Editorial | HE Anutin Charnvirakul : Leading in the Fight to Alleviate Covid-19

As Thailand prepares to again welcome foreign visitors, many feel a sense of relief, but at the same time caution. Bearing this in mind, Elite+ was very fortunate to interview the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health HE Anutin Charnvirakul during which time he provided his insights into how his ministry and the Government have taken action to alleviate the conditions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and how he envisions Thailand post pandemic.

In our Diplomatic Affairs column, HE Kevin Cheok, Singapore’s ambassador to Thailand, also talks about how Singapore has been dealing with Covid-19 and Singapore-Thailand diplomatic and business relations along with opportunities that will begin to re-emerge as pandemic restrictions are lifted.

After this, we invite you to meet Assist Prof Dr Rachada Dhnadirek, a very forward-thinking woman who now serves as the deputy government spokeswoman, as she discusses certain social issues close to her heart. Later in this issue, we meet Madame Olga Shumylo-Tapiola, wife of the ambassador of the European Union to Thailand, who shares stories about her life before and during her posting to Thailand.

Just before this, Elite+ talks with Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of TCEB (Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau) to discuss how his organisation has been working tirelessly to rejuvenate the Thai MICE (Meetings & Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) industry.

Also included in this issue is an article about the upcoming Indonesia International Book Fair Online, which is being hosted by the ASEAN International Rights Fair platform developed in Thailand by Praphansarn Publishing and Ayodia ROP. Employing the same platform was the 10th Chommanard Book Prize award ceremony, which was conducted as a simultaneous hybrid event so those who wanted could attend to learn which female Thai writer was selected for this prestigious award. Then, in our travel section, we take you to Chiang Mai to visit Lanna Dewalai, the home and now Buddhist and cultural retreat of the late Thai National Artist in Literature, Khunying Wimon Siripaiboon, or as she is better known Tommayantee. We also visit Chakadee Nontasawatsri at his orchard in Chanthaburi, Suan Khun Pan Din, where he is striving to resurrect the long-valued Nonthaburi durians.

Then, Pongpol Adireksarn takes us on an adventure to West Papua where he discovers rare birds to photograph. Our health columnist next discusses the traditional herbal remedy Fa Thalai Chon and how it is being used to treat mild Covid-19 symptoms before we end with a thought-provoking short story, “The Mask”, by Anchalee Vivathanachai and our Photo Essay by Ezra Kyrill Erker in which he leaves us in an optimistic mood with his photographs of beautiful blooms.

Warm Regards,
Arthorn Techatada
Executive Editor