"Sup Pa Rer," or The Undertaker 2023, celebrates earning more than 300 million baht.
It’s rare for Thai films to gross up to 300 million baht ($8.26 million) in their second week of release.
“Sup Pa Rer” or The Undertaker 2023 directed by Thiti Srinuan is a spin-off of the 2017 series “Thibaan The Series”, which was the talk of the town at the time for using the dialect of the northeastern region, Isan, throughout the film.
The success of “Sup Pa Rer” follows a similar path, driven by word-of-mouth recommendations from audiences. The movie reached 300 million baht in revenue on October 18, 2023.
“Sup Pa Rer” or The Undertaker 2023
“Sup Pa Rer” was released in October, a typical month when Hollywood horror or ghost films dominate the cinemas. However, “Sup Pa Rer” offered a different atmosphere with a light-hearted and comedic style that did not focus on horror.
The film tells the story of Seang, a young Isan man who works as an undertaker and has a romantic relationship with Bai Khao. But their love story ends in sadness.
The success of the film raised the question of whether it was due to quality or simply luck.
Director Thiti Srinuan, known as “Tong Tae“,” said he could not change the view of those who see the success of the film as pure luck, but he believed that some aspects were expected while others exceeded expectations.
Director Thiti Srinuan, known as “Tong Tae”
“Social media, word of mouth, all the trends together. There is some luck involved. I never expected this kind of feedback, because this film represents myself too much.”
He further explained that he wanted to use this film to talk about Isan beliefs, culture and traditions. He has tried to select these stories to tell to a wider audience. He said that sometimes they like it and sometimes they don’t. But he researched all the information himself and tried to understand it.
“I felt like, wow, there is so much more to share from Isan. Now Isan has reached the mass media. In the past, Isan films were made for Isan. But now it’s about films that bring people closer to what it’s like to be Isan. People from other regions understand Isan better”.
“Sup Pa Rer” seems like a ghost film, but it offers a different atmosphere with a lighthearted and comedic style that does not focus on horror.
He analyzed the popularity of the film and suggested that many factors played a role, including the timing of the film’s release. The film came out at a time when people were facing uncertainty, dealing with challenges and experiencing the crisis COVID -19. It seemed to offer people a way to reflect on life, death and the losses that everyone inevitably experiences.
The director concluded by saying, “The movie made me think of people I’ve lost. It might make others miss someone who has departed or feel that they’re tired, that they’re lost. But they might also remember someone and want to fight for that person. I miss, I yearn for this person. I want to fight for this person.”
Bangkok – Having successfully established its brand and market presence across various regions in Thailand, FarmInno (Thailand), the pioneering agricultural technology business brand by Chia Tai Group, Thailand’s leading innovative agricultural company, has recently hosted FarmInno (Thailand) Exclusive Press Trip 2023.
This exclusive event, themed “Empowering Smart Agriculture through Innovative Solutions with FarmInno (Thailand),” offers distinguished press and media members a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the cutting-edge world of smart agricultural technology in which they have a chance to closely experience the operation of autonomous agricultural drones in Suphanburi Province. These experiences stand as a testament to Chia Tai’s unwavering commitment to spearheading the transformation of Thai cultivation towards smart agriculture.
FarmInno (Thailand) aims to transform the Thai agricultural industry through innovative technology and knowledge, paving the way for smart agriculture solutions with a mission to equip farmers with the essential tools and expertise to effectively overcome current challenges.
During the event, the participating press and media members gain insights on agricultural vision outlined by Chia Tai executives. They also have the opportunity to delve into the first-hand experiences of greenhouse farmers, drone pilots, and smart farmers.
Additionally, the event showcases the exceptional capabilities of agricultural drones from industry leaders, which are XAG and DJI, offering a hands-on experience in controlling these drones. Ultimately, this exclusive press trip concludes with a visit to the thriving greenhouses of successful farmers who have embraced the agricultural solutions presented by FarmInno (Thailand).
Ms. Rata Suttimantanakul, General Manager, Agricultural Technology Business, said, “FarmInno (Thailand) made its debut as a brand just last year under the management of Chia Tai Co., Ltd. Our primary focus lies in elevating the standards of the Thai agriculture, with a strong emphasis on fostering the transition towards smart agriculture. We are committed to providing agricultural solutions that empower farmers to effectively tackle the diverse challenges in modern farming.
To illustrate, we now find ourselves confronted by the pressing issue of climate change. In fact, the unpredictable patterns of rainfall have a direct and adverse impact on the livelihoods of our fellow farmers. An equally critical challenge also lies in the ongoing trend of an aging population in Thailand, resulting in a continuous increase in the average age of Thai farmers and posing a potential threat to the future workforce in the agricultural sector.
Therefore, Chia Tai and FarmInno (Thailand) are exploring ways to address these challenges through the integration of digital solutions in agriculture. This includes the adoption of digital farming techniques aimed at improving both the quality and quantity of agricultural produce.
These efforts contribute to the advancement of FarmInno (Thailand) products and services, encompassing high-performance agricultural drones, smart agricultural greenhouses, and agricultural community platforms, all of which collectively drive the transformation of Thai agriculture into a smarter, more convenient, and highly efficient system.”
Mr. Thawin Inthakhan, General Manager, Commercial Department, added,“To enhance smart agriculture, FarmInno (Thailand) divides our products and services into two major categories. The first one is our innovative smart agricultural greenhouses. Beyond offering valuable knowledge on their operation, we also provide a comprehensive range of equipment, including structural materials, along with a suite of services encompassing consultation, design, cost estimation, and the complete construction and installation of the greenhouses, ensuring that farmers are well-prepared for their successful cultivation. The second category, which is our flagship offering, is our high-performance agricultural drones which open up opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to engage in agriculture more easily, reducing the need for extensive labor while enhancing precision.
Designed for users of all groups, including men, women, and the elderly, our agricultural drones are user-friendly and ensure efficient operations. Essentially, our commitment goes beyond providing training on drone operation and maintenance as we also have a dedicated team of experts to offer diverse cultivation solutions. We have researched and tested the use of fertilizers and plant protection products in conjunction with drones, tailoring them to the specific growth phases and types of plants for optimal results. Besides, we will introduce several other agricultural solutions next year.”
This exclusive event not only serves as a rich source of information and knowledge about smart agriculture, but also presents a significant step in showcasing the firm commitment of Chia Tai and FarmInno (Thailand) towards the transformation of Thai agriculture into a smart and sustainable system. For those exploring further information about agricultural technology and updates on FarmInno (Thailand)’s agricultural activities, please visit www.facebook.com/FarmInnoThailandandwww.chiataigroup.com.
Empowering Thailand’s Youth: 17-Year-Old Launches Super Satang, a Revolutionary Financial Literacy Platform
The crisis of financial literacy in Thailand has reached crisis proportions, with startling statistics revealing a perilous landscape. Alarmingly, household debt has risen to 85% of the nation’s GDP, and an astounding 76% of the population plays the lottery, frequently at the expense of their financial stability.
Against this bleak backdrop, Bangkok Patana School senior Krishaan Phlaphongphanich, age 17, has emerged as a catalyst for change by launching Super Satang, a revolutionary financial literacy platform.
Thailand’s Financial Literacy in Crisis: The Numbers Don’t Lie
According to the Bank of Thailand, a staggering 85 percent of Thailand’s GDP is attributed to household debt.
76% of the population plays the lottery, which contributes to the depletion of their financial resources.
Bridging the Financial Literacy Gap with Super Satang
Krishaan Phlaphongphanich embarked on a remarkable journey to establish Super Satang after recognizing the dire need for financial education in Thailand. He conducts weekly workshops for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 with the goal of equipping them with vital financial knowledge and skills.
Krishaan Phlaphongphanich organized a compelling half-day seminar titled “Cracking the Money Code” for college students and young professionals in collaboration with the National Innovation Association of Thailand. The event garnered an impressive turnout of nearly a hundred attendees, each driven by a resolute commitment to taking command of their financial futures.
Krishaan Phlaphongphanich states, “My passion for financial literacy stems from my unwavering conviction that anyone can realize their ambitions by mastering the art of making money work for them. This highlights the long-lasting effects of the pandemic on the workforce, emphasizing the significance of financial preparedness as an integral component of financial literacy by challenging societal norms that prevent minors from discussing money. He envisions a world in which financial literacy includes both psychological and economic aspects of money”.
“Growing up during the pandemic, I witnessed firsthand the devastation a lack of a financial safety net can have on people’s lives. Being prepared for the unexpected is a crucial aspect of financial literacy, but too many of us go through life without preserving for adversity.” – Krishaan Phlaphongphanich quotes
“Money is not merely a matter of numbers; it is profoundly personal and connected to our emotions. My approach to teaching financial literacy involves examining both the emotional and economic aspects of money in order to make it less intimidating and more relatable.” – Krishaan Phlaphongphanich quotes
The Power of Knowledge: A Novel of Financial Literacy
Krishaan Phlaphongphanich’s commitment to financial education has reached new heights with the publication of “Follow the Coin,” a groundbreaking financial literacy adventure novel aimed at readers aged 12 and older. The novel has been praised not only by its intended audience, but also by adults who have gained profound insights into financial management.
Krishaan’s ultimate goal is for his novel to be required reading in school curricula, thereby elevating financial literacy to a pillar of education. While not everyone needs to understand complex subjects such as geography or calculus, he insists that everyone must learn how to effectively manage their finances.
Through Super Satang, Krishaan Phlaphongphanich is igniting a financial education revolution that promises to empower and transform the financial destinies of Thailand’s youth. His unwavering commitment to this cause serves as an example for youthful leaders everywhere.
Jirayut (Topp) Srupsrisopa, Founder and Group CEO of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co., Ltd., has endorsed this initiative.
Featuring a heartfelt foreword by K. Topp Jirayut Srupsrisopa, who unreservedly endorses the influence of ‘Follow the Coin.’ He aptly observes, ‘From the curious minds of the young to the seasoned wisdom of the experienced, the lessons within these pages resonate profoundly,” he states; “”In a world where money wields its power, financial literacy stands as an elusive beacon of knowledge, guiding individuals towards prosperity and stability.
At its core, this book is a profound testament to the power of knowledge and the strength that emanates from embracing the wisdom of financial literacy. It reminds us that the ability to make informed choices with our resources can unlock boundless opportunities, enabling us to shape our lives according to our aspirations and dreams.
About Krishaan Phlaphongphanich
Krishaan Phlaphongphanich is a 17-year-old student at Bangkok Patana School who is passionate about financial literacy. Recognizing the need for improved financial education in Thailand, he founded Super Satang to empower young people with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions. Krishaan believes that everyone can achieve their dreams by understanding how to make money work for them, and he is committed to making financial literacy a core part of education in Thailand.
Due to the impacts of the greenhouse effect, which have led to increasingly severe climate changes worldwide, the global population has shifted its focus towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions by adopting alternative energy sources such as solar energy, wind energy, and hydropower.
These measures also include finding and promoting the use of alternative materials instead of wood, recycling paper and other packaging materials and increasing green areas by planting trees to replace deforested forests. A comprehensive Entertainment Hub, “Blue Tree Phuket,” is one of the organizations that is highly committed to raising awareness and taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the future with the aim of becoming a truly sustainable tourism destination. Most recently, Blue Tree Phuket has received a 5-star certificate from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) through its Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR) program. This program, conducted by TAT to elevate businesses to sustainable tourism standards, recognizes the entertainment hub for its commitment to 12 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (STGs).
Mr. Johan Wallen, the General Manager of Blue Tree Phuket, said: “Blue Tree Phuket has policies and work practices that are environmentally friendly throughout. Whether it’s waste management, the use of clean energy, water management with technology, the selection of biodegradable products, or community education about plastic management, these practices have enabled us to meet the criteria for the Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR) program, earning a ‘5-STAR symbol of sustainability.’ This assessment is based on the 17 Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) covering four dimensions: economic, social, environmental, and good governance. This time, we have achieved 12 out of 17 goals, demonstrating our readiness and determination to become a sustainable Entertainment Hub for tourism, both now and in the future.
The STGs is the strategy that has developed from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which consists of 17 goals that adapted for the context of Thai tourism. Blue Tree Phuket has managed to achieve 12 of these goals, which include:
STGs2: Promoting sustainable food systems in the tourism industry: transitioning from local sourcing to waste management.
STGs3: Promoting tourism that supports health, well-being, and quality of life at all ages.
STGs4: Promoting and enhancing education in sustainable tourism: necessary understanding and skills to drive sustainable tourism.
STGs5: Promoting gender equality in every business of tourism industry.
STGs6: Ensuring sustainable access to clean water, water management and sustainable sanitation in tourism destinations.
STG7: Expanding access to and improving the efficiency of clean energy use in the tourism sector.
STGs10: Reducing inequalities in employment for people with disabilities and considering equality of all tourist groups.
STGs12: Promoting sustainable tourism in all its dimensions.
STGs13: Focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the tourism sector and promoting adaptation to climate change.
STGs14: Promoting and safeguarding marine and coastal ecosystems.
STGs16: Ensuring safety in the tourism sector.
STGs 17: Achieving STGs through multi-sectoral collaboration.
Moreover, Blue Tree Phuket has participated in the Less Emission Support Scheme (LESS) project initiated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment where the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) evaluates the reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In 2022, Blue Tree Phuket achieved a reduction of 38,315 carbon dioxide equivalent tons from waste separation and recycling activities. In 2023, it reached a reduction of 55,721 carbon dioxide equivalent tons from waste separation and recycling activities and from the production of electricity from renewable energy for self-consumption.
“Under this environmentally-focused dedication, we believe we are part of driving the strategy to promote Thai tourism toward the Net Zero Tourism goal, thus elevating efforts to combat global warming. This is expected to play a crucial role in the decision-making of future visitors in choosing our services,” concluded Mr. Wallen.
A funeral of a student who took her own life after she was scammed into transferring money worth nearly 20,000 baht online to buy an iPhone 13
Cybercrime police are investigating the case of a student who took her own life after she was tricked into transferring money of nearly 20,000 baht online to buy an iPhone 13.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Torsak Sukwimol, commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police, has ordered that the case be referred from Nakhon Si Thammarat province to the police’s central cybercrime division for investigation.
Ploy, 19 years old, a grade 12 student at Pak Phanang School in Pak Phanang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, wrote a suicide note to her mother saying “I was being stupid” for being scammed and apologized for the trouble she had caused by asking her to help her get back some of the money she had borrowed from a friend.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Worrawat Watnakornbancha, Superintendent of the Cybercrime Department, said that this case is very disturbing. The Cybercrime Police, together with the local police in Ko Tohd District, have set up a war room to identify the culprit.
They have collected all information on financial transactions, including data from Facebook and phone network information, to establish the true identity of the account holder.
The student wrote a statement to her mother (left) saying, “I was being stupid” for being cheated to buy an iPhone after trying to get back her money from the shop (right), which is the fraudster.
The investigation is proceeding rapidly, and the police aim to locate and arrest the suspect within the next two days.
According to the inquiry, the student contacted the company through the Facebook page Hannah Shop Mobile, which claims to be situated in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, to buy an iPhone 13. This page uses a photo of a phone shop in Nakhon Sawan province and edits it into a photo of their shop in Chiang Rai in order to defraud the student.
The scammer gang duped the student into transferring the down payment four times on October 15: once at 11:48 a.m. for 5,500 baht, once at 12:10 a.m. for 5,500 baht, once at 1:20 p.m. for 5,500 baht, and once at 2:07 p.m. for 2,200 baht, totaling 18,500 baht.
The scammers exploited four mule accounts, the first of which belonged to Miss Dokkaew, 22, of Chaiyaphum province. She’s being held for questioning. The other three individuals are in Chiang Rai province: two females ages 18 and 20, and a man, age 19. They are wanted for questioning.
“I would like to advise our youth that if you have been scammed and are feeling stress or sadness, feel trapped and see no way out, please contact the cybercrime police to work together to find a solution. The police will assist you to the best of their ability,” Pol. Lt. Gen. Worrawat said.
BANGKOK — Will it be the “Best Part” of December? Canadian R&B singer Daniel Caesar will perform in Bangkok this December.
As part of his Superpowers World Tour, Caesar’s gig will take place at Impact Muang Thong Thani on December 9. Pre-sale tickets will go on sale online from 10am on October 29 and will cost between 1,500 to 3,500 baht. General ticket sales will begin the next day.
Caesar will kick-start the third leg of his ongoing tour in Australia this November, before heading to Asia and Hawaii in December. This leg followed his previous shows in North America in October. The concert will be the second time he performs in Bangkok after his first live show in the capital in 2019.
Born Ashton Simmonds, the 28-year-old Grammy Awards winner released his first studio album “Freudian” in 2017, which was nominated for the Best R&B Album at the Grammy in 2018. At the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in the year after, he eventually won Best R&B Performance for his single “Best Part.”
The ongoing tour follows his latest studio album “Never Enough,” released in April, which include hits such as “Always” and “Do You Like Me?”
Palestinians look for survivors in buildings destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Deir el-Balah, southern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Hassan Eslaiah)
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — A massive blast rocked a Gaza City hospital packed with wounded and other Palestinians seeking shelter Tuesday, killing hundreds of people, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said. Hamas blamed an Israeli airstrike, while the Israeli military blamed a rocket misfired by other Palestinian militants.
At least 500 people were killed, the ministry said.
In a briefing with reporters, the chief army spokesman of Israel, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said the army determined there were no air force, ground or naval attacks in the area at the time of the blast. He said radar detected outgoing rocket fire at the same moment, and intercepted communications between militant groups indicated that Islamic Jihad fired the rockets.
Hagari also shared aerial footage collected by a military drone that showed a blast that he said was inconsistent with Israeli weaponry. He said the explosion occurred in the building’s parking lot, and he noted that the death toll could not be confirmed.
Wounded Palestinians sit in al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, central Gaza Strip, after arriving from al-Ahli hospital following an explosion there, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Abed Khaled)
Since the war began, the military said in a statement that roughly 450 rockets fired at Israel by militant groups had landed in Gaza, “endangering and harming the lives of Gazan residents.”
Islamic Jihad dismissed those claims, accusing Israel of “trying hard to evade responsibility for the brutal massacre it committed.”
The group pointed to Israel’s order that Al-Ahli be evacuated and its previous bombing of the hospital complex as proof that the hospital was an Israeli target. It also said the scale of the explosion, the angle of the bomb’s fall and the extent of the destruction all pointed to Israel.
Hundreds of Palestinians had taken refuge in al-Ahli and other hospitals in Gaza City in past days, hoping they would be spared bombardment after Israel ordered all residents of the city and surrounding areas to evacuate to the southern Gaza Strip.
Ambulances and private cars rushed some 350 casualties from the al-Ahli blast to Gaza City’s main hospital, al-Shifa, which was already overwhelmed with wounded from other strikes, said its director, Mohammed Abu Selmia. The wounded were laid onto bloody floors, screaming in pain.
Palestinian child wounded in Israeli bombardment is treated in a hospital in Deir al-Balah, south of the Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)
“We need equipment, we need medicine, we need beds, we need anesthesia, we need everything,” Abu Selmia said. He warned that fuel for the hospital’s generators would run out within hours.
Before the al-Alhi Hospital deaths, Israeli strikes on Gaza killed at least 2,778 people and wounded 9,700, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and nearly two-thirds of those killed were children. Another 1,200 people across Gaza are believed to be buried under the rubble, alive or dead, health authorities said.
More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly civilians who were slain in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. The assault also resulted in some 200 being taken captive into Gaza. Hamas militants in Gaza have launched rockets every day since, aiming at cities across Israel.
Expressions of condemnation and grief are pouring in after hundreds of people were killed in an explosion at a Gaza City hospital. Countries such as Syria and Saudi Arabia blamed Israel for the blast, with Libya’s Foreign Ministry accusing Israel of “war crimes and genocide” in the Gaza Strip. Iraq declared three days of mourning, and there were protests there and in Lebanon.
Bodies of Palestinians killed by an explosion at the Ahli Arab hospital are gathered in the front yard of the al-Shifa hospital, in Gaza City, central Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Abed Khaled)
Egypt’s President, Abdul-Fattah el-Sissi, condemned what he called Israel’s “deliberate bombing” of Ahli Arab hospital and “a clear violation of international law … and humanity.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that his country condemns “the attack on the Al-Ahli Arabi hospital” and there’s no justification for targeting a hospital or civilians.
Richard Peeperkorn, World Health Organization representative for the West Bank and Gaza, expressed “our deepest grief at the horror that has unfolded,” calling it “unprecedented even in a region that has seen consistent attacks on healthcare.”
The International Committee of the Red Cross said in a statement that it was “shocked and horrified by reports that Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza was destroyed.”
The United Arab Emirates and Russia called for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday.
A man sits outside his building which was destroyed during Israeli bombardment in Rafah refugee camp in Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
As rage spread through the region because of the hospital carnage, and with President Joe Biden heading to the Mideast in hopes of stopping the war from spreading, Jordan’s foreign minister said his country canceled a regional summit scheduled for Wednesday in Amman, where Biden was to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi.
The war between Israel and Hamas was “pushing the region to the brink,” Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told state-run television. He said Jordan would host the summit only when everyone had agreed its purpose would be to “stop the war, respect the humanity of the Palestinians and deliver the aid they deserve.”
Biden will now visit only Israel, a White House official said.
The explosion at the al-Ahli Hospital left gruesome scenes. Video that The Associated Press confirmed was from the hospital showed fire engulfing the building and the hospital grounds strewn with torn bodies, many of them young children. The grass around them was strewn with blankets, school backpacks and other belongings.
A rendered image shows a HondaJet Echelon business aircraft. (Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Co.)(Kyodo)
NEW YORK – The aircraft unit of Honda Motor Co. revealed Monday that its new small business jet will be named the “HondaJet Echelon,” with the company aiming for its first flight in 2026.
The 11-seater jet, categorized as a “light jet” that is bigger than the existing HondaJet that can carry up to eight people, is designed to be the first single-pilot light jet capable of flying across the United States without refueling, Honda Aircraft Co. said.
The U.S.-based company said it is aiming to obtain flight certification from U.S. aviation authorities in 2028.
“The HondaJet Echelon was born to create a new category that transcends the travel experience on conventional light jets,” said Honda Aircraft President and CEO Hideto Yamasaki in a statement.
The new jet will have one engine on each wing and will be 20 percent more fuel efficient than its rivals, it said.
The new aircraft will be assembled at the company’s factory in North Carolina, with early build processes scheduled to begin in 2024, it said.
The price of the light jet has not been determined and it has yet to decide whether to sell it in Japan, according to the company.
Honda Aircraft, which entered the business jet market in 2015 and sells its products globally including in Japan, announced in June a plan to offer a small business jet.
Thailand’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance bilaterally discussed with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, at the Diaoyutai Guest House, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, October 17, 2023.
Both leaders are in Beijing to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
The Thai Prime Minister invited Russia’s President to strengthen bilateral agricultural trade, asking Russia to consider increased investment in Thailand. Both sides agreed that trade facilitation should be enhanced.
According to Srettha, Putin is pleased that Thailand has raised the number of days that Russian tourists can remain in Thailand from 30 to 90 days, which would help the economy. More than a million Russian visitors have visited Thailand.
Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Finance bilaterally discussed with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, at the Diaoyutai Guest House, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, October 17, 2023.
“The Russian president enjoys Phuket as well. I understand he pays frequent visits. I’ve invited him to travel to Thailand next year. He nodded and stated in Thai, “Khob Khun Krab” (thank you). “The fact that he can speak Thai demonstrates that he is familiar with it because of previous leaders and many other things that resulted in good relationships,” the PM remarked.
According to TASS, Russian President assured the Thai premier at a meeting that Russia would do its best to develop relations with Thailand, saying he expected the two economies to boost trade.
“For our part, we will do all we can to develop relations as intensively as possible and make a notable contribution to developing our countries,” Putin told Thai Prime Minister Srettha.
“Unfortunately, bilateral trade declined a bit amid the turbulent international situation last year,” the Russian leader lamented, adding that he expected the joint commission on bilateral economic cooperation to be able to reverse this trend.
Putin described the ongoing humanitarian ties between Russia and Thailand as encouraging. He also noted the growing tourist flow. The next two years, he said, will be years of cultural exchange and tourism in the two countries, he added.
“We have been cooperating actively in the international arena, too,” Putin concluded.
A bullet hole is seen on the outside of an office building in Brussels, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, close to where two Swedish soccer fans were shot by a suspected Tunisian extremist on Monday night.. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
BRUSSELS (AP) — Police in Belgium on Tuesday shot dead a suspected Tunisian extremist accused of killing two Swedish soccer fans in a brazen shooting on a Brussels street before disappearing into the night.
Hours after a manhunt began in the Belgian capital, Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden posted on X, formerly Twitter, that “the perpetrator of the terrorist attack in Brussels has been identified and has died.”
She thanked Belgium’s intelligence and security services, as well as the public prosecutor’s office, “for their swift and decisive action last night and this morning.” The man was shot by police in the Schaerbeek neighborhood near where the rampage took place. The weapon used in the assault was recovered.
Amateur videos posted on social media of Monday’s attack showed a man wearing an orange fluorescent vest pulling up on a scooter, taking out a large weapon and opening fire on people getting out of a taxi before chasing them into a building to gun them down. He was also filmed calmly loading his weapon as cars drove slowly by.
Belgian Police patrol behind a cordoned off area close to where a suspected Tunisian extremist has been shot dead hours after manhunt looking for him Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Questions remain unanswered over how a man who was on police files, thought to be radicalized and being sought for deportation was able to obtain a military weapon and launch such an attack.
“Last night, three people left for what was supposed to be a wonderful soccer party. Two of them lost their lives in a brutal terrorist attack,” Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said at a news conference just before dawn. “Their lives were cut short in full flight, cut down by extreme brutality.”
De Croo said his thoughts were with the victims’ families and that he had sent his condolences to the Swedish prime minister. Security has been beefed up in the capital, particularly around places linked to the Swedish community in the city.
“The attack that was launched yesterday was committed with total cowardice,” De Croo said.
Not far from the scene of the shooting, the Belgium-Sweden soccer match in the Belgian national stadium was suspended at halftime and the 35,000 fans were kept inside as a precaution while the attacker was at large.
“Frustrated, confused, scared. I think everyone was quite scared,” said Caroline Lochs, a fan from Antwerp.
A supporter is comforted on the stands after suspension of the Euro 2024 group F qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Sweden at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
At a news conference in Stockholm, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that “everything indicates this is a terrorist attack against Sweden and Swedish citizens, just because they are Swedish.” He said the suspect had occasionally stayed in Sweden but was not on police files there.
“It’s not an unusual pattern to move around,” Kristersson added. “We have an openness in Europe, which is one of the important reasons why we need to keep an eye on the EU’s external border because otherwise people can easily move between European countries.”
De Croo said the assailant was a Tunisian man living illegally in Belgium who used a military weapon to kill the two Swedes and shoot a third, who is being treated for ”severe injuries.”
Federal prosecutors said later that the suspect was found after a witness claimed to have spotted him in a Schaerbeek cafe. Police arrived at the scene and the suspect was shot as they tried to arrest him. First responders attempted to save the man, but he later died in hospital.
“A military weapon and a bag of clothes were found,” a statement said.
Federal Prosecutor Frederic Van Leeuw described how the suspect, a 45-year-old man who wasn’t identified, had posted a video online claiming to have killed three Swedish people.
The suspect is alleged to have said in the video that, for him, the Quran is “a red line for which he is ready to sacrifice himself.”
The Swedish Parliament flags are flown at half-mast in Stockholm, Sweden, Tuesday Oct. 17, 2023, in honor of the victims of the attack in Brussels. (Henrik Montgomery/TT News Agency via AP)
Sweden raised its terror alert to the second-highest level in August after a series of public Quran burnings by an Iraqi refugee living in Sweden resulted in threats from Islamic militant groups.
Belgian prosecutors said overnight that nothing suggested the attack was linked to the war between Israel and Hamas.
According to Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne, the suspect was denied asylum in 2019. He was known to police and had been suspected of involvement of human trafficking, living illegally in Belgium and of being a risk to state security.
Information provided to the Belgian authorities by an unidentified foreign government suggested that the man had been radicalized and intended to travel abroad to fight in a holy war. But the Belgian authorities were not able to establish this, so he was never listed as dangerous.
Police and inspectors work in an area where a shooting took place in the center of Brussels, Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. Belgian police say that two people are dead in central Brussels after several shots were fired. (AP Photo/Nicolas Landemard)
The man was also suspected of threatening a person in an asylum center and a hearing on that incident had been due to take place on Tuesday, Van Quickenborne said.
Belgian Asylum State Secretary Nicole de Moor said the man disappeared after his asylum application was refused so the authorities were unable to locate him to organize his deportation.
A terror alert for Brussels was raised overnight to 4, the top of Belgian’s scale, indicating an extremely serious threat. It previously stood at 2, which means the threat was average. The alert level for the rest of the country was raised to 3.
