With ‘Barbie,’ Greta Gerwig Breaks A Box Office Record For Female Directors

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24 July 2023, 18:41

Film Review - Barbie — Margot Robbie in a scene from "Barbie." (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

LINDSEY BAHR AP Film Writer – “Barbie” didn’t just break the opening weekend record for 2023; It also shattered the first weekend record for a film directed by a woman.

With $162 million in ticket sales from North American theaters, according to studio totals Monday, “Barbie” catapulted past both “Captain Marvel,” which was co-directed by Anna Boden and opened to $153.4 million in 2019, and “Wonder Woman,” Patty Jenkins ‘ 2017 film that debuted to $103.3 million. Boasting a reported price tag of $145 million, “Barbie” also cost less to produce than “Captain Marvel” ($152 million) and “Wonder Woman” ($200 million).

Globally, it far surpassed “Wonder Woman’s” debut with over $337 million versus $228.3 million, though “Captain Marvel’s” global launch was higher at $455 million.

AP23195462434931 — This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Margot Robbie in a scene from “Barbie.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

“Barbie’s” debut, $7 million higher than estimated on Sunday, is also significant because its audience was 65% women — not a surprise in and of itself, but as far as box office history is concerned, movies that open over $100 million often have a majority male audience (including both “Captain Marvel” and “Wonder Woman”). This, many have noted, is perhaps less a rule and more of a lack of big films that have been made and promoted with a blockbuster female audience in minds.

A close, but imperfect comparison is “Fifty Shades of Grey,” which was directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, and made $85 million in its first three days. The R-rated adaptation opened on Presidents Day weekend in 2017 for a five-day haul of $93 million.

“Barbie” also earned the title of the third biggest July debut ever, surpassing Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” and “The Dark Knight Rises” — not adjusted for inflation — and trailing only the live-action “The Lion King” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.”

AP23193637589438 — Writer/director/executive producer Greta Gerwig poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘Barbie’ on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, in London. (Scott Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Gerwig co-wrote and directed “Barbie” which is intended to be the first of many Mattel-inspired spinoffs. And in just one weekend it’s already surpassed the domestic grosses her last two films, “Little Women,” which earned $108.1 million and “Lady Bird,” with $49 million. In 2018, Gerwig also made history by becoming the fifth woman to be nominated for the best director Oscar (for “Lady Bird” ). As of 2023, there have now been seven women nominated for best director, and some are already predicting that Gerwig will notch another nod for next year’s ceremony.

“Barbie” and Gerwig’s success was celebrated widely online with many in Hollywood pausing to reflect on the moment. Reese Witherspoon posted “way to go, GG!” on Instagram, while director Ry Russo-Young wrote that “‘Barbie’ and its success looms as a beacon of hope” amid the strikes and widely shut-down productions.

“It’s wildly original, feminist, giant in scope and swing, and feels singular to a perspective,” Russo-Young wrote. “These are rare qualities for big movies these days. I hope to see more made like this in the coming years.”

AP23185144234363 — A screen shows America Ferrera, left, director Greta Gerwig, center, and Margot Robbie, right, during the pink carpet event for the movie “Barbie” in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, July 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Filmmaker Nancy Meyers also celebrated the “triumph” on Instagram, but bristled at the focus on the glass ceiling aspect asking if “Christopher Nolan has ever once in his life been referred to as a male director.” Meyers and Nolan are among only a handful of writer-directors who have had two or more of their original films gross over $100 million domestically.

“Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ accomplished something so profound,” Melissa Silverstein, the founder of the blog Women and Hollywood and the artistic director of the Athena Film Festival, wrote in an email Monday. “The fact that she made a funny, entertaining feminist critique and broke so many box office records with a movie about a doll that has been such a lightning rod in our culture is a monumental feat that should not be underestimated.”

barbie movie — An advertisement for “Barbie” on the opening day of CinemaCon 2023, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners at Caesars Palace, Monday, April 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Now it’s a question of how high “Barbie” can go and if it can outgross other top films directed by women. In North America, to get the No. 1 spot, “Barbie” will have to earn more than “Frozen II,” co-directed by Jennifer Lee, which tallied out with $477.4 million. “Captain Marvel” is in second place with $426.8 million.

With good reviews and audience scores in its arsenal, word-of-mouth enthusiasm and watercooler buzz, as well as no direct new competition on the calendar, it’s likely that “Barbie” will have “long legs,” a common phrase in the exhibition business that means a movie will continue selling significant numbers of tickets far past its opening weekend.

“This film is working everywhere,” said Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros.’ head of domestic distribution. ‘This historic result reflects the intense heat, interest and enthusiasm for ‘Barbie.'”

Indonesian Boat Capsizes off Sulawesi Island, Leaving at Least 15 People Dead

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Associated Press

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24 July 2023, 17:57

Indonesia Boat Sinks — In this photo provided by the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), rescuers on a rubber boat search for survivors after an overloaded ferry sank off Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, Monday, July 24, 2023. (BASARNAS via AP)

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — An overloaded passenger boat capsized off Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, killing 15 people, rescuers said Monday. Authorities said that the 33 other passengers survived.

The vessel was traveling from Lanto village in Buton Central regency in Southeast Sulawesi province to nearby Lagili village when it capsized just after midnight on Monday, local search and rescue agency head Muhammad Arafah said.

The wooden boat was carrying 40 people but was designed for just 20.

A search and rescue team initially found 15 bodies and rescued six people, and had continued their search for the others. But the operation was later called off when officials determined that all on board had been accounted for.

Three inflatable boats, two fishing boats and six divers were deployed to search for the missing people, he added.

Thousands of residents had traveled to their villages to celebrate the regency’s 9th anniversary on Sunday, and many people were transported by fishing or passenger boats.

AP23205127158484 — In this photo released by the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), residents and members of the agency search for survivors after an overloaded ferry capsized off Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, Monday, July 24, 2023. (BASARNAS via AP)

“There were 27 people who survived, but had not previously been reported, because they went straight home,” local search and rescue agency head Muhammad Arafah said in a statement.

Three inflatable boats, two fishing boats and six divers were deployed while the search was underway.

Television news showed footage of people on fishing boats retrieving bodies in the overnight darkness, and grieving relatives waiting for information at a port and a local hospital.

Indonesia is an archipelago with more than 17,000 islands, and ferries are a common form of transportation. With lax safety standards and problems with overcrowding, accidents occur frequently.

In 2018, an overcrowded ferry with about 200 people on board sank in a lake in North Sumatra province, killing 167 people.

In one of the country’s worst recorded disasters, an overcrowded passenger ship sank in February 1999 with 332 people aboard. Only 20 people survived.

Blue Tree Phuket Offers Team-building Services To B2B

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Contributor

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24 July 2023, 15:17

Blue Tree Phuket offers team-building services to B2B business groups, showcasing its space potential and expertise in developing individuals within organizations

Blue Tree Phuket, a comprehensive entertainment complex with over 55.35 acres of green space and well-equipped facilities, is expanding its services to target B2B business groups and provide space for team-building services.

Team building is a strategic organizational development technique aimed at enhancing employee performance. With a team of expert professionals, Blue Tree Phuket can design suitable programs and activities to enhance skills, foster relationships, and maximize the benefits of the complex’s versatile spaces.

The venue can accommodate up to 500 participants, offering a unique experience in developing personnel within organizations, providing both enjoyment and a distinctive edge.

Mr. Bo Johan Wallen, General Manager of Blue Tree Phuket, said, “Aside from being a comprehensive entertainment center, Blue Tree Phuket stands out for its capacity to offer a new and distinctive team-building service. With our professional team, we offer various tailor-made programs that effectively develop individuals within each organization. Our spaces are well-equipped, allowing us to utilize their full potential. We prioritize safety while creating enjoyable activities that provide a unique experience.”

“We have now expanded our customer base to include both small and large businesses, such as hotels, companies, and various organizations. We aim to promote and support entrepreneurs in search of suitable venues and expert teams to effectively develop their organizations. Starting from the basics, we focus on improving relationships within the organization, fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and cultivating a positive work attitude with strong personnel, the organization will grow in quality,” he added.

In terms of the complex’s space potential, Blue Tree Phuket covers more than 55.35 acres and is surrounded by greenery, recreational areas, and a stunning blue Crystal Lagoon spanning 17,000 square meters. It serves as a central landmark at Blue Tree, allowing for diverse event possibilities.

An important aspect of team building is Blue Tree’s team of experts who can create various programs suitable for developing individuals from different professions. For example, the Ultimate Survivor Extreme activity is designed to break behavioral barriers. The professional team at Blue Tree Sports and Entertainment has over 20 years of experience in serving customers.

The team also includes sports coaches specializing in various fields such as triathlon, swimming, Muay Thai, football, cricket, and more. They collaborate to design programs that enhance personal development and teamwork while providing enjoyable and creative training experiences.

“Based on our experience in successfully providing more than 50 team-building events in the past two years, we are confident in our readiness in terms of venue and expert team to deliver efficient organizational development experiences. Additionally, any organization can participate in the planning and development of games and various activities in collaboration with our team at Blue Tree Phuket, catering to specific needs and contributing creative ideas. There are no limitations in our versatile spaces,” Mr. Johan Wallen added.

“As part of our marketing strategy, we are currently offering a year-end promotion for hotels to utilize our team- building services at Blue Tree Phuket. The price is reduced to 800 baht per person (from 1,500 baht) from today until October 31, 2023,” he concluded.

For more information, please call 085-080-0065 or visit www.bluetree.fun/

#บลูทรี #ภูเก็ต #บลูทรีภูเก็ต #BlueTree #Phuket #BlueTreePhuket #Entertainmenthub #ThrillandChill #DayandNight #TeamBuilding #ทีมสัมพันธ์ #พัฒนาองค์กร

Woman Arrested for Disposing of Headless Body at Sapporo Hotel

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Kyodo News

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24 July 2023, 14:11

A woman in her 20s was arrested Monday on suspicion of disposing of a headless male body at a hotel in Sapporo earlier this month, according to investigative sources.

Police are investigating the motives of the woman and her relationship with the victim, later identified as 62-year-old Hitoshi Ura, after he was found naked in a hotel room bathroom on July 2, police said.

An autopsy of the victim revealed that the cause of death was hemorrhagic shock caused by blood loss from stab wounds, while Ura’s head was cut off with a blade and removed from the scene.

sapporo headless — Photo taken on July 3, 2023, shows a hotel in Sapporo where the body of a man was found the previous day. (Kyodo)

Ura and one other person checked into the hotel in the capital of Japan’s northern main island at around 10:50 p.m. on July 1, with the other person leaving alone at around 2 a.m. the following day.

The person who accompanied Ura was small and was wearing a wide-brimmed hat and women’s whitish clothing when entering the room, but was wearing black attire when leaving, investigative sources said.

Ura’s body was discovered later on July 2 by a hotel staff who went to check the room after becoming suspicious when he had not checked out by the afternoon.

The incident occurred in the Susukino area of the city where many short-stay so-called “love hotels” are located.

ICS Joins With Siriraj Hospital For The Launch Of ‘SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS’

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Contributor

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24 July 2023, 11:27

ICS joins hands with Siriraj Hospital for Groundbreaking Launch of ‘SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS’ – A Revolutionary Preventive and Integrative Health Center

Situated in one of Bangkok’s most promising locations with a strong focus on preventive care, the brand-new health center encourages individuals to “put your health and well-being first rather than waiting until you fall ill.” It will feature 16 specialized clinics starting from July 21, 2023.

The ICS Lifestyle Complex, located opposite ICONSIAM, has partnered with Siriraj Hospital to launch the groundbreaking “SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS.” This pioneering preventive and integrative health center aims to extend comprehensive healthcare services beyond the confines of the hospital, making it the very first center of its kind outside the hospital premises.

With the ambitious goal of establishing a revolutionary healthcare experience in Thailand, the center is set to introduce 16 specialized clinics catering to diverse customer needs. It takes pride in synergizing the exceptional expertise of Siriraj Hospital’s medical professionals with cutting-edge medical technology innovations, all aimed at proactively safeguarding people’s well-being and prioritizing preventive care.

The center’s strategic focus lies in selecting an optimal location, ensuring easy accessibility for patients seeking their services. It is planning to commence full operations from July 21 onwards.

Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICS Company Limited, said: “The collaboration with Siriraj Hospital to establish the SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS, a center for preventive and integrative healthcare for holistic balance is a significant milestone. This achievement holds great importance as it allows people to access medical services with greater convenience.

The comprehensive health center outside the confines of Siriraj Hospital is a pioneering venture, being the first of its kind situated within the ICS Lifestyle Complex building. This strategic location holds tremendous potential, given its direct connection to the ICONSIAM building, and the added advantage of proximity to the Charoen Nakhon Station, which serves the Golden Line Skytrain.

Convenient transportation options such as roadways, rail networks, and boats further enhance accessibility to the health center, offering people the flexibility to choose their preferred mode of travel. Individuals can now reach the health center more conveniently, comfortably, and efficiently.”

He continued, “SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS serves as a vital attraction for individuals who prioritize their health and well-being proactively, aligning with a significant global trend observed worldwide. This also resonates particularly well with the lifestyle of the new generation, who are highly health-conscious but often face time constraints due to their busy schedules.

This center serves as a crucial piece of the jigsaw puzzle, empowering ICS to cater to the diverse needs of its customer base. Its significance lies in its ability to attract a broader range of customers to utilize the health center’s services. This includes corporate clients, office workers within ICONSIAM, ICS, and the Charoen Nakorn vicinity, as well as employees from various stores within ICONSIAM and ICS.

Additionally, tourists, general customers, and even health enthusiasts from GEN H (Health) will find appeal in this facility.”

“Since its launch last January, the ICS Lifestyle Complex has been gradually opening its doors to retail businesses and office spaces available for rent. With over 200 renowned brand partners on board, the sales have shown consistent and remarkable growth, surging by 54%. This positive trend indicates a noteworthy recovery in consumer purchasing power, which is steadily coming back to life. Looking ahead with optimism, we are confident that by the end of 2023, the number of visitors to the ICS Lifestyle Complex will witness a substantial increase of 50%,” said Supoj.

According to Prof. Dr. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, M.D. Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital at Mahidol University, the institution holds a significant responsibility in serving as a role model for the healthcare of the Thai population. To fulfill this role, the faculty has devised a proactive approach, empowering doctors to provide care to the Thai people even before they reach the hospital. This is the reason for the establishment of the Center for preventive health and integrative life balance, SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS.

The center aims to provide a comprehensive range of services leveraging innovative medical technology and integrated healthcare consultancy. At SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS, individuals can access a variety of services, starting with health screening, preventive care, building holistic balance, rehabilitation, and delaying the aging process, through the expertise of its medical professionals.

He also said, “Situated across ICONSIAM at the ICS, this prime spot in the Thonburi region holds immense promise. Being the pioneering all-inclusive health service center beyond the hospital boundaries, it prioritizes convenient accessibility, reasonable pricing, and the ability to reimburse medical expenses in accordance with Thailand’s Comptroller General’s Department (CGD) guidelines. These features significantly enhance people’s access to medical services, ensuring a seamless healthcare experience.”

SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS is dedicated to forging a groundbreaking “healthcare phenomenon” for the Thai society, encompassing a diverse range of target groups. This visionary approach caters not only to the established clientele of Siriraj Hospital but also extends its reach to new customer segments, including corporate customers and the general public.

SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS aims to provide novel solutions to society, fostering better health and well-being for all individuals, driven by the guiding principles of the 3Hs: Healthy, Happy, and Holistic.

The center also introduces the crucial concept of “Healthy First,” encouraging individuals in society to prioritize their healthcare and realize their full potential. By making health a primary focus, people can achieve personal fulfillment and contribute positively to society.

Leveraging the unique strengths of SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS, both patients and general customers can easily access and benefit from the center’s services and enjoy a range of thoughtfully integrated activities within the center.

The outstanding credibility of Siriraj Hospital, renowned as one of Thailand’s most reputable medical institutions, bestows a unique and unparalleled distinction upon SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS. Coupled with its exceptional medical expertise, it sets the center apart from other medical service providers and makes it become an enticing destination that attracts people seeking an unparalleled medical service experience.

According to Clinical Prof. Dr. Wisit Vamvanich, M.D., Director of Siriraj Hospital, the center’s offerings will encompass five comprehensive areas of medical services. These areas include in-depth health screening, preventive care, fostering balance, rehabilitation, and measures to delay the aging process. The center boasts an impressive array of 16 specialized clinics, catering to diverse healthcare needs.

These clinics include General Medicine Clinic, Health Promotion Clinic, NCDs Clinic (non-communicable diseases), Health Check-up Center, Vaccination Center, Male Health Clinic, Female Health Clinic, Child and Adolescent Clinic, Mental Health Clinic, Sports Performance Development Center, Physical Rehabilitation Clinic, Laser Skin and Aesthetic Clinic, Sappaya by Siriraj Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Specialist Clinic, and the Thanyarak Breast Center.

Special features that set SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS apart from other health centers, for instance, are the introduction of the Male Health Clinic, a groundbreaking addition that marks the first of its kind and has never been opened at Siriraj Hospital before. Additionally, the center takes pride in its Specialist Clinic, staffed by renowned doctors from Siriraj Hospital.

The clinic places a strong emphasis on preliminary treatment, encompassing a wide range of medical areas, including the respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, nervous system, cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, and more. By offering comprehensive preliminary inspection services in various fields, the clinic aims to attract customers and build their confidence in the quality of necessary preliminary assessments provided.

Furthermore, the center envisions hosting knowledge-sharing activities and workshops in collaboration with various partners. These events aim to provide customers with comprehensive benefits, with a strong emphasis on expanding knowledge and understanding of diverse aspects of health. Through these initiatives, the center aspires to cater to the wellness and longevity needs of the Thai people effectively.

“The establishment of SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS enables Siriraj Hospital to open its doors to both existing and new customers. For existing customers, this center presents a welcome solution to alleviate congestion in the public service area of Siriraj Hospital. The center adopts a patient-centered approach, offering seamless services through integration with the same health information system of Siriraj Hospital, facilitating better communication and continuity of care for patients.”

To attract and serve new customers with a range of unique strengths and offerings, its strategic location ensures comfortable and convenient access to the center, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious individuals seeking quality preventive health services, which is a rising health trend among the new generation of consumers. Moreover, for individuals who prioritize both health and appearance, the center offers diverse services associated with beauty and aesthetic treatments as well,” said Prof. Dr. Wisit.

To promote the grand opening of SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS and entice customers visiting ICONSIAM and ICS, an exciting promotional campaign has been meticulously planned to extend a warm welcome to potential patrons, inviting them to experience the services offered at the center.

Simply purchase the exclusive health check-up program offered by SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS, which is led by a team of esteemed doctors from Siriraj Hospital to promote preventive health and achieve integrative life balance, customers can redeem cash vouchers worth 200 baht from Lotus’s Privé and participating stores.

This enticing offer is available from today until August 1, 2023. Furthermore, Health Talk activities will be organized to disseminate valuable health knowledge on a range of topics. These informative sessions take place from July 20 to July 23, 2023.

On July 20, 2023, medical lecturer, Thawatchai Mankongsrisuk, M.D., will be presenting on the topic “Men’s Health Across All Ages” from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Following that, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Prof. Dr. Worapong Manatkiat, Head of Siriraj Skin Laser Center, will be presenting on “Aging Gracefully“.
On July 21, 2023, a special Health Talk event on the topic of “Health Promotion by Thai Traditional Medicine” will be conducted by esteemed experts and lecturers in applied Thai traditional medicine, Sukree Kade and Kodchakorn Somchat, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
On July 22, 2023, there are two captivating Health Talk sessions: “Female Health Across All Age Groups” by Assist. Prof. Panicha Chantrapanichkul, M.D. (2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.). “Gastronomy Diseases are Not Difficult to Treat” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Potjaman Pisanprapha, M.D., from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
On July 23, 2023, be enlightened with the topic “New Generation Parents: Understanding Child Development” by Assoc. Prof. Sureelak Sutchritpongsa, M.D., (1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.), followed by “Health Check-ups and Vaccination in Adults” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Potjaman Pisanprapha, M.D. (3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m).

SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS is an expansive and comprehensive healthcare center, spanning an impressive service area of 2,902 square meters. Conveniently located on the 5th and 5M floors within the ICS Lifestyle Complex, it stands opposite the renowned ICONSIAM. It welcomes patients and customers every day, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The center is prepared to open its doors and commence service from July 21, 2023, onward.

For additional information, reach out to ICS at 1338. Alternatively, for specific details about SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS and its services, please contact 02-414-1144 or connect with the center’s latest updates and offerings through its Facebook page: SIRIRAJ H SOLUTIONS.

#ชีวิตดีดีเริ่มต้นด้วยสุขภาพที่ดี #HEALTHYFIRST

Protesters in the Thai Capital Calls on Senators To Approve Vote Winners’ Choice for Prime Minister

By

Associated Press

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24 July 2023, 00:03

Thailand Politics — Supporters of the Move Forward Party walk in a circle during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, July 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI — Hundreds of people gathered Sunday in the Thai capital of Bangkok to demand that conservative senators stop blocking the naming of a prime minister belonging to a winning coalition formed from May’s general election, a stance that risks a potentially destabilizing political deadlock.

Protesters braved heavy rain to show their anger and frustration toward the members of the Senate, who were appointed by the military and pride themselves as defenders of traditional royalist values, which they believe are under threat.

The surprise election winner, the Move Forward Party, failed in two efforts to have its leader Pita Limjaroenrat confirmed as the next prime minister, largely because he failed to woo enough votes from the senators, who are disturbed by the party’s reformist policy platform.

AP23204494172912 — Supporters of the Move Forward Party hold a portrait of Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of Move Forward Party, during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, July 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) holds portrait of Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of Move Forward Party

As many as 1,000 demonstrators took to Bangkok’s busy Asok intersection with umbrellas and raincoats. many shouting “Senators, get out!” Speakers at the peaceful rally also called for political parties in a coalition assembled by Move Forward not to “switch sides” by joining hands with other parties that supported the outgoing government of Prayuth Chan-ocha, who as army commander seized power in a 2014 coup and was returned as prime minister after the 2019 election.

Sombat Boonngam-anong, a veteran social activist who organized the rally, told the crowd that senators only have the right to vote yes, and described voting no as unconstitutional.

“You can only vote yes, because the people already said yes to the results. You don’t have the right to vote anything else,” he declared of the senators’ responsibilities.

AP23204494376789 — Supporters of the Move Forward Party display mobile phones with flash lights on during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, July 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

The Move Forward Party finished first in May’s general election and formed an eight-party coalition, which together won majority of 312 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives. But under the military-enacted constitution, a new prime minister must receive the support of a combined majority of both the lower house and the unelected 250-seat Senate.

Pita was rejected in a first vote and was knocked out of contention last when a procedural vote decided he could not be nominated a second time.

On Friday, the coalition held a meeting and announced that its second biggest member, the Pheu Thai Party, would nominate its candidate and assume the leading role in forming a government. Its three possible nominees are real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin; Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a 2006 military coup; and Chaikasem Nitsiri, the party’s chief strategist.

While declaring that the coalition for now will stick with its original members and try to win more votes from conservative lawmakers before the next vote scheduled for Thursday, Pheu Thai did not rule out the possibility that Move Forward could be excluded from the coalition altogether in order for it to succeed in forming the government.

On Saturday and Sunday, Pheu Thai met with several parties that voted Prayuth in as prime minister in 2019.

AP23204494283163 — Supporters of the Move Forward Party hold portraits of Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of Move Forward Party during a protest in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, July 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

The parties that met with Pheu Thai over the weekend, including the military-backed Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation parties, while denying they discussed joining the coalition. also made it clear they would not be willing to do so as long as Move Forward remains in the bloc.

Some of Move Forward’s supporters want the coalition to stand fast instead of inviting new members from the other side of the political spectrum, and feel their Pheu Thai colleagues are putting the pursuit for power ahead of principle.

Pheu Thai is the latest in a string of parties closely affiliated with populist billionaire Thaksin, who is in exile to avoid a prison sentence for abuse of power that he contends was politically inspired. Supporters of parties backed by Thaksin staged several mass protests against the conservative establishment that ousted him, spurring violent crackdowns, especially in 2010, when at least 94 people were killed.

Move Forward’s victory was powered by a widespread desire, particularly among young people, for deep structural change in Thailand after nine years of military-backed rule. The party also wants to reduce the influence of the military, which has staged more than a dozen coups since Thailand became a constitutional monarchy in 1932, and of big business monopolies.

People Enjoy The Taste Of “Dog Food,” A Popular Menu

By

Khaosod English

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23 July 2023, 21:28

A menu with the most unusual name, ‘Dog Food Menu,’ has become a viral sensation on the Internet. The original restaurant named Auntie Oi is located in the heart of Nakhon Sawan province, in a commercial building near Nakhon Sawan School.

Ananya Phinthong, or Auntie Oi, 60, the cook and owner of the restaurant, said the “dog food menu” came about unintentionally. This is because her eatery is located near the provincial school, and in the early evening, boarders come in, hungry and wanting to order fried rice. However, it is close to closing time, so the restaurant’s ingredients at that time are only rice and a few packets of instant noodles.

menu dog3 — Auntie Oi, 60, has created the “dog food menu.”

But the children’s hunger confirmed that they would eat the rice. Since the children were so hungry, she decided to fry the rice along with the instant noodles so that the children could enjoy the meal.

“When the children first saw it, they joked, ‘It looks like dog food.’ But as it turned out, the same children came back the next day to order the ‘dog food’ again. They liked it so much that their friends got curious and ordered it too. From then on, they came back every day to order the same dish. It eventually became a legend – the ‘Dog Food’,” said Aunt Oi.

menu dog2 — The “dog food” dish does not look good but is delicious.

The “dog food” dish looks like fried rice made from leftover ingredients, consisting of boiled instant noodles, spicy chili paste, Chinese morning glory and minced pork. Many people were skeptical at first because it looked like dog food. However, the taste was surprisingly delicious, similar to regular fried instant noodles with eggs.

The special touch comes from the fragrant aroma of roasted chili, which creates a perfect balance of spicy, sour, sweet and salty flavors and has made it a popular dish at the restaurant. Not only do customers come to dine at the restaurant, but they also order a significant number of dishes through the delivery service, hundreds of plates a day. Even celebrities are fond of it.

The “dog food” menu costs 35 baht per plate. However, if you want something special, you can opt for the special version with extra ingredients like diced chicken, which costs 40 baht per plate. This extra version is called ‘dog food with chicken’.

One of the delivery drivers mentioned that most of the orders at Auntie Oi’s restaurant are for the “dog food” dish. This has had a positive impact on the food rider group as they have seen a significant increase in their revenue due to the popularity of this dish.

menu dog4 — The original restaurant named Auntie Oi is located in the heart of Nakhon Sawan province.

Hun Sen’s Ruling Party Claims Landslide Win In Cambodian Election That Saw Opposition Suppressed

By

Associated Press

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23 July 2023, 20:19

Cambodia Elections — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, right, of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) shows off his inked finger, standing next to his wife Bun Rany, left, after voting a ballot at a polling station in Takhmua in Kandal province, southeast Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Sunday, July 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Longtime Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen cast his ballot 10 minutes after polls opened at 7 a.m. Sunday, in an election in which his party is all but assured a landslide victory thanks to the effective suppression and intimidation of any real opposition that critics say has made a farce of democracy in the Southeast Asian nation.

The European Union, United States and other Western countries refused to send observers, saying the election lacked the conditions to be considered free and fair. That left international officials from Russia, China and Guinea-Bissau to watch as Hun Sun voted at a polling station in his home district outside of the capital, Phnom Penh.

He held his ballot high for all to see, before depositing it into the silver metal box and leaving the station, pausing to take selfies and shake hands with supporters outside.

Six hours after polls closed, the National Election Committee said 84.6% of eligible voters had cast ballots. Sok Eysan, spokesperson for Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party, said he believed his party captured 78-80% of the total turnout.

AP23204087492269 — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) kisses a ballot before voting at a polling station at Takhmua in Kandal province, southeast Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Sunday, July 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

“I have no results about the allocation of seats, but as of now but I can say that the ruling Cambodian People’s Party has won a landslide victory,” he told the Associated Press, although no official vote count had still been issued.

The longest-serving leader in Asia, Hun Sen has steadily consolidated power with his strong-arm tactics over the last 38 years. But, at age 70, he has suggested he will hand off the premiership during the upcoming five-year term to his oldest son, Hun Manet, perhaps as early as the first month after the elections.

Hun Manet, 45, has a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point as well as a master’s from NYU and a Ph.D. from Bristol University in Britain. He is currently chief of Cambodia’s army.

Despite his Western education, however, observers don’t expect any immediate shifts in policy from that of his father, who has steadily drawn Cambodia closer to China in recent years.

AP23203151171173 — Locals look at a registration list before voting at a polling station on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, July 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

“I don’t think anyone expects Hun Sen to sort of disappear once Hun Manet is prime minister,” said Astrid Norén-Nilsson, a Cambodia expert at Sweden’s Lund University. “I think they will probably be working closely together and I don’t think that there is a big difference in their political outlook, including foreign policy.”

Hun Manet is just part of what is expected to be a broader generational change, with the ruling Cambodian People’s Party planning to install younger leaders into most ministerial positions.

“That’s going to be the big change of guard, that’s what I’m watching,” Norén-Nilsson said. “It’s all about the transition, it’s all about who’s going to come in and in what positions they find themselves.”

At the station where Hun Sen cast his ballot, voter Nan Sy, a former lawmaker himself with a smaller royalist party, said the main issue for him was stability.

“Without stability we cannot talk about education, we cannot talk about development,” the 59-year-old said without saying who he voted for.

AP23203151134405 — Locals look at a registration list before voting at a polling station on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, July 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

There were few reports of any protests against the elections, but Gen. Khieu Sopheak, Cambodia’s national police spokesperson, said 27 people were being sought over allegations they called for voters to spoil their ballots in a Telegram chat channel. He said there had been two arrests at polling stations as well.

Hun Sen had been a middle-ranking commander in the radical communist Khmer Rouge responsible for genocide in the 1970s before defecting to Vietnam. When Vietnam ousted the Khmer Rouge from power in 1979, he quickly became a senior member of the new Cambodian government installed by Hanoi.

A wily and sometimes ruthless politician, Hun Sen has maintained power as an autocrat in a nominally democratic framework.

His party’s stranglehold on power faltered in 2013 elections, in which the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party won 44% of the popular vote to CPP’s 48%. Hun Sen responded to the wake-up call by going after leaders of the opposition, primarily through sympathetic courts, which eventually dissolved the party after local elections in 2017 when it again fared well.

Ahead of Sunday’s election, the Candlelight Party, the unofficial successor to the CNRP and only other contender capable of mounting a credible challenge, was barred on a technicality from contesting the polls by the National Election Committee.

While virtually assuring another landslide victory for Hun Sen and his party, the methods have prompted widespread criticism from rights groups.

AP23204097694695 — Russian observation members stand at a polling station in Takhmua in Kandal province, southeast Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Sunday, July 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Human Rights Watch said the “election bears little resemblance to an actual democratic process,” while the Asian Network for Free Elections, an umbrella organization of almost 20 regional NGOs, said the National Election Commission had showed a “clear bias” toward the CPP in barring the Candlelight Party.

“Such disqualification further exacerbates the imbalanced and unjust political environment, leaving minimal room for opposition voices to compete on equal footing with the ruling party,” the group said in a joint statement.

“Moreover, the shrinking space available for civil society and the deliberate targeting of human rights defenders and activists raise serious alarm. The constriction of civic space undermines the active participation of civil society in the electoral process without fear of reprisal.”

After the “vastly unpopular” way the opposition was neutralized in 2018, this time around there is little sign of widespread popular discontent, Norén-Nilsson said, because Hun Sen and the CPP have done a very effective job over the past five years of building a sense among many Cambodians that they are part of a new national project.

The strategy has involved careful messaging, with sweeping slogans like “small country, big heart,” and little talk about policy, she said.

“It’s really quite astonishing how the CPP has managed to gain at least acceptance for what we see now,” she said. “If before people thought that the glass was half empty, now it’s half full, so you focus more on what you have than don’t have.”

With the Candlelight Party out of the running, the largest beneficiary of any anti-CPP vote will likely be FUNCINPEC, a royalist party whose name is an unwieldy French acronym for the National Front for an Independent, Neutral and Cooperative Cambodia.

Founded in 1981 by Norodom Sihanouk, Cambodia’s former king, the party defeated the CPP in 1993 U.N.-run elections, but his son, Norodom Ranariddh, ended up having to agree to a co-prime ministership with Hun Sen.

Today’s party president, Norodom Chakravuth, who returned from France to take control of the party a little over a year ago after the death of his father Norodom Ranariddh, told The Associated Press that his sights are more on the 2028 election but is hoping this time to possibly win one or two seats.

_______

SOPHENG CHEANG and DAVID RISING reported from Phnom Penh.

Opinion: Silent Semi-Military Coup and the Normalization of Indirect Military Rule

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

-

23 July 2023, 14:00

Protesters burn a symbolic coffin during a protest against the Constitutional Court's decision to suspend Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat from his MP duties pending its ruling on whether he violated election law at the Democracy Monument on July 19, 2023.

What happened on July 13, and again on the past Wednesday, July 19, was nothing short of a silent semi-military coup which succeeded in twice rejecting and removing Move Forward Party PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat from the PM race. It now will most likely succeed in pushing the party, which won the most seats in the general election, into the opposition camp and possibly more.

No tanks have patrolled the streets of Bangkok over the past week as it was not needed unlike in the conventional military coup. There was no announcement by any coup leader on television. And there was no summoning of opponents of the silent putsch to be detained for “attitude adjustment.”

Yet it was very effective, stealth even. Pita, arguably the most popular politician in a generation and for the past two months since the May 14 general election victory, the presumptive new prime minister has been rejected by the junta-appointed senators twice and is no longer able to be nominated again.

On Wednesday, not only was Pita overwhelmingly rejected by the senators in a bicameral vote to determine whether his name could be renominate after some parliamentarians cited Regulations 41 (which basically states that a rejected motion cannot be resubmit for a second vote unless there is a good reason to believe the outcome would be different), but the Constitutional Court, which came to power via the selection process of various junta-appointed bodies including the senate itself, suspended Pita from his duty as MP pending the decision on whether Pita is unfit to be an member of parliament due to his shareholding of the defunct ITV media.

In the weeks ahead, the Constitutional Court may even ban Pita from politics for 10 years along with all of the party executive committee members and dissolve the party itself if they ruled the party is undermine the democratic system with the king as head of state through their pledge to reform the controversial lese majeste law.

Tell me if this is not a silent coup. What we are seeing is the legacy organs of the military junta robbing the will of the people who clearly expressed themselves during the general election two months ago yet again. In a way, it is more effective and less blatant than having tanks on the traffic-choke streets of Bangkok and armed soldiers dispatched to guard television stations to make sure their coverage of the current affairs is sympathetic.

Yet the response by the so-called pro-democracy camp has not been unified. This is due to the fact that the other major rival “pro-democracy” party, the Pheu Thai Party, whose de facto leader in exile is fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, is now, as I write these words, juggling for power and soliciting support from parties that used to either support or were in bed with junta leader Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha.

In the days ahead, we could see a new coalition led by Pheu Thai emerging but without Move Forward. This is why many die-hard redshirt supporters will not be joining the numerous angry street protests anytime soon. These Pheu Thai supporters love their party and leaders too much; they see the silent coup as an opportunity for the Pheu Thai Party which lost to rival Move Forward Party by four million votes, or 10 MP seats, to lead the new government and get its own PM.

For months prior to the May general election, the rivalries within the so-called pro-democracy camp have turned toxic – and that might be an understatement as some Pheu Thai supporters publicly celebrate the silent coup over the past ten days. The pro-democracy camp is split, unlike in the aftermath of the May 2014 military coup which was led by Prayut.

One other key factor is the normalization of the militarization of Thai society and rules over the past nine years. Most Thai media simply refer to the junta-appointed senators as “senators,” and not “junta-appointed senators,” and the ludicrous fact that these 250 unelected senators command one third of the bicameral vote for new PM along with the 500 elected MPs is no longer scandalous for many news analysts who just accepted it as the rules.

The 151 elected MPs from Move Forward Party, with 14 million votes behind them, have much less say in the bicameral vote when compared to the 250 senators who were basically appointed by one man – then junta leader Gen. Prayut.

This special junta-appointed senatorial powers, which are good for five years under the current 2017 junta-sponsored constitution that narrowly passed a referendum under the threat that if people do not approve it, the military junta will be in power even longer, are no longer seen as an anomaly or cheating by many in the mainstream mass media and political analysts.

By not pointing out the systemic rigging of the rules, they end up acting as a lubricant to enable this silent semi-military coup and prolong military influence, to be acceptable – normal even.

Championing Sustainability in Style! Truecoffee x TUNA DUNN

By

Contributor

-

23 July 2023, 11:28

Embrace Eco-Love : Championing Sustainability in Style! Truecoffee x TUNA DUNN

Special Collection: Comfy Coffee-themed T-shirts – Stretchable, Stylish, Sustainable, and Joyful. Available now at all Truecoffee branches.

Bangkok, 20th July 2566 – “Coffee,” the globally beloved beverage, with an astounding consumption of approximately 2 billion cups daily, generates a massive amount of coffee waste, estimated at around 2 million metric tons. In response to this, Truecoffee places a strong emphasis on every step of coffee production, from the industry’s sources to finding sustainable solutions for coffee waste.

At each Truecoffee branch, around 400 to 420 cups of coffee are sold daily, resulting in approximately 8 kilograms of coffee waste discarded every day.

As a testament to its commitment to sustainable growth and following the Zero Waste approach, Truecoffee, as a longstanding coffee business in Thailand for over 16 years, takes pride in being the first and only establishment to bring the innovation of transforming coffee waste into fabric to the Thai market.

This fabric is then woven into comfortable, quick-drying, odor-controlling, and UV-protective t-shirts, surpassing regular silk fabric in quality.

In a recent collaboration with renowned illustrator, TUNA DUNN, Truecoffee tells the journey of coffee from its origins to Truecoffee’s final product through clear and minimalist line illustrations. The collection offers two street-style oversized t-shirt designs, perfectly suited for environmentally conscious fashion enthusiasts who care for the planet.

Aptly titled ‘Coffee Can Change Your Day’ and ‘Sip For A Better World,’ these t-shirts celebrate the essence of Truecoffee’s mission to cherish the environment.

The ‘Coffee Can Change Your Day’ Sustainable Tee features a white oversized design with the front print of the text “Coffee Can Change Your Day,” while the back showcases an illustration framed within four boxes.

This illustration highlights the individuals involved in the coffee production process, including farmers cultivating coffee plants, harvesters collecting coffee beans, roasters ensuring the highest bean quality, baristas brewing with care, and coffee enthusiasts savoring the unique taste of Truecoffee.

Similarly, the ‘Sip For A Better World’ Sustainable Tee, also in white and oversized, displays the text “Sip For A Better World” on the front, while the back features an illustration encapsulated within the frame, depicting the same coffee production journey.

These exclusive coffee-themed t-shirts are available for purchase at all Truecoffee branches nationwide. With only 1,000 pieces available for each design, these limited-edition t-shirts are priced at 990 Baht per piece. Additionally, there is a special twin pack offer priced at 1,700 Baht.

Truecoffee customers can enjoy an exclusive promotion from 15th July to 15th August 2023. True customers can use 29 TruePoints within the TrueID app, while dtac customers can use 290 coins within the dtac app to get a 10% discount on the purchase of these coffee-inspired t-shirts.

Embrace sustainability, love for coffee, and fashion with Truecoffee x TUNA DUNN’s special collection, and place your order today at Truecoffee branches or online through the following link: https://bit.ly/cfgshopee.

Join Truecoffee in promoting a greener world and wear these unique t-shirts that embody the spirit of environmental consciousness, while celebrating the delightful taste of coffee that brings joy to coffee lovers worldwide.

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