Nyheter fra Thailand - levert av Khaosod
My RSS Feed
- Paris Olympics Begins with Ambitious, Sprawling Opening Ceremony on the River Seine
Celebrating its reputation as a cradle of revolution, Paris kicked off its first Summer Olympics in a century on Friday with a rain-soaked, rule-breaking opening ceremony
The post Paris Olympics Begins with Ambitious, Sprawling Opening Ceremony on the River Seine appeared first on Khaosod English.
PARIS (AP) — Celebrating its reputation as a cradle of revolution, Paris kicked off its first Summer Olympics in a century on Friday with a rain-soaked, rule-breaking opening ceremony studded with stars and fantasy along the Seine River.
On-and-off showers did not seem to hamper the enthusiasm of the Olympians, with some holding umbrellas as they rode on boats down the river in a showcase of the city’s resilience as authorities dealt with suspected acts of sabotage targeting France’s high-speed rail network.
Widespread travel disruptions triggered by what French officials called coordinated arson attacks on high-speed rail lines as well as the weather had dampened the mood ahead of the ceremony.
Ceremonial smoke in the colors of the France flag appear over the Seine River in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Crowds crammed along the Seine’s banks and bridges and watching from balconies “oohed” and “aahed” as Olympic teams paraded in boats down the waterway. Undeterred from the festivities, many of the hundreds of thousands of spectators huddled under umbrellas and jackets as the rain intensified, though some dashed from their seats to seek shelter.
As global audiences tuned in, Paris put its best foot forward — quite literally, with a spectacular launch that lifted spirits and joyous French cancan dancers featured early on. A humorous short film featured soccer icon Zinedine Zidane. Plumes of French blue, white and red smoke followed. And Lady Gaga sang, in French, with dancers shaking pink plumed pompoms, adding a cabaret feel to what is expected to be a more than three-hour show.
French-Malian pop star Aya Nakamura, the most listened-to French-speaking artist in the world, sang her hit “Djadja” accompanied by the orchestra of the French Republican Guard. She emerged from a pyrotechnic display, wearing an all-gold outfit as she performed with a Republican guard band of the French army.
Lady Gaga performs in Paris, France, ahead the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) Merging the elements of opera and rock metal music on the global stage, band Gojira brought their progressive and technical death metal style, while singer Marina Viotti inserted her mezzo-soprano vocals.
With the opening ceremony, the stakes for France were immense. Dozens of heads of state and government were in town and the world was watching as Paris turned itself into a giant open-air theater. Along the Siene, iconic monuments became stages for dancers, singers and other artists.
The sprawling ceremony gave organizers bigger crowds to transport, organize and safeguard than would have been the case if they’d followed the example of previous Olympic host cities that opened with stadium shows.
Still, as the show got underway, optimism soared that Paris – true to its motto that speaks of being unsinkable – might just see its gambles pay off.
Paris organizers said 6,800 of the 10,500 athletes would attend before they embark on the next 16 days of competition.
The boats carrying the Olympic teams started the parade by breaking through curtains of water that cascaded down from Austerlitz Bridge, the start of the 6-kilometer (nearly 4-mile) parade route. The jetting waters were a wink at the splendid fountains of Versailles Palace, now the venue for Olympic equestrian competitions.
A boat with the delegations from Dominica, Egypt and El Salvador sails past the passerelle Debilly footbridge on the river Seine during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Luis Robayo/Pool Photo via AP) 
Athletes from Thailand react as the travel by boar down the Seine River in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Per Olympic protocol, the first boat carried athletes from Greece, birthplace of the ancient Games. It was followed by the Olympic team of refugee athletes and then, the other nations in French alphabetical order.
Usually during Olympic opening ceremonies, the parade of athletes takes place during a pause in the razzmatazz. But Paris shattered that tradition by having the parade and pageantry at the same time, blending sports and artistic expression.
Some spectators who followed organizers’ advice to arrive well ahead of time along the ceremony route fumed over long waits to get to their seats.
“Paris has been great, anything to do with the Olympics and dissemination of information has been horrible,” said Tony Gawne, a 54-year-old Texan who turned up six hours in advance with his wife.
“When you spend $6,000 on two tickets, well, that’s a little frustrating.”
But Paris had plenty of aces up its sleeve. The Eiffel Tower, its head still visible below the clouds, Notre Dame Cathedral — restored from the ashes of its 2019 fire — the Louvre Museum and other iconic monuments will star in the opening ceremony. Award-winning theater director Thomas Jolly, the show’s creative mind, was using the signature Paris cityscape of zinc-grey rooftops as the playground for his imagination.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron, righ, and IOC President Thomas Bach wave as they arrive for the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Loic Venance/Pool Photo via AP) His task: Tell the story of France, its people, their history and essence in a way that leaves an indelible imprint on Olympic audiences. Refresh the image and self-confidence of the French capital that was repeatedly struck by deadly extremist attacks in 2015. Capture how Paris is also aiming to reboot the Olympics, with Summer Games it has worked to make more appealing and sustainable.
It’s a big ask. So Paris is going big, very big. That goes for the security, too. Large fenced-off stretches of central Paris were locked down to those without passes and the skies during the ceremony were a no-fly zone for 150 kilometers (93 miles) around.
Many details of the spectacle that will stretch through sunset and into the Paris night had remained closely guarded secrets to preserve the wow factor.
Zidane, who led France to World Cup ecstasy in 1998, was among the guesses for who might light the Olympic cauldron. Another suggestion is that organizers might bestow that honor on survivors of the 2015 attacks by Islamic State-group gunmen and suicide bombers who killed 130 people in and around Paris.
The identity of the final torch bearers has been the country’s biggest secret. Chief Paris Games organizer Tony Estanguet said Friday morning that only he knows “the personality or athlete” and that he still hadn’t told that person.
“I plan to tell the last carrier today,” he said. “He or she doesn’t know.”
The ceremony’s broad-brush strokes have been previously announced and are stunning in their ambition. French President Emmanuel Macron said they initially felt like “a crazy and not very serious idea.”
This aerial photo shows the Invalides with the river Seine in the foreground in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Lionel Bonaventure/Pool Photo via AP) During the athletes’ waterborne adventure, Paris’ splendors unfurled before them. They were passing historic landmarks that have been temporarily transformed into arenas for Olympic sports.
Concorde Plaza, where French revolutionaries guillotined King Louis XVI and other royals, now hosting skateboarding and other sports, and the Grand Palais of iron, stone and glass, the fencing and taekwondo venue.
The golden-domed resting place of Napoléon Bonaparte, the backdrop for Olympic archery, and the Eiffel Tower, which donated chunks of iron that have been inlaid in the gold, silver and bronze Olympic medals. They’ll be won in the 32 sports’ 329 medal events.
Up to 45,000 police and gendarmes, plus 10,000 soldiers, were safeguarding the ceremony and its VIP guests, with IOC President Thomas Bach and Macron presiding.
Paris’ aim, said Estanguet, is “to show to the whole world and to all of the French that in this country, we’re capable of exceptional things.”
The post Paris Olympics Begins with Ambitious, Sprawling Opening Ceremony on the River Seine appeared first on Khaosod English.
26 July 26 2024Internationalhttps://www.khaosodenglish.com/?p=1464911818 - Pattaya Police Crack Down on Noisy Foreign Motorcyclists Disturbing Residents
A group of foreigners in Pattaya who caused disturbance to local residents by riding motorcycles back and forth while honking horns and revving engines loudly
The post Pattaya Police Crack Down on Noisy Foreign Motorcyclists Disturbing Residents appeared first on Khaosod English.
PATTAYA — A group of foreigners in Pattaya who caused disturbance to local residents by riding motorcycles back and forth while honking horns and revving engines loudly was confronted by 10 patrol police officers around 5 a.m. on Friday.
On July 26, officers deployed forces to intercept motorcycles disturbing residents in this area, both at the entrance and end of VC Soi, South Pattaya, Moo 10, Nongprue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
They set up checkpoints to inspect the motorcycles. Most were rental motorcycles, some modified with loud exhaust pipes.
Officers confiscated 10 motorcycles of this type and stored them, waiting for the owners to bring documents to reclaim their vehicles and pay fines according to the Traffic Act.
Pattaya police officers intercept motorcycles disturbing residents in South Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province on July 26, 2024. 
Officers confiscate 10 motorcycles modified with loud exhaust pipes on July 26, 2024. The reporter also noted that while on-site, a group of foreign youths, aged approximately 18-25 years, attempted to surround the patrol officers and offered 2,000-3,000 baht to release the seized motorcycles. However, the officers refused and instead advised them to return to their accommodations and contact the police station to pay the full fines as per the Traffic Act.
Previously, police had conducted the same operation in this area on July 24. They focused more on public relations and warning tourists, mostly Kuwaitis, about their driving behavior, such as prohibiting reckless driving, revving engines, making loud noises, and causing disturbances to residents in the vicinity.
Police officers also enforced the law by arresting those violating the Traffic Act and confiscating dozens of motorcycles for inspection. But just two days later, groups of foreign youths continued to exhibit the same behavior, forcing the police to increase their enforcement measures.
_______
The post Pattaya Police Crack Down on Noisy Foreign Motorcyclists Disturbing Residents appeared first on Khaosod English.
26 July 26 2024Crimehttps://www.khaosodenglish.com/?p=1464911811 - American Retiree Found Dead Alone in His Room in Chanthaburi
A 77-year-old American tourist was found dead in his apartment room in Chanthaburi city. Police sent the body for an autopsy
The post American Retiree Found Dead Alone in His Room in Chanthaburi appeared first on Khaosod English.
CHANTHABURI — A 77-year-old American tourist was found dead in his apartment room in Chanthaburi city. Police sent the body for an autopsy to determine the cause of death, suspecting it may be due to chronic health conditions.
On July 26, the Sawang Katanyutham Foundation’s rescue radio center in Chanthaburi notified the Mueang Chanthaburi Police Station about a foreign tourist found dead in his room for unknown reasons at an apartment complex in the city district. Police were dispatched to investigate along with immigration officers and a forensic doctor from Prapokklao Hospital.
The room was on the 5th floor of the apartment building. The deceased’s body was found next to the bed in the bedroom, unclothed. There were no signs of physical assault or accident on the body. The forensic doctor estimated that death had occurred about 2 days prior.
Inside the room, packages of medication for chronic conditions were found on the bed. Personal belongings were in normal condition.
According to Police Lieutenant Thanachot Promtha, the investigator on duty, the deceased was identified as Mr. Steven, a 77-year-old American citizen holding a tourist visa. He was described as a retired government official.
The deceased American’s room was on the 5th floor of the apartment building. Ms. Iam, who looked after Mr. Steven and lived in the room across from him, provided information that he had been traveling in Thailand and living in that room for several years. Recently, he had been suffering from various health issues, including an enlarged prostate and lymph node problems. She had tried to take him for treatment and contacted his relatives to inform them.
Ms. Iam also mentioned that the deceased often refused to cooperate in seeking medical treatment. The last time she saw him was on July 16, when he appeared weak. She tried to persuade him to go to the hospital for treatment, but he refused. They didn’t see each other after that as she had to take care of her grandchild.
It wasn’t until this morning when she came to check on the room that she found Mr. Steven had passed away. She then notified the authorities.
Rescue workers have taken the body for a detailed autopsy to determine the cause of death. They will also contact the relatives for further proceedings.
______
The post American Retiree Found Dead Alone in His Room in Chanthaburi appeared first on Khaosod English.
26 July 26 2024Crime, Courts, Calamityhttps://www.khaosodenglish.com/?p=1464911807 - Thaksin’s 75th Birthday Party: What Does It Signal Politically?
Not only did former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra express happiness during his birthday celebrations over these three days
The post Thaksin’s 75th Birthday Party: What Does It Signal Politically? appeared first on Khaosod English.
BANGKOK — Not only did former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra express happiness during his birthday celebrations over these three days, but the parties and the interview he gave to the media also sent political messages.
On July 26, Thaksin celebrated his 75th birthday at his Chan Song La residence in Bangkok, following the previous two parties in the past three days. It was the first time in 17 years that he had celebrated his birthday in Thailand since he returned to his homeland on August 22, 2023.
He said that there is no place like home, where he has family, friends, familiar food, culture, and surroundings; therefore, he has been truly happy.
“Today I made merit by inviting respected monks to chant blessings and give alms. I enjoyed a simple meal with close friends, including politicians, businessmen and family members. It was a very happy atmosphere. (Close associates) did not need to book air tickets, such as Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Pheu Thai Party leader, who usually has to fly to see me,” Thaksin said.
Thaksin Shinawatra gives an interview to the media at Chan Song La house, where his 75th birthday celebration was held on July 26. Political and business allies close to him and his family attended the events. Attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Chantrarawong, Minister of Social Development and Human Security Varawut Silpa-archa, Chairman of the Chart Pattana Party Suwat Liptapanlop, Chairman of the Board of Gulf Energy Development Sarath Ratanavadi, and Chairman of BTS Group Holdings Keeree Kanjanapas.
However, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was not present at any of the parties.
Backup Plan for Court’s Ruling on Srettha
Prime Minister Srettha said at Don Mueang Air Force Base that he was preoccupied with work, so he was unable to wish Thaksin Shinawatra a happy birthday in person today. He added that he had called Thaksin this morning, but Thaksin was unable to answer the phone as he was in the middle of a merit-making ceremony.
Srettha had previously visited Thaksin at Chan Song La house last year, but he has not shown any indication of appointing Thaksin to a political advisory position. He himself is awaiting the Constitutional Court’s ruling on a case filed by former senators to determine whether the appointment of Mr. Pichit Chuenbaan as a minister would result in Srettha’s removal from office.
Thaksin said that the Prime Minister acted with sincerity and straightforwardness, with no complications. He believed that Srettha could explain everything and that there shouldn’t be any concerns.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin attends a police committee meeting at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters and reveals that he hasn’t had the opportunity to personally wish Thaksin Shinawatra a happy birthday today, July 26, 2024. When asked if it was necessary to have a backup plan, Thaksin said, “I can’t be Prime Minister anymore. I’m old and my working time is over. Besides qualifications, my working time is over. My duty is to give advice and encouragement.”
When reporters asked about the trip he and his daughter, Paetongtarn, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, took to relax at Anutin’s resort in Khao Yai, and whether it was a ‘Khao Yai Pact’ preparing for political changes, Thaksin said it was not.
He stated that the issue of pacts had already caused him trouble once before. In reality, there was nothing to it. Although he is a veteran politician, his duty now is to create reconciliation to strengthen politics and allow the country to move forward, rather than to perform other roles.
Restoring Economic Confidence
When reporters mentioned the current popularity of the song ‘Missing Uncle Tu,’ which refers to former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, as some people were comparing the current economic situation to that of the previous government, Thaksin said, ‘General Prayuth Chan-o-cha is now a Privy Councillor. He won’t return to politics. Let’s not do anything to tarnish his reputation.
Thaksin said that he is also concerned about the economy. Today, ordinary people are struggling. He suggested that everyone should work together to quickly revitalize the country and restore confidence.
“In a capitalist economic system, confidence, credibility, and trust are crucial. If confidence can be restored, money will flow in naturally. Without confidence and credibility, money will disappear completely. Today, many people are in debt. We need to cast a spell to bring money back in,” he said.
He emphasized that Pheu Thai is the only party that can fix this situation, saying, ‘In truth, if our party can’t fix it, no one can, because our party has extensive experience.’
A Matter of a Father Advising His Daughter
When reporters asked if there was a chance he would accept a political position, Thaksin said, ‘There’s nothing. My salary (senior citizen welfare payment) is now 700 baht, so what position could I possibly take?’ When asked if he would take on a role in the Pheu Thai Party to help Ms. Paetongtarn, Thaksin said it was a matter of a father advising his daughter.
Thaksin also stated that this year is a meaningful and joyful year because in two days Thai people are celebrating the 72nd birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand and he will celebrate with his fellow Thais, which make him very happy.
Thaksin Shinawatra and his family pose for a family photos at Chan Song La house, where his 75th birthday celebration was held on July 26, 2024. 
Former premier Yingluck Shinwatra on Friday posts a message on social media wishing her older brother, Thaksin Shinwatra a happy 75th birthday. When asked if he had any birthday wishes for himself, Thaksin said that health was the most important thing. Everyone who is older than 55 should start taking care of their health because it is crucial for life. If you have energy, you can make an important contribution to the country. If you maintain good physical health and a sharp mind, you can help the nation.
When asked what gifts his children had given him, Thaksin replied, “My children did not like the foyer, so they put money together to buy me a piano to keep me company, even though I can’t play it. I will have it played by a ghost.”
Ms. Paetongtarn, in an interview about her father’s birthday wishes, said that she had wished every year for him to return to Thailand. Now that the wish has come true, everyone who came today has always visited their father. Today, he should be happy to be here among those who love him. Everything comes down to the heart, which is the most important thing.
As for the family member who is very close to Thaksin but couldn’t attend this event due to still being in exile abroad, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra posted a photo of herself with Thaksin and wished him: ‘Happy 75th birthday, my dearest brother. This year is a “perfect year” for you. May you be in good health and happy always.’
___________
The post Thaksin’s 75th Birthday Party: What Does It Signal Politically? appeared first on Khaosod English.
26 July 26 2024Newshttps://www.khaosodenglish.com/?p=1464911797 - Chinese Supermarket in Korat Closes After Multi-Agency Inspection
The Chinese supermarket with a large Chinese advertisement in the heart of Nakhon Ratchasima city, which attracted widespread attention and criticism on social media
The post Chinese Supermarket in Korat Closes After Multi-Agency Inspection appeared first on Khaosod English.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA — The Chinese supermarket with a large Chinese advertisement in the heart of Nakhon Ratchasima city, which attracted widespread attention and criticism on social media, is closing while being inspected.
This advertisement, posted on a four-storey commercial building along Ratchadamnoen Road about 500 meters from the province’s landmark Thao Suranaree Monument, used Chinese text to advertise Chinese food, snacks, spices, dried foods, frozen foods, and other goods, along with a contact number and the single Thai word “Chinese supermarket.”
Several government agencies, including the tourism police, the provincial health department and the Nakhon Ratchasima provincial trade office, inspected the supermarket on July 24 and 25.
Inside the Chinese supermarket in Nakhon Ratchasima On July 26, Mr. Jirasak Sriphet, the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Trade Commissioner, stated that his office had requested an inspection regarding the business license as a legal entity. It was found that the supermarket has a valid business license registered under the name “Wang Zhong Wang Chinese Supermarket Co., Ltd.” with three shareholders who are all Thai nationals and not foreigners.
All of the store’s employees are also Thai, and the goods in the store are sourced from stores in the Yaowarat district of Bangkok, not directly from China.
The Chinese Supermarket in the heart of Korat closed on July 26, after it had been inspected since July 24, 2024. Authorities affiliated with the Ministry of Commerce have been reviewing price tags, as required by law, to ensure that consumers are aware of the prices they can decide on. The Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality controls signboard taxes, while other taxes are reviewed by the Ministry of Finance. When it comes to product labels and compliance with FDA standards, the provincial health department will review them later.
The inspection was conducted within the scope of their legal authority and should not cause any trouble. If any violations are found, the appropriate legal action will be taken. It may be that the supermarket has been temporarily closed because the owner or manager was concerned by the inspections. The public and the store should not be alarmed or concerned.
___________
The post Chinese Supermarket in Korat Closes After Multi-Agency Inspection appeared first on Khaosod English.
26 July 26 2024Newshttps://www.khaosodenglish.com/?p=1464911760