
'Eat the rich': Venice protests shadow Bezos wedding
"Bezos, out of the lagoon", the demonstrators chanted as they wound through the city centre, some brandishing signs that read: "Eat the rich", "Rejected", and accusations that Venice's mayor is "corrupt".
The peaceful protest, held in sweltering heat, was led by the "No place for Bezos" group, which has campaigned for days against what it calls the couple's harmful economic and environmental footprint on the city.
"We are here against what Bezos represents, his model, the Amazon model, based on exploiting people and land," said Alice Bazzoli, 24, an activist with "No Space for Bezos" who has lived in Venice for five years, speaking to AFPTV.
Protesters later unfurled a large "No place for Bezos" banner and lit flares above the famous Rialto Bridge spanning the Grand Canal.
Matteo Battistuta, a 20-year-old student, said he wanted to send the message that "Venice is fighting back, it's not a dead city, it acts in its own interest before tourism's".
"We believe Venice can still be a place worth living in," he added.
Bezos, 61, and Sanchez, 55, exchanged vows during a ceremony Friday evening on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, opposite St Mark's Square.
The ceremony capped off a week of yacht parties and VIP events, due to end with a lavish ball Saturday night -- as Venetians remain divided over the impact on the city's image.

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Bangkok Post
5 days ago
- Bangkok Post
Italy Awards Top Honours to Khunying Patama and Dr Somsak
Italy has bestowed two of its highest national honours on two prominent Thai figures in recognition of their exceptional contributions to international relations, philanthropy, and the strengthening of cultural and economic ties between Italy and Thailand. The Italian Embassy in Bangkok recently hosted a distinguished reception to confer the honours on Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul and Dr Somsak Leeswadtrakul. The event, attended by ambassadors, senior diplomats, business leaders, and prominent figures in Thai society, celebrated the couple's outstanding contributions to bilateral relations, philanthropy, and international cooperation. 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In her response, Khunying Patama delivered a heartfelt address, expressing gratitude for the recognition and reaffirming her dedication to strengthening the enduring bond between Italy and Thailand. "Dr Somsak and I are profoundly humbled and grateful to receive these prestigious decorations," she said. "We are deeply moved that these honours have been presented by you, Ambassador Paolo, whose exceptional leadership and genuine love for Thailand have greatly enriched our bilateral relations." She highlighted the power of sport in fostering peace and understanding across cultures, tracing her own passion for sport diplomacy to her early education at St. Francis Xavier Convent School. As Chair of the IOC Culture and Heritage Commission, she pledged continued support for initiatives tied to Milano Cortina 2026, which she described as a celebration of Italy's "beauty, spirit, and rich Olympic tradition." 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Bangkok Post
10-08-2025
- Bangkok Post
The hidden power of strategic adaptability
Across boardrooms in Thailand and Southeast Asia, one question is rising above the noise: How do we stay relevant in a world that keeps shifting under our feet? In my work with leaders and organisations across the region, I have seen that what used to set high performers apart — efficiency, expertise, even innovation — is no longer enough. The edge today belongs to something deeper, less visible, but more powerful: Strategic adaptability. This is not about simply reacting or being flexible. It is about evolving deliberately, continuously and with clarity of purpose — faster than the environment around us. It is the ability to transform without losing your centre. Just look at the signals. Amazon moved beyond retail to become a global tech infrastructure leader. LVMH modernised luxury while protecting its soul. Thai banks now operate more like digital ecosystems than traditional lenders. These are not random pivots. They reflect a new leadership capability — adaptive strategy in action. So how do we build this into our leadership and culture? 1. Shift from static plans to scenario thinking In today's world, fixed strategies expire quickly. The most resilient companies prepare for multiple futures. They ask bold 'what if' questions: What if our supply chain changes overnight? What if talent spreads across borders? What if the next generation demands meaning over structure? This mindset shift allows us to stay sharp without being shaken. 2. Grow leaders who can lead through uncertainty I often say: confidence is important, but what matters more today is clarity amid complexity. Leaders must act without perfect data, hold tension without shutting down and still create momentum. This is not just a leadership skill, it is an emotional capability — and one that must be intentionally developed. 3. Build cultures that learn faster than they fail The best teams are not the ones that avoid mistakes. They are the ones that learn faster. They reflect, course-correct and stay open. They reward curiosity, not just outcomes. They build trust by being real. If your culture resists reflection or hides behind silence, you are already slowing down. 4. Design around customers, not control Many Thai organisations are still structured for internal control rather than external relevance. But in today's world, value is created with customers, not just delivered to them. The most successful companies organise for speed, feedback and impact. They move with their market — not after it. Adaptability is not soft. It is strategic. It is what allows us to respond with intention instead of fear. In a region as dynamic as ours, it is not enough to keep up — we must lead the pace of change. The real question is not, 'What is the plan?' It is, 'What are we capable of becoming before the world forces us to change?' This is the mindset I believe we need to cultivate — within our teams, our organisations and ourselves. or visit her LinkedIn profile.

Bangkok Post
05-08-2025
- Bangkok Post
Australian govt internet network signs for Amazon satellite service
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