Blue Tree Phuket Welcomes the School Holidays With a “Kids Camp” Activity

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23 June 2023, 11:23

Blue Tree Phuket welcomes the school holidays with a “Kids Camp” activity designed to enhance a wide range of skills and recreational activities in young people

To welcome the upcoming school break, comprehensive entertainment hub Blue Tree Phuket is organizing a “Kids Camp” that allows children to enjoy various learning experiences. Kids can choose between the Ninja Camp, the Sports Camp, the Muay Thai School Camp, and the School Holiday Training Camp or any combination of the four.

The activities not only provide plenty of fun and enjoyment but also contribute to physical development and offer opportunities to make new friends and engage in new social experiences. The Kids Camp at Blue Tree Phuket will be available from July to October 2023, offering non-stop excitement and a wide range of activities for children to enjoy.

Mr. Bo Johan Wallen, General Manager of Blue Tree Phuket, said: “At Blue Tree Phuket, we prioritize fun in every activity under the slogan ‘Entertainment Hub, Thrill & Chill, Day & Night.’ We aim to provide happiness and new experiences throughout the day, with a continuous flow of various activities that make the most of our valuable space. We also emphasize safety and environmental care.

The KIDS CAMP is another activity that highlights the importance of supporting parents in taking care of their children during the semester break. It allows children to make the most of their free time by participating in camps that cater to their interests and provide expert guidance. We have received positive feedback in the past, and we expect to earn the trust of parents once again this year, as Blue Tree Phuket continues to take care of children just as before.”

For this year, Blue Tree Phuket is preparing to open four camps in which children can participate. They are the Ninja Camp, the Sports Camp, the Muay Thai School Camp, and the School Holiday Training Camp. Each camp is designed with a curriculum suitable for each child. The 4 camps are as follows:

Ninja Camp

This is the hottest camp and one that will capture the interest of children. In addition to training in sports, there will also be a simulation of Spartan Kids activities to prepare the children who are interested in participating in Spartan Kids competitions. This event will be held in November, also at Blue Tree Phuket.

∙ Open for kids from 6-16 years

∙ Camp runs Monday-Friday from 3-28 July, 2023 from 8.30pm to 4pm

∙ Daily fee 1,900 baht per person per day (flexible date) and Weekly fee at 8,500 baht per person (inclusive of complimentary T-shirt)

∙ For more information and application, click [email protected] or call 061-175-2896

Sports Camp

This camp is designed to enhance various skills in such sports as Muay Thai, cricket, skateboarding, swimming, cycling, running, and football. It also includes arts and crafts, skills workshops, and cooking classes.

Open for kids aged 6-16 years
Divided into 3 consecutive camps: July 17-21, August 1-5, and October 9-13, from 08.30am to 4pm.
Daily rate 1,900 baht per person per day (flexible date) and weekly rate (5 days) 8,500 baht per person (includes

camp t-shirt for the week).

For inquiries and registration, please contact [email protected] or call 061-175-2896.

Muay Thai School Camp

Experience the art of Thai martial arts that simultaneously enhance strength and flexibility while building stronger muscles.

Open for kids aged 5-18 years
From July 24-28, 2023, from 8.30am to 5.30pm.
Daily rate 2,000 baht per person per day (flexible date) and weekly rate (5 days) 7,500 baht per person.
For inquiries and registration, please contact [email protected] or call 092-805-8527.

School Holiday Training Camp

Another action-packed camp for young martial arts enthusiasts to learn the art of self-defense in a judo style. Also features team sports and other activities to enhance physical development and strength.

Open for kids aged 5-18 years
From July 24 to September 1, 2023, from 8.30am to 5.30pm.
Daily rate 2,000 baht per person per day and weekly rate (5 days) 7,500 baht per person.
For inquiries and registration, please contact [email protected] or call 092-805-8527.

“We are confident that Blue Tree’s experienced team who’ve been organizing Kids Camps for a long time will be able to take good care of the children and nurture their various skills. In each camp, we provide comprehensive lunch services and convenient facilities for the children. In the near future, we aim to increase the variety of activities in the camps to enhance diversification in skill-building and out-of-classroom learning in various fields. Moreover, children can also enjoy many other activities at Blue Tree Phuket,” Mr. Bo Johan Wallen added:

“It’s a complete package of sports and entertainment that promotes both good health and fun. Parents can have peace of mind and be worry-free.”

#บลูทรี #ภูเก็ต #บลูทรีภูเก็ต #BlueTree #Phuket #BlueTreePhuket

#Entertainmenthub #ThrillandChill #DayandNight

#KidsCamp #NinjaCamp #SchoolHoliday #MuayThai #SportCamp #NinjaCamp #TrainingCamp

The Pilot And 4 Passengers Of The Titan Submersible Are Dead, Us Coast Guard Says

By

Associated Press

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23 June 2023, 03:38

Titanic-Tourist Sub — This photo provided by OceanGate Expeditions shows a submersible vessel named Titan used to visit the wreckage site of the Titanic.(OceanGate Expeditions via AP)

The U.S. Coast Guard says a missing submersible imploded near the wreckage of the Titanic, killing all five people on board.

Coast Guard officials said during a news conference Thursday that they’ve notified the families of the crew of the Titan, which has been missing for several days. Debris found during the search for the vessel “is consistent with a catastrophic implosion of the vessel,” said Rear Adm. John Mauger of the First Coast Guard District.

“The outpouring of support in this highly complex search operation has been great appreciated. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and loved ones of the crew,” Mauger said.

AP23172679603311 — U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Jamie Frederick, center at microphone, faces reporters during a news conference, Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Coast Guard Base Boston, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

OceanGate Expeditions said in a statement that all five people on board, including company CEO Stockton Rush, are believed to be dead. Rush, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood, Hamish Harding, and Paul-Henri Nargeolet “have sadly been lost,” OceanGate said in a statement.

OceanGate did not provide details when the company announced the “loss of life” in a statement or how officials knew the crew members perished. The Titan’s 96-hour oxygen supply likely ended early Thursday.

OceanGate has been chronicling the Titanic’s decay and the underwater ecosystem around it via yearly voyages since 2021.

The Titan was estimated to have about a four-day supply of breathable air when it launched Sunday morning in the North Atlantic — but experts have emphasized that was an imprecise approximation to begin with and could be extended if passengers have taken measures to conserve breathable air. And it’s not known if they survived since the sub’s disappearance.

Rescuers have rushed ships, planes and other equipment to the site of the disappearance. On Thursday, the U.S. Coast Guard said an undersea robot sent by a Canadian ship had reached the sea floor, while a French research institute said a deep-diving robot with cameras, lights and arms also joined the operation.

AP23173621417231 — This photo combo shows from left, Shahzada Dawood, Suleman Dawood, Paul-Henry Nargeolet, Stockton Rush, and Hamish Harding. The U.S. Coast Guard says a missing submersible imploded near the wreckage of the Titanic, killing all five people on board. (AP Photo/File)

Authorities have been hoping underwater sounds might help narrow their search, whose coverage area has been expanded to thousands of miles — twice the size of Connecticut and in waters 2 1/2 miles (4 kilometers) deep. Coast Guard officials said underwater noises were detected in the search area Tuesday and Wednesday.

Jamie Pringle, an expert in Forensic Geosciences at Keele University, in England, said even if the noises came from the submersible, “The lack of oxygen is key now; even if they find it, they still need to get to the surface and unbolt it.”

The Titan was reported overdue Sunday afternoon about 435 miles (700 kilometers) south of St. John’s, Newfoundland, as it was on its way to where the iconic ocean liner sank more than a century ago. OceanGate Expeditions, which is leading the trip, has been chronicling the Titanic’s decay and the underwater ecosystem around it via yearly voyages since 2021.

By Thursday morning, hope was running out that anyone on board the vessel would be found alive.

AP23172586922623 — FILE – In this image released by Action Aviation, the submersible Titan is prepared for a dive into a remote area of the Atlantic Ocean on an expedition to the Titanic on Sunday, June 18, 2023.(Action Aviation via AP, File)

Dr. Rob Larter, a marine geophysicist with the British Antarctic Survey, emphasized the difficulty of finding something the size of the submersible, which is about 22 feet (6.5 meters) long and 9 feet (nearly 3 meters) high.

“You’re talking about totally dark environments,” in which an object several dozen feet away can be missed, he said. “It’s just a needle in a haystack situation unless you’ve got a pretty precise location.”

Newly uncovered allegations suggest there had been significant warnings made about vessel safety during the submersible’s development.

Broadcasters around the world started newscasts at the critical hour Thursday with news of the submersible. The Saudi-owned satellite channel Al Arabiya showed a clock on air counting down to their estimate of when the air could potentially run out.

Captain Jamie Frederick of the First Coast Guard District said a day earlier that authorities were still holding out hope of saving the five passengers onboard.

“This is a search-and-rescue mission, 100%,” he said Wednesday.

AP23170788238704 — FILE – This undated photo provided by OceanGate Expeditions in June 2021 shows the company’s Titan submersible. On Monday, June 19, 2023. (OceanGate Expeditions via AP, File)

Retired Navy Capt. Carl Hartsfield, now the director of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Systems Laboratory, said the sounds detected have been described as “banging noises,” but he warned that search crews “have to put the whole picture together in context and they have to eliminate potential manmade sources other than the Titan.” Frederick acknowledged Wednesday that authorities didn’t what the sounds were.

The report of sounds was encouraging to some experts because submarine crews unable to communicate with the surface are taught to bang on their submersible’s hull to be detected by sonar.

The U.S. Navy said in a statement Wednesday that it was sending a specialized salvage system that’s capable of hoisting “large, bulky and heavy undersea objects such as aircraft or small vessels.”

The Titan weighs 20,000 pounds (9,000 kilograms). The U.S. Navy’s Flyaway Deep Ocean Salvage System is designed to lift up to 60,000 pounds (27,200 kilograms), the Navy said on its website.

Lost aboard the vessel is pilot Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate. His passengers are: British adventurer Hamish Harding; Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman; and French explorer and Titanic expert Paul-Henry Nargeolet.

AP23172586852942 — FILE – Submersible pilot Randy Holt, right, communicates with the support boat as he and Stockton Rush, left, CEO and Co-Founder of OceanGate, dive in the company’s submersible, “Antipodes,” about three miles off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., June 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

In the first comments from Pakistan since the Titan vanished, Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Thursday that officials have confidence in the search efforts.

“We would not like to speculate on the circumstances of this incident and we would also like to respect the wishes of the Dawood family that their privacy be respected,” she said.

At least 46 people successfully traveled on OceanGate’s submersible to the Titanic wreck site in 2021 and 2022, according to letters the company filed with a U.S. District Court in Norfolk, Virginia, that oversees matters involving the Titanic shipwreck.

One of the company’s first customers characterized a dive he made to the site two years ago as a “kamikaze operation.”

“Imagine a metal tube a few meters long with a sheet of metal for a floor. You can’t stand. You can’t kneel. Everyone is sitting close to or on top of each other,” said Arthur Loibl, a retired businessman and adventurer from Germany. “You can’t be claustrophobic.”

During the 2 1/2-hour descent and ascent, the lights were turned off to conserve energy, he said, with the only illumination coming from a fluorescent glow stick.

The dive was repeatedly delayed to fix a problem with the battery and the balancing weights. In total, the voyage took 10 1/2 hours.

The submersible had seven backup systems to return to the surface, including sandbags and lead pipes that drop off and an inflatable balloon.

Nick Rotker, who leads underwater research for the nonprofit research and development company MITRE, said the difficulty in searching for the Titan has underscored the U.S.’s need for more underwater robots and remotely operated underwater vehicles.

“The issue is, we don’t have a lot of capability or systems that can go to the depth this vessel was going to,” Rotker said.

AP23170595591358 — FILE – The remains of a coat and boots in the mud on the sea bed near the Titanic’s stern. (Institute for Exploration, Center for Archaeological Oceanography/University of Rhode Island/NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration, File)

Nicolai Roterman, a deep-sea ecologist and lecturer in marine biology at the University of Portsmouth, England, said the disappearance of the Titan highlights the dangers and unknowns of deep-sea tourism.

“Even the most reliable technology can fail, and therefore accidents will happen. With the growth in deep-sea tourism, we must expect more incidents like this.”

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Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia; Frank Jordans in Berlin; Danica Kirka in London; and John Leicester in Paris contributed to this report.

“House Speaker” Returns to Shake Move Forward-Pheu Thai Again

By

Khaosod English

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22 June 2023, 18:29

Based on the timetable that the opening session of the House of Representatives and the election of the Speaker of the House would take place in early July, between 3 and 6 July, this has reignited the heated rivalry between the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties.

Rangsiman Rome, a spokesman for the MFP, said before that the MFP must be Speaker of the House of Representatives because the party has plans to move forward. So, it must be a process that needs to be talked about and completed.

However during the Pheu Thai party meeting on June 21, many felt that with a difference of only 10 seats between the two parties, it was not appropriate for a person from the Move Forward party with limited experience to hold the post of Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Adisorn Piengket, a party-list member of the Pheu Thai Party, gave an interview on June 22 during his appearance at the Office of the Secretary General of the House of Representatives. He explained that the meeting on Wednesday was an internal party meeting that had been held regularly for 22 years. At such meetings, various issues were always exchanged and discussed. Whenever there are problems, they are raised and discussed at the meeting place, because the Pheu Thai Party adheres to democratic principles.

“First we heard about the quota of 14 ministers plus 1 prime minister for Move Forward and 14 ministers plus 1 Speaker of the House of Representatives for Pheu Thai. If it had come to that, we would have been happy because almost one hundred percent of our party members shared that view. But suddenly, the chief negotiator of our party decided to offer the post of Speaker of the House to the Move Forward party without consulting the MPs or the party assembly. This was a problem and led to heated debates. But this intensity is the language of democracy, the language of flowers for Pheu Thai. Should it entangle the Move Forward Party, I sincerely apologize,” Adisorn said.

adisorn2 — Pheu Thai party meeting on June 21.

Adisorn stated that if it is proposed within the party to give the post of Speaker of the House of Representatives to Move Forward, then there must be valid reasons for doing so. He advises supporters of both parties to keep a low profile and wait to see how the negotiations unfold. He believes that the public has entrusted both Pheu Thai and Move Forward with power to form a government together and give Thailand a prime minister named Pita Limjaroenrat.

Chalerm Yubamrung, a top MP from the Pheu Thai Party, said that the person who will be Speaker of the House must be neutral and a member of every party. If someone said they wanted the Speaker to be from their party, it would show that they don’t understand politics and are dumb.

Commenting on the possibility of a opposite member voting for a Pheu Thai member as Speaker of the House of Representatives, which could affect the formation of the government with Move Forward, Srettha Thavisin, the Pheu Thai candidate for Prime Minister, said that Pheu Thai and Move Forward must move forward together. As for someone from another party proposing a Pheu Thai candidate as speaker, he personally thinks it is “nonsensical”.

Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, the leader of the Prachachat Party and former Speaker of Parliament, expressed similar sentiments, stating that he had never experienced a situation where the opposition had put forward a candidate from the government party.

CP Foods’s Chicken Gets Ready For Astronauts In The cMission

By

Contributor

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22 June 2023, 17:36

CP Foods’s chicken gets ready for the space mission, improving Thai food safety standards for astronauts

(June 21, 2023) – Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is embarking on a stellar new venture: sending their chicken into space as part of the Thai Food – Mission to Space program. The company is collaborating with two global partners, Nanoracks LLC, the US leading provider of space innovation, and mu Space and Advanced Technology Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of space technology solutions in Southeast Asia, to send chicken to space.

This spearheads a unique initiative to elevate Thai chicken’s safety standards to those required for space-grade food – some of the strictest known to mankind.

The chicken products associated with the project will be subjected to rigorous certification processes to ensure their compliance with stringent space safety standards, thus making them astronaut-friendly.

The realization of this endeavor will be an important milestone for CP Foods, solidifying the global recognition and compliance of their chicken’s safety standards with the demanding Space Food Safety Standards. This aligns with NASA’s uncompromising food safety requirements, boosting Thailand’s national pride for adhering to the most elevated safety standards worldwide.

Alongside this revolutionary initiative, CP Foods will host a forum titled “Thai Food – Mission to Space,” which will bring together international experts to discuss the elevation of Thai food to space-level safety standards. This forum will examine the significance of meeting space standards for Thai food, the innovations transforming the Thai livestock industry, and the sector’s future implications.

The forum’s speakers include former NASA astronaut Mr. Michael Massimino, former NASA’s food scientist Miss Vickie Kloeris, and several highly respected individuals from scientific, medical, and livestock development sectors.

Prasit Boondoungprasert, CEO of CP Foods, asserted that this groundbreaking initiative showcases the company’s commitment to the safety of its chicken meat, positioning it among the world’s most trusted meat brands. The quest to achieve Space Food Safety Standards is anticipated to bring immense national pride to Thailand.

“At CP Foods, our top priority is food safety and quality. Our collaborations with experts like NANORACKS LLC and MU Space have cemented our readiness to demonstrate that Thai chicken adheres to space-level safety standards. Our chickens will be subjected to rigorous safety and quality standards checks, including exhaustive inspections for residues and contaminants as per NASA’s requirements,” said CEO Prasit.

Former NASA astronaut, Mr. Michael James Massimino, stressed the need for residue-free, safe food for astronauts due to its long-term health impacts. NASA food scientist Miss Vickie Kloeris praised CP Foods for adhering to stringent safety and nutritional standards, ensuring that CP chicken is free from antibiotics, chemical residues, and harmful pathogens.

“Thaifood Mission to Space is an excellent initiation. It not only ensures the astronauts’ well-being with a diverse and secure diet but also elevates global food safety standards, benefiting consumers worldwide. Additionally, it contributes to establishing Thai chicken meat as a reputable brand,” expressed Michael.

Not only will astronauts have access to safe and varied foods, but this will also ensure the safety of food for consumers around the world, thereby enhancing the international reputation of Thai cuisine,” said Michael.

Miss Vickie Kloeris, a food scientist with 34 years of experience working at NASA’s laboratory, stated that scientists ensure the food astronauts consume provides them with the highest level of food safety, along with a balanced supply of vitamins and minerals. The food must be free from contamination and undergo disinfection.

“I am very impressed with the standard of chicken meat production at CP Foods. The chickens are raised without the use of antibiotics and hormones, ensuring that Thai chicken meets NASA’s food safety standards. It is certainly a delight for the astronauts up there to experience the Thai chicken menu from Thailand.

As a space food scientist, I am thrilled for the pilots to embark on a gastronomic adventure and experience the tantalizing flavors of Thai cuisine,” Vickie enthusiastically remarked.

CP Foods sets course for space with its Thai chicken, it reiterates its dedication to safety and innovation. This venture isn’t just a mission; it’s an affirmation of Thailand’s capability to redefine global food industry standards.

Ritz-Carlton Reserve Debuts in China With a Resort in Jiuzhaigou

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Contributor

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22 June 2023, 17:22

Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in Southwestern China, offers guests rare experiences and an immersive connection to the landscapes, culture, and traditions of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jiuzhaigou Valley

Ritz-Carlton Reserve Debuts in China With a Resort in Jiuzhaigou, Part of the Country’s Magical “Valley of Nine Villages”

HONG KONG, June 2023 – Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the latest resort in the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio, was unveiled today in Jiuzhaigou, a valley on the edges of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau in China’s Southwestern Sichuan province.

The region is an area of exceptional natural beauty with spectacular alpine mountains soaring above a fairyland of forests, lakes, and waterfalls, and has been inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve.

In this spellbinding setting, Rissai Valley － its name a transliteration of the Tibetan word for “village” － is an intimate luxury hideaway that offers guests rare insights and immersive connections with the natural surroundings and culture of traditional Tibetan village life.

“We are thrilled to debut Rissai Valley, China’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Jiuzhaigou, one of the most stunningly beautiful and culturally rich areas of the world,” said Tina Edmundson, President, Luxury, Marriott International. “Rissai Valley is the sixth property in a rare portfolio of exclusive estates worldwide, offering an intimate and transformative experience rooted in heartfelt care and human connection. I cannot wait for guests to enjoy the ancient indigenous culture and traditions of Jiuzhaigou through a unique Ritz-Carlton Reserve lens.”

The Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area covers 72,000 hectares in northern Sichuan Province and is protected as a national nature reserve. The ancient forest ecosystems of Jiuzhaigou National Park are home to China’s beloved giant pandas and other rare species of plants, animals, and birds.

Visitors to the destination can hike in the national park, sample traditional Tibetan cuisine, and enjoy colorful cultural performances. Jiuzhaigou is located about 430 kilometers north of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, with daily connecting flights from Chengdu to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport. Rissai Valley is approximately 88 kilometers, or about a 75-minute drive from the airport.

Rissai Valley’s intimate 87 villas offer magnificent views of the snow-capped Minshan mountain range, forests, and ancient Tibetan villages. U.S.-based architectural firm WATG paid homage to the natural surroundings and Tibetan heritage with the use of traditional building forms and locally-sourced materials.

The landscaping was led by John Pettigrew, who created the immaculate gardens with indigenous planting to reflect the extraordinary landscapes. The elegant interiors were designed by the late Indonesian interior design legend Jaya Ibrahim, who curated palettes of forest greens, emeralds, and icy blues to mirror the jewel-colored lakes and waterfalls of Jiuzhaigou, while celebrating the culture and heritage of the local villages with examples of artisanal Tibetan craftsmanship throughout the property.

Guests arriving at Rissai Valley are warmly welcomed with a Zhaxi Dele Tibetan blessing ceremony, and every new day brings opportunities to be immersed in experiences that provide insights into local heritage and life. Through a dedicated team of local Tibetan culturalist, artisans, chefs, and healers, guests are welcomed into an ancient culture to gain transformative insights along with genuine connections with the people of Jiuzhaigou and their families.

Each villa enjoys the services of a dedicated personal host, called a “Nieba”” in the local language, who takes care of every detail for guests, ensuring a seamless stay experience. In this idyllic setting, guests can discover the artistry of Tibetan folk dance and classical music, as well as discover calm and balance through the meditative practice of Thangka painting, a unique Tibetan art form. In the early morning, guests can also join on a leisurely hike into the pristine forests surrounding the property.

Dining at Rissai Valley offers memorable experiences complemented by the beautiful surroundings, from romantic al fresco dinners in a picturesque garden setting overlooking the forests, to memorable family picnics by crystal-clear streams or elegant cocktail events against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Bo Ri Village offers all-day dining in an idyllic ancient village situated opposite the Reserve. Refined Sichuan restaurant Cai Lin Xuan highlights local specialties, and at La Montagne, diners can select from a western menu and enjoy al fresco barbecues with breathtaking views. The Lobby Lounge offers a relaxing and intimate venue for afternoon teas or evening cocktails.

A true sanctuary dedicated to holistic wellness and peace of mind, the Rissai Spa invites guests to unwind through ancient healing modalities and treatments inspired by Tibetan philosophies. The spa offers a selection of healing practices and experiences based on centuries-old Tibetan wisdom for guests who seek serenity and balance, such as singing bowl sound therapy and yoga sessions by a cascading waterfall.

An expansive infinity swimming pool invites guests to take a dip in its clear blue waters, framed by a breathtaking view of a Tibetan village against towering mountain peaks.

For families, Rissai Valley offers experiences that will capture the imaginations of young guests, with dedicated indoor and outdoor facilities. At the Reserve Kids’ Club, Rissai Kids is an engaging and immersive program that encourages children to discover the wonders of Jiuzhaigou, focusing on connections to Tibetan culture through music and dance, and exploration of the indigenous flora and fauna surrounding the Reserve. Activities include fun guided outdoor adventures, treasure hunts, animal feeding, kite flying, and stargazing evenings.

“Rissai Valley is a truly magical place, nestled in the landscapes and surroundings of one of the most mythical natural wonders of the world,” said Marcel Damen, General Manager, Rissai Valley. “As the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in China, we look forward to welcoming guests to a place of marvelous beauty, and to experience the many curated experiences that connect guests with the rich local culture. A stay at Rissai Valley will inspire many memories that will last a lifetime.”

For more information on Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and reservation enquiries, please visit https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/jzhrz-rissai-valley-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview/

Dog Lovers! Don’t miss out this year’s “21st Thailand International Dog Show 2023”

By

Contributor

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22 June 2023, 15:31

Attentions for Dog Lovers! Don’t miss out this year’s “21st Thailand International Dog Show 2023” bigger than ever at IMPACT, exclusive this year a FCI Grooming contest will be hosted, with a dressing up theme of “Dog Show Sahara” and with more than 250 vendors.

Ms. Kunwadee Jintaworn, Executive Director of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. revealed that IMPACT is preparing to hold a big event. Dog Show 2023 (SmartHeart presents Thailand International Dog Show 2023) for the 21st time, the fair will be held from 6 – 9 July 2023 at Building 5-6 at IMPACT.

Under the concept of entering the Pet Humanization era in response to the continuous growing trends of the pet industry. As a result, subsequent to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company aims to be an intermediary for the development of the pet industry, especially dog lovers.

Therefore, the company has collaborated with partners such as The Kennel Association (Thailand), Thai Pet Products Industry Association (TPIA), Perfect Co., Ltd. and its partners are ready to host this grand event with more than 250 booths on an area of over 10,000 square meters. We also organize business matching activities with pet industry entrepreneurs from overseas. More than 150,000 people are expected to attend the event, generating sales of up to 70 million baht over 4 days.

Mr.Woraphat Akkulkrailert, the President of the Thai Pet Products Industries Association (TPIA) said that in response to the growing pet trend, The association is committed to developing and providing information to producers and consumers to experience a deeper knowledge and understanding about the quality of pet products. The target market being groups who have been long-term pet owners or just starting, so they can be aware of the quality of a variety of pet products and services.

Although the market is competitive, there is still room for growth. The trend being dog owners are changing their behavior to become more like Pet Parents. The trend of raising small breeds of dogs has increased during and after the COVID-19 situation. Small dogs are easy to carry around and do not demand much space.

As a result, the pet products business market such as food, treats, supplies, pet supplies, and various Pet Friendly places that welcome dog lovers, has grown. Last year’s exports of pet food and snack products were high, the businesses related to various groups of pet products in the country generated exports of 96,000 million baht. (Figures from the Department of Livestock)

Mrs. Wanida Busakornnunt, the President of the Kennel Association of Thailand (KATH) said that the association has a long experience in organizing dog contests and strongly believes that Pet Humanization will drive more people to participate in the contest. Because in the market there are products and services that meet the needs of Pet Personalization, it has received a lot of positive feedback from owners who bring almost perfect looking dogs to this year’s event.

The association sponsored the Thailand International Dog Show and the national Championship, with a total of 4,000 dogs from 16 countries representing the Philippines, Korea, China, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, India, Russia, Pakistan, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Belgium and Sri Lanka.

Pomeranians are expected to be the most submitted, coupled with the trend of dog contests being on the rise, thus the FCI Thailand International Grooming Examination contest was launched for the first time at this event. (For the first time in Thailand, we have received interest in dog grooming exams from many nations such as Thailand, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and India (This time, we invited experienced judges from Japan to judge the dog grooming exam). There will also be the FCI Agility Championship 2023, to find the ultimate most agile dog. Another sporting event with a variety of categories to compete in.

Mr.Supakrit Assavachaiporn Senior Vice President, Customer Relations, Perfect Company Companion Group Co., Ltd. the manufacturer, and distributor of SmartHeart products, said that SmartHeart has a vision to improve the quality of life for both people and pets. Through continuous care and product innovation, we can be confident that our products and services will help to build a good relationship between the dogs and its owners, along with the current expansion of the Pet Centric product line because dogs also have personalized needs, like its owners.

Additionally, there are many other activities at the Dog Show 2023 (SmartHeart presents Thailand International Dog Show 2023), such as the TPIA’s pet shop award 2023 ceremony, the Thailand Pitbull weight pulling competition, a find-mom race, good relationships with owners and their dogs / circuit activities for puppies / dog show with Sahara theme dress up activity and a chance to win 21 prizes for the event’s 21st anniversary to all customers attending.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a foundation that helps puppies under the project called “the 1-baht project for hungry pups” with an entrance fee costing 20 baht per person (children and pets are free of charge).

Join us at “SmartHeart presents Thailand International Dog Show 2023″, Thailand’s No.1 Dog Lovers Expo, during 6 – 9 July 2023 from 10.00-20.00 hrs. Building 5-6 of IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.

A special promotion for the early bird purchase: buy one ticket get one free ticket.

For event registration and more information, please visit website www.thailand-dogshow.com / Facebook Thailand International Dog Show/ or add Line @Dogshow

Street Food Vendors Are Targets of Extortion by Thai Officers

By

Khaosod English

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22 June 2023, 14:52

Thai police are not only suspected of taking a 140 million baht bribe from online gambling operators but have recently made a name for themselves as the ones who extorted money from street food vendors who are trying to fight a stagnant economy.

In a recent case, Miss Atikan Phumlek, a 46-year-old fried banana vendor in Moo 13, Bang Mae Nang Sub-district, Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi Province, was asked for money by people who looked like police officers as she hired a Burmese worker. The officers demanded a monthly payment of 3,500 baht from the shop in exchange for a sticker with a picture of a lion and a signature stating that it was for the month of June.

The case went viral when the seller’s elder brother posted the video evidence on social media, while the seller reported the case to the police.

Subsequently, on June 21, two officers of the Nonthaburi Provincial Police, namely Pol. Cpl. Jirawat Muangheet and Pol. Sgt. Sungsun Sriket, came to surrender, claiming that they had conducted a drug investigation based on the reports received.

extort banana4 — A sticker with a picture of a lion and a signature stating that it was for the month of June.

The two police officers were charged under Article 148 for abusing their authority and forcing or inciting persons to obtain property or other benefits for themselves or others. The offense is punishable by imprisonment for 5-20 years or life, a fine of 100,000 baht or the death penalty.

extort banana1 — Two police officers came to surrender.

They were also charged under Article 157 for performing or failing to perform official acts without authority. This offense is punishable by imprisonment for 1-10 years, a fine of 20,000-100,000 baht, or both imprisonment and a fine.

In another case, a Vietnamese man selling ground squid from a motorbike in Nonthaburi province told the Khaosod reporter that he and his girlfriend have been working in Thailand for a year, sending money to his mother and two children in Vietnam. He had to pay money to several Thai officials from different agencies for stickers with ducks and chickens as proof that he had paid the officials for protection and professional support without being arrested.

extort vietnam1 — A Vietnamese man selling ground squid showed the stickers from Thai officers.

The Vietnamese vendor said that he has been paying vignette fees for about 7-8 months. He has a total of 5 vignettes and has to pay about 8 to 9 different agencies every month, totalling nearly 6,000 baht per month. While his daily income after expenses is about 1,000 baht, he only makes a profit of 300 baht, which is barely enough for food and water.

“Every day feels like a compulsion because if I do not pay, they will arrest me and the fines will be substantial. So I have to accept and pay, otherwise I cannot survive,” he said.

The reporter noted that when they observed vendors selling peanuts, they have two more stickers with pictures of a tiger and a black panther on the back of their mobile phones.

31 Dead After Barbecue Restaurant Explosion In Northwest China

By

Xinhua News Agency

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22 June 2023, 09:35

CORRECTION China Restaurant Explosion — The site of an explosion at a restaurant in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Wednesday, June 21, 2023. A massive cooking gas explosion at a barbecue restaurant in northwestern China killed dozens and injured some, Chinese authorities said Thursday. (Wang Peng/Xinhua via AP)

YINCHUAN, June 22 (Xinhua) — The death toll from an explosion which ripped through a barbecue restaurant in Yinchuan, capital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, on Wednesday night, has risen to 31, local authorities said Thursday.

The blast happened at around 8:40 p.m. on a busy street in Xingqing District of Yinchuan, due to a leakage of liquefied petroleum gas from the operating area of a barbecue restaurant.

The explosion resulted in 38 casualties, with 31 people confirmed dead despite rescue efforts, while seven individuals, including one in critical condition, are currently receiving medical treatment, according to Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Committee of the Communist Party of China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday demanded all-out rescue and treatment of the injured and safety overhaul. He urged efforts to quickly determine the cause of the accident and hold people accountable under the law.

Xi also said all regions and related departments should address “all types of risks and hidden dangers” and launch campaigns to promote workplace safety.

A staff member in the emergency clinic at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University confirmed to the AP on the phone that some of the injured were receiving treatment at the hospital, but said she was not authorized to talk to media and declined to provide her name.

The Paper cited a woman identified only by her surname Chen saying she had been about 50 meters (164 feet) from the restaurant when she heard the explosion. She described seeing two waiters emerge from the restaurant afterward, one of whom collapsed immediately, while thick smoke billowed from the restaurant and a strong smell of cooking gas permeated the area.

AP23173179993949 — In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, firefighters work at the site of an explosion at a restaurant in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Wednesday, June 21, 2023. (Wang Peng/Xinhua via AP)

The central government’s Ministry of Emergency Management said on social media that search and rescue work at the restaurant was completed early Thursday morning and investigators were working to determine the cause of the blast.

The Dragon Boat Festival is a national holiday devoted to eating rice dumplings and racing boats manned by teams of paddlers. While the majority of Yinchuan’s population is Han Chinese, a third are Hui people, or Chinese Muslims.

Industrial accidents of this type are a regular occurrence in China, usually attributed to poor government supervision, corruption, cost-cutting measures by employers and little safety training for employees.

At least nine people were killed in an explosion at a Chinese petrochemical plant, and three others died in a helicopter crash during the country’s May Day holiday.

In February, 53 miners were killed in the collapse of a massive open pit coal mine in the northern region of Inner Mongolia, leading to numerous arrests, and four people were detained over a fire at an industrial trading company in central China in November that killed 38 people.

The central government has pledged stronger safety measures since an explosion in 2015 at a chemical warehouse in the northern port city of Tianjin killed 173 people, most of them firefighters and police officers. In that case, a number of local officials were accused of having taken bribes to ignore safety violations.

Gang Slaughtered 46 Women At Honduran Prison With Machetes, Guns And Flammable Liquid

By

Associated Press

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22 June 2023, 02:45

APTOPIX Honduras Prison Riot — Relatives of inmates wait in distress outside the entrance to the women's prison in Tamara, on the outskirts of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Tuesday, June 20, 2023. A riot at the women's prison has left at least 41 inmates dead, most of them burned to death, a Honduran police official said. (AP Photo/Elmer Martinez)

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) — Gang members in a women’s prison in Honduras slaughtered 46 other women inmates by spraying them with gunfire, hacking them with machetes and then locking survivors in their cells and dousing them with flammable liquid, an official said Wednesday.

The carnage in Tuesday’s riot was the worst atrocity at a women’s prison in recent memory, something President Xiomara Castro called “monstrous.”

Relatives said inmates at the facility had been threatened for weeks by members of the notorious Barrio 18 gang.

Chillingly, the gang members were able to arm themselves with prohibited weapons, brush past guards and attack; they even carried locks to shut their victims inside, apparently to burn them to death. The intensity of the fire left the walls of the cells blackened and beds reduced to twisted heaps of metal.

“A group of armed people went to the cellblock of a rival gang, locked the doors, opened fire on them,” said Juan López Rochez, the chief of operations for the country’s National Police.

Miguel Martínez, a security ministry spokesman, said the attack was taped by security cameras, up to the moment the gang members destroyed them in what he called a “planned” attack.

“You can see the moment in which the women overcome the guards, leaving them helpless, and take their keys,” Martínez said.

Castro said Tuesday’s riot at the prison in the town of Tamara, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) northwest of Honduras’ capital, was “planned by maras (street gangs) with the knowledge and acquiescence of security authorities.”

Castro fired Security Minister Ramón Sabillón, and replaced him with Gustavo Sánchez, who had been serving as head of the National Police.

But Castro but did not explain how inmates identified as members of the Barrio 18 gang were able to get guns and machetes into the prison, or move freely into an adjoining cell block. Initial reports suggested the doors to the gang’s cell block had been left open, facilitating the attack.

The amount of weaponry found in the prison after the riot was impressive: 18 pistols, an assault rifle, two machine pistols and two grenades — all of which were smuggled into the prison.

“Obviously, there must have been human failures,” López Rochez said. “We are investigating all the employees at the center.”

AP23171822206364 — Police guard the entrance to the women’s prison in Tamara, on the outskirts of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Tuesday, June 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Elmer Martinez)

Sandra Rodríguez Vargas, the assistant commissioner for Honduras’ prison system, said the attackers “removed” guards at the facility — none appeared to have been injured — around 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Twenty-six of the victims were burned to death and the remainder shot or stabbed, said Yuri Mora, the spokesman for Honduras’ national police investigation agency. At least seven inmates were being treated at a Tegucigalpa hospital.

The riot’s death toll surpassed that of a fire at a female detention center in Guatemala in 2017, when girls at a shelter for troubled youths set fire to mattresses to protest rapes and other mistreatment at the overcrowded institution. The smoke and fire killed 41 girls.

The worst prison disaster in a century also occurred in Honduras, in 2012, at the Comayagua men’s penitentiary, where 361 male inmates died in a fire possibly caused by a match, cigarette or some other open flame.

There were ample warnings ahead of Tuesday’s tragedy, according to Johanna Paola Soriano Euceda, who was waiting outside the morgue in Tegucigalpa for news about her mother, Maribel Euceda, and sister, Karla Soriano. Both were on trial for drug trafficking but were held in the same area as convicted prisoners.

Soriano Euceda said they had told her Sunday that “they (Barrio 18 members) were out of control, they were fighting with them all the time. That was the last time we talked.”

Another woman, who did not want to give her name for fear of reprisals, said she was waiting for news about a friend, Alejandra Martínez, 26, who was been held in the ill-fated Cell Block One on robbery charges.

“She told me the last time I saw her on Sunday that the (Barrio) 18 people had threatened them, that they were going to kill them if they didn’t turn over a relative,” she said.

Gangs sometimes demand victims “turn over” a friend or relative by giving the gang their name, address and description, so that enforcers can later find and kidnap, rob or kill them.

Officials described the killings as a “terrorist act,” but also acknowledged that gangs essentially had ruled some parts of the prison.

Julissa Villanueva, head of the prison system, suggested the riot started because of recent attempts by authorities to crack down on illicit activity inside prison walls and called Tuesday’s violence a reaction to moves “we are taking against organized crime.”

“We will not back down,” Villanueva said in a televised address after the riot.

Gangs wield broad control inside the country’s prisons, where inmates often set their own rules and sell prohibited goods.

They were also apparently able to smuggle in guns and other weapons, a recurring problem in Honduran prisons.

“The issue is to prevent people from smuggling in drugs, grenades and firearms,” said Honduran human rights expert Joaquin Mejia. “Today’s events show that they have not been able to do that.”

AP23171822716900 — Police officers guard the entrance to the women’s prison in Tamara, on the outskirts of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Tuesday, June 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Elmer Martinez)

Meanwhile, the grim task continued of trying to identify the bodies, some terribly burned. Officials on Wednesday began turning over some of the corpses to families for burial.

The wait for news was torture for many families of inmates. Dozens of anxious, angry relatives gathered outside the rural prison.

“We are here dying of anguish, of pain … we don’t have any information,” said Salomón García, whose daughter is an inmate at the facility.

Tuesday’s riot may increase the pressure on Honduras to emulate the drastic zero-tolerance, no-privileges prisons set in up in neighboring El Salvador by President Nayib Bukele. While El Salvador’s crackdown on gangs has given rise to rights violations, it has also proved immensely popular in a country long terrorized by street gangs.

——

Marlon Gonzalez reported from Tegucigalpa. Elmer Martínez in Tamara, Honduras, and Maria Verza and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report.

Tribute to “The Cave” Governor Who Led Rescue 13 Youth Mission

By

Khaosod English

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22 June 2023, 02:28

Ekapol Chantawong, or Coach Ek, a former Wild Boar Academy coach who was rescued from Tham Luang cave with 12 young footballers in 2018, led the tribute to “The Cave Governor,” Narongsak Osotthanakorn. He died at the age of 58.

Governor Narongsak was well-known for his role in the June 2018 search and rescue mission for 13 Wild Boar Academy Football Team youngsters trapped in Chiang Rai province’s Tham Luang – Khun Nam Nang Non cave.

15283 e1530936234375 — Former Chiang Rai Gov. Narongsak Osottanakorn speaks to reporters Friday night, July 7, 2018 outside Luang cave.

According to the Interior Ministry, he died peacefully on June 21 at 6:00 p.m. at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok after receiving cancer treatment. His final position before his death was governor of Pathum Thani Province, yet he is still known as the “Wild Boar Governor.”

The Eakapol Academy page shared a video of their mourning with the caption, “Our hearts go towards the Governor’s family. Thank you for assisting us until we were able to survive. With love and condolences to the Wild Boar Governor, you will be forever in our hearts.”

cave governor3 — A screenshot from the Eakapol Academy page, which shared a video of a young footballer paying tribute to Governor Narongsak Osotthanakorn,

Governor Narongsak was born in Plaeng Yao District, Chachoengsao Province, on June 1, 1965. In 1985, he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Kasetsart University. In 1988, he received a Master’s Degree in Geometry and Surveying from Ohio State University in the United States.

In 2016, he was appointed as the inspector of the Ministry of Interior’s Office of the Permanent Secretary, and in 2017, he was appointed as the governor of Chiang Rai. He played a key part in the successful rescue of 13 people from the Tham Luang cave at the end of June 2018. It has been adapted into a number of films, television series, and documentaries.

Screen Shot 2018 08 06 at 11.13.26 AM — Officials face a massive media presence at a news conference held just after the operation got underway to rescue 12 boys and their coach from a cave in Chiang Rai province.

Following the Tham Luang incident, Narongsak was named governor of Phayao Province in 2018, then Lampang Province in 2019, before being appointed governor of Pathum Thani in 2021.

On September 17, 2022, the PR.Thailand Facebook fan page shared a photo of Governor Narongsak following his major operation at Siriraj Hospital, adding, “The governor may be a bit thin, but his body is getting better and better.” Thank you for your words of encouragement, which gave him the courage to fight. He’ll be ready to leave as normal soon.”

governor died2 — The PR.Thailand Facebook fan page shared a photo of Governor Narongsak on September 17, 2022.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters. His family will hold a prayer service at Bangkok’s Wat Phra Si Mahathat Bang Khen.

It is reported that His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn has bestowed an octagonal funerary urn for the governor Narongsak Osotthanakorn and royal bathing water to be used in the royally sponsored funeral ceremony at Wat Phra Si Mahathat Bang Khen on June 22–24.

On June 25–28, there will be a prayer ceremony, and on June 29, there will be a royal cremation ceremony at 4:00 p.m.

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