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☆ Thai court to decide eligibility case of PM hopeful Pita - media, poll body source
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK, July 12 (Reuters) - Thailand's poll body will refer to the Constitutional Court a case over whether Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of election winners Move Forward, should be disqualified as a parliamentarian over a shareholding issue, local media reported on Wednesday. The referral of the case was reported by three media outlets and confirmed to Reuters by an election commission source, who declined to be identified because they were not authorised to speak to media. Pita, who is seeking to become prime minister, has been investigated over allegations that his ownership of shares in media firm iTV at the time of his registration made him ineligible to stand in the May 14 election. Pita has maintained iTV was not an active mass media organisation. Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Kanupriya KapoorOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Martin Petty, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: Constitutional, Reuters, iTV, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK

[1/4] People take pictures of ice creams shaped like tiles of the famous Wat Arun temple, or Temple of Dawn, in Bangkok, Thailand July 8, 2023. REUTERS/Athit PerawongmethaBANGKOK, July 12 (Reuters) - Under a scorching sun, visitors to Thailand's renowned Temple of Dawn cool down by tasting an elaborately-shaped ice cream depicting intricate patterns inspired by the tiles of the pagoda. "It's different and pretty," said Thai resident Doungkamon Koedthong, 29, holding up the ice cream against the backdrop of the temple, also known as Wat Arun, for an Instagram-worthy snapshot. The ice cream, with butterfly pea coconut milk and Thai milk tea favours, was modelled after the blue ceramic plates and flower details of the pagoda, said ice cream maker Pop Icon. The 'Flower of Dawn' ice cream is also popular among foreign visitors seeking some respite from the heat in Bangkok.

Persons: Doungkamon Koedthong, Wat Arun, Sirinya Hanpachearnchoak, Sherin Babu, Artorn Pookasook, Orathai Sriirng, William Maclean Organizations: REUTERS, Thomson Locations: Wat, Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK, Manchester, England

☆ WAF Awards 2023: World’s best new buildings unveiled
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Oscar Holland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

2023 World Architecture FestivalUAE-based firm Dabbagh Architects was shortlisted in the religious buildings category for its Mosque of Light in Dubai. 2023 World Architecture FestivalBangkok-based architecture practice All(zone) was shortlisted for its temporary MPavilion. 2023 World Architecture FestivalOsamu Morishita Architect and Associates was nominated for this hydrogen station in Tokushima prefecture, Japan. 2023 World Architecture FestivalThe timber Turrell Pavilion, in the Maldives, was one of two shortlisted projects by Brazilian firm Studio MK27. 2023 World Architecture FestivalThe curvaceous E-sports center by Central-South Architectural Design Institute in Hangzhou, China.

Persons: 3XN, Paul Finch, Cox, Dabbagh Organizations: CNN, Newark Liberty International, Cox Architecture, Ages, Chat, Shanghai United Design Group, Chengdu Research Base, Dabbagh Architects, Associates, Design Locations: Dubai, Singapore, Chengdu, China, Melbourne, Cambodia, Senegal, Netherlands, Danish, Oman, Nizwa, UAE, Light, Bangkok, Australia, Tokushima prefecture, Japan, Maldives, Central, Hangzhou

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha speaks with members of the press after casting his vote in the Thai General Election on May 14, 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Tuesday said he will retire from politics, nine years after the former general seized power in a military coup. His announcement comes ahead of a much-anticipated vote for Thailand's new prime minister this Thursday. Chan-ocha said he would stay in a caretaker role until a new prime minister is elected. This backing nevertheless falls short of the 376 votes that party leader Pita Limjaroenrat to stake his claim as Thailand's next prime minister.

Persons: Prayuth Chan, Chan, ocha, Pita Limjaroenrat, Limjaroenrat Organizations: Thai, United Thai Nation, Thai Sang Chart Party, Facebook Locations: Thai, Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok CNN —Burger King is causing a stir in Thailand with its new offering: a burger with no meat and a jaw-dropping amount of cheese. This week, the Thai operator of the fast food chain introduced what it calls the “real cheeseburger,” a bun filled with as many as 20 slices of American cheese. This is for real,” Burger King said in a Sunday social media post. At one Burger King branch in Bangkok on Tuesday, a shift manager was overheard saying the outlet had to stop taking delivery orders so they could have enough stock left for walk-in diners. In Thailand, cheese is especially popular among young customers, and it is common for the dairy product to be sprinkled on all kinds of dishes.

Persons: Bangkok CNN — Burger, ” Burger King, CNN she’d, ”, angus, Alisa Chuengviroj, Burger Organizations: Bangkok CNN, Burger, CNN, Minor International, Dairy Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Thai, United States

☆ Thailand prime minister Prayuth retires from politics, nine years after his coup
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha leaves after a cabinet meeting before end of his term in next week at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, March 14, 2023. REUTERS/Athit PerawongmethaBANGKOK, July 11 (Reuters) - Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha announced on Tuesday his retirement from politics, nine years after he took power in a military coup, and promised to stay in charge only temporarily. The former army chief, a staunch royalist, led a junta until an election in 2019 and was chosen by parliament to remain prime minister for four more years, an outcome his opponents insist was pre-determined. "I as prime minister have worked hard to protect the nation, religion, monarchy for the benefit of the beloved people. His announcement comes as the new parliament prepares to convene on Thursday to hold a vote on who will be the next prime minister, an outcome far from certain.

Persons: Prayuth Chan, ocha, Prayuth, Panu, Martin Petty, Kanupriya Kapoor Organizations: Government, REUTERS, Thailand's, United Thai Nation, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK

☆ One of Asia’s most luxurious trains is returning to the rails with a new route
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | Evelyn Chen | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

The Eastern & Oriental Express is heading back to the tracks. Services for the train service are restarting in February 2024, according to an announcement today by the train's owner, the luxury travel company Belmond. The passenger train, long considered one of the most luxurious rail rides in Asia, started operating in 1993, connecting Bangkok to Singapore. The Eastern & Oriental is returning with 15 carriages, including two restaurant cars, one piano bar car and an open-air observation car. Bookings for 2024 opened today with rates from $3,410 per person for a three-day journey, which includes all meals, beverages and scheduled activities.

Organizations: Oriental, Services, State Locations: Asia, Bangkok, Singapore, Pullman

☆ Michelin starred hotels around the world, from Italy to Vietnam
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-10 | by ( Chris Dwyer | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +24 min

Courtesy CoteArgentinian maestro Mauro Colagreco was the first ever non-French chef to earn three Michelin stars in France, at Mirazur on the famed French Riviera. Gastronomic restaurant Plénitude by chef Arnaud Donckele marked an extraordinary debut by being awarded the pinnacle of three Michelin stars just six months after opening. Since 2021, they have held three Michelin stars for their cuisine, which celebrates peerless produce from their sustainable farm just seven miles away. Lung King Heen, Four Seasons Hong KongLung King Heen was the first Chinese restaurant to hold three Michelin stars. Capella Hotels & ResortsFinally to Vietnam, where Michelin published its first ever guide in June 2023.

Persons: Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, it’s, Heiko Nieder, carne ”, Ben Benoliel, Alex Nietosvuori, Ally Thompson, Hjem, morel, Cigliutti Enrico Crippa, Piazza, Crippa, Ferran Adrià, Mauro Colagreco, Côte, Raymond Blanc, Paul Wilkinson Chef Raymond Blanc, Lady Gaga, Queen Elizabeth II, ”, ” Blanc, Luke Selby, Plénitude, Cheval Blanc, France Plénitude, Sylvie Becquet, Blanc Paris, chef Arnaud Donckele, Chopin, Maxime Frédéric –, Aled Williams, Gareth Ward, Il Ristorante Niko Romito, Ristorante Niko Romito, Niko Romito, Romito, Giacomo Amicucci, Kyle, Katina, Michel Bras, Le Saint, Martin, Château Saint, France Le Saint, Chef Jean, Luc Lefrançois, Saint, –, sommelier Vincent Arhuro, King Heen, Hong Kong Lung King Heen, Heen, who’s, Chan Yan Tak, Rome Cavalieri, Pergola, Heinz Beck, Hatta, Ushikubo, Raby Hunt, Raby Hunt's Michelin, James Close, Maria, Chef Maria, Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, Germany Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer, Lorenz, Young, Reto, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, John D, Waku, Ghin, Tetsuya Wakuda, There’s, Tetsuya, they’re, kinome, It’s, Denmark There's, Jean Marchal, Maria Coppy, Jakob de Neergaard, iberico, Sven Wassmer, “, Lumnezia, Douglas, Koki, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Bill Bensley, Chris Dwyer Organizations: CNN, Michelin, Duomo, Capella, Rosewood, of, Notre Dame, Resorts, Dubai Michelin, Resort Dubai, Reale, peerless, ”, Le Saint, Hong, Hong Kong Lung, Seasons Hong, Rockefeller, Sands, Royal Suite, Royal, Swiss, Koki, Capella Hotels, Capella Hanoi Locations: Bangkok, Piedmont, Hanoi, Tokyo, Zurich, Switzerland, Northumberland, Hadrian's, Swedish, England, Wall, Piazza Duomo, Alba, Italy, Japan, Spanish, Capella Bangkok, Thailand, France, Mirazur, Thai, Rosewood Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Chaat, Oxfordshire, ”, Cheval Blanc Paris, of Light, City of, Powys, Wales, Bulgari, Dubai, UAE, Italy’s Abruzzo, SingleThread, California, Healdsburg, Sonoma, Toya, Le, Provence, French, Vence, Marseille, Seasons Hong Kong, Yunnan, Peking, La, Rome, Eternal, County Durham, Darlington, romaine, Berlin, Germany, Brandenburg, Young Swiss, Europe, Marina, Sands, Singapore, Australia, Shizuoka, Hokkaido, d’Angleterre, Copenhagen, Denmark, Marchal, Hibana, Capella Hanoi, Vietnam

☆ Jack Ma's run-in with Beijing not only saw him disappearing for over 2 years, it also cost his companies over $850 billion
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-10 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Jack Ma's Alibaba and Ant Group collectively lost $850 billion in value since their peak in 2020. They came under pressure following Ma's criticism of Beijing, which spurred a regulatory crackdown. On Friday, Beijing announced a $985 million fine for Ant Group, signaling an end to the crackdown. In April, he was appointed an honorary professor at the University of Hong Kong. Alibaba shares in Hong Kong were up 3.1% at 86.90 Hong Kong dollars apiece at midday, buoyed by news of the fine.

Persons: Jack Ma's Alibaba, Jack Ma, Ma, —, Ant — Organizations: Ant Group, Ant, Michelin, University of Hong, Hong Locations: Beijing, China's, Alibaba, China, Bangkok, Thai, Hong Kong, Hangzhou, University of Hong Kong, Japan, New York

☆ From Taylor Swift to the World Cup, travelers are paying big bucks to catch overseas games and shows
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-10 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | Evelyn Chen | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

When Taylor Swift's Eras tour rolls into Singapore next year, Rjay Ignacio said he'll be there — whether he has a ticket or not. "If I'm not able to get a ticket, I'm still going to Singapore," he said. He said he would only travel "for Taylor … I'm a big fan." Swifties, or Taylor Swift fans, spend an average of $1,330 on tickets, food and travel, according to the research company QuestionPro. To avoid facing an "astronomical price surge," Jakarta resident Wid said one of his friends booked a hotel in Singapore before Swift's tour tickets even went on sale.

Persons: Taylor, Rjay Ignacio, he'll, Taylor Swift, I'm, Ignacio, Taylor …, Farhan Abrol, Kanyarat Teawprasong, Swift, Armando L, Sanchez, Lionel Richie, Harvey Cohen, Wid, Nan Palmero, I'd Organizations: Deloitte, Wimbledon, CNBC Travel, Austin City Limits Music, Chicago Tribune, Tribune, Service, Swift's, Qatar Airways, FIFA, Accor Locations: Singapore, Asia, Pasig City, Philippines, YOLO, Francisco, Bangkok, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Las Vegas, Chicago's Grant, Bahamas, United States, Navan, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Jakarta, Doha

The military has for decades invoked its duty to defend the monarchy to justify intervention in politics, and used the lese majeste law to stifle dissent, critics say. Much depends on whether Move Forward's main ally, second-place winner Pheu Thai, sticks with it or seeks other coalition partners if Pita's bid looks doomed. King Vajiralongkorn, 70, who has no role in choosing a government, has remained silent on the lese majeste issue since the election. In the last election in 2019, no party would have dared suggest amending the lese majeste law. Pheu Thai, which has 141 seats to Move Forward's 151, could nominate its prime ministerial candidate with the eight-party alliance intact.

Persons: Maha Vajiralongkorn, Suthida, Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Seri Suwanpanon, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Prayuth Chan, Pheu, King Vajiralongkorn, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Thaksin Shinawatra, Titipol Phakdeewanich, Amarat Chokepamitkul, Panu, Kay Johnson, Robert Birsel Organizations: REUTERS, Reuters, Royal News, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University, Senate, Ubon Ratchathani University, Royal Household Bureau, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Thai, Handout, BANGKOK, Pheu

☆ China-led electronic vehicle boom in Thailand threatens Japan's grip on key market
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-10 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A visitor plugs a charger into an electric vehicle on display at the 44th Bangkok International Motor Show in Bangkok on March 22, 2023. Siam Motors is in talks with several Chinese automakers about potential partnerships, particularly for high-end electric vehicles, vice president Sebastien Dupuy said in an interview, referring to previously unreported discussions. Thailand is Southeast Asia's largest car producer and exporter, and its second-largest sales market after Indonesia. Japanese automakers are so dominant that for decades they have treated it almost as an extension of their home market. Thailand's transition offers a test case for other economies as Chinese automakers ramp up exports and build overseas production hubs, partly in response to a hypercompetitive home market for electric cars.

Persons: Sebastien Dupuy, BYD Organizations: Thailand's Siam Motors, Nissan Motors, Siam Motors, EV Locations: Bangkok, Siam, Thailand, China, Thai, Southeast, Indonesia, Japan, Europe

☆ Chinese electric vehicle investment plans in Thailand
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

July 10 (Reuters) - Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are pouring into Thailand, having committed to invest $1.44 billion in production facilities in Southeast Asia's biggest automaking hub that has long been dominated by Japanese companies. IN THE PIPELINESeveral deals are also in the pipeline, according to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), which has been pursuing Chinese automakers. Chongqing Changan, GAC and Chery did not respond to requests for comment on their plans for Thailand. RISING POPULARITYThe influx of Chinese models appears to be helping to boost the popularity of EVs in Thailand, the second-largest car market in Southeast Asia. On Toyota's (7203.T) Thailand website, the Corolla Altis is priced at 894,000 baht and the Yaris Ativ at 549,000 baht.

Persons: China's, Thailand's, BOI, Geely, Wall's Ora, Devjyot, Jamie Freed Organizations: Asia's, General Motors, EV, Electronics, Auto, SAIC, Charoen, New Energy, Assembly, of Investment, State, Chongqing Changan Automobile, Ford, Mazda, Guangzhou Automobile Group, China's Chery, Chongqing Changan, GAC, Chery, Reuters, Corolla, Thomson Locations: Thailand, EVs, Southeast Asia, Europe, Chongqing, China, BOI, Bangkok

☆ Top US-China exchanges since Biden took office
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Below is a list of some of the other high level U.S.-China exchanges since President Joe Biden took office in 2021. FIRST TRADE TALKS - May 26, 2021U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and China's then Vice Premier Liu He held talks virtually, the first such high level trade talks between the world's two biggest economies since Biden took office. DIPLOMAT VISITS CHINA - July 26, 2021Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman held talks with State Councillor Wang Yi, in Tianjin, China. DEFENCE CHIEFS HOLD FIRST TALKS - April 20, 2022U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held a call with China's then defence minister Wei Fenghe, the first talks between the two officials since Biden took office. BIDEN AND XI MEET IN BALI - November 14, 2022Biden and Xi held their long-awaited first face-to-face leadership talks on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.

Persons: Janet Yellen, John Kerry, Joe Biden, BIDEN, Biden, Xi Jinping, Xi, Jake Sullivan, Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi, Katherine Tai, China's, Liu, Wendy Sherman, SULLIVAN, YANG, Sullivan, Yang, Lloyd Austin, Wei Fenghe, WANG, Wang, Nancy Pelosi, HARRIS, Kamala Harris, Gina Raimondo, Wang Wentao, National Defense Li Shangfu, Li, BLINKEN, Antony Blinken, Washington's, Martin Quin Pollard, Raju Gopalakrishnan, Kim Coghill Organizations: . Treasury, U.S, FIRST, National Security, . Trade, CHIEFS, . Defense, General Assembly, BIDEN, IN, Economic Cooperation APEC, CHINA COMMERCE, . Commerce, Commerce, Washington D.C, China's, National Defense, Pentagon, Austin, BEIJING, Thomson Locations: China, Beijing, Yellen's, U.S, Anchorage , Alaska, Blinken, CHINA, Tianjin, Taiwan, North Korea, ROME, Russia, Ukraine, New York, IN BALI, Bali , Indonesia, BANGKOK, Asia, Thailand, MUNICH, Munich, WASHINGTON, Washington, Singapore

[1/2] The BYD Atto 3 EV car is displayed at the 39 Thailand International Motor Expo, in Bangkok, Thailand, November 30, 2022. Siam Motors is in talks with several Chinese automakers about potential partnerships, particularly for high-end electric vehicles, vice president Sebastien Dupuy said in an interview, referring to previously unreported discussions. Thailand is Southeast Asia's largest car producer and exporter, and its second-largest sales market after Indonesia. Japanese automakers are so dominant that for decades they have treated it almost as an extension of their home market. Thailand's pitch to Chinese EV makers has been its existing supply base – built largely for Japanese automakers – and readiness to provide incentives.

Persons: Athit, Sebastien Dupuy, Pasit Chantharojwong, Wall's Ora, Tesla, Isuzu, Hajime Yamamoto, Yamamoto, Goldman Sachs, General Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Narong Sritalayon, BEV, Chayut, Daniel Leussink, Kevin Krolicki, Jamie Freed Organizations: REUTERS, Siam Motors, Nissan Motors, EV, Reuters Graphics CHINA, JAPAN, Toyota Corolla, China's SAIC, Toyota, Honda, Nomura Research, Reuters, Thailand's, of Investment, Wall, Thomson Locations: Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand BANGKOK, Siam, BYD, China, Thai, Southeast, Indonesia, Japan, Europe, JAPAN Bangkok, Tokyo

☆ Hundreds gather to show support for Thailand's Pita ahead of vote for PM
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BANGKOK, July 9 (Reuters) - Hundreds of supporters of Thailand's leading prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat rallied in the capital on Sunday ahead of a parliamentary vote for a new prime minister next week. He now needs to secure support from an unelected Senate to become the premier to replace incumbent Prayuth Chan-ocha in the vote set for July 13. Pita said talks with senators were being held and that they should not vote against the will of the people. "We're asking them to vote for democracy, for the majority, and to return normalcy to Thai politics, so we can finally move forward," he told orange-clad supporters on Sunday. Reporting by Juarawee Kittisilpa; Writing by Orathai Sriring; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Thailand's, Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Thais, Prayuth Chan, Jaturong Soisri, Juarawee Kittisilpa, Orathai Sriring, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Party, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK

SINGAPORE/LONDON, July 7 (Reuters) - Thailand's largest energy company, state-controlled PTT (PTT.BK), is in advanced talks with Qatar for a 15-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply deal, four trading sources told Reuters. The Gulf energy giant has been in negotiations with several other Asian buyers this year and has so far signed three LNG supply deals with Asian buyers, with more expected later this year. PTT also signed a nine-year deal with Oman LNG at the start of the year, which will see it receive 800,000 tons of LNG per year beginning 2026. Thailand, a net oil and gas importer, needs to increase imports of LNG to offset a steep production fall at its gas fields. So far, the country has imported around 6 million tons of LNG this year versus 8.7 million tons in 2022, according to data firm Kpler.

Persons: Maha El, Mark Potter Organizations: Qatar, Reuters, PTT, LNG, Oman LNG, Thomson Locations: SINGAPORE, LONDON, Qatar, Ukraine, Europe, Russia, Oman, Thailand, Maha El Dahan, Dubai, Chayut, Bangkok

SINGAPORE, July 7 (Reuters) - After standing in line for 36 hours, Qayyum Lukman on Friday emerged triumphant from a kiosk where he had just scored tickets to see pop sensation Taylor Swift perform in Singapore, her only stop in Southeast Asia next year. I don’t know what to think, indescribable, I’m very happy I got tickets! Indonesian Friski Riana, 31, joined virtual queues of millions of fans, even borrowing her friend's credit card to try and get tickets. [1/5]Qayyum Lukman, 25, full-time national servicemen, poses with a Taylor Swift vinyl album, as he waits first in line to buy Taylor Swift concert tickets, at a post office in Singapore July 7, 2023. Hours after the pre-sale closed, touts were marking up S$358 ($264.73) tickets to at least S$1,000 on marketplace app Carousell.

Persons: Qayyum Lukman, Taylor Swift, Swift, Lukman, I’m, ”, couldn't, Edgar Su, Friski, Thailand's, Pita Limjareonrat, Lavender, Chayut, Ananda, Kanupriya Kapoor, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: REUTERS, Coldplay, Business Times, Twitter, Thomson Locations: SINGAPORE, Singapore, Southeast Asia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, British, Jakarta, Bangkok, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Ananda Teresia

☆ Thailand alliance unites on house leadership after spat over speaker
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-04 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

A southerner and ethnic Malay Muslim in predominantly Buddhist Thailand, Wan Noor has served previously as house speaker and has close ties with Pheu Thai's leadership. "I will conduct duties fairly ... with transparency in considering draft laws and petitions to improve the lives of all Thais," Wan Noor told the house. Pita on Tuesday said Move Forward had "retreated" on its position having been assured by Wan Noor that its policies would be supported. The two deputy speaker positions will go to Move Forward and Pheu Thai. "What we do not know is whether Pheu Thai will switch sides if the initial vote for Pita fails."

Persons: Wan, Wan Noor, Pheu, Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Titipol Organizations: Lawmakers, Prachachart Party, Malay Muslim, Facebook, Ubon Ratchathani University Locations: Thailand, Bangkok, Matha, Malay

☆ One of Philadelphia’s top chefs met her future husband on a plane. And then they traveled the world together
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-03 | by ( Kate Springer | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

CNN —Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon still remembers the moment she first saw Ziv Katalan in vivid detail. Chutatip "Nok" Suntaranon and Ziv Katalan visit Barcelona in 2010. Courtesy Chutatip "Nok" Suntaranon and Ziv Katalan“It’s kind of an attraction of opposites,” says Katalan. Courtesy Chutatip "Nok" Suntaranon and Ziv Katalan“That’s how we maintained a global relationship for 1.5 years. Named after the chef’s mother, Kalaya showcases the complexity and vibrancy of the food Suntaranon grew up eating in Trang, a small city southeast of Krabi in southern Thailand.

Persons: Ziv, Suntaranon, “, Katalan, Ziv Katalan, ”, Katalan didn’t, “ Nok, –, David Bouley, ” Suntaranon, Kalaya, Michael Perisco, ‘, ’ ”, ’, didn’t, Milan –, ” Katalan, New York –, Georges, Titi, “ Ziv, Sutaranon, Bella, Mike Prince Suntaranon’s, James Beard, Mike Prince, Kenya – Organizations: CNN, Thai Airways, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, CNN Travel, New York City, Museum of Modern Art, MoMa, Times, Time Warner Center, Katalan, of Culinary Education, French Culinary Institute New York, Jean, Wharton Locations: Bangkok, New York City, New York, Southern Thailand, Rome, Barcelona, Philadelphia, Mexico, Italian, Midtown, York, Thailand, Masa, Central, Trang , Thailand, Asia, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Nha Trang, Los Angeles, London, Tel Aviv, Frankfurt, Paris, Ireland, SALA, Thai, France, Trang, Krabi, “, Morocco, Italy, Spain, Kenya, Baltic, India, Colombia

☆ Thai parliament to convene as Move Forward looks to lead new government
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-03 | by ( Chayut Setboonsarng | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Move Forward Party leader, Pita Limjaroenrat holds hands with coalition party leaders following a meeting with coalition partners in Bangkok, Thailand, May 18, 2023. It will team up in parliament with the populist heavyweight Pheu Thai Party after the two won the lion's share of the house seats, trouncing parties allied with a royalist military that has controlled government since a 2014 coup. "Pheu Thai has a concluded on the matter and choosing the house speaker tomorrow has a definite direction. We will not let the public down," Pheu Thai lawmakers Suthin Klangsaeng told reporters. The alliance is backing Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, 42, to become premier.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Athit, Pita, PM Pita, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Suthin Klangsaeng, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Martin Petty Organizations: Forward Party, REUTERS, PM, Party, Pheu Thai Party, Pheu, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK

☆ Are Escalators and Moving Walkways Safe?
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-01 | by ( Mike Ives | Muktita Suhartono | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

Such walkways are known as “moving walks” to government regulators and construction companies. An escalator sits at about 30 degrees, but a moving walk’s incline is typically no more than a tenth of that. Escalators and moving walks ease the movement of billions of people through airports, shopping malls and other public spaces each year. Escalators and moving walks are widely seen as very safe. But even that figure is exceedingly small if you consider the sheer volume of escalator and moving walk trips that people take every day.

Persons: Don, Karant Thanakuljeerapat, Don Mueang Organizations: Don Mueang International, Elevator Industry, Inc, Center for Construction Research Locations: Thailand, Bangkok, United States, Australia, Queensland, Maryland

☆ US official visits Taiwan to discuss US-hosted APEC meetings
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

TAIPEI, June 30 (Reuters) - A senior U.S. official charged with handling ties with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) bloc visited Taiwan this week for talks on his country's plans to host the grouping this year, the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei said on Friday. APEC is one of the few international organisations to which Chinese-claimed Taiwan belongs, since Beijing, which views the island as a Chinese province, and not a country, blocks its participation in most others. Against the backdrop of military tension between Beijing and Taipei, past APEC summits have served as a rare conduit for direct engagement between Taiwan and China, which is also a member. The U.S. official, Matt Murray, visited Taiwan on Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss with senior officials issues related to APEC and the robust U.S.-Taiwan economic relationship, the American Institute in Taiwan said in a brief statement. Chang had a brief conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the time, and also discussed semiconductors with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.

Persons: Matt Murray, Murray, Morris Chang, Chang, Xi Jinping, Kamala Harris, Ben Blanchard, Clarence Fernandez Organizations: U.S, Economic Cooperation, APEC, U.S ., American Institute, Thomson Locations: TAIPEI, Asia, Taiwan, Taipei, Beijing, China, Seattle, San Francisco, Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —A 57-year-old Thai woman had to have her leg amputated after she got caught up in a moving walkway at an international airport in Bangkok on Thursday in a freak accident that has yet to be fully explained by authorities. Don Mueang International Airport’s director Karant Thanakuljeerapat said the incident took place at around 8:27 a.m. local time (7:27 p.m. She has since been transferred to Bumrungrad International Hospital, one of the country’s top medical facilities, the director added. All of the airport’s moving walkways have had their service suspended while the cause of the incident is investigated and engineers do safety checks, he added. One of the two international airports in Bangkok, Don Mueang is located in the northern part of the capital.

Persons: Don, Karant Thanakuljeerapat, Karant, “, ” Karant, Bangkok , Don Mueang Organizations: Thailand CNN, Don Mueang International, Bumrungrad International, Suvarnabhumi Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Nakhon Si, Bangkok , Don

Bangkok, Thailand CNN —A Thai court on Wednesday acquitted five activists accused of obstructing the Queen’s motorcade at a protest in 2020, in a landmark judgment that ended the prospect of more severe punishment nearly three years after rare calls for reform of the powerful monarchy erupted in the kingdom. Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, which represented the five activists, said a court in the capital Bangkok acquitted the defendants on all the charges, ruling the protesters were not aware of the incoming royal convoy. On October 14, 2020, dozens of protesters had gathered outside Bangkok’s Government House when Queen’s Suthida’s motorcade drove past. If the actions are considered likely to endanger the Queen’s life, then the death penalty could be applied. When the protesters realized it was a royal procession, they allowed it to move through and there were no objects thrown or obstruction of the procession, the court found, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.

Persons: Boonkueanun “ Francis ” Paothong, –, Lese, Queen’s, King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s, Prince Dipangkorn, Ekachai, Suranat Paenprasert, ‘, ’ Boonkueanun, Boonkueanun, “, ” Organizations: Thailand CNN, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, CNN, Party, Hunger Games, Police, Queen, Relations, Mahidol University Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Thai, Thailand’s, Bangkok’s

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