New flight between Phuket and Khon Kaen launched

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/thailand/30330812

New flight between Phuket and Khon Kaen launched

Thailand November 04, 2017 12:09

By The Nation

8,529 Viewed

AirAsia is strengthening its Phuket base with a new route Phuket to Khon Kaen designed to stimulate regional tourism.

The new flight will operate four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at a promotional fare starting at Bt690 per trip from December 22.

This is an addition that follows new international route Phuket-Macau and that comes with plans by AirAsia to improve self-check-in and baggage loading for a more convenient travel experience

AirAsia has already installed a total of 11 self-check-in kiosks in the domestic and international terminals and has introduced three automatic machines for self-baggage-drop in the international terminal with plans to add five more in the domestic terminal following a well-received response.

Arun Lilapantisitti, AirAsia’s Station Head for Phuket, said that Phuket is one of AirAsia’s main airport hubs as it offers a variety of routes, both domestic and international, and has continued to grow steadily. Over the first three quarters of this year, all routes from the hub maintained a combined Load Factor average of 86 per cent, including the Bangkok-Phuket route, which has been popular enough to warrant the addition of a pre-dawn flight and is now offered 18 times a day.

“We’re adding two new routes now because the fourth quarter is travel season and Phuket is a top destination for Thai and foreign tourists alike.  Our first addition was the Phuket-Macau route, which will begin flying on January 8. The Phuket-Khon Kaen regional connection can be booked from now and should serve northeasterners looking to return home and Phuket residents looking for a vacation getaway very well,” he added.

The Phuket-Khon Kaen route will depart from Khon Kaen at 08.45am and arrive at Phuket at 10.40am and the flight will depart from Phuket at 11.10am to Khon Kaen at 12.50pm. Book from now until November 12 for travel between December 22 to November 21, 2018 at the promotional air fare at www.airasia.com and all ticketing channels.

How the other half live

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/thailand/30330664

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How the other half live

Thailand November 03, 2017 09:05

By THE NATION

7,311 Viewed

Dedicated to sustainable tourism development, the Thailand-based social enterprise Local Alike has now launched its first all-inclusive package tours to local communities in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.

Taking place between December 8 and 11 and starting at Bt12,700, the packages include return flights from Bangkok, accommodation with community members and delicious local cuisine. Travellers will discover true sustainable living based on His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s sufficiency economy philosophy at Pong Huai Lan Village in Chiang Mai, see first-hand the lives of the Akha tribe at Hloyo Village, and relax under a starlit sky at the eco-friendly community-based Lanjia Lodge in Chiang Rai.

Nature lovers are offered eight other travel packages to visit the northern communities from now through December. They include Heaven on Earth in new perspectives at Sawanbondin Farm & Homestay and Keep Eyes and Mind Wide Open and Let’s Explore Nature Trail at Baan Suan Pa in Chiang Rai.

Also on offer is the visiting tea and coffee plantations programme at Chiang Mai’s Mae Kampong Village, Chiang Mai Green City Tour and Baan Pong–Huai Lan Sufficient Way to Sustainable Life in Chiang Mai.

Sign up at (081) 139 5593 or visit http://www.LocalAlike.com.

Come float your krathong

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/thailand/30330651

Come float your krathong

Thailand November 02, 2017 14:38

By The Nation

6,617 Viewed

Loy Krathong Festival is one of the most famous festivals celebrated nationwide in Thailand and this year it falls tomorrow, November 3. In celebration of this beautiful full-moon night of the twelfth lunar month, the travel website Booking.com reveals six destinations along with accommodation in each to experience the festival and pay respect to the water spirits.

Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the destinations which grandly celebrates the festival. Aside from releasing krathongs, as the floats as called, you can explore a Temple Fair at the Golden Mount Temple (also known as Wat Saket). It is believed to be the origin of the temple fair in Thailand. This local fair boasts an incredible array of food stalls, entertaining traditional games and marvellous performances like Thai dancing. Alternatively, you can watch the fireworks from popular attractions near the Chao Phraya River like Asiatique The Riverfront, Rama VIII Bridge, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and more.

Where to stay: Riva Surya on Phra Arthit Road, offers stylish air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. The property is in a walking distance to Khao San Road and the Bangkok National Museum. Guests can also enjoy the stunning views of the Chao Phraya River from the restaurant on site while tucking into authentic Thai, Asian and European dishes.

 

Chiang Mai

Located in the North of Thailand, Chiang Mai was originally the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. The Loy Krathong celebration here is known as “Yee Peng”, meaning the full moon of the second month in the Lanna lunar calendar. During the festival, locals decorate their houses and temples with beautifully illuminated lanterns, and light small baked-clay candles to worship the “Three Gems” of Buddhism, namely, the Buddha, his teachings, and the Buddhist clergy. The highlight is the launch of floating lanterns into the night sky.

Where to stay: The Empress Hotel enjoys a quiet location in Chiang Mai, yet is a convenient 10-minute walk from the Night Bazaar. It has an outdoor pool, massage parlour, and two restaurants. Furnished in a modern Asian style, rooms feature a seating area by a floor-to-ceiling window.

 

Phayao

A small province located in the North of the country, Phayao is a quiet yet attractive town. Travellers can release krathongs onto the water at Kwan Phayao, a vast wetland, send lanterns into the sky, watch the lantern parade competition, and enjoy traditional dancing and music performances.

Where to stay: Featuring free WiFi and a terrace, the Cozy Nest Boutique Rooms lives up to its name. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free use of bicycles is available at this bed and breakfast and the area is popular for cycling.

 

Sukhothai

Sukhothai was once the capital of Thailand and ancient ruins still remain around the city. It’s also the best place to enjoy an authentic Loy Krathong experience. Every year, the main venue of the celebration is the Sukhothai Historical Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, where the ancient temple ruins are combined with colourful lights and an old-style market that will take you back to the former capital’s heyday. At night you can watch a theatrical light show telling the story of this charming Heritage city and the history of Loy Krathong festival.

Where to stay: Legendha Sukhothai Hotel is located on the bank of Mae Rampan Canal, just 10 minutes’ walk to Sukhothai Historic Park. It offers spacious rooms with traditional Thai furnishings and teak wood furniture. The Legendha Hotel is ideally located for exploring Sukhothai Historical Park and natural surroundings.

 

Tak

Bordered on the west by Myanmar, Tak is a province in Northern Thailand. Its Loy Krathong festival is known as Loy Krathong Sai, literally meaning “floating Krathongs in line” and offers a unique opportunity to admire thousands of Krathongs sailing down the Ping River in a candlelit chain, making the whole river sparkle with light. What’s unique about the krathongs made here is that, instead of using banana trunks as the main material, coconut shells are used, often decorates them with flowers. Both riverbanks bustle with a crowd, some dancing and some playing music.

Where to stay: Featuring free Wi-Fi, a barbecue and a sun terrace, Sleep Nest Hotel offers accommodation in Mae Sot. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Bike hire is available at this property and the area is popular for cycling and hiking.

 

Koh Pha-ngan

Located in the South of Thailand, the island of Koh Pha-ngan has become a world-famous destination for the Full Moon Party. Take this opportunity to explore new places to float krathongs and hit the party till dawn in the same trip. In Koh Pha-ngan, you can experience both releasing krathongs onto the sea and floating the sky lanterns into the sky, before heading to the beach for the party.

Where to stay: A short walk from Leela Beach, Cocohut Beach Resort offers rooms with private balconies and cable TV. It features an outdoor pool and free transfers from Haad Rin Pier and is just 5-minutes drive from Haad Rin Beach, where the famous Full Moon Parties take place monthly.

Floats on the water

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/thailand/30330522

  • Bangkokians will be gathering along waterways all around the city to participate in the festival.
  • Thailand’s muchlove Loy Krathong Festival returns this coming Friday.
  • The Yee Peng Festival lights up the Chiang Mai skies with thousands of illuminated paper lanterns.
  • Tak residents will float 1,000 illuminated bananaleaf boats, known as krathong sai.

Floats on the water

Thailand November 01, 2017 01:00

By The Nation

4,382 Viewed

And fire in the sky as Loy Krathong is celebrated country-wide this Friday

AFTER A full year in mourning at the loss of their beloved Monarch, Thais are back to their fun-loving selves and all over the country they are gearing up to celebrate the much-loved Loy Krathong Festival – the ancient Thai ritual of honouring the Water Goddess.

Bangkokians will be gathering along waterways all around the city to participate in the festival. 

As the full moon casts its light over the land, the rivers, lakes and canals will burst into pops of light as lotus-inspired floats, known as krathong, fashioned from banana leaves and adorned with colourful blossoms and candles are sent out to apologise the Water Goddess for our misdeeds and ask for good luck in the forthcoming year.

Those seeking a place to join the celebration have a wide choice of interesting venues boasting unique cultural performances, fireworks and fun workshops.

BANGKOK

Bangkokians can take advantage of the seamless festive route at the event called the River Festival that is being organised from Friday to Sunday.

This year, the event is broadening its territory to the Chao Phraya River’s eight major piers ranging from Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Kalayanamitra Waramahaviharn, Wat Prayurawongsawas Waraviharn, Tha Maharaj, Yodpiman River Walk, Lhong 1919 to Asiatique the Riverfront. Free shuttle boat services will be on hand from 4 to 11pm making it easy to get around.

People loose bananaleaf vessels to carry away past sins and seek good fortune for the coming year. 

It’s a pleasant time to admire the spectacular streams of illuminated krathong flowing against an idyllic backdrop of Bangkok’s landmarks while the traditional religious ceremonies, music performances and lantern festival add colour to the banks.

Asiatique the Riverfront also offers visitors extra fun with an exhibition of Thai people and Their River, a showcase of innovative installation arts, a do-it-yourself krathong workshop and a street market offering handmade goods and local delicacies.

Further up the Chao Phraya on Rattanakosin Island, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is transforming Suan Santichaiprakarn into a classic Thai village from today until Friday.

The fair features several demonstrations of Royal Thai cuisine and garland making as well as an exhibition related to the celebrations of Loy Krathong in four cities. Visitors are invited to dress in traditional Thai costume and take part in a charming krathong procession.

The Retro Nostalgic zone showcases unique Thai cuisine and the lifestyles of Thais in bygone days and also has a corner for families to show off their creativity in crafting biodegradable krathong. Entertainment comes in the form of a khon performance from the Ramayana and a concert featuring Thai instruments.

The Sukhothai Historical Park hosts the “Glorious Sukhothai Kingdom” lightandsound show, reaching back to the festival’s advent in 1238, when King Ramkhamhaeng’s consort Tao Sri Chulalak (Noppamas) launched the original lotusshaped miniature barge.

SUKHOTHAI

The first capital of Siam, Sukhothai is where the Loy Krathong Festival began hundreds of years ago. Revellers can relive those times by heading to the Sukhothai Historical Park for the annual Sukhothai Loy Krathong and Candle Festival from today to Sunday.

This year, the festival will include a special exhibition paying tribute to His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and to honour His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn. A “Greeting of the Dawn of Happiness” ceremony and “Khao Kwan Wan Len Fire”, the traditional Sukhothai gala dinner, kick off proceedings.

Thai culture is on display throughout the World Heritage Site, with a krathong-making contest, Noppamas processions from nine districts, khon and Thai classical music performances by local students, fireworks, a Thai folk singing competition and a Miss Noppamas’ beauty pageant.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the ruins, the “Glorious Sukhothai Kingdom” light-and-sound performance will take visitors back to the birth of the festival in 1238 when the first small lotus-shaped small barge was crafted by King Ramkhamhaeng’s consort Tao Sri Chulalak, known as Noppamas.

Other attractions include an ancient Sukhothai-style market, where Siamese people bought and sold products with cowrie shells. This year, it will be home to more than 50 vendors offering local food and quality handcrafts. Visitors can also join a Thai folk dance performance and a ceremony of lighting up candles to pay respect to the Buddha.

Travellers to Chiang Mai can admire a spectacular parade of Nang Noppamas.

CHIANG MAI

In the country’s northern region, the old Lanna capital Chiang Mai has maintained its charming culture by hosting the renowned Yi Peng Festival from tonight until Sunday.

Spread around the town from Three Kings Monument and Ping River to Tha Phae Gate and Nawarat Bridge, Chiang Mai’s festive version brightens up the sky with thousands of illuminated paper lanterns to pay respect to the Buddha rather than floating krathong down the river.

Local residents furnish their houses with handcrafted hanging lanterns and sacred Lanna-style religious ceremonies are held at the temples. Cultural entertainment includes crafting krathong from banana leaves and making sampao (mini boats), fireworks, krathong processions contest and releasing the fire lanterns.

Tak residents will float 1,000 illuminated bananaleaf boats, known as krathong sai. 

TAK

Tak on Thailand’s western border with Myanmar is famous for floating 1,000 illuminated banana-leaf barges or krathong sai.

The festival takes place from Friday to Tuesday at Rattanakosin Song Roi Pi Bridge and will include ceremonies honouring the late King, processions of krathong made from coconut shells, Thai cultural performances, a walking street and a One Product, One Tambon (Otop) exhibition. Visitors can take part in a competition to float 1,000 glittering lanterns or coconut-shell krathong to win a royal trophy.

 

AYUTTHAYA

The old town of Ayutthaya also joins the celebration on Friday night with festivities taking place from the Pridi Bridge and Sri Suriyothai Pagoda to Chankasem Palace and Petch Fortress.

The event includes a Miss Noppamas Beauty Contest, krathong floating and fire lantern contests, Thai music performances and a street market selling local handicrafts, cotton and silk garments, pottery, household items and favourite Thai delicacies.

In the town of Amphawa in Samut Songkham, the Mae Klong River will be illuminated with thousands of krathong crafted from the bark of banana trees. 

SAMUT SONGKHRAM

Known for its floating market, Samut Songkhram is holding the Loy Krathong Festival at Wat Pummarin Kudeethong on Friday.

It’s a great place to indulge in a slow life and watch krathong crafting from banana tree trunks, the floating of 200,000 of specially designed barges, Thai dance procession, retro Thai dancing and multiple contests of Mum and Daughter, krathong making and Thai dance.

Step back in history at Phimai Festival

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/thailand/30330052

Step back in history at Phimai Festival

Thailand October 25, 2017 12:00

By The Nation

3,435 Viewed

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is hosting the Phimai Festival from November 8 to 12 at the Phimai Historical Park and along the Chakkarat River in Nakhon Ratchasima, celebrating the 1,000-year-old city whose ruins have been evocatively preserved.

As well as drawing attention to the city built during the reign of Khmer King Jayavarman VII so long ago, the festival will feature an exhibition paying tribute to His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

A light-and-sound presentation will take place daily at 7pm, and the lively Phimai Boat Race on the river is set for November 11 and 12.

Other activities include an exhibition on Phimai’s history, with a mock-up medieval marketplace selling handicrafts and other local products.

The cultural performances will include the Korat Cat Competition for gorgeous felines of the Siamese variety, lessons in how to cook great dishes like the famous som tam salad and pad mee Korat (stir-fried noodles). Plenty of workshops will intrigue do-it-yourself enthusiasts.

Learn more at (044) 213 030 and http://www.TourismThailand.org/nakhonratchasima.

Love and loyalty in full bloom

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/thailand/30330042

  • Thai mourners and volunteers have joined hands to decorate the arches.
  • The yellow-gold arch titled “King Rama IX” plays with sunshine in making a three-dimensional marigold curtain look like the Thai nine.
  • “Thais” is designed to resemble 89 metres of flowing fabric representing the age of the late King Bhumibol and is decorated with different shades forming the colours of the Thai flag at the edge.
  • “Rain” is adorned with pink lotuses, inspired by the famous photo of Tum Channit, the elderly lady who waited so patiently to greet the late King that the lotus flower she was holding wilted.
  • The innovative arch known as “Home” is decorated with 77 daffodil-inspired chandeliers made with crown flowers suspended from the roof in the shape of Thailand.
  • The last arch called “Montarop” is designed to look like a gate to heaven and is exquisitely decorated with montarop or magnolia flowers, which are believed to have originated in heaven.

Love and loyalty in full bloom

Thailand October 25, 2017 01:00

By Pattarawadee Saengmanee
The Nation

3,813 Viewed

Horticulturalists around the land have sown the seeds for glorious floral arches in a project called “Flowers for Dad”

FLOWER VENDORS in Thailand’s largest flower market Pak Klong Talad have joined the rest of the country in saying a final farewell to His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej by creating a floral tribute that stretches for 400 metres along Chakphet Road.

Put together by the market traders with the assistance of local residents and volunteers from around the country, the blooming masterpiece, known as “Flowers for Dad” is on view until Friday.

“Thais” is designed to resemble 89 metres of flowing fabric representing the age of the late King Bhumibol and is decorated with different shades forming the colours of the Thai flag at the edge. 

Among the amazing sights are floral tunnels built with millions of colourful flowers representing the deep feeling of love that Thais have toward their beloved monarch.

But while the showcase has drawn admirers from around the country, it has also been a victim of over-zealous attention. It was temporarily closed last night to allow for repairs to the landscaping and electronic systems, damaged by selfie addicts so keen to get a shot that they trampled the poor flowers.

“Last year, we arranged bouquets in front of our shops to mark the late King Bhumibol’s birthday on December 5 and florists from all over Thailand wanted to take part. So we invited them to pay respect to our beloved monarch by joining our Flowers for Dad project,” says project head Pornsomjai Huadhoon.

“All the flowers have been donated by vendors in Pak Klong Talad and flower gardens nationwide. We raised the money to buy the arch structures by selling black polo shirts around the community. We are grateful to the Miracle of Life for providing a professional team to help us with the visitors and for the cooperation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration,” Pornsomjai adds.

Pornsomjai Huadhoon plays as a head of the project to bid farewell to the beloved Monarch. 

Noppadon Charoenpholpalit, the owner of marigold plantations in Tak’s Phop Phra district, brought 99,999 marigolds to plant in memory of late Monarch.

“Two decades ago, we were growing opium poppy on mobile plantations around the villages. The late King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit instructed the Department of Agricultural Extension to educate us in growing corn, chilli and marigolds. Today, we have a better quality of life and this is our last chance to pay respect to the late King Bhumibol,” Noppadon says.

Designed by well-known wedding and funeral organiser Chayawat Panjaphakdee from Niralai by Rainforest, the flower exhibition is divided into six zones and based on two colours – white symbolising purity, goodness and heaven and yellow marking Monday, the late King’s day of birth.

Noppadon Charoenpholpalit, the owner of marigold farm in Take’s Phop Phra district, Tak, has planted 99,990 marigolds, which can produce more than a million of marigold flowers.

Focusing on several kinds of flowers that boost the Thai economy, such as marigolds, orchids, lotuses and chrysanthemums, the landscape is designed as a modern graphic artwork to reflect the beauty of nature even when flowers gradually turn brown.

“We don’t want to limit colours so our designs provide more flexibility. The Pak Klong Talad community has made it easy by inviting everyone to join and share materials. The donations from local flower vendors and growers across the country have far exceeded our expectations and we received 30 tons of flowers. Everyone has come to tell the world how much we love our king,” Chayawat says.

“We just want people to remember our project. The late King is a powerful inspiration of doing good without expecting anything in return.”

Renowned flower organiser Chayawat Panjaphakdee from Niralai by Rainforest is behind the astonishing flower landscapes. 

White flowers in the shape of the Thai numeral nine welcome visitors to the exhibition and lead to the first arch named “Thais”, which is designed to resemble 89 metres of flowing fabric representing the age of the late King Bhumibol. Mainly made from pure white flowers, the edge of tunnel is decorated with different shades forming the colours of the Thai flag.

“The idea comes from the Thai idiom about children looking like a white fabric to which you can add colours. Thais have undergone many troubles but the late King Bhumibol has brought us back together. Thailand opens its doors wide to everyone no matter their religion or beliefs. We can live together in harmony,” Chayawat says.

“Rain” is adorned with pink lotuses, inspired by the famous photo of Tum Channit, the elderly lady who waited so patiently to greet the late King that the lotus flower she was holding wilted. 

The second arch “Rain” takes inspiration from the famous photo of Tum Channit, the elderly lady who waited so patiently to greet the late King that the lotus flower she was holding wilted. The image was snapped in 1955 during his visit to Nakhon Phanom Province and reflects how King Bhumibol’s graciousness is like the rain, a blessing that revives withered flowers so they become blooms in Thai hearts. This arch uses lotus flowers to simulate a stream of water and a floating lotus and implies that the principles of the late King help enlighten his people.

“When the late King Bhumibol received a wizened lotus with a smiling face, he was teaching us that we shouldn’t look at people just by what is on the exterior but look into their heart. He’s a role model who always guided us in how to conduct ourselves,” Chayawat says.

 

The “Imprint” arch imitates the mountain ranges of the northern region in a colourful mixture of chrysanthemums and the other cool climate flowers that drive the local economy.

The “Imprint” arch imitates the mountain ranges of the northern region in a colourful mixture of chrysanthemums and the other cool climate flowers that drive the local economy.

The design illustrates how the late Monarch turned the opium fields and barren mountains into fertile fruit and vegetable plantations by setting up more than 4,000 royal initiatives to improve the quality of life of his people.

The innovative arch known as “Home” catches the eye with 77 daffodil-inspired chandeliers made with crown flowers suspended from the roof in the shape of Thailand. It symbolises how the late King’s graciousness is evenly showered over 77 provinces.

“Daffodils represent the love between the late King and Queen Sirikit. We use it to convey that his love is given to his people as well,” Chayawat says.

The last arch called “Montarop” is designed to look like a gate to heaven and is exquisitely decorated with montarop or magnolia flowers, which are believed to have originated in heaven.

The yellow-gold arch of “King Rama IX” represents Monday, the day on which the late King was born and is adorned with a large marigold curtain woven in the shape of the Thai numeral nine.

“We play with sunshine in making a three-dimensional marigold curtain to look like the Thai nine. This is a new technique and one that I haven’t used before. It’s inspired by the sufficiency philosophy,” Chayawat says.

The last arch, “Montarop” is designed to look like a gate to heaven and is exquisitely decorated with montarop or magnolia flowers, which are believed to have originated in heaven.

BLOSSOMS FOR THE KING

>> “Flowers for Dad” continues to Friday. Admission is free.

>> Find out more at the “ChumchonPakKlongTalad” page on Facebook.

Two experts join BeMyGuest

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/thailand/30329945

Two experts join BeMyGuest

Thailand October 24, 2017 09:05

By The Nation

2,759 Viewed

To support the rapid expansion of BeMyGuest Labs, experts in the science of technology for tours and activities in Asia, BeMyGuest today announced the appointment of travel veteran Graham Hills to the position of chief commercial officer, and industry leader Kei Shibata to its Board of Directors.

“We are excited about the growth opportunities that Graham’s expertise in product development, data analytics, digital media as well as his track record in revenue generation and success scaling business operations, especially in Indonesia, will bring to our company,” said Clement Wong, chief executive of & founder of BeMyGuest.

Hills’ well-rounded career spans 15 years, 10 of those in Southeast Asia. He has worked across multiple travel sectors, including government institutions (Tourism Western Australia), online travel agencies (Octopus Travel), travel publishers (Yahoo!) and metasearch engines (Wego).

“This is an extraordinary opportunity to be able to join the team who is setting the standard for technology in Asia in the fastest growing travel segment, within the largest regional market in the world – the attractions, tours and activities space. I am looking forward to playing a part during this period of hyper-growth, and help BeMyGuest continue to drive innovation for the sector,” Hills told the press.

“Kei’s appointment to our Board of Directors, will allow us to work closer together and leverage his extensive knowledge of ecommerce and his strong entrepreneurial business acumen. We are honoured to add this level of experience to our management team,” said Blanca Menchaca chief operator office and co-founder of BeMyGuest.

“Kei’s exemplary achievements in the Asian travel industry, especially in Japan, are well known. He co-founded Venture Republic Inc. and as its chief executive took the company public in 2008 after seven years of operation.”

Over the last 16 years, Shibata has built a variety of online vertical media including Travel.jp, the leading travel metasearch site in Japan, Hotel.jp and Coneco.net. He has also led multiple investments in travel and ecommerce start-ups particularly in Asia, including Allstay in South Korea and Trip101 in Singapore., Shibata worked at Mitsubishi Corporation for 11 years playing a key role in the company’s largest M&A deal to acquire Lawson Inc, one of the largest convenience store chains in Japan,

“BeMyGuest has successfully elevated Asia’s attractions, tours and activities sector,” said Shibata. “Their strategic execution and ability to attract global distribution partners, suppliers, industry talent and investors is outstanding, and I’m extremely happy to be working with the management team to progress the business even further.”

Loy Krathong – Lanna style

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/thailand/30329819

Loy Krathong – Lanna style

Thailand October 21, 2017 10:50

By The Nation

3,315 Viewed

Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai celebrates Loy Krathong by inviting guests to dine by moonlight on a Northern Thai-style buffet as the cool breezes sweep up your hot air balloon Krathong (Khom Loy) up into the sky, releasing all your misfortune.

Loy Krathong is celebrated annually in Thailand on the 12th full moon following the Thai Lunar calendar and this year falls on November 3. The word “loy” means to float and a “krathong” is a small circular raft made from banana tree trunks. This little raft is decorate with elaborately folded banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense. Krathongs are then released into the river or floated up into the sky in a khom loy. The ceremony is one of spiritual cleansing as one venerates the Lord Buddha with light, with the floating raft symbolizing the letting go of our grudges and past grievances. This act is believed to bring good luck and also honour the Thai river goddess, Phra Mae Khongkha.

The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai is offering a package for this cultural experience with two night’s accommodation in a deluxe villa from November 2 to 5. Other benefits are daily buffet breakfast at Akaligo Restaurant for two persons, a set of afternoon tea at Dhara Dhevi Cake Shop for two persons, one complimentary extra bed for child under 12 years, 15-per-cent discount on spa treatment during stay, Northern Thai buffet dinner at Le Grand Lanna Restaurant on November 3 for two persons including one khom loy, traditional Lanna shows and a beautiful krathong made of banana leaves.

The package is priced is Bt58,000-plus. For details and reservations, visit www.DharaDhevi.com or email sirikanya@dharadhevi.com.

Up, up and away from Macao to Phuket

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/thailand/30329484

Up, up and away from Macao to Phuket

Thailand October 17, 2017 13:00

By The Nation

2,765 Viewed

AirAsia’s newest route will let citizens of Macao travel directly and daily to Thailand’s paradise island of Phuket from January 8, with a special promotion starting at Bt1,590 per trip.

Celia Lao, CEO of AirAsia Hong Kong & Macao, said Phuket is among the top destinations for Macanese and Chinese travellers, making Thai AirAsia’s introduction of a direct flight between Phuket and Macao a wonderful opportunity for tourism. Coupled with AirAsia’s many other direct flights to Macao, the new route promises great support to the city’s tourism growth.

AirAsia currently operates six flights from Macao with routes including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya (U-tapao), Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Jakarta, and will launch Johor Bahru on November 28.

“Phuket is a city built on Chinese traditions, beliefs and culture and its history is closely tied to that of China. Chinese visitors to the city will find it familiar and convenient while still full of travel experiences whether relishing the nature or enjoying the nightlife. AirAsia is confident the new route will be well received.

“We will be using our strengths of low fares, on-time service and trustworthy reputation to draw in travellers and help stimulate the island’s economy,” “For the people of Phuket, this added route provides a new travel option to Macao, which is already a top destination for Thai travellers due to its many holy sites and European architecture. Overall, the route should prove popular among people of both nations,” said Santisuk Klongchaiya, director of commercial for Thai AirAsia.

Travellers can book tickets at a promotional fare starting at http://www.AirAsia.com from now until October 29 for travel from January 8 to November 21.

Veggie victuals served with a Smile

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/thailand/30329304

Veggie victuals served with a Smile

Thailand October 15, 2017 12:45

By The Nation

3,268 Viewed

Thai Smile joins the Vegetarian Food Festival this month by serving special vegetarian snacks created by renowned celebrity chef Phol Tantasathein on board its flights.

From October 20 to 28, passengers on international flights (except WE420 and WE426) can enjoy Japanese ice creams – Yuzu cotton candy sorbet and Roselle-Ume sorbet – along with warm spinach mushroom Yuzu teriyaki bun with miso crumbs and a miso mushroom steamed bun.

All the food will be meticulously created at every step of production and is guaranteed 100-per-cent vegetarian. Ingredients including the spinach come from the Royal Project and the plum juice is made by Doi Kham.

Smile Plus passengers travelling on domestic flights will be served spinach mushroom Yuzu teriyaki bun with miso crumbs and miso mushroom steamed bun or ice creams, depending on the flight schedule (flights WE169 and WE177 are excluded).

Online bookings can be made at www.ThaiSmileAir.com.