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Thai Court Orders Ex-PM Thaksin to Pay USD 500 Million Tax Bill: Reports

A Thai court dismissed a royal insult case against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, saying there was not enough evidence to prove wrongdoing. (Photo credit: Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP)

AFP – Thailand’s Supreme Court ordered jailed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on 17 November to pay back taxes over the sale of his telecoms firm, the judiciary said, with reports putting the sum due at around half a billion dollars.

In 2006, Thaksin was dogged by corruption allegations and mired in controversy over the tax-free sale of shares in his company, Shin Corp.

Later that year he was ousted as prime minister in a coup and then went into exile for more than a decade.

The 76-year-old politician, one of Thailand’s richest people, is currently serving a prison sentence in Bangkok for corruption during his time in office.

On 17 November, the Supreme Court overruled an appeals court decision in the tax case, “forcing Thaksin to follow the order by the Revenue Department to pay tax”, court spokesman Suriyan Hongvilai told AFP.

Suriyan did not provide the specific sum to be paid nor the court’s reasoning for its ruling.

Several Thai media outlets reported that the court ordered Thaksin to pay THB 17.6 billion (USD 540 million) in tax liabilities and fines.

Tax officials had slapped the former prime minister with a USD 500-million bill in 2017, resurrecting a dispute at the centre of the country’s political rift between the populist politician and the military establishment.

The controversy centered around whether Thaksin should have paid taxes on the sale of Shin Corp to Singapore’s Temasek Holdings in 2006.

The furore over the deal, which netted the Shinawatra family a USD 1.9-billion windfall, was a lightning rod for opposition to his government.

Protests culminated in the coup that booted him from office and sparked years of debilitating political infighting between his supporters and opponents.

The Shinawatra clan has for two decades been the key foe of Thailand’s pro-military, pro-royalty elite, who view their populist brand of politics as a threat to the traditional social order.

But the Shinawatra dynasty has faced a series of legal and political setbacks, including the court-ordered removal of Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn, as prime minister in August over an ethics breach.


© Agence France-Presse

Novo Holdings Invests in Blue Planet to Build Zero-Waste Infrastructure Across Asia and Emerging Markets

SINGAPORE, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, a Singapore-headquartered sustainability company pioneering technology-driven, IP-based waste management and upcycling solutions, today announced a strategic investment from Novo Holdings, a leading global investor focused on advancing planetary health, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

A panoramic look at Blue Planet’s circular waste infrastructure advancing Zero Waste to Landfill.
A panoramic look at Blue Planet’s circular waste infrastructure advancing Zero Waste to Landfill.

Founded in 2017, Blue Planet has developed an integrated platform for circular waste management that combines proprietary technologies, data analytics, and operational expertise to convert waste into valuable resources. Its group portfolio includes Zigma (India), Wah & Hua (Singapore), Smart Environmental (New Zealand) and few others delivering end-to-end solutions across landfill remediation, recycling, biofuel generation, and e-waste processing.

The investment from Novo Holdings strengthens Blue Planet’s technology-driven model and supports its commitment in building a circular, low-carbon economy in high-growth markets. The partnership will enable the company to expand sustainable infrastructure across India, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, deepen operational synergies across its regional network, and continue strategic, M&A-driven growth in identified segments. It will also reinforce initiatives in carbon credit generation, circular resource management, ESG-linked innovation, and development of environmentally friendly products from landfill waste.

Madhujeet Chimni, Founder and Chairman, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, said: “We are excited to partner with Novo Holdings, whose global sustainability expertise aligns with our vision of building scalable, responsible waste solutions. This investment strengthens our strategic expansion into Southeast Asia and GCC markets, and enables continued M&A-driven growth in priority segments. It positions Blue Planet to deliver measurable social and economic impact while advancing Zero Waste to Landfill across the regions we serve.”

Prashant Singh, Co-Founder and CEO, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, said: “This partnership empowers us to continue our strong focus on innovation across our platform and deploy advanced waste valorisation technologies, including converting landfill materials into high-value products such as pellets and cladding. It also supports our mission to expand sustainable infrastructure and develop data-driven circular models that reduce environmental footprints, drive resource efficiency, and create long-term value for industries and cities.”

Deepa Hingorani, Partner and Head of Asia, Planetary Health Investments, Novo Holdings, commented: “The rapid pace of urbanisation across Asia is intensifying the need for sustainable and context-specific waste solutions. Blue Planet exemplifies the type of knowledge-driven, impact-oriented platform that promotes resource efficiency and circularity. We are impressed by the company’s vision and execution and look forward to supporting its continued growth.”

About Blue Planet Environmental Solutions

Founded in 2017, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions is a Singapore-headquartered company pioneering regional sustainability through technology-driven and IP-based, end-to-end waste management and upcycling solutions. Operating across Southeast Asia, India, the UK, and New Zealand, Blue Planet’s activities include landfill reclamation, hazardous and e-waste recycling, biogas production, and energy recovery. Blue Planet’s mission is to create scalable circular ecosystems that extract higher value from waste, reduce environmental footprints, and enable a resource-efficient economy, advancing its vision of Zero Waste to Landfill.
www.blueplanet.asia

About Novo Holdings

Novo Holdings is a holding and investment company responsible for managing the assets and wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Its purpose is to improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet by generating attractive long-term returns on the Foundation’s assets. Wholly owned by the Foundation, Novo Holdings is the controlling shareholder of Novo Nordisk A/S and Novonesis A/S (formerly Novozymes A/S) and manages an investment portfolio with a long-term return perspective. In addition to managing a broad portfolio of equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure, and private equity assets, Novo Holdings is a world-leading life sciences investor. Through its Seed, Venture, Growth, Asia, Planetary Health, and Principal Investments teams, Novo Holdings invests in life sciences companies at all stages of development. As of year-end 2024, Novo Holdings had total assets of EUR 142 billion.
www.novoholdings.dk

Agoda and Hoshino Resorts Inc Partnership Unlocks Access to Japan’s Premier Hotel Brands

The partnership adds properties across all 6 of Hoshino Resorts Inc’s brands making Agoda the first travel platform to showcase Hoshino Resorts’ entire brand portfolio

SINGAPORE, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda joins forces with one of Japan’s leading hotel management company Hoshino Resorts Inc to make properties across the group’s portfolio accessible on Agoda’s platform. This partnership marks a key milestone as Agoda becomes the first digital travel platform to offer properties across Hoshino’s entire brand collection, enriching travel experiences within Japan.

From Left to Right: Jay Lee (Regional Director, Japan & South Korea, Agoda), Satomi Nakabayashi (Country Director Japan, Agoda), Andrew Smith (Senior Vice President, Supply, Agoda) Yoshiharu Hoshino (Chief Executive Officer, Hoshino Resorts Inc), and Aki Yoshikawa (Sales and Distribution Manager, Hoshino Resorts Inc).
From Left to Right: Jay Lee (Regional Director, Japan & South Korea, Agoda), Satomi Nakabayashi (Country Director Japan, Agoda), Andrew Smith (Senior Vice President, Supply, Agoda) Yoshiharu Hoshino (Chief Executive Officer, Hoshino Resorts Inc), and Aki Yoshikawa (Sales and Distribution Manager, Hoshino Resorts Inc).

Japan, the top-searched global destination on digital platform Agoda, recorded a 35% growth in inbound searches for accommodations in the first half of 2025 alone. Domestic travel saw an 11% growth in year-on-year searches whilst interest in travel to Japan among international travelers also continued to rise, with Agoda’s search data revealing the top travelers are from South Korea (#1), Taiwan (#2) and Hong Kong (#3).

The collaboration brings all 6 of Hoshino Resorts brands HOSHINOYA, KAI, RISONARE, OMO, BEB, the newly launched LUCY, as well as other unique properties to Agoda customers. Well positioned to meet the growing demand, Agoda and Hoshino Resorts Inc will provide travelers with seamless access to culturally rich stays across Japan’s unique landscapes.

“Hoshino Resorts’ commitment to quality resonates with Agoda’s dedication to understanding and meeting the evolving desires of travelers. We are thrilled to offer a diverse variety of accommodations at great value through Hoshino’s distinct brands, catering to every type of traveler. We are pleased to have Hoshino’s trust in our ability to deliver exceptional experiences, and together, we aim to create memorable journeys for our customers,” said Satomi Nakabayashi, Country Director, Japan at Agoda.

Yoshiharu Hoshino, Chief Executive Officer of Hoshino Resorts Inc, shared the group’s excitement: “Our collaboration with Agoda marks the beginning of a new era in delivering enhanced convenience and excellence to our guests. This partnership is a testament to the trust we place in Agoda and our commitment to strengthening our relationship.”

Agoda’s search data further underscores the strength of this collaboration. While Tokyo (#1), Osaka (#2) and Fukuoka (#3) remain as top choices for international travelers in 2025, secondary cities have also been rising in popularity. Takamatsu (+63%), Matsuyama (+44%), Sendai (+32%), Okinawa (+27%), and Sapporo (+26%) emerged as the destinations with the highest year-on-year accommodation search increases. Notably, Okinawa is also ranked amongst the top five destinations overall for international travelers. With many Hoshino Resorts properties available on Agoda located in these popular cities, Agoda and Hoshino are well positioned to help partners capture and convert this growing demand for travel across Japan’s most sought-after destinations.

This relationship not only demonstrates Agoda’s dedication to further integrating quality services but also signifies commitment and collaboration in offering high-quality travel experiences.

This alliance enriches Agoda’s offerings within Japan’s market, ensuring travelers have seamless access to premier accommodations via a globally connected platform. By leveraging Agoda’s extensive network of accommodations, flights, and activities, Hoshino Resorts Inc enhances its ability to cater to a broad spectrum of travel preferences.

– ENDS –

“Smart Watering Made Easy”– ALLUONE’s IoT-Driven ‘Watering Garden’ Redefines Plant Care

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the popularity of houseplants continues to rise, smart gardens that integrate IoT technology into plant care are emerging as a new trend. ALLUONE Co., Ltd. has unveiled its IoT-powered home smart garden, “Watering Garden,” an innovative product designed to reduce the hassle of plant maintenance while improving efficiency.

Watering Garden is an IoT-based smart garden equipped with real-time environmental sensors and an automatic watering system that optimizes plant growth conditions. Through a smartphone app, users can easily control watering, lighting, and humidity levels, while the device automatically detects environmental changes and adjusts settings to maintain ideal conditions for the plants.

ALLUONE continues to strengthen its technological leadership in the smart garden industry by showcasing the latest innovations at the annual KINTEX Exhibition. The new home-use model enables efficient and enjoyable gardening even in urban environments, offering busy modern individuals a refreshing and relaxing lifestyle experience.

The company stated, “We plan to expand our product lineup with more advanced smart features, aiming to provide a smarter and more sustainable lifestyle to a wider range of consumers.”

FXTRADING.com Launches In-House Built Website and Integrated Trading Portal to Redefine the Client Experience

SYDNEY, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FXTRADING.com, a global multi-asset broker, has unveiled its newly built corporate website and integrated trading portal, both developed entirely by its in-house technology team. The launch marks a major milestone in the company’s mission to combine innovation, transparency, and performance within one seamless digital ecosystem.

FXTRADING.com unveils a new look and next-generation client platform.
FXTRADING.com unveils a new look and next-generation client platform.

A New Era of In-House Innovation

The redesigned, mobile-first website delivers a faster, more intuitive experience, giving traders real-time access to products, insights, and market education. By building the site internally, FXTRADING.com ensures end-to-end control over innovation, data security, and user experience, eliminating dependency on third-party systems and enabling quicker adaptation to client needs.

A Connected Trading Ecosystem

At the heart of the launch is FXTRADING.com’s proprietary All-in-One Trading Portal, a central hub that connects every part of the trading journey. The system integrates all major functions within one secure environment:

  • Social Trading Platform: Built in-house, this feature allows clients to follow and copy top-performing strategies, encouraging collaboration and shared learning among traders.
  • Funds Management System: A transparent, internally developed module that enables investors to allocate and monitor funds efficiently while maintaining full visibility of performance.
  • WebTrader and Mobile App: FXTRADING.com’s own trading platforms provide fast, stable, and download-free trading across all devices, designed for both retail and professional clients.
  • Enhanced Security Protections: The portal incorporates multi-layer encryption, two-factor authentication, and device management to ensure the highest level of account and data safety.

Built Around Client Success

Complementing the new portal are several key upgrades designed to enhance user value and scalability:

  • AI-Integrated Service Hub that delivers intelligent support and real-time guidance.
  • Advanced Partner Portal and Loyalty Program offering automated rewards and transparent rebates.
  • Advanced Banking and Payment Solutions providing faster, more secure deposits, withdrawals, and fund transfers.

A Platform Engineered for the Future

“Our technology team has built this entire ecosystem from the ground up,” said the FXTRADING.com leadership. “Owning our technology stack means we can innovate faster, protect our clients better, and deliver a superior trading experience globally.”


About FXTRADING.com

Founded in 2014, FXTRADING.com is a globally regulated broker offering access to more than 500 financial instruments including Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, and more. The company combines institutional-grade infrastructure with proprietary technology to empower traders worldwide.

Experience the new FXTRADING.com platform today on web and mobile app.

FXTRADING.com Launches In-House Built Website and Integrated Trading Portal to Redefine the Client Experience

SYDNEY, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FXTRADING.com, a global multi-asset broker, has unveiled its newly built corporate website and integrated trading portal, both developed entirely by its in-house technology team. The launch marks a major milestone in the company’s mission to combine innovation, transparency, and performance within one seamless digital ecosystem.

FXTRADING.com unveils a new look and next-generation client platform
FXTRADING.com unveils a new look and next-generation client platform

A New Era of In-House Innovation

The redesigned, mobile-first website delivers a faster, more intuitive experience, giving traders real-time access to products, insights, and market education. By building the site internally, FXTRADING.com ensures end-to-end control over innovation, data security, and user experience, eliminating dependency on third-party systems and enabling quicker adaptation to client needs.

A Connected Trading Ecosystem

At the heart of the launch is FXTRADING.com’s proprietary All-in-One Trading Portal, a central hub that connects every part of the trading journey. The system integrates all major functions within one secure environment:

  • Social Trading Platform: Built in-house, this feature allows clients to follow and copy top-performing strategies, encouraging collaboration and shared learning among traders.
  • Funds Management System: A transparent, internally developed module that enables investors to allocate and monitor funds efficiently while maintaining full visibility of performance.
  • WebTrader and Mobile App: FXTRADING.com’s own trading platforms provide fast, stable, and download-free trading across all devices, designed for both retail and professional clients. Explore the new platform at https://fxtrading.com or iOS and Android Apps.
  • Enhanced Security Protections: The portal incorporates multi-layer encryption, two-factor authentication, and device management to ensure the highest level of account and data safety.

Built Around Client Success

Complementing the new portal are several key upgrades designed to enhance user value and scalability:

  • AI-Integrated Service Hub that delivers intelligent support and real-time guidance.
  • Advanced Partner Portal and Loyalty Program offering automated rewards and transparent rebates.
  • Advanced Banking and Payment Solutions providing faster, more secure deposits, withdrawals, and fund transfers.

A Platform Engineered for the Future

“Our technology team has built this entire ecosystem from the ground up,” said the FXTRADING.com leadership. “Owning our technology stack means we can innovate faster, protect our clients better, and deliver a superior trading experience globally.”

About FXTRADING.com

Founded in 2014, FXTRADING.com is a globally regulated broker offering access to more than 500 financial instruments including Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, and more. The company combines institutional-grade infrastructure with proprietary technology to empower traders worldwide.

Explore the new platform at https://fxtrading.com or log in at https://my.fxtrading.com. The FXTRADING.com app is available on iOS and Android.

Novo Holdings Invests in Blue Planet to Advance Circular Waste Solutions in Asia

Investment reinforces Novo Holdings’ Planetary Health strategy to scale technologies 
that enable a cleaner, more resource-efficient planet

SINGAPORE, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Novo Holdings, a leading global life sciences and sustainability investor, today announced the completion of its investment in Blue Planet, a fast-growing integrated waste management platform with operations across India, Southeast Asia, and New Zealand. The investment aligns with Novo Holdings’ Planetary Health strategy to back scalable businesses that address urgent environmental challenges and enable a circular economy.

Building a Circular Waste Platform Across Asia
Blue Planet specialises in waste valorisation, transforming municipal, commercial, industrial, and electronic waste into high-value materials and energy resources. Through its portfolio of companies, including Zigma in India, Wah & Hua in Singapore, and Smart Environmental in New Zealand, the company delivers end-to-end waste solutions spanning landfill reclamation, recycling, biofuels, and e-waste processing.

Blue Planet will use the new investment from Novo Holdings to drive business growth, strengthen synergies across its operations, and expand its leadership in sustainable waste management. The company aims to accelerate the deployment of innovative recycling, energy recovery, and carbon credit initiatives, while deepening its operational presence in high-growth markets across Asia.

Deepa Hingorani, Partner and Head of Asia, Planetary Health Investments, Novo Holdings, said:
“The growing pace of urbanisation is creating a pressing need for fit-for-purpose solutions to sustainably manage different types of waste, from household and commercial to electronic. Blue Planet exemplifies our focus on knowledge-driven solutions that promote resource efficiency and circularity. As a leading platform in this space, it applies deep technical know-how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and unlock economic value from waste. We are impressed by the founders’ vision and the management team’s execution, and look forward to combining our expertise and networks to help make Blue Planet a best-in-class platform.”

Madhujeet Chimni, Founder & Chairman, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Novo Holdings as a strategic investor. Their deep expertise in sustainability, long-term investment philosophy, and global network make them an ideal partner as we enter our next phase of growth. Together, we aim to advance waste valorisation technologies and build a truly circular business that delivers value to communities and the environment.”

About Blue Planet 
Blue Planet is an integrated waste management platform committed to extracting higher value from waste through circular and technology-enabled solutions. The company operates across Southeast Asia, India, UK and New Zealand, with diversified activities spanning landfill reclamation, hazardous and e-waste recycling, biogas production, and energy recovery. Blue Planet’s mission is to reduce the environmental footprint of waste by creating scalable, sustainable waste-to-resource ecosystems.
www.blueplanet.asia

About Novo Holdings
Novo Holdings is a holding and investment company responsible for managing the assets and wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The purpose of Novo Holdings is to improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet by generating attractive long-term returns on the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Wholly owned by the Foundation, Novo Holdings is the controlling shareholder of Novo Nordisk A/S and Novonesis A/S (formerly Novozymes A/S) and manages an investment portfolio with a long-term return perspective. In addition to managing a broad portfolio of equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure, and private equity assets, Novo Holdings is a world-leading life sciences investor. Through its Seed, Venture, Growth, Asia, Planetary Health, and Principal Investments teams, Novo Holdings invests in life sciences companies at all stages of development. As of year-end 2024, Novo Holdings had total assets of EUR 142 billion.
www.novoholdings.dk

Optoma Introduces Advanced All-in-One LED Display Solution with Flip-Chip COB and Dual Smart Platforms

A New Era of Smart Large-Format Visuals

TAIPEI, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As a global leader in display technology, Optoma unveils its brand-new All-in-One LED display solution, marking the beginning of a new era where large-format displays become seamlessly intelligent. Every aspect of design, performance, and management has been elevated to deliver a truly immersive experience that impresses the moment you power on.

Optoma All-in-One LED display is available in multiple sizes to meet a wide range of professional display needs across various environments.
Optoma All-in-One LED display is available in multiple sizes to meet a wide range of professional display needs across various environments.

At the heart of this launch is the ProScene AIO dvLED series, available in 108-, 135-, and 163-inch models. Powered by Flip-Chip + COB packaging technology, an integrated Android system, and dual intelligent management platforms, the series delivers a seamless, calibration-free, and hassle-free large-display ecosystem. Whether for corporate showcases, educational engagement, or stage presentations, content can be presented faster, clearer, and more elegantly than ever.

Minimalist Design × Flagship Visuals — Stunning from the First Power-On

The AIO dvLED series delivers professional-grade visuals with Full HD resolution and high brightness for sharper text and more dynamic images—instantly elevating presentations and exhibitions to a flagship level.

Each display undergoes precise individual color calibration before leaving the factory, ensuring peak performance right out of the box.

With its Flip-Chip LED architecture enhancing brightness and heat dissipation, and COB packaging for added protection and reduced dust intrusion, the series offers durability for long-term stability. The anti-glare matte surface maintains crisp visibility even in bright environments, combining premium aesthetics with reliable endurance.

Rapid Installation × High Flexibility — Large-Format Deployment, Simplified

The AIO dvLED lineup features lightweight pre-assembled modules and an ultra-slim design, significantly shortening installation time.

Hot-swappable modules and magnetic front-access maintenance make servicing as simple as snapping pieces into place.

With a built-in Android system and 64GB of local storage, users can upload content, create custom interfaces, and set schedules—all without requiring an external computer—creating a flexible, intelligent display environment.

Dual Intelligent Platforms × Cloud Management — Smarter, Centralized Control

Optoma’s integrated ecosystem brings professional management and collaboration together through two powerful platforms:
OMS (Optoma Management Suite) + OSS (Optoma Solution Suite).

  • OMS / OMSC® Cloud Management
    Enables remote monitoring, scheduling, content updates, and 24/7 alerts—empowering IT teams to manage multi-site deployments with ease.
  • OSS Collaboration Platform
    Designed as an interactive hub supporting screen sync, multi-user annotation, and wireless casting, enabling seamless and intuitive collaboration.

For advanced multi-display applications, the system can be paired with the HQScene200 dvLED controller, supporting 4K input, image stitching, and synchronized multi-window output.

Wireless Casting × Multi-User Collaboration — Interaction Made Effortless

The built-in Display Share system supports wireless casting across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, enabling up to four split-screen views simultaneously ideal for business meetings and classroom engagement.

With up to 120W of integrated audio output, the sound system is fully built into the display, eliminating extra cabling or external speakers while delivering a complete immersive audiovisual experience.

Full Size Range × Built for Every Space

The Optoma All-in-One LED series offers three sizes to match diverse environments:

  • FHDC108: Perfect for mid-size meeting rooms and classrooms
  • FHDC135: The ideal choice for corporate presentations and business settings
  • FHDC163: A commanding centerpiece for stages, exhibitions, and worship spaces

From professional offices to public venues, the series redefines what large-format displays can achieve through superior image quality and intelligent management.

For more details on Optoma All-in-One LED Display Solution, please visit our official website:https://www.optoma.asia/products/All-in-one-solutions

About Optoma
As a global leader in display solutions, Optoma is committed to delivering efficient, innovative display technologies and solutions across all industries. From projectors and monitors to intelligent display systems, Optoma adheres to its core philosophy of “continuous innovation,” striving to advance display technology and its applications, and to provide customers with outstanding visual experiences and management performance.