Four Hands Dinner with Chef Pom Thanarak x Chef Ian Kittichai

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3 September 2024, 12:42

Welcoming another Four Hands Dinner Experience at Khum Hom on Friday, 6 and Saturday, 7 September 2024.

This time, Chef Ian Kittichai joins hands with Chef Pom Thanarak, Iron Chef Thailand of Chinese Cuisine, for an evening of wonderful culinary creations by these Thai and Chinese culinary masters.

On these special evenings, enjoy the perfect harmony of Thai and Chinese flavours. Premium ingredients, traditional recipes and modern techniques come together to craft an unforgettable dining moment.

Four Hands Dinner with Chef Pom Thanarak x Chef Ian Kittihchai at Khum Hom

Friday, 6 and Saturday 7 September 2024

Dinner starts at 6 :45 pm
Price:
6-course menu at THB 4,500++ per person
6-course menu wine pairing at THB 5,700++ per person
Accor Plus members enjoy 20% off food and 15% off drinks at this special occasion

Book now at https://khumhomrestaurant.com/reservations/ or Tel. 02 666 3333

Tourist Complaint Busts British Man’s Illegal Botox Clinic on Koh Phangan

By

Khaosod English

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3 September 2024, 12:20

KOH PHANGAN — British man secretly operates Botox injection service for clients, mostly foreign tourists, on Koh Phangan for nearly half a year. The situation unraveled when a customer experienced facial swelling after injection and complained to the tourist police.

On September 3, the Koh Phangan Tourist Police revealed that their unit received a complaint from a tourist who was a customer of a beauty clinic in Moo 5, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province.

After receiving Botox injections, the customer experienced an allergic reaction with facial swelling, redness, and bruising at the injection site. The customer also reported facial stiffness and inability to control facial muscles. They sought medical attention at a hospital on Koh Phangan before reporting to the police that this beauty establishment was owned by a foreigner operating without proper authorization.

illegal beauty3 — A house in Moo 5, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province, where the British expat used as a beauty clinic.

Subsequently, Police Lieutenant General Saksiri Phueak-am, Commander of the Tourist Police, ordered an investigation in collaboration with the Koh Phangan District Chief, public health officials, district security officers, Koh Phangan Police investigators, and Koh Phangan Immigration Police.

On September 2, officials arrested Mr. Thomas, a 42-year-old British national, at house number 6, Moo 5, Koh Phangan Subdistrict. The front of the house displayed a sign reading “Delivery Tom, Jessica, Koh Phangan,” with over 120 beauty products found as evidence.

Officials charged him with “establishing a healthcare facility without permission under Section 16 of the Medical Facility Act 1998, selling medication without permission under Section 12, possessing unregistered drugs, assisting in the sale, purchase, or receipt of goods known to have not passed customs procedures, and as a foreigner working beyond permitted rights (beauty enhancement).” He was later handed over to Koh Phangan Police Station investigators for prosecution.

illegal beauty2 — Thai authorities seize over 120 beauty products in the illegal beauty clinic on Koh Phangan as evidence.

Mr. Thomas admitted to operating a beauty enhancement facility, providing Botox and filler injections for 5 months. He rented a house from a Thai person for 29,000 baht per month, serving both in-house and off-site clients. Customers booked through WhatsApp under the name “Botox Koh Phangan,” with prices ranging from 800 to 10,000 baht depending on the service.

He stated that he ordered the products through the Alibaba application from China, with some items ordered within Thailand. The 120 seized items were valued at over 3.5 million baht, including cosmetics and chemical products.

Police Lieutenant General Saksiri has instructed chiefs of tourist police stations in pilot tourist areas and nearby regions to intensify efforts to eliminate illegal activities by foreign groups, enforcing the law strictly in all cases.

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A Decision on a Majorpolicy Shift on Marijuana Won’t Come Until After the Presidential Election

By

Associated Press

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3 September 2024, 11:35

Election 2024 Marijuana — FILE - A marijuana plant is visible at a medical marijuana dispensary in Egg Harbor Township, N.J., March 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — A decision on whether to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug in the U.S. won’t come until after the November presidential election, a timeline that raises the chances it could be a potent political issue in the closely contested race.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration last week set a hearing date to take comment on the proposed historic change in federal drug policy for Dec. 2.

The hearing date means a final decision could well come in the next administration. While it’s possible it could precede the end of President Joe Biden’s term, issuing it before Inauguration Day “would be pretty expedited,” said cannabis lawyer Brian Vicente.

That could put a new spotlight on the presidential candidates’ positions on marijuana. Vice President Kamala Harris has backed decriminalizing the drug and said it’s “absurd” to have it in the DEA’s Schedule I category alongside heroin and LSD. The Democratic nominee’s position has shifted over the years; she once oversaw the enforcement of cannabis laws and opposed legalized recreational use for adults in California while running for attorney general in 2010.

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, signaled support for a Florida legalization measure on Saturday, following earlier comments that he increasingly agrees that people shouldn’t be jailed for the drug now legal in multiple states, “whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”

AP24243682571877 — FILE – A cashier rings up a marijuana sale, July 1, 2017, at a cannabis dispensary in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

During his run for president in 2016, Trump said that he backed medical marijuana and that pot should be left up to the states. But during his first term, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions lifted an Obama-era policy that kept federal authorities from cracking down on the pot trade in states where the drug is legal.

Trump’s campaign didn’t immediately respond to a query about his position on rescheduling the drug.

The Justice Department proposed reclassifying it in May, saying the change would recognize marijuana’s medical uses and acknowledge it has less potential for abuse than some of the nation’s most dangerous drugs. The proposal, which would not legalize marijuana for recreational use, came after a call for review from Biden, who has called the change “monumental.”

The DEA has said it doesn’t yet have a position on whether to go through with the change, stating in a memo that it would keep weighing the issue as the federal rulemaking process plays out.

The new classification would be the most significant shift in U.S. drug policy in 50 years and could be a potent political issue, especially with younger voters. But it faces opposition from groups such as Smart Approaches to Marijuana.

Its president, Kevin Sabet, argues there isn’t enough data to move cannabis to the less-dangerous Schedule III category, alongside ketamine and some anabolic steroids. The DEA’s move to hold the hearing is “a huge win in our fight to have this decision guided by medical science, not politics,” he said in a statement, adding that 18 states’ attorneys general are backing his opposition.

The hearing sparked some consternation among pot industry players, though little surprise about the DEA decision to hold one.

“While the result ultimately may be better, I think we’re so used to seeing delays that it’s just a little disappointing,” said Stephen Abraham, chief financial officer at The Blinc Group, supplier of cartridges and other hardware used in pot vapes. “Every time you slow down or hold resources from the legal market, it’s to the benefit of the illicit market.”

The proposal, which was signed by Attorney General Merrick Garland rather than DEA Administrator Anne Milgram, followed a recommendation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Federal drug policy has lagged behind that of many states in recent years, with 38 having already legalized medical marijuana and 24 legalizing its recreational use.

Lawmakers from both major political parties have pushed for the change as marijuana has become increasingly decriminalized and accepted. A Gallup poll last year found 70% of adults support legalization, the highest level yet recorded by the polling firm and more than double the roughly three in 10 who backed it in 2000.

The marijuana industry has also grown quickly, and state-licensed pot companies are keen on rescheduling partly because it could enable them to take federal business-expense tax deductions that aren’t available to enterprises involved in “trafficking” any Schedule I or II drug. For some of Vicente’s clients, the change would effectively reduce the tax rate from 75% to 25%.

Some legalization advocates also hope rescheduling could help persuade Congress to pass legislation aimed at opening banks’ doors to cannabis companies. Currently, the drug’s legal status means many federally regulated banks are reluctant to lend to such businesses, or sometimes even provide checking or other basic services.

Rescheduling could also make it easier to research marijuana, since it’s difficult to conduct authorized clinical studies on Schedule I substances. Some medical marijuana patient advocates fear that the discussion has already become deeply politicized and that the focus on rescheduling’s potential effect on the industry has shifted attention from the people who could benefit.

“It was our hope that we could finally take the next step and create the national medical cannabis program that we need,” said Steph Sherer, founder and president of Americans for Safe Access. The organization advocates for putting cannabis in a drug category all its own and for creating a medical cannabis office within DHS.

The immediate effect of rescheduling on the nation’s criminal justice system, though, would likely be more muted, since federal prosecutions for simple possession have been fairly rare in recent years.

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ASEAN+3 Signs MOU to Fight Cross-Border Cybercrime

By

MC Marketing

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3 September 2024, 10:28

The ASEAN+3 Conference on Consumer Protection in the Digital Economy and AI.” has highlighted growing concerns among consumer organizations in ASEAN regarding the rapid escalation of cyber threats.

These cyber threats have caused significant damage, while consumer education and existing laws have struggled to keep up with cybercriminals, posing serious threats to both the economy and people’s lives. Data shows Vietnam suffered heavily in 2023, with losses amounting to 3.6% of its GDP.

Consumers in Hong Kong lost at least USD 25 million, and in Thailand, citizens lost approximately THB 78 million daily from their wallets or bank accounts. In response, ASEAN consumer organizations have come together to sign an MOU, strengthening cooperation to tackle online threats and protect consumer rights across the region.

Ms. Saree Aongsomwang, Secretary-General,Thailand Consumers Council(TCC), stated that the “Strengthening The ASEAN+3 on Consumer Protection in the Digital Economy and AI” conference, held for the first time in ASEAN, was a major success. Organized under the collaboration of the Thailand Consumers Council, the Foundation for Consumers, the Indonesia Consumers Foundation (YLKI), the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA), and other ASEAN+3 consumer organizations, the event took place from August 29-30, 2024.

In addition to exchanging knowledge on preventing and managing cyber consumer rights violations, the conference included the signing of an MOU between consumer organisations from seven countries Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, Laos, Indonesia, South Korea and Thailand.

This MOU serves as a framework for cooperation among ASEAN consumer organizations to enhance the exchange of information and knowledge, ensuring equal benefits for all member countries and strengthening the capacity of relevant officials. Thai consumers, in particular, stand to benefit significantly.

According to the Royal Thai Police, in the three years from March 1, 2022, to July 31, 2024, there were 612,603 complaints related to online threats, with total damages amounting to THB 69,186 million, averaging more than THB 78 million daily.

Dr. Ammarin Pimnoo, Advisor of the Special Committee for Regulations and Promoting the Use of Artificial Intelligence Technology to Support Future Changes, the House of Representatives,Thailand. mentioned that the committee is urgently considering guidelines for regulating AI technology use.

This includes potential legislation on artificial intelligence in Thailand, a matter of interest shared by many other countries, to prepare for addressing issues arising from AI and emerging technologies.

Ms. Alice Pham, Director, AP Research,Vietnam, highlighted that online fraud and scams using AI led to losses exceeding USD 16.23 billion in 2023, equating to 3.6% of Vietnam’s GDP. The Ministry of Public Security handled 1,500 related cases, with financial losses between USD 318-398 million.

The Ministry of Information and Communications reported 17,400 complaints from internet users, with damages surpassing USD 12 million. The country faces 24 types of fraud, including identity theft, account hacking due to anonymous SIM cards, unauthorized bank accounts, personal data breaches, and the rise of new technologies like AI DeepFake.

The Vietnamese government is addressing these issues through a combination of measures, including enforcing consumer protection laws, drafting digital technology industry legislation, educating and raising consumer awareness, prosecuting fraud, and seeking international cooperation.

Mr. Ang Zhong Xin Wilfred, Deputy Head of Consumer Relations at the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), expressed concern over the rapid and sophisticated use of AI in consumer fraud. Particularly troubling is the rise in cases involving voice cloning for scams and chatbot-driven fraud, creating significant challenges for banks and law enforcement. In the first half of 2024, there were 2,611 e-commerce complaints, exceeding half the total number from 2023, which saw 3,711 complaints.

Top issues with online transactional complaints (1H2024) fell into 5 categories. Failure to honour is the top five at 922 cases, followed by the Delay in providing refund at 363 cases, unsatisfactory services at 332 cases, Redress/remorse at 278 cases, and Defective or non-conforming goods at 242 cases.

Singapore’s response includes collaboration with major e-commerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee to resolve disputes and seeks stronger international cooperation to address the majority of cyber threats originating from outside the country.

Ms. Gilly Wong Fung-han, Chief Executive, Hong Kong Consumer Council, noted that Hong Kong, as a global financial hub and digital innovation leader, is implementing over 100 digital transformation projects. In July 2024, the establishment of the Digital Policy Office aimed to develop policies and measures to protect consumers from AI-related technology threats. In 2023, online shopping fraud was the top consumer issue, accounting for 32.28% of complaints.

In May 2024, 21 deepfake video clips impersonating government officials or celebrities were discovered, with Hong Kong citizens defrauded of USD 25 million, believing they were video-calling a senior financial executive from a UK multinational.

Hong Kong’s preventive measures include the use of tools like “Scameter” for comprehensive online fraud detection, promoting consumer awareness, monitoring both online and offline markets, and enhancing transparency through platforms like Online Price Watch and Oil Price Watch. Additionally, international cooperation remains a critical component in combating these threats.

Siam Premium Outlets Expands to Phuket, Targets Tourist Market

By

Khaosod English

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3 September 2024, 08:18

BANGKOK — Siam Piwat Simon, a joint venture between two global retail leaders, Simon®, a real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations, and Siam Piwat, owner and operator of leading retail developments in Thailand, is pleased to announce the expansion of “Siam Premium Outlets” with a second center in Phuket, one of the world’s most renowned tourist destinations.

This project aims to create a vibrant hub for shopping and tourism, catering to both local and international visitors, while contributing to the growth of the Thai economy and tourism sector. The new center is expected to open its doors in 2026.

Siam Piwat Simon achieved remarkable success with the launch of “Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok,” the first of its kind in Thailand, in 2020. Strategically located along the Bangkok-Chonburi Motorway (Highway No.7), near Suvarnabhumi International Airport, this outlet brings an authentic premium outlet experience to Thailand for the first and only time.

Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok 01 — SIam Premium Outlet

The outlet boasts over 300 brands, including luxury labels, popular designer brands, international names, and Thai favorites. Notable brands exclusive to this location include Balenciaga, Burberry, Versace, Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld, Rebecca Minkoff, Longchamp, Boss, Montblanc, Swiss Watch Gallery, Fred Perry, Nike United SPO, Pomelo and Siam Takashimaya among others. Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok has quickly become a key shopping destination in Thailand, attracting a steady flow of both Thai and international customers since its opening.

In 2023, Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok saw strong growth, with a remarkable increase in revenue compared to the previous year. This growth was accompanied by a steady rise in foot traffic, with the current occupancy rate reaching 100%.

Building on the strong success and shared vision between Siam Piwat and Simon, the company recognized a significant opportunity to expand its business by developing globally significant destination projects.

As a result, the decision was made to move forward with the investment in a new center of “Siam Premium Outlets” in Phuket. Phuket is the second most popular tourist destination in Thailand after Bangkok and one of the top global destinations for both Thai and international travelers. This strategic location has attracted interest from both existing tenants of “Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok” and many new prospective tenants, who have expressed their desire for the company to invest in this expansion.

The upcoming Siam Premium Outlets Phuket will be developed with a unique concept designed specifically for Phuket province, with a focus on addressing current demands and supporting Phuket’s growth over the next decade.

The second center of Siam Premium Outlets is strategically located in the center of Phuket, aiming to support the city’s growth in all directions. It is designed to cater to the influx of Thai and international tourists, totaling over 15 million annually. This includes both locals and long-term expatriates known for their strong spending habits. Notably, tourists in Phuket spend an average of 8,355 Baht per person per day, making it a significant tourist market.

Phuket’s robust purchasing power is underscored by its significant number of retail outlets, comprising 14 malls and 19 hypermarkets, complemented by 15 international schools. The island boasts convenient transportation networks, including well-connected roads and public transit.

With an airport accommodating up to 20 million passengers annually and the forthcoming Andaman International Airport in Phang Nga province, Phuket stands ready for increased airport capacity, new investments and enhanced global tourism appeal.

Siam Piwat Simon Co., Ltd represents a collaboration between two leaders in the retail industry, set to create an exciting new retail phenomenon in Phuket with their global expertise and experience. Together, this expansion will create an unprecedented shopping and tourism experience, marking a significant milestone for Thailand’s retail and tourism sectors.

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About Siam Piwat Simon Co., Ltd.

Siam Piwat Simon Co., Ltd. is a joint venture established in 2018 between Simon Property Group and Siam Piwat Group. The joint venture is Simon’s first in Thailand, and its fourth in Asia. In total, plans for the joint venture initially envision Premium Outlets projects to be built in Thailand. The first project of the joint venture of Simon and Siam Piwat Group is Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok.

About Simon Premium Outlets®

The global Simon Premium Outlets portfolio offers exceptional brands at extraordinary savings through a diverse mix of luxury, designer and homeware retailers.

Simon Premium Outlets in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea and Thailand are some of the most iconic and productive shopping destinations for residents and travelers including Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, Orlando International Premium Outlets, Desert Hills Premium Outlets, Las Vegas North Premium Outlets and Wrentham Village Premium Outlets. For more information follow Premium Outlets on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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British Fugitive Flees UK, Found to be Boxer in Phuket Luxury

By

Khaosod English

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2 September 2024, 22:22

british drug dealer3 — Mr. Ben, a 28-year-old British national, is arrested at a restaurant in Rawai subdistrict, Mueang district, Phuket Province on September 2, 2024.

PHUKET — A British member of a drug trafficking gang fled UK to become a boxer in Phuket, lived in a luxury villa in Rawai for two years, to be extradited from Thailand.

On September 2, Police Major General Montree Thetkhan, Commander of the Investigation Division, ordered the arrest of Mr. Ben, a 28-year-old British national, following a criminal court warrant issued on August 23, 2024, at a restaurant in Rawai subdistrict, Mueang district, Phuket Province.

The charges include “conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (cocaine and heroin), conspiracy to supply Class B drugs (ketamine), and conspiracy to acquire or possess criminal property.”

Ben is a member of a major drug trafficking gang in the UK and is highly wanted by British authorities. He had fled the country to escape drug charges that carry a life sentence.

british drug dealer1 — Mr. Ben, a 28-year-old British national, a drug trafficking suspect in the UK who was arrested in Phuket Province, has been transferred to Suvarnabhumi Airport for interrogation and preparation for extradition back to the UK on September 2, 2024.

Officials had been tracking leads and discovered that Ben had been hiding in Thailand since 2022. They coordinated with Police Lieutenant General Jirapop Phuridej, Commissioner-General of the Central Investigation Bureau, to send an investigative team to help track him down.

The arrest team later found crucial information about the suspect, revealing that he had reinvented himself as a boxer, competing for prizes in Phuket. He was renting a condominium and a luxury pool villa in the Rawai Beach area as his residence, concealing his identity under the alias “Billy.”

When arrested, Ben denied the charges. Officials have handed him over to prosecutors at the Office of International Affairs to proceed with his extradition to the United Kingdom.

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Thai Guides Demand Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Tour Guides

By

Khaosod English

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2 September 2024, 20:08

BANGKOK — The Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand, led by Paisan Suethanuwong, a committee member, along with over 50 witnesses including tour guides and tour operators, submitted a petition to the Chairman of the Tour Business and Guide Committee at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports on September 2, 2024.

The petition calls for a crackdown on illegal guides and tour operations in all languages, as the guide profession is reserved exclusively for Thai nationals.

Paisan stated that while members of the Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand were leading foreign tourists to various important sites, they discovered many foreigners illegally operating tour businesses and working as guides. This problem has become widespread.

He urged the Tourist Police and relevant agencies, especially the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, which directly oversees this matter, to intensify their efforts in suppressing these illegal foreign operators.

guide protest1 — The Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand representatives submit a petition to the Chairman of the Tour Business and Guide Committee at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports in Bangkok on September 2, 2024.

He emphasized that illegal guides and “ghost tours” negatively impact the economy and image of Thai tourism. The association also requested a postponement of the mandatory implementation of the Thailand Smart Tour (TST) system, scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Under this system, tour companies must issue guide work orders through the TST platform, completely replacing paper-based work orders. Guides would be required to present their work orders through the TST application during inspections.

After testing the system, tour company staff and guides found several aspects of the system unsuitable and difficult to use. The association is asking the committee to consider postponing the implementation and to establish a subcommittee to study and revise the regulations regarding the criteria and methods for issuing Job Orders.

They argue that the guide work order system cannot effectively prevent illegal foreign guides and creates obstacles for legally operating guides, potentially subjecting them to criminal penalties.

“The Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand appreciates and commends the efforts of all parties involved in caring for and developing the country’s tourism industry. The association sincerely hopes that the Tour Business and Guide Committee will promptly consider our proposals,” the statement concluded.

Jaturon Phakdeewanit, Director-General of the Department of Tourism, after receiving the petition, stated that the ministry acknowledges the association’s concerns. The ministry will discuss to find solutions regarding the occupation issues for Thai guides, reiterating that guiding is typically a reserved profession not open to foreigners.

Regarding the implementation of the Thailand Smart Tour system scheduled for October 1, he suggested it might be postponed until a mutual agreement can be reached.

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Thai Products Extend Export from Stores to Online H Mart’s US Platform

By

Khaosod English

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2 September 2024, 19:01

NEW YORK — Thai products have been sold through offline channels in major Asian supermarkets in the United States, such as H Mart. This is the first time that over 60 Thai products are available on H Mart’s online platform.

On September 2, Wuttikrai Leeveeraphan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, told “Khaosod” during a visit to New York that the International Trade Promotion Department of the Ministry of Commerce, in cooperation with the H Mart store in Long Island City, participated in an online in-store promotion event on Sunday.

This initiative aims to raise awareness of Thai products and expand distribution channels for Thai products in the U.S. market, make it easier for consumers in the United States to purchase Thai goods, and increase the market share of Thai products in the United States.

This initiative is in line with the government’s policy to expand Thai product markets to target markets in various forms, including primary, secondary and new markets, to keep pace with global trends.

The Department of International Trade Promotion and the Trade Promotion Office in New York have brought more than 60 Thai products, such as sauces, snacks, beverages and jasmine rice, to participate in this event. These products will be promoted on both offline and online platforms at www.hmart.com/thai and can be purchased in-store.

In addition, the team took the opportunity to talk to H Mart management and ask for support in promoting new potential Thai products to be sold more widely both offline and online at H Mart. They also asked for cooperation in organizing activities to promote Thai products on H Mart’s website through various campaigns during major festivals.

h mart3 — Wuttikrai Leeveeraphan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, and a Thai delegation participate in an online in-store promotion event at the H Mart store in Long Island City, New York, on September 1, 2024.

They inquired about H Mart’s plans to promote the sales of Thai products in the US market in cooperation with the Department of International Trade Promotion in 2025, as well as any challenges and obstacles in promoting Thai products in the US market.

Phusit Ratanakul Serirengrit, Director General of the International Trade Promotion Department, also invited H Mart’s executives and purchasing department to participate in THAIFEX–Anuga Asia 2025, scheduled for May 2025. This would provide an opportunity to meet with Thai manufacturers and entrepreneurs and conduct trade negotiations to import Thai products for sale at H Mart.

h mart1 — Jasmine rice is among the Thai products promoted both offline and online at H Mart in the U.S.

H Mart is the largest Asian-American supermarket in the United States, selling groceries from around the world, particularly Asia, but also South America and Europe. H Mart has a company, Grand BK, which handles the sourcing and importing of products for H Mart. The headquarters are located in New Jersey. Currently, H Mart has 74 stores in 14 states and generated sales of about 66.6 billion baht last year, equivalent to about 1.93 billion dollars.

Currently, Thai products are sold both through imports from traders/importers and through direct imports. Directly imported products, which are coordinated by the Trade Promotion Office in New York, include frozen seafood, processed seafood, spices and rice.

Companies importing products from Thailand, such as coconut milk, canned foods, canned fruits and spices, are worth approximately 300 million baht annually. These products are also sold online through the company’s website in addition to the normal distribution channels.

This collaboration is expected to increase the total value of trade across all channels to over 400 million baht or approximately 11.7 million dollars.

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

By

MC Marketing

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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.

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