dwp I Design Worldwide Partnership Revealing Its Prominence Being the Industry Leader in Architecture and Interior Design Bringing Thailand’s design flair to the World Stage

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20 July 2022, 14:19

Bangkok – the world is embracing a new way of life and companies must adapt to new trends and emerging technologies to be industry leaders. This is especially true for architecture and design firms. When one thinks of leading design firms, dwp is one of the first that comes to mind: an international market leader in architecture and interior design that has been operating in Thailand for decades.

Ms. Sarinrath Kamolratanapiboon, Executive Director, provided a historical overview of dwp, which was founded in Bangkok, Thailand, “For 30 years, dwp has provided architecture and design services globally from its studios in Asia, Australia and the Middle East. We have withstood the test of time, through our design philosophy of simplicity and elegance and by being a leader and early adopter of new technologies. Our multi-national team has a deep understanding of many different cultures, due to our strong and enduring commitment to the various communities in which we live and work.

This diverse and inclusive team brings a wealth of different skills and perspectives which enable us to generate the original and innovative ideas that are acclaimed by our clients and users of the places, buildings and spaces that we design. Our range of design skills is exemplified across our three specialist portfolios:

Lifestyle, exemplary projects such as The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Sirocco rooftop bar, and all the world class restaurants inside The State Tower, were designed by the dwp team.

Community, such as Bumrungrad International Hospital, BDMS, Thonburi Hospital, and Shrewsbury International School are all recent projects from dwp Community portfolio.

Workplace, dwp latest designs include UOB Thailand Headquarters, Google Thailand Office, Chanel Thailand Office, and K Bank Private Banking Office.

These highly acclaimed masterpieces of design are a source of pride for dwp and the result of our critical thinking, innovation and dedication. Our design excellence is recognised by the many design awards that our clients receive in Thailand and internationally.

To mention a few recent awards; our design for Diageo won the Office Interior award at the International Property Awards, Smart Dubai Office won Best Commercial Design Project at INDEX Architecture and Design Awards and 98 Wireless by Sansiri won the Global Award for Luxury Residences at The International Design and Architecture Awards.”

Sarinrath went on to say “The strength that distinguishes dwp from other firms may come from dwp’s singular mission that has always been dearly held: ‘Design for a Better World’.

If you examine our work, you’ll notice that we prioritise environmental sustainability with a focus on the next generation and the future. This forward thinking philosophy shapes us to be an organisation capable of coping with and adjusting to any change, as we constantly look ahead. Various factors have recently impacted many organisations but dwp is still running smoothly.” She elaborated, “Due to the nature of our work, our operations rely on being at the forefront of technology, such as dwp Cloud which enables us to work together as one team, collaborating and sharing ideas through three dimensional design, at any time from any location.”

Sarinrath announced, “dwp has now taken a further step to maintain its reputation as a top-tier international architecture and design firm. We are developing dwp Metatecture, a new and exciting digital experience that will bring client and user creation to the next level”. She concluded, “This will enable dwp to produce unique and appealing designs to support the needs and lifestyles of everyone in the future, raising the bar in fulfilment of dwp’s mission ‘Design for a Better World’.”

See our every updated action on https://www.facebook.com/designworldwidepartnership

Lawmakers Begin No-confidence Debate Against Prayut

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Associated Press

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20 July 2022, 11:30

BANGKOK (AP) — Thai lawmakers began debate Tuesday on the fourth and final no-confidence vote targeting Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s government before its four-year term ends next year.

With general elections due in March, the government faces its last no-confidence vote after surviving three others in as many years. The debate targeting Prayuth and 10 of his Cabinet members is scheduled for four days, with the lower house to vote on Saturday. Analysts said Prayuth is expected to prevail again as his coalition government has a parliamentary majority.

Kicking off the debate, the opposition Pheu Thai leader Cholanan Srikaew blamed the government’s mismanagement for broadening the gap between rich and poor, and leading Thailand to take a step backward economically. He also accused Prayuth of ignoring corruption in government agencies and increasing unnecessary public debts to support his populist policies.

“Thailand is a coma patient,” Cholanan said. “It is overwhelmed with debts because of this government.”

In defense, Prayuth said his government has successfully steered the economy and handled the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

“We are able to reopen the country, generate income and resume the economy,” Prayuth said. “We can prove it with the numbers.”

Prayuth came to power in a 2014 coup before winning a general election in 2019 and becoming prime minister, backed by the ruling Palang Pracharath Party, though it is roiled by internal rifts. It sacked its controversial Secretary-General Thammanat Prompao and 20 other Parliament ministers last year, who later joined the newly-established Thai Economic Party.

Pichai Naripthaphan, a senior official in the Pheu Thai Party, told the AP he believes the conflict in the Palang Pacharath Party may cause some of the targeted ministers to be voted out this time.

“We expect that this debate will unveil the truth and strongly convince Thai people to choose the right party and the right people in the next election,” he said.

The coalition government has 253 parliamentary seats, in contrast to the opposition’s 224. Each of the targeted Cabinet members must get at least 239 votes to survive.

Associate Professor Kovit Wongsurawat, a lecturer at the School of Law, Assumption University, said Prayuth and all the ministers were likely to weather the no-confidence vote but there may be a Cabinet reshuffle afterwards.

“I think there are negotiations behind the scenes among the government coalition. It is all about political benefits, especially when a new election is coming soon,” he said.

In conjunction with the debate, anti-government protesters are camping outside parliament. Organizers have vowed to stage activities, including their own no-confidence vote, to pile pressure on lawmakers to vote Prayuth out of office.

Thousands of people took to the streets in 2020 to demand Prayuth and his cabinet resign. They also called for the constitution to be amended and the monarchy to be reformed. But the protests lost momentum due to the COVID-19 pandemic with most of their leaders facing lese majeste charges. Anyone who insults or defames key members of the royal family, including the king, queen, heir apparent or regent, can be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison on each charge under the country’s special laws.

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Story: Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul.

Amnesty Intl Says Myanmar Army Has Laid Landmines in Kayah

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Associated Press

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20 July 2022, 11:00

This photo taken in June/July 2022 and provided by Amnesty International shows a close-up of a landmine found by deminers in Kayah state, eastern Myanmar. Photo: Amnesty International via AP

BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military has laid landmines that have killed and injured people in and around villages in Kayah, a conflict-affected region near the border with Thailand, Amnesty International said Wednesday.

The human rights groups said its researchers who visited the region found that landmines laid around people’s homes and churches have killed at least 20 people and maimed many other civilians.

The researchers interviewed villagers in an area where the army has been fighting ethnic Karenni armed groups after the military seized power from Myanmar’s elected government in February 2021.

Various international agreements including the 1997 Ottawa Convention ban the use of antipersonnel mines with the intention of eliminating weapons that have killed and maimed thousands of people around the world, often long after hostilities have ended.

“The Myanmar military’s use of landmines is abhorrent and cruel. At a time when the world has overwhelmingly banned these inherently indiscriminate weapons, the military has placed them in people’s yards, homes, and even stairwells, as well as around a church,” Matt Wells, Amnesty International’s Crisis Response deputy director for thematic issues, said in a statement.

Amnesty’s report said landmines have been deployed in at least 20 villages in Kayah. The report backed earlier allegations made by ethnic groups.

The Karenni Human Rights Group earlier this month also accused army forces of planting landmines in villages and settlements in Kayah state.

Last month, the United Nations Children’s Fund reported that landmines and unexploded ordnance had maimed or killed children in many regions of the country, with the largest number of casualties in Shan state in northeastern Myanmar.

Apart from the immediate danger, planting landmines can prevent people who flee violence from returning to their homes and fields, Amnesty International noted.

It said that ethnic armed groups were warning residents to be aware of the risks.

“The military appears to be systematically laying landmines near where it is based as well as in areas from which it retreats,” it said.

Myanmar has been mired in violence and civil unrest since the military ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering widespread peaceful protests that were put down with lethal force by the army and police. The nonviolent opposition has since turned into armed resistance, and the country has slipped into what some U.N. experts characterize as a civil war.

Amnesty International has also accused Myanmar’s military of carrying out widespread atrocities in the eastern part of the country that constitute war crimes and probably crimes against humanity, saying that civilians from the Karen and Karenni ethnic minorities have been the targets of unlawful killing, arbitrary detention and forcible displacement.

BGRIM turns on Laem Chabang powerhouse to boost energy security for EEC

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Contributor

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20 July 2022, 09:24

BANGKOK, 20 July 2022 — B.Grimm Power PCL (BGRIM), one of Thailand’s largest private power producers, has successfully brought on line a 140-megawatt co-generation plant in Chon Buri.

The powerhouse, located in Laem Chabang Industrial Estate, has since 16 July started supplying its electric output to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and industries in the estate.

The gas-fired power station was built for B.Grimm Power (Laem Chabang) 1 Ltd (BPLC1R), a BGRIM wholly-owned subsidiary, as a replacement to a 103-MW facility that was decommissioned.

Dr Harald Link, President of B.Grimm Power PCL, pointed out the BPLC1R is the first out of five co-generation plants with a combined installed capacity of 700 MW which BGRIM has been constructing as replacements to old power stations with modern technology that can reduce natural gas consumption by 15% per each power unit produced, and thus becoming more eco-friendly.

He said 30-MW of BPLC1R’s production is being transmitted to EGAT under a 25-year contract, and its remaining electricity and steam are delivered to industries involving in automotive, tyres, packaging, industrial gases, chemicals and other sectors under long-term agreements. BPLC1R has therefore become a reliable and secure source of energy supplies for industries under the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development project.

Meanwhile, Dr Link added that BGRIM is continuing to invest heavily in the power sector domestically and internationally through own investment and joint ventures with various partners.

The company targets an outlay of about 140 billion baht over a five-year period for the development of powerhouses which come under the supply agreements entered with buyers, and those under negotiations in the form of greenfield and merger and acquisition (M&A) undertakings.

This year, BGRIM set its sights on boosting new power sales by at least 1,000 MW while ramping up deliveries to new industrial clients by not less than 55 MW. BGRIM aims to secure power supply contracts with 7,200 MW in cumulative transmission by 2025 and further to 10,000 MW by 2030.

BGRIM is eyeing investment opportunities in Thailand, Asia, Europe and the US as part of its move to become a leading global energy producer. Another important long-term goal of BGRIM is striving to achieve Net-Zero carbon emissions by 2050.

GULF named ‘Best CEO’ at IAA Awards 2021

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Contributor

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19 July 2022, 17:32

Gulf Energy Development Plc. (GULF), led by Mr. Sarath Ratanavadi, Chief Executive Officer, received the ‘Best CEO’ award, in the ‘Resources’ category from the IAA Awards for Listed Companies 2021, organized by the Investment Analysts Association (IAA). Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health presided over the award ceremony, held at the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

The event aims to award outstanding CEO, CFO and IR across 8 industries with 24 accolades presented in total. The executives awarded with ‘Best CEO’ were shortlisted from nominations and ratings of analysts and fund managers by considering best-in-class organizational management, expertise in their industry, good corporate governance, participation in analysts’ event together with ability to provide clear relevant insights, and in-depth information, as well as other qualifications that drive the company to sustainable business growth, which will contribute to the expansion of the Thai capital market and the Thai economy going forward.

ESCAPE, EXPLORE AND ENJOY: JW MARRIOTT INSPIRES FAMILIES TO COME TOGETHER AND TRULY CONNECT

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Contributor

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19 July 2022, 16:08

Strengthen The Bonds That Matters Most With Fun-Packed Adventures From Pristine Beaches To Himalayan Foothills And Cultural City Hubs Across Asia

HONG KONG – JULY 2022 – With borders reopening across Asia and summer around the corner, JW Marriott Hotels and Resorts in the Asia Pacific (excluding China) is inspiring families to join the great multigenerational escapes and spend quality time together. Whether families plan to travel together or venture on a local getaway, JW Marriott is a haven of inspired luxury, offering intuitive services and experiences that every generation can indulge in, ensuring that the whole family can come together for their most meaningful moments.

Inspired by founder J. Willard Marriott’s principle of mindfulness, the brand’s signature programs are carefully curated to help guests be fully present, foster connections, and revitalize the mind, body, and spirit. Family by JW is an interactive program for both children and adults to promote engagement and enrichment among all family members. Providing a multi-sensory experience, the signature JW Garden is where herbs and vegetables are grown in-house and incorporated into various touchpoints of the guest journey. Throughout the hotel, guests are encouraged to experience a holistic approach to well-being with tranquil spaces, Mindful Moments, and Sensory Programming.

Nature Adventures in the Maldives, Gold Coast, Phuket, and Mussoorie

Underwater Adventures at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is the ultimate family resort with up to 100 activities available for children at the Family by JW – Little Griffins Kids Club. The architecture of the kids club is inspired by a pirate ship with beach huts, providing an element of discovery in every room for young underwater-themed enthusiasts. Activities such as treasure hunts, arts and crafts, and interactive island exploration will whisk the young adventurers on true adventures of a lifetime. The two-story Duplex Beach Pool Villas overlooking the stunning Indian Ocean is the ultimate luxurious island living accommodating up to four adults and two children, ensuring plenty of space for the whole family to relax and unwind together.

Surfers Paradise Retreat at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa

A luxury coastal retreat in Surfers Paradise, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa offers exploration for young and multigenerational travelers to engage by Gold Coast’s white sandy beaches. With its curated Family by JW program, families can join snorkeling in the resort’s famous saltwater lagoon, sandcastle making, or daily fish feeding. Highlights include the JW Garden tours and herb planting hosted by the culinary team where children can grow a deeper appreciation for how produce and herbs are cultivated. This is part of the resort’s commitment to naturally-inspired dining through its JW Garden offering fresh, local ingredients for garden-to-table dining experiences and hands-on cooking classes. Children can see for themselves those fresh ingredients being incorporated into the very food they eat.

Cultural Enrichment at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa is well-known for its Cooking School by JW, where families can join the resort’s culinary experts in discovering the secrets of delicious and nutritious Thai delicacies that reflect the destination’s culture. As part of the interactive cooking class, budding foodies will enjoy the educational walk through JW Garden to learn more about indigenous spices, herbs, and vegetables. After, families can explore turtle conservation at the Mai Khao Turtle Shelter and unwind at the Mai Khao beach – just a stone’s throw away with soothing spaces throughout the beachfront to soak in the serene surroundings or take part in Mindful Moments such as gentle yoga or batik painting activities.

Scenic Sanctuary at JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa

Nestled among the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa is a calming sanctuary for families to have an unforgettable time together. With sprawling greens surrounding the hotel, families can explore the beautiful treks around Mussoorie, the ‘Queen of Hills’, to enjoy the scenery and dip their feet in the chilly stream. The hotel’s JW Garden, JW Farm and Greenhouse offer a multi-sensory experience curated for guests to highlight the importance of eco-balance while also providing a nourishing farm-to-table experience with its sustainably grown herb and vegetables. Every day of the week, there are activities by Family by JW including Implant Nature, an environmental conservation effort of the now eroding Garhwal range through the plantation of saplings.

Discover Urban Oases in Singapore, Seoul, and Hanoi

Urban Quest at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach

Bringing the best of the city right to the doorstep, JW Marriott Singapore South Beach is located in the heart of Singapore’s art and culture district. Thoughtfully curated, embark on a discovery of the city or within the hotel with an activity guide and exploration map, a rewarding adventure for the whole family. Little ones will have plenty of fun with an in-room JW Marriott camper van and signature Family by JW kids amenities. After an exciting adventure in the city, families can unwind in the sky gardens and enjoy a swim with panoramic views of the city.

Unleash Kids’ Inner Artist at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul

Escape the heat this summer with some indoor fun at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul. The hotel’s JW Kids Artists package offers a variety of kids activities for families in search of an entertaining dose of pop art. This urban break includes a ticket to the DikiDiki Design Playground, a unique play environment with various themes to awaken children’s senses and stimulate their power of expression and imagination. Back at the hotel, families will enjoy breakfast at Tavolo 24 overlooking the city, in-room family dining service bringing tasty and shareable dishes, and access to the hotel’s environmentally friendly, LEED Gold-certified swimming pool complex.

Lakeside Glamping at JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi

Hanoi is known as the ‘City of Lakes’ and JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi‘s beautiful lakeside setting is perfect for families to embrace nature and enjoy outdoor fun. The mindful retreat is known for its glamourous camping grounds and JW Lakeside Garden with a combination of entertainment and learning for the young ones and families. Plenty of activities to be enjoyed including herb planting in the JW Lakeside Garden, picnic, treasure hunting, and movie nights at the lakeside. After an exciting day outside, unwind at the luxurious Spa by JW with a personalized spa experience.

To explore more travel destinations, visit https://jw-marriott.marriott.com/.

Europe Broils in Heat Wave That Fuels Fires in France, Spain

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Associated Press

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19 July 2022, 11:30

This photo provided by the fire brigade of the Gironde region (SDIS 33) shows a firefighter stands next to wildfire near Landiras, southwestern France, Monday morning, July 18, 2022. Photo: SDIS 33 via AP

LA TESTE-DE-BUCH, France (AP) — A heat wave broiling Europe spilled northward Monday to Britain and fueled ferocious wildfires in Spain and France, which evacuated thousands of people and scrambled water-bombing planes and firefighters to battle flames in tinder-dry forests.

Two people were killed in the blazes in Spain that its prime minister linked to global warming, saying, “Climate change kills.”

That toll comes on top of the hundreds of heat-related deaths reported in the Iberian peninsula, as high temperatures have gripped the continent in recent days and triggered wildfires from Portugal to the Balkans. Some areas, including northern Italy, are also experiencing extended droughts. Climate change makes such life-threatening extremes less of a rarity — and heat waves have come even to places like Britain, which braced for possible record-breaking temperatures.

The hot weather in the U.K. was expected to be so severe this week that train operators warned it could warp the rails and some schools set up wading pools to help children cool off.

In France, heat records were broken and swirling hot winds complicated firefighting in the country’s southwest.

“The fire is literally exploding,” said Marc Vermeulen, the regional fire service chief who described tree trunks shattering as flames consumed them, sending burning embers into the air and further spreading the blazes.

“We’re facing extreme and exceptional circumstances,” he said.

Authorities evacuated more towns, moving another 14,900 people from areas that could find themselves in the path of the fires and choking smoke. In all, more than 31,000 people have been forced from their homes and summer vacation spots in the Gironde region since the wildfires began July 12.

Three additional planes were sent to join six others fighting the fires, scooping up seawater and making repeated runs through dense clouds of smoke, the Interior Ministry said Sunday night.

More than 200 reinforcements headed to join the 1,500 firefighters trying to contain the blazes in the Gironde, where flames neared prized vineyards and billowed smoke across the Arcachon maritime basin famed for its oysters and beaches.

Spain, meanwhile, reported a second fatality in two days in its own blazes. The body of a 69-year-old sheep farmer was found Monday in the same hilly area where a 62-year-old firefighter died a day earlier when he was trapped by flames in the northwestern Zamora province. More than 30 forest fires around Spain have forced the evacuation of thousands of people and blackened 220 square kilometers (85 square miles) of forest and scrub.

Passengers on a train through Zamora got a frightening, close look at a blaze, when their train halted in the countryside. Video of the unscheduled — and unnerving — stop showed about a dozen passengers in a railcar becoming alarmed as they looked out of the windows at the flames encroaching on both sides of the track.

Climate scientists say heat waves are more intense, more frequent and longer because of climate change — and coupled with droughts have made wildfires harder to fight. They say climate change will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.

“Climate change kills,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Monday during a visit to the Extremadura region, the site of three major blazes. “It kills people, it kills our ecosystems and biodiversity.”

Teresa Ribera, Spain’s minister for ecological transition, described her country as “literally under fire” as she attended talks on climate change in Berlin.

She warned of “terrifying prospects still for the days to come” — after more than 10 days of temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), cooling only moderately at night.

At least 748 heat-related deaths have been reported in the heat wave in Spain and neighboring Portugal, where temperatures reached 47 C (117 F) earlier this month.

The heat wave in Spain was forecast to ease on Tuesday, but the respite will be brief as temperatures rise again on Wednesday, especially in the dry western Extremadura region.

In Britain, officials have issued the first-ever extreme heat warning, and the weather service forecast that the record high of 38.7 C (101.7 F), set in 2019, could be shattered.

“Forty-one isn’t off the cards,” said Met Office CEO Penelope Endersby. “We’ve even got some 43s in the model, but we’re hoping it won’t be as high as that.”

France’s often-temperate Brittany region sweltered with a record 39.3 C (102.7 F) degrees in the port of Brest, surpassing a high of 35.1 C that had stood since September 2003, French weather service Meteo-France said.

Regional records in France were broken in over a dozen towns, as the weather service said Monday was “the hottest day of this heat wave.”

The Balkans region expected the worst of the heat later this week, but has already seen sporadic wildfires.

Early Monday, authorities in Slovenia said firefighters brought one fire under control. Croatia sent a water-dropping plane there to help after struggling last week with its own wildfires along the Adriatic Sea. A fire in Sibenik forced some people to evacuate their homes but was later extinguished.

In Portugal, much cooler weather Monday helped fire crews make progress. More than 600 firefighters attended four major fires in northern Portugal.

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Story: Bob Edme and John Leicester. Leicester reported from Le Pecq. Associated Press journalists Danica Kirka and Jill Lawless in London, Geir Moulson in Berlin, Raquel Redondo in Madrid, Barry Hatton in Lisbon, Portugal, and Jovana Gec from Belgrade, Serbia, contributed.

Sri Lanka’s Political Turmoil Sows Worries for Recovery

By

Associated Press

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19 July 2022, 11:00

People wait in queue to get their passports outside Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Monday, July 18, 2022. Photo: Rafiq Maqbool / AP

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — A day after Sri Lanka’s president fled, Mohamed Ishad waited outside an immigration office near the capital, clutching a file of documents that he hopes will get his passport renewed so he can leave, too.

With the nation in the throes of its worst economic crisis, Ishad has no job, relies on relatives for financial help and sells vegetables to feed his wife and three children. He wants to go to Japan and find work there so he can send money back home.

Ishad is devastated to leave his family behind, but feels there is no choice — and no opportunity — in his country. “Living in Sri Lanka right now is not good — if you want a good life, you need to leave,” he said. Not only has the economy collapsed, but “there’s hardly a government functioning right now.”

Bankruptcy has forced the island nation’s government to a near standstill. Its once-beloved and now reviled former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to Singapore before resigning last week. The acting president and prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, is seen as his proxy and opposed by angry crowds.

Parliament is expected to elect a new leader Wednesday, paving the way for a fresh government, but it is unclear if that’s enough to fix a shattered economy and placate a furious nation of 22 million that has grown disillusioned with politicians of all stripes.

The political ruckus has deepened worries that solutions to the crisis, including a crucial assistance from the International Monetary Fund, may be delayed.

“Right now, the eye is off the ball,” said Dayan Jayatilleka, a former diplomat and political analyst. “It’s like in the middle of a serious surgery, everybody from the top surgeon to the anesthesiologist, ran out of the operation room to start a revolution — but they need to come back and finish the surgery before the patient is dead.”

The IMF is monitoring the situation closely, but any bailout package will be contingent on Sri Lanka’s debt-restructuring strategy and political stability. “People are probably thinking, who do we talk to? Don’t you guys care about the economy? Will the real president please stand up?” Jayatilleka said.

For months, the country has been on edge, triggered by a foreign exchange crisis that has crippled imports of essentials like fuel, food and medicine. Doctors are warning people to not get sick while families are struggling to eat three meals a day in a country that was once an inspiration across South Asia for its expanding middle class and high per capita income.

Now, the government owes $51 billion in debt and is unable to make payments on its loans. Its currency has collapsed by 80%, making imports more expensive and worsening inflation. Sri Lanka has only $25 million in usable foreign reserves and needs $6 billion to stay afloat over the next few months.

“Gotabaya resigning is one problem solved — there are so many more. They will continue if we don’t make the right choice in choosing our leaders,” said Bhasura Wickremesinghe, a 24-year-old maritime engineering student.

Among the candidates that Parliament will choose as president are Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the main opposition party; Dullas Alahapperuma, a former minister under Rajapaksa who is likely to be backed by a section of the ruling coalition; and Anura Dissanayake, a Marxist leader whose public support has grown during the crisis.

Another rumored candidate — and the most contentious — would be Wickremesinghe, who could likely count on support of the governing party if he decided to seek nomination. Protesters have rallied for weeks to kick him out of office, accusing him of protecting the Rajapaksa dynasty. If he is nominated and chosen, it will be a “powder keg,” said Jayatilleka.

The six-time prime minister, who is also the current finance minister, was appointed by Rajapaksa in May to begin difficult negotiations with lenders and financial institutions. He has also promised to overhaul the political system to clip presidential powers. But his unpopularity grew as lines for fuel got longer, food prices surged and power cuts continued.

He recently called the protesters “fascists” and imposed a state of emergency after his office was seized and his private residence torched.

Wickremesinghe is the only lawmaker from his party to hold a seat in Parliament after it suffered a humiliating defeat in 2020, limiting his public support and political heft. Many don’t see him as a legitimate leader despite his seasoned political career and expertise, said Bhavani Fonseka, a senior researcher at Colombo-based Center for Policy Alternatives.

“This political uncertainty is a killer of the economy — that has to be resolved fast and in a way that satisfies the people of the country,” said W.A. Wijewardena, a former deputy governor of the Sri Lankan central bank. An immediate roadmap is needed, focused on boosting exports, increasing revenue through new taxes and slashing expenditure, but none of this can be achieved if there is no stable government in place, he added.

Many people are aching for a tangible change in their lives right now, Fonseka said, and don’t care about the complex negotiations. “For them, it’s the basics of fuel and food — are they getting it or not?”

She said that whoever forms the government “cannot rule the way it was before, they will need to engage better with the public and protesters to show they are different.”

“But if it is someone who does not have the confidence or trust of the people, then the tumultuous protests will continue, and there won’t be any stability or solutions in near sight.”

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Story: Krutika Pathi and Bharatha Mallawarachi.

CHECK IN TO CURIOSITY: MARRIOTT HOTELS AND TED EVOLVE PARTNERSHIP WITH DEBUT OF FIRST-EVER IMMERSIVE GUEST ROOMS, BOOKABLE AROUND THE WORLD

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Contributor

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19 July 2022, 10:33

Industry Leaders Advance Longstanding Collaboration with Interactive Rooms, Available This Summer and Beyond at Marriott Hotels Properties in San Francisco, Bangkok, and London

BETHESDA, MD – July 2022 – Marriott Hotels, the signature flag of Marriott Bonvoy’s 30 extraordinary hotel brands, furthers its partnership with idea engine TED through its award-winning educational arm TED-Ed, to debut their first-ever immersive experience outside of a TED conference. Aimed at sparking curiosity and enriching the experience of global travelers, the rooms feature interactive, mind-bending activities integrated into the Marriott Hotels guest room design. Aimed Recommended for families and friends ages seven and up, reservations for The Curiosity Room by TED can be made now for stays starting July 15 at San Francisco Marriott Marquis. Following the inaugural launch in San Francisco, guests can also book the discovery-based room at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park and London Marriott Hotel County Hall later this summer with stays starting on August 15 and September 15, respectively. Each room experience will be live for three months at each location.

Recent social listening research conducted on behalf of Marriott saw a significant year-over-year uptick in searches for #themedrooms (+106%) and “hotel rooms” + themed (+65%), suggesting consumers are craving more distinct and inspiring hotel experiences.

Sparking curiosity from the start, guests embark on the adventure immediately upon entry to the room. The entire room is a puzzle box waiting to be solved. Puzzle elements have been seamlessly hidden within the décor; solving them all will lead guests to a grand finale and series of surprises and rewards. The puzzles have also been customized to the three destinations, featuring and celebrating local landmarks, culture, and more. Guests will uncover hidden messages, hunt for puzzle pieces, and experience elements of the room in unexpected and delightful ways. The room’s Curiosity Journal’ serves as the guide and connection to the one-of-a-kind in-room journey, with hints available in case guests need a helpful hand. When the final challenge has been completed, guests receive a certificate of completion and can celebrate with a complimentary dessert in the hotel’s restaurant.

“Marriott Hotels has always been a place where guests can be inspired at every corner of their experience and we’ve taken that to the next level with TED’s award-winning educational arm TED-Ed,” said Jason Nuell, Senior Vice President, Premium Brands, Marriott International. “This one-of-a-kind adventure further fosters the notion for our guests to stay curious in their travels, opening their minds beyond a typical overnight stay and propel them to explore the destination with renewed desire to learn something new.”

Awe-inspiring décor elements have been expertly layered onto Marriott Hotels’ modern, residential guest room design to create a blended experience, with everyday hotel items serving as ‘keys’ to unlock clues to help guests progress through the immersive space. Drawing inspiration from the hotel’s respective destination, the rooms feature eye-catching drawings by illustrator and artist Caleb Morris, who founded ‘Welcome to the Neighborhoods’ – an art series focused on creating unique connections between people and cities all over the world. In addition, throughout the room, guests will discover various moments of wonder as well as a guide of local travel recommendations curated by Marriott Hotels and TED, that encourage further exploration beyond the guest room – from the striking architecture of San Francisco to the culture of Bangkok and rich history of London. Guests will be able to take home some mementos, such as the travel guide, to leave a lasting impression of the trip.

Reservations for The Curiosity Room by TED are available now for the stay dates below:

San Francisco Marriott Marquis: July 15 – October 16, 2022
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park: August 15 – November 15, 2022
London Marriott Hotel County Hall: September 15, 2022 – January 2, 2023

“Watching millions of people view and share TED-Ed’s educational animated videos online every day is a profoundly rewarding experience for our team of creators,” said TED-Ed’s founding and executive director, Logan Smalley. “What really excites me about our partnership with Marriott Hotels, though, is that it will enable families throughout the world, for the first time ever, to experience a totally unique version of TED-Ed in person. I think everyone who participates will gain, in the most tantalizingly fun way possible, a deeper understanding and appreciation of TED-Ed and their destination, and I’m grateful to Marriott Hotels for making that possible.”

Marriott Hotels has a longstanding, global partnership with TED. The relationship began in 2016 by distributing TED Talks and TED Fellows Salons, blogs, and original quotes to hotel guests worldwide, and has continued to elevate every year with new elements of the partnership. Travelers staying at Marriott Hotels have access to custom content expertly curated by TED, with selected themes that are topical and relevant to guests including innovation, travel, entrepreneurship, and much more. Specifically, new TED-Ed content will now be available at hotels with video-based lessons that vary by subject and age.

To explore more, please visit TEDRooms.Marriott.com. Starting rates vary by hotel and maximum four guests occupied in room. Be inspired by following along with Marriott Hotels on Facebook, @marriott on Twitter, and @marriotthotels on Instagram as well as via #MarriottxTED.

THE STANDARD, HUA HIN NAMED AS #1 RESORT HOTEL IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

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18 July 2022, 16:39

Chic seafront retreat voted as the region’s top property and the 35th best place to stay in the world in the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2022

HUA HIN, THAILAND, JULY 2022: The Standard, Hua Hin, the stylish Thai resort where chic beach vibes meet mid-century style, is celebrating after it was named as the best resort hotel in Southeast Asia, and one of the finest places to stay anywhere in the world!

In the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2022, which are voted for by the discerning readers of the world’s leading luxury travel and lifestyle magazine, The Standard, Hua Hin achieved an outstanding overall score of 97.38 out of 100. This ranked it as the:

#1 Resort Hotel in Southeast Asia
#7 Resort Hotel in Asia
#35 Hotel or Resort in the World

This is a remarkable achievement for such a new hotel, which only started welcoming the world in December 2021. It is also a wonderful reflection of the resort’s impact on the hospitality scene and how its experience-seeking guests have embraced The Standard, Hua Hin’s high-style, culture-rich concept.

The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the industry. The awards reflect the personal views of Travel + Leisure’s readership, a group of more than 30 million sophisticated and savvy global travelers who appreciate extraordinary travel and lifestyle experiences.

The awards are divided into multiple categories, including hotels, airlines, cities, islands, cruise ships, safaris and more, each of which are assigned a scored in a number of categories. The Standard, Hua Hin received especially high ratings for its “value”, “rooms & facilities” and “food”. In fact, it was rated as the #1 hotel in the world in terms of value for money.

“We are so proud that The Standard, Hua Hin has been named the number one resort hotel in Southeast Asia in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2022,” commented Amber Asher, CEO of Standard International. This beautiful region is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking properties, so to be ranked as the best – only six months after we opened our doors – is deeply humbling. We are grateful to everyone who voted for us, and of course to our entire team for making this possible by creating such exceptional guest experiences. We look forward to inviting even more travellers, including Travel + Leisure’s esteemed readers, to rediscover Hua Hin in future.”

Nestled directly on the beach, The Standard, Hua Hin brings a cool Miami vibe to Thailand’s tropical shores. With 199 rooms, suites and villas, the mid-century design Lido pool and bar, a beachfront Thai izakaya restaurant, a juice café and beachside Surf Club, this chic seafront retreat is a haven for curious global explorers. The resort has also elevated the social scene in Hua Hin with a series of cultural “Happenings”, from wellness weekends and artistic escapes to pool parties, live concerts and more.

The Standard hotels are present in the planet’s most desirable destinations, from Miami Beach to the Maldives, London to New York, Hua Hin, Ibiza and, as of July 29th, Bangkok, with the opening of its Asia flagship, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon.

Connect with the hotel via:
Facebook: The Standard Hua Hin
Instagram/Line: @thestandardhuahin
Web: www.standardhotels.com/hua-hin

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