Wang Thong Lang police arrested a 48-year-old Hong Kong man for selling drugs at the S2O Songkran Music Festival 2024 at Life Park, Bangkok, on April 15, 2024.
BANGKOK – Wang Thong Lang police arrested Mr. To Wai-Kil, a 48-year-old Hong Kong national, for concealing a large amount of ketamine and “Happy Water” drugs on April 15 and bringing them to S2O Songkran Music Festival 2024 at Life Park, Bang Kapi Subdistrict, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok.
At the time, Wang Thong Lang police officers, K-9 dog handlers and security personnel worked together to ensure the safety of the event. They conducted strict drug checks, screened people and prohibited items, and banned people under the age of 20 from entering. Over 200 officers were deployed to ensure security and prevent incidents.
Wang Thong Lang police officers, K-9 dog handlers and security personnel worked together to ensure the safety of the event.
At around 9.30 p.m., security forces discovered a suspicious foreign man who was apparently hiding illegal items in his body and handing out red and black envelopes to other visitors. They alerted the police, who carried out a search.
With the help of a Chinese interpreter, police found five red and black envelopes containing 67.459 grams of Happy Water (category 1 narcotic) hidden in Mr. To’s backpack, as well as 1.542 grams of ketamine (category 2 psychoactive substance) hidden in his pants pocket.
Wang Thong Lang’s investigators then searched the Hong Kong suspect’s hotel room in Rachada, Bangkok, and found three more black envelopes containing Happy Water: 4.089 grams, 4.099 grams and 3.468 grams respectively. All three envelopes were labeled “SIMMPLE” and were found on the dining table.
They also found 0.495 grams of ketamine and eight blue and white resealable plastic bags on the dining room table containing a total of over 80 grams of Happy Water and over 3 grams of ketamine.
On April 16, the police charged him with unlawful possession of category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine), unlawful possession of category 1 narcotics (happy water), and unlawful possession of category 2 psychoactive substances (ketamine). They took him to Wang Thong Lang Police Station for further investigation.
Khao Chae is currently offered at Benjarong Restaurant in Baan Dusit Thani.
BANGKOK – As April rolls around in Thailand, the temperature rises, marking the onset of scorching heat. Amidst this sweltering climate. The air thrums with the joyous Scent of Songkran, the water festival. Jasmine wafts from offerings at glistening Buddha statues, mingling with the playful perfume of fragrant water fights.
However, when conversations veer towards food that complements the Songkran theme and embodies the refreshing essence of summer, one dish invariably takes the spotlight is ‘Khao Chae’
Khao Chae, meaning “soaked rice,” is a royal recipe traditionally enjoyed during the scorching summer months. This dish features fluffy jasmine rice, cooked and then soaked in cool, fragrant flower water. Jasmine flowers, roses, and ylang-ylang, delicately smoked with candlelight, infuse the water with their intoxicating aroma. The result is a refreshing and visually stunning base for a symphony of flavors.
Baan Dusit Thani
Khao Chae’s journey from local Mon cuisine to a royal favorite is fascinating. Originally used in offerings during Songkran, the dish gained wider popularity thanks to Chao Chom Manda Sonklin, a woman of Mon descent who introduced it to the royal court. Since then Khao Chae had transcended palace walls and become a cherished summer tradition.
Today, anyone can indulge in this exquisite dish without needing royal connections. At Benjarong Restaurant in Baan Dusit Thani, you have the opportunity to savor Khao Chae prepared according to a 50-year-old royal recipe. Alongside the fragrant rice, you’ll be treated to a dazzling assortment of side dishes, each showcasing culinary mastery.
Bell peppers are generously stuffed with a savory mixture of shrimp and minced pork. Shallots are filled with tender spotted eagle ray, offering a unique and delightful flavor. Deep-fried shrimp paste balls, crafted with the finest Ranong shrimp paste, provide a tantalizing burst of taste.
Khao Chae is currently offered at Benjarong Restaurant in Baan Dusit Thani
Complementing these savory delights are sweet radish, tender shreds of beef or pork, and crispy herbs, offering a delightful interplay of textures and flavors. The culinary journey culminates in a sweet fish fillet, delicately pounded until fluffy and stir-fried with creamy coconut milk and sugar, resulting in a delectably sticky finish.
Diners can savor this sumptuous feast throughout April, immersing themselves in the rich flavors of Thai cuisine. Conveniently located near Saladaeng BTS Station and Silom MRT Station, Benjarong Restaurant is easily accessible for culinary enthusiasts eager to embark on a gastronomic adventure.
Priced at 990++ baht per set, suitable for 1-2 people, this culinary masterpiece is available exclusively from today until April 30, 2024. With opening hours from 11:00 to 14:30 and 17:30 to 22:00 daily, there’s ample opportunity to experience this culinary journey unlike any other.
Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Finance Minister, gave a special interview to the media near the beach in Hua Hun.
HUA HIN – During a break on Songkran holidays in Hua Hin, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin gave a special interview to the media in a relaxed atmosphere by the sea. However, the content was full of strong political issues.
Starting with rumors about cabinet reshuffling, he confirmed that if there were to be changes, discussions would be necessary as it’s a matter of mutual respect and would involve multiple parties, such as the Secretary-General of the Prime Minister, the leader of the coalition party, and the leader of the Pheu Thai Party. After the Songkran holiday, discussions will take place immediately.
He also spoke about the work done in the last 7 months and noted that many problems have not been solved satisfactorily. For example, the prices of agricultural products, which are better but could still be improved; the Customs Department, one of the three main tax departments, only collects about 1 trillion annually, which is about 3 percent of the country’s income and is considered low.
Prime Minister Srettha Tavisin spoke about the work done in the last 7 months and noted that many problems have not been solved satisfactorily.
“I’ve often said that the Customs Department is the most corrupt and collects only 3% of tax revenue, which is suspicious. It’s therefore necessary to develop the Customs Department so that it’s pure and really helpful to the people in different dimensions and the problem of import taxes that lead to leakages and make domestic tax collection less effective.”
The Prime Minister also spoke about tourism, stating that tourist numbers have increased by 140 percent since 12 April 2024 compared to normal times, which is excellent. He is confident that the number of tourists in Thailand will reach 39.4 million this year, due to the free visa markets, the easing of checks on tourists and the resolution of problems with unlicensed tour guides and cab drivers.
The Prime Minister admitted that he had to make a big adjustment when he went from being a businessman to a politician. As CEO of a company, he had to consider four main pillars: Customers, shareholders, employees and society. As a company executive, he received the full support of the board and shareholders.
However, as a politician and Prime Minister with a coalition government of 141 votes out of 500 and with various collaborators, including the public, the media and the institutions, there is a need for discussion and explanation.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin walks along the beach with his daughter during the Songkran holiday on April 14, 2024.
“I use the term ‘partnership’ to assist the people. Each party and each member has different promises to the people. Therefore, budget management slows down some projects.”
Srettha confirmed that he has no conflicting interests. His personal life is settled, his family is happy, and he has a suitable job. He has many friends in business and now has many friends in politics.
“When I announced my commitment and told my friends about the problems that would hinder the improvement of people’s lives, I said: if my friends act against the public interest, I’m prepared to lose them. So I’m confident that in another three and a half years there will be fewer friends but a better life for the people, I’m ready,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
When asked about the opposition’s work, the Prime Minister said that the opposition had done its job well. He said that if the government was not doing anything right, it was ready to reconsider. He said that he was trying to differentiate and look beyond exaggerated political games and focus on useful advice for the people in the time available.
BANGKOK – Police officers at Bangkok’s Lumpini Police Station were informed of the incident at 1:00 a.m. on April 15 that a man had fallen from a room at a hotel in Soi Sukhumvit 2, Khlong Toei District, and died. The officers rushed to the scene to investigate the incident.
Coroners and medical examiners at Chulalongkorn Hospital determined that the deceased was a 54-year-old Japanese man named Ito. His body fell and hit the roof and windshield of a Toyota with Sa Kaeo license plate, denting the roof and breaking the windshield.
Initial investigations revealed that the deceased had been alone in the hotel. Before the incident at 00:45, the deceased went to the fire escape on the 7th floor and jumped down.
No signs of forced entry were found during the search of the hotel room. It is assumed that the deceased jumped to his death. Officials therefore instructed the rescue team to take the body to Chulalongkorn Hospital for an autopsy to determine the cause of death in accordance with the law.
At the same time, the officials contact the Japanese embassy in Thailand to inform the family of the deceased about the incident, arrange for the body to be collected and cover the cost of repairing the vehicle.
Hong Kong actor Tony Leung, right, reacts online after winning the Best Actor Award for the movie "The Goldfinger" as his wife and actress Carina Lau, right, addresses the audience at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards in Hong Kong, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)
HONG KONG – Tony Leung Chiu-wai won his sixth Best Actor award at the Hong Kong Film Awards for his role as a flamboyant con man in the crime thriller The Goldfinger. The film won the most awards at the ceremony on Sunday.
His wife, Karina Lau Kar-Ling, came up to accept the award instead, while Leung reacted online to his winning the Best Actor Award for the movie.
Nopawat Likitwong, a Thai filmmaker born and raised in Bangkok, also won the Best Sound Design Award for The Goldfinger, which is based on the story of Carrian Group, a Hong Kong corporation that rose rapidly before collapsing shortly afterwards due to a corruption scandal.
“I’d like to share this award with Poolpetch Hatthakitkosol.” May you get better and more in charge in other respects. Thank you so much for your determination, and thank you to the entire One Cool team,” Nopawat wrote on his Facebook page.
Nopawat Likitwong reacts after winning the Best Sound Design Award for the movie “The Goldfinger” at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards in Hong Kong, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)
According to CCCL Film Festival, Nopawat graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the Faculty of Fine Art, Rangsit University. He currently works as a sound designer and audio post-production manager at One Cool Sound Studio.
The 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards, resented by the Hong Kong Film Awards Association, took place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui on April 14, 2024. The Best Film award went surprisingly to A Guilty Conscience.
A Guilty Conscience, produced by Edko Films, is the highest-earning Hong Kong film of all time, grossing approximately $15 million. It portrays the story of a lawyer attempting to liberate a client jailed due to his own incompetence, who must face one of Hong Kong’s most influential business families.
Cast of the movie “A Guilty Conscience” react after winning the Best Film Award at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards in Hong Kong, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)Hong Kong actress Rachel Leung reacts after winning the Best Supporting Actress Award for the movie “In Broad Daylight” at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards in Hong Kong, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)Hong Kong actress Jennifer Yu reacts after winning the Best Actress Award for the movie “In Broad Daylight” at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards in Hong Kong, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)Hong Kong actor David Chiang reacts after winning the Best Supporting Actor Award for the movie “In Broad Daylight” at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards in Hong Kong, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)Hong Kong film costume manager Tong Ping reacts after winning the Professional Achievement Award at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards in Hong Kong, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)
Mad Fate, a mystery thriller that premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2023, won numerous awards, including best director for Soi Cheang and best screenplay for Yau Nai Hoi and Melvin Li.
Broad Daylight, about a reporter who uncovers episodes of abuse in a care home, won three acting prizes for Jennifer Yu, Rachel Leung, and David Chiang.
Taiwanese criminal drama “The Pig, The Snake, And The Pigeon,” a sleeper sensation in China, received the prize for best Asian Chinese-language film.
Hong Kong actor Sammo Hung reacts after winning the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards in Hong Kong, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)
List Of Winners Hong Kong Film Awards 2024:
Best Film: A Guilty Conscience Best Director: Soi Cheang – Mad Fate Best Screenplay: Yau Nai Hoi, Melvin Li – Mad Fate Best Actor: Tony Leung – The Goldfinger Best Actress: Jennifer Yu – In Broad Daylight Best Supporting Actor: David Chiang – In Broad Daylight Best Supporting Actress: Rachel Leung – In Broad Daylight Best New Performer: Yoyo Tse – Fly Me To The Moon Best New Director: Nick Cheuk – Time Still Turns The Pages Best Cinematography: Anthony Pun – The Goldfinger Best Film Editing: Allen Leung, David Richardson – Mad Fate Best Art Direction: Eric Lam – The Goldfinger Best Costume and Makeup Design: Man Lim Chung – The Goldfinger Best Action Choreography: Tung Wai – Bursting Point Best Original Film Score: Teddy Robin, Day Tai – Band Four Best Original Film Song: A Lyricist Wannabe – The Lyricist Wannabe Composer and vocal artist: Tse Nga Yi Lyricist: Wong Yee Lam Best Sound Design: Nopawat Likitwong – The Goldfinger Best Visual Effects: Lik Wong, Benson Poon – The Goldfinger
Best Asian Chinese Language Film: The Pig, The Snake, And The Pigeon Lifetime Achievement Award: Sammo Hung Professional Achievement Award: Tong Ping
Songkran revelers put powder on PM Srettha Thavisin during the Songkran festival in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan province on April 13, 2024.
The stature of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was further undermined this week by the “rumor” of an imminent Cabinet reshuffle next week spreading from his own Pheu Thai Party sources, only to see Srettha denying yesterday that a reshuffle will take place in the coming days.
The reshuffle rumor was very detailed and widely reported by the local media. It includes the removal of Defense Minister Suthin Klangsaeng, to be replaced by Srettha himself, and cutting short Cholnan Srikaew’s tenure as Public Health Minister. Both are very senior Pheu Thai Party figures with Cholnan, himself a former party leader.
Despite Srettha denial on Saturday, Defense Minister Suthin told the media he is preparing himself for such a possibility, adding that Cabinet reshuffle is a frequent occurrence in Thai politics.
To make the matter worse, some reporters even asked ex-convict-cum-ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday about the reshuffle rumor, to which Thaksin, to his credit, declines to comment.
What is happening then?
We know that in a way Srettha, formerly a real estate tycoon, is a party outsider, only brought in not long before the May 2023 General Elections as the most palatable PM candidate from the Pheu Thai Party in hope of appeasing the conservative elites. Srettha has no history of being critical of the monarchy and appears non-threatening to the conservative elites as the party vows not to touch the controversial lese majeste law or introduce any significant reform of the military.
The reshuffle rumor could thus be read at least three ways.
First, it is just a rumor spread by some daydreaming Pheu Thai sources. Second, it is a power struggle within the Pheu Thai Party with some spreading false reshuffle plans in order to see how Srettha would react. This is understandable given that Pheu Thai is a large party with factions. Third, someone else more powerful than Srettha is intentionally using a Pheu Thai source to float the reshuffle idea publicly in a clear attempt to undermine Srettha’s stature – part of the process of eventually replace him with Thaksin’s daughter, Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
How long will Srettha survive his own party as PM depends chiefly on whether he can prove himself to be an effective PM. Thaksin, the real master of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, has recently told party cadres during its annual general meeting via video conference that his daughter can become an even better leader than him due to the DNAs from him and his ex-wife. (While this writer is not convinced, that is not the topic of this column.)
Interestingly enough, Srettha did not attend the AGM at the party headquarters on that day. It should be taken as a clear sign that Srettha has limited time in his hands, especially if he does not quickly deliver on the economic front.
The controversial 10,000 baht digital wallet handouts scheme will only be rolled out in the last quarter of this year and Srettha himself admits the positive impact will only be noticeable in the first quarter of next year. For Thai politics, that is a long time from now and if the scheme failed to noticeably have a positive impact on the Thai economy, his political survival may be severely at risk.
Being a major real estate tycoon means Srettha may not enjoy being a puppet of anyone. He seems to be enjoying his seven months as a globe-trotting PM and likely would not mind completing his four-year term. Srettha even recently vows to lead the party to victory in the next general elections although no one is talking about the next general elections at this point.
Some in the party, and above the Pheu Thai Party, may be interested in talking about who is the next PM, particularly if Srettha fails to deliver tangible results in the coming months. Already, tackling PM2.5 particles in Chiang Mai, the North, and Bangkok, has been a failure for PM Srettha so far as Chiang Mai became of the most air-polluted major city in the world on many days over the past month.
Leverkusen's head coach Xabi Alonso , centre, is sprayed with beer after Bayer Leverkusen won the German Bundesliga title beating Werder Bremen in Leverkusen, Germany, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AP) — The road leading to Bayer Leverkusen’s stadium has a new name. It’s Xabi Alonso Avenue, at least to the fans.
It was here that they lined the road to greet the most in-demand coach in world soccer and his team on their bus ahead of the triumphant 5-0 rout of Werder Bremen on Sunday that sealed Leverkusen’s first Bundesliga title.
“The way to the stadium was unbelievable. You can feel that the fans were totally ready, totally convinced that we will do it,” Alonso said.
Leverkusen fans celebrate after Bayer Leverkusen won the German Bundesliga title beating Werder Bremen in Leverkusen, Germany, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
After getting through a crowd celebrating as if Leverkusen had already won, Alonso’s task was to manage his squad’s emotions. “We spoke in the locker room that we have to transform this energy into positive energy.”
The renaming isn’t official — not yet, anyway. For now, it’s just a matter of a fan’s sticker over the sign on what’s still officially the Bismarckstrasse. But if Alonso can finish the season with the German Cup and Europa League, who knows? All that in his first job in a senior head coach role.
Alonso commands instant respect in the locker room as a Champions League and World Cup-winning player who worked with almost all of the biggest names in coaching. He’s given a group of players with very different career trajectories the self-belief to take on Bayern and the tactics to take the champion apart.
Alonso refused to talk about the title for months, even after beating Bayern 3-0 in February to open up a lead which only got larger. “We didn’t speak too much about the title in our locker room, but we all had it in our head,” he said Sunday.
Leverkusen’s fans raise a mock champions trophy as they celebrate winning the German championship on the pitch after the Bundesliga soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (Federico Gambarini/dpa via AP)
Before sealing the Bundesliga title, Leverkusen had already won another big victory over Bayern and Liverpool last month when Alonso said he would stay for next season despite interest from two of the biggest clubs around. A possible vacancy in a year’s time at Real Madrid may prove tempting, too.
Bayern’s new sporting director Max Eberl singled out Alonso for praise, while also vowing to hit back on the field next season.
“Special congratulations to Xabi Alonso, his coaching staff and the whole team,” Eberl said in a statement. “Your football has thrilled the Bundesliga. FC Bayern’s streak has been snapped, but we will now put everything toward getting on the attack again.”
After Leverkusen stretched its German record unbeaten run to 43 games across all competitions this season, Alonso said he’d give the team Sunday and Monday to celebrate before the hard work begins again. On Thursday comes a trip to London as Leverkusen aims to hold onto its 2-0 lead from the Europa League quarterfinals first leg against West Ham
Leverkusen’s head coach Xabi Alonso holds a replica of the Bundesliga trophy as he celebrates with his team on tribune after taking the Bundesliga title with a 5-0 win against Werder Bremen in Leverkusen, Germany, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
There’s a German Cup final to win on May 25 — against second-division Kaiserslautern. And the small matter of Borussia Dortmund next week in the Bundesliga, one of five games separating Leverkusen from the league’s first-ever unbeaten season.
For now, Alonso is enjoying his success, and the team spirit which has led him and Leverkusen to this point.
“When I feel that the team is behind me, the feeling that they want to believe, it’s much easier,” Alonso said in a mix of German and English, shortly before his players burst into his news conference to shower him with beer.
“That was my great enjoyment, that I had the feeling that the team was really committed, and once you have that it’s much easier. I don’t know what it will mean for the future, but at the moment it feels pretty great.”
The rescuers transported the body down from the mountain's top in Pattaya on April 2024.
PATTAYA – Police officers from Pattaya City Police Station and rescuers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation proceeded to investigate the body of a foreign man found on Big Buddha Mountain, Ban Ko Lan, Village No. 7, Na Kluea Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
The finding was made at the summit of Big Buddha Mountain, which is 230 metres above sea level. The body is Mr. Gnanamurthy, a 31-year-old Indian national. A rope was put around his neck and tied to a tree. The officers investigated the body and found no signs of mistreatment.
Ms. Koi, 36, who runs a motorcycle rental service, stated that the Indian man had been in Pattaya for two months. He rented her motorcycle and borrowed money from her. He informed her that his father was a police officer in India. Before the tragedy happened, Mr. Gnanamurthy called his father to ask for money that he had borrowed. Because he still owes vehicle rental expenses.
The rescuers pointed at the tree where the Indian body was found.
“He showed me his texts to his family.” He threatened to commit suicide if his father did not return the money. “At first, I thought he was just threatening,” Ms. Koi explained.
Initially, the police turned over the body to rescue workers, who transported it to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police Hospital for an autopsy. They also coordinated with the Indian embassy. Regarding the cause of death, the police concluded that, after reviewing numerous pieces of evidence, the man didn’t have any money, which caused stress until the end of his life.
Three women place flowers as a tribute near a crime scene at Bondi Junction in Sydney, Sunday, April 14, 2024, after several people were stabbed to death at a shopping center Saturday. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
SYDNEY (AP) — A police officer and several bystanders are being hailed for running “towards danger” to confront the attacker who stabbed and killed six people at a suburban Sydney shopping center.
The shopping mall, one of the country’s busiest and near the world-famous Bondi Beach, was a hub of activity on Saturday afternoon when 40-year-old Joel Cauchi used a knife to kill five women and one man. He also injured at least a dozen others, including a 9-month-old baby whose mother died during the attack, before a police officer shot him dead.
New South Wales Police confirmed Sunday Cauchi had a history of mental illness and investigators weren’t treating the attack as terrorism-related.
Emergency officers stand by with stretchers outside Westfield Shopping Centre where multiple people were stabbed in Sydney, Saturday, April 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
The number would have been far higher, according to NSW Premier Chris Minns who on Sunday praised “the ordinary members of the public that cornered and confronted a murderer in the Westfield Shopping Centre, showing what I would call instinctive bravery under terrible circumstances.”
Talking to reporters while standing outside the shopping mall, Minns underscored the role played by Inspector Amy Scott — the first emergency responder on the scene — who shot and killed Cauchi and has since been widely lauded as a hero.
Inspector Amy Scott
“(Scott)… ran towards danger and showed professionalism and bravery and without a shadow of a doubt, saved many, many lives in the last 24 hours,” he said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also praised Scott in a press conference in Canberra: “The wonderful inspector who ran into danger by herself and removed the threat that was there to others, without thinking about the risks to herself,” he said.
He commended “ordinary Australians putting themselves in harm’s way in order to help their fellow citizens. That bravery was quite extraordinary that we saw yesterday.”
People are led out from Westfield Shopping Centre where multiple people were stabbed in Sydney, Saturday, April 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
Video footage shared online showed many people fleeing, some carrying their children as they escaped while a knife-wielding Cauchi ran erratically through the shopping center, lunging at people.
Other footage showed a bystander holding what appeared to be a metal pole to hold off Cauchi who was coming up an escalator at the time.
Hundreds of floral tributes and messages for the victims had been laid outside the closed shopping mall on Sunday, which police said would remain an active crime scene for days if not weeks.
The Central Group website published details of Kadewe department stores in Germany that it has already bought.
BANGKOK – The Central Group has published highlights of its business as it has already acquired the business of KaDeWe Group from the insolvent Austrian company Signa. Its website stated that a luxury department store group in Europe under Central Group consists of KaDeWe in Berlin, Alsterhaus in Hamburg, and Oberpollinger in Munich, Germany.
“KaDeWehas more than50,000visitors per day, Alsterhaushas more than 15,000visitors per day, and Oberpollingerhas more than30,000visitors per day,” it stated.
The big business of Thai group did not confirm the purchase price. But Germany’s Handelsblatt newspaper put the figure at about €1 billion ($1.07 billion), while Reuters news agency reported that the Thai retailer already holds a 50.1% majority stake in the group.
Reuters also reported that Signa, the property empire founded by tycoon Rene Benko, has been one of the biggest casualties of Europe’s real estate crisis, with creditors filing claims worth billions of euros.
KaDeWe
The group’s holding company, which sits at the centre of a web of hundreds of firms, has declared insolvency, as have its two most important units, Signa Prime and Signa Development.
According to the Central Group, KaDeWe in Berlin was also amongst the top 3 in the world with the third place in the category “World’s Best Team at a Department Store”, awarded to the Wine & Spirits Team of KaDeWe by IGDS.
KaDeWe Group department stores under Central Group will expand their empire and presence in Europe with a launch of the very first luxury department store in Vienna, ‘LAMARR’, connected to Thompson Vienna Hotel in Austria. The second upcoming project is ‘Carsch Haus’ in Dusseldorf, Germany. The 2 new projects are scheduled to unveil in 2025.
“The acquisition of the KaDeWe building is the first important milestone for us in the attempt to restore and restructure the KaDeWe Group operating company towards a sustainable, financially viable business,” said Vittorio Radice, board member of Central Group Europe, in a statement.
In 2023, Central Group has taken over Selfridges department stores as Signa faces an investor revolt.
AP PHOTO
The deal, reportedly worth 4 billion pounds ($5.4 billion), adds to Central’s collection of posh retailers that includes Rinascente in Italy, Illum in Denmark, Switzerland’s Globus and The KaDeWe Group in Germany.
Selfridges was founded in 1908 by Harry Gordon Selfridge and is controlled by the billionaire Weston family of Canada. The group owns 18 department stores including a historic property in London’s Oxford Street shopping district.
Central is the retail flagship of the Thai billionaire Chirathivat family. Selfridges is a nice trophy as it expands globally from its base in Thailand, where the retailing conglomerate owns many department stores and malls.
