Oriental Residence Bangkok Joins Prestigious

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21 October 2024, 12:57

ONYX Hospitality Group has embarked on an exciting new chapter with the signing of a partnership agreement with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH). This collaboration introduces Oriental Residence Bangkok, a stunning haven reminiscent of a classy second home to the esteemed SLH repertoire. Embodying timeless elegance in the heart of the capital, the beautiful residence stands as the inaugural property under the Oriental Residence brand within the ONYX Hospitality Group portfolio. This marks the exciting beginning of a collection destined to redefine luxury living in unique locations.

The milestone, which promises to elevate the luxury travel experience for discerning guests, was recently commemorated at a prestigious ceremony held at Oriental Residence Bangkok attended by Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group, Mr. Mark Wong, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and key executives from both organisations.

SLH is regarded as the most desirable community of independently minded travellers and independently spirited hotels in the world. SLH has personally visited, verified and vetted each hotel within its collection. ONYX Hospitality Group is delighted that Oriental Residence Bangkok has successfully met SLH’s stringent criteria, which include independence, a central city location with fewer than 200 rooms, storytelling capabilities, a commitment to supporting local communities and the environment, and providing exclusive and distinctive offerings including authentic experiences unique to the locality of the property.

Renowned for its elegant design and exceptional service, Oriental Residence Bangkok epitomises luxury living in the heart of the bustling city. Nestled on Wireless Road – a prime location in Bangkok – it offers opulent accommodation, world-class amenities, and unparalleled service, embodying elegance and sophistication. The property provides a refined second home tailored to the astute modern traveller, where tradition lives on in every gesture, making each visit a celebration of the timeless allure of gracious living. Embraced in history and diplomatic heritage, its lush gardens offer seclusion and peace, fostering a true sense of belonging. The beautiful suites blend Oriental wisdom, Thai warmth, and contemporary comforts. Facilities include dining at Café Claire, offering classic elegance with modern inspiration and classic, wholesome dishes. The boutique style atmosphere exudes relaxed sophistication within the opulent surrounds of the American and Dutch Embassies. Providing a tranquil escape from the urban hustle, the Play Deck has an open-air swimming pool surrounded by the city skyline.

Being accepted into the SLH portfolio grants Oriental Residence Bangkok access to a prestigious global network of over 570 hotels renowned for luxury and independence in more than 90 countries. This affiliation not only enhances exposure to international clientele but also positions the property as a preferred destination for independently minded travellers seeking exceptional luxury, meaningful experiences, and cultural immersion.

“Incorporating Oriental Residence Bangkok into the SLH collection represents a significant milestone for ONYX Hospitality Group,” stated Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO, ONYX Hospitality Group. He added, “It underscores our commitment to delivering unparalleled hospitality experiences that resonate globally while preserving our property’s distinctive character and community engagement initiatives.”

In addition to its prestigious entry into the SLH collection, Oriental Residence Bangkok was recently awarded 1 MICHELIN Key by the renowned MICHELIN Guide, solidifying its status as a premier luxury destination. This recognition underscores the property’s dedication to offering guests more than just exceptional service, with a focus on personalised experiences and unique character that elevate traditional hospitality standards.

These accolades not only highlight Oriental Residence Bangkok’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class luxury but also firmly position it as a leader in high-end hospitality.

Mark Wong, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific, Small Luxury Hotels of the World said, “Our partnership with the well-respected ONYX Hospitality Group further solidifies our brand presence in Thailand. With its deep heritage roots in Thai culture and hospitality, we are looking forward to expanding Oriental Residence Bangkok’s audience reach through our global storytelling platforms and distribution networks.”

Looking ahead, ONYX Hospitality Group anticipates potential future additions to the SLH portfolio with upcoming Oriental Residence properties in the most captivating locales. Each prospective inclusion will independently undergo SLH’s rigorous selection process to ensure it aligns with the brand’s ethos of unique storytelling and exceptional guest experiences.

For more information on Oriental Residence Bangkok: www.oriental-residence.com
For more information on ONYX Hospitality Group: www.onyx-hospitality.com
For more information on Small Luxury Hotels of the World: www.SLH.com

From Picture (Left to right): Yuthachai Charanachitta CEO, ONYX Hospitality Group with Mark Wong Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific – Small Luxury Hotels of the World

SEOUL FOOD IN BANGKOK 2024″ Debuts at ICONSIAM

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MC Marketing

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21 October 2024, 11:06

ICONSIAM, the global landmark along the Chao Phraya River, further reinforces its status as a Global Destination and a key tourist attraction by collaborating with KOTRA and INNOCEAN to bring “SEOUL FOOD IN BANGKOK 2024” to Thailand for the first time. This marks the first overseas expansion of Korea’s largest food exhibition, ‘Seoul Food,’ driving export growth in Southeast Asia. The event will showcase a variety of Korean products, including food, beverages, supplements, kitchen equipment, franchises, and other food-related products from over 92 Korean companies. This is a unique opportunity to expand business and import goods directly from Korean manufacturers and entrepreneurs at “SEOUL FOOD in Bangkok 2024.” The B2B business matching event will take place from October 18 to October 20, 2024, at TRUE ICON HALL, 7th floor, and the K-Food Pop-up Stores will be held from October 18 to November 3, 2024, at SOOKSIAM, G floor, ICONSIAM.

The event is organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, led by Minister Ahn Duk-geun, and KOTRA, led by Mr. Yu Jeoung Yeol, to support Korean companies’ export and marketing initiatives. This is the first time ‘SEOUL FOOD,’ Korea’s largest food exhibition, which has been held since 1983, is being expanded internationally, celebrating its 42nd year. The event aims to promote exchanges between Korean and international food companies and foster business outcomes, starting in Bangkok with plans to expand to other countries.

The opening ceremony of ‘Seoul Food in Bangkok’ consisted of Mr.Yu Jeoung Yeol, President and CEO of KOTRA, H.E. Mr. Park Yongmin, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Thailand, Mr. Lee Yong-woo, CEO of Innocean Inc, Ph.D. Kitsana Vachekrilas, Secretary General of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Mrs. Nitaya Pirapatrungsuriya, Executive Advisor of the National Food Institute. These distinguished guests celebrated the first international expansion of the ‘Seoul Food’ event.

Mr. Yu Jeoung Yeol, President and CEO of KOTRA, stated, “Thailand is a key export market in ASEAN, with continuous growth. We will fully support ‘Seoul Food in Bangkok’ as a platform for export success and facilitate the exchange of information among industry stakeholders.”

The ‘Seoul Food in Bangkok’ event held at ICONSIAM, one of Bangkok’s major tourist attractions, to help Korean companies expand their market reach in Southeast Asia. With Thailand being the second-largest economy in ASEAN, the B2B exhibition takes place from October 18 to 20, featuring over 92 participating companies at TRUE ICON HALL, 7th floor. The B2C pop-up stores runs from October 18 to November 3 for a total of 17 days, with 31 companies participating at SOOKSIAM, G floor, ICONSIAM. During the B2B exhibition, representatives from 300 major distribution networks in ASEAN and Southeast Asia will attend export business meetings, focusing on high-demand products. The exhibition is expected to facilitate a total of 1,600 business meetings. Meanwhile, the B2C pop-up stores at SOOKSIAM, one of the most visited areas in ICONSIAM, offer food and beverage companies retail access to approximately 200,000 customers, with estimated product sales reaching USD 400,000 or THB 13,507,002. The ‘Soul Spot’ activity, featuring AI-guided tours of Seoul’s tourist attractions, has also gained popularity, thanks to collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed with the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) to enhance economic exchanges between Korean and Thai food companies and strengthen cooperation between institutions. The event also features collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization to create a K-Culture experience zone.

This year marks the 66th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Thailand. As a leading country in food industry trends within ASEAN, Thailand is expected to grow by 3.6% this year, according to the World Bank. Despite global economic challenges, the recovery of the tourism industry and increased private consumption are key contributing factors.

Join us for this special experience at “SEOUL FOOD IN BANGKOK 2024,” from October 18 to 20, 2024 (B2B Business Matching) at TRUE ICON HALL, 7th floor, and from October 18 to November 3, 2024 (K-Food Pop-up Stores) at SOOKSIAM, G floor, ICONSIAM. For more information, please call 1338 or visit Facebook: ICONSIAM.

Cats Alert: Water Monitor Pokes Out of Pathum Thani Toilet Bowl

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Khaosod English

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21 October 2024, 01:32

water monier4 — The homeowner in Pathum Thani province holds one of the two cats that alerted them to the presence of a water monitor in the house's toilet bowl on October 20, 2024.

PATHUM THANI — The Volunteer Radio Center of the Pathum Thani Snake Association received a call for help from residents late Sunday night. An Asian water monitor was reported in a bathroom of a house in a housing estate near Khlong 2, Soi Bongkot 14, Khlong 2 Subdistrict, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province.

Upon arrival, they found the water monitor’s head poking out of the toilet bowl. The officer quickly used reptile-catching equipment and his right hand to grab and pull out the water monitor, much to the relief of the homeowners. The lizard was about the size of a child’s arm.

Mrs. Bong-on, 64, the homeowner, recounted that at 9 p.m., she heard rustling noises in the bathroom. Then, her two cats ran out of the bathroom with alarmed expressions. Her daughter, suspicious, went to check the bathroom and saw the water monitor’s head in the toilet bowl. Her son quickly advised closing the bathroom door and keeping watch to prevent the lizard from escaping. They then called the rescue unit for help.

water monitor toilet2 — A rescue officer successfully captures a water monitor whose head emerged from a toilet bowl in a house in Pathum Thani Province, on October 20, 2024.

“We want to thank the rescue unit for helping catch the water monitor. We couldn’t have done it ourselves as we were scared. We need to be more careful in the future, but we’re still afraid. Today, the rescue team also installed traps to prevent dangerous animals from entering through the pipes again. At least it helps prevent to some extent,” she said.

She explained that the water monitor likely entered through the drainage pipe. This was the second time an animal came in this way, but the first time it was a snake that her children caught themselves without calling for help, as it had slithered out of the bathroom. Now, they always close the door after using the bathroom and scan the area for anything unusual before closing the door properly.

Mr. Montien Nakprasert, a volunteer officer from the Pathum Thani Snake Association, revealed that he installed traps to prevent reptiles from entering.

He advised that if people encounter such reptiles again, they should call the rescue team for safety. Attempting to catch them without expertise could result in dangerous bites if mishandled.

This advice gains additional weight in light of a previous incident in Bangkok, where a resident found a python nearly 2 meters long that bit his testicle while he was sitting on the toilet at home. In shock, the man grabbed the snake’s neck and yanked it off.

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Shocking Bathroom Encounter in Bangkok: Python Bites Man’s Testicle

Swiss-Thai Couple’s Pattaya Dream Villa Purchase Turns Sour

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Khaosod English

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20 October 2024, 23:58

CHON BURI — A Swiss man and his Thai wife reported being deceived in a villa house sale by a Thai seller. They had already paid a 1 million baht down payment but later discovered the house was mortgaged to a bank. Furthermore, the seller later sent a letter from a law office requesting to cancel the contract, claiming the couple had breached the agreement and would forfeit the down payment.

On October 19, Ms. Naruemon, 31, and her Swiss husband, Mr. Jean Peter, disclosed their story to the media. They had already filed a complaint at Nong Prue Police Station in Chonburi Province, stating they were treated unfairly and taken advantage of when trying to buy a house directly from the owner with installment payments.

They recounted that in May, they signed a contract to buy the house, with Mr. Jean Peter paying a deposit of 1,000,000 baht. On the day of signing, there was only one document. Shortly after, the seller asked for the first installment payment of 60,000 baht, which they paid. However, upon checking the title deed, they found that the house was mortgaged, contrary to what the seller had offered. This made them no longer want the house.

vills sour1 — A Swiss man and his Thai wife, along with their lawyer, show documents of their police report to officers at Nong Prue Police Station, alleging they were deceived in a villa house sale by a Thai seller.

They contacted the seller, saying they no longer wanted to buy the house because it didn’t match what was discussed. The agent and homeowner said they would return only 500,000 baht of the down payment, claiming the buyers had promoted the house as a pool villa and advertised it for sale, causing damage to the property.

Ms. Naruemon said she and her husband accepted only 500,000 baht in return, considering the other 500,000 baht retained by the homeowner as a loss due to their own naivety. Throughout the negotiations to return the house, there were chat conversations, but afterwards, the agent and homeowner went silent.

On September 3, 2024, they received a letter canceling the contract. It stated that the contract stipulated a down payment of 1,000,000 baht, with the remaining 6,490,000 baht to be paid directly to the homeowner in installments over 24 months, with an interest rate of 6.5% per year on the balance. The remaining amount was to be paid in full on the day of the property transfer.

Mr. Jean Peter made a payment on June 1, 2024. However, from July to September, he did not make payments as specified in the contract. He has outstanding payments totaling 180,000 baht. The seller requests that the buyer contact them within 15 days; otherwise, they will terminate the sale contract, and the buyer must compensate the original homeowner for all damages incurred.

The couple has now filed a daily report to proceed with legal action and has engaged a lawyer to follow legal procedures.

Ms. Naruemon hopes her interview will serve as a cautionary tale for others. When buying a house directly from the owner with installment payments, she advises thoroughly checking all contracts, documents, and land titles to ensure they match what was advertised.

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70-Year-Old Macau Man Joins Thousands of iCon Group Scandal Victims

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Khaosod English

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20 October 2024, 15:56

Mr. Ittidej Thanesawattana (right), a representative of foreign victims of The iCon Group, accompanies Mr. K (surname withheld), a 70-year-old victim from Macau, to file a complaint against the executives of The iCon Group for fraud, at the Central Investigation Bureau, on October 20, 2024.

BANGKOK — A representative of foreign victims brought a 70-year-old man from Macau to file a complaint with the Economic Crime Suppression Division police. He was deceived into investing in The iCon Group’s direct sales business, losing over 250,000 baht ($7,540).

On October 20, at the Central Investigation Bureau, Mr. Ittidej Thanesawattana, a representative of foreign victims, accompanied Mr. K (surname withheld), a 70-year-old victim from Macau, to file a complaint with the Economic Crime Suppression Division investigators against the executives of The iCon Group Company for investment fraud.

Previously, Ittidej submitted receipts for product orders from The iCon Group Company Limited, along with photos of stores selling its products abroad and pictures of victims to the Economic Crime Suppression Division to file a complaint against the executives of The iCon Group.

Mr. Ittidej Thanesawattana, a representative of foreign victims of The Icon Group, reveals a photo of the “Boss” of The Icon Group while accompanying a male Macau victim to file a complaint against the executives of The Icon Group for fraud, at the Central Investigation Bureau, on October 20, 2024.

Mr. Ittidej stated that he represents Thai and foreign victims from over 10 countries/territories, including China, Hong Kong, Macau, Italy, Germany, Canada, Estonia, and Luxembourg. There are more than 40 victims in total, with 20 from Asia and 20 from Europe. The estimated damages amount to over 20 million baht.

The latest complainant, a 70-year-old man from Macau, invested in opening two dealer bills totaling about 250,000 baht after being persuaded by a Thai victim living in Hong Kong who claimed this business was profitable.

He agreed to invest and had the opportunity to travel to Thailand for online sales training at the company’s headquarters in late 2023. There, he met Mr. Waratpol Warathwarakul, or Boss Paul, and a celebrity boss whom he was somewhat familiar with from television.

the icon2 — A billboard of The iCon Group company featuring famous actors as presenters for various products including cosmetics, coffee, and supplements, once prominently displayed in the center of Pattaya city.

After investing in The iCon Group, the 70-year-old Macau man received incomplete products. For example, he got only 20 sachets of coffee instead of the usual 100. When he complained to the Asia region supervisor, he was told that products were out of stock. Upon seeing the news, he was shocked and coordinated with his Thai friend in Hong Kong to travel from Macau to file a complaint in Thailand today.

Mr. Ittidej added that while the victim was deciding to invest in The iCon Group business, people tried to persuade him to recruit more members. However, this particular victim focused on selling products because foreigners from Hong Kong, Macau, and other Asian countries wanted to try Thai products.

On Wednesday, October 23, Mr. Ittidej is preparing to coordinate and bring more victims from abroad, both Thai and foreigners, to gradually file additional complaints.

According to the Central Investigation Bureau, over 5,648 people filed police complaints between October 10-29 regarding The iCon Group. The total claimed damages resulting from the alleged fraud during this period amount to 1.6 billion baht ($48 million).

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Krabi’s Boat Builders Keep Ancient Craft Alive in Modern Times

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Khaosod English

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20 October 2024, 14:52

KRABI — The “Hua Thong boat” or longtail boat is a vessel built from local wisdom. It’s widely used in the southern seas of Thailand, especially along the Andaman coast, from Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Ranong, Trang, to Satun provinces.

Locals traditionally use this type of boat for fishing and catching marine life. Nowadays, it has been adapted to serve tourists visiting the Krabi sea, becoming another unique feature of Krabi Province.

The “Taling Chan Subdistrict Hua Thong Boat Building Group” is a collective of locals from Taling Chan Subdistrict, Nuea Khlong District, Krabi Province. They chose to continue the profession passed down through generations. They believe that Krabi was the first province on the Andaman coast to build Hua Thong boats. Each boat builder possesses both science and art specific to boat construction.

Mr. Sunthorn Khlongrua, one of the boat builders, recounts the history of Hua Thong boats. In the past, ancestors would build their own boats to go fishing, using palm wood tied together to form a hull. As times changed and tools became available, the boat design was adapted, evolving into the form seen today.

The group of boat builders here has been working together locally for over 30 years. Most of the villagers who join in boat building have their main occupation as local fishermen, catching crabs and fish daily to earn a living. During stormy weather with strong waves when they can’t go out to sea, they repair boats or build new ones for fishing, turning it into a inherited craft.

Currently, villagers from many provinces along the Andaman coast order boats from here continuously, as the Hua Thong boats from this area have unique characteristics.

krabi boat5 — The “Hua Thong boat” or longtail boat is widely used in the southern seas of Thailand, especially along the Andaman coast.

The distinctive feature of boats built here is the use of wood that is resistant to sun and rain. Customers can order boats according to their specific needs and sizes. The price of building one boat depends on its size, measured by the number of “ribs” in the boat, which refers to the curved wood used as the boat’s frame.

A boat with 19 ribs costs about 130,000 baht ($3,920), 21 ribs cost 170,000 baht ($5,230), and 23 ribs cost 250,000 baht($7,540). Villagers make a profit of 10,000 to 40,000 baht ($300-1200) per boat, depending on its size.

Currently, the group of villagers is working hard to build boats due to continuous orders from both local and other provinces throughout the year. As a result, the Taling Chan Subdistrict Hua Thong Boat Building Group has become the largest boat building group on the Andaman coast, generating good income for its members and locals.

krabi boat2 — The construction of Hua Thong boats by villagers in Taling Chan Subdistrict, Nuea Khlong District, Krabi Province

krabi boat3 — The construction of Hua Thong boats by villagers in Taling Chan Subdistrict, Nuea Khlong District, Krabi Province

If anyone is interested, they can contact the Taling Chan Subdistrict Hua Thong Boat Building Group, Nuea Khlong District, Krabi Province at 087-6564411.

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Make Last Bid Effort to Ensure Justice for Tak Bai Victims

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Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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20 October 2024, 13:01

In less than five days from now, or by Friday October 25, the statute limitations for the seven people wanted for their involvement in the Tak Bai massacre, which led to the deaths of 85 Thai-Malay-Muslim protesters due to suffocation as they were hurled on top of one another while being transported on army trucks to an army camp in Narathiwat province, will end.

As it stands, it’s most unlikely that any of the seven, including the highest profile fugitive, recently-resigned former ruling Pheu Thai Party MP Gen Pisal Wattanawongkuri (who was back then commander of the Fourth Army Region) will ever be arrested in time. If the justice system cannot do anything to Pisal and six others by Friday, the statute of limitations is 20 years will expire. This is not just justice delayed but justice denied, and a mockery of the justice system.

Without the arrests, Thai-Malay-Muslims in the deep south will be served with another solid proof that their lives matter less – that they are second-class citizens in their own country. It will fuel more anger and inevitably strengthen the call for an independent Patani homeland – through the ongoing armed struggles which have led to over 4,500 deaths over the past two decades and over 2,700 injuries.

We can expect more deaths and injuries. Parliament President Wan Muhammad Noor Matha warns today that separatism-related violence will become more frequent if no one is arrested before this Friday’s deadline.

Wan was right and it doesn’t take a crystal ball to predict that. For nearly 20 years since the tragic incident, which occurred when Thaksin Shinawatra was PM, no one has been held responsible for the needless and cruel deaths of these young Thai-Malay-Muslim protesters. For nearly 10 years under the military junta and subsequent semi-military rule, Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, who was army chief during the incident, was the deputy junta leader and Deputy PM.

If anything, the deep state sees these protesters as enemies of the state and there’s no motivation to bring anyone to justice – in fact the opposite is the case as can be seen by how Pisal eventually became an MP for the ruling Pheu Thai Party (despite his track records) until less than a week ago.

I still vividly recall standing next to the mass graves in Tak Bai shortly after the incident nearly two decades ago. It was dusk and backhoe loaders were used to place dozens of these bodies into the mass graves in a rush, amidst the pain and sorrow of the families of those who died. During that trip in Narathiwat province’s Tak Bai district nearly 20 years ago, I also spoke to a senior police officer at the provincial level.

Our discussion touched on the possibilities of locals electing their own governor so they could play a greater role in determining the future of their homeland. “The moment they can elect their own governors,” said the police officer, referring to the three-southernmost provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala, which was formerly an independent Pattani kingdom until roughly a century and a half ago, “You can start counting down toward the secession of these provinces.”

I took a break of around 15 minutes in penning this column late Sunday morning, October 20, to call a prominent senator on the phone.

I asked her if it’s possible to call for an emergency joint-meeting of both houses, the senate and the House of Representatives, to amend the related legislature in order to extend the statute of limitations for this particular case as it’s no ordinary murder but a massacre with over eighty deaths that involved the state, particularly the army, and has a deep repercussion in terms of the perception of Thai-Malay Muslims’ relations to the Thai state.

The senator told me on the phone she will do what she can, given the limited time that’s left.

This is the least that members of parliament and senators can do. This is the least we, as members of Thai society, owe the relatives of those who died while being piled on top of one another and could not breath as they were transported to a military base, like animals, which was then under the direct command of Gen Pisal.

As a Thai citizen, I feel I have failed. It’s nothing short of a collective failure of Thai society itself.

Tourist Police Arrest French Man for Reckless Bike Riding on Doi Suthep

By

Khaosod English

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19 October 2024, 23:38

french doi2 — A video clip shows a French man riding a motorcycle recklessly on the road up to Doi Suthep in Suthep Subdistrict.

CHIANG MAI — Police officers investigated a case where video clips of a foreigner riding a motorcycle recklessly on the road up to Doi Suthep in Suthep Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province, were widely circulated and criticized as unsafe and inappropriate.

On October 19, Chiang Mai tourist police officers, in cooperation with Phuping Ratchaniwet Police Station, tracked down and investigated the incident. They identified the man in the clip as Hugo, a 21-year-old French national. Officials located him at his accommodation in Suthep Subdistrict, Chiang Mai Province, along with the motorcycle and clothing worn on the day of the incident.

During questioning, the French tourist admitted that on the day of the incident, he drove to the Rincome Hotel intersection and met a group of motorcyclists. They invited each other to ride up Doi Suthep recklessly, intentionally performing the stunts seen in the video clips to entertain his group of friends.

Chiang Mai police officers arrest a 21-year-old French national at his accommodation in Suthep Subdistrict, Chiang Mai Province, along with the motorcycle and clothing worn on the day of the incident, on October 19, 2024.

However, when they reached Doi Suthep area, they found that the bike was running low on fuel, so they drove back down. Police officers then charged Hugo with driving without a license and reckless driving without regard for others’ safety.

Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phuek-am, Commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, expressed concern about the driving behavior of tourists and the public, especially during the high season when there are many tourists.

He stated that if people witness tourists behaving inappropriately, they can report it to the tourist police 24 hours a day via the hotline 1155.

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SEAOHUN 2024: Uniting Human, Animal, and Environmental Health

By

MC Marketing

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19 October 2024, 22:07

Health experts from around the world underscored the critical interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and the environment, calling for further policy-level actions to mitigate potential impacts posed by the outbreak of diseases and make the world healthier and more resilient.

At SEAOHUN 2024 International Conference held in collaboration with the International Society for Animal Hygiene (ISAH) under the theme One Health in Action, experts from diverse sectors, including academia, health practitioners, researchers, and policymakers conducted two days of in-depth discussions, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative planning to address emerging global health challenges.

A total of 215 papers were presented, with 164 distinguished speakers delivering sessions on topics including antimicrobial resistance, infectious disease prevention, policy and coordination mechanism , and capacity building. The conference drew over 450 attendees representing 48 countries.

In his keynote address titled Enhancing Global Preparedness: Reforming the Future Workforce and Utilizing Technological Tools in Managing Pathogen Transmission, Prof. Dirk U. Pfeiffer, Director of the Centre for Applied OH Research and Policy Advice (OHRP) at City University of Hong Kong, called for a systems-thinking approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health to build a future-ready workforce equipped with interdisciplinary skills and technological tools.

“Sustainability is a challenge and opportunity,” he said, urging a holistic perspective in dealing with food safety throughout the value chain. “Ecosystem health, human health and animal health are tightly connected. You can’t have healthy human without healthy ecosystems.”

For the nature, food security, resilience and conservation, a transformative perspective is required to transform the food production system for the benefits of the next generations, he added.

He emphasized that given the complexity of what needs to be changed, policy makers need to be presented possible scenarios of future outbreaks and mitigation options as these interconnected health challenges requires collaboration, innovation, and commitment.

His conclusion was amid critical challenges posed by pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change, these global challenges also present opportunities deeply connected to the One Health agenda.

Preparing the next generation of health professionals amid these challenges was the highlight at the conference, particularly those in Southeast Asia which, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), is a critical hotspot for emerging zoonotic diseases.

Initiatives were discussed that highlighted the importance of inclusive education models involving teachers, students and communities to better equip vulnerable populations againts health threats. At this juncture, SEAOHUN’s role as a key player in bringing together academia, governments, and organizations was strongly underscored, with an overarching focus on building resilient health systems that address emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and climate-related health challenges.

Speakers at the conference expected the collaboration under One Health Network as well as other networks to gain momentum with experiences from several capacity-building programs.

Dr. Michael L. Tee, Chair of the SEAOHUN 2024 International Conference, expressed gratitude to key partners, including USAID and Chevron, for their support. He reflected on SEAOHUN’s journey since its inception in 2011. SEAOHUN, or Southeast Asia One Health University Network, now encompasses eight countries and 112 universities across Southeast Asia.

He called for continued efforts in capacity-building, stressing the importance of collaboration between SEAOHUN, AFROHUN, and other global networks. “This conference emphasizes SEAOHUN’s critical role in strengthening the workforce for One Health efforts and advancing health security,” Dr. Tee remarked.

As Ms. Marilyn Crane, Senior International Higher Education Advisor at USAID, said in her welcome address: “Collaboration is key to addressing the complex challenges of pandemics, climate change, and antimicrobial resistance.”, at the session

“One Health in Action: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities in Southeast Asia” Dr. Katherine Bond, USAID, Senior Global Health Security Advisor for the Regional Development Mission for Asia, Thailand, noted networks in One Health, like SEAOHUN, are instrumental in sharing knowledge, innovation, and advocacy.

Dr. Asfri Rangkuti, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific region, said multidisciplinary approach is important to mitigate the risks of transboundary animal diseases. FAO supports the establishment of ASEAN Coordinating Center for Animal Health and Zoonoses (ACCAHZ) which will coordinate and ensure collaborating among ASEAN countries. He introduced FAO’s transformative approach, focusing on “desiloization,” or breaking down silos between sectors to foster collaboration.

While highlighting global recognition of One Health, Dr. Ronello Abila, Sub-Regional Representative for South-East Asia of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), stressed the importance of transforming the ASEAN One Health Declaration into country-specific initiatives and advocated for the transformation of One Health networks into a global One Health movement.

Dr. Pratap Singhasivanon1 — Dr. Pratap Singhasivanon

Country-specific, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pratap Singhasivanon, SEAMEO TROPMED Network, Thailand, outlined key challenges, including a shortage of a One Health workforce, inconsistent policies, and insufficient funding. However, he emphasized the opportunities ahead, such as the use of AI and Machine Learning in disease prediction and the strengthening of surveillance systems and public health education. He urged the need for technology-driven innovations to build a “future-ready” One Health system.

Presented at the session “Strengthening One Health Education in Southeast Asia” moderated by Chevron Corporation’s Senior Social Investment Advisor Dee Bourbon was the insight how Southeast Asian countries are taking proactive steps in integrating One Health concepts into education and community engagement to ensure that the next generation is well-equipped to address challenges.

Among them was the Kasetsart University (KU) One Health Core Competency (OHCC) for High School Students, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about One Health among high school students. Through engaging educational materials, the project seeks to inspire young people to consider careers in sectors related to health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. The initiative has successfully developed educational campaigns that emphasize the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

n Cambodia, there is SEAMEO TED: Developing Teachers for One Health Awareness that emphasized training vocational and technical teachers to incorporate One Health concepts into their lessons, particularly in fields like agriculture and food processing. The goal is to empower teachers to promote health and sustainability practices among their students and the broader community. The initiative targets 120 students, 30 teachers, and 150 community members, fostering healthier behaviours and community engagement .

Implemented in 29 public primary schools across six countries in Southeast Asia (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand) is SEAMEO SEPS: School Well-being and Lunch Improvement Programme. The initiative integrates One Health principles, sustainability, and the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) into school well-being programs. It involves teachers and community members in improving school feeding programs, with the aim of promoting healthier school environments.

SEAMEO TROPMED Initiative has been kicked off in Thailand, promote cross-border collaborations within Southeast Asia. From Phase 1 that One Health educational materials and interactive tools are developed and disseminated to students and teachers to foster understanding of zoonotic diseases and public health challenges, the initiative is being implemented in the Philippines and expected to be adopted across the region. The objective is to improve public health literacy at a young age to lay the foundation for effective public responses to health threats in the future.

Panellists agreed that collaboration between schools, communities, and local governments is essential for successful implementation of these projects. While teachers enjoy higher capacity to deliver health education and act as key facilitators of One Health education and community awareness, community engagement was highlighted as a crucial component, ensuring that One Health concepts reach not only students but also the broader community.

As the focus shifts to the future of One Health in Southeast Asia and beyond, SEAOHUN will continue its mission to expand One Health education, strengthen workforce capacities, and support interdisciplinary collaboration through initiatives in climate change, pandemic preparedness, and food security.

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A Drone Targets Israeli PM’s House While Strikes in Gaza Kill Over 50

By

Associated Press

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19 October 2024, 21:43

Israel Lebanon — Officers from the Israeli Home Front Command military unit walk on a road near where Israel's government says a drone launched toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's house in Caesarea, Israel, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s government said a drone targeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s house Saturday, with no casualties, as fighting with Lebanon-based Hezbollah and Gaza -based Hamas showed no pause after the killing of the mastermind of last year’s deadly Oct. 7 attack.

Israel’s military said dozens of projectiles were launched from Lebanon, as sirens wailed. Netanyahu’s office said the drone targeted his house in the Mediterranean coastal town of Caesarea, though neither he nor his wife were there.

Hezbollah did not claim responsibility for the drone attack but said it carried out several rocket attacks on northern and central Israel. The barrage came as Israel is expected to respond to an Iranian attack earlier this month.

Israel in turn carried out at least three airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs known as Dahiyeh, a heavily populated area home to Hezbollah’s offices. Israel’s military said it was looking into the reported strikes.

In Gaza, Israeli forces fired at hospitals in the battered north of the Palestinian enclave, and strikes killed more than 50 people, including children, in less than 24 hours, according to hospital officials and an Associated Press reporter there.

“The possibility of war in the region remains a serious concern,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said while visiting Turkey.

AP24293483922760 — Smoke rises from Israeli airstrikes on Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Barrages from Lebanon target northern Israel

Israel’s war with Lebanon’s Hezbollah — a Hamas ally backed by Iran — has intensified. Hezbollah said Friday it planned to launch a new phase of fighting by sending more guided missiles and exploding drones into Israel. The militant group’s longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in September, and Israel sent ground troops into Lebanon early this month.

Israel’s military on Saturday said some 180 projectiles were fired from Lebanon. A 50-year-old man was killed after being hit by shrapnel while sitting in his car in northern Israel, and four people were injured, Israel’s medical services said.

In the northern city of Kiryat Ata, one rocket landed and Associated Press reporters saw burned cars and a damaged building. Itzik Billet, commander for the Haifa area, said nine people were lightly injured. The Israeli fire service said it was battling several blazes from missiles in the Shlomi area next to the Lebanese border.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said an Israeli airstrike on an apartment in Baaloul village in the east killed five people, including the mayor of a nearby village, Sohmor. Israel’s military said it was looking into reports of a strike on a building in the eastern Bekaa valley.

Lebanon’s health ministry said an Israeli airstrike hit a vehicle on a highway north of Beirut, killing two people.

Israel has issued near-daily warnings for people to leave buildings and villages in parts of Lebanon. The fighting has displaced more than 1 million people, including some 400,000 children.

Israel also said Saturday it killed Hezbollah’s deputy commander in the southern town of Bint Jbeil. The army said Nasser Rashid supervised attacks against Israel.

AP24293283525567 — Israeli security forces secure a road near where Israel’s government says a drone launched toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s house in Caesarea, Israel Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Israeli strikes pound Gaza as Hamas rejects hostage release

Both Israel and Hamas have signaled resistance to ending the war in Gaza after the killing of Hamas’ leader Yahya Sinwar, was the chief architect of the Hamas raid on Israel a year ago that killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapped another 250.

On Friday, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Sinwar’s death was a painful loss but declared that “Hamas is alive and will stay alive.”

Hamas has reiterated its stance that the hostages taken from Israel a year ago will not be released until there is a cease-fire in Gaza and Israeli troops withdraw. Netanyahu says Israel’s military will keep fighting until the hostages are released, and will remain in Gaza to prevent a severely weakened Hamas from rearming.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed over 42,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, who do not distinguish combatants from civilians but say more than half the dead are women and children.

More strikes pounded Gaza on Saturday. The strikes knocked out internet networks in northern Gaza, Paltel, the Palestinian communications company, said on Facebook.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said Israeli strikes hit the upper floors of the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya, and forces opened fire at the hospital’s building and courtyard, causing panic. At Al-Awda hospital in Jabaliya, in northern Gaza, strikes hit the building’s top floors, injuring several staff members, the hospital said.

AP24293471038822 — Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Three houses in Jabaliya were struck overnight Friday, killing at least 30 people, more than half of them women and children, said Fares Abu Hamza, head of the health ministry’s ambulance and emergency service. At least 80 people were injured.

In central Gaza, at least 10 people were killed, including two children, when a house was hit in the town of Zawayda, according to the al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. Another strike killed 11 people, all from the same family, in the Maghazi refugee camp, the hospital said. Associated Press journalists counted the bodies from both strikes.

A United Nations school sheltering displaced people in the west of Gaza City, was also hit, killing several people, according to the Hamas-run civil defense first responders.

The war has destroyed vast swaths of Gaza, displaced about 90% of its population of 2.3 million people, and left them struggling to find food, water, medicine and fuel.

Some see hope after Sinwar’s death

Sinwar’s killing could shift the dynamics of the war in Gaza, while Israel presses its offensive against Hezbollah with ground troops in southern Lebanon and airstrikes in other areas of the country.

Israel’s allies and exhausted Gaza residents expressed hope that Sinwar’s death would pave the way for an end to the fighting.

In Israel, families of hostages still held in Gaza demanded the Israeli government use Sinwar’s killing as a way to restart negotiations to bring home their loved ones. About 100 hostages remain in Gaza, at least 30 of whom Israel says are dead.

Israel has pledged to destroy Hamas politically in Gaza, and killing Sinwar was a top military priority. But Netanyahu said in announcing the killing that “our war is not yet ended.”

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Barrages from Lebanon target northern Israel

Israeli strikes pound Gaza as Hamas rejects hostage release

Some see hope after Sinwar’s death

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