About 2 million methamphetamine tablets seized in a northern Thai border town near Myanmar after a shootout with Thai soldiers, Thai officials said on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. (Office Of The Narcotics Control Board via AP)
BANGKOK (AP) — Fifteen suspected drug smugglers were killed and about 2 million methamphetamine tablets seized in northern Thailand near the Myanmar border after a shootout with Thai soldiers, Thai officials said.
The clash, which occurred Saturday night, came after the local army received a tip that there would be smuggling activity near the border in Chiang Rai province, said Phanurat Lukboon, acting secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board.
Officers found a group of about 20 people carrying backpacks in the area, Phanurat said on Sunday. After the officers identified themselves and asked to inspect the bags, the group began shooting at them, he added.
The clash lasted around 15 minutes and the Thai officers were all safe, Phanurat said while on a visit to the site where the incident occurred. He thanked the officers for their help in “preventing these awful things from entering our country and destroying our youth.”
Bags containing methamphetamine pills are displayed during a news conference in Chiang Rai province, Thailand. (Office Of The Narcotics Control Board via AP)
Seventeen backpacks made from fertilizer sacks were found with the suspected smugglers and more than 2 million methamphetamine pills were inside the bags, officials said.
No arrests were made and officials were still working to identify the 15 people killed in the clash and the origin of the drugs, according to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board.
On Wednesday, Thailand announced it had seized 50 million methamphetamine tablets in the western province of Kanchanaburi, also near the Myanmar border. It was said to be a record haul of the drug in the country.
Myanmar has historically been Southeast Asia’s main drug production area in part because of lax security measures in border areas where minority ethnic groups have long been fighting for greater autonomy. Some of the powerful ethnic armed groups there have been heavily involved in narcotics production for decades.
A 2021 military takeover in Myanmar that unseated the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi triggered armed resistance nationwide, further destabilizing the country and contributing to an increase in its drug production.
The U.N. drug agency’s June 2023 report on synthetic drugs in East and Southeast Asia warned that the huge trade in methamphetamine and other illegal drugs shows no signs of slowing down.
TOKYO – Japanese TV personality Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s popular childhood memoir “Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window” is the most published autobiography penned by a single author, Guinness World Records said Monday.
As of the end of September, over 25.1 million copies in total have been published worldwide, with the book translated in over 20 languages and selling over 8 million copies in Japan alone, according to the world-record recognizing authority and Japanese publisher Kodansha Ltd.
“I am glad that readers overseas appear to have embraced it as well,” Kuroyanagi said through Kodansha.
TV personality Tetsuko Kuroyanagi poses with her childhood memoir “Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window” and a Guinness World Records certificate. (Photo courtesy of Kodansha Ltd. via Kyodo)
The best-selling book was first published in 1981, and a sequel issued in October has already surpassed the half-million mark. An animated movie of the original book, depicting her unconventional school life during the period around World War II, hit screens across Japan on Dec. 8.
Guinness World Records has also recognized her TV show “Tetsuko no Heya” (Tetsuko’s Room) as having the most TV talk show episodes hosted by the same presenter.
BANGKOK – Grab Thailand launched “My Food and Grocery Trend 2023,” which studied the behaviours of users in six countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, for ordering food and purchasing products in their daily lives.
In Thailand, the menus that users liked to order the most throughout the year were papaya salad with crab and fermented fish (Somtam Pu Pla Ra), with total orders this year reaching more than 4.4 million dishes, while black coffee was the most ordered drink, with total orders reaching more than 4.6 million cups. During the New Year, the five best-selling menu items are pizza, mala, fried chicken, sandwiches, and burgers.
Black coffee
In addition, there is a significant movement in Thailand, which is the Omni Commerce trend (Omnicommerce). Consumers are increasingly using food ordering apps to connect with their lifestyle outside the home, with orders from both the pick-up feature at the store and eat-in increasing more than 23 times in the first half of 2023, while in-store pick-up increased more than 140% in the second quarter of this year compared to the fourth quarter of the previous year.
Grab
The top 5 best-selling items ordered throughout the year are eggs, drinking water, fresh vegetables, milk, and ice. Over the past year, more than 10 million eggs and over 9 million bottles of drinking water were sold via GrabMart.
“The year 2023 is expected to see a significant change in the behaviour of delivery platform users.” In a more concrete approach, we are seeing customers combine their living outside their houses with their shopping habits via platforms. “As a result, platform providers have been forced to adapt and develop services in order to respond to changing behaviours and contexts,” stated Ms. Chansuda Thananitayaudom, Executive Vice President, Commercial and Marketing Division, Grab Thailand.
Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards 2023 celebrates the foremost developers, projects and agencies leading the region’s real estate industry this year.
46 winners from across Southeast Asia were honored at Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards 2023
Asset Wise PCL (Thailand) was named Developer of the Year 2023
Project of the Year 2023 went to Le Pont Residences from RLC Residences (Philippines)
The Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards recognized 46 winners from across the region with leading developers Asset Wise, Capitaland and Asset World Corporation among those to be honored.
Celebrations took place at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chaophraya River as real estate industry leaders came together to commend the best of the best in what is the industry’s most anticipated awards event of the year. As well as the award presentations the event saw musical performances and a magnificent riverside firework show to crown another dynamic year for the industry.
The Southeast Asia real estate market currently faces challenges in the face of the global economic environment and tightening access to finance, however the winners at this eighth annual Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards were celebrated in recognition of their resilience and adaptability to both the evolving needs of home seekers and the surrounding market conditions.
“Property developers are having to place real focus on the end users’ demands who have a clear idea of what they want regardless of if they’re searching for a city condominium, suburban housing or luxury villas in the resort destinations,” Adam Sutcliffe, Dot Property Director of Events and International Markets, states. “This year’s Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards winners have shown the ability to understand home seekers and create new and exciting projects and services that align with what the market is asking for.”
The prestigious Developer of the Year title was awarded to Thai developer Asset Wise PCL. New-launched condominium projects, such as Modiz Avantgarde and Kave Town Island have demonstrated a mastery of Bangkok’s competitive affordable condominium market. The company launched 15 projects this year at almost 30 billion baht value, an increase of 183% year on year.
“Winning Developer of the Year Southeast Asia 2023 is an achievement we are extremely proud of. This is validation of our vision and focus on delivering great quality homes at reasonable prices for the Thailand market” Kromchet Vipanpong, Chief Executive Officer at Asset Wise PCL, stated. “This award also symbolizes the hard work and dedication of everyone at Asset Wise who has contributed to our continued success.”
Elsewhere Singapore continued to go from strength to strength in terms of luxury urban design, with a notable winner in the form of Marina One Residences by M+S Residential Pte (Singapore), winner of Best Luxury Condominium Architectural Design, whilst Capitaland (Singapore) took home the prize of Best Developer Luxury Condominiums. Winners from Malaysia included Guocoland with Best Integrated Developer and Gamuda Land with Best Sustainable Developer whilst other winners represented Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Developer of The Year Southeast Asia 2023 Asset Wise PCL (Thailand) Project of the Year Southeast Asia 2023 Le Pont Residences by RLC Residences (Philippines) Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards 2023 developer winners
Developers from Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines were honored at the Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards 2023. Impressive performances from Botanica Luxury Phuket (Thailand) and Anchan Villas (Thailand) saw them repeat winners this year whilst RLC Residences (Philippines) and DOJILAND (Vietnam) also returned to collect accolades at this year’s event.
Best Affordable Housing Developer – PHirst Park Homes Inc (Philippines) Best Luxury Villa Developer – Botanica Luxury Phuket Co.,Ltd (Thailand) Best Developer Ultra Luxury Housing – Hongkong Land and Property Perfect PCL (Thailand) Best Developer Luxury Living – Anchan Villas (Thailand) Best Developer Luxury Condominium – Capitaland (Singapore) Best Integrated Developer – Guocoland (Malaysia) Best Sustainable Developer – Gamuda Land (Malaysia) Best Mixed Use Developer – Prince Real Estate Group (Cambodia) Best Developer Affordable Villas – Sawasdee Pool Vill Co., Ltd (Thailand) Best Boutique Villa Developer – Wallaya Villas Development Co., Ltd (Thailand) Best Developer Mid Range Resort Housing – 109 Real Estate (2555) Co., Ltd (Thailand) Best Lifestyle Developer – RLC Residences (Philippines) Best Innovative Developer – Elite Manor Co.,Ltd (Thailand) Best Developer Affordable Residential Condominium – SM Development Corporation (Philippines) Best Developer Residential Architectural Design – The Ozone Group Phuket Co., Ltd (Thailand) Best Developer Boutique Villa Design – MP Ville Co., Ltd (Thailand) Best Luxury Residential Developer – DOJILAND (Vietnam)
Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards 2023 project winners
A number of standout projects were recognized at the Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards 2023. One of the most notable winners was the new Kingbridge Tower (Thailand) winner of Best Iconic Urban Development.
Best Luxury Mixed Use Development – The Empire by Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (Thailand) Best Urban Masterplan Design – 2 Fifth Avenue by Avaland Bhd (Malaysia) Best Luxury Urban Residences – Newport Residences by City Development (Singapore) Best Luxury Integrated Development – Cannighill Piers by City Development and Capitaland (Singapore) Best Development Interior Design – The Ozone Residences by The Ozone Phuket Co., Ltd (Thailand) Best Design Boutique Residences – The Menara Hill Luxury Villas Phuket by MP Ville Co., Ltd (Thailand) Best Luxury Condominium Architectural Design – Marina One Residences by M+S Residential Pte (Singapore) Best Luxury Residence Iconic Design – Golden Crown Hai Phong by DOJILAND (Vietnam) Best Boutique Villa Development – La Felice Villa Hua Hin by PNP Real Estate Co., Ltd (Thailand) Best Luxury Office Development – Kronos Office Building by Phaibul Enterprises Co., Ltd (Thailand) Best Boutique Housing Development – Nova Real Estate Pranburi by Nova Real Estate Co., Ltd (Thailand) Best New Launch Villa Development – Alisa Pool Villa by Alisa Estate Co., Ltd (Thailand) Best Mid Range Villa Development – Zensiri Midtown Villas by ESS Development (Thailand) Best Development Affordable Condominium – Zeal Residences by SM Development Corporation (Philippines) Best Development Waterfront Condominium – Sands Residences by SM Development Corporation (Philippines) Best Mixed Use Development – Ice Tower by SM Development Corporation (Philippines) Best Iconic Urban Development – KingBridge Tower by KingBridge Tower Co., Ltd (Thailand) Best Luxury Condominium Development – Le Pont Residences by RLC Residences (Philippines) Best Luxury Villa Resort Design – Eden Hill by Khanthasia Co., Ltd Best Villa Architectural Design – Thipurai Luxury Pool Villas by Thipurai Group Hua Hin Co.,Ltd (Thailand) Best High End Lifestyle Condominium Development – Mantawi Residences by RLC Residences (Philippines)
Agency Excellence Awards 2023
Real estate agencies continue to be a vital link between property buyers and sellers while also providing other indispensable services that support a vibrant property sector. Celebrating their work is another aspect that makes the Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards unique. A total of six companies were named in this category. Among the agents, Property Lim Brothers (Singapore) took home the inaugural Agency Excellence Award for Real Estate Content and Innovation.
Zupreme C&C (Thailand) Ltd (Thailand) Home in Phuket Co., Ltd (Thailand) DKRA Vega – A member of DKRA Group (Vietnam) Amber International Realty Co., Ltd (Thailand) CMP Group (Regional) Agency Excellence Award: Real Estate Content and Innovation 2023 PropertyLimBrothers (Singapore)
The Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards 2023 would like to thank Savills for their continued service as official Awards Consultants. A special mention also goes to official venue partner Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chaophraya River and VIP Transportation provider Mercedes-Benz Primus Autohaus for their continued support.
The Dot Property Awards 2024 are now open for entries. For more details on how you can take part, please email [email protected]
“The PARQ” Delivers Nutrient-Rich Plant Vitamins from Food Waste to the Office of the Royal Development Projects Board, Furthering Sustainability in Alignment with Royal Initiatives.
Exploring the value of “food waste” as a valuable resource: The PARQ implements an advanced waste management system within its Mixed-use development, aligned with the Concept of “Life Well Balanced.” As the first project in Thailand that has set a remarkable precedent by achieving the LEED Gold® version 4 certification, the latest international standard for green buildings, and the WELL certified™ core gold standard, a pinnacle in global health standards for real estate.
The PARQ contributes a ton of nutrient-rich plant vitamins produced from waste processing machine within its buildings to the Office of the Royal Development Projects Board (RDPB). This initiative strives to cultivate sustainability, facilitate the exchange of ideas on environmental preservation, create public benefits and reduce food waste.
Mr. Kamolnai Chaixanien, Executive Director of TCC Assets Thailand Co. Ltd. and an executive at The PARQ, expressed, “At The PARQ, we are committed to promoting sustainability and environmental friendliness. We aim to foster a shared commitment among our tenants and partners, encouraging collective action. Through extensive research and testing, we have developed a strategy to efficiently manage resources while minimizing the environmental footprint associated with building operations.”
“The PARQ places a strong emphasis on integrating an efficient waste management system from the design stage, dedicating sustainable spaces for this purpose. With a firm commitment to effective waste management within the project, we have chosen OKLIN’s high-quality food waste disposal machine. This advanced system can digest a wide variety of food waste, including watery substances and large pieces of food, as well as items in the biodegradable packaging category and tissue paper. Notably, the machine eliminates the need for grinding, blending, or chopping, and significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions, contributing further to environmental preservation,” stated Ms. Nutthakarn Klovuthi-anun, Managing Director of Oaklin Company (Thailand).
Mrs. Suporn Treenarin, Secretary-General of the Royal Development Projects Board, stated, “The Office of the RDPB is delighted to serve as the intermediary for receiving the high-quality nourishing plant vitamins transformed from food waste. These vitamins will be distributed for use in the Royal Development Study Centre and other forthcoming projects under the royal initiatives.”
The PARQ has been utilizing the OKLIN machine in food waste management since its opening in 2020 The project successfully eliminated around 25 tons of food waste, thereby reducing the release of methane gas equivalent to approximately 65 standard cooking gas tanks. Additionally, the initiative resulted in a reduction of more than 62 tons of CO2e, equivalent to planting over 3,600 teak trees instead of contributing to the Carbon Footprint if the waste were sent to a landfill.
For the latest news and more information, please follow Facebook: The PARQ Instagram: @THEPARQBKK Website: www.theparq.com Tel. 0 2-080-5700 #ThePARQ #LifeWellBalanced
Blue Tree Phuket Set to Become the Ultimate ‘Hangout Hub’ in 2024, Catering to the Complete Lifestyle and Entertainment Needs of Thai and International Tourists of All Generations
Blue Tree Phuket, a comprehensive Entertainment Hub, is strategically collaborating with partners to enhance its operations in the lifestyle and all-encompassing entertainment business in 2024. The goal is to become the new ‘Hangout Hub’ of Phuket, a place that offers a full spectrum of experiences including dining, shopping, and sports—creating an all-encompassing hangout destination day and night.
This aims to elevate and meet the diverse needs of both Thai and international tourists, encompassing existing customer bases and expanding into new customer segments of all genders and ages.
Mr. Johan Wallen, General Manager of Blue Tree Phuket, revealed, ‘Throughout the past year, Blue Tree Phuket has been the destination of choice on the island, ready to deliver happiness and unlimited fun both day and night, fitting perfectly with our popular slogan ‘Entertainment Hub, Thrill & Chill, Day & Night.’
Blue Tree Phuket has gained increasing popularity among both Thai and international visitors. Statistical data from January to November 2022 (a 11-month period) recorded a total of 99,179 visitors who used Blue Tree’s services. The majority were Thai visitors, followed by Russian people, French tourists, Australian visitors, and those from the United Kingdom, respectively.
The most popular zone is the Blue Tree Lagoon zone, a key landmark with a crystal lagoon exceeding 17,000 square meters. The zone is filled with numerous play facilities and activities, including cliff diving, zip-lining, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, underwater scooters, various sliders, and the longest Superfly in Thailand. The second most popular is the Forest zone, offering a large green area open for various recreational activities, free of charge!
Following closely is the Blue Tree Arena zone, an ideal venue for parties, concerts, and various events, and also serves as a place for exercise, including activities like Zumba. Finally, the Lifestyle Village section comprises shops with a complete lifestyle, catering to all preferences, including dining, shopping, health, and the Kids Planet service, a nursery offering care for young children throughout the day, providing tourists with worry-free opportunities to engage in various activities all day long.
“Around 80% of the tourism sector in Phuket has been recovered. It targets the revenue will reach 300 billion baht from 8 million visitors in 2023 and increase to 400 billion baht in 2024.* For Blue Tree Phuket, our plan is to fortify our position as a leading Entertainment Hub and to emerge as the new go-to destination in Phuket. With this objective in mind, we have strategically partnered (B2B) with various sectors, including lifestyle, shopping, dining, sports, and hangout, aiming to collaboratively create a community that caters to the growing number of customers of all genders and ages. Concurrently, we will showcase our outstanding new activities scheduled to be introduced next year.”
Recently, we have signed agreements with some partners, notably LAROME GROUP, a contemporary French restaurant curated by renowned chef Julien BURBAUD under the name L’ArÔme @Blue Tree. The restaurant will be located in the 3-storey building Tree House, and offers a premium culinary experience and entertainment both during the day and night.
It caters to various customer groups including families and those seeking private spaces for parties. Additionally, we’ve introduced the Sunset Café, a premium café serving Starbucks coffee, near the Blue Tree Lagoon area. Visitors can enjoy their favorite beverages while soaking in the special atmosphere, taking in the views and fantastic water displays.
Furthermore, there are plans to renovate the Beach bungalow into a Beach Club, a vibrant space featuring top hip-hop DJs from Thailand and abroad that is expected to open around January 2024. Another noteworthy addition is Ko Rok, a truly private area designed for full-fledged partying and other activities, catering to various business groups. Many more plans are in store, such as organizing team-building events and First Aid/CPR training by certified experts, issuing certificates accordingly.
In the near future, we aim to develop Blue Tree Phuket into a more comprehensive community, including sports activities like opening a Private Sports Triathlon, offering courses for participating in Spartan Races, introducing scuba diving courses, and enhancing the F&B sector by collaborating with renowned partners like BARTELS, a famous bakery in Phuket. We are confident that in every part and every activity, we will be able to meet the needs of both B2B and B2C groups. Mr. Johan Wallen concluded by expressing his vision for the future growth of Blue Tree Phuket.”
SUVARNABHUMI – Pol. Maj. Gen. Choengron Rimpadee, Commissioner of Immigration Bureau 2 and spokesman of the Immigration Department, said they are ready to welcome tourists to Suvarnabhumi Airport for the 2024 New Year holiday, but advised passengers to allow at least 3 hours for the check-in process.
He said that due to the government’s policy to promote tourism and visa-free entry, it is estimated that more than 150,000 Thais and foreigners will enter and leave the country per day, especially Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is higher than the previous daily average of 120,000 people per day.
Currently, the airport may be crowded with passengers due to the expansion of flights and the increase in the number of travelers, especially Suvarnabhumi compared to the existing passenger terminal space. Therefore, it is necessary to use management methods to solve immediate problems so as not to affect travelers during peak flight hours.
Suvarnabhumi Airport
The peak number of people entering the country is estimated to be around 5,000-6,000 people per hour, and the peak number of people leaving the country is estimated to be around 4,000-5,000 people per hour.
During arrival flights at Suvarnabhumi Airport, there can be up to 25 flights at the same time in some hours. There will be a large wave of passengers flocking to the immigration hall. There may be a build-up of pictures of passengers. Immigration has taken measures to speed up the clearance process by carrying out more than 7 steps of security screening. The time it takes an officer to check a passport is no more than 45 seconds per person.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Itthiphon Itthisanronnachai, commander of the Immigration Bureau, examines the auto-departure passport control at Suvarnabhumi airport on December 11, 2023.
In addition, there have been experiments with timing passengers who walk into the hall, wait in line, and receive screening per person. It was found that it takes about 18-20 minutes to enter for screening. The Immigration Bureau also needs to screen foreign criminals who may be disguised as tourists.
For departure at Suvarnabhumi Airport, passengers need to allow time for the check-in process at the airline, the security check point according to international safety standards, immigration, and the walk to the boarding gate to board the plane. Overall, passengers are advised to allow at least 3 hours in advance for check-in.
For the use of the automatic channel for departure at Suvarnabhumi Airport to accommodate the screening of foreigners using E-passports from over 70 countries around the world, it has been found that it can improve passenger congestion by about 6,000 people per hour from the original 4,100 people.
Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park has opened winter tourism under the name "National Parks to Remember" in chambers 2 and 3.
CHIANG RAI – Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park in Chiang Rai province, which is famous all over the world for the rescue of the 13 Wild Boars football team, or 12 boys, and their coach trapped in a cave, has opened winter tourism under the name “National Parks to Remember” in chambers 2 and 3.
Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park has opened winter tourism under the name “National Parks to Remember” in chambers 2 and 3.Tham Luang is a cave of interest to cave explorers and tourists around the world.
Attapol Charoenchansa, acting director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said that the tourism is organized in groups of no more than 10 people, with experts and park officials providing assistance throughout the journey.
The service fee for Thai tourists is 950 baht per person, and 1,500 baht per person for foreign tourists, not including equipment and insurance. The cave is open 2 rounds per day, with each round lasting approximately 2.30 hours.
Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park has opened winter tourism under the name “National Parks to Remember” in chambers 2 and 3.
Attapol emphasized that the cave is only open during the summer and winter seasons for safety reasons. Tourists will also need to undergo a preliminary health check. He believes that foreign tourists will be interested and have already booked their tickets in large numbers.
The cave has not yet been fully explored. It is currently the third-longest cave in Thailand, but it could be the longest if it is fully explored.
The cave has not yet been fully explored. It is currently the third-longest cave in Thailand, but it could be the longest if it is fully explored.
Josh Morris, a cave expert and coordinator of the international rescue team in the 13 Wild Boars incident, said that Tham Luang is a cave of interest to cave explorers and tourists around the world. Everyone knows about the rescue of the 13 boys in 2018, but no one has seen how the rescue went inside the cave, how difficult it was, or how many officials helped.
The distance from the entrance to chamber 3 is approximately 800 meters. At each point, visitors will pass through interesting stories about the rescue of the 13 boys, the diving from chamber 9 to chamber 3, which was both a coordination center for information from the outside, and the initial health check of the 13 boys before they were taken out.
“Cave adventure is exciting. There may be some slippery spots in the cave, and some climbing spots, but don’t worry, it’s safe. There are officials to help you along the way. Anyone can enter, except those with health problems or walking problems,” Morris said.
Patcharawat Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (center), chaired the opening of the National Parks to Remember Winter Festival at Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non on December 15, 2023.
The coffin of the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah is being carried by the guards of honour during his funeral ceremony at the Bilal bin Rabah Mosque in Al-Siddiq district of Kuwait, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. Kuwait’s ruling emir, died on Saturday after a three-year, low-key reign focused on trying to resolve the tiny, oil-rich nation's internal political disputes. He was 86. (AP Photo/Jaber Abdulkhaleg)
On December 17, 2023, Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a message expressing condolences for the passing of Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Kuwait’s ruling emir:
“It is with profound sadness that we have received the news of the passing of Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, who dedicated his life to serving and elevating Kuwait. On behalf of the Thai government and the Thai people, I send my sincere condolences to the Royal Family, the government and the people of Kuwait. May his soul rest in peace.”
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the State of Kuwait also released a condolence message on December 16.
Thailand and Kuwait commemorate their 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2023. They established diplomatic relations with each other on June 14, 1963. Thailand opened its embassy in Kuwait on August 15, 1983.
During the past 60 years, both sides have enjoyed positive relations in various fields, such as trade and investment, the opportunity for Thai labourers to work in Kuwait, and the opportunity for Thai students to have their education at the high school and university level, as well as a number of Kuwaitis visiting Thailand for medical treatment and travel. In fact, the two countries have never been in conflict over any issue.
According to Associated Press report, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Kuwait’s ruling emir, died on Saturday after a three-year, low-key reign focused on trying to resolve the tiny, oil-rich nation’s internal political disputes. He was 86.
Kuwait state television broke into programming with Quranic verses just before a somber official made the announcement.
“With great sadness and sorrow, we — the Kuwaiti people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the friendly peoples of the world — mourn the late His Highness the emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who passed away to his Lord today,” said Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Sabah, the minister of his emiri court, who read the brief statement.
Authorities gave no cause of death.
People pray during the funeral ceremony of the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah at the Bilal bin Rabah Mosque in Al-Siddiq district of Kuwait, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Jaber Abdulkhaleg)
Kuwait’s deputy ruler and his half-brother, Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, now 83, had been the world’s oldest crown prince. The state-run KUNA news agency said Sheikh Meshal, a longtime leader in the country’s security services, had been named emir Saturday afternoon and now is one of the Gulf Arab countries’ last octogenarian leaders.
In late November, Sheikh Nawaf was rushed to a hospital for an unspecified illness. In the time since, Kuwait had been waiting for news about his health. State-run news previously reported that he traveled to the United States for unspecified medical checks in March 2021.
The health of Kuwait’s leaders remains a sensitive matter in the Middle Eastern nation bordering Iraq and Saudi Arabia, which has seen internal power struggles behind palace doors.
Those from Sheikh Nawaf’s lifetime, born before oil fully transformed Kuwait from a trading hub into a petrostate, have been fading away with age. That, as well as other Gulf Arab nations putting younger and more assertive rulers in power, has increasingly put more pressure on the Al Sabah to pass power onto the next generation.
In neighboring Saudi Arabia, King Salman, 87, is widely believed to have placed day-to-day rule of his nation in the hands of his 38-year-old son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Sheikh Nawaf was sworn in as emir in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, following the death of his predecessor, the late Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah. The breadth and depth of emotion over the loss of Sheikh Sabah, known for his diplomacy and peacemaking, was felt across the region.
Sheikh Nawaf previously served as Kuwait’s interior and defense minister. His political fortunes were never certain despite being part of the ruling Al Sabah family. As defense minister, Sheikh Nawaf oversaw the rapid collapse of his forces during Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s invasion of his country in August 1990. He faced widespread criticism for his decisions during the war.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, second left, pays his respects to Kuwait’s Defense Minister Ahmed AlFahad Alsabah and Foreign Minister Salem Abdallah Alsabah under a painting of the late Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, in Kuwait City, Sunday, Dec, 17, 2023. Kuwait’s ruling emir died at the age of 86, State television reported on Saturday. (AP Photo/Tara Copp)
A letter reportedly sent to the country’s ruler at the time alleged that Sheikh Nawaf ordered tank crews not to fire on the approaching Iraqi forces. The reasoning behind the alleged order remains unclear. Iraq’s battle-hardened forces, after years at war with Iran, easily overwhelmed the country.
A U.S.-led, multinational force later expelled the Iraqis from Kuwait in Operation Desert Storm. The Al Sabah never published the findings of its investigations into the government’s actions around the invasion.
“Our main target is the liberation. After we return, we will repair our own house,” Sheikh Nawaf said in 1991. “You have to reform yourself and correct any previous mistakes.”
U.S. President Joe Biden said that he was saddened by the death.
“Sheikh Nawaf was a valued partner and true friend of the United States throughout his decades of service,” Biden said in a statement.
“We honor his life and the vision we shared for greater peace and stability across the Middle East,” he said. “We will continue to strengthen the longstanding ties between the governments and people of the United States and Kuwait as we pursue that future together.”
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stopped off in Kuwait on Sunday to pay his respects to Kuwaiti officials, and is expected to be in Israel on Monday.
Kuwait, a nation home to about 4.2 million people which is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of New Jersey, has the world’s sixth-largest known oil reserves.
It has been a staunch U.S. ally since the 1991 Gulf War. Kuwait hosts around 13,500 American troops in the country, as well as the forward headquarters of the U.S. Army in the Middle East.
Leaders of ASEAN nations, from left, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Laos's Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet and Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim prepare for a group photo prior to their talks session during ASEAN-Japan 50th Year Commemorative Summit in Tokyo Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. (David Mareuil/Pool Photo via AP)
TOKYO – Leaders of Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are expected to agree Sunday on expanding their relations in the economic and security fields at a summit to commemorate 50 years of their friendship and cooperation.
In a “joint vision statement” issued after the gathering in Tokyo, the leaders pledged to step up cooperation on maritime security, strengthen supply chains, promote sustainable energy practices and expand people-to-people exchanges in various sectors.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his ASEAN counterparts take a photo prior to their dinner at the Akasaka Guesthouse in Tokyo, Saturday Dec. 16, 2023. ASEAN and Japan celebrate its 50th anniversary of their friendship and cooperation in Tokyo through December 18.
Among other new efforts to further boost the economy in the fast-growing region is supporting digital startups, as well as accelerating public and private investment to achieve decarbonization, the statement showed.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was quoted by his government as saying Japan will take measures to mobilize more than $35 billion in public and private funds over the next five years to facilitate investment in ASEAN, while also fostering the exchange of young business leaders with the region.
The leaders also announced the launch of a new initiative for the next-generation car industry aimed at mapping out strategies to enable ASEAN to continue being a major hub of auto production and exports.
“Based on strong mutual trust, Japan and ASEAN will tackle new challenges,” Kishida said at a press conference after the summit ended, adding he is glad that they will take a “new step toward the next 50 years.”
Leaders of ASEAN nations, from left, Philippine’s President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Laos’s Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, East Timor’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao pose for a group photo prior to their talks session during ASEAN-Japan 50th Year Commemorative Summit in Tokyo Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. (David Mareuil/Pool Photo via AP)
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who served as co-chair, also attended the press event, saying Japan and the bloc will maintain peace and stability in the region while adhering to international law.
The meeting came as Tokyo has been bolstering its ties with developing and emerging countries collectively called the “Global South,” including the 10 ASEAN members, to capitalize on their growth and try to counter Beijing’s increasing influence.
Japan regards its relations with ASEAN as strategically important, with the bloc facing the South China Sea, home to one of the world’s busiest maritime sea lanes. Some ASEAN members have territorial claims there that overlap with China’s.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
With China asserting sovereignty over nearly the entire sea and swiftly constructing artificial islands with military infrastructure, the focal point of Japan-ASEAN cooperation has shifted from business to security in recent years.
In the East China Sea, meanwhile, Chinese vessels have repeatedly intruded into waters near the Senkaku Islands, controlled by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing. The group of uninhabited islets is called Diaoyu in China.
With apparently in mind, Japan and ASEAN expressed their vision in the statement for a world where all countries can “uphold the principles of democracy” and “respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Myanmar, which has been under military rule since a February 2021 coup, was not invited to the summit.
The nine participating ASEAN leaders are scheduled to attend a separate summit of the 11-member Asia Zero Emission Community framework, also involving Japan and Australia, on Monday, with the focus on reducing carbon emissions.
