Taylor Swift Wins Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards for the Fourth Time, Setting a New Record

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5 February 2024, 14:17

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Taylor Swift won album of the year at the Grammy Awards for “Midnights,” breaking the record for most wins in the category with four.

She began her speech by thanking her producer and friend Jack Antonoff and added, “I would love to tell you this is the happiest moment of my life,” she told the crowd, but said she feels this happy when she creates music and plays shows.

Earlier in the night, Taylor Swift used her 13th Grammy win on Sunday to announce her new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” will arrive April 19.

“I know that the way that the Recording Academy voted is a direct reflection of the passion of the fans,” she said while accepting the best pop vocal album award. “So, I want to say thank you to the fans by telling you a secret that I’ve been keeping from you for the last two years.”

One of the night’s biggest awards, record of the year, went to Miley Cyrus for “Flowers,” her second-ever Grammy and second of the night.

AP24036047971992 — Mariah Carey, left, presents the award for best pop solo performance to Miley Cyrus for “Flowers” during the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

“This award is amazing. But I really hope that it doesn’t change anything because my life was beautiful yesterday,” she said in her speech.

Victoria Monét won best new artist. “Thank you to the champagne-servers tonight,” Monét began her acceptance speech. “Thanks to my mom, a single mom raising this really bad girl.” Then she started to cry, telling the room that this award was “15 years in the making.”

Billie Eilish won song of the year for writing the “Barbie” hit, “What Was I Made For?” She thanked director Greta Gerwig for “making the best movie of the year.”

It was just one of several standout moments from Sunday’s show, hosted by Trevor Noah and broadcast live from Cypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles.

Karol G made Grammy history Sunday by becoming the first female performer to win best música urbana album for her blockbuster “Mañana Será Bonito” record.

AP24036057055891 — Karol G accepts the award for best musica urbana album for “Manana Sera Bonito” during the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

“This is my first time at the Grammys,” she told the audience in English. “And this is my first time holding my own Grammy.”

Performances were many. Olivia Rodrigo brought her bloodsucking ballad “vampire” – or in this case, bloodletting, as red liquid dripped from the walls behind her. Joni Mitchell, 80, made Grammy history by performing “Both Sides Now” from her 1969 album “Clouds”; Travis Scott did a medley of “My Eyes,” “I Know?,” and “Fein.” Burna Boy was joined by Brandy and 21 Savage and did “On Form,” “City Boys,” and “Sittin’ on Top of the World.”

A long and touching In Memoriam segment celebrated many of the musical greats lost last year. Stevie Wonder performed “For Once in My Life” and “The Best Is Yet To Come” in honor of Tony Bennett; Annie Lennox delivered “Nothing Compares 2 U” for Sinéad O’Connor. “Artists for ceasefire, peace in the world,” Lennox said at the end of the song, her fist extended in the air.

Jon Batiste did a medley of “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean On Me,” and finally “Optimistic” with Ann Nesby for the late great music exec Clarence Avant. Oprah introduced a fiery Tina Turner tribute of “Proud Mary” by Fantasia Barrino and Adam Blackstone.

AP24035835043412 — Phoebe Bridgers, from left, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus, of boygenius, accept the award for best alternative music album for “The Record” during the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

SZA also took the stage – performing a medley of her larger-than-life hits “Snooze” and “Kill Bill,” joined by dancers wielding katanas. Later, she’d take home the trophy for best R&B song — for “Snooze,” handed to her by Lizzo. SZA ran to the stage and gave a charming, out of breath speech because she was “changing, and then I took a shot.”

Luke Combs’ delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Fast Car” with Tracy Chapman – his cover of the Chapman classic has dominated country radio and won him song of the year at the 2023 CMAs. In 1989 the song won Chapman best female pop vocal performance.

Dua Lipa opened the show with a high-octane medley: first, a tease of her forthcoming single, “Training Season,” then, her most recent single, “Houdini,” and finally, her disco-pop “Barbie” hit “Dance the Night.”

Eilish and Finneas also brought “Barbie” to the Grammys stage with live string accompaniment. They were followed by Cyrus, who performed “Flowers” for the first time live on television.

“Why are you acting like you don’t know this song?” she teased the crowd — John Legend and wife Chrissy Teigen were among those in the audience who got up to dance — and later cheered mid-song, “I just won my first Grammy!”

AP24035760693273 — Ludwig Goransson accepts the award for best score soundtrack for visual media for “Oppenheimer”during the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Best country album went to Lainey Wilson for “Bell Bottom Country,” — her very first Grammy — as presented by Kacey Musgraves. “I’m a fifth-generation farmer’s daughter,” she told the crowd, adding that she’s a “songwriting farmer,” and that’s where the musical magic came from.

Jay-Z was awarded the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and used his speech to talk about the hip-hop greats that came before him – and heavily suggesting at the Grammys history of placing rap on the backburner – or at the very least, not in the televised version of the show. (This year, there were no rap categories on the telecast, but two pop, one Latin, one country and one R&B.)

“We want you all to get it right,” he said. “At least get it close to right,” before switching focus to Beyoncé. “Most Grammys, never won album of the year. How does that work?”

Bridgers took an early lead at the Grammys, quickly winning four trophies ahead of the main telecast, with her and her boygenius bandmates bringing an infectious energy to the pre-telecast Premiere Ceremony.

Jack Antonoff took home producer of the year, non-classical for a third year in a row, tying Babyface as the only other producer to do so consecutively. “You need the door kicked open for you,” he said in his acceptance speech. “Taylor Swift kicked that (expletive) door open for me,” he said.

The first of three new categories in 2024, best pop dance recording, went to Kylie Minogue for “Padam Padam” — her first win in 18 years.

About 80 Grammys were handed out pre-broadcast. Regional Mexican star Peso Pluma won his first Grammy for his first and only nomination, for best música Mexicana album for his “Genesis.”

Best African music performance, a new category which aims to highlight regional musical traditions and recognizing “recordings that utilize unique local expressions from across the African continent,” went to South African singer Tyla for her ubiquitous hit, “Water.”

“I never thought I’d say I won a Grammy at 21 years old,” she said in her acceptance speech. “Last year God decided to change my whole life.”

Killer Mike won three awards in quick succession Sunday night, but ended up in police custody before the main Grammys ceremony began because of an altercation, police spokesperson Officer Mike Lopez said.

The rapper won his first first Grammy in 21 years, for best rap performance for “Scientists & Engineers,” which featured André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane. Soon afterward, they won for “best rap song.” Killer Mike also took home best rap album for “Michael,” cheering, “It is a sweep! It is a sweep!”

Billy Joel was both the penultimate and final performance of the night. First, he brought his new track “Turn the Lights Back on” — his first new music in decades — live to the Grammy stage. Then, after album of the year was announced, he returned to the stage for his 1980 classic, “You May Be Right.”

A welcome surprised was the inclusion of Celine Dion, who handed Swift her record-breaking trophy. “When I say I’m happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart,” she told the audience. In 2022, Dion revealed she was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome, which causes spasms that affect her ability to walk and sing.

AP24036162526541 — Celine Dion presents the award for album of the year during the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

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For more coverage of this year’s Grammy Awards, visit https://apnews.com/hub/grammy-awards

THAMEEN London Brings Niche Senses to Bangkok

By

CHAYAPON PONLAWAT freelance reporter

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5 February 2024, 13:58

CHAYAPON PONLAWAT, BANGKOK – The competition in the perfume industry is not only about generating aromas that reflect deep love and passion; there are also niche perfume compositions by world-renowned perfumers that use rare and sustainable ingredients.

According to Bangkok Bank, in 2022, after the pandemic had eased, perfume had a market value of approximately 9.5 billion baht, with the global market value as high as 40 billion USD. Both are expected to experience a growth rate of 5-6% per year over the next 4 years, indicating an opportunity for many brands to emerge as new players.

The overall picture of the Thai perfume market shows good momentum as consumers are increasingly open to perfumes, both high-end and Thai local brands.

As for perfume trends in 2024, niche brand perfumes are very strong because in addition to helping to complement the good personality of the person who sprays perfume, Niche brand perfumes also have their unique scents. Create a difference to make your personality stand out even more.

It could be seen that the launch of Perfume House, which competes in importing niche brands of perfumes to target consumers in the niche market, is increasing as well.

Prestige Product Thailand, a company that imports and distributes more than 30 luxury perfume brands, is another Perfume House aims to penetrate more into the niche market by launching ‘THAMEEN London’, a British perfume brand born in London in 2013, telling stories about British culture and heritage.

THAMEEN London’s first entry into the Thai market under Atelier De Prestige, Khosod English had the opportunity to interview Mr. David Crickmore, CEO of the perfume brand THAMEEN London, about the impressive story of the THAMEEN brand and its strategy for penetrating the consumer market perfume in Thailand.

Niche for young consumer

Following nearly 15 years with Amouage, the renowned Omani global fragrance brand, Mr. Crickmore made the strategic decision to return to London amidst the onset of the pandemic. This move facilitated his appointment as the CEO of THAMEEN London.

Positioned at the cusp of the brand’s expansion into the burgeoning Asian market, particularly in Thailand, Mr. Crickmore highlighted the region’s burgeoning middle class, characterized by robust purchasing power and a burgeoning appetite for luxury goods.

“We initiated our foray into Asia, commencing with key markets such as Jakarta, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan,” Mr. Crickmore revealed. “In particular, Indonesia stands out due to its rapidly growing economy and the increasing purchasing power of its populace.”

Reflecting on his extensive experience in the high fashion and luxury sectors, Mr. Crickmore underscored the evolving landscape of the Thai market.

“Thailand has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the decades. From a nascent familiarity with luxury brands to a burgeoning demand for exclusive products, especially among the younger consumer and the growth of middle-upper class, the Thai market presents a compelling opportunity for THAMEEN,” he emphasized.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by an increasingly crowded luxury perfume market, Mr. Crickmore outlined Thameen’s distinctive approach.

“While the market is saturated with numerous luxury brands, THAMEEN seeks to carve a niche by focusing on rare and unique ingredients, thus offering consumers an unparalleled olfactory experience,” he remarked.

Elaborating on the concept of niche perfumery, Mr. Crickmore emphasized the meticulous craftsmanship and exclusivity inherent in Thameen’s creations.

“Niche perfumery transcends conventional mass-produced fragrances. It embodies intricate blends, elusive ingredients, and a narrative that resonates with discerning consumers seeking authenticity,” he elucidated.

“Perfume is like a work of art. It takes creativity, inspiration, and stories to tell through scent. That’s what niche perfume is: sophisticated, unusual, and special. that’s the challenge as we try to keep it unique in a diverse and competitive market. I want the Thameen brand to be something that truly brings it back to real niche perfume.”

When asked what the meaning of niche perfume was, Mr. Crickmore explained, “It’s not everywhere, niche perfume refers to the production of perfumes that are complicated processes. A unique scent Searching for difficult ingredients As well as being unable to buy them in general stores, nowadays many brands of Niche Fragrances claim to be Niche, but they are easily available everywhere. Therefore, we want to maintain our niche in terms of production. Procurement of ingredients until distribution”

Regarding THAMEEN’s entry into the Thai market, Mr. Crickmore underscored the compatibility of the brand’s latest collection, BRITOLOGNE, with Thailand’s tropical climate.

“The BRITOLOGNE COLLECTION, featuring 3 scents like Fanfare, Bohemian Infusion, and Bravi, epitomizes the fusion of British sophistication with the vibrancy of a cologne, tailored to suit Thailand’s climate and discerning consumer preferences,” he concluded.

THAMEEN 2 — The packaging—from boxes to bottles and caps—is fully recyclable, reflecting THAMEEN’s commitment to sustainability.

A.I. and sustainable

In an era where sustainability is paramount, the CEO of Thameen aligns this ethos with the brand’s guiding principle: ‘We create for today, thinking of tomorrow.’ Embracing sustainability extends to every facet of the perfume bottle’s packaging, which is entirely recyclable.

“When discussing recycling in the perfume industry, repackaging presents challenges. The intricate valve mechanisms necessitate vacuum sealing, and altering the scent is a significant concern. Thus, reintroducing perfume becomes unfeasible. Therefore, we engineer packaging—from boxes to bottles and caps—that is fully recyclable, reflecting our brand’s commitment to sustainability.”

When questioned about the role of technology and artificial intelligence in the perfume industry, Mr. Crickmore offered a unique perspective: “While other industries embrace the advancements of artificial intelligence with enthusiasm, the perfume industry remains reliant on human expertise. Perfume creation is akin to crafting works of art, a process that demands human sensibility and intuition. The intricacies of scent cannot be replicated by robots or artificial intelligence. Thus, the human touch remains indispensable in our craft.” he said.

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Sri Lanka Marks Independence Day With Thai Prime Minister As Guest Of Honor

By

Associated Press

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4 February 2024, 21:29

Srettha ThavisinDinesh GunawaradaneMaithree Wickremesinghe — Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, center, sits with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawaradane, left, and the First Lady of Sri Lanka Maithree Wickremesinghe, during the 76th Independence Day commemoration ceremony of Sri Lanka in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was the guest of honor at Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day celebrations on Sunday, as the island nation struggles to emerge from its worst economic crisis.

Srettha joined Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe at a low-key ceremony near the country’s main seaside esplanade that included a military parade and parachute jumps. The holiday commemorates Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948.

Sri Lanka declared bankruptcy in April 2022 with more than $83 billion in debt, more than half of it to foreign creditors. The economic upheaval led to a political crisis that forced then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign in 2022. The parliament then elected Wickremesinghe as president.

Srettha arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday and the two countries signed a free trade agreement aiming to boost trade and investment.

AP24035288377363 — Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, second right, stands with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawaradane, second left, and the First Lady of Sri Lanka Maithree Wickremesinghe, right, as they observe a minute’s silence in honor of Sri Lankan heroes during the 76th Independence Day commemoration ceremony of Sri Lanka in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Wickremesinghe said on Saturday that Sri Lanka has made significant progress in economic stabilization and sought the help of Thailand in efforts to transform the battered economy and regain international confidence.

Sri Lanka suspended repayment of its debt in 2022 as it ran short of foreign currency needed to pay for imports of fuel and other essentials. Shortages led to street protests that changed the country’s leadership. The International Monetary Fund approved a four-year bailout program last March.

The economic situation has improved under Wickremesinghe, and severe shortages of food, fuel and medicine have largely abated. But public dissatisfaction has grown over the government’s effort to increase revenue by raising electricity bills and imposing heavy new income taxes on professionals and businesses, as part of the government’s efforts to meet the IMF conditions.

Sri Lanka is hoping to restructure $17 billion of its outstanding debt and has already reached agreements with some of its external creditors.

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Debt-stricken Sri Lanka Signs A Free Trade Pact With Thailand

Using Synchrotron Technology, Thai Researchers Restore the Royal Chariot

By

Khaosod English

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4 February 2024, 17:38

NAKHON RATCHASIMA – Scientists from the Synchrotron Light Research Institute under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation have been involved in the restoration of the royal carriage used in the funeral processions of Thai monarchs and members of the royal family.

During the restoration, synchrotron technology was used to analyse and reproduce the old glass panes. They were then sent to the Office of Traditional Arts for repair and restoration before being displayed at the National Museum in Bangkok.

Dr. Wantana Klaisuban, assistant director of academic affairs and research at the Synchrotron Light Research Institute, explained that this project is an extension of an earlier research project on the glass panels of Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram or Wat Phra Kaeo.

The earlier project, which spanned several years, successfully provided knowledge and formulas for the production of all four colors of ancient glass. With this knowledge, the Institute was approached by the Office of Traditional Arts to collaborate in the restoration of the royal chariot.

The restoration aims to preserve the original features of the car, which means that the original glass panes are not removed. The remaining original panes are preserved, while the missing panes are replaced with new panes that match the originals in color and thickness. These new panels must also be compatible with the natural rubber glue used in the traditional wood carving technique.

synchrotron5 — The researchers spent about a year adjusting the color of the glass based on the original formulas.

“The synchrotron glass has all the required properties. We can adjust the color and formulate the glass composition to meet the specific requirements. This is why we took on this project. We spent about a year adjusting the color of the glass based on the original formulas. The green and blue colors of the Royal Chariot have different tones compared to the glass from Wat Phra Kaeo, so we had to fine-tune the formulas to ensure that the new panels would match the originals. The results are now visible for all to see.”

Dr. Wantana explained that the Synchrotron Light Research Institute was solely responsible for the production of the glass plates. The institute received several colors of glass for analysis, including green with a hint of blue, off-white, blue, and red-orange.

“The red-orange color is very complex because it is not the color that was discovered at the Wat Phra Kaeo project,” Dr. Wantana said. “It is not created by a single element, but by a combination of two to three elements. We used our knowledge of old red and yellow glass to develop a new formula for this color. The new glass panels were then sent to the Office of Traditional Arts to be used in the restoration.”

A British Tourist Falls From The 4th Floor Of The Pattaya Hotel

By

Khaosod English

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4 February 2024, 16:18

PATTAYA – At 2:06 a.m. on Sunday, February 4, 2024, the Pattaya City Police Station received a report of a foreigner falling from a hotel in Soi Buakhao, central Pattaya, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.

Mr. Martin, 69, is a British national who was hurt. He fell out of the window of room 408, 4th floor, hit the ground, and was hurt, lying there moaning in pain. Rescue responders provide first aid before rushing him to the hospital. However, the injured man died later.

Ms. Waew, a witness to the incident, stated that while sleeping in the room, she heard individuals calling for help that someone fell from the hotel. So she hurried up and looked around with a torch, discovering the injured individual laying on the ground. She rapidly summoned officials to assist.

Police Lieutenant Anirut Jaehro, Investigation Inspector of Pattaya City Police Station, stated that the injured person’s body showed no symptoms of being assaulted. The cause of the occurrence remains unknown, whether it was a deliberate jump or an accident.

On Saturday at 1 a.m. an Asian tourist died after falling from a 24-story condominium in Pattaya and colliding with the top of a pickup truck. The authorities don’t know if it was a suicide, accident, or murder, but they are investigating.

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Opinion: The Middle Path Towards Thai Monarchy Reform Is Being Shutdown

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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4 February 2024, 13:00

Former leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat arrives to listen to the live verdict at parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. Photo: Sakchai Lalit / AP

The door to have reform of the monarchy done through the parliament was shut when the Constitutional Court ruled on Wednesday that the pledge by Move Forward Party to amend the law was unconstitutional and tantamount to an attempt to subvert the political system with the King as Head of State.

More precisely, young Thais who seek to reform the monarchy institution – to bring it closer to those in the United Kingdom, Japan and Sweden, now feel the moderate path towards reform of the institution is increasingly impossible, if not impossible. Some have lost faith in being monarchy reformists and are becoming anti-monarchists.

The ruling basically sent some of them underground into supporting republicanism espoused by some Thai political exiles in Europe. That middle path where people could reasonably and safely discuss reform is increasingly not viable and dangerous – one risks being charged under the lese majeste law itself for talking about reform as one has to state why a reform is needed and what is wrong with the current situation.

Some, like Progressive Movement co-leader Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, described the ruling as a “judicial war” and criticized Move Forward Party’s decision to remove its lese majeste law reform policy and pledge from its website on Thursday, a day after the ruling. It was a desperate attempt by the party to avoid potential party dissolution by the court at a later date as the motion to petition the court anew to make another ruling on whether the party should be dissolved is now in motion.

Piyabutr, who is a co-founder of what eventually became Move Forward Party, warns by doing so, the party may lose support from its 14 million voters and end up being dissolved all the same. It is Catch 22 and I understand both Piyabutr and the party’s decision.

In its ruling, the court, in which many of the judges were chosen through the then junta-appointed senate, partly stated that “the dignity of the monarchy ensures the dignity of the nation” and so the law cannot be removed from the national security section as proposed by MFP.

This a judicial overreach, by a court which most likely sees itself as the ultimate guardian of the old system, and an attempt to make the monarchy and the state inseparable. In Thailand, one can even criticize the Buddha, despite majority of Thais professing to be Buddhists. Allow me to give it a try. Prince Siddhartha, who became the historical Buddha, behaved unfairly by abandoning his wife and son in search of dhamma.

Or I can say that the story about the historical Buddha being able to take seven steps right after being newly born is just an embellished story aimed at making the man more sacred. There is no legal repercussion for me to type these words. Now, if I were to type something similarly critical towards the king (even if things I state are factual), I risk facing a maximum imprisonment term of 15 years.

This is the year, 2024, or the of Our Lord Buddha 2567, and Thais are still struggling with the issue of fundamental freedom of speech and press freedom, instead of this generation of young Thais committing more time and energy on other pressing issues like the environment and economic inequities.

Basically, the ruling on January 31 shows that Thailand is not just semi-democratic, but a “controlled semi-democratic” state where rouge generals and Constitutional Court judges interfere and suppress the mandate of the electorate whenever they see it “necessary” in order to preserve the status quo and suppressing political freedom despite growing calls for change, largely from the younger generation.

The latest court’s ruling was one such blatant example and likely would not be the last.

Debt-stricken Sri Lanka Signs A Free Trade Pact With Thailand

By

Associated Press

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3 February 2024, 23:22

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Debt-stricken Sri Lanka signed a trade pact with Thailand on Saturday in a bid to boost trade and investment as the Indian ocean island nation is struggling to recover from its worst economic crisis that hit two year ago.

The Sri Lanka Thailand Free Trade Agreement covering trade in goods, investment, custom procedures and intellectual property rights was signed in the capital Colombo in the presence of Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Sri Lanka began talks with Thailand on a free trade agreement in 2016.

The countries’ two-way trade was worth about $352 million in 2022, with Thailand’s exports at $292 million and Sri Lanka’s exports at $58 million, according to Sri Lankan government’s data.

Sri Lanka exports include mainly precious stones, apparel, tea and spices while exports from Thailand include smoked rubber sheets, natural rubber, plastic and cement. Sri Lanka’s government expects the trade pact would boost two-way trade up to $1.5 billion.

Thavisin said that the countries agreed to promote investment in areas such as fisheries, food processing, tourism and green energy. Thailand has made over $92 million in direct investment in Sri Lanka from 2005 to 2022.

Giving further boost to tourism, Thavisin said that Thailand’s flag carrier Thai Airways would resume daily flights from Bangkok to Sri Lanka next month.

Sri Lanka has been struggling with an economic crisis since declaring bankruptcy in April 2022 with more than $83 billion in debt, more than half of it to foreign creditors. The crisis led to protests that ousted then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Severe shortages of food, fuel and medicine have largely abated over the past year under Wickremesinghe. But public dissatisfaction has grown over the government’s effort to increase revenue by raising electricity bills and imposing heavy new income taxes on professionals and businesses. The International Monetary Fund approved a four-year bailout program last March to help the South Asian country.

Sri Lanka is hoping to restructure $17 billion of its outstanding debt and has already reached agreements with some of its external creditors.

Calling the agreement “a milestone in the economic partnership” between the two countries, Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka has made “significant progress in economic stabilization” since the crisis erupted.

“As Sri Lanka begins to stabilise its economy and regain international confidence towards recovery and growth, we are looking at Thailand’s support as Sri Lanka undertakes this very important journey of economic transformation and integration with Asia,” Wickremesinghe said.

He also said the free trade agreement was Sri Lanka’s second with an ASEAN country, after Singapore. Sri Lanka is also in talks with neighbouring India and China on trade agreements.

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BHARATHA MALLAWARACHI reported from Colombo

Thai Man Charged With Harassing Russian Woman In Phuket Bus Station Toilet

By

Khaosod English

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3 February 2024, 02:11

PHUKET – A 26-year-old man has been charged with molesting a Russian female tourist in the women’s toilet at a passenger bus station in Phuket Province, despite the fact that the woman refuses to press charges. There is clear CCTV footage and more witnesses.

The incident occurred on January 31 at 3:30 a.m. when there were few passengers inside Phuket Bus Terminal No. 2, Thepkrasattri Road, Ratsada Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District.

Police officers from Phuket City Police Station were alerted to the incident about 6 a.m. and went to investigate; however, a Russian female visitor was not found. She had boarded the bus and carried on to Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province.

At 11:00 a.m., officials arrived to inspect the site and obtain information from the good citizen who called 191 to report what had happened, including reviewing CCTV footage.

toilet abuse3 — The Russian woman walked out and headed directly to the bus, showing her disgust with the man.

The video footage clearly shows that the Thai man who caused the incident did not wear a shirt and moved from the men’s toilet to the women’s toilet. Then there was the sound of a female tourist screaming out, prompting a monk to rush to help. The man then stepped out of the woman’s toilet, raising his hands in devotion. The Russian woman walked out and headed directly to the bus, showing her disgust with the man.

According to the investigation, the man named Peerayuth is 26 years old and lives in Trang Province. He formerly worked as a bus conductor on the Phuket-Betong route. He was accused of bullying or threatening people, as well as making others feel uncomfortable or annoyed in public.

The police considered filing the case in Phuket District Court and directing the probe to the Phuket Provincial Transport Company.

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Ambassador Robert F Godec Remarks Cobra Gold 2024

By

Khaosod English

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2 February 2024, 23:23

Ambassador Robert F. Godec remarks Cobra Gold 2024 at press conference on Friday, February 2, 2024, at reception room 11, Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters.

“Sawatdee Khrap. Good afternoon, and thank you, General Thitichai for hosting the official announcement of Cobra Gold 2024 and for the longstanding Thai-U.S. security alliance. Thank you also to Royal Thai Navy Fleet Commander Admiral Chatchai– we appreciate you joining us today.

On behalf of the U.S. Government and the American people, I would also like to thank the Royal Thai Government and the Royal Thai Armed Forces for hosting Cobra Gold 2024 and welcoming all 30 participating nations.

This year caps the celebration of 190 years of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the United States. Our longstanding friendship is a tapestry woven of many threads, culture, trade, science, and people-to-people connections. And of course, our military and security ties, which have been a foundation of our enduring partnership.

This 43^rd iteration of Cobra Gold is a testament to the strength of our ties. These exercises and our partnership are ever more relevant and important with emerging challenges to regional security. These include the new frontiers such as cyber, space, climate, and health. And they cannot be addressed by a single country alone. Through Cobra Gold, we bring together the diversity, expertise, and cultural perspectives of many nations, united by a shared commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Working together over these next few weeks, we will continue to provide a solid foundation for regional security, and inclusive prosperity for all.

The impact of Cobra Gold goes far beyond the opportunity to engage in military exercises. They benefit the citizens of Thailand, the United States and our partner nations. So, how does Cobra Gold better the lives of our students, farmers, office workers, and small business owners? Allow me to highlight some examples.

Up to 60 percent of the world’s maritime trade passes through the Indo-Pacific region. Cobra Gold maintains our shared readiness to secure the global commons, which is particularly relevant with piracy on the rise in key shipping routes around the world. Protecting Indo-Pacific maritime trade routes ensures the free flow of goods and services, which keeps transportation costs low, enabling Thai and American businesses to thrive and prosper and benefitting consumers through lower prices.

In Thailand, digital payments now account for 72 percent of total consumer purchases. Whether scanning QR codes at street food vendor stalls, or using payment apps, online transactions are the norm. Unfortunately, the rapid transition to digital technologies has been accompanied by an exponential increase in online scams and digital fraud. Partnership on Cyber Defense during Cobra Gold is an opportunity to tap into the most up-to-date cyber expertise and training to counter the growing sophistication of malicious cyber actors. Increasing our expertise in countering cyber threats helps us secure digital networks and protect our citizens.

This past year has also shown us again the importance of military readiness to assist our citizens living and working overseas when crises occur. For example: last April, when widescale armed conflict broke out in Sudan, the Royal Thai Air Force utilized lessons learned from Cobra Gold Noncombatant Evacuation Operation (or NEOs, for short) exercises. Three RTAF aircraft airlifted some 300 Thai citizens – including around 200 students studying there – to escape the violence. NEOs are a regular feature of Cobra Gold, where we share best practices to address security challenges.

This year, we welcome the news that the Royal Thai Navy and U.S. Navy will conduct a joint salvage operation for the HTMS Sukhothai. This salvage, which will be executed as part of Cobra Gold 2024, will hopefully bring some comfort and closure to the families of all the brave sailors and marines who were lost. We look forward to providing more information as the salvage operation develops in the future. Together we are committed to conducting a safe and thorough salvage operation.

For our own U.S. Military personnel, Cobra Gold always leaves indelible impressions. From previous exercises, we know this year once again they will forge friendships that last beyond careers. They will take home invaluable experiences of Thailand; and serve as ambassadors for Thai culture, for example by learning the ancient martial arts skills of Muay Thai.

Thank you again General Thitichai. I look forward to an excellent Cobra Gold 2024 and to continuing to weave the extraordinary tapestry of Thai-U.S. relations for the benefit of Thais, Americans, and people everywhere.

Khob Khun Khrap. Rao ja dern naa pai duay gun. Thank you, and we look forward to taking your questions.”

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Phuket Police Charge Five Russians with Extortion

By

Khaosod English

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2 February 2024, 20:33

balarus extort3 — Phuket police investigators searched the house where the suspects are believed to have taken the Belarusian couple on February 1, 2024.

PHUKET – On February 2, Phuket police announced the progress of the case involving a gang of Russians who kidnapped a Belarusian couple and extorted money from them.

After questioning the 23-year-old Belarusian man and his wife, who had been abducted in Phuket, police investigators confirmed that the two were forced to transfer USD 801,200 in cryptocurrency to the Russians.

Phuket police investigators searched the house where the suspects are believed to have taken the Belarusian couple on Thursday. The house, which is less than 2 kilometers from the crime scene, is rented out daily.

balarus — Two Belarusians were observed being forcibly dragged into a black Hyundai sedan with a red licence plate.

About 50 meters from the house, police found a white Toyota Fortuner with Phuket red license plates. The car belonging to the suspects was parked near a public park. Inside the car, police found two knife boxes, a knife, three rolls of clear tape, a roll of straw rope and energy drinks in a red bucket. Police forensic technicians took fingerprints around the car.

After gathering evidence, the Phuket City Police Investigation Unit presented its findings to the investigator. They gathered evidence and filed an arrest warrant for the five Russian suspects: Mr. Zalim Nalchikov, 37; Mr. Oleg Bogdanov, 30, Mr. Azamat Nagofv, 36; Mr. Istam Abdokov, 29, and Mr. Aslan Abazov, 36.

All are charged, according to the indictment, with aggravated robbery and intimidation, extortion, coercing others to commit acts by use of force to such an extent that the coerced person must commit the act, joint commission of offences with five or more persons, conspiracy to kidnap or detain others, or acts that deprive others of their physical liberty and cause others to perform an act for the offender.

The Belarusian visitor and his wife were offered protection by the Tourist Police, Immigration Police and Phuket Metropolitan Police. The couple expressed satisfaction with the police’s handling of the case.

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