From Palanquin to Golf Cart: Chula Royal Emblem Politicised

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2 April 2024, 21:18

chula3 — Thai actress Aff Taksaorn (left), then a Chulalongkorn student, was chosen to carry the emblem in the traditional Phra Kiew parade. This year, 2024, the procession was instead transported by golf cart.

BANGKOK – The 75th Chula-Thammasat football tradition, which took place on Sunday sparked a fierce political debate in Thailand. The controversy was not about the football match itself but about the procession of the royal coat of arms, the “Phra Kiew”, on the side of the Chula.

The Phra Kiew is an ornament worn as a decoration on the head or hair of a king’s child. It is the royal insignia of King Chulalongkorn.

Traditionally, the Phra Kiew was carried on a palanquin by male students. This year, however, it was transported on the back of a golf cart, a marked departure from the past. This change met with widespread criticism in conservative circles, including from M.C. Julajerm Yukol, who expressed his dismay as “depressing” and questioned whether this was disrespectful to the royal emblem.

Dr. Wiphu Kamnueddee, an Associate Professor at Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, went further, stating on Facebook that he would not accept graduates from Chulalongkorn University’s medical school who participated in this year’s procession.

chula2 — Traditionally, the Phra Kiew was carried on a palanquin by male students.

Phramongkutklao College of Medicine’s PR Office issued an apology late on Tuesday after this Associate Professor from its college posted on Facebook Monday, saying that the college had ordered him to delete that post, because it was not the college’s policy.

Critics argued that the use of a golf cart to transport the Phra Kiew was inappropriate and showed a lack of taste. They emphasized that the Phra Kiew represents the legacy of King Rama V and King Rama VI, the founders of Chulalongkorn University.

The organizers of the CU-TU Unity Football Match 2024 defended their decision, stating on 1 April that the Phra Kiew was a symbol of pride for Chulalongkorn students. They also pointed out that the procession included symbols of the various academic disciplines taught at the university.

The controversy surrounding the Phra Kiew procession has its roots in the cancellation of the event in 2021, when Thailand was still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic and youth-led protests demanding political reform.

chula4 — M.C. Julajerm Yukol posted this picture with a message that expressed his dismay as “depressing” and questioned whether this was disrespectful to the royal emblem.

The Chulalongkorn University Student Council, representing a new generation, voted unanimously in favor of abolishing the practice of selecting a student as the Phra Kiew bearer to end the reproduction of outdated traditions that reflect inequality within the institution.

According to the Chulalongkorn University Archives, the earliest evidence of the Phra Kiew procession in the Chula-Thammasat Football Tradition dates back to 1964. At that time, only female students were selected to carry the emblem.

The selection process was often criticized for promoting a specific beauty standard. Additionally, the practice of male students carrying the palanquin was seen by some as a symbol of feudalistic culture.

The decision to abolish the Phra Kiew procession in October 2021 faced significant opposition from conservative alumni. The recent use of a golf cart further ignited their anger, highlighting the deep political divisions in Thai society.

chula1 — The 75th Chula-Thammasat Unity Football Match takes place on March 31, 2024. Thammasat does not have the issue of emblem procession because it is founded by common people.

A 12-Year-Old Student Opens Fire at a School in Finland, Killing 1 and Wounding 2 Others

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Associated Press

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2 April 2024, 20:24

HELSINKI (AP) — A 12-year-old student opened fire at a secondary school in southern Finland on Tuesday morning, killing one and seriously wounding two other students, police said. The suspect was later apprehended.

Heavily armed police cordoned off the Viertola school — a large educational institution including lower and upper secondary schools with a total of about 800 students — in the city of Vantaa, just outside the capital, Helsinki, after receiving a call about a shooting incident at 09:08 a.m.

Police said both the suspect and the victims were 12 years old.

One of the students had died instantly after being shot, Chief of Police Ilkka Koskimäki from the Eastern Uusimaa Police Department told a news conference. The other two were seriously wounded, he said.

The weapon used in the shooting was a registered handgun that was licensed to the suspect’s relative, Detective Inspector Kimmo Hyvärinen said.

AP24093312255524 — Police officers patrol outside Viertola comprehensive school, in Vantaa, Finland, Tuesday, April 2, 2024.Police in Finland say a 12-year-old student has opened fire at a secondary school in southern Finland. (Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva via AP)

The suspect was detained in the Helsinki area less than one hour after the shooting with a handgun in his possession, police said. He admitted to the shooting in an initial police hearing but there is no immediate word of the motive, police said, adding that the case is being investigated as a murder and two attempted murders.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo offered condolences to the families of the victims in postings on X with both saying they were shocked over the shooting.

“What makes it particularly shocking is the age of the victim and the suspect,” Orpo said during a news conference later Tuesday. “I can assure you that this (shooting) will be carefully reviewed and conclusions will be drawn that this will not happen again.”

The minimum age of criminal liability in Finland is 15 years, which means the suspect cannot be formally arrested. A suspect younger than 15 can only be heard by the police after which they will be handed over to Finland’s child welfare authorities.

AP24093288845976 — Police officers at the scene of Viertola comprehensive school, in Vantaa, Finland, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Finnish police say a number of people were wounded in a shooting at a school outside Helsinki and a suspect was detained. (Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva via AP)

In the past decades, Finland has witnessed two major deadly school shootings.

In November 2007, a 18-year-old student armed with a semi-automatic pistol opened fire at the premises of the Jokela high school in Tuusula, southern Finland, killing nine people. He was found dead with self-inflicted wounds.

Less than a year later, in September 2008, a 22-year-old student shot and killed 10 people with a semi-automatic pistol at a vocational college in Kauhajoki, southwestern Finland, before fatally shooting himself.

In the Nordic nation of 5.6 million, there are more than 1.5 million licensed firearms and about 430,000 license holders, according to the Finnish Interior Ministry. Hunting and gun-ownership have long traditions in the sparsely-populated northern European country.

Responsibility for granting permits for ordinary firearms rests with local police departments.

Following the school shootings in 2007 and 2008, Finland tightened its gun laws by raising the minimum age for firearms ownership and giving police greater powers to make background checks on individuals applying for a gun license.

The Interior Ministry said Finland will pay respects to the victims of the school shooting on Wednesday when all state agencies and institutions will lower the national flag to half staff. Private households are encouraged to join in the commemoration, the ministry said.

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The JAO Ping River Cruise by Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

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Contributor

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2 April 2024, 17:41

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort expands its luxury cruise offering, with two boats and four different itineraries. Each departs daily from the resort’s private pier on the banks of the Mae Ping River.

At Anantara Chiang Mai, the Mae Ping River is very much part of the resort experience: morning yoga, breakfast under the bodhi trees, lazing by the pool, sunset cocktails on the rooftop – all take place overlooking the city’s ancient lifeline. Now, with the addition of its private pier, signature Anantara experiences extend to the river itself.

JAO Ping, meaning “king of the river”, offers daily cruises for both individuals and groups, guests and visitors. Its fleet consists of two hand-carved teak boats, the Nam Jai, a scorpion-tail for up to eight passengers, and the Nam Jit, a larger pontoon complete with a bar, dining area and dedicated facilities on board to host up to 24 seated passengers or 40 passengers on a private charter.

As part of the Anantara brand promise to immerse its guests in the real destination, the JAO Ping morning cruise visits the nearby Wat Ket Karam, one of Chiang Mai’s oldest communities. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the unique neighbourhood of Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs living side by side, as well as make merit. They can then refuel at what was once the city’s best kept secret, but now is in the Michelin Thailand guide – the roadside Lung Kajohn with its delicious bite-sized dumplings.

The Nam Jai also drifts through the city at twilight, under iconic bridges, past small temples and into lush green. As the sky stills, the river glitters gold, and the banks come to life with thousands of lights, guests enjoy free-flow canapés and cocktails.

The deck of Nam Jit is the setting for a regal tradition – daily afternoon tea. The signature Anantara experience takes classic English and adds a hint of the tropics, with every pastry, scone and cake seasonal, freshly baked and artfully presented. Guests may enjoy each bite paired with their choice of tea or coffee, or even sparkling wine.

The dinner cruise is a sumptuous affair, with four courses of royal Thai cuisine served by starlight. Free-flow drinks enhance the experience, with champagne toasts to a magical night. The boat’s bar is also manned by a mixologist shaking up signature crafted cocktails.

The JAO Ping River Cruise departs at 9.00 am, 2.30 pm, 5.00 pm and 6.00 pm daily, depending on weather conditions and advance reservation, from the resort’s Long Muan Pier. Prices start from THB 990++ per person, with private charters also available.

For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please follow us on Facebook; Twitter and Instagram.

For more information, https://mhg.to/1cw5y
Phone +66 (0) 53 253 333
e-mail : [email protected]
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#Anantara #AnantaraChiangMai #JAOPingRiverCruise #NamJit #NamJai

Explore the Allure of Patong Beach at Amari Phuket

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Contributor

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2 April 2024, 17:40

Close enough, yet far from it all… is synonymous to the setting of Amari Phuket, located at the southern end of the bustling Patong, the island’s most famous beach.

Making way from the town centre filled with the sights and sounds of a happening beach town towards the resort, guests will traverse the Coral Bridge passing a fishing village lined with colourful long tail boats.

Prior to the hotel’s opening in 1984, the only way the neighbouring villagers could travel to Patong was via boat across a canal; to help provide the community with a better connection to nearby Patong, Amari Phuket built the Coral Bridge which till today serves as the point of access for all guests to the resort.

The contrasting calm and lushness of the resort becomes apparent as guests make their way along the driveway, passing trees standing tall along the hillside all the way to the open-air lobby. As they enter the lobby, they are welcomed by a dramatic ceiling installation inspired by birds’ nest. Phuket island is a prime stopover point for migratory birds and also home to many unique species, and the ceiling installation reflects the island’s diverse wildlife.

The installation is handcrafted from rattan, an important item in local daily life. The lobby area directly connects to the Superior and Deluxe Wings, the original parts of the hotel. There are 197 superior rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites, each of which is a comfortable haven brimming with personality.

Every room has an ocean view and a private balcony, where guests can relax and enjoy the sea breeze. With twice the space and luxury, the suites offer added comfort and a private sun terrace with a magnificent view of Patong Bay.

Stepping down to the Samutr Bar aptly named for its stunning ocean views as “Samutr” is Thai for ocean, guests can relax during the day lounging on day beds or until late with nightly entertainment. Just below the bar is the Voyager Lounge, where guests can unwind.

The Lounge also has a library and computer stations with complimentary Internet access. Perfect for those wanting to enjoy their holiday to every last minute, guests can relax in the Lounge or utilise the locker room with storage facilities and showers for that last snorkel before boarding a late flight! To keep the little ones entertained, the Kids Club next door offers activities and space for them to play.

Leaving the lobby area, guests will see the first of three pools at Amari Phuket. The lap pool is ideal to swim or lounge the day away whilst enjoying drinks and foods from the adjacent La Gritta serving authentic Italian dishes inspired by the home cooking of Chef Marco Cacia. Following the covered walkways, guests will make way to another seaside dining option: Rim Talay, an all-day dining restaurant serving extensive international à la carte menu, alongside daily theme night buffets and live cooking stations.

Guests can also relax with a cocktail and light nibbles at the Rim Talay Pool Bar, lounging on the day beds dotting the freeform pool. Here guests also have a chance to see the natural preserved coral reef of Patong Beach which becomes visible during the low tide on the beach in front of Rim Talay.

Moving further towards the end of the resort’s hidden cove is the Breeze Spa. Ideal for a day of relaxation, guests can choose from a range of body massages and facial treatments in open-air pagodas or “salas” dotted across the hillside. Relax with a massage as the sounds of the ocean helps drift you to sleep.

Venturing through the lush tropical forest with rich green canopies over top and sounds of the water cascading town from the hill, guests will find a private jetty at the very edge of this private cove. A prime viewing spot, guests will enjoy a unique view of three beaches: Patong, Kalim and Tri Trang.

The Jetty offers another spot to relax in the sun or enjoy a memorable private dining experience under the stars in the evening. Here guests can also grab a snorkel and explore the schools of colourful marine life.

For an elevated perspective, guests can venture up to the new all-suite Ocean Wing perched atop the beach wing of the resort. Comprising 183 units, divided into one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with extra space, including kitchens and dining areas, the Ocean Wing introduces a new standard of accommodation to Phuket.

The wing is also home to the exclusive Clubhouse, where club guests can enjoy awe-inspiring 270-degree view of Patong Bay. Designed to offer enhanced privacy and enjoyment, the Clubhouse features an infinity pool, a sun deck, and its own fitness centre, all of which are reserved exclusively for club guests.

The Clubhouse Lounge serves breakfast and an all-day à la carte dining menu. Complimentary tea, coffee and light snacks are available throughout the day, with sunset complimentary cocktails and pre-dinner canapés served daily from 17:30 to 18:30 hrs.

Guest can visit the well-equipped FIT Centre to burn some calories. Make the most of Amari Phuket’s extensive facilities, which include resort shops, a dive centre and a tailor. The resort also offers the Idea Room and Coral Room for small meetings or events.

Reserve your room for your next holiday today at https://bit.ly/45i2ajP

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +66 (0) 7634 0106

Follow us on:

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/AmariPhuket

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Thai Female Doctor Kicked by “David” Suffers From PTSD

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Khaosod English

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2 April 2024, 14:57

PHUKET – A month after the incident in which Doctor Tharndao Jandam, also known as Dr. Pai, was kicked by Mr. Urs Beat Fehr, or David, a 45-year-old Swiss national, on the stairs of a beach villa in Yamu, Pa Klok District, Thalang District, Phuket Province, Dr. Pai has expressed her concern about the case, which has prompted her to seek psychiatric help.

Dr. Pai told Khaosod reporter on April 1, that she was worried that her case may not be handled fairly because the authorities have been silent. She was quite stressed because she was afraid of not getting justice.

phuket doctor1 — Dr. Pai, her lawyer team, and her father gave information to Thalang Police Station investigators on Feb. 29, 2024.

She also had frequent nightmares that disturbed her sleep, so she had to consult a psychiatrist, who prescribed her sleeping pills and said that she was also mentally affected and had symptoms of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is because one month has passed since the incident, and she will need to discuss further treatment with the psychiatrist. She has an appointment to see the doctor again on April 10.

Dr. Pai called on state officials involved in the justice system to help her. She said she is fighting this case because she does not want this to happen to anyone else. She wants justice. The prosecutor has already filed a Section 391 lawsuit with the court, but she may have to file a Section 295 lawsuit herself, so she is consulting with her father and her attorneys.

……

Section 391 states: Whoever commits an act of violence not amounting to bodily or mental harm to the other person shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding one month or fined not exceeding one thousand Baht, or both.

Section 295: Whoever causes injury to the other person in body or mind is said to commit bodily harm and shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding two years, fines not exceeding four thousand Baht, or both.

……

press con swiss phuket2 — David raised his hands to apologise to the Thai people for the incident on March 1, 2024.

Dr. Pai would like to thank the people of Phuket and Thailand for their support. She has received a lot of encouragement from everyone and wants to say that she is fighting the case to the fullest, but ultimately she wants the case to end in true justice.

Chalermpong Saengdee, MP for Phuket and a member of the Move Forward Party, said the problem of David kicking the doctor is a social problem that affects society and all Thais. He does not want the authorities to treat the assault case as a minor offense. “Pay and it’s over” is not acceptable. He wants the authorities to treat the case fairly and not allow foreigners who behave inappropriately to use their money to influence the outcome of the case.

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Germany Has Legalized Possession of Small Amounts of Cannabis. Not Everyone Is Mellow About That

By

Associated Press

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2 April 2024, 12:44

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Marijuana campaigners in Germany lit celebratory joints on Monday as the country legalized possession of small amounts of cannabis for recreational use over objections from doctors and police.

The German Cannabis Association, which campaigned for the new law, staged a “smoke-in” at Berlin’s landmark Brandenburg Gate when the law took effect at midnight. Other public consumption events were scheduled throughout the country, including one in front of the Cologne cathedral and others in Hamburg, Regensburg and Dortmund.

Germany becomes the third European Union country to legalize cannabis for personal use after Malta and Luxembourg. The government argued that legalization would undermine criminal trade in the drug, guard against harmful impurities, and free police to pursue more serious crimes while providing for protections against use by under-18s.

The new law legalizes possession by adults of up to 25 grams (nearly 1 ounce) of marijuana for recreational purposes and allows individuals to grow up to three plants on their own. Use is prohibited within 100 meters (109 yards) of the entrance to a playground or school. That part of the legislation took effect Monday.

AP24092221160560 — A man takes a puff from a marijuana cigarette next to a placard reading “We don’t want to be offenders!” in front of the Brandenburg Gate during the “Smoke-In” event in Berlin, Germany, Monday, April 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

German residents age 18 and older will be allowed to join nonprofit “cannabis clubs” with a maximum 500 members each starting July 1. Individuals will be allowed to buy up to 25 grams per day, or a maximum 50 grams per month — a figure limited to 30 grams for people under age 21. Membership in multiple clubs won’t be allowed.

The clubs’ costs will be covered by membership fees, which are to be staggered according to how much marijuana members use.

The legislation also calls for an amnesty under which sentences for cannabis-related offenses that will no longer be illegal are to be reviewed and in many cases reversed. Regional authorities worry that the judicial system will be overburdened by thousands of cases.

Over the past 20 years, the general trend has been for European Union member countries to reduce cannabis penalties in various ways, according to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.

AP24092219904084 — People smoke marijuana in front of the Brandenburg Gate during the ‘Smoke-In’ event in Berlin, Germany, Monday, April 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Those could include making possession a civil offense or diverting offenders to treatment instead of the criminal justice system, or less strict enforcement. In the Netherlands, cannabis remains illegal but sale of small amounts in so-called coffee shops is tolerated by the public prosecution service. A number of countries in Europe permit medical cannabis under differing sets of rules.

The law was passed by the current coalition of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’ Social Democrats, the Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats, against opposition from some of Germany’s federal states and the center-right Christian Democrats.

Christian Democratic leader Friedrich Merz has vowed that his party will reverse the legislation if it wins national elections expected in the fall of 2025. Any likely new government coalition, however, would include one of the parties that supported the law.

Leading garden stores surveyed by the dpa news agency indicated they would not be adding cannabis plants to their horticultural offerings. The German Medical Association opposed the law, saying it could have “grave consequences” for the “developmental and life prospects of young people in our country.” So did the union representing German police officers, which called it “the wrong signal.”

Israeli Airstrike Destroyed Iran’s Consular Building in Damascus, With Several Deaths, Says Syria

By

Associated Press

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2 April 2024, 01:09

Syria Israel — Emergency services work at a destroyed building hit by an air strike in Damascus, Syria, Monday, April 1, 2024. An Israeli airstrike has destroyed the consular section of Iran's embassy in Damascus, killing or wounding everyone inside, Syrian state media said Monday. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — An Israeli airstrike has destroyed the consular section of Iran’s embassy in Syria, killing a senior Iranian military adviser and roughly a handful of other people, Syrian state media said Monday.

The strike on the Iranian consulate building could mark an escalation of the Israeli military’s ongoing targeting of Iranian military officials and allies in Syria, which have intensified since the onset of its war with Hamas in Gaza on Oct.7.

Israel, which rarely acknowledges such strikes, said it had no comment about the Syrian media reports.

The Iranian Arabic-language state television Al-Alam and pan-Arab television station Al-Mayadeen, which has reporters in Syria, said the strike killed Iranian military adviser Gen. Ali Reza Zahdi, who led the elite Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria until 2016.

AP24092585913218 — Emergency services work at a destroyed building hit by an air strike in Damascus, Syria, Monday, April 1, 2024. An Israeli airstrike has destroyed the consular section of Iran’s embassy in Damascus, killing or wounding everyone inside, Syrian state media said Monday. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)

Iranian Ambassador Hossein Akbari condemned Israel and said as many as seven people were killed, but first responders were still searching for any other bodies under the rubble. He said two police officers who guard the building were wounded.

Akbari vowed revenge for the strike “at the same magnitude and harshness.”

In comments to the media after meeting Akbari, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said “several” people were killed. Mekdad in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, condemned Israel over the attack.

Iranian state television said the Iranian ambassador’s residence was in the consular building, which stood next to the embassy.

State news agency SANA, citing an unnamed military source, said the building in the tightly guarded neighborhood of Mazzeh was leveled.

AP24092585805786 — Emergency services work at a destroyed building hit by an air strike in Damascus, Syria, Monday, April 1, 2024. An Israeli airstrike has destroyed the consular section of Iran’s embassy in Damascus, killing or wounding everyone inside, Syrian state media said Monday. (AP Photo/Omar Sanadiki)

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets in government-controlled parts of Syria in recent years.

Such airstrikes have escalated in recent months against the backdrop of Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and ongoing clashes between Israel’s military and Hezbollah on the Lebanon-Israel border.

Though it rarely acknowledges its actions in Syria, Israel has said it targets bases of Iran-allied militant groups such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which has sent thousands of fighters to support Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces.

An Israeli airstrike in a Damascus neighborhood in December killed a longtime adviser of the Iranian paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in Syria, Seyed Razi Mousavi. A similar strike on a building in Damascus in January killed at least five Iranian advisers. Last week, airstrikes over the strategic eastern Syrian province of Deir el-Zour near the Iraqi border killed an Iranian adviser.

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Foreign Tourists Visit Thailand More Than Expected in the First 3 Months

By

Khaosod English

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1 April 2024, 18:35

BANGKOK – Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) projects total tourism revenue to exceed 3.5 trillion baht and aims to attract over 36 million international tourists in 2024, with a focus on online marketing to reach international audiences.

Ms.Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, stated that Thailand welcomed 9.37 million international tourists in the first three months of this year, exceeding expectations. The increase was driven by tourists from China, Malaysia, Russia, and European countries.

thaitourism — Foreign visitors dress in Thai traditional costumes. (Xinhua Photo)

As a result, TAT projects that the number of international tourists for the entire year will exceed 36 million. Total revenue of over 3.5 trillion baht is expected in 2024, including 1.92 trillion baht from international tourists and 1.08 trillion baht from domestic tourism. The generation of revenue is considered more important than the number of tourists.

The government has set itself the goal of positioning Thailand as a tourism center in order to sustainably promote economic growth in all dimensions. The focus is on promoting quality tourism in the main and secondary cities through “soft power”, such as food, culture, festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, films, sports and martial arts.

In 2024, the TAT will focus on revitalizing tourism demand and supply, with the core principle of building a new ecosystem that is valuable, balanced and sustainable. It will also strengthen the immunity and increase the stability of the tourism sector to move towards truly high-quality and sustainable tourism.

This includes attracting high-spending tourists, developing the supply chain together with industry partners to be ready for quality tourists, and distributing income fairly and widely at the grassroots level.

The TAT has launched a project called “365 Days of Wonders in Secondary Cities” to promote tourism in secondary cities until 2024. It will work with the public and private sectors to organize campaigns and activities to promote tourism in secondary cities.

The project will showcase Thai products and tourism based on the concept of soft power and reflect the unique identities of each secondary town across the country to attract tourists to visit throughout the year.

chiangmai songran promote — Chiang Mai Province has promoted the Songkran Festival 2024.

It is estimated that income from secondary tourism in cities will increase by 10-15 percent in 2024 compared to 2023. This will lead to income distribution to tourism communities, boost the economic cycle in each province and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country, leading to sustainable tourism in the future.

In addition, there is a new tourism trend called “Digital Nomad,” which refers to a group of people who travel and work at the same time, anywhere, anytime, using digital technology. This trend is gaining popularity worldwide.

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AOT Raises Passenger Service Charge To Improve Efficiency

By

Khaosod English

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1 April 2024, 17:40

BANGKOK – The Airports of Thailand, or AOT has started increasing its passenger service charge (PSC) for international passengers on April 1, 2024, from 700 Baht per person to 730 Baht per person and for domestic passengers from 100 Baht per person to 130 Baht per person.

Dr. Kerati Kijmanawat, President of AOT, said on Monday that AOT has brought the Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) into use at its six international airports under its supervision, namely Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Mae-Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport, Phuket International Airport, and Hat Yai International Airport.

suvannabhumi improve3 — Tourists crowded at Suvarnabhumi Airport on February 25, 2024, but the cashier lady at a nearby coffee shop said it’s not a particularly busy Sunday afternoon. (Photo by Pravit Rojanaphruk)

The use of CUPPS is aimed at enhancing service efficiency and facilitating passengers to use airport services with convenience, rapidity and safety. The aforesaid use of the system is in accordance with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)’s Resolution and CUPPS into use at public airports. That policy aimed to develop their operations in terms of modernity and potential in parallel to international standard.

At present, the system consists of three sub-systems:

(1) Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE), which helps enhance services at check-in counters and provides passengers with international standards.

(2) Common Use Self Service (CUSS), which reduces passengers’ waiting time at the check-in area as well as enabling them to check in 6–12 hours in advance before departure (depending on the conditions of each airline

(3) Common Use Bag Drop (CUBD), which helps passengers load baggage on their own.

Bringing CUSS into service has caused AOT to incur additional service rates.

Eminence Wins the Good Governance Award 2024 for Consumer Treatment

By

Contributor

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1 April 2024, 16:52

Eminence International Limited, a leader in medical innovation fulfilling all healthcare needs, has won the Good Governance Award 2024 for consumer treatment. Adhering to the “The Promise of Health” philosophy for over 50 years, Eminence was recognized for its excellence.

The award ceremony was co-hosted by four major institutes: the Bank of Thailand, the Thai Bankers Association, the Puey Ungphakorn Institute, and the Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises Development.

These organizations came together to honor entrepreneurs who conduct their businesses with moral integrity and ethical practices for the benefit of partners, customers, employees, society, and the environment.

Suchanan Achariyasuja, the Managing Director of Eminence Group, is committed to providing healthcare that meets international standards to the Thai people. The company, therefore, prioritizes consumers’ health and best interests over profits. Eminence cultivates a culture of awareness among employees, encouraging them to value their contributions and work towards making Eminence a model of a healthy organization. This requires unified direction and goals, strong leadership, and clear communication. Importantly, the company promotes employee well-being through various welfare benefits.

As the proud recipient of the Good Governance Award 2024, Eminence is dedicated to developing quality products and enhancing communication channels with customers to ensure they have access to high-quality products. Furthermore, the company aims to be a key player in the continuous improvement of Thailand’s public health and medical system.

For further information, please visit:www.eminence.co.th, https://www.facebook.com/eminencethailand

#eminence #eminencethailand

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