The Chinese couple denied involvement in the online gambling operation, claiming their wealth came from selling an advertising company in China.
NONTHABURI — Despite ongoing efforts by Thai government officials to campaign against Euro 2024 football gambling, dozens of betting websites continue to operate defiantly, with billions of baht in circulation.
On June 21, Police Lieutenant General Worawat Watnakornbancha, Chief of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, and a cyber police team announced the results of Operation SHUTDOWN EURO BET that targeted two major Euro football betting websites: wm88 and x-stand.
The raid led to the arrest of a Chinese group and their network, with seized assets totaling over 280 million baht. Investigations revealed that the two websites had a cash flow of approximately 1.4 billion baht from January to June 2024.
Officers seized luxury vehicles of a Chinese couple in the Thonglor area, Bangkok on June 21, 2024.
Acting on court-issued search and arrest warrants, the police apprehended 64 suspects, categorized by their roles in the operation, such as money transfer accounts, money holding accounts, and cryptocurrency trading accounts.
The first raid took place at a house in the Thonglor area, where a Chinese couple was arrested: Mr. Xiang Zhang, 42, and Mrs. Zhang Huiqing, 37. Officers seized cash amounting to 13,830,000 baht and 3,200 US dollars, along with luxury vehicles including a Bentley valued at 20,000,000 baht, a Mercedes-Benz worth 3 million baht, and a GWM Tank 500 valued at approximately 2 million baht.
Additionally, they found a house purchase contract worth 88,000,000 baht, land titles for 11 luxury condominium units, and numerous designer bags. The total value of seized assets at this location was 22,580,000 baht.
The Chinese couple denied involvement in the online gambling operation, claiming their wealth came from selling an advertising company in China and that they mainly used the money for living in Thailand and trading cryptocurrencies.
The second raid occurred at a luxury condo in the Phrom Phong area, resulting in the arrest of one Chinese national, Mr. Jun Xia, 36, and four Thai nationals. Assets seized at this location totaled 287,396,713 baht.
The suspects were charged with jointly conducting illegal electronic gambling and money laundering. They, along with the seized assets, were handed over to investigators for legal proceedings. Efforts continue to apprehend remaining suspects still at large.
Police officers show the seized assets totaling over 280 million baht in the news conference at the Technology Crime Suppression Division headquarters in Muang Thong Thani on June 21, 2024.
Meanwhile, Police Lieutenant General Akradech Pimolsri, Assistant Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, announced the operational results of the Center for Prevention and Suppression of Illegal Euro 2024 Football Gambling from June 14-20, as follows:
On-site gambling arrests: A total of 1,578 suspects were arrested, divided into 65 bookmakers, 1,503 players, and 10 runners.
Online gambling arrests: 62 websites were shut down, with a total of 248 suspects arrested, including 28 gambling organizers and 220 players. The total money circulation in these 62 websites amounted to 1,400,150,007 baht.
A significant case was the arrest made by the Technology Crime Investigation Bureau, which managed to shut down 4 websites with a money circulation of over 1.4 billion baht.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Akradech further stated that various types of gambling are illegal and all cases will be prosecuted without exception. Players, promoters, and organizers of football gambling are liable under the Gambling Act 1935, which carries a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding 2,000 baht, or both.
If the offense involves inducing, promoting, or allowing children to engage in inappropriate behavior or behavior likely to lead to criminal acts, guardians or offenders may also be prosecuted under the Child Protection Act 2003, which carries a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding 30,000 baht, or both.
The image shows Prakhong Suksanit and her son, whom the African woman is seeking to join in claiming the inheritance from her father.
BANGKOK — South African woman seeks Thai stepmother and her child to claim father’s inheritance after over 15 years of separation.
A deceased South African man’s daughter has initiated a quest to locate a Thai mother and her child who have lost touch for more than 15 years. She encourages them to come forward and claim their inheritance from the father.
On June 20, 2024, Ms. Ged, who received this case, requested assistance. In an interview with “Khaosod Online,” she mentioned that a South African woman is searching for her Thai stepmother, “Prakhong Suksanit,” and her son, whose name is Kittichai Tong.
Previously, the stepmother had registered a marriage with “Derek de Jager”, a South African man who is her father, and brought her Thai stepson to live and study in Africa. However, for various reasons, the Thai stepmother and her son returned to Thailand 15 years ago and never came back to South Africa again.
The marriage certificate shows Derek de Jager married to Prakhong Suksanit in 2005.
Her South African father once traveled to find this mother-child pair, but they eventually lost contact. He legally remained married without divorce.
Recently, Derek de Jager passed away several months ago, starting a legal inheritance division where she and her stepmother each inherit half. The African daughter cannot proceed until her stepmother returns to affirm her status.
She seeks help from Thai people to locate and contact this mother-child pair. She has sent their photos along with a message to Ged, or as she calls her, Kiki, which reads as follows:
“Good day Kiki. Please look at this marriage certificate. Derek de Jager died a few months ago and his daughter cannot get anything from his estate and she is struggling. He was married to Prakhong Suksanit, but she has been missing for 15 years.
They must get hold of her to complete the estate. Now they ask for help because I know you. Is there any way you can try and ask if somebody knows her? Maybe ask on Facebook or put in newspaper? Please let met know and phone me.”
Kittichai Tong is the son of Prakhong Suksanit, who the African woman is also seeking.
The following day, a man who claimed to be the same person as the boy in the photo being sought contacted Khaosod Online. He sent childhood photos to confirm his identity.
He identified himself as Kittichai Suksanit, nickname Tong, which matches the initial information provided by Miss Ged, the coordinator from the South African family. Kittichai said that his mother passed away over 10 years ago due to kidney disease. Since then, he hasn’t returned to South Africa and lost contact with his adoptive father’s family.
Miss Ged, the coordinator, said that she will talk to Kittichai and will continue to coordinate with the South African family regarding the inheritance, which includes a house and a high-value farm.
Kittichai ‘Tong’ Suksanit shares a photo of Derek de Jager, his stepfather, with Prakhong Suksanit, his mother, who passed away ten years ago.
Udon Thani authorities raid the PEW BAR on Watthananuch Wong Road, Samphandamit Alley, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani Province on Thursday night, June 20, 2024.
UDON THANI — The governor of Udon Thani led a crackdown on human trafficking in Samphandamit Alley, an area of foreigner-oriented bars in the heart of city. The officers raided a karaoke bar where child prostitution with foreign customers was secretly practiced.
The provincial administration received a tip-off from the Ronnasit Foundation about an establishment called PEW BAR on Watthananuch Wong Road, Samphandamit Alley, Mak Khaeng Subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani Province. The bar was suspected of employing girls under the age of 18 for sexual exploitation.
On June 20, 2024 at 10:00 p.m., Udon Thani Governor Wanchai Kongkasem instructed Mueang Udon Thani District Chief Wimon Surasen, along with administrative officials and officers from Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, to raid PEW BAR, much to the surprise of the Western tourists present.
During the raid, the officers found 10 young women in the bar, including three underage girls: two 16-year-olds and an 18-year-old who had been there since they were 16. They mainly served foreign customers.
The investigation revealed that the PEW BAR did not have a license to operate as a service establishment.
The officers took the young women through the national referral mechanism for questioning and review by multidisciplinary professionals and prepared their admission to a children’s home for psychological rehabilitation, recognizing them as victims of trafficking.
The investigation revealed that the establishment did not have a license to operate as a service establishment, as required by law for service establishments. The officers also confiscated a large number of unused condoms, the bar’s revenue book and a list of customers as evidence.
Investigation confirms that this entertainment venue operated a karaoke bar as a front, but behind the scenes, there were underage girls under the age of 18 who were available to serve customers. This included the hidden sale of child sexual services. Therefore, police officers have filed serious charges against the owner of this establishment, including:
Human trafficking
Operating an unlicensed establishment
Promoting or condoning the misconduct of minors
Violating a government order regarding measures to prevent and solve problems related to motorcycle racing on public roads and the control of entertainment venues or businesses that operate in a manner similar to entertainment venues
Wimon Surasen, district chief of Mueang Udon Thani, explained that the girls who worked in this bar all had family problems, such as divorced parents and no one to take care of them. The girls had to find money to support themselves. Most of the customers were older Thai and foreign men who had a sexual preference for young girls.
The 22nd edition of Thailand International Dog Show, the largest B2B2C exhibition in ASEAN returns bigger in tune with the exponential growth of Thailand’s pet care market.
Returning for its 22nd edition, the largest and only dedicated B2B2C (Business to Business to Customer) dog exhibition in Thailand for 2024, SmartHeart presents Thailand International Dog Show, will be held under the theme “Land of Magic World of the Future.” The event will take place from July 4-7, 2024 at Halls 5-6, IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand.
Ms. Kulwadee Jintaraworakarn, Executive Director, IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., stated, “This year’s SmartHeart presents Thailand International Dog Show marks it’s 22nd anniversary. IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. has collaborated with organizations committed to strengthening Thailand’s pet industry. Our partners include the Kennel Association of Thailand, the Thai Pet Products Industry Association (TPIA), Perfect Companion Group Co., Ltd., the International Thailand Groomer Club, Ultimate Dog Club & Weight Pull Thailand, and other domestic and international partners. This year, the event will feature over 250 booths and more than 500 brands on a 10,000-square-meter exhibition space.
This year’s show embraces a B2B2C concept, combining business and consumer elements in one show. The theme, ‘Land of Magic World of the Future,’ will connect the B2B and B2C world together by creating a magical experience where dogs and their owners can dress as witches and wizards. The show’s enchanting decor will immerse visitors in a magical land while maintaining a business focus aimed at advancing Thailand’s pet market. In this context, magic symbolizes the influence of customers and entrepreneurs in shaping the better future of the Thai pet market.”
Additionally, there will be a seminar on “How to Win-Win in the Pet Market,” offering insights into pet business strategies. The dog exhibition will also host various competitions, including the Thailand International Dog Show Competition 2024, the 4th F.C.I. Thailand International Grooming Examination, the Pitbull and Bully UDC Championship, and Pitbull Weight-Pulling UDC Championship. Fun activities to strengthen the bond between owners and pets include a dog licking Snack contest, a dog racing contest (Ma ha Mae Ma), and a new game called “Let’s Weight.”
Mr. Supakit Asavajarn, Senior Deputy Managing Director, Customer Relations at Perfect Companion Group Co., Ltd., mentioned, “Regardless of the era, dog owners always seek nutritious and beneficial food for their dogs. Good food leads to a healthy, beautiful coat, healthy skin, and a happy temperament. For over 20 years, SmartHeart, dog food and other pet foods from Perfect Companion Group Co., Ltd. have undergone continuous research and development to ensure quality and variety. Each year, we introduce new products to meet the rising demands of local and international consumers. This year, the trend of humanizing pets remains strong, with a growing demand for premium pet food that closely resembles human food. Our new product, SmartHeart Signature, is a pouch wet dog food made from pure chicken and various vegetables, which has been well received by the consumers at an affordable price.
This year, SmartHeart’s activities will be as grand as ever, with promotions, discounts, giveaways, and special offers for visitors. On Saturday, July 6, visitors will also get to meet SmartHeart’s popular presenter, James Jirayu.”
Mr. Suthisak Pakdeetawa, Vice President, Kennel Club of Thailand, highlighted the international competition, stating, “SmartHeart presents Thailand International Dog Show is the largest international competition in Thailand, held once a year. This prestigious show attracts participants worldwide, offering a unique opportunity for dogs to be judged by international judges. The show’s reputation for excellence has grown each year, thanks to the venue, facilities, and promotion. This year, nine judges from eight countries will judge the competition, expecting over 5,000 participants over four days. Details for the beauty championship can be found on the Kennel Club of Thailand’s website: https://kathailand.org
Mr. Nitipong Laohavisit, Vice President, Thai Pet Products Industry Association, noted the increasing consumer focus on pet health, leading to a rise in demand for ready-made pet food. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the pet population grew significantly, as people spent more time at home. This growth has led to increased competition in the pet food market, with many businesses entering and exiting the market. Despite high competition in pet food and snacks, opportunities remain in pet grooming services, pet clinics, and hospitals.
Admission to SmartHeart presents Thailand International Dog Show 2024 is 20 baht per person (free for pets and children under 100 cm). A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the “1 Baht for Hungry Dogs” project, with a chance to win prizes like an Apple iPad Air 13 (M2) and other Prizes worth over 100,000 baht. There will also be a zone for stray dogs to find new homes and various donation activities. Free registration for seminars, business visitors, and business matching activities.
The largest and only dedicated B2B2C dog exhibition in ASEAN – SmartHeart presents Thailand International Dog Show 2024” will be held from July 4-7, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Halls 5-6, IMPACT IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand.
FILE - Actor Donald Sutherland appears at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Oct. 13, 2017. Sutherland, the towering Canadian actor whose career spanned "M.A.S.H." to "The Hunger Games," has died at 88. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Sutherland, the Canadian actor whose wry, arrestingly off-kilter screen presence spanned more than half a century of films from “M.A.S.H.” to “The Hunger Games,” has died. He was 88.
Sutherland died Thursday in Miami after a long illness, according to a statement from Creative Artists Agency, which represented him.
Kiefer Sutherland said on X he believed his father was one of the most important actors in the history of film: “Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that.”
The tall and gaunt Sutherland, who flashed a grin that could be sweet or diabolical, was known for offbeat characters like Hawkeye Pierce in Robert Altman’s “M.A.S.H.,” the hippie tank commander in “Kelly’s Heroes” and the stoned professor in “Animal House.”
FILE – Actor Donald Sutherland poses at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles on Oct. 16, 2001. Sutherland, the towering Canadian actor whose career spanned “M.A.S.H.” to “The Hunger Games,” has died at 88. (AP Photo/Rene Macura, File)
“Donald was a giant, not only physically but as a talent,” Sutherland’s “M.A.S.H.” co-star Elliott Gould said in a statement to The Associated Press as many paid tribute. “He was also enormously kind and generous.”
Before transitioning into a long career as a respected character actor, Sutherland epitomized the unpredictable, antiestablishment cinema of the 1970s. He never stopped working, appearing in nearly 200 films and series.
Over the decades, Sutherland showed his range in more buttoned-down — but still eccentric — roles in Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People” and Oliver Stone’s “JFK.” More, recently, he starred in the “Hunger Games” films.
“I love to work. I passionately love to work,” Sutherland told Charlie Rose in 1998. “I love to feel my hand fit into the glove of some other character. I feel a huge freedom — time stops for me. I’m not as crazy as I used to be, but I’m still a little crazy.”
FILE – Donald Sutherland, left, and his son Kiefer Sutherland pose for a portrait in Los Angeles to promote the film “Forsaken.” Donald Sutherland, the towering Canadian actor whose career spanned “M.A.S.H.” to “The Hunger Games,” has died at 88. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, File)
Born in St. John, New Brunswick, Donald McNichol Sutherland was the son of a salesman and a mathematics teacher. Raised in Nova Scotia, he was a disc jockey with his own radio station at age 14.
“When I was 13 or 14, I really thought everything I felt was wrong and dangerous, and that God was going to kill me for it,” Sutherland told The New York Times in 1981. “My father always said, ‘Keep your mouth shut, Donnie, and maybe people will think you have character.'”
Sutherland began as an engineering student at the University of Toronto but switched to English and started acting in school theatrical productions. While studying, he met Lois Hardwick, an aspiring actress. They married in 1959 but divorced seven years later.
After graduating in 1956, Sutherland attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art to study acting. He began appearing in West End plays and British television. After a move to Los Angeles, a series of war films changed his trajectory.
His breakthrough was “The Dirty Dozen” (1967), in which he played Vernon Pinkley, the officer-impersonating psychopath. 1970 saw the release of the World War II yarn “Kelly’s Heroes” and “M.A.S.H.,” a smash hit that catapulted Sutherland to stardom.
“There is more challenge in character roles,” Sutherland told The Washington Post in 1970. “There’s longevity. A good character actor can show a different face in every film and not bore the public.”
If Sutherland had had his way, Altman would have been fired from “M.A.S.H.” He was unhappy with the director’s unorthodox, improvisational style. But the film caught on beyond anyone’s expectations.
Sutherland identified with its anti-war message. Outspoken against the Vietnam War, he along with actress Jane Fonda and others founded the Free Theater Associates in 1971. Banned by the Army because of their political views, they performed in venues near military bases in Southeast Asia in 1973.
“I thought I was going to be part of a revolution that was going to change movies and its influence on people,” Sutherland told the Los Angeles Times.
His career as a leading man peaked in the 1970s, when he starred in films by the era’s top directors — even if they didn’t always do their best work with him. Sutherland, who frequently said he considered himself at the service of a director’s vision, worked with Federico Fellini (1976’s “Fellini’s Casanova”), Bernardo Bertolucci (1976’s “1900”), Claude Chabrol (1978’s “Blood Relatives”) and John Schlesinger (1975’s “The Day of the Locust”).
One of his finest performances came as a detective in Alan Pakula’s “Klute” (1971). During filming he met Fonda, with whom he had a three-year relationship that began at the end of his second marriage to actor Shirley Douglas. He and Douglas divorced in 1971 after having twins: Rachel and Kiefer, who was named after Warren Kiefer, the writer of Sutherland’s first film, “Castle of the Living Dead.”
FILE – Actors, from left, James Garner, Donald Sutherland, Tommy Lee Jones and Clint Eastwood, from the film “Space Cowboys,” pose for photographers at the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, on Aug. 30, 2000. Sutherland, the towering Canadian actor whose career spanned “M.A.S.H.” to “The Hunger Games,” has died at 88. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)
Nicolas Roeg’s psychological horror film “Don’t Look Now” (1973) was another high point. Sutherland starred with Julie Christie as a grieving couple who move to Venice after their daughter’s death. The film included a famous, explicit sex scene, artfully edited.
“Nic and I thought that maybe I would die in the process of it, so much were we committed,” Sutherland once said. His admiration for the film and Roeg was such that he and his next wife, actress Francine Racette, named their first-born child Roeg.
Sutherland married Racette in 1972 and remained with her. She survives him. They had two other children: Rossif, named after the director Frederic Rossif; and Angus Redford, named after Redford.
Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People” (1980) also dealt with the loss of a child. His directorial debut, starring Sutherland as the father of a family destroyed by tragedy, won four Oscars, including best picture.
Sutherland was never nominated for an Academy Award but received an honorary Oscar in 2017. He did win an Emmy in 1995 for the TV film “Citizen X” and won two Golden Globes for “Citizen X” and the 2003 TV film “Path to War.”
Sutherland’s New York stage debut in 1981, though, went terribly. He played Humbert Humbert in Edward Albee’s adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov’s “Lolita,” and the reviews were merciless; it closed after a dozen performances. A down period in the ’80s followed, with failures like the 1981 satire “Gas” and the 1984 comedy “Crackers.”
But Sutherland continued to work steadily and increasingly worked in television, most memorably in HBO’s “Path to War,” in which he played President Lyndon Johnson’s defense secretary, Clark Clifford.
After son Kiefer emerged as a star, Sutherland appeared in numerous films with him, including the 1996 thriller “A Time to Kill” and 2015’s “Forsaken.” But he turned down the chance to play the father on the hit series “24.”
To a younger generation, Sutherland was most familiar as President Snow in “The Hunger Games” franchise beginning with the 2012 original. Sutherland sought out the part.
“The role of the president had maybe a line in the script. Maybe two. Didn’t make any difference,” Sutherland told GQ. “I thought it was an incredibly important film, and I wanted to be a part of it.”
In his final years, the nonstop actor mused about dying onscreen, for real.
“I’m really hoping that in some movie I’m doing, I die — but I die, me, Donald — and they’re able to use my funeral and the coffin,” Sutherland told the AP. “That would be absolutely ideal. I would love that.”
BANGKOK — MK Restaurants Group, the company that owns the famous sukiyaki restaurant chain with multiple branches across Thailand, issued a statement on June 20, regarding a customer’s allergic reaction to a fish dish in their restaurant, which resulted in hospital admission.
“Regarding the customer’s food allergy incident, the company is deeply sorry for this occurrence. If we had been informed about the food allergy before dining, the company could have thoroughly checked the ingredients in all menu items and provided information to the customer before ordering.
MK Restaurant Group
The company has not been negligent and has been monitoring the customer’s condition from the time of dining at the restaurant to the hospital. We visited the customer with a flower basket and provided meals for the guardians attending to the patient. We have been fully taking care of the customer since the incident occurred. The restaurant has contacted the customer to assist with all medical expenses,” it said.
This viral case began when a Facebook user posted an image and message in the group “We Are Consumers,” which has over 780,000 members, on June 16. The post was titled “A cautionary tale for people allergic to fish.”
The post details that he ordered ingredients for a sukiyaki meal for his family, intentionally avoiding fish as his young son is allergic. Among the items ordered were crab balls and seasoned pork, which he didn’t expect to contain fish.
The boy was admitted to the ICU and given nebulizer treatments every 6 hours due to food allergies.
A few moments after his son started eating, the boy began coughing severely and vomiting. His voice started to fade. He rushed his son to the nearest private hospital, where doctors were able to treat him in time. The son was admitted to the ICU and given nebulizer treatments every 6 hours. The father noted that if they had arrived at the hospital 2-3 minutes later, his son might not have been able to breathe on his own.
After having paid tens of thousands of baht in medical fees and his son was safe, he went back to advise the restaurant. He suggested they should add notes to their menu indicating which items contain fish and shrimp for customer safety.
Meanwhile, MK Restaurants Group stated that it will improve its measures to better care for customers and add preventive measures for customer food allergies.
“We have categorized major food allergen groups and included this information in all menu items, along with recommendations in the menu. If a customer is allergic to any food, they can inform the staff to check the ingredients in the items they wish to order. However, due to this incident, the company intends to improve our measures to better care for our customers in the future.”
TRAT — Efforts to reach an agreement between three countries: Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, under the “Cambodia-Vietnam-Thailand Economic Corridor Cooperation Conference: CVTEC” to promote cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, transportation, tourism and MICE in the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) have encountered numerous obstacles over the past eight years.
Recently, according to Prachachat Business report, at the CVTEC 2024 international conference at the Aiyapura Hotel on Koh Chang, Trat, hosted by Thailand with the support of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), things have started to come together.
Tourist Surge Expected to Bring 3 Billion Baht
Phuriphan Bunnak, deputy director of TCEB, explained that the MICE mechanisms will be a tool to promote and enhance the connectivity of trade, investment, logistics, tourism and MICE in the coastal areas of the three countries. These include four provinces in Thailand (Chonburi, Ranong, Chanthaburi, Trat), four provinces in Cambodia (Koh Kong, Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep) and two provinces in Vietnam (Kien Giang, Ca Mau).
Phuriphan Bunnak
Each of these provinces has the potential to become a major tourist destination, is connected by land and sea and has the necessary infrastructure to provide standard facilities for meetings and seminars. This provides the opportunity to market a “1 Marketing 3 Destinations” concept aimed at high value tourists and MICE travelers. A test of the CVTEC sea route is planned for the end of 2024.
“Following this, the three countries must submit reports to the relevant government authorities to prepare the project. For the multi-purpose pier in Khlong Yai, Trat, a report will be submitted to the Director General of the Marine Department. In August 2024, the TCEB will hold a meeting in Ca Mau, Vietnam, to study the route, infrastructure readiness, facilitation and legal issues to conclude a joint agreement, with further discussions among the private sector companies.”
“If there are no problems, the route of the inaugural trip will be from Khlong Yai, Trat to Sihanoukville and may be extended to Ca Mau. This route is expected to last 3-4 years, with about 300,000 tourists traveling through Trat and earning about 3.1 billion baht annually,” Phuriphan said.
Pilot Route “Trat-Sihanoukville”
Wiyada Suang, an adviser to the Trat Tourism Council, told “Prachachat Business” that the concept of maritime tourism linking the three countries has been discussed since 2015, but has run into legal and other challenges.
At the meeting, it was discussed that there should be a route from Sihanoukville to the multi-purpose pier in Khlong Yai. Sixteen shipping companies and tour operators as well as government agencies from Cambodia and Vietnam agreed to open the route as soon as possible. The private sector will now move forward with discussions on the details of the route, schedules, port fees and management to prepare for the inaugural voyage by the end of 2024.
“The Cambodian operators are very willing. G.T.V.C. SPEEDBOAT from Cambodia recommends the routes between the islands. Union Group, the operator of Dara Sakor Port in Koh Kong, will provide a one-stop service for tourists. The multi-purpose pier in Khlong Yai, Trat, is being tested for use.”
“Thai operators are also ready. Companies already providing services at Dara Sakor Port and Koh Rong, Sihanoukville, and those providing inter-island services in Trat are interested in investing. The three countries need to agree on a common market strategy and plan to expand from Sihanoukville to Phu Quoc in the future,” Wiyada said.
Cambodia and Vietnam on Board
Long Dimanche, deputy governor of Sihanoukville province, Cambodia, said that the four coastal provinces of Cambodia are ready, especially Sihanoukville, which has three jetties, including the AUTONOME DE SIHANOUKVILLE for tourism, which provides convenient and fast services. Vessels must have an entry permit and there are shipping agencies that offer document submission services via QR code links.
If the tourist documents are submitted in advance, officials will provide services before the ship docks. Land, rail and air transportation systems will also be developed to connect to other cities. This conference will help attract international tourists to CVTEC so that trade and investment will follow.
Nguyen Minh Luan, deputy governor of Vietnam’s Ca Mau province, approved an agreement to jointly develop investment, trade and tourism on the route. Ca Mau, with a population of 1.5 million, has major tourist attractions such as Quoc, Ha Tien and Kien Giang. As a major destination on the CVTEC route, located in southern Vietnam and surrounded by the sea on three sides, it is known for its world-class ecotourism and seafood wealth.
Chamnan Srisawat, President of the Tourism Council of Thailand, told “Prachachat Business” that the route from Sihanoukville to Trat (Khlong Yai-Koh Kood-Koh Mak-Koh Chang) has great potential and is attractive to tourists from all over the world. The natural beauty and freshness are in line with sustainable tourism trends, but the willingness of the private sector is crucial.
A joint steering committee between the three countries should be established. This route could be promoted at global events such as ITB in Berlin or Hong Kong, which could boost the economies of all three countries.
Urging the Government to Address Khlong Yai Pier
Natthapong Sa-nguanjit, governor of Trat, said the province is ready to support and promote the sea route connecting the three countries and facilitate cross-border transportation. A route test from Trat to Sihanoukville is planned, with future connections to Phu Quoc. Vietnam is expected to host the CVTEC meeting in 2025, which will provide more clarity. This route should not only take into account the population advantages — Cambodia with 20 million and Vietnam with 98 million — but aim to connect tourists from a world population of 8 billion people. If 5-10% of this population is captured on the CVTEC route, growth could be significantly increased, depending on the capacity of each country.
“Discussions with the Department of the Navy have been about looking at the laws for registering passenger ships for international routes to ensure convenience. A private company has expressed interest in leasing the multi-purpose pier in Khlong Yai from the Ministry of Finance,” Natthapong said.
The outcome of the conference was a six-point draft for the development of the CVTEC sea route: 1) The private sector must cooperate in the development of the Trat-Sihanoukville-Phu Quoc route. 2) The government must prepare the infrastructure, customs and immigration systems. 3) Shipping companies must be ready to serve international routes. 4) Marketing and promotion for high value tourists. 5) The private sector needs to discuss profitability and 6) Continuous meetings to advance short-term plans and move forward with long-term plans.
“Boonsiri-Seudamgo” Ready to Invest
Wiyada Amornpetchrakul
Wiyada Amornpetchrakul, senior executive of Boonsiri Ferries Co, Ltd, told “Prachachat” that the company will start operating a high-speed catamaran from Dara Sakor Port to Koh Rong in late 2023. However, road conditions require an additional 2.5-hour drive from the Hat Lek permanent checkpoint to Dara Sakor Port, followed by a 30-minute boat ride to Koh Rong. A trip by water from the multi-purpose pier in Khlong Yai to Dara Sakor Port and Koh Rong would be more convenient and faster.
“We are interested in the new route from Trat to Sihanoukville, but need clear information on the costs on the Thai and Cambodian sides to calculate the break-even point, including shipping routes, service points, fees and administrative costs per tourist, as well as the convenience of using the multi-purpose pier in Khlong Yai, Trat.”
“Travel time must also be clear, as it is crucial for cost calculation and market planning. Customers will compare the costs of boat travel versus land travel for the cheaper and faster option, but reaching the break-even point for this route will take time.”
The managing director of Leopard Transportation Co Ltd, the operator of the “Seudamgo” speed boats that take tourists to Koh Kood and Koh Mak in Trat, told “Prachachat Business” that the potential for high-value tourists traveling the three-country route is promising. They are interested in joining the route from Khlong Yai, Trat, to Sihanoukville and extending it to Phu Quoc in the future as they believe the route will be popular worldwide due to its pristine natural beauty and proximity to Bangkok. Future connections to Pattaya, Chonburi, are also being considered.
“Marketing requires testing routes and increasing awareness. The company is ready to offer services with new boats with 400 and 1,000 seats. However, clear legal guidelines and regulations from all three countries are required first.”
A video clip that shows an incident where a traffic police officer fined a Japanese man driving in Bangkok 1,000 baht.
BANGKOK — A video clip that shows an incident where a traffic police officer fined a Japanese man driving in Bangkok 500 baht has gone viral and is being investigated, even though it occurred five years ago.
The video clip has been posted on Red Skull xxx account on the X application with a message stating “Who understands Japanese, please translate, what’s happening with them?”
It shows an incident where a traffic police officer fined a Japanese man driving in Bangkok 500 baht. The officer wrote the ticket and told the Japanese man to put the money under the ticket, saying “under paper” before taking the money. The clip has been viewed over 1 million times and many people have written comments criticizing it.
On June 20, at the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), there was a news report stating that Pol. Lt. Gen. Thiti Saengswang, Commissioner of the MPB, ordered Pol. Maj. Gen. Surachet Bundid, Commander of the Traffic Police Division, to investigate the facts. It was found that the police officer in the video is a Pol. Sub. Lt. under the 1st Traffic Police Sub-division, and the incident occurred back in 2019 when the police officer held the rank of Pol. Sgt.
Most recently, the commanding officer assigned this police officer to facilitate traffic around King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, due to health issues. The traffic police officers under the Traffic Police Division have gathered evidence and filed a complaint for the offense of being an official who improperly performs or fails to perform duties under Section 157, at the Tha Rua Police Station earlier this morning.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Thiti said that he has already ordered an investigation into the case as it has caused damage. However, if it is found that this police officer has defective behavior in dereliction of duty as shown in the clip, the traffic police of the Traffic Police Division will gather evidence to proceed with legal action.
Bangkok, Thailand – The culinary community is set to come together for an extraordinary cause as the 5th Edition of ‘Chef Riders’ arrive at the Siam Yacht Club, located by the picturesque Chao Phraya River at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers. On Wednesday, July 19, 2024, this inaugural charity dinner aims to raise vital funds for ‘Save The Children’, the renowned global non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of young people.
This exclusive event will feature an exquisite 8-course dinner, meticulously crafted by eight visionary chefs, each bringing their unique culinary expertise and passion for sustainable cuisine. In alignment with Marriott International’s commitment to local and sustainable sourcing, the dinner will highlight ingredients from responsible Thai suppliers, including small-scale farms and fisheries.
The evening will commence with a welcome cocktail session, featuring:
Kao Tang/ Pulled Meat: Jasmine rice cracker, pulled meat in light curry
Both appetizers will be crafted by Chef Attakrit Sithiwaykin, Executive Sous Chef at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers.
Following the cocktail session, guests will be treated to an 8-course dinner:
Amuse Bouche (Zero Waste and Repurposed): Black Pillow Baguette/ Leek Crème (V) – Charcoal vegetable ash puff, leek & mushrooms crème by Chef Attakrit Sithiwaykin, Executive Sous Chef at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Cold Appetizer: Crunchy Pork Belly with Black Aguachile and Chili Toreados by Chef Rene Alcocer, Executive Chef at The Athenee Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel Bangkok
Hot Appetizer: Crispy Fried Sustainable Prawn wrapped with egg noodle, spicy mango sauce by Chef Attapol Naito Thangthong ‘Chef X’, Executive Chef at Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse
First Course: Agnolotti del Plin Classic Ravioli of Ossobuco – Khun Ta Farm beef shank, sage butter, potato olive oil espuma, parmesan froth by Chef Danilo Aiassa, Executive Sous Chef at Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa
Main Course (Fish): Roasted Sustainable Red Snapper fillet with “Muddica” crust, fennel confit, burnt lemon sauce by Chef Frederik Farina, Executive Chef at Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
Semifreddo: Gingery Lime Semifreddo, confit of citrus zest, vanilla cloud, cacao husk infuse tea, acai berry tuiles by Chef Marco Cammarata, Executive Chef at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Main Course (Meat, Zero Waste): Picanha/ Beef Tallow Mayo – Westholme Wagyu picanha, culantro, grilled pakchoi, crispy beef fat, shallot powder by Chef Natchayapong Homsombatchoti, Chef de Cuisine at Siam Yacht Club at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Dessert: No Bake Cheesecake, homemade yogurt, fresh mango, crunchy coconut tart, vegan chocolate by Chef Dechar Moungseetong, Pastry Chef at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Each course promises to be a culinary masterpiece, celebrating the flavors and traditions of Thailand while emphasizing sustainability and local produce. The event not only aims to delight the palate but also to make a significant impact on the lives of underprivileged children in Thailand.
“We are thrilled to host the 5th edition of this charity dinner, bringing together top culinary talents to support ‘Save The Children” said David Lance, the General Manager. “This event reflects our commitment to community and sustainability, showcasing the best of Thai ingredients while supporting a cause that is close to our hearts.”
For more information, please contact us at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers T. 02 266 0123 or email [email protected] purchase on-line ticket, please click Megatix – The 5th Edition Chef Riders Charity : A Culinary Event
BANGKOK — The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is hosting the “BKK EXPO 2024: Bangkok Exhibition 2024” under the theme “Cities Can Change Because of You.” This event will be held at the Benjakitti Forest Park Museum from June 20 to June 23.
BMA spokesperson Ekwaranyu Amrapal announced that “BKK EXPO 2024” features five cities and six activity zones. The highlight is the “Bangkok City Model Exhibition” in the sixth zone, inspired by last year’s popular City Model display.
Bangkok City Model Exhibition
The exhibition has evolved into a comprehensive showcase, presenting Bangkok’s development history from the past to the present. The City Model aims to rival those in global metropolises like Singapore, Shanghai, New York, and London. The goal is to inspire youth and everyone to engage in urban planning and development, ultimately contributing to Bangkok’s improvement.
This year’s Bangkok City Model Exhibition introduces over 20 new building models across 20 districts. The two-story exhibit follows Universal Design principles, resembling city planning galleries in major cities worldwide.
Bangkok City Model Exhibition
The exhibition is divided into four main zones:
1. People, Challenges, Hopes: This zone features stories and voices of Bangkok residents through graphic walls, photo galleries, and videos, blending ambient sounds and interviews to create a mixed-media art experience.
2. From Policy to Action: Showcasing BMA’s policy implementations through three-screen motion slide videos.
3. Model Mapping: An interactive city model with lights and stories displayed through touchscreens, lighting the model up according to different narratives.
4. ACTION NOW! for Better BKK: A game zone where visitors, especially children, can play touch-screen games, simulating city problem-solving.
The exhibition ends with a six-minute Model Mapping video showcasing Bangkok’s story from past to present on a giant screen that integrates seven different periods, displaying the implementation of BMA policies for a better future.
This giant model is crucial in providing a broad understanding of urban development for the public, students, and researchers. It reflects the overall physical development of the city, illustrating the collective growth of the city and its people into the future. It stimulates indirect public engagement and participation in discussing and contributing to urban development.
Bangkok City Model Exhibition
The Bangkok City Model Exhibition runs from June 20 to 23 at the Benjakitti Forest Park Museum (MRT Queen Sirikit). It operates 18 sessions daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, each lasting 30 minutes, including Thai narration. Four sessions daily offer English narration at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 8:00 PM. Admission is free.
To visit the exhibition, reservations can be made in one of two ways:
1. Online Booking (1,000 slots per day): Reserve via https://bit.ly/3VuwRiq from June 14, 10:00 AM until June 19, 8:00 PM. Each person can reserve up to four slots. After registration, capture the confirmation screen and present it 5-10 minutes before the session.
2. On-site Booking (800 slots per day): Obtain a passport at the registration point and participate in activities to earn stamps, redeemable for entry to the city model exhibition.
