SHE RISES: Brew Yoga & Swing Dance Party

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21 March 2024, 16:47

Celebrating Women’s Strength, Body, and Soul in Bangkok’s Rooftop Garden at The PARQ. SHE RISES: Brew Yoga & Swing Dance Party infused new excitement, upgraded strength, and delivered mutual inspiration to all on March 16, 2024.

Marking International Women’s Day 2024, The PARQ transformed Q Garden rooftop into a vibrant community of stylish and empowered women, fostering self-care and sharing self-improvement secrets. Infused with encouraging messages and positive vibes, the event emanated from the unwavering mindset of each individual.

With spirited cheers, we unleashed our inner adrenaline, breaking barriers through an exciting exercise session, elevating fun to its zenith. Let’s break free from societal constraints and embrace our authenticity with pride.

Started on the ultimate yoga experience with Brew Yoga Thailand’s first-ever brew yoga event everyone immersed themselves in the harmony and flexibility of yoga, unwinding amidst the sunset golden hour at the Q Garden, a rooftop oasis in the heart of Bangkok. Harnessing the power of adaptive exercise, attendees experienced a marvelously balanced mind and body.

Ms. Jessica (Whan) from Brew Yoga Thailand shared “It’s truly an honor to be part of such a wonderful event organized by The PARQ. Beyond our support for gender equality, we’re deeply impressed by The PARQ’s concept of “’Life Well Balanced”, aimed at fostering balance in life, aligning perfectly with our own beliefs. Quality living and happiness should stem from daily enjoyment and creativity in all aspects of life, from work to social engagements, and most importantly, health and fitness routines. Having a like-minded community providing positive energy and mutual support, engaging in new activities together, and always having a space to unwind and connect with nature are vital components of a fulfilling life, echoing the modern woman’s ethos of finding joy and balance in our terms.”

Continuing the evening’s excitement soared with a special performance by Jelly Roll Dance Club, surprising attendees and infusing vibrant hued into the event, awakening everyone’s senses. Then, the dance floor ignited with the Swing Dance Party, featuring the electrifying sounds of Lit it up, a live band blending Swing and R&B, adding an extra layer of excitement to every move, free from constraints. It’s a call for confidence, encouraging every woman to confidently showcase their true selves once again.

Sulaiman Swaleh represented Jelly Roll Dance Club remarked, ‘The beauty of swing dancing lies in its freedom— no constraints, no boundaries —just surrendering to the music’s beat, moving your body with uninhibited grace. Regardless of background—be it nationality, profession, or age—what matters is the love in your heart and the joy derived from being authentically you, combined with the pulsating rhythm of the music. Swing dancing reflects the ever-growing equality in society, as on the Swing Dance floor, everyone is on an equal footing.

Indulged your inner shopaholic at the Flea Market zone, a curated selection of renowned brands catering to health and beauty enthusiasts. From trendy activewear to nutritious fare featuring Birtive, Peaches Active, Plantogenic, Furi Collagen bar, Fit with Plant, Do it her, Cheat day by Modish, Yogurt Culture, Le Glow, and Jetts Fitness, it’s an ensemble that adds a touch of radiance to everyone’s self-care routine.

The festivities continued with an exciting after party session, featuring the dynamic music of DJ Nana, who will transform the atmosphere with dazzling lights and pulsating rhythms, providing everyone with a night of boundless fun. Reinforcing the resilience of empowered women and spreading good vibes throughout the evening, because we believe in embracing success every day to its utmost.

Find the latest updates and more information about ‘SHE RISES’ on
Facebook: The PARQ Instagram: @THEPARQBKK Website: www.theparq.com.

#ThePARQ #LifeWellBalanced #IWD2024 #SHERISES

Capstone Asset Unveils Canvas Ploenchit for Office and Lifestyles

By

Contributor

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21 March 2024, 16:43

Capstone Asset Unveils Canvas Ploenchit, a THB 500 Million Mixed-Use
Project Set to Reshape Bangkok’s Work and Leisure Landscape

BANGKOK – Capstone Asset Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce Canvas Ploenchit (the “Project”), a new office and retail lifestyle destination on prime Ploenchit road in the heart of Bangkok’s CBD, conveniently situated between Phloen Chit BTS station and Chit Lom BTS station, and opposite Central Embassy.

Valued at over THB 500 million, the 6-storey Project provides a total gross floor area of over 6,000 square meters, ample parking spaces, and EV charging stations.

Designed to fully meet the needs of office workers and modern consumers, Canvas Ploenchit will feature a comprehensive array of lifestyle amenities and services. Confirmed tenants include Common Ground Coworking Space, Jetts Fitness, Stolen Stores Experiential Fashion Showroom, Thonglor Dental Hospital, the first Thai outlet of a global food and beverage brand, and other new concepts to be announced soon. CBRE Thailand has been officially appointed as the building manager, and the Project is set to commence operations in April 2024.

Mr. Titiwat Kuvijitsuwan, Managing Partner at Capstone Asset Co., Ltd., stated, “Canvas Ploenchit draws inspiration from today’s vibrant society, where balancing active social engagements and demanding work schedules is a common and challenging endeavor. Our vision is to reshape the future of work and leisure by encouraging a seamless coexistence of these contrasting lifestyles under one roof.

The name ‘Canvas’ is derived from our belief in the power of imagination and the freedom of self-expression. Through efficient and elegant building design and a focus on community, we aim to develop a place that instills harmony, fosters connections, and sparks innovation. With the building nearly fully leased, we look forward to welcoming the opening of this exciting new landmark in Bangkok’s CBD.”

For those interested in retail or office space, please contact us at [email protected] or call 082-417-1799.

Company Information: Capstone Asset Co., Ltd. is a developer and investor dedicated to enriching communities through lifestyle-led investments in residential, commercial, and hospitality real estate. The team has developed projects with a total value of over THB 13 billion, including Tonson One Residence, the Kimpton Kitalay Samui Hotel (managed by Intercontinental Hotel Group), and the Quarter Collection of luxury urban villas. For additional information about us, please visit our official website at www.capstone-asset.com.

For more information, please contact:
Capstone Asset Co., Ltd. Branded The Agency Co., Ltd.
Monthima Sudjaidee Sutadta Lertsanongboon Anchalee Chuakhamhod
Tel. 062-442-6952 Tel. 082-941-6141 Tel. 099-735-9614
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Hong Kong Tour Guide Arrested for Illegal Phuket Running Tour

By

Khaosod English

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21 March 2024, 14:27

Tour Guide — Hong Konger Wong Tsz Kin, 31, was detained while leading Phuket's temple tour of Wat Phra Yai for Hong Kong tourists on March 19, 2024.

PHUKET – Phuket tourism police officials conducted an inspection of Khao Nakkerd Buddhist Park, also known as Wat Phra Yai, in Karon Subdistrict after receiving reports that unlawful tours and guides are transporting Hong Kong and Chinese tourists to this temple.

During the inspection on Tuesday, they discovered Mr. Wong Tsz Kin, a 31-year-old Hong Kong national, escorting Hong Kong tourists on a temple tour. He presented the temple’s history and introduced various surrounding sights, much like a tourist guide. When the officers looked for a tour guide licence, he didn’t have one, so he was taken to the Tourist Police Office in Mueang Phuket District for questioning.

The investigation revealed that Wong had sold tour packages to Chinese tourists online. When they arrived, he took them to the location and served as their tour guide, showing them around the island’s main attractions.

hongkong guide2 — Phuket tourism police officials took a photo with Hong Konger Wong Tsz Kin, 31, who was arrested on March 19, 2024.

A Hong Kong man was detained and charged with allegedly running a tour company and working as a tour guide without a licence, illegally operating a tour company, and working as a foreign citizen without a work permit. They later took him to the Karon police station for legal proceedings.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed foreigners that the profession of a tour guide is protected under Thai law and only allows Thai nationals to work in the Kingdom.

Tour guides without a license or a company operating during a license suspension shall be punished by imprisonment for 2 years or a fine of not more than THB 500,000 or both.

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As Myanmar’s Army Faces Setbacks, It Is Stepping up Attacks on Civilians, a UN Expert Warns

By

Associated Press

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21 March 2024, 10:46

Bangladesh Myanmar — Smoke is seen bellowing from a Myanmar Border Police post following fighting between Myanmar security forces and Arakan Army, an ethnic minority army, in Ghumdhum, Bandarban, Bangladesh, on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Shafiqur Rahman)

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — Myanmar’s military government is escalating violence against civilians as it faces more setbacks on the battlefield from a range of pro-democracy and ethnic armed groups, a U.N.-backed independent expert on human rights warned Wednesday.

Resistance to military rule in Myanmar has been gaining momentum, with the army on the run, Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews said at a news conference in Geneva after addressing the U.N. Human Rights Council a day earlier.

He acknowledged that “the world is obviously distracted by other crises around the world,” but that Myanmar’s situation offers ”a ray of hope” for restoring peace and democracy.

″The junta of Myanmar are like mushrooms,” he said. ”They thrive in the dark. And the more attention we can focus on this country, the greater the chance of success that we have.”

AP24080395918053 — Tom Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, speaks about the situation of human rights in Myanmar, during a press conference at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP)

Myanmar’s military seized power in February 2021 from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering widespread nonviolent opposition that was met with deadly force. The repression gave birth to armed resistance and embroiled the country in a civil war.

Andrews said continuing “broad-based, vigorous citizen opposition and the success of opposition forces, resistance forces,” were grounds for optimism.

“The junta now controls less than half of the country,” he said. “They have lost tens of thousands of troops to defections, to casualties and to surrender. They have lost hundreds of military outposts. They have lost dozens of towns and villages.”

Other experts caution that reliable numbers are impossible to obtain, but the military government itself has acknowledged it is facing strong challenges, and recently instituted conscription to fill its ranks.

Andrews said the army had responded to resistance victories by stepping up attacks harming civilians.

AP24032138242779 — FILE – A man looks on at homes destroyed after air and artillery strikes in Mung Lai Hkyet displacement camp, in Laiza, Myanmar, on Oct. 10, 2023. (AP Photo, File)

He said there had been a sharp increase in aerial attacks on civilians, because “it’s dangerous for their troops to move around on the ground.”

He said there also has been a significant increase in the laying of landmines “in villages, in community centers, in temples, in farming fields” and consequently there has also been a sharp increase in casualties they cause.

Andrews, a former Democratic member of Congress from the U.S. state of Maine, has long been an advocate of greater international intervention to put pressure of Myanmar’s military.

“There could be an end to this nightmare if the international community were to mobilize and focus its attention on this country and to take action,” he said.

He suggested four points to put pressure on the military: economic sanctions to deprive it of operating funds; blocking the flow of weapons — though most already come from Russia and China, who treat the generals as allies; cease treating the military as a legitimate government; and ”focus on accountability (to) make it clear that those who are involved in these atrocities will be held accountable.”

“Indeed!” Srettha Rejoices Cameron’s Praise for Thailand

By

Khaosod English

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20 March 2024, 23:28

BANGKOK – Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin posted just one word, “Indeed!” to retweet the message of Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron following his first official visit to Thailand on March 20.

“Thailand is one of the biggest economies in South East Asia. Our trading relationship is worth around £6 billion a year. I want to build on that. Working together we can promote security in the region and jobs and growth in the UK,” said Lord Cameron.

He paid a courtesy call on Thai leader at the Government House, Bangkok, on March 20, 2024. Both were pleased that Thailand and the UK formally announced the goal of upgrading their relations as a Strategic Partners.

The meeting covered trade and investment boost, particulary through the making of the Thailand-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both sides also explored ways to promote direct flights and tourism. The Thai side requested its counterpart to consider a visa waiver to increase Thai tourists to the UK.

Lord Cameron signed the Thailand-UK Strategic Partnership Roadmap, which officially elevates their bilateral relations to strategic partnership, with Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. They also signed the Air Services Agreement.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides discussed trade and economic promotion through the launch of Thailand-UK FTA which will build upon the progress of the Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP), as well as cooperation in security, science and technology, tourism, education and visa exemptions for Thai ordinary passport holders.

They exchanged views on regional situations, including the situation in Myanmar and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On this occasion, the Thai side also expressed appreciation for the UK’s support of Thai membership application in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The elevation towards Thailand-UK strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the two countries’ relations, as they will celebrate the 170th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year. The UK is the first country in Europe that Thailand has a strategic partnership with.

Lord Cameron also visited a Thai air force base and inspected jet fighters using British components, and visited a university to highlight British support for research into disease prevention and developing clean energy systems, the British statement said.

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8 Dead, 2 Missing as South Korean Chemical Tanker Capsizes off West Japan

By

Kyodo News

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20 March 2024, 20:23

FUKUOKA – Eight crew members perished, and two others remain unaccounted for after a South Korean chemical tanker capsized off the western Japanese city of Shimonoseki on Wednesday, a local coast guard office said.

The 870-ton Keoyoung Sun’s crew radioed for help around 7:05 a.m., reporting that the ship anchored near Mutsure Island off Shimonoseki was capsizing, according to the Moji Coast Guard Office near the area.

AP24080236940971 — A rescue operation is conducted as a South Korean tanker capsized off Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi prefecture, southwestern Japan Wednesday, March 20, 2024. shipKyodo News via AP)

On board the tanker at the time of the incident were 11 crew members — eight Indonesian, two South Korean and one Chinese. The eight confirmed dead were among nine rescued, with the remaining survivor having no life-threatening injuries.

All nine rescued were wearing lifejackets, according to the coast guard office. Search continues for the two missing crew members.

The vessel was carrying 980 tons of acrylic acid, although no leaks have been confirmed, the coast guard office said.

Warnings about strong winds and high waves had been issued at the time of the incident, according to a local observatory.

Thailand’s National Police Chief and His Deputy Are Suspended Amid Rumors of a Power Struggle

By

Associated Press

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20 March 2024, 19:07

JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI, BANGKOK — Thailand’s national police chief and one of his deputies were temporarily suspended under the order of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday, as accusations that the deputy was involved in an illegal online gambling ring sparked rumors of a power struggle in the police department.

Torsak Sukvimol, who was appointed to the top police post in October last year, and Surachate Hakparn, one of his deputy chiefs, were temporarily moved to inactive posts in the Office of the Prime Minister, which directly supervises the police department.

Surachate has been accused of involvement with illegal online gambling websites, a charge he denies.

Surachate’s home in Bangkok was raided in September last year in an operation police said was related to the bust of a major illegal online gambling network. Eight of Surachate’s subordinates were arrested on the day of the raid over the case.

The raid occurred as a new national police chief was set to be named, and Surachate was considered one of the frontrunners. Torsak was appointed to the post days after the raid.

Thailand’s national police agency has a tradition of fierce internal politicking, as well as a longstanding reputation for corruption at all levels. The latest accusations have spurred rumors of a power struggle within the agency.

The prime minister on Wednesday said the transfer order is effective immediately and that he is forming a special committee to investigate the situation, adding he would consider lifting the suspension orders after 60 days. Srettha said the orders were not meant as punishment but to ensure that an investigation could occur without interference.

Torsak and Surachate were called into the Prime Minister’s Office hours before reports of the transfers came out and later held a news conference together, denying any personal rift between them.

Jaroonkiat Pankaew, the deputy chief of the Central Investigation Bureau, said last month that Surachate was accused of abuse of power and bribery, after money trails linked him to bank accounts used by the online gambling websites. He also said investigators would pursue a money laundering charge against Surachate, who has yet to be arrested or formally charged.

Through his lawyers, Surachate has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the accusations were made to discredit him and accusing other top-ranking police officers of taking money from the gambling operators.

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Police Investigate Phuket Foreign-Shareholder Companies

By

Khaosod English

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20 March 2024, 15:28

foreign share1 — Region 8 police together with Phuket provincial police raided a building in Moo 7, Tambon Si Sunthon, Thalang district, Phuket province on March 19 2024.

PHUKET – Police officers checked and arrested legal entities with foreign shareholders operating car and motorcycle rental companies and real estate rental companies in Phuket. The investigation revealed that there is a network of individuals who have violated the law in the same way.

Region 8 police together with Phuket provincial police raided a building in Moo 7, Tambon Si Sunthon, Thalang district, Phuket province on March 19 2024. The building was used as a storage facility for cars and motorcycles by foreigners who were partners in a Thai legal entity. A large number of suspicious cars and motorcycles were found and the foreign operators are now under investigation.

It was established that these foreign individuals had entered Phuket as tourists. They then inquired with legal experts about the conditions for obtaining a residence permit in the country, focusing on the registration of legal entities. Originally, the shareholders were Thai nationals, but then the shares were transferred to the foreign individuals to hold in accordance with the shares required by law for Thai legal entities.

foreign shar3 — Police officers checked and arrested legal entities with foreign shareholders operating car and motorcycle rental companies.

foreign shar2 — Police officers checked and arrested legal entities with foreign shareholders operating car and motorcycle rental companies

The legal entities with foreign shareholders then hired themselves or other foreigners as employees of the legal entity. This resulted in the conditions for applying for a work permit and opening a bank account at a financial institution for financial transactions, including the extension of the residence permit in the Kingdom.

The transactions involved the purchase, lease-purchase and long-term rental of real estate, as well as the ownership of vehicles, buildings and villages by legal entities whose shareholders were the foreign suspects.

The officers had to collect evidence and continuously monitor the transactions. It turned out that the group of foreign perpetrators also invited their relatives and friends to enter the Kingdom, who may have committed similar crimes.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapong Thanomjit, commander of Region 8 Police, also stated the results of an investigation into crimes committed by foreigners in Phuket province in fiscal year 2024 (October 2023 to date). He reported that there were 614 cases of criminal law violations, including Driving under the influence of alcohol, working without a permit, illegal entry, damage to property, overstaying, forgery, drug offenses, obstruction of justice and sexual offenses.

Of these cases, 98 people were prosecuted and their residence permit for the kingdom was revoked.

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Police Raid on Russian-Ukrainian Poker Game in Phuket

By

Khaosod English

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20 March 2024, 14:04

PHUKET – Even though Russia and Ukraine are at war in their home countries, they gambled on the same poker table in Thailand.

A team of investigators from Phuket City Police Station raided a house on Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket Town’s Ratchada sub-district at 1:45 a.m. Wednesday, March 20. They had received information that the house was being used by a group of foreigners for illegal gambling.

The policemen watched the house for some time before they saw the door open. They then entered the house and found a group of Russian men and women and a Ukrainian man playing poker at a table set up like a casino. Police arrested the players and confiscated the evidence, including the poker table, three decks of cards, 318 chips (worth about 79,600 baht), a dealer button and an hourglass.

Mr. Oleksandr Shpetny, a Ukrainian national, who was the dealer, Mr. Evgeni Vlegzhanin, Mr. Rodion Elonov, Mr. Ruslan Kolontyrski, and Ms. Ekaterina Morozova, a Russian national. The five suspects were taken to the Phuket Provincial Police Investigation Division for further questioning.

phuket poker2 — The five suspects were taken to the Phuket Provincial Police Investigation Division for further questioning on March 20, 2024.

The police had tried to raid this group of players before, but had been unsuccessful because the house was always heavily guarded. The players also used chips instead of cash or cryptocurrencies to make it harder for the police to catch them.

The police charged Mr. Shpetny and Ms. Morozova with “being a bookmaker and accepting bets on poker games for money illegally.” Mr. Vlegzhanin, Mr. Elonov, and Mr. Kolondyrski were charged with “participating in a poker game for money illegally.” Mr. Shpetny, Mr. Vlegzhanin, Mr. Elonov, and Mr. Kolondyrski confessed to the charges, but Ms. Morozova denied them.

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Related coverage:

Thai Police Require Monthly Case Reports and Stricter Foreigner Screening

Thailand Attends Its Inaugural Summit for Democracy

By

Khaosod English

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20 March 2024, 13:21

BANGKOK – Thailand participated for the first time at the Summit for Democracy and emphasised that last year’s general elections in the country signified a significant step towards reinforcing Thailand’s democratic values.

The 3rd Summit for Democracy has taken place from March 18–20, 2024, in Seoul under the theme “Democracy for Future Generations.” President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea has invited Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Srettha Thavisin of Thailand to deliver a statement on March 20, 2024.

Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke disclosed the gist of Prime Minister Srettha’s statement via a recorded video conference as follows:

It is a great honour to represent Thailand for the first time at the Summit for Democracy after last year’s general elections in Thailand, which signifies a significant step towards reinforcing Thailand’s democratic values. The Thai government is dedicated to prioritising democracy, the rule of law, and human rights both at home and in foreign relations.

Today, democracy confronts global challenges: rising inequality and social media’s divisive influence. The Prime Minister elaborated on these pressing challenges:

First, democracy needs good governance, citizen participation, inclusive society, the rule of law, and human rights. A successful democracy must be able to address the multi-dimensional needs of the people, consisting of civil and political rights, as well as social, economic and cultural rights.

While acknowledging the challenges and limitations inherited from the recent past, the Government remains committed to promoting such rights, building upon achievements like “Universal Health Coverage” and “Education for All”. The Prime Minister also took pride in the progress of Thailand’s “Marriage Equality Bill”, currently in the parliament, which will help promote greater social inclusivity and equality.

Second, democracy is an ongoing process, not a final destination. It requires continuous effort and nurturing to be sustainable. To fulfil people’s expectations, democracy must adapt and evolve. For nations with the scars of setbacks in democracy, managing public expectations and nurturing democratic progress is an ongoing endeavor that demands unwavering commitment.

Third, there is no one–size–fits–all democracy, but the democratic principle must be ONE and universal. As much as we believe in its values, there are diverse forms of democracy and political systems around the world. People are facing common global and inter-generational challenges, ranging from climate change and the environment to the digital divide. What the world needs now is greater international cooperation, stronger multilateralism, and more humanitarian cooperation.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister stated that the leaders, must always listen to and respect people’s will. Leaders also have to hear more from the younger ones. This is to ensure that democracy will continue to thrive and serve as an essential foundation for the betterment of the future generations.

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