Capella Bangkok is set to become the most exciting new luxury five-star resort in Thailand when it opens in September. The first hotel in two decades to open along the banks of the River of Kings (Chao Phraya River), the launch will showcase a collection of the city’s first opulent riverfront villas.

Thirteen Thai political activists have appeared at a Bangkok police station to answer a summons on sedition charges that critics say are part of a plan to remove a rising progressive politician from the political scene.

Javier Pardo reports directly to Robert Kunkler, chief operating officer of Avani-owner Minor Hotels, and is based at the regional office in Bangkok. He brings almost two decades of hospitality experience throughout Europe, with his last posting being director of operations and commercial director for the NH Hotel Group.