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From MSN Bangkok's luxury hotel scene is nothing short of spectacular, ranging from a hip Standard hotel (that you can now book with Hyatt points!) to the Rolodex of luxe brands one would expect: Four Seasons, Capella and St. Regis, among many others. Now, there's a new card in said Rolodex: The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok. Part of One Bangkok, a "vertical village" full of skyscrapers, shops, restaurants, public spaces and more, the new Ritz-Carlton features 260 rooms and suites looking down on Lumpini Park and out across the sprawling city. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and soaking tubs, and many have terraces. "As the first Ritz-Carlton property in Bangkok, we bring local traditions and culture alive through imaginative, immersive experiences, including performances, activities, and artistic journeys," Tina Liu, the hotel's general manager, said in a statement. "Our stays are designed to create memorable moments that resonate with our guests, paying homage to Thailand's 'cultural bloom' — the evolution from its graceful past to its exciting future." Cash rates at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok start around $411 per night. Marriott Bonvoy members can book rooms starting at 52,000 points per night. https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/bars-and-restaurants/now-open-ritz-carlton-adds-another-luxury-name-to-bangkok-s-booming-hotel-scene/ar-BB1r7OKi

You ignore, of course, China's claim to ownership of waters in the South China sea as delineating by the "nine-dash line." That's not channeled through west. But this doesn't surprise readers here.

From Bangkok Post Thailand aims to promote Boy's Love-Girl's Love (BL-GL) content in Latin America to foster closer ties. The Foreign Affairs Ministry (MFA) and the Thai Association of Boy's Love Content recently launched the "Ola BL & GL Thailand in Brazil" campaign to showcase the potential of Thai actors and expand the fan base of Thai Y series in the Latin American market. As part of the campaign, four pairs of actors and actresses from BL and GL series along with leading Y series producers will visit Sao Paolo, Brazil, from Jan 29 to Feb 3 for fan meeting activities and business deals. Russ Jalichandra, the MFA Vice Minister, said the campaign would help strengthen the popularity of Thai content in Latin America and enhance the value of Thai products in the region. Utilising MFA offices around the world to target foreign markets with growth potential, initiatives using BL-GL content are part of the government's efforts to boost the economy through soft power assets, he said. The move is also expected to create closer ties between Thais and the international community. "This campaign will help to boost the economy and promote social ties which will help boost our relationship with Brazil and the Latin American region," he said. "It will also help mark the Marriage Equality Bill which comes into effect on Jan 23, reflecting Thailand's leadership in equality, inclusivity and social openness," he added. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2943220/same-sex-tv-show-stars-to-visit-latino-market

Emergency numbers Police & emergencies – 191 This may be the most important number to remember. Thailand has reportedly made 191 the main call center for all emergencies. If the operator is unable to speak English, call 1155 (below). Tourist Police – 1155 or (+66) 2308-0333 This hotline is available 24 hours a day and they will all speak English. This is an important phone number to remember – They will help you out with any concerns or questions you have and can redirect you to the correct number you may need. Public Ambulance (Everywhere) – 1669 Dialing this number will connect you to a public ambulance service, which will dispatch a vehicle to your location. The average response time for urban areas is around 10 minutes, but may take up to 30 minutes in rural areas. English-speaking staff should be available to assist you. Fire Department – 199 In case of an emergency such as a house fire, or forest fire, call 199 for the Fire Department to be dispatched to your location. Private Ambulance (Bangkok) – 1724 or 1719 The response time of a public ambulance can vary. Traffic is terrible in Bangkok so it could be worth noting down these private ambulance numbers. It will cost you more but you are likely to get to the hospital and be treated quickly. Highway Police – 1193 If you plan on driving in Thailand, then you may end up needing to use this number if you break down in an unsafe place etc. Continues with list of embassy and consulates numbers: https://itsbetterinthailand.com/emergency-numbers-and-other-useful-contacts-in-thailand/

From the BBC US President-elect Donald Trump has launched his own cryptocurrency, which quickly soared in market capitalisation to several billion dollars. His release of the meme coin, $Trump, comes as he prepares to take office on Monday as 47th president of the US. The venture was co-ordinated by CIC Digital LLC - an affiliate of the Trump Organization - which has previously sold Trump-branded shoes and fragrances. Meme coins are used to build popularity for a viral internet trend or movement, but they lack intrinsic value and are extremely volatile investments. By Saturday afternoon, hours after its launch, the market capitalisation for $Trump reached nearly $5.5bn (£4.5bn), according to CoinMarketCap.com. CIC Digital LLC and Fight Fight Fight LLC, a company formed in Delaware earlier this month, own 80% of the tokens. It is unclear how much money Trump might make from the venture. "My NEW Official Trump Meme is HERE! It's time to celebrate everything we stand for: WINNING!" Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social as he announced the meme coin on Friday night. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vmym2jvy9o

We're from the government and we're here to help you on your road to poverty. From MSN Thailand is planning to launch its cryptocurrency sandbox before the end of this year. According to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the sandbox will likely be launched around October and will be located in Phuket. According to Shinawatra, the move will be a turning point for the country, noting how well they have thrived regarding the crypto industry. Shinawatra also thinks that Thailand is well equipped compared to other regions, as they continue to move ahead in the crypto industry. He noted that the crypto industry has been boosted by the decision of the United States President-elect Donald Trump to push for it. Bitcoin and other assets saw a rally as Trump, who made so many promises to the sector during his campaign, won against Kamala Harris in a hard-fought battle. In a discussion about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region’s economy, Shinawatra noted that most countries in the region have been holding extensive talks with Thailand. He noted that since Thailand have been able to make a commendable feat regarding the crypto industry, it has presented an opportunity to inject money into the economic system. In addition, he said that discussions on this subject are underway, hopeful that it will come to a fruitful end. Shinawatra also mentioned that cryptocurrencies should be leveraged quickly, as a delay might lead to the best minds moving to a better-suited environment like the United States. He added that digital assets are a new form of digital currency, which should not be confused with gambling. Stablecoins, the least volatile assets, are usually backed by other assets like gold or government bonds. He highlighted that stablecoins carry less risk than others. He mentioned that the country will not adopt digital assets that present high risks, adding that a sandbox is expected to be launched in October. In addition, the sandbox will include the private sector, as it presents a way to rub minds on the subject. Shinawatra discussed the crypto sandbox idea at a recent Pheu Thai party seminar. He is currently the de facto leader of the party, which currently houses the majority ruling members in the country. In the seminar, Shinawatra introduced the idea of using Phuket as the location for the sandbox. Continues at https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/thailand-set-to-launch-its-crypto-sandbox-this-year/ar-AA1xsfLl

From Pattaya Mail Will Robinson’s latest cinematic masterpiece, Thailand Amazing Thailand, premiered during a private screening luncheon attended by esteemed guests, including former Minister of Tourism and Sports, Weerasak Kowsurat. Hosted at the Hyatt Regency Hotel recently, the event also marked the 10th anniversary of The Isan Project, Robinson’s ground-breaking initiative that fuses traditional Thai music with contemporary Western sounds. Robinson’s new film is an artistic journey through Thailand’s stunning landscapes, vibrant festivals, and rich cultural heritage. With its enthralling adventures and original music, the film showcases the beauty and spirit of Thailand like never before. Guests at the premiere lauded Robinson’s dedication and passion, noting the deep emotional resonance of his work and its ability to capture the essence of the country. The Isan Project began a decade ago when British producer Will Robinson travelled to Northeast Thailand in search of authentic Isan sounds. This exploration led to the creation of a unique musical fusion, blending handmade Thai instruments with Western beats. Over the years, Robinson has collaborated with over 500 artists, bringing Isan’s vibrant music and dance to global audiences, including a memorable performance in the streets of New York. https://www.pattayamail.com/travel/will-robinsons-thailand-amazing-thailand-celebrates-10-years-of-the-isan-project-487673

From Bangkok Post PHUKET: Two foreign visitors died after attending a world-renowned electric dance music festival in this southern island province on Saturday night. Both foreigners, an American and a Canadian, passed out at the Electric Daisy Carnival Thailand 2025 music festival in tambon Choeng Thale of Thalang district Saturday night. According to police, Canadian Sharfaraz Maqbul Ahmed, 28, was brought to Thalang Hospital at 8.50pm on Saturday. On arrival there, he was unconscious but still had a pulse. Hospital staff then tried to resuscitate him but to no avail. He was pronounced dead at 9.26pm on Saturday. American Minh Nguyen Quang Phan, 32, was taken from the music festival venue to Thalang Hospital at 11.35pm on Saturday. Resuscitation attempts failed and he was pronounced dead at 12.30am on Sunday. Police and staff of Thalang Hospital could not immediately identify the cause of the deaths. The bodies had yet to be examined at Vachiraphuket Hospital. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2942957/foreigners-die-after-after-attending-music-festival-in-phuket

Agree. I've posted two reports of police making arrests of Chinese scammers using that equipment in central Bangkok area recently.

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From Bangkok Post A Chinese model who had been missing for almost a month has been located and safely returned to his country, Thai police said on Saturday. The Chinese embassy confirmed that Yang Zeqi, 25, was back home, said Pol Gen Chatchai Pitaneelaboot, inspector-general with the Royal Thai Police Office, who was in Mae Sot district of Tak on Friday. On Friday, Yang’s father had asked national police chief Kittharath Punpetch to speed up efforts to find his son, who was lured to Thailand with the offer of a role in a film. Lawyer Ratchapon Sirisakorn, who set up the meeting between Yang Hai Tao and Thai police, said he received confirmation from the family that their son had been rescued and safely returned to China. The family would send a letter to thank the Chinese embassy and Thai authorities, he said. Police have not disclosed any details about how or where Yang was found. They also have not confirmed speculation that Yang had fallen victim to one of the notorious scam gangs across the border in Myawaddy, as in the case of Chinese actor Wang Xing. The actor was found unharmed, but with his head shaved, after going missing earlier this month in Tak province. Thai police said they believed Wang was a victim of human trafficking. (Story continues below) https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2942435/missing-chinese-model-returns-home-safely

TIT.

They're fond of it, too.

deleted /repeat

From MSN We are all vulnerable to the rapid spread of phone scams – including, it seems, world leaders. Thailand’s prime minister has revealed she got a call from an AI system, demanding money in the voice of another famous head of government. Paetongtarn Shinawatra did not reveal who the computer was mimicking, but said she received a message in a voice identical to a well-known leader. "The voice was very clear, and I recognized it immediately. They first sent a voice clip, saying something like, ‘How are you? I want to work together,’ and so on,” Paetongtarn said. She said she later missed a call from the same number, then received a voice message which cut to the chase: “They sent another voice message asking for a donation, saying, ‘You are the only country in (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) that hasn’t donated yet,’ emphasizing it. I was taken aback for a moment and realized something was off.” She said whoever sent the message “probably used AI to take the voice” of the unnamed world leader. Continues at https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/even-world-leaders-receive-scam-calls-just-ask-thailand-s-prime-minister/ar-AA1xivje