Free MRT, BRT, BTS rides for kids under 14 on Saturday
SATURDAY, JANUARY 07, 2023
Youngsters under the age of 14 will be able to ride Bangkok’s BTS and MRT trains for free from 6am to midnight on Saturday, provided they are under 140 centimetres tall.
The free rides are being offered as part of National Children’s Day, which is marked on the second Saturday of January every year.
Children can ride all Skytrain lines, including Sukhumvit, Silom and Krung Thon Buri lines, as well as the bus rapid transport (BRT) for free all day on Saturday.
Thais eager to welcome Chinese travellers in post-COVID rebound
SATURDAY, JANUARY 07, 2023
THE NATION
Thai business owners geared up on Friday (January 6) to welcome Chinese travellers back to their country, days before the world’s second largest economy opens its borders.
Without the need for pre-entry COVID-19 tests, Thailand’s tourist economy is set to join other Southeast Asian nations to be leading beneficiaries of China’s end to their border control rules.
Thailand is expecting at least five million Chinese tourist arrivals this year, about half the number recorded before the coronavirus pandemic, as China reopens its borders from Sunday (January 8), the government tourism body said on Tuesday (January 3).
“It’s (the economy) likely to recover. At least, when they (Chinese tourists) come, they eat, buy and travel around, and money is being spent. At least, when they use my tuk-tuk service, I will get the income. But even if not, they are shopping, eating, travelling and so on, the money will still circulate (within the economy).” 41-Year old TUK-TUK Driver, Pramoch Jubklang said.
The return of Chinese tourists would be a further boost to Thailand’s economy and its vital tourism sector. More than 11 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand in 2019, nearly a third of the total.
Tourists wait to check in for flights, ahead of brace of an influx of Chinese tourists as COVID restirction are dismantled, at Bangkok
Online sales of lottery tickets surged since June debut, says lottery office
FRIDAY, JANUARY 06, 2023
As many as 890,000 people won cash prizes totalling 7.5 billion baht from lottery draws after the Government Lottery Office office debuted online sales for tickets on June 2 last year, the office said on Friday.
Following the debut of online lottery ticket sales, 14 draws were held between June 16 and December 30 last year.
Online sales were introduced to reduce price gouging by retailers, who added 25% surcharges on the 80 baht ticket price. Lottery draws are held twice a month: on the 16th and at the end of the month.
Lottery players can pick their favourite numbers on the Paotang app and never have to pay more than 80 baht per ticket.
Five million tickets were sold online in five days for the June 16 draw, the lottery office said.
One month later, 7 million tickets were sold in 29 hours for the July 16 draw.
The number surged for the final draw of the year, on December 30, when 16.2 million tickets were sold online, the lottery office said.
It said 2.2 million digital tickets won cash prizes between June 16 and December 30, of which 158 won the first prize of 948 million baht.
One lottery winner had 16 winning tickets for a single draw, with combined winnings of 96 million baht, the lottery office added.
Tourism, wellness, and green businesses to drive Thai economy this year
FRIDAY, JANUARY 06, 2023
Tourism, wellness, and green businesses will be the major growth drivers for the Thai economy this year, Deputy Commerce Minister Sinit Lertkrai said on Friday.
The three sectors have a bright outlook for 2023 due to their performance last year, growth prospects, the current business environment, and economic trends, Sinit said, citing a forecast by the Department of Business Development.
Although the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to create an economic crisis globally, it creates opportunities for new businesses, Sinit said, adding: “Entrepreneurs need to adapt swiftly and carefully study business trends.”
Registration of new wellness and lifestyle businesses increased sharply last year from 2021, Sinit said.
Citing January to November data from the Department of Business Development, he said 1,262 new businesses related to health, beauty, spas and fitness were registered in 2022, up 70% from 2021. Combined, their registered capital totals 2.7 billion baht.
New tourism-related businesses also surged last year from a year earlier: 4,852 new businesses registered in the sector – an 82% increase from 2021. Their combined registered capital totalled 11 billion baht.
Last year also saw 133 new green businesses launched, up 51% from 2021. Their combined registered capital totalled 405 million baht.
Another 62 new businesses that manufacture electric vehicles, batteries and accessories were registered last year, with combined registered capital of 5.9 billion baht. That was an increase in new businesses in the sector of 55% from 2021.
Using broader definitions of the three categories – including meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions in tourism, frozen health foods and herbal remedies in wellness, and environmental management in green businesses, for example – causes the sectors’ economic power to surge.
According to the Department of Business Development, 94,035 new tourism, wellness and green businesses were registered by the end of last year under the sectors’ broader definition. Their combined registered capital totalled 1.3 trillion baht, according to data from the department.
Commitment to consumer well-being, sustainability vital to Osotspa’s success: CEO
FRIDAY, JANUARY 06, 2023
The CEO of multiple award-winning consumer goods maker Osotspa says the recipe for the company’s success has three key ingredients: an unparalleled commitment to the well-being of consumers and outstanding products
“And don’t forget sustainability,” Osotspa CEO Wannipa Bhakdibutr added, explaining that it was at the core of the company’s business model and had positive economic, social and environmental impacts.
She said the company’s employees were proud that Osotspa was awarded the Thailand Corporate Excellence Award 2022 for marketing excellence by the Thailand Management Association (TMA), in concert with Chulalongkorn University’s Sasin School of Management.
Two of its flagship products – M-150 and C-VITT – were selected as The Most Powerful Brands of Thailand 2022 for the energy and functional drink categories, respectively, Wannipa said.
Osotspa was also honoured in the Thailand Digital Transformation Award 2022’s Operation Transform Thailand category for its ability to adapt to technology. Moreover, it received the bronze prize in Genba Kaizen Award 2022 for effectively applying the Kaizen principles in management and production, Wannipa added.
She said the company was proud to have been selected as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Asia for two consecutive years, explaining that Osotspa promotes hybrid and flexible working, providing employees with flexible working hours and allowing them to design their workplaces.
“Ensuring a good working environment enhances life and makes good business sense,” Wannipa said.
Since Osotspa prioritises the environment, social and governance framework within its busines model, the company was included in the Thailand Sustainability Investment list last year, while the Institute of Directors Corporate Governance Report of Thai Listed Companies named Osotspa an excellent firm in 2022.
The company was also awarded Asean Asset Class PLCs in the 2021 Asean Corporate Governance Scorecard, Wannipa noted.
Osotspa’s commitment to reducing harmful environmental impacts, and enhancing the quality of life of its employees and communities, has made it a role model. This extends to its support for people with disabilities. Both the Security and Exchange Commission and the Social Development and Human Security Ministry have praised the company.
The awards are a sign that the company has been tenacious in developing successful new products while improving the quality of life, Wannipa explained.
Marriott Bonvoy Moments offers exclusive opportunities for Manchester United fanatics to create remarkable memories with the team
FRIDAY, JANUARY 06, 2023
Once-in-a-lifetime packages will grant members behind-the-scenes access to Manchester United for the remainder of the 2022-2023 season, made possible only through Marriott Bonvoy and Marriott hotels.
Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel program from Marriott International, has announced it is offering Marriott Bonvoy members multiple opportunities to experience unforgettable moments with Manchester United. Launching today, together with Marriott Hotels, members can bid on opportunities for exclusive access including an overnight stay in Old Trafford Stadium, access to visit the pitch, and a chance to travel to Barcelona with the team, all through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform for the remainder of the 2022-2023 season.
“Our members travel to create unforgettable memories and it’s why we are thrilled to again offer incredible Marriott Bonvoy Moments experiences with Manchester United for our members who are diehard fans,” said Jackie McAllister, Vice President, Marriott Bonvoy Brand & Moments Marketing. “With Marriott Bonvoy Moments, we give members extraordinary access to pursue their passions in life and enjoy their experiences with family and friends included.”
In its fourth year teaming up with Manchester United, Marriott Bonvoy members can bid points on these once-in-a-lifetime Moments, including:
• Marriott Hotels Suite of Dreams (1x package available starting January 4): The ultimate unique experience for any Manchester United fan. A lucky member will have the opportunity to stay overnight at Old Trafford Stadium and experience a private tour of the stadium, dine with a Manchester United Legend, and access premier seats in the Marriott Hotels M Club suite to watch the game.
• Manchester United Ultimate European Away Trip (1x package available starting January 4): Members will travel with Manchester United to watch the First Team play in Barcelona. Members will travel as part of the official Club traveling party and experience matchday hospitality along with a hotel stay.
• Manchester Matchday Experience (1x package available starting January 4): With the Manchester Matchday experience, members will watch Manchester United play Leicester City from the bespoke Marriott Bonvoy Seat of Dreams with a Manchester United Legend for the duration of the match. Members will enjoy VIP matchday hospitality complete with complimentary food and beverages and a Q&A with a Manchester United Legend. They’ll also have access to a complimentary dinner at Rosso restaurant and a one-night hotel stay at Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel.
• Marriott Hotels M Club Suite and Ambassadors’ Lounge Hosting (multiple packages available starting January 4): Members will have access to the Marriott Hotels M Club suite – the brand’s hospitality suite – and Ambassadors’ Lounge at Old Trafford Stadium filled with complimentary food and beverages. Members will also meet with Manchester United Legends while overlooking the pitch from prime viewing seats.
• Pitchside Experience (7x packages available starting January 24): Alongside the First Team warm-up, members will visit the pitch, receive a professional photo capturing their excitement as well as exclusive access to the hospitality at Marriott Hotels M Club suite.
• Mascot Experience (1x package available starting February 27): Members can bid on a memory-making opportunity for their child to be a team mascot walking hand-in-hand with one of the First Team players onto the Old Trafford pitch. Members, their guests and family will also receive hospitality tickets in the Marriott Hotels M Club suite and a one-night stay at Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel.
• Play on the Pitch (multiple packages available starting mid-April): Members have the chance to play in a football match at Old Trafford Stadium coached by Manchester United Legends.
Banyan Tree Veya Phuket makes well-being easy for beginners
FRIDAY, JANUARY 06, 2023
It is the crack of dawn and my eyes are tightly shut. But instead of being snuggled up in bed, I am attempting – in vain – to walk barefooted in a straight line on a beautifully manicured lawn without sneaking a peek.
Even as I struggle to keep my balance, I quickly notice that my sense of touch has been heightened and I can feel every blade of dewy grass and the grainy texture of the soil beneath my feet.
I am doing “conscious grounding” at Veya Phuket, the new brand extension of Banyan Tree resorts. Launched in March 2022, this 12-villa property is the first wellness-centred resort by the home-grown hospitality group.
While it is situated in a tranquil enclave within the Banyan Tree Phuket resort grounds, guests at Veya have exclusive access to extra facilities including a well-being centre and a traditional herb farm-pharmacy where workshops are conducted.
They also have a separate gym and swimming pool for a more intimate experience.
Post-pandemic, the group itself has been on somewhat of an expansion binge, with two new hotel brands – Garrya, a contemporary well-being-centred concept, and Homm, which aims to evoke the homely, local atmosphere of a residential property.
Garrya has properties in Koh Samui, Huzhou, Kyoto and Xi’an. Homm can be found in Bangkok, Huzhou and Phuket.
There are also upcoming Veya resorts planned in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, and Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique.
Veya Pool Villa at Banyan Tree Veya Phuket. PHOTO: BANYAN TREE VEYA PHUKET
Back in Phuket, during my seven-minute grounding walk, I am surprised to discover that my “monkey mind” has stopped drifting with trivial thoughts, at least temporarily. It is one of the sessions that well-being practitioner Henba Laishram had recommended during a personalised consultation.
He explains that the line-up of activities – which include yoga and circuit exercise classes, aromatherapy room spray and massage oil workshops, meditation sessions and nutrition talks – are conducted at an approachable beginner’s level.
In this scenario, guests who are still new to the concept of self-care and well-being can sample an array of healthy practices that they can continue practising even when they check out.
Select activities are complimentary with the stay, while paid sessions cost 1,000 baht (S$39) each.
The concept fills a gap in the burgeoning wellness travel market, where retreats often focus on guests who are more accustomed to well-being practices.
Such retreats generally involve intensive exercise schedules, strict meal plans or “detox cleanses” and even esoteric treatments such as hydrotherapy or intravenous vitamin infusions that may be intimidating to newbies.
At Veya, the softer approach means guests may pick and choose freely from the range of activities so they can be as involved – or relaxed – as they wish.
That is a good thing because you will want to allocate sufficient time to enjoy the newly built Veya villas.
The spacious digs evoke a similar tropical resort vibe that Banyan Tree pioneered in the early 1990s but in a more contemporary style featuring minimalist furnishing and a colour scheme of light oak and mint green.
The on-site all-day Veya eatery makes it easy to eat well without feeling deprived with a plant-forward, seafood-leaning menu. PHOTO: BANYAN TREE VEYA PHUKET
Among the highlights are the generously sized private plunge pools and heated tubs in each villa, which are atmospheric for an after-dark soak while moon and star gazing.
What I appreciate most is how the villas are specially designed to foster a good night’s rest with luxuriously soft organic cotton bedlinen, black-out curtains and even a sleep light thoughtfully placed close to the floor to prevent beams from shining directly into one’s eyes.
In a nod to the wellness theme, the villas are equipped with a Tibetan singing bowl, yoga mat and exercise stretch bands for guests. I have every intention to use them on my private deck, but never do because I sleep so well every night and have to hit the snooze button repeatedly each morning.
However, I manage to rouse myself to try various activities, including a solid pilates core exercise class and a circuit-style “fat blast” workout which can be customised to a higher intensity for those so inclined.
My favourite is a soothing sound bath session where a practitioner creates harmonious hums and vibrations by using specially tuned metal bowls that lull me into a state of deep relaxation.
Alternatively, one cannot go wrong with spa sessions, which are conducted in private villas amid a tropical garden – a style popularised by Banyan Tree.
During my Signature Purposeful Massage (5,500 baht for 60 minutes), the brand’s famed therapists work their magic to soothe and rejuvenate my tense muscles.
The on-site all-day Veya eatery makes it easy to eat well without feeling deprived with a plant-forward, seafood-leaning menu.
For instance, breakfast comes with a tower of fresh bake and salad to encourage a balanced diet, while dishes for lunch and dinner, such as my favourite seared scallops (475 baht), are served with a generous portion of fresh greens.
That said, nobody will be made to feel guilty for indulging – there is organic wine on the menu and guests are free to dine at other eateries, including Banyan Tree’s excellent Thai restaurant, which is a two-minute walk away.
The resort is itself situated within the 300ha Laguna Phuket where the group’s other properties – including Angsana, Cassia and LagunaHoliday Club – are located.
Once an abandoned tin mine, the site was bought by Banyan Tree Holdings founder and executive chairman Ho Kwon Ping in 1984 when he was looking for a place to build a holiday home with his wife Claire Chiang.
The group invested heavily in revitalising the natural environment and, today, the regenerated lagoons are habitats for aquatic flora and fauna.
Tip: To fully enjoy the tranquillity of the lagoons, hop onto a free half-hourly ferry service for a ride around Laguna Phuket, which has stops at various locations, including the beach bar Xana.
At the other end of Laguna Phuket, keep a lookout for the soon-to-launch Ori9in Gourmet Park, which has a farm-to-table picnic cafe, fresh food market as well as a nature trail with a dog run and viewing decks.
Or to venture further afield, the town of Phuket is a 30-minute ride away via a shuttle bus service available at the lobby of Cassia.
In my current state of new-found zen, I decide to make my way to Bang Tao beach instead. This 3km stretch of white sandy shores is barely a 10-minute walk from Veya and is a popular gathering spot for locals and travellers alike.
It used to be lined with small beach shacks but had recently been cleared out by the authorities.
While some old-timers may bemoan the loss of “character”, for sunseekers hankering after some peace and quiet, this is possibly as close to untouched paradise as one might hope to get in these modern times.
That evening, as I gaze at the endless horizon, the setting sun setting the sky on fire, I am pretty sure I finally get a taste of that elusive sense of inner peace that many people have been seeking by signing up for this retreat.
Omicron subvariant circulating in China already swept through Thailand: virologist
FRIDAY, JANUARY 06, 2023
There is no need to fear that it is easier to contract Covid-19 from Chinese tourists than visitors from other countries, Chulalongkorn University’s top virologist said on Thursday.
Dr Yong Poovorawan said the main Covid-19 subvariant circulating in China, BA.5, had previously circulated in Thailand.
“Chinese tourists [infected with Covid-19] who visit Thailand will spread an Omicron suvariant that previously spread in Thailand,” he wrote on Facebook
Two subvariants of the virus – Omicron BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 – that are dominant in both the United States and Europe have not been found in Thailand yet, Yong said.
The dominant subvariant in Thailand now is BA.2.75, the virologist explained.
He also pointed out that Thailand, like many other countries, conducts genetic decoding of Covid-19 variants at a central data centre, allowing researchers to study mutations.
“Preventing the spread of Covid-19 by restricting Chinese tourists from visiting Thailand is not the way to curb the spread of the virus,” Yong said.
About 96% of Thailand’s population has immunity against Covid-19 from vaccines and/or infections, he said, adding that the majority of people in the country have immunity against Omicron.
“One-third of children in Thailand could be infected with Covid-19 and be asymptomatic,” he added.
The number of Covid-19 patients in Thailand is declining and this number will fall further in the hot season before rising again in June when the rainy season commences, Yong said.
He expects annual vaccination drives before the rainy season begins, especially among those most vulnerable to Coviod-19.
“Covid-19 will become a seasonal disease,” he said. Consequently, people have to pay attention to their health and follow Covid-19 prevention protocols.
Baht weakens against dollar on Friday but experts see upswing ahead
FRIDAY, JANUARY 06, 2023
The baht opened at 34.03 to the US dollar on Friday, weakening from Thursday’s close of 33.87.
The currency will likely move between 33.90 and 34.20 against the greenback during the day and between 34.00 and 34.25 in the short term, Krungthai market strategist Poon Panichpibool said.
He said the baht weakened due to the strengthening dollar and falling gold price. He added that the Thai currency could face further pressure from positive US economic data such as non-farm payrolls, wage growth and the Purchasing Managers’ Index.
However, he did not expect the baht to weaken further as exporters are waiting to sell dollars. Also, foreign investors expect the baht may strengthen.
Poon said the baht could rise to 33.50 to the dollar on the return of Chinese tourists and gold sales.
He also advised investors to use strategies to prevent risk from currency exchange volatility.
Kobsit Silpachai, Kasikornbank’s head of capital market research, expects the baht to strengthen in the first quarter as tourism recovers before weakening in the second quarter due to dividend payments and foreign fund outflows.
Koraphat Vorachet, director of investment research and investor services at Capital Nomura Securities, said stocks in airlines, power plants and industrial estates would benefit from the strengthening baht as a large proportion of their debt is in foreign currency.
Digital pharmacy platform ARINCARE unveils plan for IPO to list on SET by 2026
THURSDAY, JANUARY 05, 2023
Nongluck Ajanapanya
ARINCARE, a Thai startup that provides digital platforms to pharmacists and drug stores, has unveiled expansion strategies to meet the growing demand in Thailand. The startup aims to launch an initial public offering (IPO) and list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) by 2026.
The move to list on the SET follows the the company’s successful US$4-million Series B funding round with two new investors — Chularat Hospital Group (CHG), and PTG Energy Pcl, an energy provider and service station.
ARINCARE provides a pharmacy management platform for drugstores, medicine express for business-to-business supply chain service and telepharmacy service.
Teera Kanokkanjanarat, CEO and co-founder of ARINCARE, told a press conference on Thursday that with CHG coming on board as the lead investor in this round of funding, and PTG as a follow-on investor, the company would be able to nurture and enhance the Thai health tech ecosystem in accordance with the company’s road map.
He said the fund would be divided into three parts. The first component will be used to enhance supply chain infrastructure, the second part for technology development, and the last part for the preparation of its internal management so that ARINCARE can go public in the next three years.
ARINCARE would continue to expand its markets in a key cooperation with Chularat Hospital Group (CHG) in 2023, Teera said, adding this collaboration is focused on building a connected healthcare ecosystem between hospitals and local healthcare organisations.
They would be connecting Arincare’s network of over 3,000 drugstores and pharmacists with CHG’s medical team.
“This will build healthcare capabilities into the community with nationwide coverage,” Teera explained.
At the same time, the partnership with PTG’s MaxCard, a network with the greatest access to Thai consumers, will strengthen operation of local pharmacies by adding healthcare services to Thai consumers through the MaxCard privilege.
Meanwhile, ARINCARE remains on track to list on the SET and launch an IPO in 2026, he said.
Teera Kanokkanjanarat
Teera said he strongly believes that with this model, ARINCARE could better penetrate its target groups, resulting in over 100% growth and enabling pharmacies and drugstores to deliver the greatest benefit to consumers.
Teera pointed out that the combination of the Covid-19 pandemic and Thailand becoming an ageing society had led to many consumers paying more attention to their own and their families’ health. This trend has resulted in a promising growth of the healthcare market as well as rapidly rising demand for pharmacies and drugstores.
Along with this, he pointed out that government public health systems are insufficient to meet current demand, whereas private health services, such as clinics and hospitals, are concentrated in large cities or communities and charge high service fees.
“Community pharmacies and pharmacists are a gateway for people to better access health services, especially when connected to a healthcare ecosystem, on a platform dedicated to addressing inequalities, so that all Thai people have equal access to public health service systems through the medium of technology,” he said.
Thailand currently has approximately 20,000 pharmacy outlets around the country, 80% of them are small and medium enterprises and only 20% are franchisees or large operators, Teera said.
In 2022, the market was worth 40 billion baht, growing on average by 7% annually. This expansion is expected to continue at a rate of 13-17% per year, reaching 190 billion baht in 2025.
Dr Kumpol Plussind, CHG’s chief executive officer, said that bringing technology to the ARINCARE platform, specifically its e-prescription system, would yield opportunities to combine both in-patient and out-patient treatments in a seamless upgraded service for good quality of life.
“This reduces the number of prescriptions that are missed, forged, or reused. This also allows for easy monitoring of patients’ medical treatment, medical adherence, and easy access to patient medication records without additional fees,” he noted.
Pitak Ratchakitprakarn
Meanwhile, Pitak Ratchakitprakarn, president and CEO of PTG, was pleased with their joint investment in ARINCARE. He said the move would assist PTG in improving its service stations to meet a variety of people’s needs, such as convenience stores and pharmacies. This would also expand PTG’s business opportunities, he said.
“It is part of PTG’s objective to increase the proportion of non-oil businesses to 60-70% by 2026, in line with the global trend to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. We are transitioning from the oil business to eight non-oil business sectors, including food and beverages, digital platforms, wellness and healthcare,” he stated.
Teera was confident that the major collaboration with CHG and PTG would come out with new lines of business, underlining ARINCARE’s mission of “Make Healthcare Affordable”.
Veya Pool Villa at Banyan Tree Veya Phuket. PHOTO: BANYAN TREE VEYA PHUKET
The on-site all-day Veya eatery makes it easy to eat well without feeling deprived with a plant-forward, seafood-leaning menu. PHOTO: BANYAN TREE VEYA PHUKET
Teera Kanokkanjanarat
Pitak Ratchakitprakarn
SootinClaimon.Com 