Pet Humanization Drives Thai Business Growth to over $1 Billion

By

-

29 March 2024, 21:05

BANGKOK – “Pet humanization” is a growing megatrend, pushing the pet care market to grow to over 40 billion baht (1.1 billion USD) and will reach 60 billion baht (1.8 billion USD) in the next three years, according to the Thai minister.

Chaiya Promma, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, presided over the opening ceremony of Pet Healthcare 2024, held during March 28-31, 2024 at The Mall Lifestore Bang Kapi, Bangkok, sayingor the care and importance of pets as family members

Factors driving this trend include the increasing number of people choosing to remain single, as well as the growing popularity of pet therapy and the use of pets to alleviate loneliness in older people.

pethealth25 — Chaiya Promma, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives

Based on statistics, it was found that in 2019, 34 percent of Thai households owned both dogs and cats combined, amounting to 21 million pets in total: there were 7 million cats and 14 million dogs. By 2022, this percentage increased to 37 percent of Thai households nationwide. It is projected to continue growing annually at a rate of approximately 10 percent.

With this growing trend, business analysts believe that “Pet Humanization” will become a mega trend in the Thai business sector. The pet care market is expected to grow to over 40 billion baht, with an annual growth rate of around 8.4 percent.

This growth is divided into 60 percent for pet food businesses, 30 percent for veterinary clinics and the remaining 10 percent for other sectors. Therefore, pet care is expected to remain an important trend in Thailand for the foreseeable future.

Driving factors for this trend include the preferences of Gen Z, Gen Y, and the elderly population who keep pets as companions, as well as the increasing trend of smaller or childless families opting to have pets.

The Department of Business Development forecasts that the pet supplies market in Thailand will reach a value of 66.7 billion baht (1.8 billion USD) by 2026, with pet food for dogs and cats representing the largest segment and showing continuous growth.

This is closely followed by the group of exotic pets, which includes reptiles such as iguanas, chameleons and snakes as well as birds such as cockatoos, toucans and macaws. Other popular pets include rabbits, ferrets, hamsters and sugar gliders.

The Department of Livestock Development, which is responsible for setting guidelines and policies, monitoring, promotion, research, technology transfer and development of technologies related to animal husbandry, emphasizes the importance of maintaining standards not only for large animals but also for pets, which people nowadays increasingly prefer to keep.

The proper care of pets, which includes health maintenance, prevention and treatment, requires comprehensive knowledge and understanding in every respect. Therefore, the events organized by this department are particularly interesting and relevant.

_____

Club Med Marks a Year of Growth in 2023, Expects More in 2024

By

Contributor

-

29 March 2024, 16:38

Healthy demand for beach and mountain holidays, an aggressive global expansion plan and strong mountain leadership drive Club Med’s optimistic outlook for 2024

It is revealed on March 20, 2024 that Club Med, the global leader in premium all-inclusive holiday experiences, celebrated a year of resilience and significant achievements in 2023, marked by strong growth and financial performance.

The group’s 2023 results have laid a solid foundation that reinforces its market leadership in snow and sun holidays across the globe with the anticipation of a robust outlook for 2024.

Business volume amounted to €1,981M in 2023, representing an increase of 17% compared to 2022, and 16% versus 2019. Record resort operating income amounted to €174M, an increase of 64% compared to 2022, and 70% compared to 2019.

Resort capacity increased by 6% compared to 2022 with 97% upscale or very upscale capacity (+10pts vs 2019). Club Med welcomed over 1.5 million guests in 2023, a 16% year-over-year increase. This growth was driven primarily by a rebound in travel from Asia following pandemic restrictions.

The average room occupancy rate reached 70%, reflecting a 3.4 points rise from 2022. Operating margin was up 50% to 9.5%, compared with 6.2% in 2019, thanks to a successful upmarket strategy and business model optimisation.

By mid-2024, the Club Med Resort portfolio will achieve full upscale transformation to 100% Premium or Exclusive Collection.

Record performance of current first half 2024 bookings at +14% as of March 2, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023, which was already at a record level.

Within the East and South Asia, and Pacific (ESAP) region, Club Med has achieved new heights with strong demand for its Premium All-Inclusive Resorts. The ESAP region doubled its business volume of 102% year-over-year and 6% over 2019. There has been a significant upswing in the number of guests, with a remarkable 43% rise compared to 2022, and reaching pre-pandemic levels.

This momentum continues with very strong trends for the fourth Mountain Resort in Japan, Club Med Kiroro Grand, which opened in December 2023.

Focusing on Thailand and other Southeast Asia markets excluding Singapore and Malaysia, significant growth has been seen, especially in the ski and mountain business, solidifying our leadership positions in mountain destinations.

The Cluster experienced a remarkable 74% growth compared to 2022, reaching pre-pandemic levels. Thailand contributed approximately 65% of the total business volume.

The ski and mountain business proportion has been expanding across the markets. The increasing percentages per market, comparing with the total business volume from 2019 to 2023, are as follows:

*Thailand: from 33% to 50%

*Indonesia: from 29% to 35%

*India: from 6% to 19%

*Other new markets: from 24% to 44%

The ski business in Thailand is experiencing a significant upward trend, with a growth of 75% compared to 2019. This remarkable success is largely attributed to effective diversification strategies. Volume has been expanded to well-known Club Med ski resorts in Hokkaido, and notably to other destinations, particularly in Europe, where there has been an impressive increase of about 330% compared to 2019.

This increase can be attributed in part to the revenge travel phenomenon, as well as the success of the ski and mountain business (+75% vs pre-pandemic). This success was supported by the opening of Club Med Kiroro Peak in December 2022, a new mountain resort in Hokkaido, Japan, and a diversification strategy that introduced new ski destinations, particularly European mountain destinations.

Reflecting on the results of 2023, Rachael Harding, CEO of Club Med ESAP Markets, said “Club Med’s exceptional results are a testament to our market leadership in premium, all-inclusive holidays, especially in our Mountain Resorts. Embracing our refreshed brand identity and campaign, ‘That’s l’Esprit Libre’, we will continue to create experiences that allow our guests to disconnect from the worries and mental burden of everyday life to fully embrace the present.

This will be achieved through doubling down on the essence of holidays with Club Med where well-designed spaces, curated sports and activities, signature festive ambience and our international team of G.Os are synonymous with our premium all-inclusive programme. With a robust expansion plan, Club Med is well-positioned to cater to the travellers of today and tomorrow.”

Bruno Courbet, Country Director, Thailand and New Markets commented that, “This growth is a testament to Club Med’s unique all-inclusive offer, particularly notable in our ski destinations. With over 15 ski resorts in France and numerous Club Med properties worldwide, we’ve successfully diversified and expanded our offerings, bolstering our success. Looking ahead to 2024, we anticipate even greater diversification opportunities.

For instance, Thai travellers will benefit from increased travel ease, such as visa-free access to China starting from March 1, 2024, and electronic visas for Canada. Moreover, with the rise in direct flights to family-friendly destinations like Maldives, Bali, and Lijiang, we’re better positioned to meet the evolving needs of our discerning clientele, reaffirming our commitment to delivering unparalleled holiday experiences.”

Soneva Kiri to Welcome Haoma’s Chef

By

Contributor

-

29 March 2024, 16:38

The Indian-born chef will be bringing his Michelin menu to Koh Kood for an exclusive five-day pop-up

February 28, 2024. Haoma’s chef Deepanker Khosla will be dazzling diners at Soneva Kiri from April 12 to 16, 2024, as part of the resort’s spectacular Songkran festival programme. The award-winning chef behind the Michelin Green Star neo-Indian restaurant will be hosting a series of exclusive dining events during a four-day pop-up on the Thai island of Koh Kood.

Deepanker Kosla, affectionately known as ‘DK’, is the chef behind Bangkok’s Haoma – the farm-to-table urban oasis that follows the philosophy of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle, degust’. Named after the elixir of life held sacred in timeless Zoroastrian and Hindu traditions, its à la carte and seasonal tasting menus showcase a wealth of ingredients grown from an on-site aquaponics farm. Blending a socially and environmentally responsible ethos with explosive flavours, Haoma is the result of a deep exploration of DK’s roots with a journey that takes guests through every corner of the immense Indian subcontinent, from the land to the sea.

Haoma earned its first Michelin star in 2022, combined with a Michelin Green Star for outstanding work in sustainability. Aged just 32 years old at the time, Chef DK became the youngest Indian chef to hold a Michelin Star, and the first Indian to receive the hallowed Green Star. In 2023, he also achieved the first ever ‘Champions of Change’ award given in 2021 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

This April, in addition to the exclusive dining events hosted by Chef DK, guests can join the Songkran parade and traditional water games at Soneva Kiri, or indulge in special wellness rituals that reflect new beginnings and themed dining experiences to welcome the new year. Nationals and expatriates residing in Thailand can also celebrate the season with Soneva’s Thai Tiew Thai offer where prices start from THB 95,000 for a two-night stay for two guests.

For more information about Soneva Kiri, visit www.soneva.com

For more information about Haoma, visit www.haoma.dk

Beyond the Law: Three Thai Trans Leaders’ Impact on Equality’s Future

By

Contributor

-

29 March 2024, 16:06

From left to right

Nikki Phinyapincha, Founder of Transtalents Consulting Group

Koko Tiamsai, Global Internal Communications Manager, East-West Seed

Bella Vongvisitsin, Senior Lecturer, Hong Kong Metropolitan University

March 31, 2024 – Thailand: The recent historic move in Thailand’s approach to legalizing same-sex marriage has captured the world’s attention, with the House of Representatives passing the same-sex marriage bill on its final reading by a vote of 400 out of 415. Now awaiting approval from the Senate and the king’s endorsement, this legislation marks a significant step toward equality. While many celebrate, it’s acknowledged that marriage equality is just the beginning of true equality, as stigmatization and discrimination persist, especially in critical areas like education and employment. Not to mention another important bill that awaits consideration: the legal gender recognition law for the transgender population.

Despite progress in some sectors, trans individuals in Thailand and around the world continue to face substantial barriers in various sectors. In several regions, the introduction of anti-trans bills and policies not only undermines the rights of transgender individuals but also poses a direct threat to their well-being and aspirations for equality. According to World Bank & APTN survey conducted in 2018, 60% of Malaysian, 77% of Thai, and 85% of Vietnamese transgenders have faced job rejection, discrimination, and sexual harassment at work, as well as denial of promotion to leadership roles due to patriotic systemic barriers, social stigma and gender bias stereotypes of “being not capable/credible/professional” and unfortunately being restricted to jobs only in beauty, media, entertainment, and sex industries. Among other sexual and gender identities such as lesbian, gay, and bisexual, trans individuals have historically been marginalized and suffered the most.

As we approach Transgender Visibility Day (TDOV) on March 31, 2024, Nikki, Koko, and Bella exemplify how progressive change is achievable amidst adversity. They are not only forging paths to personal achievement but also leading strategic changes across sectors, advocating for an inclusive society that extends beyond legal rights.

Nikki Phinyapincha, the founder of Transtalents Consulting Group, emphasizes, “In every meeting room, forum, or stage I speak on, I carry with me the hopes to see trans people like me be part of it while advocating for the trans community and others marginalized, showcasing how collective, progressive actions can influence global equality through the power of opportunity.” With a master’s degree from Switzerland, supported by a prestigious Swiss Excellent Government Scholarship, alumni fellows from the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) from the US government and the Australia-ASEAN Emerging Leaders Program (A2ELP) from the Australian government, and her role in launching the first ASEAN transgender professional mentorship program, Nikki’s efforts in consulting for Thai social enterprises and global corporations in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have been globally recognized among the top 100+ LGBTQ+ future leaders by Involve x YouTube.

“Change doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s the product of persistence, education, and the courage to stand up for what’s right. We need to challenge the narrative that limits what trans people can achieve from both bottom up and top down using the lens of intersectionality in addressing the needs of each citizen. Our potential is boundless, and our perspectives are invaluable in creating diverse and dynamic societies.” Koko Tiamsai, Global Internal Communications Manager, East-West Seed, stressed.

Koko Tiamsai’s academic prowess and advocacy are underscored by her master’s degree in Gender Studies from SOAS University of London, achieved through a Chevening scholarship from the UK government. Her previous role in significantly amending workplace policies grounded in the theory of self-determination principle at foodpanda, particularly the gender-affirming policy allowing trans employees to take 30 days leave for their identity transition, marks a pivotal moment for transgender visibility and equality in the country. Koko’s efforts extend beyond corporate boundaries, touching lives and shaping futures through projects like Unite Thailand, which she manages to empower youth through art, education, and freedom of expression. Her work also includes setting up the project named ‘She Can’, where she equips a group of young trans youth with training in advocacy, laws, politics, and critical thinking skills to prepare these younger generations as future trans leaders of the region.

“Education and research are powerful tools in challenging the status quo and advocating for inclusivity. My journey is a reflection of how academia can intersect with advocacy to champion equality and understanding.” Bella Vongvisitsin, Senior Lecturer at Hong Kong Metropolitan University and Co-founder of Inclusive Tourism Asia, added.

Bella Vongvisitsin is a beacon of academic and professional excellence. With a PhD in Tourism Management from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Bella’s scholarly work and research in sustainable tourism development have earned her international recognition. As a Senior Lecturer at Hong Kong Metropolitan University and a co-founder of Inclusive Tourism Asia, she’s at the forefront of integrating DEI into the tourism industry, showcasing the impactful role of research and education in fostering inclusivity. She has established a diverse research team comprising LGBTQ+ scholars from prominent universities in Hong Kong, focused on examining the fundamental frameworks within hospitality and tourism servicescapes that perpetuate gender binary and reinforce traditional patriarchal gender norms. Furthermore, she has authored a pioneering study on the transformative impact of LGBTQ+ inclusion in promoting organizational change within the hospitality and tourism industry. Additionally, her research collaboration in the field of medical tourism has been instrumental in advocating for the health and well-being of transgender individuals. She has garnered recognition as a distinguished speaker, being invited by esteemed global tourism organizations, such as International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Skyscanner, and Expedia, as well as renowned universities in Hong Kong, Thailand, and the Philippines, to share her extensive expertise and disseminate knowledge in the field to both industry practitioners and younger generations.

As these three remarkable individuals demonstrate, the fight for trans visibility and rights is being waged on multiple fronts. From academia to corporate boardrooms, their achievements are not just personal victories but milestones in the journey toward a more inclusive society. Their stories are a clarion call for action, urging us to support and embrace the diversity that enriches our world.

These narratives, rich in international professional accolades and global academic rigor, offer a compelling argument for the value of inclusivity and the potential within the trans community and beyond. As the world observes Trans Visibility Day, let the stories of Nikki, Koko, and Bella serve as a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the long road ahead in ensuring equality and opportunity for all, regardless of gender identity.

ASEAN Trans Mentorship Program in collaboration with IBM and San Diego Pride

Seminar session in collaboration with Sasin School of Management

South Korea Requests Thailand Arrest A Scammer in Pattaya

By

Khaosod English

-

29 March 2024, 15:37

CHONBURI – On 29 March 2024, immigration police announced the arrest of a 51-year-old South Korean man, identified as Mr. Oh, who was wanted by South Korean authorities on charges of fraud, and the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO) had issued a red notice for him as the leader of a call center gang that scammed victims.

Mr. Oh was based in China and used phone calls and text messages to scam victims in South Korea. He created various scenarios to deceive victims into believing him and transferring money to members of the call center gang. Within two weeks, he was able to scam 6 victims for a total of 200 million won, or about 150,000 USD.

After the South Korean authorities issued an arrest warrant, Mr. Oh fled the country and hid in Pattaya. South Korea then coordinated with Thai authorities at the Foreign Affairs Department to help apprehend him.

He was caught in a residential compound in Nong Prue sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. He was charged with overstaying his visa and taken to Pattaya City Police Station for further investigation. He will then be extradited to South Korea.

Thai Police Arrest A Taiwanese Wanted for $16.5 Million in Fraud

By

Khaosod English

-

29 March 2024, 14:09

BANGKOK – On March 29, immigration police announced the arrest of Mrs. Meilee, a 66-year-old Taiwanese woman wanted by Taiwan on charges of fraud. She is accused of swindling 88 Taiwanese investors out of a total of 608 million baht, or 16.6 million USD, by promising them high returns on investments in Thai real estate.

Mrs. Meilee was arrested at a luxury condominium in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok.

According to the police, Mrs. Meilee set up a real estate company in Thailand and used it to lure investors. She promised them guaranteed returns of up to 20 percent per year, but instead used their money to fund her lavish lifestyle.

The police investigation also revealed that the Taiwanese woman has one daughter, Ms. Saengdao, who is now 23 years old. The ID card was issued in 2000, when Ms. Saengdao was 18 years old. The mother name on the ID card is Dujduean but there is no photo of Ms. Dujduean in the database.

taiwan wanted2 — A Taiwanese woman wanted for 608 million baht in fraud was arrested in Thailand, immigration police announced on March 29, 2024.

The investigation team then coordinated with the Investigation and Legal Affairs Division, Department of Provincial Administration, to request a photo of Mrs. Dujduean when she first applied for a Thai ID card in around 1999. They found that she looked like Mrs. Meilee.

They then focused their investigation on finding Mrs. Meilee through Ms. Saengdao. They eventually found out that the two were living together in a luxury condo in the Sukhumvit area, and they were able to arrest her.

From now on, the authorities will revoke her permission to stay in the kingdom and send her back to Taiwan.

_____

Luxury Meets Sustainability: Crystal Home Redefines Eco-Friendly Bathrooms

By

Contributor

-

29 March 2024, 13:41

BANGKOK – Crystal Home, a leading distributor of luxury bathroom products in Thailand, is set to revolutionize luxury with an eco-friendly twist.

At this year’s Eco Exhibition, the brand aims to enhance the accessibility of environmentally conscious sanitary ware, emphasizing the fusion of luxury and sustainability in its offerings. Global brands like Villeroy & Boch, AXOR, Hansgrohe, and others showcase water-saving designs and recycled materials, embodying the shift towards sustainable luxury.

Mrs. Suthipa Svasti-Xuto, Director of Luxury at Living Co., Ltd., highlights Crystal Home’s commitment to delivering top-notch products and services. Rooted in the vision of becoming the ‘Leading Luxury Bathroom Company’, Crystal Home meticulously selects innovations that seamlessly blend sophistication with eco-friendliness, inspiring customers to envision their personal spaces with the belief that luxury can coexist with sustainability.

At Crystal Home, our priority is to simplify and enhance home decorations, ensuring that our products meet both user needs and environmental concerns at affordable price points. For example, our partnership with Villeroy & Boch, a renowned German ceramics brand with over 275 years of history, brings high quality products to Thai clients.

Their CeramicPlus technology facilitates effortless cleaning by causing drops on the surface to form water beads, which then easily remove dirt and limescale. This innovation simplifies cleaning and reduces detergent and water usage by up to 90%, contributing significantly to environmental conservation efforts.

At this Exhibition, Villeroy & Boch presents the Antao collection that won global design awards like the ‘Reddot Winner 2023’ and ‘iF Design Award 2023’. Crafted by the well-known German designer duo ‘kaschkasch’, this collection draws inspiration from a dewdrop on a leaf.

Despite their simplicity, these designs exude elegance and incorporate Villeroy & Boch’s signature CeramicPlus technology for enhanced durability and functionality. Noteworthy are the wall-hung toilets from this collection, which combine CeramicPlus with TwistFlush technology, resulting in remarkable water savings of up to 19,700* liters per year.

Additionally, Villeroy & Boch’s Mettlach collection is worth highlighting. Faucets from this collection have a maximum flow rate of 3.5 liters per minute and are equipped with a Cold Start function for energy efficiency. Faucet handles feature the renowned mosaic tile patterns from Mettlach, Germany, creating statement pieces for the home.

Crystal Home also offers a diverse selection of sanitary ware brands, each with robust environmental sustainability features. For instance, the AXOR Massaud faucet employs Flood-jet technology to reduce water usage to just 4 liters per minute, while Hansgrohe’s Pulsify Planet Edition collection incorporates recycled plastic materials, promoting renewable resources.

Kohler’s Taut and Kumin faucet collections have earned the prestigious ‘Green Label’ award for their eco-friendly manufacturing processes, and TOTO’s Neorest LS Automatic Toilet, recognized with awards like the Reddot winner 2022, iF Design Award 2022, and Green Good Design Awards 2023, features the innovative Hybrid Ecology System for efficient flushing. Lastly, Decor Walther’s Stone collection emphasizes longevity and sustainability, crafted from 100% recyclable materials.

Beyond product offerings, Crystal Home supports environmentally friendly production processes and collaborates with brand partners that have similar visions. Every aspect of our business serves as a transformative starting point towards sustainable luxury.

Discover bathroom decorating ideas and solutions at the Crystal Home Concept Store, located on the 1st floor of Building D at CDC.

Explore our product range and details online at www.crystalhomebkk.com. For inquiries, please contact 02-101-5123.

CP Foods Triumphs with Three Prestigious Awards from BrandAge magazine

By

Contributor

-

29 March 2024, 11:07

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) has been distinguished with three significant accolades, being named the ‘2023-2024 Thailand’s Most Admired Company’ by BrandAge, Thailand’s notable magazine relating marketing and brand. This recognizes CP Foods as the leading company in the food industry with the most approved image and services.

Further, CP Foods garnered two additional recognitions under the ‘CP Brand’: the ‘2024 Thailand’s Most Admired Brand’ for its reliability and trust among consumers in the consumer products category, particularly sausages, and the ‘Market Leader Brand Award’. This award celebrates CP Foods as an outstanding market leader, known for enhancing product and service quality and achieving the highest market share according to BrandAge magazine.

Anarkawee Chooratn, Head of Marketing at CP Foods, shed light on the company’s guiding principle of becoming the sustainable ‘Kitchen of the World’. With a commitment to research and development, CP Foods aims to introduce food innovations that ensure consumer health, uphold social responsibility, and protect the environment. The company maintains high-quality, clean, safe, and delicious products ensuring nutritious at reasonable prices. CP Foods also adapts its communication strategies and campaigns to reflect current trends. The renowned initiative is the ‘Thai food – Mission to Space’ campaign, which elevated Thai food standards to space levels, demonstrating the safety and quality of CP Foods’ chicken meat according to NASA’s strict dietary standards for astronauts. This initiative was coupled with a marketing campaign to increase public involvement, while simultaneously expanding the retail network to enhance product accessibility.

The ‘2024 Thailand’s Most Admired Brand’ award in the consumer product category of sausages, awarded to CP Foods for the second year in a row, and the special ‘Market Leader Brand Award’, highlight the popularity and quality of CP Foods’ sausage products. The ‘CP FI-IT’ sausage, made from high-protein quality chicken breast, has received recognition as the “Best Food Innovation” at the THAIFEX – Anuga Taste Innovation Show 2023 and the Superior Taste Award 2023 from the International Taste Institute in Belgium. The CP Signature sausage continues to win over consumers, achieving a 3-star Superior Taste Award for three consecutive years (2022-2024) and a special Crystal Taste Award. Other well-loved products like CP Chicken Frank and Chicken Frank Spicy have also earned a 1-star Superior Taste award.

Miss Anarkawee expressed her gratitude to consumers for their support of CP Foods’ sausage products and emphasized the company’s dedication to meeting consumer insights in terms of ages and lifestyles. For 2024, CP Foods is set to launch ‘CP Xtream’ lava cheese sausage, targeting students and those seeking adventure, and ‘CP Halal’, a quality chicken sausage that adheres to Halal standards, providing an option for Muslim consumers.

Bus Plunges off a Bridge in South Africa, Killing 45 People. An 8-Year-Old Is Only Survivor

By

Associated Press

-

29 March 2024, 09:19

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.

The only survivor of the crash was an 8-year-old child, who was receiving medical attention, according to authorities in the northern province of Limpopo. They said the child was seriously injured.

The Limpopo provincial government said the bus veered off the Mmamatlakala bridge and plunged 50 meters (164 feet) into a ravine before busting into flames.

Search operations were ongoing, the provincial government said, but many bodies were burned beyond recognition and still trapped inside the vehicle.

AP24088852855000 — In this image taken from video provided by eNCA, a bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in Limpopo, South Africa, on Thursday, March 28, 2024, killing multiple people, authorities said. (eNCA via AP)

Authorities said they believe the bus was traveling from the neighboring country of Botswana to the town of Moria, which hosts a popular Easter pilgrimage. They said it appeared that the driver lost control and was one of the dead.

Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga was in Limpopo province for a road safety campaign and changed plans to visit the crash scene, the national Department of Transport said. She said there was an investigation underway into the cause of the crash and offered her condolences to the families of the victims.

The South African government often warns of the danger of road accidents during the Easter holidays, which is a particularly busy and dangerous time for road travel. More than 200 people died in road crashes during the Easter weekend last year.

The Zionist Christian Church has its headquarters in Moria and its Easter pilgrimage attracts hundreds of thousands of people from across South Africa and neighboring countries. This year is the first time the Easter pilgrimage to Moria is set to go ahead since the COVID-19 pandemic.

___

AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa

Naked Chinese Man Is Saved on Bangkok Police Station Rooftop

By

Khaosod English

-

28 March 2024, 23:58

BANGKOK – On March 28, Lumpini police officers attempted to cope with an incident involving a naked Chinese man, 59, risking to jump from a 5-story building within Lumpini Police Station, Wireless Road, Lumpini Subdistrict, Pathumwan District, Bangkok.

Later, officials found that the man on the building’s roof, wandering around and shouting in Chinese, was Mr. Fu Yu, 59. Therefore, the officers sought the help of an interpreter for negotiations, but their attempts failed. The officers then had to rush to spread out an air cushion in case the Chinese man jumped down.

After more than two hours, Mr. Fu Yu jumped into the water tank. The officers had to crawl in and help bring him out before handing him over to volunteers who would transport him to the police hospital.

According to the investigation, Mr. Fu Yu was arrested on Thursday at 2:00 a.m. by Lumpini police patrol officers. Officers detained him for a drunken rampage from the Boulevard Hotel on Soi Sukhumvit 5 and placed him in a detention cell.

The authorities detained him until 4:00 p.m., when he regained consciousness and was questioned. He used a translation app to communicate with police officers.

When the police asked about his relatives who could pick him up, he walked away and went up to the rooftop naked.

Officials learned that Mr. Fu Yu entered Thailand on March 13, 2024, with his passport still valid. During this time, officials will await the findings of a medical and mental examination. If he is not unusual, he will be charged with doing an obscene behaviour and turned over to Immigration Police for deportation to the country.

Hot News

LATEST NEWS