A Pregnant Woman Is Investigated For Possible 11 Serial Murders

By

-

26 April 2023, 19:20

am1 — Police arrest 'Am Cyanide' on April 25, 2023.

The death of a 32-year-old healthy woman, who was reported to have suddenly fainted and later died, triggered an inquest as relatives did not believe it was a natural death. The investigation leads to the discovery of serial murders—at least 11 murders and one attempted murder.

Police issued a warrant for the arrest of ‘Am’ Sararat Rangsiwutthaporn, 36, the former wife of a deputy superintendent, who is currently four months pregnant, on April 25. She was suspected to have poisoned Siriporn Khanwong, Koi, with cyanide.

Siriporn, 32, a resident of Kanchanaburi, was found dead after she went to the Mae Klong River to release fish with the suspect in Ban Pong district, Ratchaburi province on April 14, 2023.

am3 — The mother of Ms. Siriporn showed her daughter’s picture on a TV programme.

Police are also investigating other cases where relatives have reported a death similar to Siriporn’s.

Tannicha Aksuwannawat, Am’s lawyer, said Am has denied any wrongdoing but admitted she was the last person seen with Siriporn.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, deputy national police chief, said it was a serial killing. Police are now focusing on gathering as much evidence as possible, as many relatives of the victims did not immediately report the death because they did not realise it was unnatural. In order to prosecute the criminal, the police will need forensic evidence.

Pol Maj Gen Surachate said that since 2020, there have been a total of 11 deaths in 6 provinces: Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Samut Sakorn and Udon Thani.

am2 — Ms.Am was in the same place with Ms.Siriporn and took the victim’s smart phone but told the sister of victim that she wasn’t there.

The main evidence leading to the arrest was the cyanide in Siriporn’s body, the video footage and the cyanide bottle in the suspect’s house in Ratchaburi Province.

On April 26, the investigating team found a medicine bottle with liquids inside it, a white bag with 3 packages inside it, and a lot of empty pill capsules in the medicine cabinet on the first floor of the suspect’s house in Nakhon Pathom Province.

There was also a survivor who ate food with Am and later vomited before fainting, but was not dead. The survivor became a key witness.

The police believe that the motive could be the desire for the property of the dead. However, it is clear that all the victims were close to the suspect, as they all live in the police flat and were police officers. So the suspect knew what each victim was doing and whether they were rich or not.

Cases related to cyanide with names, places and dates of victims:
1st, December 13, 2020, Name: Ms.Fah, 34, Location: a house in Nakhon Pathom
2nd, January 6, 2021, Name: Surat Thorntup, 35, Location: a house in Tha Maka district, Kanchanaburi
3rd, August 10, 2022, Name: Pol. Capt. (female) Kanda Torai, 36, Location: The Global department store in Nakhon Pathom
4th, August, 15, 2022, Name: Mrs.Chantarat Wongkraisin, Location: a house in Cha-am district, Petchaburi
5th, September, 12, 2022, Name: Ms.Kanida Tuladecharak, 44, Location: PTT gas station near Photharam roundabout, Ratchaburi
6th, March 12, 2023, Name: Mr.Suthisak Poonkwan, 35, Am’s husband, Location: a house in Udon Thani
7th, April 1, 2023, Name: Pol. Maj. Nipha Saenchan, Location: Phra Pathommachedi Stupa, Nakon Pathom
8th, April 14, 2023, Name: Ms.Siriporn Khanwing, 32, Location: Ban Pong district, Ratchaburi

Three more cases were found to be involved later:

9th, August 10, 2022, Name: Mrs. Rajarin, Location: Mahachai Market, Samut Sakhon
10th, September 10, 2022, Name: Mrs. Maneerat, Location: Muang District, Nakhon Pathom
11th, November 20,2022, Name: Ms. Phusadee or Teacher Aod, Location: a villa in Lam Bua Subdistrict, Don Tum District, Nakhon Pathom

am9 — The police officers brought ‘Am’ Sararat Rangsiwutthaporn, to the court.

On Wednesday afternoon, the police officers from the Crime Suppression Division took “Am,” an accused with an arrest warrant from the Criminal Court for premeditated murder, to the Ratchada Criminal Court to ask for prosecution and imprisonment. It was stated that the interrogation wasn’t done yet because the accused wouldn’t answer any questions or let them take a blood or DNA sample.

When the court approved the detention, Am was taken to the Central Women’s Correctional Institution. She has neither family nor a lawyer who can post bail for her.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Surachate revealed that Am’s sister has opened a pharmacy in the Photharam district of Ratchaburi province; this may allow Am to learn about chemicals from her sister.

Later, a doctor in Nakon Pathom who did an autopsy on Pol. Maj. Nipha Saenchan told the police that he found “cyanide” in the blood of the victim. So, the police could bring charges against Am in another case.

When Told of Kishida Attack, Safety Chief Kept Eating Eel

By

Associated Press

-

26 April 2023, 18:25

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s public safety chief has come under fire for his remark that he enjoyed eel rice so much that he kept eating after his agency informed him of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s narrow escape from a pipe bomb attack two weeks ago.

Koichi Tani, chair of the National Public Safety Commission for Kishida’s Cabinet, told a governing party gathering Tuesday that he had the local delicacy in front of him for lunch when the phone rang.

“I was told that we can eat delicious unagi (eel) rice bowl there, and I was really looking forward to it,” Tani told party lawmakers. “Just as I was going to dig into it, I got a call from the National Police Agency saying something was thrown at the prime minister in Wakayama,” Tani said.

“But I fully savored and finished … my unadon (eel rice bowl),” he said, beaming.

AP23105124238041 — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida waves as he visits a port in Wakayama, western Japan to cheer his ruling party’s candidate in a local election, Saturday, April 15, 2023. Japan’s NHK television reported Saturday that a loud explosion occurred at the western Japanese port during Kishida’s visit, but there were no injuries. (Kyodo News via AP)

Tani was in the Shimanto area in the southwestern prefecture of Kochi during the attack — about 250 kilometers (150 miles) southwest of Wakayama, where a man threw an explosive device at Kishida as the prime minister was about to make a campaign speech to cheer a local governing party candidate. Kishida was unharmed and the suspect arrested.

The attack on the prime minister came less than a year after former leader Shinzo Abe was killed while delivering a campaign speech. The assassination investigation found holes in police security and led to reinforcement of dignitary protection. Experts, however, said the attack on Kishida raised questions if any lessons were learned from the Abe case.

Tani’s eel comment immediately sparked criticisms and concern at Parliament and on social media about Japan’s public safety as the country makes its final preparations for the Group of Seven summit that Kishida will host May 19-21 in Hiroshima. During a parliamentary session, some opposition lawmakers demanded Tani’s dismissal.

“As head of the National Public Safety Commission, (Tani) lacks sense of urgency,” said Jun Azumi, an executive of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. “Isn’t this a negative for the prime minister to have such a person as chief executive responsible for Japan’s security?”

But Kishida said Tani handled his duties adequately and that he wanted the public safety chief to stay on.

AP23105131030757 — A man, on the ground, is caught after what appeared to be a smoke bomb was thrown at a port in Wakayama, western Japan Saturday, April 15, 2023.(Kyodo News via AP)

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno also defended Tani. He said the public safety chief, who was in Kochi as the disaster prevention minister, juggled both duties and gave adequate instructions to officials responding to the explosion in Wakayama.

“I also contacted Minister Tani and once again told him to carry out his duties firmly,” Matsuno said.

Tani later Wednesday told reporters he wanted to highlight eel as a local delicacy of the area he visited, but that he had “poorly expressed myself in my brief comment and might have caused misunderstanding — and I must take it seriously.”

“With the G-7 summit coming up, I’m aware of the importance of protecting Japan’s public safety, and I will carry out my duty with a sense of alertness,” Tani added.

Kishida told a group of foreign media journalists last week that he planned to improve security before G-7.

Tani is the latest member of Kishida’s government to come under fire over controversial remarks. In November, then-Justice Minister Yasuhiro Hanashi resigned after saying his low-profile job only makes news when he places a stamp approving a death penalty. In February, a Kishida aide was dismissed after making homophobic remarks that he didn’t want to live next door to or see LGBTQ+ people.
___

Zenbio’s recent launch marks B.Grimm Pharma’s entry into the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industry

By

Contributor

-

26 April 2023, 17:35

B.Grimm Pharma’s new business arm is equipped to meet the increasing demand for natural products in response to growing health trends.

B.Grimm has been a multi-business corporation serving the Thai people for over 145 years. Its operations span several sectors including energy, building systems, industrial systems, health, lifestyle, transportation, and real estate. In the latest development, B.Grimm Pharma, a subsidiary of B.Grimm, has introduced Zenbio to expand its presence in the integrated health industry encompassing pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements.

During a recent launch event, B.Grimm Pharma unveiled its debut probiotic product, named “Zenbio Pro BL8,” with the aim of aiding to supplement the health of Thai people. The event also included an informative discussion titled “Benefits of Probiotics: Gut Health and Beyond” for medical practitioners, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals, which was met with a positive and enthusiastic response.

According to Dr. Nara Decharin, the Executive Vice President of B.Grimm Pharma, the launch of Zenbio is aimed at entering the integrated health product industry, encompassing pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements. Zenbio professionally pays attention to product quality from the formulation till to end users .

“Our forte lies in leveraging our proficiency in dietary supplements with research-backed evidence of their effectiveness and safety from our global trade partners. We place the utmost importance on the careful selection of natural ingredients that have been scientifically proven to be effective, to formulate products that address the unique requirements of our customers and promote their optimum health. We remain committed to carrying out extensive research and development to introduce new and improved medicines, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare products to promote the overall well-being of individuals,” said Dr. Nara.

“Zenbio strives to emerge as a pioneering company in natural dietary supplements, supported by scientific evidence and endorsements from our commercial partners worldwide, validating their safety and effectiveness. The company operates with great care and precision at each stage of the process, beginning from the careful selection of raw materials, followed by production, storage, and transportation, and ultimately the delivery of the products to the end consumers. Each step of the process is certified by trusted and reputable organizations.”

The outbreak of COVID-19 and other illnesses in recent years has caused a significant shift in consumer behavior, with a growing emphasis on healthcare and wellness. This trend has contributed considerably to the exponential growth of the pharmaceutical and health products industry, particularly in Asia, which is a constantly evolving and expanding market.

B.Grimm Pharma is dedicated to promoting good health and making quality healthcare products accessible to all members of society. The company is a subsidiary of B.Grimm, and its origins can be traced back to the pharmacy business. B.Grimm Pharma began operating in Thailand during the reign of King Rama V and pioneered modern drugstores under the name “Siam Dispensary”.

B.Grimm has been operating in Thailand for over 145 years, guided by the philosophy of conducting business with generosity and promoting the harmonious coexistence of civilization and nature. The company is committed to benefiting both individuals and society.

Thai Navy Reveals 3 Factors for the Purchase of Chinese Submarines

By

Khaosod English

-

26 April 2023, 16:58

yuan submarine2 — People’s Liberation Army’s Navy (PLAN) Yuan-class submarine.

Chief of Navy Admiral Choengchai Chomchoengpaet informed reporters about the problem with the submarine’s engine after talking to the head of the Chinese Navy. He said the state-owned China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC) will have to replace the Thai submarine engines, German MTU 396 engines, with Chinese CHD 620 engines.

The Thai Navy insist on 3 important considerations: 1. The engine must be safe. 2. The Chinese Navy must certify this to the Royal Thai Navy. 3. There must be compensation for the proper replacement of the engine due to the delay in delivery. These are important factors to consider in order to move forward with the deal or to cancel the agreement.

“At this meeting, I spoke with the Chinese navy chief and the Chinese defence minister. Both of them understood the issue and ensured that the Chinese Navy will support the CSOC-built CHD 620 engine within the agreed timeframe last year,” Admiral Choengchai said.

thai navy scaled — Chief of Navy Admiral Choengchai Chomchoengpaet

He added that it would take about 40 months, nearly 3 years and 4 months, to build a submarine after getting the CHD 620 engine. The navy will put the second and third submarines on hold for now or transfer to the frigate warship. Admiral Choengchai said the final decision will depend on the new government as the new budget depends on the new government. He added that the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister will have to talk about the issue.

According to the Diplomat, Thailand agreed in 2017 to pay 13.5 billion baht ($395 million) for the procurement of an S26T Yuan-class submarine from CSOC, with delivery expected in 2023.

Read: Admiral Behind Submarine Deal Defends Need for ‘Dream Weapon’

But the construction on the submarine ground to a halt in 2022 when Germany’s Motor and Turbine Union company said that it would not supply its cutting-edge MTU396 diesel engines to CSOC for installation in the Thai submarine. The German company said it was barred from making the sale due to a European Union government embargo on the sale of military items to China, imposed in the aftermath of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacres.

In response, CSOS has offered to install a Chinese-made engine in the submarine or to offer Thailand two decommissioned boats from the People’s Liberation Army Navy.

The specific Chinese deal was criticized as a costly extravagance during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many Thais were struggling to get by. Indeed, the pandemic forced the government to postpone its planned purchase of two more Yuan-class subs, at a cost of 22.5 billion baht ($657 million)

On Tuesday, April 25, the Chinese-built HTMS Chang, the Navy’s new multi-purpose amphibious ship with landing platform (LPD-792) supporting submarine operations, arrived at Chuk Samet Port, Sattahip Naval Base, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province.

The Royal Thai Navy and China signed a contract to acquire a Type 071E (Yuzhao)-class landing platform dock (LPD) in Beijing on September 9, 2019. It reportedly took four years for building and is valued at THB 4 billion ($117 million). There are a total of 196 personnel on board. At present, Capt. Teerasarn Kongman is the ship’s commander.

Nine political parties will participate “The Last War” Election Forum

By

Khaosod English

-

26 April 2023, 15:23

Matichon Group X Daily News’ next election forum will be on Tuesday, May 2 at Siam Paragon’s Royal Paragon Hall. Billed as “The Last War”, nine political parties will participate in the three sessions running from noon to 5.15 p.m.

The first session entitled “Young Blood Compete for the Future” features the following speakers who will express their political vision: Sililpas Kongtrakarn of Move Forward Party, Radklao Suwannakiri of the United Thai Nation Party, Methi Arun of the Democrat Party, Sakaojai Poonsawad of Pheu Thai Party, Ittidej Supong of Bhumjai Thai Party, Panitarn Prachuabmor of Thai Sang Thai Party, Atchawit Cherngklinchan of Chart Thai Pattana Party, Vivian Chulamont of Chart Pattana Kla Party and Rapipat Sumerchotemetha of Phalang Pracharath Party.

Session two, entitled “general leading the charge” compose of key party members or figures explaining their key political, business and social policies and strategies particularly towers the last stretch before the general election.

Speakers are: Thanathorn Juangrungruangkit speaking on behalf of Future Forward Party, Kiat Sitti-amorn of the Democrat Party, Nuttawut Sai-gua of Pheu Thai, Puttipong Punnakarn of Bhumjai Thai, Sita Tiwari of Thai Sang Thai, Chartchai Payuhanavychai of Chart Thai Pattana, Attaint Suwannapakdi of Chart Pattana Kla and Chaiwut Tanakmanusorn of Phalang Pracharath Party.

The third and last session is entitled “Commander-in-chief, visions and pledges”. PM candidates or leaders from seven political parties will speak about what they will do if elected, time frame and how to strengthenThailand.

They are: Pita Limjaroenrat of Move Forward Party, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, leader of the United Thai Nation Party, Jurin Laksanawisit of the Democrat Party, Anutin Charnveerakul of Bhumjai Thai Party, Sudarat Keyuraphan of Thai Sang Thai Party Varawut Silpa-archa of Chart Thai Pattana Party and Suwat Liptapanlop, chairman of Chart Pattana Kla Party.

Those interested can register to participate on all media channels of Matichon Group and Daily News.
Viewers can follow the forum online at all these media outlet. They are: Matichon Online, Matichon TV, The Poltics, Khaosod, Khaosod English, Prachachat, Matichon Weekender, Daily News Online and Daily News YouTube.
Khaosod English’s Pravit Rojanaphruk will provide simultaneous interpretation for the last session Live on Khaosod English Facebook page.

Singapore Executes Man for Coordinating Cannabis Delivery

By

Associated Press

-

26 April 2023, 14:46

Malaysia Singapore Execution — Members of Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN) hold candle outside Singapore Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN) via AP)

HONG KONG (AP) — Singapore on Wednesday executed a man accused of coordinating a cannabis delivery, despite pleas for clemency from his family and protests from activists that he was convicted on weak evidence.

Tangaraju Suppiah, 46, was sentenced to death in 2018 for abetting the trafficking of 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of cannabis. Under Singapore laws, trafficking more than 500 grams of cannabis may result in the death penalty.

Tangaraju was hanged Wednesday morning and his family was given the death certificate, according to a tweet from activist Kirsten Han of the Transformative Justice Collective, which advocates for abolishing the death penalty in Singapore.

Although Tangaraju was not caught with the cannabis, prosecutors said phone numbers traced him as the person responsible for coordinating the delivery of the drugs. Tangaraju had maintained that he was not the one communicating with the others connected to the case.

At a United Nations Human Rights briefing Tuesday, spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani called on the Singapore government to adopt a “formal moratorium” on executions for drug-related offenses.

“Imposing the death penalty for drug offences is incompatible with international norms and standards,” said Shamdasani, who added that increasing evidence shows the death penalty is ineffective as a deterrent.

Singapore authorities say there is a deterrent effect, citing studies that traffickers carry amounts below the threshold that would bring a death penalty.

The island-state’s imposition of the death penalty for drugs is in contrast with its neighbors. In Thailand, cannabis has essentially been legalized, and Malaysia has ended the mandatory death penalty for serious crimes.

Singapore executed 11 people last year for drug offenses. One case that spurred international concern involved a Malaysian man whose lawyers said he was mentally disabled.

The Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network condemned Tangaraju’s execution as “reprehensible.”

AP23116192927108 — Singapore Prison Service main entrance is seen Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Lionel Ng)

“The continued use of the death penalty by the Singaporean government is an act of flagrant disregard for international human rights norms and casts aspersion on the legitimacy of Singapore’s criminal justice system,” the statement said.

Relatives and activists had sent letters to Singapore’s President Halimah Yacob to plead for clemency. In a video posted by the Transformative Justice Collective, Tangaraju’s niece and nephew appealed to the public to raise concerns to the government over Tangaraju’s impending execution.

An application filed by Tangaraju on Monday for a stay of execution was dismissed without a hearing Tuesday.

“Singapore claims it affords people on death row ‘due process’, but in reality fair trial violations in capital punishment cases are the norm: Defendants are being left without legal representation when faced with imminent execution, as lawyers who take such cases are intimidated and harassed,” said Maya Foa, director of non-profit human rights organization Reprieve.

Critics say Singapore’s death penalty has mostly snared low-level mules and done little to stop drug traffickers and organized syndicates. But Singapore’s government says that all those executed have been accorded full due process under the law and that the death penalty is necessary to protect its citizens.

British billionaire Richard Branson, who is outspoken against the death penalty, had also called for a halt of the execution in a blog post, saying that “Singapore may be about to kill an innocent man.”

Singapore authorities criticized Branson’s allegations, stating that he had shown disrespect for the Singaporean judicial system as evidence had shown that Tangaraju was guilty.

_____

ZEN SOO reported from Hong Kong

King Power Revamps Its E-commerce Platform, Kingpower.com

By

Khaosod English

-

26 April 2023, 00:14

King Power Revamps Its E-commerce Platform, Kingpower.com, Under the Concept of “SHOP ALL POSSIBILITIES IN ONE CLICK!” Launching “THE POSSIBILITIES MAKERS!” –JJ, Thanaerng, 4EVE and Jeff Satur to Encourage People to Never Stop Seeking Possibilities in Life

April 25, 2023 – Mr. Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, CEO of King Power Group, has taken a significant step forward in revamping the KINGPOWER.COM platform to cater to the needs of modern shoppers in Thailand and abroad.

This is aimed at enhancing the online shopping experience for products at King Power and FIRSTER under the concept extended from the main theme of “THE POWER OF POSSIBILITIES.”

The goal is to provide an extensive range of products, not just duty-free items but much more. It is also launching “THE POSSIBILITIES MAKERS,” represented by JJ, Thanaerng, 4EVE and Jeff Satur, as part of a new marketing campaign called “POSSIBLE” to expand the customer base beyond existing customers and reach a new generation of customers of all ages. The goal is to achieve a 20% increase in customer growth.

Mr. Aiyawatt reveals that “in the past 2-3 years, King Power has overcome the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a severe impact on society and the global economy, affecting businesses, entrepreneurs, and the public.

During this time, the group had to pivot and rise to the challenge of adapting business strategy to cope with the impact of the COVID-19, in a way that had never been done before.

This involved collaborating with partners and employees to launch several online-specific campaigns, such as “SHOP SAVE STAY SAFE”, which provided a means for both partners and consumers to sell and purchase various products and have them delivered straight to their doorstep, even when flights were unavailable; “KING POWER TEAM POWER,” which has transformed over 12,000 employees into professional online sellers; and the “THAILAND SMILES WITH YOU” campaign (#ยิ้มให้โลกให้โลกยิ้ม) to promote Thailand to the world.

In addition, the group has taken the opportunity to prepare for the return of tourism in various dimensions. This includes an investment in major renovation at King Power Duty Free Suvarnabhumi Airport under the concept of “World Junction”, aimed at creating a phenomenon of Duty Free World Class Shopping Destination to elevate the airport to be a world-class aviation hub that highlights the image of the complete flagship store of global brands.

The group also launched a new service at the airport called “KING POWER CLICK & COLLECT” through an online system, allowing for 24-hour online duty-free shopping that is easy to access and pick up both on arrival and departure.

Additionally, the group has expanded its business to embrace the trend of online shopping behaviour of the new generation by launching ‘FIRSTER,’ a multi-platform for beauty and lifestyle shopping in the form of O2O (Online to Offline) through both website and application.

Moreover, the group has opened a flagship store of “FIRSTER” at King Power Mahanakhon and Siam Square, covering an area of more than 2,800 square metre, and launched the trendy hotel, The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon, at King Power Mahanakhon, which is Asia’ s flagship of The Standard brand.

This hotel reflects all of The Standard’s distinctive features from design, fashion, art, music, to its renowned restaurants like OJO, MOTT32, and TEASE ROOM. Lastly, the group has fully launched King Power Mahanakhon as Central Bangkok’s landmark destination which fulfils the needs of Thai and international tourists by showcasing the identity of Bangkok, the vibrant capital city that blends all cultures and lifestyles together. All of these are just a part of a business plan aimed at stimulating the tourism atmosphere and driving the future of the Thai tourism industry.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic slowdown has resulted in a complete change in everything. The crisis has turned into an opportunity, allowing online businesses to reach consumers worldwide, especially the E-commerce market and consumer behaviour trends during the New Normal era. Therefore, it has become the driving force for the organisation to transform and adjust product and service offerings towards digital transformation, aligning with the new trends.

This has led to the concept of “THE POWER OF POSSIBILITIES”, where life does not stop searching for possibilities, leading the kingdom of King Power towards internationalisation through 8 business pillars, comprising Travel Retail, Retail, Dining, Hospitality, Consumer Products, Travel Experiences, Sports and CSR using the 4E strategy (4Es) – Enable, Encourage, Explore and Empower.

The goal is to provide excellent products and services, focus on creating added value for customers, and create new, seamless travel experiences for people around the world.

Currently, consumers demand more diverse and specific products. King Power has adjusted its online marketing strategy with the system “SHOP ALL POSSIBILITIES IN ONE CLICK!” by integrating the FIRSTER.COM application into KINGPOWER.COM to enhance competitiveness and deliver even better shopping experiences for all customers, whether they have a flight or not.

King Power has developed and expanded into Seamless Customer Journey that connects all shopping possibilities smoothly and quickly. In addition, King Power has added non-duty free products, such as travel-related items and household appliances, to FIRSTER.COM, which previously only had beauty and lifestyle products, bringing the total number of products on KINGPOWER.COM to over 250,000. These products can be accessed through the KINGPOWER.COM website and the KINGPOWER application.

Customers who purchase products through KINGPOWER.COM can choose from the following types of delivery services: 1. Airport Pick-up Service: Receive products at the airport, both on arrival and departure, from King Power Duty Free Online; and 2. Home and Hotel Delivery Service in Thailand by FIRSTER: Receive products at home or hotel in Thailand for international customers travelling to Thailand and general customers without flights. They can choose from a wide range of leading global brands of various types of products.

In addition, King Power launches “THE POSSIBILITIES MAKERS”–JJ, Thanaerng, 4 EVE and Jeff Satur, who are new generation ambassadors with exceptional qualities such as vibrancy, approachability and a passion for travelling.

They join forces to spread the diversity of lifestyle in living a life that never stops searching for possibilities in their own way, presented through the 8 core business pillars of King Power as mentioned above in an interactive marketing format covering 360 degrees across various media throughout the year, including digital campaigns, on-ground and online activities, to create a personalised customer experience and provide new travel experiences for consumers and travellers.

The goal is to expand the customer base to the new generation, especially Gen Y and Gen Z, who have buying power, in addition to the existing customer base, which is mostly Gen X and Baby Boomers. This is to create long-term loyalty and experiences with the brand.

On the occasion of the launch of the new KINGPOWER.COM, King Power will offer an exclusive deal in the Click and Collect campaign from April 25-30, 2023. Simply shop for a minimum of 6,000 Baht and receive up to 15% discount, with an additional instant discount of 500 Baht (maximum 1,500 Baht) for every 2,000 Baht spent (terms and conditions apply).

In addition, to celebrate FIRSTER’s anniversary, it is offering a variety of products with discounts of up to 30% during April 29-May 7, 2023 at King Power Mahanakhon at Siam Square Soi 7 branches.

Why Is Biden Announcing 2024 Bid Now, and What Will Change?

By

Associated Press

-

25 April 2023, 20:49

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has formally announced he’s seeking reelection. But he’s also still the president, with roughly 20 months left in his term regardless of whether he wins a second one on Election Day 2024.

With Tuesday’s campaign video release, Biden is following through on months of saying he intended to seek reelection. Top Democrats have remained solidly unified behind the president, despite his low approval ratings and many Americans saying they’d rather not see the 80-year-old Biden try for four more years in the White House.

But all that has meant Biden faced relatively little pressure to make his 2024 bid official. Here’s a look at why he announced now and how things will, and won’t, change for him going forward:

___

WHY NOW?

A formal reelection announcement means the president is now allowed to raise money directly for his campaign. It’s a change from his speeches at donor events benefiting the Democratic National Committee or other outside political groups that he has given since entering the White House.

Biden will spend campaign funds on salaries and logistics building out a 2024 staff and holding events outside his official presidential business. He plans to have dinner in Washington on Friday with leading Democratic donors and DNC leaders, paying special attention to those who write big checks to ensure his reelection campaign stays well funded.

Some party donors and organizers had begun grumbling about a lack of movement on the reelection front, and the announcement, followed by Friday’s gathering, will allow the president to reassure them.

AP23114728813339 — President Joe Biden speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, April 24, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Another reason why Biden waited until April was that it allowed him to avoid releasing publicly how much his reelection campaign raised during the year’s first quarter. That’s when donors typically slow down their contributions — and some top Democratic givers wanted a break after a busy election season during last fall’s midterms and before next year’s presidential race kicks into high gear.

President Barack Obama waited to announce his 2012 reelection bid until early April of the previous year. Tuesday also marks the fourth anniversary of Biden’s announcement of his 2020 presidential campaign.

President Donald Trump, meanwhile, first filed for reelection on Jan. 20, 2017, the day of his inauguration, and held his first campaign rally in February 2017. But his second White House campaign didn’t formally kick off until June 2019 with an Orlando, Florida, rally that fell roughly four years after he first entered the 2016 presidential race.

___

WHAT ABOUT HIS AGE?

Biden is the oldest president in U.S. history and would be 86 by the end of a second term. He has acknowledged that age is a “legitimate” concern but scoffed at questions about whether he will have the stamina for another campaign, much less four more years in the White House. “Watch me,” he has repeatedly declared.

Voters will now get the chance to do just that — but that is unlikely to make such questions go away.

Republicans have often highlighted Biden’s age, and even some Democrats have questioned whether the president is living up to promises he made during the 2020 campaign to be a “bridge” to a new generation of leadership.

One Republican running for president, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, has called for mental competency testing for candidates over 75 — a category that would include both Biden and Trump, who announced his own 2024 campaign in November. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre brushed aside such testing, noting that Biden helped lead Democrats to a surprisingly strong midterm showing.

“Maybe they’re forgetting the wins the president got over the past few years, but I’m happy to remind them anytime,” Jean-Pierre said in February.

AP23114729536403 — President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden walk from the Oval Office to attend a ceremony honoring the Council of Chief State School Officers’ 2023 Teachers of the Year in the Rose Garden of the White House, Monday, April 24, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

___

WILL SEEKING REELECTION CHANGE HOW BIDEN HANDLES BEING PRESIDENT?

There won’t be big changes, Biden aides insist, at least for now.

The president is still hosting South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at the White House for a state dinner on Wednesday and planning overseas travel later this summer. As he has done in recent months, Biden also will continue to hit the road domestically to highlight legislation his administration helped push through Congress.

Biden has already visited many parts of the country, highlighting how a bipartisan public works package will help repair roads, highways, bridges, ports and train tunnels and how increased federal spending approved as part of other legislation will bolster U.S. manufacturing, lower prescription drug prices and improve broadband internet access in rural areas.

Such events often blur the line between official business and promoting the president and his party politically, and the distinction will only get murkier going forward.

Since the weeks leading up to the midterms, Biden has frequently denounced “extreme” Republicans loyal to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement as posing a threat to America’s core democracy. It’s a message he will continue to champion as the 2024 race begins heating up.

___

WILL BIDEN HAVE TO COMPETE FOR THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION?

Probably not much.

Self-help author Marianne Williamson and anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are the only Democrats to challenge the president. Neither of them presents the type of primary opposition that wounded previous incumbents, such as Sen. Ted Kennedy’s campaign against President Jimmy Carter in 1980 or Pat Buchanan’s run against President George H.W. Bush in 1992.

The DNC is so fully committed to Biden this year that it is not planning to schedule primary debates, sparing the president from sharing a stage with Williamson, Kennedy or any other potential challenger.

Also benefiting Biden is the fact that South Carolina’s primary is set to replace Iowa’s caucuses in leading off the Democratic primary voting next year. Biden revived his 2020 campaign after losing the first three contests with a resounding South Carolina primary victory, and he personally directed that the state go first in 2024 — solidifying his popularity among Democrats there. That may counterbalance Democrats’ deep ambivalence to Biden elsewhere.

An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll last week found that only 26% of Americans — and only about half of Democrats — said they wanted to see Biden run again. But the poll found that 81% of Democrats said they would at least probably support the president in a general election.

___

WHO WILL BIDEN’S REPUBLICAN OPPONENT BE?

Trump is the 2024 Republican presidential field’s early leader, setting up a potential general election rematch with Biden.

Although Trump announced his bid back in November, the rest of the 2024 Republican primary field has been slow to form around him. The only other declared GOP candidates in the race include Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchison, businessman Perry Johnson, “Woke, Inc.” author Vivek Ramaswamy and radio host Larry Elder.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is widely expected to be a leading Trump alternative but is in no hurry to announce his campaign. Also expected to join the race but not officially in yet are former Vice President Mike Pence and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina.

Biden’s political team has for months been preparing to face Trump again. But even if an alternative like DeSantis wins the GOP nomination, Biden’s aides argue, many of the same criticisms about adherence to MAGA extremism apply since so many top Republicans agree with Trump on key policy and social issues.

___

WILL WEISSERT reported from Washington

Police Arrest Jiangxi Gang for Scamming “Fake Gold”

By

Khaosod English

-

25 April 2023, 18:30

The Metropolitan Police have arrested 6 suspects from the Jiangxi Dragon fraud network and seized nearly 200 bars of fake gold weighing a total of 30 kilogrammes. It is reported that the network has been selling fake gold to Thais of Chinese origin in the China Town area of Bangkok. The reported loss is more than 10 million baht.

The investigation revealed that the network planned its operation using the “name book of Thais of Chinese origin” and selected only the rich. Then they used the Indonesia-based call centre to reach the victims. The network put real gold in the fake gold pieces and cut them open to deceive the victims. It claimed that the gold came from a gold mine in Ayutthaya province.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Thitirat Sangsawang, Bangkok Police Commander, together with the arrest team, announced on April 25 that they had arrested Mr. Zhong Xiaocong, 44, Mr. Li Xiaoyuan, 45, Mr. Zeng NanJing, 54, Mr. Yang Cuiyuan, 51, Mr. Zhu Zhihua, 48, and Mr. Guo Xianyu. All suspects were arrested on April 23 at Hua Lamphong underground station in Rong Muang sub-district of Pathum Wan district in Bangkok.

The press conference also showed the disputed items: 179 bars of fake gold, 10 gold pieces in the shape of gods’ figures, 8 2×1-centimetre real gold leaves, 46 books with the names of Chinese people in Thailand, 24 bank cards, 12 mobile phones and 1 set of gold cutters. They were charged with “joint attempt to commit burglary by trickery and criminal association”

Pol. Maj. Gen. Theeradet Thammasutee, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police, said the Jiangxi Dragon deceived the victims with a well-planned operation. After police learned of the operation, the team arranged a meeting with the gang at Hua Lamphong station before arresting 2 people at the scene and 4 other suspects at a luxury hotel in the Ratchada area and finding the disputed property.

The 6 suspects confessed that they were all from Jiangxi, a southeast Chinese province. They bought fake gold from the province and sent it to Thailand. They love scams and were inspired by an internationally known series on scams. The case will be forwarded to the court for sentencing.

Ex-un Head Ban Ki-moon Calls for End to Myanmar Violence

By

Associated Press

-

25 April 2023, 14:12

Myanmar Ban Ki Moon — Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, right, head of the military council, talks with Ban Ki Moon, left, former U.N Secretary-General, during their meeting Monday, April 24, 2023, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (Military True News Information Team via AP)

BANGKOK (AP) — Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called Tuesday for an immediate end to violence in Myanmar after a surprise meeting with the military leaders of the troubled Southeast Asian nation.

Ban met Monday in the Myanmar capital Naypyitaw with the leader of the military government, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, and other top officials. His mission was made on behalf of a group of elder statesmen that engages in peacemaking and human rights initiatives around the world.

Ban is the deputy chair of the group, which calls itself The Elders.

A statement released Tuesday by the group said the trip’s purpose was “to find a path to an end to violence and establishing a peaceful, democratic, inclusive and legitimate government.” It quoted Ban as saying his meetings were “exploratory.”

AP23114537546718 — Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, right, head of the military council, presents a gift to Ban Ki Moon, left, former U.N Secretary-General, during their meeting Monday, April 24, 2023, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (Military True News Information Team via AP)

The statement said Ban, who flew to Bangkok from Naypyitaw Monday night, stressed in his talks the need to implement a peace plan by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations — ASEAN — and a United Nations resolution to stop the violence between the military and the pro-democracy resistance forces following the army’s 2021 ouster of the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

“ASEAN member states and the wider international community need to show unity and resolve in their commitment to peace and democracy in Myanmar, which is a source of serious international concern,” Ban was quoted saying. “With patient determination, I believe a way forward can be found out of the current crisis. The military must take the first steps.”

The statement also said Ban “supported the international community’s calls for the immediate release by the Myanmar military of all arbitrarily detained prisoners, for constructive dialogue, and for utmost restraint from all parties.”

AP23114537478437 — Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, center, head of the military council, poses for photo together with Ban Ki Moon, third from left, former U.N Secretary-General, during their meeting Monday, April 24, 2023, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (Military True News Information Team via AP)

The 77-year-old Suu Kyi was imprisoned for 33 years after the takeover on charges widely seen as being trumped up by the military to keep her from playing an active role in politics. Her trials were held behind closed doors, and the military has turned down requests from U.N. officials, foreign diplomats and other interested parties to see her.

Myanmar has been wracked by violent unrest since the army’s takeover, which prevented Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party from beginning a second term in office. The takeover was met with massive public opposition, which security forces quashed with deadly force, in turn triggering widespread armed resistance.

Myanmar’s military government has spurned most previous outside initiatives calling for negotiations as an infringement on Myanmar’s sovereignty, and generally describes most of the pro-democracy opposition as terrorists.

State television MRTV reported Monday night that Ban and Min Aung Hlaing exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar in a “friendly, positive and open discussion.” It did not report details of the meeting, which it said was also attended by the ministers of defense and foreign affairs.

____

GRANT PECK reported from Bangkok

Hot News

LATEST NEWS