Russians Outrank Chinese Investors in Phuket Real Estate

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28 March 2023, 18:38

knight frank - phuket2023 — photo knight frank

The real estate agency highlights the sale of villas and condominiums in Phuket as demand from Russian and Chinese clients is very high. Russians have eclipsed Chinese investors as the most active real estate investors in Phuket.

Knight Frank (Thailand) shows that Thailand’s property market continued to grow between the last quarter of last year and the first quarter of this year.

Frank Khan, Executive Director and Head of Resident at Knight Frank Thailand, said the Thai real estate industry is seeing a positive sign in 2023 from several new projects waiting to take off due to customer confidence, the upcoming elections and the opening of the border in China. These factors drive the industry.

The branded residence sector in the condominium market continued to see growth as customers have high purchasing power, such as in Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong. The aim is to invest for the long term and live with 5 to 6-star service. The price will continue to increase.

Phuket to bounce back within 1-2 years

Phuket’s real estate benefits from the tourism industry. Most condominiums for sale in the region are located on Bang Tao Beach, 45 per cent, followed by Layan Beach 31 per cent.

Towards the end of last year, a total of 18,613 condominiums were sold in Phuket out of the total 24,211 units on offer, representing 76.9 per cent, a slight decrease from 2021. There are 5,598 units remaining to be sold. Knight Frank estimates that the market will take 1-2 years to reach the pre-COVID level.

The villa sector is doing well as demand from foreigners for rental and buy-to-let properties is increasing as many people want to have a second home in Phuket and some clients prefer to rent a villa rather than a condominium. This brings a return of -10 per cent per year.

phuket unspash 2023 — Photo by Bradley Prentice on Unsplash

It is reported that in 2022, a total of 3,595 villa units were sold out of the total 4,375 units, representing 82.1 percent, an increase of 1 percent over 2021. There were 341 new units.

Demand for villas increased as Russian tourists flocked to Thailand to escape the road and the high season. They also fear future sanctions on money transactions.

The most popular area for building villas is the Choeng Thale district. Although the area is not near beaches, it is surrounded by forests and mountains that invite people to relax.

Russians on 7 most famous beaches

Nattha Kahapana, managing director of Knight Frank Thailand, said the tourism industry supports Phuket’s real estate. Russians have surpassed Chinese investors as the most active Phuket real estate investors, with a 40-60% share. Previously, the percentage of Russians was only around 10% to 15%

They are interested in the 7 most famous beaches: “Kata, Karon, Patong, Kamara, Bang Tao, Choeng Thale and Nai Thon”,” which helps to increase the value of the real estate in these areas by 15 to 20 percent.

Nattha expects demand from Russian customers to remain at this high level for the next 1 to 2 years. He added that clients will choose the project based on location, price and reputation of the developers. Besides Russians, Phuket real estate also benefits from Chinese investors.

Two Foreigners Arrested for Robbing a Pattaya Weed Shop

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Khaosod English

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28 March 2023, 16:13

Chonburi Provincial Investigation Police, in cooperation with the Centre for Combating Transnational Crime and Illegal Immigration (CTIC) arrested British and Korean men for robbery at the THC Trade Herb and Cannabis shop.

Markus Powell, 47, a British national, and Myoung Kyu Lee, 52, a Korean national, were arrested on a warrant issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court for “joint nighttime invasion of another’s property and joint nighttime robbery, using some vehicles to aid the crime.”

The 2 suspects committed the crime on March 25, 2023, around 11.20 p.m.

Prinya Palsingh, 44, owner of a weed shop at Pattaya Sai 3 Rd. in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province, has told Pol. Capt. Sarawut Silsai, Deputy Police Station (Investigation), Muang Pattaya Police Station, after 2 foreigners robbed the shop and physically injured the co-owner, Namil Kim, a Korean national, before threatening them both and asking for their purses containing 5,000 THB and stealing money from their safe containing 170,000 THB before fleeing.

The Muang Pattaya police station’s investigation team watched the shop’s CCTV and gathered all the evidence before applying to the court for an arrest warrant and planning the arrest.

Police have also arrested the Irish man, 53, as the team suspects his involvement in the case.

Bangkok Bank Joins AIS 5G To Drive the Digital Economy While Securing Every Online Shopping

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Contributor

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28 March 2023, 15:56

Bangkok Bank joins AIS 5G to drive the Digital Economy, connecting intelligent networks and financial solutions to your digital lifestyle with “Be1st Digital AIS POINTS” debit card. Customers can collect points while feeling safe and secure in every online shopping experience.

Bangkok Bank and AIS 5G, leaders in the financial services and telecommunications industries, are cooperating to drive the growth of the country’s digital economy. Using their strengths in intelligent network and financial innovation, Bangkok Bank and AIS 5G are connecting the digital experience for customers and creating opportunities for Thai people to access new forms of financial services on digital platforms by introducing the Be1st Digital AIS POINTS debit card.

This debit card will transform customers’ online shopping experience with special privileges from AIS Points and financial services with the highest security from Bangkok Bank.

For every online purchase of 200 baht, customers will receive one AIS Point that can be redeemed for many privileges including telephone or internet charges, LINE stickers, food and beverage, or exchanged for discounts from leading brands covering all lifestyles with more than 1.8 million stores nationwide on myAIS app. In a special offer for customers who apply for the “Be1st Digital AIS POINTS” debit card within August 31, 2023, there will be fee waivers and up to 200 AIS Points.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President and Credit Card Division Manager Shoke Na Ranong said that: Bangkok Bank, a leading regional financial institution and AIS, a leader in digital services and communication networks, jointly launched “Be1st Digital AIS POINTS” debit card, the first co-branded card that delivers a convenient, fast, and highly secure payment experience for goods and services through online stores. This debit card caters to the habits and lifestyle of today’s consumers as well as offering value for every online spending. For every 200-baht in spending, customers will receive one AIS point and up to 100 points per card per month to redeem various privileges from AIS.

“Be1st Digital AIS POINTS” debit card is offering convenience and the option of using the digital card or the physical card, which is sent to customers’ given address during the application process, or both.

This card covers various transactions via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking including withdrawals, transfers, and payments via ATM as well as contactless payments.

Customers can use the card with confidence as the Bank utilizes the same technology as Be1st Digital Card which was awarded the “Debit Card of the Year” at the Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards 2022 by The Digital Banker magazine and the “Most Innovative Debit Card Offering Thailand 2023” from World Economic magazine, a leading online business magazine in the US.

“This is a remarkable collaboration between Bangkok Bank and AIS that combined our strengths to develop “Be1st Digital AIS POINTS” debit card with the aim to provide better experiences to customers. The card enables customers to have convenient and fast online transactions, modify or set personal spending limits, as well as to check spending amounts by themselves via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking with ease and security.

In addition, it also offers value from AIS Points and opportunities to offer good products to AIS’ customer base of more than 46 million. We are confident that the card will attract interest from customers, and we expect at least 6 million applications within 5 years. This will help us achieve our goal to become a leader in digital payment solutions in line with the development of Thailand’s digital economy,” said Mr. Shoke.

Mr. Tee Seeumpornroj, CFO of AIS, added that: “AIS is committed to developing digital technology infrastructure to be capable and ready to connect with main industries in order to create growth for the country’s digital economy. Throughout the years, we have believed in working with our partners. Today, AIS continues to build an ecosystem using our combined strengths to create various benefits for Thai people and the country.”

“Our cooperation with Bangkok Bank has reaffirmed the goal of working in customer care through the AIS Points program by bringing the potential of the intelligent network to create opportunities for Thai people to access financial services and receive AIS Points from online shopping via Be1st Digital AIS POINTS debit card.

This enables our customers to earn points from our partners while using AIS services. At the same time, customers can also use their points with AIS partner stores that cover all digital lifestyles, with more than 1.8 million stores nationwide and another 20,000 leading brands in department stores, retail stores, street food and food carts across the country on the myAIS app.”

“We believe that this partnership will enhance our work for our customers. In addition to providing customers with a digital experience for shopping online, this cooperation will create benefits for all parties involved. This includes customers of AIS and Bangkok Bank and merchant partners who are in the network of the AIS Points program across the country,” concluded Mr. Tee.

The Be1st Digital AIS POINTS debit card comes with cute Nong Aunjai characters in 4 designs for customers to choose from in the form of both digital and physical cards. The card features the highest level of transaction security according to world-class standards with the same technology as the Be1st digital card, supporting various financial transactions. Bangkok Bank and AIS customers can easily apply for the card via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking.

Customers who apply for the Be1st Digital AIS POINTS debit card from today until August 31, 2023, will receive additional privileges including fee waivers worth 300 baht. New customers who open an e-Savings account with Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking will receive 200 AIS points for their first online purchase via the card, while existing customers who apply for the card will receive 100 AIS points for their first online purchase via the card.

What’s more, every 200 baht spent on online shopping via the Be1st Digital AIS POINTS card will receive one AIS point, for up to 100 points per card per month. Customers can redeem points for many privileges, including telephone or internet charges, LINE stickers, food and beverage and discounts on leading brands covering all lifestyles with more than 1.8 million stores nationwide on myAIS app.

Interested persons can ask for more information at Bualuang Phone1333 or 0-2645-5555 or contact AIS at https://www.bangkokbank.com/th-TH/Personal/Cards/Be1st-Smart-Card/Be1st-Digital-AIS-POINTS.

C.P. Vietnam Corporation Honored at High-Quality Vietnamese Goods Awards for Trusted, High-Quality Products

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Contributor

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28 March 2023, 15:48

C.P. Vietnam Corporation (CPV) proudly announces that it has received recognition for its superior quality and safe products in the animal and aquatic feed veterinary medicine category at the 2023 High-Quality Vietnamese Goods Awards. The prestigious event, attended by esteemed leaders from various sectors, acknowledged CPV as one of over 500 businesses receiving accolades for their excellence.

Over the past 30 years, CPV has established trust with partners and customers by implementing its 3F Plus closed production chain for animal feed. As an industry leader, the company continuously strives to produce top-quality products while maintaining environmentally friendly practices and promoting sustainable development.

CPV Vice President Ho Van Duc expressed gratitude for the certification, stating that it is a testament to the company’s commitment to improving product quality, earning consumer trust, and employing effective operational strategies, customer-centric policies, and results-driven processes.

The Business Association of High-Quality Vietnamese Goods selected the award recipients from a pool of 677 candidates after conducting thorough interviews with customers, sellers, and local agencies. The meticulous selection process ensured transparency and compliance throughout the screening. The association’s survey, initiated in September 2022, collected over 61,000 votes for various enterprises, reflecting the extensive engagement and support from the community.

Russia Says It Test-fired Anti-ship Missiles in Sea of Japan

By

Associated Press

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28 March 2023, 14:04

Russia Japan Missile Test — A Russian navy boat launches an anti-ship missile test in the Peter The Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia’s Defense Ministry says Moscow has test-fired anti-ship missiles in the Sea of Japan.

The ministry said Tuesday that two boats launched a simulated missile attack on a mock enemy warship about 100 kilometers (60 miles) away. The ministry said the target was successfully hit by two Moskit cruise missiles.

The Moskit, whose NATO reporting name is the SS-N-22 Sunburn, is a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile that has conventional and nuclear warhead capacity. The Soviet-built cruise missile is capable of flying at a speed three times the speed of sound and has a range of up to 250 kilometers (155 miles).

AP23087173049513 — In this photo made from video provided by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, a Russian navy boat launches an anti-ship missile test in the Peter The Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

It said the exercise, which included other warships and naval aircraft, took place in the Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan but did not give more precise coordinates. The gulf borders the Russian Pacific Fleet headquarters at Fokino and is about 700 kilometers (430 miles) from Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island.

The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Japan reacted calmly to the missile exercise, which was conducted near Vladivostok, rather than directly into the waters between the two countries. Tokyo does not plan to lodge a protest to Russia over the missile exercise, said Tasuku Matsuki, Japanese Foreign Ministry official in charge of Russia, noting that its location — Peter the Great Bay — is considered Russian coast, though it is facing the water between the two countries.

AP23087176809050 — The Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday that a few boats launched a simulated missile attack on a mock enemy warship about 60 miles away. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

“On the whole, Japan is concerned about Russia’s increasing military activities around the Japanese coasts and watching them with great interest,” Matsuki said.

He said Russia has conducted missile drills in that area in the past and issued maritime advisories ahead of time. He said Japan is not in a position to comment on Russia’s intention of the exercise.

Russian nuclear-capable Tu-95 bombers flew over the Sea of Japan for several hours last week.

In September, Japan protested multinational military exercises on the Russian-held Kuril Islands — some of which are claimed by Japan — and expressed concern about Russian and Chinese warships conducting shooting drills in the Sea of Japan.

Russia also tested submarine-launched missiles in the Sea of Japan last year.

AP23087169374240 — In this photo made from video provided by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, a Russian navy boat launches an anti-ship missile test in the Peter The Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan.(Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

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AP writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed from Tokyo.

MAXIMIZE YOUR WEDDING IN THAILAND WITH “MARRY ME AT MARRIOTT”

By

Contributor

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28 March 2023, 12:31

Three-day wedding & honeymoon fair will help brides and grooms craft their perfect big day, with a striking “maximalist” theme and personalized package options all across the kingdom

Marry Me at Marriott is back! Marriott Bonvoy’s wedding and honeymoon showcase will return to Bangkok from 31st March to 2nd April 2023, featuring an amazing array of exhibitors and activities that will help brides and grooms make their big day a truly spectacular occasion.

Hosted at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park’s glamorous Thai Chitlada Grand Ballroom, Marry Me at Marriott is a three-day wedding fair that will immerse guests in romance and reveal almost unlimited options for couples who want to get married in Thailand. A total of 34 Marriott hotels and resorts² will be in attendance, covering seven diverse destinations and 14 distinct brands all across the kingdom, offering an unparalleled choice of venues for every size and style of wedding, ranging from beautiful ballrooms to moonlit pools, blissful beaches and more.

The theme of this year’s Marry Me at Marriott is “maximalist” and every guest will be immersed in a world of vibrant color and dramatic design. The time for understatement is over – in 2023, we’re taking things to the max! Marriott’s bright, creative concepts are sure to energize every event and illuminate the wedding photos.

To bring every occasion to life, Marriott has invited its professional partners to attend the show. Couples can chat to wedding planners, dressmakers, jewelry designers, photographers, beauty therapists, musicians and even fortune tellers to personalize every element of their big day. Marriott’s food showcase will also provide a delicious insight into the Thai and international catering options available at Marriott’s hotels.

Attendees can experience immersive on-stage activities, including panel discussions and Q&As with wedding experts, live music, vendor promotions and even special sessions dedicated to topics such as feng shui, dress selection, hotel packages, decorations and bridal beauty¹.

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¹ The on-stage activity schedule is subject to change

² Hotels participating in Marry Me at Marriott include:

Aloft Bangkok, Sukhumvit 11
Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok
Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit 20
Courtyard by Marriott North Pattaya
Four Points by Marriott Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
Le Méridien Bangkok
Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort & Spa
Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort
Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa
Marriott Executive Apartments – Sukhumvit Park
Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa
Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel
Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa
Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa
Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa
Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas
Sheraton Samui Resort
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Phuket
The St. Regis Bangkok
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok
The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket
Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui
W Bangkok
W Koh Samui

3 Children, 3 Adults Killed at Christian School in Nashville

By

Associated Press

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28 March 2023, 02:06

APTOPIX Nashville School Shooting — Children from The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., hold hands as they are taken to a reunification site at the Woodmont Baptist Church after a deadly shooting at their school on Monday, March 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Jonathan Mattise)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A female shooter wielding two “assault-style” rifles and a pistol killed three students and three adults at a private Christian school in Nashville on Monday in what marks the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country growing increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools.

The suspect also died after being shot by police following the violence at The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school for about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade. Police said the shooter was a 28-year-old woman from Nashville, after initially saying she appeared to be in her teens.

Authorities were working to identify her and whether she had a connection to the school.

AP23086593807580 — In this image from video provided by Jozen Reodica, law enforcement officers lead children away from the scene of a shooting at The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., on Monday March 27, 2023. (Jozen Reodica via AP)

The killings come as communities around the nation are reeling from a spate of school violence, including the massacre at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, last year; a first grader who shot his teacher in Virginia; and a shooting last week in Denver that wounded two administrators.

President Joe Biden called on Congress again to pass his assault weapons ban in the wake of the Nashville shooting.

“It’s heartbreaking, a family’s worst nightmare,” he said.

First lady Jill Biden also spoke about the slayings on Monday.

“I am truly without words. And our children deserve better,” she said during a National League of Cities conference in Washington. “We stand – all of us, we stand – with Nashville in prayer.”

The tragedy unfolded over roughly 14 minutes. Police received the initial call about an active shooter at 10:13 a.m.

Officers began clearing the first story of the school when they heard gunshots coming from the second level, police spokesperson Don Aaron said during a news briefing.

Two officers from a five-member team opened fire in response, fatally shooting the suspect at 10:27 a.m., Aaron said. He said there were no police officers present or assigned to the school at the time of the shooting because it is a church-run school.

AP23086659338887 — An ambulance leaves of Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church, in Nashville, Tenn. Monday, March 27, 2023. Officials say several children were killed in a shooting at the private Christian grade school in Nashville. The suspect is dead after a confrontation with police. (AP Photo/John Amis)

The Covenant School’s victims were pronounced dead at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. One officer had a hand wound from cut glass.

Other students walked to safety Monday, holding hands as they left their school surrounded by police cars, to a nearby church to be reunited with their parents.

“In a tragic morning, Nashville joined the dreaded, long list of communities to experience a school shooting,” Mayor John Cooper wrote on Twitter. “My heart goes out to the families of the victims. Our entire city stands with you.”

Jozen Reodica heard the police sirens and fire trucks blaring from outside her office building nearby. As her building was placed under lockdown, she took out her phone and recorded the chaos.

“I thought I would just see this on TV,” she said. “And right now, it’s real.”

AP23086642629667 — Metro Nashville Police officers gather near The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., following a deadly shooting Monday, March 27, 2023. (Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP)

On WTVF TV, reporter Hannah McDonald said that her mother-in-law works at the front desk at The Covenant School. The woman had stepped outside for a break Monday morning and was coming back when she heard gunshots, McDonald said during a live broadcast. The reporter said she has not been able to speak with her mother-in-law but said her husband had.

The Covenant School was founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church in 2001, according to the school’s website. The school is located in the affluent Green Hills neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville, situated close to the city’s top universities and home to the famed Bluebird Café – a beloved spot for musicians and song writers.

The grade school has roughly 50 staff members. The school’s website features the motto “Shepherding Hearts, Empowering Minds, Celebrating Childhood.”

Top legislative leaders announced Monday that the GOP-dominant Statehouse would meet briefly later in the evening and delay taking up any legislation.

Republican Gov. Bill Lee said he was “closely monitoring” the situation, while Democratic state Rep. Bob Freeman, whose district includes The Covenant School, called Monday’s shooting an “unimaginable tragedy.”

“I live around the corner from Covenant and pass by it often. I have friends who attend both church and school there,” Freeman said in a statement. “I have also visited the church in the past. It tears my heart apart to see this.”

AP23086642658481 — Metro Nashville Police officers gather near The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., following a deadly shooting Monday, March 27, 2023. (Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP)

Nashville has seen its share of mass violence in recent years.

On Christmas Day 2020, a recreational vehicle was intentionally detonated in the heart of Music City’s historic downtown, killing the bomber, injuring three others and forcing more than 60 businesses to close.

A man shot and killed four people at a Nashville Waffle House in April 2018. He was sentenced in February 2022 to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

In September 2017, a masked gunman opened fire at the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ, walking silently down the aisle as he shot unsuspecting congregants. One person was killed and seven others were wounded. The gunman was sentenced in 2019 to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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JONATHAN MATTISE and TRAVIS LOLLER Associated Press reported from Nashville.

Guide for Songkran Festival in Bangkok

By

Khaosod English

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28 March 2023, 01:51

People in Bangkok will not be allowed to be scantily dressed for the upcoming Songkran Festival’s water fight and there will be no alcohol sale, use of high-pressure water gun, or use of powder at the sites, said Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt on Monday.

City Hall will organize the festival between April 12-14 in 50 districts. Each district will be designated with different level of wetness, or amount of water allowed to be splashed, so people can choose according to their preferences.

There will also be a ceremony to make merit and offer food to monks, a pouring ceremony for the elderly, cultural performances, the Thai way of playing, and the sale of good products in 50 districts.

Prince Harry in Court for Privacy Suit Against Tabloid

By

Associated Press

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27 March 2023, 23:59

Britain Tabloid Lawsuit — Britain's Prince Harry, center, arrives at the Royal Courts Of Justice, in London, Monday, March 27, 2023. (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire/PA via AP)

LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry and Elton John were in a London court Monday as the lawyer for a group of British tabloids prepared to ask a judge to toss the lawsuit they brought with several other high-profile people who allege phone tapping and other invasions of privacy.

Harry’s presence at the High Court in London is a sign of the importance he attaches to the case, one of several lawsuits the Duke of Sussex has brought against the media. The hearing is expected to last four days.

The case alleges Associated Newspapers Ltd., which publishes titles including the Daily Mail, commissioned the “breaking and entry into private property,” engaging in unlawful acts that included hiring private investigators to bug homes and cars and record private phone conversations.

AP23067629185614 — FILE – Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool, File)

“They were the victim of numerous unlawful acts carried out by the defendant, or by those acting on the instructions of its newspapers, The Daily Mail and The Mail On Sunday,” attorney David Sherborne said in a court document.

Other plaintiffs include John’s husband, David Furnish, and actresses Liz Hurley and Sadie Frost, who was also in court. John arrived after a lunch break in sat in the gallery. Harry sat near the rear of the court and took notes as attorneys discussed preliminary matters.

The allegations date back to 1993 and continue beyond 2018, Sherborne said.

AP23086325498964 — Britain’s Prince Harry, center, arrives at the Royal Courts Of Justice, in London, Monday, March 27, 2023. (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire/PA via AP)

The publisher said the claims are too old to be brought now and should also be thrown out because because they rely on information the newspapers turned over in confidentiality for a 2012 probe into media law breaking.

“It would be surprising indeed for any reasonably informed member of the public, let alone a figure in the public eye, to have been unaware of these matters,” attorney Adrian Beltrami said in writing.

Britain held a year-long inquiry into press ethics after revelations in 2011 that News of the World tabloid employees eavesdropped on the mobile phone voicemails of celebrities, politicians and a teenage murder victim.

Owner Rupert Murdoch shut down the newspaper amid a criminal investigation and public uproar. Several journalists were convicted, and Murdoch’s company paid millions in damages to dozens of hacking victims.

AP23086446698969 — Elton John arrives at the Royal Courts Of Justice in London, Monday, March 27, 2023. Elton John and Britain’s Prince Harry are in a London court as the lawyer for a group of British tabloids prepared to ask a judge to toss out lawsuits by the Prince, Elton John and several other celebrities who allege phone tapping and other invasions of privacy.(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

In the inquiry’s 2012 report, Lord Justice Brian Leveson said “outrageous” behavior by some in the press had “wreaked havoc with the lives of innocent people whose rights and liberties have been disdained.”

Judge Matthew Nicklin, who is hearing the current eavesdropping case, is also overseeing a separate libel lawsuit Harry brought against Associated Newspapers over an article about his quest for police protection when he and his family visit the U.K.

Harry, the younger son of King Charles III, and his wife, the former actress Meghan Markle, stepped down as working royals in 2020 and moved to the U.S., citing what they described as the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media.

Harry has said he wants to make reforming the British media his life’s work. He fumes at the U.K. media throughout his memoir “Spare,” published in January. He blamed an overly aggressive press for the 1997 death of his mother, Princess Diana, and also accused the media of hounding Meghan.

The couple has turned to British courts to combat what they see as media mistreatment. In December 2021, Meghan won an invasion-of-privacy case against Associated Newspapers over the Mail on Sunday’s publication of a letter she wrote to her estranged father.

Harry is also suing the publisher of another tabloid, the Mirror, in a separate hacking suit.

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BRIAN MELLEY Associated Press reported from London.

Japanese Animation Film “Suzume” Is a Hit in China, South Korea

By

Kyodo News

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27 March 2023, 23:00

Japanese animation film “Suzume” topped China’s box office during its debut weekend, raking in over 90 million yuan ($13 million) while attracting over 3 million South Korean viewers less than three weeks after its release, according to local media reports.

The latest work by Japanese animation director Makoto Shinkai ranked top in China on Sunday, the third day of its screening, Chinese state media Xinhua News Agency reported Monday, citing figures from the China Movie Data Information Network

suzume1 — People take photos in front of an advertising display for Japanese animation film “Suzume” inside a movie theater in Beijing on March 25, 2023. (Kyodo)

Suzume is a fantasy film that follows the adventures of a 17-year-old girl and a mysterious young man as they work together to prevent disasters across Japan.

Suzume’s strong start in China follows the success of Shinkai’s 2016 fantasy blockbuster “your name.” which became the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time in the country that year.

According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, Shinkai told local fans in a video message on Monday that he would make good on his promise made during his recent trip to Seoul that he would return if Suzume was seen by more than 3 million viewers after its release on March 8th.

The film saw widespread success after its release in Japan last year, becoming the first Japanese animated film in over 20 years to be nominated for the top award at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Bangkok Bank joins AIS 5G to drive the Digital Economy, connecting intelligent networks and financial solutions to your digital lifestyle with “Be1st Digital AIS POINTS” debit card. Customers can collect points while feeling safe and secure in every online shopping experience.

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