Editorial | Collaboration is Our Compass: UN Resident Coordinator Michaela Friberg-Storey on Thailand's Sustainable Development Journey

Friday, 28 March 2025 was a catastrophic day for many here in Bangkok and other provinces while Myanmar suffered much worse from an earthquake that measured 7.7 on the Richter scale that struck the Sagaing region just north of Mandalay. Here, in the Thai capital where we felt the trem- ors, the 53rd National Book Fair and 23rd Bangkok International Book Fair had to be evacuated and our magazine’s gala 11th anniversary event planned for that night had to be postponed. But compared to the State Auditor Office building’s collapse and losses of life, we can count ourselves lucky. Even now, aftershocks continue in Myanmar and Thai- land’s north, making us aware of the unpredictability of nature. I do hope that you and your loved ones have not suffered and are all safe.

Meanwhile, this April, we will again celebrate Songkran, and on behalf of the Elite+ team, I want to wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous Thai New Year, and to help you enjoy it, we have a very interesting issue for you, beginning with an interview with UN Resident Coordinator Michaela Friberg-Storey of Sweden who has already accomplished much during her first six months in this posting. We also introduce you to HE Orna Sagiv, Israel’s ambassador to Thailand, as she explains Israel’s position towards the Palestine conflict and what Israel has been doing to assist the Thai victims, hostages and their families. In addition, she discusses different startups and projects Israel is involved in and sharing with Thailand. Later, we meet Madame Anne Decrue Reichel, wife of the German ambassador to Thailand, and learn about some of the causes she has been championing.

In between, we share with you the insights about the national artist who is being promoted as a candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literaure discussed at the “Seksan Prasertkul: Life, Thoughts and Works from Multiple Perspectives” held at his former alma mater, Thammasat University, where he also served on the faculty for many years. In addition, we are pleased and honoured to again feature one of his early short stories, “Somchai”. We also tell you about Arnaud Bialecki, Sodexo Southeast Asia MD, and Dusit International’s dedication to gastronomic excellence. Later, we take you on another culinary adventure, dining at the Loong Foong Chinese Restaurant.

Keeping with the theme of adventure, Pongpol Adireksarn take us to the Northern Atlantic seas in search of the Atlantic Walrus while we also journey closer to home to Koh Phayam. To end this issue, Ezra Kyrill Erker takes us to the Mighty Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In conclusion, let me once again wish you a Happy Songkran and the hope you will all remain safe.

Arthorn Techatada
Executive Editor