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The Naka Island, Phuket Unveils a Renewed Luxury Escape with Enhanced Private Pool Villas, Dining, Wellness, and MICHELIN One Key Recognition

Five-star resort and MICHELIN One Key destination emerges from a series of enhancements, featuring a stunning seafront pool, private pools in every villa, reimagined restaurants and bars, an expanded spa, and more — inviting guests to immerse in luxury, serenity, and a renewed island experience.


PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 May 2026 – The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, the five-star sanctuary nestled on a secluded island in the Andaman Sea, has unveiled a series of transformative enhancements that promise to elevate the guest experience. With a renewed focus on luxury, relaxation, and rejuvenation, these upgrades will allow guests to fully immerse in the island’s natural beauty while enjoying unparalleled comfort and world-class service.

Final Photo for press release

The signature Beachside Infinity Pool now unveiled after a transformational renovation. Set against the mesmerizing backdrop of the turquoise sea, this stunning pool has become the resort’s centerpiece —a true icon of luxury and leisure. Guests can bask in the mirror-like waters, which reflect the ever-changing rhythms of the day, from the golden hues of sunrise to the vibrant oranges and reds of sunset. The pool’s shape, inspired by Naka Yai Island and the resort’s logo, invites guests to both swim and soak in the tranquil beachside atmosphere. A chic new deck with cozy cabanas provides the perfect spot to relax in comfort and style.

For those seeking more privacy, the resort’s newly-upgraded Villas offer an elevated experience. Set amid lush gardens or perched on the shores of the Andaman, these private sanctuaries have been enhanced with contemporary interiors, bespoke furnishings, and thoughtful touches that capture the essence of the island. Whether enjoying a serene morning dip or a tranquil evening swim, every moment in these villas is designed to make a lasting impression. The fully air-conditioned, spa-inspired bathrooms have also been reimagined to exude even more indulgence and luxury.

For moments of pure tranquility, Spa Naka by HARNN has been enhanced and expanded with two additional treatment rooms (increasing from six to eight). Wellness seekers can step into a lush, natural oasis with replenished tropical gardens, pathways, and relaxation areas to create a more soothing ambiance, harmoniously connected with the environment and the rhythm of the ocean.

In addition, the resort’s Multi-Purpose Sala has been thoughtfully refreshed to provide enhanced comfort and versatility for guests and groups. Now featuring air-conditioning and a state-of-the-art LED screen, the venue offers an elevated indoor setting for meetings, private activities, workshops, and special occasions. This adaptable space creates a seamless backdrop for intimate gatherings, curated events, and meaningful celebrations, all within the tranquil serenity of the island.

The Naka Island, Phuket, is also set to delight guests with a reimagined culinary experience at its three refreshed restaurants and a chic sunset bar. At Aiyara, the resort’s signature dining destination, guests can savor authentic Thai cuisine. The restaurant’s revitalized design, inspired by the Thai elephant, evokes the spirit of the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage. Here, talented chefs curate dishes using the freshest ingredients from Phuket’s farms and fishing villages, telling a story of Thailand’s coastal traditions with every bite.

At Veranda, the all-day restaurant with sweeping ocean views, guests can indulge in a refined international menu. Influenced by the natural beauty of coral reefs, the design incorporates reclaimed driftwood, rattan, and pottery to celebrate the connection between sea and earth. Whether dining indoors or on the idyllic outdoor terrace, Veranda offers an elegant atmosphere for every occasion., Rum Chapel highlights the flavors of the Mediterranean with a focus on fresh, local seafood and premium imported ingredients like olive oil, burrata, and Italian wines, Rum Chapel’s culinary offerings are both cosmopolitan and comforting.

For the perfect end to the day, guests can unwind at Zbar, the newly reimagined social venue perched on the tip of the island. With its extended open-air terrace overlooking Phang Nga Bay, Zbar offers an exceptional space for relaxation and socializing. As the sun sets, the “Sunset Ceremony” invites guests to light a candle and make a wish, marking a special connection with the island’s coastal heritage. After dark, the venue transforms into an intimate setting for light, Japanese-inspired plates and cocktails.

As the only resort on Naka Yai Island, a glittering gem in the Andaman Sea, The Naka Island, Phuket offers an unparalleled blend of serenity and adventure. With 90 stylish rooms, suites, and pool villas, world-class wellness offerings, dining excellence, curated activities, and island-hopping excursions, this secluded oasis is the ultimate destination for all types of island vacations—from solo retreats and family getaways to romantic escapes, destination weddings, and dreamy honeymoons.

To learn more about The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, please call +66 (0) 76 371 400, email naka.reservations@luxurycollection.com, or connect with us via these channels:

Website: www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pyxlc-the-naka-island-a-luxury-collection-resort-and-spa-phuket/overview
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thenakaisland
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nakaislandphuket
Line Official: lin.ee/6wOs1Rw

Hashtag: #TheLuxuryCollection #NakaIsland #Phuket

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts

The Luxury Collection® is comprised of world-renowned hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort are a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s charms and treasures. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA® brand as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of over 130 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in 42 countries and territories. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information and new openings, visit or follow and . The Luxury Collection is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit .

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit .

Vientiane Police Arrest 27 in Hotel Raid Amid Scam Crackdown

Lao police arrested 88 scammers from a telecommunications fraud gang in Thatluang Neua village, Xaysettha district, in the center of the capital on 19 May 2026.

On 26 May, Vientiane police arrested 27 suspects of six nationalities after raiding a hotel in Hatsady village, Chanthabouly district, dismantling a transnational telecommunications scam network. 

Officers seized hundreds of mobile phones, 14 desktop computers, and eight laptops. Authorities have yet to disclose which countries the suspects hold citizenship in, and say the investigation is expanding to identify further accomplices.

The raid is the latest in a series of operations that swept Vientiane and surrounding provinces throughout May, exposing an entrenched network of illegal online gambling and telecommunications fraud.

On 19 May, police arrested 88 members of a telecommunications fraud gang at Thatluang Neua village, Xaysettha district, seizing thousands of mobile phones, 103 desktop computers, and two vehicles. Suspects held five nationalities, Vietnamese, Chinese, and individuals from Myanmar, South Korea, and Laos.

Earlier in the month, police conducted two waves of raids on 11 and 12 May, netting 307 suspects, mostly Thai nationals, along with hundreds of laptops, monitors, and smartphones. Authorities deported all 307 to Thailand on 21 May.

The crackdown extends beyond the capital. 

In neighbouring Bolikhamxay Province, police on 19 May raided four premises, including a lottery company used as a front for illegal gambling,  and arrested 106 Thai nationals, seizing over 300 computers and 119 mobile phones. On 27 May, authorities handed all suspects over to Thailand.

Laos Inflation Drops to 9 Percent, But Living Costs Remain High

A picture of night markets in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Laos recorded an inflation rate of 9 percent in May, down from 10.2 percent in April, marking the first slowdown in consumer price growth in recent months, according to figures released by the Lao Statistics Bureau (LSB).

The report said the easing inflation rate was largely driven by falling domestic fuel prices and more stable exchange rates throughout May.

Fuel prices, which have been one of the biggest drivers of inflation in Laos over the past months, declined throughout May after several rounds of price adjustments.

According to the report, authorities adjusted fuel prices four times between 1 and 25 May. Diesel prices fell during all four adjustments, while gasoline prices rose twice and dropped twice.

Average gasoline prices declined from LAK 40,483 (USD 1.84) per liter in April to LAK 34,776 (USD 1.58) in May, a drop of 14.1 percent. Diesel prices also fell sharply from LAK 48,619 (USD 2.21) per liter to LAK 37,662 (USD 1.71), down 22.5 percent.

Lower fuel prices helped reduce transport costs by 6.3 percent during the month. Bus fares, domestic flight tickets, and traveling overall also became cheaper, according to the latest LSB report.

Authorities also noted that the Lao kip strengthened slightly against both the USD and THB during May, helping reduce pressure on imported goods and fuel costs.

Cost of Living Pressure Continues 

Despite the slowdown in overall inflation, the cost of living remains high for many households across Laos.

Utility costs remained one of the biggest pressures on households in May, with the category rising to 20.4 percent. Electricity and water prices also continue to rise sharply.  

Food prices also remained high. Fresh vegetables rose to 23.5 percent, while fruit prices increased 9.9 percent. Meat, poultry, and seasoning products also recorded price increases.

Imported goods inflation still remains, showing Laos’ dependence on foreign products and global market fluctuations.

Although inflation has dropped sharply from the crisis levels seen in 2024, many families across Laos are still facing high utility bills, food costs, and imported goods prices. 

Global shift on pay transparency raises questions over Hong Kong’s hiring practices

48% of job seekers now expect upfront salary disclosure before applying


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 May 2026 – As the European Union prepares to transpose the EU Pay Transparency Directive into law by June 2026, employers will soon be required not only to disclose pay scales but to provide unprecedented clarity on how pay decisions are made.

This movement is not confined to Europe. Across the US, UK, Canada, Brazil, Australia, and Japan, a combination of strict regulation and rising employee expectations is pushing organisations toward a new standard of openness.

According to the latest Pay Transparency E-guide from the world’s most trusted talent solutions company Robert Walters, 48% of job seekers say they only apply for roles where salary ranges are disclosed upfront, which reflects salary transparency is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ but prerequisite for even engaging in the hiring process.

In Hong Kong, where salary disclosure has traditionally remained limited and highly individualised, these global developments are beginning to prompt new conversations around how pay is determined and benchmarked in the hiring process.

Growing public debate over current hiring practice to benchmark offers in Hong Kong

The common practice of requesting candidates’ current or previous salary is beginning to attract more discussion in Hong Kong. While employers have traditionally used this information to benchmark offers, some professionals question whether it places too much emphasis on past earnings rather than the value of the role or prevailing market rates.

“Candidates are increasingly asking how compensation is determined, not just what is being offered,” said John Mullally, managing director at Robert Walters Hong Kong. “Where decisions appear to be anchored to previous salary rather than the scope of the role, it can shape perceptions of fairness during the hiring process.”

At the same time, candidates are also paying closer attention to the amount of personal information requested during recruitment, reflecting broader expectations for transparency and consistency.

Wage secrecy culture under reassessment as Gen Z shows greater openness toward salary disclosure

Traditionally, salary has been a deeply private matter in Hong Kong, often viewed as a “confined personal message” that is rarely shared even with family members, which can make it difficult for employees to understand how pay decisions are made or how they compare with peers in similar roles.

However, data from the Robert Walters Salary Survey suggests that Gen Z is beginning to dismantle these long-standing cultural roots.

While only 5.5% of Hong Kong professionals overall are comfortable discussing their compensation with colleagues, that openness jumps to 24% among Gen Z. This stands in stark contrast to the 4% of Millennials and 2% of Gen X who are willing to share such information. This shift indicates that as the younger workforce grows, the cultural resistance to pay transparency is starting to fade.

“For Gen Z, transparency is a marker of fairness, equity, and social responsibility,” says John Mullally. “Candidates today have more access to market information and are making more informed decisions. Greater transparency can help build trust earlier in the process and support more constructive conversations around expectations.”

Global standards, local implications

With stricter requirements emerging in regions such as Europe, practices in one location are increasingly shaping expectations in others. Companies that operate across borders may find that consistency in how compensation is communicated becomes more important in attracting and retaining talent.

“For multinationals, this is more than just a compliance task. Operating transparently in one market while remaining opaque in another creates an ‘information asymmetry’ that erodes internal trust. We are seeing forward-thinking firms ‘level up’ by adopting a consistent, global standard of transparency, even before local legislation mandates it.” comments John Mullally.

While standardisation is difficult in industries like sales or professional services, where pay is often tied to commissions and individual portfolios, companies may need to balance flexibility with clearer communication. As expectations evolve, greater openness may become an important factor in securing and retaining talent.

Navigating complexity: how organisations can prepare

To prepare for this shift, Robert Walters advises Hong Kong organisations to move beyond simple disclosure toward building a robust job architecture. This framework must clearly explain the logic behind pay decisions, ensuring that transparency provides clarity rather than confusion when employees compare compensation.

Businesses should also prioritise internal equity audits to resolve any unjustified pay gaps before they lead to friction. Ultimately, the success of this transition depends on communication; managers must be trained to lead data-driven, honest conversations about pay to ensure transparency becomes a foundation for trust and a stronger employer brand.

“While full transparency on pay is still some way off in Hong Kong, expectations are clearly evolving,” Mullally said. “Organisations do not need to replicate other markets overnight but taking steps towards clearer and more consistent communication around pay will become increasingly important in staying competitive.”
Hashtag: #RobertWaltersHongKong #HongKongHiringMarket #HiringTrends #Benefits #Salary #Hiring #2026 #PayTransparency


The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Robert Walters Hong Kong

About – Robert Walters is the world’s most trusted talent solutions business. Across the globe, we deliver recruitment, recruitment process outsourcing and advisory services for businesses of all shapes and sizes, opening doors for people with diverse skills, ambitions, and backgrounds. We help organisations find the skills and solutions to reach their goals and assist talented professionals to power their unique potential.

The Hong Kong office specialises in placing high-calibre professionals on a permanent or contract basis in the following specialities: accounting & finance, construction, property & engineering, financial services, HR & business support, legal & compliance, sales & marketing, supply chain, logistics & procurement, and tech & transformation.

About the Robert Walters Pay Transparency E-guide

With landmark legislation going live in Europe this June and conversations around salary openness gaining momentum worldwide, the era of “confidential” compensation is rapidly coming to an end. In its place is a new corporate landscape defined by transparency, clarity, and open dialogue around pay. This comprehensive e-guide explores the practical realities of this global shift, defining what pay transparency actually looks like in practice and examining why open compensation structures matter now more than ever in the modern workplace.

The guide also provides deep insights into how employee and job applicant expectations are shifting on a global scale, highlighting the direct link between pay transparency and a company’s Employee Value Proposition (EVP). Ultimately, it offers actionable, strategic advice for businesses and hiring managers on how to successfully navigate the cultural and structural transitions within their own organisations.

To download the full Robert Walters Pay Transparency E-guide, please contact us or visit: https://www.robertwalters.com.hk/insights/hiring-advice/e-guide/global-pay-transparency.html

Champasak Police Arrest Five Suspects in Meth Trafficking Operation

Photo of suspects that were arrested during the meth trafficking operation crackdown in Wang Warn village, Sanasomboun district, Champasak. (Photo by Lao Security News)

Authorities in Champasak Province have arrested five people suspected of methamphetamine trafficking and seized more than 22,000 pills during a crackdown in Sanasomboun district earlier this month.

According to the Champasak Provincial Public Security Office, officers from Bachiengchaleunsouk and Sanasomboun districts raided a suspected drug use and trafficking site in Wang Warn village on 5 May. Three suspects in their twenties were initially detained.

During the operation, authorities confiscated 4,167 methamphetamine pills, ketamine, electronic cigarettes, 2.5 kilograms of kratom leaves (Mitragyna speciosa), 64 bottles of cough syrup, a motorcycle, three mobile phones, and 24 rounds of 9 mm ammunition.

Further investigation led to the arrest of two additional suspects: 50-year-old Noey Keochomphou from Namphao village, Khamkeuth district, Bolikhamsay, and 31-year-old Bounthan Xayyavongsa from Oudomsouk village, Nakai district, Khammouane. Authorities also seized another 18,001 meth pills, two mobile phones, and a pickup truck with Savannakhet registration plates.

Officials said all five suspects remain under investigation while authorities work to identify other members of the alleged trafficking network.

Regional Drug Trafficking Concerns

The arrests in Champasak come amid rising meth trafficking along the Lao-Thai border.

On 26 May, Thai river patrol officers in Mukdahan seized approximately 196 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine hidden in a pickup truck near the Mekong River. Authorities said the drugs were likely smuggled from Laos before being transported deeper into Thailand.

The discovery, just 1.2 kilometers from local district offices and a police station, highlights the bold tactics used by transnational drug networks in the region.

Authorities in both countries have intensified anti-drug operations as methamphetamine trafficking remains a major security concern.

Metanoia Unveils AI-Powered 5G Open SDR Platform at Wireless Japan 2026

TOKYO, May 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Metanoia Communications today unveiled its AI-powered 5G Open SDR (Software-Defined Radio) platform at Wireless Japan 2026, showcasing FR1 and FR2 Open RAN radio solutions powered by the MT2824 5G SoC and the MOSART (Metanoia Open Source Advanced Radio Technology) Open Foundation SDR platform.

Showcased at West Hall 4, Booth W-61, the platform is designed to accelerate AI-RAN deployment through a flexible Software Defined Radio (SDR) architecture, enabling operators and ODMs to seamlessly integrate AI workloads, improve energy efficiency, and extend hardware lifespan through on-demand software upgrades — capabilities not achievable with traditional fixed-function radio architectures.

The MT2824-based platform fully supports O-RAN Alliance WG7 “white-box” architecture which includes:

  • 4T4R 24 dBm Indoor ORU
  • 4T4R 5W & 15W FR1 Outdoor ORUs
  • 50 dBm FR2 Outdoor Radio for FWA and Private Networks

Metanoia also provides complete Hardware Design Kits (HDK) and Semi-Turn-Key Software Development Kits (SDK), enabling rapid ODM development and commercialization.

At the core of the platform is MOSART (Metanoia Open Source Advanced Radio Technology), an open Linux-based SDR stack combined with MRAS (Metanoia Radio Acceleration Subsystem) DSP acceleration technology, giving operators and ODMs greater control over features, security, and lifecycle management without proprietary software lock-in.

“Software Defined Radio is the foundation for scalable and affordable AI-RAN infrastructure,” said Dr. Stewart Wu, CEO of Metanoia. “MOSART gives operators and ODMs the flexibility to evolve their networks while supporting emerging AI applications at the edge.”

Metanoia is demonstrating its FR1 and FR2 Open RAN reference platforms in Wireless Japan 2026 at West Hall 4, Booth W-61.

About Metanoia

Metanoia Communications, headquartered in Hsinchu Science Park, develops SDR SoC solutions for 5G Open RAN radio units and small cells, enabling faster, lowest-power, and more flexible next-generation wireless infrastructure.

Media Contact
Metanoia Communications
Liangfu Lo
Japan Country Manager
liangfu.lo@metanoia-comm.com

GAC Deepens Its Global Footprint through High-Standard Services, Entering a New Phase of High-Quality Overseas Expansion

GUANGZHOU, China, May 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Guided by the ONE GAC 2.0 global strategy, GAC has entered a new phase of accelerated global expansion. Over the past two years, GAC’s overseas sales have nearly tripled, earning the trust of over 400,000 overseas users.


GAC not only builds world-class vehicles but also sets new service benchmarks globally. Guided by its “Service First, Customer First” philosophy, GAC International upholds its commitment to “In Local, For Local” and continues to implement the GAC INTERNATIONAL Sales Service Standard System (GSSW) service standard across overseas markets, building a service system that meets consistent global standards while adapting to local market characteristics.

In Thailand, GAC unveiled GAC CARE, its first overseas service brand, building a full-lifecycle service system that starts and ends with the user through its “Four Core Pillars.”

In Singapore, GAC has built high-standard service workshops and implemented a standardized, transparent, and traceable full-process service management system.

In Hong Kong SAR, GAC has opened a dedicated express logistics channel to enable vehicles to be shipped immediately after production and made available for pickup upon arrival, tailored to local market needs.

In the Middle East, GAC has offered extended warranty policies for vehicles and power batteries. Amid regional disruptions, GAC remained committed to customer care and ensured uninterrupted service.

In Europe, GAC has partnered with a professional roadside assistance provider to offer complimentary pan-European roadside assistance and dedicated services for electric vehicles.

Meanwhile, leveraging its digital service capabilities, GAC offers reliable all-situation, end-to-end services through GAC APP and the multilingual vehicle infotainment system, comprehensively enhancing the user experience.

To date, GAC has established a presence across five major global regions, covering 102 countries and territories, with nine overseas parts warehouses and over 696 channel outlets— enabling rapid response, original spare parts supply, and convenient local services, fulfilling its “Service First” commitment.

Where GAC vehicles go, service follows; wherever users are, trust remains. GAC is shaping the global image of Chinese automotive brands through systematic services and helping Chinese automobiles to evolve from “going global” to “integrating globally” and “ascending globally”.

For further information about GAC, please visit: https://www.gacgroup.com/en or follow us on social media.

WALOVI Debuts WALOVI Vietnam Can, Expands Southeast Asia Presence Through Localized Operations

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, May 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On May 13, WALOVI hosted a distributor recruitment event in Ho Chi Minh City and officially launched its WALOVI Vietnam can. The brand also showcased its international can lineup at the 5th China (Vietnam) Export Brand Joint Exhibition, drawing over 30,000 international buyers and distributors.

WALOVI Vietnam Can Officially Launched
WALOVI Vietnam Can Officially Launched

Attendees included Tran Ngoc Liem, General Director of VCCI-HCMC, Nguyen Phuc Khoa, Vice President of the Vietnam Retailers Association. Representing WALOVI were Ye Jizeng, Vice President of WALOVI Great Health, and Wang Jianli and Rao Bing, Vice President of WALOVI International.

As a key economy in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has a rising demand for health-conscious products — aligning closely with WALOVI‘s natural plant beverage portfolio. According to Wang Jianli, since stepping up its Vietnam operations in 2021, WALOVI has achieved a compound annual growth rate of 95%, making Vietnam one of the company’s most important markets in Southeast Asia.

The launch of the WALOVI Vietnam can reflects WALOVI‘s commitment to expanding its presence in the country, which the company views as its most strategic market in Southeast Asia. With products, branding and operations tailored to local preferences, WALOVI aims to introduce its natural plant wellness beverage tradition to consumers across the region. Local distributors said WALOVI‘s refreshing flavor pairs well with Vietnam’s climate and cuisine. The brand has already built a strong local following, and the new Vietnam edition can is expected to resonate even more with local consumers.

At the exhibition, WALOVI also met with distributors from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries to discuss potential partnerships. Liu Qiang, CEO of Bach Duong Trading Import Export Company Limited — WALOVI’s agent  in Vietnam — said the  “Chinese quality” is helping company go global, with several partnership agreements reached during the exhibition.

In 2026, WALOVI plans to expand its partner network to 60–80 markets worldwide. Earlier this year, WALOVI Global Partner Conference in Guangzhou resulted in partnerships with companies from ten countries, extending the brand’s reach into emerging markets including South America, Africa and Central Asia. Looking ahead, WALOVI plans to build its Southeast Asia distribution network from Vietnam, reaching markets in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia while continuing to strengthen its regional supply chain network.

From “WALOVI in China” to “WALOVI for the world,” the brand is using localized operations to bring its natural plant beverage tradition to consumers globally.