With every purchase of a special pack, customers will receive a limited edition wristband, and a chance to donate Bt10 to the Thai Red Cross Society. M&M’S Red Cross Wristband Charity Packs are available at all branches of Tops, Big C and Tesco Lotus (except Big C mini, Tesco Lotus Express and Tops Daily), and other leading stores until December 31.

“This is our first partnership with the Thai Red Cross. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to join hands with the organisation as it allows us show that M&M’S not only stands for fun times but that we care to go beyond the surface of any fun moment and create greater meaningful impacts to the society,” said Yee Pek Kuan, category director of Mars Chocolate South East Asia.

Supporting the release of M&M’S Red Cross Wristband Charity Pack, young actress Tonliu Morakot, added: “We always wish our loved ones greater health and well-being. Now we can also send our wishes to others who are in need through a simple purchase of M&M’S Red Cross Wristband Charity Pack. Especially in this giving season, what can possibly be a greater gift than this?”

The relaxing 90-minute treatment includes an invigorating Body Scrub and the Indigenous Realignment Massage using slow, intense pressure to release tension in tight, stressed and aching muscles.

The package costs Bt4,500-plus (Bt8,800-plus per couple) and comes with a festive gift from bodycare specialist Thann to enjoy at home.

Renowned as one of the finest day spas in Bangkok, the Grande 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 spa experience.

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

SPG members can enjoy 20percent discounts on alacarte treatments (excluding express treatments) weekdays between 9am and 3pm. To become a member, just contact the front office.

For more information or reservations, call (02) 649 8121, email spa.grande@luxurycollection.com, or visit http://www.SheratonGrandeSukhumvit.com.

Designed for “modern and premium lifestyles”, the gadgets are divided based on design and function into two categories – “For Him” and “For Her”.

Nitro 5 is a notebook together with the latest gaming desktop Predator Orion 9000, while Swift 3 is a lightweight laptop for work.

Acer Holo 360 offers 360-degree video and content so users will be able to watch footage back through the Acer Window Mixed Reality Headset, compatible with both smartphones and the gaming laptop Triton 700.

From the Pawbo Family series, pet-themed devices include iPuppy Go, Pawbo WagTag and Pawbo Munch.

Nitipat Praweenwongwuthi, marketing director at Acer Computer, said his firm was offering New Year gifts under the “Just For You” campaign for the second year now.

Buoyed by the growing entertainment and e-sport industries, the IT industry has developed various types of gaming products in the forms of notebooks, desktops, monitors and gaming gears.

All these gaming devices are designed for e-sport players and also gamecasters, streamers and professionals in related fields. Although gaming-device sales have not increased during the past three years, their sales value account for 20 per cent of the total sales.

Acer is committed to developing IoT technologies for niche markets too, as consumers increasingly embrace technologies and become more ready to try new things for their lifestyle, the firm said.

IT products in the “Just For You” campaign will be available from now to January 14, while purchases before December 3 will be entitled to tax deductions of up to Bt15,000.

HIS MAJESTY the late King Bhumibol, who famously championed the use of vetiver grass because its roots bind the soil and prevent erosion, thus also helping to conserve water, would no doubt be delighted with the winners of a design competition held as part of the PatPat Project.

All of the imaginative entries – from bags and hats to home d้cor and even jewellery – were made of vetiver grass.

The Chaipattana Foundation project’s “100 Designs 2017: Vetiver Design Contest” – staged in cooperation with Siam Discovery, PTT and Siam Commercial Bank, sought to promote environmental conservation and, in doing so, give upcountry communities an additional source of income.

The entrants spent two months learning from artisans and other experts how to craft useful and attractive items from the tough weed that Thailand has brought to the world’s attention.

Then they set to work, and the results – presented this week at Siam Discovery – are often astonishing.

In the Home Decoration category, for example, freelance product designer Rattapon Anuchitanukul, 29, took top honours with his “Cat Portable” and “Cat Bed”. They’re intended for urban folks with pet felines.

“The bed is very simple but modern, as well as environmental friendly,” he said. “The weaving isn’t complicated, and the colours look natural in the different shades of each leaf. These are easy to clean and can be taken wherever you go with your cat. They could be made for dogs too by adjusting the size.”

Three Rajabhat Suansunandha University students won in the Fashion category for a line of vetiver handbags called “Domicile”. Sethphokin Sethsattaphokin, Napassorn Laomeepol and Rungnapa Pusadeethongchai are in Year 4 of their studies in industrial design.

Sethphokin said they worked closely with artisans in creating the prototypes.

“The shapes resemble those of a farmer’s hat, an oxcart and a buffalo, all of which share the characteristics of strength and durability, which are also the natural qualities of vetiver.”

“Royal initiative projects on soil and water conservation have contributed to cooperation between the public and private sectors to promote vetiver cultivation to help prevent soil erosion, absorb water and increase nutrients in the soil,” noted Bhakamol Rattaseri, secretary general of the Chaipattana Foundation.

“Thanks to its roots that penetrate so deeply into the earth, vetiver can present erosion. By applying local wisdom, handicrafts can also be made out of vetiver leaves. These will become products sold under the PatPat label, and will inspire communities to make their own to generate extra income.”

PatPat vetiver-based products have been on sale since 2009, but early examples tended to be uninteresting. The makers hadn’t yet developed proficiency.

“Nevertheless,” said Bhakamol, “we saw there was great potential in developing vetiver-based handicrafts further. Every community has its own special wisdom and unique characteristics. So we set up a training programme with the Faculty of Architecture at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. Its students helped local people design more modern products that were better suited to market demand.

“The students meanwhile learned how to weave various patterns and to use the knowledge they gained to develop and design fine products.”

Siam Discovery also played a role in the products’ development, specifically encouraging the design of home decoration and fashion items.

“We believe that working with new design talents makes the products more modern and attractive, more remarkable and more popular with shoppers,” Bhakamol said. “At the same, it helps make people more aware of environmental issues.”

Jarupatcha Achavasmit, a lecturer in industrial design at King Mongkut’s Institute, said she was proud of her students who participated in the design contest.

“Vetiver has very special quality,” she pointed out. “It’s easy to grow, requiring only a small amount of water – and no fertiliser or insecticides. Yet it’s very useful because the long roots help prevent erosion. Every three months, the grass produces new buds.

“The leaves have traditionally been used to feed livestock and thatch roofs, but now we see ways to increase its economic value through design and innovation. One of the advantages is that vetiver grows in the soil, not water, so the fibre is dry and less susceptible to fungus than many other natural materials.

“For now there’s not enough vetiver grown to support mass production, but that’s another key point – we want to encourage more people to grow vetiver grass to conserve the soil and water. And earning money by selling the products is a plus.”

Judging in the Vetiver Design Contest was based on creativity, beauty, novelty, work quality and the potential to be reproduced for the market, meaning the items had to be both functional and cheap to make. Any other materials used had to also be ecologically sound and further development had to appear sustainable.

The contest drew 217 entrants – 123 in the Home Decor category and 94 in Fashion. The winners received Bt80,000, a trophy and a chance to develop their product for eventual sale at the PatPat Shop and Siam Discovery.

GO HAVE A LOOK

– You can see the prize-winning entries through December 3 in Living Room 2 on the fourth floor of Siam Discovery.

All communication between guests and staff will take place in a brief consultation at 5pm that day, before guests change into their robes.

“A lot of the value of a spa experience comes from simply disconnecting from technology and experiencing time for yourself in silence,” says Jeremy McCarthy, group spa director for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

“During this stressful time of the year, we want to create a space where people can press the pause button and have some time to think, meditate or just take a break from being inundated with noise.”

Guests can experience a silent connection and take advantage of the Digital Wellness initiative. The event provides guests a range of wellness advice and activities designed to help them disconnect from technology, clear the mental chatter and establish a healthy, digitally balanced lifestyle.

Those wishing to immerse more fully can book an 80-minute Digital Wellness Escape treatment designed to provide a calming and peaceful respite from the outside world.

Find out more at http://www.MandarinOriental.com.

Running from December 8 to April 1 and occupying the Promontory and Bayfront Event Space, the carnival will comprise more than 40 rides and games – many of them the stars of Europe’s funfairs.

They includes the Star Flyer, the tower ride that enables visitors to enjoy a 360-degree view of the Singapore skyline from 35 metres up, and the Booster Maxx, an ultimate thrill ride which stands at a whopping 55 metres above ground rotating at a speed that can reach 96km/hour in under eight seconds.

Families can enjoy timeless classics such as the Log Flume with its gentle turns before heading down to a big splash at the end, the Das Fun Schiff pirate ship that takes riders on a voyage, , and the Apple Coaster where little ones can buckle up and get their first orientation to a rollercoaster ride.

No carnival would be complete without skill games coupled with attractive plush toys and these the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival has in spades. More than 30 carnival game stalls will cater to adults and children of all ages, with 1.2 million licensed plush toys up for grabs.

“We want to go back to the good old times where the entire family would have an amazing day out at an amusement park while maintaining a low price for the enjoyment of all. Working with overseas fairground experts, we have an opportunity to present a never-before carnival experience in the heart of Singapore’s city centre. We hope that the accessible, affordable and quality entertainment at the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival will bring fun, laughter and many memorable moments to visitors of all ages,” said Barnabas Chia, lead of the Organising Team behind the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival.

Besides exploring the many rides and games on the carnival ground, visitors can also look forward to a rich and varied line-up of programmes. The organisers have gathered an eclectic collective of youth bands and DJ performances, ventriloquism acts and carolling groups, and even fitness enthusiasts to invite active participation at the Bay.

Independent voices in the local music scene will also be packing a hefty punch on stage. Immerse in the adrenaline and energy from home-grown musicians such as pop punk artiste Falling Feathers, petite powerhouse Kexin Tay, hip-hop rapper TheLionCityBoy, and rising star Jasmine Sokko as they reel in the crowd with their blistering sets and repertoire.

fairground favourites like curly fries, sizzling sausages, warm melted raclette, churros and freshly-popped buttery popcorn will be up for grabs and the intrepid gourmand will be spoilt for choice with everything from Michelin-starred offerings to gourmet burgers and hotdogs to a delicious array of Japanese treats. Local foodies can feast on Cendol Soft Serve and Lemongrass Chicken Rice Bowls.

The Prudential Marina Bay Carnival opens daily from 4pm to 11pm, except Christmas and New Year’s Eve when it will start from 3pm. Admission is free for all, and credits for rides and games can be purchased on-site and online via http://MarinaBayCarnival.sg.

Guests booking their wedding or engagement party at the fair will be rewarded with a special package that includes one-night upgrade to a Garden Suite or Executive Suite, breakfast for two, the first Anniversary set lunch voucher for two persons at Le Normandie Restaurant and a 60-minutes massage for two persons at The Oriental Spa.

Learn more by calling (02) 659 9000 extension 7309 or visit http://www.MandarinOriental.com/bangkok.

Blossoms in the air

The Chiang Rai Flower Festival will add colour to the Northern city from December 28 to January 31 as lilies and tulips as well as many other kinds of cold-climate blossoms burst into bloom at Suan Tung and Khom. The event also features photo contests, flower painting competitions, cultural shows and a market offering local products and food while at night, the garden is all lit up with a spectacular lantern exhibition.

And there are great sounds to be enjoyed too every Saturday from December 30 to February 17, as Music in the Park returns for its annual run.

Learn more from the Tourism Authority of Thailand Chiang Rai office by calling (053) 717 433, (053) 744 674-5 or email tatchrai@tat.or.th.

Heritage rocks

The Khlong San–Thonburi Delights@Siam Fair gets underway today at Discovery Plaza of Siam Discovery.

Organised by IconSiam in collaboration with Khlong San and Thon Buri District Offices, the fair offers a variety of unique artworks and attractive handicrafts created by local artisans in the Khlong San and Thonburi communities including Khon masks from Baan Khon Thai, hand-woven cotton products from Pha Fai and quartz jewellery from Klong San community.

Also available is a wide selection of delectable local delicacies and desserts.

The fair runs through Tuesday. Find out more at http://www.TATNews.org.

Bargain buys

Travellers can save more when booking a two-night stay at Centra by Centara Coconut Beach Resort Samui before December 24.

Valid stay through March 31, the promotion offers guests a 30-per-cent discount on accommodation plus 15-per-cent off spa treatments and dining. Bookings must be made at least 14 days in advance.

Sign up at http://www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com/featured-packages/samui-getaway/

A world of lights

The E-World and 83 Tower in Daegu, South Korea welcomes winter with 10 million lights in the annual E-World Starlight Festival that runs through February 28.

Large trees are illuminated nightly along the 200m Light Road, Umbrella Road, Carnival Road and more than 10,000 LED roses cover the proposal stairs to create a romantic ambience for anyone wanting to pop the question.

Find out more at http://www.Facebook.com/eworld.dg or English.visitkorea.or.kr.