IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., which manages and operates IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani, has announced the plan to become one of the top five MICE venues in Asia within five years through the corporate rebranding and the “Partnership for Success” strategy.
Mr. Paul Kanjanapas, Managing Director of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., said that the company aims to raise the recognition of IMPACT from an exhibition and convention space provider to a one-stop-service MICE venue with complete offerings from exhibition and convention spaces and consultancy services to travel agency services and accommodation.
Under our Partnership for Success formula, IMPACT has created a new brand recognition that centered on the success of customers, comprising four key branding: 1) Proficient Partner; 2) Passionate Professional; 3) Progressive Platform and 4) Personalized Solution.
To ensure consistency high standard services and the true understanding of the Partnership for Success motto, the company has constantly invested in training and re-training human resources. An Employee Relationship Management has been established and a number of selected outstanding employees have been appointed as Partnership for Success Ambassador to encourage teamwork and forge stronger co-operation within the organization.
IMPACT has also been continuously investing and developing products. Between 2009 and 2011, the company will be spending over 2,150 million baht developing new facility and installing new technology. About 2,000 million baht will be invested on building a four-star, 381-room IMPACT Hotel while 100 million baht has been spent on installing Cark Parking Intelligence System, 10 million baht on close-circuit surveillance camera for security and safety purpose and 40 million baht on 10 thermo-scanners.
Mr. Paul said that the Partnership for Success formula, the constant training of human resources and the continued investment on facility will enable IMPACT to become the perfect one-stop-service MICE solution for customer.
“IMPACT is now Thailand’s largest exhibition and convention venue complete with a wide array of food and beverages outlets. We can offer travel and entertainment booking services through our sister company Total Reservations, and we are 18 months away from opening an international standard hotel. All these elements, of course, will allow IMPACT to reach our objective of becoming Thailand’s top MICE venue and one of Asia’s top 5 MICE venues within 5 years,” Mr. Paul concluded.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Siam Discovery unveils a Grand “Rediscovery” Plan Presenting over 1 billion baht - Three World-Class Magnets
Siam Piwat Company Limited, the owner of Siam Center and Siam Discovery, reveals a major renovation of Siam Discovery. Giving renewed vigor to its exceptional mix of new discoveries and true to its rank as “The Ultimate Lifestyle & Entertainment Shopping Complex,” Siam Discovery welcomes the world’s leading visitor attractions operator Merlin Entertainments to open “Madame Tussauds Bangkok”, the first of the famous and iconic wax figure tourist attractions in Southeast Asia. Merlin Entertainments is expected to make a total investment of over Baht 500 million (US$15m) on the 3,000 square meter attraction. Adding to the mix of new anchor tenants are “Ice Planet”, the state-of the-art ice-skating facility worth over Baht 180 million and a 1,500 square meter premium multi-purpose exhibition hall worth over Baht 50 million. In warming its welcome to these 3 new magnets, Siam Piwat is devoting another Baht 300 million to make over both inside and out, including in particular a façade destined to be an architectural landmark of Bangkok and introducing Thailand to its first application of ETFE, an advanced engineering phenomenon in construction materials. Renovation works is scheduled to start in March and is due for completion by October 2010.
Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, CEO of Siam Piwat reveals : “Siam Discovery was the first and the original lifestyle shopping & entertainment complex in Thailand. When it opened in 1997, the shopping complex offered a fresh mix of retail and services unrivalled with other shopping centers, encompassing a variety of exceptionally cutting-edge and unique brands both Thai and international which were not offered in the other shopping centers. Siam Discovery indulged the new generation of sophisticated urbanites with a strong streak of individuality and right from the start, Siam Discovery has always maintained its positioning as one of Bangkok’s most popular shopping destinations for locals and tourists alike.”
“Siam Discovery’s policy has always aimed to offer its customers the latest global trends and introduce them to new remarkable discoveries, whether in retail, lifestyle or entertainment. The Company therefore has been planning since the beginning of 2009 to give Siam Discovery a major renovation in order to be completed when the global economy is showing positive signs. Our plan includes not only the exterior façade and interior but also the signing of 3 new anchor tenants on floors 6-8 of Siam Discovery. The 3 World Class Magnets cover a total floor area of more than 8,000 square meters, establishing itself as a world-class entertainment destination,” added Mrs. Chadatip.
Siam Discovery presents 3 one-of-a-kind world-class magnets
Siam Discovery’s grand renovation includes the installation of three world-class magnet enterprises on its 6th to 8th floors, namely:
1. Madame Tussauds Bangkok, the original famous wax works tourist attraction debut in Southeast Asia
Merlin Entertainments, the world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, is investing Baht 500-million (US$15m) to create “Madame Tussauds Bangkok” on the 6th – 7th floors of Siam Discovery, covering an area over 3,000 sq.m. This will be the tenth Madame Tussauds in the world and the third in Asia, after Shanghai and Hong Kong. The ultimate celebrity experience and unlike any other tourist attraction with its amazingly lifelike wax figures displayed in a highly entertaining interactive style, Madame Tussauds Bangkok is expected to be the hottest new place to visit in the City. Most importantly, with no bars, ropes or barriers around the figures visitors will really feel like they are standing beside, or being photographed with their heroes.
The accent at “Madame Tussauds Bangkok” is on contemporary elegance, fun and inter-active entertainment for every visitor. At any given time it will house over 70 wax figures of international celebrities, from HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Barack Obama and Beyonce Knowles, along with such famous Thai figures such as Pancake - Khemanit Jamikorn and Sombat Metanee Building will start in March and Madame Tussauds Bangkok is expected to open in September 2010.
Mrs. Chadatip says : “We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected by a multi-national company such as Merlin Entertainments for this very considerable foreign investment which will bring over Baht 500 million to Thailand. The venture will also enable more Thais to find employment with real prospects, and significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth and tourism development. Not least, it will help ease liquidity in the Thai economy and reinforce the strength of Bangkok as a tourist destination and as well as the confidence in our country among foreign investors.”
Merlin Entertainments Midway Managing Director Glenn Earlam said: “We are delighted to be opening a Madame Tussauds in Bangkok which is such an exciting and vibrant location which gives us so much scope to create what I believe will be one of our best attractions ever. It will be a unique place, in a unique City.’
2. Ice Planet - the World Class Olympic standard & biggest rink in downtown Bangkok
Mr. Steven (Tanakorn) Kalayanamit, CEO of Ice Planet (Thailand) Company Limited reveals: “Our company has decided to invest over Baht 180 million in building a 2,000-sq.m. ice skating rink in the heart of Bangkok on the 8th floor of Siam Discovery with the goal of elevating the sport of ice skating in Thailand to international standards. This state-of-the-art rink will incorporate an array of cutting-edge technologies, including producing ice to the exacting Olympic standards, making the rink suitable for international competitions. We also plan to open Thailand’s first figure skating academy staffed by professional coaches from the USA, including a team member of the world famous “Disney On Ice”. Moreover, Ice Planet will coordinate with international and regional organizations and associations to quickly establish itself as the venue for international figure skating competitions and major tournaments.”
“In addition to its unsurpassed quality, Ice Planet is fantastically designed. Among its standout features are the way it modernizes Ice Skating. It will give a new experience to Ice Skating whether you are new or experienced with Ice Skating. The rink can also be transformed into a venue for hip events and cool parties.”
“Ice skating is making a great comeback in popularity all over the world these days, especially among youngsters who love the physical challenge and where they can also be expressive of their skills and imagination. Ice Planet target demographics extends from youngsters to career individuals seeking after work exercise and relaxation, and primarily family crowds to enjoy quality fun time with loved ones. Construction will begin in April this year and Ice Planet is expected to open in October 2010, just in time for the Thai mid-year semester break. We expect it to serve 1,000 ice-skaters on weekdays and 2,000 on weekends.”
3. Multi-Purpose Hall: the exclusive, premium venue in the heart of Bangkok
Another high-impact feature of the renovation of Siam Discovery is the Baht 50 million multi-purpose exhibition hall by Siam Piwat’s own investment covering a floor space of 1,500 square meters on floor 7th which will be managed by Royal Paragon Enterprise Company Limited.
Mr. Arun Teng, General Manager of Royal Paragon Enterprise Company Limited, explains: “The new Multi-purpose Hall aims to fill a gap in downtown Bangkok MICE facilities while also offering a different kind of venue for various functions. Event organizers are always looking for new spaces with fresh concepts and that’s where this Multi-purpose Hall comes in. Our target is organizers seeking to stage events with a unique style, combined with just the right amount of space, excellent functionality, design and all at a prime central location with excellent transportation links.”
“The design of the hall is sleek and stylish with a grand foyer and large windows accented by anelement of natural light during the day and stunning city views by night. The facility also features an outdoor terrace, allowing the venue to cater for events indoor and outdoor simultaneously.”
“Our prime targets are mostly organizers of lifestyle events such as fashion shows, art exhibitions, premium product launches, press conferences, international seminars & conferences, exclusive concerts and meet-and-greet activities with local and international artists.”
“From the success of Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Discovery’s Multi-purpose Hall will be managed and operated by the same team whose experience and growth continues to prosper to new heights. The new exhibition facility on 6A at Siam Discovery will be positioned as an exclusive venue and is expected to be ready for service in October 2010.”
Besides the thrill of three such promising new world-class anchor tenants, Siam Discovery is also adding to its star-studded retail mix in the manner of business as usual. Raising the share of F&B outlets to 20% to cater to the needs of the expected surge of heavy traffic of tourists and family target groups, Siam Discovery will be welcoming the first free-standing Marc by Marc Jacobs in Bangkok, the one and only flagship store. And last but not least, Loft the speciality store from Japan too is announcing an expansion plan and revealing a new total floor area of 2,000 square meters. The new Loft store is set to occupy floors 4 & 5 of Siam Discovery.
“Rediscovering” Siam Discovery as the new landmark on Bangkok’s ultimate shopping street.
Siam Piwat will be spending as much as Baht 300 million on the changes and decoration of the interior and the new façade feature, designs of which will be developed to strengthen Siam Discovery’s refreshed positioning and that of the new world-class anchor magnet. The 6th – 8th floors of Siam Discovery, measuring 8,000 square meters, will be revamped under the personal supervision of Mr. Duangrit Bunnag, Managing Director of Duangrit Boonnag Architects Limited.
At street level, the shopping center will be featuring a magnificent 8-floor installation of Thailand’s first ETFE-clad façade designed by Design 103 International Company Limited. ETFE is a material originally developed for use in the space industry by a German company “Vector Foiltec.” The plastic-like material does not degrade under Ultra-Violet light or atmospheric pollution, and at the same time, is anti-adhesive which means that it is self-cleaning under the action of rain. Architecturally, the material is outstanding for being unusually light-weight and has the exceptional light transmission properties, allowing designers to optimize the aesthetic and environmental performance of the building, creating structures of unusual lightness and elegance. Leading architects and engineers around the world have adopted ETFE as the choice for high profile mega projects ranging from the Olympic venue Beijing Water Cube to public spaces such as the Alliance Arena in Munich, Germany, to the BMW Welt. As the first application of ETFE in Thailand, Design 103’s piece is a sophisticated abstract of adjoining prism shapes equipped with a changing LED lighting embedded each structure enabling the structure to shift into a glowing wondrous landmark at night. With this new modern take to the façade, Siam Discovery is declaring itself as the new and brilliant Landmark of Bangkok in the heart of Thailand’s ultimate shopping destination.
Siam Discovery targets worldwide tourists and expands its customer base among Thai families
With its powerful combination of world class attractions, flagship stores and complete range of services, Siam Discovery is confident that it will be able to attract shoppers of all demographics and increase its customer base, particularly international tourists seeking to experience the celebrity of Madame Tussauds Bangkok, A-B family consumers seeking fashion and lifestyle brands, and youngsters seeking a fun time on ice.
Once the physical renovation is completed and the leasing plan materializes as planned, Siam Discovery is expecting a rise in footfall through the Shopping Complex by 20,000 or a 25% increase, comprised of 60% Thais and 40% foreign customers.
“This Grand renovation of Siam Discovery due to be completed in October 2010, will endorse Siam Discovery as the ultimate location allianced by World Class retail and Entertainment operators to propel Thailand’s economy towards higher level of prominence in Asia and the world,” concluded Mrs. Chadatip.
Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, CEO of Siam Piwat reveals : “Siam Discovery was the first and the original lifestyle shopping & entertainment complex in Thailand. When it opened in 1997, the shopping complex offered a fresh mix of retail and services unrivalled with other shopping centers, encompassing a variety of exceptionally cutting-edge and unique brands both Thai and international which were not offered in the other shopping centers. Siam Discovery indulged the new generation of sophisticated urbanites with a strong streak of individuality and right from the start, Siam Discovery has always maintained its positioning as one of Bangkok’s most popular shopping destinations for locals and tourists alike.”
“Siam Discovery’s policy has always aimed to offer its customers the latest global trends and introduce them to new remarkable discoveries, whether in retail, lifestyle or entertainment. The Company therefore has been planning since the beginning of 2009 to give Siam Discovery a major renovation in order to be completed when the global economy is showing positive signs. Our plan includes not only the exterior façade and interior but also the signing of 3 new anchor tenants on floors 6-8 of Siam Discovery. The 3 World Class Magnets cover a total floor area of more than 8,000 square meters, establishing itself as a world-class entertainment destination,” added Mrs. Chadatip.
Siam Discovery presents 3 one-of-a-kind world-class magnets
Siam Discovery’s grand renovation includes the installation of three world-class magnet enterprises on its 6th to 8th floors, namely:
1. Madame Tussauds Bangkok, the original famous wax works tourist attraction debut in Southeast Asia
Merlin Entertainments, the world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, is investing Baht 500-million (US$15m) to create “Madame Tussauds Bangkok” on the 6th – 7th floors of Siam Discovery, covering an area over 3,000 sq.m. This will be the tenth Madame Tussauds in the world and the third in Asia, after Shanghai and Hong Kong. The ultimate celebrity experience and unlike any other tourist attraction with its amazingly lifelike wax figures displayed in a highly entertaining interactive style, Madame Tussauds Bangkok is expected to be the hottest new place to visit in the City. Most importantly, with no bars, ropes or barriers around the figures visitors will really feel like they are standing beside, or being photographed with their heroes.
The accent at “Madame Tussauds Bangkok” is on contemporary elegance, fun and inter-active entertainment for every visitor. At any given time it will house over 70 wax figures of international celebrities, from HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Barack Obama and Beyonce Knowles, along with such famous Thai figures such as Pancake - Khemanit Jamikorn and Sombat Metanee Building will start in March and Madame Tussauds Bangkok is expected to open in September 2010.
Mrs. Chadatip says : “We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected by a multi-national company such as Merlin Entertainments for this very considerable foreign investment which will bring over Baht 500 million to Thailand. The venture will also enable more Thais to find employment with real prospects, and significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth and tourism development. Not least, it will help ease liquidity in the Thai economy and reinforce the strength of Bangkok as a tourist destination and as well as the confidence in our country among foreign investors.”
Merlin Entertainments Midway Managing Director Glenn Earlam said: “We are delighted to be opening a Madame Tussauds in Bangkok which is such an exciting and vibrant location which gives us so much scope to create what I believe will be one of our best attractions ever. It will be a unique place, in a unique City.’
2. Ice Planet - the World Class Olympic standard & biggest rink in downtown Bangkok
Mr. Steven (Tanakorn) Kalayanamit, CEO of Ice Planet (Thailand) Company Limited reveals: “Our company has decided to invest over Baht 180 million in building a 2,000-sq.m. ice skating rink in the heart of Bangkok on the 8th floor of Siam Discovery with the goal of elevating the sport of ice skating in Thailand to international standards. This state-of-the-art rink will incorporate an array of cutting-edge technologies, including producing ice to the exacting Olympic standards, making the rink suitable for international competitions. We also plan to open Thailand’s first figure skating academy staffed by professional coaches from the USA, including a team member of the world famous “Disney On Ice”. Moreover, Ice Planet will coordinate with international and regional organizations and associations to quickly establish itself as the venue for international figure skating competitions and major tournaments.”
“In addition to its unsurpassed quality, Ice Planet is fantastically designed. Among its standout features are the way it modernizes Ice Skating. It will give a new experience to Ice Skating whether you are new or experienced with Ice Skating. The rink can also be transformed into a venue for hip events and cool parties.”
“Ice skating is making a great comeback in popularity all over the world these days, especially among youngsters who love the physical challenge and where they can also be expressive of their skills and imagination. Ice Planet target demographics extends from youngsters to career individuals seeking after work exercise and relaxation, and primarily family crowds to enjoy quality fun time with loved ones. Construction will begin in April this year and Ice Planet is expected to open in October 2010, just in time for the Thai mid-year semester break. We expect it to serve 1,000 ice-skaters on weekdays and 2,000 on weekends.”
3. Multi-Purpose Hall: the exclusive, premium venue in the heart of Bangkok
Another high-impact feature of the renovation of Siam Discovery is the Baht 50 million multi-purpose exhibition hall by Siam Piwat’s own investment covering a floor space of 1,500 square meters on floor 7th which will be managed by Royal Paragon Enterprise Company Limited.
Mr. Arun Teng, General Manager of Royal Paragon Enterprise Company Limited, explains: “The new Multi-purpose Hall aims to fill a gap in downtown Bangkok MICE facilities while also offering a different kind of venue for various functions. Event organizers are always looking for new spaces with fresh concepts and that’s where this Multi-purpose Hall comes in. Our target is organizers seeking to stage events with a unique style, combined with just the right amount of space, excellent functionality, design and all at a prime central location with excellent transportation links.”
“The design of the hall is sleek and stylish with a grand foyer and large windows accented by anelement of natural light during the day and stunning city views by night. The facility also features an outdoor terrace, allowing the venue to cater for events indoor and outdoor simultaneously.”
“Our prime targets are mostly organizers of lifestyle events such as fashion shows, art exhibitions, premium product launches, press conferences, international seminars & conferences, exclusive concerts and meet-and-greet activities with local and international artists.”
“From the success of Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Discovery’s Multi-purpose Hall will be managed and operated by the same team whose experience and growth continues to prosper to new heights. The new exhibition facility on 6A at Siam Discovery will be positioned as an exclusive venue and is expected to be ready for service in October 2010.”
Besides the thrill of three such promising new world-class anchor tenants, Siam Discovery is also adding to its star-studded retail mix in the manner of business as usual. Raising the share of F&B outlets to 20% to cater to the needs of the expected surge of heavy traffic of tourists and family target groups, Siam Discovery will be welcoming the first free-standing Marc by Marc Jacobs in Bangkok, the one and only flagship store. And last but not least, Loft the speciality store from Japan too is announcing an expansion plan and revealing a new total floor area of 2,000 square meters. The new Loft store is set to occupy floors 4 & 5 of Siam Discovery.
“Rediscovering” Siam Discovery as the new landmark on Bangkok’s ultimate shopping street.
Siam Piwat will be spending as much as Baht 300 million on the changes and decoration of the interior and the new façade feature, designs of which will be developed to strengthen Siam Discovery’s refreshed positioning and that of the new world-class anchor magnet. The 6th – 8th floors of Siam Discovery, measuring 8,000 square meters, will be revamped under the personal supervision of Mr. Duangrit Bunnag, Managing Director of Duangrit Boonnag Architects Limited.
At street level, the shopping center will be featuring a magnificent 8-floor installation of Thailand’s first ETFE-clad façade designed by Design 103 International Company Limited. ETFE is a material originally developed for use in the space industry by a German company “Vector Foiltec.” The plastic-like material does not degrade under Ultra-Violet light or atmospheric pollution, and at the same time, is anti-adhesive which means that it is self-cleaning under the action of rain. Architecturally, the material is outstanding for being unusually light-weight and has the exceptional light transmission properties, allowing designers to optimize the aesthetic and environmental performance of the building, creating structures of unusual lightness and elegance. Leading architects and engineers around the world have adopted ETFE as the choice for high profile mega projects ranging from the Olympic venue Beijing Water Cube to public spaces such as the Alliance Arena in Munich, Germany, to the BMW Welt. As the first application of ETFE in Thailand, Design 103’s piece is a sophisticated abstract of adjoining prism shapes equipped with a changing LED lighting embedded each structure enabling the structure to shift into a glowing wondrous landmark at night. With this new modern take to the façade, Siam Discovery is declaring itself as the new and brilliant Landmark of Bangkok in the heart of Thailand’s ultimate shopping destination.
Siam Discovery targets worldwide tourists and expands its customer base among Thai families
With its powerful combination of world class attractions, flagship stores and complete range of services, Siam Discovery is confident that it will be able to attract shoppers of all demographics and increase its customer base, particularly international tourists seeking to experience the celebrity of Madame Tussauds Bangkok, A-B family consumers seeking fashion and lifestyle brands, and youngsters seeking a fun time on ice.
Once the physical renovation is completed and the leasing plan materializes as planned, Siam Discovery is expecting a rise in footfall through the Shopping Complex by 20,000 or a 25% increase, comprised of 60% Thais and 40% foreign customers.
“This Grand renovation of Siam Discovery due to be completed in October 2010, will endorse Siam Discovery as the ultimate location allianced by World Class retail and Entertainment operators to propel Thailand’s economy towards higher level of prominence in Asia and the world,” concluded Mrs. Chadatip.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Fashion Island accompanies with Toy R Us and Gang Cartoon Channel celebrate Children’s Day
Siam Retail Development Co., Ltd, on behalf of Fashion Island accompanies with Toy R Us and Gang Cartoon Channel celebrates Children’s Day by open Toys World 2010 which runs from January 7 to January 17, 2010. The children will enjoy with various toys from all over the world in the most special price. Moreover, meeting shows from the famous mascots which are Dinosaur King, Kan Kluay, Shelldon, Pororo and Tako.
Mr. Prasert Sriulanpong, director of Siam Retail Development Co., Ltd, said that Fashion Island has alternate the Center Court on first floor to become a “ Toy World ” under the concept of “ Edutainment ” in order to make children enjoy with the toys that improving skills and create imagination.
This event is the first activity of Fashion Island in 2010. It is a new image under concept “ The Joy of Education ” , the center of improving skills with various enjoyable courses. It is the part of “ The Joy of Shopping ”, centre of happiness, comfortable and full services which is the best and fashionable.
Fashion Island cooperate with Toy R Us to reproduce the “ Toy Town ” that collect toys from all over the world by separate into four acknowledgement zones which are Creative and Learning town, Boy Town, Girl Town, Baby Town and the newest zone Children Book & Media Town.
Furthermore, we also receive the cooperation from Rose Media and Entertainment Co., Ltd, Shell Hut Entertainment Co., Ltd, Kantana Group and TIGA Co., Ltd that will bring their mascots to offer the happiness such as Dinosaur King, Kan Kluay, Shelldon, Pororo and Tako , showing alternately though ten days.
Mr. Prasert Sriulanpong, director of Siam Retail Development Co., Ltd, said that Fashion Island has alternate the Center Court on first floor to become a “ Toy World ” under the concept of “ Edutainment ” in order to make children enjoy with the toys that improving skills and create imagination.
This event is the first activity of Fashion Island in 2010. It is a new image under concept “ The Joy of Education ” , the center of improving skills with various enjoyable courses. It is the part of “ The Joy of Shopping ”, centre of happiness, comfortable and full services which is the best and fashionable.
Fashion Island cooperate with Toy R Us to reproduce the “ Toy Town ” that collect toys from all over the world by separate into four acknowledgement zones which are Creative and Learning town, Boy Town, Girl Town, Baby Town and the newest zone Children Book & Media Town.
Furthermore, we also receive the cooperation from Rose Media and Entertainment Co., Ltd, Shell Hut Entertainment Co., Ltd, Kantana Group and TIGA Co., Ltd that will bring their mascots to offer the happiness such as Dinosaur King, Kan Kluay, Shelldon, Pororo and Tako , showing alternately though ten days.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Last Exclusive Nine West Brand Sale of the YEAR! Savings Up to 90% During December 17-26, 2009
GRI Thailand Company, an importer of international leading fashion brands offers ‘The Last Exclusive Nine West Brand Sale of the YEAR!’, giving a good look for less with savings up to 90% off regular price on variety fashion brands by GRI Thailand at Event Hall on 1st floor of Amarin Plaza during December 17-26, 2009.
Shopping for less payment on fashion style both clothing and accessories from variety brands includes Nine West Ready to Wear, EQ: IQ, Karen Millen, AK Anne Klein, Joan & David, Nine West, Francesco Biasia, Sole Alliance, Kathy Van Zeeland, Steve Madden and Enzo Angiolini.
Shopping for less payment on fashion style both clothing and accessories from variety brands includes Nine West Ready to Wear, EQ: IQ, Karen Millen, AK Anne Klein, Joan & David, Nine West, Francesco Biasia, Sole Alliance, Kathy Van Zeeland, Steve Madden and Enzo Angiolini.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Be embowered in ‘The Garden VII’ extravaganza
Our life is blessed with the pleasurable coexistence of floras that paint colors and beauty to the surroundings. They keep us mentally enlivened and also provide the inspiration behind ‘The Garden’ fair to be hosted for the 7th consecutive year by Fashion Island on November 20 - 29 on the first and second floors of the shopping center.
Mr. Prasert Sriuranpong, Executive Director of Siam Retail Development Co., Ltd., the operator of Fashion Island Shopping Center, says: “Fashion Island is playing host to ‘The Garden VII’ fair in collaboration with Nong Nooch Garden & Resort and Air Orchid & Lab under ‘Green World’ concept on November 20 - 29 this year on the first and second floor of the shopping center. The fair highlights the magnificent beauty of ‘Chompoonakarin’, an orchid named by HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajnagarindra, plus an impressive collection of floras on exhibit. This year, Fashion Island’s Center Court will be turned into an impressively large garden that houses some 3,800 prehistoric cycads and palms of 210 species, and an orchid contest will be held by the Botanical Society of Thailand under Royal Patronage of HM the King. Visitors can expect to wind down amid plants in a relaxing ambience enhanced by pleasing music in the garden, bring home golden teak and auspicious sprouts prepared as giveaway, and learn and experiment with simple garden design and maintenance tips as well as creative decoration of baked clay pots, among other things.”
Splendor of Cycads and Palms
According to Mr. Niroj Chanta, Assistant Operation Manager at Nong Nooch Garden & Resort, cycads and palms are popular garden plants because the unique form of their leaves and trunk. Cycads have tapered, narrow leaves like those of palms. They prefer sunny environment and are easy to rear. Their beautiful leaves make them popular as decorative garden plants alongside foliage and aquatic plants by a garden cascade or fountain. Palms are, on the other hand, distinguished by their unbranched, intermodal segmented stem with the leaves arranged at the top. Their leafstalks are large and long. The leaves of all palms extend from the tip of the leafstalks, but the form of the leaves may vary from species to species. Some of cycads and palms on exhibit at The Garden VII fair are:
Carpoxylon or Valentine Palm is a popular species with trunk that grows to 18 meters tall and 25cm in diameter. It has striking green crownshaft and leafstalks that form pinnate arches of a heart, making it a garden favorite as symbol of eternal love.White Elephant Palm is among rare and pricey palms. It has thornless, all-black leafstalks and leaves that are green on the top side but white on the underside. Its fruit, about the size of a golf ball, is born white and turns orange when ripe. The species is limited to only one method of growth – seeding.Macrozamia is hailed as the most beautiful cycad of Australian origin because of its peculiar appearance with underground stem. Another distinctive feature is the white dots, more than a hundred if counted, seen at the point where the leaves extend from their leafstalk. These leaves are measured up to 2 meters in length when fully grown.Debaoensis is a species that traces its history back 100 million of years ago. It was discovered for the first time in 1997 in a remote Chinese countryside. With a population below 200, debaoensis is on the list of endangered species under conservation program of Chinese Forestry Department.Chamaoensis is the only species whose only known habitat is in Thailand – on Khao Chamao mountain in the eastern province of Chanthaburi. A rare species, the cycad is a much sought-after item among collectors of exotic plants around the world. A conservation effort is currently underway to experiment with breeding and growing this endangered cycad outside its natural habitat.
Don’t miss the chance to admire the beauty and fascination of plants in ‘The Garden VII’ from November 20 until 29 at Center Court, first and second Floors, Fashion Island Shopping Center.
Mr. Prasert Sriuranpong, Executive Director of Siam Retail Development Co., Ltd., the operator of Fashion Island Shopping Center, says: “Fashion Island is playing host to ‘The Garden VII’ fair in collaboration with Nong Nooch Garden & Resort and Air Orchid & Lab under ‘Green World’ concept on November 20 - 29 this year on the first and second floor of the shopping center. The fair highlights the magnificent beauty of ‘Chompoonakarin’, an orchid named by HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajnagarindra, plus an impressive collection of floras on exhibit. This year, Fashion Island’s Center Court will be turned into an impressively large garden that houses some 3,800 prehistoric cycads and palms of 210 species, and an orchid contest will be held by the Botanical Society of Thailand under Royal Patronage of HM the King. Visitors can expect to wind down amid plants in a relaxing ambience enhanced by pleasing music in the garden, bring home golden teak and auspicious sprouts prepared as giveaway, and learn and experiment with simple garden design and maintenance tips as well as creative decoration of baked clay pots, among other things.”
Splendor of Cycads and Palms
According to Mr. Niroj Chanta, Assistant Operation Manager at Nong Nooch Garden & Resort, cycads and palms are popular garden plants because the unique form of their leaves and trunk. Cycads have tapered, narrow leaves like those of palms. They prefer sunny environment and are easy to rear. Their beautiful leaves make them popular as decorative garden plants alongside foliage and aquatic plants by a garden cascade or fountain. Palms are, on the other hand, distinguished by their unbranched, intermodal segmented stem with the leaves arranged at the top. Their leafstalks are large and long. The leaves of all palms extend from the tip of the leafstalks, but the form of the leaves may vary from species to species. Some of cycads and palms on exhibit at The Garden VII fair are:
Carpoxylon or Valentine Palm is a popular species with trunk that grows to 18 meters tall and 25cm in diameter. It has striking green crownshaft and leafstalks that form pinnate arches of a heart, making it a garden favorite as symbol of eternal love.White Elephant Palm is among rare and pricey palms. It has thornless, all-black leafstalks and leaves that are green on the top side but white on the underside. Its fruit, about the size of a golf ball, is born white and turns orange when ripe. The species is limited to only one method of growth – seeding.Macrozamia is hailed as the most beautiful cycad of Australian origin because of its peculiar appearance with underground stem. Another distinctive feature is the white dots, more than a hundred if counted, seen at the point where the leaves extend from their leafstalk. These leaves are measured up to 2 meters in length when fully grown.Debaoensis is a species that traces its history back 100 million of years ago. It was discovered for the first time in 1997 in a remote Chinese countryside. With a population below 200, debaoensis is on the list of endangered species under conservation program of Chinese Forestry Department.Chamaoensis is the only species whose only known habitat is in Thailand – on Khao Chamao mountain in the eastern province of Chanthaburi. A rare species, the cycad is a much sought-after item among collectors of exotic plants around the world. A conservation effort is currently underway to experiment with breeding and growing this endangered cycad outside its natural habitat.
Don’t miss the chance to admire the beauty and fascination of plants in ‘The Garden VII’ from November 20 until 29 at Center Court, first and second Floors, Fashion Island Shopping Center.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
A new destination for eco-tourists
Chiang Mai last month carved out a new district, its 25th, and then proceeded to unveil plans to develop and turn it into its latest nature and eco-tourist destination.
Named after the late Princess Galyani Vadhana the new district,165 kilometres northwest of the provincial town, has a population of 16,000 spread over 21 villages occupying 700-square-kilometres in tambon Ban Chan, Chaem Luang and Mae Dad, said Chiang Mai Governor Amornphan Nimanan.
The majority of its residents are ethnic Karen, Mong and Lisor hill tribe farmers in employ of royally initiated projects growing vegetable, fruit and other cash crops.
With pleasant weather all year round,the district is also noted for its vast pine forest around Ban Wat Chan, a village perched at an elevation of 1,000 metres above sea level.
An existing art and craft centre, now under renovation, will initially serve as the district office, but a new one will be built on an 80-rai plot in tambon Chaem Luang in due course.
Additionally, there are plans to build a highland sports complex and a herbal study centre for which an allocation of 300 million baht will be sought from the government.
To get to the new district, take Highway 1095(Mae Malai-Pai) from Chiang Mai town and turn left into ChomchaengBan Muang Rae Road. Alternatively, take a public bus plying the Chiang Mai-Wat Chan route. Tourism memo inked
The tourism offices of Xishuangbanna in China's Yunnan Province and Chiang Rai have signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the movement of tourists and logistics along the 1,800-km-long R3A highway linking Kunming with Bangkok.
The memorandum signed recently in Chiang Khong district seeks to promote land travel and also calls for low-cost air links between Chiang Rai and Jinghong,the main city of Xishuangbanna, said Chiang Rai Governor Sumeth Saengnimnuan.
Last year some 1.7 million tourists visited Chiang Rai of which 11 per cent were from China. Their number is expected to increase slightly this year. Bird sanctuary
A newly-opened tourist centre at Talay Noi, a wetland home to some 43,000 birds representing 187 species, in Khuan Khanun district of Phattalung comes fully equipped with high-speed Internet as well as tourist information available to visitors both in Thai and English.
October to March is high tourist season in this 285,625 rai wetland area during which migrating birds flee harsh winter in the northern hemisphere to seek refuge around this tropical lake, pulling in avid bird-watchers and nature lovers in droves.
Apart from bird watching, visitors can observe the lifestyle of fishermen inhabiting the wetland and stop by Krajud Rong Fang to watch a group of housewives weaving lepironia mats, baskets and purses. Airport gets a facelift
Some 5.3 million passengers transited through Phuket International Airport last year and their number is expected to increase to 6.5 million by the end of this year.
Preparing for the upcoming high tourist season, the airport is planning to spend 30 million baht to polish up its image and present its best face to the arriving tourists.
According to its Managing Director Pratheung Sornkum, the money will be used to improve road surface around the airport, car park, toilets, passenger terminals and buy two more X-ray security machines.
The airport also plans to expand its passenger capacity to 12.5 million annually by 2013.NokAir tie-up
Low-cost airline Nok Air has joined hands with SF Cinema City to sell air tickets via 13 of the latter's outlets in Bangkok and Phuket.
Nok Air CEO Patee Sarasin said the arrangement would suit those whose lifestyle revolves around cinemas and shopping malls.
The airline is offering 100 baht discount to those who purchase a roundtrip ticket with 5-kg extra baggage allowance on the Phuket route, and 50 per cent discount coupons redeemable at Budget Car Rental.
If the tickets are bought at SF Jungceylon in Phuket or at Central Phuket, buyers get 200 baht discount for a BangkokPhuket round-trip.
The offer is valid until Nov 30. Adventure race
The 4th Yara Bangkok Challenge 2009,part of the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series already run in Kanchanaburi,Chiang Mai and Samui Island, kicks off Nov 14 in Nong Chok district of Bangkok.
The event is a test of endurance involving trekking, mountain biking, swimming, and canoeing over a distance of 50 kilometres in which two-man teams compete in a gruelling race that lasts hours depending on physical fitness of the participants. More than 100 teams are expected for the race.
Visit www.ama-events.com for more information. Big field for regatta
The 23rd King's Cup Regatta scheduled Nov 28-Dec 5 off Kata Beach promises a big field with boats from Australia,Britain, China and Russia joining local teams vying for honours at an event that heralds the start of high tourist season in Phuket.
Kevin Whitcraft, president of the organising committee, is hoping some 2,000 high spending international tourists to converge in Phuket for the event which is expected to pump some 40 million baht into the local economy.
For more information, visit www.kingscup.com.
Named after the late Princess Galyani Vadhana the new district,165 kilometres northwest of the provincial town, has a population of 16,000 spread over 21 villages occupying 700-square-kilometres in tambon Ban Chan, Chaem Luang and Mae Dad, said Chiang Mai Governor Amornphan Nimanan.
The majority of its residents are ethnic Karen, Mong and Lisor hill tribe farmers in employ of royally initiated projects growing vegetable, fruit and other cash crops.
With pleasant weather all year round,the district is also noted for its vast pine forest around Ban Wat Chan, a village perched at an elevation of 1,000 metres above sea level.
An existing art and craft centre, now under renovation, will initially serve as the district office, but a new one will be built on an 80-rai plot in tambon Chaem Luang in due course.
Additionally, there are plans to build a highland sports complex and a herbal study centre for which an allocation of 300 million baht will be sought from the government.
To get to the new district, take Highway 1095(Mae Malai-Pai) from Chiang Mai town and turn left into ChomchaengBan Muang Rae Road. Alternatively, take a public bus plying the Chiang Mai-Wat Chan route. Tourism memo inked
The tourism offices of Xishuangbanna in China's Yunnan Province and Chiang Rai have signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the movement of tourists and logistics along the 1,800-km-long R3A highway linking Kunming with Bangkok.
The memorandum signed recently in Chiang Khong district seeks to promote land travel and also calls for low-cost air links between Chiang Rai and Jinghong,the main city of Xishuangbanna, said Chiang Rai Governor Sumeth Saengnimnuan.
Last year some 1.7 million tourists visited Chiang Rai of which 11 per cent were from China. Their number is expected to increase slightly this year. Bird sanctuary
A newly-opened tourist centre at Talay Noi, a wetland home to some 43,000 birds representing 187 species, in Khuan Khanun district of Phattalung comes fully equipped with high-speed Internet as well as tourist information available to visitors both in Thai and English.
October to March is high tourist season in this 285,625 rai wetland area during which migrating birds flee harsh winter in the northern hemisphere to seek refuge around this tropical lake, pulling in avid bird-watchers and nature lovers in droves.
Apart from bird watching, visitors can observe the lifestyle of fishermen inhabiting the wetland and stop by Krajud Rong Fang to watch a group of housewives weaving lepironia mats, baskets and purses. Airport gets a facelift
Some 5.3 million passengers transited through Phuket International Airport last year and their number is expected to increase to 6.5 million by the end of this year.
Preparing for the upcoming high tourist season, the airport is planning to spend 30 million baht to polish up its image and present its best face to the arriving tourists.
According to its Managing Director Pratheung Sornkum, the money will be used to improve road surface around the airport, car park, toilets, passenger terminals and buy two more X-ray security machines.
The airport also plans to expand its passenger capacity to 12.5 million annually by 2013.NokAir tie-up
Low-cost airline Nok Air has joined hands with SF Cinema City to sell air tickets via 13 of the latter's outlets in Bangkok and Phuket.
Nok Air CEO Patee Sarasin said the arrangement would suit those whose lifestyle revolves around cinemas and shopping malls.
The airline is offering 100 baht discount to those who purchase a roundtrip ticket with 5-kg extra baggage allowance on the Phuket route, and 50 per cent discount coupons redeemable at Budget Car Rental.
If the tickets are bought at SF Jungceylon in Phuket or at Central Phuket, buyers get 200 baht discount for a BangkokPhuket round-trip.
The offer is valid until Nov 30. Adventure race
The 4th Yara Bangkok Challenge 2009,part of the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series already run in Kanchanaburi,Chiang Mai and Samui Island, kicks off Nov 14 in Nong Chok district of Bangkok.
The event is a test of endurance involving trekking, mountain biking, swimming, and canoeing over a distance of 50 kilometres in which two-man teams compete in a gruelling race that lasts hours depending on physical fitness of the participants. More than 100 teams are expected for the race.
Visit www.ama-events.com for more information. Big field for regatta
The 23rd King's Cup Regatta scheduled Nov 28-Dec 5 off Kata Beach promises a big field with boats from Australia,Britain, China and Russia joining local teams vying for honours at an event that heralds the start of high tourist season in Phuket.
Kevin Whitcraft, president of the organising committee, is hoping some 2,000 high spending international tourists to converge in Phuket for the event which is expected to pump some 40 million baht into the local economy.
For more information, visit www.kingscup.com.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Magnificent seven
In the most important, most revered event since the invention of the brontosaurus trap,Microsoft shipped the most incredibly fabulous operating system ever made; the release of Windows 7 also spurred a new generation of personal computers of all sizes at prices well below last month's offers.The top reason Windows 7 does not suck: There is no registered website called Windows7Sucks.com
Kindle e-book reader maker Amazon.com and new Nook e-book reader vendor Barnes and Noble got it on; B&N got great reviews for the "Kindle killer"Nook, with dual screens and touch controls so you can "turn" pages, plays MP3s and allows many non-B&N book formats, although not the Kindle one;Amazon then killed the US version of its Kindle in favour of the international one, reduced its price to $260(8,700 baht), same as the Nook; it's not yet clear what you can get in Thailand with a Nook, but you sure can't (yet) get much, relatively speaking, with a Kindle;but here's the biggest difference so far,which Amazon.com has ignored: the Nook lets you lend e-books to any other Nook owner, just as if they were paper books; the borrowed books expire on the borrower's Nook in two weeks.
Phone maker Nokia of Finland announced it is suing iPhone maker Apple of America for being a copycat; lawyers said they figure Nokia can get at least one, probably two per cent (retail) for every iPhone sold by Steve "President for Life" Jobs and crew via the lawsuit,which sure beats working for it -$6 (200 baht) to $12(400 baht) on 30 million phones sold so far, works out to $400 million or 25 percent of the whole Apple empire profits during the last quarter;there were 10 patent thefts, the Finnish executives said, on everything from moving data to security and encryption.
Nokia of Finland announced that it is one month behind on shipping its new flagship N900 phone, the first to run on Linux software; delay of the $750(25,000 baht) phone had absolutely no part in making Nokia so short that it had to sue Apple, slap yourself for such a thought.
Tim Berners-Lee, who created the World Wide Web, said he had one regret:the double slash that follows the "http:"in standard web addresses; he estimated that 14.2 gazillion users have wasted 48.72 bazillion hours typing those two keystrokes, and he's sorry; of course there's no reason to ever type that, since your browser does it for you when you type "www.bangkokpost.com" but Tim needs to admit he made one error in his lifetime.
The International Telecommunication Union of the United Nations, which doesn't sell any phones or services, announced that there should be a mobile phone charger that will work with any phone; now who would ever have thought of that, without a UN body to wind up a major study on the subject?;the GSM Association estimates that 51,000 tonnes of chargers are made each year in order to keep companies able to have their own unique ones.
The Well, Doh Award of the Week was presented at arm's length to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; the group's deputy secretary-general Petko Draganov said that developing countries will miss some of the stuff available on the Internet if they don't install more broadband infrastructure; a report that used your tax baht to compile said that quite a few people use mobile phones but companies are more likely to invest in countries with excellent broadband connections; no one ever had thought of this before, right?
Sun Microsystems , as a result of the Oracle takeover, said it will allow 3,000 current workers never to bother coming to work again; Sun referred to the losses as "jobs," not people; now the fourth largest server maker in the world, Sun said it lost $2.2 billion in its last fiscal year; European regulators are holding up approval of the Oracle purchase in the hope of getting some money in exchange for not involving Oracle in court cases.
The multi-gazillionaire and very annoying investor Carl Icahn resigned from the board at Yahoo ; he spun it as a vote of confidence, saying current directors are taking the formerly threatened company seriously; Yahoo reported increased profits but smaller revenues in the third quarter.
The US House of Representatives voted to censure Vietnam for jailing bloggers; the non-binding resolution sponsored by southern California congresswoman Loretta Sanchez said the Internet is "a crucial tool for the citizens of Vietnam to be able to exercise their freedom of expression and association;"Hanoi has recently jailed at least nine activists for up to six years apiece for holding pro-democracy banners. Iran jailed blogger Hossein "Hoder" Derakshan for 10 months - in solitary confinement.
Kindle e-book reader maker Amazon.com and new Nook e-book reader vendor Barnes and Noble got it on; B&N got great reviews for the "Kindle killer"Nook, with dual screens and touch controls so you can "turn" pages, plays MP3s and allows many non-B&N book formats, although not the Kindle one;Amazon then killed the US version of its Kindle in favour of the international one, reduced its price to $260(8,700 baht), same as the Nook; it's not yet clear what you can get in Thailand with a Nook, but you sure can't (yet) get much, relatively speaking, with a Kindle;but here's the biggest difference so far,which Amazon.com has ignored: the Nook lets you lend e-books to any other Nook owner, just as if they were paper books; the borrowed books expire on the borrower's Nook in two weeks.
Phone maker Nokia of Finland announced it is suing iPhone maker Apple of America for being a copycat; lawyers said they figure Nokia can get at least one, probably two per cent (retail) for every iPhone sold by Steve "President for Life" Jobs and crew via the lawsuit,which sure beats working for it -$6 (200 baht) to $12(400 baht) on 30 million phones sold so far, works out to $400 million or 25 percent of the whole Apple empire profits during the last quarter;there were 10 patent thefts, the Finnish executives said, on everything from moving data to security and encryption.
Nokia of Finland announced that it is one month behind on shipping its new flagship N900 phone, the first to run on Linux software; delay of the $750(25,000 baht) phone had absolutely no part in making Nokia so short that it had to sue Apple, slap yourself for such a thought.
Tim Berners-Lee, who created the World Wide Web, said he had one regret:the double slash that follows the "http:"in standard web addresses; he estimated that 14.2 gazillion users have wasted 48.72 bazillion hours typing those two keystrokes, and he's sorry; of course there's no reason to ever type that, since your browser does it for you when you type "www.bangkokpost.com" but Tim needs to admit he made one error in his lifetime.
The International Telecommunication Union of the United Nations, which doesn't sell any phones or services, announced that there should be a mobile phone charger that will work with any phone; now who would ever have thought of that, without a UN body to wind up a major study on the subject?;the GSM Association estimates that 51,000 tonnes of chargers are made each year in order to keep companies able to have their own unique ones.
The Well, Doh Award of the Week was presented at arm's length to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; the group's deputy secretary-general Petko Draganov said that developing countries will miss some of the stuff available on the Internet if they don't install more broadband infrastructure; a report that used your tax baht to compile said that quite a few people use mobile phones but companies are more likely to invest in countries with excellent broadband connections; no one ever had thought of this before, right?
Sun Microsystems , as a result of the Oracle takeover, said it will allow 3,000 current workers never to bother coming to work again; Sun referred to the losses as "jobs," not people; now the fourth largest server maker in the world, Sun said it lost $2.2 billion in its last fiscal year; European regulators are holding up approval of the Oracle purchase in the hope of getting some money in exchange for not involving Oracle in court cases.
The multi-gazillionaire and very annoying investor Carl Icahn resigned from the board at Yahoo ; he spun it as a vote of confidence, saying current directors are taking the formerly threatened company seriously; Yahoo reported increased profits but smaller revenues in the third quarter.
The US House of Representatives voted to censure Vietnam for jailing bloggers; the non-binding resolution sponsored by southern California congresswoman Loretta Sanchez said the Internet is "a crucial tool for the citizens of Vietnam to be able to exercise their freedom of expression and association;"Hanoi has recently jailed at least nine activists for up to six years apiece for holding pro-democracy banners. Iran jailed blogger Hossein "Hoder" Derakshan for 10 months - in solitary confinement.
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