Siam Paragon Hosts Bangkok Int’l Fashion Week 2024 Alongside Global Event

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16 September 2024, 17:57

As Thailand’s iconic destinations, Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery have continuously played a key role as a cornerstone of the Thai fashion industry and a driving force of the country’s fashion ecosystem. In 2024, the three destinations are spotlighting Thailand as Asia’s major fashion hub with “Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week 2024” (BIFW2024), the country’s most revered fashion week and the platform of opportunity. Save the date for the fashion extravaganza on October 2-6, 2024 when Parc Paragon at Siam Paragon transforms into a vibrant fashion scene under the theme “Envision the Future.”

BIFW2024 will feature standout fashion highlights. Siam Paragon has forged a ‘Co-Creation’ with top designers of Thailand and Asia together with key partners from various industries within Siam Piwat’s robust ecosystem, to present 15 dazzling fashion shows that exemplify the power of creativity. Siam Center will showcase the work from young generation designers and fashion students, offering them a unique platform to unveil their innovative creations. Meanwhile, Siam Discovery invites fashion lovers to an experiment from leading international fashion brands. Another milestone is Siam Piwat will host Thailand’s first-ever global fashion event, bringing together international industry leaders and influential personalities to offer valuable insights and key trends of the global fashion industry as well as explore Thailand’s burgeoning opportunities.

Thanaporn Tantiyanon, Head of Business Unit of Siam Paragon, stated, “Siam Paragon is a ‘world class fashion destination’ and Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week is a pride of Siam Paragon as it continues to drive Thailand’s fashion industry for the 17th successive year. BIFW has grown into a premier fashion week in Thailand and Southeast Asia, playing a pivotal role in being a true ‘platform of opportunities and nurturing and sustaining our country’s fashion ecosystem. This platform not only gives Thai designers a consistent stage to showcase their work but also provides unparalleled opportunities for emerging talent to shine. BIFW also creates significant economic impact, driving numerous activities linked to the fashion industry value chain. In addition, it also amplifies Thailand’s identity as a fashion capital through extensive media and social media coverage which is a crucial success factor for brands today and strengthens Thailand’s global image as a vibrant fashion city.”

BIFW2024 is a result of strong collaborations with key partners across various sectors within the Siam Piwat ecosystem, including public and private entities such as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), KASIKORNBANK Public Company Limited, MERZ AESTHETICS, PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), CITIZEN, M.A.C Cosmetics Thailand, Epson Thailand, Chivas The Blend, Absolut It’s in our Spirit, Nesvita, Paul Mitchell, Korea Thailand Communication Center and Chatrium Grand Bangkok Hotel

Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week 2024, the ultimate fashion phenomenon featuring 15 fashion shows by leading Thai and Asian Designers

To celebrate Siam Paragon’s 19th anniversary and its continued role in propelling Thailand’s fashion industry forward, BIFW2024 will offer an extraordinary experience on its grand runway. The event is a ‘Co-Creation’ collaborations, presenting the latest collections from top Thai designers such as Absolute Siam x Dry Clean Only x AJOBYAJO, ASAVA, FLYNOW, 27FRIDAY, ISSUE presented by GC, KLOSET, Leisure Projects presented by CITIZEN, MOO Bangkok, NAGARA, PAINKILLER Atelier, POEM presented by MERZ AESTHETICS, TandT presented by TAT, and VICKTEERUT. Additionally, the event will spotlight international talents and brands, including the legendary Korean designer LIE SANGBONG and Friends of SHANGHAI TANG Collection by the iconic Hong Kong fashion brand Shanghai Tang, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year in collaboration with renowned designer Joe Li.

Fashion enthusiasts can also enjoy privilege through the ‘Siam Paragon World Fashion Privilege’ campaign. Shoppers who spend via OneSiam KBank Credit Card at participating fashion stores within Siam Paragon between October 1-11, 2024, will not only receive a SIAM GIFT CARD from Siam Paragon but also an additional top-of Siam Gift Card reward from KBank.

Siam Center Visionary Stage: a platform for new designers and fashion students to showcase creativity: October 2-6, 2024, at Atrium 2, G Floor, Siam Center

As Thailand’s pioneering international-standard shopping center, Siam Center has been at the forefront of the country’s fashion scene for over 50 years and a trendsetting destination. As part of BIFW2024, Siam Center The Ideopolis will host the Siam Center Visionary Stage at Atrium 2, G Floor, from October 2-6, 2024. This is a platform of opportunity for emerging designers, offering them a stage to showcase their creative vision. The event will highlight innovative designs that reflect the future of fashion, blending creativity with cutting-edge technology to inspire sustainable and eco-friendly design approaches. Under the theme ‘Envision the Future’, this year’s show will focus on sustainable practices, from design concepts to production processes, ensuring that fashion can thrive while minimizing its environmental impact.

The event will feature works from young designers and fashion students from 11 leading institutions across the country, including Bangkok University, Khon Kaen University, Chulalongkorn University, Chanapatana International Design Institute (CIDI), Chiang Mai University, Thammasat University, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, Mahasarakham University, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Srinakharinwirot University (FASH by CCI), and Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Songkhla, all of which are renowned for their focus on design and fashion design. This year, the event will partner with Epson Thailand to support young design talents. Every show from participating educational institutions will feature designs created with special printing techniques by Epson, which has developed innovations that support sustainable production technologies. The event will also showcase fashion shows from popular brands at Siam Center, including Frank Garçon and FUNDAO.

Siam Discovery launches the fashion campaign “Siam Discovery: The Revolutionary 2024” throughout October

Siam Discovery The Exploratorium is reinforcing its reputation as a hub of innovative creativity with the campaign “Siam Discovery: The Revolutionary 2024”. It invites everyone to explore and experiment their unique style through leading international fashion brands.

CLUB21 will present the JACQUEMUS LA CASA collection and COMME des GARÇONS SHIRT’s Autumn/Winter 2024 collection under the theme “Live Free, Strong Will.” The Discovery Selection zone will showcase a curated collection of renowned international fashion brands, catering to both women and men, including ADER ERROR, ANDERSSON BELL, SECOND FEMALE, Open YY, AMOMENTO, The North Face, EVISU and ECOTOPIA. New brands, such as Marimekko with their Fall-Winter 2024 collection, will also be introduced, offering fashion lovers fresh experiences with their latest collections.

Siam Piwat and global fashion news authority WWD to host WWD X SIAM PIWAT GLOBAL FASHION SPOTLIGHT, the first in Thailand and Southeast Asia

With a commitment to elevating Thailand’s fashion industry to the next level, Siam Piwat is hosting the “WWD X SIAM PIWAT GLOBAL FASHION SPOTLIGHT”, the first-ever global fashion event in Thailand and Southeast Asia. This groundbreaking event will take place on Friday, October 4, 2024 at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon.

Tipanat Lenbury, Senior Executive Vice President, Sales and Business Relations, Fashion Business Group, Siam Piwat Company Limited, stated, “The WWD x SIAM PIWAT GLOBAL FASHION SPOTLIGHT is a global event where Siam Piwat Group has collaborated with globally recognized leader in fashion news Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), fashion experts, and leading global brands, to organize a seminar themed “SOUTHEAST ASIA – LUXURY’S NEW FUTURE”. We have invited key figures and influencers in the fashion industry to participate with the support by KASIKORNBANK Public Company Limited. This event presents an excellent opportunity for our partners, retailers, and stakeholders to gain valuable insights and network with industry experts.”

Get ready for the ultimate fashion experience at Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week 2024, from October 2-6, 2024, at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon. Stay updated and watch live runway shows and fashion dialogues on the Siam Paragon or OneSiam website, Facebook, and Instagram.

#SiamParagonBIFW2024 #BIFW2024 #SiamParagon

depa’s ‘Coding for Better Life’ Project Succeeds in Building Thailand’s Future

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Contributor

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16 September 2024, 17:55

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) announce the success of the ” Coding for Better Life, Building the Foundation for Thailand’s Future Project”. It reveals an excellent response from teachers, students, parents, and the public nationwide. Key accomplishments of the project include upgrading coding infrastructure for 1,500 schools across the country; coding bootcamp for over 3,200 students and teachers participating in intensive coding skill development activities; creating public awareness for more than 116,000 people about coding through the Coding Roadshow activities having more than 900 creative coding projects created by students and teachers as part of the initiative.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President and CEO of depa reveals that the “Coding for Better Life: Building the Foundation for Thailand’s Future Project” is part of a long-term plan. The goal is to develop teachers capable of passing on coding knowledge and skills to students for future generations. Along with enhancing infrastructure to support learning and teaching, the project aims to cultivate digital warriors that are ready to build the country’s future and alleviate the shortage of skilled digital workers. This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society’s (MDES) policy to drive the digital economy and society by increasing the nation’s digital human capital.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon continues stating that over the years, depa has consistently prioritized the development of coding skills for Thai youth since 2018. The goal is to lay the foundation for future digital skills and address the country’s shortage of digital talents. The “Coding for Better Life, Building the Foundation for Thailand’s Future Project”, is a collaboration between MDES and depa, integrating efforts with a network of partners to promote the creation of a digital ecosystem that supports the development of coding skills for students, teachers, and educational staffs. This is achieved through the upgrading of coding infrastructure under the concept of “Coding Skills for Applying in Everyday Life,” by supporting over 20 specialized courses from partner networks and providing digital teaching tools. The initiative has been implemented in 1,500 schools nationwide.

Additionally, the project includes activities such as Coding Bootcamp & Coding Roadshow and Coding War across 8 regions of the country taking place in many provinces including Khon Kaen, Bangkok, Ubon Ratchathani, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chonburi, and Songkhla. Over 3,200 teachers and students from participating schools joined the Coding Bootcamp to learn intensive coding skills both theoretical and practical sessions from the country’s renowned experts. They also had the opportunity to create coding projects. Parents, guardians, and interested members of the public participated in the Coding Roadshow activity, which was held both on-site and online along with the Coding Bootcamp activity, attracting over 116,000 people.

The Coding War activity engaged over 5,000 participants, or 1,250 teams across the country with the top 100 teams advancing to a more intensive coding development round before competing in the finals. The top 10 teams from primary and secondary schools received scholarships and digital equipment worth over 1 million baht as prizes. The Coding for Better Life project also resulted in over 900 coding projects created by teachers and students nationwide.

The Coding for Better Life project has received significant support from the private sector. Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., which had continuously supported the project by donating Micro:bit devices to schools as part of the upgrading coding classroom activity with a contribution valued at over 1 million baht. The company also supported the AI Roadshow, which inspired youth, teachers, parents, and the public in 8 provinces about AI in various career fields. Additionally, the company supported cash prizes and BRAND’s Essence of Chicken Drinks for a year to the winning teams in both primary and secondary school categories along with 2 special awards totaling valued over 600,000 baht in the Coding War activity.

Other private companies including Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., supported the project by providing the HUAWEI CLOUD DEVELOPER course; True Corporation Public Co., Ltd provided learning vouchers through TRUE DIGITAL ACADEMY; AIA Thailand contributed funding to schools participating in the project; Tero Performance Course supported the project with courses aimed at instilling coding knowledge among youth helping Thai children grow into skilled digital warriors for driving the country towards a digital economy and society effectively.

“MDES and depa hope that the Coding for Better Life Project will be a significant step in elevating Thai youth to become a digital workforce and professionals of the country. We also extend our gratitude to the teachers who nurture these young students, as they are the seeds that will grow into vital contributors to driving Thailand forward amidst the evolving digital economy and society,” said the President and CEO of depa.

More information and details about the “Coding for Better Life, Building the Foundation for Thailand’s Future Project”, can be found at www.depa.or.th, www.codingthailand.org, and depa Facebook page “depa Thailand” and “CodingThailand by depa”.

ICONSIAM Hosts SEVENTEEN’s First Thai Exhibition with HYBE

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Contributor

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16 September 2024, 15:41

The exhibition will be held from September 15 to October 15, 2024, at ICONSIAM

ICONSIAM, a global landmark on the Chao Phraya River, in collaboration with HYBE, to organize the SEVENTEEN Exhibition ‘FOLLOW FELLOW,’ a chance to explore never-before-seen aspects of all 13 members. The special SEVENTEEN Exhibition ‘FOLLOW FELLOW,’ which provides an in-depth look into the success of SEVENTEEN’s “FOLLOW” World Tour, will be presented to Thai fans for the first time from September 15 to October 15, 2024, at the ICON Art & Culture Space, 8th floor of ICONSIAM.

The SEVENTEEN Exhibition ‘FOLLOW FELLOW’ on weekdays, will be open from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM with 10 viewing sessions per day. On weekends, it will be open from 10:20 AM to 8:00 PM with 30 sessions per day. Each viewing session lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes (including the time to visit the souvenir area). VIP tickets are priced at 2,500 THB, which include 1 exhibition ticket and 13 Phototickets, one for each member. General admission tickets are priced at 1,100 THB, which include 1 exhibition ticket and 1 random Phototicket. Tickets can be purchased at the venue or pre-ordered at https://www.ticketmelon.com/hybeinsight/follow-fellow

Hospital Swaps Babies, Thai Father Spots Difference in Eyebrows

By

Khaosod English

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16 September 2024, 15:39

Anucha, the father, posts photos of two babies in the Krathum Baen news group, asking if the children are the same. He notices that his daughter once had clearly visible eyebrows.

SAMUT SAKHON — A father was shocked when he took his newborn for treatment at Krathum Baen Hospital in Krathum Baen District, Samut Sakhon Province. The baby he received back didn’t have eyebrows like his child. When he questioned the hospital, they responded that ‘newborns are like this, their faces change every day.’

On September 16, 2024, Dr. Surawit Sakdanuphap, Samut Sakhon Provincial Public Health Doctor, along with Dr. Thammawitya Kuakulkiat, Director of Krathum Baen Hospital, Deputy Director, and Head of Nursing, jointly announced the investigation results and admitted to the mistake after this ‘baby switch’ story appeared on social media and became mainstream news.

Dr. Surawit said that this case occurred around mid-August. The mistake came from the performance of Krathum Baen Hospital staff. The hospital has admitted fault and taken responsibility for the entire incident. Previously, they had already spoken with the Thai child’s father once and have scheduled both families to come for further discussions about all reparative actions as requested.

swap baby2 — Dr. Surawit Sakdanuphap (right), Samut Sakhon Provincial Public Health Doctor, along with Dr. Thammawitya Kuakulkiat, Director of Krathum Baen Hospital, hold a press conference on the ‘baby switch’ case at Krathum Baen Hospital on September 16, 2024.

He provided details from questioning the child caretakers and ward chief, stating that both newborns were children of a Thai family and a Myanmar family. They were suspected of having infections and were admitted to the patient ward for close monitoring. During the treatment period, there were over 10 sick children.

At that time, both children had infections and needed treatment with intravenous antibiotics and saline. Therefore, during the care procedures, including giving saline and bathing and changing clothes for the infants, the wristbands had to be removed. This led to the mistake that resulted in the switching of the babies.

The case was shared on Facebook by a user named Anucha (surname withheld) on September 16. He wrote that he wanted his case to be a study for others because if he hadn’t observed his child closely, his biological child might have ended up in Myanmar.

He stated that his daughter was born on August 11, 2024, with rapid breathing, so she had to be separated from her mother. His child was placed in the intensive care unit and needed antibiotics for 7 days. On the 12th, he and his wife visited the child in the ICU where photos were prohibited, but he secretly took pictures every day to send to his mother, from the 13th to the 16th.

But on August 17, he noticed that his child’s hair, which was previously long, had become shorter, and the baby’s face had changed, especially the missing eyebrows. When he looked for the name tag, it was missing. The clothes and towel weren’t his child’s.

He asked the nurse, who said they might have been lost during bathing and clothes in the box might have been switched.

On the 18th, when his child completed the antibiotic course, they took her home. No matter how he looked at the infant, it wasn’t his child.

swap baby1 — Krathum Baen Hospital (right) is in Samut Sakhon Province.

On Monday, August 19, Anucha said he called the hospital, expressing his suspicion that the infant wasn’t his. The hospital staff said his child was different from others because of the 7-day medication, so there would be bruises on the wrist from blood draws, which he confirmed. But he still wondered why the eyebrows were gone. He was told, “Children’s faces change every day.”

The next day, Anucha couldn’t bear it anymore and posted in the Krathum Baen news group, asking if the children are the same. Most people said they weren’t and advised him to go to the hospital for a DNA test.

So on Wednesday, August 21, he rushed to the hospital with the child and a nurse for a check-up and explained everything. The nurse then took blood samples from him, his wife, and the child. The results came out clearly showing that this infant wasn’t his child.

“I was angry, furious, very sad, and felt sorry for my child. I told the deputy hospital director that they must do whatever it takes, I just want to see my real child,” Anucha said.

The hospital found his child after blood tests on both families confirmed the switch. They also discovered that his child had received antibiotics for more than 7 days, while the other infant received less than 7 days.

Then, DNA tests were conducted for certainty. The hospital said they would compensate with immediate free treatment, but for monetary compensation, they asked to wait for 2 weeks, not guaranteeing the full amount, claiming they needed to collect donations first. Anucha said if he had to wait, he would, but the hospital should resolve this as quickly as possible.

The hospital management explained that upon receiving information from the Thai child’s father and his request for a DNA test, they immediately complied. The initial results confirmed the father’s suspicion of a baby switch. They then located the switched infant and returned both to their biological parents. They also sent samples for a second DNA test at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok, which confirmed the switch.

Dr. Surawit said this mistake occurred at Krathum Baen Hospital, and they are willing to take responsibility for all costs incurred, including long-term medical care for both children equally. They are also prepared to provide monetary compensation as requested by the Thai child’s parents. Both families have been scheduled for further clarification and understanding.

Additionally, the hospital has set up a committee to investigate the facts, review measures, and establish guidelines to increase newborn safety. They acknowledged that using wristbands alone is insufficient and plan to install more CCTV cameras for comprehensive monitoring. They have also emphasized to staff the need for more careful and thorough care in distinguishing newborns to prevent such incidents.

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Apparent Attempt on Trump’s Life Raises Questions about How It Could Have Happened Again

By

Associated Press

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16 September 2024, 14:16

NEW YORK (AP) — An apparent attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump as he played golf in Florida has rocked a presidential campaign already marred by violence and raised questions about how such a thing could have happened for the second time in as many months.

U.S. Secret Service agents opened fire Sunday afternoon on a man who was spotted pointing an AK-style rifle through a fence while hiding in the bushes as Trump golfed at his club in West Palm Beach. The FBI described it as an apparent attempted assassination on the GOP nominee.

At a Pennsylvania rally in July, Trump was grazed in the ear by a bullet when a gunman was able to gain access to an unsecured roof, unleashing a hail of bullets that left one of Trump’s supporters dead and two others badly injured.

AP24195849934046 — Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is helped off the stage at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

While the Secret Service has grappled with how to keep Trump safe as he campaigns across the country, holding rallies that often draw thousands, less attention has focused on his protection when he is off the trail, often at his own clubs and properties.

The fact that there are places along the perimeter of the property where golfers — including Trump — are visible to those standing behind the fence has long been known to law enforcement. While Trump was president, news photographers were often able to capture images of him on the greens by finding gaps in the shrubbery.

While Trump’s plans to golf Sunday were not part of any public schedule, on days he is not campaigning, he can often be found golfing at one of his courses. Trump International Golf Club, West Palm Beach, about a 10-minute drive from his Mar-a-Lago residence, is a favorite. One of three golf clubs he owns in Florida, it boasts 27 holes of championship golf, as well as event spaces. Trump often eats lunch and holds meetings in the clubhouse between rounds.

AP24258767849701 — Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at Harry Reid International Airport to board a plane after a campaign trip, Saturday, Sept.14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump had just returned from a West Coast swing that included stops in Las Vegas and Utah, and had announced on social media that he would be delivering remarks Monday from Mar-a-Lago about cryptocurrency as he launches a new crypto platform.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw noted at a briefing that because Trump is no longer in office, security protocols around the course had loosened.

“He’s not the sitting president. If he was, we would have had this entire golf course surrounded. But because he’s not, his security is limited to the areas that the Secret Service deems possible,” he told reporters.

Law enforcement officials praised the work of the agents assigned to protect Trump. One agent, tasked with jumping one hole ahead of the former president to scope out potential threats, managed to spot the gunman’s rifle barrel sticking out of the fence that surrounds the golf club and “immediately engaged that individual,” Bradshaw said.

In an email to campaign staff Sunday night, senior campaign advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles credited the Secret Service for saving Trump, who has praised the agents in his own protective detail for their bravery as they rushed on stage to protect him in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“President Trump and everyone accompanying him are safe thanks to the great work of the United States Secret Service,” they wrote.

AP24260017854611 — The main entrance of Trump International Golf Club is seen after police closed off the area following the apparent assassination attempt of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump in West Palm Beach, Fla., Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)

Unlike other past presidents and typical VIPs who live in private residences with tall fences or in gated communities, Trump has his official residence at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach. The club is open to dues-paying members, who mingle with the former president at meals and at events and can invite their own guests to the property.

Many nights, Trump holds court on the club’s patio, playing DJ with his iPad. While president, he once plotted a response to a North Korean missile launch from the candlelit terrace, the meeting captured and posted on social media by a club member.

The club is also a popular Palm Beach venue and hosts a constant stream of fundraisers, weddings and other events that sometimes see Trump drop by unannounced.

Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a social media post that the agency is working closely with the FBI, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement to investigate what happened.

Trump will be briefed in person Monday by acting Secret Service director Ronald Rowe about the investigation, according to a person familiar with the plan who was not authorized to speak publicly.

The incident sparked immediate finger-pointing and calls for answers on Capitol Hill.

New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, the House Republican Conference chair and a close ally of the former president, said she was grateful Trump was safe. “However, we must ask ourselves how an assassin was allowed to get this close to President Trump again?” she asked in a statement.

The leaders of the bipartisan task force that has been investigating the security failures in Pennsylvania said they were monitoring the situation and had requested a briefing from the Secret Service.

“We are thankful that the former President was not harmed, but remain deeply concerned about political violence and condemn it in all of its forms,” said Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., and Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., in a joint statement.

AP24259782506381 — This photo provided by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office shows Sheriff’s vehicles surrounding an SUV on the northbound I-95 in Martin County on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office via AP)

Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, one of Trump’s rivals in the GOP primary, said his state will conduct its own investigation.

“The people deserve the truth about the would be assassin and how he was able to get within 500 yards of the former president and current GOP nominee,” he wrote in a social media post.

Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna echoed that message. “Two assassination attempts in 60 days on a former President & the Republican nominee is unacceptable,” he wrote. “The Secret Service must come to Congress tomorrow, tell us what resources are needed to expand the protective perimeter, & lets allocate it in a bipartisan vote the same day.”

President Joe Biden said in a statement that he was “relieved” that Trump was unharmed and said “there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country.” He said he had directed his staff “to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety.”

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Thai hotel Association Urges Government to Extend Visa Waivers

By

Khaosod English

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16 September 2024, 12:44

BANGKOK — As Thailand’s tourism continues to grow, the Thai Hotel Association (THA) has suggested that the government launch another round of stimulus measures focusing on labor and financial support. They also urged the government to consider extending the free visa requirement for destination markets and postponing the imposition of the “landing fee” for another two years.

A confidence survey in August showed an average occupancy rate of 62%, higher than the previous month. 60 percent of hotels reported revenues at or above pre-COVID-19 levels.

Mr. Thienprasith Chaipataranun, President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), shared that the Hotel Business Operator Sentiment Index data conducted by the THA in collaboration with the Bank of Thailand for August 2024 (collected from August 19-30, 2024 with responses from 106 hotels) shows that tourism continues to grow.

This is the result of effective tourism promotion strategies, cooperation between the public and private sectors in conducting tourism campaigns for domestic and international travelers, and the significant factor that tourists have gained confidence through the visa waiver and TM6 card measures.

Call for Ongoing Stimulus Measures

However, most hotel operators want the government to continue its support measures. These include promoting tourism in popular cities, encouraging travel on weekdays, boosting tourism for conferences and seminars and implementing the “We Travel Together” campaign to increase visitor numbers in the low season. It also calls for the continuous promotion of Thai tourism.

Support measures to reduce costs include lowering utility and energy costs, reducing construction taxes and granting additional tax deductions for hotel businesses. Labor measures include government support for hotels and restaurants to provide labor, especially for food service and front office staff. The government should also provide language courses for hotel employees, especially in English and Chinese.

Financial measures include low-interest loans for hotel renovations, with a focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. Other measures, such as improving transportation infrastructure, waste management and combating air and water pollution in tourist areas, are also needed. In addition, stricter control of non-hotel accommodation and combating illegal foreign businesses that tarnish the image of Thai tourism are crucial.

Push to Extend Visa-Free Measures

The association wants the government to postpone the collection of landing fees from foreign tourists for at least two more years so that the tourism sector can fully recover.

At the same time, the purpose of the Tourism Promotion Fund, which is financed by the landing fee, should be clearly defined, i.e. where the money will be used for development. The government should also consider extending the visa waiver (free visa) for the destination markets.

Government Policies Help Distribute Income

In addition, THA is confident that the government’s measures to promote tourism and facilitate visa applications for groups such as international exhibition (MICE) participants and digital nomads, as well as the promotion of new forms of tourism, the creation of artificial destinations, entertainment complexes, the relocation of concerts, festivals and global sporting events to Thailand will increase revenue distribution for hotel operators and related businesses.

Developing infrastructure and connecting domestic and international tourism routes, ensuring safety and providing convenient access to new destinations are crucial to improving tourists’ experiences and satisfaction during their trips to Thailand.

60% Revenue Matches or Surpasses Pre-COVID Levels

In August, the hotel industry recorded an average occupancy rate of 62 percent, an increase compared to the previous month and the same month last year. Regionally, the central region had the highest occupancy rate at 71.5 percent, followed by the eastern region at 65.5 percent, the southern region at 61.2 percent, the northern region at 50 percent and the north-eastern region at 36.1 percent.

Around 60 percent of hotels reported that their total revenue was either higher or close to the same as before COVID-19 (32 percent reported higher revenue and 28 percent reported similar revenue). Most of these hotels were 4-star or higher, benefiting from increasing room rates due to improved services and room renovations, with an increase in bookings and the use of promotions to increase revenue.

Meanwhile, 40 percent of hotels are still recovering slowly, with most expected to return to normal revenues by the second quarter of 2025. These hotels are struggling to increase room rates due to customer price sensitivity and strong competition. In addition, 7 percent of hotel operators estimate that their revenues will not return to previous levels, most of which are 3-star hotels or lower.

Asia and Middle East as Key Customer Segments

In August 2024, more than 60 percent of the hotels surveyed had more than 50 percent of their guests from foreign markets, with most being from Asia and the Middle East (excluding China and Malaysia), China, and Western Europe, primarily staying at 4-star hotels or higher.

During August, most 3-star or lower hotels had average daily room rates below 1,500 baht, while around 50 percent of 4-star hotels had room rates between 1,500-2,499 baht ($45-75). More than 40 percent of 5-star hotels had average room rates exceeding 5,000 baht ($150).

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Tech Billionaire Returns to Earth after First Private Spacewalk

By

Associated Press

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15 September 2024, 21:51

Private Spaceflight — This black and white, thermal image made from SpaceX video shows its capsule, center bottom, carrying tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman with his crew minutes before it reached the Gulf of Mexico near Florida's Dry Tortugas early Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (SpaceX via AP)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A billionaire spacewalker returned to Earth with his crew on Sunday, ending a five-day trip that lifted them higher than anyone has traveled since NASA’s moonwalkers.

SpaceX’s capsule splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico near Florida’s Dry Tortugas in the predawn darkness, carrying tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, two SpaceX engineers and a former Air Force Thunderbird pilot.

They pulled off the first private spacewalk while orbiting nearly 460 miles (740 kilometers) above Earth, higher than the International Space Station and Hubble Space Telescope. Their spacecraft hit a peak altitude of 875 miles (1,408 kilometers) following Tuesday’s liftoff.

AP24259288478672 — This image made from SpaceX video shows its capsule, center, carrying tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman with his crew after it reached the Gulf of Mexico near Florida’s Dry Tortugas early Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (SpaceX via AP)

Isaacman became only the 264th person to perform a spacewalk since the former Soviet Union scored the first in 1965, and SpaceX’s Sarah Gillis the 265th. Until now, all spacewalks were done by professional astronauts.

“We are mission complete,” Isaacman radioed as the capsule bobbed in the water, awaiting the recovery team. Within an hour, all four were out of their spacecraft, pumping their fists with joy as they emerged onto the ship’s deck.

It was the first time SpaceX aimed for a splashdown near the Dry Tortugas, a cluster of islands 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Key West. To celebrate the new location, SpaceX employees brought a big, green turtle balloon to Mission Control at company headquarters in Hawthorne, California. The company usually targets closer to the Florida coast, but two weeks of poor weather forecasts prompted SpaceX to look elsewhere.

AP24259282074578 — This black and white, thermal image made from SpaceX video shows its capsule, center, carrying tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman with his crew after it reached the Gulf of Mexico near Florida’s Dry Tortugas early Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (SpaceX via AP)

During Thursday’s commercial spacewalk, the Dragon capsule’s hatch was open barely a half-hour. Isaacman emerged only up to his waist to briefly test SpaceX’s brand new spacesuit followed by Gillis, who was knee high as she flexed her arms and legs for several minutes. Gillis, a classically trained violinist, also held a performance in orbit earlier in the week.

The spacewalk lasted less than two hours, considerably shorter than those at the International Space Station. Most of that time was needed to depressurize the entire capsule and then restore the cabin air. Even SpaceX’s Anna Menon and Scott “Kidd” Poteet, who remained strapped in, wore spacesuits.

AP24259298042884 — This image made from SpaceX video shows the four-member crew including tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, third left, seated in its capsule as they wait to get off the capsule after it landed in the Gulf of Mexico near Florida’s Dry Tortugas early Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (SpaceX via AP)

SpaceX considers the brief exercise a starting point to test spacesuit technology for future, longer missions to Mars.

This was Isaacman’s second chartered flight with SpaceX, with two more still ahead under his personally financed space exploration program named Polaris after the North Star. He paid an undisclosed sum for his first spaceflight in 2021, taking along contest winners and a pediatric cancer survivor while raising more than $250 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

For the just completed so-called Polaris Dawn mission, the founder and CEO of the Shift4 credit card-processing company shared the cost with SpaceX. Isaacman won’t divulge how much he spent.

___

Thai Police Bust Chinese Duo Using Signal Jammers for Car Thieves

By

Khaosod English

-

15 September 2024, 15:42

CHACHOENGSAO — Two Chinese men commit cunning theft using a remote signal jamming device at motorway rest stops. Police caught them red-handed and discovered a method of draining money from credit cards linked to call center gangs.

Chachoengsao police received multiple reports of thefts at the Bang Pakong motorway rest area, where cars were broken into and valuables, especially credit cards, were stolen from inside. This caused significant distress to motorists using this route.

Bang Pakong police in Chachoengsao province coordinated with central investigation police to urgently track down the criminals. They found crucial leads from CCTV footage at each crime scene.

The suspects appeared to be Chinese and often used similar crime patterns, operating as an organized group with clear role division between Mr. Zhang, 38, and Mr. Zheng, 31.

chinese gray signal4 — One of two Chinese men monitored at a motorway rest stop. Police caught them red-handed later.

On September 15, they spread out to observe the suspects at the crime scene and jointly arrested the two Chinese suspects at the motorway rest area in Khao Din subdistrict, Bang Pakong district, Chachoengsao province.

The officials, aware of the criminals’ clear modus operandi, spread out to observe the area. When the two appeared, the police waited for them to attempt to break into two cars before revealing themselves and making the arrest.

They then searched their room and found equipment used for the crimes, including 1 remote signal jammer, 3 mobile phones, 1 shoulder bag. They also seized 1 car key and 1 car as evidence.

chinese gray signal3 — Police bring two Chinese suspects to their residence to search for equipment used in the crimes. They discover 1 remote signal jammer, 3 mobile phones, and 1 shoulder bag. They also seize 1 car key and 1 car as evidence.

Both were charged with “joint attempted theft using a vehicle” and “being an alien entering and residing in the Kingdom without permission”. Zhang denied the charges, while Zheng confessed. They were then handed over to the Crime Suppression Division investigators.

The investigation revealed that this gang would lurk near parking spaces at motorway rest areas. When they saw a victim park and about to exit their car, the first group of thieves would use a signal jammer to block the remote control signal, preventing the car from locking.

Another group would then approach to distract the victim by talking on the phone nearby, so the victim wouldn’t notice their car was unlocked. Once the victim walked away from the car, another group of criminals lying in wait would open the car door and steal the valuables inside.

Furthermore, it was discovered that a Thai woman, later identified as Ms. Ketfa Theeranat, aged 20, who is Mr. Zheng’s girlfriend, had been in the same car as the suspects before being dropped off at the motorway rest area.

chinese gray signal2 — An officer also arrests Thai woman, later identified as Ms. Ketfa Theeranat, aged 20, who is Mr. Zheng’s girlfriend in Bamgkok.

When searching Ms. Ketfa Theeranat’s room at a condominium in the Rama 9 area, ketamine was found. She was additionally arrested on charges of “possession of psychotropic substances (ketamine) without permission” before being sent to Makkasan Police Station.

Meanwhile, officials discovered the method the suspects used to withdraw money from the victims’ credit cards. They used card readers, which are suspected to be linked to stores or usage areas abroad. This aligns with investigative information suggesting that this criminal group might be connected to call center gangs that have defrauded money from many networks.

The case will be further investigated to expand on these findings.

_____

Prince Harry’s 40th Birthday Marks the Moment the Royal Scamp Moves to Middle Age

By

Associated Press

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15 September 2024, 14:04

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s royal social media accounts posted 40th birthday wishes Sunday for Prince Harry, marking the milestone celebration despite longstanding strains following the publication of his explosive memoir, “Spare.’’

The Royal Family site shared an image of a beaming Harry with a birthday cake emoji and the caption “Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!’’ The Prince and Princess of Wales shared the image, adding their own birthday wishes.

The post from the royal family account marked the first public birthday message for Harry since 2021.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were giving up royal duties in January, 2020. They moved to America and said they hoped to become financially independent, signing lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify.

AP23137536808304 — FILE – Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at United Nations headquarters, Monday, July 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Harry famously shared his story in the memoir, “Spare.” In the ghostwritten book, Harry recounted his grief at the death of Princess Diana, a fight with Prince William and his unease with life in the royal shadow of his elder brother.

Prince Harry was always something different.

From the moment he first appeared in public, snuggled in Princess Diana’s arms outside the London hospital where he was born in 1984, Harry was the ginger-haired scamp who stuck his tongue out at photographers. He grew to be a boisterous adolescent who was roundly criticized for wearing a Nazi uniform to a costume party, and then a young man who gave up the trappings of royal life and moved to Southern California with his American wife.

Through it all, there was a sense that Harry was rebelling against an accident of birth that made him, in the harsh calculus of the House of Windsor, just “the spare.” As the second son of the man who is now King Charles III, he was raised as a prince but wouldn’t inherit the throne unless brother William came to harm.

AP24246656819551 — FILE – Britain’s Prince Harry sticks out his tongue for the cameras on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, England on June 11, 1988, following the Trooping of the Colour. (AP Photo/Steve Holland, File)

Now the angry young man is turning 40, the halfway point in many lives, providing a chance to either dwell on the past or look forward to what might still be achieved.

For the past four years, Harry has focused mainly on the past, making millions of dollars by airing his grievances in a wildly successful memoir and a Netflix docu-series. But he faces the likelihood that the royal aura so critical to his image may be fading, said Sally Bedell Smith, author of “Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life.”

“He is at a sort of crossroads,’’ Smith told The Associated Press. “And he appears to be struggling with how he wants to proceed.’’

How did we get here?

It wasn’t always this way.

Six years ago, Harry and his wife were among the most popular royals, a glamorous young couple who reflected the multicultural face of modern Britain and were expected to help revitalize the monarchy.

Their wedding on May 19, 2018, united a grandson of Queen Elizabeth II with the former Meghan Markle, a biracial American actress who had starred for seven years in the U.S. television drama “Suits.” George Clooney, Serena Williams and Elton John attended their wedding at Windsor Castle, after which the couple were formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

But the optimism quickly faded amid allegations that Britain’s tabloid media and even members of the royal household treated Meghan unfairly because of racism.

AP24037691689815 — FILE – Britain’s Prince Harry, left, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, arrive for a visit at the town hall in Duesseldorf, Germany on Sept. 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

By January of 2020, the pressures of life in the gilded cage had become too much, and the couple announced they were giving up royal duties and moving to America, where they hoped to become “financially independent.” They signed lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify as they settled into the wealthy enclave of Montecito, near Santa Barbara, California.

Since then, Harry has missed few opportunities to bare his soul, most famously in his memoir, aptly titled “Spare.”

In the ghostwritten book, Harry recounted his grief at the death of Princess Diana, a fight with Prince William and his unease with life in the royal shadow of his elder brother. From accounts of cocaine use and losing his virginity to raw family rifts, the book was rife with damning allegations about the royal family.

Among the most toxic was Harry’s description of how some family members leaked unflattering information about other royals in exchange for positive coverage of themselves. The prince singled out his father’s second wife, Queen Camilla, accusing her of feeding private conversations to the media as she sought to rehabilitate an image tarnished by her role in the breakup of Charles’ marriage to Diana.

AP24246656837618 — FILE – The Princess of Wales holds son Prince Harry while royal families posed for photographers at the Royal Palace, Mallorca, Spain, Aug. 9, 1987. (AP Photo/John Redman, File)

The allegations were so venomous that there is little chance of a return to public duty, Smith said.

“He criticized the royal family in such a powerful and damaging way. You can’t un-say those things,’’ she said. “And you can’t unsee things like Meghan in that Netflix series doing a mock curtsey. It’s such a demeaning gesture to the queen.’’

Harry, who agreed not to use the honorific HRH, or “his royal highness,” after he stepped away from front-line royal duties, is now fifth in line to the British throne, behind his brother and William’s three children.

While he grew up in a palace and is said to be in line to inherit millions of pounds (dollars) on his 40th birthday from a trust set up by his great-grandmother, applied developmental psychologist Deborah Heiser thinks that, in many ways, Harry is just like the rest of us.

1000 7 1 — In this Tuesday, June 26, 2018 file photo Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex pose for a group photo at the Queen’s Young Leaders Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London. (John Stillwell/Pool Photo via AP, File)

Like anyone turning 40, he is likely to have learned a few lessons and has a good idea of who his real friends are, and that will help him chart the next phase of his life, said Heiser, who writes a blog called “The Right Side of 40” for Psychology Today.

“He has had a very public display of what a lot of people have gone through,’’ Heiser said. “I mean, most people are not princes, but … they have all kinds of issues within their families. He’s not alone. That’s why he’s so relatable.’’

Harry’s next chapter

Of course, Harry’s story isn’t just about the drama within the House of Windsor.

If he wants to write a new chapter, Harry can build on his 10 years of service in the British Army. Before retiring as a captain in 2015, the prince earned his wings as a helicopter pilot, served two tours in Afghanistan and shed the hard-partying reputation of his youth.

Harry also won accolades for establishing the Invictus Games in 2014, a Paralympic-style competition to inspire and aid in the rehabilitation of sick and wounded servicemembers and veterans.

Harry and Meghan made headlines this year with their two international trips to promote mental health and internet safety. While some in British media criticized them for accepting royal treatment in Nigeria and Colombia, the couple said they visited at the invitation of local officials.

Will Charles see the grandkids?

Prospects of reconciliation are unclear, though Harry did race home to see his father after Charles’ cancer diagnosis. And in what may be seen as a tentative olive branch, the paperback edition of “Spare” slated for October has no additions — so nothing new to stir the pot.

But plainly at this point, Harry is thinking about his family in California. He told the BBC about the importance of his two young children, Archie and Lilibet.

“Being a dad is one of life’s greatest joys and has only made me more driven and more committed to making this world a better place,” the prince said in a statement released by his spokesperson.

Chiang Rai, Flash Flood, and the Province as an Internal Colony of Bangkok

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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15 September 2024, 13:00

S eeing the devastating flash flood in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district unfold over the past week, one wonders if something could have been done to significantly mitigate the death and damages.

This writer is convinced much more can be done.

Let’s start with the most seemingly simple thing – a clear flash flood warning that if locals do not move to safety areas, higher ground and away, along with their vehicles, livestocks, pets, and move their furniture to a much higher ground, they are severely at risk of losing everything.

Watching scenes of people stranded on the rooftop of their homes and buildings and vehicles submerged is heartbreaking. Could more have been done?

On Wednesday, I rang up Pacharapol Prakam, an assistant public relations officer at Mae Sai Municipality Office in Chiang Rai province.

Pacharapol told me there is not enough help to rescue people although one day has passed as of Wednesday since the flash flood began at around 8am Tuesday.

“There’s not enough [rescue] help coming. Not enough soldiers deployed,” he said, adding he saw no rescue helicopter so far although it could make a difference as many are trapped on the roof of their homes and buildings.

“The water arrived so quickly and a dyke [on Mae Sai] river bursted.”

I was focused on what warnings have been given in the days prior to the worst flood in decades there and the 34-year-old man said he and others have been monitoring warnings from local and national offices of the Meteorological Department and did relay warnings to local residents via village headmen but some locals were simply “stubborn” and won’t move their vehicles or evacuate.

That was when I asked if there exists a system of clear warning categorization, like a traffic red light means you must stop or your life could be in peril. Was there anything that can be easily and immediately understood by local villagers and residents that the danger is imminent and immediate actions needed to be taken?

Pacharapol admitted the technical language used by the Meteorological Department lacked simplicity and precision that could be easily and readily grasped by locals and laymen as well.

Asked if there’s any equivalent of a red, yellow and green flags warning potential swimmers at the sea, or a Number designating the severity of typhoons as in Number 1, 2 or 3 as in the Philippines, he said there’s none.

“If there is a colour-coded [for warnings issued by the Department] it would be great. Since it’s not clear, locals were complacent,” he added.

Post flood, he hopes the authority will spend more money to build a proper dyke and not a flimsy one, that could really withstand the force of nature and also build reservoirs and irrigation channels to divert excess water away.

That might be wishful thinking. I later spoke to an old friend from Bangkok who has moved to Chiang Rai City to teach at a local university and married a local and he flatly told me Chiang Rai province, which is a far flung border province, is a low priority from the point of view of those in power in Bangkok.

“This is a bloody border province, not the capital city. You just have to live with it and if you don’t like it then ship out. I have been living in the city for 20 years now and my house only had tap water two years ago.”

He added that Thai big capitalists are planting maize for animal feed on a massive scale on the Myanmar side of the border and will start to slash and burn soon. Come December, PM2.5 will return and he, along with the rest, will have to breathe highly polluted air for three months.

“For three months you just have to inhale the fumes. What do you think? Such a low quality of life,” he told me on Sunday.

Also, the current appointed Chiang Rai governor was transferred from Krabi province a year ago and didn’t know much. He told me Chiang Rai province has been having a new appointed governor almost on a yearly basis.

I have repeatedly said the system of appointed provincial governors is an internal-colonial vestige from the time of King Rama V, over a century ago, when the king centralized the kingdom amidst European colonial threats – basically ending up making the rest of Thailand an internal colony of Bangkok.

Asked if he would rather prefer having an elected governor instead he said no, adding politicians are too politicised to carry out works. This is where we disagree but I told him to stay safe and denate dried food and rice that he hoard to those in need in Chiang Rai.

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