CHIANG MAI — The second branch has been expanded. Thonglor Pet Hospital, Chiang Mai Airport Branch, near the Airport Intersection, will make it more convenient for pet owners living in Chiang Mai city to access services.
Previously, there was only one branch in Chiang Mai Province, which couldn’t sufficiently meet the needs of pet owners.
Dr. Krittika Chaisupatanakul, Chairman of the Executive Board of Thonglor Pet Hospital, said that currently, the number of pet owners in Chiang Mai province is growing steadily. There’s a trend towards keeping small, easy-to-care-for pets such as small dog breeds, cats, hamsters, rabbits, as well as special or exotic pets.
Moreover, there’s a “Pet Humanization” trend where owners often treat their pets as family members, prioritizing the quality of life and happiness of their pets. When pets fall ill, they receive full care and treatment.
Dr. Krittika Chaisupatanakul, Chairman of the Executive Board of Thonglor Pet Hospital
Dr. Krittika said that Thonglor Pet Hospital’s second branch offers services from expert veterinarians, the same team as the first branch, ready to provide full-capacity care according to Thonglor Pet Hospital standards, which has been serving Chiang Mai and the Northern region for 10 years. The branch is equipped with a CT SCAN machine to help pinpoint and accurately treat diseases. There’s also a swimming pool for pets that need exercise, weight loss, and physical rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, it offers both general medicine centers and specialized treatment centers, including an Eye Center, Cardiovascular Center, Dermatology and Allergy Center, Internal Medicine Center, Diagnostic Radiology and Ultrasound Center, Surgery and Anesthesia Center, and a Cat Clinic.
“With the readiness of the Chiang Mai Airport branch in terms of doctors, personnel, equipment, and facilities, we aim for this branch to be a pet treatment center for the Northern region that will receive and refer treatment cases, and be a center for diagnosis and treatment of specialized diseases. It will also serve as a veterinary study center, organize seminars, and collaborate with universities to elevate veterinary education in the Northern region,” Dr. Krittika said.
Thonglor Pet Hospital, Chiang Mai Airport Branch
Dr. Kritika decided to open Thonglor Animal Hospital to provide 24-hour service on August 21, 1994, it is considered the first animal hospital to provide 24-hour service. The first Thonglor Pet Hospital was located in Soi Thonglor 9, which at that time was just a row of three shop houses.
However, shortly after opening, people began to increasingly use the services here. The main reason was that other animal hospitals closed early and didn’t offer admission services or allow animals to stay for recovery after treatment.
As a result, many pet owners decided to bring their pets for treatment at Thonglor Pet Hospital in large numbers. Currently, Thonglor Pet Hospital has at least 20 branches. The Chiang Mai Airport Branch used an investment budget of more than 80 million baht ($2.27 million).
According to data from the Department of Business Development, in 2022, Thonglor Pet Hospital generated total revenue of 1,142 million baht ($34.2 million), growing 18% from 2021. The net profit was 134 million baht ($3.8 million), growing 32% from the previous year. After this, the hospital has set a target for revenue growth of no less than 15% every year.
The ‘pet industry’ in Thailand has grown in terms of new establishments and registered capital over the last five years (2019-2023), according to the June 2024 Economic Analysis
As of June 30, 2024, there were 5,009 registered pet businesses in Thailand, divided into three categories: 1.233 pet farms, 2,138 pet food/toy stores and 1,638 pet care/service stores with a total registered capital of 98.798 billion baht or $2.7 billion.
Of this, pet farms accounted for 11.966 billion baht, pet food/toys for 80.444 billion baht and pet care/services for 6.388 billion baht.
Most pet businesses are registered as limited companies, with 3,900 businesses and a registered capital of 93.342 billion baht or $2.57 billion. This is followed by limited partnerships/partnerships with 1,105 businesses and a registered capital of 1.789 billion baht, and joint stock companies with 4 businesses and a registered capital of 3.667 billion baht.
Former leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat talks to The Associated Press during an interview at Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Thailand’s Constitutional Court will rule Wednesday on whether the Move Forward Party violated the constitution by proposing to amend a law that forbids defaming the country’s royal family. A petition to the court requested the party’s dissolution and a 10-year ban on political activity by its executives, including former chief Pita Limjaroenrat.
Move Forward won the most seats in the 2023 election, but was blocked from taking power and now heads the opposition. Pita was denied the prime minister’s job by the military-installed Senate, a power it was given in the constitution adopted in 2017 under a military government.
The legal action has drawn widespread criticism as it’s seen as part of a yearslong attack against the country’s progressive movement by conservative forces trying to keep their grip on power. While Pita remains confident of the arguments that the party submitted to the court, he said in an interview with The Associated Press that he understands why people assume the party would be dissolved.
Pita, however, stands firm that Move Forward will continue to fight to prevent that phenomenon from being normalized in order to achieve a full democracy.
“We’re fighting this not just because of my personal future or my party’s future, but we want to make sure that, if it happens, that Pita becomes the last person. The Move Forward Party becomes the last party that joins the graveyard of political parties,” he said.
Former leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat talks to The Associated Press during an interview at Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Thailand’s courts, especially the Constitutional Court, are considered a bulwark of the royalist establishment, which has used them and nominally independent state agencies such as the Election Commission to issue rulings to cripple or sink political opponents.
The dissolution of Future Forward, whose promises of reforms were particularly attractive to the young generation disillusioned by yearslong military rule, further highlighted the struggle between the progressive movement and conservative forces in Thailand. It was one of the triggers for youth-led pro-democracy protests that sprung up across the country in 2020. They openly criticized the monarchy, an institution long considered a linchpin of Thai society and untouchable.
Insulting or defaming key royal family members is punishable by up to 15 years in prison under a law also known as lese majeste, and usually referred to as Article 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code. Those protests led to vigorous prosecutions under the law, which had previously been relatively rarely employed. Critics say the law is often wielded as a tool to quash political dissent.
Move Forward, formed as a new home to lawmakers of the dissolved Future Forward, campaigned for an amendment to the law in the 2023 election. That and the introduction of other democratic reforms carried over from its predecessor landed it in first place in the election, a victory indicating that many Thai voters were ready for change.
Pannapha Hatthavijit, a 27-year-old market vendor in Bangkok, has been a loyal supporter of Move Forward since it was still Future Forward because she wanted to see something new in Thai politics.
She said she could sense the party’s rising popularity from people around her, and to see thousands of the especially young crowds joining one of the party’s campaign rallies in Bangkok was “so invigorating” for her, so much so that she predicted the party’s victory that came as a surprise to many.
However, the party was denied power after the Senate, installed by a military government that ousted an elected government in 2014, refused to agree to its then-leader Pita’s selection as prime minister. Senators said they opposed Pita because of his intention to enact reforms to the royal defamation law. The party was later removed from a coalition formed with the now-ruling Pheu Thai party and is currently heading the opposition.
These developments show that Thailand is more of a “semi-autocratic country” than a democratic one, said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor of political science at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University.
“It means that you can have an election and people can vote, but after that the results (are) manipulated and subverted to serve autocratic forces and establishment preferences,” he said.
Move Forward party’s leader Chaithawat Tulathon, center right, with its former leader Pita Limjaroenrat, center left, talks to reporters during a news conference at parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled Wednesday that the progressive Move Forward party must cease advocating amending the law on royal defamation — a decision that leaves the party vulnerable to further complaints and even dissolution. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
When the party failed to become the government, Move Forward voter Pannapha said she was dispirited and she would be disappointed all the same if the party is dissolved or Pita is banned on Wednesday. But that will not be enough to kill off her hope for change.
“Move Forward is not Pita. Move Forward is us, the new generation,” she said. “It’s not over yet.”
That is the spirit that Pita would like his supporters to keep alive. He said, if necessary, the party will ensure a “smooth transition into a new house” or a new party for the rest of its non-executive lawmakers.
He said if the verdict does not come out in their favor, people can be frustrated. He said however that his ultimate goal is that they channel that anger into votes at the ballot box to ensure they eventually win the war, even if they lose this particular battle.
“If they get rid of the party, they get rid of me, but people are still hopeful and returning to the ballots every single time, more and more and more, I think that’s when they lose,” he said.
BANGKOK — Southern Thailand’s tourism industry is showing strong signs of recovery in Q3 2024, with overall tourist numbers up 140% compared to the same period in 2023.
Suksit Suvarnditkul, President of the Southern Thailand Hotel Association and Vice President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), revealed on August 5 that the overall tourism situation in Q3 2024 is considered the green season or rainy season, resulting in a slight slowdown in tourism compared to normal situations.
However, compared to the same period in 2023, the recovery rate is 140% overall. Some markets, such as China, have recovered only 55%, the lowest among foreign markets, while South Korea is at 63%.
Other markets have recovered better than 100%, especially Russia, India, Australia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, the United States, and South Korea, with recovery rates over 100% compared to 2019, before COVID-19.
Samui seaside
The South hasn’t been significantly affected by flooding, but heavy rainfall has impacted travel, both commuting and tourism, requiring more travel time due to increased traffic congestion.
In Q3 2024, the occupancy rate is about 60%, similar to Q2 but 5-10% better than 2023. July saw an increase in Middle Eastern markets including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Israel, and Qatar, as they prefer to visit during Thailand’s rainy season due to extreme heat in their countries.
For Q4, entering the high season, occupancy rates in November and December are expected to improve to 70%-80%.
A beach at Phi Phi Islands national park in Krabi, Thailand. Phi Phi Islands national park, with an area of about 388 square kilometers, attracts numerous tourists every year. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)
The diversity of markets visiting Southern Thailand has increased, evident from the variety of airlines. Currently, there are over 50 international airlines with 4,720 flights, and 6 domestic airlines with 4,016 flights, connecting over 60 cities worldwide. This amounts to about 280 flights per day with a total of 45,000 passengers daily.
The increase in passengers, flights, and airlines leads to an increase in tourists. Compared to the high season, which sees about 50,000 passengers per day, the main limitation for increasing flights and passengers is having only one runway and 34 parking bays.
Overall, the number of passengers in 2024 is about 45,880, up from 42,835 in 2019, representing a recovery of 107.11%.
Men run past a shopping center which was set on fire by protesters during a rally against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government demanding justice for the victims killed in the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Nearly 100 people were killed and hundreds more injured Sunday as renewed anti-government protests swept across Bangladesh, with protesters calling for the prime minister to resign and the prime minister accusing them of “sabotage” and cutting off mobile internet in a bid to quell the unrest.
The country’s leading Bengali-language daily newspaper, Prothom Alo, said at least 95 people, including at least 14 police officers, died in the violence. The Channel 24 news outlet reported at least 85 deaths.
The military announced that a new curfew was in effect Sunday evening for an indefinite period, including in the capital, Dhaka, and other divisional and district headquarters. The government had earlier imposed a curfew with some exceptions in Dhaka and elsewhere.
Demonstrators are demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation following protests last month that began with students calling for an end to a quota system for government jobs. Those demonstrations escalated into violence that left more than 200 dead.
People participate in a rally against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government demanding justice for the victims killed in the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)
As the renewed violence raged, Hasina said the protesters who engaged in “sabotage” and destruction were no longer students but criminals, and she said the people should deal with them with iron hands.
The ruling Awami League party said the demand for Hasina’s resignation showed that the protests have been taken over by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the now-banned Jamaat-e-Islami party.
Also Sunday, the government announced a holiday from Monday to Wednesday. Courts were to be closed indefinitely. Mobile internet service was cut off, and Facebook and messaging apps, including WhatsApp, were inaccessible.
Junior Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat said the services were severed to help prevent violence.
At least 11,000 people have been arrested in recent weeks. The unrest has also resulted in the closure of schools and universities across the country, and authorities at one point imposed a shoot-on-sight curfew.
Firefighters douse a fire engulfing a shopping center which was set on fire by protesters during a rally against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government demanding justice for the victims killed in the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)
Protesters called for a “non-cooperation” effort, urging people not to pay taxes or utility bills and not to show up for work on Sunday, a working day in Bangladesh. Offices, banks and factories opened, but commuters in Dhaka and other cities faced challenges getting to their jobs.
The demonstrators attacked Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, a major public hospital in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area, torching several vehicles.
Video footage showed protesters vandalizing a prison van in the chief metropolitan magistrate’s court in Dhaka. Other videos showed police opening fire on the crowds with bullets, rubber bullets and tear gas. The protesters set fire to vehicles and the ruling party’s offices. Some carried sharp weapons and sticks, according to TV footage.
In Dhaka’s Uttara neighborhood, police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of people who blocked a major highway. Protesters attacked homes and vandalized a community welfare office in the area, where hundreds of ruling party activists took up positions. Some crude bombs were detonated, and gunshots were heard, witnesses said. At east 20 people were hit by bullets in the area.
An activist waves Bangladesh flag during a protest march against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government to demand justice for the victims killed in the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)
At least 18 people were killed in the northwestern district of Sirajganj. That figure included 13 police officers who died after a police station was attacked by protesters, according to police headquarters in Dhaka. Another officer was killed in the eastern district of Cumilla, police said.
Five people died in the Feni district in southeast Bangladesh as Hasina’s supporters clashed with protesters.
Asif Iqbal, a resident medical officer at a state-run hospital in Feni, told reporters that they had five bodies at the hospital, all of them hit by bullets. It was not clear if they were protesters or ruling party activists.
In Munshiganj district near Dhaka, four people were declared dead after being rushed to a hospital, according to hospital official Abu Hena.
The Jamuna television news channel reported that violent clashes took place across more than a dozen districts, including Chattogram, Bogura, Magura, Rangpur, Kishoreganj and Sirajganj, where protesters backed by the main opposition party clashed with police and the activists of the ruling Awami League party and its associated bodies.
The protests began last month as students demanded an end to a quota system that reserved 30% of government jobs for the families of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence against Pakistan in 1971.
As the violence crested, the country’s Supreme Court ruled that the veterans’ quota must be cut to 5%, with 93% of jobs to be allocated on merit. The remaining 2% will be set aside for members of ethnic minorities and transgender and disabled people. The government accepted the decision, but protesters have continued demanding accountability for the violence they blame on the government’s use of force.
The system also sets aside jobs for members of ethnic minorities and for disabled and transgender people, whose quotas were cut from a collective 26% to 2% in the ruling.
Hasina’s administration has blamed the opposition parties and their student wings for instigating the violence in which several state-owned establishments were also torched or vandalized.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary-general of the main opposition party, repeated a call for the government to step down to stop the chaos.
Hasina offered to talk with student leaders on Saturday, but a coordinator refused and announced a one-point demand for her resignation.
Hasina repeated her pledges to investigate the deaths and punish those responsible for the violence. She said she was ready to sit down whenever the protesters want.
The protests have become a major challenge for Hasina, who has ruled the country for over 15 years. She returned to power for a fourth consecutive term in January in an election that was boycotted by her main opponents.
Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn celebrates after defeating Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia during their men's singles badminton semifinal match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Paris, France. (Matichon Photo)
PARIS — Kunlavut Vitidsarn has made history by advancing to the Olympics men’s singles badminton finals for the first time in Thai national badminton team history, and created an opportunity to compete for a gold medal.
“In the final, I will control my emotions and excitement and do my best. The only thing I need to do now is to focus and perform my role perfectly. I want to reach the gold medal,” he said.
Thailand’s top men’s badminton player also said that his plan for the final match will be to use his usual style, which is to focus on an offensive game because if he plays defensively, he’ll lose points and games. However, he will play cautiously because being too aggressive is not good either.
Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn plays against Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia during their men’s singles badminton semifinal match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Paris, France. (Hamad I Mohammed/Pool Photo via AP)
Kunlavut, nicknamed “View,” will face Denmark’s Victor Axelsen on August 5, after beating Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia 21-14 and 21-15 in the semifinal match on Sunday, Aug. 4 in Paris.
He said his performance in the semifinal was another good day where he could make his opponent play his game and win in straight sets.
“The Olympics is always something great. It’s very difficult to qualify, and the competition is tough because we don’t know what our physical condition will be like in the 4-year gap between each Olympics. I consider myself very lucky that my body is still in good shape,” Kunlavut said.
He also mentioned that the Olympic competition is much more exciting compared to all other tournaments he has participated in, even more than the World Championships. As a professional athlete who usually competes continuously every day of a tournament, the Olympic schedule with rest days allows him to maintain good physical condition.
Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn celebrates after defeating Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia during their men’s singles badminton semifinal match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo
Not only is he in good physical shape, but Kunlavut also revealed that he has good moral support from Liverpool, his favorite football club. In the round of 16, when he defeated Kenta Nishimoto from Japan, he mentioned in an interview that Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal in a friendly match gave him encouragement.
For the semifinal, before even mentioning his own victory, he jokingly referred to Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Manchester United in a friendly match, saying, “3-0, sir.”
Another important source of encouragement for him is his girlfriend, Pim Aphisara, who traveled to France to support him from the round of 16 and quarterfinals. She said she’s happy that her boyfriend has reached the final.
“View has been training hard and trying his best all along. I think View will definitely get the gold medal. I want to encourage him. I think he’s mentally prepared now, and all that’s left is his performance on the court, which I think he can control,” Pim said.
Kunlavut Vitidsarn has good moral support from Liverpool, his favorite football club, and also special support from his girlfriend.
According to information from the Badminton Association of Thailand and the Banthongyord Badminton School, Kunlavut was born on May 11, 2001. He is the son of Nattawat Vitidsarn, a badminton coach, and his mother is named Natkanok. He has one younger sister, Sarunrak Vitidsarn, who is also a badminton player.
Kunlavut began playing badminton at the age of 7, as he had to follow his father to the court. Initially, Kunlavut played badminton for fun. Additionally, due to having allergies, he played sports to maintain good health and strengthen his body.
Later, Kunlavut began to train seriously in badminton to compete at the junior and youth levels within the country, as a member of the Sena Nikhom Badminton Club.
Kunlavut made history as the first Thai male badminton player to win the World Junior Championships three times in 2017-2019, similar to what “May” Ratchanok Intanon, a senior Thai female badminton player, achieved in 2009-2011.
View’ Kunlavut Vitidsarn and ‘May’ Ratchanok Intanon have both made history for the Thai national badminton team.
In 2021, he performed impressively, becoming a key player in the national team, winning runner-up in the “Yonex Swiss Open 2021” and receiving the “Eddy Choong Most Promising Player of the Year” award for 2020/2021.
He became the first Thai badminton player to reach the men’s singles final in the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2021, facing Victor Axelsen, world No. 1 from Denmark, before claiming the runner-up position and receiving a prize of 60,000 USD.
However, in 2022, Kunlavut lost to Axelsen in the “Total BWF World Championships 2022” in Tokyo, Japan. Nevertheless, he made history as the first Thai male badminton player to win a silver medal in the singles category at the World Championships.
In 2023, Kunlavut rose to claim his first World Championship title, making history as the first Thai male singles player to win a World Championship. He became the fourth Thai badminton player to win a World Championship, following “May” Ratchanok, “Bass” Dechapol Puavaranukroh, and “Popor” Sapsiree Taerattanachai in 2021.
He has now further elevated the success of the Thai national badminton team.
Foreign witness (right) recounts the scene of a Canadian man's altercation with a Thai security guard.
PATTAYA — A clash between a Canadian man and a Thai security guard in Pattaya, which resulted in the foreigner falling and sustaining serious head injuries, has become a case requiring careful police investigation and evidence gathering, as the two parties’ accounts differ.
Before the security guard met with the police, Mrs. Nongyao, 56, the Thai wife of Mr. Mark, 65, a Canadian national and former overseas oil company manager, recounted the incident to reporters, seeking justice.
Tearfully, she said her husband was assaulted by a man dressed like a security guard on the evening of July 31. He is currently in the ICU of a private hospital in Bang Lamung district, under close medical supervision.
Nongyao said that night, Mr. Mark went out drinking with friends at a bar in Soi Pattaya 6. She waited at home and became concerned when he was gone longer than usual. Someone then called to inform her that her husband had been assaulted and was unconscious in the ICU.
Mr. Mark is currently in the ICU of a private hospital in Bang Lamung district.
Witnesses later told her that her husband was leaning against a car when a security guard came out and verbally confronted him. An argument ensued, and the man allegedly punched her husband, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground. A foreign witness managed to record part of the incident on video.
The witness told her that the guard tried to snatch the phone used to record the evidence. He felt this incident demonstrated the lack of safety for tourists and was deeply disturbed by the violence he witnessed.
Nongyao asked the police to track down the perpetrator and take legal action. She also called for regulating security guards, who are supposed to ensure tourist safety, to stop such behavior and restore Pattaya’s good image.
On August 4, Pol. Lt. Col. Chainarong Jitsunthorn, an investigator from the Tourist Police, invited Mr. Patiphan, 28, a security guard from Soi Pattaya 6, for questioning at the Pattaya City Police Station around 9:30 p.m.
Pattaya police officer question Mr. Patiphan, 28, a security guard (2nd form right) from Soi Pattaya 6, for questioning at the Pattaya City Police Station on Sunday night, Aucust 4, 2024.
Patiphan stated that on the day of the incident, he received a report of a tourist attempting to break into a car. When the car owner confronted the tourist, they were verbally abused. Patiphan claimed that he went to investigate, but the foreigner wouldn’t listen and pushed him against a car. So he pushed back, but the foreigner tried to approach again, so he pushed him once more, causing the foreigner to fall.
He claimed that witnesses didn’t see the entire incident from the beginning. He tried to explain, but they ran away. After seeing the news, he contacted the police to clarify. He also provided CCTV footage to confirm that there was no punching, only pushing, before the foreigner fell and hit his head.
The police stated they will thoroughly examine the evidence before deciding how to proceed with the case.
Palestinians inspect the damage at a tent area in the courtyard of Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital, hit by an Israeli bombardment on Deir al-Balah, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli strikes killed 18 people in Gaza early Sunday, including four Palestinians in a tent camp inside a hospital complex, while a stabbing attack by a Palestinian killed two people in a Tel Aviv suburb.
“The state of Israel is in a multi-front war,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting, and said the country was ready for any scenario in defense or attack.
Jordan’s foreign minister was making a rare trip to Iran as the United States and its Arab allies try to prevent a wider conflict. Already, Hamas says it has begun discussions on choosing a new leader.
The stabbing attack in Tel Aviv killed a woman in her 70s and an 80-year-old man, according to Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service and a nearby hospital, and two other men were wounded. The police said the attack was carried out by a Palestinian militant, who was “neutralized.”
First responders work at the site of a stabbing attack that, Israeli police said, a Palestinian attacked killed a woman and wounded a few others in Holon, Israel Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024.(AP Photo/Tomer Appelbaum)
In Gaza, an Israeli strike hit a tent camp for thousands of displaced Palestinians in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, killing four people, including one woman, and injuring others, Gaza’s Health Ministry said. An Associated Press journalist filmed men rushing to the scene to retrieve bodies while trying to extinguish the fire.
The Israeli military said it targeted a Palestinian militant in the strike, which it said caused secondary explosions, “indicating the presence of weaponry in the area.”
The hospital in Deir al-Balah is the main medical facility operating in central Gaza as many others in the territory no longer function. A separate strike on a home near Deir al-Balah killed a girl and her parents, according to the hospital.
Another strike flattened a house in northern Gaza, killing at least eight people, including three children, their parents and their grandmother, according to the Health Ministry. A further three people were killed in a strike on a vehicle in Gaza City, according to the Civil Defense first responders who operate under the Hamas-run government.
Palestinians react to fire from an Israeli strike that hit a tent area in the courtyard of Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Palestinian militants in Gaza fired at least five projectiles at Israeli communities near the border without causing casualties or damage, the military said.
An Israeli strike on Saturday at a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City killed at least 16 people and wounded another 21, according to the Health Ministry, which announced the toll on Sunday. Israel’s military, which regularly accuses Palestinian militants of sheltering in civilian areas, said it struck a Hamas command center.
The war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack into Israel that killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took around 250 people hostage.
Smoke rises after a strike in an area in Lebanon next to the Israeli-Lebanese border at the Galilee region, as seen from the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Israel’s massive offensive in response has killed at least 39,580 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Heavy airstrikes and ground operations have caused widespread destruction and displaced the vast majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, often multiple times.
Hezbollah and Israel have continued to trade fire along the Lebanon border since the war began, with the severity growing in recent months. The militant group says it’s aimed at relieving pressure on fellow Iran-backed ally Hamas. A growing number of countries, including the U.S., are encouraging citizens to leave Lebanon.
In the occupied West Bank, over 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the war in Gaza began, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Most have been killed during Israeli raids and violent protests. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war, and the Palestinians want all three for their future state.
A ceiling panel which fell on them at Chiang Mai Airport on Saturday morning has been removed, and officials cordoned off the area on August 4, 2024.
CHIANG MAI — After two foreign passengers, one Dutch and one Chinese, were injured when a ceiling panel fell on them at Chiang Mai Airport on Saturday morning, Thai officials apologized and tried to deal with this embarrassing incident.
On August 4, Wing Commander Ranakorn Chalermsaenyakorn, Director of Chiang Mai Airport, apologized and expressed deep regret for the incident, accepting responsibility for the error and welcoming feedback or suggestions for improvement.
He apologized to the injured passengers and assured that they were given full care. The Dutch boy and his family confirmed they would continue their journey to Don Mueang Airport. Chiang Mai Airport officials coordinated with Don Mueang Airport staff to facilitate the passengers’ travel and ensure proper wound care upon arrival.
Chiang Mai Airport officials provide first aid to an injured Chinese passenger on August 3, 2024.
The injured Chinese passenger was sent to a private hospital in Chiang Mai for a thorough examination. A 5-centimeter head wound was sutured. The passenger then returned to Chiang Mai Airport to prepare for a flight to Hat Yai Airport.
Officials provided comprehensive assistance, including buying new clothes, rebooking tickets for the entire family, arranging lunch, and offering a special waiting lounge. Initial compensation was provided, and further care will be coordinated with the insurance company.
According to initial investigation, the fallen ceiling panel was related to the rainy season weather. After continuous heavy rain, the insulation of the air conditioning ducts accumulated moisture, becoming too heavy to support.
After the incident, damaged and weakened ceiling panels were removed. The airport will expedite the planned repairs. Warning signs have been placed at various points where contractors are working on improvements throughout the building.”
Media companies are under pressure and forced to make significant adjustments just to survive.
BANGKOK — The media industry is facing major challenges due to changes in consumer habits and economic instability. A sharp drop in advertising spending has hit media companies worldwide, forcing many to make significant adjustments just to survive.
In Thailand, 2024 has been particularly tough for media outlets. Several have had to close, cut jobs, and delay salaries. These problems highlight both the difficulties and potential within the current media landscape. With the economy remaining unpredictable, shrinking advertising budgets are affecting print, TV, and online media. This has led to a steep decline in advertising revenue for many media companies.
To understand what lies ahead for Thailand’s media and advertising sectors, Khaosod English talked with Dr. Karine Lohitnavy-Frick, founder and Managing Director of Midas PR. She shared her insights on the current opportunities, necessary changes, and survival strategies in the evolving media industry.
With over 20 years in public relations, Dr. Lohitnavy-Frick established Midas PR in 2007. She provided valuable insight into the advertising industry in Thailand, where advertising is critical for media companies.
Dr. Karine Lohitnavy-Frick, founder and Managing Director of Midas PR
“Eighteen years ago, many agencies were skeptical about digital media. They relied heavily on traditional media like print, TV, and radio. Back then, PR was focused on news distribution, public relations, and event management. Now, the focus has shifted to digital platforms and social media. Brands connect with audiences through content marketing, influencer partnerships, and social media campaigns. Digital PR also uses tools for online reputation management and analytics, making strategies more measurable. A decade ago, PR depended on intuition and experience. Today, advanced analytics, AI, and automated data processing make campaigns more effective, especially online,” Dr. Lohitnavy-Frick explained.
The role of data and technology in PR has grown significantly. Unlike ten years ago, when PR strategies were based mostly on intuition, today’s use of advanced analytics, AI, and automated data processing allows for more effective and measurable campaigns, particularly online.
Thai Media Landscape
The founder of Midas PR highlighted several key trends and changes in the Thai media landscape. According to Karine, technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors have greatly impacted the industry, with these changes accelerating over the past three years.
One major trend is the move from traditional media to online platforms, especially online video. Text-based media were the first to feel this shift, leading to a rise in various content consumption platforms. Social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok have become dominant, with YouTube leading in revenue and TikTok gaining popularity. For many Thais, YouTube and TikTok have become important sources of news.
Influencers and KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) continue to play a significant role, but maintaining authenticity is crucial. Audiences are now more selective and demand genuine and relevant content. Influencers are striving to stay authentic and build trust, although this makes success more challenging in a competitive market.
The Thai media industry is also facing issues such as fragmentation, staff reductions, and a shortage of experts for effective PR content. Balancing paid and organic media remains essential. “We aim to educate our clients on the importance of high-quality, non-promotional content to improve media standards,” Karine said.
Karine also pointed out that Thai media competes on three fronts: against other media, KOLs, and social media platforms’ algorithms. Transparency and credibility are crucial. As Thailand serves as an ASEAN hub, there are opportunities to broaden coverage beyond domestic issues to include regional developments, potentially attracting a larger audience and increasing revenue. Despite the rise of digital and social media, traditional media like digital TV still holds value, particularly among older viewers, and remains a key part of the media ecosystem.
“Media freedom remains a challenge due to government regulations and defamation laws that limit journalistic practices. While trust in news is relatively high, media outlets must navigate this complex regulatory environment carefully,” she added.
The year has been challenging for Thai media, marked by events like the closure of Voice TV. Karine believes that both media professionals and the market need to adapt to these changes. “Media professionals must adjust to market demands, and the market must evolve to meet changing media consumption patterns,” she explained.
“Trends are driven by consumer preferences, which are moving towards more fragmentation, personalization, and individual connection. Both media and advertisers must address these changes.”
“It’s a two-way street,” she says. “Media professionals need to adapt to market demands, while the market itself must evolve to match the changing media landscape.” She notes that media consumption has dramatically changed, driven by consumer preferences for more fragmented, personalized, and individual content.
“Both media and advertisers need to recognize and address these trends to stay relevant,” she adds. This shift is leading many media professionals to create content similar to that of KOLs, who are often seen as ‘individual media’.
Ads Trend & Spend
When assessing trends in advertising spending, Karine acknowledges that it’s challenging to pinpoint exact figures. PR budgets vary widely depending on the type and scale of services required, making it difficult to generalize from any single sample. Despite having a large client base, she admits that their experience may not fully represent broader industry trends.
“Overall, the industry seems to be recovering from the pandemic, with a 5-10% increase in clients’ budgets. As the economy improves, PR investments are resurging,” Karine notes. “However, we need to remain cautious. The manufacturing sector is facing a major crisis, which could have broader effects.”
A key shift is the focus of PR spending. Many clients are now prioritizing digital PR strategies, allocating more funds towards social media management, influencer partnerships, and online content creation. There is also a stronger emphasis on crisis and reputation management, with companies dedicating larger portions of their PR budgets to handle negative publicity effectively.
Karine highlights a positive trend: clients are increasingly investing in evaluation and measurement. “Companies are demanding clearer, measurable returns on their PR investments, leading to more detailed reporting and analytics,” she explains.
Looking ahead to the future of advertising from the first half of 2024 to 2025, Karine expects stability in the market. “Digital advertising will continue to grow steadily, TV will remain the largest share of media spending, and influencers will remain significant,” she says.
As for the proportion of advertising spending in the second half of 2024, Karine predicts, “In the second half of 2024, advertising spending is expected to be distributed as follows: TV media will likely continue to capture about 40-45% of the total media budget, digital media will account for approximately 35%, and out-of-home media will represent around 20%. These estimates are based on current statistics and trends, though they may change.”
AI Is All Around
Karine anticipates several new trends in Thai advertising, notably the rise of AI influencers, similar to what’s seen in the US. AI personas, created by clients and agencies, offer a cost-effective and engaging alternative to real influencers, who can sometimes be challenging to collaborate with. For example, The Nation TV’s AI news anchor, though currently more of a novelty, demonstrates AI’s potential in the industry without posing a threat to human jobs. However, it’s crucial for media professionals to become knowledgeable about AI to stay competitive.
“While Agoda’s AI persona has faced some criticism, it’s too early to determine if AI influencers will become a major trend in Thailand. Still, exploring these innovations could open new opportunities for the advertising industry,” Karine notes. “Concepts like Butterbear, which could be developed into AI personas, have significant potential in Thailand, where there is a strong affection for cute and charming characters.”
As AI increasingly influences the media industry, adjustments are needed in both media and PR agencies. According to her, the primary shift should be in our mindsets. “AI is a powerful tool for data analysis, media monitoring, sentiment analysis, and automating routine tasks. However, it struggles with creative writing, genuine creativity, and understanding the nuances of textual work. These aspects are uniquely human,” she explains. “Sometimes, using AI in advertising or news can seem insincere to viewers.”
She also points out the risks associated with AI, such as the spread of disinformation through generative AI. “The response to both the opportunities and threats of AI lies in enhancing our capabilities. This means developing AI literacy, educating ourselves and others about the risks, and learning to navigate the new landscape effectively.”
In addition to being the Chair and founder of Midas PR, an award-winning PR agency, Karine Lohitnavy-Frick also chairs PRCA Thailand. She explained that this organization aims to unite the PR industry and showcase the quality and value of PR work.
PRCA Thailand offers online learning opportunities for students and collaborates with about 15 agencies in Thailand to provide a thorough understanding of PR. The organization highlights the distinctions between advertising, marketing, and PR, emphasizing the unique and exciting aspects of a PR career. Partnerships with leading universities like Chulalongkorn, Thammasat, and online course Conicle help bridge the gap between education and industry.
Former Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat during a press conference on the party's plan to defend in its dissolution case at the party's office in Bangkok on August 2, 2024.
Three more days and we will know on August 7 whether Move Forward Party, the party with 14 million votes behind them, would be dissolved by the Constitutional Court, and their leaders, including the charismatic former leader Pita Limjaroenrat, will be banned from politics for 10 years, for having pledge to reform the royal defamation law.
Many sources are not betting on a positive outcome for the party. Some cited the lack of any subtle positive signs. Two signs worth noting are: monarchy-reform movement co-leader Arnon Nampa late last month faced another four years prison sentence for defaming the monarchy, thus facing a combined prison sentence term of 14 years (and more to come), and the fact that the party’s social media did not post any happy birthday message on the King’s 72nd birthday on July 28. It seems the party is focusing more on maintaining, if not trying to increase its loyal base of supporters now.
There are five issues that I would like to raise ahead of the ruling on Wednesday, August 7, at 3pm, however.
First, the royal defamation law, also known as the lese majeste law or Article 112 of the Criminal Code, is a law, period. It is not words from the Tripitaka, the Bible, or the Koran. Thus, it can be subject to an amendment, or even abolition, if voters, who hold the sovereign power, believe such a course is best for Thailand. The irony of this whole upcoming ruling is that the Constitutional Court never had any problem whenever rogue army generals seized power and annulled one constitution after the other.
Second, no matter where you stand on the issue of the lese majeste law, or whether you like or abhor MFP and politicians like Pita, we must bear in mind that the parliament, that is the legislative branch, is where any difference about laws should be resolved and done openly as well as peacefully. Any attempt to shut this crucial venue for resolving political disagreement is simply undemocratic and will do much harm to Thailand in the long run.
Third, if the court punished the party and its leaders, many MFP supporters, particularly young ones, will lose faith in the current political system, become alienated and radical. This will significantly reduce any possibilities of a political compromise in the future.
Fourth, I urge the nine justices of the Constitutional Court to take the big picture into consideration. Please do not needlessly plunge Thailand into another round of political crisis. Please bear in mind the will of the voters, the 14 million who voted for Move Forward Party, which is the party with the greatest number of popular votes in May 2023 knowing full well as MFP is the only party pledging to amend the lese majeste law and consider what the will of the people means.
Fifth, in a democratic society, one would have thought after the people have spoken on the election day, we shall wait for four years to exercise our rights to vote anew to resolve any disagreement about the political course of the kingdom. Not here in Thailand. Voters may feel robbed by rogue generals or by rulings made by the Constitutional Court and the voters will simply have to do much more to guard their political rights. This is the travail that is Thai-style “democracy” today. It is much less democratic than what we think when we conveniently but carelessly use the word “democracy” when Thailand is still far from being a full democracy.
I hope the absurdity that is Thai politics will not include banning a political party for simply proposing to amend a law. But this is Thailand.
