What are the benefits of the Portugal golden visa program?

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23 August 2022, 17:11

The Portugal Golden Visa Investment Seminar is coming to Bangkok on September 10 and 11. Secure your spot at the free event here or keep reading to learn more about the benefits of the Portugal golden visa program.

The Portugal golden visa program launched a decade ago, and it remains among the most popular options to this day. That’s because the scheme boasts a proven track record of success without some of the problems similar EU-based programs have encountered over the years.

There are many benefits to the Portugal golden visa program that make it a good opportunity for those in Thailand. Firstly, holding one allows you to live, work or study throughout all EU countries should you apply for citizenship after five years.

This makes it ideal for several groups. For starters, those with business interests in Europe can take advantage of visa-free entry to Portugal along with a visa exemption for travel through the Schengen Area. You will have the ability to work legally in Portugal during the first five years of the program with this being extended to the entire EU should you successfully apply for citizenship.

Family considerations are another benefit of the Portugal golden visa program. Dependent family members can obtain permanent Portuguese residency and/or citizenship. This means your partner will enjoy the same ease of travel benefits while children have access to EU schooling.

A recent change to the program now means you can be granted citizenship without needing to physically reside in Portugal for a long period each year.

Finally, there is the property investment aspect of the Portugal golden visa program. You aren’t simply purchasing real estate to acquire a visa. Several options are available that offer rental income generation potential.

For example, it’s possible to purchase a turnkey investment property throughout the Algarve as part of the Portugal golden visa program. These tap into the region’s popularity with visitors and have been designed with providing owners a return on investment.

Book your spot at the Portugal Golden Visa Investment Seminar in Bangkok: https://contact.dotpropertygroup.com/portugal-golden-visa/

Learn more about the benefits of the Portugal golden visa program

The Portugal Golden Visa Investment Seminar in Bangkok is the best place to learn more about these benefits. There will be several guest speakers during the event to provide insights and advice. You’ll hear about recent changes to the scheme and be treated to an exclusive preview of eligible investment properties. Legal and immigration consultation with international and local experts will also be available along with Thai, Mandarin, Cantonese and English-speaking agents.

A special discount of 10 percent will be provided for the first 10 units at the Portugal Golden Visa Investment Seminar in Bangkok as well. You can secure your golden visa with a down payment as little as EUR15,000 on the day.

Best of all, the Portugal Golden Visa Investment Seminar is free to attend. Advanced registration is required, however. It will take place at Grande Centre Point Terminal 21 on September 10 and 11. Parking is available, and the hotel can be reached from the BTS Asoke Station and MRT Sukhumvit Station. Click here to reserve your spot: https://contact.dotpropertygroup.com/portugal-golden-visa/

For more information, please contact Jade Chan from Dot Property at 065-512-9204 or [email protected]

Protégés of Martha Argerich to collaborate in Mozart Concert by Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra to Perform on Friday, August 26, 2022

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Contributor

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23 August 2022, 16:57

Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation – in collaboration with B. Grimm and the Tourist Authority of Thailand – presents two exceptionally gifted protégés of legendary concert pianist Martha Argerich on 26th August at 7:30pm in the Main Hall of the Thailand Cultural Centre. Sylvia Thereza (born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Theodosia Ntokou (born in Rhodes, Greece) will give a duo performance of Mozart’s delightful Concerto for Two Piano No. 10 in E-flat major K.365.

Sylvia Thereza initially caught the attention of the musical métier in Brazil, and continued studies with two great figures of the South American tradition, Maria da Penha and Myrian Dauelsberg, a disciple of Villa-Lobos. Her rare ability was soon also noticed in the USA, where she received sponsorship to study with the Russian pianist Bella Davidovich in New York, and later in Belgium with Alan Weiss at the Masters Program of Leuven University.

Theodosia Ntokou studied at Athens National Conservatory with Aris Garufalis, who she refers to as “The Professor who built her character…” She then continued studies at the Universität der Künste in Berlin, simultaneously receiving her Postgraduate Degree from the Franz Liszt Academy of Budapest. Theodosia liewise relocated to the USA, where she completed her Master’s degree with Russian pianist Oxana Yablonskaya, and attended the prestigious University of Hartford in Connecticut.

Conducted by RBSO Music Director Michel Tilkin, this concert also features two original works by highly respected living Thai composers – Suriya from Devas Suite by Vanich Potavanich, and The Glorious Kingdom Symphony by Narongrit Dhamabutra.

Gays Hail Singapore Sex-Ban Repeal, See Long Way to Equality

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Associated Press

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23 August 2022, 11:30

FILE - Thousands of people gathered at a park for the annual Pink Dot gay pride event on Saturday, July 1, 2017, in Singapore. Photo: Wong Maye-E / AP File

SINGAPORE (AP) — Singapore’s gay community Monday hailed a plan to decriminalize sex between men as “a triumph of love over fear” but warned there is still a long way to equality and new bans on same-sex unions could entrench discrimination against them.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong caught many by surprise when he announced in his National Day Rally speech Sunday that the government would repeal Section 377A of the Penal Code, a colonial-era law that made sex between men punishable by up to two years in jail.

Since 2007, when Parliament last debated whether to repeal Section 377A, its position was to keep the law but not enforce it. But Lee said societal norms have shifted considerably and many Singaporeans will now accept decriminalization.

Lee, however, vowed the repeal will be limited and not shake Singapore’s traditional family and societal norms including how marriage is defined, what children are taught in schools, what is shown on television and general public conduct.

He said the government will amend the constitution to “safeguard the institution of marriage” and prevent any constitutional challenge to allow same-sex unions.

The timing of the repeal or the constitutional change was not disclosed.

More than 20 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups — including Pink Dot SG that organizes an annual rally that attracts thousands of supporters — said the repeal was long overdue to show that “state-sanctioned discrimination has no place in Singapore.”

They called it a “hard-won victory, a triumph of love over fear” that will finally enable victims of bullying, rejection and harassment to heal. However, the groups said the repeal was merely “the first step on a long road towards full equality for LGBTQ people” amid other areas of discrimination they face at home, in schools, workplaces, and in housing and health systems.

They expressed disappointment with the government’s plan to introduce further legislation or constitutional amendments to ban same-sex unions that signal LGBTQ people as unequal citizens.

Such a decision will “undermine the secular character of our constitution, codify further discrimination into supreme law and tie the hands of future Parliaments,” they warned.

Religious groups were guarded in their reaction to Lee’s comments, saying the changes mustn’t hinder their religious freedom to articulate views on public morality nor cause any “reverse discrimination” on those who doesn’t support homosexuality.

Christian and Muslim groups said heterosexual marriage must be protected in the constitution before Section 377A is repealed and that there should be no further liberalization of policies.

“We seek the government’s assurance that the religious freedom of churches will be protected as we continue to teach against same-sex sexual acts and highlight such acts,” the National Council of Churches said in a statement. Pastors and church workers must be protected from charges of “hate speech” and not be compelled to adopt solely “LGBTQ-affirming” strategies in their counselling, it said.

The council expressed concerns the repeal could lead to LGBTQ culture expanding and called for redress for Christians who face “reverse discrimination.”

The Alliance of Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches of Singapore, which represents over 80 local churches, was more blunt, calling it a “an extremely regrettable decision.”

“The decision to remove a moral marker as weighty as S377A signals a rewriting of acceptable sexual relationships, and celebrates homosexuality as being characteristic of a mainstream social environment,” it said.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore said the church is not seeking to criminalize the LGBQT community but to protect the family and marriage and its rights to teach and practice on such topics unhindered.

Singapore’s top Islamic leader, Mufti Nazirudin Mohd Nasir, said the repeal was a “tough balancing act” and steps to preserve traditional values were crucial.

“Even as we hold on to different values, aspirations and orientations, I don’t think we should let hate and contempt for differences to win,” he told Channel News Asia.

Section 377A was introduced under British colonial rule in the 1930s. Version of the law remain in other former British colonies, including neighboring Malaysia.

But laws have liberalized in recent years in Asia. India’s top court decriminalized gay sex in a 2018 ruling. Taiwan became the first Asian government to legalize gay marriage in 2019, and Thailand recently approved plans allowing same-sex unions.

National University of Singapore sociologist Tan Ern Ser said the repeal could set the scene for future challenges to the constitution.

“On the surface, it does look like one step forward, two steps backward, but my sense is that the repeal could be seen as a foot in the door, which could pave the way to future challenges to the constitution on the current definition of family and marriage,” Tan said.

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Story: Toh Ee Ming and Eileen Ng. Ng reported from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Constitutional Court Asked To Rule If Prayut Must Step Down

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Associated Press

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23 August 2022, 11:00

PM Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House on August 23, 2022.

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Monday received a petition from opposition lawmakers seeking a ruling on whether Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has reached the legal limit on how long he can remain in office.

The petition, signed by 171 members of the House of Representatives, asks the nine-member court to rule on an article in the constitution limiting prime ministers to eight years in office.

The court is widely expected to announce on Wednesday whether it will rule on the petition. It is uncertain whether the court, if it accepts the case, would temporarily suspend Prayuth from his duties until it issues a ruling.

At issue is the date that should be used in determining how long he has been in office. Prayuth, then army commander, seized power in May 2014 after toppling an elected government in a military coup. He led a ruling junta and was installed as prime minister on Aug. 24, 2014, under a provisional post-coup constitution.

His critics and several legal experts contend this means he will complete eight years in office on Tuesday.

His supporters say the country’s current constitution, which contains the provision limiting prime ministers to eight years, came into effect on April 6, 2017, and that should be used as the starting date. An even more generous interpretation is that the countdown began on June 9, 2019, when Prayuth took office under the new constitution following a 2019 general election.

The move to oust Prayuth has raised political tensions. Polls show the prime minister’s popularity is at a low ebb and his critics have been seeking his exit for more then two years, saying he came to power illegitimately. He has also been accused of mishandling the economy and botching Thailand’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prayuth and his coalition government, however, have survived four no-confidence votes since the 2019 election, most recently last month.

Several street protests urging the court to rule against Prayuth have been held in the past few days, and some critics have also suggested he take the initiative in stepping down.

If he is not forced out of office, he must call a new election by March next year, though he has the option of calling one before that.

The eight-year limit was meant to target former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a populist billionaire who was ousted by a 2006 military coup but whose political machine remains powerful. The army in 2014 also ousted the government of Thaksin’s sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, who was forced from office shortly before the takeover by a controversial court decision.

Thailand’s traditional conservative ruling class, including the military, felt that Thaksin’s popularity posed a threat to the country’s monarchy as well as their own influence. The courts have been stalwart defenders of the established order and ruled consistently against Thaksin and other challengers.

CPF joins hands with Bangkok Bank offering the support its suppliers to strengthen its financial status for mutual growth

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Contributor

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23 August 2022, 10:23

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) and Bangkok Bank jointly launch the “CPF x BBL Liquidity Scheme for Suppliers”,to support CPF’s suppliers to strengthen its financial liquidity with working capital. Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CPF and Charamporn Jotikasthira, Executive Director of Bangkok Bank jointly launch ceremony at CP Tower Silom.

Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CPF, said that the food and agribusiness group has been supplied raw materials and goods by more than 10,000 suppliers. These suppliers have played a crucial role in enabling CPF to continually produce and deliver quality and safe food to consumers. In this occasion, he praises Bangkok Bank for its collaboration in the CPF x BBL Liquidity Scheme for Suppliers, which will improve the suppliers’ access to low-cost financial assistance and daily operations as well as keep them afloat. SMEs which account for 60% of all suppliers and witness a narrow access to special-rate loans will benefit the most from the scheme. With the loans, they will enjoy an opportunity to grow business and become large-sized manufacturers.

Charamporn Jotikasthira, Executive Director of Bangkok Bank PLC, stressed the bank’s great pleasure to work with CPF in improving suppliers’ access to low-cost funds for greater financial liquidity. In this regard, bank officers stand ready for consultation and a digital platform is in place to ensure a convenient and fast service for their maximum benefits. He believed that the scheme would reinvigorate business operators, which is one of the bank’s key policies. Positioning itself as “a trusted partner”, BBL is ready to stand side by side with customers in all situations and to provide integrated financial solutions to business operators in all industries and their supply chains.

Pipat Assamongkol, Executive Vice President of Bangkok Bank, explained that the loan scheme for CPF’s suppliers was specially designed to improve their liquidity. It comes with a special loan rate and high loan amounts. The approval process is shortened and no collateral is required. The customers can easily disburse the loans and repay loans on a daily basis. The online system allows them to check the outstanding loans around the clock. Customers as such can efficiently manage liquidity and enjoy the comfort of interest rates.

Thidarat Dechayonbuncha, senior vice president of CPF, added that the CPF x BBL Liquidity Scheme for Suppliers follows the “Faster Payment” scheme that CPF has been executing since October 2020, to offer within 30-day credit term to 6,000 SME affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. With the 30-day credit term, those SME enjoy higher liquidity and witness no business disruptions. So far, SME are very satisfied the program because the program strengthens their financial and enable to operate business stably amid uncertain economy.

CPF also emphasizes the strengthening of suppliers’ ability to cope with current situations and operate with responsibility for the environment and society. In collaboration with the government sector and relevant organizations, CPF has shared its knowledge with suppliers so that they

can improve their operations and meet international standards in terms of labour, safety and hygiene at workplace, as well as environmental management. Its goal is to help bolster suppliers’ business growth and enable them to become a major supplier in the national and international levels.

The culinary event of the year “Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants 2022 by Koktail” presented by Siam Paragon” at Parc Paragon 27-28 August 2022

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Contributor

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23 August 2022, 09:30

“Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants by Koktail, is partnering with Siam Paragon to host the most exciting culinary event ever in Bangkok. The event, “Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants by Koktail” will be held over two days from 27-28 August 2022 at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon. The event is open to the public from 11 am until 9.00pm on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th August.

“Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants by Koktail Presented by Siam Paragon” will bring together over 30 of the country’s leading chefs and well-known restaurants to present their selection of tasting plates. This food and drink extravaganza is timely as it coincides with the full re-opening of Thailand’s hospitality scene.

For the first time ever in Bangkok, visitors will be able to indulge in specially prepared dishes by Thailand’s leading chefs and restaurants such as 31 Degrees Cacao by Kad Kokao, Appia, Aquila, Baan Tepa, Blue Elephant, Brasserie Palmier, CDGRE by sühring, Clara, Cloud i BKK, Fat Lamb by Chef Yakup, Haoma, Jaras and Tengoku @InterContinental Phuket, JHOL, Loyrom, Maison Dunand & Alpea, Man Tables, Mia, Phra Nakhon@Capella Bangkok, POTONG, Praya Dining @Praya Palazzo, Seafood @Trisara, Prego Bangkok, R-HAAN, Rern, Rib Room & Bar @The Landmark Bangkok, TAAN, The Smokaccia Laboratory, Tony’s and Yamazato @The Okura Prestige Bangkok.

On 27-28 August the festival is open to the public with two sessions of non-stop food and drinks; the first from 11am to 4pm, followed by a second “Dusk to Dark” food and drinks event, with wines and cocktails, from 5pm to 9.00pm. The event will be held at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon in the heart of Bangkok. For entrance, a pre-payment of Baht 1,500++ per person which can be redeemed in full for Baht 1,500 at any of the 30 booths inside the marquee for guests to sample a range of menus on offer plus drinks and cocktails via coupon system. Guests may top up their spending on site if they wish to enjoy more of the gourmet food and drinks on offer. To guarantee entry to the event guests, it is recommended to pre-book tickets via Megatix booking site ahead of time at https://bit.ly/3Pc0wrZ

The event will kick off on the evening of 26 August, strictly by invitation only, with the “Dusk till Dark Industry Awards Presentation Event” where awards will be presented by “Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants” annual restaurant guide, to winning chefs and restaurants in 33 different categories recognizing local talent and the latest culinary trends. The awards evening brings chefs, restaurateurs and sommeliers together with their friends in the industry. TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn will be the guest of honour to open the proceedings.

The event partners with Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Siam Paragon, Jagota, distributor of trend setting and bespoke food solutions for professionals; Megatix, Thailand’s leading ticketing platform; TikTok and TPN Group Thailand a catering industry producing high-quality stainless kitchen equipment; ONESIAM SuperApp will offer special privileges to event goers.

Ticket enquiries can also be directed to Koktail Magazine directly at Khun Jitkasem on [email protected]. Entry may be possible on the day of the event without pre-booking only if there is space available inside the marquee.

Mr Nigel Oakins, founder of “Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants by Koktail” dining guide said, “We are proud that Siam Paragon shares our vision to bring Thailand’s culinary excellence to the forefront through hosting our first food festival ‘Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants by Koktail 2022 presented by Siam Paragon’ while the dining guide includes leading restaurants from every region of the country, based on a series of criteria under the supervision of Mr Christopher Watson, a respected food-industry veteran, and his team of food critics. He has lent us his expertise to ensure that is a credible manual of global culinary and service standards that will be a perfect dining companion to all food enthusiasts. We are also excited that the TAT has joined us a sponsoring partner as they have been the leading agency in the promotion of Thailand as gourmet food destination.

Mrs Thanaporn Tantiyanon, Head of Siam Paragon Business Unit, Siam Paragon Development Co., Ltd, remarked, “As a ‘World Class Food Destination’ and uber experience creator, Siam Paragon is therefore organizing Thailand’s Favourite Restaurants by Koktail Presented by Siam Paragon to offer an outstanding culinary experience to food enthusiasts. It also affirms Thailand’s position as a top tourist destination. Food is recognized as a soft power that has helped to put Thailand on the global tourism map, and this event will showcase Thailand’s readiness to welcome tourists after the long hiatus from the pandemic. The event is expected to boost the economy and highlight the restaurant industry, while visitors will have the opportunity to sample delicious offerings from 25+ top restaurants in Thailand within one single venue. We also offer exclusive privileges for our ONESIAM SuperApp. New subscribers who download the app and apply for VIZ member at the event will be complemented with a 100-baht top-up for food and beverage purchases at the event. Existing VIZ members will be offered a free scoop of Haagen-Dazs ice cream at the event.”

Dot Property Thailand Awards 2022 recognizes the developers, projects and agencies supporting the Kingdom’s real estate market recovery

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Contributor

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22 August 2022, 15:01

30 winners from across the Kingdom were honored at Dot Property Thailand Awards 2022
Raimon Land won two awards including Developer of the Year 2022
Thailand People’s Choice Award for Project of the Year 2022 went to Bangkok Boulevard Signature Chaengwattana from SC Asset

The Dot Property Thailand Awards recognized 30 winners from across the Kingdom with leading developers Raimon Land, SC Asset and Major Development among those to be honored. Celebrations took place at the Park Hyatt Bangkok on August 18 as real estate industry leaders came together to commend the best of the best.

The Thailand real estate market is currently undergoing recovery and recalibration as it moves past the pandemic. This was evident at the sixth annual Dot Property Thailand Awards where the spotlight was placed on winners who are supporting both growth and the evolving needs of home seekers.

“One of the most interesting trends we saw this year is that people looking for property are increasingly end users who have a clear idea of what they want regardless of if they’re searching for a city condominium, suburban housing or real estate in holiday destinations,” Adam Sutcliffe, Dot Property Director, Events and International Markets, states. “This year’s Dot Property Thailand Awards winners have shown the ability to connect with home seekers and deliver projects and services that align with what the market is asking for.”

Raimon Land is a perfect example of these efforts. Residential projects, such as The Estelle Phrom Phong and Tait Sathorn 12, have demonstrated a mastery of Bangkok’s ultracompetitive luxury property market. Meanwhile, One City Centre has proven its credentials in the rapidly changing commercial sector. This outstanding work was celebrated when the firm was presented with the event’s most prestigious honor, Developer of the Year Thailand 2022, in addition to Best Developer Luxury Condominiums.

“Winning Developer of the Year 2022 and Best Developer Luxury Condominiums at the Dot Property Thailand Awards 2022 is an achievement we are extremely proud of. This is validation of our vision to strive and elevate new standards of modern living,” Korn Narongdej, Chief Executive Officer at Raimon Land, stated. “This award also symbolizes the hard work and dedication of everyone at Raimon Land who has contributed to our continued success.”

SC Asset continues to lead the way when it comes to housing with everyone taking note of its performance. The firm was named Best Developer Luxury Housing while Bangkok Boulevard Signature Chaengwattana was selected by the public as Thailand People’s Choice Award for Project of the Year 2022. This was the first time a housing development won the People’s Choice Award.

Developer of The Year Thailand 2022
Raimon Land
Thailand People’s Choice Award for Project of the Year 2022
Bangkok Boulevard Signature Chaengwattana from SC Asset
Dot Property Thailand Awards 2022 developer winners
Developers from Bangkok, Phuket, Samui and the Eastern Seaboard were all honored at the Dot Property Thailand Awards 2022. Dynasty Group and LDR Group are repeat winners while the impressive performance of Garden Atlas Development this year saw it named Best Breakthrough Developer Phuket.

Best Developer Luxury Housing – SC Asset
Best Developer Luxury Condominiums – Raimon Land
Best Developer Koh Samui – LDR Group
Best Developer Phuket – Pearl Island Property
Best Developer Eastern Seaboard – Patta Group
Best Boutique Developer – Dynasty Group
Best Breakthrough Housing Developer – Fulcrum Ventures Asia Group
Best Breakthrough Developer Phuket – Garden Atlas Development
Best Mid Range Housing Developer Eastern Seaboard – Garden Ville Home & Property Company

Dot Property Thailand Awards 2022 project winners

A number of standout projects were recognized at the Dot Property Thailand Awards 2022. One of the most notable winners was Villa Qabalah from DNA Collection which took home Best Green Villa Development Phuket.

Best Luxury Condominium Bangkok – Muniq Langsuan from Major Development
Best Ultra Luxury Residences Bangkok – Dusit Residences from Vimarn Suriya
Best Housing Development (New Launch) Bangkok – Panara Bangna-Suvarnabhumi from Fulcrum Ventures Asia Group
Best Green Development – Swan Lake Residence Khao Yai from Elysian Development
Best Villa Development Koh Samui – Santi Tara Villas from LDR Group
Best Mixed Use Development Koh Samui – Emerald Bay View from Premium Construction
Best Green Villa Development Phuket – Villa Qabalah from DNA Collection
Dot Property Thailand Awards 2022 design winners
Design plays an important role in day-to-day living. Winners in these categories showed unmatched attention to detail and a willingness to think differently.
Best Luxury Villa Architectural Design Phuket – Garden Atlas from Garden Atlas Development
Best Condominium Architectural Design Phuket – The One Naiharn from The One Phuket
Best Residential Lifestyle Design Eastern Seaboard – Arom Jomtien from Colours Development
Best Condominium Architectural Design Chiang Mai – Le Chamonix Chiang Mai from Luxury Chiang Mai Land
Best Affordable Condominium Interior Design Eastern Seaboard – The Ivy Jomtien Beach from Daniel Binks Development

Special Recognition Awards for Architectural Design

The Curve from DNA Square Limited

Thailand’s Best Real Estate Agencies 2022

Real estate agencies continue to be a vital link between property buyers and sellers while also providing other indispensable services that support a vibrant property sector. Celebrating their work is another aspect that makes the Dot Property Thailand Awards unique. A total of six companies were named as Thailand’s Best Real Estate Agencies 2022.

Citadel Real Estate

CMP Realty

NPP Realty & Consultants

PBRE Real Estate

SEA Property Group

Zupreme C&C (Thailand)

Festivities were once again held in-person after a special hybrid ceremony was organized in 2021 because of pandemic-related event restrictions. More than 250 of the real estate industry’s best and brightest were in attendance this year.

The Dot Property Thailand Awards 2022 would like to thank Savills Thailand and their CEO Robert Collins for serving as official Awards Consultants. A special mention also goes to official venue partner Park Hyatt Bangkok and VIP Transportation provider Mercedes-Benz Primus Autohaus for their continued support.

The Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards are scheduled for December in Bangkok. For more details on how you can take part, please email [email protected]

Thailand’s MNRE joins forces with GIZ to boost concrete policies into actions for combating climate change

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Contributor

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22 August 2022, 14:49

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in cooperation with the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) organized the “Glocal Climate Change: Act Locally, Change Globally” event, to announce the success of implementing the Climate Policy Project (TGCP Policy)

19th August 2022, Mr. Jatuporn Buruspat, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment presided over the closing ceremony and public awareness activities for the Climate Policy Project under the Thai-German Climate Programme (TGCP-Policy). The participants included: Mr. Chaiwat Chuenkosoom, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior; Dr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Secretary General, Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP); Mr. Reinhold Elges, Country Director of GIZ Thailand and Malaysia; Dr. Johannes Kerner, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the German Embassy in Thailand; Dr. Angkana Chalermpong, Director of the Climate Policy Project, Thai-German Climate Programme; as well as Thai and international environmental experts and media professionals, who also attended the event at Samyan Mitrtown Hall 1, Bangkok.

Before awarding honorary plaques to ten pilot provinces to recognize their efforts to develop climate-sensitive Provincial Development Plans, namely, Yasothon, Maha Sarakham, Tak, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Chon Buri, Chanthaburi, Chumphon, Ranong, and Bangkok, Mr. Jatuporn expressed that it is crucial to analyse how to take the pilot provinces as model to implement in all provinces of Thailand, taking into account different context. MNRE is ready to work on this task with the Ministry of Interior. MNRE receives support from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) to implement the Climate Policy Project under the Thai-German Climate Programme (TGCP Policy). TGCP Policy is one of the programme’s five components (energy, waste management, agriculture, water management and climate policy) with five years of implementation (2018-2022) and a budget of 650 million THB. TGCP Policy is jointly implemented by the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The project supports Thailand in formulating a long-term low greenhouse gas development strategy (Thailand’s 2050 Carbon Neutrality and 2065 Net Zero GHG Emission Pathways), Thailand’s Climate Change Act, guidelines for quality control of greenhouse gas inventory data, as well as climate-sensitive Provincial Development Plans through participatory approaches.

Mr. Reinhold Elges, Country Director of GIZ Thailand and Malaysia, expressed appreciation towards Thailand’s announcement on climate goals, establishing clear policies, and intention to drive policy forward to implementation. GIZ is delighted to support many sectors in Thailand to achieve these challenging goals. Mr. Elges also congratulated MNRE on the success of the Thailand Climate Action Conference (TCAC) on 5-6 August 2022, which clearly showed that MNRE is ready to build networks with all sectors, including the private sector, to combat climate change.

The closing ceremony and public awareness activities for TGCP Policy was part of the “Glocal Climate Change: Act Locally, Change Globally” event organized by GIZ and ONEP at Samyan Mitrtown Hall 1 throughout the day. At the event, honor plaques were awarded to ten pilot provinces. Mr. Chaiwat Chuenkosoom, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, gave a speech which demonstrated the roles of the Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with MNRE, in disaster management and in supporting the Thai population to address climate change. In addition, “Climate Action Talk: From Science to Policy to Action on the Ground” was joined by environmental gurus including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bundit Limmeechokchai from Thammasat University, Dr. Kannika Thampanichvong from Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), Dr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich from the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), Mr. Sira Lipipattanawit, operator of the electric boat charter “Suk Samran”, and Dr. Soranrat Kanchanavanich, former chairperson of the Green World Foundation.

Furthermore, a Movie & Talk was held by screening the movie “Breaking Boundaries” followed by an exchange session between Yod-Ball from the Nang Pha Pai Program and Dr. Petch Manopawitr from the Green World Foundation. Then a Youth Climate Ready Workshop was organized together with more than 40 youth leaders. The workshop provided opportunities for young leaders to design climate change communication tailored to different target groups in the fight against climate change. Additionally, there were exhibits displaying project achievements as well as activities for event attendees and online participants to share their thoughts in tackling climate challenges as part of the global citizens.

In continuation of TGCP-Policy, MNRE has also received support from the Federal Republic of Germany to implement the Climate, Coastal, and Marine Biodiversity (CCMB) Project jointly between ONEP and GIZ. The project is set for a period of 5 years (2022-2027), with a budget of approximately 360 million THB, to enhance implementation towards achieving Thailand’s net zero greenhouse gas emissions goal in 2065, and to expand the scope of cooperation to address the climate-biodiversity synergy, particularly marine and coastal biodiversity. In addition, Thailand has received support from Germany for approximately 1,290 million THB in other projects on energy, transport, and climate adaptation in urban areas.

The Federal Republic of Germany is a role model for goal setting and driving for climate action. It has provided financial support, knowledge, and technical support for developing countries as it has pledged to do under the Paris Agreement. Thailand has been in partnership with Germany on climate cooperation for 13 years, in the fields of energy, transport, industry, water resource management, agriculture, tourism, and waste management, amounting to more than 3,810 million THB of support. MNRE will expand international climate change cooperation, in the form of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, in order to further support Thailand’s contributions to the global climate challenges.

Opinion: Prayut Can Spare Thailand from Further Pain and Political Impasse by Calling for Snap Election

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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21 August 2022, 13:00

PM Prayut Chan-o-cha speaks to reporters at Government House on Aug. 16, 2022.

The biggest question in Thai politics today is whether Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha will continue to be Prime Minister after completing eight years in office on Tuesday, Aug. 23.

On Friday, Prayut evaded answering the question from reporters, but it is expected that the Constitutional Court will say something about the matter on Monday or Tuesday as Article 60 of the current 2017 junta-sponsored constitution forbids anyone from being a PM beyond eight years.

Prayut supporters said since the charter came into effect after Prayut first came to power after a coup in 2014, the counting should begin in 2017 when the current charter was promulgated, not 2014 when he first became a PM after a putsch.

His opponents expected the Constitutional Court to say Prayut’s term is ending on Tuesday, however.

Many have called for him to resign on Tuesday. But even if the court ruled that Prayut’s term ends on Aug. 23, Prayut’s chief legal advisor-cum-deputy-PM Wissanu Krea-ngam insisted on Friday that Prayut could stay on in power as the caretaker PM and retain the power to dissolve the House.

This is a clear signal from the regime that Prayut is unlikely to relinquish his power, which he originally obtained through illegitimate means back in 2014 to begin with, and later through the general election in 2019 with election rules designed to favor him and those supporting the military regime.

If Prayut insists on not resigning, we can expect legal challenges being lodged to the Constitutional Court after Aug. 23. Prayut could spare the public and Thailand further pain and political impasse by dissolving the House and call for a snap election. Returning the mandate to the people will allow Thailand to have a clear direction after many wasted years. By doing so, Prayut will for once be doing Thailand a service.

If he chose to stay on, either as a caretaker PM or as PM (in case the Constitutional Court ruled that the counting of his 8 years limit should begin in 2019), then he would increasingly become a sitting duck leader. What’s more, his future actions starting Wednesday, Aug. 24, could be regarded as illegitimate and subject to lengthy legal challenges.

While this writer think Prayut is an illegitimate leader from the day he staged the coup in May 2014, Prayut now has the chance to spare Thailand from further crisis and uncertainty.

Already, Thailand’s economic growth has been close to the bottom of ASEAN for years now. We would be fortunate if the GDP could grow more than 2 percent this year. A foreign friend who has a business in Thailand told me a few days ago that he feels sorry for Thailand’s lost opportunity over the past years and it seems there is no clarity or end on the horizon.

This is what Prayut can at least do for us after all these years in power. You have been in power for far too long, illegitimate from the very beginning, some will argue.

Once upon a time, there was an army chief by the name of Prayut Chan-o-cha who staged a coup in 2014 and soon after penned a song asking the public for “a little more time” to sort things out.

It’s been eight years now and probably Prayut of 2022 does not even remember the song now. So much for a little more time.

Stars Coffee, Anyone? Starbucks Successor Opening in Russia

By

Associated Press

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19 August 2022, 11:30

Russian singer and entrepreneur Timur Yunusov, better known as Timati, drinks coffee at a newly opened Stars Coffee coffee shop in the former location of the Starbucks coffee shop in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022. Photo: Dmitry Serebryakov / AP

MOSCOW (AP) — People in Moscow who were disappointed when Starbucks closed its coffee shops after Russia sent troops into Ukraine may now feel a caffeine jolt of hope: A nearly identical operation is opening in the capital.

The name’s almost the same: Stars Coffee. The logo could be the separated-at-birth twin of the Starbucks mermaid, with flowing hair, a small enigmatic smile and a star atop her head — though instead of a Starbucks crown she wears a Russian headdress called a kokoshnik.

The menu, judging by the company app introduced a day before the store’s formal opening Friday, would look familiar to any Starbucks customer.

Starbucks said Thursday it had no comment on the new stores.

Seattle-based Starbucks was one of the most visible of the wave of foreign companies that pulled out of Russia or suspended their operations in response to Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. Others include McDonald’s, IKEA and fast-fashion giant H&M.

The departure of these companies was a psychological blow to Russians who had become used to the comforts of Western-style consumer culture. But Russian entrepreneurs saw opportunity in suddenly unoccupied stores.

Former McDonald’s outlets are reopening and attracting sizable crowds under the name Vkusno — i Tochka. Though the name doesn’t roll off the tongue easily and is a little awkward to translate (roughly: It’s Tasty — Period), the menu is a testament to imitation being the sincerest form of flattery.

Yunus Yusupov, a popular rap artist who uses the stage name Timati, and restaurateur Anton Pinsky partnered to buy the Starbucks assets, then took the imitation strategy a step further by giving the operation an English-language name.

At a news conference Thursday, they vowed to reopen all the former Starbucks under their new identity and even expand the business. The U.S. company had built its Russian operation to about 130 stores since entering the country in 2007. The stores were owned and operated by a franchisee, Alshaya Group of Kuwait.

While the close resemblance of the new operations to their predecessors could be seen as riding someone else’s inspiration and effort, the Starbucks and McDonald’s successors also fit a national-pride concept. Since Russia was walloped by sanctions and foreign pullouts, officials frequently assert that Russia will overcome by relying on its own resources and energies.

“Now the economic situation is difficult, but this is a time of opportunity,” Oleg Eskindarov, president of the holding company that partnered in the Starbucks deal, told the state news agency Tass. “For the past four months, we have been very actively looking at exiting companies following the example of Starbucks. There are several more similar examples, but we cannot talk about them yet.”

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Story: Jim Heintz.

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