Tourists take photos at the Grand Palace scenic spot in Bangkok, Thailand, June 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)
BANGKOK – Thailand is striving to revive its vital tourism industry with the help of social media influencers and key technology partners from China, the largest source of visitors to the Southeast Asian country before the pandemic.
The Southeast Asian nation has received over 3.01 million visitors from China so far this year and hopes to raise the targeted Chinese tourist tally to 8.2 million in 2024, a Thai official said.
Tourists take photos at the Wat Arun in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has partnered with leading Chinese social media platforms, mobile payment providers, online travel agencies, and airlines to showcase its diverse attractions and promote quality tourism to travelers from China, said Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT deputy governor, on Friday.
The TAT is implementing initiatives to attract Chinese tourists, including organizing roadshows and familiarization trips for Chinese media and travel agents, developing targeted marketing campaigns on Chinese social media, and offering special promotions for Chinese tourists, Chattan told a news conference.
Chinese tourists pose for photos at the Grand Palace scenic spot in Bangkok, Thailand, on Feb. 7, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)
Focusing on user-generated content and first-hand travel experience to create the country’s positive image, Thailand hopes these efforts will help regain confidence in the Chinese market, Chattan said.
Thailand has received over 3.01 million visitors from China so far this year, he noted, adding that the Southeast Asian nation hopes to more than double the targeted Chinese tourist tally, from 3.5 million in 2023 to 8.2 million in 2024.
In pre-COVID 2019, Chinese tourists accounted for about 28 percent of the nearly 40 million foreign tourists to Thailand. Tourism, the key driver of the kingdom’s economic growth, contributes about 12 percent of its gross domestic product.
Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), shows a gift for Chinese tourists at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)
A helicopter carrying hostages released by Hamas lands at Schneider Children's Medical Center in Petah Tikva, Israel on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas was preparing to release more than a dozen hostages Saturday for several dozen Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, part of an exchange on the second day of a cease-fire that has allowed critical humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and given civilians their first respite after seven weeks of war.
While uncertainty remained around the details of the exchange, there was optimism, too, amid the scenes of joyous families reuniting on both sides. On the first day of the four-day cease-fire, Hamas released 24 of the about 240 hostages taken during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel that triggered the war, and Israel freed 39 Palestinians from prison. Those freed in Gaza were 13 Israelis, 10 Thais and a Filipino.
In this photo provided by Thailand’s Foreign Ministry, ten of freed Thai hostages and an officer, fourth from left, pose for a photo at the Shamir Medical Center in Israel Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. .(Thailand’s Foreign Ministry via AP )
On Saturday, Hamas provided mediators Egypt and Qatar with a list of 14 hostages to be released, and the list has been passed along to Israel, according to a Egyptian official speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to talk about details of the ongoing negotiations. A second Egyptian official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the details.
Under the truce agreement, Hamas will release one Israeli hostage for every three prisoners freed. Israel’s Prison Service said earlier Saturday it was preparing 42 prisoners for release. It was not immediately clear how many non-Israeli captives may also be released.
Overall, Hamas is to release at least 50 Israeli hostages, and Israel 150 Palestinian prisoners, during the four-day truce, all woman and minors.
Israel has said the truce can be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed — something U.S. President Joe Biden said he hoped would occur.
Separately, a Qatari delegation arrived in Israel on Saturday to coordinate with parties on the ground and “ensure the deal continues to move smoothly,” according to a diplomat briefed on the visit. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss details with the media.
An Israeli prison transport vehicle carries Palestinian prisoners released by the Israeli authorities from Ofer military prison near Jerusalem on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)
The start of the truce Friday morning brought the first quiet for 2.3 million Palestinians reeling from relentless Israeli bombardment that has killed thousands, driven three-quarters of the population from their homes and leveled residential areas. Rocket fire from Gaza militants into Israel went silent as well.
For Emad Abu Hajer, a resident of the Jabaliya refugee camp in the Gaza City area, the pause meant he could again search through the rubble of his home, which was flattened in an Israeli attack last week.
He found the bodies of a cousin and nephew, bring the death toll in the attack to 19. With his sister and two other relatives still missing, he resumed his digging Saturday.
“We want to find them and bury them in dignity,” he said.
The United Nations said the pause enabled it to scale up the delivery of food, water, and medicine to the largest volume since the resumption of aid convoys on Oct. 21. It was also able to deliver 129,000 liters (34,078 gallons) of fuel — just over 10% of the daily pre-war volume — as well as cooking gas, a first since the war began.
In the southern city of Khan Younis on Saturday, a long line of people with containers waited outside a filling station. Hossam Fayad lamented that the pause in fighting was only for four days.
“I wish it could be extended until people’s conditions improved,” he said.
For the first time in over a month, aid reached northern Gaza, the focus of Israel’s ground offensive. The Palestinian Red Crescent said 61 trucks carrying food, water and medical supplies headed there on Saturday, the largest aid convoy to reach the area since the start of the war.
The U.N. said it and the Palestinian Red Crescent were also able to evacuate 40 patients and family members from a hospital in Gaza City, where much of the fighting has taken place, to a hospital in Khan Younis.
The relief brought by the cease-fire has been tempered, however, for both sides. For Israelis, by the fact that not all hostages will be freed. For Palestinians, by the brevity of the pause.
Palestinians walk through destruction in Gaza City on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, as the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect. (AP Photo/Mohammed Hajjar)
FIRST HOSTAGES FREED
The freed Israelis included nine women and four children 9 and under. They were taken to Israeli hospitals for observation and were declared to be in good condition.
At a plaza dubbed “Hostages Square” in Tel Aviv, a crowd of Israelis celebrated the good news but pressed for more. “Don’t forget the others because it’s getting harder, harder and harder. It’s heartbreaking,” said Neri Gershon, a Tel Aviv resident.
The hostages included multiple generations. Nine-year-old Ohad Munder-Zichri was freed along with his mother, Keren Munder, and grandmother, Ruti Munder, during the child’s visit to his grandparents at the kibbutz where about 80 people — nearly a quarter of community residents — are believed to have been taken.
The hostages’ plight has raised anger among some families that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government was not doing enough to bring them home.
Hours later, 24 Palestinian women and 15 teenage boys held in Israeli prisons in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem were freed. In the West Bank town of Beitunia, hundreds of Palestinians poured out of their homes to celebrate, honking horns and setting off fireworks.
The teenagers had been jailed for minor offenses like throwing stones. The women included several convicted of trying to stab Israeli soldiers.
“It’s a happiness tainted with sorrow because our release from prison came at the cost of the lives of martyrs and the innocence of children,” said one released Palestinian prisoner, Aseel Munir al-Titi.
According to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club, an advocacy group, Israel is holding 7,200 Palestinians, including about 2,000 arrested since the start of the war.
Israeli army tanks maneuver near Israel’s border with Gaza, southern Israel, Saturday Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)
A LONGER PEACE?
The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers.
Majed al-Ansari, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, said the hope is that momentum from the deal will lead to an end to the violence,
Israeli leaders have said they would resume fighting eventually and not stop until Hamas, which has controlled Gaza for the past 16 years, is crushed. Israeli officials have argued that only military pressure can bring the hostages home. But the government is under pressure from hostages’ families to make the release of the remaining captives the top priority.
The Israeli offensive has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza government. Women and minors have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead, though the latest number was not broken down. The figure does not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north, where communications have broken down.
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David Rising reported from Bangkok, Magdy from Cairo. Associated Press writer Julia Frankel in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
Tourists visit Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkalaram or Wat Pho in Bangkok. / Xinhua Photo
BANGKOK – Bangkok named as the top destination for international tourists in Thailand during the Loy Krathong festival in 2023, followed by Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui, Hua Hin, Koh Phangan and Krabi, according to Airbnb.
Chai Watcharong, spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office, said on Friday a report showed a 17 per cent increase in searches on the Airbnb bookings in Thailand for the period from November to December 2023.
It showed an 88 percent increase in searches by Chinese tourists. In addition, Australian travelers contributed to a 16 percent increase in accommodation searches in the last two months of 2023.
Loy Krathong in Bangkok
In the entire year of 2023, there was a more than 30 percent increase in Airbnb bookings in Thailand compared to the previous year. Airbnb emphasizes that Thailand’s attractiveness on the international stage remains strong, with global travelers showing interest in experiencing Thai hospitality, culture, cuisine, and traditions.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin hopes that Thailand will consistently meet the expectations of international tourists. He is confident that the government will implement policies to address the needs of travelers, responding precisely to the trends and popularity.
Additionally, he hopes that the government’s proactive tourism policies will stimulate the overall economy. He urges all Thai people to collectively be gracious hosts during the Loy Krathong festival and this year’s high season, creating an impressive experience for tourists, encouraging them to return to Thailand in the coming years,” said Chai.
Banana leaves for making Kra Thongs
For environmental protection, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment encourages people to choose eco-friendly krathongs, especially in Bangkok. Statistics from the Ministry of Environment in Bangkok show that 572,602 krathongs were collected from the Chao Phraya River in 2022. The ministry warns that such waste, if released into the sea, could have serious consequences for marine life, ecosystems, coral reefs and seagrass.
Sumana Kajornwattanakul, Director of the Institute of Marine Science and Coastal Resources Research and Development, called on everyone to work together to use krathongs made from natural materials that decompose easily, such as banana leaves and banana stems.
The use of materials that could be harmful to aquatic animals, such as paper threads, nails or plastic stones, should be avoided.
She emphasized that the use of materials that could be harmful to aquatic animals, such as paper threads, nails or plastic stones, should be avoided.
“Furthermore, I would like to invite everyone to float krathongs together, one family, one krathong. You can also float krathongs as a group with friends or opt for an online krathong floating. This is considered another effective way to significantly reduce krathong waste.”
A Turkish man, Mr Ruhan had met Miss Nam, a 38-year-old Thai woman through dating app.
PATTAYA – On November 25, tourist police arrested a 38-year-old Thai woman, Miss Nam, who stole a Turkish visitor she met through a dating app for 2,100 US dollars and his iPhone 14 Pro.
A Turkish man, Mr Ruhan filed a complaint with Pol. Capt. Anan Mahakitassawakul, Deputy Superintendent for Investigation at Pattaya City Police Station at 3.30 a.m. on November 20 that he was robbed of his property worth nearly 100,000 baht by a Thai woman. The incident occurred at a hotel in Soi Pattaya Sai 2, Moo 10, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi.
According to Ruhan, he met the Thai woman about three days before the incident via a dating app. After chatting, they arranged to meet in Pattaya and he invited her to explore the entertainment district on Walking Street in South Pattaya with him.
Tourist police arrested Miss Nam in Rayong Province on November 25, 2023.
After that, they went to the woman’s accommodation. When they reached her room, she suggested he take a shower. When he finished bathing and came out, he could not find her. At first, he didn’t think much of it, but when he checked his belongings, he realized that foreign currency, about 2,100 dollars (around 73,000 baht) and an iPhone 14 Pro worth around 30,000 baht were missing.
He immediately reported the incident to the investigating officers. The police investigated the scene and checked the hotel’s video footage for further clues.
Miss Nam fled and hid in Rayong Province, according to investigations. Tourist police arrested her on her motorbike with a Pattaya Provincial Court arrest warrant. Police discovered Mr. Ruhan’s roadside-hidden iPhone. She was taken to the investigating officers for prosecution, along with the evidence.
According to Pol. Col. Somchai Teerapatpaisarn, the incident had an impact on Thailand’s image and confidence in tourism, which the commander recognised and hastened the arrest.
“If tourists are in trouble or need help, you can contact the Tourist Police via hotline 1155, and via the application Tourist Police i lert u24 hours a day,” he went on to say.
Ten of freed Thai hostages and an officer, fourth from left, pose for a photo at the Shamir Medical Center in Israel Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (Thailand's Foreign Ministry via AP )
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand issued a congratulatory statement on the release of the first batch of 10 Thai hostages on Friday, November 24, 2023, as follows:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand has been notified by the Royal Thai Embassy, Tel Aviv, that 10 Thai nationals who were held hostage have been released, and have entered Israel via the Rafah Border Crossing. They are being transported to the processing point at Hatzerim Air Force Base. At this time, the gender and names of these Thais are not known.
The 10 Thais will be taken to Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh), where they will be met by Embassy officials. They are required to be under medical supervision for a period of 48 hours, without access to outsiders.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand sends its heartfelt congratulations to these 10 Thai nationals and their families, and will do all possible to expedite their return to Thailand.
The Royal Thai Government expresses its thanks to all from whom it sought assistance in securing the release of these first hostages, namely the Governments of Qatar, Israel, Egypt, Iran, Malaysia, and the ICRC. It is our deep hope that all remaining hostages will be taken care of, and will be safely released at the earliest opportunity.
According to Associated report, Hamas freed 10 Thai nationals and a Filipino alongside Israeli hostages who were part of the first swap under a new cease-fire deal — including four Thais who had not been officially listed as abducted.
Thais were the single biggest group of foreigners taken hostage when Hamas took some 240 people during its Oct. 7 surprise attack on southern Israel. Thais working in Israel are mostly employed as semi-skilled farm laborers, at wages considerably higher than those at they can earn at home.
The ministry said the group of 10 Thais in all — nine men and one woman — were undergoing health checks at a medical center in Israel. They would stay there for at least 48 hours before flying home to Thailand. It released photos of the freed hostages in the Israeli hospital where they were taken Friday after their release.
Israeli security forces stand next to ambulances outside the helipad of Schneider Children's Medical Center in Petah Tikva, Israel. in preparations for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza strip. Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
A four-day cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war began Friday in Gaza as part of an agreement that Qatar helped broker. Thirteen Israeli hostages were released, according to Israeli media, and 12 Thai hostages were also freed. The deal includes the release of dozens of hostages held by militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
With the truce deal comes increased shipments of fuel and supplies into Gaza — though still only enough to dent the needs of the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment, according to aid groups. Israel has agreed to allow the delivery of 130,000 liters (34,300 gallons) of fuel a day into besieged Gaza for humanitarian needs for the duration of the truce.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will press ahead with the war after the cease-fire expires. Some 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, mostly during the initial incursion by Hamas.
BANGKOK — Twelve Thai nationals were released from Gaza on Friday, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
It said the 12 hostages have passed through the Rafah crossing and are on the way to Israel’s Hatzerim air base, and will then be taken to a hospital.
The ministry says 39 Thai citizens were killed in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack in Israel and 26 were taken hostage.
Egypt’s state information service said the 12 Thais is in addition to 13 Israeli captives who are to be freed Friday..
Under a deal negotiated by Qatar, 50 hostages are set to be freed during a four-day truce
Israel is set to free 150 Palestinians over the next four days as part of the deal. Thirty-nine prisoners are to be freed Friday.
A convoy of Israeli army vehicles maneuvers near Israel’s border after leaving Gaza, southern Israel, on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)
RED CROSS HELPING REUNITE HOSTAGES AND PRISONERS
GENEVA — The Red Cross says it has begun a “multi-day operation” to reunite hostages and detainees on both sides of the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis.
The group’s announcement came as Israeli media reported the Hamas militant group on Friday released the first batch of hostages under a cease-fire deal. The deal calls for 50 hostages to be freed over a four-day truce, with Israel to free 150 Palestinians in prison.
The International Committee of the Red Cross says it will also be ferrying in medical supplies for hospitals in Gaza.
The Geneva-based humanitarian organization said Friday it had no role in the negotiations and that the parties in the conflict agreed to the details of the operation, including who will be released and when.
“Our deep desire is for all hostages to be released, and that civilians be shielded from the pain and suffering that armed conflict brings,” said Fabrizio Carboni, the organization’s regional director for the Near and Middle East.
THOUSANDS OF ISRAELIS GATHER TO RECEIVE NEWS OF HOSTAGE RELEASE
JERUSALEM — Thousands of Israelis gathered in what has been dubbed “Hostages Square” in Tel Aviv on Friday evening, singing songs to welcome the Jewish Sabbath and watching newscasts on large screens as they waited to receive news of the release of 13 Israeli hostages slated to be freed.
“My emotions are mixed,” Shelli Shem Tov, the mother of 21-year-old hostage Omer Shem Tov, told Israeli’s Channel 12 at the square. “I’m excited for the families that are going to hug their loved ones, I’m jealous, and I’m sad, mostly sad, that Omer is not coming home yet.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant will monitor the hostage release from the Kirya in Tel Aviv, along with several close aides, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office.
Palestinians walk through destruction in Gaza City on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, as the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect. (AP Photo/Mohammed Hajjar)
ISRAEL’S FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS IT WILL RESUME WAR AFTER TRUCE ENDS
JERUSALEM — Israel’s foreign minister said Friday that Israel will resume the war against Hamas after a temporary cease-fire ends.
A truce in the Israel-Hamas war began Friday, setting the stage for the release of 50 hostages held by militants in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. The releases are to take place in stages over four days.
The truce could be extended by a day for each additional release of 10 more hostages — an arrangement that could translate into a longer cease-fire. In all, militants from Hamas and other groups kidnapped about 240 people in their Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
Israeli leaders have pledged that the war will resume.
“Israel will continue its war on Hamas and we will not stop until we achieve our two main goals, overthrowing the rule of Hamas and returning all the abductees back to us, safe and sound,” Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said Friday as he toured Israel’s ravaged border areas with his counterparts from Portugal and Slovenia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have made similar pledges.
However, the government is under intense public pressure to bring all hostages home, which might make a resumption of the war exceedingly difficult.
PALESTINIAN AUTHORITIES RELEASE LIST OF 39 PRISONERS EXPECTED TO BE FREED FRIDAY
JERUSALEM — Palestinian authorities have released a list of 39 Palestinian prisoners expected to be released on Friday, including 24 women and 15 teenage boys, in exchange for 13 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
The swap is part of a four-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war. The truce began Friday after seven weeks of war.
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Club, an advocacy group, said the 39 detainees from the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem will be delivered to the International Committee of the Red Cross at Israel’s Ofer Prison near the West Bank city of Ramallah.
Their release is to take place after 4 p.m. local time (1400 GMT), when Hamas is due to return the 13 Israeli hostages to Israel.
A woman cycles next to a billboard calling for the return of about 240 hostages who were abducted during the Oct. 7, Hamas attack on Israel. in Tel Aviv, Israel on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
Most of the 15 Palestinian teenagers to be released Friday were arrested over incitement and stone-throwing, as well as the broadly defined charge of “supporting terrorism.” The 24 women include some convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to yearslong prison terms for attacks against Israeli security forces.
Israel currently holds 7,200 Palestinians charged with or convicted of security offenses, the Prisoners’ Club said.
It said about 2,000 Palestinians were arrested since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel that triggered the war.
ISRAELI SECURITY FORCES FIRE TEAR GAS AT PALESTINIANS WAITING TO GREET PRISONERS
BEITOUNIA, West Bank — Israeli security forces fired tear gas at a crowd of Palestinians gathered to greet prisoners who were to be released from Israeli jails as part of a truce between Israel and Hamas, AP journalists in the West Bank witnessed.
Tear gas was fired to push away crowds from the vicinity of Ofer prison, from where the prisoners were to be released later on Friday.
Palestinian authorities have released a list of 39 Palestinian prisoners expected to be released on Friday, including 24 women and 15 teenage boys, in exchange for 13 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
After seizing an illegal oil smuggling network and more than 23,231,700 litres of diesel fuel in internal waters, the territorial sea, and the contiguous zone on the Gulf of Thailand, the Central Investigation Bureau Police, Operations Centre, Centre for the Protection of National Maritime Interests, and Excise Department’s Prevention and Suppression Inspection Office announced the arrest.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridej, Central Investigation Bureau commander, said more than 10 individuals have been accused of “jointly transporting and unloading goods in the contiguous zone without permission from the employees, customs, and transporting products out of vehicles without customs permission.” It has been separated into 7 cases, 10 crimes, and 2,700 million baht in penalties.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Jirapop added that officials had received complaints about green oil smuggling or duty-free diesel fuel from the Ministry of Energy, which are sold in the middle of the sea to reduce the cost of transporting and selling fish in the Gulf of Thailand.
This network also secretly loads and unloads ships without customs permission, damaging the country and hurting groups of fishing boats that respect the rules but lack green oil.
Jotun’s Global Colour Card 2024 launch event, “CANVAS Colour Design by Jotun,” was hosted at EmQuartier Helix Garden. The event welcomed its honoured guest, the Norwegian Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Astrid Emilie Helle (centre). Her Excellency presented the introductory remarks, and was joined by Managing Director of Jotun Thailand, Mrs. Kristine Anvik Leach (left), who presented the Welcome Speech. Hsiao Mae Wu (Mae), Marketing Manager, Jotun Thailand Limited (right) presented an introduction to CANVAS, the brand’s new Global Colour Card for 2024.
Jotun’s Global Colour Card 2024 launch event, “CANVAS Colour Design by Jotun,” was successfully hosted at EmQuartier Helix Garden 5th Floor, from 10th to 12th of November 2023. This year, Jotun appealed to the artist in everyone with CANVAS – the brand’s new Global Colour Card for 2024, which is designed to provide inspiration and encouragement to anyone seeking to express themselves in their homes.
The Colour Card showcases 23 colours from Jotun’s collection, including 10 brand-new shades specially developed this year under the direction of Global Colour Manager Lisbeth Larsen and in close collaboration with Jotun’s colour technology lab.
From our clothes to our homes, the colours that we surround ourselves with are a reflection of who we are and how we want to feel. Whenever we choose a colour, we are tapping into our inner creativity, turning our ideas and emotions into visual expressions – in effect, we are making art.
Jotun’s Global Colour Card 2024 launch event, “CANVAS Colour Design by Jotun,” featured a panel discussion wherein renowned architects and interior design influencers, including Air Benyapa Sirisopon (centre), a multi award-winning artist and design director at Vair Studio, and Champ Ekkarach Laksanasamrit (2nd right), content creator on all things interiors, join Hsiao Mae Wu (Mae), Marketing Manager, Jotun Thailand Limited (far left). Together with Natrah Omar Rahim, Regional Colour Marketing Manager of Jotun (2nd left), they discussed their approach to design while highlighting some of their favourite colours in CANVAS, the brand’s new Global Colour Card.
Every year, Larsen and Jotun’s international research team of colour specialists take the temperature of societies around the world. Tapping into emerging trends and cultural currents, Jotun translates these into a colour palette perfectly in tune with modern living.
A fresh palette for interior expression
Responding to a growing global trend for calming, centring colours that help us relax, Jotun’s 2024 palette (available in the Majestic Sense premium paints range) includes a spectrum of nature-inspired greens, as well as fresh blues and soft greys that evoke the meditative shades of sky and sea. Earthy browns and beiges cultivate a sense of “grounded-ness” whereas yellows and golds underpin the ambience with an uplifting touch of joy.
“When it comes to expressing ourselves, colour is the most powerful tool we have. Even if we don’t always realise it, all of us are brimming with ideas. Sometimes we just need to find the courage to express them. CANVAS is Jotun’s way of giving people that courage; of showing them that, deep down, everyone can be an artist.”
– Lisbeth Larsen, Global Colour Manager at Jotun
The art and science of colour
While encouraging homeowners to unleash their creativity and express themselves freely in their colour choices, Jotun’s 2024 Global Colour Card provides valuable guidance on effective colour combinations – brought vividly to life in its inspiring interior photography. Rooted in the concepts of colour theory, and the principles that have informed artists and interior designers for centuries, the card offers an at-a-glance guide to harmonious colour families and complementary contrasts.
Each interior spread in the Global Colour Card is accompanied by a handy colour-wheel graphic enabling readers to understand the colour combinations featured and the rationale behind the shades selected.
Homeowners can choose Majestic Sense premium paint colours to create unified interiors; pick opposites to inject excitement and interest into the space; or opt for colours of equal levels of intensity for a nuanced combination of different colours with similar levels of shade.
Jotun’s Global Colour Card 2024 launch event at EmQuartier Helix Garden encompassed a range of activities which showed off the new colours in imaginative and engaging ways. Above, architects and interior design influencers including Air Benyapa Sirisopon (front left), and Champ Ekkarach Laksanasamrit (front right), joined Hsiao Mae Wu (Mae), Marketing Manager, Jotun Thailand Limited. Together, they demonstrated Jotun’s mini workshop area, “Canvas Art” and some of the colour combinations which can be achieved with CANVAS, the brand’s new Global Colour Card.
CANVAS launched worldwide in August 2023 with a series of special events taking place around the Jotun world, including immersive installations that invited visitors to explore large freestanding geometric forms and experience different colour combinations at scale. Visitors also participated in hands-on creative workshops, mixing and matching colours however they wish, to create their own abstract artwork.
Make Your Home Your CANVAS: 10-12 November, EmQuartier Bangkok
The launch event was honourably attended by the Norwegian Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Astrid Emilie Helle, and featured guest influencer appearances, expert Q&A sessions with architects and designers, Colour Workshop and Jotun Colour Wheel demonstration for hands-on pairing of tones, plus exclusive Colour Consultations with the Jotun Colour Expert. The program comprised activities and photo opportunities among the huge hanging fabric canvas displays, which set the stage for guests to unleash expressions of creativity, with a range of exhibits and activation areas that captured the imagination with Majestic Sense premium paints.
Siam Paragon solidifies its position as the top ‘Luxury Destination’ and the top-of-mind destination for Thai and international visitors from around the globe with the opening of “Luxe Hall.’ Located on the M Floor of Siam Paragon, the new luxury zone offers world-class experiences with a range of world-class luxury names offering their Thailand’s first flagship stores and concept stores as well as brands available exclusively at Siam Paragon.
The inauguration, “Siam Paragon The Luxe Hall Opening Celebration,” featured Fall-Winter 2023 looks by Thailand’s top celebrities as well as many in-store fashion activities and special fashion offers.
The opening red carpet was joined by renowned Thai fashion icons in stylish looks from leading brands. Notable figures included Krit ‘PP’ Amnuaydechkorn in BALENCIAGA, Dew–Jirawat Sutivanichsak accessorized in Fred, Hirunkit ‘Nani’ Changkham in GIVENCHY, Lapassalan ‘Mild’ Jiravechsoontornkul
In Longchamp, Taksaorn ‘Aff’ Paksukcharern in a LORO PIANA and Thanapob ‘Tor’ Leeratanakachorn donning LOUIS VUITTON. In addition, Jirakit ‘Toptap’ Kuariyakul was seen in MCM, Supassra ‘Kao’ Thanachat was in MIU MIU, Pornpawee ‘Faye’ Neerasingh was seen in ROGER VIVIER, Pichukkana ‘Namtarn’ Wongsarattanasin was in Tory Burch, Kasidet ‘Book’ Plookphol was in VALENTINO and Jiratchapong ‘Force’ Srisang was in VERSACE.
Siam Paragon has successfully been a ‘World-class Luxury Destination, delivering an exceptional world-class experience to its customers, with over 70 renowned luxury brands such as Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, BOYY, Burberry, Bvlgari, Cartier, Celine, Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Zegna, Fendi, Ferragamo, Fred, Hermes, Givenchy, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Kwanpen, Loewe, Longchamp, Off-White, Louis Vuitton, MCM, Mikimoto, MIU MIU, Mulberry, Prada, Roger Vivier, Rimowa, Saint Laurent, Tory Burch, Valentino, Van Cleef & Arpels, Versace, Tiffany & Co, Zegna and more.
The first floor of Siam Paragon features a prestigious lineup of luxury fashion brands, including Boss, Coach, Max Mara, Furla, and Michael Kors. In addition to these renowned fashion brands, the floor also hosts a collection of luxury watches from A. Lange & Söhne, Breitling, Gucci Watch, Hublot, IWC, Jaeger-Lecoultre, Omega, Panerai, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Tag Heuer, and Tudor.
To reflect luxury brands’ confidence and its commitment to consistently providing a world-class experience to customers, Siam Paragon has unveiled the “Luxe Hall.” This significant expansion enhances the space dedicated to prestigious brand offerings, while further solidifying Siam Paragon’s position as Asia’s leading ‘Luxury Destination’.
This area has doubled the original space from approximately 10,000 square meters to a total of 20,000 square meters.
The Luxe Hall is graced by a multitude of new luxury brands including 20 flagship stores and boutique shops. Among them are Berluti, BOYY, Christian Louboutin, Fred, Ferragamo, Givenchy, Kwanpen, Longchamp, Miu Miu, MCM, Rimowa, Roger Vivier, Tory Burch, Valentino, and Versace.
Participating in the spectacle are esteemed luxury watch brands such as Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger Le Coultre, IWC, Tag Heuer, and Tudor. In addition, Loro Piana, a renowned luxury fashion brand originated in Italy, has also opened its first boutique in Thailand.
Furthermore, Siam Paragon has received the prestigious distinction of hosting flagship stores and concept stores for globally renowned brands, marking their debut in Thailand. These include Louis Vuitton Men Boutique, Fendi Men Boutique, and the upcoming Prada Men Boutique (scheduled to open in late 2024), SHH Pendulum, and Casablanca Pop Up. Adding a distinctive touch, Siam Paragon hosts exclusive shops for Chopard, Piaget, Frank Muller, and Zenith – the sole representations of these brands in Thailand.
This transformation, coupled with the introduction of fresh experiences, redefines a new standard of perfection. It signifies a commitment to showcasing the finest and advancing towards “The World of Tomorrow,” representing an evolvement of perfection to serve the multi-dimensional lifestyle of the future.
Discover the Luxe Hall on the M Floor of Siam Paragon, featuring an extensive collection of world-class luxury brands. From flagship stores to concept stores and pop-up stores, visitors can explore a rotation of luxury names showcasing their latest collections or indulge in an unapparelled shopping experience by exploring special collections on both the M floor and 1st floor of Siam Paragon.
For more information sans updates, follow Facebook page: Siam Paragon or call 02-610-8000.
Jakraphan Punyapapha, the CEO of TCJ Social Media Group (left), and Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, the CEO of JKN Global Group
BANGKOK – The JKN Global Group Public Company Limited, under the management of Ann Chakkraphong Jakrajutatip, the owner of the Miss Universe organization, faces more troubles after filing a petition for business rehabilitation and proceeding to the Thai Bankruptcy Court.
On November 24, Jakraphan Punyapapha, the CEO of TCJ Social Media Group, together with Khajornsak Jariyama and Mongkol Sriwiratch, a lawyer, announced the filing of a lawsuit against JKN Global Group at a press conference at The Emerald Hotel Ratchada.
Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, the CEO of JKN Global Group
The lawsuit claims damages of one billion baht for the dissemination of false information about the MU COIN project. The misinformation led to the closure of a joint venture, which resulted in the dismissal of employees.
Jakraphan explained that TCJ Social Media Group started out as an influencer agency before venturing into product manufacturing. They invested in MN Beverage, a beverage manufacturing company, and later entered the digital currency business with JKN Global Group. TCJ Social Media Group registered the company in UAE and used gold as collateral. They then launched the MU Universe Coin (MU COIN) project, a digital currency collaboration with the JKN Global Group, with the aim of issuing 3 billion coins worth 50 billion baht.
Jakraphan Punyapapha, the CEO of TCJ Social Media Group, together with Khajornsak Jariyama and Mongkol Sriwiratch, a lawyer, announced the filing of a lawsuit against JKN Global Group
However, the JKN Global Group later issued a false public statement denying any involvement in the MU COIN project. The statement claimed that MU COIN was a fake and urged the public not to participate although there were no previous problems and the product was ready to launch since last month.
Jakraphan stated that TCJ Social Media Group filed a lawsuit on September 25 against JKN Global Group and Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip for one billion baht in damages, with the court hearing scheduled for December 18.
In addition, TCJ Social Media Group is preparing further lawsuits against Pim-Uma, Jakkaphong’s sister, and the owner of the Facebook pages “Miss Universe Thailand, Hello Universe” for defamation by advertising. The allegations relate to the dissemination of false information.
The allegations include misappropriation of assets after he found out that the beverage manufacturing plant of MN Beverage, a company jointly owned by JKN Global Group.
Jakraphan added that he reported further allegations to the Kabinburi Provincial Police Station, Prachinburi. The allegations include misappropriation of assets after he found out that the beverage manufacturing plant of MN Beverage, a company jointly owned by JKN Global Group, was closed and its assets partially relocated without informing shareholders, resulting in employee layoffs.
As a result, they plan to file a complaint with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate JKN Global Group, particularly with regard to the current status of the company’s rehabilitation. They want to find out whether JKN Global Group had the authority to shut down the company and whether the board of directors approved the past digital currency projects.
Later, the JKN sent a letter to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to clarify the additional information in the notes to the financial statements of quarter 3/2023 regarding the petitions inquired about by the SET.
It mentioned that TCG Social Media Group Company Limited filed a lawsuit accusing the JKN, and the managing director, Jakkapong, posted defamatory messages to the plaintiff via online media regarding the plaintiff’s issue of a false Miss Universe Coin, causing the plaintiff to suffer damages.
Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip
When the court schedules a preliminary hearing for December 18, 2023, the company is confident in preparing the information to be provided to the court and believes that it will handle the matter satisfactorily.
Following that, the SET recommends the investors study JKN’s financial statements and monitor the company’s clarification. It also requires JKN to clarify the information on the financial statements for the third quarter of 2023, which the auditor does not express a conclusion due to the material uncertainty in continuing operations of the company and may affect the significant value of assets and liabilities, as follows:
(1) Assessment of impairment of investment assets in subsidiaries, trademarks, copyright, and goodwill, totaling 10,789 million baht, which is in the process of being evaluated. It may have an impact on the asset value. While the company has shareholders’ equity of 4,813 million baht,
(2) Lack of financial liquidity
(3) The default of debt repayment resulted in an event of default requiring repayment of other liabilities totaling 4,558 million baht.
“The company has not yet set an estimate for the damages and interest on default payments. In this regard, the information must be clarified through the information dissemination system of SET by December 8, 2023, and investors are requested to study the JKN financial statements and monitor the company’s clarification,” SET stated.
