Bangkok Airways suspends 1 domestic and 1 Vietnam route
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2023
Bangkok Airways is indefinitely suspending its Bangkok-Hat Yai and Bangkok-Danang routes from next month and will refund passengers who booked tickets in advance, it announced on Sunday.
Flights between Bangkok and Hat Yai will be suspended from March 1 and flights on the Bangkok-Danang, Vietnam, will be suspended from May 1, the airline said.
The suspension will continue until further notice, the airline added.
Passengers who have booked tickets on the two routes after the suspension takes effect have three options:
– Receive travel vouchers for other routes.
– Receive a full refund for their tickets.
– Ask Bangkok Airways to switch their flight to another carrier.
The company apologised for the inconvenience and said passengers can contact its hotline (1771) or visit ticket reservation offices if they have any questions.
WorldHotels announces plan to add 50 new properties in 2023
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 04, 2023
Tammy Tameryn Somhar
The WorldHotels Group plans to open 50 new properties worldwide this year, including 14 in the Asia-Pacific region, executives at the group said at its annual conference in Bangkok.
“We will increase our visibility and build customer relationships,” group CEO Larry Cuculic told the 110 global managers and leaders attending the conference at the Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit.
In 2019, Best Western Hotels & Resorts acquired the WorldHotels brand, adding about 300 hotels and resorts to its global portfolio.
The deal helped rapidly expand Best Western’s diverse properties with an e-commerce platform and expand its portfolio.
WorldHotels says its key strengths are in its partnerships, a loyalty program, and sales and marketing.
Last year, WorldHotels had 50 hotels in the Asia-Pacific region, with a combined 19,400 rooms. It also had a strong development pipeline in the region, specifically in Vietnam where several projects were underway.
WorldHotels Asia-Pacific strategy this year will see it focus on Southeast Asia due to emerging star Vietnam. Vietnam is expected to continue to be its priority despite the government’s tougher regulation on hotels, resorts, and condotels.
While there is plenty of potential for Thailand, several resort spots are de-branding themselves. These indications are regarded as possibilities, according to executives at the meeting.
They confirmed that two new projects will open in Thailand this year.
Ron Pohl, president of WorldHotels, said the company would focus on raising its profile and investing in technology this year:
“We are going to concentrate on a few essential points. First, by working with international PR firms, we hope to raise our profile’s visibility and the number of hotels joining our group. Second, we must make investments in technology, since it is vital to the operation of the company. This year, we’ve made an investment of US$85 million in technology alone. To build the revenue management platform, we collaborated closely with Sabre Hospitality Solutions. As a result, we can guarantee that the backend system will better serve all hotels.”
Nation Thailand had exclusive interviews with Cuculic, Poh and vice-president Olivier Berrivin.[From left to right] Mr. Olivier Berrivin, VP, International Operations ASPAC, Mr. Larry Cuculic, President & CEO, BWH Hotel Group, Mr. Ron Pohl, President, International Operations & WorldHotels, Mr. Wytze VanDenBerg, VP,International Operation EMEA, and Mr. Gregory Habeeb, President, North American WorldHotels.
I was wondering if you are one of the very few CEOs in the global hotel industry with a background in law.
Cuculic: Yes, I was a lawyer before. It teaches me to think strategically, and that skill set is transferred to my new responsibilities. Being a lawyer allows me to be involved across all responsibilities, including brand management, financial matters, and so on. I used to look at everything from a lawyer’s viewpoint, but now I look at things differently from a business perspective because I have a lawyer who works for me. There is still a part of me that will never forget that I am a lawyer. I am maybe more conservative by nature, I think.
You came to Thailand in 2015. What are the most important changes you’ve seen in Bangkok and in the hotel business since then?
Cuculic: The growth of Bangkok is evident as you can see all the buildings outside. It is phenomenal how the city can grow as much as it has in the several years that I have been here. In terms of the hotel business, I think the hotel industry here in Bangkok has grown tremendously because of the demand for travel. Lots of people want to visit Thailand.
Berrivin: The number of hotels joining WorldHotels is increasing, and there are also more international hotel chains coming to Thailand. Back then, five years ago, Thai hospitality was No 1, as people knew it as the land of smiles. However, we rarely see the Thai flavour in the huge hotel chain service, whereas we try to retain that best quality in Thai hospitality at all levels.
Mr. Larry Cuculic, President & CEO, BWH Hotel Group
When WorldHotels was acquired in 2019 and then got hit by COVID-19, what were the biggest changes in how you ran your business and managed it?
Cuculic: We were there when they needed us the most. We were very thoughtful with our hoteliers, making sure that they had the support they needed to sustain themselves through the pandemic. We did whatever we could to support them in terms of providing them advice and the brand standard, which would help the safety department not just welcome customers but take care of their health and well-being. So we are establishing the program to provide hoteliers with the protocol to get through the pandemic. So we did that very differently, and we adapted it very quickly. We work with the hotel to make sure that they have that kind of support. We understand if some hotels want to close. Because of the pandemic, we worked with them and knew the epidemic would end eventually. We were really focused on the relationship between the hoteliers and us. We also focused on sales as best as we could because there were still some sales opportunities … Some of our hotels turned themselves into safe lodging for Covid victims who needed a place to stay for a period of time, or a place for quarantine. Also, in Europe, some of our partners turned themselves into refugee housing units; they were escaping from Ukraine. That’s a good story to tell.
Pohl: What WorldHotels had I think you wouldn’t see from other hotel chains. All hoteliers in the conference room this morning could pick up the phone and call Olivier, me or Larry anytime and we answered the phone. This is not a push it down to someone else in the organisation [style of management]. We are available to any owners, any general managers who want to call us.
Mr. Ron Pohl, President, International Operations & WorldHotels
You once went on a “listening tour” to hear what your employees had to say. Did you do that while you were here? So far, what have you learned?
Cuculic: No, I haven’t, but that is a great idea. I probably should have done that. When I took over the job, I went on a listening tour across North America. All the hoteliers can come and provide me with some feedback, and I will create the atmosphere that will help the employees feel free to give me their real comments. If they want to criticise the marketing team, then the marketing team should not be in the meeting. I just want them to know that they can tell me the truth without any pressure or hurting someone’s feelings.
As I heard your speech at the conference, it gave me that vibe of winning spirit. Can you tell me how to pass that on to your employees?
Cuculic: I am a very social person. Every day I will walk around the building and put on a smile. I interacted with them and asked, ‘How was your day going?’ I enjoy that interaction of getting to know people. I even held the campaign, ‘Lunch with Larry’, which allows me and employees to have lunch together, one on 25 employees, and last week we just talked about rock and roll during lunch. We just want to make sure that we care about them and that they are making a difference. I also encourage a work-life balance, and I think it is tremendously important that you take care of your family. The other thing you have to do is have a plan to take care of your employees; make sure their compensation is fair; make sure they have a benefit program; and everything else … you have to go beyond the smiling face.
WorldHotels is getting a lot bigger. Can you tell me what makes independent hotels want to join your group?
Pohl: The short answer to that is you got the support of the global organisation behind them without all the costs they would have if they tried to do it themselves … The independent hotels could have a loyalty program, but how many people are going to be a part of that? The cost is too expensive to do it on their own with limited returns. Connect to [us] and now you have access to 55 million rewards members. We have invested $85 million dollars this year just in technology alone, so you have all of these resources available for hotels, including education and training for the staff that help you navigate all of that, so there is no downside to doing it. The service at WorldHotels is very flexible. We want to do what makes you more profitable, not just charge you.
One last question is: How does Thailand play a role in WorldHotels’ portfolio?
Berrivin: One of our top priorities is to open as many properties as we can. We have one more hotel that will be opening soon in Phuket. We just want to make sure that we have the right products in the right places. We do not want to develop too much so that we don’t create unnecessary competition.
Thai delegation visiting UAE in major THB30-billion export push
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 06, 2023
The Commerce Ministry is leading a delegation of members from Thai private bodies on a two-day trip to the United Arab Emirates, aimed at boosting exports by at least 30 billion baht this year.
Private agencies joining the trip on Monday-Tuesday include the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Thai National Shippers’ Council and Thai Logistics Service Provider Federation, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Monday.
“These private agencies would seek ways to penetrate the UAE market, which is considered new and important for Thailand,” he said.
Jurin Laksanawisit
He added that the ministry would meet the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade to discuss a trade agreement.
In addition, there would be a signing ceremony to set up a business council between Thailand and UAE in a bid to accelerate trade growth between the two countries, he said.
He added that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) would be signed between Thai logistics operators and DP World, an Emirati multinational logistics company which is connected to 78 seaports and 240 airports worldwide.
“This MoU will enable Thailand to export products to seaports and airports worldwide,” he said.
He expects Thai private agencies to generate at least 1 billion baht in revenue from selling goods during the two-day visit to the UAE.
“We expect this visit will help boost Thailand’s exports by at least 30 billion baht this year,” he said.
Exports from Thailand to the UAE include cars, air-conditioners, gems, wood, rubber, and canned and processed seafood.
Inflation in January falls to 9-month low as cost of living crisis eases
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 06, 2023
Thailand’s headline inflation fell to a nine-month low of 5.02% in January, from 5.89% in December, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) announced Monday.
TPSO director-general Wichanun Niwatjinda said the inflation slowdown reflected falling prices of energy and fresh foods.
The TPSO expects inflation to drop further this month.
Wichanun said headline inflation in January stood at 108.18 points, up 5.02% year on year but still the lowest for the past nine months.
Core inflation, which is calculated after deducting prices of fresh food and energy, stood at 3.04%, down slightly from 3.23% in December.
The TPSO expects inflation to rise but at a slower pace in February as the cost of fuel, electricity and cooking gas continue to impact the prices of food and other goods.
The Commerce Ministry forecasts an inflation rate this year of 2-3%.
Thai exports face hit as baht strengthens: Commerce Ministry
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 06, 2023
The strengthening baht will affect industries that rely on exports but import little or no raw materials, the Commerce Ministry has warned.
The baht has rapidly strengthened this year to 32-33 per US dollar, up from 35-36 in December, noted Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director of the ministry’s Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO).
“This will likely affect industries such as rubber products, canned seafood, processed food, and jewellery,” he said on Sunday.
“The stronger currency will slow these industries’ exports, their major source of revenue, while they will benefit very little from cheaper raw materials imported from overseas.”
However, the rising baht is having a far smaller effect on Thai industries than the global economic downturn that has reduced trading partners’ purchasing power, Poonpong added.
“A stronger baht will essentially make Thai [export] products more expensive, thus making it tough for them to compete with products from countries with cheaper currency,” he said.
The TPSO chief added that currency fluctuations are mostly due to investors speculating and thus hard to predict. He advised business operators to employ risk management strategies such as foreign exchange forward contracts with financial institutes.
“The Bank of Thailand will also monitor the currency market closely and employ monetary policies to prevent the baht from fluctuating too much.”
Poonpong added that stronger baht will however benefit import-reliant Thai industries, especially in energy, capital goods, raw materials, and semi-finished products, which are responsible for 83.8% of the country’s total imports.
The TPSO said there are currently no signs of imports flooding Thailand’s market to compete with local products, as import orders are usually placed at least three months in advance. The TPSO will continue monitoring the market closely, he added.
On Monday, the baht opened at 33.55 to the dollar, falling to a month-long low after closing at 32.96 on Friday.
Thai and Lao power agencies deepen telecom, energy cooperation
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2023
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) has signed a memorandum of understanding with its Lao counterpart to enhance cooperation in the energy and telecom businesses.
Egat governor Boonyanit Wongrukmit said on Sunday that he signed the MoU with Chanthaboun Soukaloun, the director of Électricité du Laos (EDL) on February 1 in a ceremony in Vientiane.
The MoU calls for closer cooperation between the state electricity producers of the two neighouring countries for at least three more years, Boonyanit said.
The MoU covers the telecom business, operation and maintenance of hydropower plants, and smart energy solutions.
Egat and EDL will jointly develop the telecom business in Laos by optimising each side’s existing resources, especially the fibre-optic networks linking Thailand and Laos, Boonyanit said.
The two agencies will continue to cooperate on the operations and maintenance of hydropower power plants in Laos, especially the Nam Ngum 3 power plant project, Boonyanit said.
Egat will share its knowledge of smart energy solutions so that the EDL can efficiently manage its power production, he said, adding that the two agencies will identify potential smart micro-grid sites in Laos.
The Egat governor said Thailand and Laos have been cooperating on power production, electricity sales, and development of power transmission networks for 60 years.
Close cooperation between the two agencies will enhance their businesses, especially the telecoms, Chanthaboun said.
Laos’ fibre-optic network is linked to China, Vietnam, and Cambodia, so Egat and EDL will be able to cooperate to develop their joint telecom business, he added.
Laos has over 80 dams throughout the country that can generate electricity, so EDL needs cooperation from Egat to operate and maintain its hydro power plants and train its staff, Chanthaboun said.
Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF)’s decision to start farming and selling jade perch as a new product has triggered concerns about whether this alien fish species will have an impact on Thailand’s ecosystem.
Jade perch is among 13 aquatic animals that the Agriculture Ministry has prohibited farming of since 2021.
Yet cooked and fresh jade perch products were introduced at the Kaset Fair 2023 on Friday. The fair is being held at Kasetsart University’s Bang Khen campus until Saturday.
Premsak Wanuchsoontorn, CPF’s manager for aquaculture research and development, said jade perch is popular in many countries including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia. He added that Vietnam and Malaysia have also started farming jade perch.
“The aim is to offer more alternatives to health-conscious people as jade perch has three times the amount of protein, collagen, docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] and Omega-3 fatty acids than salmon,” he said.
He said CPF is growing jade perch in a closed aquaculture system to stop it from entering the ecosystem. He added that there are still problems in farming the fish as it is vulnerable to illness.
“We are studying the farming of this fish more closely and believe it will become another aquatic animal that generates good revenue for Thai farmers,” he said.
Sombat Siripanwarporn, senior deputy director of CP Vietnam Corporation, said jade perch was imported from Australia and needs to be artificially inseminated because it is not suited to the Thai ecosystem.
“However, we have invented an easy way to inseminate the fish to help farmers,” he said, adding that this fish has a lot of meat and is highly nutritious.
Chalermchai Suwanarak
However, Department of Fisheries director-general Chalermchai Suwanarak said CPF has only been given permission to study the aquaculture of jade perch since April last year. He said permission was given under the condition that jade perch farming only be conducted in “areas specified by the department” and “live fish cannot be moved to other areas without permission”.
He added that the department has allowed CPF to only sell processed products like frozen fish and only via company channels like CP Fresh Mart, Lotus’s and Makro.
CPF is also required to provide study results to the department periodically, he said.
He added that CPF’s move to advertise jade perch products commercially violated the department’s conditions.
The department has ordered CPF to suspend the advertisement of jade perch within three days, or face a ban on activities related to the fish, he added.
Vinij Tansakul, an independent academic in aquaculture development, said that even though the fish was imported legally, it is unclear whether it will have an impact on Thailand’s ecosystem because it is difficult to determine exactly what the fish consumes in this environment.
“Even though it is not predatory fish, it is known to consume a lot, and might harm other aquatic animals and plants,” he said.
Bangkok, Thailand – January 31, 2023: Follow your heart to Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok this February and celebrate the month of love. Let the cupids rekindle your romance now. Take advantage of this month dedicated to love by celebrating your love and spending quality time with your beloved by participating in some of the activities recommended by the hotel.
Designed to bring gourmet flavours to romantic alfresco settings exclusively for two, The One and Only Dinner promises to make your Valentine’s Day unforgettable. At a private dining table with flickering candles, the hotel will serve a five-course Valentine’s dinner along with a bottle of champagne and a bouquet of roses, complemented by panoramic views of the glittering Bangkok skyline. Amaze your one and only with this spectacularly unique dining experience this Valentine’s Day at Greenhouse Terrace.
Aside from the exclusive dinner, In2theterrace provides a slightly less formal, but equally tasteful, Valentine’s Day dining experience. Greenhouse Restaurant & Terrace’s ambient décor on the seventh-floor bathes diners in a candlelight-esque glow, while a refreshing breeze acts as nature’s own air conditioning. A live duo band will serenade the couples with ballads and love songs on this special night, while our chefs prepare a 4-course dinner with love.
In2theterrace 4-course Valentine’s Day Set Dinner
February 14 is the day that Cupid comes out to play, but the hotel knows that love can’t be confined to just one day a year. From February 11 to 14, 2023, the hotel’s ninth floor will be transformed into an open-air cinema with all the modern conveniences, harkening back to the days of old-school romance. The Deck, located on the hotel’s 9th floor, will prepare for a romantic evening, serving by serving canapes, popcorns, and a variety of drinks under a starry sky with a cool breeze.
Star Gaze Theatre
And the festivities don’t end there. Coming Up Roses Afternoon Tea is available to the hotel guests throughout the month of love. With an inventive menu showcasing novel creations such as the Dacquoise Ivory Mousse alongside traditional staples like the Classic Scone, these flower adorned desserts look almost too good to eat.
Coming Up Roses Afternoon Tea
The celebrations kicking off on the upper floors of Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok are surely taking the month of love to new heights this year. The time and price options for each activity are shown below.
The One and Only 5-Course Valentine’s Day Set Dinner
Date: February 14, 2023, from 6 pm onwards Venue: Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel’s 7th floor, Greenhouse Restaurant & Terrace Price: THB 6,000++ per couple includes a bottle of champagne and a bouquet of roses.
In2theterrace 4-Course Valentine’s Day Dinner
Date: February 14, 2023, from 6 pm onwards Venue: Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel’s 7th floor, Greenhouse Restaurant & Terrace Price: THB 2,400++ per couple
Star Gaze Theatre
Date: February 11-14, 2023, from 6.30 – 8.30 pm Programme: (Each programme has Thai subtitles for the English dialogue) Saturday, February 11, 2023: Bridget Jones’s Diary Sunday, February 12, 2023: Fast and Furious 7 Monday, February 13, 2023: Back to the Future Tuesday, February 14, 2023: Meet Joe Black Venue: Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel’s 9th Floor, the Deck Price: THB 900++ per couple
Coming Up Roses Afternoon Tea
Date: February 1-28, 2023, from noon – 4 p.m. Venue: Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel’s 7th floor Greenhouse Restaurant & Terrace Price: From THB 700++ per couple
Terms and Conditions:
• The rates are subject to a 10% service charge and an applicable 7% government tax. • Advance reservations are required.
For more information and reservation, please click at https://mhg.to/j13uz, contact Tel: 02-079-7555 or send an email to fbreservation.vsuk@avanihotels.com
Adidas’s new Predator Accuracy football boots released
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 04, 2023
Predator Accuracy, the newest member of Adias’s prestigious Predator family, has been unveiled, as it was built for boosting precision play and goal-scoring accuracy.
To enhance play accuracy, the Predator Accuracy has been improved based on consumer and Adidas player feedback.
On its metal side, the boot utilises High-Deifinition Grip Technology, which shows minimal rubber elements in the kicking zone for grip to the ball.
Hybridtouch technology, a coated microfiber material, has been reintroduced for Predator Accuracy’s construction to provide a softer, moulded fit that maximizes comfort.
Facetframe technology in the outsole of the boot results in stability, highly efficient transition, and dynamic traction for powerful movement on the pitch. The stud configuration has been `optimised for use on firm ground.
The Primeknit material used for the laceless construction on the boot’s tongue enables a secure lockdown of the foot while playing and provides a comfortable and easy entry.
Mahsa Aryan, Global Director – Footwear of Adidas said that “Since its inception in 1994, Predator has been widely regarded as one of the most iconic football boots in the game, and we’ve seen many different stories told across the years”
Being available worldwide from Wednesday 8th February via adidas.com and selected retailers and is priced at €300, Predator Accuracy launches in a primary black silhouette with pink detailing and the famous Adidas three-stripe emblem in white.
TK Park announces strategic plans for 2023 to better serve patrons, improve access to learning centers and narrow the inequality gap for 18th anniversary celebration
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 04, 2023
The big plans involve; developing an “effective learning ecosystem”; creating “One Library” that links the knowledge centers’ libraries nationwide; developing “learning cities” in provinces to promote lifelong learning for all; and implementing Big Data in its operations to better provide services to different group of patrons.
Bangkok, January 25, 2023 – January 2023 marks a very special moment for TK Park as it celebrates 18 years of connecting people to information and creating activities to promote positive learning development. The knowledge center is taking this special opportunity to announce a 2023 strategic operation update focused on developments and expansions intended to better serve patrons, improve access to learning centers and reduce the inequality gap.
The plans incorporate; building an effective learning ecosystem through media, books and creative activities; encouraging lifelong learning by using innovations, and creating “One Library” by enhancing the quality of MyTK app in order to connect TK Park’s libraries nationwide together and provide convenience for members when borrowing and returning books. They also include; installing self-service borrowing stations at the city’s landmarks; using Big Data to analyze patron behaviors and create activities that promote learning and training courses in order to upskill and reskill; broadening collaboration networks nationwide to achieve its goal of creating “learning cities” in line with the UNESCO sustainable goals; and opening new knowledge centers in Bangkok, Surat Thani and Phayao.
TK Park Director-General Kittiratana Pitipanich noted that this year, TK Park will continue its task of creating a learning ecosystem in response to the needs of learners. To achieve this, it has invested in innovation and big data analytics to integrate big data about services of different centers.
“The tools give us consistent and accurate data that enables us to make good decisions. We have used them to collect, process and analyze big data of patrons’ behaviors when using our libraries so that we are able to improve our services to meet their needs. And patrons can make use of the information we provide in their daily life,” he said.
TK Park has also created “One Library” to provide convenience for members when borrowing and returning, he added.
“We have improved the quality of MyTK app in order to link our libraries nationwide together. Our members living in the provinces can borrow books they want to read from any center whether this is in Bangkok or in other provinces, while those in the city can do the same from a center in any province. It can be done easily in a similar way to online shopping. Patrons just select a book they want to read and put it in a cart when borrowing it. Then, we provide a book delivery service for borrowers,” Mr Kittiratana said.
Networking is key to success
He noted that TK Park will continue expanding its collaboration network which will allow it to provide the best possible services to its patrons. According to him, TK Park plans to work with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, True Digital Park, Young Entrepreneur Chamber of Commerce and the private sector.
“We think creative activities that promote learning and new investment are not enough to enable us to reach our goals of creating an effective learning ecosystem. What we need to do is to work more with experts and partners who have many years of experience. And that will bring quicker results,” he said.
In February, TK Park plans to open a new knowledge center at True Digital Park West, an office building on Sukhumvit Road equipped with spacious event spaces, making it the first branch in Bangkok. The building also serves as the city’s new tech hub and start-up community.
This year, TK Park also plans to open two new centers in two provinces – one at Koh Lamphu Public Park in the center of Surat Thani province and another at Phayao municipality. Another important plan includes developing a “Learning City” in each province to promote lifelong learning for all by working together with local partners to respond to the UNESCO sustainable development goals.
“We encourage all provinces to participate in this project. A learning city helps foster a culture of learning throughout life,” Mr Kittiratana said.
He added that TK Park also aims to improve its services to provide convenience to patrons. In the middle of 2023, the center plans to install self-service borrowing stations at the city’s landmarks, with each station having more than 300 books to borrow and operating around the clock.
“We will select the right locations to ensure that they are easily accessible,” he said.
Committed to giving the best services for all
TK Park has always been committed to serving the needs of different group of patrons. Apart from its core services that include providing books, learning materials and knowledge sets, the knowledge center has run “Train the Trainers” sessions to equip teachers and educators with the skills they need to provide the best experience to learners. The “Mentoring Project” is aimed at helping high-school students explore and identify their careers and set the up for future success. In the near future, the center plans to launch a project for employees looking to develop their skill sets to advance their careers and another that promotes creative thinking and design work. It’s also giving consideration to a project for retired persons who wish to take up new hobbies or learn new skills in their golden years to keep their mind and body active, the director general said.
“We collected data on patrons’ behaviors and their interests when they were using our services and taking part in programs we organized. We processed and analyzed the data using an advanced technique. That has allowed us to create programs that cater to the exact needs of different age groups,” Mr Kittirattana said.
TK Park will continue promoting positive youth development through projects to help prepare kids to learn and succeed in the new era. It has provided learning projects for kids to help develop their imagination and creativity, while promoting teamwork and understanding others.
TK Park has also created fun activities and games for parents and kids to enjoy together and arranged training program both in-person and online aimed at promoting learning activities for teachers.
Additionally, TK Park has implemented the sharing economy, a system that is built around the sharing of resources, to its operation to help parents save money, Mr Kittiratana noted.
“The sharing economy is one of the most talked-about topics at the moment. The concept has been implemented by companies and organizations. We have done it too. We have encouraged patrons to share books and parents to share toys for their kids. They don’t need to buy new ones.” he said.
TK Park also aims to turn the libraries into community centers, Mr Kittiratana noted.
“If we want people to make visits to our library, we need to offer services and activities that meet their exact needs and match what they are interested in. We must identify the unique features of communities and create activities that relate to the locals’ way of life,” he said.
Mr Kittiratana noted people who have transferable skills are able to survive and adapt in a constantly changing world as the skill set can help them solve problems they face in their everyday lives.
“We have supported lifelong learning. The more you learn, they more you know. Self-directed learning is trending. Many people learn better by themselves. Learning at their own pace allows them to learn in a way that suits them, in a comfortable environment. That’s why TK Park has offered a comprehensive range of services and activities for learners to choose from. By doing this, we truly help tackle the gap of social inequality.” he said.
![[From left to right] Mr. Olivier Berrivin, VP, International Operations ASPAC, Mr. Larry Cuculic, President & CEO, BWH Hotel Group, Mr. Ron Pohl, President, International Operations & WorldHotels, Mr. Wytze VanDenBerg, VP,International Operation EMEA, and Mr. Gregory Habeeb, President, North American WorldHotels.](https://media.nationthailand.com/uploads/images/contents/w1024/2023/02/bnChlpHQgBI70PcRcnvO.webp)
[From left to right] Mr. Olivier Berrivin, VP, International Operations ASPAC, Mr. Larry Cuculic, President & CEO, BWH Hotel Group, Mr. Ron Pohl, President, International Operations & WorldHotels, Mr. Wytze VanDenBerg, VP,International Operation EMEA, and Mr. Gregory Habeeb, President, North American WorldHotels.
Mr. Larry Cuculic, President & CEO, BWH Hotel Group
Mr. Ron Pohl, President, International Operations & WorldHotels
Jurin Laksanawisit
Egat and EDL will jointly develop the telecom business in Laos by optimising each side’s existing resources, especially the fibre-optic networks linking Thailand and Laos, Boonyanit said.
The Egat governor said Thailand and Laos have been cooperating on power production, electricity sales, and development of power transmission networks for 60 years.
Chalermchai Suwanarak
In2theterrace 4-course Valentine’s Day Set Dinner
Star Gaze Theatre
Coming Up Roses Afternoon Tea
SootinClaimon.Com 