SIAM Takashimaya Welcomes Iconic Brand ANTEPRIMA for Exclusive ’30th Anniversary Pop-up Store’

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8 November 2023, 09:26

ANTEPRIMA Makes its Debut in Thailand with a Special 30th Anniversary Collection. The Pop-up Store Opens Now at ICONSIAM Thara Hall until November 10.

SIAM Takashimaya, Thailand’s exclusive Japanese-style department store at ICONSIAM, is proud to host the renowned Italian fashion brand ANTEPRIMA, which enjoys widespread popularity in Japan. ANTEPRIMA has unveiled its “ANTEPRIMA 30th Anniversary Pop-up Store” in Thailand, showcasing its 30th -anniversary collection, “Shine in the Light, Glow in the Dark,” for the very first time in the country.

The pop-up store presents three unique editions of bags: LUCCHETTO bags, which are distinguished by their intriguing shapes and functional features, along with ANIMALE-POODLE and ANIMALE-PANDA bags, inspired by animal designs, as well as an assortment of shoulder bags and mini bags from the STANDARD collection, now available in trendy new colors. This diverse range of chic and stylish bags offers something for every design enthusiast to appreciate and acquire, and take advantage of exclusive promotions and special offers available from today until November 10, 2023, located at Thara Hall, M Floor, ICONSIAM.

ANTEPRIMA is established in Italy in 1993 by Izumi Ogino, a Japanese woman. The brand’s primary design philosophy centers around the notion of timeless elegance and contemporary style. Merely five years after its inception, ANTEPRIMA made its debut at Milano Moda Donna, a globally acclaimed fashion event eagerly anticipated by fashion enthusiasts worldwide. This milestone marked Izumi as the first Japanese female designer to partake in the Milan Collection. In that same year, she introduced the ANTEPRIMA WIREBAG, a distinctive handbag crafted from a special type of wire that is soft, flexible, and lightweight. This meticulous handwoven creation quickly gained immense popularity upon its initial release in 1998. It soon evolved into an iconic piece for the brand, with the addition of a wide spectrum of colors and the introduction of various shapes in new collections of each season, a trend that has persisted to the present day.

Over the course of more than three decades, ANTEPRIMA has consistently delivered elegance and contemporary style to women worldwide. Its unique designs, seamlessly blending handcrafted elements with modern materials under the guiding concept of “Contrast” in every piece, have harvested massive popularity in Milan, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. As a result, ANTEPRIMA has left a long-lasting impression on bag enthusiasts worldwide.

“ANTEPRIMA’s exquisite and contemporary designs embody the essence of ‘Contrast.’ This concept involves skillfully blending modern materials, such as specialized wire, with high-quality knitting techniques, resulting in a bag that looks luxurious and precious. Alternatively, when employing glossy materials, I will add matte elements to create a striking and harmonious look. The contrast between the modern appearance of ANTEPRIMA WIREBAG’s wire material and the traditional hand-knitting technique exemplifies the essence of ANTEPRIMA’s craftsmanship at its finest. Also, the bag’s flexibility is another exceptional and captivating feature. Its original shape adapts to the contents placed within. The longer it is used, the more it mirrors the unique character and style of the user,” said Izumi Okino, The creative director of the brand, unveiling the core design concept. Ultimately, her overarching objective is to bring happiness to every woman who uses ANTEPRIMA products.

The exclusive pop-up store introduces the “30th ANNIVERSARY: Shine in the Light, Glow in the Dark” collection, celebrating ANTEPRIMA’s transition into a new era with a fusion of classic yet exotic designs. This collection flawlessly blends elements from the Fall and Winter 2023-2024 collections, emphasizing the signature features of the WIREBAG’s STANDARD MINIATURA for an additional allure through the “Glow in the Dark” theme.

Incorporating a gold chain adorned with pearls to spell out the word “LOVE” on the bag, and enhancing it with a glowing neon light effect, ANTEPRIMA conveys the message of “HOPE.” The designer views hope as “The ability to find light in the midst of darkness,” and this design choice serves to communicate ANTEPRIMA’s belief in love as a guiding light for the future. The 30 pearls symbolize the 30-year journey of the brand.

The special edition bag, in celebration of the 30th anniversary, showcases three colors that serve as the identity of the brand, each paired with neon lights in corresponding hues. The Argento silver features a pearl chain and white neon light, the Khakigento gray edition includes a pearl chain and white neon light, and the Nero black version is adorned with a pearl chain and red neon light. Each bag is encased in specially designed packaging to ensure it remains in pristine and flawless condition until it reaches the hands of its new owner.

Another must-not-miss collection is ANIMALE, a series of knitted animal-shaped wire bags that exude chic and distinctive style. This series stands as one of ANTEPRIMA’s signature and iconic offerings. In this latest collection, the brand introduces ANIMALE-POODLE, a bag that catches the eye with its adorable representation of a toy poodle, complete with large, endearing eyes. Additionally, it presents ANIMALE-PANDA, a delightful bag decorated with incredibly cute pandas. This collection brings together a family of pandas, each radiating their unique charm to capture your heart. The range encompasses petite shoulder bags as well as three-dimensional bags capable of accommodating a variety of items, catering to a wide array of needs.

Two other captivating collections are also on offer. Firstly, the STANDARD collection presents emerging colors from the Fall/Winter 2023-2024 collection, encompassing three distinct models. The STANDARD MINI 045 is a petite chain shoulder bag designed for versatility on any occasion, while the STANDARD MINI 6T1 is a classic mini bag known for its ease of portability. Lastly, the STANDARD TOTE BAG is available in fresh, appealing colors, sure to delight those seeking a new addition to their bag collection.

Additionally, the LUCHETTO collection offers a trapezoidal woven wire bag. This model features a cleverly designed triangular compartment concealed within, effectively expanding the available space for accommodating more belongings.

The “ANTEPRIMA 30th Anniversary Pop-up Store” is located at Thara Hall, M Floor, ICONSIAM. Shoppers can also receive exclusive gifts and cash coupons worth up to 2,000 when making purchases in line with the specified conditions. This offer is available from today until November 10, 2023. ANTEPRIMA products are also available at SIAM Takashimaya, 1st floor, and from November 11, 2023, onwards. For further information, please feel free to contact LINE @SiamTakashimaya.

25 Alleged Fraudsters Detained In Cambodia To Be Extradited To Japan

By

Kyodo News

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7 November 2023, 20:30

Twenty-five Japanese nationals detained in September in Cambodia for allegedly running a phone scam operation out of a Phnom Penh apartment will soon be extradited to Japan for arrest, investigative sources said Tuesday.

Three Japanese men are thought to have escaped the raid, with local authorities trying to track them in the belief they fled to neighboring Thailand.

Investigators from several Japanese prefectural police authorities were dispatched to the Cambodian capital to facilitate the transfer which will take place on Wednesday at the earliest. Damage from the alleged fraud scheme is thought to run to at least hundreds of millions of yen, the sources said.

The Japanese nationals detained by Cambodian authorities are men ranging from 20 to 42 years old. Investigators are trying to uncover the full extent of the operation including the group’s hierarchy, the sources said.

japan cambodia scam2 — File photo taken on Sept. 13, 2023, shows an apartment building in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh where a group of Japanese nationals were detained for allegedly running a phone scam operation. (Kyodo)

The group is believed to have run an operation making phone calls from the Southeast Asian country aiming to defraud victims in Japan. Some of the men were responsible for giving commands and handling cash flows.

Allegations against the group include calling a then 70-year-old woman in Hokkaido in northern Japan around August, claiming she had won the right to move into a nursing home, and then defrauding her of 500,000 yen ($3,300) to resolve a dispute the suspects concocted regarding her transfer.

Local authorities in Cambodia raided the apartment and detained the men on Sept. 11 after receiving a tip-off.

Dozens of mobile phones as well as computers and documents that appear to be manuals detailing how to defraud victims were confiscated. About 20 phones had been destroyed apparently to delete evidence, local investigative sources have said.

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DISCOVER THE TIMELESS ART OF STORYTELLING AT MADI PAIDI BANGKOK

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Contributor

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7 November 2023, 18:05

DISCOVER THE TIMELESS ART OF STORYTELLING AT MADI PAIDI BANGKOK,
THAILAND’S FIRST AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION HOTEL
Nestled in a tree-lined avenue just moments away from vibrant Thong Lor district,
this distinct new hotel sets to create inspiring travel tales

BANGKOK –– Autograph Collection Hotels – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of 31 extraordinary hotel brands – announces its thrilling debut in Thailand with the opening of Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection. The stylish new boutique hotel brings the art of storytelling to life in Thong Lor, Sukhumvit, one of the city’s most vibrant districts and the go-to destination for those seeking an eclectic mix of cuisine, culture, and entertainment.

“Thailand has long been an attractive destination for travelers with its fascinating culture and tropical climate. Our first Autograph Collection Hotels’ property in the country arrives in Bangkok – a city with rich backstories and a unique sense of style – ideally suited for the brand,” said Jennifer Connell, Global Brand Leader, Autograph Collection Hotels and Vice President, Distinctive Premium Brands, Marriott International. “Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection aims to transport guests on an exciting journey into the city’s heart and soul, leaving a lasting imprint for them that is exactly like nothing else.”

The design concept of Madi Paidi Bangkok is inspired by the juxtaposition between the street’s relaxing, residential charm and the lively vibe of Thong Lor. The elegant, timber-clad exterior, tumbling foliage and verdant roofline blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings in this leafy avenue. Stepping through the entrance, the interiors are influenced by rich contrasts: classic meets contemporary, east meets west. Throughout a stay, sophisticated travelers will be immersed in a multi-sensory world of art, craft, taste, and texture that will shine a new light on the destination and create a connection with the neighborhood.

At Madi Paidi Bangkok, guests will be greeted with heartfelt Thai hospitality, symbolized by the tradition of wishing guests “ma dee” (a pleasant arrival), “yoo dee” (a pleasant stay), and “pai dee” (bon voyage). The hotel strives to give globetrotters a sense of what it is like to be a modern resident in this ever-evolving part of town.

The 56 guest rooms and suites at Madi Paidi Bangkok are rich in character and articulate unexpected stories through their art and décor. The room colors are inspired by some of Thailand’s precious gemstones: Topaz (“Bud-Sa-Ra-Kum”), Sapphire (“Pai-Lin”), and Emerald (“Mo-Ra-Kot”). These separate themes are intricately tied together with auspicious “chalew” woven bamboo symbols to wish every guest good luck and a safe journey. With room sizes ranging from 32 to 56 square meters, every guest will have plenty of space to unwind, including a living area with a sofa, and amenities such as a premium coffee maker, large LED TV, and rain shower. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day.

The bond between tradition and modernity is also expressed at EKKALUCK, the hotel’s signature restaurant which engages the senses with its uniquely creative cuisine. This refined dining venue sets the stage for an elegant daily breakfast, before evolving into a bright and inviting setting for light lunches and daytime bites. As day turns to night and the lights of Thong Lor start to shine, EKKALUCK transforms into a progressive Thai fine-dining restaurant. Executive Chef Wuttisak Wuttiamporn personally sources the finest local and seasonal ingredients, consisting of rare finds from niche suppliers, including small-scale farms and fisheries, to ensure that every dish has a unique identity and story that transports diners on a culinary adventure.

Moments of personal enrichment can be enjoyed at the rooftop gym and pool, which let wellness-seekers rise above the heat of the city or prepare for an uplifting night out in Thong Lor.

“I am thrilled to introduce guests to Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection – a truly singular hotel that will tell the story of its destination and create inspiring and eclectic guest experiences. By embracing the paradox between Soi Pai Dee Ma Dee’s residential charm and the buzzing energy of Soi Thong Lor, every guest can find their own way to explore this dynamic city,” said Roger Parnow, Cluster General Manager, Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection. “We look forward to welcoming discerning globetrotters to Bangkok, whether they are seeking a peaceful urban retreat or an exhilarating adventure.”

Madi Paidi Bangkok is nestled in Soi Pai Dee Ma Dee (Soi Sukhumvit 53), a tree-lined residential street that runs parallel with Soi Thong Lor (Soi Sukhumvit 55), the upbeat enclave of ultra-trendy clubs, bars, restaurants, and lifestyle malls. The hotel is a short distance from Thong Lor BTS skytrain station, which puts the entire city within easy reach – including the commercial hub of Sukhumvit. Suvarnabhumi International Airport is a 30-minute drive away, and Don Mueang International Airport can be reached in 40 minutes.

Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection will participate in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel program from Marriott International – allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the new hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.

To learn more and to reserve an urban escape at Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection, please visit http://www.madipaidibangkok.com/

“ICONSIAM” Furthers its Success Continuing to Invest 500 million in Marketing

By

Contributor

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7 November 2023, 18:02

Join Forces with Partners in Organizing a Phenomenal Event to Celebrate 5 Years of Success From 9 – 11 November at TRUE ICON HALL, 7th Floor, ICONSIAM

ICONSIAM celebrates its 5th anniversary of success, announcing its expansion into a world-class destination along the Chao Phraya River, reinforcing its strength by joining hands with partners around the world to organize World Class Events throughout the year, along with raising the level of Soft Power to promote Thai traditional festivals as large-scale, world-class events. Together with partners including Kasikorn Bank, Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Co., Ltd.,

The ICONSIAM Superlux Residence Corporation Co., Ltd. and Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., organized the special event ‘ICONSIAM – The 5th Anniversary of The ICON Unrivaled’ renovated the entire area along the Chao Phraya River to create a grand light and sound show, along with world-famous foreign actors and artists come together to celebrate ICONSIAM as a Global Destination based on the concept of ‘The best of Thailand Meets the Best of the World’, from November 9 -11 at TRUE ICON HALL, 7th Floor, ICONSIAM

Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., said “ICONSIAM takes great pride in achieving its visionary goal established by its founders and investors, to bring success to Thailand. This mission involves creating a magnet that places Thailand at the top of the global stage and in the hearts of people worldwide.

To commemorate the 5-year milestone of its business operations, ICONSIAM has received recognition from both Thai and international tourists as a Global Destination and an iconic symbol of Thailand on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Looking forward, ICONSIAM has developed a strategy to partner with global allies in organizing World Class Events throughout the year within the shopping complex, planning to elevate significant Thai festivals and traditions to become global events, such as the Loy Krathong Festival, Songkran Festival, Kite flying, and more.

ICONSIAM is committed to working with relevant government agencies such as the Ministry of Culture and various partners to propel Thailand towards becoming a globally influential cultural hub, or a Global Cultural Influence, through the use of Thailand’s soft power on the world stage. This influence extends across various dimensions, including culture, food, cinema, fashion, design, and more.

Mr. Supoj mentioned that the celebration of the 5th Anniversary is aimed at supporting and stimulating the economy while drawing both domestic and international tourists. ICONSIAM has joined hands with key partners, including Kasikorn Bank, Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Co., Ltd., The ICONSIAM Superlux Residence Corporation Co., Ltd. and Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., to organize a grand 5th-anniversary campaign with an estimated budget of 500 million baht, five-month world-class events, promotions, special offers and various entertainment activities.

This event aims to showcase Thailand’s soft power to attract global tourists and, at the same time, invite internationally renowned artists to collaborate with Thai artists in various dimensions. International artists who will participate in the 5th-anniversary celebration at ICONSIAM on November 9th, include “Lee Junho,” an actor from the popular TV series “King the Land” and a member of the boy band “2PM,” and “Mark Tuan,” a former member of GOT7.

The 5th anniversary celebration promises to be an extraordinary event, offering a shopping experience with special promotions worth more than 30 million baht.

Mr. Supoj added “For the promotional campaign to celebrate the 5th anniversary, a total of 30-million-baht worth of prizes will be awarded throughout the final two months. The first campaign runs from November 9 – 30 2023 under the concept “THE ICON Unrivaled”, customers will have the chance to win exciting prizes, including a Tesla Model 3 electric car worth 1,599,000 baht, Yamaha XMAX CONNECTED motorcycle with helmet worth 200,000 baht, a Diamond pendant from Jubilee, and many other prizes, a total of 24,500 prizes.

Secondly, customers who spend on a specified amount can choose to redeem prizes such as ICONSIAM Travel Bag Set, THANN set or Siam Gift Card. As for the third prizes between November 9-11, receive an additional 9,000 Viz Coin (1 Viz Coin equals 1 baht) when spending with the One Siam Kasikorn Credit Card for 300,000 baht or more per sales slip.

This big campaign brings together the power of business partners and more than 300 stores in ICONSIAM that are ready to offer many discounts and special privileges to customers.

“ICONSIAM is considered one of the most iconic projects. Bringing the best of Thailand together with the best of the world, ‘The Best of Thailand Meets The Best of The World’ presents the goodness in every dimension of Thainess. Ready to bring the greatness of wonders from every corner of the world.

Let’s come together to make it happen in Bangkok. We grow and do business under a strategy of co-creation. (Co-Creation) and creating shared benefits for all parties (Creating Shared Value) enable sustainable growth with all sectors. It creates a positive response to society, community, and the environment and is an important part that brings ICONSIAM to greatness on the world stage.

Success throughout 5 years of ICONSIAM It arises from the power of cooperation of partners in all sectors, including the government, private sector, and civil society. and surrounding communities that are involved in all projects On this special occasion We therefore invite all partners in all sectors and the public to come celebrate together under the concept of The 5th Anniversary of The ICON Unrivaled for the happiness and prosperity of all sectors. and together reinforce to everyone that Thailand is not defeated by any nation in the world,” Mr. Supoj said.

For the 5th Anniversary of ICONSIAM – The 5th Anniversary of The ICON Unrivaled, ICONSIAM is determined to focus on every details of each event to deliver an unparalleled experience. The celebration will take place from November 9-11 November, 2023, at TRUE ICON HALL, 7th Floor, ICONSIAM, with spectacular performances from world-famous artists throughout 3 days, details as follows:

November 9, 2023 (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

Witness a grand spectacle with world-renowned artists and over 40 Thai superstars walking the red carpet along the Chao Phraya River to kick off the 5th-anniversary celebration. Joining this event are international superstar “Lee Junho” from ‘King the Land’ and the member of the popular boy band ‘2PM’, Thailand’s leading artists, including PP Krit, Billkin, Tor Saksit, Ally Nitibhon, James Jirayu Tangsrisuk, Chanon Santinatornkul, Bright Rapheephong, 789 DEBUT GROUP (12), Blue Pongtiwat, Jazzy Kirana, Veena Praveena, and many more. Special guest performance by the global superstar “Mark Tuan,” who has flown in to join the celebration.

Experience the spectacular Phenomenon of The ICON Unrivaled, a visually and sonically stunning performance specially crafted for this event, emphasizing the concept of “the best of Thailand meets the best of the world,” merging Thailand’s regional pride with contemporary appeal, along with the beautiful song “The ICON of Dream” performed by top artists such as Tor Saksit and Ally Nitibhon. Ending the memorable evening with a mini-concert, Celebration of Prosperity, from the hottest duo PP Krit and Billkin, followed by the female singer Sarah Salola.

November 10, 2023 (6:00 PM onwards)

ATLAS fans can enjoy the Phenomenon of The ICON Unrivaled with a concert by, consisting of 7 members: Junior, Poom, Jet, Nice, Erwin, Muon and Tad.

November 11, 2023 (6:00 PM onwards)

Enjoy the Phenomenon of The ICON Unrivaled performance, followed by a concert by Peck Palitchoke, the popular singer who will bring his hit songs to delight his fans.

Join in the celebration of this grand global event commemorating the 5th Anniversary of ICONSIAM – The 5th Anniversary of The ICON Unrivaled. The event will take place from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on November 9 – 11, 2023, at TRUE ICON HALL, 7th Floor, ICONSIAM. The general guests can attend this event for free. For more details, please contact Facebook: ICONSIAM or call 1338.

Three Thais Falls Victim To Human Trafficking In Taiwan

By

Khaosod English

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7 November 2023, 17:17

Bangkok – Three Thais had been deceived by a human trafficking syndicate that promised them employment in Taiwan. When they arrived in Taiwan, they were abandoned on a mountain.

Ekaphop Leuangprasert, the founder of the Saimai Tong Rod (Sai Mai must survive) foundation, succeeded in helping three Thais to report their situation to the Central Investigation Bureau of the Royal Thai Police on November 7.

The victims are asking the police and the Ministry of Labor for help to catch the culprits behind this human trafficking. This is worrying because these traffickers create seemingly legitimate profiles and use social media to deceive potential victims who hope to find better job opportunities abroad, for example in South Korea or Taiwan.

thai victim taiwan1 — Three Thais report their situation to the Central Investigation Bureau of the Royal Thai Police on November 7.

Many people have fallen for this scam and ended up losing money for traveling expenses, only to be stranded or even forced to work in terrible conditions.

Furthermore, it has been found that these trafficking groups often operate under the guise of travel companies before exploiting the workers they smuggle in. This has also had a negative impact on Thailand’s reputation and has led to misunderstandings among Thai tourists who may be falsely associated with these illegal activities.

ExxonMobil and B-Quik offer special promotion for B-Member members

By

Contributor

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7 November 2023, 16:39

(From left to right) Busararat Assaratanakul, B-Quik chief operating officer; Henk Kiks, B-Quik chief executive officer; Manoch Munjitjuntra, ExxonMobil Thailand Lubricant sales manager.

Celebrating 20-year business partnership with a special promotion: “Mobil thanks customers, giving away prizes worth over a million baht”

ExxonMobil Marketing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (“ExxonMobil”) and B-Quik Co., Ltd. (“B-Quik”) celebrated 20 years’ business partnership with a special lucky draw promotion: “Mobil thanks customers, giving away prizes worth over a million baht” for B-Member customers who change the participating Mobil 1 and Mobil Super engine oil and filters between 1 October 2023 and 30 November 2023 at all B-Quik service centers nationwide. Prizes include 20 15.16-gram gold bars (each valued at 32,300Bht*), 20 iPad 10th generation (each valued at 17,900Bht), 20 Apple Watch SE (each valued at 9,900Bht), and 200 BQ Racing x Mobil T-shirts (each valued at 699Bht), total 260 prizes with value more than 1MBht. Customers can view the terms and conditions of the prize draw and promotion details via Line Official Account: @B-Quik1153.

Manoch Munjitjuntra, Thailand lubricants sales manager, ExxonMobil said, “We are very pleased to have been partner with a complete automotive service center like B-Quik for 20 years. To celebrate this auspicious anniversary, ExxonMobil joins with B-Quik to organize a special lucky draw promotion to thank our customers for their long trust. ExxonMobil and B-Quik share the same vision and goal of delivering high quality engine maintenance to customers. We are confident that the two companies will maintain a good business partnership for the long term in the future.”

B-Quik started serving Mobil branded lubricants to customers since 2003. ExxonMobil has supported B-Quik Racing with Mobil 1 products to prove the outstanding performance and reputation of high performance engine lubricants for over 10 years.

Henk Kiks, B-Quik chief executive officer said, “B-Quik is very pleased to be a business partner with ExxonMobil for 20 years. We are committed to making all our customers satisfied with quality products and services. At present, B-Quik has the largest network of complete car service centers in Thailand. We have more than 200 branches covering the entire country. We aim to leverage every marketing communication channel and cover all communication platform to reach our customers of every generation more conveniently and quickly. With the great support from customers, B-Quik would like to reward customers with a B-Member membership program that offers special discounts up to 7% to member customers. B-members can collect points from every 25 Baht spend at B-Quik which can be used for redeeming for discounts or special privileges from B-Quik and many of our business partners.”

DeeMoney increases cross-border payments to Myanmar market

By

Contributor

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7 November 2023, 15:40

DeeMoney partners with SCB to facilitate secure cross-border money transfers, expanding access to the Myanmar market

Sawasdee Shop Co., Ltd., operating as a fintech company, introduced the DeeMoney platform, a robust Thai cross-border transaction system supporting over 26 currencies across 50 countries globally. This company has solidified a business partnership with Siam Commercial Bank, announcing their collaboration to enhance the money transfer service from Thailand to Myanmar. The focus lies in developing cross-border money transfer services that are not only easy, convenient, and swift but also offer superior exchange rates compared to the existing market rates. The primary goal is to facilitate over 2 million Myanmar workers, including small and medium-sized business operators (SMEs), seeking to transfer money back to Myanmar. The aim is to establish itself as the preferred choice for the Myanmar community, targeting no less than 150,000 active users and a transaction value exceeding 2 billion baht by the close of 2024.

A survey conducted by DeeMoney in February 2023 revealed that more than 94% of Myanmar workers typically transferred money to their home country through informal channels such as money transfer agents (Hundi), while a few chose to transport the money themselves or via acquaintances. Merely a small percentage utilized formal banking channels for money transfers. This trend is attributed to the limited access most users have to financial services (being ‘Unbanked’). Moreover, the exchange rates within the conventional financial system are notably higher compared to the rates offered by informal services (Hundi).

The outcomes of this survey prompted the collaborative effort between DeeMoney and SCB to directly manage the exchange rates between the Thai baht and the Myanmar kyat. Consequently, DeeMoney has emerged as one of the key service providers offering the most competitive exchange rates for money transfers from Thailand to Myanmar. Importantly, this collaboration has obtained authorization from the central banks of both countries, namely the Bank of Thailand and the Central Bank of Myanmar.

Regarding destination countries, DeeMoney is steadfast in its commitment to expanding its network coverage extensively, enabling customers to transfer funds to prominent bank accounts in Myanmar, including institutions such as A Bank, Aya Bank, CB Bank, KBZ Bank, Yoma Bank, and more than 20 other banks. Furthermore, there is a strategic objective to extend money transfer services to electronic wallets (e-wallets) with substantial user bases, such as WAVEPAY, Wave Money, A+ Wallet, AYA Pay, and others. The goal is to ensure that there are over 8 million accounts ready to receive money and that recipients can conveniently withdraw cash from more than 130,000 bank branches, ATMs, and various service points nationwide.

DeeMoney guarantees prompt delivery of funds to recipients when customers opt to transfer money to e-wallets, ensuring immediate availability. For transfers to bank accounts, the process typically takes only one business day. However, it’s important to note that the maximum transaction value for each transfer is capped at 50,000 baht.

Mr. Aswin Phlaphongphanich, CEO, and co-founder of DeeMoney, said “DeeMoney and SCB share a strong partnership that acknowledges the significance of advancing financial services for over 2 million Myanmar citizens residing and working in Thailand. These individuals annually wish to send money back home, totaling more than USD 1.33 billion or approximately 48 billion baht. Our aim is to empower them to transfer money securely through the DeeMoney application, eliminating the reliance on brokers as seen in the past. Users can seamlessly conduct transactions anytime, anywhere, with utmost convenience and security, utilizing the DeeMoney application with a flat fee of only 49 baht per transaction. Furthermore, the application and call center offer services in the Myanmar language everyday”

He continued, “This collaboration between DeeMoney, SCB, and partner banks in Myanmar marks a significant step towards developing the crucial cross-border remittance ecosystem between Thailand and Myanmar for the future.”

In a bid to further strengthen the initiative for international money transfers, DeeMoney has launched an extensive annual promotional “DeeMoney, OWNDEE Win Tesla and more” campaign. This campaign offers customers using the DeeMoney application to transfer money abroad an opportunity to win exciting prizes. Any transfer of 1,000 baht or more per transaction qualifies customers to enter a draw to win a Tesla Model 3 electric car, a new 2022 Honda Wave 110i motorcycle, an iPhone 14 Pro Max smartphone, AirPods Pro Gen2, and various other prizes, collectively valued at over 3.5 million baht. Those interested in the “DeeMoney, OWNDEE Win Tesla and more” campaign can explore details on DeeMoney Facebook page and the website www.deemoney.com.”

Mr. Thanawatn Kittisuwan, Executive Vice President of the Digital Juristic Function at Siam Commercial Bank, highlighted, “The trajectory of international money transfers in the banking industry during the first nine months of 2023 signals a more favorable direction, indicative of economic recovery and enhanced foreign trade. In a borderless financial landscape, transactions have expanded to a diverse customer base, spanning new territories. This has escalated the market’s demand for varied forms of money transfer. To address these evolving needs, particularly those of individual customers and small to medium-sized businesses seeking agile working capital and faster transactional processes compared to conventional methods, SCB is committed to delivering seamless service through all available channels. We aim to provide an array of financial solutions to meet the demands of today’s customers. Hence, the collaboration with DeeMoney, a fintech with specialized expertise in international money transfer services and an extensive network, enables us to introduce a new form of international money transfer service through the DeeMoney application to Myanmar workers and business operators in Thailand who hold accounts with Siam Commercial Bank. This service is designed to offer swift, secure, and competitively priced money transfer solutions.”

“At present, more than 300,000 Myanmar workers and business operators in Thailand have deposit accounts with Siam Commercial Bank. We anticipate that this partnership will not only expand our account base but also open avenues for providing additional financial services to the Myanmar community in Thailand. This collaboration aligns with our vision of establishing Siam Commercial Bank as a pivotal money transfer hub in the ASEAN region, marking a significant milestone in the fintech and banking sectors. It ushers in an era of seamless global money transfers, fostering financial inclusion in Thailand and ASEAN countries. Going forward, our plan is to sustain this partnership with DeeMoney to extend services to labor groups and neighboring businesses in Thailand,” Mr. Thanawatn emphasized.

“Decathlon” Celebrates the 8th Anniversary

By

Contributor

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7 November 2023, 15:38

“Decathlon” Celebrates the 8th Anniversary with “Find Your Sport at Decathlon” Campaign,Turning Your Unwanted Sports Equip into New Favorite Ones

November 2, 2023 – Bangkok: Decathlon Thailand celebrates its 8th anniversary by highlighting the ideas that sports can be everyone’s cup of tea. “Don’t say you don’t like sports; it’s just you haven’t found the right sports for yourself,” is the key message for this campaign. To celebrate this special moment, Decathlon wants to see everyone finding their right and loved sports and having more fun. Customers don’t have to limit themselves to playing sports that don’t fit their styles. Everybody is encouraged to bring their sports equipment and redeem for new ones. This activity is part of the “Find Your Sport at Decathlon” campaign.

Mr. Dhiren Shetty, Chief Executive Officer of Decathlon Thailand, says, “It has been eight years since Decathlon started our sporting goods retailer in Thailand. During these years, we have offered sport equipment for over 60 categories, or more than 5,000 products under one roof. Our products are affordable, suitable for all ages and all types of sport players.”

Decathlon believes that sports are magical for the world and for everyone, especially when one can find the right sports for themselves. Finding the right sports will lead to another world filled with magic, joy and fun.

Due to its 8th anniversary, Decathlon Thailand invites everyone to find “the right sports” in their own way with the special campaign “Find Your Sport at Decathlon.” The campaign is based on the concept that sports are for everybody. If you don’t enjoy what you play, it might be because that sport is not suitable for you.

Hence, Decathlon warmly welcomes all customers to find their sports, whether they are professional sports players who want to encounter challenges from new sports or newbies who are still deciding which sports to start with. All interested customers are invited to find their right sports by bringing current/ unwanted sports equipment, regardless of which category, and redeeming new sports equipment at Decathlon. The purpose of this campaign is to see everyone have a good time with sports and take care of their health.

For current/ unwanted sports equipment, Decathlon partners with The Mirror Foundation to distribute and provide the equipment for those in need.

The “Find Your Sport at Decathlon” campaign will begin from November 18, 2023 – December 3, 2023. Anyone interested in this campaign can register at https://www.decathlon.co.th/s/find-your-sports. The three registration steps are as follows:

If you are not a member, please sign up. If you are already a member, please update your email information.
Select time, date, and store. Then specify what kind of sports equipment you will bring to redeem.
Receive a confirmation email.

On a scheduled date, please bring your sports equipment to your chosen store. You would receive up to a THB900 coupon for buying new sports equipment at all five selected stores of Decathlon during the operating dates and hours.

For Decathlon Bangna, the activity will take place on November 18, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For Decathlon Rama II, the activity will take place on November 19, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. – 9.30 p.m.
For Decathlon Bangyai, the activity will take place on November 25, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
For Decathlon Rama IV, the activity will take place on November 26, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
For Decathlon Rangsit, the activity will take place on December 3, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Decathlon is a French sporting goods retailer with the most extensive collection of categories. The head office is in Lille, France. At Decathlon, more than 5,000 items are on offer, including sportswear and sports equipment. The products cover over 60 kinds of sports. Decathlon has stores in more than 70 countries worldwide. In Thailand, there are 21 branches in total, including the locations where you can find “your sport.”

For registration and more information, please scan this QR code:

For further information about the ‘Find Your Sport at Decathlon’ campaign, please email us at [email protected], or send a message to our Facebook page Decathlon Thailand ดีแคทลอน ประเทศไทย.

Bangkok Police Arrest Chinese Man Who Raped American Woman

By

Khaosod English

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7 November 2023, 14:34

rape cae2 — Police officers questioned a Chinese man, 25, a suspect, on charges of forcibly sexually assaulting another person.

Three days after an American woman reported she had been raped in her residence in Bangkok, Thailand, police officers from Huai Khwang Police Station arrested Mr. He Tianming, a 25-year-old Chinese national, on charges of forcibly sexually assaulting another person.

The Chinese man was arrested at a residence on Ratchadaphisek Road, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok on November 7.

This case stems from an incident that took place on 4 November. At the time, a 24-year-old American woman reported that she had been attacked by a man, known only by his nickname “Tim”, via the dating app Tinder.

The two had met in a bar in the middle of the night on November 2. At 2:00 am on 3 November, the man became violent in her room, even though she had previously agreed not to engage in sexual activity.

She reiterated her intention to take legal action, while the man admitted to arranging the meeting via the app for sexual intercourse, which the woman had not consented to. The police will continue the prosecution.

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The English Court’s Ruling In “Nop Narongdej” Case Has No Valid in Thailand

By

Contributor

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7 November 2023, 13:45

ณพ ณรงค์เดช พร้อม วีระวงค์ จิตต์มิตรภาพ ที่ปรึกษากฎหมาย — Weerawong Chittmittrapap and Nop Narongdej

Nop Narongdej’s lawyers issued a press release explaining the latest developments in the Wind Energy Holding (WEH) stock case. They confirm that the Thai court has ruled the sale of WEH shares by REC to Khunying Korkaew “not deemed defrauding creditors,” and the English court’s ruling to punish Mr. Nop Narongdej and several other defendants is not valid in Thailand.

The press release stated that before Mr. Nopporn Suppipat’s companies filed the WEH shares-related case in the English court, specifically the Business and Property Courts of England and Wales (Commercial Court), Mr. Nopporn’s companies already filed a “criminal case” in the Thai court, specifically the South Bangkok Municipal Court, on January 23, 2018, on the matter of “cheating against creditors.”

They requested the court to punish Mr. Nop Narongdej, and several other defendants according to the Thai Penal Code, alleging that the transfer of WEH shares held by REC to Khunying Korkaew was done with “special intent” to prevent Mr. Nopporn’s companies from collecting debt from Mr. Nop’s companies, which were the shareholders of REC.

At the time Mr. Nopporn’s companies filed the case in the English court, the Thai court had not yet made a judgment.

Mr. Nopporn’s companies filed the case in the English court six months later, on August 7, 2018, as a “civil case” to claim damages from Mr. Nop’s group, adding three more defendants from the Thai court case: Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), Mr. Arthid Nanthawithaya, and Mr. Weerawong Chittmittrapap as defendants, alleging that all defendants jointly committed a “wrongful act” according to the Thai Civil and Commercial Code.

This involved the defendants jointly and intentionally “committing an offense” against Mr. Nopporn’s companies, thereby causing damage to Mr. Nopporn’s group. The alleged “commission of the offense” was characterized as “defrauding creditors” according to the Thai Penal Code.

This was because REC transferred the held WEH shares to Khunying Korkaew with “special intent” to prevent Mr. Nopporn’s companies from collecting debt from Mr. Nop’s companies, the shareholders of REC. This was the same fact that Mr. Nopporn’s companies had previously filed a “criminal case” in the Thai court.

The English court would have to apply “Thai law”, which is the law of the country where the “wrongful act” occurred, in making its judgment.

The English court made its ruling on 31 July 2023, dismissing the case against Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) and Mr. Arthid, but ordering all the remaining defendants to jointly pay a substantial amount of money to Mr. Nopporn’s companies.

The English court ruled that there was “defrauding creditors” according to the Thai Penal Code, which constituted a joint act of “wrongful act” by the defendants according to the Thai Civil and Commercial Code.

However, on October 31, the South Bangkok Municipal Court made a “dismissal” judgment for Khunying Korkaew, Mr. Nop, and all the other defendants, stating that they did not commit “defrauding creditors,” which effectively completely reversed the judgment of the English court. Therefore, the past judgment of the English court no longer holds any validity for anyone to claim for any purpose in Thailand.

The South Bangkok Municipal Court has ruled that the sale of shares in Wind Energy Limited by REC is “not considered as defrauding creditors” since there was no “special intent” to cause Mr. Nopporn’s companies to not receive debt repayment from Mr. Nop’s companies, an element of the offense of “defrauding creditors.” “Because it was an action taken out of necessity and was a consequence of Mr. Nopporn’s own defective qualities… which caused significant investment obstacles for Wind Energy Limited, which are considered factors in business operations. Should these not be re-structured, they would inevitably damage the value of already invested assets, including the value of the business that must be continued in the future, which the damage… would also cause harm to other investors involved in the business.” That is, the act was done out of necessity arising from Mr. Nopporn.

Furthermore, the South Bangkok Municipal Court also ruled that in the evidence provided by Mr. Nopporn’s group, “no mention was made of the fact that Mr. Nopporn, who was the executive with control over the original operations of Wind Energy Limited, was accused of committing offenses … under the Penal Code, Section 112, which was a major cause of operational problems for the Wind Energy Limited group since late 2014. The presentation of evidence by Mr. Nopporn’s group was evasive by not revealing the detrimental facts about Mr. Nopporn, who was the former top executive of the Wind Energy Limited group, implying concealment of facts which were the cause of the problems created by Mr. Nopporn himself and resulted in the business facing obstacles and losing credibility among investors and financial institutions that would support investment funding. Especially that fact caused Siam Commercial Bank not to approve the drawdown of the loan that Watabak Limited, which is part of the Wind Energy Limited group, urgently needed for business operations.”

Mr. Weerawong Chittmittrapap, a legal advisor, said that the decision by an English judge that the defendants conspired to “defraud the creditors” stems from a refusal to consider evidence presented by witnesses who have no “motive” that would make them unreliable. Mr. Weerawong insisted that he had no other interest or “motive” that would necessitate giving advice to the client that would lead to an illegal act. All these facts were presented in the case and were well acknowledged by the English judge.

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