Latest news with #Thai-born
IOL News
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Russians spending millions on Labubus
Russians have spent more than 1.5 billion rubles ($17.6 million) on Labubu toys this year, according to data from e-commerce platform Wildberries & Russ Russians have spent more than 1.5 billion rubles ($17.6 million) on Labubu toys this year, according to data from e-commerce platform Wildberries & Russ, cited by TASS. Created by Hong Kong designer Kasing Lung for his book 'The Monsters', the small elf-like character with sharp teeth became a global collectible sensation after Chinese company Pop Mart launched it in blind box format in 2019. Its popularity surged in 2024 when Thai-born K-pop star Lisa shared photos of the dolls on Instagram, triggering a wave of celebrity endorsements. Singer Rihanna was later seen with one clipped to her Louis Vuitton bag, Kim Kardashian displayed a collection of ten figures, and former England football captain David Beckham posted an image of a Labubu gifted by his daughter, making the toy an international trend. Although Labubu-themed products appeared on Wildberries in July 2024, the company said sales remained negligible until May this year, when demand jumped by 4,700% compared to April, reaching tens of millions of rubles.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
BLACKPINK Lisa shows off her Rs 2.5 crore Supercar; proves she is living her best life
BLACKPINK's Lisa dropped some serious fire on her Instagram with a series of photos that prove she is living her best life. The Thai-born K-pop sensation posted multiple shots with the caption "Keep scrolling" - and honestly, we couldn't stop even if we wanted to! The photos show Lisa rocking a casual crop top and jeans combo while posing effortlessly next to what appears to be a multi-crore sports car. For context, we're talking about a vehicle worth approximately ₹2.5-3 crores. Living That Superstar Dream What makes these photos even more relatable (in the most unrelatable way possible) is how Lisa captured those everyday moments - sitting in her luxury ride, casually filling up gas, and just chilling like it's no big deal. BLACKPINK's Unstoppable Journey Continues Meanwhile, Lisa's group BLACKPINK is currently killing it with their world tour "DEADLINE," covering 16 cities across 31 shows. They also dropped their latest track "뛰어" (Jump) on July 11th, which has been making waves in the music scene. It's fascinating how K-pop stars like Lisa have managed to build such massive wealth at such a young age - something that resonates deeply with Indian youth who dream of making it big in entertainment, tech, or business. A Reflection on Success and Dreams Lisa's latest Instagram post isn't just about showing off wealth - it's about celebrating the journey from a trainee to becoming one of the world's biggest pop stars. The casual confidence in her photos speaks to a generation that believes in working hard, dreaming big, and not being ashamed of success when it comes. Whether you're a K-pop fan or not, there's something universally inspiring about seeing someone live their dreams.
Bangkok Post
10-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Trump's pick for Singapore envoy chided for lack of knowledge
WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump's pick to serve as US ambassador to Singapore had a contentious Senate confirmation hearing in which he struggled to answer inquiries about the city-state and its ties to Washington. Physician Anjani Sinha was pressed by Thai-born Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois over issues such as trade with the US and Singapore's priorities when it assumes the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2027. When asked about the size of the US trade surplus with Singapore in 2024, Sinha initially said it was $80 billion, then quickly revised it to $18 billion. The actual surplus was $2.8 billion, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative. The responses prompted Duckworth to say: 'I am trying to help you here but you have not even done your homework.' She added that Sinha was 'not prepared for this posting.' Duckworth also questioned him about issues that would be important to Singapore, its upcoming chairmanship of Asean, and the US Navy's presence in the city-state. Sinha either did not know the answers or stumbled in his responses. At the end of the exchange Ms Duckworth appeared exasperated and said: 'I just feel you are not taking this seriously. 'You think this is a glamour posting, that you're going to live a nice life in Singapore, when what we need is someone who can actually do the work.' Videos of the exchange (see below) have gone viral in Southeast Asia. Asked if he supported Trump's 10% tariff on imports from Singapore, Sinha said, 'I believe in the president's decision of free trade with any nation in the world and he's resetting the trade numbers with each country and he's open for discussion and dialogue with each country.' Despite the pushback from Duckworth, Republicans hold the majority in the Senate and have enough votes to approve the nomination. The post of ambassador to Singapore has been a fraught issue since the first Trump term, when his initial nominee for the role failed to advance to the confirmation stage. Then, during the Biden administration, Ambassador Jonathan Kaplan was accused in an inspector-general's report last year of threatening staff, wasting money and poorly promoting US interests. Kaplan, who left his post in January, said in a statement at the time that he took 'full responsibility for quickly addressing the concerns and recommendations found in the report'. Sinha appeared alongside four other ambassadorial nominees, including Kimberly Guilfoyle, the fiancee of Donald Trump Jr, who has been nominated to serve in Greece. The oprthopaedic surgeon and founder of a chain of clinics was introduced by South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who cited Singapore's medical tourism sector as an area Sinha could help develop. 'He knows the region and he knows the issues,' Graham said.
Time Out
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Blackpink Bangkok: World tour timings, dates, set list and everything you need to know
In the pre-dawn hours of group chats and Twitter threads, Thai BLINKs are once again bracing themselves – emotionally, spiritually, logistically – for the arrival of Blackpink. The quartet will return to Bangkok this October for a three-night stand at Rajamangala National Stadium, as part of their forthcoming Deadline World Tour. This isn't their first dance with the Thai capital, nor is it likely to be their last. Promoted by Live Nation Tero, the concerts coincide with a long holiday weekend, prompting a flurry of hotel bookings, outfit planning and increasingly unhinged speculation about surprise guests. Most of the excitement, naturally, centres on Lalisa 'Lisa' Manobal – the group's Thai-born polymath whose very existence on home turf tends to spark a national mood shift. The numbers are already dizzying. Their previous tour – 2022–23's Born Pink – attracted more than 1.8 million people across the globe, shattering records and redefining what a girl group could achieve on a stadium stage. It wasn't so much a series of concerts as a cultural phenomenon. The Deadline tour seems poised to go even further, not least because Blackpink are no longer just a band – they are a symbol, a litmus test, a global export. If you're planning to secure a seat – or a pit wristband – here's everything you need to know about the girl group, from the dates and when general sale goes live to pricing. When is Blackpink's world tour in Bangkok? They're set to return to Rajamangala National Stadium for three nights on October 24, 25 and 26. What time will Blackpink come on stage? The stadium gates will open at 7pm, with Blackpink anticipated to take the stage around 7.30pm – though their actual appearance may be closer to 8.15pm. How to grab the tickets? The Weverse Blink Membership (global) early access window runs on June 10 from 10am-11.59pm, available via Thaiticket Major. On June 11, Visa Infinite members will have priority access between 10am-1pm, followed by a presale period for all other Visa cardholders from 3pm-11.59pm. users can join the queue on June 12 from 10am-11.59pm. Tickets go on general release from 10am onwards on June 13, accessible through Thaiticket Major. How much do tickets cost? As of now, tickets via Thaiticket Major range from B2,800-B7,800, with Blink PIT and Blink Package options available at B8,800. What's the seating plan? According to Thaiticket Major, here's the current seating arrangement. Setlist Although the official setlist has yet to be confirmed, it's likely to feature a blend of fan favourites and recent tracks. Drawing from past performances and well-loved singles, here's a possible lineup: DDU-DU DDU-DU Whistle As If It's Your Last Stay Playing With Fire Kill This Love How You Like That Lovesick Girls Pretty Savage Ice Cream Boombayah Forever Young Pink Venom Where else will Blackpink's world tour stop?
Gulf News
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Miss Universe Philippines 2025: Why did Blackpink's Lisa turn down the offer to perform at pageant?
K-pop sensation Lisa, a member of Blackpink and 'The White Lotus' actress, has officially declined an invitation to perform at the grand finale of Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand, according to a report by Pinkvilla. The highly anticipated event, set for November 21 at Bangkok's IMPACT Arena, was aiming to spotlight the Thai-born global superstar as its show-stopping act. Nawat Itsaragrisil, the newly appointed CEO of the Miss Universe Organisation, confirmed the news during a TikTok livestream, revealing that Lisa was personally invited to headline the finale. However, several reports suggest that scheduling conflicts stood in the way. While the organisers were eager to secure Lisa's performance, discussions with her international management team proved difficult. After several attempts to coordinate, her team officially declined, citing prior commitments. Lisa's packed schedule for 2025 made it impossible for her to accommodate the pageant appearance, despite interest from both sides. Her decision, while disappointing for fans, reflects her busy global commitments and ongoing projects. Miss Universe 2025, however, continues full steam ahead. Ticket sales are already live. This year's edition also marks a new chapter under Nawat's leadership, following his official appointment on April 23. While Lisa won't grace the Miss Universe stage this time, excitement still runs high for what promises to be a glamorous evening celebrating international beauty, culture, and talent.
