become South America’s biggest shipping hub and using his speeches to reject protectionism.

In Xi’s summit address, delivered by one of his ministers, the Chinese leader urged APEC members to “tear down the walls impeding the flow of trade,” and criticized tariffs — which Trump threatens to levy on Chinese imports — as “going back in history.”

For the annual photo-op, leaders all wore bark-hued wool scarves from Peru — in the APEC tradition of posing in some garb representative of the host country. While conference organizers typically position leaders in alphabetical order for the family photo, arrangements have varied over the years.

Reporters shouted questions as Biden left the stage Friday, asking how he felt about this being his last APEC summit — and one of his last major global events as president.

AP24321797069349 — 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)

Biden had hoped that APEC — along with the Group of 20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, where he heads Sunday — would have capped his decades-long political career with a flurry of productive diplomacy and swaggering proclamations of America’s force on the world stage.

But with his party’s stinging defeat in the U.S. election and the future of the U.S.-China rivalry uncertain, there was little he could accomplish in Lima.

He sought to cement alliances that could be upended by a Trump administration. He expressed concern to the leaders of South Korea and Japan about what he called “dangerous and destabilizing cooperation” between North Korea and Russia.

Later Saturday Biden and Xi sat down at a long table for their third and final meeting of Biden’s tenure.

Xi told Biden that his nation was was “ready to work with a new administration to maintain communication.”

Biden also struck a conciliatory tone, saying that such in-person talks helped “ensure that competition between our two countries will not veer into conflict.”

________

The VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA 2024 Light Festival Begins in Bangkok

By

Khaosod English

-

17 November 2024, 00:52

BANGKOK — Tourism and Sports Minister Surawong Thienthong launched “VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA 2024,” running from November 16 – December 15, 2024, from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. The event aims to boost year-end tourism, expecting to attract at least 500,000 Thai and foreign visitors and generate economic circulation of no less than 1 billion baht ($28.7 million).

“VIJIT CHAO PHRAYA 2024,” now in its third consecutive year, is one of the activities under the “7 Wonders of Thailand” concept of Thailand Winter Festivals 2024. The festival includes seven categories: Loy Krathong Festival, Lighting & Illumination Festival, Music Festival, Sports, Food, Culture, and Countdown Festival, scheduled between November 2024 and January 2025.

light chaopraya4 — Vijit Chao Phraya 2024 features light shows, drone displays, and fireworks along significant buildings and landmarks along the Chao Phraya River, on Nov. 16, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/Jadesarit Chayathadathanasakul)

“Through 360-degree collaboration between public and private sector partners, the government aims to add value and creatively build upon Thailand’s cultural capital by combining various forms of art and multimedia. This helps enhance the Chao Phraya River’s historical and cultural significance, presenting stories in exciting new ways and perspectives,” said the Minister.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatpaiboon, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), announced that key riverside locations participating in the event include:

Khruhabodi Temple
Rama VIII Bridge
Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum
Wat Rakhang Khositaram
Royal Thai Navy headquarters
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Wichai Prasit Fort
Wat Kalayanamitr
Sunanthalai Building (Rajini School)
Phra Phutta Yodfa Bridge
ICONSIAM
Phra Pokklao Bridge

Large trees near Yokyor Marina Restaurant
Abandoned building (Soi Long 1919)
Large trees in Khlong San area
Bank of Thailand
National Telecom Building
Santa Cruz Church
Tek Ka Chinese Association
Siam Commercial Bank (Talat Noi Branch)
Asiatique The Riverfront

Highlight performances along the Chao Phraya River include:

Rama VIII Bridge: “Brilliant Poetry” theme with laser shows, light & sound displays

6 shows daily at 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM, and 9:30 PM (5 minutes each)

Royal Thai Navy Headquarters: “Naval Ways, Fleet Lights” theme

6 shows daily at the same times as above (5 minutes each)

Wat Arun: “Dawn to Night” theme featuring drone light shows

Special show dates on Nov 16, 17 and Dec 15 (one 5-minute show at 7:50 PM)
Additional dates Nov 24 and Dec 1, 8 (two shows at 7:50 PM and 9:15 PM)

Wat Kalayanamitr: “Elegant Lights of Faith” theme with Thai cultural performances

Shows on select dates in November and December
Two shows daily at 7:20 PM and 8:20 PM (10 minutes each)

Sunanthalai Building: “Magical Light of Learning” theme

6 shows daily (5 minutes each at regular intervals)

light chaophraya2 — Vijit Chao Phraya 2024 features light shows, drone displays, and fireworks along significant buildings and landmarks along the Chao Phraya River, on Nov. 16, 2024.

Phra Phutta Yodfa Bridge: “Wonderful Light of Dreams” theme with fireworks

6 regular shows daily
Special fireworks shows on select dates at 8:45 PM

Abandoned Building (Soi Long 1919): “Mysterious Night of Light” theme

6 shows daily (5 minutes each at regular intervals)

ICONSIAM: “The Thai-conic Christmas Symphony” featuring musical Christmas tree lights

3 shows daily at 6:55 PM, 7:55 PM, and 8:55 PM (8 minutes each)

The public can view these riverside displays free of charge every day from November 16 to December 15, between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

For more information, follow the Facebook Fanpage: Vijit Chao Phraya 2024

14-Year-Old Burglar Arrested for Australian Condo Heist in Pattaya

By

Khaosod English

-

16 November 2024, 22:17

PATTAYA — A teenage burglar broke into an Australian businesswoman’s condo and stole valuables worth nearly 4 million baht ($115K) while she was out with her family during Loy Krathong festival. Pattaya police quickly apprehended the suspect, discovering the 14-year-old perpetrator had previously escaped from a children’s home and had been committing thefts throughout Pattaya.

On the evening of November 16, Ms. Annie, a 40-year-old Australian real estate businesswoman, arrived at Pattaya Police Station to identify her stolen property after police notified her of the arrest.

The recovered items included Rolex and Cartier watches, bracelets, gold necklaces, rings, and diamond jewelry. Ms. Annie was very relieved to have recovered almost all of her belongings. She praised the police for their swift action in catching the suspect within just a few hours.

steal aussie pattaya1 — Police examine CCTV footage capturing the teenage thief at the Australian businesswoman’s condominium in Pattaya on November 16, 2024.

Police identified the suspect through CCTV footage and arrested “Chang” (alias), a 14-year-old Laotian national, near Nong Or Temple in Central Pattaya, approximately 5.7 kilometers from the crime scene.

The Australian businesswoman reported that on Loy Krathong night, she had taken her children and family to a pool villa in Bang Saray, Sattahip district, Chonburi province, leaving around 2:20 PM. When she returned to her condo the next morning on November 16, she was shocked to find her room ransacked and valuables missing from the drawers, prompting her to call the police.

steal assie pattaya3 — The 14-year-old suspect bows down before police and the Australian woman, pleading not to be prosecuted at Pattaya City Police Station after confessing to the Loy Krathong night theft.

Investigation of CCTV footage showed the perpetrator entering the condo at 2:10 AM through a side entrance, checking ground floor rooms before breaking into her room through a glass door, stealing valuables, and leaving around 4:00 AM on foot. Police tracked him using CCTV footage along his escape route until they located him.

Meanwhile, forensic officers collected DNA evidence for the case. The teenage suspect appeared disoriented during questioning but admitted to the theft and pleaded with the Australian victim not to press charges, claiming he has autism.

The Australian woman expressed hope that government officials would help provide proper care for the young offender to address his problems and help him find a better path in life.

Police background checks revealed that the young suspect had been sent to Banglamung Children’s Home by Pattaya Police just days earlier, on November 11, after another attempted burglary where that victim chose not to press charges. He escaped from the children’s home on November 14, three days before this latest incident.

Additional victims came forward to identify the boy as the person who stole over 20 amulets from a rental room in the Peniat Chang area of Central Pattaya on Loy Krathong night (November 15), with clear CCTV evidence of his face. Police have detained him for further investigation.

______________

U.S.-Thai Collaboration Concludes 12-Year Wat Chaiwatthanaram Restoration

By

Khaosod English

-

16 November 2024, 19:09

AYUTTHAYA — The U.S. Embassy in Thailand celebrated the completion of a landmark 12-year restoration project at Wat Chaiwatthanaram on Loy Krathong Day, marking one of the largest cultural preservation initiatives ever undertaken by the U.S. government in Thailand.

The U.S. Embassy in Thailand, in collaboration with the Fine Arts Department and the World Monuments Fund (WMF), held a closing ceremony for the Wat Chaiwatthanaram restoration project to celebrate its success. The ceremony took place at Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province on November 15, coinciding with Loy Krathong Day.

The Wat Chaiwatthanaram restoration project, funded by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), began in 2012 with the goal of restoring the 17th-century temple following the major floods of 2011. Key conservation works included a floodwall design, restoration of four Merus (conical pavilions) with connecting cloisters, and repairs to mural paintings and Buddha image statues.

Over the past 12 years, the project received total funding of $1.8 million from the U.S. government, making it one of the largest AFCP projects worldwide.

wat chai us4 scaled — U.S. government provided $1.8 million over 12 years for Wat Chaiwatthanaram’s restoration, one of AFCP’s largest global projects. (Khaosod Photo/C. Chamniprasart)

wat chai us1 — U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godec (center) states that cultural preservation is one of the long-standing ties binding the two nations together. (Photo: PRD Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya)

The closing ceremony began with the opening of a pavilion displaying model replicas and bronze models of Wat Chaiwatthanaram. U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godec, Fine Arts Department Director-General Phanombutr Chandrachoti, and WMF Program Deputy Director Jonathan Bell participated in the “Jong Priang” ceremony – a traditional Ayutthaya-era Buddhist fire ritual performed in the twelfth lunar month, which coincides with today’s Loy Krathong festival.

Bella Ranee Campen, the famous actress from the TV drama “Love Destiny” (Buppesanivas), and Arunocha Panuphan, the drama’s producer, also attended the event. The drama series has played a significant role in attracting increasing numbers of visitors to the Ayutthaya Historical Park, including Wat Chaiwatthanaram.

wat chai bella2 — Bella Ranee Campen (right) speaks about the significance of Wat Chaiwatthanaram and the preservation of Thailand’s cultural heritage. (Photo: Public Relations and Information Division, Fine Arts Department)

Ambassador Godec stated that cultural preservation is one of the long-standing ties binding the two nations together. The fund’s purpose is to demonstrate American respect for cultures worldwide while expressing the friendship between the two countries.

“In Thailand, we have provided funding for 20 different projects to help preserve Thailand’s outstanding cultural heritage. The largest AFCP project in Thailand, and one of the largest in the world, is the restoration of this beautiful 17th-century temple,” Ambassador Godec said.

He explained that the U.S.-funded restoration would help protect the crematorium and southern flood wall of this important site for future generations – not just for future Thai generations but also for the thousands of tourists who come to witness the grandeur of Siam’s former capital.

wat chai us7 — The closeout ceremony of the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) Wat Chaiwatthanaram Conservation Project coincides with Loy Krathong festival, on November 15, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/C. Chamniprasart)

wat chai us7 1 — Wat Chaiwatthanaram’s restoration marks Thailand’s largest AFCP project and one of the world’s biggest.

Beyond funding the restoration, the U.S. Embassy in Thailand has organized public diplomacy activities for students and local communities to raise awareness about the government’s support for cultural heritage preservation and the importance of conservation work. This includes developing Thai personnel’s conservation capabilities and producing short documentaries to convey the project’s significance to the general public.

This project exemplifies successful collaboration in cultural heritage preservation in Thailand and has strengthened U.S.-Thai relations. Key outcomes include restoring Wat Chaiwatthanaram to its pre-flood condition, increasing community awareness and participation in cultural heritage preservation, and promoting conservation tourism in the Wat Chaiwatthanaram area.

__________

Jake Paul Beats 58-year-old Mike Tyson As the Hits Don’t Match the Hype

By

Associated Press

-

16 November 2024, 13:57

Jake Paul hits Mike Tyson during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The boos from a crowd wanting more action were growing again when Jake Paul dropped his gloves before the final bell, and bowed toward 58-year-old Mike Tyson.

Paying homage to one of the biggest names in boxing history didn’t do much for the fans that filled the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys on Friday night.

Paul won an eight-round unanimous decision over Tyson as the hits didn’t match the hype in a fight between the 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer and the former heavyweight champion in his first sanctioned pro bout in almost 20 years.

All the hate from the pre-fight buildup was gone, replaced by boos from bewildered fans hoping for more action in a fight that drew plenty of questions about its legitimacy long before it happened.

The fight wasn’t close on the judge’s cards, with one giving Paul an 80-72 edge and the other two calling it 79-73.

AP24321191237635 — Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

“Let’s give it up for Mike,” Paul said in the ring, not getting much response from a crowd that started filing out before the decision was announced. “He’s the greatest to ever do it. I look up to him. I’m inspired by him.”

Tyson came after Paul immediately after the opening bell and landed a couple of quick punches but didn’t try much else the rest of the way.

Even fewer rounds than the normal 10 or 12 and two-minute rounds instead of three, along with heavier gloves designed to lessen the power of punches, couldn’t do much to generate action.

Paul was more aggressive after the quick burst from Tyson in the opening seconds, but the punching wasn’t very efficient. There were quite a few wild swings and misses.

“I was trying to hurt him a little bit,” said Paul, who improved to 11-1. “I was scared he was going to hurt me. I was trying to hurt him. I did my best. I did my best.”

Tyson mostly sat back and waited for Paul to come to him, with a few exceptions. It was quite the contrast to the co-main event, another slugfest between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano in which Taylor kept her undisputed super lightweight championship with another disputed decision.

It was the first sanctioned fight since 2005 for Tyson, who fought Roy Jones in a much more entertaining exhibition in 2020. Paul started fighting a little more than four years ago.

“I didn’t prove nothing to anybody, only to myself,” Tyson said when asked what it meant to complete the fight. “I’m not one of those guys that looks to please the world. I’m just happy with what I can do.”

Tyson’s record is now 50-7 with 44 knockouts.

The fight was originally scheduled for July 20 but had to be postponed when Tyson was treated for a stomach ulcer after falling ill on a flight.

AP24321189866697 — Mike Tyson lands a left to Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Tyson slapped Paul on the face during the weigh-in a night before the fight, and they traded insults in several of the hype events, before and after the postponement.

The hate was long gone by the end of the underwhelming fight.

“This guy’s always had my back,” Paul said about Tyson. “I love him. I love his family, his coaches. It’s just an honor to be in the ring with all of them.”

The fight set a Texas record for combat sports with a gate of nearly $18 million, according to organizers, and Netflix had problems with the feed in the streaming platform’s first live combat sports event. Netflix has more than 280 million subscribers globally.

“This is the biggest event,” Paul said. “Over 120 million people on Netflix. We crashed the site.”

AP24321208050276 — Jake Paul reacts after defeating Mike Tyson during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Mario Barrios retained the WBC welterweight title in a draw with Abel Ramos on the undercard. Barrios was in control early before Ramos dominated the middle rounds. Each recorded a knockdown in the 12-round bout.

It was the first fight for the 29-year-old Barrios since he was appointed the WBC welterweight champ when Terence Crawford started the process of moving up from the 147-pound class.

Barrios, who is 29-2-1, had won the interim WBC title with a unanimous decision over Yordenis Ugás last year. The 33-year-old Ramos is 28-6-3.

New E-commerce ‘THAI MALL’ Aims for Thai Fruit Exports to China

By

Khaosod English

-

16 November 2024, 13:07

BANGKOK — Marketing Organization for Farmers (MOF) partners with Shanghai Taihuixuan to establish “THAI MALL” through MOU, targeting Thai fruit exports to Chinese economic markets with 35 billion baht ($1 billion) goal over 5 years

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, along with the Marketing Organization for Farmers (MOF) and Shanghai Taihuixuan Technology Co., Ltd., have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on November 15, 2024 to establish “THAI MALL” on Chinese e-commerce platforms. This initiative aims to connect global supply chains and push Thai agricultural products and fruits into major economic cities including Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong SAR, elevating Thailand’s agricultural sector internationally.

Mr. Panitan Meechaiya, Director of MOF, revealed that the organization, together with the Ministry and Shanghai Taihuixuan Technology Co., Ltd., signed the MOU to establish “THAI MALL” on Chinese e-commerce platforms. The platform will serve as a central marketplace for direct sales of Thai agricultural products and food to consumers.

MOU fruit china1 — The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, along with the Marketing Organization for Farmers (MOF) and Shanghai Taihuixuan Technology Co., Ltd., have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on November 15, 2024 to establish “THAI MALL” on Chinese e-commerce platforms.

MOF will be responsible for sourcing and selecting quality fruits for distribution to key Chinese economic cities. The first-year sales target is set at 200-1,000 million yuan ($27-138 million). Operating under a market-led production approach, Thai fruits have seen continuously increasing global demand, especially in the Chinese market. From January to October, durian, mangosteen, and longan exports totaled 1,253,208.1 tons, valued at over 130,372.7 million baht ($3.74 billion).

This collaboration marks another step forward for Thailand’s agricultural sector, aiming to expand market access and complete supply chain connections. The goal is to open at least 10 branded stores by September 2025.

MOU fruit china2 — Mr. Chen Zhifa, Chairman of Shanghai Taihuixuan Technology Co., Ltd. (third from the left)

MOU fruit china24 — Fruits sold at MOF markets are known for their quality (Photo: Technology Chaoban)

This initiative aligns with the Agriculture Minister’s policy to integrate Thailand’s agricultural sector into the Global E-commerce Platform, particularly targeting the Chinese market’s high demand for Thai agricultural products.

Mr. Chen Zhifa, Chairman of Shanghai Taihuixuan Technology Co., Ltd., stated that China has long recognized Thai agricultural products and fruits. The company is pleased to serve as an intermediary connecting Thai quality products to standardized platforms in high-demand cities.

The collaboration between Shanghai and MOF for “THAI MALL” targets revenue of approximately US$1 billion (35,000 baht) over 5 years. The company brings expertise in online commerce, transportation, warehousing, and effective access to Chinese e-commerce platforms. This partnership will drive Thailand’s agricultural development policy and strengthen Thai products’ position internationally.

______

U.S. Returns Ancient Ban Chiang Artifacts to Thailand in the Right Time

By

Khaosod English

-

16 November 2024, 00:20

BANGKOK — The clay vessel and associated tools that were recently returned by the U.S. government to the Thai government feature the characteristic red-on-buff color of pottery from Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, a 3,500-year-old prehistoric human habitation and burial site, which has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ban Chiang Archaeological Site was the center of a remarkable phenomenon of human cultural, social, and technological evolution which occurred independently in this area of Southeast Asia.

This artifact had been given by the Thai government to an American soldier stationed at the Udorn Air Force Base in Udon Thani, Thailand, in the early 1970s.

The U.S. Embassy in Thailand, together with UNESCO Bangkok Office and the Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, organized a ceremony to return Ban Chiang archaeological artifacts, consisting of pottery and clay tools, to Thailand. Minister of Culture Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol received them at the Bangkok National Museum on November 14, 2024.

pot us thai — Robert Frank Godec, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand and Thailand Minister of Culture Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol attend the ceremony to return Ban Chiang archaeological artifacts, consisting of pottery and clay tools, to Thailand, at the Bangkok National Museum on November 14, 2024.

The date was chosen to coincide with the International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property, which reminds the world that theft, looting and illicit trafficking of cultural property takes place in every country, robbing people of their culture, identity and history.

People, governments, the art-market and institutions can do their part to fight this by raising awareness, being informed and ethical when buying and selling art and cultural objects, enacting and respecting laws that protect cultural heritage.

Ms. Sudawan expressed gratitude to the U.S. Embassy in Thailand and UNESCO Bangkok Office, as well as all agencies involved in this Ban Chiang artifacts repatriation process.

“The return of these Ban Chiang artifacts to the Fine Arts Department not only demonstrates the importance given to the artifacts’ origins but also strengthens cultural relations and cooperation between Thailand and the United States,” she said.

Pot edited 10 — The clay vessel features the characteristic red-on-buff color of pottery from Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, a 3,500-year-old prehistoric human habitation and burial site, which has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pot edited 18 — The two cylindrical rollers feature the characteristic red-on-buff color of pottery from Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, a 3,500-year-old prehistoric human habitation and burial site, which has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Robert Frank Godec, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand stated that the four individual artefacts from Ban Chiang site and other sites in central Thailand comprise a fired clay vessel, a bracelet, and two cylindrical rollers of yet-undetermined use.

Their provenance dates back to around the late 1960s, when they were presented to an American soldier as a gift from the Thai Government and kept at the U.S. Embassy. No doubt this was motivated in part by the fact that Stephen Young’s father was Kenneth Todd Young, Jr., who had been United States Ambassador to Thailand from 1961–63. Ever since, the items have remained in our safekeeping at the Embassy in a carefully maintained environment.

“However, now is the right time to return these precious items back to their rightful home. Particularly as the United States Government has made significant steps in recent years to proactively return cultural objects around the world back to their rightful owners,” said the ambassador.

He also stated that the U.S. Embassy Bangkok will continue to actively support the repatriation of major cultural artifacts that symbolize Thailand’s rich heritage. Earlier in May this year, we returned the extraordinary “Golden Boy” — or Standing Shiva — and “Kneeling Female” statues from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. They are now safely back home, in this very Museum.

Highlight performances along the Chao Phraya River include:

Hot News

LATEST NEWS