J&T Express Profitable in H1 2024, Gains in China and Southeast Asia

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2 September 2024, 18:30

Hong Kong, 19 August 2024 – J&T Global Express Limited (“J&T Express” or “J&T” or “the Company”, stock code: 01519), a global logistics service provider, announced its 2024 interim results for the first half of 2024 (“H1 2024” or “the Period”). In the first half of the year, J&T’s revenue reached US$4.86 billion, representing a year-over-year (“YoY”) increase of 20.6%. Revenue of its core business, express delivery services, reached US$4.74 billion, marking a YoY increase of 33.7%. Gross profit showed a YoY increase of 176.8% to US$540 million.

In H1 2024, all of J&T’s profit metrics swung to positive. The Company reported a net profit of US$31.026 million, a significant turnaround compared to the loss of US$670 million over the same period last year. Adjusted net profit was US$63.248 million, compared to a loss of US$260 million over the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA soared by 795.6% to reach US$350 million. Adjusted EBIT also turned positive and reached US$120 million, underlining a healthy and sustainable level of profitability.

During the Period, J&T’s total parcel volume increased by 38.3% YoY to 11.01 billion. The business scale of all operating regions continued to expand, with parcel volume consistently achieving double-digit growth. In Southeast Asia (“SEA”), parcel volume increased by 42% YoY to 2.04 billion, raising its market share to 27.4%. In China, parcel volume grew by 37% to 8.84 billion. In newer markets such as Saudi Arabia and Mexico (“New Markets”), parcel volume surged approximately 64% to 140 million.

Dylan Tey, Chief Financial Officer of J&T Express, commented: “In the first half of 2024, J&T’s total revenue increased by over 20% YoY, primarily driven by the growth in express delivery services across 13 countries. With the business in China achieving profitability for the first time, the Company’s adjusted EBIT turned positive for the first time. We maintained a healthy and sustainable profitability in Southeast Asia. In New Markets, we achieved a significant increase in revenue and reduction of EBIT loss, driven primarily by strong parcel volume growth, as well as continuous management refinement and operational optimization.”

China’s parcel volume growth leads the industry; cost per parcel reduction drives adjusted EBIT to profitability for the first time

During the Period, J&T’s market share continued to rise, with a 37% YoY growth in parcel volume outpacing its peers. J&T’s market share, in terms of parcel volume in China, reached 11%, up 1.1 percentage points YoY. This was primarily driven by J&T seizing the growth opportunities brought by the rapid growth of social e-commerce and enhancing customer acquisition with cost-effective services. At the same time, J&T continued to explore its business development in China’s lower-tier markets, cooperating with a number of e-commerce platforms to undertake consolidation delivery business targeting at remote areas, thereby helping e-commerce vendors and e-commerce platforms to expand to areas that were originally difficult to reach.”

In the first half of the year, J&T revenue in the Chinese market was approximately US$3 billion, a year-on-year increase of about 36%. The adjusted EBITDA reached US$200 million, and the adjusted EBIT turned positive for the first time, reaching US$59.595 million. This is mainly due to the Company’s relatively stable revenue per parcel in the first half of the year, with the unit cost per parcel of express delivery continuing to decline. Specifically, the unit cost per parcel dropped by about 6% to US$0.32. Benefited from to the continuous implementation of refined management and operational optimization in each process in China, which has continually enhanced the strength and efficiency of our entire network.

Maintaining its lead in SEA for four consecutive years with growing market share; continually optimizing service quality

J&T’s full coverage and well-established logistics network in SEA, as well as its cost-effective services and strong customer relationships, have continued to serve as competitive advantages. As a result, the Company’s parcel volume in the region increased by 42% YoY. J&T’s market share reached 27.4%, up 2 percentage points compared to 2023.

In SEA, J&T continues to seize opportunities in the e-commerce market and actively develop non-e-commerce platform customers. The Company also benefits from both the overall rise in e-commerce volume and the emergence of social commerce, while maintaining a strong commitment to service quality. In H1 2024, the Company’s average parcel delivery time in SEA was shortened by 13.8% YoY.

In the first half of 2024, revenue of the Company’s SEA operations increased by 22% to US$1.52 billion, adjusted EBITDA grew by 13% to US$210 million, and adjusted EBIT grew by 46% YoY to reach US$130 million.

New Markets business maintained rapid growth and actively expands local e-commerce customer base

J&T continues to penetrate new markets, rapidly expanding its business scale. The volume of packages in J&T new markets is growing at a high speed. While maintaining close cooperation with Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms, we are actively developing and maintaining good relationships with major local e-commerce platforms such as Noon in the Middle East and Salla in Saudi Arabia. At the same time, the demand for parcel services from individual customers and commercial organizations in new markets is increasing. To better serve this need, we have launched the J&T SPEED product in the Middle East.

In 1H 2024, revenue from new markets reached US$290 million, representing a near 1.2x YoY increase. This growth was fuelled primarily by a 64% YoY surge in regional parcel volume. During the Period, gross profit turned positive, reaching US$35.022 million, while the adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed significantly to US$7.84 million compared to the same period last year.

Continue to Enhance Service Experience: Solidifying the Path to Global Development

J&T is committed to providing customers with an enhanced logistics service experience by continuously building its own sorting centers, enhancing the efficiency of self-operated transportation fleets, and investing in automated equipment across various markets. As of 30 June 2024, the Company had approximately 8,000 network partners and around 19,900 outlets. The Company operated 237 sorting centers equipped with 254 automated sorting lines. Its transportation network comprised over 4,100 line-haul routes, utilizing more than 9,900 vehicles, including over 5,700 that were company-owned.

Fan Suzhou, Executive President of J&T Express, stated: “We achieved profitability for the first time during this financial period, laying a more solid foundation for the Company’s healthy and long-term development. Our strategic goal is to build an express delivery network that serves countries around the world, catering not only to international e-commerce platforms but also to local e-commerce and non-platform customers. This will enable us to establish long-term competitive advantages through a comprehensive network, cost-effective solutions, and excellent services. Looking ahead, we will closely monitor global market dynamics and carefully select the timing and methods for entering related markets. We firmly believe that through hard work and continuous innovation, we will better serve global customers and achieve J&T’s long-term growth objectives.”

Vistar Media Opens Bangkok Office, Names Sharin Chawla as Thailand Sales Director

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2 September 2024, 18:00

Bangkok, Thailand, 29 August 2024 – Vistar Media, the leading global provider of technology solutions for  out-of-home (OOH) media, is excited to announce the opening of its new office in Bangkok, Thailand. This strategic move underscores Vistar’s commitment to Southeast Asia, a region experiencing rapid growth in digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising. To spearhead this expansion, Vistar welcomes Sharin Chawla, an accomplished digital marketing professional, as Director of Sales & Partnerships, Thailand.

“Launching our Bangkok office is another pivotal moment in our expansion across Southeast Asia, particularly in a dynamic market like Thailand,” said Ben Baker, Managing Director for APAC at Vistar Media. “With Sharin’s expertise in the Thai market, we are positioned to accelerate the adoption of programmatic DOOH and deliver unparalleled service and innovative solutions to our clients.”

Chawla brings over 14 years of experience in digital marketing across Thailand, with a strong background in digital consulting, advertising and strategic partnerships across industries such as banking, finance, retail, real estate and FMCG. His proven track record in executing large-scale digital campaigns and his deep understanding of the Thai adtech and martech ecosystems make him the ideal leader to drive Vistar’s vision for digital transformation in the market.

“I am thrilled to join Vistar Media at this crucial time for programmatic DOOH in Thailand,” said Sharin Chawla, Director of Sales & Partnerships, Thailand at Vistar Media. “The market is primed for growth, and I am eager to help brands harness Vistar’s cutting-edge technology to create impactful, data-driven programmatic OOH campaigns that resonate with both local and international audiences. Additionally, our solutions will play a pivotal role in strengthening brands’ omni-channel strategies, enabling them to diversify their messaging and seamlessly integrate their campaigns across multiple platforms.”

Chawla’s local expertise and presence will enable him to serve as a core resource in advising regional and global brands on their DOOH advertising strategies as they aim to reach more consumers in Thailand. Chawla will also be ably assisted by a strong APAC team as he works closely with the Singapore and Australian offices to drive sustained campaign success across the region.

This strategic move will further solidify Vistar’s position in Thailand following their entry into the market in H2 2023. Demonstrating their continued investment into Southeast Asia, Vistar announced new partnerships with Plan B Media, UpMedia and more recently Q-Ads, unlocking premium DOOH inventory for buyers.Vistar also boasts a strong footprint across Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

As the local DOOH market continues to evolve, Vistar Media remains committed to deepening its relationships with both supply and demand partners, empowering brands to reach new heights in digital out-of-home advertising. With Chawla leading the charge, Vistar Media is poised to drive the next phase of growth in Thailand.

Marriott Crowns Sustainable Bartenders, Toasts Greener Future

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2 September 2024, 17:18

Surasak Sirithong from The St. Regis Bangkok and Teerawee Piyajiaranai from Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park win competition featuring mixologists from hotels in Thailand and Vietnam with highly innovative and eco-conscious creation.

Bangkok, Thailand: August 23, 2024 – Marriott International has successfully staged the first-ever regional final of its “Sustainable Bartender Championship” in Bangkok, showcasing the creativity, innovation and eco-conscious mindset of the bartenders at its hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific excluding China, while also advancing the group’s ESG values (Environmental, Social, and Governance) to embrace locally-sourced produce and eliminate food waste.

Hosted at W Bangkok on August 7, 2024, in collaboration with Pernod Ricard and KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin, the “Sustainable Bartender Championship” final round marked the culmination of several weeks of intense competition, as talented mixologists from across Thailand and Vietnam, crafted fresh and exciting new cocktails which incorporated sustainable practices. Entrants had to create a compelling 30-45 second reel to present their drinks, which were required to champion sustainability, promote local products from their own region, and tell a captivating story.

Following a rigorous selection process, the 10 best entrants were invited to W Bangkok for the regional final. In the stylish surroundings of the hotel’s W Lounge, these highly skilled finalists shook and stirred their cocktails in front of a panel of judges, and showcased the unique ingredients and environmental vision behind their concoction. Creative entries included “Mingle to the Earth”, a low food waste cocktail from Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, made using pineapple cores and banana skins, “One For All” from JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, which highlighted heirloom tomatoes from Da Lat in a variety of ways,

and the “Rum Shack Mule” from Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, which repurposed leftover ginger and create ginger cocktail.

“We were truly impressed with the amazing cocktails that were presented. The way our contestants successfully highlighted fresh, local ingredients in sustainable ways that reduced food waste showed what wonderfully talented and visionary associates we have in our bars,” said Brad Edman, Market Vice President Thailand, Cambodia & Myanmar, who was on the judging panel.

A toast to the winners

Surasak Sirithong of The St. Regis Bar from The St. Regis Bangkok and Teerawee Piyajiaranai of Abar Rooftop from Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park emerged regional winners.

Surasak’s winning cocktail, Yum Som O, was designed to replicate the refreshing sensation of a Thai pomelo salad, with local produce like fresh pomelo, kaffir lime leaves, chili and organic honey, served in a traditional Thai bowl. It minimizes food waste by using all parts of the ingredients, including pomelo skin.

Teerawee’s winning cocktail, South Ripple, was highly innovative as it blended used oyster shells from Surat Thani, lime peel and whole tomatoes with local Samui coconut syrup, served in a ceramic cup also made from oyster shells! The winning cocktails will be available for hotel guests and local residents to discover at their creator’s own bar – The St. Regis Bar and ABar Rooftop – from now until September 30, 2024. As regional winners, Surasak and Teerawee will proceed to the Grand Finale to be held in Singapore in October 2024, where the final winner will be crowned Marriott International APEC’s Most Sustainable Bartender 2024.

Setting the standard for sustainable practices in bartending

A recent report into the preferences of affluent travelers in Asia Pacific, published by The Marriott International Luxury Group, revealed that 43% of guests want to see hotel restaurants offering more locally-sourced food products, and a further 35% expect to see effective management of food waste.

“This competition reflects our commitment to responsible operations, in line with the Marriott International’s sustainability and social impact platform, ‘Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction’, and the new ethos of low-impact bartending which is playing a key role in how we manage our restaurants and bars. It also showed the incredible skill and creativity of our associates, who demonstrated their talent and a real passion for sustainability,” added Vincent Van Mechelen, Senior Area Director of Operations, Thailand, Cambodia & Myanmar.

Looking ahead, Marriott Bonvoy will continue pioneering sustainable practices and creatively devising new ways of thinking about local sourcing and waste management, as we strive to build a cleaner, greener and more responsible F&B industry.

To learn more about Marriott Bonvoy’s hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific, please visit www.marriott.com

Lopburi Police Investigate Violent Homicide of Cambodian Woman

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Khaosod English

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2 September 2024, 17:07

LOPBURI — A Cambodian woman who came to work in Thailand was murdered in her room. Upon examining the wounds, the police suspect that the perpetrator acted out of hatred towards the woman, as they did not steal the money or gold necklace in the room.

On September 2, Pol. Lt. Col. Sanpop Polruang, Investigation Inspector of Pattana Nikhom Police Station, Lopburi Province, along with Pol. Col. Chayachai Nathanakanchon, Superintendent, along with the investigation team and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, inspected the crime scene at room number 11, a single-story rental room.

Upon entering the room, officers found the body of a woman lying face down, wearing a red shirt and black pants. Initial examination revealed blood covering the room, particularly around the neck area.

cambodia murder1 — The sister of the Cambodian female worker weeps after discovering her sister had been murdered. She found the body upon returning from her night shift on September 2, 2024.

Lopburi police are investigating the murder of a 30-year-old Cambodian woman, Ms. Mab. She was found with over 10 knife wounds. Her sister discovered the body at Amornrat Dormitory, near B Food Company, Moo 5, Chong Sarika Subdistrict, Pattana Nikhom District, Lopburi Province.

She called the workers’ supervisor to coordinate with the police to come to the scene of the incident. The body was sent to Pattana Nikhom Hospital for autopsy.

Forensic officers from Lopburi Provincial Police inspected the scene and found over 3,000 baht in cash and a gold necklace weighing about 1 baht near the table. The room was in disarray, suggesting a struggle before the woman’s throat was cut. Barefoot and shoe prints were found on the floor, believed to be from the perpetrator.

cambodia murder3 — A group of workers gather at the scene where a 30-year-old Cambodian female worker was brutally murdered in Pattana Nikhom District, Lopburi Province on September 2, 2024.

Later, investigators questioned the victim’s sister, Ms. Charaiyon, who works at B Food Company. She stated that initially, she, her sister, and their brother rented the room together, but their brother had returned to Cambodia. When she returned from her night shift, she found the door open and discovered her sister’s body.

The investigation revealed that normally only the two sisters lived in the room, working different shifts. Police are considering motives including rape or a love affair, as the victim was attractive and had many male admirers. A neighbor reported hearing what sounded like an argument late at night.

Preliminary autopsy results showed the victim suffered blunt force trauma to the head and face, as well as what appeared to be knife wounds, severely disfiguring her face. The nature of the wounds suggests the perpetrator harbored intense hatred towards the victim.

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Russian and Ukrainian Men Arrested for Illegal Vehicle for Rent on Koh Phangan

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Khaosod English

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2 September 2024, 14:27

KOH PHANGAN — Russian retiree and Ukrainian teenager arrested on Koh Phangan for illegally working in Thailand, renting out vehicles advertised in Russian Telegram groups

illegal rental1 — Dmytro, 18, a Ukrainian national, is caught in a hotel parking lot in Moo 4, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province on September 1, 2024.

On September 2, the Tourist Police revealed that in cooperation with the Koh Phangan District Chief, the District Security Investigation Officer, Koh Phangan Police Station, Tourist Police, and Koh Phangan Immigration Police, they conducted an operation to check on foreign workers illegally engaged in occupations reserved for Thai nationals. They arrested two foreigners on Sunday.

Andrei, aged 60, a Russian national, was apprehended at an unnumbered house along Thong Sala-Ban Nai Wok Road, Moo 1, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province. He was charged with “being a foreigner working without a work permit.” A Mazda car with Surat Thani license plate was seized as evidence.

Dmytro, aged 18, a Ukrainian national, was caught in a hotel parking lot in Moo 4, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province, on the same charge. A Yamaha motorcycle with Lopburi license plate was seized as evidence.

Andrei confessed to illegally renting out cars, advertising through online channels, specifically the Telegram application. He collected a deposit of 15,000 baht per person as a guarantee from customers, who were mostly Russians residing in Koh Phangan District.

illegal rental4 — A Mazda car with Surat Thani license plate and a Yamaha motorcycle with Lopburi license plate are seized as evidence.

Dmytro, who came to Thailand to study, wanted to earn extra income and had been renting out vehicles for about two months. Recently, he advertised a motorcycle for rent in Andrei’s Telegram group for Russians living in Koh Phangan District.

His rental rates were: 10,000 baht for one month, 699 baht per day for 1-3 days, 599 baht per day for 3-9 days, 499 baht per day for 10-20 days, and 399 baht per day for 20-29 days.

Both were taken to Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings. Under Thai law, Section 8 states that foreigners working without a work permit or working beyond their permitted rights face fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht, deportation to their home country, and a two-year ban on applying for a work permit from the date of punishment.

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American Bully Owner Pleads for Compassion After Tragic Family Death

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Khaosod English

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2 September 2024, 00:32

LOPBURI — A shocking incident has occurred once again, where American Bully dogs have fatally attacked a person, within a span of one month. The latest incident is even more heartbreaking, as a member of the family that owned the dogs became the victim.

A 18-year-old man was mauled to death by two American Bully dogs left at his home in Lopburi Province by his 23-year-old police brother, Apisit, who left for work in Bangkok on Friday night.

The incident occurred while only the victim and the dogs were at home and the attack was captured on a CCTV camera showing the victim trying to flee downstairs to a bedroom but failed to close the door in time.

His father later found the son inside the room with the two dogs, both his ears missing and with many other serious wounds and blood all over. The dogs were locked up as of Saturday with the owner saying the two are normally gentle.

american bully2 — Apisit pays respects at his younger brother’s funeral, who was fatally attacked by two American Bully dogs, at the funeral ceremony in Lopburi Province on September 1, 2024.

Apisit, the owner of the American Bully dogs, is doubly saddened after being attacked on social media with comments like ‘You brought dogs to kill your brother.’ He pleads for understanding in light of his family’s immense loss. His father is severely stressed, his mother fainted and is inconsolable. He himself has to face the cruelty of people who show no mercy or sympathy for his family.

He appeals through the media for understanding of his family’s mental state after losing a loved one irretrievably.

On September 1, the deceased’s family held a funeral at Wat Luang Thai Talat in Mueang Lopburi District, in deep sorrow. The mother, in particular, fainted and collapsed to the ground, requiring first aid from relatives as officials brought her son’s body to the hall. The funeral chanting will be held from today, with cremation scheduled for September 5.

Apisit said tearfully that he feels immense pity for his younger brother who was fatally attacked by his dogs. It’s difficult for him to come to terms with it. He recounted that at the time of the incident, his father was at work and his mother had gone to see a doctor. He himself was on night shift and didn’t return home in the evening as usual.

He had left the three American Bullies with his younger brother. He suspects that Fino and Tesla became stressed because he didn’t come home in the evening as usual. It’s possible that his brother might have played with them incorrectly or inappropriately.

The accumulated stress from not seeing Apisit, combined with this, might have triggered their aggression. Once they started biting and smelled blood, they became uncontrollable and wouldn’t listen to commands to stop.

Tank Gas, aged 4, the mother of the two American Bullies, was injured on her leg. Apisit thinks this was because she tried to help his brother but couldn’t withstand the strength of her two offspring and had to retreat. Now, ‘Tank Gas’ has already been taken in by a volunteer.

For the other two dogs, he will only choose fosters who are knowledgeable in caring for American Bully dogs. The man said the dogs now remind him and his family of the tragic incident so he can’t keep them.

“I implore the media not to further wound my family,’ Apisit said. ‘Everyone’s mental state is terrible right now, and we’re having to deal with harsh accusations from ill-intentioned people that are unbearable. Please, I beg the media not to present any more stories about me and my family,” said Apisit.

On July 26, 2024, three American Bully dogs fatally attacked a 70-year-old man on the street in front of a house in Phu Wiang District, Khon Kaen Province on the night of July 24. In that case, the owner also gave them away for free to those willing to adopt them.

According to Caroline Coile, the author of the Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds, American Bully, breed of muscular companion dog created in the United States in the 1980s and ’90s. With proper training and care, it can often be an excellent family dog. However, because of its strength and potential for aggression, this powerful breed has been banned or restricted in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

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Student’s $24 Seascape Painting Goes Viral, Next Work Fetches $4.7K

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Khaosod English

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1 September 2024, 22:01

paint1 — Kittichate Rattanakunsart, a first-year student in the Faculty of Painting at Silpakorn University, is the creator of the viral seascape paintings.

BANGKOK — An acrylic seascape painting by a first-year student, posted for sale online for just 800 baht ($24), went viral. It received an overwhelming number of likes and shares, causing the price of the subsequent work to skyrocket to 159,999 baht ($4,700) at auction.

Kittichate Rattanakunsart, a first-year student in the Faculty of Painting at Silpakorn University and creator of the viral artwork, told Khaosod Online that he was shocked and very confused by this viral trend. He never expected to receive this much attention, as his previous works only received about 20-30 likes.

“I’ve previously sold 2-3 paintings on the page, which were works completed after class assignments at university. Back then, they received 20-30 likes and only 4-5 people wrote compliments. I priced them at 1,000-1,500 baht ($30-45). But this time, there are over 80,000 likes from people sharing it continuously,” he said. People also questioned, “Isn’t this beautiful painting being sold too cheaply?”

paint4 — Composition “Shadow Light” (left) and Wave Sparkle”

Kittichate posted his work, Composition “Shadow Light”, using acrylic on paper technique, sized 42×59″, on the Facebook group ART & CRAFT Lovers Market on August 26, with the caption “I’m selling my work for 800 baht.”

About 15 minutes after posting, someone contacted him to buy it for 800 baht. Kittichate revealed that he priced it this way because he didn’t spend too much time on it, about 4 hours. He painted it late Sunday night to submit on Monday morning, rushing to finish so he could sleep and wake up to submit the work in the morning.

The student whose work became famous overnight said he was happy that everyone appreciated his work and got to know it better. Usually, after submitting assignments to teachers, he sometimes posts them for sale. He works on paintings daily, following teachers’ instructions, gradually becoming more skilled.

“The inspiration for this painting came from shadows reflecting on sea waves, which look fluid and soft to the eyes. I painted based on a seascape photo I took myself. Although it’s not exactly like the photo, I tried to make the painting look dimensional, emphasizing light and shadow weights, highlights to make the work look complete and beautiful,” he said.

Kittichate added that next time, he would probably price his paintings at 1,200 baht and up. He wants to encourage everyone to support student works. He’s very grateful and proud to have this opportunity.

Later, on August 30, Kittichate painted a similar work but with brighter blue seas, posting it for auction. He included a photo of himself painting with a cat sitting in front of the work.

This time, Kittichate stated that the painting is called “Wave Sparkle”, using acrylic on canvas technique, sized 45×60 cm. The auction started at 800 baht, with any bid amount accepted, 200 baht for shipping with frame, closing on September 1, 2024 at 1.30 p.m.

As of September 1, the highest bid reached 159,999 baht. Kittichate posted a message on his Facebook page, saying: ‘Thank you to everyone who participated in the auction and showed interest in and appreciation for my work, recognizing its value. I feel grateful and happy to have received such a great opportunity. I am ready to listen to all of your advice and criticisms, and I am prepared to continue developing and improving my work. Thank you very much. You can follow my work on INSTAGRAM: art_fillm‘

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Streamer Turns Singer: Guitar Phromporn Releases Debut English Single ‘Knew it’

By

CHAYAPON PONLAWAT freelance reporter

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1 September 2024, 21:09

We’re not sure how to define her whether as a vendor, a streamer, or an actress. But for 'Guitar - Phromphon Phrommaphirom', she 'knew it' that she has achieved her dream of becoming a singer — Guitar Phromporn

BANGKOK — We’re not sure how to define her whether as a vendor, a streamer, or an actress. But for ‘Guitar – Phromporn Phrommaphirom‘, she ‘knew it’ that she has achieved her dream of becoming a singer, marking the first step in her journey.

At 13, Guitar spent her free time after school as a live DJ on the Talk Talk platform. She started with a small salary of 500-1,000 baht, which grew to 100,000 baht by the time she was 15 or 16 years old. Even woke up at 4 am and live-streamed whenever she could to build a fan base.

During her time as a DJ, she began interacting with her audience through various means, including singing. By the age of 16, she started covering songs by her favorite artists and posted them on her YouTube channel, ‘Guiitarima’. This helped her gain recognition as a girl who enjoyed covering popular songs.

“I began live streaming on social media platforms for the first time and earned hundreds of thousands of baht per month. When I was 16, the Talk Talk platform closed. Other platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok started to grow, which gave me a chance to reach a larger audience. My viewers increased from hundreds on Talk Talk to thousands on these new platforms,” she shared confidently.

Guitar Phromphon1 — ‘Guitar – Phromporn Phrommaphirom’

On Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, Guitar not only interacts with her fans and shares her daily activities but also covers popular songs and tells short stories of movies she has watched. This has helped her followers see more than just her singing.

Today, Guitar’s success as a streamer has led her to be invited by the Faculty of Management Sciences at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University to give an inspiring lecture to students. This is a testament to her achievements as a content creator on online platforms.

At ages around 16-17, Guitar faced significant changes in her life. After struggling with various singing contests and dealing with family business issue, she had to transfer schools. Adapting to the new environment was challenging, so she decided to focus on becoming an actress after attending a casting for a series. This led her to change her look from a young girl to a more mature appearance with curly hair.

“However, the series was never re-recorded, so I chose to use this look to enter the Miss Teen Thailand contest, where I made it to the top 50. I think my unique personality set me apart from other contestants. Although I didn’t win, the contest opened doors for me in the casting industry as an advertising actress,” she said.

Guitar added, “I feel more confident with my curly hair than with my straight hair because straight hair made me feel like I had to conform to trends. With my curly hair, I can be myself, which is my natural look.”

Being a Miss Teen Thailand contestant helped Guitar land her first acting role in the 2020 horror film ‘Who Haunted Forest,’ where she played a supporting role alongside Naek-Charlie Trairat. Their shared love for music led to Guitar contributing to Naek-Charlie’s hip-hop single ‘Maeng Wan,’ bringing her closer to her dream of becoming a singer.

Between 18-19, as Guitar’s life shifted towards the pageant world and acting, she also ventured into business due to her own skin problems. Using a secret Thai herbal formula from her mother, she created the brand Maertar. The brand, which includes a variety of products, achieved significant sales on e-commerce platforms, thanks in part to Guitar’s promotion of the products through her streaming channels.

Guitar was determined to become a singer. She had the chance to train with a record label for several years, but due to opportunities in advertising and acting, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to leave the trainee position. Instead, she became a freelance artist, continued acting, and ran her skincare brand, all while hoping to release first song someday.

Despite her successful acting roles and the thriving skincare business, Guitar faced language barriers that led her to pursue language studies in England at age 20. “Living in England for nearly a year helped me mature. London is a place of opportunities, and I met music producers who broadened my understanding of different music styles. It was also when I started writing lyrics inspired by my experiences there,” she said.

The inspiration for her lyrics, combined with the help of ‘Look Peach The Voice’ to refine the song, and produced by ‘Ben (benlussboy)’, culminated in her first single, ‘Knew It.’

“Knew It” is based on her personal experiences with love and disappointment during her time in England. The song reflects her fear of being hurt again after previous betrayals. Guitar explained,

“The song’s message is about opening up to love but being afraid of getting hurt. It’s about the struggle of wanting to love but fearing disappointment. At times, I felt numb and believed that

any new relationship would end the same way. Despite wanting love, I was afraid of starting over.”

“This song is an R&B track that blends Thai and English lyrics. It has a melody and lyrics that truly reflect who I am, which is why I chose it as my debut song as an independent artist, released through my own YouTube channel.”

Although “Knew It” is an R&B song, which is her favorite style, Guitar’s look reminds us of many Diva singers. She admires the singing styles of Diva artists like Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. However, when it comes to life and style, Rihanna is the artist she looks up to. For Thai artists, she would love to collaborate with Da Endorphine and Palmy Eve Pancharoen.

Guitar Phromphon3 — ‘Guitar – Phromporn Phrommaphirom’

Guitar explained that she chose “Knew It” as her debut song because, without the restrictions of a record label, she has the freedom to release music that best reflects who she is. With advice from a music producer, she felt this song was the perfect choice for her debut. However, she doesn’t limit herself to just R&B. She hinted that in the future, she might explore rock music or Diva-style songs as well.

“The thing that brought me to this point is my speaking skills,” Guitar said confidently. Her ability to communicate is clearly reflected in the variety of content she shares on her guiitarima account across various platforms, which has led to income generation and business expansion. Another aspect of Guitar’s charm is her versatility in entertainment.

“People remember me differently some as a streamer, some entertainer, some a vendor, some as a movie reviewer, and some as a singer. I see these as the colors of being an artist. For me, being an artist is about creating art, and art has no boundaries. The same goes for music. Even though I love R&B, it’s not the only genre I enjoy because I believe I can be any kind of artist as long as I can entertain the audience.”

Guitar’s confidence shines through as she shares, “I think I got to this point because I’m good at speaking.” Her enthusiasm and self-assurance were evident throughout the conversation. When asked about the future, she compared her journey to Whitney Houston’s song “I Have Nothing.”

She explained, “Five years ago, I had nothing, and now I have something. In the future, I want to be someone that everyone remembers. I want to be an iconic figure that people recognize, no matter what they remember me.”

When asked whether she would prioritize being a singer, streamer, or vendor, Guitar responded, “For singing, I see it as a job that brings happiness to both me and my listeners because I want to be a creator of happiness. As for being an entrepreneur, I view it as a way to generate income for my family and to expand into other ventures that will also bring joy to my fans who follow me.”

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Israel Recovers the Bodies of 6 Hostages in Gaza, Including the Most Well-Known Captive

By

Associated Press

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1 September 2024, 14:27

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel on Sunday said it had recovered the bodies of six hostages in Gaza, including a young Israeli-American man who became one of the most well-known captives held by Hamas as his parents met with world leaders and pressed for his release, including at the Democratic convention last month.

The military said all six had been killed shortly before they were to be rescued by Israeli forces. Their recovery sparked calls for mass protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who many families of hostages and much of the wider Israeli public blame for failing to bring them back alive in a deal with Hamas to end the 10-month-old war. Negotiations over such a deal have dragged on for months.

In a separate development, gunmen killed three people when they opened fire on a vehicle in the occupied West Bank, where Israel has been carrying out large-scale military raids in recent days. Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service confirmed the casualties.

Militants seized Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, and four of the other hostages at a music festival in southern Israel during Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, which triggered the war.

AP24244752939178 — People protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

\The native of Berkeley, California, lost part of his left arm to a grenade in the attack. In April, a Hamas-issued video showed him, his left hand missing and clearly speaking under duress, sparking new protests in Israel urging the government to do more to secure his and others’ freedom.

The army identified the other hostages as Ori Danino, 25; Eden Yerushalmi, 24; Almog Sarusi, 27; and Alexander Lobanov, 33; who were also taken from the music festival. The sixth, Carmel Gat, 40, was abducted from the nearby farming community of Be’eri.

It said the bodies were recovered from a tunnel in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, around a kilometer (0.6 mile) from where another hostage, Qaid Farhan Alkadi, 52, was rescued alive last week.

“According to preliminary information, they were cruelly murdered by Hamas terrorists shortly before we reached them,” Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesperson, told reporters.

There was no immediate comment from Hamas. The militant group has offered to release the hostages in return for an end to the war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile militants.

Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed and says military pressure is needed to bring home the hostages. Israel’s Channel 12 reported that he got into a shouting match last week with his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, who accused him of prioritizing control over a strategic corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border — a major sticking point in the talks — over the lives of the hostages.

AP24244753002570 — People protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israel’s mostly ceremonial president, Isaac Herzog, said: “The heart of an entire nation is shattered to pieces.” Gallant said: “In the name of the state of Israel, I hold their families close to my heart and ask forgiveness.” There was no immediate comment from Netanyahu.

A forum of hostage families called for a massive protest on Sunday, demanding a “complete halt of the country” to push for the implementation of a cease-fire and hostage release.

“A deal for the return of the hostages has been on the table for over two months. Were it not for the delays, sabotage, and excuses those whose deaths we learned about this morning would likely still be alive. It’s time to bring our hostages home,” it said in a statement.

President Joe Biden, who had met with the parents, said he was “devastated and outraged.”

“It is as tragic as it is reprehensible,” he said. “Make no mistake, Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. And we will keep working around the clock for a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages.”

Vice President Kamala Harris also released a statement, saying her prayers were with the Goldberg-Polin family and condemning Hamas.

Goldberg-Polin’s parents, U.S.-born immigrants to Israel, became perhaps the most high-profile relatives of hostages on the international stage. They met with Biden, Pope Francis and others and addressed the United Nations, urging the release of all hostages.

AP24245122242370 — FILE – Jon Polin, left, and Rachel Goldberg, parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, speak on stage during the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

On Aug. 21, his parents addressed a hushed hall at the Democratic National Convention — after sustained applause and chants of “bring him home.”

“This is a political convention. But needing our only son — and all of the cherished hostages — home is not a political issue. It is a humanitarian issue,” said his father, Jon Polin. His mother, Rachel, who bowed her head during the ovation and touched her chest, said “Hersh, if you can hear us, we love you, stay strong, survive.”

She and her husband sought to keep their son and the others held from being reduced to numbers, describing Hersh as a music and soccer lover and traveler with plans to attend university since his military service had ended. At events she often addressed her son directly in the hope he could hear her, urging him to live another day.

Some 250 hostages were taken on Oct. 7. Before the military’s announcement of the latest discovery of bodies, Israel said it believed 108 hostages were still held in Gaza and about one-third of them were dead. In late August, the Israeli military recovered the bodies of six hostages in southern Gaza.

AP24245188530893 — This undated photo shows Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was held hostage by Hamas militants in Gaza. On Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, the Hostages Families Forum announced the death of Hersh Goldberg-Polin while in Hamas captivity. (The Hostages Families Forum via AP)

Eight hostages have been rescued by Israeli forces, the most recent found on Tuesday. More than 100 were freed during a weeklong cease-fire in November in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Two previous Israeli operations to free hostages killed scores of Palestinians. Hamas says several hostages have been killed in Israeli airstrikes and failed rescue attempts. Israeli troops mistakenly killed three Israelis who escaped captivity in December.

Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, when they stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, attacking army bases and several farming communities.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not say how many were fighters or civilians. It has displaced the vast majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, often multiple times, and plunged the besieged territory into a humanitarian catastrophe.

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Is Thailand Finally Leaving Its Two-Decade Long Political Conflicts Behind?

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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1 September 2024, 13:00

pheuthai democrat — Ms. Kattiya Sawasdiphol, a party-list MP from the Pheu Thai Party, whose father was a prominent member of the Red Shirt group assassinated during the 2010 protest crackdown, was seen talking with Mr. Chaichana Detdecho, a Democrat Party MP from Nakhon Si Thammarat, in the parliament meeting. This occurred before Pheu Thai invited the Democrat Party to join the government on August 28, 2024.

In bringing in its longtime nemesis the Democrat Party to the fold as a coalition partner of the new government, PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Thursday calls for people to look into the future and put the bitter past behind.

The new PM also argues that the old guards of the Democrat Party are no longer in power and people, particularly her supporters and pro-Thaksin redshirts should move on despite the fact that many of the 99 people who were killed during the massive crackdown on redshirt demonstrators occurred in 2010 when they seek to oust the Democrat government under then PM Abhisit Vejjajiva. The argument was this the current Democrat Party is different from the past. This is partly true.

Abhisit has since resigned from not just Democrat Party leadership but from the conservative-royalist party itself after his party lost in the general election in 2019 and other leaders inside his party decided to join the coalition government led by then former junta-leader Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha despite Abhisit pledging to the public just before the election day his party would never join the pro-military parties in a coalition government.

As much as this writer wishes to see bygone be bygone and Thailand stepping out of the two-decade old political division and hatred where Thaksin Shinawatra and ultra-royalist forces clash against one another time and again, it is unlikely to happen soon for the following reasons.

First, some relatives of those who were killed or imprisoned on both sides of the political conflicts as a result of demonstrating on the streets are still waiting for justice or closure and no one, no big player, has been held responsible.

Second, for those who want to move on, do consider that although at the surface level, this could be seen as a major step, a reconciliation between who arch political enemies, the Pheu Thai and the Democrat, but in reality, the move was actually a very public punishment and humiliation against the old guards of the Democrat Party and its die-hard anti-Thaksin supporters, mostly from the southern region but also in Bangkok.

Chuan Leekpai, the former PM, ex House Speaker and former Democrat Party leader and arguably the patriarch on the Democrat Party, was publicly dressed down humiliated and literally discarded by the current party leadership led by Chalermchai Sri-on as the party went ahead to join the Pheu Thai-led coalition despite Chuan warning that the party is literally abandoning its pledge and its longtime supporters as people who voted for party voted for a party that is supposedly and unmistakably against the Pheu Thai Party and the Shinawatra clan.

In this sense, the move can be seen not as reconciliation or a move towards national unity as a ploy used by Paetongtarn and her father, Thaksin, to punish and humiliate the old guards and their long-time enemies particularly Chuan Leekpai and Abhisit, and destroy the party by literally turning the Democrat Party into a servile party under a new Pheu Thai-led coalition in exchanged of two Cabinet seats for the current DP leaders.

The future of the Democrat Party looks more uncertain than ever. It’s unclear what they now stand for and current MPs might even run under the Pheu Thai banner in future elections. Thailand’s oldest party in existence could be left to disintegrate.

Third, political division is far from healed but the bogeyman of the Pheu Thai Party, the royalist conservatives and the Paetongtarn/Thaksin government is now the opposition People’s Party. A prominent pro-Thaksin propagandist has even declared earlier this week that People’s Party, which is the avatar of the now-disbanded Move Forward Party, is now the “new” Democrat Party, the enemy of Thaksin and Pheu Thai Party supporters.

Also, there’s always the army waiting around the corner to exploit the new tensions as even Abhisit himself said today the past could repeat itself if Thaksin doesn’t learn from the past.

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