Prosecutors Dismiss Alec Baldwin Charge, Citing New Evidence

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22 April 2023, 10:34

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Prosecutors on Friday formally dismissed an involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin in the fatal 2021 shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the Western film “Rust, ” citing new evidence and the need for more time to investigate.

In a stunning turnaround for the 65-year-old A-list actor, special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis filed the notice to dismiss the only remaining criminal allegation against Baldwin in state District Court in Santa Fe. Prosecutors say the investigation of the shooting that killed Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza is ongoing.

An involuntary manslaughter charge against Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the weapons supervisor on the film, is unchanged.

Friday’s court filing echoed early statements from prosecutors that new facts had been revealed that demand further investigation and forensic analysis.

AP23110713401394 — FILE – This aerial photo shows the movie set of “Rust” at Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

On Thursday, after Baldwin’s attorneys announced the decision, the special prosecutors said the “decision does not absolve Mr. Baldwin of criminal culpability and charges may be refiled.” They have declined further comment and only vaguely addressed the matter during a virtual status conference Friday in Gutierrez-Reed’s case.

Los Angeles-based entertainment litigator and defense attorney Kate Mangels, who is not involved in the “Rust” case, said opportunities for further charges against Baldwin are narrowing.

“If they don’t have the evidence now, I don’t see what evidence they could obtain or that could develop. …It looks like they already had 30 people on a witness list, a cooperative (codefendant) witness, investigations done by various law enforcement agencies. It seems like this has already been pretty well investigated. I can’t imagine what would arise to bring new charges.”

Authorities have not determined how live ammunition found its way into the .45-caliber revolver made by an Italian company that specializes in 19th century reproductions.

Baldwin has said the gun fired accidentally after he followed instructions to point it toward Hutchins, who was behind the camera. Baldwin said he pulled back the hammer — but not the trigger — and the gun fired.

An August FBI report on the agency’s analysis of the gun found that, as is common with firearms of that design, it could go off without pulling the trigger if force was applied to an uncocked hammer — such as by dropping the weapon.

The only way the testers could get it to fire was by striking the gun with a mallet while the hammer was down and resting on the cartridge, or by pulling the trigger while it was fully cocked. The gun eventually broke during the testing.

After reading the FBI report, retired Seattle police Detective Donald Ledbetter said it was unlikely the gun would have gone off without the trigger being pulled.

In March, “Rust” safety coordinator and assistant director David Halls pleaded no contest to a conviction for unsafe handling of a firearm and received a suspended sentence of six months of probation. He agreed to cooperate in the investigation of the fatal shooting.

A defense attorney for Halls said Friday that he is happy for Baldwin and also wishes the best for the Hutchins family.

“Mr. Halls never believed Mr. Baldwin should be charged with a crime. It was a tragic accident that is best resolved out of criminal court,” defense attorney Lisa Torraco said in an email.

AP23109730136515 — A musician plays a violin behind a photograph of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a vigil in her honor in Albuquerque, N.M., Oct. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton, File)

When the manslaughter charges were announced in January, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said the case was about equal justice under the law and accountability in Hutchins’ death, regardless of the fame or fortune of those involved. She said the Ukrainian-born cinematographer’s death was tragic — and preventable.

A new legal team took over prosecution of Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed in late March, after the original special prosecutor appointed in the case resigned.

When word of the dismissal came, Baldwin was at Yellowstone Film Ranch on the set of a rebooted “Rust” production, a representative for Rust Movie Productions said. Preparations for filming were underway at the film’s new location in Montana, 18 months after the shooting shut it down.

Gutierrez-Reed’s attorneys said they fully expect her to be exonerated in the judicial process. A preliminary hearing scheduled in May was pushed back to August on Friday after prosecutors said they need more time.

“The truth about what happened will come out and the questions that we have long sought answers for will be answered,” the lawyers, Jason Bowles and Todd Bullion, said in a statement.

Before Friday’s dismissal, the case against Baldwin had already been diminishing. In February, a weapons enhancement to the manslaughter charge was dropped, reducing the maximum prison sentence from five years to 18 months.

Baldwin’s 40-year career has included the early blockbuster “The Hunt for Red October” and a starring role in the sitcom “30 Rock,” as well as iconic appearances in Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed” and a film adaptation of David Mamet’s “Glengarry Glen Ross.” In recent years, he was known for his impression of former President Donald Trump on “Saturday Night Live.”

Baldwin has worked little as an actor since the shooting but hardly went into hiding. He stayed active on social media, making Instagram videos, posting podcast interviews and pictures of his wife and seven children. He and his wife posted pictures on their Instagram accounts Thursday embracing each other.

Plans to resume filming were outlined last year by the cinematographer’s widower, Matthew Hutchins, in a proposed settlement to a wrongful death lawsuit that would make him an executive producer. Souza has said he will return to directing “Rust” to honor the legacy of Halyna Hutchins.

Gloria Allred, attorney for other Hutchins relatives who filed their own lawsuit, and for “Rust” script supervisor Mamie Mitchell, who witnessed the shooting and filed the first suit over it, said Friday that her clients will press forward with their civil litigation against Baldwin, regardless of what happens with the criminal charges.

“Mr. Baldwin should know that we remain committed to fighting and winning for our clients and holding him accountable for pointing a loaded gun at Halyna Hutchins, pulling the trigger, and killing her,” Allred said in a statement.

Srettha Makes It Clear That Pheu Thai Will Not Join The Coup Parties

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Khaosod English

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22 April 2023, 03:40

Srettha Thavisin, prime minister candidate of the Pheu Thai Party, said on Friday night that the Pheu Thai Party will not join a coalition with either Phalang Pracharath or the United Thai Nation (Ruam Thai Sang Chat) Party, regardless of the election outcome.

“There was continual speculation and question whether Pheu Thai would join Palang Pracharat and Ruam Thai Sang Chat.” Do do want us to join them? We have stated repeatedly that Pheu Thai Party intends to become a one-party government. We are not interested in joining the Palang Pracharat Party or the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party.“

“Let you all be our witness that we have nothing to do with these two parties because these two parties were involved in the coup, eliminating the people of their sovereignty. The Pheu Thai Party is a large ship. Those two parties were small boats rowing adjacent to each other, so they shouldn’t have had to get close to us. They should be left alone.”

Srettha remarked on stage at Ban Wang Saphung School’s sports field in Wang Saphung District, Loei Province, on Friday, with 4,000 people attending the speech and overflowing outside the venue.

Previously, it was a speculation that The Pheu Thai Party may join coalition with the Palang Pracharat Party led by General Prawit Wongsuwan, who tried to promote a policy of reducing political conflict.

While Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, another Pheu Thai party’s prime minister candidate, has stated her opposition to the coup, she has avoided saying clearly because she wanted the people to decide first.

Thailand’s Durian Export to China Facilitated by China-Laos Railway

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Xinhua News Agency

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21 April 2023, 20:20

durian railway1 — A worker arranges durians at a durian processing factory in Chanthaburi province, Thailand, May 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

“Through the cold chain transportation on the China-Laos Railway, we hope that more Chinese consumers can enjoy the fresh and delicious Thai durians just like Thai people,” said Orathai Euatrakool, a 67-year-old former plant import and export expert for Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

LAEM CHABANG/KUNMING, (Xinhua) — A “fruit train” carrying 23 containers of durian and mangosteen arrived in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan province, on Wednesday, as Thai exporters increasingly turn to the China-Laos Railway for quick access to the Chinese market.

The train left Laem Chabang, Thailand’s major port, and was transshipped by the China-Laos Railway.

durian railway2 — A “fruit train” carrying mangoes and mangosteens is seen in Laem Chabang, eastern Thailand, April 16, 2023. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

Orathai Euatrakool, a 67-year-old former plant import and export expert for Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has observed the growth of durian exports in Thailand over the years.

“Previously, large numbers of durians were delivered to China mostly by road and sea, but these routes were highly unpredictable due to factors such as bad weather, sometimes taking more than 20 days to arrive,” Orathai told Xinhua as she saw off the departure of the train.

Currently, goods can reach Kunming in three days after being hauled by the China-Laos Railway from Thailand, where more mature durians will be exported. The more mature the durian, the better the taste.

“Through the cold chain transportation on the China-Laos Railway, we hope that more Chinese consumers can enjoy the fresh and delicious Thai durians just like Thai people,” said Orathai.

Natee Chuansanit, executive director of the Thailand Institute of Business Economics Research and Development, said, “China is currently Thailand’s most important durian export market.”

“We hope that more Chinese consumers will be able to sample better-tasting durians, thereby expanding the market for Thai durians,” she said.

According to data from the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, China was the largest export market for Thai durians in 2022, accounting for more than 96 percent of the total export volume, valued at 3.09 billion U.S. dollars.

Thailand Royal Farm Group Co., Ltd. has been operating a durian export business in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand’s famous durian-producing location, for more than 16 years.

durian railway3 — A worker shows the pulp of a durian in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

Weerisa Wanuruksakul, the company’s chief executive officer, said the ongoing increase of market demand in China has made the wholesale price of durian continue to rise, and the income from part-time packing jobs during the peak export season has become an important source of income for many locals.
The China-Laos Railway has opened up a new route for Thai durian exports and has alleviated prior issues of insufficient transportation capacity and the uncertainty of road and sea transport.

Kanokwan Suwankanit, director of freight service department of Thailand’s State Railway, said that the opening of the China-Laos Railway has promoted the development of Thailand’s railway freight, in which freight volumes have grown from 500-600 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) in 2019 to 2,000 TEUs in 2022, with further expansion expected to reach more than 3,000 TEUs in 2023.

After more than a year of trial operation, Thailand Speed Inter Transport Co. Ltd., which has been in the fruit export and transportation business for more than 20 years, decided to aggressively develop railway transportation.

“We purchased a number of freight cold chain containers equipped with GPS systems this year, which enabled remote real-time positioning and temperature monitoring, as well as timely delivery of logistics information to customers,” said Pan Jiaoling, chief operating officer of the company.

Fast and punctual railway transportation not only guarantees the quality of the durians but also reduces the company’s operating costs.

durian railway4 — Workers unload fruits transported from Thailand on the China-Laos Railway in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan province, April 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Qin Wenlu)

Fan Ligang, owner of Guangzhou Fanguoduo Trading Co. Ltd., who ordered the durians supplied via the China-Laos Railway, said his company plans to further expand the western markets of China, such as Chengdu and Guizhou.

Railway transport can also be consolidated in a flexible manner, making it suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both Thailand and China.

“The company’s e-commerce platform adopts a pre-sale system, and the number of orders changes frequently,” Chen Bin, sales director of Guangxi Xiannong International Trade Co. Ltd., said.

“By choosing railway transportation, we can deliver the goods in time according to the actual order,” Chen added.

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Police Expect Chinese Kidnapping For Ransom Cases To Continue

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Khaosod English

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21 April 2023, 20:02

chinese couple kidnap1 — Mr. Ah Ming and Ms. Xiao Lei, the Chinese couple, were arrested on suspicion of kidnapping for ransom.

Chinese kidnappings for ransom in Thailand are expected to continue. The police said they are just in the final stages of investigating these incidents. The root cause must be addressed.

Following a series of ongoing Chinese kidnap for ransom cases involving Chinese nationals in Thailand, including Bangkok, four cases in March and three more in April, Thailand has come under criticism for becoming a hotspot for Chinese kidnapping and ransom payments.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Thitirat Sangsawang, Bangkok police commander, said police are in the final stages of investigating these incidents. It is better for authorities issuing documents requiring inspection or visas, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to check Chinese travellers entering the country. This includes collecting taxes from Chinese nationals doing business in the country.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior should check whether Chinese nationals are in possession of a Thai ID card, as this could prevent illegal activities by Chinese nationals.

He added that after there were several cases of Chinese causing the incidents themselves, it has now come to the point where some Thais got involved. Pol. Lt. Gen. Thitirat said that further inspections of Chinese residences may be required, in coordination with police officers who check people entering the country, to ensure that they are in the country legally.

In addition, authorities will investigate any Chinese who have committed crimes in the past or are currently circumventing the law in the region to speed up the resolution of this issue.

In the latest case of the Chinese kidnapping, police arrested and remanded two Chinese couples, Mr Ah Ming and Ms Xiao Lei, and three other Chinese and Thai suspects, a total of five persons, on 19 April. Another Chinese person fled the country.

chinese couple kidnap22 — Mr Ah Ming was arrested.

All were suspected of being involved in the kidnapping of a Chinese guide for a ransom of 1.8 million baht. They claimed that the ransom was to be used for the bail of another Chinese friend who had previously been prosecuted in Thailand.

At the preliminary hearing, Mr Ah Ming claimed that he had previously given the victim 2 million baht to post bail for a Chinese friend. However, after some time had passed, nothing happened and when he asked for the money back, it was not returned.

Therefore, Ah Ming contacted the group of suspects, both Thai and Chinese, and they met at a café in the Taopoon area to discuss the matter. Then they kidnapped the victim and held him captive in a hotel in the Sathorn area.

The victim, who was a tour guide, had taken Chinese tourists to Thailand several times in the past and expected to be familiar with many other businesses. The money transferred to the group of suspects amounted to over 960,000 baht. The police investigated and confiscated 440,000 baht of the money.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Thitirat revealed the findings of the investigation that this case proceeded in a series of steps, starting with making arrangements, booking cars and accommodation, using a shuttle service as a middleman and even handing over the belongings to a third party who used a public taxi.

chinese couple kidnap4 — The investigation team interrogates suspects.

There were also preparations to separate the passengers and distribute them among the cars, which drove one after the other in a procession. This was considered a professional operation.

The police believe that there are still people planning similar incidents and hiding, waiting for the right time. This behaviour is similar to that of the “Piggy Gang” who kidnapped and extorted victims over 20 years ago and when they are not satisfied, they may resort to murder.

He said if the public has any information, please report it to 191 and the authorities will share confidential information with the police for further investigation.

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Three Months of Delicious Dining Deals With Marriott Bonvoy in Thailand

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Contributor

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21 April 2023, 17:46

Nationwide culinary promotion runs throughout April, May and June 2023, offering two tiers of culinary offers at 46 hotels and resorts across the country

3 April 2023, Bangkok, Thailand – Marriott Bonvoy is celebrating the timeless pleasures of good company and great gastronomy in Thailand with the launch of “Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy,” a nationwide food festival that promises a series of rewarding dining discounts for Marriott Bonvoy members at 46 hotels and resorts all across the kingdom.

Running from 1st April to 30th June 2023, this three-month epicurean extravaganza will showcase the finest cuisine from Marriott’s hotel restaurants. Diners can take advantage of two appetizing promotional tiers: Tier 1, which offers diverse culinary experiences for just THB 950, and Tier 2, which features memorable meals and set menus for THB 1,450.

These promotions are available exclusively for Marriott Bonvoy members at many of Marriott’s hotel restaurants and bars in Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. Under the “Dine & Earn” offer, members can also benefit from 10 Marriott Bonvoy points per USD1 spent at participating restaurants and bars. Points can also be redeemed for dining experiences in Thailand.

Not a Marriott Bonvoy member yet? CLICK HERE to join today for free!

In Koh Samui, a Tier 1 promotion is available at Blue Monkey, Sheraton Samui Resort & Spa, which offering an “all you can eat” Mexican feast for just THB 950, while at Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort, Favola is inviting friends to share a cheese and charcuterie board for the Tier 1 price of THB 950. At Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, Big Fish & Bar is offering the “catch of the day” overlooking the beach for the tempting Tier 1 price.

Alternatively, Tier 2 deals can be discovered at Le Méridien Chiang Mai, where guests can savor an exclusive Italian set menu at Favola; at Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas, which is offering a spectacular seafood tower with bubbles at Luna La Pran Beach Restaurant; or at The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, where My Grill is serving a succulent Argentinian spiced ribeye steak – all for only THB 1,450.

In Bangkok meanwhile, 22 hotels are participating in “Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy,” including Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, where afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge is available for THB 950, Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa, which is offering “Golden Hour” at Latitude 1339 Bar for the Tier 1 price, and The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, where The Allium Bangkok has crafted a three-course French menu for THB 950.

For the Tier 2 price of THB 1,450, diners can savor the international seafood buffet with a beverage package at MoMo Café, Sathorn Vista, Bangkok – Marriott Executive Apartments; an afternoon tea ritual with a glass of bubbly at The St. Regis Bangkok’s Drawing Room, or Tipsy Cow’s signature BBQ smoked pork ribs with a bottle of wine at W Bangkok.

This is just a selection of the exclusive culinary promotions and perks available with Marriott Bonvoy in the “Land of Smiles” throughout April, May and June 2023. With plenty of affordable options for local residents, dining out in Thailand has never been more rewarding!

For more information about Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy and to book your table in Thailand, please visit http://restaurants.marriottbonvoy.com/th.

From Boston to Berlin: Westin Hotels & Resorts Teams Up With Abbott World Marathon Majors

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Contributor

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21 April 2023, 17:37

Reinforcing its commitment to wellness, Westin is helping runners take on the world’s most renowned marathons with its refueled Gear Lending program and new, tailored experiences taking place during marathon weekends

BETHESDA, MD – April 2023 – Underscoring the brand’s newly reimagined and beloved WestinWORKOUT® Gear Lending program, Westin Hotels & Resorts – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands – is teaming up with Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM), the series of six of the most renowned marathons in the world, for a first-ever, multi-year hospitality partnership to champion race travelers – and their supporters – during AbbottWMM major weekends.

The collaboration – activating at select Westin properties in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Tokyo – will offer new, tailored experiences to help marathoners of all levels get to the starting line and cross the finish line, as well as offer exclusive perks to celebrate the achievements of Six Star Finishers.

“For decades, travel has been a fundamental part of running, with runners selecting destinations and planning travel around coveted milestone races. Westin – a brand that has always been rooted in enhancing guests’ well-being and enabling them to stay active while traveling – is supporting race travelers with new energy at the Abbott World Marathon Majors,” said Catherine Flint, Senior Director, Global Brand Management, Westin Hotels & Resorts, and a new Six Star Finisher, having recently completed the Tokyo Marathon in March. “Our dedicated community of race travelers, and their supporters, can count on Westin for the latest in training and recovery programs, including our reinvigorated WestinWORKOUT® Gear Lending program, in order to help them move and feel their best during these monumental race weekends.”

Marathon Weekend Activations Optimize Race Travelers’ Westin Stays, Whether They’re Prepping for a Race or Cheering From the Sidelines

From Westin hotel guests to local runners and their support teams, the brand is gearing up for complimentary wellness experiences during AbbottWMM weekends. Situated within Westin properties, the Westin Marathon Zone serves as the heart of the marathon weekend happenings, offering the following:

Recovery Concierges, who will provide best-in-class recovery tips using the new signature Gear Lending kits that are available for guests to borrow at Westin properties around the world. These innovative kits feature the latest high-tech recovery and total body strength training equipment from Hyperice and Bala, which are beneficial for recovering from a run, winding down from a day of sightseeing, or looking to improve circulation after a long-haul flight.
To help runners warm up pre-race and wind down post-race, Westin will offer dedicated training and recovery sessions led by Hyperice and Bala instructors.
Throughout the weekends, the Westin Marathon Zone will offer lite bites and beverages inspired by the brand’s Eat Well Menu program that focuses on nutritious and well-balanced options for guests to stay on track while on the road. On marathon days, Eat Well Snack Packs will be available for supporters as well as convenient grab-n-go items for runners. Celebratory bites and beverages will be available post-race.
For supporters, a poster-designing station will be available to create celebratory signage for their loved one as well as branded pom poms and cowbells to cheer them on.
Curated itineraries, featuring the latest and greatest in each city, will be available to make the most of the destination on marathon weekends.

“We know that running a marathon is challenging, and participating in a marathon while traveling miles away from your routine requires extra levels of support,” said Dawna Stone, Chief Executive Officer, Abbott World Marathon Majors. “We are thrilled to be joining forces with Westin Hotels & Resorts to enhance the experience of runners competing in the Abbott World Marathon Majors, as well as all race travelers during their training, recovery, and all the moments in between as they pursue their greatest potential.”

Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Finishers Staying at Westin Celebrated With Exclusive Perks

Together, Westin and AbbottWMM will honor the incredible accomplishments of Six Star Finishers – runners who have completed all six Majors in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. To-date, only 11,150 Six Star Finishers across 119 nationalities are a part of this esteemed and coveted circle. Exclusive perks include:

On the day before the big race, Westin will host guided pre-race shakeout runs for Six Star Hopefuls to run through the destination together.
Following the race, Six Star Finishers are invited to enjoy celebratory beverages and Eat Well bites at the Westin Marathon Zone.
Runners who show their Six Star Finisher bib while staying at Westin during race weekend will be gifted with a complimentary Hyperice Hypersphere Mini and Bala resistance bands (*available on a first-come, first-serve basis) – two products featured in the brand’s Gear Lending program.

During the Boston Marathon weekend, runners can hear from running and recovery experts at the Boston Expo during a panel session hosted by Westin and AbbottWMM to learn more about the importance of recovery, especially when traveling.

The Westin experience comes to life through the brand’s Six Pillars of Well-Being – Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well – allowing guests to personalize their stay and engage in programming that best meets their needs. In addition to the collaboration with AbbottWMM, offerings under the Move Well pillar include the signature WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studios and the recently refueled Gear Lending program, and the on-property Run Concierges around the world who host group runs and encourage athletes of all levels to grab a RunWESTIN™ map and explore the destination.

To learn more about well-being at Westin and book your marathon stay experience at participating hotels, please visit www.westin.marriott.com and join the conversation @westin and #runwestin. Visit www.worldmarathonmajors.com to learn more about the AbbottWMM and start your journey to becoming a Six Star Finisher.

As Tourists Grow, Koh Kradan, the World’s Best Beach Needs Plan

By

Khaosod English

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21 April 2023, 16:45

Koh Kradan needs a plan for management to ensure sustainable tourism and not destroy the environment after it becomes famous as the winner of the world’s 100 best beaches in 2023.

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, said he was in discussion with the Governor of Trang and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to prepare for the increasing demand from travelers as the UK-based website World Beach Guide, which annually names the world’s 100 best beaches, declared Koh Kradan, Trang, this year’s winner.

After the announcement, the number of tourists increased from an average of 300 to 2,000 people per day. There are 7 accommodation options on the island with 168 rooms: Sevenseas Resort, Mali Resort, Reef Resort, Koh Kradan Beach Resort, Ao-nieng Beach Resort, Kalume Kradan Village and Paradise Lodge Resort.

It is reported that all rooms were fully booked during the Songkran Festival. Occupancy also extended to nearby islands such as Koh Mook and Koh Libong, which are about 40 minutes away.

“The Ministry of Tourism needs to talk to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to prepare Koh Kradan as sustainable tourism and not destroy the environment. After the island becomes popular, tourists will come, so the tourism department must be prepared not to allow too many tourists, which could lead to a decline. About 60 per cent of tourists are foreigners, mainly from Scandinavian countries, and stay about 3 – 5 nights, the rest are Thais.” said Phiphat.

Trang Governor Khajornsak Charoensopha said the 60 per cent increase in the number of tourists during the Songkran festival brought in more than 200 million baht in tourism revenue.

Prit Narasritkul, head of Hat Chao Mai National Park in Trang province, said Koh Kradan has such fine white sand. The island is also rich in coral and fish. It is a very beautiful island. During Songkran, officials ask tourists and tour guides to take back litter to reduce waste on the island and in the sea, which could be dangerous to marine life.

Apart from Koh Kradang in Trang province, which was named the best beach in the world, there are a total of 5 islands in Thailand that are on the list of the 100 best beaches: Koh Kradan from Trang as number one, Railay Beach in Krabi as number 9, Freedom Beach in Phuket as number 18, Lam Haed Beach in Phang-nga as number 21 and Ao Tanote Beach in Surat Thani as number 44.

CAMPARI GROUP OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED CAMPARI ACADEMY ASIA IN BANGKOK

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Contributor

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21 April 2023, 16:26

CAMPARI GROUP OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED CAMPARI ACADEMY ASIA IN BANGKOK WITH SPECIAL SESSION WITH “MONICA BERG” Campari Academy brings a bartender-led program of curated content to educate, connect and inspire to the thriving bar industry in Bangkok

CAMPARI GROUP officially launched CAMPARI ACADEMY, the global educational platform for the international bartending community, to provide insight and knowledge on all aspects of the industry, from skills and techniques to wider issues and topics for debate with Monica Berg, Creative Director at Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon.

From Left:

Calra Porter

Symphony Loo, On Premise Channel Manager SEA

Monica Barg, Creative Director

Simone Massaro, Global Trade Advocacy Director

Giulia Vedelago, Global Campari Academy Manager
Arno Schonfelder, ALCHEMY THAILAND, General Manager

Campari Group, the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry, announces the expansion of the Campari Academy, which is now launching as a global activation with drinks industry icon Monica Berg at its helm as Creative Director. A first of its kind educational platform for the international bartending community, which provides a unique blend of a globally accessible digital space with an established and successful network of physical hubs for the industry to come together, it takes inspiration from outside of the drinks industry to educate, connect and inspire bartenders at all levels of their career on a global scale in a way that’s never been seen before.

Campari Academy will now be a global digital platform complemented by an on the ground local Campari Academy network in key markets around the world, with local teams already in Italy, the US, Spain, Brazil, Austria, Jamaica, China and Australia, with more to follow. The global platform will be a space for the international bartending community to connect and discuss news and trends, share ideas and goals, and grow their own professional network. This in turn will be supported by the local Campari Academy network that will coordinate on the ground activations and networking opportunities for communities in their region.

In Thailand, Campari Academy Asia was officially launched at Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon, where 230 seats were filled in less than 48 hours after public announcement. Monica Berge, the program’s creative director, too centre stage and gave participants, opportunities to delve deep into the world of mixology through an introductory overview of the academy, followed by an in-dept session on raw materials and flavours.

Creative Director Monica Berg says “Being part of the Campari Academy as Creative Director is hugely important to me. The industry needs educational platforms which can impart knowledge, inspire creativity and prompt discussions which the bartending community can really engage with. By working directly with bartenders as well as leading voices from varied disciplines, we can provide the community with a network and platform which currently doesn’t exist. “At this point in my career, I’m lucky to be someone that opens the door for the new generations, because I have more experience that many of them from my 20-plus years of working as a bartender,” says Berg, Norwegian-born, London-based bar owner and digital innovator. “I know very well that we are you are young, passionate and have many new ideas, unfortunately what you sometimes miss is the power to enforce and execute those ideas. But then, when you have more years of experience, you may be lacking that youthful energy but you probably have a wider reach. You can bring the best of two worlds by blending the two together.”

At the launch event, Berg also introduced a flagship element of the Campari Academy, the docuseries “Perspectives”, that gave insight into poignant topics relating to the drinks industry and hospitality, and how they’re interpreted around the world. Two of Bangkok’s most prolific bartenders, Noppasate “Depp” Hirunwathit and Tamaryn “Makham” Cooper, then graced the bar at the Aperitivo bar, where selected cocktails from the sessions were created and served to participants.

Under the supervision of Monica Berg, a team of drinks industry experts will continue to be instrumental in shaping the Campari Academy program, applying their insights, experience, and knowledge to ensure it resonates with the bartending community. Alongside these experts, Campari Academy will work with a global network of leading voices from a range of disciplines and backgrounds that complement the spirits industry to create engaging and inspiring content which sets the academy apart from any other educational platform. It aims to engage and inspire bartenders in any bar, restaurant or hotel, in any market around the world, at any level – from junior team members just starting out in the industry to those at the peak of their career.

About Campari Group:

Campari Group is a major player in the global spirits industry, with a portfolio of over 50 premium and super premium brands, spreading across Global, Regional and Local priorities.

Global Priorities, the Group’s key focus, include Aperol, Appleton Estate, Campari, SKYY, Wild Turkey e Grand Marnier.

The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. It has a global distribution reach, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas.

The Group’s growth strategy aims to combine organic growth through strong brand building and external growth via selective acquisitions of brands and businesses.

Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari Group owns 22 plants worldwide and has its own distribution network in 22 countries. The Group employs approximately 4,000 people.

The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano N.V. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), have been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001.

About Campari Academy:

Campari Academy is a first of its kind educational platform which blends a globally accessible online digital space with on the ground hubs from the physical local Campari Academy network in key markets around the world. Launched in 2010 with Campari Academy Italia, it was followed by local Campari Academies in the US, Spain, Brazil, Austria, Jamaica, China and Australia.

In May 2022 Campari Group expanded the Campari Academy by launching a global educational platform for the international bartending community, to provide insight and knowledge on all aspects of the industry, from skills and techniques to wider issues and topics for debate. With Monica Berg serving as Creative Director, Campari Academy has a unique and unrivalled connection to the drinks industry, providing an educational platform like no other.

The global platform will be a space for the international bartending community to connect and discuss news and trends, share ideas and goals, and grow their own professional network. This in turn will be supported by the local Campari Academy network that will coordinate on the ground activations and networking opportunities for communities in their region. Throughout 2022, Campari Group will expand the local Campari Academy network with launches in additional markets and with further expansion plans in the years to follow.

About Monica Berg:

Monica Berg is a London based multi – award winning bartender and entrepreneur. Her work includes Muyu liqueurs and critically acclaimed London bar(s) Tayēr + Elementary with partner Alex Kratena – recently named as the second-best bar in the world at The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021.

She continues to be recognized for her distinctive and adventurous drinks style, voted as the most influential international bartender in Drinks International’s Bar World 100 2021, and in 2019 won both the prestigious “International Bartender of The Year” at Spirited Awards, Tales of The Cocktail, and “Bartender’s Bartender” by The Worlds 50 Best Bars.

She is the co-founder of P(OUR), an industry non- profit and charity, which works to expand drinks knowledge across the bar community and supports communities producing regional ingredients for the drinks and food industry. She also launched BackOfHouse.Info, a free online resource for small businesses to get anonymous feedback from their teams, and where employees can flag harmful behaviour, discrimination and harassment.

In 2020 Monica Berg and Alex Kratena won the Bar Innovators of The Year Award by Class Magazine and during Covid19 crisis launched Tayēr RTD; a collection of ready to drink bottled cocktails, which bring together the best of classics and contemporary flavours.

Her latest project is working with Campari Academy as its Creative Director as it launches its global educational platform for the international bartending community.

CP Foods Marks Earth Day with Environmental Initiatives and a Commitment to Sustainable Practices

By

Contributor

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21 April 2023, 15:37

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is committed to environmental stewardship and recognizes the significance of protecting natural resources. The company focuses on enhancing production efficiency through innovative technology to minimize resource consumption, safeguard and restore biodiversity, and conserve watersheds and mangrove forests. CP Foods also aims to reduce plastic waste and marine pollution.

Each year, on April 22, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) designates Earth Day to raise awareness about environmental issues. This year’s theme, “Invest in our planet,” emphasizes everyone’s responsibility to contribute to the planet’s well-being.

Kobboon Srichai, Head of Corporate Affairs & Investor Relations at CP Foods, highlighted that climate change poses a significant risk to the world and businesses. Consequently, CP Foods embraces the 3Rs principle—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—in water management and is actively involved in both short and long-term climate change initiatives to transition to a low-carbon operation. For instance, the company has eliminated coal-fired power in Thailand and Vietnam, replacing it with renewable energy sources to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

CP Foods has implemented a zero-deforestation policy, aiming for 100% traceability in the procurement of key agricultural raw materials, such as corn, fishmeal, palm oil, soybean meal, and cassava, to ensure they do not originate from deforested areas. By 2022, 100% of corn was purchased through the corn traceability system that can be traced from areas with title deeds and without invasion in forests.

Furthermore, CP Foods collaborates with government agencies, including the Forest Department and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, to implement conservation and restoration projects for watersheds and mangrove forests. The company encourages employee participation in tree-planting initiatives to increase green spaces in both domestic and international workplaces.

Mrs. Kobboon also noted that CP Foods prioritizes pilot projects that convert waste into renewable energy. Currently, all 98 pig farms and seven laying complexes utilize methane and carbon dioxide from biogas systems to generate electricity, which is then used in pig and chicken farms. This has replaced 69 million units of electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 490,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually. The company plans to expand this practice to its overseas operations.

To protect marine ecosystems, CP Foods collaborates with domestic and international alliances on the Restore the Ocean project, which addresses plastic waste and marine pollution. A total of 15,973 kilograms of marine debris have been collected, including 12,823 kilograms from beach garbage trap activities and 3,150 kilograms from marine debris trap activities.

“On Earth Day, we are reminded of our collective duty and responsibility to care for and protect our planet,” said Mrs. Kobboon. “It is essential for everyone to work together to address environmental challenges.”

K-pop Star Moon Bin Found Dead At Home

By

Associated Press

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21 April 2023, 01:40

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Moon Bin, a singer from South Korean boyband Astro, was found dead at his home in Seoul, his management agency said Thursday.

The 25-year-old was reportedly found by his manager who went to the singer’s home Wednesday evening because he wasn’t responding to contacts. Police are investigating his death but have so far found no signs of foul play, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency. Officials at Seoul’s Gangnam district police station did not respond to calls for comment.

Moon Bin’s management agency, Fantagio, confirmed his death in a statement, saying that he “suddenly left us and became a star in the sky” and that fellow artists and company staff were mourning him with “very deep sadness and shock.”

Fantagio said Moon Bin’s funeral will be held “as quietly as possible,” with the attendance mostly limited to family, close friends and colleagues, based on the wishes of his relatives.

Moon Bin began his music career in 2016 as a member of the six-member boyband Astro, which debuted shortly after the singers appeared in a TV reality show. The group quickly found success in South Korea and Japan and was listed on Billboard’s top 10 list of new K-pop groups that year, with the magazine praising them for their “bright, synthpop sound that won over K-pop lovers from around the world.”

AP23110237405209 — Moon Bin, a member of K-Pop group ASTRO poses at a drama presentation in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 18, 2015. (Park Young-tai/Newsis via AP)

According to Billboard, Astro had seven albums on the magazine’s World Albums Chart with Moon Bin as a member, peaking at No. 5 in 2017 with “Dream Part.02.”

Fans flooded Moon Bin’s social media accounts with comments expressing grief and shock over his death, which came months after he renewed his contract with Fantagio along with four other Astro members.

“It’s hard to believe,” radio host Jang Seong-kyu wrote on Instagram. “We only met several times over broadcasts, but whenever we met, Moon Bin was always bright and expressed immense love for his family. I can’t imagine the pain he was going through.” Moon Bin had also performed as a member of the duo Moonbin & Sanha with Astro bandmate Yoon San-ha. Indonesian event promoter Lumina Entertainment on Wednesday announced the cancellation of the duo’s performance in Jakarta due to “unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.”

Helix Publicity, a U.S.-based public relations agency that has represented Moonbin & Sanha, issued a statement on Twitter that it was “absolutely heartbroken.”

“Sending our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences to Moon Bin’s family, friends, loved ones, and to AROHA who always cheered for him and supported him,” it said, referring to the name that Astro’s fans call themselves.

Moon Bin entered the entertainment industry as a child actor and landed a role in the 2009 TV series “Boys Over Flowers,” which was hugely popular in Asia. His sister, Moon Sua, is also a K-pop artist, a member of the girl band Billlie.

Several South Korean singers and actors have died by suicide in recent years, which has touched off soul-searching about harsh competition in the fast-growing entertainment industry, an abusive online culture and failure by management to address the mental health problems of their stars.

Last week, 26-year-old actress Jung Chae-yull was found dead at her home. Her agency did not say what caused her sudden death.

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KIM TONG-HYUNG reported from Seoul

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