Lalisa’s new video amassed over 5 million views within three hours of its YouTube release. This music video, filmed extensively in Bangkok’s Yaowarat district, has become a major talking point in Thailand. It showcases the Blackpink superstar singing and dancing in the city’s famous Chinatown.
The single, titled “Rockstar,” premiered globally and was available on YouTube in Thailand at 7 AM. A teaser had been released on Wednesday. Released by RCA Records, this single marks Lisa’s continued solo career pursuits while she remains a member of Blackpink.
A total of 317 foreign companies received approval to invest in Thailand under the Foreign Business Act during the first five months of 2024. The foreign investment in the period reached 71,702 million baht, representing an increase of 58 percent in value and 16 percent in volume over the same period of 2023.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Karom Polpornklang stated that, from January to May this year, Japan was the largest group of foreign investors in Thailand, with 84 projects (40,214 million baht). Singapore came second, with 51 projects (5,189 million baht), followed by the United States, 50 projects (1,196 million baht), China, 38 projects (5,485 million baht), and Hong Kong, 28 projects (12,048 million baht).
During this period, 99 foreign investors, accounting for 31 percent of the total foreign investors in Thailand, showed interest in investing in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The foreign investment value was 18,224 million baht, accounting for 25 percent of the total value of foreign investment during the five-month period.
Among the 99 foreign investors, 31 were from Japan (3,523 million baht), 19 from China (1,803 million baht), 11 from Hong Kong (5,005 million baht), and 38 from other countries (7,893 million baht).
Previously, the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) reported that the value of applications for investment promotion in Thailand in the first quarter of 2024 increased by 31 percent to 228,207 million baht (USD 6.2 billion) over the same period of 2023.
From January to March 2024, domestic and foreign investors filed a total of 724 project applications to BOI, an increase of 94 percent over the same period of last year. Out of this number, 460 projects involved foreign investment.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson said that the upward trend reflects Thailand’s potential and investor confidence and that it was a result of the Government’s efforts to attract leading companies worldwide to invest more in Thailand.
The sector that saw the highest value of investment applications in the first quarter was the electronics and electrical appliances industry, followed by automotive and parts, petrochemicals and chemicals, digital, and agriculture and food processing.
New Delhi (June 24, 2024). The Centre for Democracy, Pluralism and Human Rights (CDPHR) steadfastly condemns the latest incident of blasphemy-related mob lynching in Pakistan. In the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan, a man named Muhammad Ismail was lynched over blasphemy allegations on Thursday. The victim who went for a vacation to the region and was staying in a hotel in the city of Madyan, was alleged to have desecrated the Quran by the hotel staff and locals. After this allegation, the man was arrested and taken to the police station. After the news of a blasphemy-related arrest spread in the region, the police station was stormed by a mob of radical Muslims and the victim was snatched from the premises. Afterwards, the man was lynched, and the mob burned his lifeless body.
Pakistan’s anti-blasphemy laws, the anti-secular Constitution that discriminates against non-Muslims and general society’s fundamentalist opinions against blasphemy make the accused of sacrilege/apostasy vulnerable to arbitrary arrests and large-scale mob violence. The law has been regularly used to harass religious minorities, especially Hindus and Christians, secular Muslims, non-Sunni Islamic sects like Ahmadis or Shias and non-religious individuals. Last month an elderly Christian man in Punjab’s Sargodha city was also lynched over blasphemy related allegation in the country. The allegations of blasphemy have been misused historically to settle personal scores, property disputes and petty disputes. At least 1, 855 people have been charged with Pakistan’s blasphemy laws till February 2021 and scores have been killed in extra-judicial lynchings and murders.
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and the failure of the state to control Islamic fundamentalist mobs and preachers are disgraceful violations of all the basic tenets of global human rights norms. The CDPHR calls upon the Government of Pakistan to take legal action against those Islamic maulvis who regularly provoke the crowd to commit such heinous acts. The state also needs to revoke its anti-blasphemy laws and protect individuals who are accused of blasphemy. The CDPHR also calls upon the Government of India to raise the issue of blasphemy-related lynchings on international forums and use diplomatic channels to address the problem with their Pakistani counterparts. Finally, global institutions like the United Nations and the international community should appeal to Pakistan to address the issue of blasphemy-related state and non-state violence.
The CDPHR regularly monitors the situation of human rights violations globally and remains committed to the rights of Pakistan’s religious minorities and non-religious individuals to have a life free of harassment and abuse.
After a refreshing two-month annual break, the We-Women Network Community reconvened with an intimate and empowering coffee meet, setting the stage for the upcoming workshops. These gatherings offer a warm and welcoming space for women to connect, share their experiences, and learn from one another, strengthening the bonds within the community.
The network is open to all women, embracing not just entrepreneurs or professionals but also homemakers. This inclusivity ensures a diverse and rich exchange of knowledge and experiences.
Their workshops cover a wide range of subjects, including finance, gut health, healing, yoga, legal awareness, and more. This variety caters to the multifaceted interests and needs of their members, providing comprehensive learning opportunities.
With monthly workshops and quarterly coffee mornings, the We-Women Network Community offers continuous opportunities for learning and networking, fostering a sense of belonging and ongoing personal development.
Upcoming Workshops and Events
July 27th
Speaker: Deepali Kejriwal, Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of corporate experience and an active member of ICAI (Bangkok Chapter).
August 17th
Event: Organizing a meal and activities with children with disabilities at Camillian Home.
September 21st
Speaker: Dr. Pooja Saxena, PhD in Cyber Law. Topic: Empowering Women Through Cyber Law Awareness: Safeguarding Against Digital Threats
October 26th
Speaker: Swarna, Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst and International Behavior Analyst. Topic: Self-Care Strategies for Women Supporting Individuals with Special Needs
November 22nd
Speaker: Marisha Shibuya, Author and Consultant specializing in sustainable development and water management policies across Asia. Topic: Water is Life: Practical Tips for Sustainability and Wellbeing
December 14th
Event: Coffee Morning – Network, meet, and talk!
January 25th
Speaker: Tijana Radic, Certified Yoga Practitioner and Meditation Practitioner. Topic: Harmonizing Emotional Centers for Deeper Meditation
February 22nd
Speaker: Dr. Dimple Duangthip Arora, Author and Ayurvedic Practitioner. Topic: Importance of Liver Wellness: Exploring Emotions’ Influence and Effective Tools for Holistic Liver Health
March 22nd
Speaker: Davina Lissa Pickering, Accredited Health and Wellness Practitioner and creator of the Devina Lissa Method. Topic: Understanding the 360 Degree Approach for Attaining Holistic Development
About the Network
Founded by Dr. Manisha Bose, a lecturer at one of Thailand’s leading universities, the We-Women Network Community is a beacon of empowerment and knowledge sharing for women from diverse backgrounds. This unique platform provides an inclusive space where professionals, entrepreneurs, and homemakers alike can exchange knowledge, foster connections, and support one another in a nurturing environment.
Support and Sponsorship
Recognizing the value of this initiative, Mr. Sunil Kothari, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, has generously provided venue sponsorship at the prestigious Pacific City Club. This support has significantly alleviated the challenge of securing space for their monthly workshops, a contribution acknowledged with deep gratitude by Dr. Manisha Bose.
Join We-Women Network
The We-Women Network Community warmly invites you to become a part of our mission to empower, educate, and uplift women through our diverse and impactful workshops. For more information and to get involved, please contact us at womanpowerthai@gmail.com. Our efforts are supported immensely by Digital Living and Bangkokscoop, who provide a platform to share the inspiring stories and achievements of women in the community.
Together, the We-Women Network can create a supportive environment that empowers women through knowledge sharing, fostering growth and development in all aspects of life.
Bangkok witnessed an exhilarating celebration of YogaDay2024, with over 5600 yoga enthusiasts gathering for a grand session organized by the Embassy of India in Bangkok at Chulalongkorn University. The event was graced by the Minister of Tourism & Sports of Thailand, H.E. Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit, as the chief guest.
Minister of Tourism & Sports of Thailand, H.E. Mr. Sermsak Pongpanit and Ambassador of India to Thailand, Mr. Nagesh Singh
The morning was filled with energy and positivity as participants of all ages and backgrounds came together to practice yoga, emphasizing the theme of “Yoga for Self and Society.” The event highlighted the global impact of yoga and its benefits for physical and mental well-being.
A huge thank you to all the yoga enthusiasts who joined us this morning and made the event a grand success!
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad Association Thailand held a significant meeting with the Ambassador of India, H. E. Mr. Nagesh Singh Ji, on June 11, 2024, at the Embassy of India premises in Bangkok. The meeting marked an important dialogue between the new committee members and the Ambassador, emphasizing mutual goals and shared commitments to the welfare of Bharat. Ambassador Singh shared insights from his extensive experience in global diplomacy and governance, providing valuable guidance and encouragement to the committee.
President Smt. Vaishali Urumkar Ji expressed her gratitude for the Ambassador’s insights, stating, “The Ambassador’s experiences and advice are invaluable to us. His encouragement motivates us to work harder and contribute effectively towards our goals.”
The meeting concluded on a high note with the committee members feeling greatly inspired to take forward the initiatives discussed, aiming to make a lasting impact on both the local and global stage in favor of Bharat.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad Association Thailand is committed to continuing these engagements, fostering a strong relationship with the Embassy of India, and furthering the development of their community-oriented projects.
Additionally, the VHP association held its Annual General Meeting on May 11, 2024, at Novotel Sukhumvit Soi 20 in Bangkok. During the meeting, the new Executive Committee was announced for the term 2024-2027, with:
Smt. Vaishali Urumkar – President
Shri Jay Shankar Mukherjee – General Secretary
Smt. Durga Mouli – Treasurer
Shri Praveen Lodha – Vice President, Language and Ancient Knowledge
Shri Raju B. Manwani – Vice President, Social and Media Spokesperson
Embracing Sustainability: Suzuki’s Strategic Shift Reflects Global Trends and Environmental Goals
Suzuki Motor Corp has announced it will stop manufacturing cars and trucks in Thailand by the end of next year, shifting its focus to producing electric and hybrid vehicles in other locations. Despite this change, the Japanese automaker will maintain its presence in Thailand by importing vehicles, including electric and hybrid models, from its plants in other parts of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Japan, and India.
This decision to close the Rayong plant, established 12 years ago with a production capacity of 60,000 units annually and employing around 800 people, is part of Suzuki’s broader strategy to align with global carbon neutrality and electrification goals. By consolidating its production efforts elsewhere, Suzuki aims to streamline its operations and contribute more effectively to environmental sustainability.
Suzuki has ambitious plans for the future, outlining the introduction of six electric vehicle models by the 2030-2031 fiscal year. The company expects to launch its first electric vehicle in India by next year, signaling a significant step towards its electrification targets.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s automotive sector is grappling with significant challenges. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reports an uptick in factory closures this year, driven by economic downturns, industry mergers, and escalating operational expenses. This broader economic context adds another layer of complexity to Suzuki’s strategic shift, highlighting the difficulties faced by the automotive industry in adapting to changing market conditions and technological advancements.
The Thai government is prepared to enhance Thai-Indian relations, anticipating that this year’s planned visit to India will elevate the partnership to a strategic level.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulating him on his third consecutive term. Srettha commended Modi’s governance and reiterated Thailand’s dedication to strengthening bilateral ties.
In their initial conversation months ago, Prime Minister Modi also congratulated Srettha on his new role. Both leaders expressed optimism about maintaining strong relations between the two countries.
Prime Minister Srettha announced plans for an official visit to India this year to discuss deepening cooperation. This includes regional collaboration and initiatives under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), aiming to advance the strategic partnership between Thailand and India.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed Srettha’s upcoming visit and expressed his intent to attend the BIMSTEC meeting in Thailand in September, seeing it as an opportunity to further develop bilateral cooperation and economic ties.
BIMSTEC is an international organization comprising seven South Asian and Southeast Asian countries, representing 1.73 billion people with a combined GDP of 5.2 trillion US dollars.
CONTEMPORARY WORLD FILM SERIES RETURNS TO TK PARK! OPENING FILM OF THE YEAR 2024 ‘SEPTEMBER- The Silent Cry’ (‘Septiembre, un llanto en silencio’) GUATEMALA DIRECTED BY KENNETH MULLER 1 HR 09 MINS Supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala to the Kingdom of Thailand SATURDAY, 29th. JUNE 2024, 4:00 PM
We are delighted to resume the popular Contemporary World Film Series at TK Park, this year.
Our Opening Film is from the lush and beautiful Central American country of Guatemala. This is the first film from the country to be screened in Thailand. Directed by the country’s most renowned film-maker Kenneth Mueller, the story is a powerful exploration of love, resilience, and the human spirit.
September opens on a shocking-note with a bomb explosion by terrorists in a bus carrying innocent people. The bomb kills a lovely mother carrying a baby, and the baby becomes deaf.
The bomb-explosion refers to a notorious bomb-explosion by army guerrillas in Guatemala, on 5 September 1980 (hence, the title).
The incident affected the Director’s life personally, because his mother and brother were on the ill-fated bus. His mother was not killed, but his brother became deaf.
In the film, the baby daughter Theresa is brought up by her father, and the two face many challenges. She grows into a lovely girl, falls in love, but politics is a blockade.
The lead-role is played by a brilliant actor who has starred in many films of the region, supported by a very talented actress (she prepared for her role by interacting with the Director’s deaf brother.)
The film moved audiences at festivals around the world. ‘Profoundly human- the film is a jewel of young Latin American Cinema-’ said the Wall Street Journal.
We are proud to screen a film that is a rare amalgam of politics and humanity. The screening of September is supported by the Embassy of Guatemala in Bangkok, who will serve an array of local snacks and drinks.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala H.E. Ms. Shirley Dennise Aguilar Barrera, will introduce the film.
Don’t Miss the Opening Film of TK Park’s 2024 Contemporary World Film Series.
The biggest festival of democracy, the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, is concluding today in our nation, the Mother of Democracy. After a three-day spiritual journey in Kanniyakumari, I have just boarded the plane for Delhi.Through the day, Kashi and numerous other seats have been in the midst of voting.
My mind is filled with so many experiences and emotions… I feel a boundless flow of energy within myself. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are the first in the Amrit Kaal. I began my campaign a few months ago from Meerut, the land of the First War of Independence of 1857. Since then, I have traversed ac-ross the length and breadth of our great nation. The final rally of these elections took me to Hoshiarpur in Punjab, the land of the great Gurus and a land associated with Sant Ravidas Ji. After that, I came to Kanniyakumari, at the feet of Maa Bharti.
It is natural that the fervour of the elections was echoing in my heart and mind. The multitude of faces seen in rallies and road shows came in front of my eyes. The blessings from our Nari Shakti… the trust, the affection, all of this was a very humbling experience. My eyes were getting moist… I entered into a ‘sadhana’ (meditative state). And then, the heated political debates, the attacks and counter-attacks, the voices and words of accusations which are so characteristic of an election… they all vanished into a void. A sense of detachment came to grow within me… my mind became completely detached from the external world.
Meditation becomes challenging amidst such huge responsibilities, but the land of Kanniyakumari and the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda made it effortless. As a candidate myself, I left my campaign in the hands of my beloved people of Kashi and came here.
I am also grateful to God for instilling in me these values from birth, which I have cherished and tried to live up to. I was also thinking about what Swami Vivekananda must have experienced during his meditation at this very place in Kanniyakumari! A part of my meditation was spent in a similar stream of thoughts.
Amidst this detachment, amidst the peace and silence, my mind was constantly thinking about the bright future of Bharat, the goals of Bharat. The rising sun at Kanniyakumari gave new heights to my thoughts, the vastness of the ocean expanded my ideas, and the expanse of the horizon continuously made me realise the unity, the Oneness, embedded in the depths of the universe. It seemed as if the observations and experiences undertaken in the lap of the Himalayas decades ago were being revived.
Friends,
Kanniyakumari has always been very close to my heart. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari was built under the leadership of Shri Eknath Ranade ji. I had the opportunity to travel extensively with Eknath ji. During the construction of this memorial, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Kanniyakumari as well.
From Kashmir to Kanniyakumari… this is a common identity that is deeply ingrained in the heart of every citizen of the country. This is the ‘Shakti Peeth’ (seat of Shakti) where Maa Shakti incarnated as Kanya Kumari. At this southern tip, Maa Shakti performed penance and waited for Bhagwan Shiva, who was residing in the Himalayas at the northernmost parts of Bharat.
Kanniyakumari is the land of confluences. The sacred rivers of our country flow into different seas, and here, those very seas converge. And here, we witness another great confluence – the ideological confluence of Bharat! Here, we find the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar, Gandhi Mandapam, and Kamarajar Mani Mandapam. These streams of thought from these stalwarts converge here to form a confluence of national thought. This gives rise to great inspirations for nation-building. This land of Kanniyakumari gives an indelible message of unity, especially to any person who doubts Bharat’s nationhood and the sense of unity.
The grand statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar in Kanniyakumari seems to be looking at the expanse of Maa Bharti from the sea. His work Thirukkural is one of the crown jewels of the beautiful Tamil language. It covers every aspect of life, inspiring us to give our best for ourselves and for the nation. It was my great fortune to pay my respects to such a great figure.
Friends,
Swami Vivekananda once said, “Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfil, a destiny to reach.”
For thousands of years, Bharat has been moving forward with this sense of meaningful purpose. Bharat has been a cradle of ideas for thousands of years. We have never considered what we have acquired as our personal wealth or measured it purely by economic or material parameters. Therefore, ‘Idam-na-mama’ (this is not mine) has become an inherent and natural part of the character of Bharat.
Bharat’s welfare benefits our planet’s journey to progress as well. Take the freedom movement as an example. Bharat gained independence on Aug 15, 1947. At that time, many countries around the world were under colonial rule. Bharat’s independence journey inspired and empowered many of those countries to achieve their own freedom. That same spirit was seen decades later when the world came face to face with the once in a century Covid-19 pandemic. When concerns were raised about the poor and developing countries, Bharat’s successful efforts provided courage and assistance to many nations.
Today, Bharat’s governance model has become an example for many countries around the world. Empowering 25 crore people to rise above poverty in just 10 years is unprecedented. Innovative practices such as Pro-People Good Governance, aspirational districts, and aspirational blocks are being discussed globally today. Our efforts, from empowering the poor to last-mile delivery, have inspired the world by prioritising individuals standing at the last rung of society. Bharat’s Digital India campaign is now an example for the entire world, showing how we can use technology to empower the poor, bring transparency, and ensure their rights. Inexpensive data in Bharat is becoming a means of social equality by ensuring the reach of information and services to the poor. The whole world is witnessing and studying the democratisation of technology, and major global institutions are advising many countries to adopt elements from our model.
Today, Bharat’s progress and rise are not just a significant opportunity for Bharat alone, but also a historic opportunity for all our partner countries around the world. Since the success of the G20, the world has been increasingly envisioning a bigger role for Bharat. Today, Bharat is being acknowledged as a strong and important voice of the Global South. The African Union has become a part of the G20 group at the initiative of Bharat. This is going to be a crucial turning point for the future of African countries.
Friends,
The development trajectory of Bharat fills us with pride and glory, but at the same time, it also reminds the 140 crore citizens of their responsibilities. Now, without wasting a single moment, we must step forward towards greater duties and larger goals. We need to dream new dreams, convert them into reality and begin living those dreams.
We must see Bharat’s development in a global context, and for this, it is essential that we understand Bharat’s internal capabilities. We must acknowledge Bharat’s strengths, nurture them, and utilise them for the benefit of the world. In today’s global scenario, Bharat’s strength as a youthful nation is an opportunity from which we must not look back.
The world of the 21st century is looking towards Bharat with many hopes. And we will need to make several changes to move forward in the global scenario. We also need to change our traditional thinking regarding reform. Bharat cannot limit reform to just economic reforms. We must move forward in every aspect of life towards the direction of reform. Our reforms should also align with the aspirations of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India) by 2047.
We must also understand that reform can never be a unidimensional process for any country. Therefore, I have laid out the vision of reform, perform, and transform for the country. The responsibility of reform lies with leadership. Based on that, our bureaucracy performs, and when the people join in with the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, we witness a transformation taking place.
We must make excellence the fundamental principle to make our country a ‘Viksit Bharat’. We need to work quickly in all four directions: Speed, Scale, Scope, and Standards. Alongside manufacturing, we must also focus on quality and adhere to the mantra of ‘zero defect-zero effect’.
Friends,
We should take pride in every moment that God has blessed us with birth in the land of Bharat. God has chosen us to serve Bharat and fulfil our role in our country’s journey towards excellence.
We must redefine our heritage in a modern way while embracing ancient values in a modern context.
As a nation, we also need to reassess outdated thinking and beliefs. We need to free our society from the pressure of professional pessimists. We must remember that freedom from negativity is the first step towards achieving success. Success blossoms in the lap of positivity.
My faith, devotion, and belief in the infinite and eternal power of Bharat are growing day by day. Over the past 10 years, I have seen this capability of Bharat grow even more and have experienced it firsthand.
Just as we utilised the fourth and fifth decades of the 20th century to impart a new momentum to the freedom movement, we must lay the foundation for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ in these 25 years of the 21st century. The freedom struggle was a time that called for great sacrifices. The present times call for great and sustained contributions from everyone.
Swami Vivekananda had said in 1897 that we must dedicate the next 50 years solely for the nation. Exactly 50 years after this call, Bharat gained independence in 1947.
Today, we have the same golden opportunity. Let’s dedicate the next 25 years solely for the nation. Our efforts will create a strong foundation for the coming generations and the coming centuries, taking Bharat to new heights. Looking at the energy and enthusiasm of the country, I can say that the goal is not far away now. Let us take swift steps… let us come together and create a Viksit Bharat.
(These thoughts were penned by PM Modi on 1st June between 4:15 PM and 7 PM during his return flight from Kanniyakumari to Delhi.)
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