Government Backs ‘Pet Parent’ Trend to Drive Thai Economic Growth

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20 July 2024, 19:36

Taipei Pet Show 2024-2 — Thai pet product entrepreneurs participate in the Taipei Pets Show 2024 in Taiwan from July 5-8, 2024.

BANGKOK — The Thai government has once again announced support for pet goods and services businesses after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin posted a picture with his dog and encouraged Thai entrepreneurs to seek trade and investment opportunities in the growing pet industry.

On July 20, Chai Wacharonke, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, announced that the Prime Minister is encouraging Thai businesses to follow the ‘Pet Parent’ trend. The government will push for the opening of new export markets, elevate the quality of Thai pet products, and increase competitiveness in the global market.

This clear push comes from the Ministry of Commerce leading 18 Thai pet product entrepreneurs to participate in the Taipei Pets Show 2024 in Taiwan from July 5-8. The aim was to promote Thai products, match businesses to increase trade alliances, and increase the export value of Thai pet products, including food, snacks, services, and health products for pets.

The event featured about 400 exhibitors with 1,800 booths, including international exhibitors from countries such as South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, China, and Japan. Approximately 160,000 visitors attended. The Thai exhibition booths attracted interest from importers from Taiwan and various countries.

Thai exporters negotiated with 200 importers, expecting annual purchase orders of more than $2.5 million. This includes purchasing officers from department stores and large retailers in Taiwan such as RT-Mart, Carrefour, and Great Tree, a famous Taiwanese pharmacy chain.

Currently, pet ownership is becoming increasingly popular. In 2023, Taiwan’s top import of pet products, especially dog and cat food, was from Thailand, valued at $87.18 million, accounting for 33.05% of their pet food imports.

At the same time, Thailand is a significant source of pet food imports for Taiwan, resulting in importers showing great interest in negotiating business with Thai exporters, especially for pet food and pet lifestyle products.

srettha dogs — Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin says he is a dog lover.

Ms. Oramon Sapthaweetham, Director General of the Department of Enterprise Development at the Ministry of Commerce, explained that the lifestyle of people in society has changed compared to the past, with more people staying at home and spending time alone. This has led to pets being incorporated into leisure time to alleviate loneliness, with pets often becoming like family members.

According to the June 2024 Economic Analysis, the ‘pet industry’ has grown in terms of new establishments and registered capital over the last five years (2019-2023). 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 US dollars.

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 US dollars. 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.

In the classification by size, small enterprises (S) have the most businesses with 4,498 businesses, followed by medium-sized enterprises (M) with 382 businesses and large enterprises (L) with 129 businesses.

“The pet business has grown steadily over the last five years as consumers increasingly keep pets as companions to alleviate loneliness, making them almost like family members,” she said.

This has led to growth in three business categories: Pet Food and Toys, Pet Care/Services and Pet Farms. There are 5,009 pet industry companies in Thailand with a registered capital of almost 100 billion baht (27.5 billion US dollars).

In 2023, the total revenue amounted to 258.703 billion baht (7.12 billion US dollars), with a net profit of 14.990 billion baht or 412 million US dollars.

In addition, foreign investment in Thailand’s pet industry amounted to 5.333 billion baht. Of this, 228 million baht is for pet farms, 4.807 billion baht for pet food/toys and 298 million baht for pet care/services. The top three foreign investors are Singapore with an investment of 1.647 billion baht, followed by Australia with 871 million baht and Japan with 728 million baht.

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Thai Olympic Committee Urges Unity to Support Athletes, Not Suit Debates

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Khaosod English

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20 July 2024, 17:42

BANGKOK — After the ceremonial suits for Thai athletes at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, became a heavily criticized issue on Thai social media, the National Olympic Committee of Thailand had to hold a press conference and apologize for the misunderstanding. They also urged Thai people to focus on giving support to the athletes and staff of the Thai national team.

On July 20, Choi Young Seok, known to Thais as ‘Coach Che’, the South Korean head coach of the Thai national taekwondo team, was another person who showcased this suit on his personal Facebook page. However, his message did not mention the suit but instead focused on the team’s preparation for the games.

“Departing tomorrow for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This time, the Thai Taekwondo Olympic Team will compete for the Paris Olympic team on August 1st after 10 days of adaptation training and final training in London, England. Please support our Thai Taekwondo Olympic Team, which has been preparing hard. Thank you,” he said.

Previously, other athletes had gradually posted photos of themselves wearing this suit on social media. For example, Panipak Wongpattanakit, the taekwondo athlete who won a gold medal in the 2020 Olympics, and Ratchanok Intanon, the badminton player who was the world champion in women’s singles in 2013.

thai team suit5 — ‘Coach Che’ wears the suit that has been criticized by Thai netizens.

Although the athletes didn’t post any accompanying messages, it’s understood that they wanted to show support for the Thai Olympic Committee and Songsamai, the designer and producer of the heavily criticized suits. They also likely wanted to redirect Thai people’s attention towards supporting the athletes.

Meanwhile, the ‘Songsamai Sang-hee (Headquarters)’ Facebook page posted a clarification stating, ‘Songsamai Sang-hee would like to clarify, to avoid confusion, that we are not involved with the ceremonial suits for Thai athletes participating in the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.’

“Songsamai is an international suit tailoring business established by our grandfather in 1938. Songsamai Sang-hee is a business passed down from our grandfather’s generation to our father’s, and currently, it’s being run by the third generation of direct descendants. We are committed to development by combining the expertise accumulated over 80 years with the contemporary changes in the world. The company would like to thank everyone for their questions, opinions, and interest in this event. We refrain from commenting as taste is a personal matter. We respect all designers equally and thank you for your continued support,” it stated.

thai team suit22 — Photographers take photos of the suit that has been criticized by Thai netizens.

Previously, General Wit Thephasadin Na Ayudhya, Secretary-General of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, addressed the criticism regarding the Thai athletes’ uniforms on July 19.

He stated,“We listen to opinions and respect each other as fellow Thais. We apologize here for any misunderstandings and mistakes made by our team, regardless of which part. This is because, up until now, the Olympic Committee has not clearly explained which outfit is to be used for which occasion during these Olympic Games.”

thai team suit24 — General Wit Thephasadin Na Ayudhya, Secretary-General of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (second from right), holds a press conference on July 19 to clarify the suits for the Thai athletic team. He explains that the blue suit that has been criticized (second from left) is for ceremonial use, while the two jacket styles (far left and far right) are for the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris.

General Wit explained that in the past, the attire we used in international sports events, from the SEA Games to the Asian Games and Olympic Games, was standard international suits. This year, the Thai Olympic Committee and team intend to promote Thai art, culture, and contribute to Thailand’s soft power through our textile culture and fabrics.

“We selected, designed, and tailored the uniforms ourselves under the brand name ‘Songsamai’. The Olympic Committee handled the fabric selection independently, without involvement from any other agencies. The design and tailoring were at the discretion of the Olympic Committee, with no other organizations involved whatsoever.”

“What we’ve tried to do is solely for the country and its reputation, with no hidden agenda. There have never been any benefits in return, only support for sports. Our athletes have qualified for 51 spots in 17 sports for the Olympic Games. We should unite in supporting our athletes representing us in the Olympics rather than focusing on this issue,” he said.

General Wit mentioned that during the Olympic period from July 26 to August 11, there are several ceremonial events. They need various appropriate outfits for these occasions. For the opening ceremony, they will use blue jackets from Grand Sport, which are comfortable, not restrictive, suitable for the weather conditions, and embody Thai identity while being modern and international. He believes Grand Sport has done a good job.

For the closing ceremony on August 11, Thana Chaiprasit, the head of the athletic delegation, will make the decision.

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AOT Announces Airport Check-in Systems Have Returned To Normal

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Khaosod English

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20 July 2024, 15:04

Chinese — Passengers queue for check-in at Suvarnabhumi Airport on July 20, 2024.

SUVARNABHUMI — On July 20, Dr. Keerati Kitmanawat, President of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) stated that airport check-in systems have returned to normal, no stranded passengers found.

Following the issues with the Departure Control System (DCS) of certain airline groups on the afternoon of July 19, 2024, which prevented all airlines worldwide using this system from checking in passengers and making seat reservations at all airports, he said the system returned to normal operation at 02:00 a.m. on July 20, 2024.

However, at 09:00 a.m., the system experienced another malfunction before resuming normal operations from 11:00 a.m. Currently, passenger queues and check-in times have returned to normal.

Dr. Keerati further explained that the incident affected about 200 flights, but all flights were able to operate. Only some flights were delayed by 1-3 hours, and only one flight was cancelled: the Bangkok-Osaka route on July 20 at 10:00 a.m. This aligns with airlines’ reports that no passengers were stranded, with only some passengers requesting flight changes or refunds, which can be processed according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand’s regulations.

aot cyber — Dr. Keerati Kitmanawat, President of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), gives an interview updating the situation regarding the check-in systems that experienced problems on Friday, stating that they returned to normal on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

He added that AOT has measures in place to handle such situations by preserving passengers’ rights to change flights or receive refunds. They have also ordered increased staff preparedness for the next three days in case of repeated system failures. However, during this extended holiday period, AOT requests passengers to arrive 3 hours in advance to prevent missing their flights.

Previously, Suvarnabhumi Airport made a statement requesting passengers to allow at least 4 hours of travel time to prevent missing their flights. They also stated that the main airlines affected by the DCS issue are Thai Air Asia (FD), Scoot Tiger (TR), and Indigo (6E), which were forced to check in passengers manually.

Airlines across the world reported disruptions to check-in systems and other issues that caused flights to be grounded or delayed on Friday. The Associated Press reported that CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm that provides software to scores of companies worldwide, had stated that the problem occurred when it deployed a faulty update to computers running Microsoft Windows, noting that the issue behind the outage was not a security incident or cyberattack.

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A Massive Tech Outage Is Causing Worldwide Disruptions. Here’s What We Know

By

Associated Press

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20 July 2024, 12:56

Germany Worldwide Internet Outage — Travelers wait in Terminal 1 for check-in at Hamburg Airport, in Hamburg, Germany, Friday July 19, 2024 as a widespread Microsoft outage disrupted flights, banks, media outlets and companies around the world on Friday. (Bodo Marks/dpa via AP)

At the heart of the massive disruption is CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm that provides software to scores of companies worldwide.

NEW YORK (AP) — Much of the world faced online disarray Friday as a widespread technology outage affected companies and services across industries — grounding flights, knocking banks and hospital systems offline and media outlets off air.

At the heart of the massive disruption is CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm that provides software to scores of companies worldwide. The company says the problem occurred when it deployed a faulty update to computers running Microsoft Windows, noting that the issue behind the outage was not a security incident or cyberattack.

CrowdStrike has said a fix is on the way. Still, chaos deepened hours after the problem was first detected.

Here’s what you need to know.

How did Friday’s ‘blue screen’ outage emerge?

Friday’s disruptions began when a faulty update was pushed out from CrowdStrike for one of its tools, “Falcon.” In a statement about the ongoing situation, the company said the defect was found “in a single content update for Windows hosts” — noting that Mac and Linux systems were not impacted.

AP24201546609311 — Flight boards show delayed or canceled flights at Minneapolis/St. Paul International airport after software issues delayed flights globally, Friday, July 19, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Adam Bettcher)

But, because scores of companies rely on CrowdStrike for their security needs with Windows as their operating system, the consequences of this kind of technical problem have been far-reaching. As a result, affected computer after computer showed the “blue screen of death” error message.

Long lines formed at airports in the U.S., Europe and Asia as airlines lost access to check-in and booking services during peak summer travel — disrupting thousands of flights. Banks in South Africa and New Zealand reported outages impacting payments. Some news stations, particularly in Australia, were unable to broadcast for hours. And hospitals had problems with their appointment systems, leading to delays and sometimes cancelations for critical care, while officials in some U.S. states warned of 911 problems in their areas.

Elsewhere, people experienced more minor inconveniences, including trouble ordering ahead at Starbucks, causing long lines at some of the coffee chain’s stores. Some billboards in New York City’s famous Times Square also went dark.

Experts stress that Friday’s disruptions underscore the vulnerability of worldwide dependence on software that comes from only a handful of providers.

“It is an ‘all our eggs are in one basket’ situation,” Craig Shue, professor and computer science department head at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, said in emailed commentary. “This lets us make sure our ‘basket’ is high quality: the software provider tries to identify threats and respond to them quickly. But at the same time, if anything goes wrong and the basket fails, we have a lot of broken eggs.”

What is CrowdStrike?

CrowdStrike is a U.S. cybersecurity company that provides software to companies around the world and across industries. It bills itself as being the globe’s most advanced cloud-based security technology provider.

“We stop breaches,” the cybersecurity company says on its website.

AP24201551220306 — The logo for CrowdStrike and a Spirit Airlines webpage are shown on a computer screen and mobile phone screen, in New York, Friday, July 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

According to its website, CrowdStrike was founded in 2011 and launched in early 2012. It listed on the Nasdaq exchange five years ago. Last month, the Austin, Texas, company reported that its revenue rose 33% in the latest quarter from the same quarter a year earlier — logging a net profit of $42.8 million, up from $491,000 in the first quarter of last year. It reported having 29,000 subscribing customers.

CrowdStrike has a partnership with Amazon Web Services and its “Falcon for Defender” security technology is designed to supplement Microsoft Defender to prevent attacks.

Is there a fix?

Disruptions on Friday continued hours after CrowdStrike first identified the issue. But both the company and Microsoft said that they’re working to get systems back online.

In an emailed statement, CrowdStrike said that it was “actively working with customers impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts” — adding that a fix “had been deployed” for the identified issue.

CrowdStrike President and CEO George Kurtz later apologized. “We understand the gravity of the situation and are deeply sorry for the inconvenience and disruption,” he wrote on social media platform X.

Microsoft spokesperson Frank X. Shaw said that the company was “actively supporting customers to assist in their recovery.” Both CrowdStrike and Microsoft are also appearing to engage IT personnel on official online channels, such as Reddit.

While the problem is fixable, it requires some expertise — and its impacts could last long past Friday, with Kurtz noting earlier that some customers may need a “manual” fix. Cybersecurity experts also warn of bad actors who may reach out claiming they can help. Smaller companies or organizations with less IT resources are particularly at risk.

Gartner analyst Eric Grenier noted that those affected should make sure they’re talking to trusted organizations as they work towards recovery. “Attackers will definitely prey on organizations as a result of this,” he said.

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Colombian Gang Arrested for Robbery Spree Across 5 Thai Provinces

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Khaosod English

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20 July 2024, 01:00

BANGKOK — Colombian gang arrested for robbery around communities, stealing over 3 million baht worth of property in 5 incidents across 5 provinces in just 10 days.

On July 19, 2024, Police Lieutenant General Jirasan Kaewsaengaek, Commander of Provincial Police Region 1, and immigration police investigators announced the arrest of four Colombian men: Ferdy Alexandias (52), John Eswin (47), Aldeas Philippe (29), and Marco Turio (51).

Some were arrested at a condominium in Soi Rattanathibet 22, Bang Kra So Subdistrict, Muang District, Nonthaburi Province, while others were apprehended at a hotel in Soi Bua Khao, South Pattaya Road, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.

columbia4 — Evidence seized included stolen property such as cash, gold necklaces, rings, watches totaling 125 items worth approximately 3 million baht.

Evidence seized included stolen property such as cash, gold necklaces, rings, watches totaling 125 items worth approximately 3 million baht, as well as burglary tools, screwdrivers, pliers, work tools, clothes worn during the crimes, and rented motorcycles used in the robberies.

The investigation began in early July when Provincial Police Region 1 received reports of a gang robbing houses in gated communities across several areas. The gang committed crimes on:

July 7 in Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao Province
July 8 in Bang Mae Nang Subdistrict, Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi Province
July 9 in Bang Kaeo District, Samut Prakan Province
July 16 in Bang Pa-in District, Ayutthaya Province
July 17 in Bang Khen and Khan Na Yao Districts, Bangkok

The joint investigation with immigration police revealed that the perpetrators were Colombians who intentionally planned these crimes. They used rented cars and motorcycles to target gated communities in Bangkok and surrounding areas, typically striking in the early evening before homeowners returned. They used tools to break into houses and steal valuables.

Upon confirming the suspects’ identities, police obtained search and arrest warrants. The Colombian group was charged with conspiracy to commit nighttime burglary, damaging property barriers, and using vehicles in the commission of crimes. This offense carries a punishment of one to seven years imprisonment and a fine of 20,000 to 140,000 baht.

Police stated that if members of the public wish to check if any of the seized items belong to them, they can do so at Bang Kaeo Police Station in Samut Prakan Province.

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10-Year Canadian Friend Steals $400k Gems from Bangkok Merchant

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Khaosod English

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19 July 2024, 23:38

steal gems1 — CCTV footage shows Mr. A, a 40-year-old Canadian, calling for a Grab taxi service at the hotel.

BANGKOK — A jewelry merchant filed a police report after a Canadian man allegedly stole three gemstones worth 14.5 million baht ($400,000), expressing particular distress because the suspect was a trusted friend of 10 years. Police investigation revealed the suspect had already fled Thailand for Switzerland on July 17.

On July 19, Police Lieutenant Phuwiwat Jira-akkaratas, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) of Yannawa Police Station, received a report from a 40-year-old gem merchant claiming three gemstones had been stolen:

A yellow gemstone weighing 149.02 carats, valued at approximately 10.5 million baht
A blue gemstone weighing 13.03 carats, valued at approximately 2 million baht
Another blue gemstone weighing 13.01 carats, also valued at approximately 2 million baht

The total value of the stolen gems was approximately 14.5 million baht. The incident occurred at 10:00 a.m. on July 17.

According to the victim’s statement, he had arranged to meet Mr. A (alias) a 40-year-old Canadian he had known for a decade, to discuss gem trading business. They met at a luxury hotel on Charoen Krung Road in Yannawa Subdistrict, Sathorn District, Bangkok.

Mr. A claimed he had customers interested in the gemstones and needed to take them for viewing. The merchant then handed over the three stones to Mr. A, who subsequently disappeared. When the merchant’s attempts to contact him failed, he filed the police complaint.

Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengswang, Commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, ordered investigation teams from Yannawa Police Station and Metropolitan Police Division 6 to examine CCTV footage. The evidence showed Mr. A calling for a Grab taxi at the hotel.

Immigration records confirmed that Mr. A departed Thailand at 11:39 a.m. on July 17 aboard Swiss Air to Switzerland.

Investigating officers are now gathering evidence to request an arrest warrant.

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Vietnam Communist Party Chief Nguyen Phu Trong, the Country’s Most Powerful Leader, Dies at Age 80

By

Associated Press

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19 July 2024, 22:30

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party and the country’s most powerful politician, has died following months of ill health, official media said Friday. He was 80.

“General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party Nguyen Phu Trong passed away at 13:38 on July 19, 2024, at the 108 Central Military Hospital due to old age and serious illness,” the Nhan Dan newspaper said.

Official media said a state funeral would be held.

Trong had dominated Vietnamese politics since 2011, when he was elected party chief. During his tenure, he worked to consolidate the Communist Party’s power in Vietnam’s single-party political system. In the decade before he took the top role in Vietnamese politics, the balance of power had shifted more toward the governmental wing led by then-Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

Born in 1944 in Hanoi, Trong was a Marxist-Leninist ideologue who earned a degree in philosophy before becoming a member of the Communist Party at the age of 22. He viewed corruption as the single gravest threat in maintaining the party’s legitimacy.

“A country without discipline would be chaotic and unstable,” Trong said in 2016 after being reelected to the party’s helm. Officially, Vietnam has no top leader, but the Communist Party chief is traditionally seen as the most powerful.

AP23105308316623 — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, meets with Vietnam’s Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong under a large statue of late Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh at Communist Party of Vietnam Headquarters in Hanoi, Vietnam, Saturday, April 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool)

He launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign known as the “blazing furnace” that singed both business and political elites. Since 2016, thousands of party officials have been disciplined. They included former presidents Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Vo Van Thuong and the former head of parliament, Vuong Dinh Hue. In all, eight members of the powerful Politburo were ousted on corruption allegations, compared to none between 1986 and 2016.

Trong studied in the Soviet Union from 1981 to 1983, and there was speculation that under his leadership, Vietnam would move closer to Russia and China. However, the Southeast Asian nation followed a pragmatic policy of “bamboo diplomacy,” a phrase he coined that referred to the plant’s flexibility, bending but not breaking in the shifting headwinds of geopolitics.

Vietnam maintained its traditional ties with its much larger neighbor, China, dispute differences over sovereignty in the South China Sea. But it also drew closer to the United States, elevating its ties with its former Vietnam War foe to its highest diplomatic status, a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Trong’s legacy is mixed, with the unintended consequence of the anti-graft campaign being an erosion of institutions within the Communist Party, said Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow in the Vietnam Studies Program at Singapore’s ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute. The party institutions were the bedrock ensuring that a balance of power remained among its different factions, he said.

AP24117044083232 — FILE – Vietnam Communist party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, center left, is presented with a bouquet by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, center right, in Hanoi, Vietnam, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021. (Le Tri Dung/VNA via AP, File)

“Vietnam has become more and more like China, where institutions and norms doesn’t really matter as much as personal power,” Giang said.

Vietanamese President To Lam was appointed the party caretaker on July 18 while Trong received treatment for his ill health. As Vietnam’s top security official, Lam had led the anti-graft campaign until becoming president in May, when his predecessor resigned after being caught up in it.

The party’s Politburo asked Lam to “preside over the work of the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat,” according to a statement from its central office which was the first official confirmation of Trong’s poor health.

Rumors about his health have swirled in Vietnamese politics since he was first hospitalized in 2019, and more recently when he appeared extremely frail while meeting visiting Russian President Vladmir Putin.

Trong’ death leaves behind a yawning political vacuum in Vietnam. Although Lam is widely viewed as the likely next party chief, Giang predicted “a very uncertain time” in Vietnamese politics because the norms and institutions governing the country are “very shaky.”

“Now it isn’t only about the rules or norms, but it is also about who holds the most power,” Giang said.

The central committee of the Chinese Communist Party sent its condolences to its Vietnamese counterpart and “deeply mourned” Trong’s death, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported Friday.

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Iranian-Thai Killings: Arrest Warrants Issued for Suspects Who Flee Pattaya to Myanmar

By

Khaosod English

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19 July 2024, 20:48

myanmar killer-iran — Pattaya Provincial Court approved arrest warrants for two Myanmar suspects: Mr. Kyaw Myint Oo, 23, and Miss Ei December, 19.

PATTAYA — In a shocking case where an Iranian restaurant owner and his Thai wife were brutally murdered, the court has approved arrest warrants for the suspects, who are a Myanmar employee and his girlfriend. It was discovered that the pair had turned themselves in for illegal entry charges in order to be deported back to their country.

On July 19, Pattaya Provincial Court approved arrest warrants for two Myanmar suspects: Mr. Kyaw Myint Oo, 23, and Miss Ei December, 19. The male suspect, an employee of the restaurant, is suspected of committing the murders, while the female may have been an accomplice.

Mr. Mojtaba Ghanbariazad, 64, an Iranian restaurant owner, and Ms. Thanaporn Poonprakon, 49, from Buriram province, his wife, were found murdered on July 16, 2024, in the second-floor bedroom of their restaurant, Banu Iran Restaurant, in Soi Day Night, South Pattaya, Chonburi Province.

Forensic results revealed that the couple were murdered on July 11. Mr. Mojtaba was strangled with sweatpants, while his wife was bound with a charging cable on her hands and straw rope on her feet, then beaten to death with a hammer found at the scene.

iran myanmar murder — Pattaya police officers examine the crime scene, a three-story commercial building with an Iranian restaurant on the first floor in South Pattaya, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chonburi, on July 16, 2024.

Police Lieutenant General Thawatchakiat Jindakhuansanong, Commander of Chonburi Provincial Police, stated that the male and female suspects are wanted for premeditated murder. The motive is presumed to be robbery, with investigations ongoing to determine what items are missing.

CCTV footage on July 11 shows the suspects fleeing on the victims’ motorcycle, which they abandoned about 3 kilometers from the crime scene. They then took a taxi from Pattaya to Bang Phongphang district in Bangkok, and then to Nakhon Pathom province.

The suspects later surrendered to immigration police in Nakhon Pathom for illegal entry and voluntarily requested to return to Myanmar. At that time, Nakhon Pathom immigration police were unaware of the murder case in Chonburi, so they fined the suspects and sent them to the Mae Sot border checkpoint in Chiang Rai, allowing them to leave the country.

Police will now coordinate with Myanmar authorities to help track and arrest the two suspects to face charges in Thailand.

Ms. Wan, 59, a close friend of Ms. Thanaporn, said she had known the deceased since coming to Pattaya. Thanaporn had complained about frequent money disappearances from the restaurant, suspecting the Myanmar employee who brought a Myanmar woman with him. Thanaporn didn’t say anything because she was kind-hearted.

Ms. Wan believed that the motive is likely robbery, as Thanaporn’s daughter had recently bought her mother some gold.

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Bingo! Game Over for Gambian Man’s 7-Year Run in Koh Phangan

By

Khaosod English

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19 July 2024, 17:26

gambia1 — Mr. Saikou Jawara, age 52, a Gambian national, exclaimed "Bingo!" while being arrested by police at a bar in Koh Phangan District, Su rat Thani Province on July 19, 2024.

KOH PHANGAN — Tourist Police on Koh Phangan arrest Gambian man who evaded Thai authorities for 7 years. Upon arrest, he loudly exclaimed ‘Bingo!’

At 1:30 a.m. on July 19, 2024, Koh Phangan Tourist Police arrested Mr. Saikou Jawara, age 52, a Gambian national residing in Ban Chaloklum, Moo 7, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province. He was charged with ‘being a foreigner entering and staying in the Kingdom without permission’.

Mr. Saikou was apprehended while wandering along the street and about to enter Warren Bar. When he noticed the tourist police patrol car, he showed signs of panic and tried to flee to a dimly lit area of the bar.

When officers caught up and asked for documents, he exclaimed ‘Bingo!’ and was unable to produce a passport or any equivalent document. The arresting officers then took him to the Koh Phangan Tourist Police Unit for questioning.

gambia2 — Koh Phangan Tourist Police officers charge the Gambian man with ‘being a foreigner entering and staying in the Kingdom without permission’.

Mr. Saikou initially claimed his name was Mr. John Ako, a Gambian national. Officers then found records of his departure by boat through Tammalang Port, Satun Immigration, on November 10, 2016, at 16:16. Comparing his current appearance with the records, they confirmed it was the same person.

The suspect confessed that after leaving Thailand, he lived in Malaysia for a while and lost his passport. When he wanted to return to Thailand, he contacted a Malaysian friend to help connect with a Thai friend, paying the Malaysian friend 200 US dollars.

Police investigation revealed that the Thai person who helped smuggle Mr. Saikou into Thailand also brought in three other foreigners of unknown nationality, who were residing in Moo 8, Koh Phangan Subdistrict. He had been living with a close female companion since 2017.

When questioned, the woman stated she was unaware of his illegal entry and had never seen his passport during their time together. This situation continued for 7 years until his arrest. He was then transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings.

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Share Your Passion: FWD and Pankan Launch Exchange Platform

By

MC Marketing

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19 July 2024, 15:40

FWD Insurance is redefining brand engagement with its latest campaign, “Share Your Passion, Swap It by FWD Insurance and Pankan.” This initiative offers a platform for people to exchange cherished items, creating new experiences for one another. The campaign encourages everyone to embrace new experiences and live life to the fullest, with creative communications spreading across multiple formats to raise awareness on every platform.

Ms. Pavarisa Chumvigrant, Chief Marketing Officer of FWD Life Insurance Public Company Limited (FWD Insurance), stated, “FWD Insurance is committed to communicating our brand in a way that resonates with people’s everyday lifestyles. We aim to go beyond traditional advertising by creating memorable and unique brand experiences. Data from YouGov reveals that Thai people’s interests are diverse and not region-specific. Online communication, whether through group interests or social media, often brings together people with similar passions. This insight led us to launch the “Share Your Passion, Swap It by FWD Insurance and Pankan” campaign. Our goal is to encourage Thais to step outside their comfort zones and try something new that aligns with their interests. By partnering with Pankan, an initiative by the Yuvabadhana Foundation known for its credibility and social engagement, we aim to promote positive societal change. We have created a space for people to exchange items they no longer use, turning them into new experiences for others. This initiative will take place on the Facebook page “Share Your Passion, Swap It,’ encouraging everyone to live life to the fullest together.”

Inspiring engagement: share your passion, swap it through creative works across all platforms

The “Share Your Passion, Swap It by FWD Insurance and Pankan” campaign builds on the top interests of Thai people, creating various creative works to inform and engage the public. These works encourage people to exchange items online through a dedicated activity space. The campaign utilizes different media formats, including AI-powered key visuals, to illustrate the concept of item swapping. These visuals will be displayed throughout Bangkok and major cities across Thailand, supported by out-of-home media in various provinces. The campaign also features thematic videos and motion bumper ads on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, emphasizing the message to embrace new experiences through item exchange.

“Our goal with this campaign is to inspire everyone to live life in new and fulfilling ways. We want people to take action and embrace new experiences by exchanging their cherished items. Anyone is welcome to participate in this brand campaign and join the activities on the Facebook page “Share Your Passion, Swap It” starting today. Follow the campaign’s progress on all offline and online platforms, as well as on FWD Insurance’s social media,” Ms. Pavarisa concluded.

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