“Songkran is a holiday for which people travel back home or to tourist destinations across Thailand. Mobile-phone usage is expected to increase two to three times at key tourist locations, including main routes, airports and public transportation hubs, such as Bangkok Bus Terminal [Mo Chit] and Bangkok’s main rail station [Hua Lamphong],” Prathet Tankuranun, chief technology officer at Total Access Communication (DTAC), said on Tuesday.

To prepare for the substantial growth in traffic across its network on the Songkran holidays, DTAC will deploy mobile vehicles and small-cell antennas to expand network capacity in accordance with usage at key festival venues or provincial locations, such as the “S2O Songkran Music Festival”, RCA, Dusit Zoo, Khao Niew Road in Khon Kaen, and Khwae Noi Bamrung Dan Dam in Phitsanulok, Prathet said.

In addition, the company will boost its network capacity on highways and major roads that people use when travelling from Bangkok back to their hometowns or to tourist destinations.

The maximum coverage period is 180 days, and the sum insured varies up to Bt3 million for worldwide cover with comprehensive benefits.

The insurance covers injuries, high medical expenses and life cover from accidental death, repatriation of mortal remains, travelling inconvenience or risk related to travel such as loss or damage of property from robbery or violent means, flight cancellation or misconnection, baggage delay, and a compassionate-visit benefit.

Harprem Doowa, pictured right, co-founder and managing director of Frank Insurance Broker (Thailand), said: “According to our study on travelling needs and protection, we have found that the privilege protection by AXA is the best-in-class and also suitable for travellers.

“We’re pleased to partner with AXA, to offer travel insurance benefits as one of the products available on Frank.co.th. Our purpose is to be forthright and to share the better protection where everyone can live with more peace of mind.”

“Our motto is to provide the best insurance experience that feels Fast, Simple and Yours. We are Fast, and our virtual agents deliver instant advice 24/7, with instant quotations and immediate coverage. We are Simple, and believe in helping you with tailored recommendations, not confusing you with products and price lists. We use transparent and clear language, not insurance jargon.

“We are Yours, to customise, tailor and enjoy access to those special Penguin Privileges just for you,” he said.

Chatchai Kiewthong, pictured left, chief agency and local broker officer for AXA Insurance, said: “We trust Frank.co.th to provide seamless and hassle-free online travel insurance for consumers, with immediate coverage for your travel plans.

“Through this partnership with Frank.co.th, we enhance the travel experience of travellers and the travel protection solution at the same time. The online insurance with Frank.co.th allows instant premium benefits that aren’t just covering life, but also property and travel plans.

“The fast and simple experience is in line with AXA’s vision of empowering people to live a better life, as customers can focus on what matters most to them – their trip experience.”

The company expects a return on the investment in six years, said Ekalak Patamasatayasonthi, senior vice president for business development.

Moreover, the cost of electricity consumption can be reduced by more than Bt34 million annually as a result of the solar-roof investment, he added.

Index Living Mall has taken into consideration the importance of reducing the company’s rising electricity costs, in light of its higher energy demand and the global problem of climate change.

It wants to be part of the private-sector’s efforts to save energy and help reduce global warming, given its ecological effects and the impact on people’s health and way of life, he explained.

Clean energy is required, and the use of solar roofing is one effective energy-saving method that can also help save the environment, the executive said.

The company’s plan in the first instance is to install solar modules, akin to those on the roofs of residences and other buildings, to receive solar power and invert from direct-current to alternating-current electricity for use at six of its premises.

Initially, the solar-roof system will be installed at two factories – situated in Mahachai in Samut Sakhon province, and Rayong – as well as at four Index Living Mall stores, located in Ratchaphruek, Bang Na, Rama II and Pattaya.

These factories and branches have high demand for electricity usage, which costs about Bt264 million per year in total.

The solar-roof plan is expected to cut the annual electricity bill by up to Bt34 million, resulting in a cost saving of 13 per cent per annum, Ekalak said.

By 2027, the company expects to have saved up to Bt330 million on electricity costs, and from energy-tariff deductions under the Board of Investment’s support measures.

This long-term electricity-saving plan will not only help save money, but also reduce the risk of power outages in the summer, while also indirectly helping to reduce public electricity usage, the senior vice president said.

TNR has paid US$15 million (Bt471 million) to take over the from Playboy Enterprises International licence from United Medical Devices (UMD).

TNR earns the rights to market the condoms and gels in 188 countries, in 34 of which UMD has a client base.

TNR expects that in the first year it will earn Bt138 million in revenue from the production and sales of products.

The company is also planning to establish partnerships in each country to develop their markets and increase revenues.

TNR chief executive Amorn Dararattanaroj said the firm had hired BakerMckenzie as its legal adviser to draft a 10-year contract with Playboy.

TNR was previously licensed to produce Playboy condoms and distribute them in Thailand for UMD.

The company’s studies showed that the new licence will generate an internal rate of return of at least 15 per cent (calculated from UMD’s client base in 34 countries).

The company’s total sale revenue, which is expected to grow 30 per cent this year, from Bt1.29 billion last year.

PDI managing director Francis Vanbellen said in the release that this gives PDI a combined capacity of 50 megawatts at solar farms in both Thailand and Japan.

This year, PDI Energy will continue to focus on its renewable energy business in Thailand and overseas and plans to increase capacity by another 100 megawatts this year, the company said.

PDI closed its conventional zinc business last year and has switched its business model to zinc trading this year. It has set a target to sell 50,000 tons of zinc metals in 2018, the release said.

“We are seeing an emerging market in Southeast Asia, especially due to rising urbanisation across the region and the growth of a sizeable middle class in the region who are keen to travel,” he said.

“With our strategy to fill gaps with the right brand, in the right location, at the right time, the opportunities presented to us are abundant and there is a huge potential for the growth of our brands in the region.”

Hutton said that this is why in 2017, Hilton introduced the first Canopy by Hilton into the region, sealed a landmark portfolio deal comprising six hotels in Sri Lanka and obtained four significant approvals in Vietnam.

“Our iconic properties continue to generate the ‘Hilton effect’ – by creating opportunities and serving as a vibrant heart of the community, and we are looking to continue deepening our presence in the region, through the introduction of new brands and entry into new markets,” he said.

“We want to be where our guests want to be, to serve any lodging need they may have, be its leisure or business. On the whole, markets in the region, like Myanmar and Vietnam, generally still see an under-supply, so we see huge potential in bringing our brands in to the region, particularly by introducing new brands to attract different segments of travellers.

“Thailand, too, is a key growth market for Hilton, with a forecast rise of 6 per cent in tourism numbers this year after hitting a record 35.38 million in 2017, equivalent to half of Thailand’s population.”

Hutton said that with such a strong prospect for travel and tourism, Hilton is excited to be introducing its ultra-luxury brand Waldorf Astoria to Bangkok in the third quarter of this year, which is slated to mark the brand’s debut in Southeast Asia.

Hutton said that the Maldives, where Hilton has a rich history of operations, remains a key market for growth as well. The company recently signed two new properties – Curio Collection Maldives resort slated to open at the end of 2018, and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Resort, scheduled for opening in early 2019, marking the debut of both brands in one of the region’s most popular resort destinations.

“As of the fourth quarter of 2017, we have 2,257 hotels under construction globally and 415 of them are in Asia Pacific,” Hutton said. “Of the 50 hotels we have in the pipeline for Southeast Asia, we are expecting to open 28 of them over the next three years.

“Within the region, our strategic markets for growth over the next 24 months are Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, with expansion plans also underway in markets such as the Philippines and Myanmar. Within the next three years, we will also be making our entry into new markets such as Bangladesh, Nepal and Timor Leste.”

Hutton said that Hilton has been steadily growing since 1919 and now operates 5,284 hotels across the world, with 34 of them in the region: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Its properties in the region account for 0.6 per cent of Hilton’s total properties worldwide.

“We currently have 2,257 properties in the pipeline around the world, and 50 of them are slated to launch in Southeast Asia. Currently, we operate eight hotels in Thailand, and two more – Waldorf Astoria Bangkok and DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit – are slated to open later this year,” Hutton said.

“Our mission is to be the most hospitable company in the world by being anywhere our guests want to be in the world. This has spurred us on to consider entering markets across different countries as we witness the centre of gravity for the travel industry shifting to Asia Pacific, both in travel to the region and with outbound travel.

“With our portfolio of 14 world-class global brands spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels, we are able to serve our guests’ evolving needs, catering to travellers looking for different kinds of travel experiences, and to owners seeking the flexibility in choosing the right brand for their property and market.

“Ultimately, what differentiates us is our commitment to creating exceptional experiences for every guest, every hotel, every time, while also providing meaningful opportunities for our team members, generating high value for owners and shareholders, and making a lasting positive impact on communities where we operate.”

He said that as a global hospitality company, Hilton faces an ongoing challenge in nurturing talent “to sustain excellence in operations and service across its properties”, particularly as there is a need to more than double its workforce through its existing pipeline alone.

“We remain committed to investing in the development and discovery of talent, which is why we have also rolled out platforms like the ISEA F&B Masters, an internal competition open to employees within Hilton properties,” Hutton said “Aiming to discover, develop and celebrate the best food and beverage talent in our midst, the competition provides an opportunity for hotel team members to develop skills, creativity and gain real-world experience.

“The competition also puts a spotlight on the hard work, passion and commitment of team members across the region – in fact, the Culinary Challenge winner at the recently concluded ISEA F&B Masters is one of our team members from DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok.

“As hotel operators, we are also constantly seeking to meet the evolving needs of our guests. In today’s digital age, the new-age digital savvy consumer demands more and is increasingly expecting more personalised digital interactions across channels throughout their travel experience. In order to meet these needs, we have placed special emphasis on digital innovation, driven by the same DNA of pioneering innovation that has run through our company since our founding.”

He said that the company’s “industry-leading tools” like digital check-in with room selection gives guests the ability to choose their room and view while Digital Key allows them to use their smartphones as their room key.

“These empower travellers to select the exact room they want, based on both the hotel layout and its external surroundings,” Hutton said.

“Interactive digital floor plans make it easy for Hilton Honors members to decide whether they want to be near the pool or the elevator, and integration with the Google Maps API lets guests determine if they prefer a view of the courtyard or the city skyline.

“ After checking in and selecting their room from their phone, guests can skip the check-in at the front desk and proceed to their desired room. Hilton Honors members have responded positively to these features since they were rolled out in the region in 2016.”

In addition, Hutton said: “Hilton has piloted Connected Room last year, a mobile-centric smart room that lets guests use their smartphones to customise their stay, from changing the temperature, lighting, window coverings, and even TV entertainment preferences. The company is looking forward to scale this rapidly across the hotels.

“Hilton has also recently opened Innovation Gallery in our global headquarters.”

Hutton said this feature presents an immersive guest experience that showcases various technologies, design elements and dining concepts – from noise-cancellation and sleep-inducing devices for guestrooms to more functional and sustainable materials.

“Further, the company is also working with multiple partners and will be testing Waverly Labs’ new product Pilot, a real-time translation solution that delivers seamless language translation between two parties through an earpiece and app,” he said.

The announcement for the ship, which the company says has “redefined cruising in Asia in terms of size and innovative amenities”, reaffirms Royal Caribbean’s confidence in Southeast Asia as a source market and cruise destination, as well as its commitment to grow its cruise offerings in the region.

Over her 34 sailings scheduled for the six months from November 2019 to April 2020, Quantum of the Seas is expected to add some 150,000 guests to the Southeast Asia cruising scene.

The ship will offer cruises ranging from four to seven nights to Penang, Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Phuket, Bangkok (Laem Chabang) and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My). With this 18-deck high, 168,666 gross tonne ship that carries 4,905 guests at total capacity, Royal Caribbean will increase its capacity in the region by 30 per cent.

There will be 24 sailings to Thai ports-of-call including four-night cruises to Phuket, five-night cruises to Phuket, Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) and Penang; one seven-night cruise to Phuket for an overnight, Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) and Penang, and; one seven-night cruise to Bangkok for an overnight and Ho Chi Minh City. The ship is expected to bring around 105,000 guests to Thailand on these sailings.

Quantum of the Seas will also be revitalised prior to her return to Southeast Asia. The multimillion-dollar project will see “the ship refreshed and upgraded to provide the best of the next-generation cruise experience for guests” in this region, the company said.

The president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean International, Michael Bayley, said that the commitment to bring in bigger and better ships like Quantum of the Seas demonstrates Royal Caribbean’s confidence in the region to continue experiencing record-breaking growth. “In response to the strong demand from the region, we have decided to bring in longer cruises for Quantum of the Seas’ return,” Bayley said.

Entertainment offerings

“The season will feature cruises starting from four nights and the first ever seven-night round trip cruises on a Quantum Class ship here. With this ground-breaking itinerary design for the Asian cruise market, our guests will get the opportunity to enjoy a more comprehensive Quantum Class experience and take in more of what this amazing ship has to offer.

“Guests onboard the smart ship Quantum of the Seas will enjoy the North Star, an observation capsule that rises 92 metres over the ocean; Two70 – a hi-tech entertainment venue; cocktails served by robots at the Bionic Bar; skydiving and surfing experiences; and SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea – housing a basketball court, roller-skating, bumper cars and the like.”

The ship boasts 18 restaurants with cuisines from around the globe, including imaginative cuisine at Wonderland and Jamie’s Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, he said.

Customers can book Quantum of the Seas’ cruises, which open for sale today, with Discover The World (Thailand) Co Ltd and Travel Elements Co Ltd, Royal Caribbean’s preferred sales representatives in Thailand.

Sunti Medhavikul, managing director of United Information Highway Company Limited (UIH), a digital infrastructure and solution provider member of Benchachinda Holding Group, said UIH is planning to become an international gateway between Asean nations by upgrading its existing backbone network to achieve Tbps capabaility.

UIH Terabit Networks, which can be scaled up to 8 Tbps, offer data connection between Thai borders nationwide and Asean countries. The company has laid down the third main fiber-optic line along 2,500-km railways to enhance network stability and serve the increasing of international bandwidth demand.

According to Telegeography Global Bandwidth Report, the usage of international bandwidth between 2016 to 2023 in Asia is predicted to grow 47 per cent annually with the total bandwidth usage at 1,128 Tbps.

In Thailand, the usage is expected to grow by 33 per cent each year, having the total bandwidth capacity at around 22.72 Tbps in 2023. Top-ranking category of used capacity, which showed the highest growth in Asia, are content providers including Google, Facebook and Microsoft; Educational and Research Institutions; and Internet Service Providers.

Sunti said UIH Terabit Networks have been developed based on cutting-edge Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology and Automatically Switched Optical Network (ASON) framework.

The technology enhances network traffic management by allocating the best route for rapid data transmission. UIH Terabit Networks offers high efficiency for domestic and international communications such as video conferencing, video streaming, ultra high definition (4K) data upload and download, Artificial Intelligence( AI), Big Data analysis and Internet of things (IOT).

Additionally, UIH has established seven different strategic locations across Thailand to enhance high performance of connectivity with Asean countries. First location is in Chiang Rai province (on the border between Myanmar and Laos) with the second location in Tak province (bordering Myanmar).

Third location is in Nong Khai Province (bordering Laos) and the fourth location is in Mukdahan province, a boundary between Laos and the route to Vietnam.

Next location is situated in Srakaeo province (bordering Cambodia and Vietnam). The last two locations are in Songkhla province which marks the boundary between Thailand and Malaysia. UIH has also set up two Point of Presences (PoP) in Singapore and Hong Kong to connect to all global providers.

“As a hub of international gateway in Asean, we are moving a step further to offer international connection with our cutting-edge Terabit Networks to respond to the increasing demand of bandwidth usage in this region,” Sunti said.

He added that the southern part of Thailand is also a potential area for UIH’s network implementation.

Hat Yai, the largest district in Songkla province for business and communication in the South, is set to become a major overseas communication hub of UIH’s network with two inter-border connecting points at Padang Besar and Janglon district on the Thai-Malaysia border.

The company has also partnered with telecommunication providers in Malaysia for connection to Singapore and other networks worldwide.