National Museum of China tops list of most-visited museums

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/lifestyle/30322764

National Museum of China tops list of most-visited museums

lifestyle August 04, 2017 08:18

By The Korea Herald
Asia News Network

The National Museum of China in Beijing is now the most-visited museum in the world, according to a report published by the Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM.

The museum for Chinese history and the arts tops the list for the first time, receiving 7.55 million people in 2016.

The report has charted global museum trends since 2012 by listing the best-attended museums worldwide and in different regions.

Washington’s National Air and Space Museum ranked second. The Louvre claimed the third spot, having previously garnered the top position last year. The National Museum of Korea ranked 19th, received 3.39 million people in 2016.

Gaming on the go

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/lifestyle/30322645

Gaming on the go

lifestyle August 03, 2017 09:52

By The Nation

Republic of Gamers (ROG), a sub-brand of Taiwanese computer makers Asus, has unveiled the Zephyrus GX501, the world’s slimmest gaming laptop powered by a 7th Generation Intel Core i7 (Kaby Lake) processor.

The GX501 provides players with the latest NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card, allowing triple-A games to run at frame rates. This means gamers who also demand portability no longer need to compromise when it comes to graphical fidelity and extreme performance and can enjoy desktop-like gaming experiences anytime and anywhere.

The latest ROG gaming laptops have been carefully designed to delight two distinct types of gamer – those who crave the best performance from the latest resource-intensive AAA titles; and those who need certain performance and control-enhancing features to succeed at online eSports games and events. Coming soon to the Thai market, ASUS ROG new gaming laptop is engineered to give FPS and MOBA players a vital edge.

The Thailand esports market, which had approximately 1.1 million active esports enthusiasts in 2016, has gained in popularity and made significant inroads in recent years, with ROG leading the way in creating products specifically tailored for all types of esports games.

“We are extremely proud to be an advocate in esports and to be hosting the upcoming ROG Masters 2017 esports tournament, which features 527 teams with more than 2,635 participants so far in Thailand. The right gaming gear is essential to a player’s success, and ROG will remain true to its commitment to providing the best gaming experiences to all gamers worldwide,” said Sanranyapong Sinthip, ROG brand manager of Asus Marketing (Thailand).

Formed in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products known for performance and quality, including motherboards, graphics cards, laptops, desktops, monitors, audio equipment, routers and peripherals.

The ROG Zephyrus GX501 will be available at Asus dealers and IT shops nationwide from August 24.

Going nuts for almonds

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/lifestyle/30322462

Going nuts for almonds

lifestyle August 01, 2017 15:38

By The Nation

The past few months have witnessed a soaring popularity in almond milk and the almond-growing agricultural cooperative based in Sacramento, California, Blue Diamond Growers, has jumped on the market with Almond Breeze.

Bangkok as well as other urban hotspots around Thailand are going through a clean-food trend with consumers wanting to know where their food comes from, what the ingredients are and the calorie and fat content too yet without giving up on easy access and convenience.

This phenomenon is becoming evident in other parts of the world too, with a Blue Diamond survey in the UK revealing that 12 per cent of adults are planning to try a dairy-free diet this year, with many switching to a vegan diet for the first time. More than 80 per cent of those surveyed said they felt they were stuck in a dietary rut and wanted to make big changes to what they consume.

New Blue Diamond Almond Breeze is suitable for vegans as its provides a crucial source of calcium and is both tasty and nutritious.

Almond Breeze is also good for those who suffer from lactose intolerance or, potentially more seriously, allergies to dairy products. The almond milk drink is creamy but has zero-cholesterol and is low in calories and fat.

Californian almonds, which are renowned for their quality, sweetness and depth of flavour, come from trees grown in nutrient-rich soils with water that runs down from the mountains.

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze is manufactured in Thailand in partnership with Heritage Group, a Thai leading producer of premium natural snacks and foods and wholesaler and exporter of nuts, dried fruits and juices.

As well as being a refreshing beverage, Almond Breeze is a good ingredient in healthy recipes. Chef Pol Tantasatien recommends how and what to cook t Blue Diamond Almond Breeze’s page on Facebook as well as at http://www.BlueDiamond.com.

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze is available in Original, Unsweetened, Chocolate and Vanilla versions and can be found at Gourmet market , Home Fresh Mart, Villa Market, Tops Supermarket, Foodland and Rimping. It’sa priced at Bt20 for a 180-ml carton and Bt99 for a 946-ml carton.

Cancer in the blood

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/lifestyle/30322357

Cancer in the blood

lifestyle August 01, 2017 01:00

By SPECIAL TO THE NATION

3,054 Viewed

The National Cancer Institute explains its project fro breast cancer screening through a simple blood test

IN AN article on this page a few weeks ago, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) mentioned the work it was carrying out to devise a method to screen for breast cancer through a blood test. The aim is to increase opportunities for Thais to access medical services and reduce mortality from the disease. Wacoal and other private organisations are collaborating with the NCI to make the project a reality.

While a mammogram is highly effective in identifying breast cancer, it is too costly to be included in the state-funded basic health check-up services, explains Dr Somchai Thanasitthichai, head of the NCI’s Research Department.

Women of all reproductive ages have a risk of this disease, so they should regularly look for abnormalities and have their breasts checked. At present, there are two preliminary screening methods – a clinical breast exam by a doctor or nurse and a mammogram.

“However, both methods have their limitations. Clinical breast exams have accuracy issues because they depend on the sense of touch and palpation skills and the results may vary greatly between examiners. The number of qualified personnel is also inadequate. Mammogram is the most effective way to date but it incurs a cost too high for Thailand to provide it for every woman aged 40 or 50 years and older.

Compared to Asians, Western women have less dense breast tissue and their breasts mostly consist of fatty tissue, so abnormal cells or tumours can be clearly detected by mammogram alone. Asian women have denser breast tissue and less fatty tissue, making it more difficult to spot abnormalities. It is why ultrasound examination is also implemented in breast screening in Thailand whereas Western countries use both methods only for specific diagnosis after initial screenings. This adds more cost for Thais to receive breast cancer screening and it requires radiologists, who are already limited in number, to perform the ultrasound exam.

A research on the cost-effectiveness of population-based mammography screening programmes in Asian countries shows that this type of test is suitable for countries with a breast cancer morbidity rate of at least 45 persons in a population of 100,000. The morbidity rates in Western countries such as the UK, USA and Scandinavia are about 100 persons in a population of 100,000, but the rate in Thailand in 2012 was only 28.5 persons in the same population despite an upward trend over the previous 20 years.

This is consistent with a research by the Institute of Medical Research and Technology Assessment under the Department of Medical Services, which found that investment by state on a population-based mammography screening service was not cost-effective and once again pointed to the shortage of relevant equipment and personnel.

To help more Thais to access breast cancer screening at a lower cost, the NCI started a research project in 2015 to develop a new screening method by identifying breast cancer markers in blood. The project has been financed by a number of private organisations, including ICC International and Thai Wacoal, but funding from other sources is welcome.

The NCI research focuses on a different marker to that of the current tumour marker test, which aims to find a large protein with a complex structure that is usually found in large cancerous lumps or terminal cancer. This, however, is very rarely to be found in early stages of cancer and therefore it is more appropriate to tracking cancer recurrence or responsiveness to treatments.

“This is a promising project and now it is in the phase of increasing sample groups and testing the marker’s accuracy. If successful, this project will provide Thailand with a new breast cancer screening method that can be accessed as easily as an annual health check-up. You will have to receive a mammogram and other tests for treatment planning only if the marker test shows abnormalities. This will enable us to use our medical resources more efficiently,” says Dr Somchai.

To support the NCI’s researches financially, please contact the Research and Treatment Fund by Dr Somchai Thanasithichai, National Cancer Institute Foundation on (02) 202 6800 extension 1509.

Screenings for the silver generation

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/lifestyle/30322355

  • The films are followed by a discussion session with guest speakers and open for the audience to share their thoughts
  • Khunying Chamnongsri Hanchanlash
  • Dr Sookjaroen Tangwongchai

Screenings for the silver generation

lifestyle August 01, 2017 01:00

By PARINYAPORN PAJEE
THE NATION

Chulalongkorn Hospital’s cognitive fitness centre stimulates older brainds with a regular movie programme

TWO YEARS AGO, when Chulalongkorn Hospital’s Cognitive Fitness Centre launched its movie screenings for the elderly, a small conference room was more than adequate to comfortably host the 60 or so participants who turned out for the monthly shows.

Thanks to better dissemination of information among Thailand’s greying population and increased concerns about dementia and Alzheimer’s, the screenings are now held in a much larger room to accommodate the hundreds of spectators who make a point of coming along.

The films, just one of several activities run by the centre to stimulate the brain and keep dementia and emotional problems at bay, are carefully selected, covering issues to which the elderly can relate, such as disease, family relationships and moving on after a loved one dies.

Discussion sessions take place after the screening led by moderators and guests and the talks are lively and always interesting.

The idea for the movies came from Khunying Chamnongsri Hanchanlash, who was approached by the centre’s head Dr Sookjaroen Tangwongchai when it opened in 2015. The centre was already offering singing and dancing classes as well as brain-training games and wanted an activity that would instruct as well as entertain.

Now 88, the well-known writer and philanthropist came up with the movie idea immediately after seeing the conference room. Having grown up in England, she says that films and the theatre greatly influenced the way her brain developed and would certainly benefit the elderly.

“Unlike in other medical fields, a psychiatrist must be interested in social science, such as reading, watching movies or TV dramas and keeping up with world through the social media. That help us understand our fellow human beings and the patient’s context when we have to diagnose symptoms,” says Dr Sookjaroen.

He adds that a movie, when properly selected, is a life lesson in brief and inspires people to think about something that relates to their personal experience.

Although he is quick to admit that he was not a cinema fan as a youngster, Dr Sookjaroen now loves the movies and even applied for the well-known three-month Film Appreciation course operated by the country’s film critics to learn more about the silver screen.

The Thai Film Archive’s deputy director Sanchai Chotirosseranee is also lending a helping hand and the three experts work closely together in choosing the movies and running the discussions.

The activity, says Dr Sookjaroen, helps seniors to exercise their brains, get out of the house, and to interact with others.

“The movies make them think and we choose films that have a conclusion rather than an open-ending. It would be great if the movies make them happy too. We certainly don’t want to have sad thoughts or be traumatised,” he says.

This is especially important for those who have suffered in life. While they might well be over whatever traumatised them, a movie could remind them of that earlier pain.

And even though many older people love to see their favourite movies from the past, the centre tries to select current films.

“We want them to catch up with the present so that they can understand what others are thinking and doing,” says Dr Sookjaroen.

The project started with “The Theory of Everything”, the drama that relates the early life of renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking before he fell victim to the paralysing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Other films that have been shown include the award-winning Japanese film about death “Departures”, Zhang Yimou’s “The Road Home” and “We Bought a Zoo” – a movie about a man who tries to start over by buying a zoo after losing his wife.

The project has also been forced to adapt with the move from a compact conference room to a large lecture room as the elderly like to bring their offspring and friends along with them for the show.

The wider audience does not, however, affect the choice of movie, with care taken to stick to topics in which the elderly are interested

“The response to ‘Still Alice’ was overwhelming and drew lots of questions about Alzheimer’s disease,” says Sanchai.

“Still Alice” centres on a linguistics professor and how her world, as well as her bonds with her family, begin to change when she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease.

Dr Sookjaroen says that the film is a good example of films suitable for the project, as the medical information is correct and it doesn’t over-dramatise the story.

The discussion session that follows provides a space for seniors to learn more about the disease, particularly the aspects of interest to them.

“It’s not something that can be covered in a doctor’s appointment. This is a platform that allows sharing of information and ideas with others,” Sanchai says.

Many other institutions and hospitals are now interested is launching similar initiatives but Dr Sookjaroen warns that organising such an endeavour is about far more than choosing a movie and screening it for local seniors.

“Every community has different backgrounds and interests. It is useless to force people who don’t enjoy watching movies to come along,” says Sookjaroen.

Khunying Chamnongsri adds that the organiser should sit down with its group of seniors and find it if they want to watch films and if so, the kind of films they like.

“It should start with a simple and entertaining movie that has enough content to stimulate a discussion after the screening,” says Khunying Chamnongsri.

The session also needs a doctor or staff member able to understand the film and lead the talk.

And some sort of pre-screening or research is essential to ensure that the content doesn’t upset or offend.

“We learned a lesson when we showed ‘The Bridges of Madison County because the story involves an adulterous relationship. Some of our seniors walked out because they found it immoral. The reaction taught us that we need to prepare the audience first by giving some details of what is covered in the film,” says Khunying Chamnongsri.

And while some might wonder why the elderly can’t just watch the movies at home, Dr Sookjaroen stresses the importance of using the movie screening as a two-way communication through talks both before and after showing the film.

“Watching movie alone at home or at the cinema doesn’t help the brain develop,” he says.

“More than 90 per cent of my dementia patients stay home and watch TV all day long. For them the small screen is company not entertainment,” he says.

Joining the regular movie screenings and talks not only helps enrich older brains but gives them a life outside the home. Interaction with others helps stem loneliness and promotes enjoyment of life.

The project has recently published “Phabphayon Ya Bumroong Phoo Soong Ayu” (“A Film is Supplementary Medicine for the Elderly”) and a DVD of the talks following the first 10 movies to help institutions and communities interested in organising a similar activity.

STIMULATION SUPPLEMENTS

– The screenings are held monthly or bi-monthly. Admission is free.

– For more information and updates on the next films being shown, check out Facebook.com/cognitive fitness center.

Par for the course

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/lifestyle/30322335

Par for the course

lifestyle July 31, 2017 14:00

By The Nation

Movenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien Pattaya climbs the leader board by offering guests a Dream Golfers Escape package in partnership with the Siam Country Club.

The package includes a one- or two-night stay in a spacious room overlooking Na Jomtien Beach plus one or two days at the 18-hole championship Plantation course. Other benefits include a spa treatment, daily breakfast and a set dinner menu for one at Twist Restaurant.

“Seasoned players or novice golfers can enjoy an inspiring combination of sun, sea and sport while taking in stunning panoramic views of Pattaya’s Eastern Seaboard and the Gulf of Thailand,” says general manager Marc Sittl.

“Leisurely luxury is a signature at Movenpick’s flagship 5-star beach resort, and the experience is perfectly complemented by a round or two at Siam Country Club Plantation Pattaya. It’s a world-class golf destination.”

Designed by famed golf course architects Schmidt & Curley, the Siam Country Club Plantation is the longest course in Pattaya and one of the longest in Thailand. The 27-hole course, boasting rolling fairways, big bunkers and sloping greens, is named after the area’s past as plantation land and includes the 9-hole Tapioca and Pineapple courses along with the par-36 Sugar Cane course.

The course also features the first triple greens in Asia with three greens of three holes stretching over 3,000 square metres. The hilltop clubhouse has a reputation as one of the country’s finest, with a challenging layout that takes in the natural landscape of mountain terrain and creeks.

After a thrilling experience on the course, guests can sink into a complimentary treatment at the resort’s Wave Spa then enjoy a three-course dinner at all-day dining room Twist.

The Dream Golfers Escape Package is available until October 31 and requires a minimum stay of one night.

Online booking can be made at http://www.Movenpick.com/pattaya.

THAI to link Bangkok and Vienna

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/lifestyle/30322338

THAI to link Bangkok and Vienna

lifestyle July 31, 2017 14:00

By The Nation

Thai Airways International is to celebrate the arrival of the European winter with the launch of direct roundtrip flights between Bangkok and Vienna, Austria, with service commencing on November 16.

“It is a pleasure to introduce Vienna as our newest destination in Europe. The Austrian capital and Vienna is in central Europe, making it the perfect gateway to Europe. region. Passengers can easily connect to cities in Europe and from Europe to Thailand conveniently with our network,” said Usanee Sangsingkeo, the airline’s acting president.

“Vienna is known for its artistic, music, and intellectual legacy, particularly its revered residents such as Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. As the city of music, Vienna is renowned for its classical composers as well as Imperial Palaces that include Schonbrunn Palace and the Museumsquartier baroque district. The cuisine, including various meats and strudels as well as the Sachertorte, is known all over the world.”

Thai Airways currently flies to 12 cities across 10 countries in Europe, namely Copenhagen, Oslo, Brussels, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Stockholm, London, Rome, Milan, and Moscow.

The service will offer g four roundtrip flights per week on Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Flight TG936 will depart Suvarnabhumi Airport at 1.30am and arrive in Vienna at 7am local time while the return flight TG937 depart Vienna at 1.3-pm and lands in Bangkok at 5.20am the next day.

For further information, visit ThaiAirways.com or call (02) 356 1111.

A massage for mom

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/lifestyle/30322236

A massage for mom

lifestyle July 30, 2017 11:02

By The Nation

The Asian Holistic Academy invites sons and daughters to treat their moms on national Mother’s Day on August 12 by learning how to give the most significant person in their lives a relaxing hand spa

The academy is an educational establishment dedicated to holistic wellness derived from Oriental wisdom and knowledge, founded by Harnn, Thailand’s renowned luxury brand that has transformed natural body care, spa and aromatherapy products into global success.

The Mom & Me Jasmine Aromatic Hand Spa Workshop will be held on Saturday (August 5) from 2 to 4pm. You will learn how to give a complete three-step hand spa pampering experience starting with a jasmine infusion hand soak followed by making DIY tailor-made hand scrub infused with natural essential oils blends. You will also practice a relaxing hand massage with Harnn’s uplifting jasmine hand cream to relieve stress and tensions on her arms and over-worked hands to make this Mother’s Day the most memorable. The fee is Bt2,000 per person. Come along with mother and you pay just Bt3,000.

The academy is also offering many hands-on courses throughout August including a Herbal Infusion Mixology workshop on August 19 for Bt2,500 per person. You will learn how to use various Asian herbs to create tasty and healing herbal infusion and taste a range of herbal teas. You can also create your own tea-blending recipe by taste or medicinal purpose to enhance healthy living and vitality. The workshop covers an introduction to the main causes of poor health in today’s stressful lifestyle.

The Natural Home Spa Product Workshop will be held on August 27 and costs Bt3,500. It is designed to guide you to create a pampering spa experience at home with a range of natural product recipes. You will make and take home therapeutic massage oil with a selection of skin nurturing plant-based oil of your choice, body polish oil gel for a gentle and aromatic skin exfoliation and personalised body lotion – all infused with your own blends of natural essentials.

The Asian Holistic Academy is on the 12th floor of Zen World at CentralWorld, Bangkok. For details, visit www.AsianHolisticAcademy.com.

Sensations from the sea

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/lifestyle/30322232

Sensations from the sea

lifestyle July 30, 2017 10:51

By The Nation

Relax and de-stress throughout August and September with the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Grande Spa’s special 90-minute Phytomer Comfort and Radiant Pac

Designed to leave the skin feeling soft and looking radiant, Phytomer is recognised by spa professionals worldwide as the leader in marine-based beauty therapy.  Its products combine scientific advancement with natural ingredients derived from the ocean or relaxing and soothing treatments suitable for all skin types.

At The Grande Spa, the package includes a 60-minute Phytomer Hydra Blue Facial Treatment, followed by an invigorating 30-minute Siamese Head Massage, all for a special price of Bt3,500-plus.

Regarded as one of the finest day spas in Bangkok, The Grande Spa is a sanctuary where purity, stillness, and silence create a refuge for body and mind. Professional therapists, gracious Thai hospitality, and a calming environment ensure an unforgettable experience.

The Grande Spa is open daily from 9am to 11pm with the last treatment at 10pm.

SPG members enjoy a special privilege of 20-per-cent off a la carte treatments from Monday to Friday between 9am to 3pm. To enroll, contact the front office team.

For further information or reservation, call (02) 649 8121 or email: spa.grande@luxurycollection.com. Check out the spa at www.SheratonGrandeSukhumvit.com/en/store/thegrandespa.

TOYS for the boys

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/lifestyle/30322107

  • Two “Gran Turismo Sport” pods are available for visitors to immerse themselves with PlayStation VR and play the latest version of the GT Sport game.
  • Collectible figures of heroes from blockbuster movies and comics are on display at Siam Discovery.
  • The Cosbaby line of mini figures by Hot Toys
  • Designed with an additional magnetic feature, Cosbaby’s Spider-Man collection reflects the latest movie “Spider-Man Homecoming”.
  • HeroCross’s Transformers series
  • Star Wars’ collection made out of pewter by Royal Selangor

TOYS for the boys

lifestyle July 30, 2017 01:00

By Khetsirin Pholdhampalit
The Sunday Nation

Superheroes storm Siam Discovery for the “Toys Station Pop Culture Fest”

TOP MARVEL’S mightiest heroes Iron Man, Spider-Man, Captain America, the Hulk and Thor as well as DC Comics’ powerful fighters Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are taking time out from fighting evil villains, leaving the big bad world behind as they jet into Bangkok to meet and greet their die-hard fans.

They’re part of the “Siam Discovery Presents Toys Station Pop Culture Fest” running at the downtown shopping mall until October 1. The collectible figures from blockbuster movies and comics ranging in size from a tiny 9.5 centimetres to the height of a grown man have assembled on the mall’s second floor alongside lots of rare and exclusive items that are guaranteed to attract ordinary mortals in their thousands.

The fest is a collaborative effort between Siam Discovery, Hobbie Plus Co, the firm that runs the pop culture event Thailand Comic Con and Toys Station, which sells collectible figures. Together they have turned the shopping mall into a second home for figure collectors and Play Station fans, who are invited to test the latest game versions with the first PlayStation VR.

“The market for collectible figures from comics and movies has grown a lot over the last five years. A couple of generations ago, Thai kids were growing up with superheroes from Japanese movies and cartoons but during the past decade, American superhero movies have mostly dominated the silver screen, particularly after Walt Disney acquired Marvel in 2009,” says Chanvit Vitayasamrit, chief executive officer of Hobbie Plus.

The Cosbaby line of mini figures by Hot Toys

“There is also an increasing number of companies producing high-quality licensed collectible action figures. In Thailand alone, the market is worth between Bt2-3 billion.”

The event is divided into four major themes, each running at different times. From now until August 13, “Cosbaby” presents mini figures from Hong Kong-based firm Hot Toys, among them super heroes from Marvel and the latest movie “Spider-Man Homecoming”. Designed with an additional magnetic feature, the Spider-Man Cosbaby can be displayed as its owner sees fit. The Spider-Man and Iron Man Mark XLVII collectible set includes Spidey hanging on his web along with a flying Iron Man Mark XLVII.

Another highlight of the series is the Spider-Man: Homecoming Cosbaby Bobble-Head set featuring Spidey in his home-made suit, cool-headed Tony Stark with his kitty shirt as well as Peter Parker carrying his Spider-Man face mask. And a giant spider dubbed “Spidey” measuring an impressive 1.2 metres is available for those all-important selfies.

Designed with an additional magnetic feature, Cosbaby’s Spider-Man collection reflects the latest movie “Spider-Man Homecoming”.

“Most Thai collectors are aged 30 and above and 80 per cent of them are male. They’ve reached the age where can afford their favourite character figures that they saw as youngsters in movies or comics. These action figures are like they’ve come to life and become touchable. The Cosbaby line of mini figures by Hot Toys should also attract more women because they are smaller in scale and have cartoon-like representations,” adds Chanvit, who operates Toys Station shop on the fourth floor of Siam Discovery.

Among all the superhero characters, Iron Man is the all-time best seller.

“Car, gaming and action figures are top three hobbies of men today,” he adds. “Among the superhero characters, Iron Man is the all-time best seller, probably because people, and especially guys, find it easy to associate with him. Billionaire playboy Tony Stark is an idol for a lot of men as he’s rich, smart, and intelligent and those attributes allow him to invent a wide range of sophisticated devices and specialise in advanced weapons and armour. In addition, Iron Man comes in different suits of armour and various editions, which means collectors have plenty of fun amassing the figures. Superman is at the top of the superhero ladder, but as he comes from the planet Krypton, his approach is not down-to-earth like Iron Man’s.”

 Two “Gran Turismo Sport” pods are available for visitors to immerse themselves with PlayStation VR and play the latest version of the GT Sport game.

An authorised dealer of Sony PlayStation, Chanvit has also brought in two “Gran Turismo Sport” pods that allows fans to put themselves in the driver’s seat with PlayStation VR and challenge the GT Sport’s advanced matchmaking pits gamers. Other virtual games specifically designed for PlayStation 4 are also available to try out.

From August 14 to 27, new animated cartoon “Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir” will be in the spotlight. This animated series, a collaborative project between Japan, France and South Korea, features two Parisian teenagers, Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Adrien Agreste, who transform into the superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir, respectively, to protect the city from supervillains. It’s screening in Thailand on Channel 9 and fans of the series will find rare Ladybug collectibles at the fest.

HeroCross’s Transformers series

“HeroCross Exclusive Showcase” will run from August 28 to September 14 and feature the latest figures from “Transformers” led by Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, Mega Tron, Hound and Autobot Sqweek. Produced by Hong Kong-based firm HeroCross, the four-inch-tall Transformers figures quickly became coveted collectors’ items when the blockbuster “Transformers 5: the Last Knight” hit cinemas last month.

“We supplied these Transformers figures to Major Cineplex as collectible items for movie buffs. On the first day of screening, Major Cineplex ordered 5,000 sets – a set has five main character figures – and they sold so fast that the chain ordered 10,000 more sets and they too quickly went out of stock. For this event, I will showcase the exclusive collection that are limited to 500 pieces each character worldwide,” says Chanvit who also has a YouTube channel “hobbie plus” that reviews new action figures in store and visit homes of avid collectors.

Star Wars’ collection made out of pewter by Royal Selangor

From September 15 to October 1, meanwhile, the, “Royal Selangor X Star Wars” theme will present exclusive products of Star Wars produced by Kuala Lumpur-based Royal Selangor – the world’s leader in quality pewter.

A full exclusive line of limited edition Star Wars merchandise made out of pewter with intricate details on which Royal Selangor collaborated with Disney will be on view as well as a life-size carbonite Han Solo. To commemorate Star Wars 40th anniversary, a selection of special edition gold-plated tokens of Princess Leia, Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, limited to 1,977 pieces worldwide will be available.

 

Royal Selangor has launched a special limited edition of gold plated tokens with 1,977 pieces going on sale worldwide.

“Luckily, I’m not a fan of Star Wars because there are a lot of figurines and collectibles related to this film,” says avid collector Vasin Dolruedej, 39. “The Hulk is my favourite with Spider-Man coming in a close second. So far, I have about 200 figurines in my collection and I only collect the ones at 1/3 and 1/4 scales. I don’t think about the price, for me it’s enough to have my favourite characters on display all over my home.”

A former student in the US, Vasin became enamoured of Marvel and DC Comics comic characters as a youngster and started collecting his favourite figurines a decade ago when he had the money to indulge in his passion.

“It’s not like today. There were only a few companies producing these figurines a decade ago. It took me four years to get the figures of Hulk vs Spider-Man in battle produced by Sideshow Collectibles – the first item in my collection. Collectors today have more choices of products thanks to the increasing numbers of producers, so you can just buy the ones you like most without thinking about collecting,” he adds.

Chanvit Vitayasamrit poses with his personal hero, Iron Man.

Chanvit, who also co-owns IT retailer Com7, the operator of Banana IT, iStudio, iBeat, and Banana Mobile, believes the market has plenty of potential.

“Many of products are produced in limited editions, making it a niche but premium market. The widespread shares on social media and the business strategy of the film studios also help make this hobby more popular,” says Chanvit.

“Male collectors are like predators preying on other animals as they keep hunting for their favourite items in full collections. This is a business where customers are willing to deposit money on a pre-order and wait for several months to get the products. It takes sometimes more than six months to obtain an exclusive collection. A new iPhone or a Mercedes Benz doesn’t have such a long waiting list.”

MAKE LIKE A SUPERHERO

“Siam Discovery Presents Toys Station Pop Culture Fest” continues until October 1. It’s open daily from 10 to 10.

For more information, call (02) 658 1000 extension 3400.