Editorial | Vivek Dhawan, Help People Stay Healthy as Long as They Live

One could say the seasons are changing. On June 21, in the northern hemisphere, we will celebrate the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year, while ‘Down Under’ and so in Melbourne, which is featured in our photo essay by Ezra Kyrill Erker, they will mark the Winter Solstice and their shortest day of the year.

Meanwhile, Thailand, like Australia is enjoying a seasonal change as they reopen and visitors return. There is a new optimism in the air, and this is conveyed in our Cover Story in which Vivek Dhawan shares his story of building a multinational corporation from a humble, little business, always focusing on helping people to stay healthy and happy on their own. In this issue’s Diplomatic Affairs column, HE Ambassador Georg Schmidt talks about the enthusiasm felt with the resurgence of business and trade between Thailand and Germany as well as the EU and also how the world must come together to find a solution to the War in Ukraine after Russia’s invasion.

And then HE Dr Yupha Taweewattanakitborvon, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, discusses what her ministry and the Thai government have been doing to preserve, produce and promote Thai culture to rebuild the Kingdom’s reputation and attract more visitors and businesses. We also introduce Prof Dr Apinan Poshyananda, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Bangkok Art Biennale, who tells us about the preparations for this year’s exciting cultural event, which is certain to attract much attention for the artists and Thailand. In addition, Surapong Techaruvichit, the managing director of Asia Hotel talks about the restoration of the tourism and hospitality sectors.

In addition to these articles, we’re very pleased to introduce you to two new members of the Bangkok culinary scene, Deva Recipe of Chef Pom, the cooking school of celebrity chef ML Kwantip Devakula, and the new incarnation of the eclectic Pink Typhoon Atelier & Café that has just opened on Soi Ari Samphan 7, once known as the ‘Secret Pastra Shop of Siam”. We also share the background and then many social contributions made by Datin Catherina Christine Cherian, the wife of the Malaysian ambassador to Thailand.

For travel, our editor-in-chief, takes you home with him to New York City, where he describes the festive mood as the city seems to celebrate ‘Victory over Covid’, he hopes not prematurely. And then, Pongpol Adireksarn takes you along on his exploration of Namibia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein, on the west coast of southern Africa. I think we have a lot for you in this issue to provoke thoughts as well as just sit back and enjoy,

Warm Regards,
Arthorn Techatada
Executive Editor