10-day crime spree across 5 Thai provinces ended when the Colombian gang was arrested.
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.
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.
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.
FILE - Vietnamese General Secretary of the Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong addresses the media in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Sept. 10, 2023. The powerful head of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party, has died, official media say on Friday, July 19, 2024. (Luong Thai Linh/Pool Photo via AP, File)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To commemorate His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of Thailand’s 72th birthday anniversary on 28 July approaches, Siam Paragon Development Co., Ltd. in collaboration with 12 Embassies to Thailand will host “The Nation Unites in Commemorating His Majesty the King” event from 26-29 July 2024 at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon. The event will feature cultural performances of Thailand and 12 countries under the concept “Long-Standing Relations.” In addition, a majestic floral exhibit by internationally-renowned florist Sakul Inthankul is on display at The Jewel, M Floor all through July 2024. The event is supported by Siam Commercial Bank PCL., andBoon Rawd Brewery Co.,Ltd.
Enjoy cultural performance from 12 Embassies, from 26-29 July 2024 at Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon, a top-of-mind global destination among Thais and international visitors is collaborating with 12 Embassies to present special cultural performances under “Long-Standing Relations’ concept to commemorate this auspicious occasion. Featured will be contemporary dance called “Shared Language” from Australia. Bhutan will present Boar Mask Dance, Garuda Dance and Drum Dance from Tshangkha. China will bring Chinese Cultural Engkor Dance which is a combination between martial arts, Chinese opera and traditional dance. Representing France will be piano and singing performance. India will showcase Ramayana performances – Narayan Avatar (Dashavataram) and Narayan Avatar.
Indonesia will present Tari Puspawresi or Bali Dance and Angklung performance. Japan will demonstrate their unique karate martial arts. South Korea will introduce Gilnori festival parade and traditional folk song performance from Gayageum together with Thai musical instruments, Jindo Drum Dance as well as Modeumbuk Korean drum performance. Laos will showcasetraditional dance, music and Khaen folksong performance. The Netherlands will present a jazz performance by internationally-renowned jazz musicians. Spain will showcase their specially-choregraphed flamenco dance for this special occasion and USA will bring to the stage part of the famous Chicago musical show. Thailand will present contemporary Khon performances and dances as well as music performance from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
Siam Paragon exhibits captivating floral craft “Busabunchalee MaleeNopparat Chalerm Prachon” at The Jewel, M Floor, from 1-31 July 2024.
Siam Paragon presents cherished Thai floral art and craft with a majestic floral exhibit “Busabunchalee MaleeNopparat ChalermPrachon,” which means exquisite flowers and auspicious gemstones in celebration of His Majesty the King’s birthday. The lavish flower showcase is designed by internationally-renowned Thai floral artist Sakul Inthakul, who is also recognized by his exquisite contemporary Thai flower showcase. The showcase is a collaboration with the Faculty of Home Economics Technology at Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep, led by Head of Home Economics Education led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Jakkrapan Roopngam and joined by over a hundred students from the Faculty of Home Economics, a gathering of fine craftmanship to express loyalty and offering best wishes to His Majesty the King.
Sakul Inthakul talks about this floral masterpiece at Siam Paragon that “This is a grandiose of floral work in celebration of a very auspicious occasion. As an artist, this is a public space exhibit, which is rather different from art gallery showcase. As Siam Paragon is a destination that welcomes numerous visitors each day, the challenge is how to create a visually-stunning centerpiece that strikingly capture attention and a great photo opportunity. This floral display reflects Thai heritage and culture and at the same time incorporates contemporaneity that can speak to people of all generations. The inspiration and intricate details to create this masterpiece definitely leverage the value of this work of art. Most importantly, the objective of the work is to offer blessings and express our loyalty to His Majesty the King in this auspicious occasion.”
For this golden-yellow ceremonious showcase, Sakul was inspired by varieties of Thai flowers, especially yellow star which symbolizes the reign of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. A total of 46 Yellow Star blooms were created using fabric crafted with various intricate technique of traditional Thai banana leaf art. Each pollen takes the shape of buckle in traditional Thai costume and decorated with fabric in the colors of auspicious gemstone including diamond, pearl, emerald, ruby, yellow sapphire, garnet, blue sapphire and blue topaz.
Sakul has served royal commissions for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother and therefore intentionally incorporates “Queen Sirikit Cattleya” orchid, one of the iconic floras named after Her Majesty The Queen Mother, into this elaborate display. The orchid together with the yellow star symbolize love and connection between the His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother. The orchids are crafted with lifelike Thai flowers including crown flowers and gardenia woven into various patterns of graceful flower netting.
All performances and the flower showcase are open to the public and tourists for free, from 26-29 July 2024, from 13.00 – 19.00 hrs. The opening ceremony will take place on 26July 2024 at 14.00 hrs. and will be joined by Ambassadors and representatives from various countries. Thailand will also present the opening show featuring xylophone performance by actor Kornkan ‘Arm’ Sutthikoses and dance performance representing four regions of Thailand directed by Dr. Suraj Jongda performed by Narilya ‘Yada’ Gulmongkolpech at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon.
For more information, call Siam Paragon 02-610-8000 or follow Facebook: SiamParagon
BANGKOK — The U.S. Embassy launched “Virtual Jungle Thailand” on Thursday at FabCafe in the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC).
This innovative digital campaign aims to promote wildlife conservation and raise awareness about threats facing endangered species in Thailand using extended reality (XR) and augmented reality (AR) technology. The initiative combines digital and physical engagement to showcase the collaborative efforts of the United States and Thailand in wildlife preservation.
The six-month campaign, running from July to December 2024, includes hands-on workshops for youth and the public. Kalaya Kovidvisith, the Virtual Jungle Thailand app developer and a special lecturer in innovation and technology at Chulalongkorn and Thammasat Universities, will teach participants how to use technology to protect wildlife.
Additionally, the campaign features outreach activities such as a U.S. Photography Exhibition with National Geographic.
U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Robert F. Godec
“Virtual Jungle Thailand” promotes ethical tourism and discourages harmful animal encounters, aiming for a brighter future for Thailand’s incredible creatures. By educating and engaging users, the campaign seeks to reduce visits to wildlife petting zoos and tiger parks where tourism exploitation often overshadows Thailand’s wildlife beauty.
U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Robert F. Godec, noted that Thailand has been the United States’ oldest friend in Asia for over 190 years, with environmental cooperation crucial to bilateral relations. “We have worked together to reduce air pollution and combat climate change, all to preserve our natural heritage for future generations,” he said. “Additionally, we have joined forces in wildlife conservation and achieved notable successes in collaborating and combating wildlife trafficking.”
Mr. Godec explained that the “Virtual Jungle Thailand” application aims to raise awareness about threats facing endangered species in Thailand. This initiative allows people to design and share animals with friends and others, playing an important role in raising public awareness about Thailand’s remarkable biodiversity, the threats against it, and potential solutions.
Kalaya Kovidvisith, the Virtual Jungle Thailand app developer and a special lecturer in innovation and technology at Chulalongkorn and Thammasat Universities.
“Our shared responsibility is to protect endangered species and natural resources. At this moment, our planet is losing wildlife faster than at any other time since the disappearance of the dinosaurs. Every action, no matter how small, can make a difference,” he remarked.
The U.S. Embassy also invited people to visit the National Geographic Photo Ark Exhibition, open at Siam Paragon through July 29, 2024. The exhibition aims to inspire people to care for and protect animals for future generations and ignite a commitment to conservation and positive impact.
Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor added, “We manage and protect U.S. public lands, protected areas, and natural resources, including wildlife. Our mission also has an international impact as the water and resources we manage, the people we serve, and the species we protect extend beyond our borders.”
U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert F. Godec and Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor pose with Thai students.
One of the Interior Department’s priorities under the Biden-Harris Administration is to work with global partners to tackle climate and biodiversity crises. They are leading efforts to conserve 30% of lands and oceans by 2030 through the America the Beautiful Initiative, emphasizing inclusivity and amplifying the voices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, especially young people.
“We recognize the importance of international cooperation in restoring balance to the natural world and are proud of the collaboration between Interior and our conservation partners in Thailand,” said Cantor.
Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service has granted $3 million to conserve wildlife in Thailand. This funding is crucial for protecting species such as Asian elephants, tigers, and great apes. The grants support habitat restoration in protected areas, reduction of human-wildlife conflict, and efforts to counter wildlife trafficking in Thailand.
The international attaché program supports capacity building and information sharing with the Thai government and regional partners while coordinating international wildlife crime investigations. Senior Special Agent James Markley, the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Attaché based in Bangkok, has worked to support Interior’s wildlife law enforcement partnership with Thailand and neighboring countries.
Markley identified three primary challenges in wildlife conservation:
Cooperation and awareness: Informing and engaging communities is crucial.
Cultural considerations: Addressing the use of wildlife in traditional practices and ceremonies requires sensitivity. “We need to balance conservation efforts with cultural respect, finding alternatives to using wildlife solely for cultural purposes,” Markley explained.
Resource allocation: Despite increased funding support, financial and logistical resources remain a significant hurdle.
“These challenges are interconnected and complex,” Markley added. “While we’ve made progress, especially in funding, these issues continue to require our focused attention and innovative solutions.”
Mr. Godec added that public awareness of illegal wildlife trafficking processes is crucial. “If we understand which animal parts are being trafficked or how animals are being exploited, we can work together more effectively to protect wildlife. Gradually increasing awareness in this area will greatly help our efforts,” he said.
“Students are the strength of the new generation, representing the future and unlimited possibilities. They have a powerful voice in society. Even small actions can make a significant difference. These positive actions have no limits and are only constrained by our imagination,” he said.
A photo taken by the van driver shows the Chinese suspect group standing at the entrance of the Suvarnabhumi airport smoking area. Ms. Tu Peizhi, who resembles a tomboy in a white t-shirt, is among the group in the photo.
CHONBURI — Progress has been made in the investigation into the robbery of a group of Chinese criminals who entered the home of Mr. Qian Peng Yi, a 34-year-old Chinese businessman, tied him up at gunpoint and forced him to transfer 10 million baht. They also pretended to kidnap Ms. Tu Peizhi, 33, Mr. Qian’s cousin.
Chonburi police found that all those involved have fled Thailand, including Ms. Tu, who is suspected of having hired the group to commit the crime in Thailand.
The incident occurred on the night of 17 July 2024 until the early hours of 18 July at Mr. Qian’s house in a luxury village in Soi Laplae, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Mr. Qian managed to untie himself and escape, then reported the incident to Nong Prue Police Station. The police investigation revealed that Ms. Tu, Mr. Qian’s cousin, may not have been abducted when she boarded a flight back to China and landed at Hangzhou Airport.
Mr. Qian Peng Yi, a 34-year-old Chinese businessman, shows the red marks on his wrists from being tied up during the robbery at his home in Chonburi province.
On 19 July, the investigation team revealed that the three robbers had also left Thailand. A witness, Mr. Un, a 30-year-old van driver, provided information that he had been hired through an agency on 18 July to pick up four passengers from a hotel in Pattaya and take them to Suvarnabhumi Airport for a flight to Chiang Mai. The arrangement was made for 10 p.m. at a fare of 1,500 baht.
Mr. Un stated that he arrived at the hotel at 8 p.m. and waited until 10 p.m. without any passengers showing up. He called the agency who told him that the Chinese clients had asked for a 30-minute delay. After waiting, he called the agency again at 10.40 p.m. and received the same answer.
Finally, at 11.15 p.m., four Chinese people got into his car. He could not tell if they were women, as they were all dressed like men and were each carrying only a backpack. One suspicious person, who was wearing glasses, a white shirt and brown pants, seemed unusually paranoid and kept looking around while clutching a backpack.
Police officers search for evidence at the home of Mr. Qian Peng Yi, a 34-year-old Chinese businessman, who was robbed by criminals on July 18ม 2024.
During the ride, the group spoke in Chinese with serious expressions, seemed worried and urged him to go to the airport quickly. Although he had to stop for a toilet break, he drove on until they reached the airport at around 1 a.m. The group paid him 1,800 baht before leaving the vehicle. Mr. Un managed to take a photo of the group standing at the entrance of the airport smoking.
The police identified Ms. Tu, who resembles a tomboy, among the group in the photo. CCTV footage showed the group splitting up to different check-in counters inside the airport. Immigration records revealed that the three male suspects, Mr. Ren Fengyong, 46, Mr. Lin Xingliang, 26, and Mr. Yang Lijian, 41, arrived in Thailand together on 16 July on flight VZ963 from Da Nang, Vietnam, and departed together for Hong Kong on flight HX780 at 2 a.m.
The police suspect that Ms. Tu, who left Suvarnabhumi at 4 a.m. for Hangzhou, Mainland China, hired the three individuals to commit the crime as Mr. Qian’s stolen phone contained transaction apps and codes, with some money already transferred out.
Although all suspects have fled the country, the police are gathering evidence to seek arrest warrants for all four individuals from the Pattaya Provincial Court.
Cheng Pei-pei, a legendary actress in Chinese action cinema, passed away at the age of 78.
BANGKOK — Cheng Pei-pei, a legendary figure in Chinese action cinema, passed away at the age of 78. She was renowned for her starring roles in two landmark films: King Hu’s influential wuxia classic “Come Drink With Me” and Ang Lee’s critically acclaimed “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” which received multiple Oscar nominations.
According to reports from Variety, Cheng’s life came to an end on Thursday, July 18, in the San Francisco Bay area. The cause of death was attributed to a degenerative brain disease. In a final act of contribution to medical science, Cheng had arranged for her brain to be donated for research purposes.
Many Thai film fans who love Chinese and Hong Kong movies learned about Cheng Pei-pei’s news from the “Nine Lonely Swords” Facebook page, an expert source on Chinese and Hong Kong entertainment news. The page also provided detailed information about the actress’s biography and works.
Cheng Pei-pei portrays Jade Fox in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,’ her masterpiece performance in Hollywood.
Cheng Pei-pei was born in Shanghai on January 6, 1946, as the eldest of four siblings. Her father worked in the patrol unit in Shanghai. After the war against Japan, he opened China’s first ink factory.
In elementary school, Cheng Pei-pei studied at Shanghai World Elementary School. Later, she studied ballet in Shanghai for six years from junior high school. In 1962, Cheng Pei-pei moved to Hong Kong, and the following year she enrolled in the Shaw Brothers’ acting school. Upon graduation, she immediately signed a contract with Shaw Brothers.
Her first film was “Lovers’ Rock” (1964), written and directed by Lei Pan. This film was selected as the outstanding work from the Best Foreign Language Film category from Taiwan at the 37th Academy Awards but was not nominated.
However, this work received the “Most Promising Movie Star Golden Warrior Award” from the American International Independent Producers Association, making her the first Asian actress to receive this award.
Two years later, Cheng Pei-pei gained immense popularity from the film “Come Drink with Me” (1966) directed by King Hu, which is considered a pioneering work in Hong Kong’s wuxia films of that era. It was one of Shaw Brothers’ international successes, being screened in foreign countries such as New York, Tokyo, and at the Cannes Film Festival. It even had a sequel called “Golden Swallow.” This success earned Cheng Pei-pei the nickname “Queen of Swords.”
King Hu told critic Tony Rayns in an interview that he intentionally chose a ballet dancer for this leading female role because it was crucial for the film. As King Hu placed great importance on fight scenes, having a female actor with a dance background made the action scenes graceful yet fierce and fluid.
“Come Drink with Me” (1966)
Cheng Pei-pei continued to act in several films with Shaw Brothers until 1970 when she withdrew from the film industry and traveled to California, USA, to marry Yuan Dong, a Taiwanese tycoon. After marriage, she entered an American university for higher education and studied dance arts. She had four children: three daughters and one son.
Cheng Pei-pei returned to act in two films for Shaw Brothers and one for Golden Harvest before stopping her acting career in the 70s.
In 1980, Cheng Pei-pei established a television production company called “Xingxiang Communication Co., Ltd.” in Los Angeles, USA, to produce and organize a Chinese-American documentary series titled “Follow the Past and Open the Future” for the Public Broadcasting Service.
In 1981, the news magazine program “60 Minutes” of China Television Company established its first foreign production team in Los Angeles, responsible for special reports on American news events. Cheng Pei-pei was one of the team members during its founding period.
In 1987, Cheng Pei-pei divorced her husband and returned to acting, appearing in “Flirting Scholar” (1993) with Stephen Chow.
Cheng Pei-pei’s fame resurged with her role in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000), which earned her the Best Supporting Actress award at the 20th Hong Kong Film Awards.
Afterward, she alternated between film and television roles. In 2018, she received the 24th Huading Award Chinese TV Series Lifetime Achievement Award.
As the first actress to become the iconic image of a female martial arts hero, even as she aged, she continued to appear in films featuring female lead characters. Besides “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” she also starred in “Naked Weapon” (2002), “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li” (2009), and “Mulan” (2020).
Host Cao Kefan announced her death on Weibo, saying: “Every time I met Sister Pei-pei, I was impressed by her laughter. Even when we talked about difficult years in the past, she never complained or lamented. She often communicated in Shanghai dialect, saying that speaking it took her back to her childhood. She said that old Shanghai people had gentle and graceful manners. Her demeanor was very friendly. In recent years, I heard that Sister Pei-pei’s health was not good. I didn’t think she would leave us forever. There will be no pain in heaven. I wish her a good journey!”
