ONYX Hospitality Group to Launch Amari The Tide Bangsaen in Early 2025

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11 November 2024, 10:30

ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading management company for hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences in Southeast Asia, has signed an agreement to manage Amari The Tide Bangsaen. This property, which is a significant transformation of The Tide Resort, and has been reimagined as Amari The Tide Bangsaen, is set to reveal its new look in the second quarter of 2025. Located in Thailand in the Chonburi Province, a region poised for significant economic growth, especially in tourism, this property reflects Amari’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences in Thailand’s most promising destinations.

With a focus on enhancing the guest experience to create memorable moments for Thai and international tourists, it is set to cater to a wide range of traveller needs and preferences across leisure and business segments

On 7 November 2024, a signing ceremony for a business partnership agreement to manage Amari The Tide Bangsaen was held between Five Leader Group Co., Ltd. and ONYX Hospitality Group at the property. Thanasit Khunplome, the owner’s representative, and Yuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group, were present to sign the agreement, joined by executives from both organisations as witnesses.

Yuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group, announced that Amari The Tide Bangsaen will be an exciting new addition to the Amari brand, bringing its signature hospitality and exceptional guest experiences to a region undergoing dynamic growth.

The area, located in Eastern Thailand, has seen steady expansion in recent years, driven by the continuous development of infrastructure to support tourism and its capacity to host major international events, thanks to its comprehensive facilities. This positions Amari The Tide Bangsaen as an appealing destination for Thai and international tourists seeking beachfront accommodation within close reach of Bangkok, just over an hour’s drive, and only 45 minutes from Pattaya city. In addition, Bangsaen is a strategic location offering quick access to key tourist attractions within the province, as well as popular local shops and restaurants, all just minutes away.

Thanasit Khunplome, representing the owner of Five Leader Group Co., Ltd., said that the decision to rebrand the hotel from The Tide Resort to Amari The Tide Bangsaen marks a significant shift aimed at enhancing growth and competitiveness in the local market. This rebranding will also facilitate the city’s hosting of world-class sporting events, such as the Bangsaen Series, Ironman 70.3 Triathlon, and Bangsaen Grandprix Road Race, among others.

“In addition, the Amari brand is a long-established name, well recognised among both domestic and international tourists, inspiring confidence in meeting our set goals. Previously, ONYX Hospitality Group handled marketing for The Tide Resort, demonstrating consistent business growth through its vision, as well as the capabilities of its management team and staff. This strong foundation affirms our confidence in the decision to rebrand from The Tide Resort to Amari The Tide Bangsaen today,” added Thanasit.

Amari The Tide Bangsaen is situated directly opposite the renowned Bangsaen Beach, providing a tranquil beachfront retreat in the heart of the city. Easily accessible and surrounded by stunning natural scenery, the hotel offers a range of accommodation options, including deluxe rooms and suites, with a total of 154 rooms to cater to diverse needs and lifestyles. Whether for families, business travellers visiting nearby industrial estates, or hosting special meetings and events, the hotel features medium to large meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 900 participants. The hotel also features the Amaya restaurant, which serves breakfast and dinner, offering a delightful selection of Thai and international cuisine. Guests can enjoy a beachside café experience at Aloha Beach Cafe, located on Bangsaen Beach. For relaxation and wellness, there is a signature spa, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a kids’ club, along with many other facilities to enhance the guest experience.

For over five decades, ONYX Hospitality Group has been operating luxury hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and residences, with a commitment to continuous development. The group’s vision is to become “The Best Medium-sized Hospitality Management Company in Southeast Asia.” With extensive experience and a strong reputation as a leader in the hospitality industry in the region, ONYX Hospitality Group has achieved outstanding performance across various countries in the Asia-Pacific. Through its diverse brands—such as Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence—the group effectively caters to a wide range of target markets, meeting the differing needs of both business and leisure travellers. The group is dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences, adhering to internationally recognised service standards by combining excellent hospitality practices in Asia with world-class business precision.

From Hit to Boycott: How a Cat Scene Changed Thai Drama ‘Mae Yua’

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Khaosod English

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11 November 2024, 04:09

BANGKOK — A controversial scene involving a sedated cat has derailed Thailand’s most anticipated period drama of 2024, transforming “Mae Yua” from a potential industry savior to the center of a heated animal welfare debate.

The drama, which stars Thai-Belgian actress Davika Hoorne and streams on both Channel One31 and Netflix, faced intense backlash following its fifth episode. The scene in question depicted a black cat being drugged, complete with realistic portrayals of vomiting and convulsions, prompting viewers to launch the viral hashtag #BanMaeYua.

Despite director Sant Srikaewlor sharing update pictures of the cat’s well-being on November 9 and claiming expert supervision throughout the process, public outrage has not subsided.

The Empress of Ayodhaya1 — The scene in question depicted a black cat being drugged, prompting viewers to launch the viral hashtag #BanMaeYua.

Veterinary experts have since weighed in on the controversy, warning that any form of animal sedation carries significant health risks. “Sedation can dangerously affect respiratory and circulatory systems, with particular risks of aspiration during vomiting,” explained one veterinarian who spoke out on social media.

Channel One31 then issued an apologetic statement on November 10, defending their use of a professional animal modeling company with over a decade of experience. “The cat’s owner supervised all filming procedures,” the channel stated, emphasizing their commitment to animal safety. However, this explanation failed to quell public outrage.

The incident has caught the attention of Thailand’s animal rights community. Roger Lohanan, President of the Thai Animal Rights Association, has filed a formal complaint with the Department of Livestock Development, citing possible violations of animal cruelty laws under Section 20 of the Criminal Code.

The scene in question depicted a black cat being drugged, prompting viewers to launch the viral hashtag #BanMaeYua.

Critics have pointed to Hollywood’s more humane approaches to similar scenes. The recent film “Anatomy of a Fall,” for instance, achieved comparable effects through a combination of CGI and careful training, even earning its canine performer the prestigious Palm Dog award.

Before this controversy, “Mae Yua” or “The Empress of Ayodhaya” had been positioned as a potential renaissance for Thailand’s television industry, which has struggled against declining viewership and digital competition. The series’ high production values and star power had initially generated significant buzz, with many viewing it as a possible turning point for traditional Thai television.

The ongoing controversy raises broader questions about animal welfare standards in Thai entertainment and may lead to industry-wide changes in how productions handle scenes involving animals.

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Chinese Scammer Leader Arrested; Property Link to Thai Deputy Mayor Exposed

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Khaosod English

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11 November 2024, 02:38

Cyber police have arrested a Chinese national accused of running a massive international scam operation from properties connected to a local deputy mayor in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province on Nov. 10, 2024.

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — Cyber police have arrested a Chinese national accused of running a massive international scam operation from properties connected to a local deputy mayor in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, southern Thailand.

On November 10, the Technology Crime Investigation Division 5 arrested Mr. Jiang, a 33-year-old Chinese national, who was wanted under a Thung Song Court arrest warrant dated October 22, 2024. Investigation revealed he was the leader of a major scammer gang.

Jiang faces charges of public fraud by impersonation, being part of a secret society, being part of a criminal association, joint fraud or deception, inputting falsified or partially falsified computer data into computer systems that could cause damage to the public, and participation in transnational organized crime.

chinese scam nakhon2 — Cyber police have arrested a Chinese national accused of running a massive international scam operation from properties connected to a local deputy mayor in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province on Nov. 10, 2024.

The arrest follows a March 29, 2024 operation where cyber police, along with DSI officers, Police Region 8 investigators, immigration police, and NBTC officials – over 100 personnel in total – raided 4 locations in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The operation targeted a major Chinese call center gang that had been scamming Thai, Chinese, Russian, and Japanese victims.

During that raid, authorities arrested 90 suspects, including Chinese nationals and both Thai and foreign accomplices. Evidence seized included 192 computers, 854 mobile phones and fake SIM cards, 22 routers, and 342 money mule bank accounts.

Further investigation revealed connections to Ms. Rawadee, age 51, also known as “Jae Lek,” the Deputy Mayor of Chandi Municipality, who owned the property where the Chinese call center group operated and benefited from rental payments.

Jiang, as the Chinese leader, was responsible for transporting Chinese nationals between their accommodation at Chandi Grand Ville village and Jin Heng Hotel using an orange Ford vehicle with Bangkok license plates.

Initially, police have detained the suspect and transferred him to tourist police investigators for legal proceedings.

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Owner Thanks Police for Tracking Down Rolex From Don Mueang to Phuket

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Khaosod English

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11 November 2024, 02:04

BANGKOK — Don Mueang Police Station officers successfully tracked down a Rolex watch that a passenger had forgotten at the hand baggage X-ray checkpoint, after a female Chilean passenger traveling to Phuket had picked it up.

On November 10, Police Colonel Sukrit Mangkalasawat, Superintendent of Don Mueang Police Station, and his team returned a Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch, valued at approximately 200,000 baht, to Ms. Rachavalee, age 21. Police Lieutenant Colonel Chamnan Yut Kong Kong, inquiry officer at Don Mueang Police Station, witnessed the handover.

Ms. Rachavalee said that around 9:20 p.m. on November 6, while traveling from Don Mueang Airport to Chiang Mai, she realized she had left her watch at the X-ray checkpoint in Don Mueang Airport. Upon arriving in Chiang Mai, she booked a return flight for the next day to immediately file a police report, but the valuable item was nowhere to be found.

rolex chile2 — An inquiry officer at Don Mueang Police Station witnesses the handover of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch to Ms. Rachavalee on Nov. 10, 2024.

Subsequently, Police Colonel Sukrit ordered the investigation team to coordinate with Don Mueang Airport authorities to review CCTV footage of the incident area. They discovered that a foreign woman, who went through the scanner immediately after Ms. Rachavalee, had picked up the watch.

Further investigation revealed that this woman was Leslie, a 39-year-old Chilean national, traveling with her family of three to Phuket. Officers coordinated with Phuket Tourist Police and found that she and her family were staying at a hotel in Kathu District, Phuket.

rolex chile3 — A Chilean tourist agrees to return the Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch to the owner on Nov. 9, 2024.

Tourist police retrieved the watch from her, and Leslie admitted to taking it, stating she thought it belonged to someone in her family. She willingly agreed to return it to its owner.

Ms. Rachavalee said, “I didn’t think I would get my valuable possession back because I didn’t know who had taken it or where they had gone. The monetary value isn’t important, but this watch was a gift from my mother, so it has great sentimental value. I’m overjoyed to have it back.”

She expressed her gratitude to the officers at Don Mueang Police Station and Phuket Tourist Police for their efforts in recovering the watch.

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King Charles III and Kate Attend Remembrance Event as Both Slowly Return to Duty

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Associated Press

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10 November 2024, 23:58

Britain Remembrance Sunday — Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales, stands on a balcony during the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph in London, England, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (Toby Melville/Pool Photo via AP)

LONDON (AP) — King Charles III led the nation Sunday in a two-minute silence in remembrance of fallen service personnel in central London as the Princess of Wales looked on, a further sign that the royal family is slowly returning to normal at the end of a year in which two of the most popular royals were sidelined by cancer.

Remembrance Sunday is a totemic event in the U.K., with the monarch leading senior royals, political leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his eight living predecessors, and envoys from the Commonwealth countries in laying wreaths at the Cenotaph, the Portland stone memorial that serves as the focal point for honoring the nation’s war dead.

AP24315421765143 — Britain’s King Charles attends the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at The Cenotaph in London, England, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (Toby Melville/Pool Photo via AP)

The service is held on the second Sunday of November to mark the signing of the armistice to end World War I “on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918. Across the U.K., services are conducted at the same time in memory of the dead.

After the two-minute silence, buglers from the Royal Marines played the “Last Post,” and Charles led the wreath-laying part of the service.

The 75-year-old king, dressed in his Royal Navy uniform of the Admiral of the Fleet, laid a wreath of poppies at the base of the Cenotaph in recognition of the fallen from conflicts dating back to World War I.

AP24315453115673 — Britain’s King Charles III, centre, with Prince William ,left, and Princess Anne attend the Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph in London, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali, Pool)

His eldest son and the heir to the throne, Prince William, left his own floral tribute — featuring the Prince of Wales’ feathers and a new ribbon in Welsh red.

Dressed in somber black, his wife, Kate, watched on from a balcony of the nearby Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, as is tradition. Queen Camilla, who would normally be standing next to the princess, wasn’t present as she recovered from a chest infection.

It’s the first time since the start of the year that Kate carried out two consecutive days of public official engagements. On Saturday, she attended the Royal British Legion Festival Of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

AP24314712126394 — From left, on first row: Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, Britain’s Prince William, Britain’s King Charles and Britain’s Princess Anne, Princess Royal, attend the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Saturday Nov. 9, 2024. (Chris J. Ratcliffe/Pool Photo via AP)

Following the wreath-laying, around 10,000 veterans, including those who have fought in wars this century, notably in Afghanistan and Iraq, marched past the Cenotaph. With the passage of time, there were only a handful of World War II veterans present.

“It’s always a great honor to be back on occasions like this, but I remember the guys that never came home on my ship when it was torpedoed,” said 99-year-old Stan Ford, who has had to walk with leg calipers ever since the ship that he was serving on — HMS Fratton — was sunk off France’s Normandy coast in August 1944 at the cost of 31 lives.

“They never came home, and I always feel it’s my duty to put in an appearance and thank God for those that did survive, and to pray for the ones who didn’t,” said Ford, who was one of 38 survivors.

Charles’ ceremonial role as commander in chief of the armed forces is a holdover from the days when the monarch led his troops into battle. But the link between the monarchy and the military is still very strong, with service members taking an oath of allegiance to the king and members of the royal family supporting service personnel through a variety of charities. Charles and William served on active duty in the military before taking up full-time royal duties.

Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February, forcing him to step away from public appearances for two months as he focused on his treatment and recovery. Just a few weeks later, Kate announced her own cancer diagnosis, which sidelined her for much of the year as she underwent chemotherapy.

The king has been in good form in recent months and recently completed a taxing trip to Australia and Samoa. Kate, who made her first post-diagnosis public appearance during the monarch’s birthday parade in June, is slowly returning to public duties.

AP24315450676564 — Britain’s King Charles III, at centre, stands with other royals and politicians as they attend the Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph in London, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali, Pool )

Prince William reflected this week on the strain that the cancer scare has placed on the royal family.

“I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done,” William told reporters on Thursday as he wrapped up a four-day trip to South Africa. “But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal.”

While the Cenotaph was the focus of the national remembrance service, communities throughout the U.K. held their own ceremonies on Sunday.

Needham-Crofton, who served with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers before a truck accident ended his military career, planned to attend a local service in Eastbourne on the south coast of England.

He has spent much of his time honoring veterans and trying to help them, including 20 years as a volunteer for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. Like some of his army tasks, raising cash was rather grueling as it involved standing in front of London subway stations collecting coins to help fund the group’s efforts.

“I like to respect all the veterans and do what I can for them,” he told The Associated Press. “It’s a brotherhood really. Even if you don’t know a veteran that you meet, you feel a kinship toward them. That is very important to me. I shall be like that for the rest of my life.”

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Trump Restoration is Not All Bad for The World

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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10 November 2024, 12:26

Reading The New York Times’ Weekend international edition two days before the US Presidential Election one can feel the sense of acute anxiety, despair even, among its top writers. On the frontpage of the November 2-3, 2024 edition, veteran columnist pleads to Arab Americans not to punish Vice President Kamala Harris for the Biden administration’s continued support for Israel’s invasion of Gaza.

“If Donald Trump is elected president on Tuesday, one factor may be anger at Biden administration policies in the Middle East,” Nicholas Kristof wrote. “Some Arab Americans, including those in swing states like Michigan, are enraged at President Biden’s support for Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon. Their taxes are paying for weapons that may be killing their relatives…”

Kristof went on to cite Save The Children that “3,000 children in Gaza under the age of 5” have been killed in Gaza so far.

Kristof was quick to remind his readers that Trump is not better than Biden-Harris when it comes to Palestinians, and Arabs in general. “It was [the Trump] administration that moved the American Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, that closed the Washington office of the Palestinian Liberation Organization.” He then recalled how under the first Trump administration, the US government “instituted the so-called Muslim ban, seeking to block travel to America by citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries.”

Kristof apparently has failed to convince enough Arab Americans to vote for Harris as many of these angry voters wanted to punish the Biden-Harris government for what they have been doing over the past year in the Middle East.

On page 10 of the same paper, another desperate opinion piece was penned by Jonathan Stevenson, a National Security Council staff member during the Obama administration. Stevenson imagined a doomsday scenario when hours after Trump took office “mass deportation of undocumented immigrants” took place.

Apparently, many American voters were more concerned about the undocumented immigrants stealing their jobs.

In a country where poor people are struggling with over 20 percent inflations, have little access to medical care, and feel that their country’s “sole superpower” status is under severe threat, if not already consigned to history, due to failed management and growing challenges from China and other powers, Trump’s MAGA 2024 mantra of Make America Great Again resonate with more voters, particular the less-educated white working class voters. They want a leader who could show China not just the door but give her a middle finger.

(Bernie Sanders said: “It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party that abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them.)

I couldn’t help but notice a rough resemblance between Pheu Thai voters who prioritized bread and butter issues over human rights issues such as reforming the lese majeste law that’s demanded by many young and educated Thai voters who support what is now People’s Party.

There are more factors as to why Harris lost. Entering the race midway to replace Joe Biden, she didn’t seem to have enough time to communicate to the voters clearly as to who she was and how she differed from Biden if allowed to run the country.

If the US under Trump restoration turns out to be more isolationist, the world will have to learn to adapt. The EU, for example, will have to take greater responsibilities in helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia. This is not all necessarily a bad thing as it will enable the world to become even more multipolar. The world doesn’t really need a sole superpower or a global policeman patrolling the seven seas and poking its nose into other people’s business. Other nations will have to, and should, learn to be more independent and forge new alliances, and friends, in case of an insular America under Trump.

Thais are bracing for a possible 20 percent Trump tariff and will have to seek new markets abroad instead of becoming too complacent and dependent on the US market. This is not necessarily a bad thing, particularly in the long run.

Americans who didn’t vote for Trump will have to learn to coexist with Trump and Trumpians. They did manage between 2017 to 2021 and should know how to deal with Trump the second time around. I trust these Americans are adequately resilient and resourceful to endure and wake up to the reality of the failures of the Democratic Party and eventually create a more fair and just America in the future.

Bangkok Police Raid Another Chinese Gambling Den Hidden in Restaurant

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Khaosod English

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10 November 2024, 01:57

BANGKOK — Wang Thonglang police officers raided a Chinese restaurant in Soi Ladprao 80, intersection 22 on Saturday night, after receiving intelligence about another illegal gambling operation in the area.

This gambling den is connected to the one in Soi Sahakarn Pramoon that was discovered on November 5, where 21 gamblers of Chinese, Taiwanese, and Thai nationalities were arrested.

The Ladprao 80 operation followed the same business model, using brokers to recruit Chinese residents living in Huai Khwang and Ratchada areas through WeChat application to participate in gambling.

den wang thong2 — A Chinese restaurant in Soi Ladprao 80, intersection 22 has a hidden gambling den in its VIP room.

deng wang thong3 — For Chinese men confess to being friends who were invited through WeChat to play Mahjong cards.

During the search on November 9 at 9:30 p.m., officers found a private VIP room at the back of the building, where four Chinese men were caught playing Mahjong. All of them had tourist visas. They confessed to being friends who were invited through WeChat to play Mahjong, claiming it was their first time at this restaurant.

The restaurant manager, a Chinese national, confessed to working at the establishment for about 10 months, with a Thai woman as the owner. The gambling table and equipment were reportedly brought in just 10 days ago by a Chinese friend.

Police seized the gambling table, equipment, and over 70,000 baht in cash as evidence. The four Chinese men were arrested and charged with illegal gambling. The restaurant manager was charged with operating an illegal gambling establishment. All suspects will be detained and presented to the Criminal Court on Monday, November 11.

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Tourism Operators Hope Koh Kood Will Overcome Misinformation

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Khaosod English

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9 November 2024, 23:51

TRAT — Following the visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to Koh Kood on November 9, there has been a noticeable increase in tourist arrivals, even as political attacks regarding Thailand-Cambodia overlapping territorial claims have begun to subside.

Ms. Wipha Boon-yu, Manager of Suea Dam Go (Trat) Company Limited, stated that foreign tourist numbers have significantly increased during this period. Thai tourists, however, have been concerned about social media posts regarding Koh Kood, calling to inquire whether it’s safe to visit. Staff have clarified that there are no concerning situations and no military deployments from either Thailand or Cambodia in the area.

She mentioned that the Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister visited the island’s military base today, and the Interior Minister will visit on Monday. As both are key government figures, operators hope they will help build understanding and restore tourist confidence.

“There is no military confrontation here as falsely shared on social media. We want tourists to feel confident and visit Koh Kood during the year-end period, as there is no fighting or risk in the area,” she said.

A tourist from Bangkok commented that Koh Kood has beautiful nature and pristine waters, expressing no fear about the news, confident that Koh Kood belongs to Thailand, not Cambodia.

Mrs. Boon Yothaphirom, a 68-year-old food vendor, stated that the news has been false, spread through social media sharing, causing confusion among Koh Kood residents. She noted there is no fighting, and the circulating images don’t reflect reality, adding that this isn’t beneficial for anyone.

kohkood nov 3 — Tourists arrive at Koh Kood, Trat province, November 5, 2024.

Mr. Wichit Sukasuyhanon, President of the Trat Tourism Business Association, said that Trat and Koh Kood residents know the island belongs to Thailand, but today’s news is mostly fake and politically motivated. This has overshadowed the truth, resulting in a 30% decrease in Thai tourist bookings for Koh Chang, despite October and November being the tourism season for Trat province and its islands.

However, Mr. Attaphol Klintap, Manager of Boonsiri Ferry Company, reported that Thai tourist numbers today are higher than usual weeks due to merit-making ceremonies and holidays. For foreign tourists, this high season is normal, with many European and Scandinavian visitors expected through late 2024 and early 2025.

Mr. Attaphol added that the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Trat office has been promoting tourism on Koh Kood and Koh Mak through special tour packages, which has helped maintain tourist confidence and increased visitors to both islands.

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Enduring Love: British Man’s Annual Thailand Trip to Maintain Wife’s Memorial

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Khaosod English

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9 November 2024, 22:06

UDON THANI — A British former naval officer who found love with a Thai woman and lived together for nearly ten years, continues to visit after her death from cancer. He flies in annually to clean and change flowers at the stupa containing his wife’s ashes in Ban Dung, Udon Thani.

On November 9, Khaosod reporters in Udon Thani found a foreign man carrying a broom and fresh flowers, walking to a stupa containing ashes at Wat Sri Suwan Mongkol in Ban Sri Muang, Ban Muang subdistrict, Ban Dung district. They went over to speak with him.

Mr. Andrew Richardson, 63, from York, England, said he traveled from England to visit his wife whom he hasn’t forgotten even after her passing. He comes to clean the stupa containing her ashes and change the flowers, something he has done consistently for 4 years.

british udon2 — Andrew Richardson, 63, from York, England, sweeps the area around the stupa containing his wife’s ashes at Wat Sri Suwan Mongkol in Ban Sri Muang, Ban Dung District, Udon Thani Province on Nov 5, 2024.

british udon3 — The name of the British man’s wife, Samorn Prasomsi, is inscribed on the base of the stupa containing her ashes.

“I was formerly in the navy, and after retiring, I worked at a tire manufacturing plant. I met and married my wife, Samorn Prasomsi, and we were together for nearly 10 years. Unfortunately, she passed away from cancer 4 years ago. After her death, my sister in England asked me to return to live there,” Andrew said.

He continued that out of love and longing for his wife, he flies to this temple to make merit and clean the stupa containing her ashes. Last year, he couldn’t come because he underwent heart surgery. Once his condition improved this year, he flew immediately, arriving on November 5 and planning to return to England on November 12.

“I love Thai women and I loved this woman very much. Even though my wife has passed away, I think about her all the time. In my opinion, Thai women are the most special, and my wife was a good person who made me happy. She will be my last wife,” Andrew said.

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Myanmar Beauticians Arrested for Working at Samui’s Nail Salon

By

Khaosod English

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9 November 2024, 19:50

KOH SAMUI — Tourist Police in Samui have arrested several Myanmar nationals working as beauticians and nail technicians serving tourists on Samui Island, noting that these professions are reserved exclusively for Thai citizens.

During an inspection of a nail salon located in Moo 3, Maret Sub-district, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province on November 8, officers arrested five foreign workers who were illegally providing nail services to foreign tourists.

All five arrested individuals are Myanmar nationals:

Ms. Pwint, age 28, charged with being a foreigner working beyond permitted rights (beauty services)
Ms. Zawar, age 29, charged with illegal entry and stay in the kingdom, and working without permission
Mr. Maw, age 22, charged with overstaying (191 days) and working without permission
Mr. Win, age 29, charged with having work permit but working beyond permitted scope (nail services)
Mrs. Khin, age 24, charged with having work permit but working beyond permitted scope (nail services)

myanmar nail2 — Tourist Police in Samui arrest five Myanmar nationals working as beauticians and nail technicians serving tourists on Samui Island on Nov 8, 2024.

All suspects were transferred to Bo Phut Police Station investigators.

This week, Tourist Police, Immigration Police, and local police forces have received orders from Police General Kitt-rat Panphetch, the National Police Chief, to crack down on transnational crime and illegal foreign workers in 10 prohibited categories during the high season between November 8-14.

The 10 prohibited categories include:

Low-quality tours violating Tourism Business and Guide Act
Fraud in selling substandard products/services at high prices
Vehicle-related tourist exploitation
Illegal entertainment venues
Traffic management
Drugs in tourist areas
Transnational crime and illegal immigration
Accidents and tourism safety standards
Major crimes affecting tourists
Influential figures carrying weapons in tourist areas

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