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The Age
27-06-2025
- The Age
The must-do highlights of Bangkok in three days
Bangkok defies metaphor. An enigma wrapped in a traffic jam? The place where feudalism meets futurism? Just step out and surrender to its din and aromas, the combo of urgency and 'mai pen rai' (no worries) solutions. This city of 11.5 million people on the Chao Phraya River doesn't have a clearly defined centre and its hotel accommodation is scattered wide. Which means, depending on your location, think of the following day itineraries as adaptable, mix-and-match suggestions. Hint: cross-city travel can be slow (and hot) so don't over-plan your day. Day one Make an early start for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) in the Grand Palace complex, preferably arriving by 8.30am to beat the crowd. It'll be busy anyhow. Spend a couple of hours in this ornate royal compound but don't attempt to photograph the tiny Emerald Buddha statue. Make time for the adjacent temple, Wat Pho, home to one of the city's great icons, the 46-metre Reclining Buddha. Catch a meter taxi to nearby Yaowarat Road, Chinatown, for lunch. (Tuk-tuks in this area are a rip-off.) The grazing choice is enormous, from hawker carts to side-alley restaurants. Try a local favourite, guay chap flat rice noodles in pepper soup, but skip the common 'delicacy', shark-fin soup. Afternoon You're in one of the world's largest Chinatowns, where the main attractions include Wat Traimit, home to a massive 5½-tonne golden Buddha statue, and to Bangkok's most important Chinese Buddhist shrine, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Dragon Lotus Temple). Then make your way to Sathorn Pier near Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain station to join the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat. An all-day pass will allow you to hop on and off wherever you please at the ferry's 10 stops, including Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn), Khao San Road and attractions like the Asiatique theme park. Evening Bangkok has around 40 high-rise sky bars, most of them brilliant for sunset cocktails with spectacular views, plus dinner if you kick on. Not far from wherever you are there's probably a sky bar with an intriguing name like Paradise Lost, Cooling Tower, Vertigo or Flashback. If you're looking for sophisticated dining at a lower altitude, consider Red Rose in the Shanghai Mansion hotel on Yaowarat Road, or a choice of excellent French, Italian or Cantonese options in the Four Seasons Bangkok Hotel at Chao Phraya River. Or, further inland, the celebrated restaurant in Soi 53 Sukhumvit at Thong Lor.
Sydney Morning Herald
27-06-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
The must-do highlights of Bangkok in three days
Bangkok defies metaphor. An enigma wrapped in a traffic jam? The place where feudalism meets futurism? Just step out and surrender to its din and aromas, the combo of urgency and 'mai pen rai' (no worries) solutions. This city of 11.5 million people on the Chao Phraya River doesn't have a clearly defined centre and its hotel accommodation is scattered wide. Which means, depending on your location, think of the following day itineraries as adaptable, mix-and-match suggestions. Hint: cross-city travel can be slow (and hot) so don't over-plan your day. Day one Make an early start for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) in the Grand Palace complex, preferably arriving by 8.30am to beat the crowd. It'll be busy anyhow. Spend a couple of hours in this ornate royal compound but don't attempt to photograph the tiny Emerald Buddha statue. Make time for the adjacent temple, Wat Pho, home to one of the city's great icons, the 46-metre Reclining Buddha. Catch a meter taxi to nearby Yaowarat Road, Chinatown, for lunch. (Tuk-tuks in this area are a rip-off.) The grazing choice is enormous, from hawker carts to side-alley restaurants. Try a local favourite, guay chap flat rice noodles in pepper soup, but skip the common 'delicacy', shark-fin soup. Afternoon You're in one of the world's largest Chinatowns, where the main attractions include Wat Traimit, home to a massive 5½-tonne golden Buddha statue, and to Bangkok's most important Chinese Buddhist shrine, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Dragon Lotus Temple). Then make your way to Sathorn Pier near Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain station to join the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat. An all-day pass will allow you to hop on and off wherever you please at the ferry's 10 stops, including Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn), Khao San Road and attractions like the Asiatique theme park. Evening Bangkok has around 40 high-rise sky bars, most of them brilliant for sunset cocktails with spectacular views, plus dinner if you kick on. Not far from wherever you are there's probably a sky bar with an intriguing name like Paradise Lost, Cooling Tower, Vertigo or Flashback. If you're looking for sophisticated dining at a lower altitude, consider Red Rose in the Shanghai Mansion hotel on Yaowarat Road, or a choice of excellent French, Italian or Cantonese options in the Four Seasons Bangkok Hotel at Chao Phraya River. Or, further inland, the celebrated restaurant in Soi 53 Sukhumvit at Thong Lor.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Which Goddess Represents You, Based on Birth Month?
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Throughout history, people have turned to myths, legends, and divine archetypes to find deeper meaning and spiritual truths. According to expert astrologers, each birth month perfectly matches and energetically aligns with the archetype of an ancient, revered goddess. Read on to discover which divine figure matches the month you were born, and what it says about you. MORE: SIGN UP for Star Signs to get your horoscope and manifesting tips delivered straight to your inbox Your Goddess Archetype, Based on the Month You Were Born RELATED: Your Personal Angel Number, Based on Birth Month January – Hecate (Greek) The ancient Greek goddess Hecate ruled over magic, transformation, and acted as a bridge for those crossing the threshold after life into the underworld. January-born people embody a quiet strength, gained from introspection, careful thought, and the empowerment to initiate new beginnings. You walk between the mundane and spiritual, non-physical planes. February – Kuan Yin (Chinese Buddhist) Kuan Yin represents compassion, mercy, healing, and the power of forgiveness. People born in February are often empaths who spread positivity through their emotional depth, spiritual wisdom, and thoughtful gestures. Like Kuan Yin, they soften the harsh realities of life, offering hope simply by being present. March – Brigid (Celtic) March-born individuals bring hope, like the goddess Brigid, who carries regenerative power. As the goddess of fertility, healing, and poetry, you're aligned in energy. You're born as winter transitions to spring, carrying themes of sacred rebirth, inspiration, and liveliness. Your intuition and dualistic nature bring wisdom and perspective. April – Freya (Norse) The Norse goddess Freya embodies fire and passion; she is the goddess of love, war, and fertility. April-born individuals are known for their independence, excitement, determination, and pride. With a bold heart like Freya's, your spiritual power is connected to your ability to stand strong against opposition, especially when defending someone you love. READ: 4 Zodiac Signs Most Spiritually Vulnerable to the Evil Eye May – Aphrodite (Greek) People born in May embody the vibrant energy of spring, akin to the flourishing beauty of blooming flowers. You carry an aura of sensuality, desire, beauty, and allure. Much like Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, attraction, and charm, your presence is captivating. With a strong sense of self-worth, you attract what you desire rather than chasing after it. June – Isis (Egyptian) Those born in June possess spiritual gifts and are powerful nurturers with mystical wisdom. The ancient Egyptian goddess Isis governs motherhood, sacred magic, and protection. Your aura is timeless, connecting emotional depth with profound intellect, resulting in life-changing outcomes. July – Demeter (Greek) People born in July are similar to the ancient Greek goddess Demeter, who represents abundant harvests, divine grace, and the protection of motherhood. You have a nurturing nature and are always looking out for others. In your presence, you offer abundance, safety, and nourishment, creating a safe haven where people can gather. NEXT: The Secret Each Zodiac Sign Keeps Hidden, Per Astrologers August – Sekhmet (Egyptian) Individuals born in August are associated with Sekmet, the ancient Egyptian goddess of transformation, fire, and divine justice. Those born in this month are natural warriors, confronting challenges directly. They embody empowerment against all odds, inspiring radical rebellion and change through their courage. September – Athena (Greek) Individuals born in September are similar to Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, strategy, and clarity. They tend to be intellectual, grounded, and seek natural solutions. Their spiritual strength lies in their ability to remain psychologically centered during crises, allowing them to lead others with calm authority. OTHER: Each Zodiac Sign as a Boyfriend, According to Experts October – Persephone (Greek) Individuals born in October are associated with Persephone, the ancient Greek goddess of the underworld and rebirth. Those born during this transitional month have a spiritual mission to master duality. They possess the ability to transform darkness into light, navigate between different realms, and facilitate processes of rebirth and ego death. November – Kali (Hindu) Individuals born in November are fierce, powerful, and undeniably impactful. Kali, the Hindu goddess of destruction and rebirth, embodies your fiery courage. Your spiritual purpose is to dismantle outdated structures and pave the way for a liberating and empowering rebirth. While your intensity may intimidate some, it is, in fact, sacred and necessary for achieving true freedom. December – Oshun (Yoruba) Oshun, the goddess of love, art, and joy, represents individuals born in December. Your magnetic energy radiates, bringing wisdom, optimism, and adventure. You possess the spiritual gift of finding beauty in everything, and you are creative, healing, and inspiring in the lives of others. UP NEXT:
Malaysia Sun
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Malaysia Sun
Full text of President Xi Jinping's signed article in Malaysian media
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday published a signed article titled "May the Ship of China-Malaysia Friendship Sail Toward an Even Brighter Future" in Malaysian media outlets, including Sin Chew Daily, The Star and Sinar Harian ahead of his arrival in Malaysia for a state visit. The following is the full text of the article: May the Ship of China-Malaysia Friendship Sail Toward an Even Brighter Future Xi Jinping At the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, I will soon pay a state visit to Malaysia. This will be my second visit to your beautiful country in 12 years. I look forward to experiencing Malaysia's remarkable progress and transformation in person, and meeting with Malaysian friends to celebrate our friendship and plan for future cooperation. China and Malaysia are friendly neighbors across the sea. The Maritime Silk Road stood witness to the millennium-old friendly exchanges between our countries. As a Malay proverb puts it, "air dicincang tidak akan putus," or "water can't be cut apart." Through the ages, such strong bonds of friendship between our peoples have grown from strength to strength. Over 1,300 years ago, Chinese Buddhist monk Yijing of the Tang Dynasty traveled to the Malay Peninsula on his pilgrimage voyage and produced the earliest known written account of the ancient kingdom of Kedah. More than 600 years ago, Chinese navigator and explorer Zheng He of the Ming Dynasty and his fleet called at Malacca during five of his seven historic expeditions to the ocean. His visits planted seeds of peace and friendship. To this day, the Sam Po Kong Temple, Bukit Cina, and Princess Hang Li Poh's Well endure as a living testament to the local community's everlasting veneration of the legendary Chinese navigator. Some 80 years ago, when the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression reached a critical juncture, the Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics from Malaysia braved immense dangers to reach China's Yunnan Province, and helped keep the Burma Road operational, as it was a vital lifeline of China's wartime supplies. Today this remarkable story of courage still echoes in the hearts of both peoples. As we honor our shared past and embrace the future, our two countries must work together to give fresh momentum to our ship of friendship that has sailed through the long river of history, and ensure that it forges ahead steadily toward brighter horizons. We must keep a firm grip on the strategic helm that guides our ship of friendship. Fifty-one years ago, breaking through the gloom of the Cold War, leaders of China and Malaysia made the decision to establish diplomatic relations, pioneering a groundbreaking new chapter in relations between China and ASEAN countries. China and Malaysia have since respected each other's development paths while maintaining strategic independence. We have provided mutual support on issues vital to our respective core interests and on our major concerns, setting an exemplary model for two countries to prosper together through mutually beneficial cooperation. In 2023, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and I agreed on building the China-Malaysia community with a shared future. The decision marked a new milestone in the bilateral relations. China and Malaysia must enhance strategic communication, increase mutual political trust, follow through on the Belt and Road cooperation plan between the two governments, strengthen the synergy between our development strategies, expand experience sharing on national governance, and promote our bilateral relations through high-standard strategic cooperation. We must expand results-oriented cooperation which serves as the ballast that steadies our ship of friendship. In 2024, China-Malaysia trade reached 212 billion U.S. dollars, up by nearly 1,000 times the level at the inception of our diplomatic relations. China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. Malaysian durians can now be delivered directly from orchards to Chinese supermarkets within 24 hours, and they are immensely popular among Chinese consumers. To date, the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park has received a total investment of over 11 billion yuan (1.5 billion U.S. dollars), and will create many long-term jobs when all its planned projects are completed with production reaching their designed capacity. Our bilateral cooperation potential is being progressively realized in the digital economy, green development, industrial investment and transport infrastructure construction. We must deepen mutually beneficial collaboration, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and strengthen cooperation on industrial and supply chains, with a focus on the digital economy, green economy, blue economy and tourism economy, so as to advance modernization of both countries. We must fuel the engines of people-to-people exchanges to propel our ship of friendship forward. China and Malaysia have mutually granted visa exemption to each other's nationals. The year 2024 saw nearly 6 million mutual visits between the two countries, which exceeded the pre-COVID level. "Malaysia, truly Asia," the tourism promotional ad that highlights the unique charm of Malaysia's culture, history and landscape, has inspired numerous Chinese tourists to visit Malaysia for leisure vacations or sightseeing. More and more Malaysian tourists are traveling to China to appreciate its historical legacy and experience its contemporary vibe. I hope our peoples will visit each other as often as family. Our two countries must promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges so as to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples, especially the younger generation. We must harness the momentum of collaboration at the multilateral level. China and Malaysia are both major developing countries in the Asia-Pacific. We are also emerging market economies and members of the Global South. We have similar positions on safeguarding international fairness and justice and on advancing open and inclusive development. We have maintained close collaboration within multilateral mechanisms, including East Asia cooperation, APEC and the UN. China welcomes Malaysia as a BRICS partner country. Its inclusion in the organization aligns with the historic trend of the Global South's pursuit of solidarity-driven collective advancement and serves the common interests of developing countries. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, and the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. As we honor these milestones, our two countries must strengthen mutual cooperation in international and regional affairs, and champion the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit. We must uphold the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, and promote fairer and more equitable global governance. We must uphold the multilateral trading system, keep global industrial and supply chains stable, and maintain an international environment of openness and cooperation. As a community with a shared future, China and Malaysia share the smooth times and the rough, stand united in peace and crisis, and thrive and endure together. "Share weal and woe," a popular proverb in both countries, defines the very essence of such a relationship. We must stay ahead of the times, surge forward with unyielding resolve, and jointly build a brighter future of development, growth and prosperity. Having weathered storms of the times, the friendly relations and cooperation between China and ASEAN countries have emerged stronger and more resilient. China was the first ASEAN dialogue partner to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and the first to establish a free trade area and a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN. China-ASEAN cooperation is the most results-oriented and productive in the region. China and ASEAN pulled together in solidarity in response to multiple challenges, such as the Asian financial crisis, the global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing headwinds against economic globalization. Our bilateral cooperation is more robust than ever. In 2024, China-ASEAN trade exceeded 980 billion U.S. dollars, making us each other's largest trading partner for five consecutive years. The Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area upgrade negotiations have substantially concluded. More and more premium specialty products from ASEAN countries are now finding their way into millions of Chinese families, while Chinese literary works, animations, films and TV productions are increasingly captivating audiences in ASEAN countries with the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and the warm pulse of contemporary life in China. China firmly supports ASEAN unity and community-building, and supports ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture. China fully supports Malaysia in its role as the ASEAN chair for 2025 and looks forward to Malaysia serving as a stronger bridge between the two sides as the country coordinator for China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations. Through its modernization, China is striving to build itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects, and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts. Chinese modernization follows a path of peaceful development. China will promote global peace, development and shared prosperity with other countries through mutually beneficial cooperation. The Chinese economy is built on a solid foundation, with multiple strengths, high resilience and vast potential for growth. The core conditions supporting its long-term positive growth remain firmly in place, with the underlying upward trend unchanged. China has set its target for economic growth at around five percent for 2025. We will continue to pursue high-quality development, expand high-standard opening up, share development opportunities with other countries, and bring greater stability and certainty to the regional and global economy. Unity brings strength, and cooperation leads to mutual success. China will work with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical and camp-based confrontation, as well as the countercurrents of unilateralism and protectionism, in keeping with the historical trend of peace and development. We must brave the waves ahead and advance the high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, and jointly build a stronger China-ASEAN community with a shared future. Source: CGTN
Hindustan Times
22-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
China's JD.com calls out anti-competitive pressures on food delivery couriers
SHANGHAI, - Chinese e-commerce giant highlighted anti-competitive pressures on food delivery couriers on Monday, alleging that other platforms were coercing couriers to avoid working with JD Takeaway, a claim denied by its competitor Meituan. JD Takeaway began onboarding restaurants in February with promises of "zero commissions all year round", marking its entrance into China's highly competitive food delivery space and threatening to disrupt the market share of leading players who rely on scale for success in this low-margin sector. In the post on official Weixin account, addressed to couriers working with JD Takeaway, the company said it was aware of pressures on them to not accept orders from and that it sympathised with their plight of being forced to choose between platforms. did not name competing platforms in its post. China's food delivery sector has long been dominated by giant Meituan, with Alibaba-owned the second-largest player in the country based on market share. Meituan and did not immediately reply to an emailed request for comment on post. Meituan, in several consecutive posts on its Weixin accounts, rejected claims without naming it directly. Meituan said it has never restricted couriers from working with other delivery services, and instead suggested that alone has curbed its couriers from working with other platforms. In another post titled "Instead of spreading rumours to attract online attention, it is better to fulfil your promises," Meituan quoted both a classic Chinese martial arts novel and a renowned Chinese Buddhist monk, signalling its desire to avoid engaging in slander. "If slandered, do not argue. I often see people who are slandered, and when they argue and explain, they suffer more," read one of the quotes. Meituan also said it had punished one of its drivers for falsely claiming he had been banned by Meituan for taking orders from other platforms in an earlier post, describing the driver's claim as "pure fabrication". has promised to provide sufficient orders to couriers banned by other platforms to ensure they can maintain their income level. It also said it would double its recruitment aim for full-time riders to 100,000 from 50,000 in the next three months. is the first platform to offer its full-time riders direct labour contracts, making them eligible to collect full insurance benefits. did not reply to a request for more details on its post.
