Quest begins the program by speaking with Thai Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul about her country’s recent shift in its tourism strategy, emphasising “quality” rather than “quantity”.

“We believe that the true success of tourism of our country is the people. At the end of the day, Thailand will always be your second home. The Land of Smiles is the spirit, it is the people,” says Kobkarn in the programme.

Thirty million is Thailand’s magic number. That’s how many tourists visited Thailand in 2016 and that number just keeps growing. Representing US$50 billion in revenue, just over 12 per cent of the country’s GDP, Thailand’s tourism industry ranks third behind the United States and Spain in terms of income.

Quest then heads to school to learn what makes Thai hospitality so unique when he visits the Dusit Thani College. The Dusit Thani was actually Bangkok’s first five-star hotel and opened in 1970, so Quest sits down with group CEO Suphajee Suthumpun to learn about the famed hotel’s plans for renovation while the brand also expands abroad.

“We are proud of our Thai heritage that uniquely delivering gracious hospitality to the world and that’s always my goal,” explained Suphajee. “I not only want to expand our hotel footprint to other countries around the world, but I’d also like to be the ambassador of gracious Thai hospitality.”

CNN also meets one of the new kids on the block, the Park Hyatt, as the brand comes to Thailand for the first time. A key to Thailand’s new tourism strategy will be attracting more meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibition travellers. Quest sits down with TCEB President, Chiruit Isarangkun to hear how Thailand plans to woo these highly prized visitors.

It’s then time to head north to Chiang Mai. CNN Business Traveller explores how low-cost carrier Nok Air is dealing with all the competition in the sky then experiences how the city in the mountains is charming tourists away from big cities and beaches when he visits the Elephant Nature Park for an unforgettable day. When it’s time to settle in for the night, he heads to 137 Pillars to learn how this boutique approach to luxury is key to Thailand’s future.

Boutique travel is also translating to the skies, so CNN Business Traveller flies back on Bangkok Airways to see how this has been good for business.

And finally, learn why sustainable tourism is vital to the country when CNN visits the quaint Kudeejeen community with the travel company, Local Alike. Growing up in a village, the company’s founder Pai Boonkam explains why he’s dedicated to making sure Thailand’s tourism success is shared with everyone.

The programme will also air tomorrow at 11.30am, on November 11 at 12.30pm as well as on December 10, 11 and 12 at 8.30pm, 12.30pm and 11am respectively.

The video link can be found at http://cnn.it/2h9b6l6

TrueVisions and Fox Thailand jointly promoted the broadcast that will begin on November 13 when four episodes will be aired at once as Thailand was three episodes behind the US this year.

The Walking Dead Season 8 will be aired at 8pm every Monday on Fox Thai at Channel 246 of TrueVisions’ Platinum HD and Gold HD packages.

For as long as film fans can remember, the Tokyo International Film Festival has appointed one Japanese star to be the festival’s muse. This year, in celebration of its 30th anniversary, it took the tradition one step further by selecting four actresses, each an icon of new Japanese cinema, to serve as its muses.

The four actresses were Sakura Ando, whose 2014 film “100 Yen Love” was Japan’s submission to the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, Yu Aoi, who is well-known for her role in Shunji Iwai’s “Hana and Alice”, Hikari Matsushima, who stars in Sion Sono’s “Love Exposure”, and Aoi Miyazaki, who is best known for her role in the film “Nana”.

The ladies joined up to present their past works in a special programme called ‘The Muses of Japanese Cinema Screenings’

“I was surprised but really happy to receive this honour,” said Yu Aoi of her selection. She was just 16 when she made her debut in film, starring in Shunji Iwai’s teenage drama “All About Lily Chou-Chou” but it was her portrayal of Alice in Iwai’s 2004 hit “Hana and Alice” that shot her to fame. The festival saw Aoi reuniting with her costar Anne Suzuki and director Iwai in presenting the teen romance.

“For Shunji Iwai, I was still a child when I was shooting his film,” said the 31-year-old with a smile. “When we were doing a shot from a long way away, I would have an earphone in my ear, and he would use the transceiver to direct me.”

Aoi became a big star after “Hana and Alice” and was soon working with other big name directors, among them Lee Sang-Il in “Hula Girls”, which won many awards in its home country and was released in Thailand in 2006. She also appeared in Katsuhiro Otomo’s “Mushishi” (2007), Yoji Yamada’s “About Her Brother” (2010), Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s “Journey to the Shore” (2015), Nobuhiro Yamashita’s “Over The Fence” (2016) and Daigo Matsui’s “Japanese Girls Never Die”.

And with almost two decades of experience to her credit, Aoi has learned how to work with each director.

“Lee Sang-Il is a kind of director who really pushes the actor hard, pushing and pushing and pushing until I can’t really speak anymore and my ego is no longer at the forefront. Only after he gets all the extra things he wants from me, will he say that it’s okay. Director Nobuhiro Yamashita has a very different style. Unlike Lee Sang-Il who pushes the actors with words, Yamashita doesn’t say much. Because of that, all the actors worry that they aren’t doing what he wants but that anxiety goes away when he says it is okay.”

Just like in other parts of the world, females are very much in the minority in the Japanese film industry.

“In the film world, there are more men than women and the more I perform, the more like a man I feel inside. That might sound strange as I always play a feminine character, but deep inside, I feel that I am a man.”

Very early in her career, Aoi starred in Akihiko Shiota’s “Harmful Insect”, which featured Aoi Miyazaki in the lead role. The film was presented at Venice Film Festival in 2002 and brought fame to Miyazaki though it wasn’t until “Nana”, based on a manga, that she become known all over Asia.

Miyazaki presented her first feature film “Eureka” at the festival, in which she stars with her real-life brother Masaru and actor Koji Yakusho. The film by Shinji Aoyama, which was screened in competition at Cannes Film Festival in 2000, runs for 218 minutes and is shot almost entirely in sepia tones.

“I was in 14 years old at that time,” Miyazaki says. “I remember coming to the casting for ‘Eureka’ and going into the meeting room. It was first time I had been away from my parents for a whole month and among a group of adults. It was fun. I went with my brother, Koji and the director to a bar where we ate cabbage salad. I have many memories like that.”

Since then Miyazaki has appeared in almost 50 films and one of most recent, Lee SangIl’s “Rage” which was screened at Toronto International Film Festival in 2015 was also shown in the special programme of Tokyo International Film Festival this year. In the film, Miyazaki plays a young woman dating a mysterious boy who could be a serial killer.

“I am turning 32, but age is just a number. I don’t think much about what’s happening next, and I can’t turn back time. I am thinking about what I can do in my thirties. Recently I’ve been thinking that I want to do more challenging things or do something that I haven’t done before,” says the young actress as she looks ahead to her career.

With the screening of a mammoth 231 films in total, and the attendance of 60,000 film fans during 10 days, the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival wrapped at the weekend after once again showing why it is such a great platform for presenting Japanese and world cinema.

How big was the film’s three-day opening? Well, the latest “Thor” episode, boosted by strong reviews and the self-mocking humor of Chris Hemsworth as the powerful Norse god (with Cate Blanchett as Hela, goddess of death), netted more than seven times the take of last week’s leader, Lionsgate’s “Jigsaw.”

That movie, which has police investigating a string of horrific murders carried out in the style of supposedly long-dead killer Jigsaw, dropped this weekend to third place at $6.7 million, according to website Exhibitor Relations.

In second was “A Bad Mom’s Christmas,” from STX Entertainment, at $17 million. That comedy stars three women — Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn — whose plans change when their mothers (Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines and Susan Sarandon) drop in unexpectedly for the holidays.

In fourth position was Lionsgate’s “Boo 2! A Madea Halloween” at $4.7 million. The light comedy has actor/director Tyler Perry and buddies heading to a campground which — surprise! — turns out to be haunted.

In fifth spot was “Geostorm” from Warner Bros., at $3 million. The sci-fi disaster thriller follows Gerard Butler as he struggles to save the world from an apocalyptic storm caused by climate-controlling satellites run amok.

Rounding out the top 10 were:

“Happy Death Day” ($2.8 million)

“Thank You for Your Service” ($2.3 million)

“Blade Runner: 2049” ($2.2 million)

“Let There Be Light” ($2.2 million)

“Only the Brave” ($1.9 million)

The fourpart documentary, which follows the trials and aftermath of India’s biggest murder mystery, became one of India’s biggest murder mysteries, capturing worldwide attention.

The documentary begins with Drs Rajesh and Nupur Talwar on the morning of May 16, 2008, discovering their daughter, Aarushi, lying dead in her bed, bludgeoned and with her throat cut.

Their Nepali servant, Hemraj Banjade, is missing and believed to be the culprit until his bloated and battered body is discovered on the apartment roof terrace. There were seemingly just the four people in the apartment that night and only two of them are still alive.

To the police investigation teams leading the inquiry, the parents must be the murderers, but after nine years, three investigations, a trial and appeal, and now an acquittal, nothing is as it seems. In English and Hindi with English subtitles, the documentary features neverbeforeseen exclusive interviews with Aarushi’s parents and speaks with those most closely involved in this twisted tale of intrigue.

“The Talwars: Behind Closed Door” is HBO Asia’s first original documentary.

From a melodramatic story edited down from 10,000 hours of surveillance videos (“Dragonfly Eyes” by Chinese filmmaker Xu Bing); to a high-wire sociological suspense (“The Square” by Swedish director Ruben Ostlund which won the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival), and a female-driven journey of vengeance and justice (“Marlina The Murderer in Four Acts” by Indonesian director Mouly Surya), the festival promises to be an immersive journey of unconventional storytelling and striking cinematography, with something for everyone.

Dark comedy “The Great Buddha+” by Taiwanese filmmaker Huang Hsin-Yao will be competing in the Asian Feature Film Competition, as part of the Silver Screen Awards. Receiving nominations in ten categories of the Golden Horse Awards, the film follows two working class friends who discover the dark secret of their millionaire boss, and reveals the tragic making of contemporary Taiwanese society.

“The demand for quality content has never been greater. Over the last year, we have witnessed bold experimentation from film auteurs to showcase diversity in storylines, genres and styles, as they push the envelope in filmmaking. Staying true to our role as a vital focal point to uncover these gems and boundary-pushing creativity, this year’s Festival line-up provides an insight into the talent that permeates the region and showcases the promise of the industry here in Asia,” said SGIFF programme director Pimpaka Towira.

In addition to the recently announced opening film, “Angels Wear White” by Vivian Qu, film-goers can also look forward to 112 films across various genres and presentations during the 11-day festival. An example is one of SGIFF’s three Special Presentation films – “Oh Lucy!” by Japanese first-time features filmmaker Atsuko Hirayanagi and starring award-winning Japanese actress Shinobu Terajima and “Black Hawk Down” leading actor Josh Hartnett. A quirky portrait of a lonely Tokyo woman who follows her English teacher to California, the feature film was expanded from Hirayanagi’s award-winning short of the same title, and evokes genuine emotional poignancy as it explores identity and isolation in this age of decreasing human interaction.

Another debut feature is Malaysian filmmaker Tan Seng Kiat’s “Shuttle Life” which stars Taiwanese actress-director Sylvia Chang and pop singer and actor Jack Tan and will compete in this year’s Silver Screen Awards’ Asian Feature Film Competition. The hard-hitting social drama stands out with its uncompromising realism. It displays the life and complex humanity of the underclass in Malaysia, represented by the male protagonist who faces the destruction of the family he struggles to support. Premiered at the Shanghai Film Festival early this year, it swept the top prizes in three categories – best film, best cinematography and best actor for Tan at the hotly contested Asian New Talent Awards.

Films presented by Singapore filmmakers also stand out with their remarkable sensitivity and nuance in storytelling. Inspired by a real-life story in Japan, Wesley Leon Aroozoo will present his first full-length documentary “I Want to Go Home” that takes on a gentle direction in depicting one’s emotions with the loss of a loved one. One of 10 entries shortlisted to compete in Busan International Film Festival’s Wide Angle Documentary Competition, the film follows the journey of a man’s determination to reunite with his wife after the Great East Japan earthquake to fulfill her final wish.

Others drew inspiration from the diverse stories amidst us. One of Singapore’s pioneer female filmmakers, Wee Li Lin will present her latest short “Areola Borealis” that features an uptight mother who tries to upstage her daughter’s untraditional wedding. This year’s Festival Commission “Nyi Ma Lay” by Chiang Wei Liang also questions and raises awareness on social issues that plague society by drawing viewers into the psyche of domestic workers who suffer from emotional abuse.

The 28th SGIFF, which runs from November 23 to December 3, will take place across various venues, including Marina Bay Sands, Shaw Theatres Lido, National Museum of Singapore, National Gallery Singapore, The Arts House, Filmgarde Bugis+, Objectifs and SCAPE.

One of the most important Southeast Asian filmmakers of our time, Nugroho captures his love for Indonesia, his people and the Javanese culture through the camera, while keeping to an undeniable poetic, reflective film style that resonates strongly with audiences. His natural filmmaking flair was recognised from the very start, with his debut fiction feature film “Love in a Slice of Bread” (1991) clinching the Best Film Award at the Indonesian Film Festival that year. He went on to receive various awards for his films – “Letter for an Angel” (1994) won Best Film, while “Leaf on a Pillow” (1998) won the Special Jury Prize at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

A recipient of the French honorary decoration Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres, he was also accorded the Best Young Director prize at the Asia Pacific International Film Festival in Seoul in 1992, Best Director at the Pyongyang International Film Festival and the Young Filmmakers Jury Award at the Berlin Film Festival in 1994. Gaining critical attention internationally, he made the region proud by directing a gamelan musical “Opera Jawa” (2006) as part of a commission by the government of Austria for the 250th Anniversary of Mozart’s birth. His latest black-and-white silent movie “Setan Jawa” (2017) impressively combined the performances by a traditional Javanese gamelan ensemble with a modern symphony orchestra in his expression of the complexities of Indonesia.

The Cinema Legend Award this year will be conferred on Japan’s leading actor, Koji Yakusho. The award recognises the body of work of Asian actors while celebrating their talent and outstanding achievements in bringing Asia’s story to life on screen.

Best known for his sensitive portrayals of the common man, Yakusho rose to stardom with his breakout role of feudal lord Oda Nobunaga in the NHK drama, “Tokugawa Ieyasu” in the 1980s. Having worked on more than 60 films, including Palme d’Or winner “The Eel” (1997), “Shall We Dance” (1996), “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2005), “Babel” (2006) and “13 Assassins” (2010), he was also a recipient of multiple awards that recognise his prolific career. This includes the Shiju Hosho Medal of Honour from the Emperor of Japan for his outstanding achievements, making him a recipient at the youngest age for an actor. He continues to inspire with his lifelong dedication to acting with his latest works, including Japanese thriller “The Third Murder”, an official selection in competition at 2017 Venice International Film Festival, and a special appearance in “Oh Lucy!”

Festival-goers can look forward to meeting and interacting with both Yakusho and Nugroho at their masterclasses at ArtScience Museum on December 2, and the National Museum of Singapore on December 3 respectively.

The 28th SGIFF, which runs from November 23 to December 3, will take place across various venues, including Marina Bay Sands, Shaw Theatres Lido, National Museum of Singapore, National Gallery Singapore, The Arts House, Filmgarde Bugis+, Objectifs and SCAPE.

Another three Marvel box office hits – “Black Panther” (release date: February 15), “Avengers: Infinity War” (release date April 26), and “Ant-Man and the Wasp” (release date July 5) –are part of the special benefit programme.

This exclusive marketing event is being held at Major Cineplex cinemas across the country and those applying for membership will receive collectible Year of Marvel M Gen cards with official pictures from 4 Marvel movies,The Walt Disney Company (Thailand) has granted Major exclusive rights to produce series of the collectible Year of Marvel M GEN cards – 20,000 cards for each of the 4 movies. M-Card members who are true fans of Marvel can claim the cards now at only Bt160 per card, with a complimentary “Thor: Ragnarok” ticket. The special Ragnarok card will be included in the collection book with the Marvel Studios cover, which can be printed only by Major Cineplex group, the authorised license holder. The cards from the other 3 films will be available for pre-sale 2 weeks prior to the release date of each film.

In addition, Major is also authorised to produce Marvel dolls as souvenirs for Marvel fans to collect. Starting with the Thor and Hulk plush from “Thor: Ragnarok”, M Generation members can use 200 points to redeem 1 doll for free, or use 10 points plus Bt300.

Those who hold the collectible Marvel M GEN cards can purchase the doll at Bt350. Other customers with “Thor” tickets can purchase the doll at Bt399 down from the regular price of Bt690.

At the end of the campaign, M GEN members who watch all 4 films will get a chance to win a free tour package to Hong Kong Disneyland with accommodation.

Disney Thailand also offers a Marvel Box experience for the 4 movies with interactive activities. Marvel’s rare items will be available for sales and life-size models will be displayed for fans to appreciate and take pictures. To herald the release of the first movie in the campaign, “Thor: Ragnarok”, Thor and Hulk life-size statue are now showing at the Paragon Cineplex until November 12. “Thor: Ragnarok” tickets can be used to obtain up to 20 per-cent off purchases. The Marvel Box will return to meet Marvel fans at every Marvel movie screening under the campaign Year of Marvel at Major Cineplex.

Find out more at http://www.MajorCineplex.com.

The two-time Oscar winner Spacey, for years considered one of the most gifted actors of his generation, and whose collaboration with Netflix put the streaming giant on the map, has in just days gone from esteemed actor to entertainment pariah.

Reportedly being investigated by British police for assaulting a man in London in 2008, he has been publicly accused of attempting to rape a 15-year-old boy in New York and of making advances on a 14-year-old.

Already dropped by his publicist and agent, Netflix became the latest entity to cut ties with Spacey, saying it would be involved in no further production of its hit series “House of Cards” that includes the 58-year-old. Production of the last and final season, which had been due to air in 2018, has already been suspended.

The streaming service also said it was abandoning the release of an upcoming film “Gore” that had also starred the actor, whose glittering career is now collapsing around him.

“Netflix will not be involved with any further production of ‘House of Cards’ that includes Kevin Spacey,” a spokesperson said.

The channel said it would work with the show’s production company, MRC, “to evaluate our path forward as it relates to the show.”

Eight current or former employees on the award-winning “House of Cards” told CNN that Spacey turned the set into a “toxic” environment through a pattern of sexual harassment of younger, male crew members.

In London, police said that they had opened an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault. Officers do not publicly identify the subject of an inquiry unless they are charged, but British media said it was Spacey.

Since the allegations first surfaced Sunday, Spacey has made no comment other than declaring he was “beyond horrified” by the first allegation dating back 31 years, which he claimed not to remember.

– ‘Credible’ rape claim –

It remains unclear if “House of Cards” can now go ahead in any form.

Actor Anthony Rapp opened the floodgates by saying the actor tried to “seduce” him and lay on top of him when he was 14 years old at Spacey’s New York apartment 31 years ago.

A 48-year-old East Coast artist told Vulture he began a sexual relationship with Spacey when he was 14 that ended when he was 15 after the actor, then 24, allegedly tried to rape him.

Mexican actor Roberto Cavazos was another who claimed he fended off “unpleasant” advances while at The Old Vic, the London theater where Spacey was artistic director from 2003-2015.

Weinstein, once one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, and Spacey are the most high-profile scalps in a month-long torrent of allegations bringing down like dominoes male power players from the worlds of politics, finance, entertainment and journalism.

Some 100 women have since early October accused Weinstein, a father of five, of sexual misconduct ranging from harassment to rape, sparking police investigations in London, Los Angeles and New York.

On Friday, New York police confirmed that officers were gathering evidence for a possible arrest warrant in connection with Weinstein’s alleged double rape of “Boardwalk Empire” actress Paz de la Huerta at her New York apartment in late 2010.

“She put forth a credible and detailed narrative to us,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce told reporters. The former producer, his career in tatters, denies any non-consensual relations.

“If this person was still in New York and it was recent, we would go right away and make the arrest, no doubt. But we’re talking about a seven-year-old case and we have to move forward in gathering evidence first,” said Boyce.

“We have an actual case here,” he added. “Mr Weinstein is out of state. We would need an arrest warrant to arrest him. So right now we’re gathering our evidence. We continue to do so. Every day.”

The Manhattan district attorney’s office confirmed it had assigned a senior sex crimes prosecutor to the case.

Weinstein, once one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, and Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey are the most high-profile scalps in a monthlong torrent of allegations bringing down like dominoes male power players from the worlds of politics, finance, entertainment and journalism.

Around 100 women have come forward since early October to accuse Weinstein, a twice-married father of five, of sexual misconduct ranging from harassment to rape, sparking police investigations in London, Los Angeles and New York.

On Friday, a top Manhattan detective confirmed that officers were gathering evidence for a possible arrest warrant over Weinstein’s alleged double rape of “Boardwalk Empire” actress Paz de la Huerta at her New York apartment in late 2010.

“She put forth a credible and detailed narrative to us,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce told reporters. The former producer, now dumped by the company he co-founded and ostracized by Hollywood, denies any non-consensual relations.

“If this person was still in New York and it was recent, we would go right away and make the arrest, no doubt. But we’re talking about a seven-year-old case and we have to move forward in gathering evidence first,” said Boyce.

“We have an actual case here,” he added. “Mr Weinstein is out of state. We would need an arrest warrant to arrest him. So right now we’re gathering our evidence. We continue to do so. Every day.”

It is at least the third Weinstein case New York police have investigated in recent years, and Boyce did not rule out others.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office confirmed it had assigned a senior sex crimes prosecutor to the case.

Spacey, whose once glittering acting career is now also in serious jeopardy, is reportedly being investigated by British police for assault in 2008, accused of attempting to rape a 15-year-old boy in New York and of making advances on a 14-year-old.

British police said only that they had opened an investigation into an allegation from a man of sexual assault in 2008. Officers do not publicly identify the subject of an inquiry unless they are charged, but British media said it was Spacey.

– London investigation –

“Officers from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command are investigating,” said a spokesman for London’s Metropolitan Police, giving no further details.

Spacey’s publicist and talent agency have dropped him, and he has made no public comment other than declaring that he was “beyond horrified” by the first allegation from actor Anthony Rapp, which he claimed not to remember.

Eight current or former employees on Netflix hit series “House of Cards” told CNN that Spacey turned the set into a “toxic” environment through a pattern of sexual harassment of younger, male crew members.

It was a stunning fall for an actor who chilled and thrilled audiences in equal measure in memorable roles such as corrupt US president Frank Underwood in “House of Cards,” a midlife-crisis-ridden father in “American Beauty” and as a serial killer in “Seven.”

Netflix and “House of Cards” production company, MRC, said they were previously aware of only one complaint against Spacey, in 2012, but that it had been resolved.

The award-winning show, of which Netflix had already announced the upcoming sixth season would be its last, now hangs in the balance.

MRC said it was “deeply troubled” by the latest allegations, implemented a complaint hotline and offered crisis counselors and legal advisors to the crew, and would “thoroughly investigate” all claims formally brought to its attention.

Rapp opened the floodgates by saying the actor tried to “seduce” him and lay on top of him when he was 14-years-old at Spacey’s New York apartment 31 years ago.

A 48-year-old East Coast artist told Vulture he began a sexual relationship with Spacey when he was 14 that ended when he was 15 after the actor, then 24, allegedly tried to rape him.

“It seems the only requirement was to be a male under the age of 30 for Mr Spacey to feel free to touch us,” said Mexican actor Roberto Cavazos, who claimed he fended off “unpleasant” advances while at The Old Vic, the London theater where Spacey was artistic director from 2003-2015.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if there were similar numbers to Weinstein’s.”