Bangkok – B.Grimm Pharma, the leading manufacturer and distributor of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals in Thailand, is part of B.Grimm’s Healthcare business, one of the three main pillars alongside B.Grimm Power, the listed company, and B.Grimm Industrial businesses. Offering holistic healthcare solutions covering every aspect of the pharmaceutical industry, B.Grimm Pharma has signed a Sole Distribution Agreement with Inter Mohosot Co., Ltd. to enhance access to quality medications in Cambodia. Inter Mohosot will serve as the distribution partner for B.Grimm Pharma’s products, covering various therapeutic areas, including Cardiovascular System, Central Nervous System, and Musculoskeletal System. The collaboration will involve over 16 medications addressing common conditions such as depression, epilepsy, hypertension, diabetes, neuropathic pain, and etc.
This partnership aims to provide many patients in Cambodia with fair access to quality treatments, starting in January 2025 at public hospitals, private clinics, and pharmacies in Phnom Penh and surrounding provinces.
Mr. Kittisak Dumrongtananurak, Head of B.Grimm Pharma, stated, “With the growing demand for medications in Cambodia, B.Grimm Pharma is ready to meet the needs for quality pharmaceuticals and healthcare products. We are pleased to partner with Inter Mohosot, a trusted company with deep insights into the pharmaceutical business in Cambodia. This collaboration will not only support our expansion in the Cambodian market but also align with our goal to enhance access to quality medications for a broader population beyond Thailand.”
Mr. Borey Koy, CEO of Inter Mohosot Co. Ltd., expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are excited to partner with B.Grimm Pharma to promote access to quality medications in Cambodia. Inter Mohosot will leverage its expertise and network to complement B.Grimm Pharma’s longstanding commitment to product quality, ultimately improving healthcare opportunities for Cambodian citizens.”
B.Grimm Pharma and Inter Mohosot aim to ensure widespread availability of quality medications for patients in Cambodia. With the combined strengths of both organizations, they will provide modern healthcare solutions to enhance access to quality treatments effectively and efficiently. With significant growth potential in the Cambodian healthcare market, both companies are well-positioned to meet local demands effectively. Through the shared values of quality and integrity, B.Grimm Pharma and Inter Mohosot aim to improve patient outcomes and drive meaningful change in the healthcare landscape.
This partnership not only signifies a business opportunity but also a shared commitment to genuinely improve the quality of life for people in Cambodia. B.Grimm Pharma is dedicated to developing new innovations while ensuring the best-in-class manufacturing quality standards, ensuring everyone can access essential medications and healthcare products to enhance their quality of life.
If you have at least two hours extra in Singapore’s Kampong Glam (after visiting Sultan Mosque and Haji Lane), how about doing a leisurely, or even lazy, inspection of the facades of old shop houses?
Singapore deserves credit for restoring, preserving, and gentrifying its old shophouses and those at Kampong Glam, the ethnic Malays’ historical neighbourhood, is one worth a slow architectural tourism.
It’s been over three decades now when its government has the foresight to start preserving these storied old shop houses which reflect not just Singapore’s colonial pasts but multi-ethnic and eclectic architectural heritage.
Singapore’s Kampong Glam / Pravit RojanaphrukSingapore’s Kampong Glam / Pravit Rojanaphruk
These buildings are Victorian, pre-modern, art deco, and early modern – and some stood next to one another in juxtaposition – a reminder of the changing times and architectural fashion.
Many, particularly those shop houses from the Victorian-era that’s known as Sino-Portuguese shop houses, particularly in southern Thailand such as in the island of Phuket’s Old Town (which is at the periphery of the Malay-speaking world, historically speaking, as the word “Phuket” mutated from the word Bukit, which means hills.)
Read a bit about the history of Singapore while sitting at one of the many atmospheric cafes there.
My advice is look for a café with a nice vista when looking out, sit alfresco, and there are a few of them.
For larger structures, there aren’t many. Check out Aliwal Art Centre, which is located at an old decommissioned school built during the art deco era, in 1938 to be exact.
Those keen on art deco architecture, or what is now broadly referred to as “retrofuturism” will definitely enjoy a leisurely, or even lazy, hour or two in the morning or afternoon there, perusing these well-preserved and re-purposed shophouses and buildings in Kampong Glam.”
To me, these buildings are architectural treasures and much more interesting than 99.99 percent of the glass-façade modern buildings in Singapore’s CBD. Just make sure you wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes, sunglasses and have an umbrella with you as the rain there can be rather unpredictable.
Singapore’s Kampong Glam / Pravit RojanaphrukSingapore’s Kampong Glam / Pravit Rojanaphruk
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(The writer would like to thank One Kampong Gelam, and the team at Muse & Motif, for their kind hospitality and invitation.)
Police escort Mr. Liu, a 43-year-old suspect, from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Sutthisan Police Station for questioning on Oct 21, 2024.
BANGKOK — Immigration police arrested one member of a five-person gang who used firearms to kidnap two Chinese businessmen from their office in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang area. The gang robbed and demanded ransom totaling 12 million baht (approximately $358.5K) before attempting to flee the country. The arrest was made at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday evening.
Following coordination with Sutthisan Police Station, Police Major General Panthana Nuchanart, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration Bureau, ordered officers to input suspect data into the Immigration Bureau’s APPS system, which tracks suspect movements. This led to the arrest of Liu, a 43-year-old suspect, while he was checking in late on October 21.
He was attempting to leave Thailand on Sky Angkor Airlines flight ZA679 from Suvarnabhumi to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. His passport indicated CEDEAO (Communauté Économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest), also known as ECOWAS nationality (Economic Community of West African States).
A search of Liu’s belongings revealed numerous plastic zip ties and cash, which were seized as evidence. He was handed over to Metropolitan Police Division 2 and Sutthisan Police Station investigators for questioning.
According to Sutthisan Police, the incident occurred on October 19 when victim Xie CQ was contacted by a Chinese man, with whom he had previously conducted digital currency exchanges, about exchanging cryptocurrency for 3.2 million baht in cash.
At the meeting time, five armed suspects entered the office of Anget Property (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in Huai Khwang, asking for someone named “Michael,” who was Xie’s friend. They then threatened Xie CQ and Xie CF, seized the 3.2 million baht, and kidnapped both businessmen in two vehicles. They were taken to Nakhon Nayok Province, where additional ransom of $270,000 was demanded.
CCTV footage shows armed gang members raiding two Chinese businessmen’s office in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang area on Oct 19, 2024.Sutthisan police inspect the Chinese businessmen’s office in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang area where the armed gang conducted the robbery and kidnapping for ransom on Oct 21, 2024.
The gang later released both victims in the Kaset-Nawamin road area in Bangkok. The victims filed a police report at Sutthisan Police Station on October 20, with questioning lasting until 3:00 a.m. on October 21.
Police Colonel Pornthep Chalermkiat, Superintendent of Sutthisan Police Station, revealed that investigation showed the victims run a legitimate business as property agents for Chinese visitors to Thailand. They admitted paying the ransom due to death threats, making two payments. They claimed no prior knowledge of the perpetrators and were unsure if the incident was related to an ex-wife.
The suspects are believed to be one Chinese national and four other foreigners who used a vehicle with fake license plate. Police are continuing to pursue the remaining suspects.
Sutthisan police officers arrest an additional suspect, Miss Du, age 37, a Chinese national who is the ex-wife of Mr. Xie and current wife of Liu, on October 22, 2024.
Later on October 22, Sutthisan police officers arrested an additional suspect, Miss Du, age 37, a Chinese national who is the ex-wife of Mr. Xie and current wife of Liu Bu. She had exchanged her share of Thai baht for Chinese yuan at a currency exchange company in the Huai Khwang area.
Police investigation suspects she may be behind the incident, as she knew what kind of business her ex-husband ran and how much money he had. She may have persuaded her new husband’s group to participate in the crime.
Although Mr. Liu and Mrs. Du denied the charges, based on all the evidence, police charged Liu with conspiracy to commit extortion, conspiracy to commit illegal detention, illegal possession of firearms, unauthorized carrying of firearms in public places without reasonable cause, and conspiracy of two or more persons to commit armed home invasion.
As for Miss Du, she was charged with conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy to commit illegal detention.
A CCTV screenshot shows the incident when the suspect used a trick of dropping some bills on the ground to distract the victims while pocketing other bills on Silom Road on August 31, 2024.
BANGKOK — Another case has emerged of Iranian criminals requesting to see foreign tourists’ money before stealing it in Bangkok. In this latest incident, one of the perpetrators went as far as impersonating a police officer ask to inspect the victim’s shoulder bag and then stole money.
On October 21 at 7:30 p.m., officers at Bang Rak Police Station revealed that they coordinated with immigration officers to arrest Mr. Ghiasi, a 53-year-old Iranian national. The suspect was apprehended while attempting to flee the country to Malaysia at the Sadao Immigration Checkpoint (outbound) in Samnak Kham Subdistrict, Sadao District, Songkhla Province.
Officials found evidence including the outfit worn during the crime and seized several pieces of physical and documentary evidence, including various foreign currencies such as Malaysian Ringgit, Uzbekistani Som, Iranian Rial, and Thai Baht.
The outfit of the 53-year-old Iranian suspect matches that worn by the perpetrator during the crime.
This case began when Mr. Syed, a Pakistani tourist, filed a report at Bang Rak Police Station on August 17, 2024. He stated that around 4:29 p.m., while walking on Silom Road near Decho Junction in Bang Rak District, Bangkok, a man posing as a police officer asked to search his bag and stole ten $100 bills without him noticing until later.
On August 31, 2024, around 1:45 p.m., Bang Rak police received another report from Mr. Kan Lin, a Myanmar tourist. He and his sister were walking on Silom Road near a MIXUE shop when a man claiming to be a tourist police officer asked to search Kan Lin’s shoulder bag while ordering his sister to stay away.
The man took out an envelope containing 3,150 pounds sterling from Kan Lin’s bag and used a trick of dropping some bills on the ground to distract him while pocketing other bills. He then said, “Everything checks out, excuse me,” before fleeing in a white car waiting nearby.
After reviewing CCTV footage from both incidents, Bang Rak investigators found that the same two perpetrators were involved. One drove and rented the car using forged documents, while the other carried out the robberies wearing a wig or hat and a face mask.
The investigation revealed that both suspects were Iranian nationals who entered Thailand on tourist visas. Bang Rak police gathered evidence and obtained arrest warrants for both Iranian suspects on September 23, on charges of “jointly committing theft by impersonating others, disguising or altering appearance to avoid recognition, and falsely claiming to be an official, using a vehicle to facilitate the crime or escape arrest.”
On October 18, around 1:45 p.m., immigration officers at Sadao checkpoint arrested Mr. Ghiasi. The other suspect is still at large.
The police have also created posters to warn foreign tourists.
This criminal trick is similar to three previous cases this year where the suspects were also Iranian and the victims were foreign tourists. In those cases, the first victim was a Chinese man, the next was a Russian woman, and then the victim was a Saudi Arabian man.
Police Colonel Thammasak Saraboon, Superintendent of Bang Rak Police Station, has warned business owners in tourist areas about these thieves posing as police officers and asking to search bags or check tourists’ money. He advised not to fall for this trick.
The police have also created posters to warn foreign tourists. Any foreign tourists or victims who suspect they may have encountered the same criminals can contact the investigation division of Bang Rak Police Station 24/7 for information about the suspects’ descriptions and the vehicle used in the crimes.
Media photographers capture images of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's first government dinner at the Rosewood Hotel, Bangkok, on October 21, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/ Pattarayoot Phukpol)
BANGKOK — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra hosted a dinner for the leaders of coalition parties and key figures in the government on Monday evening. This is the first such gathering of this government since she took over as Prime Minister from Srettha Thavisin.
New faces at the dinner included party leaders and ministers from the Democrat Party, as well as those from the Kla Tham Party, including Naruemon Pinyosinwat and the faction led by Capt. Thamanat Prompow.
Paetongtarn, also the leader of the Pheu Thai Party, waited to personally welcome the dinner guests at the Rosewood Bangkok, a hotel owned by her sister, Pintongtha Shinawatra Kunakornwong. She told reporters cheerfully that there was no special theme for today.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra poses for a group photo with party leaders and key figures of the government parties at the dinner party she hosted at the Rosewood Hotel, Bangkok, on October 21, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/ Pattarayoot Phukpol)
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham stated that this meeting is primarily to build relationships and to listen to opinions from coalition party leaders about their experiences in joint governance, and whether they have any suggestions or recommendations for improvements.
However, Thai media speculate that this dinner may involve discussions on issues where coalition parties still have differing opinions, such as pushing for political amnesty laws and how to conduct a referendum on constitutional amendment.
There is also the significant case where the EC has accepted petitions from complainants to dissolve the Pheu Thai Party and 6 coalition parties, excluding the Democrat Party, due to allegations of allowing former PM Thaksin Shinawatra to exercise undue and illegal influence over them and the government.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra poses for a group photo with party leaders and key figures of the government parties before the dinner party she hosted at the Rosewood Hotel, Bangkok, on October 21, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/ Pattarayoot Phukpol)
After dinner, she said that she wasn’t worried about the petition because the allegations didn’t apply to her. Therefore, no one was concerned about this matter, and she confirmed that nothing fit the accusations.
“A good relationship is just that – a good relationship, not domination. I believe many people here love and respect Thaksin. When we talk, we don’t even discuss politics. Or if we do, it might be about politics from 20 years ago. It’s just a conversation between people who have a good relationship,” she said.
When pressed about whether she was confident that these allegations wouldn’t cause the government to stumble like in the case of former Prime Minister Srettha, Paetongtarn said, “Everyone has their own thoughts. Every party has its executive committee. If they disagree, they can’t be dominated. So, if talking to Thaksin is considered domination, then it’s not.”
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and key leaders of the coalition parties held a press conference after having dinner together at the Rosewood Hotel, Bangkok, on October 21, 2024.
Even though she said she was not worried about the petition, many people view this as another attempt to undermine the government’s stability, because the Election Commission’s acceptance of the case could lead to party dissolution, similar to what happened to Pheu Thai Party twice before, when it was known as Thai Rak Thai and People’s Power Party.
On October 18, the EC announced that it had accepted the petition, stating that the complaint had merit. They will establish an investigative committee to conduct an inquiry and provide recommendations. The process should be completed within 30 days, with the possibility of 30-day extensions until completion.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham said that since our political system allows anyone to file complaints or raise issues, we must let the EC do its job. Pheu Thai Party has a duty to provide explanations.
However, he noted that this situation makes many people uncomfortable because the government and Prime Minister have only been managing the country for one month, haven’t done much yet, and are already facing various complaints.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra takes a selfie with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai at the first coalition government dinner party at the Rosewood Hotel, Bangkok, on October 21, 2024.
“I don’t want this issue to damage the government’s stability and confidence because the economy is about to recover. Encountering something like this causes a setback. If this continues, I think the country’s economy will surely collapse. So I want people to consider these factors as well. If something wrong was done, let it be dealt with accordingly. Pheu Thai and the coalition parties are not worried and will follow the process,” he said.
The political movement behind the complaints, which includes petitioners from the Palang Pracharath Party, is one of six petitions from individuals known to oppose Thaksin. This is viewed as an attempt at political revenge since Palang Pracharath was excluded from joining the government. Moreover, the inclusion of an “anonymous” petitioner has drawn criticism, even from opposition party members.
Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, an MP from the People’s Party, said regarding the case of the petition to dissolve Pheu Thai Party, where one petitioner is anonymous, but the EC still considered it and ordered an investigation committee, Mr. Sawaeng Boonmee, the EC Secretary as the Registrar of Political Parties, must clearly state whether the anonymous petition, or what common people call an unsigned accusation letter, is one of the petitions you think has merit for launching an investigation.
“If so, this is a big deal. It indicates that mysterious dark powers are emerging, and it’s dangerous. It shows that this is a system that allows for silent coups at any time, relying on just a single unsigned accusation letter,” he said.
Experience ‘Good Food, Good Mood’ at the Trendsetting Hub for a New Generation of Foodies.
Chester’s, the iconic Thai quick-service restaurant celebrating over 36 years of grilled chicken excellence, has unveiled its stunning flagship store in Siam Square. This newly transformed location, situated in the heart of Bangkok’s youth culture hub, combines modern aesthetics with Chester’s signature flavors.
The ‘Good Food, Good Mood’ concept offers a fresh dining experience while remaining true to Chester’s beloved classics. Guests can enjoy signature dishes such as Grilled Chicken Rice and Spicy Chicken Rice, alongside the cult-favorite “Fish Sauce Chili”—a combination that has tantalized taste buds for generations. With this innovative flagship, Chester’s solidifies its standing as a trendsetter in Thailand’s fast-food landscape, blending tradition with contemporary flair.
Lalana Boonngamsri, Managing Director of Chester’s Food Company Limited, reflected on the brand’s enduring legacy in Siam Square: “Since 1991, our Siam Square location has been a cornerstone of Bangkok’s youth culture, evolving with each generation’s preferences and lifestyles. Today, we are excited to unveil our fully renovated flagship store, designed to elevate the Chester’s experience.”
The revamped space features a striking exterior that harmonizes with the vibrant atmosphere of Siam. As night falls, a captivating lighting system transforms the storefront into a visual spectacle, enhancing the area’s energetic nightlife. Inside, the two-story design is thoughtfully divided into distinct zones, catering to a variety of customer needs.
Enhancing the dining experience, Chester’s flagship store introduces an exclusive menu: the ‘Chick N’ Waffle’ menu. This unique offering, available only at this location, showcases Chester’s dedication to culinary innovation while honoring its chicken-centric heritage. The ‘Chick N’ Waffle’ comes in three tempting variations: Onion Cheese Shrimp Egg, Wasabi Mayo Shrimp, and Korean Spicy Cheese.
Chester’s Strategic Growth Amid a Thriving QSR Market
Thailand’s Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector is thriving, with a market value soaring to 45 billion baht. This growth is driven by evolving consumer behaviors, especially among younger demographics who prioritize dining out, alongside a resurgence in tourism and supportive government initiatives.
Lalana Boonngamsri unveiled the company’s strategic roadmap to capitalize on this burgeoning market:
– Culinary Innovation: Crafting new menu items that resonate with changing taste preferences while honoring beloved classics.
– Targeted Consumer Engagement: Expanding the menu to meet diverse dietary needs and preferences.
– On-the-Go Solutions:Introducing Grab & Go options for the fast-paced lifestyle of modern consumers.
– Strategic Partnerships:Collaborating with key industry players to enhance market presence and service capabilities.
– Branch Expansion: Launching 23 new branches this year as part of the most ambitious growth plan to date, significantly expanding the brand’s reach across Thailand.
Lalana expressed confidence in the QSR market’s potential: “By continuously adapting our strategies and expanding our footprint, we aim to grow alongside consumers of all generations. This approach not only positions us to capitalize on market growth but also enables us to meet their evolving demands, projecting a year-on-year sales growth of approximately 15%.”
Chester’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles emphasizes sustainable practices across its operations. As a pioneer in the QSR sector, Chester’s uses reusable utensils for dine-in customers, including glasses, plates, bowls, cutlery, and even fish sauce chili cups. For takeaway orders, the restaurant employs eco-friendly, naturally biodegradable packaging.
Furthermore, Chester’s prioritizes consumer health and safety through collaborations with the Department of Health and Bangchak. The company participates in the ‘No Refry’ and “Fry to Fly” campaigns, ensuring vegetable oil is not reused for frying and repurposing used vegetable oil from its branches as a raw material for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), exemplifying remarkable circular economy practices in the food service industry.
Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced a new data center region in Thailand to build the nation's digital-first, AI-powered future.
BANGKOK — During this 9-month period, Thailand has attracted investment with a value reaching 722.5 billion baht ($21.6 billion), a 42% increase from the previous year, marking the highest investment in 10 years.
On October 21, Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), revealed that in the first 9 months of this year (January-September 2024), investment promotion applications have been increasing steadily in both project numbers and investment value.
There were 2,195 projects, up 46% from the same period last year, with a total investment value of 722.528 billion baht, up 42% from the previous year, which is the highest investment in 10 years.
He stated that these investment plans will create more than 170,000 new jobs for Thai personnel, utilize domestic raw materials and components worth about 800 billion baht annually, and increase the country’s exports by over 2 trillion baht per year. These figures reflect Thailand’s potential and strong economic fundamentals, as well as investor confidence in government policies and state support measures, resulting in numerous large-scale investments in new industries.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)
“Both semiconductors and electronic circuits, large data centers, electric vehicles and parts, and renewable energy are all high-quality projects that benefit Thai people. This is what BOI prioritizes more than investment figures, and we estimate that the investment direction at the end of this year continuing into next year will maintain a growth trend,” Narit said.
The top 5 target industries with the highest investment values are:
Electronics and electrical appliances: 183,444 million baht
Digital: 94,197 million baht
Automotive and parts: 67,849 million baht
Agriculture and food processing: 52,990 million baht
Petrochemicals and chemicals: 34,341 million baht
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) continues to expand, with 1,449 projects applying for promotion, up 66% from the previous year, and a total investment of 546,617 million baht, up 38% from the previous year.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra welcomes Mrs. Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, at the Government House on Monday evening, September 30, 2024. The tech giant plans to invest $1 billion to build its first data center and cloud region in the country,
The top 5 countries/economic zones with the highest application values are:
Singapore: 180,838 million baht (mostly investments from Chinese and American parent companies in electronics and data center industries through their Singaporean subsidiaries)
China: 114,067 million baht
Hong Kong: 68,203 million baht
Taiwan: 44,586 million baht
Japan: 35,469 million baht
Regarding investment certificates issued, in the 9-month period, there were 2,072 projects, up 59% from the previous year, with an investment value of 672,165 million baht, up 101% from the previous year.
The issuance of investment certificates is the step closest to actual investment, with companies typically beginning to gradually invest within 1-3 years after receiving the certificate.
A screenshot showing a female visitor at Khao Kheow Open Zoo seen using a slingshot within the zoo area.
CHONBURI — Khao Kheow Open Zoo Director investigates incident and sends a representative to file a police report about a foreign tourist who used a slingshot within the zoo premises.
Following a post on TikTok showing a video of a visit to Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where a foreign tourist in a tour group was seen using slingshots within the zoo area, with the caption “This is not cute at all,” the incident has become a widely criticized topic online.
Most netizens condemned the tourist’s action as inappropriate and disrespectful of zoo regulations. Some also called for the tour company to take responsibility for their clients’ behavior and for the perpetrators to be punished.
Recently, Mr. Narongwit Chodchoy, Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, revealed that he has seen the post with the image and text about the incident. The clip doesn’t clearly show what was being shot at. Currently, they are urgently investigating the matter. The zoo has outlined the following action plan:
– Send a letter to the tour company regarding this issue.
– Request the original video clip to support the police report.
– Ask visitors who witnessed the incident to immediately inform zoo staff so they can intervene and warn the offenders on the spot.
Narongwit Chodchoy, Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo
Subsequently, Narongwit stated that he had sent staff to file a complaint at Sri Racha Police Station. Regarding the charges, it would be up to the police to determine which laws were violated. Today, tourist police also came to inspect the area.
Narongwit stated that initially, it was unclear what the tourists were shooting at, as there were no animals in that area. However, if it’s found that they shot and hit an animal, it would be considered a violation of the Prevention of Cruelty and Animal Welfare Act. As for the tourists appearing in the clip, they are believed to be Chinese or Taiwanese, which is currently under investigation.
“If anyone witnesses any acts that could be considered animal abuse, we urge them to immediately notify the staff so that we can promptly intervene and provide guidance,” he said.
He also reiterated, pleading with visitors to refrain from throwing objects at the animals in the zoo, as it could injure them. He emphasized the importance of respecting and maintaining good manners when visiting the zoo, such as not shouting loudly or throwing things at the animals. These behaviors are inappropriate not only in zoos but also in public places in general. It’s crucial to respect the rules of each venue.
Miss Grand International 2024 contestants visit Moo Deng and other animals at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province on October 16, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/Pattarayoot Phukpol.)
Regarding preventive measures, the zoo has installed CCTV cameras around various exhibit areas and assigned animal caretakers during peak visitor times. If any violations against animals are found, legal action will be taken to the fullest extent. He wants everyone to love and cherish the animals as if they were their own children because they are living beings who can feel and perceive like humans.
Narongwit had warned visitors before when some threw seashells at Moo Deng, the celebrity hippo, while she was sleeping because they wanted to see her run and play.
“The most important thing is that we must respect and have good manners when visiting these animals. We shouldn’t shout or throw objects at them. These behaviors are not appropriate for zoo visits, and we must respect the rules of the place,” he said.
FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet at a ceremony in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)
MOSCOW (AP) — In the coming days, Russian President Vladimir Putin will be shaking hands with multiple world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, India’s Narendra Modi, Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian.
They will all be in the Russian city of Kazan on Tuesday for a meeting of the BRICS bloc of developing economies, defying predictions that the war in Ukraine and an international arrest warrant against Putin would turn him into a pariah.
The alliance, which aims to counterbalance the Western-led world order, initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, but started to rapidly expand this year. Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia joined in January; Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia formally applied, and a number of others expressed a desire to be members.
Russian officials already see it as a massive success. Putin’s foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said 32 countries confirmed participation, and more than 20 will send heads of state. Putin will hold around 20 bilateral meetings, Ushakov said, and the summit could turn into “the largest foreign policy event ever held” on Russian soil.
FILE – Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the BRICS business forum in Moscow, Russia, on Oct. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, Pool, File)
Optics and deals for the Kremlin
Analysts say the Kremlin wants both the optics of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with its global allies amid continued tensions with the West, as well as the practicality of negotiating deals with them to shore up Russia’s economy and its war effort. For the other participants, it’s a chance to amplify their voices and narratives.
“The beauty of BRICS is that it doesn’t put too many obligations on you,” says Alexander Gabuyev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. “There are not that many strings attached, really, to being part of BRICS. And at the same time, there might be interesting opportunities coming your way, including just having more face time with all of these leaders.”
For Putin, the summit is important personally because it shows the failure of Western efforts to isolate him, Gabuyev says.
The gathering will demonstrate at home and abroad that “Russia is really an important player that is leading this new group that will end the Western dominance -– that’s his personal narrative,” he says.
The Kremlin will be able to talk to major players like India and China about expanding trade and bypassing Western sanctions. India is an important market for Russian commodities, while China is where Moscow hopes to get its hands on dual-use and various military-related goods, Gabuyev says.
In this handout photo released by Russian Presidential Press Office, Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands prior to their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Monday, March 20, 2023. (Russian Presidential Press Office via AP)
Russia also wants more countries participating in a payment system project that would be an alternative to the global bank messaging network SWIFT, allowing Moscow to trade with its partners without worrying about sanctions.
“The Russian idea is that if you create a platform where there is China, Russia, India and Brazil and Saudi Arabia, many countries that are vital partners for the U.S., the U.S. will not be ready to go after this platform and sanction it,” Gabuyev said.
Goals for Iran and China
Russia also is expected to sign a “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty with Iran, bolstering the increasingly close ties between Moscow and Tehran.
After the invasion of Ukraine, Iran provided Moscow with hundreds of drones and helped launch their production in Russia. The Iranian drone deliveries, which Moscow and Tehran have denied, have allowed for a constant barrage of long-range drone strikes at Ukraine’s infrastructure.
Iran, in turn, wants sophisticated Russian weapons, like long-range air defense systems and fighter jets to help fend off a possible attack by Israel. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment when asked whether the treaty will include mutual military assistance.
For China, BRICS is among several international organizations -– along with the security-focused Shanghai Cooperation Organization -– through which it seeks to promote an alternative to the U.S.-led world order.
FILE – Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian pose for a photo at their meeting in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on Oct. 11, 2024. (Alexander Shcherbak, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)
Xi pushed for enlarging BRICS, and the Kazan summit will consolidate economic, technological and military ties in the expanded bloc, said Willy Lam, a senior China fellow at the Jamestown Foundation.
Beijing and Moscow also want to see if a new international trading currency could “challenge so-called dollar hegemony,” Lam said.
The summit will allow Xi and Putin to flaunt their close relationship. The two, who announced a “no-limits” partnership only weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, already have met at least twice this year, in Beijing in May and at a SCO summit in Kazakhstan in July.
Although they will continue to present a united front, experts are watching for subtle signs of Xi distancing himself from Putin over the war.
“While Putin will want the China-Russia relationship to appear as good as ever, Xi may also want to signal to Western states and others that Beijing officially remains ‘neutral’ in Russia’s war in Ukraine and is not a formal ally of Moscow,” said Eva Seiwert, a foreign policy and security expert with the Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin.
“This will be crucial for conveying the image of China as a serious and legitimate peacemaker in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.”
Balancing acts for India and Turkey
An expected Modi-Putin meeting could see some rebalancing of their ties. Western friends want India to be more active in persuading Moscow to end the war. Modi has avoided condemning Russia while emphasizing a peaceful settlement.
New Delhi considers Moscow a time-tested partner from the Cold War, cooperating on defense, oil, nuclear energy, and space, despite Russia’s closer ties with India’s main rival, China.
Their meeting will be the second in months. Modi visited Russia in July, saw President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine in August and traveled to the U.S. to see President Joe Biden in September.
“India can’t simply abandon Russia because of its deep defense ties, the question of the regional balance of power, and the logic of multi-alignment,” said Raja Mohan, a professor at the Institute of South Asian Studies in Singapore. “At the same time, it also builds and develops its relations with the U.S. and the West because that is where the logic of India’s major economic development and technological growth depends on partnership.”
India and Brazil view BRICS primarily through an economic lens to promote a more equitable distribution of power in the international system, while “China and Russia see it more as a geopolitical forum,” said Chietigi Bajpayee, who studies South Asia at the Chatham House in London.
FILE – Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shake hands as they pose for photos during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, on July 3, 2024. (Sergey Guneyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)
India and Brazil also don’t want to be “pulled into China’s gravitational orbit,” said Theresa Fallon of the Center for Russia, Europe, Asia Studies.
Another key participant is Turkey, which has applied to join the BRICS group. That comes at a time when the NATO member and European Union candidate is increasingly frustrated with the West. Turkey’s EU membership talks have stalled since 2016 due to disputes with Cyprus and concerns over human rights.
Turkey’s relations with Washington have been strained over its removal from the F-35 fighter jet program after procuring a Russian missile defense system. Erdogan also has accused the U.S. and other Western allies of alleged “complicity” in Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Membership in BRICS would help Erdogan “strengthen his own hand” at a time when ties with the West are at a low, said Gonul Tol, director of the U.S.-based Middle East Institute’s Turkey program.
Middle powers like Turkey “try to extract more from both camps by being in-between camps, by having one foot in each camp,” he said.
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Dasha Litvinova reported from Tallinn, Estonia. Associated Press writers Harriet Morris in Tallinn; Simina Mistreanu in Taipei, Taiwan; Ashok Sharma in New Delhi; and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.
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