Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra answers reporters about criticism of her use of a computer tablet to read messages during the ACD summit in Doha, Qatar last week, on October 7, 2024.
BANGKOK — Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is being tested again in handling negative reactions after she was criticised by some netizens as being an embarrassment for Thailand and likened to a schoolchild as she had read the text from her iPad at the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Doha, Qatar last week.
This wave of criticism came after the youngest Prime Minister in Thai history, at 38 years old, had just expressed her joy at being included in TIME100 Next List of the Leaders Shaping the Future. She said that she felt happy and honored, as she hadn’t expected this.
Upon returning from the conference on October 4, the government announced that her first participation in an international forum was successful, receiving acceptance and praise from various countries. Prime Minister Paetongtarn herself stated that she was very well received and had conversations with leaders from many countries, all of whom mentioned that Thailand was the initiator of the ACD meeting two decades ago.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra joined in a group photo with Asian leaders at the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit in Doha, Qatar, on October 3, 2024.
“Member countries expressed their congratulations that Thailand will chair the ACD in 2025, which Thailand will fully commit to. Several countries that I met with expressed interest in investing in Thailand,” she said.
Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin tweeted praise for her participation in the summit and her bilateral meetings with leaders from four countries, saying, “Complete. International relations, food security, infrastructure development, the future of Asia. The Prime Minister has introduced herself on the world stage with the dignity of being the only woman among the leaders attending the meeting. Thailand is not inferior to anyone.”
However, criticism about her use of a computer tablet led to her being attacked with mocking and sarcastic words, similar to what her aunt, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, had faced before. This sparked a fierce debate on social media between anti-Thaksin Shinawatra groups and some supporters of the orange party or People’s Party, with Pheu Thai Party supporters countering that these criticisms stem from bias and hatred.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, on the sidelines of the 3rd ACD Summit in Doha, Qatar, holds a bilateral meeting with Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on October 3, 2024.
PM Paetongtarn herself responded to criticisms in the comments of one attacker, explaining that she needs to be precise and some technical terms related to international relations are new to her. The notes, she added, were prepared by the Foreign Ministry.
When asked by reporters on October 7 if this response raised questions about her leadership, she replied that she simply wanted to explain that sometimes people are too quick to judge others. Information is needed to make such statements, so she clarified. She added that iPads are used worldwide, and it’s up to individuals whether to use them or not. But for major international meetings, whether using paper or an iPad, it’s important to cover all points accurately. This is what she wanted to clarify.
“In reality, in my work, public reaction is one thing, but getting the job done is the main issue. Sometimes I understand myself, sometimes I feel misunderstood, or when information is incomplete, I want to explain what happened. The Prime Minister is also human. If the reaction is positive, it’s encouraging. If it’s negative, it’s natural to feel disappointed, but after feeling disappointed, we must move forward. We need to consider how to advance our policies. We can’t just stay still because we have our term to do our best,” she said.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is included in the TIME100 Next 2024 List of Leaders Shaping the Future.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Minister of Defense, who is seen as Paetongtarn’s mentor, commented on the negative criticisms towards her, saying he would like to invite everyone to focus on solving problems and looking at substance rather than nitpicking based on prejudice.
“Criticizing her accent, her voice, how she dresses, in my view, is nonsense,” he said.
Earlier, Phumtham posted a remembrance of the October 6, 1976 incident, calling for society to learn from this event about how political differences in Thai society that divide factions, concepts of good and evil, right and wrong, are all presented from a single perspective or to make one’s side the winner. This extends to monopolizing correctness and stirring up waves of oppression and contempt for those with different views, which has created severe impacts, losses, and deep wounds in the memories of many people in society.
“Although people are not using weapons to harm each other now, they create hatred and desire to defeat the other side to the point of not seeing each other’s human value, focusing only on winning. This makes Thai society more fractured. I hope that all of us in Thai society should jointly take responsibility, review, and study the violence that is changing form. We should further question how we should handle political differences,” he said.
The luxury mansion construction project by the Chao Phraya River
BANGKOK — The Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) issued a statement on October 7, 2024, providing an update on Chinese investors who had defied an AMLO seizure order and resumed luxury mansion construction by the Chao Phraya river.
AMLO stated that its officers had brought an order dated September 18, 2024, to temporarily seize and freeze land and buildings in the Sanam Bin Nam area for a period not exceeding 90 days, and posted it at the entrance of the project. However, the order was removed while construction continued.
It stated that the removal of the seizure warrant sign affixed by officers falls under the category of damaging, destroying, or rendering unusable a seal or sign affixed by officers as evidence in the course of a seizure or confiscation.
“This constitutes an offense under Section 141 of the Penal Code, punishable by up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both. Therefore, we will take appropriate legal action,” said the statement.
Police officers, administrative officials, Nonthaburi City Municipality officials, and Nonthaburi Immigration Police officers inspect the luxury mansion construction project by the Chao Phraya River on October 7, 2024.
On the same day, police officers, administrative officials, Nonthaburi City Municipality officials, and Nonthaburi Immigration Police officers inspected the aforementioned construction project. The site is located along Nonthaburi 1 Road, near the Ministry of Commerce, covering an area of approximately 30 rai (about 12 acres) adjacent to the Chao Phraya River.
At that time, there were many workers engaged in construction within the project. Most of them were found to be foreign workers, both Chinese and Myanmar nationals, who had obtained proper work permits.
The engineer supervising the construction informed the officials that they had not removed the AMLO’s order but had merely moved it to the back of the entrance gate. This was because the sign that officials had initially attached to the gate had come loose, so they relocated it to the inside of the gate instead.
Police officers, administrative officials, Nonthaburi City Municipality officials, and Nonthaburi Immigration Police officers inspect the luxury mansion construction project by the Chao Phraya River on October 7, 2024.
Regarding the continued presence of workers on the site, the engineer explained that the construction was not related to the AMLO’s order, and the project owner had already appealed against the AMLO’s seizure order. Halting construction at this point would adversely affect the contracting companies involved in the construction work.
Police Colonel Pisut Chantarasuwan, Superintendent of Rattanathibet Police Station, explained that the AMLO’s seizure order was temporary, prohibiting the removal of any structures from the area.
The construction contractor had not moved any structures out, and workers continued to work because the owner could appeal the order within 90 days. During this period, they have the right to continue construction until AMLO issues a post-appeal decision.
According to a report by Matichon, a leading Thai media outlet, Pol. Lt. Col. Jak Chulkarat, Director of Division 3 of AMLO, together with Ms. Thipwan Wannasopon, Director of Division 4, led officers to post a confiscation notice at the entrance of a luxury villa development on the Chao Phraya River at Nonthaburi 1 Road, Bang Kraso Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nonthaburi Province on October 1.
This was done to confiscate assets related to the project which is being developed by a Chinese-invested company.
Matichon reporters visited the construction site of the luxury villa on October 4 and found that work was still underway. Workers were constantly going in and out of the building site. The confiscation sign at the entrance had already been removed.
The news report stated that the Chinese-funded company is developing luxury riverside villas on a plot of approximately 30 rai (approximately 48,000 square meters) located along Nonthaburi 1 Road and directly on the Chao Phraya River.
There are many workers engaged in construction within the project. Most of them are foreign workers, both Chinese and Myanmar nationals, at the luxury mansion construction project by the Chao Phraya River on October 7, 2024.
The project comprises villas priced between 100 million and 700 million baht. These are 5-storey detached luxury apartments with a total of 60 units, each with a basement and swimming pool. The development also includes a 2-storey commercial and office building and a pier. Construction work began in February 2024, with completion scheduled for February 2025.
The Chinese company, which was established in partnership with Thai individuals, was founded in March 2022 with a registered capital of 1.5 billion baht. It focuses on real estate development, including the sale of land and houses, as well as the purchase and sale of riverside residences and commercial properties. The construction project is believed to employ many Chinese workers who enter and leave the country on tourist visas.
Bangkok, Thailand: Marriott International is stepping up its support for young people and local communities in Thailand with the launch of its 10th “Road to Give” in Bangkok – a charity fun run that will bring its hotel associates, guests, families and residents together for a vibrant festival of health and fitness in support of two outstanding charities – Save the Children Thailand and Operation Smile Thailand.
In line with the group’s commitment to “Serve Our World”, the Road to Give event on November 9th, 2024, will feature a choice of three fun runs – a 3km family run, 5km for both groups or corporate teams and individual runners, and a 10km individual main race. – starting and finishing at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University. In an upbeat carnival atmosphere, runners of all ages and ability levels will be able to come together, get active, and enjoy a series of special activities. Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels, the colorful convoy of food trucks and carts from Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio hotels in Bangkok, will be providing plenty of refreshments.
Running under Marriott’s sustainability and social impact platform, “Serve360: Doing Good in Every Direction”, this entire event has been carefully designed to deliver a wide range of benefits. As well as raising much-needed funds for two excellent local children’s charities, the fun runs will promote health and well-being, while also being highly sustainable. The eco- friendly medals will be made from plastic bottle caps, which will be collected by Marriott’s hotel associates and recycled to produce the medals.
The overall aim is for Marriott’s 10th Road to Give to have a maximum impact, leave a minimal footprint, and generate long-term prosperity for the entire destination.
“We are delighted to invite our friends, guests and associates to put on their running shoes for our latest Road to Give event! At Marriott, we are fully committed to creating a positive impact – not only in our hotels but also across our wider communities. By encouraging people to take part in fun, social exercise, while also raising funds for our charitable partners, we can deliver 360-degree benefits in Bangkok and beyond,” said Brad Edman, Market Vice President – Thailand, Cambodia & Myanmar, Marriott International.
“We are extremely grateful for Marriott International’s continued support for the 3rd year in a row, which directly contributes to our youth empowerment and employability programme. These funds will provide equip youths most impacted by inequality with the vocational and life skills required to access quality jobs and offer them internship opportunities at Marriott properties to further their training and careers. Through these targeted efforts, Marriott is not just helping youth gain employment skills; they are contributing to a more inclusive and hopeful future for some of the most vulnerable youth in Thailand.” said Guillaume Rachou, Executive Director of Save the Children Thailand.
“Operation Smile Thailand is honored to partner with Marriott International for the 10th annual Road to Give charity fun run. Together, we’ll stride towards a brighter future for children born with cleft lips and palates, facial deformities and other abnormalities, including those who have suffered burns. Every step the runners take and every contribution they make will support our mission to provide life-changing surgeries that heal smiles and transform lives. We are deeply grateful for Marriott’s unwavering commitment and generosity in supporting us. Let’s come together for a fun-filled day that makes a lasting difference,” said Phanida Phromchanya, Executive Director, Operation Smile Foundation.
Registration for the 10th Road to Give charity fun run is now open! For just THB 600 per person, participants will be able to enjoy the 3km, 5km or 10km event, including a running shirt, race number, and up to three items from Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels. All net proceeds from the event will be donated to Save the Children and Operation Smile Thailand.
This initiative is part of a global strategy that sees Marriott stage Road to Give events in key markets around the world. In addition to the fun runs in Bangkok, hotel guests and local residents in Thailand can look forward to charity events in Koh Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Hua Hin throughout October and November.
To register, please visit https://race.thai.run/roadtogive2024
Flames and smoke rise from an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
JERUSALEM (AP) — A year after Hamas’ fateful attack on southern Israel, the Middle East is embroiled in a war that shows no signs of ending and seems to be getting worse.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive was initially centered on the Gaza Strip. But the focus has shifted in recent weeks to Lebanon, where airstrikes have given way to a fast-expanding ground incursion against Hezbollah militants who have fired rockets into Israel since the Gaza war began.
Israelis were holding vigils and somber ceremonies on Monday to mark a year since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack, the deadliest in the country’s history, which sparked the war in Gaza and scarred Israelis indelibly.
The surprise cross-border attack, which caught Israel unprepared on a major Jewish holiday, shattered Israelis’ sense of security and shook their faith in their leaders and their military.
Survivor Alon Gat, Rabi Yehuda Teichtal and Berlin mayor Kai Wegner, centre from left, hold a candle-lighting ceremony marking the first anniversary of the Hamas spearheaded attacks on Israel, at the synagogue of the Chabad community in Berlin, Germany, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
Its aftershocks still ripple one year later. The war in Gaza rages on and Israel is fighting a new war against Hezbollah, which began attacking Israel on Oct. 8. There is also an escalating conflict with Iran — which backs both Hamas and Hezbollah militant groups — that threatens to drag the region into a far more dangerous conflagration.
In Gaza, which is still buckling under the weight of the ongoing war, no formal commemorative event is planned. The massive destruction and displacement are a constant reminder of the retaliatory Israeli assault on the territory, which has no end in sight.
Israelis were flocking to ceremonies, cemeteries and memorial sites around the country, remembering the hundreds of victims, the dozens of hostages still in captivity and the soldiers wounded or killed trying to save them.
At 6:29 a.m. — the exact minute Hamas launched its attack — the families of those killed at the Nova music festival, joined by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, gathered at the site where almost 400 revelers were gunned down and from where many others were taken hostage.
People visit the site of the Nova music festival, where hundreds of revelers were killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, on the one-year anniversary of the attack, near Kibbutz Reim, southern Israel, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
After briefly playing the same trance music that was blared during the festival, hundreds of family members and friends of the victims stood for a moment of silence. One woman’s piercing wail broke the silence as booms echoed from the fighting in Gaza, just a few kilometers away.
“When we are here, we are near our loved ones. This is the time they danced and fled,” said Sigal Bar-On, whose niece, Yuval Bar-On, 25, and her fiancé Moshe Shuva, 34, were supposed to get married in December 2023.
At 6:31 a.m., four projectiles were launched from Gaza toward the very Israeli communities that came under fierce assault last year, the Israeli military said. The ceremony was not disrupted.
Marking the moment Hamas’ attack began a year ago, the families of hostages still held in Gaza — about 100, a third of whom are said to be dead — gathered near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Jerusalem residence and stood during a two-minute siren, replicating a custom from the the most solemn dates on the Israeli calendar, Holocaust Remembrance and Memorial Day.
“We are here to remind (the hostages) that we haven’t forgotten them,” said Shiri Albag, whose daughter Liri is among the captives. Her message to Netanyahu: “We wont let you rest until all of them are back, every last one of them,” she told the crowd, which hoisted posters bearing the faces of the hostages.
People protest on the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel and call for the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s house, in Jerusalem, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)
A group representing the families of hostages announced that another captive was dead. Idan Shtivi, 28, was snatched from the Nova music festival and was believed to be alive. Israeli media reported he was killed during the attack and his body was taken into Gaza.
The flags at the Israeli Knesset were lowered to half-staff and an official state ceremony focusing on acts of bravery and hope is set to be aired on Monday evening. The ceremony was prerecorded without an audience — apparently to avoid potential disruptions — in the southern city of Ofakim, where over two dozen Israelis were killed.
But anger at the government’s failure to prevent the attack and enduring frustration that it has not returned the remaining hostages prompted the families of those killed and taken captive to hold a separate event in Tel Aviv.
That event had been set to draw tens of thousands of people but was scaled back drastically over prohibitions on large gatherings due to the threat of missile attacks from Iran and Hezbollah.
A region is torn apart by unthinkable death and destruction
The Oct. 7 attack was the bloodiest in Israel’s history. Young partygoers were gunned down. Cowering families were killed in their homes. In all, about 1,200 people died and 250 were taken hostage. Some Israelis were raped or sexually assaulted.
The ensuing war in Gaza has been the longest, deadliest and most destructive in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Gaza health authorities say nearly 42,000 people have been killed — roughly 2% of the territory’s entire population. Although they do not give a breakdown between civilians and combatants, more than half of the dead have been women and children. Numerous top Hamas officials have been killed.
Palestinians walk through the debris after an Israeli air and ground offensive in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Saher Alghorra)
The damage and displacement in Gaza have reached unseen levels. Hospitals, schools and mosques – once thought to be insulated from violence – have repeatedly been targeted by Israel or caught in the crossfire. Scores of journalists and health workers have been killed, many of them while working in the line of duty.
Months of simmering tensions along Israel’s northern border recently boiled over into war.
A growing list of Hezbollah officials – including the group’s longtime leader — have been killed by Israel. Hundreds of Hezbollah members were killed or maimed in explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies. Israel’s ground offensive is its first in Lebanon since a monthlong war in 2006.
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has displaced tens of thousands of Israelis and over 1 million Lebanese. Israel promises to keep pounding Hezbollah until its residents can return to homes near the Lebanese border; Hezbollah says it will keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.
The leaders of Hamas and Israel appear in no rush for a cease-fire
When the war erupted, the days appeared to be numbered for both Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Netanyahu’s public standing plummeted as he faced calls to step aside. Sinwar fled into Gaza’s labyrinth of tunnels as Israel declared him a “dead man walking.”
An attendant walks through a mural with portraits of the victims at the site of the Nova music festival, where hundreds of revelers were killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, on the one-year anniversary of the attack, near Kibbutz Reim, southern Israel, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Yet both men — facing war crimes charges in international courts — remain firmly in charge, and neither appears to be in a rush for a cease-fire.
The end of the war could mean the end of Netanyahu’s government, which is dominated by hard-line partners opposed to a cease-fire. That would mean early elections, potentially pushing him into the opposition while he stands trial on corruption charges. Also looming is the prospect of an unflattering official inquiry into his government’s failures before and during the Oct. 7 attack.
Fearing that, his coalition has hung together even through mass protests and repeated disagreements with top security officials pushing for a deal to bring home the hostages. After a brief period of post-Oct. 7 national unity, Israel has returned to its divided self — torn between Netanyahu’s religious, conservative, nationalist right-wing base and his more secular, middle-class opposition.
Sinwar, believed to be hiding in Gaza’s tunnels, continues to drive a hard bargain in hopes of declaring some sort of victory. His demands for a full Israeli withdrawal, a lasting cease-fire and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for scores of hostages have been rejected by Israel — even as much of the international community has embraced them.
With cease-fire efforts deadlocked and Netanyahu’s far-right coalition firmly intact, the war could go on for some time. An estimated 1.9 million Palestinians remain displaced in Gaza while an estimated 68 hostages remain captive in Gaza, in addition to the bodies of 33 others held by Hamas.
Bitter enemies experience the limits of force
Early in the war, Netanyahu promised to destroy Hamas’ military and governing abilities.
Those goals have been achieved in many ways. Israel says it has dismantled Hamas’ military structure, and its rocket barrages have been diminished to a trickle. With Israeli troops stationed indefinitely in Gaza, it is difficult to see how the group could return to governing the territory or pose a serious threat.
But in other ways, total victory is impossible. Despite Israel’s overwhelming force, Hamas units have repeatedly regrouped to stage guerrilla-style ambushes from areas where Israel has withdrawn.
Across the Middle East, bitter enemies are witnessing the limits of force and deterrence.
Destruction left by the Israeli air and ground offensive is seen in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Israel’s deepening invasion of Lebanon and repeated strikes on Hezbollah have failed to halt the rockets and missiles. Missile and drone attacks by Iran and its allies have only deepened Israel’s resolve. Israel is vowing to strike Iran hard after its latest missile barrage, raising the likelihood of a broader, regionwide war.
Without diplomatic solutions, the fighting is likely to persist.
Israel and Gaza will never be the same
Israel is still deeply traumatized as people try to come to terms with the worst day in its history.
The Oct. 7 killings and kidnappings had an outsized impact on a tiny country founded in the aftermath of the Holocaust. Israelis’ sense of security was shattered, and their faith in the military was tested like never before.
Photos of Israeli hostages are everywhere, and mass demonstrations are held each week calling on the government to reach a deal to bring them home. The prospect of ongoing war looms over families and workplaces as reserve soldiers brace for repeated tours of duty.
The trauma is far more acute in Gaza – where an estimated 90% of the population remains displaced, many of them living in squalid tent camps.
Sara Chen weeps over the grave of her longtime friend, Staff Sergeant Avraham Nerya Cohen, who was killed in action on 7 October. 2023, as Israel marks the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem on Monday, 7 October 2024. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)
The scenes have drawn comparisons to what the Palestinian call the Nakba, or catastrophe – the mass displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during the war surrounding Israel’s creation in 1948. The Palestinians now find themselves looking at a tragedy of even greater scale.
It remains unclear when displaced Palestinians in Gaza will be able to return home and whether there will be anything to return to. The territory has suffered immense destruction and is littered with unexploded bombs. Children are missing a second consecutive school year, virtually every family has lost a relative in the fighting and basic needs like food and health care are lacking.
After a hellish year, the Palestinians of Gaza have no clear path forward, and it could take generations to recover.
Old formulas for pursuing Mideast peace no longer work
The international community’s response to this bloodiest of wars has been tepid and ineffective.
Repeated cease-fire calls have been ignored, and a U.S.-led plan to reinstate the Palestinian Authority in postwar Gaza has been rejected by Israel. It remains unclear who will run the territory in the future or who will pay for a cleanup and reconstruction effort that could take decades.
One thing that seems clear is that old formulas will no longer work. The international community’s preferred peace formula – the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel – seems hopelessly unrealistic.
Palestinians inspect the damage at a tent area in the courtyard of Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital, hit by an Israeli bombardment on Deir al-Balah, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Israel’s hard-line government opposes Palestinian statehood, says its troops will remain in Gaza for years to come and has further cemented its undeclared annexation of the West Bank. The internationally recognized Palestinian Authority has been pushed to the brink of irrelevance.
For decades, the United States has acted as the key mediator and power broker in the region – calling for a two-state solution but showing little political will to promote that vision. Instead, it has often turned to conflict management, preventing any side from doing anything too extreme to destabilize the region.
This approach went up in smoke on Oct. 7. Since then, the U.S. has responded with a muddled message of criticizing Israel’s wartime tactics as too harsh while arming the Israeli military and protecting Israel against diplomatic criticism. The result: The Biden administration has managed to antagonize both Israel and the Arab world while cease-fire efforts repeatedly sputter.
This approach has also alienated the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, complicating Kamala Harris’ presidential aspirations. The warring sides appear to have given up on the Biden administration and are waiting for the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election before deciding their next moves.
Whoever wins the race will almost certainly have to find a new formula and recalibrate decades of American policy if they want to end the war.
Bangkok, 7 October 2024 – UOB Thailand has initiated a flood relief campaign to support communities affected by severe flooding in Thailand’s northern provinces. The floods have significantly impacted local populations and caused extensive damage to infrastructure and agricultural areas.
The “United in Flood Relief” initiative, running from 25 September to 15 October 2024, facilitates public contributions through the UOB LINE Connect platform via the UOB Thai LINE Official Account. Donors can participate using UOB Rewards points or credit card transactions.
To encourage participation, UOB Thailand offers the following incentives:
Double tax deductions on all donations
Double UOB Rewards points for credit card donations (excluding UOB YOLO, UOB ONE, and TMRW cards)
A Snoopy & Woodstock Clutch Bag (valued at 950 baht) for donations of 5,000 baht or more, or in exchange for 20,000 UOB Rewards points
All donations will fund critical needs, including food, clean water, and temporary shelter for displaced residents.
Celebrating three decades of excellence, Nobu Bangkok invite you to experience the dazzling dining destination on the 57th & 58th floors of The Empire discovering Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s world-renowned style of contemporary Japanese-Peruvian cuisine
[Bangkok, Thailand] Nobu is thrilled to commemorate its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of redefining the culinary landscape with its distinctive blend of Japanese tradition and Peruvian flavors, Nobu Restaurants, Hotels, and Residences around the world will offer exclusive experiences that reflect the past, present, and future of the ever-evolving brand.
“We are very excited to celebrate this incredible milestone at our Nobu Restaurants and Hotels around the world,” said Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. “When designing these menus, we wanted to honor our journey, the dedication of our team members, and the incredible support we’ve received from our guests over the past 30 years. Many of these dishes are based on some of my earliest creations, so they are very close to my heart.”
Founded in 1994 with its inaugural location in Tribeca, New York, Nobu has grown into an international phenomenon, firmly establishing itself as a culinary trendsetter while upholding an unwavering commitment to quality. Beyond its restaurants, Nobu boasts a stunning global collection of Hotels and Residences. Each Nobu experience is designed to create meaningful moments, reflecting the brand’s dedication to creating one-of-a-kind experiences that embody the depth and authenticity of its culinary legacy.
30th Anniversary Omakase at Nobu Bangkok
From October 7th to October 13th, guests are invited to indulge in a special 5-course omakase menu offered at Nobu Bangkok, priced at THB 3,200++ per person. The carefully curated menu reflects the rich history of Nobu Restaurants, including early dishes created by Chef Nobu as well as innovative creations that embody Chef Nobu’s philosophy of humility, gratitude, and hospitality. Nobu’s 30th anniversary omakase will feature Japanese Red Snapper Matsuhisa-style, Japanese Mirai Beef Anticucho, and Nobu’s famous Black Cod in Butter Lettuce. The dessert course is exclusively created at Nobu Bangkok – Strawberry Cheesecake, Milk Chocolate Cremuex, and Sweet Potato Mochido with Toffee Miso.
Long-time fans of the restaurant will delight in both familiar flavors and new iterations of classic recipes.
Directly accessible via Chong Nonsi BTS skytrain station, Nobu Bangkok is open for dinner (17.30 – 01.00 hrs.). The rooftop bar is open from sunset until the early hours (17.30 – 01.00 hrs.).
For more information or reservations, please contact [email protected],
call +66 (0) 2 407 1654, or book direct via https://sevn.ly/xa5YtHiX.
Thai Immigration Police have apprehended a Chinese woman subject to an Interpol Blue Notice, at a luxury condominium in the Rama 4 area of Bangkok, on October 7, 2024.
BANGKOK — Thai Immigration Police have apprehended a Chinese woman subject to an Interpol Blue Notice, who had undergone plastic surgery to alter her appearance and was hiding in Thailand. She overstayed for 650 days.
On October 7, Immigration Police officers arrested a Chinese woman named in an Interpol Blue Notice for fraud charges in mainland China at a luxury condominium in the Rama 4 area of Bangkok.
The Immigration Bureau’s investigation unit had received a tip from a resident about a Chinese foreign national believed to be staying in the kingdom illegally and exhibiting suspicious behavior, keeping to herself and often covering her face with a hat and mask whenever leaving her residence. An operation team was deployed to observe the area below the residential building.
Later, the operation team spotted a suspect matching the informant’s description, with her face completely covered, coming down to receive food on the ground floor. They identified themselves as immigration officers and asked to check the passport of Ms. Jing Qu (pseudonym), aged 30.
When questioned about her illegal stay in the kingdom, Jing Qu acted suspiciously and tried to change the subject, evading answers. She claimed to be a flight attendant for a famous airline who had been laid off, but the officers were skeptical as foreign nationals working as crew members receive specific visa types, not tourist visas on arrival like typical Chinese tourists.
Upon checking the Interpol database, immigration officers found that Jing Qu was subject to an Interpol Blue Notice. The arrest team then coordinated with Chinese security agencies and obtained additional information from the Public Security Bureau of Zouping City in Shandong Province that between 2016-2019, Ms. Jing Qu was a suspect in a fraud case.
Comparison images showing facial plastic surgery of the Chinese female suspect who fled from China to hide in Thailand
Case details indicate that she deceived victims by claiming she could help them secure jobs as flight attendants or stewards with several famous airlines. Ms. Jing Qu defrauded six victims in a total amount of more than CNY 1.52 million ($216K or 7.2 million baht). She then used part of the money for facial plastic surgery to avoid recognition by the victims and kept her face covered at all times before fleeing to hide in Thailand, where she was eventually arrested.
Immigration checks revealed that Jing Qu firstly entered the kingdom in late 2022 on a TR-15 visa, allowing a 15-day stay for tourism. She has currently overstayed her permission by more than 650 days.
Officers have initially charged her with “being a foreigner staying in the kingdom with expired permission.” She is being detained and sent to investigators at the Immigration Police Investigation Division for legal proceedings and deportation.
Bangkok : Siam Piwat Group, a leading real estate and retail business developer, owner and operator of world-renowned projects including Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery and a joint owner of ICONSIAM and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok held a first of its kind event in Southeast Asia yesterday in collaboration with global fashion media giant, WWD. Together, the WWD x SIAM PIWAT GLOBAL FASHION SPOTLIGHT event entitled “SOUTH EAST ASIA – LUXURY’S NEW FUTURE,” reinforced Siam Piwat’s status as the leader in destination development, fashion, and luxury retail unlocking a new future for Southeast Asia’s fashion and luxury industries on the global stage. Other partners included Kasikornbank and SC Asset. The event was held on October 4, 2024, at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon.
Transforming the runway into a world-class stage for panel discussions, the event brought together thought leaders and influencers from across the fashion industry, spanning global luxury brands, Thai fashion brands, the country’s top designers, customers, retail partners, media, and numerous influencers.
Chadatip Chutrakul, Chief Executive Officer of Siam Piwat Group, said, “For the past 40 years, Siam Piwat has been leading the charge in elevating the Thai fashion industry. Right from the beginning, our vision has been to develop Thai brands and designers and empower them with knowledge and skills to build their own businesses. To this end, we have collaborated with both public and private organizations, as well as leading global brands, to create a knowledge base for Thai fashion development as well as provide platforms for showcasing work and retail spaces in our shopping centers, thus creating a comprehensive ecosystem for the Thai fashion industry. This ecosystem has launched hundreds of leading Thai brands, from top-tier to emerging Thai designers and transformed the creativity and innovation of university students into
sustainable businesses. This has created a positive impact, generating tens of billions of baht in economic value and fostering robust growth for those in the Thai fashion industry ecosystem – a success now acknowledged worldwide. This ripple effect has also sparked numerous fashion-related economic activities far and wide. Through the years, Siam Piwat has been a platform of opportunity for Thai designers to showcase their potential and work on a grand scale, collectively elevating Thai fashion to global fame. Since the COVID-19 crisis onwards, luxury brands with flagship stores have seen exponential sales growth, which has placed them among the global top performers. This has transformed Thailand into a crucial strategic market for luxury brands. In response, these luxury labels are actively expanding their retail spaces and ensuring fully stocked inventories that include exclusive limited collections, with various new luxury brands gearing up to establish their presence in Thailand within Siam Piwat’s shopping centers.”
“We are thrilled to be hosting this important event with Siam Piwat”, said Amanda Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Fairchild Media Group. “Identifying new avenues for innovation is a pivotal opportunity for leading luxury brands, and gathering global industry leadership to discuss the growth of the Thai market on the world stage is vital to the future of our industry. It is how we will best evolve the international fashion conversation and drive success for all of our businesses.”
“There is no better time to organize the Global Fashion Spotlight in Bangkok, and we thank Siam Piwat for their partnership in creating this incredible experience for all of our special guests,” said James Fallon, Chief Content Officer, WWD and Fairchild Media Group. “As we continue to extend the global impact of WWD, we’re thrilled to forge partnerships with the world’s premier luxury lifestyle creators and brands, underscoring WWD’s mission to deliver the most timely, credible, high impact industry coverage to the fashion and retail communities.”
WWD x SIAM PIWAT GLOBAL FASHION SPOTLIGHT kicked off with the first panel on the topic “Building Brands for a Global Consumer,” which delved into brand creation for the global fashion market. The panel featured renowned designer Wannasiri Kongman, Co-founder and Co-creative Director of BOYY, a luxury fashion brand that has garnered tremendous global success;
Lie Sang Bong, a legendary designer from South Korea, founder of the LIE SANGBONG brand, and the first person to hold the position of President of the Council of Fashion Designers of Korea; and Octo Cheung Yan Yu, Vice President of Shanghai Tang, a globally recognized luxury fashion brand founded in Hong Kong that elegantly captures an Asian identity. The panel was moderated by James Fallon, Chief Content Officer, WWD and Fairchild Media Group.
Panel 2, titled “Adapting to the New Luxury Landscape,” featured Suvadee Phungbunphra, Chief Executive Officer, and Orand Puipunthavong, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Business Officer, founders of PP Group, a leading importer and distributor of top brands that oversees image for luxury fashion brands from around the world in Thailand. They were joined by Emmanuelle Kouakou, Managing Director of Piaget Southeast Asia & Oceania, a leading Swiss jewelry brand, and Roberta Pellacci, Vice President of Marketing and Communications from Bvlgari Japan, a high-end Italian jewelry brand under the umbrella of luxury conglomerate LVMH. Together, they shared insights on how luxury brands are adapting strategically to market trends and consumer behaviors in Southeast Asia.
The event concluded with Panel 3, titled “South East Asia’s Power of Global Influence.” This panel featured well-known influencers including Heart Evangelista, a famous actress from the Philippines, up-and-coming businesswoman; Davika Hoorne, a multi-talented Thai actress and the first Thai person to be appointed a Gucci Brand Ambassador, and a Friend of the House Bulgari; and Nattawin “Apo” Wattanagitiphat, a Dior House Ambassador and the first Thai male actor to become a Global Brand Ambassador for Piaget. Together, they shared their thoughts on the growing global influence of Southeast Asia and offered insights from influencers’ perspectives on collaboration with world renowned brands. The panel was moderated by Lily Templeton, Watches Jewelry & Fashion Editor from WWD, and Sawitri Rochanapruk.
After the panel discussion, the distinguished guests were treated to extraordinary luxury with an exclusive cocktail reception in the Hall of Mirror on M Floor of Siam Paragon, which had been transformed into a space for a casual party to promote networking among thought leaders and influential figures in the fashion and luxury industries. The reception featured by Michelin-
starred chefs, including Blue by Alain Ducasse, a french restaurant which earned one Michelin star for three consecutive years, Sühring, a two-Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant; and Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, the owner of Nusara, a Thai fine dining restaurant ranked in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024. Also available for the guests to enjoy were an array of cool cocktails and mocktails from Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar, recognized as one of the world’s best bars on the list of the World’s 50 Best Bars 2023.
WWD x SIAM PIWAT GLOBAL FASHION SPOTLIGHT marked another significant step for Siam Piwat Group in its role as a global leader and showcased the potential of the Thai fashion industry and the growing influence of Southeast Asia on the global fashion landscape.
This October, Siam Piwat Group will host Bangkok International Fashion Week 2024, Thailand’s premier fashion week event, which has been held annually for 17 consecutive years at ONESIAM, including Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery. This year’s event will take place October 2-6, 2024, themed “Envision the Future,” and will feature at least 15 participating Thai and global fashion brands as well as Siam Paragon-exclusive activities by various world-class luxury fashion brands. These include Gucci Thailand High-End Event, set to dazzle visitors with a curated selection of one-of-a-kind products from October 2-6, 2024 at Gucci Women Store on M Floor at Siam Paragon, and the Bulgari Eternally Reborn event, an exhibition of historic fashion pieces in celebration of the brand’s 140th anniversary, which has been staged in only seven countries worldwide and will run from October 1 to 27, 2024 at Siam Paragon. Added to this impressive lineup are Roger Vivier’s first pop-up store in Thailand and Miu Miu’s latest pop-up store. The event will also feature the Visionary Stage at Siam Center, where emerging designers and students from across Thailand will showcase their creative works at a national level with the prospect of being launched onto the international scene. Meanwhile, Siam Discovery is running a campaign called “Siam Discovery: The Revolutionary 2024,” where everyone can explore their personal style and enjoy exclusive experiences. International fashion brands and luxury brands will also be participating through various activities, such as CLUB 21 presenting brands like JACQUEMUS, COMME des GARCONS, and many others.
Speakers exchange their views at the 4th Sweden-Thailand Sustainable Development Forum at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok on September 30, 2024.
BANGKOK — In the wake of ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China, Thailand is emerging as a potential powerhouse in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry.
This development was highlighted at the recent 4th Sweden-Thailand Sustainable Development Forum, which was part of the Sustainability Expo 2024 (SX 2024), where industry experts and diplomats gathered to discuss sustainable solutions across various sectors during September 27 – October 6, 2024 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok.
Mrs. Anna Hammargren, the Ambassador of Sweden to Thailand, stated that climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss are among the key global challenges. She emphasized that countries must double their efforts to address these issues in order to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“Good balance, better world” is the theme of this year’s Sustainability Expo, emphasizing that sustainability can be profitable while improving quality of life for all. For example, EVs and other green mobility innovations, as well as renewable energy, can reduce emissions and contribute to a sustainable future while creating new business opportunities,” she said.
Mrs. Anna Hammargren, the Ambassador of Sweden to Thailand
Opportunity Knocks for Southeast Asia
The trade war between the world’s two largest economies has created a unique opportunity for Thailand and its neighboring countries to establish themselves as key players in the EV market. Chris Wailes, Managing Director of Volvo Car (Thailand), and Siamnat Panassorn, Vice President of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand, both emphasized that while geopolitical factors pose challenges to the global EV industry, they also open doors for countries like Thailand.
Thailand’s Automotive Prowess
Thailand’s existing automotive infrastructure positions it well for this potential transition. The country boasts approximately 2,500 automotive parts suppliers and an industry that employs around 800,000 workers. However, to fully capitalize on this opportunity, Siamnat suggests that the Thai government should introduce additional incentives beyond the current EV policy to help establish Thailand as an export production hub for various types of electric vehicles.
Innovations Across Industries
Several examples of sustainable innovations were showcased:
Saab’s digital air traffic control towers, which could revolutionize air transportation. Its innovative digital air traffic control towers are ushering in a new era of green air transportation. Using state-of-the-art video cameras and other features, Saab’s digital towers can replace traditional high-rise towers at international and regional airports around the world, thus reducing manpower needs, improving services, and contributing to a more sustainable development model.
Alfa Laval’s carbon-neutral solutions for palm oil production. Regarding green food production, palm oil serves as an example. Thailand, one of the world’s top three producers, generates 1.1 percent of its GDP from palm oil. To mitigate environmental impacts from palm oil production, Alfa Laval has developed carbon-neutral solutions, transforming the “dirty business” of palm oil production into a greener industry by managing methane emissions.
SKF’s “re-refining” process for motor oil, creating a circular oil-use process for carbon neutrality, using nano filters and other innovations.
The Future of EV Adoption
Industry experts at the forum noted that advancements in battery and charging technologies are crucial for widespread EV adoption. They predict that when EV prices match those of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and when battery technology achieves a 1,000 km range per charge, the demand for EVs will likely surge.
Thailand’s Current Automotive Landscape
Despite the optimistic outlook for EVs, Thailand’s overall automobile production experienced a slight decline in 2023, with 1.84 million vehicles produced, down 2.2 percent from the previous year. This drop was primarily attributed to decreased pickup truck production, affected by growing household debt and tightened lending policies.
As global efforts to combat climate change intensify, Thailand’s potential transformation into an EV production hub could mark a significant shift in the automotive industry landscape, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Police Lance Corporal Pichaya Arintamapong (left), a squad leader at the Immigration Bureau's Inbound Division at Suvarnabhumi Airport and her colleague laugh about the adorable moment when an American female tourist said she came to Thailand to see Moo Deng, the famous pygmy hippo star.
BANGKOK — Molly, an American woman who flew 18.5 hours from New York to Thailand specifically to see Moo Deng, the famous baby pygmy hippo of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, became known to Thai netizens when she posted many clips about her trip on TikTok.
“I’ve made it to Thailand! Today is the day I see moo deng! I am so freaking excited, the zoo just confirmed you can see her everyday! I am on cloud nine!!!” was the first message with a clip she posted when she arrived in Thailand on October 3.
In another clip, she mentioned that customs agents in Thailand couldn’t believe it when she told them she came to Thailand for the first time to see Moo Deng.
Molly, an American tourist, posted numerous clips about her trip where she traveled 18.5 hours from New York to see Moo Deng, the famous pygmy hippo star in Thailand.
Later, a Khaosod reporter found the immigration officer who checked Molly’s passport. Her name is Police Lance Corporal Pichaya Arintamapong, a squad leader serving at the Immigration Bureau’s Inbound Division at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Police Lance Corporal Pichaya graduated from Khon Kaen University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, majoring in Business English. She just started her civil service career in June 2024 as part of the Immigration Bureau’s personnel increase project, following the then-Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s policy, which added 330 new officers.
The female immigration officer recounted that while she was on duty at the passenger checkpoint, Miss Molly approached with a smiling face. She asked Miss Molly the usual questions about the duration of her stay and the purpose of her visit. The passenger replied, “I came to Thailand to see Moo Deng.”
Police Lance Corporal Pichaya Arintamapong (left), a squad leader at the Immigration Bureau’s Inbound Division at Suvarnabhumi Airport and her colleague
She admitted that when she first heard it, she couldn’t believe it. So she asked again and got the confirmation that it was indeed “Moo Deng.” At that moment, she was stunned and thought of the famous hippo named Moo Deng, so she further inquired, “How do you know about Moo Deng?”
Miss Molly explained that Moo Deng is iconic, and her phone was full of Moo Deng’s pictures. She wanted to see Moo Deng while it was still young, and she assured that she would definitely come back next time for a longer visit to explore Thailand.
Police Lance Corporal Pichaya said that at that moment, she was amazed that someone had traveled so far just to see Moo Deng. She found the passenger’s enthusiasm endearing, as she spoke about Moo Deng with a happy expression and gleaming eyes, not seeming tired despite the long journey.
She then quickly processed the immigration check and said to Molly, “Enjoy Moodeng,” which made both Molly and herself laugh together.
“Immigration work is a frontline job where we meet people entering the country. We have to represent Thai people in welcoming and screening those who enter the country, balancing friendliness with security, and doing our best,” Police Lance Corporal Pichaya said.
