Nestled on the northern tip of the island of Koh Kood, Soneva Kiri is one of Thailand’s most romantic hideaways and Valentine’s celebrations begin from the moment guests wake.
Enjoy a sunrise breakfast cruise on a traditional wooden boat or a private breakfast amongst the treetops at the resort’s iconic bamboo pod, complete with Champagne, fruits and freshly-baked pastries.
During the day, unwind on the soft sands of South Beach with a cocktail in hand or explore the colourful underwater realms of nearby Koh Rang National Marine Park. Guests can also sip on cocktails as the sun sinks over the island’s sparkling waters.
An array of romantic dining experiences then awaits as evening falls, including dinner under the stars at the Lunar Deck, a romantic meal at The View and Kruua Mae Tuk, or a candlelit Valentine’s dinner on the Arrival Pier. For younger guests, there’s also Valentine’s card-making at the Eco Den and sumptuous crêpe and chocolate truffle-making workshops.
Bangkok, Thailand – January 31, 2023: Follow your heart to Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok this February and celebrate the month of love. Let the cupids rekindle your romance now. Take advantage of this month dedicated to love by celebrating your love and spending quality time with your beloved by participating in some of the activities recommended by the hotel.
Designed to bring gourmet flavours to romantic alfresco settings exclusively for two, The One and Only Dinner promises to make your Valentine’s Day unforgettable. At a private dining table with flickering candles, the hotel will serve a five-course Valentine’s dinner along with a bottle of champagne and a bouquet of roses, complemented by panoramic views of the glittering Bangkok skyline. Amaze your one and only with this spectacularly unique dining experience this Valentine’s Day at Greenhouse Terrace.
Aside from the exclusive dinner, In2theterrace provides a slightly less formal, but equally tasteful, Valentine’s Day dining experience. Greenhouse Restaurant & Terrace’s ambient décor on the seventh-floor bathes diners in a candlelight-esque glow, while a refreshing breeze acts as nature’s own air conditioning. A live duo band will serenade the couples with ballads and love songs on this special night, while our chefs prepare a 4-course dinner with love.
In2theterrace 4-course Valentine’s Day Set Dinner
February 14 is the day that Cupid comes out to play, but the hotel knows that love can’t be confined to just one day a year. From February 11 to 14, 2023, the hotel’s ninth floor will be transformed into an open-air cinema with all the modern conveniences, harkening back to the days of old-school romance. The Deck, located on the hotel’s 9th floor, will prepare for a romantic evening, serving by serving canapes, popcorns, and a variety of drinks under a starry sky with a cool breeze.
Star Gaze Theatre
And the festivities don’t end there. Coming Up Roses Afternoon Tea is available to the hotel guests throughout the month of love. With an inventive menu showcasing novel creations such as the Dacquoise Ivory Mousse alongside traditional staples like the Classic Scone, these flower adorned desserts look almost too good to eat.
Coming Up Roses Afternoon Tea
The celebrations kicking off on the upper floors of Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok are surely taking the month of love to new heights this year. The time and price options for each activity are shown below.
The One and Only 5-Course Valentine’s Day Set Dinner
Date: February 14, 2023, from 6 pm onwards Venue: Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel’s 7th floor, Greenhouse Restaurant & Terrace Price: THB 6,000++ per couple includes a bottle of champagne and a bouquet of roses.
In2theterrace 4-Course Valentine’s Day Dinner
Date: February 14, 2023, from 6 pm onwards Venue: Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel’s 7th floor, Greenhouse Restaurant & Terrace Price: THB 2,400++ per couple
Star Gaze Theatre
Date: February 11-14, 2023, from 6.30 – 8.30 pm Programme: (Each programme has Thai subtitles for the English dialogue) Saturday, February 11, 2023: Bridget Jones’s Diary Sunday, February 12, 2023: Fast and Furious 7 Monday, February 13, 2023: Back to the Future Tuesday, February 14, 2023: Meet Joe Black Venue: Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel’s 9th Floor, the Deck Price: THB 900++ per couple
Coming Up Roses Afternoon Tea
Date: February 1-28, 2023, from noon – 4 p.m. Venue: Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel’s 7th floor Greenhouse Restaurant & Terrace Price: From THB 700++ per couple
Terms and Conditions:
• The rates are subject to a 10% service charge and an applicable 7% government tax. • Advance reservations are required.
For more information and reservation, please click at https://mhg.to/j13uz, contact Tel: 02-079-7555 or send an email to fbreservation.vsuk@avanihotels.com
Adidas’s new Predator Accuracy football boots released
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 04, 2023
Predator Accuracy, the newest member of Adias’s prestigious Predator family, has been unveiled, as it was built for boosting precision play and goal-scoring accuracy.
To enhance play accuracy, the Predator Accuracy has been improved based on consumer and Adidas player feedback.
On its metal side, the boot utilises High-Deifinition Grip Technology, which shows minimal rubber elements in the kicking zone for grip to the ball.
Hybridtouch technology, a coated microfiber material, has been reintroduced for Predator Accuracy’s construction to provide a softer, moulded fit that maximizes comfort.
Facetframe technology in the outsole of the boot results in stability, highly efficient transition, and dynamic traction for powerful movement on the pitch. The stud configuration has been `optimised for use on firm ground.
The Primeknit material used for the laceless construction on the boot’s tongue enables a secure lockdown of the foot while playing and provides a comfortable and easy entry.
Mahsa Aryan, Global Director – Footwear of Adidas said that “Since its inception in 1994, Predator has been widely regarded as one of the most iconic football boots in the game, and we’ve seen many different stories told across the years”
Being available worldwide from Wednesday 8th February via adidas.com and selected retailers and is priced at €300, Predator Accuracy launches in a primary black silhouette with pink detailing and the famous Adidas three-stripe emblem in white.
TK Park announces strategic plans for 2023 to better serve patrons, improve access to learning centers and narrow the inequality gap for 18th anniversary celebration
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 04, 2023
The big plans involve; developing an “effective learning ecosystem”; creating “One Library” that links the knowledge centers’ libraries nationwide; developing “learning cities” in provinces to promote lifelong learning for all; and implementing Big Data in its operations to better provide services to different group of patrons.
Bangkok, January 25, 2023 – January 2023 marks a very special moment for TK Park as it celebrates 18 years of connecting people to information and creating activities to promote positive learning development. The knowledge center is taking this special opportunity to announce a 2023 strategic operation update focused on developments and expansions intended to better serve patrons, improve access to learning centers and reduce the inequality gap.
The plans incorporate; building an effective learning ecosystem through media, books and creative activities; encouraging lifelong learning by using innovations, and creating “One Library” by enhancing the quality of MyTK app in order to connect TK Park’s libraries nationwide together and provide convenience for members when borrowing and returning books. They also include; installing self-service borrowing stations at the city’s landmarks; using Big Data to analyze patron behaviors and create activities that promote learning and training courses in order to upskill and reskill; broadening collaboration networks nationwide to achieve its goal of creating “learning cities” in line with the UNESCO sustainable goals; and opening new knowledge centers in Bangkok, Surat Thani and Phayao.
TK Park Director-General Kittiratana Pitipanich noted that this year, TK Park will continue its task of creating a learning ecosystem in response to the needs of learners. To achieve this, it has invested in innovation and big data analytics to integrate big data about services of different centers.
“The tools give us consistent and accurate data that enables us to make good decisions. We have used them to collect, process and analyze big data of patrons’ behaviors when using our libraries so that we are able to improve our services to meet their needs. And patrons can make use of the information we provide in their daily life,” he said.
TK Park has also created “One Library” to provide convenience for members when borrowing and returning, he added.
“We have improved the quality of MyTK app in order to link our libraries nationwide together. Our members living in the provinces can borrow books they want to read from any center whether this is in Bangkok or in other provinces, while those in the city can do the same from a center in any province. It can be done easily in a similar way to online shopping. Patrons just select a book they want to read and put it in a cart when borrowing it. Then, we provide a book delivery service for borrowers,” Mr Kittiratana said.
Networking is key to success
He noted that TK Park will continue expanding its collaboration network which will allow it to provide the best possible services to its patrons. According to him, TK Park plans to work with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, True Digital Park, Young Entrepreneur Chamber of Commerce and the private sector.
“We think creative activities that promote learning and new investment are not enough to enable us to reach our goals of creating an effective learning ecosystem. What we need to do is to work more with experts and partners who have many years of experience. And that will bring quicker results,” he said.
In February, TK Park plans to open a new knowledge center at True Digital Park West, an office building on Sukhumvit Road equipped with spacious event spaces, making it the first branch in Bangkok. The building also serves as the city’s new tech hub and start-up community.
This year, TK Park also plans to open two new centers in two provinces – one at Koh Lamphu Public Park in the center of Surat Thani province and another at Phayao municipality. Another important plan includes developing a “Learning City” in each province to promote lifelong learning for all by working together with local partners to respond to the UNESCO sustainable development goals.
“We encourage all provinces to participate in this project. A learning city helps foster a culture of learning throughout life,” Mr Kittiratana said.
He added that TK Park also aims to improve its services to provide convenience to patrons. In the middle of 2023, the center plans to install self-service borrowing stations at the city’s landmarks, with each station having more than 300 books to borrow and operating around the clock.
“We will select the right locations to ensure that they are easily accessible,” he said.
Committed to giving the best services for all
TK Park has always been committed to serving the needs of different group of patrons. Apart from its core services that include providing books, learning materials and knowledge sets, the knowledge center has run “Train the Trainers” sessions to equip teachers and educators with the skills they need to provide the best experience to learners. The “Mentoring Project” is aimed at helping high-school students explore and identify their careers and set the up for future success. In the near future, the center plans to launch a project for employees looking to develop their skill sets to advance their careers and another that promotes creative thinking and design work. It’s also giving consideration to a project for retired persons who wish to take up new hobbies or learn new skills in their golden years to keep their mind and body active, the director general said.
“We collected data on patrons’ behaviors and their interests when they were using our services and taking part in programs we organized. We processed and analyzed the data using an advanced technique. That has allowed us to create programs that cater to the exact needs of different age groups,” Mr Kittirattana said.
TK Park will continue promoting positive youth development through projects to help prepare kids to learn and succeed in the new era. It has provided learning projects for kids to help develop their imagination and creativity, while promoting teamwork and understanding others.
TK Park has also created fun activities and games for parents and kids to enjoy together and arranged training program both in-person and online aimed at promoting learning activities for teachers.
Additionally, TK Park has implemented the sharing economy, a system that is built around the sharing of resources, to its operation to help parents save money, Mr Kittiratana noted.
“The sharing economy is one of the most talked-about topics at the moment. The concept has been implemented by companies and organizations. We have done it too. We have encouraged patrons to share books and parents to share toys for their kids. They don’t need to buy new ones.” he said.
TK Park also aims to turn the libraries into community centers, Mr Kittiratana noted.
“If we want people to make visits to our library, we need to offer services and activities that meet their exact needs and match what they are interested in. We must identify the unique features of communities and create activities that relate to the locals’ way of life,” he said.
Mr Kittiratana noted people who have transferable skills are able to survive and adapt in a constantly changing world as the skill set can help them solve problems they face in their everyday lives.
“We have supported lifelong learning. The more you learn, they more you know. Self-directed learning is trending. Many people learn better by themselves. Learning at their own pace allows them to learn in a way that suits them, in a comfortable environment. That’s why TK Park has offered a comprehensive range of services and activities for learners to choose from. By doing this, we truly help tackle the gap of social inequality.” he said.
Discover Beautés du Monde Bangkok Exhibition on February 16
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 03, 2023
Thailand has the privilege to showcase Cartier Beautés du Monde High Jewellery, highlighting the brand’s passionate expertise in expressing a creative vision of natural wonders in the diversity of beauty and the maison’s global cultures.
Through the ultimate luxurious jewellery collection, the jewellery parure is curated with appreciation under the Beautés du Monde collection alongside over 300 pieces of jewellery and timepieces. Following Cartier‘s collection debuts in Madrid and Shanghai, Cartier’s high jewellery showcase is here for Thailand.
Inspired by the Beauties of the World through the observation and appreciation of seeing beauty wherever it is found, the Beautés du Monde Collection is depicting Cartier’s elegant design expertise and prestige jewellery pairing collection, highlighting the elements of nature and cultural diversity.
The Cartier Beautés du Monde Bangkok Exhibition is designed by Jaime Hayon, the Spanish designer accredited as one of the world’s most influential designers, who will unveil the decorative rooms displaying under 3 concepts namely World Wildlife, Mineral World and Cultural World. The exhibition will engage the audiences to immerse themselves in the prominent natural beauty and cherish inspiring souls filled with delightful exhilaration.
The Thai Patrimony showroom is exclusively fused with the delicacy of Thai heritages by Saran Yen Panya, Thailand’s story-telling designer who expressed his crafts through design and artistic vibes. The high jewellery exhibit showcase by Cartier has combined the shimmering culture of the two worlds as one, allowing gem fanatics in Thailand to discover the journey of the world’s high jewellery sophistication and beauty.
Discover Thailand’s first grand opening for the general public and jewellery enthusiasts to experience the maison’s mesmerising and delicate designs of high jewellery collection at Cartier Beautés du Monde Bangkok Exhibition, hosted exclusively on 16 February 2023 only. Limited to 400 participants.
The TPIPL Group won the Most Socially Responsible Conglomerate from the Global Economics Award 2022
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 02, 2023
Dr Virat Chatdarong, Vice President of Specialty Polymers Business, and Dr Nithiphong Vikitset, Vice President Planning Department, TPI Polene Public Company Limited or TPIPL received the Most Socially Responsible Conglomerate (Most Socially Responsible Conglomerate) Most Socially Responsible Company) at The Global Economics Awards 2022, hosted by The Global Economics, the UK’s leading financial magazine.
TPI Polene aims for sustainable development for its group of companies, to create balanced growth by adhering to Environmental, Social, and Good Corporate Governance (ESG) criteria and has linked the environment dimension to all three segments of the operation, Circular economy, Green economy, and Bio economy, which are mutually supportive – this is called Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG), a business model innovation that will be implemented at all stages of sustainability in the supply chain to reduce the use of natural resources.
Throughout the past, The Company is one of the leading organizations that focus on sustainable growth by focusing on the economy, environment, and society based on good corporate governance. (Environmental, Social, Governance: ESG) to manage the business for the balanced benefit of all stakeholder groups. Along with conducting business about good governance, society, and environmental pollution reduction. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to solve global warming creates a good environment and reduces the impact of the volatile weather caused by natural disasters for further sustainability.
TPIPP won the Best Product Innovations for Sustainable Development award from The Global Economics Award 2022
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 02, 2023
Mr Pakorn Leopairut, President, and Dr Porakrit Leophairatana, Executive Vice President, Plant Department, representing TPI Polene Power Public Company Limited or TPIPP receiving an award in the category of Best Product Innovations for Sustainable Development or a company with advanced innovation for sustainable development from The Global Economics Awards 2022 hosted by The Global Economics, the UK’s leading financial magazine.
TPI Polene Power Public Company Limited (“Company”), is a leading operator of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW-fired power plants in Thailand, with the largest and most successful waste-to-energy power plant operations in the country and the ASEAN region. It is the largest municipal waste disposal plant in Thailand and also the largest single-location municipal waste disposal facility in the world.
Throughout the past, the Company has been one of the leading organizations focusing on sustainable growth by linking Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with corporate strategy to grow in all areas, including the economy, environment, and society. The Company emphasizes corporate governance (Environmental Social Governance: ESG) to manage the business for the benefit of all stakeholders in a balanced manner. By 2026, all energy production will be 100% renewable, and by then TPIPP operations will have removed more than 19.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxideand below 2020 levels. Carbon neutral to 12.6 million tonnes, the company’s carbon credits will offset the carbon footprint of TPI Polene Public Company Limited, resulting in the group achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions within the year. This schedule is far ahead of its local competitors. and the company will continue to innovate to lead the country towards a carbon-neutral society or Net Zero Emissions.
Winner of CEO Thailand Award 2023, Shubhodeep Das, shines the light on leadership in the private sector in Chiang Mai
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2023
Mr Shubhodeep Das, the founder and group CEO of Hylife Group, won the CEO Thailand Award in 2023, which led Hylife Group to become the business leader in Chiang Mai’s private sector in sectors such as real estate, mortgages, debt rehabilitation, food processing, and medical supplies.
The event held on January 29, 2023, at the Amari Don Mueang Airport Hotel, was arranged by the Broadcaster and Journalist’s Assembly of Thailand (BJ.AT) to provide awards for the best CEO in Thailand.
Mr Shubhodeep Das led the Hylife Group, which was founded during the COVID-19 outbreak, to overcome the crisis. Initially, Hylife Group was successfully established in medical mask production, land purchase, mortgages, and condominium sales while other businesses were developed, such as food processing and debt rehabilitation.
During the COVID outbreak, the impact of the employment reduction has impacted all areas of Thailand. Mr. Shubhodeep Das and the management team have assembled a team with strong potential to develop products and services in areas where the COVID-19 outbreak had a smaller impact, like Chiang Mai. The Hylife Group businesses have helped in income distribution during these hard times and helped drive the economy by proving jobs. Even though it went against the trend back then, it was better than doing nothing since COVID-19 caused a tourist city like Chiang Mai to stagnate. Surprisingly, the company’s condominium project has received more positive responses than expected because teams with high potential and experience from various places joined the company and drove it to success and the condominium project sold out in less than a year. This has been considered to have a massive impact on new Chiang Mai entrepreneurs. It is believed that Chiang Mai’s economy will recover after reopening the country. People have adjusted to living with COVID-19; thus, the company is preparing to develop additional projects to support new business opportunities that will arise.
There are now eight companies in the Hylife Group with registered capital totaling more than 471 million Thai baht: Hylife Asset Co., Ltd., Hylife Developments Co., Ltd., Hylife Property Development Co., Ltd., Dr. Hygiene Medical Products Co., Ltd., Pinnacle Asset Management, HA Construction Co., Ltd., Hylife IBC Co., Ltd., and Hylife Global Foods Co., Ltd. The last two businesses recently received investment promotions from The Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI), which motivates Hylife Group to strive and always prepare to move forward to strengthen and sustainably grow the Thai economy.
Thailand Businesses Lead the World in Business Health
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2023
Thailand’s business health in the second half of 2022 improved by 3.8 percentage points over H1 2022, with the index reaching 8.8 – marking the highest point in five years and exceeding regional and global averages for the first time since 2017, according to a report by Grant Thornton’s International Business Report (IBR)
In contrast, Asean business leaders are more cautious, while Asia Pacific and Global business leaders remain bearish.
Ian Pascoe, CEO and Managing Partner at Grant Thornton in Thailand, said, “Business leaders are better prepared after having gone through 3 years of unprecedented economic turbulence as Thailand emerges from the pandemic. Our business survey indicates Thai businesses share a positive sentiment in their outlook for 2023 and are more positive about the effects of the external factors on their business.”
The business health was determined by combining the overall economic outlook with the sentiment on restrictions.
The three major economic outlook indicators of general economic optimism, business conditions and investment intentions declined by 2.1 percentage points, 0.5pp, and 3.4pp respectively, in the second half of 2022.
Improving sentiment on restrictions has significantly bolstered Thailand’s business health index. Business concern over demand constraints dropped by 9.6 percentage points from H1 2022, while worries over supply constraints fell by 7.4pp.
Despite ongoing challenges of inflation, high energy prices, and cultural phenomena such as the Great Resignation, businesses in Thailand remains more positive in their outlook as compared to the past 5 years, indicating that businesses have adapted and built resilience into their operations in preparation for 2023.
The Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) is the world’s leading survey which provides vital insight into the health of the global mid-market. These results for H2 2022 reflect the views of nearly 5,000 mid-market companies across 30+ countries interviewed in November and December of this year. In Thailand, there were 102 respondents from companies with a headcount between 50-500.
In Thailand only 49% of survey respondents across the region listed economic uncertainty as a major constraint, an improvement of 18pp from the second half of 2021.
Businesses remain cautious when it comes to fiscal expenditures and investments. Just 36% of Thailand’s mid-market companies indicated that they would increase their headcount in 2023. The availability of skilled personnel is certainly not a limiting factor, at least currently. Only 26% of respondents in Thailand said talent scarcity was a significant issue, compared to 37% of respondents in Asean and 57% globally.
Despite encouraging signs of recovery, companies across Thailand are planning only modest investments in information technology (49%; down 12pp from H1 2022), plant and machinery (39%; down 5pp from H1 2022), and personnel (36%, as mentioned above; down 12pp from H1 2022).
Tanva Mahitivanichcha, Partner at Grant Thornton, commented, “these results indicate that business leaders in Thailand are planning to invest cautiously, at least in the near term.
The challenges of inflation, energy prices, and interest rates remain. However, economic uncertainty dropping by 12pp since the first half of 2022 and nearly 20pp compared to the second half of 2022 indicates the nation’s resilience and ability to adapt to the post-covid environment. As Thailand continues to re-open its tourism sector, business health will continue trending upwards.”
Siam Commercial Bank names Pornpat Ongnithiwat new CFO
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2023
Effective February 1, 2023, SCB will be appointing Pornpat Ongnithiwat as First Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer.
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) aspires to be the main pillar of the SCBX Financial Group, focusing on delivering superior returns with rigorous risk control, appropriate management of operating costs, and winning the hearts of every customer segment. The Bank’s strategies and business plans are ready for fast-changing consumer behaviour in the digital age.
Pornpat will be a driving force in the Bank’s efforts to attain this objective efficiently. The new CFO will play a significant role in co-developing the Bank’s strategic plan and business direction, developing financial strategies, conducting assessment and management of financial indicators, and advising the management team and Board of Directors on the Bank’s finance and accounting matters.
In addition to her knowledge and expertise in finance and investments, Pornpat has been recognized as an expert in a variety of areas, such as strategic and business process development, mergers and acquisitions, investor relations, risk management, business and competition analysis, and more.
She has experience as a leader in preparing strategic plans and action plans for the Pruksa Holding Group, covering real estate plans, health care business, investment, and analyzing and forecasting earnings, as well as making recommendations and adjusting strategic alignment within the group to achieve its objectives.
Prior to joining SCB, Pornpat served as Deputy Group Chief Financial Officer at Pruksa Holding Public Company Limited and Group Chief Financial Officer at Pruksa Real Estate Public Company Limited and held several financial and investment management positions at PepsiCo Group companies, such as PepsiCo Asia in Hong Kong and Suntory PepsiCo in Vietnam. Additionally, she has worked with P&G and KPMG.
Pornpat earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Banking from the Faculty of Business Administration at Assumption University and a Master’s degree in Marketing (International Program) from Thammasat University.
She was also enrolled in the Master of Science in Business Administration program at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University.
In2theterrace 4-course Valentine’s Day Set Dinner
Star Gaze Theatre
Coming Up Roses Afternoon Tea
SootinClaimon.Com 