The death of black American George Floyd at the hands of police burgeoned into a storm of protests reaching across the globe; one that will reach Bangkok this weekend. The vast majority of demonstrations over the past 8 days in the US have been peaceful, but some have turned violent and curfews have been imposed after looting in a number of US cities. “Justice for George Floyd (Peacefully Paying Our Respects),” a rally in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, is expected to be held Sunday from 1pm-3pm at a location to be confirmed.

Attendees are encouraged by the event’s organisers to wear black, wear masks, bring signs and practice social distancing. The event was announced Tuesday, and more than 800 people have so far expressed interest. Reached for comment this afternoon, organisers said the event is more likely be held “virtually”. Public assembly is currently banned in Thailand under the Emergency Decree enacted to fight the spread of Covid-19.

Thailand, which has its own history of police brutality, denied using using that decree last month as a pretext to quash an anti-government rally.

New charges have been announced against all of the sacked US police officers present at George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, Minneota. The charge against the officer who held his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck, has been elevated to second degree murder. 3 other officers, previously uncharged, now face counts of aiding and abetting murder.

SOURCES: Coconuts Bangkok | BBC

A skin and beauty clinic has designed a mini face mask for clients getting close-up facial treatments to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and comply with the rules set out by the government. But the mask allows therapists to still get to most of the face so they can apply the same procedures.

Waleerat Clinic in Bangkok made re-usable cloth masks that are narrower than typical face masks, covering the mouth and nose but leaving the cheeks open. The staff also protect themselves by wearing face shields. The clinic’s chief told Reuters they also plan to design another mask the leaves most of the nose out so they can treat that area without taking the mask off the client.

“At first, I thought it was weird but it is actually really great because it’s specifically designed to keep us safe during facial treatments,” a laser treatment customer told Reuters.

The clinic, which opened in the third phase of restriction lifts, says they’ve drastically cut down the amount of clients coming in the centre each day from more than 100 people to just 15. They also require temperature and health checks.

SOURCE: Reuters

A massive Nike flagship store is now open in Bangkok’s Siam Center, with a ‘footprint’ spanning more than 836 square metres of prime retail space in the capital. Intended to showcase Nike’s innovation across multiple product categories, the store offers the brand’s first “Nike By You” in-store customisation service in Thailand.

Retailers are now pulling out all stops to lure you back to their stores. The rise on online retail is having a massive effect on retail traffic – the Covid-19 pandemic isn’t helping either. But Valiram, the Southeast Asian luxury and lifestyle retail specialist, who have opened the store are defying the trend and invested in a stunning shop-front in one of Bangkok’s more sophisticated shopping precincts.

According to the director of Nike stores for Southeast Asia & India…

“Nike Bangkok at Siam Center exists to offer everyone the ability to make sport a daily habit, ensuring they are inspired and committed to staying active. The top Nike offerings have been carefully curated for this community, and the store has been conceptualised with multiple touch points for a fully immersive and seamless Nike experience that is truly personalised and unique.”

Services like head-to-toe apparel fitting and footwear trial are offered to provide consumers opportunities to deepen their connection with the brand and select products suited to their needs. Customers can also book one-on-one sessions with running experts and styling specialists.

Valiram describes the new store as a “truly unique and immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of retail, empowering consumers to engage with Nike products in new ways.”

“Creating a world-class retail environment is a Valiram hallmark and the opening of Nike Bangkok at Siam Center in partnership with Nike reaffirms that.”

SOURCES: thaivisa | insideretail