Auspicious Chinese New Year menus greet the Year of the Rabbit at The Silk Road The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023
The Silk Road Chinese restaurant at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, will be celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Rabbit in authentic style from Saturday January 21 to Sunday January 29 with menus offering auspicious dishes including Yu Sheng and Poon Choi.
Chef Kam and his team are creating a series of Chinese New Year menus for lunch and dinner, with an à la carte, a dim sum à la carte, a six-course Blessing Menu at THB 2,888++ per person, and an eight-course Longevity Menu at THB 24,888++ for 10 persons. Prices for the à la carte items begin at THB 420 per dish, and for the dim sum à la carte from THB 160 per dish.
Yu Sheng, also known as Lo Hei, or Prosperity Toss, is a Cantonese-style raw fish salad, mixed with shredded vegetables and condiments, which is placed in the centre of the table and the ingredients heartily tossed by the group, using chopsticks and declaring “lo hei, lo hei!” or “scoop it up!”
Chefs at The Silk Road are preparing two versions for the à la carte. Salmon Yu Sheng is available in a standard portion for two to four persons at THB 1,888++, and in a large portion for five to eight persons at THB 2,688++. Abalone Yu Sheng includes strips of fresh salmon and is served in a standard portion at THB 2,388++, and a large portion at THB 3,388++. Salmon Yu Sheng is also included in the Lucky Rabbit Set Menu.
Yu Sheng is also available as a takeaway at THB 1,888+ for the salmon version small size and THB 2,688+ large size, and THB 2,388+ and THB 3,388+ for the abalone version.
Chinese New Year Poon Choi, a traditional Cantonese meal cooked in a clay pot and with layered ingredients including braised mixed meats, dried scallops, fish maw, abalone, sea cucumber and black mushrooms, is on the a la carte at THB 2,200++ for eight to 10 persons. Nian Gao, the traditional Chinese New Year cake, is available at THB 888+
20% discount for The Athenee Club Members and 10% Marriott Club Members.
Reservations are recommended. Please call 02 650 8800 or e-mail: fb.theathenee@luxurycollection.com or visit website: www.theatheneehotel.com
MHI Signs MoU to Collaborate in Studies on Ammonia Co-Firing for Power Generation
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023
Studies Aim to Achieve 20% Co-Firing at a Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plant; Includes Procurement and Utilization of the Fuel
In Singapore, on January 16, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in a feasibility study for the introduction of ammonia co-firing at a coal-fired thermal power plant operated by BLCP Power Limited, which is an independent power producer in Thailand and a joint venture (50:50) between Banpu Power Public Company Limited and Electricity Generating Public Company Limited.
The project aims to decarbonize the existing power plant, supporting Thailand in achieving its climate ambitions and becoming a low-carbon society.
The MoU was signed during the Japan-Thailand Energy Policy Dialogue held in Thailand’s capital Bangkok on January 12. Several Thai and Japanese organizations in addition to MHI and BLCP are also involved in the project, exemplifying the importance of international cooperation in reducing global emissions. These include BPP and EGCO Group from Thailand, as well as JERA Co., Inc. and Mitsubishi Corporation from Japan.
Under the feasibility study plan, MHI, with support from its power solutions brand Mitsubishi Power, will determine and conduct a study on the supply of ammonia burners, boiler facilities and equipment necessary for ammonia co-firing. JERA will examine the procurement and transportation of ammonia fuel, whereas JERA and Mitsubishi Corporation will investigate the port facilities, along with ammonia receiving and storage facilities.
This will go toward establishing an integrated fuel value chain from procurement to utilization. BLCP, MHI, Mitsubishi Corporation and JERA will also jointly conduct studies and develop plans to achieve up to 20% ammonia co-firing, supporting reductions in CO2 emissions and decarbonization.
Located in Rayong province in southeastern Thailand, the BLCP Power Station comprises two subcritical coal-fired boilers with a total output of 1,434 megawatts that began operations in 2006 and 2007. MHI supplied the boilers, steam turbines, and other main facilities of the power station.
Thailand has announced its commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065. The country plans to strengthen cooperation with Japan regarding decarbonization technologies for fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen.
MHI and Mitsubishi Power have supplied more than 25 gigawatts of power generation equipment to Thailand, including facilities currently under construction, accounting for well more than half of the country’s generating capacity. Through its industry-leading power generation equipment and services, Mitsubishi Power has played a vital role in Thailand’s transition from coal to natural gas fuel, supporting the gradual shift toward reducing CO2 emissions.
Continuing the momentum of this MoU, MHI and Mitsubishi Power offer decarbonization solutions to customers and the power generation industry around the world, to ensure a stable supply of energy and deliver a sustainable future for the region.
Ganesha statue with Buddhist element brings worshippers and tourists to Udon Thani
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023
A unique statue of Ganesha in Udon Thani province is drawing worshippers from all over the country seeking blessings, in addition to tourists.
The Sri Suk Ganesha statue has been installed behind Udon Thani Vocational College in Muang district. Built in 2019 by the famed sculptor Rachan Saengthong, the statue mixes Hindu and Buddhist mythology. The statue portrays the Hindu god of luck with eight hands perched on Naga, the nine-headed king cobra who protected Gautama Buddha from the elements after his enlightenment.
Rachan said he had portrayed the Naga based on Udon Thani folklore of Naga King Sri Suttho, who is believed to have protected the city from great floods caused by the Mekong River since ancient times.
Although the statue was installed relatively recently compared to other spiritual attractions in the province, it has quickly become a tourist hotspot. Worshippers of both Ganesha and Naga from around the country are turning up in large numbers daily to light candles, scented incense sticks and offer garlands made of marigolds, Ganesha’s favourite flower.
The Sri Suk Ganesha statue is believed to grant blessings for success in business, a long and happy life, and wisdom.
Worshippers are advised to chant the provided mantra to show respect to the statue while offering various kinds of desserts, milk and fruits. According to Hindu belief, meat offerings are prohibited in a place of worship.
Hop to it: Top Hong Kong’s Luckiest Spots to Visit in the Year of the Rabbit
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023
Now that Hong Kong is ready to welcome international visitors again, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate Chinese New Year in true Hong Kong style.
After all, nowhere blends time-honoured Chinese New Year traditions with modern energy quite like this buzzing metropolis. In honour of the Year of the Rabbit, here are five of Hong Kong’s most fortuitous experiences to fill your year with good luck, health and prosperity.
1. Take Instagrammable Photos with the ‘Lucky Rabbit’
Brought to you by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, a series of dazzling Chinese New Year checkpoints have transformed the harbourfront. For starters, a giant Lucky Rabbit is making its debut on the roof of the Central Pier. Visitors will also discover more hoppin’ displays – each with mesmerising themes, lights, music, and interactive elements – at Admiralty’s Tamar Park, the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade and Tsim Sha Tsui’s Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
2. Hop On Auspicious Harbour Tours
On the first day of Chinese New Year, it’s customary to usher in luck and prosperity by spending time outdoors. Visitors can embrace the tradition with a scenic Victoria Harbour cruise aboard a historic Star Ferry. Along the way, try to catch the Lucky Rabbit hiding on the ferry! Accrue more good fortune by exploring the Chinese New Year-themed harbourfront checkpoints in different ways, like a sightseeing tour on the antique Duckling junk boat or a pedal-boating adventure at the Wan Chai Water Sports and Recreation Precinct.
3. Experience Unique Hong Kong Chinese New Year Traditions
The Year of the Rabbit marks the return of many authentic Hong Kong Chinese New Year customs for visitors to enjoy! Among the must-try experiences, head to the Chinese New Year flower markets for festive shopping and take in good fortune as blooms signify wealth in Chinese culture.
Besides, stock up on luck at the Chinese New Year Raceday in Sha Tin, where epic horseraces, lion dance performances and holiday décor await. The energised activity can bring you a lucky start to the year with full power!
The Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival in Lam Tsuen is another age-old Chinese New Year tradition. Simply jot down wishes on a notecard, tie it to a mandarin and toss it into a legendary tree. If the fruit catches a branch, the wishes may come true.
4. Indulge in Classic Dishes with Modern Twists
A time for connection, Chinese New Year brings families together over delicious meals symbolising longevity, fortune and wealth. Year after year, Hong Kong restaurants reinvigorate traditional Chinese New Year dishes with fresh ideas.
This year, Green Common has reinvented poon choi (or “prosperity stew” made with meat, seafood and veggies) using only plant-based meat alongside vegetarian ingredients. Meanwhile, Häagen-Dazs has transformed traditional nin gou (a sticky rice cake representing prosperity) into a Chinese New Year ice cream cake, which also comes with another option of a Chinese candy box (meaning togetherness and perfection).
5. Give Creative Gifts of Good Fortune
Throughout Chinese New Year, Hong Kong people bring gifts to family gatherings to spread goodwill and fortune with loved ones. Putting a spin on tradition, Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel has crafted mochi buns in the shape of mandarins – a symbol of good fortune – alongside a gift box brimming with sweet delicacies, which features a centrepiece decoration of a cute rabbit. On the other hand, The Cakery is whipping up adorable rabbit-themed fondant cookies that are perfect for the Chinese New Year.
กราฟฟิคประกบจากเพจ พ.ต.อ.ทวี สอดส่อง
แพทองธาร ชินวัตร หัวหน้าครอบครัวเพื่อไทย
SootinClaimon.Com 