“Masita” Unveils The New Product “Cold Ramen Hachiban Flavour”
Masita continues its collaboration strategy with the latest partnership with Hachiban Ramen, Thailands most famous Japanese ramen chain, creating “Cold Ramen Flavor,” which is Hachibans signature dish.
“Masita” continues its collaboration strategy with the latest invention, “Cold Ramen Flavour” in partnership with “Hachiban Ramen,” one of Thailand’s most renowned ramen chains. The new addition is aimed to excite the seaweed snack market, which the brand currently reign with a 39% market share, and give more options to consumers with premium seaweed 100%-sourced from South Korea and no MSG.
Mr. Titiporn Thammapimookkul, Chief Marketing Officer of Boonrawd Trading Co., Ltd., reveals that one of Masita’s marketing strategy for the past couple of years, which were wildly successful, was to form a partnership marketing or collaboration with famous restaurant chains such as Bar B Q Plaza, BonChon Chicken, Sukishi and Tudari. The partnerships had helped the brand differentiate itself from competitors, put the brand in a strong position, and significantly boost sales and revenue.
Past successes had led to Masita’s latest partnership with Hachiban Ramen, Thailand’s most famous Japanese ramen chain, creating “Cold Ramen Flavor,” which is Hachiban’s signature dish. Consumers will be able to taste the flavor and aroma which replicates the experience of dining in Hachiban’s no.1 dish, dipping ramen noodles in the cold Saru sauce served with Wasabi, onion, radish, spring onion, with Masita’s sesame oil and crispy seaweed served cold just like old times.
Masita is the first brand to differentiate itself from competitors with partnership marketing. Every past brand that has collaborated with Masita is renowned food chains that consumers know and love. The strength of Masita and its partners has brought new and quality products to all consumers, being the only brand in the seaweed snack market that all SKUs have 0% MSG but packed with tasty flavor in seaweed 100% sourced from Korea. The commitment has made Masita , No.1 brand of roasted seaweed product in their portfolio with constant growth and relevance to health-conscious consumers.
The company is dedicating its marketing communication efforts on all platforms, especially online, to increase awareness and build product relevance among the young generation to first jobber consumers. The collaboration with Hachiban will introduce Masita to Hachiban fans and will lead to new product trials and long-term consumption in the long run.
The “Cold Ramen” Masita seaweed snack weighs 15 grams per pack and is priced at 39 Baht. The product is available in every 7-Eleven branch, Hachiban Ramen restaurants in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Pathum Thani from today until August 2021 or until sold out.
The seaweed snack market currently values 2.1 billion Baht. Although the overall market value has shrunken due to COVID-19, Masita is still growing with an 18.3% market share in 2020. While the more specific baked seaweed snack market value decreased by 19.2% but Masita still sees a 6% growth with over 31.5% market share.
Japanese travellers are the most welcome worldwide, according to the latest results of the Henley Passport Index .
The index ranks all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
They provide an insight into what the post-pandemic travel freedom might look like as countries around the world selectively begin to open their borders to international visitors.
Without taking temporary and constantly evolving Covid-19 travel restrictions into account, Japan firmly holds onto the number one spot on the index — which is based on data from the International Air Transport Association.
Japanese passport holders theoretically are able to access a record 193 destinations around the world visa-free. Singapore remains in second place, with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 192, while Germany and South Korea again share joint-third place, each with access to 191 destinations.
As has been the case for most of the index’s 16-year history, the majority of the remaining top 10 spots are held by EU countries. The UK and the US, both of which continue to face steadily eroding passport strength since they held the top spot in 2014, currently share joint-seventh place, with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 187.
The latest results indicate that the gap in travel freedom is now at its largest since the index began in 2006, with Japanese passport holders able to access 167 more destinations than citizens of Afghanistan, who can visit only 26 destinations worldwide without acquiring a visa in advance.
Although there has been very little movement in the Henley Passport Index for the past five quarters since the outbreak of Covid-19, taking a step back reveals some interesting dynamics over the past decade. The year 2021 saw China entering the biggest climbers in the past decade for the first time. China has risen by 22 places in the ranking since 2011, from 90th position with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of just 40 to 68th position with a score of 77. The most remarkable turnaround story on the index by far, however, is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which continues its stellar ascendance. In 2011, the UAE was ranked 65th with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 67, while today, thanks to the UAE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties with countries across the globe, it is ranked 15th with a score of 174.
Christian H Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners and the inventor of the passport index concept, says the past year has demonstrated that no government is infallible — even the world’s superpowers and wealthiest nations floundered — and many failed their citizens.
“While nobody expects a return to pre-pandemic mobility levels anytime soon, the outlook now is certainly more hopeful than it was even a few months ago. The latest ranking is a reminder that economic recovery and development are dependent on global mobility, including personal travel freedom, and that passport power should never be taken for granted.”
Looking ahead to what the rest of 2021 holds, experts commenting in the Global Mobility Report 2021 Q2 released by Henley & Partners on Sunday, suggest that adaptability and responsiveness will be critical to future survival and success.
Parag Khanna, founder and managing partner of FutureMap, says the second half of the year may well see millions of people scattering again.
“The shifting patterns of migration in the post-Covid world will be non-linear and perhaps unpredictable. They will mimic the reality of a world in which there are many unfolding crises, from pandemics to climate change to political polarisation. “Countries facing fiscal pressures as well as skilled labour and investment shortages will seek to attract and recruit everyone from start-up entrepreneurs who can stimulate innovation to doctors and nurses who can boost public health services. The global war for talent is now well underway,” Khanna said.
By The NationThe United States and Australian embassies in Bangkok on Tuesday posted entertaining video clips to celebrate this year’s Songkran.
The US mission posted a fun, food-themed video titled “US Embassy Bangkok Spicy Food Challenge”.
Embassy staff are seen tucking in to six spicy Thai dishes – Nam Prik Noom (grilled green chilli dip), Phad Krapow Moo (stir-fried basil with minced pork), Mama Phad Khee Mao (spicy stir-fried drunken instant noodles), Gaeng Hed (fermented mushroom soup), Gaeng Tai Pla (fermented fish entrails curry) and Gaeng Leung (yellow curry with fish and papaya).
The munching diplomats comment in Thai on the food between mouthfuls, remarking on its tastiness (“aroy mak”) and also comparing the spicy flavours to the Tex-Mex cuisine of Arizona. However, as the spice level gets higher with each dish, some diners begin to struggle. “It’s worth eating for bilateral relations between the two countries,” one US diplomat splutters in Thai after taking a fiery mouthful of Gaeng Leung.
They sign off with a message for Thailand: “We hope you all have a fun, safe and delicious Thai New Year! Happy Songkran!”
Meanwhile, the Australian Embassy had fun with a virtual Songkran celebration posted on its Facebook page.
Allan McKinnon
Ambassador Allan McKinnon appears in traditional Thai dress as a message board is virtually handed around to individual staff in a Zoom-style video. Each member chalks a Thai letter before the message is handed back to McKinnon, who is promptly soaked by water guns from all sides.
“This year we are celebrating Songkran virtually, with a bit of physical distancing. Our Embassy staff has a small message to everyone in Thailand and to our Thai friends in Australia. Wishing everyone a happy and safe Songkran!” the message read.
Songkran is unfolding in a spectacular story of the Buddha, beauties and beasts at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden & Cultural Village near Pattaya this week.
Through Thursday, the largest floral garden in Southeast Asia is blooming with a display of gentle Thai traditions associated with the lunar New Year.
Featured are beauty parades of Songkran ladies and a ceremony in which elephant calves pay respect to their mothers by sprinkling water with flower petals.
“Visitors are also invited to pour water on nine famous Buddha figures at the Garden In The Sky area,” said the tropical garden’s director, Kampol Tansajja.
He added that the venue has imposed measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in line with government standards.
Bangkok currently ranks sixth in Agoda.com’s search lists, highlighting a resurgence of interest in international travel.
Vaccine rollouts, talk of Covid-19 passports and alternative hotel quarantine have triggered an increase in international travel searches, said the popular travel platform on Tuesday.
However, Agoda reported Thailand-based searches had zero international destinations in the top 30 this month, indicating Thais are happy to stay at home.
The platform said its search data highlights growing optimism across Asia that international travel will start to return, with Australia, South Korea, Japan and Indonesia witnessing an increase in the number of international destinations in their top 30 searches in March compared to December.
Travellers from these markets are joining China, Taiwan and Singapore in their optimism for the resumption of international travel, said Agoda.
“There are definitely reasons for the travel industry in Asia to start to feel more optimistic,” said Agoda CEO John Brown, citing vaccine rollout and tourism subsidy schemes such as TTogether in Thailand and GoTo Japan.
However, he said the pace of vaccination will vary, with markets such as Singapore fully vaccinated this year and others like Thailand, Japan and Vietnam likely waiting until 2022.
“So these heavily tourism-dependent economies need to consider how to accelerate the return to normality. … alternative state quarantine [ASQ], as launched in Thailand and Hong Kong, might prove to be a sensible solution in line with a vaccine programme.”
Agoda said it had collaborated with Thailand’s Public Health Ministry to allow Thai nationals and residents to choose their preferred ASQ accommodation direct on the travel platform. Agoda’s ASQ platform would offer the same flexibility to international tourists when Thailand opening its borders this July, the company said.
“With more markets exploring travel corridors [or “bubbles”], alternative state quarantine accommodation provides a solution to help resume international travel by enabling travellers to choose a quarantine property that best suits their needs,” said Brown.
The Greek physician and occasional philosopher Hippocrates, known as the ‘Father of Medicine’ put it best: “Nature itself is the best physician”
Although he wrote these words some 2,400 years ago, they have arguably never been truer than today. Even without a global pandemic, our fast-paced urban lives often disconnect us from the planet we inhabit.
But as we gradually recover from Covid, we can take the time to reconnect with nature – and with it find a sense of purpose and peace, benefitting both the body and mind.
A growing body of evidence suggests that spending time outdoors can reduce stress and anxiety, as well as lower blood pressure and heart rate.
So whether it’s swimming waters teeming with life or hiking peaks, the only question is which of these brilliant outdoor escapes to choose to help you re-set and relax like never before.
Snorkel in the Andaman Sea’s crystal-clear waters
The tropical paradise of Krabi in Thailand is home to Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort which lets you discover Hong Island, Paradise Island and Pak Bia Island by traditional longtail boat. This island-hopping excursion to visit some of the Andaman Sea’s best-kept secrets provides secluded havens for swimming in crystal-clear lagoons that teem with wildlife. Back at the Phulay Bay resort, guests can relax further in the stunning natural beauty of Krabi that surrounds them, be that exploring the surrounding virgin rainforests, glistening beaches and majestic waterfalls where the only timepiece you’ll need is the sun.
When you stay at Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui, you’ll enjoy a complimentary round-trip boat excursion to Koh Madsum, better known as Pig Island. The tiny spot takes its name from the pigs that roam freely on the sand and in the jungled clad interior. It’s an idyllic environment in which to enjoy the perfect white sand beach, bathe in the clear blue ocean and marvel at the underwater world. The resort’s convenient location also makes it the perfect base to explore Koh Samui’s surprising and diverse landscapes and seascapes.
Hiking the trails of Taiwan
Taiwan’s mountainous hiking trails continue to draw walkers from around the world, visitors seeking the surprising and stunning walking routes which criss-cross the island. The capital is a fast-paced and buzzy urban metropolis, where W Taipei in hip Xinyi – the Manhattan of Taipei –provides a sanctuary of serenity and energy. But the city is also brilliantly connected to let you escape quickly to the hills. Located in the picturesque Yangmingshan National Park, Mt. Qixing, literally “Seven Star Mountain,” is the highest point in Taipei and offers outstanding views at 1,120m above sea level.
Close to the capital sits another spot enveloped in magnificent nature, Taoyuan, home to The Westin Tashee Resort, Taoyuan. Located in the forested hills, it’s perfect for ‘forest bathing’ as you immerse yourself in nature, but Taoyuan’s mountain range comes calling. Our choice would be the Full Moon National Forest Recreation Area. There, in the upper reaches of the Big Leopard Creek in the Three Gorges, on a tributary called the Gnat Creek, there is a beautiful world with stunning waterfalls and red maples to truly put the mind and soul at rest.
Hiking Hong Kong’s Trails
As a densely populated city with literally thousands of skyscrapers, it’s easy to forget that Hong Kong is also a natural wonderland, with countless trails, beaches, mountains and parks to keep even the most experienced hiker busy for a lifetime. The newly-opened Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel, situated in picturesque Tung Chung on Lantau Island, could not be better positioned to let you explore. The iconic Ngong Ping trail, Big Buddha and the challenging – but truly breathtaking – Sunset Peak are all right on your doorstep.
Over on the south side of Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel is another green urban retreat from the city center which reinforces the stunning diversity of the city’s landscapes. Connecting with nature doesn’t get easier as beautiful Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay are minutes away, while picture-perfect hiking and jogging trails lead through some of Hong Kong’s finest coastlines and country parks. Don’t miss the splendid coastal views of Sham Wan, Ap Lei Chau and Lamma Island, all while breathing in the fresh country air.
Exploring Japan’s mountain ranges
A magnificent destination for those seeking time in nature, Japan dazzles both first time and regular visitors alike with its panoramas, hot springs, coastlines, forests and mountains. Hidden in Japan’s northern Kanto region and set along scenic Lake Chuzenji, The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko offers a pristine haven where nature is revered. Your accommodations overlook Lake Chuzenji or Mount Nantai, while there are endless opportunities to connect with the natural world. The surrounding waterfalls, lakes, wetlands, hot springs and plateaus of Okunikko were shaped by long-ago eruptions of Mount Nantai, a revered landmark that rises high above you. Dynamic beauty awaits explorers, be they hikers, cyclists or paddlers.
The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa offers the magical island’s plethora of natural escapes and activities. Traces of the Ryukyu Kingdom era remain in the form of nine World Heritage Sites while beaches offer snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing. Accompanied excursions include a 30km Cycle Tour of Cape Manza with a Hotel Guide, as you travel from hotel to a scenic spot known as “Manzamo” or ‘elephant nose!’. Alternatively, for adrenaline on water join their Mangrove Kayaking tour on the Hija River to see completely untouched wilderness at its very finest, or discover the remarkable preserved Yanbaru forest.
Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki offers multiple locations from which to explore untouched wilderness, whatever your preferred mode of transport. The newly-opened Fairfield by Marriott Mie Odai, southeast of the historic city of Nara, lets guests immerse themselves in nature by swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Miya River or spending the day fishing for ayu sweetfish in the river. For those who prefer mountains, the hotel is near some of the most famous hiking trails in Japan, including Osugidani and Mount Somon, while the breathtaking Nanatsugama Falls are also close by.
Bali’s waterfalls and rice terraces
Located in Nusa Dua, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is set on 12.7 hectares of expansive and beautifully manicured beach-front and cliff-top land. This expansive property is already a natural wonder in its own right, thanks to unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean and its dramatic location along the sweeping coastline. The luxury resort reinforces The Ritz-Carlton’s commitment to inspiring life’s most meaningful journeys, including in Nusa Dua’s lush volcanic mountains and verdant rice paddies. These experiences highlight and reinforce the healing power of nature – but guests are also encouraged to discover why Bali is a destination where people seek peace and quiet in every sense of life.
Finally, to the magical Indonesian island of Bali, renowned as one of the most spiritual destinations anywhere, as well as an island of extraordinary natural diversity. The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali sits in the historical royal capital, nestled in stunning tropical terraces
lush green hillside and picturesque rice paddle fields. As if that wasn’t already enough, then abundant natural beauty can also be seen at Ubud Monkey Forest and Campuhan Ridge Walk, a free and easy nature trek which takes you through temples, bridges, shrines and rice paddies. Other easily accessible outdoor adventures include mountain biking, rafting and ecotours.
In a bid to revive tourism in Phuket, resort group Laguna Phuket is set to kick-off a 19-day festival offering a series of exciting events that will showcase the island’s beauty and preparedness.
Running from March 31 to April 18, the “Laguna Phuket Revive 555 Festival” will include sports, music, cultural and community events over three weekends, including the Songkran weekend.
Headline artists Kong Saharat, Da Endorphine, Yes’sir Days, Pop Pongkool, LABANOON, Golf F Hero, Thaitanium, Ice Saranyu and Instinct taking part.
Hoping to boost Phuket’s economy and spur domestic tourism, the festival offers something for everyone. And there has never been a better time to visit the island – the Andaman Sea and beaches are pristine, the air clean, and people welcoming as ever.
“Phuket is ready to welcome tourists from all regions of Thailand,” said Phuket’s deputy governor Pichet Panapong. “The island’s natural beauty has been revived again. The beachfront Laguna Phuket is perfect for this festival – it is spacious and festival goers can enjoy the activities and facilities in a safe environment.”
“A lot of passion went into planning this festival,” said Ravi Chandran, the resort’s managing director. “While a Laguna Phuket initiative, the festival is a true collaboration of Phuket people and organisations. Now is the perfect time to visit and through this series of events we hope to spark interest in Phuket, whether you have visited before or not, and aim to highlight that Phuket is a welcoming island open to everyone.”
Laguna’s Revive 555 Festival official poster
Held at Xana Beach Club, the inaugural event is the Laguna Phuket Thailand Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Championship 2021 which runs until April 4. The Laguna Phuket Soundwave presented by Works.com, on April 3 and 4 at Laguna Grove, showcases world-class entertainment including famous Thai artists, while the Angel Market on the grounds of Cassia Phuket promotes local arts and crafts, and food.
Phuket province will host Roy Rim Lay from April 10 to 12 at Laguna Grove. The event gives guests the chance to sample Phuket’s famous, delicious local cuisine and enjoy on-site live entertainment. For active travellers, Xana Beach Club will host a beach run on April 11, ending the day with live entertainment and refreshments as the sun sets over Bang Tao Bay.
The Songkran holiday will be devoted to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with the four-day Laguna Phuket Pride 2021 kicking off on April 12. The pride parade coincides with Laguna Phuket Sustainability Day and Night Community Activity – two events linked to the heart of Laguna Phuket’s corporate social responsibility endeavors. Golf-lovers can take part in a Laguna Golf Phuket tournament on April 14.
The final weekend of the festival on April 17-18, is sure to draw the trendiest of crowds. Cassia Phuket will host Laguna Phuket’s first-ever Surf Skate event against the backdrop of live music and entertainment in the form of Laguna Phuket Soundwave presented by Works.com.
The fast-growing sport has become a Phuket favourite in recent months, and festivalgoers are sure to enjoy the cool moves of the skaters. Concerts also return to Laguna Grove that weekend for an epic finale to the 19-day festival.
“We are confident that these collaborative events between the island and Laguna Phuket will boost domestic tourism and showcase Phuket for the unique and inclusive holiday destination that it truly is. Measures have been put in place to ensure that each event venue strictly adheres to high safety and well-being standards, ensuring that the Laguna Phuket Revive 555 Festival is not only a fun, but also safe event, for everyone,” Chandran added.
Each Laguna Phuket hotel will arrange exclusive fringe activities to complement the festival. Guests of Angsana Laguna Phuket, Banyan Tree Phuket, Cassia Phuket, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket and Saii Laguna Phuket will have direct access to all events via Laguna Phuket’s on-site shuttle services.
Airbnb has jumped on the bandwagon for International Women’s Day (March 8) by pointing out that 55 per cent of its hosts in Thailand are female. Chiang Mai is home to the highest proportion of women hosts in Thailand (60 per cent) – 9th in Airbnb’s rankings of global cities with the highest number of female hosts.
“In Thailand, our women Airbnb hosts are breaking down barriers and blazing new trails. They recognise Airbnb as a valuable platform that provides them with the opportunity to earn extra income. They see Airbnb as a way for them to become financially independent and a way to support their local communities and neighbourhoods,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb general manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
To celebrate International Women’s Day in Thailand, Airbnb is launching two new experiences hosted by leading women chefs – Chef Gai (Thananya Kaikaew), owner of dessert cafe Brioche from heaven, and Chef Nooror (Nooror Somany Steppe), owner of Blue Elephant restaurant.
Thananya KaikaewNooror Somany Steppe
Next Saturday (March 13), guests will enjoy a tour of Chef Gai’s cafe while learning the art of making the perfect brioche.
Meanwhile, Chef Nooror will launch the Airbnb “Cooking Experience with Blue Elephant” on March 11, revealing the secrets of her signature lamb massaman curry.
John Brown
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
_h.jpg)
Nooror Somany Steppe
SootinClaimon.Com 