MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL EXPECTS TO INTRODUCE MORE THAN 35 LUXURY HOTELS AROUND THE WORLD IN 2023

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8 December 2022, 16:15

From the Expansive Savannas of Kenya to the Pristine Shores of the Caribbean, Marriott International is Set to Expand its Global Luxury Footprint and is Reimagining High-Touch Hospitality

Cannes, France – December 8, 2022 – From International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Cannes, Marriott International, Inc. today announced plans to introduce more than 35 luxury hotels in 2023, delivering the unique and meaningful experiences desired by today’s luxury traveler. Boasting an unrivaled portfolio of luxury brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, EDITION, JW Marriott and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International continues to push the boundaries, reimagining travel with a globally inspired perspective that defines the future of luxury. With an unparalleled footprint of nearly 500 luxury hotels and resorts in 68 countries and territories today, Marriott International is poised to further its position as the global leader in luxury hospitality with more than 200 luxury properties in the development pipeline. From Kenya to Singapore and Japan to Mexico, more than 35 new hotels are slated to open next year in sought-after and emerging destinations around the world.

Luxury’s Great Reimagining

The world has experienced a seismic cultural shift following the events of the last several years, according to a study exploring the impact on the values and aspirations that matter most to guests, conducted in collaboration with creative agency Team One. “We are looking to the great reimaginers, people who perceive crises as moments of opportunity to rethink their lives and reimagine the world around them. Our collective mindset has changed from viewing travel as a luxury commodity to an activity vital to overall well-being,” said Tina Edmundson, Global Brand and Marketing Officer, Marriott International. “More than ever before, our guests are prioritizing more meaningful travel and time spent with loved ones, looking for experiences that reflect their personal values and enhance their overall quality of life.”

“Whether it’s a focus on nurturing closer relationships, a desire to be more present, or finding ways to make a positive impact, across our luxury brands we are evolving to allow our guests to focus on what they believe matters most,” said Chris Gabaldon, Senior Vice President, Luxury Brands, Marriott International. “As we grow our portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts in some of the most iconic and compelling destinations globally, our expanding footprint allows us to offer the transformative experiences that lead to a renewed sense of purpose and enhanced mental and physical well-being for the modern luxury traveler.”

The Ritz-Carlton Leads Through Innovation While Pursuing Global Growth

Showcasing a new, contemporary aesthetic and the renowned brand’s legendary service, The Ritz-Carlton continues to lead through innovation as it thoughtfully grows its portfolio in the world’s most exciting destinations. In 2022, the iconic brand drove global buzz with debuts in New York’s NoMad neighborhood and in Amman, in addition to celebrating the launch of Evrima, the first yacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. In the year ahead, the brand expects to open two new hotels in North America, including its first property in America’s Pacific Northwest region with The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, and The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie in Arizona’s coveted Scottsdale area. Set above the city skyline, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is slated to grow the brand’s footprint in Australia next year, while The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is expected to deliver a new offering in the business district of this southwestern Japanese city. Ritz-Carlton Reserve anticipates expanding its exclusive portfolio in 2023 with Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve close to the historic Chinese valley of Jiuzhaigou and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve located off the West Coast of Saudi Arabia and part of the country’s Red Sea project.

St. Regis Celebrates its Vanguard Spirit in Alluring New Destinations

St. Regis continues to solidify its position as a global luxury icon by bringing its vanguard spirit, signature glamor and celebrated rituals to some of the world’s most desired destinations. Highlighting a commitment to growing its resort portfolio, in 2023 the brand expects to debut The St. Regis Kanai Resort, an enchanting haven nestled in a 620-acre nature reserve along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula with ocean views from every guestroom. In the year ahead St. Regis also anticipates expanding its footprint in North America with The St. Regis Chicago, an exquisite architectural marvel envisioned by Jeanne Gang Studio. The iconic brand is also slated to bring its acclaimed Butler Service and storied legacy to Belgrade and is expected to open its first two properties in Saudi Arabia by debuting a hotel in Riyadh and a resort located on its own private island within the Red Sea project. This past year also marked St. Regis openings in Qatar, India, Kuwait and Indonesia.

W Hotels Continues Pushing the Boundaries & Expanding to Iconic Destinations

In 2022, W Hotels introduced an evolved lens on its unassuming approach to luxury and is set to infuse subtle sophistication into each of its 67 hotels around the world. W pushes the boundaries of elevated design, regionally inspired programming and its iconic “Whatever / Whenever” service, which has been refined for the next generation of travelers. With the opening of W Algarve – atop the dramatic cliffs of Southern Portugal – and W Costa Navarino – located along the sandy shorelines of Greece – the brand debuted in two sought-after locales in 2022, providing a glimpse into W’s new vision. This year also brought further growth in the Middle East with the addition of W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, rising 31 stories above the Arabian Gulf, and in Canada with the W Toronto, which nods to the city’s rich musical heritage with Canada’s first W Sound Suite – the brand’s signature recording studio experience – and celebrates Toronto’s storied art scene, diversity of culture and legacy of inclusivity. Looking ahead to 2023, W Hotels anticipates debuting in Prague, Budapest, Edinburgh, Sydney, Macau and Milan. Also slated for later next year, W New York – Union Square and W Hollywood are expected to emerge newly transformed, embodying the fully reimagined W experience.

EDITION’s Rapid Expansion Continues in Top Destinations

EDITION, a unique luxury collection of individualized hotels considered the next chapter in the lifestyle hotel story, expanded into Madrid and Tampa in 2022. Known for sophisticated design, a curated taste of the locale, and modern service, EDITION Hotels is rapidly expanding internationally in 2023 with new openings planned across several regions, including the brand’s first properties in Italy, Mexico and Southeast Asia. With 15 hotels currently in the global portfolio, EDITION is projected to grow its personal and intimate hospitality experience to 21 total destinations by the end of 2023, with expected openings next year to include Rome, Riviera Maya at Kanai, Tokyo, Ginza, Singapore, Jeddah and Doha.

The Luxury Collection Brings Transformational Experiences and Destination-Rooted Authenticity

The Luxury Collection’s growing ensemble of more 120 hotels around the world offer the promise of authentic experiences that are highly immersive and deeply reflective of the destination. In 2022, the brand showcased elevated palatial interiors and world-class epicurean delights in Madrid with the opening of Santo Mauro, brought luxurious coastal charm to the idyllic Greek island of Paros through Cosme, and made its debut in Australia with the opening of The Tasman in Hobart, a waterfront city steeped in rich history. With each hotel serving as a portal to the destination’s unique charms, The Luxury Collection anticipates debuting properties next year in enthralling locations that span the globe, including Turkey, Barbados, Japan, Mexico and Tbilisi, Georgia.

JW Marriott Celebrates Guests through Well-Being Experiences and Exceptional Service

Inspired by its legendary namesake and offering experiences that encourage guests to be fully present, JW Marriott caters to sophisticated, mindful travelers who seek a balance in mind, body and spirit. In 2022, the brand celebrated openings in captivating destinations including São Paulo, Changsha, Istanbul, Bangalore and Frankfurt, marking the brand’s debut in Germany. In the coming year, JW Marriott anticipates continuing to bring its distinct style of warm, authentic service to established and emerging destinations with planned openings from Madrid to Jeju Island, South Korea, and Dallas to Xi’an and Berlin. The brand is also slated to enter the luxury safari segment in 2023 with the expected opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in Kenya.

Tesla Launches in Thailand, Vying To Compete With China EVs

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Associated Press

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8 December 2022, 11:30

Tesla electric vehicles are displayed during a public launching event Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Tassanee Vejpongsa / AP

BANGKOK (AP) — Tesla has launched sales in Thailand, offering its popular Model 3 and Model Y at prices aimed at competing with rivals like China’s BYD.

The company staged a glitzy showcase of its plans Wednesday at Bangkok’s Siam Paragon mall. Online purchases have begun, with plans to deliver vehicles to buyers in the first quarter of next year.

Southeast Asia’s market of more than 600 million consumers is increasingly a focus for automakers looking to expand sales, especially of electric vehicles.

Tesla said the vehicles will have the latest satellite navigation systems and other features such as over-the-air software updates.

The company is selling its Model 3 Long Range and Performance models. The Model Y will be sold in three versions “to meet the specific demands of the EV lifestyle for every Thai driver,” the company said.

It said prices will range from 1.76 million Thai baht-2.5 million baht ($50,000-$71,000).

“The price is much lower than we expected. As far as the after-sale service concerns, I’m not worried too much about that as the EV car parts are not very complicated compared to combustible engine cars,” said Wit Wongngamdee, who attended the launch with his wife and said he was planning to order one of the models.

Apichat Prasitnarit, another potential buyer, said he was surprised by the price.

“At the same time, other countries’ brands are launching their cars here, so we have choices and that’s great for consumers,” he said.

Tesla said it will open its first Service Center and Supercharger station in Thailand by March and plans to have at least 10 set up in the country in 2023.

Apart from Tesla and BYD, Nissan Motor Co. has made Thailand a regional EV hub. Mercedes says it is due to announce sales of its EQS450+ soon.

Nithi Thuamprathom, an auto expert for Auto Life Thailand, said Tesla’s launch would likely give the EV market in Thailand a big boost, largely thanks to its competitive pricing and brand value, which is an advantage over Chinese automakers like BYD.

“It’s unbelievable that Tesla announced the entry price (of its cheapest model) at 1.7 million Thai baht,” he said. “That’s the price of Japanese cars with combustible engines or hybrid engines. This will create such a big change in the market.”

Still, Thailand remains mainly a land of gasoline, diesel and LPG-fueled vehicles, even as a nationwide network of charging stations expands.

“The EV trend is growing in Thailand and there is an increase in the consumer acceptance. But we have to accept that this is just a beginning,” Nithi said. “It’s in a pioneering stage.”

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Story: Tassanee Vejpongsa and Tian McLeod Ji. Associated Press business writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed to this report.

Suspected German Coup Plot Spawns Dozens of Arrests

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Associated Press

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8 December 2022, 11:00

Masked police officers lead Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss, center, to a police vehicle during a raid against so-called 'Reich citizens' in Frankfurt, Germany, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022. Photo: Boris Roessler / dpa via AP

BERLIN (AP) — German police rounded up dozens of people including a self-styled prince, a retired paratrooper and a former judge Wednesday, accusing the suspects of discussing the violent overthrow of the government but leaving unclear how concrete the plans were.

A German official and a lawmaker said investigators may have detected real plotting, drunken fantasizing, or both. Regardless, Germany takes any right-wing threat seriously and thousands of police officers carried out pre-dawn raids across much of the country.

“We’re talking about a group that, according to what we know so far, planned to violently abolish our democratic state of law and an armed attack,” on the German parliament building, government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said.

Sara Nanni, a lawmaker with the Green party, part of the German government, suggested the group may not have been capable.

“More details keep coming to light that raise doubts about whether these people were even clever enough to plan and carry out such a coup,” Nanni said in a post on the social network Mastodon. “The fact is: no matter how crude their ideas are and how hopeless their plans, even the attempt is dangerous!”

Federal prosecutors said the group is alleged to have believed in a “conglomerate of conspiracy theories consisting of narratives from the so-called Reich Citizens as well as QAnon ideology. ” Adherents of the Reich Citizens movement reject Germany’s postwar constitution and have called for bringing down the government, while QAnon is a global conspiracy theory with roots in the United States.

The Reich Citizens scene has been under observation by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency since 2016. Authorities estimate that the loose-knit movement has about 21,000 adherents.

Prosecutors said the suspects also believe Germany is ruled by a so-called “deep state.”

One of the alleged ringleaders arrested Wednesday is Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss, a 71-year-old member of the House of Reuss who continues to use the title despite Germany abolishing any formal role for royalty more than a century ago.

Federal prosecutors said Reuss, whom the group planned to install as Germany’s new leader, had contacted Russian officials with the aim of imposing a new order in the country once the German government was overthrown. There is no indication that the Russians responded positively.

Police also detained Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, a judge and former lawmaker with the far-right Alternative for Germany party.

Alternative for Germany, which is known by its acronym AfD, has increasingly come under scrutiny by security services due to its ties with extremists.

AfD’s co-leaders, Tino Chrupalla and Alice Weidel said they had only learned of the alleged coup plans through the media, and condemned them.

“We have full confidence in the authorities involved and demand a swift and comprehensive investigation,” they said in a statement.

Chief federal prosecutor Peter Frank said some 3,000 officers were involved in the raids conducted at 150 sites in 11 of Germany’s 16 states.

Officers detained 22 German citizens on suspicion of “membership in a terrorist organization,” prosecutors said. Three other people, including a Russian citizen, were held on suspicion of supporting the organization, they said. An additional 27 people were under investigation.

One of those arrested was a soldier serving on the support staff for Germany’s special forces unit KSK in the southwestern town of Calw. The unit has received scrutiny over what officials called some soldiers’ far-right beliefs.

Along with detentions in Germany, prosecutors said one person was detained in the Austrian town of Kitzbuehel and another in Italy.

The latter suspect, a 64-year-old German citizen who is a former officer in the German army special forces, is accused of being part of a criminal organization that aimed to “subvert the German democratic order by any means – including criminal – and replace it with another unidentified form of state,” police said in a statement, adding that extradition proceedings were underway.

“Of course, there are many people who grandstand and tell confused tales stories after drinking alcohol,” German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann said. “In this case, however, there were such strong suspicions that the group wanted to take violent action that the investigating judge at the Federal Supreme Court ordered the investigative measures to be taken.”

Some of the group’s members had made “concrete preparations” to storm Germany’s federal parliament with a small armed group, according to prosecutors.

Wednesday’s raids showed that “we know how to defend ourselves with full force against the enemies of democracy,” Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said.

“The investigation offers an insight into the depths of the terrorist threat within the Reich Citizens milieu,” Faeser said. “Only the further investigation will provide a clear picture of how far the coup plans had come.”

Officials have repeatedly warned that far-right extremists pose the biggest threat to Germany’s domestic security. This threat was highlighted by the killing of a regional politician and the deadly attack on a synagogue in 2019. A year later, far-right extremists taking part in a protest against the country’s pandemic restrictions tried and failed to storm the Bundestag building in Berlin.

Faeser announced this year that the government planned to disarm about 1,500 suspected extremists and to tighten background checks for those wanting to acquire guns as part of a broader crackdown on the far right.

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Story: Frank Jordans.

Blue by Alain Ducasse celebrates third anniversary and third consecutive Michelin star in style with presence of the legend “Alain Ducasse”

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Contributor

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7 December 2022, 16:21

It was double celebration for Blue by Alain Ducasse. Renowned for its culinary finesse, award-winning dining room and iconic river views, the contemporary French restaurant by the legendary mentor chef celebrated its third anniversary and followed it up by receiving its 3rd consecutive one-star rating in the Michelin Guide Thailand 2023 edition.

Located in ICONLUXE, ICONSIAM, on the banks of the historic Chao Phraya River, Blue is the first restaurant in Thailand by the legendary Alain Ducasse. The award-winning restaurant showcases ICONSIAM’s core value of creating a synergy between the best of Thailand and the best of the world.

On Wednesday, 23 November, Blue celebrated its third year in business. The invite-only gala party was attended by the city’s high society, media, and Alain Ducasse, who flew in for the event. “A Touch of Blue” was the evening’s theme. The path to the restaurant was dressed in the signature blue, and stilt walkers welcomed the over 700 guests, who added glamour to the festivities with their fashion-forward outfits in various shades of blue. Invitees sipped the exclusive Champagne Alain Ducasse as well as one of the legend’s favourite drinks – AD Negroni (Negroni with Champagne). They also enjoyed a fantastic selection of delectable canapes served by Executive Chef Wilfrid Hocquet, in addition to an oyster bar and caviar station. There was plenty of entertainment throughout the evening, including a mini concert by superstars PP and Bilkin.

The celebrations continued the next day, Thursday, 24 November, at the Michelin Guide Thailand 2023 star revelation ceremony held in The Athenee Hotel Bangkok. Blue by Alain Ducasse retained its star for the 3rd consecutive year, underlining the restaurant’s extraordinary multi-sensory journey of French cuisine rooted in a culinary vision of tradition and modernity, complemented by warm, friendly service and an exceptional wine cellar.

Bangkok foodies were in for an exclusive treat on Friday, 25 November, when the mentor and mentee curated a special four-hands lunch and dinner. The six-course menu included the rare opportunity for a meet-and-greet session with the culinary legend. The meal featured Chef Ducasse’s signature cookpot of Brittany Blue Lobster and Poulette de Bresse with white truffle from Alba and Albufera sauce. It also included Chef Wilfrid’s creation of Alaskan King Crab with gold caviar and Pigeon Pithiviers a la Monegasque.

This year has been a good year for Blue by Alain Ducasse. Earlier in January 2022, it was awarded the prestigious Le French Design 100 by Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic. Le French Design 100 is the only design prize in France that honours the international actions of its designers for their design projects around the world. In addition, in March, the restaurant was ranked No. 25 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022, sponsored by San Pellegrino & Acqua Panna.

CP Foods wins five awards at 12th Asian Excellence Awards 2022

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Contributor

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7 December 2022, 14:32

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) received five international awards at the 12th Asian Excellence Award 2022, organized by the Corporate Governance Asia magazine, the Hong Kong-based publication focusing on economic and corporate governance reporting. The award recognized operational excellence in conjunction with good governance, social and environmental stewardship.

The Asian Excellence Award, now in its 12th year, is intended to honour and reward accomplishments and excellence in management acumen, financial performance, corporate social responsibility, environmental practices and investor relations. CP Foods was awarded in 5 categories this year including the Asia’s Best CEO Award, Asia’s Best CFO Award, Asia’s Best Investor Relations Professional award, Asia’s Best CSR and Best Investor Relations Company.

Prasit Boondoungprasert, the chief executive officer of CP Foods, has been named the “Asia’s Best CEO” recognizing his leadership excellence in driving the organization’s success and continuous growth by promoting advance technology to enhance the company’s competitiveness as well as ensuring consistent growth and a strong financial position during the difficult times and future challenges.

Paisan Chirakitcharern, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, received the “Asia’s Best CFO” award for his excellence in financial management and effective funds, as well as for creating added value and maximizing benefits to the organization and stakeholders.

The “Asia’s Best Investor Relations Professional award was presented to Kobboon Srichai, Executive Committee and Company Secretary at CP Foods, for her outstanding role in effectively communicating information and keeping investors well informed while adhering to the fundamental principle of investor relations.

CP Foods received 2 corporate level awards including Best Investor Relations Company to recognize the company’s commitment to the highest standards of disclosure, transparency, and fairness in disseminating information to stakeholders in timely manner.

In addition, the company received Asia’s Best CSR award for conducting business that places emphasis on the social and environmental impact on the community where it operates.

The Asian Excellence Award is designed to honour the organization that conduct business adhering to corporate governance and are driving toward sustainable development under “CPF 2030 Sustainability in Action” strategy which has been developed from the three pillars towards sustainability comprising “Food Security”, “Self-Sufficiency Society” and “Balance of Nature” ensuring food security based on manufacturing process that are environmentally friendly to mitigate the impacts of climate change in support of 17 the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Nate Naksuk explains why he decided not to indict Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya.

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Contributor

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7 December 2022, 11:39

Nate Naksuk explains why he decided not to indict Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya over a hit-and-run incident back in 2012 in which a policeman was killed.

Former deputy attorney-general Nate Naksuk said his decision was made based on the evidence and statements in the investigation report sent to him for consideration.

There is no clear evidence of wrongdoing to bring charges against Red Bull heir Vorayuth based upon the allegation of reckless driving causing death, he added.
“If I could go back in time, I would not change my decision,” Mr Nate said.

Last year, a committee was set up to carry out a serious disciplinary investigation into Mr Nate’s decision to drop a charge of reckless driving causing death against Red Bull scion Vorayuth.

In May, the Public Prosecutors Commission (PPC) chaired by Pachara Yuttidhammadamrong voted unanimously to discharge Mr Nate from the civil service over his controversial decision.

A meeting concluded that Mr Nate had handled the case with gross negligence, causing damage to the state under the 2010 Public Prosecutors Act. But the penalty was later reduced and that has allowed him to keep his pension as he had not committed any other wrongdoing during his 40 years of service.

Mr Nate said he made the decision based on the oral evidence, statements given by experts in the investigation report being passed to him for consideration and the prosecutors’ decisions.

Earlier, four prosecutors investigated the case but declined to charge Mr Vorayuth who is accused of reckless driving causing death.

There is not sufficient legal basis to press charges against Mr Vorayuth, he stressed.
Mr Nate noted that the testimony given by three eye-witnesses to investigators is the same. The witnesses, two air marshals and Jaruchart Madthong, told investigators who questioned them that the accused was driving at a normal speed when the accident occured.

According to the statement of Pol Lt Col Somyot Ab-Neam, who examined the condition of the vehicles, the accused was driving within the legal speed limit when the incident took place.

Pol Lt Col Surapol Dejrattanawichai said it was impossible that the accused has driven his Ferrari at 180 kilometers per hour (kph) when he was allegedly involved in an accident that killed a policeman.

Pol Lt Col Surapol is an accident investigations expert witness attached to the Traffic Police Division under the Justice Court.

Assoc Prof Saiprasit Kerdniyom, a lecturer at King Mongkut’ s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), echoed the police officers’ statements over the speed of the car. He also heads the KMUTNB’s Research Center of Automotive Safety and Assessment Engineering.

But Pol Col Thanasit Tangjan, who calculated the speeds of the cars, said the accused had driven the car at the 179 kph in the initial report. He later recanted his testimony on the condition of the vehicles involved in the accident, saying the speed was estimated at below 80 kph.

Based on this lower speed, together with other evidence given to him for consideration, Mr Nate said he decided to drop a charge of reckless driving causing death against Red Bull scion Vorayuth.

“If I could go back in time, I would drop the case due to insufficient evidence of wrongdoing to press a charge against the accused. The trial against Mr Vorayuth was legal. I will talk no more about this,” Mr Nate said.

Mr Nate disagreed with the PPC’s ruling.

On July 11, 2022, he petitioned the Administrative Court, asking judges to withdraw the order of discharging him from the civil service over his controversial decision.
He has filed a lawsuit against Ms Pachara who chaired the PPC and former attorney general Singchai Thaninson for the PPC’s decision against him.

The first trial has not yet been scheduled.

Source : https://www.khaosod.co.th/politics/news_7396371

Thaksin’s Daughter Paetongtarn Outlines Pheu Thai’s Vision

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Associated Press

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7 December 2022, 11:30

The daughter of Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn Shinawatra cheers with supporters during a Pheu Thai party general assembly meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022. Photo: Sakchai Lalit / AP

BANGKOK (AP) — The daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra promised a new era of social equality on Tuesday, saying if her party is elected to power in next year’s election it will bring an end to poverty in the Southeast Asian nation.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra told supporters that if Thailand’s largest opposition party, Pheu Thai, wins in May people would see a marked change from the administration of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who seized power in a military coup in 2014 and was then elected in 2019.

“The next four years will be the years that our country will bounce back and regain our dignity and pride,” she said. “To think big and act smart will help rebuild our country and improve the livelihood of Thai people – as if it’s a miracle. Only political stability will help us.”

Paetongtarn outlined a raft of proposals that she said would benefit ordinary Thais, including doubling the daily minimum wage, expanding health care coverage, and reducing fares on Bangkok’s public transportation system.

She did not provide details on how the party would accomplish its goals.

“All we have to do is to work together to change the country’s leadership,” she said.

The Pheu Thai party hasn’t yet announced who its candidate for prime minister will be, but Paetongtarn’s presence has drawn attention since she took a post with it last year as chief of its Inclusion and Innovation Advisory Committee.

The 36-year-old has said she is very close to her father, who remains popular in Thailand, and meets with him frequently.

Thaksin’s government was toppled in an earlier military-led coup in 2006 and he eventually went into self-imposed exile to avoid serving prison time in Thailand on corruption charges he maintains were politically motivated.

He’s widely thought to be seeking some sort of a political comeback and has been increasing his profile, and his daughter’s role with Pheu Thai seems to be an indication that his influence with the party is still strong.

The 73-year-old billionaire businessman’s populist policies won him strong electoral support, and his ouster gave rise to years of political instability.

He is a contentious figure whose fall set off a sometimes-violent struggle for power between his supporters and his opponents, who accused him of abuse of power and corruption. His supporters say the traditional Thai establishment feared losing power because of his popularity.

Paetongtarn, his youngest daughter, is just the latest from the family to become involved in Thai politics.

Thaksin’s brother-in-law, Somchai Wongsawat, served briefly as prime minister in 2008 and his youngest sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, held the office from 2011 to 2014 before she was forced out of office, and then her government was ousted in the 2014 coup that brought then-army chief Prayuth to power.

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Story: Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul.

China’s Xi Visiting Saudi Arabia Amid Bid To Boost Economy

By

Associated Press

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7 December 2022, 11:00

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during a memorial for the late former Chinese President Jiang Zemin, who passed away on Nov. 30 at the age of 96, held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022. Photo: Pang Xinglei / Xinhua via AP

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese leader Xi Jinping is attending a pair of regional summits in Saudi Arabia this week amid efforts to kick-start economic growth weighed down by strict anti-COVID-19 measures.

The Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that Xi will attend the inaugural China-Arab States Summit and a meeting with leaders of the six nations that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. His state visit to Saudi Arabia will end on Saturday.

China is the world’s second largest economy and a major source of outward investment. To fuel massive demand, it imports half its oil, of which half of those imports come from Saudi Arabia, amounting to tens of billions of dollars annually.

China’s economic growth had been on a steady decline for years and was dealt a major blow by rolling lockdowns imposed across the country as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chinese economic growth rebounded to 3.9% over a year earlier in the three months ending in September, up from the first half of the year’s 2.2%, but still well short of the government target.

China’s COVID-19 infection numbers are lower than those of the United States and other major countries. But the ruling party is sticking to “zero-COVID,” which calls for isolating every case, while other governments are relaxing travel and other controls and trying to live with the virus.

China’s ruling Communist Party shares many of the authoritarian tendencies of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, shielding Beijing from criticism over its harsh policies toward Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities. More than a million have been sent to detention centers where they report being forced to denounce Islam and swear fealty to Xi and the party.

Beijing denies the charges, saying they have been providing job training and ridding Muslims of extremist, separatist and terroristic tendencies.

The trip to Saudi Arabia marks a further move by Xi to restore his global profile after spending most of the pandemic inside China. Xi was granted a third five-year term in October, but street protests against “zero-COVID” policies last month saw the most significant public challenge to his rule and may have prompted a relaxation of some measures.

MONRE opened an exchange platform on sound environmental city management joining with EU and ASEAN, hope to strengthen a power of the environmental citizen in ASEAN’s growing quality and sustainability

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Contributor

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6 December 2022, 16:09

On December 6, 2023, the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion (DEQP) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) held an exchange platform of the High level Policy Dialogues under the Project of Smart Green ASEAN Cities, presented by Mr. Thalerngsak Petchsuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of MONRE, Mr. Daniel HACHEZ Minister Counsellor, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Thailand., and Mr. David Jackson Director Local Transformative Finance UNCDF from UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) jointly opening event. Its objectives are to enhance a capacity of ASEAN cities with sharing their experiences, knowledge-base, and innovation of environmental city management, including to build up networking. It is a relevant force and mechanism for ASEAN region in growing quality and sustainability.

Mr. Thalerngsak Petchsuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of MONRE said that the MONRE has given importance to mission integration and collaboration networking with stakeholders to manage the sustainable natural resources and environment both in domestically and internationally, along with development of tools, mechanisms, and digital technology to increase administration efficiency. Moreover, Thailand has undertaken both bilateral and multilateral cooperation, implementing at sub-reginal, ASEAN reginal and global level about environmental cities, climate change, waste and chemical management, biodiversity, forest, water resources, coastal resources, environmental education, sustainable consumption and production, and driven to achieve in Sustainable Development Goal.

The DEQP was designated by ASEAN to serve as the National Focal Point of ASEAN Working Group on Environmentally Sustainable City. Thailand aims to shift up the standard of environmental city management and carbon neutrality by 2050. By formulating potential management on environmentally sustainable city in local municipality with the concept of 1 province and 1 city, we will apply a principle of Bio–Circular Green Economy (BCG) to enhance the academic, digital technology, and to promote collaboration with relevant network agencies related to green lifestyle both domestically and internationally.

Mr. Somsak Sappakosonkul, the Director General of DEQP added that the project of Smart Green ASEAN Cities (SGAC) supports the implementation and achieving city on environmentally friendly sustainability in Southeast Asia by supporting ASEAN Member State at the city, national, and reginal. In addition to address issue of city environment and good governance related to climate change, focusing on smart working with amendment approach that are digitally and technologically enabled, we collaborate among cities in ASEAN region between cities in ASEAN and Europe, and sharing experience in Europe.

Finally, Mr. Somsak Sappakosonkul, the Director General of DEQP expected that this platform would encourage the capacity for ASEAN cities sharing experiences, knowledge, innovation in sustainable city management, building networking, a guide links to support from the financial and private sectors. This is a power and relevant mechanism to support ASEAN’s growth with quality and sustainability, to achieve goal for more quality life of people, as well as, a best practice for Smart Green ASEAN Cities in development, to reduce the impact of environment, and city has ability to adapt on climate change for result expansion in the future. He added that a sharing platform of the High Level Policy Dialogues under the Project of Smart Green ASEAN Cities held by the DEQP, hybrid Video Conference at the Athenee Hotel in Bangkok with 50 participants approximately, that consisted of representatives of National Focal Point under ASEAN Working Grope of Environmental Sustainable City from 8 ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Secretariat, partners, educational and research institution.

Appreciation for Good Wine in Thailand is Steadily Growing

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6 December 2022, 13:14

Appreciation for Good Wine in Thailand is Growing

Thailand is slowly undergoing an awareness and appreciation of fine foods of every variety. Bangkok is home to a wide variety of restaurants serving a range of delicious foods. In developing a taste for fine foods, the residents of Thailand are also becoming interested in exploring the world of quality wines.

These days, upscale Thai restaurants serve quality wines that are paired with certain dishes. The wines expand the appreciation of both the creative dishes they serve, and they sometimes surprise their guests with how well wine goes with a variety of foods.

The diners are becoming enchanted by the new flavours the wines impart to familiar dishes, and they immerse themselves in learning more about wine.

Creating a Homegrown Thai Wine Industry

A few intrepid entrepreneurs are taking their appreciation for wine a step further. There are five notable Thai wineries operating in Thailand, with the Khao Yai region hosting three of the vineyards and beginning to be known as the wine region of Thailand. But there are also vineyards on both sides of the Gulf near Hua Hin and in Chonburi. They are creating some reds, whites, and rosés that are creating a favourable buzz in the wine world.

This current interest in wine will only continue to grow with the variety and quality of fine dining restaurants in the country continuing to expand. Within the last two years, the Michelin Guide has published a guide to the restaurants of Thailand. This has put the country’s restaurants on notice that fine dining in Thailand is here to stay.

Supporting the Fine Dining Market

With the emphasis on creating fine dining establishments, the one part of the equation that was lacking was a solid supplier of fine wines and spirits. There were always beer, wine, and spirit suppliers in Thailand, but they simply would stock the easily available brands. What was needed as the dining choices became more sophisticated was a supplier that took the time to learn about the products that were available in the world and made educated choices based on a knowledge of wine varieties and brands.

Discover Ambrose Wine and Spirits

Ambrose Wine and Spirits has been filling that void in wine and spirit distributors in Thailand since 1996. From our locations in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Samui, and Phuket, we serve restaurants, cafes, and bistros with our extensive selection of fine wines and spirits. Some of our brands include:

Montes
Dourthe
Robert Mondavi
Yellow Tail
Hardys
Gosset Champagne
Piccini
Kaiken
Gato Negro
Peter Lehmann
Kim Crawford
Babich
Edinburgh Gin
Glengoyne
Fireball
Southern Comfort

Our wines include vintages from:

Argentina
Australia
Chile
France
Germany
Italy
New Zealand
South Africa
Spain
Thailand
USA

We are making a difference in the quality of the wine and spirits that residents of Thailand are now able to enjoy.

If you want to learn more about the services and wide range of products carried by Ambrose Wines and Spirits, feel free to contact us at any of the four locations nearest you.

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