Unicorn currently has the 89-room Silver Palm Bangkok, 48-room Zazz Urban Bangkok, the Cove Phi Phi beachfront resort and Zazz Urban Ho Chi Minh.

Last month it opened the 53-room Daraya Boutique Hotel in Bangkok, and Villa De Pranakorn is coming in mid-December with 47 elegant rooms and suites on Mahachai Road in the old part of the capital.

The 44-key Hangout by Kly Phuket will also start welcoming guests in December on Patong Beach.

The Chandler, an Artisan Hotel, with 55 rooms, will open next year in scenic Pranburi, overlooking Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, while the 80-room Hotel Casa 17 will launch in mid-March in historic Bangkok Noi.

Coming also in the second quarter of 2020 is Unicorn’s largest project to date, Live by Kly, with 373 rooms and residences at Kamala on Phuket’s west coast.

In early 2021, Unicorn will make its debut in the Maldives with Zazz Escapes Maldives Resort, a luxury tented camp featuring water safaris and other enticing activities both above and beneath the sea.

Yann Gouriou, founder and chief executive of Unicorn Hospitality, said the company’s growth is being driven by “an increasing appetite among hotel owners – especially in Asia – to move away from the large international chains and work with a local hospitality provider who understands their culture and can more accurately help them deliver their vision”.

Customers are also seeking more intimate experiences that reflect the essence of their destination, he said.

“For many Asian hoteliers, partnerships with big chains can be fraught with difficulty. Management contracts are often extremely rigid, making ‘divorces’ almost impossible or very expensive. Many owners we’ve spoken to complain that their relationships lack the personal warmth and intuition that a boutique or smaller operator can provide. Moreover, guests feel that these ‘cookie cutter’ brands don’t have a strong connection with their locale.

“Big chains compensate for this by promising extensive global sales and distribution, but with more direct channels available than ever before, independent and small-chain hotels can now compete on a more equal footing. Unicorn Hospitality enables Asian hoteliers to enjoy professional and fully bespoke management services, and importantly, retain a product that matches their original vision and demonstrates a unique charm and personality,” Yann added.

Unicorn Hospitality currently operates six distinct brands – Unicorn Hotels & Resorts, Kly Hotels & Resorts, Hangout by Kly, Live by Kly, Zazz Hotels and the Unchained Collection.

The new project, dubbed KBankxBLACKPINK, is aiming to broaden its reach among new generation customers and to advance its concept of “#KBank Empowers Your Belief”.

The first part will see the launch on November 21 of KBankxBLACKPINK Collection debit cards. Up to 1 million cards could be distributed under the project.

“In this digital era, the new generation aged between 15 and 25, who number more than 10 million, is technologically savvy and has grown up in the period of transformation towards the new economy. KBank sees this group as potential customers who fully embrace the new possibilities of the digital era,” said the bank’s president Kattiya Indaravijaya, adding that the K-pop idols have distinctive characteristics that match the “KBank Empowers Your Belief “concept. “They are the new generation who set forth with self-confidence, determination and dedication to prove their ability to succeed in line with their aspirations,” she says.

Applications for the debit card can be placed from November 21, 2019, at every KBank branch or through K PLUS mobile banking application.

PTTEP has been undertaking research and development in exploration and production technology to maximize the value from its core business while at the same time seeking new business opportunities including Al & Robotic and future energy technologies, Under the company’s “Energy Partner of Choice” vision, PTTEP continues to grow partnerships with state agencies, education institutions and private companies locally and internationally to invent technologies and increase capabilities. The main focus areas are:

1. Subsurface Technology

2. Engineering and Production Technology

3. Al &Robotics Technology

4. Future Energy Technology

PTTEP technologies showcased at Adipec 2019 include Subsurface Technology, Engineering and Production Technology and Al & Robotics Temihnology as follows;

Inspection-class Autonomous Underwater Vehicle – IAUV

IAUV performs underwater inspection tasks on equipment such as pipelines by travelling and hovering along the pipeline tracks autonomously, which could reduce dependency on crew personnel and a support vessel. By removing those factors from the inspection process, a significant amount –up to 50 per cent – of the inspection cost can be saved. The IAUV is suitable for routine inspection tasks and helps increase facility integrity by increasing inspection coverage and frequency.

IAUV has been developed by Al and Robotics Ventures Company Limited (ARV), a PTTEP subsidiary, in collaboration with Kasetsart University, the National University of Singapore, and private companies. It is expected to enter into commercial services in early 2020. Safe Self Loading/Unloading Adsorber Modular — 2SLAM

The adsorption technology is designed to remove unwanted elements in natural gas liquids or condensate which is a major feedstock for petrochemical plants in Thailand. The equipment is designed to automatically replace the adsorbent without halting the production process, therefore saving time and manpower. 2SLAM can operate at both offshore platform and onshore locations. The equipment is currently in the design phase and a test run of a prototype is slated for 2020.

Sampling PIG

Sampling PIG is a technology for collecting samples from pipeline’s internal surface to ensure environmentally safe condition. The advantage includes ability to collect samples at many locations within the pipeline and without a support vessel, therefore saving more than three times the costs of the conventional approach. PTTEP develops Sampling PIG technology in partnership with Dacon Inspection Services and expects to conduct field tests in 2020.

Electromagnetics

Electromagnetics is applied to determine electrical properties of a subsurface layer and monitor fluid movement. It allows for better tracking of water injected into the well for sweeping remaining oil to enhance production. Through its partnership with Mahidol University, PTTEP has developed Electromagnetics inversion software for data analysis which can generate colour-coded images

identifying locations of subsurface water and oil. The technology is currently being pilot-tested at PTTEP onshore petroleum fields.

The ministry is the largest shareholder of the state carrier.

The nomination follows the resignation of Ekniti Nitithanprapas from the post early this month. The company’s vice chairman, Air Chief Marshal Chaiyapruk Didyasarin, has since assumed the duties of the chairman.

He added that the three key qualifications for the next THAI chairman were marketing flair, technology knowledge, and transparency.

In addition to the finance ministry’s approval, the appointment also requires approvals from the Transport Ministry and the company’s shareholders. meeting.

Meanwhile, THAI has selected Ban Huai Wai stainless steel handicraft (coffee sets, spoons, and forks) from Kanchanaburi Province as its latest on-flight promotion items under the Thaworn policy to sell “One Tambon One Product (OTOP)” goods on THAI flights.

Ban Huai Wai stainless steel products have earned a three-star OTOP rating as creative and high quality iems in traditional Thai style, yet with a touch of modern designs.

Since 2016, a total of 1,107 OTOP products from 203 manufacturers have been sold on THAI flights, generating a total of Bt273 million in revenue.

As trade and investment grow between Thailand and Laos with sustained increases in value, Krungsri has deployed the financial innovation to support bilateral trade between the two countries, said Dan Harsono, Krungsri Head of Retail and Consumer Banking.

Krungsri Blockchain Interledger allows Thai and Lao entrepreneurs to execute international funds transfers within a few seconds, compared to the previous time span of 1-3 business days.

“Krungsri has confidence in the potential of Laos’ economic growth. Krungsri Research forecasts that Laos’ gross domestic product will grow 6.4 per cent in 2019 and 6.5 per cent in 2020. In regard to foreign direct investment, Thailand is ranked one of top investors in the neighbouring country. The innovation will accelerate growth of the business sectors in both countries,” Harsono added.

Currently, Krungsri has two branches in Laos(Vientiane and Savannakhet). It also operates hire purchase and installment loan businesses for retail and corporate customers in the country under the “Krungsri Leasing” brand, which has posted continuous growth in the past five years.

Earlier, Krungsri Blockchain Interledger innovation marked a significant change in the financial landscape for the business sector with the successful deployment of Thailand’s first real-time international funds transfer service for oil trading transactions between IRPC Pcl and its Lao partner, Bua Sawan Energy Co Ltd.

The bank has gained trust in Krungsri Blockchain Interledger technology, under the BOT regulatory Sandbox, from leading Thai and foreign corporate customers, leading to Krungsri being the first Thai bank to have received an approval from the Bank of Thailand for its development and deployment.

The bank’s president Predee Daochai said that in response to the Bank of Thailand’s policy rate cut and with the aim of helping ease interest burdens of the banks’ customers amid murky economic conditions, KBank was reducing the MLR from the current 6.25 per cent to 6 per cent.

In addition, KBank announced a 0.07-0.25 percentage point reduction in deposit rates for juristic customers.

Deposit rates for retail customers remain unchanged during this time.

“From January to October, we had more than 120 million bookings from our taxi, messenger and food delivery services, which is roughly 12 times higher than that of our competitors,” he said. “By year end we expect the usage to soar even further as foreign tourists will have a high demand for taxi services during the high season.”

Tarin further explained that Grab Food, the company’s mobile platform for food delivery service, saw the largest expansion this year. “We have partnered with restaurants and food franchise operators nationwide and we hold promotional campaigns every month,” he said. “The number of our partners has climbed from 200 brands in May to 400 brands in November, while the latest “Grab 11.11” campaign offers more than 10,000 discount deals to customers.”

Currently Grab Food is offering services in 20 cities of 14 provinces. “Next year we plan to expand to 30 provinces,” he said. “Statistics from the Kantar World research institute revealed that Grab Food is Thailand’s number 1 food delivery app with 54 per cent of customers registered, while our competitors have only 21 per cent.”

As for 2020 business plan, Tarin said that the company will still focus on food delivery as the market has room for expansion. “A slowing economy is actually beneficial to our business because people see that ordering food via mobile app is cheaper than going out to the restaurants as transportation and fuel costs continue to get higher,” he said.

Responding to the recent protest by partner delivery drivers regarding wage cuts, Tarin said that Grab needed to adjust the wages periodically in accordance with consumer behaviors and economic status. “However, we insist that the goal of these adjustments is to maintain a sustainable relationship with all partners, and that Grab’s wage is still higher than that of our competitors.

Related Story: Grab introduces the first GrabKitchen to Bangkok

It is the second company picking up the documents after King Power Duty Free.

Today (November 8) is the last day AOT will sell the tender documents.

Bidders must submit the documents on December 11 and the winner will be announced on December 16.

Meanwhile, AOT will submit a draft of the terms of reference of the bid for operating pick-up counter service at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports to its revenue board on November 15.

If approved, the process will begin this month.

The hub will add value to its existing bio-business, he said.

The bio-hub is expected to focus on the production of food, bio-materials and bio-cosmetics. Commercial production is expected to begin in the next three years.

Previously, the company had planned to set up the hub in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in order to enjoy tax privileges. However, as investment in a bio-hub qualifies for tax privileges, the management thought it better to establish the hub close to the source of raw materials.

He added that the government should also take steps to boost consumer demand for bioproducts, if the government wants to successfully promote its bio-hub investment policy.

Bangchak’s subsidiary BBGI will invest in the proposed bio-hub. The subsidiary is expected to be able to list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand late next year.

The listing will be postponed to 2021 if the stock market situation is unfavourable. The proceeds from the listing will be used to finance the creation of the bio-hub and expand the capacity of its biodiesel plant. This will serve the government’s promotion of B10 biodiesel for vehicles.

Many as the company’s 56 finalists made the cut at Thailand’s biggest advertising-award event with their creations for brands such as Homepro, Vitamilk, Netflix, Prudential, Air Asia, JD Central and Bakamol.

The final tally for BBDO was five Gold awards, seven Silver and 22 Bronze.

The winning campaigns in digital category showcased BBDO’s determination in going beyond the implementation of digital technology, creating experience through “native digital communication”.

“We cover all platforms, from traditional ones like TV, out-of-home and print media to digital, eCommerce, social media, production design and innovation,” said BBDO creative chairman Suthisak Sucharittanonta. “Our strength, however, continues to be our ground-breaking ideas that defy the norm of the industry – all while wanting to push forward the most effective communication.”

Chief executive Somkiat Larptanunchaiwong said BBDO also focuses on “precision creativity to help us hit right to the heart and mind of consumers and create the most effective outcomes for our clients”.

The Adman Awards & Symposium, held annually since 2004, had the concept this year of “Upvertising”, aiming to uplift creativity among people in the industry and generate communication that goes beyond the normal standards.