ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading Hospitality management company of luxury hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and residences in Southeast Asia, showcased its marketing prowess by securing a ‘Bronze’ award for Amari Bangkok in the ‘Anniversary Marketing’ category at the prestigious Marketing Excellence Awards 2024. This recognition reaffirms ONYX’s leading position in the region’s ever-evolving market, underscoring its commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to every guest.
The Marketing Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding marketing plans across various industries, highlighting creativity, strategic thinking, and innovation. ONYX Hospitality Group’s success stems from a marketing plan developed and executed by its internal marketing team in collaboration with Amari Bangkok, one of ONYX Hospitality Group’s leading Hotel brands, to mark the Amari Bangkok’s 30th anniversary. This campaign resulted in a 23% increase in walk-in customers, a 63% boost in social media reach for the hotel and its restaurants, and a 5% growth in direct booking revenue during the campaign period.
This award marks a significant achievement for ONYX Hospitality Group and Amari Bangkok, showcasing their dedication to crafting high-quality marketing strategies adaptable to diverse contexts. It aligns with ONYX Hospitality Group’s strength in offering a ‘Tailored Approach to Hospitality,’ which differentiates the business and supports sustainable growth. The accolade also reflects ONYX Hospitality Group’s unwavering commitment to advancing its vision of becoming “The Best Medium-sized Hospitality Management Company in Southeast Asia.”
ONYX Hospitality Group’s executives (from left): Sukamal Mondal, Area General Manager, Bangkok; Natsuda Lapai, Director, Culinary Marketing; Niwat Vaitayamongkol, Senior Director of Brand and Marketing Communications.
From left, Philippine's President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone applaud after a group photo session during the 27th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-China Summit in Vientiane, Laos, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
VIENTIANE, Laos (AP) — Southeast Asian leaders stepped up pressure on China to respect international law following clashes in the disputed South China Sea, but Chinese Premier Li Qiang was defiant during annual summit talks on Thursday as he blamed “external forces” for interfering in regional affairs.
The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ meeting with Li followed recent violent confrontations at sea between China and ASEAN members Philippines and Vietnam that heightened unease over China’s increasingly assertive actions in the contested waters.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said it was “regrettable that the overall situation in the South China Sea remains tense and unchanged” due to China’s actions, which he said violated international law.
“We continue to be subjected to harassment and intimidation,” he told summit leaders. He called for more urgency in ASEAN’s negotiations with China for a code of conduct to govern the South China Sea. The Philippines, a longtime U.S. ally, has been critical of other ASEAN countries for not doing more to get China to back away.
Leaders attend the 27th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-China Summit in Vientiane, Laos, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Li responded by saying the South China Sea is “a shared home” and that China has an obligation to protect its sovereignty, according to an ASEAN official who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the discussion.
Li later said meddling by foreign forces is creating conflicts within the region.
“We must realize that our development is also facing some unstable and uncertain factors. In particular, external forces frequently interfere and even try to introduce bloc confrontation and geopolitical conflicts into Asia,” Li said during an ASEAN meeting with China, Japan and South Korea. He called for more dialogue between countries to ensure disputes are resolved amicably.
Li didn’t name the foreign forces, but China has previously warned the U.S. not to meddle in the region’s territorial disputes.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who arrived in Laos on Thursday for the meetings, is expected to raise the issue of China’s actions in the sea, officials said. The U.S. has no territorial claims in the South China Sea but has deployed Navy ships and fighter jets to patrol the waterway and promote freedom of navigation and overflight.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who takes over the rotating ASEAN chair next year, said the bloc has called for an early conclusion to the code of conduct to maintain peace and security in the strategic waterway. Talks have been ongoing for years, hampered by sticky issues including disagreements over whether the pact should be binding.
From left, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim applaud after a group photo session during the 27th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-China Summit in Vientiane, Laos, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei along with Taiwan have overlapping claims with China, which asserts sovereignty over virtually all of the South China Sea. Chinese and Philippine vessels have clashed repeatedly this year, and Vietnam said last week that Chinese forces assaulted its fishermen in the disputed sea. China has also sent patrol vessels to areas that Indonesia and Malaysia claim as exclusive economic zones.
Aside from regional security issues, the focus at the summit was also on trade. China’s Li said creating an “ultra large-scale market” ia key to economic prosperity amid rising global trade protectionism.
ASEAN and China said they expect to conclude negotiations to upgrade their free trade pact next year. Since the two sides signed the pact covering a market of 2 billion people in 2010, ASEAN’s trade with China has leaped from $235.5 billion to $696.7 billion last year.
China is ASEAN’s No. 1 trading partner and its third-largest source of foreign investment — a key reason why the bloc has been reluctant to criticize Chinese actions in the South China Sea.
ASEAN leaders, who held a summit among themselves on Wednesday, also met separately with new Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
ASEAN elevated its ties with South Korea to a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” Yoon said the new designation will further help both sides to “create a new future together.”
Ishiba also pledged to boost the Japan-ASEAN relationship by providing patrol vessels and training in maritime law enforcement, strengthening economic security through financial and other support, and bolstering cybersecurity.
From left, Myanmar’s Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Aung Kyaw Moe, Philippine’s President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet, Indonesia’s Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, and East Timor’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao hold hands for a group photo session during the 27th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-China Summit in Vientiane, Laos, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
“Japan shares principles such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law, and would like to create and protect the future together with ASEAN,” he said.
The bloc is also holding individual talks with dialogue partners India, Australia, Canada, the U.S. and the United Nations that will culminate in an East Asia Summit of 18 nations including Russia and New Zealand on Friday.
Former ASEAN Secretary-General Ong Keng Yong said that despite challenges in addressing disputes in the South China Sea and the Myanmar civil war, ASEAN’s central role in the region is undisputable.
“ASEAN and its diplomatic maneuvers have sustained the relative peace and progress of Southeast Asia to date. ASEAN will continue to be useful in that regard. Big powers cannot do what they wish in the region,” said Ong, who is now deputy chairman of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.
Nearly 6,000 people have been killed and over 3 million displaced in Myanmar’s civil war after the army ousted an elected government in 2021. The military has backtracked on an ASEAN peace plan it agreed to in late 2021 and fighting has continued with pro-democracy guerrillas and ethnic rebels.
Myanmar’s top generals have been shut out of ASEAN summits since the military takeover. Thailand will host an informal ASEAN ministerial-level consultation on Myanmar in mid-December as frustration grows in the bloc over the prolonged conflict.
Pattaya City Police raid and arrested a group of foreigners secretly playing poker in Pattaya on October 9, 2024.
PATTAYA — Police officers from Pattaya City Police Station, in cooperation with Bang Lamung District administrative officials, raided and arrested a group of expats secretly playing poker on Wednesday night.
Police Colonel Nawin Theerawit, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, revealed on October 10 that this case came to light after locals reported a group of people gambling at poker in a house for some time. The house is located in the Land Office Soi, Nongprue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
Officers staked out the location and, when someone opened the door to enter, they raided the premises. They found expats, both European and Asian, engrossed in their card game, caught completely off guard. In total, there were 9 players, 1 Thai dealer, and 1 Thai housekeeper.
Most of these foreign gamblers were retirees living in Thailand, consisting of 3 South Koreans, 2 Americans, 2 Australians, 1 Russian, 1 British national, and 1 Thai person acting as the dealer. Officers seized evidence including tables, chairs used for gambling, chips representing cash, 37 decks of cards, and a sum of cash.
Initially, all suspects and evidence were taken into custody and handed over to investigators at Pattaya Police Station for legal processing. They are charged with jointly participating in illegal gambling (poker) for money without permission, which carries a penalty of up to 3 years imprisonment, a fine not exceeding 5,000 baht, or both.
Expats in Thailand are taken for questioning at Pattaya Police Station after being caught in the middle of a poker game on October 9.
The legality of poker has been a topic of debate in Thai society for a long time, discussing whether it should be removed from the list of illegal gambling activities. This includes the recent debate on whether Thailand should legalize casinos.
Supporters argue that gambling is widespread in Thai society and practically impossible to control completely, so bringing underground businesses to the surface would allow the government to collect taxes from gambling and reduce the influence of various powerful groups.
On the other hand, opponents believe that legalizing gambling would legitimize and promote it, making it easier for people to gamble, and the negative impacts of gambling would have an even greater adverse effect on society.
From left, Taiwan first lady Wu Mei-ru, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, Speaker of the Legislature Han Guo-yu and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim cheer during National Day celebrations in front of the Presidential Building in Taipei, Taiwan, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan celebrated its National Day holiday Thursday against the background of threats from China, which claims the self-governing island republic as its own territory.
The celebration marks the establishment of the Republic of China, which overthrew the Qing Dynasty in 1911 and fled to Taiwan as Mao Zedong’s Communists swept to power on the mainland during a civil war in 1949. Taiwan was run under martial law until transitioning to full democracy in the 1980s and 1990s but maintains the original constitution brought from China and the ROC flag.
President Lai Ching-te took office in May, continuing the eight-year rule of the Democratic Progressive Party that rejects China’s demand that it recognize Taiwan is a part of China. The Nationalists adhere to a unification stance that recognizes both sides of the Taiwan Strait as a single nation.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te waves during National Day celebrations in front of the Presidential Building in Taipei, Taiwan, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
In a speech marking the holiday, Lai spoke of Taiwan’s technology achievements such as those driving the computer chips industry, calling it a “global force for prosperity and development.” He also praised athletes such as boxer Lin Yu-ting, who won gold at the Paris Olympics, and young people who have won prizes in international technical competitions.
Thursday’s commemorations included military displays, but no heavy military equipment as seen in years past. And it included performances with music and flag and athletic feats like flips and other stunts.
Addressing the threat from China, Lai took a firm but measured line while offering cooperation on areas from fighting infectious diseases to maintaining “regional peace and stability.”
Dancers perform during National Day celebrations in front of the Presidential Building in Taipei, Taiwan, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
“We hope that China will live up to the expectations of the international community, that it will apply its influence and work with other countries toward ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and end conflicts in the Middle East,” Lai said.
“And we hope that (China) will take up its international responsibilities and, along with Taiwan, contribute to the peace, security and prosperity of the region and the globe,” the president said.
Maintaining its military pressure on Taiwan, China’s People’s Liberation Army sent 15 planes across the median line in the Taiwan Strait, prompting Taiwan to scramble jets, dispatch ships and activate missile systems.
Dancers perform during National Day celebrations in front of the Presidential Building in Taipei, Taiwan, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)Dancers smile during National Day celebrations in front of the Presidential Building in Taipei, Taiwan, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
In response to such threats, Taiwan has ordered billions of dollars in fighter jets, tanks, missiles and various upgrades to existing gear from the U.S., while revitalizing its own defense industry with the production of submarines and other equipment aimed at deterring or fending off a Chinese attack.
At the same time, Taiwan faces economic threats from China ranging from a possible blockade of the trade-dependent island to an undermining of its financial system. China routinely states that Taiwan independence is a “dead end” and that annexation by Beijing is a historical inevitability.
Lai appeared to address such issues in his address, saying: “Finally, we must strengthen resilience throughout Taiwan in national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention and democracy.”
Jenny shares with Khaosod English the inspiration behind each of her unique ice cream flavors.
BANGKOK — They say ice cream makes everything better, and after tasting Jenny’s creations, it’s easy to agree. Jenny, a talented Chinese chef, has crafted a unique collection of ice cream flavors in collaboration with Baan Dusit restaurants.
She designed 12 exclusive flavors, each tied to a specific restaurant: six for Dusit Gourmet, two for Nomada, two for Benjarong, and two for Thien Duong. Drawing inspiration from her travels and dining experiences at these four Baan Dusit restaurants, Jenny has created flavors that reflect her culinary journey and creativity.
Jenny, a Chinese chef from Beijing, brings over 26 years of expertise in French cuisine, pastries, and Italian gelato to her creations. Having trained at a Thai cooking school in Chiang Mai since 1993, Jenny’s culinary journey is rooted in love.
After marrying a Thai man, tragedy struck when her husband passed away. Despite this loss, Jenny found a profound connection to Thailand, choosing to make it her home. This deep bond inspired her to channel her passion into crafting unique ice cream flavors, transforming her grief into creative works of art.
Among the 12 flavors we sampled, the most unusual yet impressive was the Alpaca Ice Cream. Jenny shared with Khaosod English that her inspiration came from a pre-pandemic trip to Peru, where she had an unexpected encounter with an alpaca.
As she tried to take a photo with the animal, it accidentally kissed her on the lips—a moment that sparked the idea for this unique flavor. The ice cream, made primarily from nuts and cheese, has a grassy aroma reminiscent of what alpacas graze on, creating a flavor unlike anything we’ve ever tasted before.
Another standout flavor is the Lotus Sherbet, inspired by Jenny’s love for Vietnamese cuisine, known for its use of lotus flowers. With the first bite, the sherbet delivers a refreshing sensation, making it the perfect palate cleanser after a Vietnamese meal. Like all her creations, the Lotus Sherbet is available exclusively at one of Baan Dusit’s restaurants, adding a unique touch to each dining experience.
Jenny shared with Khaosod English the inspiration behind each of her unique ice cream flavors, all influenced by the distinct identities of the four Baan Dusit restaurants. At Dusit Gourmet, an all-day dining venue, she offers a variety of fruit-based ice creams.
Nomada, a South American restaurant, features flavors inspired by her travels to Peru, including the Alpaca Kiss Ice Cream. For Benjarong, a Thai cuisine pioneer, Jenny created flavors like Foi Thong and Khanom Jeen Sao Nam, drawing on the key ingredients of coconut milk and lemongrass used in traditional Thai curry pastes.
Thien Duong, the Vietnamese restaurant, posed a challenge due to its vegetable-centric menu. However, Jenny found inspiration in Vietnamese artwork that often features lotus flowers, leading to the creation of the refreshing Lotus Sherbet.
Additionally, she crafted a Khao Mao flavor, inspired by puffed rice, a signature dish of Thang Long-Hanoi. This dish, celebrated for its rich history and often mentioned in Vietnamese literary works, symbolizes the deep connection between food and the cultural heritage of Hanoi. Both flavors are exclusive to Thien Duong.
Jenny revealed that her journey into ice cream-making began after the tragic loss of her husband, who passed away due to side effects from the COVID vaccine. This heartbreaking event led her to settle permanently in Thailand, a country she had always loved. Immersing in cooking and baking, she channeled her passion into creating what would become ‘Jenny’s Ice Cream’ (IG: jennys_icecream), a brand reflecting her resilience, creativity, and love for Thailand.
Experience the unique flavors of Jenny’s ice cream across all four Baan Dusit restaurants – Dusit Gourmet, Benjarong, Nomada, and Thien Duong, starting from October 5 until the end of November During this period, an art exhibition will also be featured, showcasing beautiful postcards designed by Jenny’s artist friends, each representing a different ice cream flavor. As a special touch, customers will receive one of these exclusive postcards as a souvenir with their ice cream.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Saudi Arabia was defeated for a seat in the U.N.’s premier human rights body Wednesday after a campaign by rights groups that accused the Saudis of serious rights violations.
The 193-member General Assembly elected 18 new members to serve on the 47-nation Human Rights Council, which allocates seats to regional groups to ensure geographical representation.
The Geneva-based council reviews the human rights records of all countries periodically, appoints independent investigators to examine and report on issues like torture and situations in countries like North Korea, Iran and Myanmar, and sends fact-finding missions to investigate rights violations, including in Ukraine.
It was created in 2006 to replace a human rights commission discredited because of some members’ poor rights records. But the new council soon came to face similar criticism, including that countries sought seats to protect themselves and their allies.
This year, the Asia-Pacific group had the only contested slate in the election in the General Assembly, with six candidates for five seats. Thailand received 177 votes, Cyprus and Qatar 167 votes, South Korea 161 votes, Marshall Islands 124 votes and Saudi Arabia 117 votes.
Before the vote, Louis Charbonneau, U.N. director at Human Rights Watch, called Saudi Arabia “unfit to serve on the Human Rights Council.”
He pointed to the rights group’s documentation of Saudi border guards opening fire and likely killing hundreds of Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers trying to cross the Yemen-Saudi border in 2022 and 2023, and the lack of accountability for the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
“Governments that commit crimes against humanity or similar atrocities and ensure impunity for those responsible shouldn’t be rewarded with seats on the U.N.’s top human rights body,” Charbonneau said.
FILE – The United Nations logo is seen inside the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith, File)
Saudi Arabia’s U.N. Mission didn’t respond to calls and an email seeking comment.
A letter sent last year by Saudi Arabia’s mission to the U.N. in Geneva said that it “categorically refutes” allegations that the kingdom carries out any “systematic” killings on the border.
Human Rights Watch and other groups also criticized other candidates.
United Nations Watch in Switzerland, Human Rights Foundation in the United States and the Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights in Canada called for the General Assembly to also oppose Qatar, Bolivia, Congo and Ethiopia, declaring them “unqualified” because of poor rights records. Human Rights Watch also cited Thailand.
But all the candidates from other regions where there were no contested slates were elected. The 18 countries will serve three-year terms starting on Jan. 1, 2025.
The Africa group’s Benin, Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia and Kenya won seats. So did the Latin America and Caribbean group’s candidates Bolivia, Colombia and Mexico and the Central and Eastern Europe group’s candidates, the Czech Republic and North Macedonia.
The three candidates for the so-called Western and others group known as WEOG also won easy election — Iceland, Spain and Switzerland — after the United States announced in late September that it wouldn’t seek a second consecutive term.
U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters then that the Biden administration was engaged with its allies “about the best way to move forward” and said Iceland, Spain and Switzerland would be able to represent American interests and values.
Last year, Russia was defeated in its bid to regain a seat on the Human Rights Council after it was suspended in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine.
In the 2022 election, Venezuela, South Korea and Afghanistan lost contested races, but countries including Vietnam and Sudan, which have been accused of having poor human rights records, won seats.
Taiwan pursues a strategy of three-in-one integrated diplomacy to deepen ties with diplomatic allies and other like-minded nations through values-based diplomacy, safeguard regional security via allied diplomacy and make use of its industrial success to propel economic diplomacy. As a peace-loving country, the front-line democracy aims to advance democracy, peace and prosperity (DPP) with the rest of the world.
Brilliant Taiwan
Taiwan brings a unique brilliance to the global stage through its diverse ecosystems, rich cultural heritage, and steadfast commitment to social justice, including gender equality. As Taiwan weaves itself into the fabric of the world, the island country’s innovation, sustainability and vibrant cultural mosaic infuse the global community with profound depth and vitality.
On October 9, 2024, KMUTNB launched the pioneering “Center of Excellence in Electric Vehicle Technology and Automation System”. The official opening ceremony took place at Research and Human Resource Training Center for Industry at Map Ta Phut, Mueang, Rayong Province. The ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Teravuti Boonyasopon, Chairman of KMUTNB University Council. The inauguration was also joined by the University executive team, led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Suchart Siengchin, the President; Prof. Dr. Thanin Silpcharu Vice President for KMUTNB Rayong Campus and Asst. Prof. Preecha Ong-aree, Director of KMUTNB Techno Park.
Event attendees had the opportunity to experience innovative instruments by observing the demonstrations of state-of-the art electrical machines and equipment trends used in modern electric vehicle technology (EV) and automated features. They also paid a visit to the Laboratory for Specialized Metal Welding and Testing coupled with the Laboratory of Industrial Robotics and PLC in Industrial Automation at Research and Human Resource Training Center for Industry, Map Ta Phut, Rayong Province.
“The Center of Excellence in Electric Vehicle Technology and AutomationSystem” was established under a tripartite KMUTNB-BYD-FXB academic cooperation. The main aims of the established Center are to be a professional development hub and to serve as a research center for commercial and industrial purposes, specifically the EV sustainable development trends; efficiency and sustainability in the EV industry, manufacturing steps and process; integration of renewable energy to power the EV charging as to keep pace with emerging technologies and digital transformation; along with the development of related knowledge which underlies the process of knowledge-based sharing, shared experiences and mutual technology transfer among the three Parties. Other indispensable responsibilities of the Center of Excellence comprise 1) the provision of technical and professional training for students and staff working in Thailand’s private, public and technical tertiary institutions, so they can keep abreast of the automated features and innovative EV technologies in the current digital revolution; 2) fostering R&D, related technological inventions and innovations to enhance competitiveness in the ever-changing digital age; 3) organizing periodic training and workshops, demo sessions, inspection and testing programs, offering technical advice and essential guidance in relation to modern electric cars and the latest EV technology; and 4) enhancing the implementation of Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education (CWIE) at the newly founded Center of Excellence in Electric Vehicle Technology and Automation System at KMUTNB.
Mr. Danila, the Russian suspect accused of assaulting Mint Chalida Vijitvongtong's brother, gives his statement to the police on October 1, 2024.
BANGKOK — A puzzling end to the case: Thai actress Mint Chalida reveals that in the case of the Russian man who assaulted her brother, the offender did not receive a prison sentence. She finds it difficult to say whether justice was served.
Actress Mint Chalida Vijitvongtong gave an interview during an event at Central Plaza, Ladprao on October 8 to update on her brother’s case. Her brother was assaulted by a foreigner at his own cafe in Ratchada Soi 3 in late September. She had previously inquired about the case’s progress with the police through the media, fearing that the offender might leave the country before facing justice.
She said the case ended in a confusing manner. The foreigner confessed to the crime but did not receive a prison sentence. He only paid for her brother’s medical treatment without any compensation for emotional distress. Considering the significant psychological impact on her brother, she finds it hard to say whether her family received justice.
Actress Mint Chalida Vijitvongtong attends an event at Central Ladprao on October 8, 2024.
“For me, it’s not about expecting major changes after what happened to my brother. But there have been many cases that end puzzlingly like this, which shouldn’t happen to anyone else. If possible, I would have preferred not to settle. I want us to receive straightforward and correct legal treatment,” the actress said.
She also stated that if the offender feels guilty and wants to apologize, that’s one thing, and they’re ready to forgive. However, the person who is guilty should also face legal consequences because we’re in Thailand, and living in a society requires laws to protect everyone’s safety.
The incident occurred on September 25 at around 2 a.m. when staff at SEOUL 3 Cafe called her brother, Moss, for help, saying that foreigners had intruded and were assaulting employees. Moss quickly drove to the cafe to mediate the situation, but the foreign perpetrator attacked him by kicking him in the face as he did not fight back.
This incident was clearly captured on CCTV. Her brother reported the incident to the Huai Khwang police station that day with a medical examination report.
On September 29, the actress complained that the case had not progressed, and there were concerns that the perpetrators would leave the country on October 3, 2024. The police explained the next day that the perpetrator, Mr. Danila, a Russian national, is deaf. The police needed a sign language interpreter who could communicate in Russian, so they had to wait until October 1 to schedule Mr. Danila’s testimony.
Subsequently, the police charged the Russian man with assault and scheduled him to appear at the North Bangkok District Court on October 2 for further prosecution. After that, he would be deported.
This image made from a video provided by the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office shows a large group of raccoons on a woman's property in Poulsbo, Wash. (Kitsap County Sheriff's Office via AP)
Sheriff’s deputies in Washington’s Kitsap County frequently get calls about animals — loose livestock, problem dogs. But the 911 call they received recently from a woman being hounded by dozens of raccoons swarming her home near Poulsbo stood out.
The woman reported having had to flee her property after 50 to 100 raccoons descended upon it and were acting aggressively, said Kevin McCarty, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office. She told deputies she started feeding a family of raccoons decades ago and it was fine until about six weeks earlier, when the number showing up went from a handful to around 100.
“She said those raccoons were becoming increasingly more aggressive, demanding food, that they would hound her day and night — scratching at the outside of her home, at the door. If she pulled up her car, they would surround the car, scratch at the car, surround her if she went from her front door to her car or went outside at all,” McCarty said. “They saw this as a food source now, so they kept coming back to it and they kept expecting food.”
It was not clear what caused their numbers to balloon suddenly. Both the sheriff’s office and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife determined no laws were broken, McCarty said.
“This is a nuisance problem kind of of her own making that she has to deal with,” he said. Video from the sheriff’s office shows raccoons milling around trees, and deputies who responded to the call observed 50 to 100 of them, he added.
Bridget Mire, a spokesperson with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, said by email that under state law it is illegal to feed large carnivores, such as bears or cougars. While municipalities or counties may have local statutes forbidding the feeding of other wildlife, it is currently not against state law to do so, she said.
Regardless, the agency discourages people from feeding wildlife. Raccoons, for example, can carry diseases, and food can also attract predators such as coyotes and bears, according to Mire.
Mire said an agency wildlife conflict specialist has met with the woman, who has stopped feeding the critters.
“The raccoons appear to have started dispersing now that they are no longer being fed, and we are glad for a positive outcome to this case,” Mire wrote.
Poulsbo is about a 90-minute car and ferry ride northwest of Seattle.
