AIS and 6 Leading Asian Operators Launch First Cross-Border Telco Rewards Program

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22 February 2024, 14:44

One-stop cross border telco rewards program gives travellers access to unique local deals

BANGKOK – AIS, Singtel, Globe, HKT, Optus, Taiwan Mobile and Telkomsel announced on February 22, 2024 that they have formed an Alliance to launch a first-of-its-kind cross-border rewards program aimed at delivering greater value to eligible customers when they travel to Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, Australia, Taiwan or Indonesia where the telcos are respectively based.

The program would enable travellers to earn and use rewards, claim and redeem unique deals for transport, dining, merchandise, services and enjoy other incentives when they travel to any of these markets.

They would also access customer support from their telco via calls or online while overseas for free. The program, which would be progressively rolled out in the second half of 2024, will enable customers to conveniently access and redeem unique benefits seamlessly from their individual telco apps while travelling.

Mr. Pratthana Leelapanang, Chief Consumer Business Officer at AIS stated, “The collaboration in this project marks a significant global milestone, as major telecommunications service providers in the Asian region come together to enhance customer care across borders with the concept of the world’s first cross-border telco rewards. This sets a new standard in the telecommunications industry, aiming to enhance the ultimate experience and exclusive privileges for AIS customers when travelling and using services from partner networks in six destinations.

Likewise, customers of these partner networks, when traveling to Thailand, and choosing AIS services, will receive special privileges prepared by AIS, akin to being AIS customers. This collaboration reflects our commitment to continuously care for customers through exceptional experiences even when they travel abroad, while also providing opportunities to promote the tourism industry in each destination, further strengthening it.”

The cross-border rewards program is the latest service scheduled to launch within the year 2024, aiming to provide an exceptional experience beyond ordinary for AIS customers. This program applies to roaming services such as Ready2Fly, SIM2Fly, and GOMO by AIS, elevating the travel experience for our subscribers via this program, providing them with access to more rewards and deals when overseas. Additionally, merchants in Thailand that have existing tie-ups with AIS can benefit from the expanded customer base via the program.

Feds Accuse Alleged Japanese Crime Boss of Conspiring to Traffic Nuclear Material

By

Associated Press

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22 February 2024, 11:31

NEW YORK (AP) — A leader of a Japan-based crime syndicate conspired to traffic uranium and plutonium from Myanmar in the belief that Iran would use it to make nuclear weapons, U.S. prosecutors alleged Wednesday.

Takeshi Ebisawa, 60, and his confederates showed samples of nuclear materials that had been transported from Myanmar to Thailand to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent posing as a narcotics and weapons trafficker who had access to an Iranian general, according to federal officials. The nuclear material was seized and samples were later found to contain uranium and weapons-grade plutonium.

“As alleged, the defendants in this case trafficked in drugs, weapons, and nuclear material — going so far as to offer uranium and weapons-grade plutonium fully expecting that Iran would use it for nuclear weapons,” DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said in a statement. “This is an extraordinary example of the depravity of drug traffickers who operate with total disregard for human life.”

AP24053551243927 — Takeshi Ebisawa handles a rocket launcher. (U.S. Attorney, Southern District of New York via AP)

The nuclear material came from an unidentified leader of an “ethnic insurgent group” in Myanmar who had been mining uranium in the country, according to prosecutors. Ebisawa had proposed that the leader sell uranium through him in order to fund a weapons purchase from the general, court documents allege.

According to prosecutors, the insurgent leader provided samples, which a U.S. federal lab found contained uranium, thorium and plutonium, and that the “the isotope composition of the plutonium” was weapons-grade, meaning enough of it would be suitable for use in a nuclear weapon.

Ebisawa, who prosecutors allege is a leader of a Japan-based international crime syndicate, was among four people who were arrested in April 2022 in Manhattan during a DEA sting operation. He has been jailed awaiting trial and is among two defendants named in a superseding indictment. Ebisawa is charged with the international trafficking of nuclear materials, conspiracy to commit that crime, and several other counts.

An email seeking comment was sent to Ebisawa’s attorney, Evan Loren Lipton.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said Ebisawa “brazenly” trafficked the material from Myanmar to other countries.

“He allegedly did so while believing that the material was going to be used in the development of a nuclear weapons program, and the weapons-grade plutonium he trafficked, if produced in sufficient quantities, could have been used for that purpose,” Williams said in the news release. “Even as he allegedly attempted to sell nuclear materials, Ebisawa also negotiated for the purchase of deadly weapons, including surface-to-air missiles.”

The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in federal court in Manhattan.

Siam Piwat Partners With Hyundai Department Store

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Contributor

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22 February 2024, 10:00

Siam Piwat partners with Hyundai Department Store to forge a global retail collaboration phenomenon, reaffirming the crowning achievement in the limitless expansion of the global ecosystem.

BANGKOK – Reinforcing its success in establishing a borderless global business ecosystem, Siam Piwat Group, Thailand’s leading real estate and retail developer, have joined forces with Hyundai Department Store, the largest department store chain developer in South Korea by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU), aiming to elevate and revolutionize the future of retail. This collaboration seeks to perfectly synergize exceptional benefits, offering exclusive experiences and services to members of both parties.

With a shared objective of cultivating and promoting new business opportunities on an international scale, the partnership is geared towards the development of world-class destination projects.

Mrs. Mayuree Chaipromprasith, President – Corporate Affairs and Communications, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., remarked that the collaboration aligns seamlessly with Siam Piwat’s business principles, which revolves around the ‘Co-create & Collaboration to Win’ strategy.

“We prioritize fostering a constructive ecosystem continuously by partnering with leading and robust global business entities and consolidating remarkable potential to propel business growth in innovative and boundless ways. We are dedicated to consistently creating phenomena and delivering novel experiences to people. This reinforces our position as the foremost global destination developer, cherished by people worldwide for our numerous successful and widely acclaimed projects,” she said

Mr. Jung Jee Young, President, Hyundai Department Store stated that with a shared commitment to excellence, they have partnered with the Siam Piwat Group, renowned for its global destination shopping centers that have long captured the hearts of tourists.

They together aim to offer superior benefits and elevate the customer experience. This collaboration also presents a significant opportunity to break down market boundaries and showcase the potential of K-culture, a highly popular trend in Thailand. Therefore, it is a good opportunity for Thai people to have a valuable chance to experience it firsthand.

It also encourages small and medium-sized Korean brands to have the market opportunity to abroad.

“Consequently, it fosters a positive impact on the business of both parties. Moreover, this collaboration will contribute to the enhancement of tourism and the strengthening of Thai-Korean cultural bonds, while also aiding in reaching and expanding into new target demographics more effectively than ever before,” he said.

The collaboration with Hyundai Department Store enables the creation of a more complete ecosystem by leveraging the strengths of both businesses towards a shared objective.

This partnership enhances the overall experience for a diverse range of customers, offering exceptional benefits to members of ONESIAM and Hyundai Department Store. This collaboration aims to entice shoppers by offering diverse special privileges at shopping centers and stores as well as stores within the alliance network.

It seeks to leave a lasting impression, providing customers from both parties with a unique and superior lifestyle experience. Consequently, shopping centers within the Siam Piwat Group will emerge as the top choice for South Korean travelers visiting Thailand. Similarly, Hyundai Department Store will become the premier shopping destination for Thai tourists exploring South Korea.

Given the robust potential of both renowned retail enterprises, evidenced by the significant usage of their services and the substantial spending of customers, they have decided to collaborate and enhance the retail business by actively participating in presenting leading brands and exclusive items across shopping centers.

Additionally, this collaboration presents an opportunity to support Thai entrepreneurs in showcasing their creative products to international markets, propelling local heroes to global prominence as well as encouraging small and medium-sized Korean brands to have the market opportunity abroad. This partnership will yield boundless success and drive the business towards sustainability.

Both entities are committed to creating opportunities and fostering business growth by delivering a diverse range of new experiences and exclusives at the ‘K-Content Specialty place’, a collection of recently popular K-food, K-pop, K-webtoons, K-fashion, and more., offering a shopping experience and fulfilling the demands of modern consumers, which is to forge a new attractive magnet that caters to both Thai customers and foreign tourists, emphasizing the importance of the Global Destination project that always won the people’s hearts.

Siam Piwat Group has successfully reinforced its Global Ecosystem by forging partnerships with world-class multinational retail giants. These include PARCO Shopping Complex in Japan, TAIPEI 101 in Taiwan; Republic of China, Hong Kong Times Square, ION Orchard Department Store in Singapore, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Plaza Indonesia in Indonesia, which is a diverse business group encompassing shopping centers.

These strategic partnerships connect and extend extraordinary benefits to visitors and entice shoppers from retail alliance members across various countries to visit and shop at Siam Piwat Group shopping centers. Moreover, these collaborations contribute to enhancing the shopping and lifestyle experiences for both Chinese and global tourists, facilitated by platforms such as Alipay, Klook, and Trip.com. This not only promotes the tourism sector but also bolsters the Thai economy as a whole.

Through the collaboration with Hyundai Department Store, Siam Piwat not only strengthens the business ecosystem and elevates the retail business to an international level but also reinforces its crucial mission as a leader in creativity. Siam Piwat remains dedicated to continuously creating new phenomena and delivering experiences that exceed expectations, ensuring a lasting impact on people’s lives.

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About Siam Piwat

Siam Piwat is a Thailand’s leading world-class developer of global destinations, the owner and operator of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, a joint partner of ICONSIAM, ICS and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok. Siam Piwat is dedicated to pioneering world-class projects with creativity, innovation, and top quality management. It is also an innovative prototypes and concepts, consistently delivering unparalleled experiences to customers.

Siam Piwat is firmly committed to driving its business towards sustainable growth and aspiring to create legends and mutually-rewarding achievements with stakeholders, passing on through generations to regenerate a sustainable world.

About Hyundai Department Store

Hyundai Department Store is a major department store chain in South Korea, currently operating 16 department stores nationwide. Its parent company is the Hyundai Department Store Group.

Hyundai Department Store is active in providing high-quality services, differentiated content, and trend-forward MD, and it is proposed to realize customer satisfaction beyond customer expectations.

Also, Hyundai Department Store is contributing to the development of the domestic distribution industry. In particular, The Hyundai Seoul, which opened in February 2021, is considered to have presented a “future department store platform” by maximizing the concept of ‘retail therapy’ instead of the traditional department store platform, reducing sales area and constructing an unconventional nature-friendly space.

Hyundai Department Store will become an ever-evolving platform through content research and development that can satisfy the space you want to stay and the desire for new experiences.

BDMS Unveils Sustainable Strategy Through Green Healthcare

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Contributor

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21 February 2024, 22:43

Dr. PORAMAPORN PRASARTTONG-OSOTH — Dr. Poramaporn Prasarttong-Osoth

BANGKOK – Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), as one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, as ranked by the 2023 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for conducting sustainable business practices, is steadfastly committed to responsibly delivering its services in alignment with global standards and principles of environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

BDMS Innovative Healthcare and BDMS Green Healthcare stand out as two key initiatives that reflect BDMS’s commitment to sustainable development and have already demonstrated tangible results.

Through Innovative Healthcare, BDMS has pioneered groundbreaking approaches leading to improved treatment methods and better patient outcomes. Through our Green Healthcare initiative BDMS has effectively implemented eco-friendly practices and reduced our environmental footprint.

Dr. Poramaporn Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited, recently unveiled the group’s comprehensive strategies and long-term objectives aimed at continuing to advance BDMS towards long-term sustainability whilst emphasizing the necessity of adopting a forward-looking perspective, spanning over a decade or more, to effectively address the complexities and challenges inherent in sustainable development.

“Reflecting on our journey, the executives and the working team deliberated extensively on the challenge of advancing towards sustainability. The consensus was clear: we cannot afford to remain stagnant; we must forge ahead. Despite the absence of a blueprint for sustainability within the healthcare sector in Thailand, and indeed throughout the broader Asia Pacific region, we are compelled to lead the way,” said Dr. Poramaporn.

This achievement would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of every individual within the organization as well as all of our valued stakeholders.

“We are committed to fostering a collaborative approach rather than issuing top-down directives. Together, over the past three years, we have worked towards our shared goals. With a mission to deliver exceptional service, BDMS has championed innovation to generate fresh societal value while addressing disparities in healthcare access.

Moreover, we have actively promoted environmental stewardship, aiming to lead by example in the healthcare sector’s transition towards a low-carbon society. Our dedication to sustainability extends to meeting the expectations of stakeholders across all sectors. As we look ahead, we are poised to establish a network for sustainable medical business development across the entire supply chain by 2030,” mentioned Dr. Poramaporn.

BDMS has set in place frameworks for operations as well as communications guidelines for affiliated business organizations and business partners to drive activities to develop the businesses sustainably across the three ESG dimensions including:

Economic and Governance dimension

Embracing the transition to a smart hospital, BDMS is committed to leading the way in delivering comprehensive and innovative healthcare services that meet the needs of our customers. This commitment is demonstrated through initiatives such as the development of the BeDee Telehealth platform, facilitating round-the-clock access to immediate medical and healthcare services provided by BDMS medical experts.

This platform aims to enhance accessibility to medical care for all. Pioneering innovation in hip replacement surgery with the introduction of the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA), a technique that preserves muscles and offers significant health benefits to patients.

This innovative approach has resulted in a reduction of treatment duration by over 50 percent, enabling swift recovery. Moreover, comprehensive training programs are offered to disseminate knowledge of these surgical advancements, which have earned recognition from universities in Thailand as well as in over 20 other countries.

Environmental dimension

We established criteria for BDMS Green Healthcare towards achieving Net Zero in 2050. The BDMS Green Healthcare initiative was created to fulfill BDMS’s environmental management obligations and promote greenhouse gas emission reduction across all stakeholders involved in business operations.

It advocates for the ongoing adoption of renewable energy sources. The ultimate objective is to achieve Net Zero emissions by implementing a framework to assess environmentally sustainable practices within the hospital group and BDMS-affiliated agencies. This initiative, now in its third year, encompasses over 50 percent of the business group’s operations.

Social dimension

In our commitment to human resource management, we strive to promote personal well-being and uphold human rights across our entire value chain. Last year, our focus was on fostering equality and eliminating discrimination, particularly within each professional domain, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, to foster unity among our workforces. Furthermore, BDMS recognizes the significance of expanding access to quality healthcare for the Thai population.

One example of this is our social initiative “BDMS Life Saving Training.” This was conducted in collaboration with the Vejdusit Foundation and provided training to over 60,000 individuals nationwide, enhancing life saving skills awareness and accessibility. Secondly we facilitate access to healthcare and education through projects like the “Im-Boon Project,” “Knee Surgery Project for Impoverished Patients,” which has provided over 170 knee surgeries.

Thirdly BDMS supports scholarships for nursing students through the “Vejdusit Project: Planting Seedlings, Creating Nurses,” which has provided more than 102 scholarships to-date.

A Dutchman, 72, Died Suspiciously in a Pattaya Condo

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Khaosod English

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21 February 2024, 20:50

dutch condo1 — Rescue workers came to move the Dutchman's body to the hospital for an autopsy on Feb. 20.

PATTAYA – On February 21, Pattaya Police investigators kept investigating the discovery of the death of Ronald, a 72-year-old Dutchman, in the Grande Caribbean Condo room on Thapaya Road, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, on Tuesday evening, February 20.

The body wore no clothing lying face down in front of the entrance to the room facing the bathroom. There is a hole in the throat that appears to be caused by a sharp item. Authorities are still unsure whether he was stabbed or received medical treatment. They are awaiting the results of the forensic autopsy.

According to CCTV footage, Mr.Ronald entered the room on February 16. and has not left the room since then until the security guard discovered he’d died in the room.

Initially, a resident notified the security guard of a foul smell on the fourth floor, so he went to investigate but discovered no rats. The stink came from the deceased’s room, so he tried to enter and look into it, but it was locked. He then asked for a spare key to open it and discovered the Dutchman’s body. He abruptly called officials to investigate.

Malaysian Man Arrested for Robbing Thai Ex-Wife and Hurting Her Dog

By

Khaosod English

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21 February 2024, 18:18

BANGKOK – The Crime Suppression Division police apprehended Mr. Lee Woon, a 53-year-old Malaysian national, on February 20, 2024, after last year he assaulted and threatened his ex-wife and also harmed a dog trying to protect its owner.

The incident occurred on March 9, 2023, when the suspect broke into the house of Ms. A, his former wife, in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, using a knife to threaten and force her to disclose the location of money. He then forcibly took 510,000 baht and left the house.

However, fearing that her ex-husband would return to hurt her again, Ms. A. released the dog from the cage and tried to leave the house. As she reversed her car, her ex-husband returned and forced his way into the passenger seat, demanding more money with a knife. She hurriedly tried to flee into the house but was captured.

Her husband then tied her hands with a chain and entered the house to threaten her further so that she would hand over the rest of the money. The dog then tried to intervene to help its owner, whereupon the Malaysian man hit the dog with the chain, brandished the knife, and threw a chair at the dog. He then took another 710,000 baht.

Neighbors who heard the commotion quickly alerted the authorities, but the man managed to escape and threatened that the police, who knew him, would further harm Ms. A. After the incident, Ms. A filed a complaint with the Tha Sala police station in Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

Subsequently, the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Court upheld the arrest warrant for the man for “breaking and entering another person’s premises with weapons, robbery, assaulting others and indecent cruelty to animals”

During the investigation, police learned that the suspect had been hiding in a condominium in Huai Khwang, Bangkok. He initially denied his involvement but was taken to Tha Sala police station in Nakhon Si Thammarat province for further investigation.

A Chinese Tourist Identifies the Thai Robber Who Assaulted Her

By

Khaosod English

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21 February 2024, 16:46

chinese burn14 — Police officers arrested the suspect on suspicion of robbery, sexual assault and attempted assault on the Chinese tourist on the evening of 20 February 2024.

CHONBURI – Police officers from Investigation Division 2 arrested the suspect on suspicion of robbery, assault and attempted sexual assault on the Chinese tourist on the evening of 20 February 2024.

Police hold a press conference on February 21 after Ms. Meilin, 29, confirms that Mr. Tip Phasiri, 41, is the perpetrator.

The incident occurred on Sunday, February 18, at dusk behind the golf course of Siam Country Club near Highway 2081 (Polo Road – Ban Bueng), Moo 9, Pong Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.

burn chinese2 — The scene where the suspect burned the area around a Chinese female tourist.

The 29-year-old Chinese woman, accompanied by her 19-year-old younger brother, was hitchhiking along Highway 331 (Sattahip – Nakhon Ratchasima), about 10 kilometers from the scene of the incident, intending to return to Pattaya. Two Thai men on motorcycles passed by and offered them a ride. They both accepted and sat on each motorcycle.

During the journey, one of the men, identified as Mr. Tip, separated from the other motorcycle and took the woman into an acacia forest, along Highway 2081. He then attempted to sexual assault woman but was unsuccessful. Subsequently, he tied her hands and feet, set fire to the surrounding grass, and stole 15,000 baht and 1,500 yuan (approximately 7,600 baht) from her.

burn chinese4 — The Chinese woman and her younger brother report the incident at Nong Prue Police Station.

After reviewing CCTV footage and tracing the suspect’s escape route, police obtained an arrest warrant for Mr. Tip from the Pattaya court. He was arrested at a residence in the Huay Pong police station area in Rayong province and taken to Nong Pru police station for questioning. Police also collected fingerprints and examined the victim’s DNA to gather evidence against the perpetrator.

At the same time, police confiscated the offender’s motorcycle, which was parked near a gas station on Sukhumvit Road, Bang Na – Trat, near the gas station at Mab Ta Phut Intersection, Mab Ta Phut Subdistrict, Muang District, Rayong Province.

While investigating Mr. Tip’s criminal history, suspicions arose that he might be involved in another robbery of a female caddy on a golf course. In that case, the suspect allegedly rode a motorcycle alongside the victim, tugged at her necklace and snatched her purse before fleeing.

chinese burn13 — The police officers confiscated the offender’s motorcycle to inspect as evidence.

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Related coverage:

Police Probe a Chinese Woman’s Sex Attack Claim Against Thai Man

CP Foods Supports Farmers with Recycled Water Sharing

By

Contributor

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21 February 2024, 16:20

CP Foods Supports Farmers with Recycled Water Sharing to Enhance Drought Resilience

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is actively providing treated water from its layer complexes’ biogas production system to assist local farmers in growing their crops. This effort is part of the ‘Recycled Water Sharing’ program, designed to mitigate the impact of water scarcity during drought season.

Mr. Somkid Wannalukkhee, the Head of the Layer Business at CP Foods, acknowledges the severe water shortages faced by farmers nearby the Layer Complexes, which involve layer hen farming and egg sorting operations. In response, the layer business units of CP Foods have supplied biogas-treated wastewater for crop irrigation. In 2023, five-layer complexes distributed approximately 181,000 cubic meters of water, benefiting crops over an area exceeding 145 rai, including oil palm, watermelon, pumpkin, sugarcane, corn, and Napier grass. This initiative has played a crucial role in ensuring a reliable water source for the farming communities.

CP Foods adheres to a ‘Zero Discharge’ policy, preventing the release of treated wastewater from its poultry farms and processing plants. The company utilizes the recycled water for watering trees and gardens within its operations. The operations also share the treated water to nearby farmers to sustain their crops through tough drought conditions.

The farmers have experienced this treated water from biogas system have nutrient-rich as ‘Fertilizer Water,’ containing three key organic nutrients vital for crop growth. This has led to increased crop productivity and reduced fertilizer costs.

One of the beneficiaries, La Dunai, who manages 10 rai of oil palm trees, has experienced a 20% boost in yield and income by watering his crops from the Chana Layer Complex. He aims to extend the use of the recycled water to his watermelon fields for similar benefits.

Wirot Jaiduong, a Napier grass farmer in Sankamphaeng District, Chiang Mai, uses the treated wastewater from Sankamphaeng’s Layer Complex for his six rai of crops, enabling up to four harvests a year and significantly lowering his fertilizer expenses. He has expressed gratitude towards CP Foods for this support, which has significantly increased his yields and alleviated the effects of drought.

For over two decades, CP Foods has launched its “Recycled Water Sharing” project, which began by distributing treated water from biogas production systems at its pig farms. The initiative has since expanded to layer operations and processing plants, further assisting farmers. This project is aligned with the company’s dedication to the 3Rs principle—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—with the aim of maximizing water resource efficiency throughout its operations.

Biogas systems are employed to manage waste from operations, effectively reducing odors and converting wastewater into renewable energy to be used within operations. The recycled water from biogas system is utilized for watering plant’s purpose and provided to farmers during periods of drought.

Japanese Film Director Arrested Over Sexual Assault Allegations

By

Kyodo News

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21 February 2024, 15:58

TOKYO – A Japanese film director has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting an aspiring actress, marking the latest case in an industry embroiled in alleged sexual abuse.

Hideo Sakaki, 53, also a representative director at a talent agency, was arrested Tuesday for allegedly assaulting a woman in her 20s under the pretense of meeting to give her acting advice at a condominium in Tokyo’s Minato Ward on the night of May 23, 2016, according to Tokyo police.

Sakaki has denied the allegations, calling them “false accusations.” The police believe Sakaki abused his position as a film director and are investigating several other complaints against him.

Using the acting profession as a pretext, Sakaki allegedly told the woman that he wanted to check whether she had tattoos and asked her to take off her clothes, saying she may have to get used to nudity in her future acting career, the police said.

The woman met Sakaki in the fall of 2015 at an actors’ workshop. She consulted the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department through a lawyer in September 2022 and filed a complaint in June 2023.

Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine reported in March 2022 that Sakaki was suspected of coercing multiple actresses into performing sexual acts. The report led to the cancellation of the release of his film “Honeymoon,” which deals with domestic sexual violence.

The film industry has been rocked by a number of actors and others coming forward as part of the #MeToo movement.

A survey on gender and labor issues in the Japanese film industry showed last year that 49 out of 685 actors and others involved with the industry said they had witnessed instances of sexual assault or harassment by directors and producers.

Some 22 people claimed that they had experienced sexual assault or harassment by a film director or producer, with the majority of the claims made by women, according to the survey by the Japanese Film Project.

Sakaki, also an actor, has appeared in several movies and television dramas, including playing a leading role in the movie “ALIVE,” according to the talent agency’s website.

Thien Duong at Baan Dusit Presents Authentic Vietnamese Flavors

By

CHAYAPON PONLAWAT freelance reporter

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21 February 2024, 14:19

vietnam res1 — Vietnamese pizza with pork or seafood

BANGKOK – Vietnamese cuisine, often regarded as a hidden gem, possesses a distinctive essence centered around fresh vegetables and well-being. This allure has propelled its popularity in recent times. However, casting our minds back over three decades to 1987, a time when culinary options were limited, reveals a different landscape.

Thai cuisine held sway among travelers in Thailand, particularly in the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok. Recognizing the need for diversity beyond Thai fare, the Dusit Thani Hotel Bangkok conceived the idea of introducing Vietnamese cuisine. Thus, Thien Duong was born, nestled within the iconic hotel.

The name “Thien Duong,” meaning ‘heaven’ in Vietnamese, embodies the essence of a fully immersive Vietnamese dining experience where Asian traditions merge seamlessly with European elegance.

Originally housed within the prestigious Dusit Thani Hotel at Silom Intersection, the restaurant found a new home in the charming surroundings of “Baan Dusit” after the hotel’s closure for renovations. Baan Dusit, with its classic allure amidst lush surroundings, hosts a collection of renowned eateries under the Dusit Thani group, including the famed Benjarong and Nómada restaurants.

Michelin Bib Gourmand

Formerly a repository for the Osotspa family’s medicines, the space now serves as a sanctuary for savoring Vietnamese delicacies. Located discreetly in Silom, adjacent to major transportation hubs, Thien Duong beckons patrons with its Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized culinary delights, fostering connections between generations while preserving the timeless charm of its historic premises.

The restaurant’s ambiance, steeped in ancient Asian aesthetics, renders it a clandestine haven for gastronomes in the heart of Bangkok, offering an array of dishes crafted to encapsulate authentic Vietnamese flavors.

thien duong41 — Fried Skewered Minced Prawns with Sugarcane

Embark on your culinary journey with our recommended appetizers: Indulge in the delicate flavors of Fresh Spring Rolls, filled with succulent pork, prawns, or crab, accompanied by a tantalizing dipping sauce. Alternatively, savor the aromatic Grilled Cured Pork or Beef Loin wrapped in betel leaves, igniting the senses with its enticing aroma.

For a delectable twist, relish the Fried Skewered Minced Prawns with Sugarcane, meticulously prepared to perfection and served with crisp organic vegetables and a luscious dipping sauce.

Vietnamese Pizza

Transitioning to the main course, savor the Vietnamese Pizza adorned with savory pork or sumptuous seafood, its thin, crispy crust enveloping a medley of distinctive toppings. Delight in the Naem Nueng, a culinary ensemble featuring an array of condiments and accompaniments, meticulously curated to tantalize your taste buds. Relish the Lotus Stem Salad with succulent prawns, mint, and saw-chain coriander, boasting a refreshing blend of flavors that invigorate the palate.

Indulge in the Deep-Fried Fish with toasted peanuts and lemongrass sauce, offering a harmonious fusion of textures and aromas, followed by the signature dessert, Banana Fritters with velvety vanilla ice cream, a perfect conclusion to your culinary odyssey. Alternatively, relish the Vietnamese Mixed in Syrup, a delightful concoction of mung beans, tapioca, and mixed seeds in coconut milk, offering a refreshing finale to your dining experience.

At Thien Duong, enthusiasts uncover a haven steeped in tradition, where the timeless essence of Vietnamese culinary mastery intertwines seamlessly with Bangkok’s vibrant gastronomic tapestry.

As dusk settles over Silom, Thien Duong graciously opens its doors, beckoning guests from 11:00–14:30 and 17:30–22:00 daily. Amidst a symphony of flavors and fragrances, Thien Duong captivates hearts and palates alike, inviting all to partake in its culinary journey—a tribute to passion, legacy, and ingenuity woven into every artfully prepared dish.

Economic and Governance dimension

Environmental dimension

Social dimension

Michelin Bib Gourmand

Vietnamese Pizza

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