EM District (EMPORIUM, EMQUARTIER, EMSPHERE) invites you to experience the ‘Songkran Festival’, The traditional Thai New Year festival that has been culturally inherited for centuries. Under the theme of ONLY IN THAILAND’, decorations emphasize the colorful Thai loincloth, known as Pha Khao Ma, and feature enjoyable activities that represent Thai identity.
Experience local Thai food and products from every region of Thailand at the ‘Kudthai Transport Only Thailand’s Best’ starting on March 27, 2024, at Quartier Avenue, G Floor, EMQUARTIER, EM Market, G Floor, EMSPHERE, and Gourmet Market, 4th Floor, EMPORIUM.
Join the water fight in the heart of Sukhumvit at the THAILAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL: EM SUMMER SPLASH, featuring a 50-meter-long water tunnel at the EMSPHERE, from April 11 to April 16, 2024.
Celebrate the biggest Songkran Festival party in Asia for the gay community at SHAGAYLA WORLD OF FANTASY SONGKRAN 2024, from April 12 to April 15, 2024, featuring 4 fantasy party themes: ANIME PLANET, EVER AFTER, HOUSE OF DRAGON, and MEDIEVAL GODS @UOB LIVE HALL. Besides, enjoy the hot pool party under the theme of MEGA TROPICANA @TRIBE SKY BEACH CLUB at EMSPHERE. For more information and ticket purchases, please visit gcircuit.com.
Furthermore, EM DISTRICT presents EMDINING SUMMERLICIOUS, featuring hot and spicy along with cold menus for summer at EMDINING: EMPORIUM, EMQUARTIER, and EMSPHERE. Additionally, you can shop the SUMMER GLOW SUMMERCATION, EM DISTRICT’s summer fashion collection, with special promotions available throughout this April.
Join us to experience the unforgettable Songkran Festival in the heart of Sukhumvit with EM DISTRICT. For more information about these activities, please visit the EMPORIUM EMQUARTIER and EMSPHERE at EM District Facebook pages or LINE @EMDISTRICT.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra visited the Pheu Thai Party office on March 26, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/Chavalit Panyong)
BANGKOK – Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra visited the Pheu Thai Party office on New Petchaburi Road, Bangkok, on Tuesday afternoon. There was a group of about 150 Red Shirts, as well as party members and party supporters, welcoming him. He arrived at 1.30 p.m. and left at 3.10 p.m. with a smile and looking healthy.
Some anti-Thaksins derided him for recovering too rapidly from his condition when the Department of Corrections claimed that he was so ill that he needed to be hospitalised rather than remain in prison.
The Pheu Thai Party’s leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, revealed that her father was delighted after paying his first visit to the party following his conviction as a political prisoner for more than 17 years.
Asked if Thaksin’s presence will enable the party to gain more popularity than the Move Forward Party, Paetongtarn said it’s up to the voters to decide.
The Pheu Thai Party’s leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and the party’s members welcome former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on March 26, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/Chavalit Panyong)
“He comes here without interfering with the work of party members or the administration since he has gone above and beyond. He’s happy like he returns home. I suppose that many individuals are pleased to meet him. He founded the Thai Rak Thai Party and was formerly an excellent prime minister. He makes the MPs more active and motivated to work. It’s a great feeling,” said Paetongtarn.
On March 25, senators who were appointed by the coup leader spoke in the Senate, accusing the justice minister and prime minister of assisting detainee Thaksin in avoiding prison, damaging public trust in the country’s legal system.
Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, pointed out that Thaksin’s visit to the Pheu Thai Party office did not violate the law, although it might attract public criticism.
Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice
He clarified that the Probation Department has instructed former Prime Minister Thaksin to report on his whereabouts and the people he meets with, but the ministry’s regulations do not state that it is prohibited to engage in political activities under the conditions of suspension. The movement restrictions imposed by the Department of Probation consist of no substance abuse and no visiting inmates together. Beyond that, there are rights and freedoms.
Pol. Col. Tawee explained that the Ministry of Justice normally only reviews the criteria for behavioral control, while the issue of suspension of sentences is related to punishment by the Prison Service, which is still subject to the condition of being a convict. The Prison Service does not reduce anyone’s sentence, but there is a process called sentence management, suspension of sentence or use of other methods of detention.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is greeted by the Red Shirt supporters on March 26, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/Chavalit Panyong)
Earlier, Pol. Col. Tawee responded to some senators, including Tawin Pleansri at the meeting that as far as he knew about Mr. Thaksin, he had never instructed him to do anything against the law or the judiciary.
He said that when Mr. Thaksin entered the justice process on August 22, 2023, at that time, General Prayut Chan-o-cha was the Prime Minister. Mr. Wisanu Krua-ngam served as the Minister of Justice, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and the Director-General of the Department of Probation remained the same from the previous administration.
Pol. Col. Tawee explained that he had compromised the judiciary. He said that had no power to influence the previous government, and that compromising the judiciary meant destroying the constitutional law for him. When the country was hit by a coup, someone offered him a seat but he refused as he was a firm believer in democracy.
As for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, he had previously informed reporters that he did not come because he had other duties, including cheering on the Thailand national football team playing against South Korea at Rajamangala Stadium.
ONYX Hospitality Group Expands Culinary Portfolio with the Launch of Nila: A Celebration of India’s Coastal Culinary Heritage
ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading force in Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry, proudly announces the launch of Nila, a sophisticated dining destination that pays homage to the culturally rich flavours of India’s coastal and river port regions.
The first NILA launched in March 2024 on the 4th floor of Amari Bangkok, promising an unforgettable culinary journey curated by Chef Bharath S. Bhat, the esteemed winner of Thailand’s Iron Chef one-on-one battle chef competition. This attractive establishment sets a new standard for Indian cuisine, blending traditional recipes with contemporary flair to create a truly immersive dining experience.
“NILA” derives its name from the Malayalam word for the colour blue, symbolising the azure waters that line India’s picturesque coast. The restaurant’s interior design draws inspiration from the vibrant hues of Portuguese architecture found in Goa (a state on the southwestern coast of India), complemented by traditional Indian textures and visuals, creating an ambiance that transports guests to a bygone era of maritime trade and cultural exchange.
Chef Bharath’s menu at “NILA” showcases an array of dishes influenced by centuries of culinary heritage, featuring fresh seafood recipes influenced by Portuguese cuisine from Goa and the Malabar coast, as well as European culinary traditions along India’s eastern coast. Each dish is meticulously crafted to highlight the diverse flavours and spices that define India’s coastal cuisine, promising to tantalise the taste buds of even the most discerning gastronomes.
“With the opening of NILA, ONYX Hospitality Group continues its tradition of delivering unparalleled hospitality experiences that resonate with the evolving preferences of global travellers,” said Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group. “We are thrilled to introduce this unique culinary concept to Bangkok and look forward to establishing NILA as the premier destination for Indian coastal cuisine not only in Thailand but across our Southeast Asia network.”
NILA marks the latest addition to ONYX Hospitality Group’s diverse portfolio of hospitality brands, which alongside hotels and resorts, also includes the renowned Italian restaurant Prego. The company has also unveiled plans for branch expansion into prominent hotels and resorts across Southeast Asia, reaffirming its commitment to providing guests with unforgettable culinary experiences that celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
For more information or to make a reservation at Nila, please contact +66 2653 9000 or visit our website at www.amari.com/bangkok
In the past year, T-POP has grown exponentially and become more recognized internationally. One of them are the Latin Americas. They are a group of countries that has the largest music market and the preferred countries where Thai artists would like to perform.
It is obvious that to bring Thai music, including artists to global market involve many detailed operations and complications. It does not depend only on the artist’s talent alone, but also the timing and opportunities as well.
In Thailand, there are many promoters who are trying to take Thai music to global market. One of them is Mr.Sittiporn Huangkaewpray (Oat), Music Business Developer, the person who successfully took Thai artist and Thai music to global. He is one of the few people in Thailand who can bring Thai artist to perform in Latin America.
Due to the year 2023, 4MIX which a T-POP band who have a unique and distinct dance performance from other T-POP group, is very popular in Latin America countries currently. They had the opportunity to do solo concert in Mexico with the support of Thai Embassy in Mexico and had a chance to be interviewed by local media in Mexico which created a trend in Latin America countries, including U.S.A
From the trend in Mexico same year, 4MIX had the opportunity to performed at Washington, D.C supported by Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C
At the beginning of 2024, Mr.Oat had the opportunity to take Thai artist to perform in Washington D.C. again. For this time his objective is to spread Thai Modern Culture to the world. The artist combined between Pinn (Thai instrument) and EDM music presented by Ae BOTCASH, the talented DJ and producer that have his own unique identity.
At the end 0f 2024, Mr.Oat aiming to push Thai artist continuously. He is working on big project that will bring 4MIX to invade Latin America Market. For this time is touring concert and festival with 3 countries, such as Brazil, Mexico and Chile. It is solo concert of 4MIX all of 3 countries. We are collaborating with top 3 organizers in each country that aware of 4MIX talent so much.
This is just a small beginning of a big ambition of Sittiporn Huangkaewpray (Oat) who is still seeking for ways in other countries to bring Thai artist to global music market in their own styles, including to expanding the business of music industry, aiming to generating profit from oversea to Thailand. His expectation is not only about popularity of artist but including how to enhance music industry and showcasing the potential of the music industry is the most important objective of Mr.Oat.
Sittiporn Huangkaewpray said, “I want to combine music, art and Thai culture together in my own style and spread it to global such as 4MIX, they are known for outstanding performance and their branding also represent equality of everyone in the world. And Ae, artist, DJ and producer who is first Thai artist to combine Pinn (Thai instrument) and EDM music in his unique style. People overseas probably knows K-POP, J-POP, but T-POP is becoming more and more popular. So, I want people overseas to try open up to Thai music and creative thinking of Thai people in this industry including Thai instrument and Thai contemporary rhythm. I just want to be a small part to bring Thai artist to be recognized in a wider aspect.”
“The Latin America project enhanced the image of Thai artist, including people in the front and behind the scene, also promoting the image of Thailand to become more renowned. I have got a lot of problem when I took Thai artist to aboard. We have to study the market and culture of each country to completely organize a concert. The plan I made last year was to start by collaborating with Thai embassy in each country. After that I will approach to partner company because when we have support and advise from Thai embassy, its easier to work and also for safety reason. “
“In the past, overseas Fan club gave us a good hospitality. When I was there I’m felt so proud because I invested in my belief and in my team including the artists. I believe whole heartedly that if we have a chance to get there, according to the picture I have in mind, which I knew exactly how it is going to be or even if it doesn’t’t go to plan, I’ve prepared the solution.”
In the end when I saw a lot of fan club waiting for the artists, Its the best. It inspires me to further develop from this model. For the next project, I try see in wider perspective and proceed on my roadmap as planned. However, I will have backup plans thats prepared for every situation because now a days everything changing so fast.
I guarantee that in 2524 and more years to come, we will see T-POP artist make it big in Latin America market for sure. My ambition for Latin America and oversea project is I want the world to listen to Thai music and able to sing in Thai language. Moreover, I want to show the world that people in Thai music industry is as talented as the global artists and I want Pinn (Thai instrument) to be recognized worldwide.
At last. If I have the opportunity from government, the things that I want to do more is to have teams to research about music industry in each countries so we will have more insights to support our work and precisely identify our targets.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, United States Ambassador and Representative to the United Nations, holds to abstain her vote as the United Nations Security Council passed a cease-fire resolution in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, its first demand to halt fighting at U.N. headquarters, Monday, March 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations Security Council on Monday issued its first demand for a cease-fire in Gaza, with the U.S. angering Israel by abstaining from the vote. Israel responded by canceling a visit to Washington by a high-level delegation in the strongest public clash between the allies since the war began.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the U.S. of “retreating” from a “principled position” by allowing the vote to pass without conditioning the cease-fire on the release of hostages held by Hamas.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the administration was “kind of perplexed” by Netanyahu’s decision. He said the Israelis were “choosing to create a perception of daylight here when they don’t need to do that.”
Kirby and the American ambassador to the U.N. said the U.S. abstained because the resolution did not condemn Hamas. U.S. officials chose to abstain rather than veto the proposal “because it does fairly reflect our view that a cease-fire and the release of hostages come together,” Kirby said.
The 15-member council voted 14-0 to approve the resolution, which also demanded the release of all hostages taken captive during Hamas’ Oct. 7 surprise attack in southern Israel. The chamber broke into loud applause after the vote.
Gilad Erdan, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations, addresses the United Nations Security Council at U.N. headquarters, Monday, March 25, 2024, after a vote that passed a cease-fire resolution in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, its first demand to halt fighting. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
The U.S. vetoed past Security Council cease-fire resolutions in large part because of the failure to tie them directly to the release of hostages, the failure to condemn Hamas’ attacks and the delicacy of ongoing negotiations. American officials have argued that the cease-fire and hostage releases are linked, while Russia, China and many other council members favored unconditional calls for a cease-fire.
The resolution approved Monday demands the release of hostages but does not make it a condition for the cease-fire for the month of Ramadan, which ends in April.
Hamas said it welcomed the U.N.’s move but said the cease-fire needs to be permanent.
“We confirm our readiness to engage in an immediate prisoner exchange process that leads to the release of prisoners on both sides,” the group said. For months, the militants have sought a deal that includes a complete end to the conflict.
The U.S. decision to abstain comes at a time of growing tensions between President Joe Biden’s administration and Netanyahu over Israel’s prosecution of the war, the high number of civilian casualties and the limited amounts of humanitarian assistance reaching Gaza. The two countries have also clashed over Netanyahu’s rejection of a Palestinian state, Jewish settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the expansion of settlements there.
In addition, the well-known antagonism between Netanyahu and Biden — which dates from Biden’s tenure as vice president — deepened after Biden questioned Israel’s strategy in combating Hamas.
Then Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Biden ally, suggested that Netanyahu was not operating in Israel’s best interests and called for Israel to hold new elections. Biden signaled his approval of Schumer’s remarks, prompting a rebuke from Netanyahu.
During its U.S. visit, the Israeli delegation was to present White House officials with its plans for a possible ground invasion of Rafah, a city on the Egyptian border in southern Gaza where over 1 million Palestinian civilians have sought shelter from the war.
Last week, Netanyahu rebuffed a U.S. request to halt the planned Rafah invasion – vowing during a visit by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to act alone if necessary. Blinken warned that Israel could soon face growing international isolation, while Vice President Kamala Harris said Israel could soon face unspecified consequences if it launches the ground assault.
The Security Council vote came after Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-sponsored resolution Friday that would have supported “an immediate and sustained cease-fire” in the Israeli-Hamas conflict. That resolution featured a weakened link between a cease-fire and the release of hostages, leaving it open to interpretation, and no time limit.
Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations Riyad Mansour addresses United Nations Security Council at U.N. headquarters, Monday, March 25, 2024, after a vote that passed a cease-fire resolution in Gaza during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, its first demand to halt fighting. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
The United States warned that the resolution approved Monday could hurt negotiations to halt the hostilities, raising the possibility of another veto, this time by the Americans. The talks involve the U.S., Egypt and Qatar.
Because Ramadan ends April 9, the cease-fire demand would last for just two weeks, though the draft says the pause in fighting should lead to “a sustainable cease-fire.”
The U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the resolution “spoke out in support of the ongoing diplomatic efforts,” adding that negotiators were “getting closer” to a deal for a cease-fire with the release of all hostages, “but we’re not there yet.”
She urged the council and U.N. members across the world to “speak out and demand unequivocally that Hamas accepts the deal on the table.”
Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. abstained because “certain edits” the U.S. requested were ignored, including a condemnation of Hamas.
The resolution, put forward by the 10 elected council members, was backed by Russia and China and the 22-nation Arab Group at the United Nations.
Under the United Nations Charter, Security Council resolutions are legally binding on its 193 member nations, though they are often flouted.
Algeria’s U.N. ambassador, Amar Bendjama, the Arab representative on the council, thanked the council for “finally” demanding a cease-fire.
“We look forward to the commitment and the compliance of the Israeli occupying power with this resolution, for them to put an end to the bloodbath without any conditions, to end the suffering of the Palestinian people,” he said.
Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador, told the council that the vote “must be a turning point” that leads to saving lives in Gaza and ending the “assault of atrocities against our people.”
Shortly before Monday’s vote, the elected members changed the final draft resolution to drop the word “permanent” from its demand that a Ramadan cease-fire should lead to a “sustainable” halt in fighting apparently at the request of the United States.
Russia complained that dropping the word could allow Israel “to resume its military operation in the Gaza Strip at any moment” after Ramadan and proposed an amendment to restore it. That amendment was defeated because it failed to get the minimum nine “yes” votes — with three council members voting in favor, the United States voting against, and 11 countries abstaining.
Since the start of the war, the Security Council has adopted two resolutions on the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, but none has called for a cease-fire.
More than 32,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed during the fighting, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The agency does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count, but says women and children make up two-thirds of the dead.
Gaza also faces a dire humanitarian emergency. A report from an international authority on hunger warned last week that “famine is imminent” in northern Gaza and that escalation of the war could push half of the territory’s 2.3 million people to the brink of starvation.
The United States has vetoed three resolutions demanding a cease-fire in Gaza, the most recent an Arab-backed measure on Feb. 20. That resolution was supported by 13 council members with one abstention, reflecting the overwhelming support for a cease-fire.
Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-sponsored resolution in late October calling for humanitarian pauses in the fighting to deliver aid, the protection of civilians and a halt to arming Hamas. They said it did not reflect global calls for a cease-fire.
They again vetoed a U.S. resolution Friday, calling it ambiguous and saying it was not the direct demand to end the fighting that much of the world seeks.
That vote became another showdown involving world powers that are locked in tense disputes elsewhere, with the United States taking criticism for not being tough enough against its ally Israel, even as tensions between the two countries rise.
Thomas-Greenfield accused Russia and China on Monday of using the Gaza conflict “as a political cudgel, to try to divide this council at a time when we need to come together.”
Officials lured the monkeys with food to catch them.
LOPBURI – On Monday, more than 10 officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation conducted an attempt to capture monkeys in Lopburi town, particularly near Phra Prang Sam Yod and the old Malai Rama Cinema.
This was in response to the recent situation where some monkeys displayed aggressive behavior, took away food from local residents and caused several injuries. The operation was aimed at going from March 25 to 27, 2024, for a total of three days, with a goal of 50 monkeys.
Officials lured the monkeys with food to areas where they had previously been aggressive, such as the spot where a monkey snatched a woman’s bag of groceries on 6 March, causing her to fall and injure herself, and another spot on Ratchadamnoen Road opposite the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) where a monkey jumped on a car on 23 March, causing an accident.
After setting up the cage for a short time and using raw corn as bait, the officials captured the first five monkeys. They were all thin and seemed unafraid of the officers or the reporters. The officials will take all the captured monkeys to the Wildlife Rescue Center in Nakhon Nayok province for care and rehabilitation while they wait for the monkey park in Lopburi to be 100 percent completed.
Kittipong Liewpairoj, 39, a local resident and owner of the video footage showing the monkey snatching a woman’s bag of groceries, thanked officials from the relevant authorities for coming to address the situation. He said this is a good sign and he wants them to be consistent in their work.
“I don’t want them to just flaunt it like they have been doing for the past 10 years, which has resulted in more than half of the residents and shopkeepers moving away from the monkeys. I still love Lopburi and the monkeys, but I want to live happily with them and restore the well-being of the people of Lopburi,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Wildlife Compensation Fund Committee approved on March 23, 2024 the application of the criteria and methods to support and compensate wildlife-affected people, including monkey-affected people, in addition to elephants, bears and cucumbers.
All the captured monkeys to the Wildlife Rescue Center in Nakhon Nayok province for care and rehabilitation.
Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, announced the criteria for assistance and compensation to persons who have suffered loss of life, injury or disability. The details and compensation rates for those affected by wildlife are as follows:
1. In case of injury
(1) Disability, paralysis: Receive 100,000 baht. Loss of an arm, leg, or eyesight (blindness) in both eyes, or an arm, leg, and eyesight (blindness) in two places: Receive 100,000 baht. Loss of an arm, leg, or eyesight (blindness) in one eye: Receive 50,000 baht.
(2) General injuries: Receive the actual cost of treatment, up to 30,000 baht
(3) Loss of earnings during hospitalization: Up to 180 days from the date of the injury, as certified by a doctor: Receive up to 300 baht per day
2. In case of death
(1) Compensation: 100,000 baht
Those who have been injured or killed by monkeys or other wild animals can contact the local administrative office of the protected area and apply for compensation according to the prescribed criteria.
SUVARNABHUMI – On March 25, 2024, Customs officers working with the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF) identified a male passenger of Nigerian nationality traveling from Doha, Qatar to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand.
Sixty-nine cocaine lumps with a total weight of 1,390 grams and a value of 4,170,000 baht were found in Nigerian suspect’s body.
Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the suspect exhibited suspicious behavior and was subsequently subjected to a thorough check. Sixty-nine cocaine lumps with a total weight of 1,390 grams and a value of 4,170,000 baht were found in his body. The arresting officers documented the seizure and handed the suspect over to Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station for further prosecution.
Mr. Thirach Attanawanich, Director General of Customs, stated that in line with the government’s strict anti-drug policy, he has directed officials to step up their vigilance in monitoring all channels for drug smuggling.
As a result, during fiscal year 2024 (October 1, 2023–March 25, 2024), the Customs Department recorded 74 drug seizures totaling approximately 412.86 million baht. In comparison, there were 185 arrests totaling 1.17 billion baht in fiscal year 2023 (October 1, 2022–September 30, 2023).
Chinese tourists pose for a group photo at Ancient Siam in Samut Prakan, Thailand, March 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)
TAIYUAN – Just after bidding farewell to a group of Thai teachers visiting universities in Beijing, tour guide Yang Yaoyu rushed to Shanxi Province in north China to greet another group of Thai visitors.
The seasoned Thai-speaking tour guide can attest to a recent surge in enthusiasm among Thai tourists towards China, after a mutual visa exemption agreement between the two countries took effect on March 1.
“Previously, the peak of Thai tourists to China was in April after Songkran festival. However, my schedule is now fully booked from March 3 until the end of April,” Yang said.
Porntip Rojansunan, together with the other 20 Thai visitors in her group, is a beneficiary of the visa waiver. After flying directly from Bangkok to Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi, on March 9, the group commenced their five-day trip by visiting three UNESCO World Heritage sites in the province, namely, Mount Wutai, Yungang Grottoes, and the ancient city of Pingyao.
A technician with the Yungang Grottoes Research Institute maintains a piece of relics at the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, north China’s Shanxi Province, May 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan)
“Before, I was only familiar with Chinese destinations like Beijing and Shanghai. Since coming to Shanxi, I must say how impressed I am by the profound history and rich culture here. I will undoubtedly encourage my friends and relatives to come to experience the charm of Shanxi themselves,” Porntip said.
The visa-free policy has boosted cultural exchanges between the Chinese and Thai people, and more and more Thai tourists are considering China as their first choice destination for overseas travel.
Data from China’s major online travel agency Trip.com showed that on March 1, the number of Chinese tourists to Thailand increased by more than 30 percent year on year, while travel orders from Thailand to China surged by threefold year on year, an increase of more than 160 percent compared with 2019.
Tourists take photos at the Wat Arun in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)
China and Thailand are important tourist destinations and sources for each other, and the implementation of the mutual visa exemption holds significantly positive implications for the growth of the tourism sectors in both nations, said Qin Jing, vice president of Trip.com Group. The Chinese side can provide Thai tourists with more personalized options spanning culture, folk custom, and snow-and-ice activities, among others, Qin added.
China is persistent in its facilitation of entry for foreign nationals, promising to make itself a preferred destination for international travelers. Since the mutual visa exemption policy between China and Thailand came into effect, the number of countries that have such entry policy with China has increased to 23, including Singapore, the Maldives, and the United Arab Emirates.
In addition, China has adopted a visa-free policy for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg on a trial basis, starting March 14. This series of measures is regarded by industry insiders as a positive signal that is conducive to promoting global economy and trade and accelerating personnel exchanges.
“The recently concluded sessions of China’s top legislature and top political advisory body, or the ‘two sessions,’ also mentioned that the country will facilitate foreign nationals to work, study, and travel within China. This indicates that the fundamentals of China’s unwavering commitment to opening up remain constant,” said Zhang Wei, secretary general of the inbound tourism branch of China Association of Travel Services.
Myanmar’s trucks carrying aid leave from the customs checkpoint near the border with Myanmar, in Mae Sot, Tak province Thailand Monday, March 25, 2024. Thailand delivered its first batch of humanitarian aid to war-torn Myanmar sending ten trucks over the border from the northern province of Tak in what they hope will be a continuing effort to ease the plight of millions of people displaced by fighting. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
MAE SOT, Thailand (AP) — Thailand delivered its first batch of humanitarian aid to war-torn Myanmar on Monday, in what officials hope will be a continuing effort to ease the plight of millions of people displaced by fighting.
But critics charge that the aid will benefit only people in areas under the Myanmar military’s control, providing it with a propaganda boost while leaving the vast majority of displaced people in contested areas without access to assistance.
Myanmar is wracked by a nationwide armed conflict that began after the army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021 and suppressed widespread nonviolent protests that sought a return to democratic rule. The fighting has displaced millions of people and battered the economy.
Thailand sent ten trucks over the border from the northern province of Tak, carrying some 4,000 packages of aid to three towns in Kayin State, also known as Karen State, where it will be distributed to approximately 20,000 displaced people.
Myanmar’s trucks carrying aid leave from the customs checkpoint near the border with Myanmar, in Mae Sot, Tak province Thailand Monday, March 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
The parcels contained aid worth around 5 million baht ($138,000), mostly food, instant beverages and other basic items such as toiletries.
More than 2.8 million people in Myanmar are displaced, according to U.N. agencies, most by fighting that arose after the army’s takeover. They say 18.6 million people, including 6 million children, require humanitarian aid.
Carl Skau, Chief Operating Officer of the U.N.’s World Food Programme, said earlier this month that one in four of the displaced is at risk of acute food insecurity.
The initiative for what has been called a humanitarian corridor is being carried out by the Thai Red Cross, with funding from Thailand’s Foreign Ministry and logistical support from the army, which traditionally has played a major role in border activities.
Officials from Thailand and Myanmar’s Kayin State attended a send-off ceremony, which was presided over by Thai Vice Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. Myanmar’s Red Cross will handle distribution of the aid.
Drivers from Myanmar took the trucks across the 2nd Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, which crosses the Moei River on the border.
“That corridor puts humanitarian aid into the hands of the junta because it goes into the hands of the junta-controlled Myanmar Red Cross,” Tom Andrews, the U.N. independent human rights expert on Myanmar, said last week.
A camp for internally displaced people in Myanmar is seen across the Moei river from Mae Sot, Tak province Thailand Monday, March 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
“So we know that the junta takes these resources, including humanitarian, and weaponizes them, uses them for their own military strategic advantage. The fact of the matter is, is that the reason that humanitarian aid is in such desperate need is precisely because of the junta.”
Andrews said the areas in desperate need are “conflict areas in which the junta has absolutely no influence or control whatsoever. So those are the areas we need to focus on.”
Large areas of the country, especially frontier areas, are now contested or controlled by anti-military resistance forces, including pro-democracy fighters allied with armed ethnic minority organizations that have been fighting for greater autonomy for decades.
Thai officials say the process of distribution will be monitored by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management to ensure it reaches people fairly and equally.
Vice Foreign Minister Sihasak said after the ceremony that the aid is expected to be delivered to the three towns the same day, and that Myanmar will send photos as proof it has been delivered.
“I would like to emphasize that this is truly humanitarian aid and not related to the politics or conflicts in Myanmar. I think, now, people should think about the interests of the Myanmar people as a priority,” he said. “Of course, if the initiative today is carried out smoothly, and meets the objectives that we set, Thailand as a neighbor will see how we can expand the help to other areas.”
The humanitarian corridor project was initiated by Thailand with support from Myanmar and other fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations during an ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat in Laos in January.
A camp for internally displaced people in Myanmar is seen across the Moei river from Mae Sot, Tak province Thailand Monday, March 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara had said ASEAN needs to actively push to implement what it calls the Five-Points Consensus, which it agreed to just a few months after the army’s 2021 takeover.
The agreement called for an immediate end to violence, dialogue among all concerned parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, provision of humanitarian aid through ASEAN channels, and a visit to Myanmar by the special envoy to meet all concerned parties.
But Myanmar’s generals, despite initially assenting to the consensus, failed to act on it, leaving ASEAN looking powerless.
Dulyapak Preecharush, a professor of Southeast Asia Studies at Bangkok’s Thammasat University, said the aid initiative is a good start for Thailand, which has been quiet and inactive” about Myanmar.
“The readiness of Thailand to deliver the aid is not an issue, but when the aid is delivered to Myanmar, it will face obstacles from violent fighting and different stakeholders who will have their gains and losses.”
Sihasak said Thailand hopes the aid will be distributed equally and transparently, and that the delivery of the aid will help create a “good atmosphere” that will contribute to the peace process in Myanmar.
CP Foods Leads Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Drive; 584 Products Achieving Carbon Footprint Labels in 1Q/24
– CP Foods is dedicated to introducing lower-carbon food products to the market, catering to consumers who are concerned about the impacts of global warming and climate change.
– In the first quarter of 2024, 584 products received Carbon Footprints Certificates mainly 523 animal feed products, including swine, chicken feed, and corn used as raw materials.
-40 shrimp products spanning from shrimp feed, fresh shrimp, probiotic microorganisms, and shrimp wonton soup also received Carbon Footprint certification
Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods), a leading food products company, has achieved Carbon Footprint of Product (CFP) certification for its 584 products in the first quarter of this year, granted by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO). This underscores the company’s dedication to producing low-carbon products (CP Low-carbon Products) and involving consumers in collective efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Among the 584 certified products, CP Foods focuses on livestock feed products, totalling 523 items, including swine feed (HiGro 591), chicken feed (HiProWhite 510), and feed corn. Additionally, 40 items in the shrimp supply chain have received the carbon footprint label, comprising shrimp feed, fresh shrimp, probiotic microorganisms, and shrimp wonton soup. Furthermore, 20 items of duck products have been certified, including Hong Kong-style spiced roast duck and fried bone-in duck. A ready-to-eat chicken product under the Kitchen Joy brand has also received this label.
The Carbon Footprint certification measures the greenhouse gas emissions of a product throughout its lifecycle stages, from raw material sourcing to packaging waste management and transportation. Committed to achieving net zero emissions, CP Foods collaborates with value chain partners to offer more low-emission food choices for environmentally conscious consumers. This commitment is evident through the packaging’s Carbon Footprint, Carbon Footprint Reduction, and Carbon Neutral labels.
Since 2009, CP Foods has prioritized the development of low-carbon products, evaluating their carbon footprints in compliance with ISO 14040, ISO 14044, and ISO 14067 standards.
Currently, 880 CP Foods products have received the Carbon Footprint label, with plans to expand certification to include processed pork products under the U Farm brand in 2024, following Fresh Pork and Kurobuta Pork, which have previously received Carbon Footprint certification. Furthermore, the company intends to certify additional ready-to-eat products with the Carbon Footprint label this year.
Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the suspect exhibited suspicious behavior and was subsequently subjected to a thorough check. Sixty-nine cocaine lumps with a total weight of 1,390 grams and a value of 4,170,000 baht were found in his body. The arresting officers documented the seizure and handed the suspect over to Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station for further prosecution.
