DEPA develops B2B platform for Thai tourism

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DEPA develops B2B platform for Thai tourism

DEPA develops B2B platform for Thai tourism

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022

The state-run Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), in collaboration with private business partner Travizco Technology, a leading Thai travel tech, has introduced ThailandCONNEX as a national tourism platform to help Thai tourism businesses make easier contacts with the world online travel agencies.

This new connection venture focuses on the principle of “win-win sharing income” partly through digital technology to revive the Thai tourism industry after the Covid-19 pandemic. It is expected to boost Thailand’s economy by 12 billion baht.

Asst.Prof.Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President and CEO of Digital Economy Promotion Agency or depa announced at the press conference with Nadhaseth Wongwattanakarn, CEO of Travizco Technology, about cooperation in support and developing platforms ‘ThailandCONNEX

Nuttapon said that the tourism industry has always been an important engine in driving the Thai economy but behaviour of tourists around the world today prefer to search for and book accommodation, travel and various activities online (OTAs), but Thai tourism operators, especially SMEs, still lack the potential to develop their own online channels and lose a high-profit share when selling services through foreign OTAs. For entrepreneurs who want to increase sales channels and reduce dependence on foreign OTAs, it is difficult to contact OTAs of Thai startups. At the same time, OTAs of Thai startups are growing slowly because of obstacles in terms of funding and credibility. It takes time to access and acquire the tour operators in the system.

Therefore, depa has joined forces with a private sector partner, Travisco Technology Co., Ltd., the country’s leading travel tech, to develop ThailandCONNEX, the national tourism platform to act as an intermediary to connect various types of tourism operators across Thailand with OTAs of Thai startups and OTAs operating around the world. The platform makes it easier for Thai and foreign OTAs to access Thai tourism resources.

Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin , President and CEO of Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa).Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin , President and CEO of Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa).

“ThailandCONNEX is a platform to create business opportunities, reduce dependency on foreign platforms and create added value for the Thai tourism industry. It is expected that there will be more than 100,000 tour operators participating in the platform, with at least 200,000 items of goods and services from tourism operators and expected to create an economic value of more than 12 billion baht, which will help revitalize the economy and be a part in pushing Thailand forward into the digital economy and society era,” Nuttapon said.

Nadhaseth Wongwattanakarn, President and CEO of Travizco Technology.Nadhaseth Wongwattanakarn, President and CEO of Travizco Technology.

Nadhaseth Wongwattanakarn, CEO of Travizco Technology, said that Thailand has a very high tourism potential. But Covid has caused the once bustling Thai tourism to become stagnant. Foreign tourists have dropped from 40 million people to less than a million people, and income of more than 3 trillion baht per year to less than 900 billion baht. Operators of accommodations, travel, places and tourism activities including travel agents are all affected.

” Travizco Technology, a travel tech entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience, is therefore very pleased to cooperate with depa in developing ThailandCONNEX which will help Thai tourism entrepreneurs, especially SMEs to have access to technology. and growing steadily in the midst of the transformation of service models in the digital age,” he said.

DEPA develops B2B platform for Thai tourism

ThailandCONNEX is designed to collect Big Data under Personal Data Standards (PDPA) and use AI technology to find characteristics, trends, preferences and needs of tourists. This will be beneficial to entrepreneurs in designing and improving products and services, and to government agencies in formulating promotion policies that will lead to quality tourism along with upgrading Thai tourism operators to be able to compete in the modern era where digital technology plays an important role in daily life. 

ThailandCONNEX also has a Token system that will facilitate tour operators with tools to stimulate tourism. Incentives, Repeat Purchases and Alliance with other entrepreneurs as well.

Tourism operators who are interested in joining the national Thailand CONNEX platform can follow up on the advancement at www.ThailandCONNEX.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThailandConneX

LINE OA: @ThailandConneX 

Wasteful United States held to goalless draw by England

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Wasteful United States held to goalless draw by England

Wasteful United States held to goalless draw by England

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2022

Reuters

A youthful United States side outplayed England in their World Cup Group B battle but were left to rue a flurry of missed chances and poor finishing in both halves after having to settle for a 0-0 draw at the Al Bayt Stadium on Friday (November 25).

England, unchanged from Monday’s 6-2 win over Iran, could have sealed their place in the knockout phase with a win but were careless in possession and struggled to dominate the Americans, who steadily grew in confidence.

Tim Weah set up Weston McKennie with a measured cross but the midfielder blazed his effort over before Christian Pulisic’s powerful strike beat goalkeeper Jordan Pickford but crashed off the crossbar in a lively first-half display from the Americans.

The closest England came to breaking the deadlock was on the stroke of halftime when U.S. goalkeeper, Matt Turner, denied Mason Mount, while captain, Harry Kane, endured a frustrating evening up front as Gareth Southgate’s side laboured to earn a share of the spoils.

Wasteful United States held to goalless draw by EnglandWasteful United States held to goalless draw by England

Reuters

Baritone Patrizio Buanne brings ‘La Dolce Vita’ to Benjakitti Park on Sunday

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Baritone Patrizio Buanne brings ‘La Dolce Vita’ to Benjakitti Park on Sunday

Baritone Patrizio Buanne brings ‘La Dolce Vita’ to Benjakitti Park on Sunday

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2022

Stephanie Adair

MedPark Hospital is marking its second birthday on Sunday with “Med Music in the Park” featuring famous Italian baritone Patrizio Buanne. 

The free-for-all concert will be held in Benjakitti Park’s amphitheatre on Sunday from 4pm to 8pm. Thai musicians and the RSU Symphony Orchestra will be sharing the stage with Buanne. 

The baritone, known for his renditions of the famous aria La Dolce Vita, said he was excited to bring his music to Thai fans. 

Baritone Patrizio Buanne brings ‘La Dolce Vita’ to Benjakitti Park on Sunday

“My contribution here is music, which is tonic for the soul. I’m very, very excited to perform tomorrow … Tomorrow I want to make sure that I will make people feel simply good,” Buanne said. 

The tall, dark Italian-Austrian singer has sold more than 10 million albums and has been delighting audiences for more than 15 years at venues like London’s Royal Albert Hall, the Sydney Opera House, Singapore’s Esplanade and New York’s Lincoln Centre. 

Baritone Patrizio Buanne brings ‘La Dolce Vita’ to Benjakitti Park on Sunday

Joining him on stage will be Thai divas like Gob Saovanit, Lookwa Pijika and Pure Ekkapan along with Dolchai Boonyatavej, duo act Sunny Trio and Natt Buntita, with the RSU Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Denny Euprasert.

Stephanie Adair

Bt600m to fresh up Central Department Store to highlight the “Boundless Playground” Concept

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Bt600m to fresh up Central Department Store to highlight the “Boundless Playground” Concept

Bt600m to fresh up Central Department Store to highlight the “Boundless Playground” Concept

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2022

Transforming into an all-time landmark and complete lifestyle destination tailored to all lifestyles across generations

Bangkok, November 25, 2022 — Central Department Store, operated by Central Retail, has announced a festive-season surprise by unveiling “CENTRAL LADPRAO THE NEW LOOK.” 

The new all-around revamp will help the retailer transformed the Ladprao’s 40-year-old legendary mall into the “all-time landmark and complete lifestyle destination” under the “Boundless Playground” concept. 

A total area of 50,000 square meters include the area of Supersports, B2S and PowerBuy.  cementing its position as the leading omnichannel retailer offering the best for diverse lifestyles across generations.

Bt600m to fresh up Central Department Store to highlight the “Boundless Playground” Concept

The zones that were revamped include Beauty, Fashion, Luxe Galerie, Home, My Little World, and Living House. The store is also organizing fun activities and special promotions during the grand reveal celebration.

Mr. Olivier Bron, Chief Executive Officer — Central Department Store, under Central Retail, said “From the very first day, Central Department Store never stopped innovating and exploring new ways to create the best shopping experience for our valued customers. 

Bt600m to fresh up Central Department Store to highlight the “Boundless Playground” Concept

Central Ladprao has been the go-to shopping destination for not only people living in the Ladprao area but for all Bangkokians since 1983. With a 600 million Baht investment, the store has been given a huge revamp and zone expansion to unlock the store’s full potential to serve customers across all demographics, including the younger generation and the workforce with high-purchasing power.

Bt600m to fresh up Central Department Store to highlight the “Boundless Playground” Concept

Central Ladprao ranks second among the branches with the most customers in the wealth category, with around 50,000 wealthy clients, trailing behind Central Chidlom. This wealthy group generated over 40% of sales for the branch (as of October 2022). 

Bt600m to fresh up Central Department Store to highlight the “Boundless Playground” Concept

Strategically located at the important train hub, the re-imagined Central Ladprao will offer the most compressive range of products and services. We expect a 35% surge in traffic and 40% growth in sales, compared to the same time last year.”

Bt600m to fresh up Central Department Store to highlight the “Boundless Playground” Concept

Experience “CENTRAL LADPRAO THE NEW LOOK” at Central Ladprao and shop on-the-go with Central’s omnichannel platform, including the 24/7 shopping experience at Central App, chat and shop with a personal shopping assistant at Central Chat & Shop via Line @Centralofficial, Central Facebook Inbox and Facebook Live at Facebook: Central Department Store, or talk to your on-demand Personal Shopper who will facilitate, and inform you of, all the privileges and promotions at 1425.

Bt600m to fresh up Central Department Store to highlight the “Boundless Playground” Concept

Michelin awards 189 Thai eateries its 2023 Bib Gourmand label

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Michelin awards 189 Thai eateries its 2023 Bib Gourmand label

Michelin awards 189 Thai eateries its 2023 Bib Gourmand label

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022

Opal Varunsuda

As many as 105 restaurants and 84 street food establishments across Thailand were given the Big Gourmand certification for next year’s Michelin Guide Thailand. The names were announced at the 2023 Michelin Star Revelation ceremony held on Thursday at The Athenee Hotel Bangkok.

Tourism Authority of Thailand governor, Yuthasak SupasornTourism Authority of Thailand governor, Yuthasak Supasorn

Of the winners, 53 were first-time entries, while six were upped a level.

“I’m honoured to convey my warmest and heartfelt congratulations to all entries as well as award-winning chefs and personalities in this latest edition of Michelin Guide Thailand,” Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Yuthasak Supasorn said.

Michelin awards 189 Thai eateries its 2023 Bib Gourmand label“Their dedication to raising the bar in Thailand’s culinary world contributes to the country’s growing reputation as a premier dining destination.”,He added.

The government has been promoting Thai cuisine as a “soft power” to boost the country’s appeal and increase revenue.

Of the Bib Gourmand label winners, 82 are in the Greater Bangkok area, 13 in Ayutthaya, 27 in Chiang Mai, 23 in Phuket, 11 in Phang Nga, nine in Korat, six in Ubon Ratchathani, seven in Udon Thani and 11 in Khon Kaen.

The criteria for the recognition are the quality of ingredients used, taste and creativity in cooking. Value for money, consistency in taste and uniqueness are also taken into account.

Read more about the winners on the Michelin Guide website guide.michelin.com/th/en.

Opal Varunsuda

THAI appoints new CEO: Chai Eamsiri, Effective February 1, 2023

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THAI appoints new CEO: Chai Eamsiri, Effective February 1, 2023

THAI appoints new CEO: Chai Eamsiri, Effective February 1, 2023

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022

On 25 November 2022, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) declared that Chai Eamsiri will be THAI Chief Executive Officer from 1 February 2023.

The CEO Selection Committee, consisting of the Plan Administrators, has chosen Chai Eamsiri from 53 internal and external candidates, which include domestic and international executives in the aviation industry and other industries.

The recruitment processes; specifications, selection and evaluation conditions were developed based on the Company’s context under the rehabilitation and privatization processes.

The roles and responsibilities of THAI new CEO were defined in response to the Psychometric test for leadership competency. Candidates were also obliged to present their visions to the selection committee.

With 37 years of experience and knowledge in the Thai aviation industry, Chai has acquired suitable attributes and qualifications for the position in every dimension. He has also obtained extensive financial and accounting literacy which is highly significant in achieving the Rehabilitation Plan amendments including earning new loans, restructuring capital, and managing financial discipline to boost profit and accomplish the plan.

Chai has worked with international organizations and has been entrusted to be in a special working group of business restructuring initiatives in 2020. He has played a vital role in the company’s Rehabilitation Plan implementation and transformation in the past two years.

At present, Chai has the position of THAI Chief Financial Officer before being appointed a Chief Executive Officer on 1 February 2023.

The appointment is a crucial next step to building trust and confidence among the creditors, passengers and business partners.

THAI new CEO qualifying for this open and transparent
selection process acquires leadership and initiative competencies.

Under his operation, THAI will accomplish the Business Transformation and Rehabilitation goals with long-term
sustainable prosperity.

The airline announced on November 11, 2022, that it made 3.92 billion baht in profit in the third quarter of this year, compared to a 5.31 billion baht loss in the same period last year.

The national carrier said that it and its subsidiaries had recorded a revenue of 32.86 billion baht in the third quarter, up 582% year on year.

Revenue from passengers and cargo stood at 30.89 billion baht thanks to more frequent flights in the first half of the year.

THAI has also reopened routes that were previously closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The total expenses for THAI and its subsidiaries came in at 28.94 billion baht, up 186% from the previous year due to rising operational costs. The price of fuel has risen by 80% compared to the previous year and is responsible for 44 % of the operational cost, THAI said.

As of September 30, THAI and its subsidiaries had total assets of 183.29 billion baht, up by 22.07 billion baht from December 31, 2021. Total liabilities came in at 265.79 billion baht, up by 33.32 billion baht on December 31, 2021.

The shareholders’ equity, meanwhile, is in the deficit by 82.50 billion baht.

However, thanks to fast-growing tickets sales and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) at over 2 billion baht per month, the company’s cash balance has risen steadily from 6.01 billion baht in March to 13.47 billion baht in June and 23.3 billion baht in September.

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Thailand allies with Dutch in ‘water war’ as floods deepen with climate change

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https://www.nationthailand.com/world/europe/40022462

Thailand allies with Dutch in ‘water war’ as floods deepen with climate change

Thailand allies with Dutch in ‘water war’ as floods deepen with climate change

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2022

Thailand tapped Dutch water-management expertise in bilateral talks on Thursday that also promised “concrete cooperation in trade and investment … clean energy and agriculture”, the Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

A Thai delegation led by Asi Mamanee, director-general of the Department of European Affairs, participated in the 2nd Thailand-Netherlands Political Consultations in The Hague, after bilateral talks were suspended due to Covid-19.

Thailand allies with Dutch in ‘water war’ as floods deepen with climate change

Thailand is seeking to upgrade its water management as climate change brings more severe weather conditions that forced tens of thousands to flee their homes during weeks of flooding from August to October this year.

Thailand is already tapping Dutch expertise in flood defences under an agreement signed between the countries last year.

Thailand allies with Dutch in ‘water war’ as floods deepen with climate change

The ministry said Thursday’s meeting also explored ways to tighten economic, environmental, clean/renewable energy, agriculture industry and technology, tourism and cultural cooperation, and to promote exchanges of business and trade personnel.

Both sides swapped views on international issues such as the crises in Myanmar and Ukraine and relations between Asean and the EU. The crises, as well as trade relations between the regional blocs, will be high on the agenda when Thailand joins next month’s Asean-EU Commemorative Summit in Brussels.

Talks on the stalled EU-Asean free trade agreement are also expected.

Thailand allies with Dutch in ‘water war’ as floods deepen with climate change

The Thai delegation also visited Deltares Delft, a Dutch institute of applied research in water and infrastructure, and talked with its Asia expert Tjitte A Nauta about further cooperation in water management.

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Thais in the Netherlands attend the Exquisite Thai Fabrics Event at the Thailand Pavilion, at the EXPO 2022 Floriade Almere

Rebellion against ‘Black Friday’ in Belgium

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Rebellion against ‘Black Friday’ in Belgium

Rebellion against ‘Black Friday’ in Belgium

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022

For many, ‘Black Friday’ has become synonymous with overconsumption and customers fighting to get the best deals. In Belgium, however, for some, it has gone too far.

Rather than seducing their customers with massive sales, Belgian fashion brand Xandres decided to take part in a ‘Green Friday’, a sustainable alternative to its insatiable counterpart. As part of this campaign, the brand closed all its thirteen shops in Belgium on Friday and instead took the day to repair worn-out clothes its customers had returned to them – free of charge.

Inside their headquarters near Ghent, Belgium, over 100 employees of Xandres, including CEO Patrick Desrumaux, gathered to dust off and stitch up the almost 600 bits of clothing they had been given.

“Black Friday is really a festival of sales, buy as much clothing as possible at as much discount as possible and that doesn’t fit in the sustainable philosophy that we stand for and instead of ‘Black Friday’ we are participating in ‘Green Friday’.” The CEO told Reuters.

Rebellion against ‘Black Friday’ in Belgium

“All the shops are closed, the webshop is closed and instead of buying we are going to grant a longer life to clothes by repairing all the clothes that were brought in.”

Other shops also took part in this durable counterweight to ‘Black Friday’. Chain store ‘Dille & Kamille’ also closed for the day in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Their employees got together to do voluntary work in nature reserves and parks in their respective countries.

Tycho Hauwaert, a policy expert on circular economy and industry at the Bond Beter Leefmilieu, said ‘Black Friday’ “fans the flames of throwaway consumption” and mentioned the importance of reflecting on our consumption behaviour.

Opinions on the sale bonanza of ‘Black Friday’ were split in the streets of Ghent, with former florist Bart Vanderelsken calling it ‘a rip off’ and claiming he has noticed lower prices hidden underneath ‘Black Friday’ labels in the past.

On the other hand, 19-year-old student Roef Stevens said he took advantage of lowered prices to buy some items he had been planning on buying for a while already.

Rebellion against ‘Black Friday’ in Belgium

Not everyone was aware of the promotion of Xandres, with Herrebaut Erna’s ambitions to buy a dress today cut short by unexpectedly closed doors. Nonetheless, she supported the initiative and would return another day.

Reuters

Germany must decide where Patriot missiles are stationed, says Polish president

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Germany must decide where Patriot missiles are stationed, says Polish president

Germany must decide where Patriot missiles are stationed, says Polish president

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022

It is Germany’s decision where its Patriot air defence units are stationed, the Polish president said on Friday, adding that it would be better for Poland’s security if they were on Ukrainian territory near the border.

Germany said on Friday it was discussing with allies Poland’s request that German Patriot air defence units be sent to Ukraine after Nato’s chief suggested the military alliance might not oppose such a move.

Berlin offered Warsaw the Patriot system to help secure its airspace after a stray missile crashed and killed two people in Poland last week. Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak later asked Germany to send the fire units to Ukraine instead.

“From a military point of view, it would be best if they were located in Ukraine to also protect Polish territory, then they would protect both Ukraine and Poland most effectively,” Andrzej Duda told a news conference in Kaunas, Lithuania. “But the decision rests with the German side.”

Speaking alongside Duda, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda called for the strengthening of the EU’s sanctions policy, including adding Russian judges of the Constitutional Court and Rosatom to the sanctioned list.

The European Union is pressing ahead with a ninth sanctions package on Russia in response to Moscow’s attack on Ukraine, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said during a visit to Finland on Thursday (November 24).

Reuters

Bangkok creating 101 ‘pocket parks’ on area twice the size of Lumpini Park

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Bangkok creating 101 'pocket parks' on area twice the size of Lumpini Park

Bangkok creating 101 ‘pocket parks’ on area twice the size of Lumpini Park

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2022

More than 100 small parks will spring up across Bangkok over the next three years, City Hall revealed at a meeting on Friday.

The meeting reported progress on Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s plan to develop “15 Minute Pocket Parks” to ensure easy access to greenery for all residents.

It reported that surveys by Bangkok’s Environmental Department and district offices had found 101 sites for the new 15 Minute Pocket Parks.

The sites total 649 rai or about 104 hectares – twice the size of Lumpini Park.

Forty-one of the sites belong to City Hall, 34 to government or state enterprises, and 26 are privately owned.

Fifty-one will be turned into pocket parks this year, followed by 24 in 2023, 20 in 2024, and six in 2025.

Guidelines for the design of the parks will be distributed to district offices.

Friday’s meeting was chaired by deputy governor Chakkaphan Phewngam and included representatives from environmental groups.

It also proposed four subcommittees featuring members from environmental partner networks to oversee work on Bangkok’s greening policy.

The subcommittees will guide the policies to plant one million trees, to develop the 15 Minute Pocket Parks, to organise professional arborists to take care of trees in each district, and to promote the use of green areas.

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