Anantara Chiang Mai Resort’s prime riverfront location invites exploration in style. Its new river barge, the Nam Jai, is available for both group and private cruises along the Ping River.
The Nam Jai, literally “water from the heart” in Thai, but more commonly understood as “with heart” or “kindness”, is an antique teak rice barge which has been restored by hand and outfitted with comfortable seating for eight. Cruises will set off from the resort’s newly built private pier, Long Muan, which means “fun sailing” in the local Lanna dialect.
There are two itineraries for guests to choose from. The sunrise cruise departs at 9.00 am for the nearby Wat Ket Karam. One of Chiang Mai’s oldest communities, Wat Ket, it is a melting pot of cultures – Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh – with their different houses of worship built side by side.
Guests will have the opportunity to make merit with the Buddhist monks, then cross the road to snack at what was once the city’s best kept secret, but now is in the Michelin guide – the simple roadside stall Lung Kajohn which serves up delicious bite-sized steamed rice dumplings, Khao Kriab Pak Moh.
From there, it is a short stroll to the quaint pedestrian bridge of Khua Khaek for views of the river and Doi Suthep in the background.
The twilight voyage departs at 5.00 pm, sailing north past some of the city’s most iconic bridges, small temples and into lush green. This is a magical time of day, when the air stills and the sky begins to glow ochre then pink. Guests enjoy free-flow sparkling wine, canapes and a romance to savour.
“At Anantara, we believe in immersing guests in the real destination”, says Pitak Norathepkitti, General Manager of the resort. “A river cruise is a distinctly Thai experience, as well the perfect way to observe local life and rhythms unobtrusively. Our new offering will be one of the most luxurious in Chiang Mai, and we are immensely excited to share it with our guests and locals alike”.
The Nam Jai cruise is ready to welcome all guests, with prices beginning at THB 1,800++ per person for sunrise cruise and THB 2,800++ per person for twilight voyage. For more information or reservations, visit anantara.com//chiang-mai/restaurants/nam-jai-river-cruise, call +66 53 253 333 or email [email protected]
About Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
As the capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom, Chiang Mai overflows with cultural discoveries, from traditional Buddhist temples and handicraft collectives to a decidedly contemporary art and cafe scene. Surrounding the city, adventure awaits, whether trekking through the mountains to elephant sanctuaries and hilltribe villages or soaring over them in a hot-air balloon.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort offers boutique contemporary luxury on the banks of the Mae Ping River, just five minutes from the Night Bazaar and 15 minutes from the airport. Eighty-four rooms and suites are located on the main grounds, with 26 serviced suites designed for long stays and families just across the road. The central 100-year-old heritage house, formerly the British consulate, plays host to elegant evenings of wining and dining. Leisure facilities include the award-winning Anantara Spa, a 34 m swimming pool by the river, and a fitness centre offering yoga, tai chi and muay Thai classes.
Editor’s Notes:
Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences.
From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara connects travellers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and hosts them with passionate expertise. The portfolio currently boasts over 40 hotels and resorts across Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, with a pipeline of future properties.
The brand’s premier vacation ownership programme, Anantara Vacation Club, extends the opportunity to own a share in the Anantara experience with a portfolio of eight luxurious club resorts as well as travel privileges at partner resorts and hotels worldwide.
Anantara is part of the DISCOVERY loyalty programme.
For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit anantara.com. Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/anantara; Twitter and Instagram: @anantara_hotels
Krabuan Phansa-at and Noopa Phansa-at sobbed as they expressed their grief at the loss of their son in Israel.
Somkuan Phansa-at, whose hometown is Ban Nong Waeng Tai, Khamin Subdistrict, Mueang District, Kalasin Province, has been confirmed as one of the Thai workers killed in Israel, following Hamas attack. He began working in Israel on November 9, 2022, and was shot and killed at Kibbutz Nahal Oz on the Gaza border on October 7, 2023.
A group of government officials from the Ministry of Labour paid a visit to Mr. Krabuan Phan-sa-at and Mrs. Noopa Phan-sa-at, the worker’s parents, in Ban Nong Waeng Tai, Kalasin Province, to express condolences and to assist them in returning his son’s remains to his village for a funeral.
Mrs. Noopa, 63, stated that her son served in the 4th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, His Majesty’s Guard. He went to work as a cab driver in Bangkok after being discharged before moving to live with his family in Nakhon Phanom Province.
Following that, he applied for a 5-year job working as a worker on a banana farm in Israel, borrowing money for travel fees of around 120,000 baht. He was paid 80,000 baht per month and sent 58,000 baht per month to his family in Nakhon Phanom Province, making him the family’s only source of income.
Mrs Noopa Phan-sa-at holds a framed photograph of her son, who died in Israel.
Her son has recently called to explain that the situation in Israel is not normal. She immediately asked her son to return home and stated that she did not want the money. She preferred to have her son back. Her son, on the other hand, stated that he had a fever and was not feeling well. If the fever ended, he would discuss returning to Thailand with his employer.
“However, around 4:00 a.m. yesterday, my daughter called and told me something terrible had happened to my son in Israel. I was shocked and still don’t know what to do,” she sobbed before thanking her family for their assistance and support.
According to Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kanchana Patarachoke on October 9, twelve Thai nationals have died in Israel following Hamas’ attack, eleven others were taken hostage and eight were injured. The numbers, based on reports from workers and employers in the area, were still awaiting confirmation from Israeli authorities, Kanchana said.
Around 5,000 Thai workers are in the areas around the Gaza Strip, and some have been evacuated to safer areas, the spokesperson said, adding that Thailand’s air force is preparing planes for an evacuation whenever the situation allows. Many Thais work on farms in Israel.
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. The militant Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented, multi-front attack on Israel at daybreak Saturday, firing thousands of rockets as dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations, killing hundreds and taking captives. Palestinian health officials reported scores of deaths from Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)
CEAT is hosting the FIDIC Asia Pacific Conference 2023, themed ‘Engineering towards Net Zero’, with participation from over 20 countries. The goal is to achieve net zero emissions in Thailand by 2065, with a warning that neglecting this goal so could lead to Bangkok’s submersion in the next 27 years.
The Consulting Engineers Association of Thailand (CEAT), representing Thailand, is diligently preparing to host the prominent international environmental seminar known as the FIDIC Asia Pacific Conference 2023 with the theme ‘Engineering towards Net Zero’ scheduled to take place from November 26th to 28th at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok. This event aims to bring together engineering experts from the construction industry in Thailand and abroad, including government representatives and environmental stakeholders.
They will engage in discussions and share insights regarding opportunities, challenges, and past successes in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This valuable knowledge will serve as the foundation for crafting campaigns with the ultimate objective of achieving net zero emissions by 2065.
Over 200 participants hailing from 20 different countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, Korea, China, etc. are expected to attend.
Mr. Chawalit Chantararat, the Director of TEAM GROUP and the President of CEAT, said, “Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which are commonly referred to collectively as carbon dioxide, result from various human activities on our planet. Once released into the atmosphere, these gases persist for extended periods, ranging from 200 to 450 years. Currently, the atmosphere contains an alarming 411 parts per million (PPM) of accumulated greenhouse gases. Should this level rise to 475 PPM, it will pose a grave threat to life on Earth.
Greenhouse gases are the primary culprits behind rising global temperatures. A mere 1.5 degrees Celsius increase in temperature can lead to severe climatic instability. Presently, temperatures have surged by 1.2 degrees Celsius since 1988, contributing to dramatic climate shifts, an uptick in natural disasters, intensified rainfall, and an increase in flash floods. Furthermore, global warming has led to the alarming melting of polar ice caps, which have shrunk by 15% over the past four decades.
This phenomenon translates to rising sea levels. According to a United Nations study, if greenhouse gas emissions are not drastically reduced by 2050, sea levels in the Gulf of Thailand could surge by 70 centimeters. Such an increase would result in saltwater intrusion into rivers and canals, affecting regions as far-reaching as Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, and low-lying areas in Bangkok.
The consequences would include damage to Damnoen Saduak pomelo orchards and orchid gardens situated along various canals, necessitating the fortification of coastal dikes along the sea shores and the Chao Phraya River, Tha Chin River, and Bang Pakong River to prevent flooding.”
The construction industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. CEAT is, therefore, leading initiatives to raise awareness within the industry about reducing emissions. These efforts encompass designing buildings that adhere to Green Building Standard, embracing modular construction systems that reduce material variations and minimize grinding, cutting, and dust emissions.
Additionally, reducing electricity consumption by using prefabrication system and incorporating tree planting into building designs are emphasized. Notable examples include the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex building, which employed low-carbon cement, construction materials with a low carbon footprint, and water- and energy-saving equipment.
The construction process prioritized minimizing fossil fuel use through the utilization of energy-efficient equipment, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative methods to manage and recycle waste.
CEAT comprises more than 110 member companies and over 3,000 engineers and architects working in building design and supervision across Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region. These professionals have collaborated tirelessly to introduce low-carbon use, aligning their efforts with the Thai government’s goal of achieving net zero emissions. To further this mission, CEAThas partnered with The International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) to organize a grand international environmental seminar, themed ‘Engineering towards Net Zero’, scheduled for November 26th to 28th in Thailand. This event aims to unite global experts in the shared pursuit of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065. It anticipates the participation of 200 attendees from 20 countries worldwide, with an equal distribution of Thai and foreign delegates.
The seminar is structured around five vital topics:
Building Design, emphasizing low-carbon buildings.
Energy Solutions, targeting energy reduction in construction and buildings.
Transportation Advancements, focusing on low-carbon transportation.
Urban & Rural Development, encompassing urban planning, community development, public utilities, and large public facilities.
Water Supply & Sanitation, exploring ways to leverage wastewater and tap water to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, a Special Session will introduce a new generation of engineers committed to sustainability, known as the FIDIC Future Leaders (FFL).
The seminar will feature compelling presentations, including Malaysia’s insights on green building practices, Vietnam’s guidelines for carbon reduction in buildings, Indonesia’s innovative methods for retrofitting old buildings to reduce carbon emissions, India’s application of an energy mix, and Thailand’s presentation by Energy Absolute Pcl. on the EV Ecosystem and SCG showcasing innovations in Green Building.
China and India will address Hydrogen Energy, while Singapore will explore the efficiency of cooling systems in large building complexes. Furthermore, there will be a Business Matching activity to facilitate knowledge exchange and promote Thailand’s Soft Power and Low Carbon Loy Krathong Festival on the Chao Phraya River.
Mr. Chawalit Chantararat, the Director of TEAM GROUP and the President of CEAT, concluded, “This event is expected to foster an exchange of knowledge among engineers, architects, and professionals in the construction industry worldwide. Personally, I am particularly interested in clean energy solutions like hydrogen, which China and India will present, as well as new technologies adopted by other countries to reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, I look forward to hearing the perspectives of young engineers and learning about their visions.”
Companies, organizations, and individuals interested in technological innovations or concepts related to Net Zero or net zero emissions are encouraged to register for the FIDIC Asia Pacific Conference 2023 at https://www.eventpassinsight.co/payfidic/registration/create/fapc20/
The debut of LCFC BAN KHAO TAO COLLECTION is done on a mini runway which transforms the Ban Khao Tao Handicraft Center in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, into a fashion venue.
The collection features Leicester City Football Club’s iconic fox on a range of streetwear-inspired clothes, accessories, and lifestyle products, with an aim to highlight the beauty of Thailand’s hand-woven textiles.
It is based on strong confidence in the power of Thai people and the power of possibilities under KING POWER THAI POWER in the “Community Power” pillar, which focuses on taking Thai community products to an international level.
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – Ban Khao Tao 29.09.2023 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images)
The collection will officially launch on 7 October 2023 at Foxes Fanstore in Leicester City, Shop.lcfc.com, LCFC stores at all King Power locations, and online at www.kingpower.com and Facebook : Leicestershop_th.
King Power Group, through its CSR project “KING POWER THAI POWER”, has partnered with Leicester City Football Club (LCFC) to introduce the 2023 collection, the sixth under this project, under the name of LCFC BAN KHAO TAO COLLECTION.
The collection highlights the local wisdom in hand-woven textiles, which has been passed on for generations, of locals at the Ban Khao Tao Handicraft Center, taking their expertise to an international level.
The collection shines a spotlight on the beauty of 9-thread pha khao ma textile, and turtle shell-shaped brocades made with traditional looms, which are Ban Khao Tao’s signature. The designs are done with support from a designer team from MULTIPLY BY EIGHT, a leading design company under King Power Group, to make sure the local wisdom is maintained, with a modern twist from Leicester City Football Club’s elements.
Patchwork techniques are used to make the collection more contemporary and craft-centric. A special print, The Jumping Fox, has been developed to signify the transition of Ban Khao Tao into a new era, from a fisherman village to a handicraft village. The streetwear-inspired collection also depicts the multi-faceted culture and art of the community.
Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, CEO of King Power Group said that King Power has always believed in the potential of Thai people, and it has always been the Group’s commitment to create power of possibilities. The launch of the LCFC BAN KHAO TAO COLLECTION is under the Community Power pillar, which recognizes the importance of Thai products and the need to support Thai people to showcase their skills on an international level. Modern technology is fused with Thai culture to create products that are contemporary and practical in everyday life, with an international appeal. This helps create job opportunities and sources of income for those in the community.
“The partnership among King Power, LCFC, and the community reflects the power of possibilities. Every party joins forces to take Thai products to an international level, which helps keep alive the Thai way of life and promote local wisdom in various parts of the country, thereby strengthening communities and leading to better quality of life,” Aiyawatt concluded.
The LCFC BAN KHAO TAO COLLECTION features clothes, accessories, and lifestyle items in King Power’s and LCFC’s signature colors – blue, indigo, and light blue, with the iconic fox prints and LCFC’s logo on them. The clothes are made from 100% cotton which is comfortable and fashionable, easy to mix and match with various styles. The collection includes jackets, T-shirts, bucket hats, caps, tote bags, crossbody bags, and cotton footballs.
KING POWER THAI POWER is confident that the strong partnership among all parties will create powerful possibilities and promote a circular economy while also generating sustainable sources of income for those in the community. Those who are interested in supporting Thai products in this collection can do so from 7 October 2023 onwards at Foxes Fanstore in Leicester City, Shop.lcfc.com, LCFC shop at all King Power locations, and online at www.kingpower.com and Facebook : Leicestershop_th.
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About KING POWER THAI POWER
KING POWER THAI POWER is a CSR project that gives back to the society on individual, community, national, and international levels through three core pillars: Sport Power, Music Power, and Community Power. It also focuses on sustainability to drive Thailand forward in economic, social, and environmental aspects.
For communities, King Power Group has partnered with Leicester City Football Club (LCFC) and communities around Thailand to develop Thai products as special souvenirs in five collections, in partnership with Ban Na Kham in Sakonnakhon (Northeastern Region), Thung Hua Chang Community in Lamphun and Pha Tin Jok Weaving Community in Mae Jam, Chiang Mai (Northern Region), Ban Khiriwong Community in Nakhon Si Thammarat (Southern Region), and Ban Don Manao in Song Phi Nong, Suphanburi (Central Region).
The transformative process with a strategic development plan aimed at fulfilling its mission of nurturing innovative leaders for the future.
In a remarkable evolution, The American School of Bangkok Sukhumvit, a distinguished institution with a rich 40-year legacy of academic excellence and student achievements, proudly unveiled its new identity following a strategic rebranding initiative in collaboration with XCL Education, the renowned education group serving 21,000 students across 17 private and international schools and preschools in Southeast Asia.
Since the collaboration with XCL Education, the school’s remarkable futuristic identity has garnered acclaim, leading to significant growth and progress. The school’s iconic campus has been revitalized, blending a state-of-the-art infrastructure with the classic charm that has been its hallmark for four decades. Under the new leadership and school name, XCL American School of Bangkok (XCL ASB), students and families are now embracing the exciting phases of rebranding, appearance, and identity, as well as rigorous academic and enriching extra-curricular offers.
The team of experienced senior administrators and 70 educators, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the XCL ASB community, is very excited with this new academic year, as they continue to synergize their expertise to ensure a seamless transition, and renewal of their commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering the holistic development of students.
Led by Head of School, Mr. Sean P. O’Maonaigh, a highly experienced educator with 35 years of experience in international education, XCL ASB is poised to continue its tradition of producing outstanding student achievements and college acceptances.
“The rebranding and revitalization not only preserve the essence of our legacy but also propel us toward a future filled with new opportunities,” stated Mr. O’Maonaigh. He shared that XCL Education is a pioneering education group committed to reshaping the educational landscape through innovative practices and global partnerships. The promising appearance of XCL ASB serves as a testament to the beginning of this fruitful collaboration.
Joining the senior Leadership Team as the Deputy Head of School is Dr. Connie Kim, an educational leader with more than 25 years of experience in the United States, Hong Kong, Korea, and Vietnam. “I am deeply committed to fostering an environment that empowers student leadership, values student choice, and celebrates the unique and authentic individuals that comprise our community. I am pleased to be a part of XCL ASB’s journey. Our shared values and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly lead to remarkable achievements by the students of XCL ASB.”
The rebranding of XCL ASB and its strategic partnership with XCL Education represent a new era of growth, innovation, and promise. The legacy of 40 years now evolves into a vibrant narrative that envisions students as empowered global citizens prepared to face the challenges of the 21st century and innovative leaders of the future.
New-Look la Tavola Transports Diners To Explore the Wonders of Italy’s Authentic Coastal Delicacies at Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel
Bangkok – October 2023 – Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel is excited to announce the reopening of La Tavola, an authentic coastal Italian restaurant that invites guests to savor the coastal flavors of Italy and explore the country’s diverse regional cuisines.
After months of anticipation, this exceptional ristorante is now welcoming discerning diners back to the hotel’s 3rd floor to embark on a journey to the sunlit shores of the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. Chef Waranyu Pansakul (or “Chef Nott” as he is better known), the hotel’s award-winning Italian Sous Chef, will use the finest ingredients to craft homestyle dishes in a friendly yet sophisticated atmosphere with interactive elements.
The revitalized menu harmoniously blends tradition and innovation, ensuring every mouthful bursts with flavor. Signature dishes that embody the essence of Italian coastal cuisine include Sarde Fritte (fried Sicilian sardines with lemon wedge & homemade lemon garlic aioli), Orata Intera al Forno (paper-baked whole Mediterranean sea bream with fregola, black olives, capers & parsley), Cinque Terre (Ligurian-style mixed seafood stew served at the tableside with baked semolina dough), and Sogliola Dover e Pomodoro (pan-seared Dover sole with burnt tomato butter emulsion, boiled potatoes and brown butter).
A series of handcrafted specialties will showcase the regions of Italy, including La Nostra Burrata (fresh burrata cheese from Puglia with passata and Sardinian carasua bread), Spaghetti Carbonara & Nduja (a rare Roman-style spaghetti carbonara with spicy
sausage, crispy guanciale, pecorino cheese & egg yolk), Pici alla Bolognese (hand-rolled pici with a traditional beef ragu and parmesan cheese from Tuscany), Ossobuco con Risotto allo Zafferano (Milanese braised Australian veal ossobuco with saffron risotto and gremolata).
Pizza lovers can also indulge their taste buds with mouth-watering creations that use Chef Nott’s secret recipe pizza dough and fresh toppings, cooked to perfection in an oakwood oven that infuses each pizza with a smoky, rustic flavor.
Every meal can end in style on the shores of Veneto with ‘Tiramisu La Tavola,’ a contemporary take on the Italian classic that blends with the chef’s special recipe. Complement it with a playful digestivo of homemade Limoncello, which will add an element of fun to the dining experience.
La Tavola is perfectly suited for every occasion, including special occasions, romantic couples’ evenings, fun-filled family meals, and gastronomic get-togethers with close friends and colleagues. Every meal will be enhanced by the warm, friendly embrace of Italian hospitality and heritage, with a design concept that draws inspiration from the captivating coastal charm of Italy, presenting natural lines with marble patterns contrasted with the curved arch in an extensive wine area that doubles as an art gallery, adding an extra layer of flair. Every element from the furnishings to the glassware, is designed to enrich the culinary journey.
Embark on a journey to savor the sweet and joyful life, the Italian way, at La Tavola—a place where coming together around a table is more than dining; it’s an opportunity to relish delectable meals and create cherished dining memories.
La Tavola will open daily for lunch (11.30-14.30 hrs) and dinner (18.00-22.30 hrs). To experience this exciting new era of Italian cuisine at Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, please call +66 (0) 2 125 5020 or click here.
About Chef Not, Waranyu Pansakul
As the current Sous Chef Italian, Chef Nott oversees the operations at La Tavola, ensuring that the entire culinary operation continues to uphold an immersive culinary credo and provides an experience that meets international standards. This includes consistently presenting innovative and creative Italian cuisine that aims to satisfy customers and achieve excellence.
Known for his ability to fuse innovative global flavors to classic Italian cuisine, you can experience Chef Nott’s five signature dishes at La Tavola. Indulge in his unique technique, which enhances each ingredient to its peak of maturity and texture.
For more information, please call 02-125-5000 and visit us on Instagram and Facebook
@LaTavolabkk, @RenaissanceBangkokRatchaprasongHotel, add LINE: @renaissancebkk and our website www.renaissancebangkok.com to keep up with our latest news and promotions.
Fire and smoke rise following an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Israeli government formally declared war Sunday and gave the green light for “significant military steps” to retaliate against Hamas for its surprise attack, as the military tried to crush fighters still in southern towns and intensified its bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The toll passed 1,000 dead and thousands wounded on both sides.
More than 24 hours after Hamas launched its unprecedented incursion out of Gaza, Israeli forces were still trying to defeat the last groups of militants holed up in several towns. At least 700 people have reportedly been killed in Israel — a staggering toll on a scale the country has not experienced in decades — and more than 300 have been killed in Gaza as Israeli airstrikes pound the territory.
The declaration of war portended greater fighting ahead, and a major question was whether Israel would launch a ground assault into Gaza, a move that in the past has brought intensified casualties. Meanwhile, in northern Israel, a brief exchange of strikes with Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group fanned fears that the fighting could expand into a wider regional war.
Authorities were still trying to determine how many civilians and soldiers were seized by Hamas fighters during the mayhem and taken back to Gaza. From videos and witnesses, the captives are known to include women, children and the elderly.
A Palestinians man sits in the rubble of a building after it was struck by an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
The high death toll, multiple captives and slow response to the onslaught pointed to a major intelligence failure and undermined the long-held perception that Israel has eyes and ears everywhere in the small, densely populated territory it has controlled for decades.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was at war and would exact a heavy price from its enemies. His Security Cabinet officially declared the country at war in an announcement on Sunday, saying the decision formally authorizes “the taking of significant military steps.”
The implications of the announcement were not immediately clear. Israel has carried out major military campaigns over the past four decades in Lebanon and Gaza that it portrayed as wars, but without a formal declaration.
Yohanan Plesner, the head of the Israel Democracy Institute, a local think tank, said the decision is largely symbolic, but “demonstrates that the government thinks we are entering a more lengthy, intense and significant period of war.”
Israeli tank heads south near Sderot, Israel, Sunday, Oct.8, 2023. Hamas militants stormed over the border fence Saturday, killing hundreds of Israelis in surrounding communities. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
Speaking on ABC’s “This Week,” U.S. Secretary of State Andrew Blinken said as many as 1,000 Hamas fighters were involved in the assault — a high figure that underscored the extent of planning by the militant group ruling Gaza. The gunmen rampaged for hours, gunning down civilians in towns, along highways and at a techno music festival being held in the desert near Gaza.
Israel hit more than 800 targets in Gaza so far, its military said, including airstrikes that leveled much of the town of Beit Hanoun in the enclave’s northeast corner.
Warplanes fired tons of explosives on 120 targets, Israeli Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters, saying Hamas was using the town as a staging ground for attacks. There was no immediate word on casualties, and most of the community’s population of tens of thousands of people likely fled before the bombardment.
“We will continue to attack in this way, with this force, continuously, on all gathering (places) and routes” used by Hamas, Hagari said.
Civilians on both sides were already paying a high price.
Israeli police deploy near Ashkelon, Israel, on Sunday, Oct.8, 2023. Hamas militants stormed over the border fence Saturday, killing hundreds of Israelis in surrounding communities. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
A line of Israelis snaked outside a central Israel police station to supply DNA samples and other means that could help identify missing family members. Israeli TV news aired a stream of accounts from relatives of captive or missing Israelis who wept and begged for assistance and information.
In Gaza, the tiny enclave of 2.3 million people sealed off by an Israeli-Egyptian blockade for 16 years since the Hamas takeover, residents feared an intensified onslaught. Israeli strikes flattened a number of residential buildings. Some 74,000 displaced Gazans were staying in 64 shelters, with the number expected to increase. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNWRA, said a school sheltering more than 225 people took a direct hit. It did not say where the fire came from.
Several Israeli media outlets, citing rescue service officials, said at least 700 people have been killed in Israel, including 44 soldiers. The Gaza Health Ministry said 313 people, including 20 children, were killed in the territory. Some 2,000 people have been wounded on each side. An Israeli official said security forces have killed 400 militants and captured dozens more.
The exchange of fire with Hezbollah added to concern that the conflict could spread. Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets and shells Sunday at three Israeli positions in a disputed area along the border, and the Israeli military fired back using armed drones. Two children were lightly wounded by broken glass on the Lebanese side, according to the nearby Marjayoun Hospital.
The Israeli military said the situation since was calm after the exchange.
A Palestinian child walks with a bicycle by the rubble of a building after it was hit by an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
Iranian-backed Hezbollah is estimated to have tens of thousands of rockets at its disposal. Since its brutal 2006 war with Israel, Hezbollah has stayed on the sidelines amid previous outbreaks of Israeli-Hamas fighting. But if destruction in Gaza escalates, it may feel pressure to intervene.
The declaration of war announced by Israel’s Security Cabinet was largely symbolic, said Yohanan Plesner, the head of the Israel Democracy Institute, a local think tank. But it “demonstrates that the government thinks we are entering a more lengthy, intense and significant period of war.”
Israel has carried out major military campaigns over the past four decades in Lebanon and Gaza that it portrayed as wars, but without a formal declaration.
The Security Cabinet also approved “significant military steps.” The steps were not defined, but the declaration appears to give the military and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a wide mandate.
Speaking on national television Saturday, Netanyahu vowed that Hamas “will pay an unprecedented price.” He further warned: “This war will take time. It will be difficult.”
In a statement, his office said the aim will be the destruction of Hamas’ “military and governing capabilities” to an extent that prevents it from threatening Israelis “for many years.”
Israelis were still reeling from the breadth, ferocity and surprise of the Hamas assault. The group’s fighters broke through Israel’s security fence surrounding the Gaza Strip early Saturday. Using motorcycles and pickup trucks, even paragliders and speedboats on the coast, they moved into nearby Israeli communities — as many as 22 locations.
The high death toll and slow response to the onslaught pointed to a major intelligence failure and undermined the long-held perception that Israel has eyes and ears everywhere in the small, densely populated territory it has controlled for decades.
The Israeli military was evacuating at least five towns close to Gaza and them scouring them for militants.
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)
Much of the territory’s population was thrown into darkness Saturday night as Israel cut off electricity and said it would no longer supply power, fuel or other goods to the territory.
One woman sheltering at an UNWRA school in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood described a panicked flight from her home in the middle of the night. The Israeli military made announcements on loudspeakers telling people to leave.
“We didn’t know where to go,” she said. “It was a miracle we arrived at the schools because there was no transport.”
The presence of hostages in Gaza complicates Israel’s response. Hamas officials have said they will seek the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners, and Israel has a history of making heavily lopsided exchanges to bring captive Israelis home.
The military has confirmed that a “substantial” number of Israelis were abducted Saturday without giving an exact figure.
Palestinian militants attend the funeral of Ahmad Awawda, 19, who was killed in clashes with Israeli troops near the city of Nablus the previous day, in the the West Bank city of Jenin, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
Egypt also spoke with both sides about a potential cease-fire, but the official said Israel was not open to a truce “at this stage.”
In Iran, which has long supported Hamas and other militant groups, senior officials have openly praised the incursion. President Ebrahim Raisi spoke by phone with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Islamic Jihad leader Ziad al-Nakhalah, the state-run IRNA news agency reported Sunday.
The shadowy leader of Hamas’ military wing, Mohammed Deif, said the assault, named “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm,” was in response to the 16-year blockade of Gaza, the Israeli occupation and a series of recent incidents that have brought Israeli-Palestinian tensions to a fever pitch.
Tia Goldenberg reported from Tel Aviv. Wafaa Shurafa reported from Gaza City. Associated Press writers Isabel DeBre, Julia Frankel and Josef Federman in Jerusalem; Issam Adwan in Rafah, Gaza Strip; Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Samy Magdy in Cairo and Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran contributed to this report.
On October 8, police officers from Suthisan Police Station in Bangkok discovered the body of Mr Wichit (surname withheld), age 67, a former Thai Ambassador in Copenhagen, in the bathroom of a residence in Chomphon Subdistrict, Chatuchak District, Bangkok, with a cardboard box covering the body.
According to witnesses, the police acquired information that the property had recently been renovated and completed around a month ago, and the deceased moved in on September 9 and typically lived alone in the residence.
He had arranged an appointment for a home improvement technician to come to this residence on Sunday morning. The technician rang the bell, but no one answered. He noticed a terrible smell. Asking with nearby residents revealed that they, too, had detected a strong smell for a few days, so they contacted the authorities to investigate.
The body of a former Thai Ambassador in Copenhagen was covered in the bathroom of a residence in Chomphon Subdistrict, Chatuchak District, Bangkok.
During the initial examination of the body, the forensic investigators discovered three stab wounds in his chest. Two bloody knives were found in the residence, so they were examined as evidence. The police then contacted two juveniles, aged 17 and 14, as well as their mother, to provide information without being considered suspects.
Police believe the suspect was involved in the ransacking of items on the first and second floors with the intent to steal them. There were blood splatter marks from the front door all the way up to the second floor. It is thought that the dead attempted to flee the assailant into a bathroom before being slain, and that the body was hidden.
The former ambassador is thought to have opened the door to let the criminal in, and at least one individual is responsible for the crime. The probe is still ongoing.
A bouquet of flowers is offered in front of the Siam Paragon Mall in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)
One visible change in the aftermath of the Siam Paragon luxury shopping mall shooting by the 14-year-old gunman in Bangkok which led to two deaths and injured five, two serious, is the reintroduction of bag search for customers entering shopping malls and other semi-public venues. It is an inconvenience for sure, but will (like other things Thai) most likely be quietly phased out within months and life is then “back to normal” and it is “business as usual” (Thais just cannot let a lone gunman slow down their shopping experience).
FILE - An aerial view of the outskirts of Herat, Afghanistan, Monday, June 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd, File)
ISLAMABAD (AP) — The death toll from strong earthquakes that shook western Afghanistan has risen to over 2,000, a Taliban government spokesman said Sunday. It’s one of the deadliest earthquakes to strike the country in two decades.
A powerful magnitude-6.3 earthquake followed by strong aftershocks killed dozens of people in western Afghanistan on Saturday, the country’s national disaster authority said.
But Abdul Wahid Rayan, spokesman at the Ministry of Information and Culture, said the death toll from the earthquake in Herat is higher than originally reported. About six villages have been destroyed, and hundreds of civilians have been buried under the debris, he said while calling for urgent help.
The United Nations late Saturday gave a preliminary figure of 320 dead, but later said the figure was still being verified. Local authorities gave an estimate of 100 people killed and 500 injured, according to the same update from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The update said 465 houses had been reported destroyed and a further 135 were damaged.
“Partners and local authorities anticipate the number of casualties to increase as search and rescue efforts continue amid reports that some people may be trapped under collapsed buildings,” the U.N. said.
Disaster authority spokesperson Mohammad Abdullah Jan said four villages in the Zenda Jan district in Herat province bore the brunt of the quake and aftershocks.
The United States Geological Survey said the quake’s epicenter was about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Herat city. It was followed by three very strong aftershocks, measuring magnitude 6.3, 5.9 and 5.5, as well as lesser shocks.
At least five strong tremors struck the city around noon, Herat city resident Abdul Shakor Samadi said.
“All people are out of their homes,” Samadi said. “Houses, offices and shops are all empty and there are fears of more earthquakes. My family and I were inside our home, I felt the quake.” His family began shouting and ran outside, afraid to return indoors.
The World Health Organization in Afghanistan said it dispatched 12 ambulance cars to Zenda Jan to evacuate casualties to hospitals.
“As deaths & casualties from the earthquake continue to be reported, teams are in hospitals assisting treatment of wounded & assessing additional needs,” the U.N. agency said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “WHO-supported ambulances are transporting those affected, most of them women and children.”
Telephone connections went down in Herat, making it hard to get details from affected areas. Videos on social media showed hundreds of people in the streets outside their homes and offices in Herat city.
Herat province borders Iran. The quake also was felt in the nearby Afghan provinces of Farah and Badghis, according to local media reports.
Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban-appointed deputy prime minister for economic affairs, expressed his condolences to the dead and injured in Herat and Badghis.
The Taliban urged local organizations to reach earthquake-hit areas as soon as possible to help take the injured to hospital, provide shelter for the homeless, and deliver food to survivors. They said security agencies should use all their resources and facilities to rescue people trapped under debris.
“We ask our wealthy compatriots to give any possible cooperation and help to our afflicted brothers,” the Taliban said on X.
Japan’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Takashi Okada, expressed his condolences saying on the social media platform X, that he was “deeply grieved and saddened to learn the news of earthquake in Herat province.”
In June 2022, a powerful earthquake struck a rugged, mountainous region of eastern Afghanistan, flattening stone and mud-brick homes. The quake killed at least 1,000 people and injured about 1,500.
