Baht weakens against dollar as expert warns of volatility from US inflation data
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2022
The baht opened at 34.85 to the US dollar on Friday, weakening from Thursday’s close of 34.69.
The currency will likely move between 34.70 and 35.00 against the greenback during the day, Krungthai market strategist Poon Panichpibool said.
Poon cautioned the baht could fluctuate in a wide range after it weakened against the strengthening dollar and gold purchases. The baht will continue to weaken if the currency market remains in a risk-off state and foreign outflows from the Thai stock market persist, he added.
However, the baht is unlikely to breach its resistance level of 35-35.20 easily because investors including exporters are waiting to sell the dollar when the baht weakens while foreign investors may short the currency in expectation of baht strengthening, Poon said.
He warned to beware of currency market volatility before and after the US personal consumption expenditures (PCE) report, the US Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, is released on Friday (US time). Higher-than-expected PCE figures will put pressure on the dollar. Poon said the baht may strengthen as a result, but he was sceptical it would exceed its support level of 34.5 to 35.6.
He also advised investors to use hedging tools such as options to manage risks in a highly volatile currency market.
Consumer spending expected to hit 17-year high during New Year period
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
Bolstered by the government’s stimulus measures, Thailand’s consumer spending is predicted to hit a 17-year high, reaching 103.04 billion baht, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
The president of the UTCC and adviser to the Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting, Thanavath Phonvichai, revealed during the conference on “Consumer behaviour and spending during 2023 New Year festival” that the New Year period is expected to generate over 103.04 billion baht (US$2.9 billion) in consumer spending, leading to a 20.1% expansion of the economy.
“It would be the first time that consumer spending would be exceeding 100 billion baht since 2007,” Thanavath said, adding that it would benefit the economy in the post-Covid-19 era.
With the support of the government’s stimulus measures, such as “Shop Dee Mee Kuen” (Shop and Payback) and “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (We Travel Together) schemes during the first quarter of next year, the country’s economy is expected to grow by 0.1–1%, said Thanavath.
The adviser to UTCC’s council, Saowanee Thairungroj, said that the survey regarding consumer spending behaviour during the New Year festival, conducted between December 9-16 with a sample size of 1,345 participants across the country, showed that 69.8% of respondents are likely to spend money on travelling and party through the New Year period.
The survey also illustrated that consumers tend to buy more luxurious goods, with a basket of healthy products the most popular New Year gift.
“The North of the country seems to be the most popular region for tourists, followed by the Northeast, especially from December 29 this year to January 2 next year,” she said.
She said 54.4% of participants said the current economic situation affects their spending during the New Year festival, while 80.4% said that Covid-19 has no effect on their spending. Plus, 55.6% said that they think about their debt when using money, she added.
“Some 48.3% of respondents thought that this New Year festival would be more bustling than the previous year,” she said.
Meanwhile, Kasikorn Research Centre (KResearch) expects spending by Bangkokians during the New Year festival to be around 30.9 billion baht (US$0.89 billion), up 10.5% year on year following recovery in economic activities and tourism in the post-Covid-19 era.
However, most people would set aside their budget only for the four-day-long New Year holidays (December 30, 2022, to January 2, 2023) due to uncertainty over rising product prices, KResearch said.
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.
Muji aims to widen market with affordable goods zone at larger new stores in Thailand
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
Nongluck Ajanapanya
Japan’s leading retailer Muji is reaching out to customers outside Bangkok by providing an affordable goods zone in its new full-size stores.
Akihiro Kamogari, managing director of Muji Retail (Thailand), said at the soft opening on Thursday that the total area of over 1,700 square metres of Muji at Robinson Lifestyle Ratchaphruek will be the standard size model the company will apply to open new store in new location.
The majority of locations will be in Bangkok and its surrounding areas, as well as other major cities with high density of population and purchasing power, such as Chiang Mai and Chonburi, where Muji already has opened new branches during the fourth quarter of this year.
“There are currently 29 Muji stores in Bangkok’s prime districts. Eleven of the stores are spread over 1,500 square metres. We plan to open four more stores with this new standard size next year, and seven more by 2024,” Kamogari revealed.
Regarding the existing stores with minimum size of 500-800 square metres, he stated that Muji intends to renovate with more space. However, the process is still being worked out with the department store.
Akihiro Kamogari (left) Phannarat Lowakij (second from right)
Muji (Thailand)’s head of merchandising, Phannarat Lowakij, added that this new roadside model store with two floors will also serve as a pilot area for the retailer to test launch new in-house products.
She revealed that this store has a new hot menu of bakery items, Japanese soft serve ice cream, skincare and haircare product groups, and Muji Curry, which is one of Japan’s best-selling products.
She stated that all of these products are now only available at Muji Robinson Lifestyle Ratchaphruek.
“We’d like to see how our clients respond,” she said, promising that more new items would be added in the future.
Meanwhile, for the first time in Thailand, Muji Robinson Lifestyle Ratchaphruek has opened a good price zone for products below 300 baht. The good price zone will include popular high-quality products from various categories priced under 300 baht.
The zone follows the new concept of grouping products under 500 yen for the first time at Mitake station in Tokyo, Japan in October.
According to Phannarat, the goal is to communicate to people that Muji also offers high-quality products at reasonable prices. The zone will be included in all new stores opening in the next two years.
She anticipates that Muji’s new good-price zone will help increase sales of the company’s daily-life products, which are divided into three main categories: household, garments, and foods.
In order to provide the exact daily life product that Thai people require, Muji has introduced the concept of Asean merchandise.
The concept is to use local resources in combination with Muji simplicity of design to create products for local use, such as furniture made from rubber wood and shirts made from natural fibres that are suitable for Thailand’s hot and humid weather.
According to Kamogari, Muji will focus on developing new daily products to meet Thai people’s demand, particularly in food and beverages, starting next year. With a pricing strategy, Muji will also expand its offline and online sales channels.
Muji at Robinson Lifestyle Ratchaphruek will open its doors on December 23, 2022.
Muji began its operations in Thailand as a franchise in 2006, before forming a joint venture company with Central Department Store through Muji Retail (Thailand) in 2013. Muji now has over 3,000 product items in Thailand.
PTT denies condoning human rights violations in Myanmar after Norwegian fund accusation
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
Oil giant PTT Plc has informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) that it does not condone human rights violations in Myanmar as accused by a sovereign wealth fund from Norway.
PTT president and CEO Auttapol Rerkpiboon has sent a letter of clarification to the SET that the PTT and its subsidiaries have always adhered to its sustainability management policy that consists of environmental, social and good business governance as well as respect for human rights.
Auttapol was responding to allegations by the executive board of a US$1.3-trillion Norwegian fund last week that it has dropped PTT Plc and PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR) from its portfolio because of “an unacceptable risk” of human rights violations.
The fund’s ethics council expressed concern that PTT and OR’s partnership with state- and military-owned companies in Myanmar and that the two Thai firms’ activities in Myanmar would provide the junta “with substantial revenue streams that can finance military operations and abuses”.
“There is an unacceptable risk that the companies contribute to serious violations of individuals’ rights in the situations of war or conflict,” the fund stated.
The Myanmar army has been repressive and using lethal force to crack down on democracy protesters since it toppled the elected government in February last year.
In his letter to the SET, Auttapol insisted that PTT’s principle of respect for human rights also applied to the companies that served as its supply chain.
Auttapol said that PTT has always been conscientious about its operations not violating human rights and it also protects and supports human rights in line with international standards and promotes good ties with all stakeholders.
Auttapol said the PTT had complied with the laws and regulations and checked and analysed the status of its business partners in Myanmar thoroughly.
“PTT respects human rights and this is among our basic standard of operations,” Auttapol said.
“And PTT is concerned over the violent situation in Myanmar since the 2021 coup. We support a peaceful solution and we strictly observe the law and international operational standard wherever we carry out business.”
He added that the PTT has been monitoring closely the situation in Myanmar to make future decisions by ensuring that its investments would lead to sustainable development and access to energy sources.
After giant Chevron and TotalEnergies announced their decision to leave Myanmar in January this year to not support the repressive regime, PTT announced in March that it would take over from TotalEnergies the operation of the Yadana gas field with effect from July.
Apart from PTT, the OR also sent a letter of clarification to the SET on Thursday.
Signed by OR CEO Disathat Panyarachun, the PTT subsidiary said the OR invested in the Brighter Energy (BE) joint venture in 2019, holding 35% of shares, for the transportation and storage of petroleum products, in which a storage terminal is in the process of being constructed for the operations in Myanmar.
The objective of the investment is to provide broader benefits and help improve the well-being of Myanmar people, the letter said.
“However, since there has been violence and unrest in Myanmar leading to sanctions imposed by several countries in 2021, OR , as a minority interest shareholder, did not and will not make additional capital injection into BE and has expressly declared our intention to suspend BE’s operations and construction and payments. Also, no payments will be made to anyone on the sanctions list. OR strictly complies with business ethics and policies that shall not involve supporting violence and human rights violations from the BE operations in Myanmar,” the letter said.
“OR has adhered to the sustainability management policy, which consists of environmental, social and good business governance by complying with laws, regulations, international guidelines and international human rights standards.”
Akihiro Kamogari (left) Phannarat Lowakij (second from right)
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