FWD Insurance won the prestigious Platinum Award in Technology Innovation
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
FWD Insurance won Platinum Award in The Best Asia Pacific Contact Center Technology Innovation category at the Contact Center Asia Pacific Conferences and Awards 2022 (CC-APAC), reinforcing the quality of the contact centre’s operations.
This recent accolade proves FWD Contact Center‘s top spot among Asia Pacific’s best practices for contact centre innovation.
This year’s CC-APAC was held online, with the Thai Contact Center Trade Association as the host country.
Arjan Wes, Chief Commercial Officer of FWD Insurance said, “We are very pleased and delighted for FWD’s Contact Center team for winning the honourable award in the Technology Innovation category at the Asia Pacific stage, which is a furtherance of our earlier success as the winner of The Best Effective Technology Contact Center (Gold Award) from the TCCTA Contact Center Awards 2022. Both accolades demonstrate our international service standard and dedication to delivering the best experiences in line with our customer-led approach. We will continue to improve our customer services by integrating advanced technology across all communication channels to provide our customers with efficient and quick services that meet their demands.”
The Platinum Award in the Best Asia Pacific Contact Center Technology Innovation category was awarded to FWD in recognition of the successful development and implementation of the Unified CRM system, which integrates all scattered data and numerous systems into one single front-end platform, thus enabling our customer service staffs to provide a complete, Omni-service channel to ensure a swift and thorough customer experience.
For the Contact Center Asia Pacific Awards 2022, participation is reserved for the top winners of the categories in their respective association awards. Each participant can only participate in one of the contested categories: 1. Contact Center Operation, 2. Business Contribution, 3. Customer Experience, 4. Employee Engagement, and 5. Technology Innovation.
Bangkok’s annual light and digital art festival “Awakening Bangkok 2022” returns for its 5th edition to the Charoenkrung-Talad Noi neighborhood
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
Held on the theme “Endless Tomorrow”, the lighting installation festival inspires and revives the economy in Charoenkrung-Talad Noi after sunset, attracting local and international tourists and creating a lively atmosphere during the festive season, while promoting social and economic sustainability.
Awakening Bangkok’s organizer Time Out Bangkok together with its partners the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Creative Economy Agency (CEA), Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Diageo Moet Hennessy (Thailand), and BGC Glass Studio have created the lighting installation festival Awakening Bangkok 2022 on the theme “Endless Tomorrow” to offers new perspectives to the historically charming Charoenkrung and Talad Noi area now that the COVID-19 pandemic has settled. The event aims at inspiring people about how to create a sustainable future for the present and next generations.
Mr. Pongsiri Hetrakul, managing director of Time Out Bangkok and Festival Director of Awakening Bangkok, said: “This is the 5th year of the festival and, after being forced by the pandemic to postpone the 2021 festival to March 2022, we are delighted to be able to get back to our same schedule at year-end season. We’ve collaborated with our partners to deliver new and memorable experiences to everyone during the 10-day festival that runs from 16 to 25 December 2022. We’re ready to elevate Awakening Bangkok to a next level, by making it part of the international tourism calendar as well as a destination for tourists.
The fact that we’ve been able to organize the event for five consecutive years says a lot about the success of Awakening Bangkok. This has proved that a collaboration between the government and private sector is ideal for when you’d push things forward for universal benefits, including the efforts to bring out the national creative force and promote night-time economy, which are the keys that will secure Charoenkrung’s brighter future. We have received good feedback from artists, designers and visitors who attended the past events. The festival helps to bond and enliven the community, inspire creative forces, and helps take Bangkok to a global festival tourism calendar.”
The continuous collaboration with TAT, TCEB, CEA and the BMA reflects the collective goal to make Awakening Bangkok one of the main festivals on Thailand’s and regional tourism calendar. The festival is currently recognized as one of the “Colorful Bangkok” events, BMA’s three-month campaign that aims to revitalize the city through multi-disciplinary cultural events between November 2022 and January 2023. The plan is to make Bangkok a cultural metropolis and a major festival tourism destination that will help sustain the city’s social and economic development.
Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, said that the year-end festivals are all about lighting, music and art. These festivals, which were and will be held in various places across the city, offer people the chance to end the year with memorable moments and welcome the New Year in high spirit. To catch up with the festive spirits and to align with Governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s year-round city festivals, BMA, in partnership with various stakeholders, has initiated “Colorful Bangkok” festive campaign, which spans 3 months from November 2022 to January 2023, and is divided into 3 themes: Creative Arts Festivals in November, Light Festivals in December and Music Festivals in January, for residents and tourists alike to enjoy. These events will help boost the local economy and public spending.
“Awakening Bangkok is recognized as one of the “The Festival of Lights” events in the BMA’s “Colorful Bangkok 2022” calendar. It symbolizes the opening of a space and illuminating the city and bringing it back to life,” Mr. Sanon ended.
Kittipong Prapattong, Executive Director Central Region of Tourism Authority of Thaiand (TAT), added: “The trend of foreign tourists traveling to Thailand is on a steady rise now that the COVID situation has eased. This is particularly evident during the year-end celebrations as holidaymakers around the world are looking for destinations where they can enjoy the long weekend. The government’s policy to open the country for tourists and the cooperation with the private sector in organizing festivals at various destinations across the country help attract tourists, making Thailand one of the world’s top destinations.
“Awakening Bangkok 2022 is a collaboration between the public and private sectors to create one of the greatest events of the year. Besides being spectacular, it also celebrates the opening of the country and the year-end tourism season excites both locals and visitors. We believe that such a “colorful” event will invigorate the tourism trend now that the pandemic has been largely resolved,” Mr. Kuttipong added.
Mrs. Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President – Business, of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said: “TCEB sees the opportunity to develop the city and community with what is called “Festival Economy” as a way to promote a city’s sustainable development. The tourism trends and behaviors among the younger generation have changed to those of more choice and experience-driven, and festival creators will need to response to these changes. These groups of travelers have high purchasing power, so the travel volume of such groups will have both direct and positive impacts and indirectly link to the economy of the host city and its surrounding communities.
At the heart of Awakening Bangkok is the promotion of all aspects of sustainability, a common goal of all partners including the main sponsor “Johnnie Walker” that has supported the event for three consecutive years.
Ms. Jarinee Wongkhamthong, Diageo Moet Hennessy (Thailand) Co.’s marketing director, said: “The collaboration of all sectors, public and private, is required if we are to co-create a sustainable economic value. Johnnie Walker sees the importance of supporting Thai artists and designers who are capable of extending their creative work and creating added values. This is in line with Diageo’s long-term sustainability goal SOCIETY2030: SPIRIT OF PROGRESS through which we strive to be one of the best-performing and most trusted consumer companies, and the brand’s KEEP WALKING philosophy that inspires and creates new experiences that keep people moving forward.
“This year, Johnnie Walker returns under the concept. “No matter what, just move on and live your life”, which underlines two main issues to the new generation, diversity acceptance and creating sustainability in all dimensions. This message is reflected through various works exhibited at the event and the two bars, which have been designed in collaboration with famous artists. In addition, this concept is conveyed through new flavors of four special drink recipes inspired by nature, created in collaboration with WASTELAND, a drinking community of environmentalists. And most importantly, we continue to support responsible drinking by reinforcing messages and activities included in the work.”
Mr. Pongsiri concluded that: “Aimed at promoting the city’s identity, each year Awakening Bangkok creates an event that specifically reflects each idea while also drawing inspiration from the rich history. The event signals the possibility of new ideas and creation through the opening of the space and the collaboration of the people.
“Awakening Bangkok 2022 takes place at a time when we are still searching for answers, when we are still exploring life’s many possibilities. We wish for conversations – and inspiration – on how to create a better tomorrow…one that will last forever. A tomorrow that is endless. The event reflects such a concept through the participation of new generation artists such as COTH, 27 June, and Alt+r .
“This year is special as we’ve created 2 routes for 2 sub-themes. The southern Bangrak route focuses on “Sustainability” and the northern Talad Noi route on “Living Evidence” through new locations. Each route has its highlights. For example, the southern route’s highlighted works are at the Swan hotel, Marine Police Lodge and East-Asiatic Building, the latter of which is a century-old Venetian-style structure that used to house the multinational trading company of the same name. The northern route’s highlights include the Patina Bangkok, houses on the river bank and Phanu Rangsri Pier.”
In addition to light installations by amazing local artists, visitors can expect to see an international showcase for the first time, curated by a team from iLight Singapore, a similar light and digital arts festival in Singapore. The work is on display at Warehouse 30.
“This year, we have expanded our alliance to include the Hong Kong Economics and Trade office and Central Embassy and for the first time we have formed a partnership with favourite social media platform TikTok that has a goal of supporting Thai artists on its platform. There will be Tik Tok creators creating content at the event. Over the past years, Awakening Bangkok has been promoted via the English, Chinese and Japanese media to connect to the world. We believe that after the pandemic, Awakening Bangkok will be a top world destination for new experiences and cultural tourism. “
He added that: “Apart from promoting culture, Awakening Bangkok also plays a part in creating economic value. Awakening Bangkok 2021 held in March 2022 attracted more than 90,000 visitors over the 10 days despite being held while COVID-19 was still spreading, The event created an economic impact worth 115.64 million baht. We hope that this time around the festival will be even more welcome.
“We Believe that Awakening Bangkok will be a festival that helps boost the excitement of the city during this festive time of the year, especially among foreign tourists. A report by UNESCO clearly indicates the global growth of cultural tourists which is driven by the changing behavior of tourists. They want to learn more about the traditions of the local community, discover and visit historical sites and experience different cultures as well as learning and immersing themselves in cultural products and services in each locality,” Mr. Pongsiri said.
The 5th edition of Awakening Bangkok sees almost 40 lighting installations illuminating more than 20 locations, most of which are long-forgotten structures, in Charoenkrung-Talad Noi neighborhoods, from 16-25 December 2022.
Ten meaningful experiences to gift loved ones this Christmas
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
Discover a series of community, wildlife and marine conservation initiatives with Marriott International’s Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™ program in Thailand and Vietnam.
BANGKOK, THAILAND, December 2022 – Bells a-ringing, tummies a-feasting, but finding that perfect Christmas gift can be pretty overwhelming. This Christmas, let’s ditch the material gifts and get a gift that gives back.
Marriott International’s Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™ program offers meaningful travel experiences, enabling guests to create a positive impact as they explore and build deeper connections in local communities and play a part in restoring the environment of the destinations they visit.
Available at close to 100 locations across Asia Pacific, book a holiday at any of the participating hotels to join one of the curated, purpose-driven experiences. In Thailand and Vietnam alone, there are ten Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™ experiences. From elephant conservation to coral reef preservation, there’s a purposeful travel experience for everyone from Marriott Bonvoy this holiday season.
• For the wildlife lovers – Enrich your travel experience with opportunities to protect wildlife in Hua Hin, Krabi and Phuket.
There are many attractions in Thailand where tourists unknowingly contribute to the suffering of animals. Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand rescues thousands of animals every year from poor conditions. At Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, you can visit the wildlife rescue center, wildlife hospital and elephant refuge, and learn how to protect them from exploitation.
Elephants are highly revered animals in Thailand. Join the “Help the Herd” campaign at Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Krabi, to learn about elephant conservation by visiting the Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary, a safe haven which allows these beautiful, sociable and highly intelligent animals to live peacefully.
Phuket is home to many beautiful beaches. However, plastic pollution is harming local wildlife, including fish and birds. Join us on a guided beach tour, help the clean-up and promote ocean conservation at Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach. Learn how you can repurpose plastic debris collected into a bracelet as a reminder of your meaningful participation.
Butterflies are essential to a healthy ecosystem, but sadly the native butterfly population is declining in Phuket. With Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, you can visit a Butterfly Sanctuary to learn about butterfly life cycles, classifications, and conservation, and see the butterflies in their natural environment.
• For the ocean warriors – Help restore and preserve the tropical marine ecosystems of Phuket and Koh Samui in Thailand and Phu Quoc in Vietnam.
The blue swimming crab has been depleted due to overfishing and other pressures, affecting food security and the livelihoods of local fishing communities in Koh Samui. At Sheraton Samui Resort, you can explore the Crab Bank project to learn more about the lifecycle of the blue swimming crab and support crab rehabilitation and sustainable consumption.
Nestled on Mai Khao Beach next to Sirinat National Park where leatherback turtles come to nest and lay eggs, the Mao Khao Turtle Shelter provides a safe place for injured and disabled turtles, eggs and newborns to recover, hatch and gain strength before returning to the ocean. Guests at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa can visit this vital turtle conservation center and learn about marine turtles’ lifecycles, diets and threats.
Phu Quoc is a tropical paradise and home to over a thousand coral reefs. Climate change however, has caused significant coral bleaching, wiping out entire ecosystems as marine life loses its source of food. At JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, you can learn about coral conservation and help to replant the in-house coral farm.
• For the community advocates – Give back to the local community through social and educational programs in Hua Hin, Chiang Rai and Khao Lak.
Road accidents are the second leading cause of death for children in Thailand, with a significant number of young people losing their lives simply because they lack helmets. Guests at Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa can participate in a helmet painting workshop to understand how they can improve road safety for children in rural Thailand. The painted helmets are then donated to local children.
Chiang Rai is known as the cultural city of Thailand, with pottery being a treasured local traditional artform that is slowly disappearing. At Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort, you can take part in a hands-on workshop guided by local potters at Doy Din Dang Pottery to learn about its cultural heritage, while supporting local artists.
The use of chemical pesticides around the world is harming natural pollinators such as bees and butterflies. At Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, you can visit Le Ka Tak Sustainable Farm for a hands-on experience with the local community to learn how compost is made, feed the chickens with food scrap, and observe the impact on nature around you.
Central Pattana invites foodies to immerse in boundless dine-in experiences at over 3,000 international restaurants at Central shopping centers nationwide
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
Food lovers don’t miss out on experiencing the latest nine restaurants offering exclusive delicacies for the New Year celebration at Central World.
Bangkok – Central Pattana plc. (CPN) confirms its position as the absolute Food Destination that is ready to serve delicious experiences throughout the year, inviting food lovers to celebrate the festive New Year season and enjoy boundless dine-in experiences at over 3,000 multinational restaurants – ranging from Thai, Japanese, Chinese to western cuisines. Immerse yourself in blissful ambience in various styles of restaurant – from Michelin Star, Michelin Guide, independent standalone to famous street food, at every Central shopping center across Thailand.
Food is a big part of Thai culture, especially for the new generation of foodies, in which dining out is a lifestyle and a part of life that needs be shared with the world. Modern food lovers are looking for more than just exquisite taste, but also require an ambience that can create the perfect dining experience. Central Pattana constantly strives to bring a variety of restaurants into its shopping centers so that foodies can experience all types of gastronomies – whether it is savory dishes, desserts or drinks.
Coming soon! Nine restaurants ready to satisfy your palate at Central World that real foodies shouldn’t miss.
1. Baan Benjarong Pai, the 3rd branch of a Thai cuisine restaurant originally from Pai district of Mae Hong Son, delivers the best of Thai traditional dishes from quality ingredients at affordable prices, recognised with Michelin’s Bib Gourmand for 4 years in a row. Don’t miss out on grilled shrimps, crab and betel leaf curry, or fried snapper with climbing wattle. The must-try dish is caramelized pork ribs with salted fish – eat it with hot steamed jasmine rice. The restaurant is now open on the 1st floor, Hug Thai zone from 10:00 – 22:00 hrs.
2. Siam Parasite. Get ready for the superior fun of Siam Parasite in a German Oktoberfest beer festival ambience. Satisfy your hunger with BBQed, grilled and other varieties of dishes, a perfect combination of Thai and European cultures – following the “Parasite” movie concept, which means the restaurant can be adapted and integrated into any style and environment. Coming soon to the 1st floor, Groove @Central World.
3. CHAGEE, a modern Chinese tea house with traditions inherited from Yunnan in Southwest China, currently has over 400 branches around the world. Indulge yourself in the sweet scents and rich tastes of premium tea leaves sourced directly from organic tea plantations in Yunnan, the land of high-quality tea. Choose from a range of selected high-grade toppings to enhance your tea. CHAGEE offers a variety of tea beverages, the signature drinks include cheese-topped Tie Guan Yin milk tea, cheese-topped Da Hong Pao milk tea, white peach Oolong milk tea and Yunnan Puer milk tea. Pamper yourself with new modern tea traditions experienced in a classical Chinese tea house today at the 6th floor, Beacon zone.
4. KOGORO, a unique Japanese tonkatsu restaurant – the only one in Thailand that uses Niigata pears as a main ingredient. The secret highlight is the unique pear sauce, bringing a sweet and sour taste that compliments the flavor of all menu items, especially the hot and crispy Tonkatsu that melts in your mouth. Enjoy KOGORO’s taste of happiness from Niigata on the 6th floor, Atrium zone.
5. IATA Express, a legendary top-listed Chinese restaurant, has been heralded by Chinese food lovers for more than 65 years. Bringing us dishes unchanged from our grandparent’s generation, IATA Express invites foodies to try Beijing duck with its thin and crispy skin, eaten with homemade Chinese pancakes and secret sauce, or deep-fried pigeon with Chinese wine, goose feet baked in an earthen pot and “IATA Delight” beef on a hot plate. Don’t miss out on their famous desert too – Shanghai pancake! Enjoy legendary Chinese cuisine today on the 7th floor at Beacon zone.
6. Nuer Koo. With a belief that the right soulmate (Nuer Koo) will add flavor to life, the restaurant selects the highest quality ingredients to be paired with premium beef available in six varieties to provide an unforgettable gastronomical experience. Match your sirloin, chuck, short rib, rib-eye, Wagyu or Kobe beef with rich and mellow soup, and enjoy your dish under the new curated “Concept Store” ambience. For those who are pollotarian, the restaurant also offers other options such as pork noodles, Yen Ta Fo (pink noodles) and a variety of snacks that combine with the dishes to make the perfect meal. Enjoy creating your own dish in your style with Nuer Koo today on the 6th floor, Beacon zone.
7. Daisen Premium Japanese Restaurant offers Omakase-style and premium Japanese dishes at affordable prices. Customers can order grilled beef from the A La Carte menu, which offers different premium beef cuts. All ingredients are prepared fresh daily and no frozen products are used, ensuring the freshest taste from nature. Recommended dishes include Kani Miso, crab paste with rich sauce giving a sweet and savory taste, Kihada Maguro, yellowfin tuna from the deep sea that has been prepared to keep its full fresh taste, and Matsusaka beef, premium cuts of the original Japanese black cattle reared in the Matsusaka region. Enjoy premium Japanese dishes that are meticulously prepared by experienced chefs to ensure the best quality on the 6th floor, Beacon zone.
8. Tan Kun. Inspired by traditional Thai cuisine from the period of King Rama V, this Thai-fusion bar-b-que restaurant combines Thai classic cuisine with the modern lifestyle, resulting in a perfect mix of multiculturalism and classical tradition. All details are taken to ensure customers’ dining satisfaction – premium Thai meat from organic farms, seasoned with natural spices without any chemical additives. Jasmine rice, sugar and cooking oil are from community enterprises. Enjoy Tan Kun’s recommended dishes such as Charolais Bavette, Charolais Grand T-Bone, and Pork Belly today on the 1st floor, Hug Thai zone.
9. Ñam Ñam Pasta and Tapas offers over 10 selections of fresh pasta, lovingly made by a pasta devotee who learned the secrets of pasta making from a kind grandma in a small restaurant in Italy. Highlighted menu includes Pasta ramen, which is spaghetti in Japanese pork bone broth, topped with Chashu pork and truffle, and Nam Nam Chilis Fries with mozzarella cheese. Try out these delicious dishes today on the 3rd floor, Atrium zone.
Let’s celebrate the festive New Year season and experience the boundless delicacies catering for all types of dining at Central World and Central shopping centers nationwide.
Top 4 Best Places to Work in Thailand for 2022 revealed
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
Novo Nordisk, AIA, Jardine Schindler Thailand, LCIT are recognized as the top 4 best places to work in Thailand for 2022 according to the annual prestigious “Best Places to Work” certification program.
Novo Nordisk Thailand was awarded the top position followed by AIA Thailand, an affiliate of the multinational insurance and finance corporation. Jardine Schindler Thailand, an affiliate of Jardine Schindler Group, a Joint Venture between Jardine Matheson in Hong Kong and Schindler Group located in Switzerland, between them bring over 300 years of experience in business management, regional specialization and engineering excellence. Laem Chabang International Terminal Co came in the fourth position.
In a statement from Enrico Cañal Bruland, Vice President & General Manager for Novo Nordisk Thailand, he said “We place high importance on building and maintaining an atmosphere in which everyone feels heard, accepted and valued; being recognized as The Best Place to Work for Women additionally this year is a huge achievement which is perfectly in line with our Diversity & Inclusion agenda.
Despite the challenges faced globally around employee turnover and declining engagement levels, the average level of engagement of the top-performing companies in Thailand is 85% and this is something to be proud of. This is an elite group of employers in Thailand making sure that their employees are happy, healthy, and enjoy coming to work.
Best Places to Work is an international certification program, considered the ‘Platinum Standard’ in identifying and recognizing top workplaces around the world, providing employers with the opportunity to learn more about the engagement and the satisfaction of their employees and honour those who deliver an outstanding work experience with the highest standards in regards to working conditions.
Every year in Thailand, the program partners with many organizations, across different industries, to help them measure, benchmark, and improve their HR practices and use data-driven insights to add value, enhance agility, and increase organizational effectiveness.
Grande celebrations with spectacular Christmas & New Year’s Eve feasts at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022
Gather your family and friends for unforgettable end-of-year dining experiences in the heart of Sukhumvit, including bountiful buffets, dazzling dinners and even a choice of interactive evenings – Dine in the Dark and Le Petit Chef.
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit , the iconic Luxury Collection Hotel in the heart of Bangkok, is inviting guests and local residents to celebrate a sparkling festive season in the heart of the city, with a series of spectacular dining experiences for Christmas and New Year.
The fun starts on 24 th December with a glamorous Christmas Eve Seafood Buffet Dinner with Santa visit at Rossini’s & The Living Room, a memorable meal featuring a series of premium ingredients, all cooked to perfection (18:30 – 22:30 hrs).
The Christmas Eve Buffet Lunch at Orchid Café is a fun-filled feast with all your festive favourites (12:00 – 15:00 hrs.)
Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner showcasing a sublime selection of fresh seafood and much more, with Santa visit (18:00 – 22:30 hrs.).
Then on 25 th December, mark the most magical day of the year with our Christmas Jazzy Brunch at Rossini’s & The Living Room with Santa visit featuring a full range of delicacies accompanied by a live jazz band led by Athalie de Koning (12:00 – 15:00 hrs.) or Christmas Seafood Buffet with Santa visit at the Orchid Café which treats diners to fresh produce from the world’s seas and oceans (12:00 – 15:00 and 18:00 – 22:30 hrs.).
For families who spent Christmas day in the comfort of their own homes, Boxing Day on 26 th December can be the best time to come together and raise a glass with friends.
Boxing Day Buffet Lunch at Orchid Café is an amazing afternoon with a wide range of local and international ingredients skillfully crafted by our expert chefs (12:00 – 15:00 hrs.), and Boxing Day Buffet Dinner at Orchid Café lets guests savour sumptuous ingredients, including the finest fruits de mer (18:00 – 22:30 hrs.).
As the clock ticks down to the New Year, on 30 th December, Orchid Café is inviting diners to its outstanding International Buffet Lunch, with an enticing array of dishes and delicacies from around the world (12:00 – 15:00 hrs.) and Grande Seafood Buffet Dinner, featuring a stunning selection of shellfish, such as oysters, river prawns, local crabs, rock lobsters and more (18:00 – 22:30 hrs.).
Then on the final day of the year on 31 st December celebrate in style with a choice of dazzling dining experiences at Orchid Café, New Year’s Eve International Buffet Lunch is ideal for family gatherings on the last day of the year (12:00 – 15:00 hrs.).
As the sun sets, New Year’s Eve International Buffet Dinner at Orchid Café is a joyous culinary occasion for all ages (18:00 – 22:30 hrs.), and the New Year’s Eve Six-Course Set Menu at Rossini’s is perfect for couples seeking an unforgettable end to 2022 (18:00 – 23:00 hrs.) or The Grande Jazzy New Year’s Eve at the Living Room is accompanied by a soothing piano solo and includes free-flow drinks to get the party started (20:00 hrs. onwards).
At the new-look BARSU, a Festive Combo Sharing Platter is a great way to ring in the New Year in the heart of Bangkok (17:00 – 2:00 hrs.).
Finally, to kickstart 2023 in the best possible way on 1 st January, Sunday Jazzy Brunch at Rossini’s & The Living Room is an extravaganza of seafood on ice, live cooking stations, carved meats, sushi & sashimi, Thai flavours and much more (12:00 – 15:00 hrs.).
For a truly unforgettable get-together, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit is also inviting local families, groups of friends and business colleagues to join two amazing multi-sensory dining experiences: Dine in the Dark and Le Petit Chef!
Dine in the Dark is a surprise four-course set menu and a glass of bubbly served in a pitch-black restaurant.
Staged at BARSU, this socially responsible concept is designed to shine a light on the lives of blind and partially sighted people, and part of the price is donated to the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand. Available on 24 th – 26 th, 30 th – 31 st December (18:00 – 22:00 hrs.).
Le Petit Chef features a mouth-watering fine-dining menu brought to life by 3-D projection mapping technology, as the world’s smallest chef sprinkles his magic on each dish! Available on 24 th – 26 th, 30 th – 31 st December (19:00 – 21:00 hrs.) and 1 st January (12:00 – 14:00 hrs.).
So, whether you’re seeking a stylish seasonal soirée or a grand gathering to end 2022 on a high, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit will create memories that last a lifetime. Whichever dining experience you choose.
Tourism is blossoming on Udon Thani’s pink lily lake
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
Isaan’s second-largest lake is seeing an influx of tourists since the pink lilies that blanket it began to bloom late last month, local officials say.
More than 100 boats are now available for tours of the lake in Udon Thani province, Paisit Sukrome, chairman of the lake’s tourism boat enterprise, told news outlet Thansettakij on Wednesday.
Paisat said the blooming lilies are more noticeable than in previous years because the lake’s floating moss has been eradicated. He said about 200,000 tourists have visited the lake so far this year, up from 50,000 in 2021.
The lake draws the most tourists during the cool season, when the lilies bloom. It is seeing a surge in visits since Covid-19 pandemic restrictions were eased nationally, though the provincial administration has kept some pandemic prevention measures in place.
Only three of five piers are currently open, Paisat said, adding that two were impacted by the efforts to remove floating moss.
The lake covers more than 22,500 rai and is the second-largest freshwater lake in the Northeast. It received a surge of visitors after CNN included it on its list of the 15 strangest lakes in the world in 2014. Boat guides say the best time to visit the lake is in the morning as the sun can be overwhelming after 11am.
Messi’s image may adorn banknotes to mark Argentina’s World Cup victory
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
The face of Lionel Messi may be emblazoned on Argentine banknotes to celebrate the country’s World Cup win, according to reports.
The country’s central bank is considering honouring Messi’s success by putting his portrait on 1,000 peso bills, the Mexican newspaper El Financiero reported.
The reports follow Argentina’s win over defending champion France in the final match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Sunday.
The 1000 peso note is the preferred option because it begins with 10, Messi’s number, El according to the Financiero report.
“La Scaloneta” – the nickname of the team manager Lionel Scaloni – was suggested as the inscription on the back of the backnote, Financiero reported. The idea was first “jokingly” proposed by members of the Argentine central bank, but directors subsequently agreed that it would “awaken the spirit” of Argentine people.
Leo Messi roars to top of the Instagram charts with World Cup trophy photo
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
Lionel Messi’s post showing him and his teammates holding the 2022 World Cup trophy has become the most-liked photo on Instagram.
The photograph was posted on Sunday (December 18) right after Argentina beat France 4-2 on in Qatar, in a match that many pundits called the best-ever World Cup final.
Argentina captain Messi, 35, scored twice in the match and bagged his nation’s third World Cup trophy, after wins at the 1987 and 1986 tournaments.
In just four days, Messi’s photo posted on the account @leomessi was liked 70.9 million times on Instagram, breaking Chris Godfrey’s record of 58 million likes for the photo of an egg on he posted on January 4, 2019.
In third position is another Messi post, this one showing him in bed with the Fifa World Cup Trophy. Posted on December 20, it had 50.3 million likes as of press time.
Messi also features in the fourth most-liked Instagram photo, which shows him and Cristiano Ronaldo playing chess in an advertisement for Louis Vuitton. It was posted by Portuguese football superstar Ronaldo’s @cristiano account on November 19 and has attracted 42.2 million likes.
Erik ten Hag says he is ‘pleased with a win’ against Burnley in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, but maintains that there is ‘definitely room for improvement’ in his Manchester United team.
The Reds defeated the Clarets 2-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening, thanks to goals from Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford, either side of the half-time break.
United looked to be in control throughout the fixture, for which Erik selected five of his players who had been away at the 2022 World Cup in his starting XI.
There was, as expected, some rustiness in the display against Vincent Kompany’s side, following the lengthy break without a competitive club fixture, but the Reds’ quality shone through in the end to earn a spot in the Carabao Cup’s last eight.
A PLEASING WIN
“[We played] against a good team. I think they were good on the ball. It’s a difficult to get the press on [them] but I think we did. We had a lot of high regains, we had a lot of transitional moments. I think we need to take a little bit [from] that. There is definitely room for improvement, we have to work on that, but of course I am pleased with a win.”
A GREAT OPENING GOAL
“They are quite hungry [the United squad]. It was a good team goal, but it was good to see the way we finished [the move] with Bruno [Fernandes] and then, on the far side, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Christian Eriksen for the goal. Yeah [it was] a really great goal.”
MARCUS’S MAGIC
“I think he was a threat for the defending line of Burnley. He moved so often behind the defending line and they are the most difficult situations to get the ball there. But with the passing capabilities of players like Eriksen, Casemiro and Bruno, we have the players that can get the ball there. [You have to] keep going and keep believing that the ball is going to get there, but it is an investment. [It] costs a lot of energy and costs a lot of power and today he got the benefit from it. It was a dribble and a great goal.”
CASEMIRO’S PERFORMANCE
“[It was] what you can expect: really experienced, really composed. [He was] leading [and had] a good combination with Victor Lindelof. So I was happy with the performance.”
WAN-BISSAKA IS READY
“All players are important but sure [Aaron did well]. Aaron, we missed him in the first 14 games of the Premier League and we need numbers in the squad but not only numbers, they have to play well and they have to perform. He had good preparation for the second half of the season so he’s ready to play and he did quite well today.”
SQUAD ROTATION
“I think after a break it’s always difficult to find the rhythm but I think we did quite well. Also, some different players came on and I think they played quite well. I had a routine [and it wasn’t] 100 per cent, but you see that the principles are there and I am quite happy with the game we played.”
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