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.

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.

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.

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.

Gold bars and coins on sale at Harrods

       The London luxury goods department store Harrods is moving into the precious metals market with the launch of a service to sell investmentgrade gold bullion bars and coins to customers.
       Malcolm McLean, general manager of Harrods Bank, told Reuters on Thursday that the company saw a gap in the market for a well-known retailer to enter the increasingly high-profile gold market.
       "We have been very conscious of the fact that there has been an ever increasing amount of interest in the gold market,and in buying investment gold," he said.
       "We became very conscious that there is no well-recognised name out there which the general public can turn to and say, I know that name, I trust it, I want to buy from them.
       "That is not to say there are not reputable dealers out there - we know there are," McLean said.
       "But they don't carry the brand that we do."
       Since Monday, Harrods has been selling Swiss-sourced investment grade bars and coins including sovereigns, South African Krugerrands and American Eagles, from the Harrods Bank premises on London's upscale Brompton Road.
       Harrods would not be drawn on the sales volumes seen by the store so far,but McLean said feedback for the service had been positive.
       "We are very much looking to the Harrods customer, and the customers of Harrods bank itself," he said."But we are open to the general public."
       Prices vary according to the spot price of gold, the amount of bullion ordered,and the type of product selected. Internationally traded spot gold prices rose to a record high of $1,070.40 an ounce on Wednesday.
       Around midday on Thursday, a oneounce Kruggerrand coin would have retailed at just under ฃ740, around a 14% premium above the gold spot price at the time.
       Premiums on gold investment products in Europe are typically between 5-20%, depending on the spot price,supply and demand conditions, and volumes.
       The store offers a secure safety deposit service, with its smallest box available for ฃ235 a year and capable of holding the largest investment product Harrods offers: the 12.5 kg bar.
       "The customer can take the gold away with them if they wish, or can arrange for it to be delivered to wherever they choose," McLean said.
       Investment in gold coins and bars rose sharply in late 2008 and early this year as the financial crisis boosted the appeal of physical gold as a safe store of value for consumers.
       According to the World Gold Council,worldwide net retail investment in gold,which includes coin and bar buying,rose 22% in the first half of 2009 from the same period of the previous year to 301 tonnes.

Beauty, luxury products shine amid gloom

       Department stores in Asia that have managed to capitalise on trendconscious consumers willing to spend on elegance and beauty are ringing in the sales as the region's economy recovers.
       In contrast, the ones not using luxury to tempt shoppers look much more vulnerable to cheaper alternatives.
       The post-crisis strategy for department store operators like South Korea's Lotte Shopping, Hong Kong-listed Parkson Retail and Japan's Isetan Mitsukoshi, is how to fend off cost-competitive rivals from discount stores to Internet shopping in the battle for consumer wallets that have been fattened up by government measures to stimulate the economy.
       Despite the downturn, Asia's department store shares still outrank lowerend retailers in valuation, a sign investors see stronger earnings recovery as regional economies turn around.
       Asia-Pacific department stores trade at average 39 times of their forecast earnings, compared with 20 for supermarket and convenience store chains,according to Thomson Reuters data.
       In China, Taiwan and South Korea,where expensive tastes accompany a rising middle class and asset prices, department stores are associated with brand-name cosmetics and luxury.
       "Although the economy is bad, people still want to look good. They'll rather spend money on their face and body to look young, and wear cheaper clothes,"says Shauna Lee, a marketing executive at Taipei's Shinkong Mitsukoshi department store, where throngs of shoppers enjoy the annual sale promotion with shopping vouchers from the government.
       In South Korea, August department store sales from top players Lotte Shopping, Shinsegae and Hyundai Department Store rose at the fastest clip in seven months, with consumer sentiment at a seven-year high. Cosmetics, luxury items and premium health foods are consistent leaders. Shares in Hyundai,more focused on upscale shoppers than its peers, have jumped 85% this year.
       China's retail sales posted 15% growth in the first three days of the Oct 1-8 "golden week" holidays. The downturn has done little to dent demand for designer handbags and watches, a survey from market research firm Pao Principle shows.
       As China's urbanisation and growing wealthy consumer class fuel demand,brand recognition is helping high-end retailers. Department store chain Golden Eagle shares have more than doubled this year.
       "The right strategy for department stores is to go even more upscale," said Hyundai Securities analyst S.K. Lee."Those with money keep spending on beauty products and luxury goods."
       Shinsegae constantly renews its luxury items offering to compete with special-ised stores around Seoul.
       "We were able to post fairly strong earnings thanks to the robust sale of luxury items and cosmetics ... And wealthy consumers' royalty to our groceries section is extremely high," said Shinsegae spokesman Kang Sang-min.
       Top Thai shopping centre operator Central Pattana plans to add eight locations a year for six years from 2011.
       "There is a sign of an industry pickup and we're not stopping ourselves from expanding," chief financial officer Naris Cheyklin said.
       For some Asian department stores,expansion means potential mergers and acquisitions - Lotte Shopping is debating whether to buy Chinese supermarket operator Times Ltd as it seeks a strong brand in a fast-growing market.
       In Japan, however, a prolonged retail slump is weighing on upscale retailers,hit by the impact of deflation and job losses.
       "Specialty stores like Uniqlo and Nitori are attracting customers. Department stores have failed to respond to changing consumer trends," said Naozumi Nishimura, analyst at a research firm TIW in Tokyo.
       Sales at Japanese department store chains, including Isetan Mitsukoshi,J.Front Retailing and Takashimaya,marked the 18th straight month of yearon-year decline in August.
       "As for consumer spending, tough times are likely to continue for a little while," said Takashimaya president Koji Suzuki.
       "We have been working on structural reform and stepping up marketing efforts,but we cannot make up for falls in sales in this tough economic condition."
       Asian retailers in general have still fared better than Western peers as their economies avoided the worst of the fallout from the financial crisis. High-end retailers in the United States and Europe,including Saks, Nordstrom and PPR, have been hit hard by weak sales and consumer focus on value.
       The question now is whether Asia's high-end retailers can sustain the upturn once stimulus measures are removed.Monetary tightening has already begun in Australia, South Korea is expected to hike rates early next year, while many other governments are cautiously discussing exit strategies.
       In Taiwan, shopping vouchers equivalent to 0.7% of the island's GDP were offered and almost all of them used.
       Government cash handouts have also helped Australia's department store chains David Jones and Myer post resilient sales.
       An upcoming initial public offering by Myer, Australia's biggest department store chain, could test investors' confidence in retailers.
       Although growth in consumer spending across Asia is expected to dip this year, it is forecast to continue its upward trend in the next two years, underpinning the region's department stores.
       "I know there is a crisis, but things seem much better now," said Chen Yi,a Beijing housewife shopping with her son at upscale shopping mall "The Place".

Central launches "Water Lily in Honour of HM the Queen's 77th Birthday"

       Central Department Store is hosting two major events -"Central 62nd Anniversary Celebration" and its annual "Wonders of Plant Varieties"- to help launch "Water Lily in Honour of HM the Queen's 77th Birthday". The event will be held at Central Chidlom from October 29 to November 2.
       Regarding the concept,Yuwadee Chirathivat, president of Central Department Stores, said:"This year the event aims to help members of the public appreciate and cherish their identities as Thais. We plan to turn Central Chidlom into a heavenly garden of flowers and plant varieties like every year but we will emphasize the integration of Thai flowers." Naowarat Phongphaiboon, a national artist and SEA Write poet, has graciously invented four new water lily names for vote casting -"Sri Kittya","Kittyadhorn","Rani Siam" and "Patama Rani"- the most popular of which will be submitted to HM the Queen.
       Inside the store, a collection of Thai and foreign flowers will be integrated under the concept of "East Meets West". Recognised floral designers including Santipong Kongrak,Thatree Wattanayuenyong and Suksan Jeamkosit, will create a dazzling display throughout the seven-storey Central Chidlom.Along with the floral decoration, food and art displays will help portray the true essence of Thai culture. A new collection of cloth bags in commemoration of Central's 62nd anniversary will be launched, aiming to reduce the usage of plastic bags under its "Central ... Love the Earth" concept.
       Central will also launch promotional programmes, which will run from October 29 until November 15, for customers shopping at all Central branches, excluding Zen.
       For more information, call 02-793-7777.

Pared down, but still meaty

       Reacting to the anticipatory effects generated by last week's commencement of construction of the tent, Bangkok fashionistas who bump into one another every other night at some party or other started bidding adieu with the new catchphrase "Bye, see you at the tent next week!"
       Disregarding the daily ominous grey clouds that pose a threat of rain, Bangkok is getting into just the right mood for Elle Fashion Week (EFW). September and early October saw several collection and brand launches.
       The Bangkok Fashion Society premiered its latest collection by holding a pop-up show a few weeks ago. Celebrity leatherwear designer Tipanan Krairiksh welcomed a large gathering of journos and invited guests at the opening of her new signature shop at Siam Paragon last week. Munchu's, Vickteerut and its sister line Robshop, together with hip children's wear boutique Rhapsody launched their new offerings this past Sunday at Fallabella. Elle Fashion Week couldn't hope for a more dynamic warm-up.
       But what is in store for the fashion crowd on this year's EFW runway? First, the number of shows has dropped to 12, not including the two special promotional shows by CentralWorld and the one by the Department of Export Promotion showcasing its brands in its Designers' Room: Now. Fortunately, size does not matter when it comes to fashion (unless you're a model) and EFW, while losing a few big names such as Issue, Greyhound and Headquarter, has managed to lure back onto the runway some show magnets like Sretsis and Kloset Red Carpet as well as keeping event favourites ranging from Zenithorial and Disaya to Senada Theory on its schedule one more time.
       If there's one thing fashionistas will miss at this year's Elle Fashion Week,which kicks off today, it's surely the leading streetwear brands that offer menswear,notably Greyhound and Headquarter.However, a show-stopper like Zenthorial will be present to guarantee excitement with its latest collection celebrating the works of revered fashion lensman Amat Nimitpark, who has been working in the Thai fashion industry for over 25 years.Its display, together with the one that will be put on by 27 Friday, which is also going to present menswear to its huge,loyal fan base, should secure a full-house tent.
       Despite the fewer show days and a less-packed schedule, Elle Fashion Week will not be compromising on style diversity.The event welcomes regular masters from Kai, Pisit to Nagara, all of whom will be rolling out their presentations on the same day to ensure that fashion followers coming to keep track of their creative mastery get full benefit by attending. Last year's young designer Vatit Itthi will also be returning to the catwalk to demonstrate that couture and meticulous cutting do not belong to only the seasoned masters.The design duo will be adhering to the
       international fashion calendar by showing off their Spring/Summer collection emphasising texture and layering.
       Making its first appearance at Elle Fashion Week is Olanor, a brainchild of former Theatre's design assistant Thanes Boonprasan, who has already taken this new brand to several trade shows and fairs abroad.Scheduled to make the scene on the same day as Kai, Nagara and Pisit, the brand will have the opportunity to attract the attention of the same crowd of trendsetters who appreciate refinement and luxury.
       Now, now, the rest is girls talk. EFW has embraced all the darlings of young female fashionistas to the fold once again.Sretsis, Senada, Kloset Red Carpet, Disaya and Asava have promised to continue to be show magnets this year. Disaya will open the event with a collection that glistens even in an era of darkness called Celestial Warrior. Asava tackles the concept of changing lifestyles brought about by the economic downturn in its Wall Street Goddess collection. Sretsis goes back to its seemingly basic yet slightly eccentric Metamorphosis theme. The collection celebrates design as a process of transformation and will feature the season's must-haves, such as reversible dresses.Kloset Red Carpet puts on the grand finale to the four-day event with a collection inspired by Tangrams, the puzzle board game.
       EFW will also be featuring two special shows by CentralWorld that will see models strutting on the runway wearing the current season's items created by international brands like Mango, Castro and Topshop to offer fashionistas mix-and-match ideas.
       Elle Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2009 at CentralWorld begins today until Sunday.

Mall's animal exhibit described as "torture"

       Environmentalists have accused the organisers of the "King of the Jungle"wildlife exhibition at the Emporium shopping mall of animal torture.
       "A white tiger is locked up in a confined cage, a young jumbo is forced to walk around under the scorching sun to promote the event, while the nocturnal barn owl has to endure flashlights from visitors' cameras," said Vanchai Tantivitayapitak, deputy secretarygeneral of the Green World Foundation.
       The King of the Jungle Flora & Fauna Exotica runs from Oct 8 to 18 with free admission. It is co-organised by several state agencies, such as the Zoological Park Organisation (ZPO), the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry,the Chiang Mai Night Safari, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
       Among the animals and plants displayed at the shopping complex are a lion, a meerkat, a rusa deer, a bateared fox, an ostrich and lemurs.
       Mr Vanchai said the exhibition was a distasteful marketing strategy that abuses wildlife for business purposes.
       "All of the animals on display are apparently stressed because they are kept in an unsuitable environment. They can even go into shock and die," he said.
       The veteran environmentalist blasted the ZPO for cooperating with business people to exploit the animals.
       Rangsarit Kanchanavanich, of the Sueb Nakhasathien Foundation, said state and private agencies misunderstood that the display of animals in shopping malls would raise environmental awareness among the public.
       "This kind of activity is torturing animals and will send a wrong signal to younger generations that humans can do anything with these creatures,"he said.
       Amphan Patharakorn,the Emporium's operations general manager, said the event, held under the theme "Save the world. Save the wild",was aimed at promoting environmental awareness and educating children about wild animals.
       The animals were being taken care of by a team of veterinarians from state agencies.
       "The veterinarians are on standby to look after the animals and to ensure the safety of visitors," she said.
       ZPO chief Sophon Damnui said the animals had been hired from zoos and farms so they were used to crowds."Moreover, they will only be [at the shopping mall] for 10 days, not forever,"he said.

CENTRAL CHIEF KEEPS FATHER'S VISION ALIVE

       Pursuing her late father's vision, Yuwadee Chirathivat, president of Central Department Store, has fully dedicated herself to the retail business founded by her family 62 years ago.
       "I love my father, Samrit, who is my idol. He always dedicated himself to his work and to the family business," said Yuwadee, 56, who is a member of the third generation of the Chirathivat family to run the business.
       Yuwadee described her father as a man with a vision. He was among the pioneers |of the Thai retail business, who first |bought products from abroad and sold |them to Thai customers. His first store, Central Chidlom Department Store, initially had two storeys, but was designed so that up to five additional stories could be added. He opened Central Lat Phrao, which was the first shopping complex outside Bangkok, soon after.
       Yuwadee said her father strived to improve his business every day. What mattered most to him, she said, was delivering satisfaction to customers. He worked on all
       details of the business, right down to the design of the shopping complexes.
       "All our staff have contributed to the success of Central Department Store. We have a good business foundation and the ability to develop and offer products that are unique," she said.
       Yuwadee is the third of Samrit and Vanida Chirathivat's eight children. Samrit started the first shop 60 years ago with her grandfather, selling magazines. Products advertised by foreigners in these publications prompted Chirathivat senior to establish a business that would soon grow into what is now Central, one of Thailand's biggest conglomerates and a leading retailer in Southeast Asia.
       Yuwadee received her tertiary education at Thammasat University and graduated in 1975 with an honour's degree in Liberal Arts, majoring in English literature. She received the Bhumibol Award from His Majesty the King for achieving the highest grade in her department, and went on to graduate with a master's of science in journalism, followed by an advertising degree from Northwestern University in the US state of Illinois in 1977.
       Her professional career began in New York, where she started as a trainee with the agency Ogilvy & Mather, and was soon taking on challenges as accounts director. She joined Central Department Store in 1981 as a floor manager and progressed to president in 1996. Presently, she manages 15 department stores. She was subsequently appointed executive vice president and a board member of Central Retail Corp.
       "Central Department Store's success is the result of various factors. These include good merchandising management, strong service operation, visual merchandising and marketing," she said.
       Yuwadee loves travelling around the world in search of inspiration and new retailing ideas. "I have travelled to more than 30 countries. I love to experience different cultures."
       As a family business, one of Central's strengths is continuity of operations, she said. "However, we run our retail business professionally. We never stop developing personnel who fit well within our culture."
       She added that it was time for Central Department Store to look abroad for new markets, as the Thai retail market has fewer opportunities right now.
       In April, Central plans to |open its first retail outlet in China, in the city of Hangzhou. The second is planned for Shenyang in 2011.
       Yuwadee said Central Depart-ment Store achieved 7-per-cent growth year on year in the third quarter. The company also expects more than 7-per-cent growth in the current quarter.
       "We target sales growth of 5 per cent to Bt27 billion for the full year," she said.

Flora and fauna exotica

       Many animals, plants, trees and flowers are rarely seen in everyday life, but the Emporium shopping complex is offering the chance to see a white tiger, a long-tailed macaque,a kinkajou, a kangaroo rat and a mata mata in action.
       The Emporium is joining hands with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of En-ergy, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Green Alliance Network to present the third installation of "Emporium Flora & Fauna Exotica:King of the Jungle". To encourage people to conserve and protect nature and the environment, the complex will be transformed into an African landscape under the concept "Save the World Save the wild". The event will feature eight zones: King of The Jungle, Protea Extravaganza, Saving Energy, The Chronicle of Nature, Magnificent Meerkat, Jungle of Apes, The African Quest and Magnificent Bird Paradise.
       The animal extravaganza is on at the Emporium shopping complex until October 18. For more information, call 02-310-1846.

BALANCING THE FUTURE

       Bangkok will once again play host to a unique art and design showcase when the "Bangkok Design Festival 2009" raises its curtains next week.The third edition to be held, this year's festival involves innovation, creativity and sustainability under the idea of "Balancing the Future."
       The 14-day event, from October 8-21,will take place at various hot spot venues around the city - Thailand Creative and Design Centre (TCDC), Bangkok Art and Culture Centre,Siam Paragon, Siam Centre, Siam Discovery,The Emporium and Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani. There are also exhibitions in public spaces such as Victory Monument.
       On show are stunning works by professional and young designers, both Thai and foreign,special themed projects, interesting activities, top thesis by design students from various universities, a Thainess show, a creative party, an art fair and a mini mart.
       "Bangkok Design Festival 2009 will lead Thailand to the era of a new economy via the tactics of creative work," said Alongkorn Pollabutr,deputy minister of commerce.
       "The event also goes in line with the government's Creative Thailand in-
       tiative, aimed at turning Thailand
       into the hub of creative industry
       in Asean and to enhance the
       economic value of creative
       industry."
       "In the art and design industry, Thai designers
       are second to none in
       terms of their knowledge
       and talent and the Bangkok Design Festival is an excellent platform to unwaveringly drive Thailand's design industry to the international level,"said Mayuree Chaipromprasith, marketing promotion senior director of Siam Paragon Development Co."This year, we have highlights at every spot. Among them, the Degree Show, which presents the year's top thesis by students in interior, product, graphic,fashion and jewellery design as well as animation," said Prathan Theerathada,director of the Bangkok Design Festival.
       "Another fascinating exhibition is the showcase of more than 70 pieces of work from seven different fields creatively displayed in five Design Containers among balloons," he said."Despite a limited area, larger-than-life quality is guaranteed
       and you can see these ou-
       standing pieces for yourselves at Parc Par-
       gon, Siam Paragon."
       The programme also includes "Creative City km.0." This year, Change Bangkok Project continues what it began earlier. From last year, the selected photographs of places in Bangkok that need change the most is the Victory Monument (km 0).
       The designers responsible for the change are Maria Stukoff, an artist from the United Kingdom, and Apostrophy's from Thailand.
       In the heart of the city at Siam Paragon is "DEmark", a selection of good design works by Thai entrepreneurs and designers in a contest of DEmark 2009 Award (Design Excellence Award) organised by the Office of Product Value Development, Department of Export Promotion, Ministry of Commerce. This is a golden opportunity for art enthusiasts to admire these creations at the Hall of Mirror, M floor.
       At Siam Centre's Atrium 2 on the first floor is the "Shoes' Cream by Gold City",an exhibition of shoes designed by students from Silpakorn University, King Mongkut Institute of Technology Lad Krabang and Srinakarinviroj University.
       Causing quite a stir and fun among Thai graphic designers is the project,"I am a Thai Graphic Designer" by Practical Studio. The project, set to take place in the Grand Hall of SiamDiscovery, showcases more than 1,000 works by graphic designers from across the country.
       Each work is presented using photographs of each designer holding a plate with his/her own design of the phrase "I am a Thai Graphic Designer." Related activities in this area include a graphic design workshop for high school stu-dents, and seminar on the topic "Put the strong faith in Thailand by Thai graphic designers."
       Also on show in the Grand Hall is the "Illustration Poster by Takashi Akiyama"exhibition. Akiyama is a world-renowned Japanese visual communicator and graphic design professor at Tama Art University. Through some 40 posters,Akiyama communicates stories with illustrations that convey profound meanings that are beyond the ability of words or any international languages to communicate.
       On show at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is "Do It Together by Knotting Else" featuring works of 10 leading interior design companies presented in the Tetris puzzles pattern. The exhibition gathers recycled materials under Green Design or environmentally-friendly design concepts from each company.
       BIG+BIH at Challenger Hall, Impact Muang Thong Thani, will probably be the most familiar event as it's been held for many years. This year, the event is held under the theme,"Unique Lifestyle",with a trade fair and exhibitions showcasing updated movements in both local and international product design scenes.
       "Bangkok Design Festival 2009", October 8-21, at various venues around the city. For full activities and exhibition programme,venues and map, please visit www.bangkokdesignfestival.com.
       Work from the "Designers Saturday"showcase (above);and two art pieces from the "Abundant Australia" exhibition (below and right).
       This year's festival features stunning works of art and design by professional and young designers.

Local wisdom through metal

channel0134Both children and adults are invited to learn more about our local wisdom in the ancient times during the "Thai Wisdom Through Metal Crafts" exhibition, which is running at Phufa Treasure Trove on the 4th floor of Siam Paragon until the end of the year.
channel0134Jointly organised by the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Archaeology, Silpakorn University, the exhibition focuses more on metal crafts which can reflect our local wisdom in terms of how our ancestors 3,000 years ago managed to use fire to create such cultural objects.
channel0134Samples of ancient and present metal objects as well as pictures of selected metal pieces and of metalworking activities are on display with the aim of providing the general public with the preliminary knowledge related to metal crafts in Thailand.
channel0134Besides getting a bigger picture of the importance of local wisdom, visitors will learn about ancient metalworking in the Kingdom from the prehistoric periods to the present time.Examples of important archaeological sites related to ancient metal production in the country are also exhibited.RT
channel0134The exhibition opens daily from 11am-7pm. Admission is free of charge. For more information, please contact Phufa Treasure Trove on 02-129-4556.

BOLLYWOOD MUSICAL DEBUTS IN BANGKOK

       Bangkok has embraced a number of marvellous musicals from both New York's Broadway and London's West End in recent years, not to mention many Thai-branded yet sold-out musicals of our local taste. Each of the shows became the talk of the town and makes Thai audiences eager to see more of such lavish productions full of joyful dance moves and popular music.
       And in only three weeks' time, we will see musicals in a new light when the highlyacclaimed The Merchants of Bollywood will be making its debut in the Kingdom with eight rounds at the Royal Paragon Hall of Siam Paragon on Oct 22-26. The showtime is 7:30pm on Thur and Mon, and 1pm and 5pm on Fri-Sun.
       Featuring music composed by Oscarwinning composer AR Rahman,The Merchants of Bollywood is an all-singing,all dancing Bollywood musical extravaganza that has already been hailed as a spectacular success by audiences and critics in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany,Switzerland, South Africa, Australia and Malaysia.
       Set to appear in Bangkok will be its original cast, which has been travelling around the world performing to sold-out theatres.
       The production features 1,200 costume changes and 2,500 pieces of Indian jewellery for a cast of 53, as well as 40 years of Bollywood history wrapped up into 90 minutes of swirling colours, sparkle, shimmer and electrifying energy that excites the senses.
       It tells the tale of Ayesha Merchant, the granddaughter of Shantilal Merchant, one of Bollywood's most acclaimed choreographers from the Hindi film industry's golden era.
       Shantilal has taught Ayesha Indian classical dance in their home in Rajasthan, but Ayesha has dreams of making her name in Bollywood. She then leaves home for Mumbai and finds great success in films.
       Her rebellion against her classical training, in favour of modern western dance styles, was the seed of the feud with her grandfather. The damage seems irreparable.However, the emotional pull of her dying grandfather and her childhood sweetheart Uday lure her home.
       There is no-one left to continue the family tradition - performing the dance of the Gods. So Ayesha decides to marry Uday,run her father's dance school and maintain the family traditions. But she will run the school her way, with a balance of old and new.
       The finale of the show is colourful, thrilling, high-energy fusion of folk, classical,modern, Western and Indian dance forms.Tears are shed, old wounds are healed,age-old conflicts are reconciled in a powerful journey to the sacred heart of dance.
       The narrated story unfolds in the form of high-energy dance routines, by a terrific company - all with toned bellies and perfect bodies. Audiences can look forward to a cast whose energy is electrifying and dance moves suffused with a rush of joy and yet ruthlessly precise.
       And the musical's final number,It's Time to Disco , taken from the Bollywood hit Kal Ho Naa Ho , is bound to have any audience on their feet and dancing.
       Tickets for The Merchants of Bollywood cost 900,1,500,2,000 and 3,000 baht and can be purchased from Thaiticketmajor booths. Call 02-262-3456 orvisit www.thaiticketmajor.com.

House seeks AOT, King Power probe

       The House committee on finance, fiscal and banking will today file a petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) over Airports of Thailand's charges for extra space used at Suvarnabhumi Airport by King Power International.

       Surapong Tovichakchaikul, a Puea Thai Party MP and chairman of the committee, said the petition was against the ministers of finance and transport, as well as government officials, for negligence and loss to the state.
       The chairman said the action followed testimony on the charges from directors of Airports of Thailand, the finance minister, the permanent secretary of finance and NACC officials.
       "The concession for the duty-free area, signed between AOT and King Power in 2005, demands King Power to pay Bt1.2 billion per annum. However, the company's duty free area was 6,820 square metres above the space specified in the concession. However, King Power was charged [an additional] Bt990 million, when the damage is as high as Bt6.49 billion," Surapong said.
       Meanwhile, regarding the commercial-space concession, King Power was also found to have controlled 25,820 square metres, when the specified area was only 20,000 square metres. For the extra space, it paid Bt414 million, against an actual cost of Bt1.56 billion, Surachai said.
       The AOT board will convene at its monthly meeting today.
       AOT president Serirat Prasutanond said yesterday that the board would be informed of the progress on the extra charges on King Power's excess commercial area, which could be valued at Bt300 million-Bt400 million.
       He said this was for the extra space used until December 2008.

Rangsit Plaza woos suitors for project

       Rangsit Plaza Co, the operator of Future Park Rangsit shopping centre, is suspending its own developments such as a community mall and is seeking investors for commercial projects near its main mall.
       The decision to temporarily stop developing a community mall worth more than 1 billion baht was due mainly to the economic downturn but also to doubts about the potential of community malls, said vice-president Jittinan Wanglee.
       "Though community malls are increasingly popular as one prospective retail segment to expand during the weak economy, there are both investors becoming successful and failing in the market," she said.
       The company is currently in talks with two or three prospective investors in entertainment and retail businesses for developing projects in a 700-rai plot surrounding Future Park Rangsit.
       The completed project, to be developed step by step, would be known as Future City. The Wanglee family's Pipatanasin Co owns 800 rai of the area,of which 108 rai have been developed into the Future Park Rangsit shopping complex. Another 150 rai house major retail operators including Index Living Mall, Home Pro and Major Cineplex.
       Future Park Rangsit provides many products and services but lacks sports facilities, entertainment complexes or playgrounds, said Ms Jittinan. The company's research has found that such services are also unavailable in the Rangsit area.
       The company has completed a 1-billion-baht renovation of its shopping centre this year, she said. Next year the company will focus on increasing customers' convenience and will spend 300 million baht on marketing its shopping complex, she added.
       To celebrate the 14th anniversary of Future Park Rangsit this year, the company plans to spend 20 million baht on a marketing campaign called "Future Park 14th Anniversary Grand Splendour" from Sept 25 to Oct 4 with discounts and free mini-concerts.
       The company expects the event to attract 10% more customers and to increase sales by 20% at the centre's shops.
       Sales at Rangsit Plaza Co grew by 5% in the first eight months. The company aims for its sales to reach 1.5 billion baht by the year-end, about 5-8% higher than last year.

RANGSIT PLAZA FREEZES COMMUNITY MALL PROJECT

       Rangsit Plaza, operator of Future Park shopping complex in Rangsit, yesterday announced a freeze on new development projects, including a community mall to be built on a nearby 700-rai plot of undeveloped land.
       The company will instead seek potential investors able to develop their own projects, including sports and entertainment complexes, to occupy the land based on a long lease or joint investment contract.
       "Developing a community mall requires a huge budget of more than Bt1 billion, but it is not a good time amid the economic recession to pursue such an investment," said Jittinan Wanglee, vice president - sales of Rangsit Plaza.
       She said the development of a community mall required major tenants able to fill the retail space and act as magnets to build up consumer traffic.
       "We also cannot find appropriate tenants for our new community mall project at this moment," said Jittinan, adding that the company would not make any decision on developing such a mall until it could find the right tenants and anchors for the complex.
       She said the company was not confident about the success of community malls during this time of economic difficulty.
       "Though the community mall is now a popular model developed in the market, there are investors who have been successful and others that have been failures," she said.
       Owned by Pipatanasin, the land-owning company founded by the Wanglee family, the entire land plot - the so-called Future City - occupies 800 rai. About 108 rai have already been developed as the Future Park shopping mall and 150 rai have been occupied by other retail anchors, including Index Living Mall, HomePro and Major Cineplex.
       The remaining land surrounding the Future Park complex is still to be developed.
       Jittinan said Future Park had completed its major Bt1-billion renovation in the first half of this year. The process took almost three years.
       "We will next year focus on pushing our efforts to build up convenience for our shoppers. The company will next year invest Bt300 million as a marketing budget to attract a higher number of people to our shopping mall," she said.
       She added that Future Park planned to spend Bt20 million on its "Future Park 14th Anniversary Grand Splendour" campaign. The campaign, including "Super Shows Super Stars" concerts and special discounts of between 10 and 30 per cent offered by Central and Robinson department stores, will be held from Friday to October 4.
       The company expects the campaign will increase the number of visitors to its shopping complex by 10 per cent, as well as lift sales at tenant stores by an average of 20 per cent.

Green Days are coming again

       To encourage the public to be aware of the target of 20 percent emissions reduction by 2020, the EU is organising activities during EU Green Days at different venues around Bangkok from October 1 to 10.
       The activities include exhibitions,concerts, workshops and talks. Artists such as Tata Young, Tattoo Colour,Richman Toy and Yarinda Bunnag will perform in "What on Earth!" concerts, held at Club Culture on October 2 and Zen CentralWorld on October 3.Children's workshops on how to tackle climate change will be held at TK Park on October 3.
       A talk on "Towards Copenhagen:View on the Global Climate Negotiations' will be held on October 6 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and "Climate Change and Disasters: How to reduce risk?" will be held on October 7 at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand."Green Business and Effects in Supply Chains" for business entrepreneurs will be held on October 8 at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel.
       Climate change exhibitions will be held at CentralWorld throughout the event.
       Most of the activities are free of charge,but some talks are by invitation only.Visit www.eugreendays.com.

PLAZA ATHENEE COMPLETES BT400M FACE-LIFT

       Plaza Athenee Bangkok, a Royal Meridien hotel, has completed construction and renovation of facilities and meeting rooms worth Bt400 million. The changes are aimed at retrieving meetings and conferences from overseas and local markets.
       The hotel has added 11 function rooms, including a huge meeting space, Crystal Hall, which can accommodate up to 1,500 persons. The hotel is now able to offer 28 meeting rooms and conference halls.
       Georges Baurin, hotel general manager, expects that the new facilities will attract more meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (MICE) events from both local and overseas companies and other groups.
       Although hotels in Bangkok are facing difficulties in the MICE market this year due to the global economic crisis and internal political unrest, some indicators show Bangkok is getting closer to being "back on track".
       "In the past months, there has been widespread resistance to considering this destination, but things will recover soon," he said.
       To deal with the slowdown, the hotel is working with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) to promote Thailand as a "best value" meeting destination.
       Over the last 12 months, representatives from the hotel have travelled to India, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Eastern Europe and the Middle East to introduce the hotel's new functions.
       Meanwhile, all sales and marketing units of the hotel's mother management company, Starwood, are assisting in promoting the hotel's new attractions.
       Hotel manager Patrick Schaub said the changes include training staff and bringing the number of chefs to 120 in order to cope with huge meetings. It will soon introduce a "wedding gallery" to capture wedding business.
       According to Baurin, the hotel expects to fill 25-30 per cent of room nights by next year.
       Revenue from MICE business is also expected to increase from 25 percent in 2008 to 29 percent this year and to rise to 35 percent by 2011.
       The hotel invited Preeda Tantemsub of the Thai racing car team to promote facilities, as MICE participants appreciate speed and will see that the hotel "runs faster" than rivals located nearby.
       The hotel has extended its current promotion "Free Meeting & Free Nights" to the end of March.

Look like a K-star

       Hair salons run by celebrity stylists and makeup artists are concentrated around Cheongdam-dong, one of Seoul's trendiest areas.
       But as Cheongdam-dong filled up with restaurants and small shops, attention shifted to the Dosan Park area, a few blocks away.
       Among the hair salons, reputation is crucial. Word gets out when a big Korean star gets a new look there.
       "Customers usually choose the look they want from a book of pictures of celebrities," says a spokesman the salon Ra Beauty Core.
       With Japanese tourists flowing in, the salon is planning a sponsorship collaboration with a Japanese magazine.
       "The phenomenon is largely thanks to our location," says a staff member at Park Cloe in Sinsadong, which is run by well-known makeup artist Kim Sun-jin.
       "We're upstairs from Gorilla in the Kitchen, which is owned by hallyu star Bae Yong-joon, so it draws a lot of his Japanese fans."

From the Pacific to the Andes

       What do you do when you want to learn about a faraway country without having to fly there? Consulting Lonely Planet might take too long to give the whole picture of a territory,while the ever-popular Google could make you more confused with too many sites to plough through.
       Each country has unique tales to tell the world and the best evidence to verify the stories can be found in ancient objects like old maps, historical documents and archive films - mostly wellkept by its own people.
       To find out about the cultural side, however, a collection of artefacts can reflect how rich a country's cultural heritage is and also its people's way of life in earlier days - to some extent yet in an aesthetic atmosphere.
       Currently on display for the first time ever in the Kingdom are dozens of reproduced antique artefacts and handicrafts from Chile.Presented by the Embassy of the Republic of Chile, the "Chile...Infinite Latitudes Exhibition @ The Emporium" aims to mark the country's 199th year of independence as well as to tighten the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
       Besides bringing Chilean cultural heritage to Thai people through the exquisite items of different civilisations dating back thousands of years, a set of 30 photographs are also exhibited to reveal Chile's geographical diversity.
       Captured by famous photographer Olivier Michaud, the pictures portray breathtaking landscapes of all parts of this South American country - an experience for Thais without the hassle of travel.

FUN PIECES FROM SCRAPS

       All creative minds are invited to witness the wonder of recycling in the "Scrap Lab Exhibition 2009: Reloaded" which showcases over 50 pieces of art, furniture and appliances brilliantly created out of scraps at the Grand Hall,1st floor of Siam Discovery, from today (Sept 18) until Sept 23.
       The exhibition is part of Eco Projects by Siam Centre and Siam Discovery, which aims to create outside-the-classroom experience for participating students and encourage them to produce wonderful work of art from wasted materials under the "reduce,reuse and recycle" concept.
       Joining the project are students and professors from Kasetsart, Rangsit and Thammasat universities,with Assist Prof Singh Intrachooto as consultant.
       The creative works on show are created by students and participants of a workshop held earlier.They include a chandelier and a lamp made from lightbulbs, a variety of recycled bags, a chair,multi-purpose boxes, wall sculptures and more.
       Those wishing to learn to transform scraps into work of art are also invited to a Scrap Lab workshop scheduled from Sept 19-20.
       For more information about the event and workshop, please call 02-658-1000 ext 215.

SOCIALScene: B2S launch

       Varit Charunyanonda (4th left), marketing vice-president for B2S Co, Ltd, together with Sukchai Wijaithammarit (5th left), managing director for Jamsai Publishing Co, Ltd; Waropas Nimibutr (3rd left), sales director for Sony Music Entertainment Operating (Thailand) Co, Ltd;Rommanee Taweerat (right), general manager for Minor Corp Pcl; Wannar Buddhawongnant (left),sales manager for 3M Thailand Ltd; Treethep Palakavong Na Ayudhya (2nd right), marketing manager for Nanmeebooks Co, Ltd; Prapon Kieatsakdawong (3rd right), sales manager for Amarin Book Centre Co, Ltd; Thanida Puengcharoen (2nd left), assistant marketing and sales manager for Nation Egmont Edutainment Co, Ltd; and business alliances recently joined in the launch of 'B2S World of Learning'- offering innovative learning equipment at discount prices - at CentralWorld.

Japanese Kinka cosmetics enter shopping malls

       Playmaxx, the sole distributor in Thailand of Japanese Kinka-brand gold-mixed cosmetics, will expand its distribution channels by entering shopping malls in a bid to increase sales 10-15 per cent.
       To date, it has been relying on a call-centre system for sales.
       Vice president Pornpimol Silakupt yesterday said the company began importing Kinka products early this year. There has been a good market response, with revenue of roughly Bt1 million a month generated despite the reliance on call-centre sales.
       Playmaxx will sell Kinka products over the counter for the first time in Siam Paragon by the end of this month. It expects to have a second counter in a high-end shopping mall later this year and plans thereafter to increase its counters by two locations every year.
       "We expect our sales to increase 10-15 per cent from roughly Bt1 million monthly after we expand into shopping malls. Our revenue target this year is Bt15 million," she said.
       In the first stages of marketing Kinka products in Thailand, Playmaxx has focused on giving out free samples. It now plans to begin advertising on television. Hakuichi, the manufacturer of Kinka, is considering approval for television commercials to be shot in Thailand.
       Kinka products are premium cosmetics in the Japanese market, where it is the leading brand in the gold-mixed cosmetics segment. All Kinka products have platinum as a main ingredient.
       Kinka has more than 30 products selling in Japan. Playmaxx has imported 12 of them for local sales, including skincare and makeup products. It plans to bring in another five products next year.
       Pornpimol said Playmaxx was also interested in expanding its distribution channels into spa-therapy centres. It is negotiating with some high-end spa centres and expects an early outcome.
       Playmaxx intends to market Kinka products through three distribution channels: the call-centre system, which will continue to serve clients upcountry; shopping malls; and spa centres, contributing 40 per cent, 50 per cent and 10 per cent of revenue, respectively. The company expects sales to grow 10 per cent next year.
       "We target consumers who are using premium brands priced at more than Bt10,000 apiece. We hope to persuade them to switch to our brand, which offers better value if you compare quantity with price," she said.
       Kinka's prices range from Bt2,000 to Bt7,000 per item.

"VERTICAL GARDEN" CENTREPIECE OF SIAM PARAGON

       The operators of Siam Paragon shopping mall say the "vertical garden" introduced as part of a plan to expand the mall's recreation facilities has proved to be a hit with shoppers.
       Siam Paragon Development chief marketing officer Kriengsak Tantiphipop said the company believed the mall should serve not only as a place to buy things,but also as somewhere that shoppers and other visitors feel they can go to relax. With this in mind, the companyt plans to add more green space to the mall, he said.
       "We believe our customers will get more enjoyment out of the mall's environment thanks to this greening project, and especially from the vertical garden in front of the shopping complex," Kriengsak said.
       Standing before the garden on the mall's first floor,shoppers would feel as if they were standing at the foot of a mountain, he said. The garden features more than 50 varieties of tropical plant life, including moses and several varieties of fern.
       Siam Paragon Development spent tens of millions of baht on the four-storeyed-high garden, which occupies about 1,000 square metres of space, Kriengsak said.
       The company also spends several million baht every three or four months to introduce new plants to the garden,Kriengsak said.
       Vertical gardens are designed to suit narrow urban spaces, particularly malls and high-rise buildings that need green areas to complement office space or provide public areas,he said.
       "We imagine our mall as a relaxing place for shoppers,not just a venue to sell products The vertical garden is a way for us to give something back to our customers,"he said.
       Siam Paragon receives an average of 120,000 visitors on working days and 150,000 on Saturdays and Sundays.

SIAM PARAGON TO GET BT680M KIDS ZONE

       The international operator of the KidZania education centres plans to invest US$20 million (Bt680 million) to build the first eductainment centre in Thailand.
       Kids Edutainment will lease 10,000 square metres on the fifth floor of Siam Paragon to establish its biggest centre.
       Kids Edutainment and Siam Paragon signed a contract yesterday.
       CEO Alan Hepburn said construction will begin by the end of this year and it will start the operation in late 2010.
       The company believes the edutainment centre will be a big success in Thailand like in other countries where it operates such centres.
       "We've run KidZania in many locations, including our flageship venues in Mexico City, Tokyo, Osaka and Jakarta. We have been successful everywhere. So, I don't know why it should be any different in Thailand," he said.
       KidZania locations worldwide provide a safe, unique, authentic and educational environment that allow children to experience adult roles like in the real world. Children can per-form different jobs such as doctor, engineer, nurse, journalist, actor, pilot and flight attendant and learn to work for money at the centre.
       The first location of KidZania, in Mexico City, welcomes 800,000 children per year, while that in Tokyo has 950,000 visitors a year. Kids Edutainment expects its centre in Thailand to see 4,000 children per day or roughly 1 million a year.
       It will open the same kind of edutainment center in Dubai and Seoul in November and December this year. It also plans to create many children's centres in Shanghai, New Delhi, Santiago and Istanbul. Each ecntre needs an investment of $20 million.
       Hepburn added the company was considering an entrance fee for the Thai location soon. In other countries, the entrance fee for children is around Bt500 for five hours at the centres.
       Supaluck Umpujh, senior vice chairman of Siam Paragon, said the company first approached Kids Edutainment to operate such a children's centre in Siam Paragon and negotiated for six months.
       Siam Paragon has offered 10,000 square metres on the fifth floor of its shopping mall, which was earlier planned to be Siam Opera House.
       "I think the opera house may not be successful in this economic environment. So, the Siam Opera House project, which was to have been operated by Natural Park, was aborted. We had to lok for another activity to utilise the space. And now we have Kids Edutainment to run KidZania late next year," she said.
       Siam Paragon will help Kids Edutainment seek sponsorships from 60 corporate houses from a wide range of businesses and industries in Thailand. This would be an effective way for companies who would like to build their brand awareness among children, said Supaluck.

FASHION ISLAND OPERATOR PLANS NEW SHOPPING MALL IN BANGKOK IN JOINT VENTURE

       Siam Retail Development, operator of Fashion Island, is planning to develop a new shopping mall in Bangkok in a joint venture with a local business partner.
       The company is in the process of studying concept and pattern of the new shopping complex together with its joint venture partner. Details will be announced by the end of this year.
       Prasert Sriuranpong, executive director of Siam Retail Development, said the company has already invested Bt400 million in a major renovation of the 13-year old Fashion Island shopping complex on Ram Indra Road, which is almost 85 per cent complete.
       The shopping mall will next year invest another Bt200 million to complete the renovation process. The new look dubbed "The Joy of Shopping" will upgrade entertainment and recreation facilities to cater to today's lifestyle. After the renovation, Fashion Island will come out in a minimal modern style.
       "Nowadays, shopping plazas are mushrooming everywhere, from central Bangkok to the suburbs. To win loyal patronage, each plaza strives to raise the bar of excellence in terms of architectural design, shops, marketing strategy, sales promotions and supporting activities," said Prasert.
       "Having been a comprehensive shopping mall for over 13 years, Fashion Island realises the importance of constant improvement and renovation to fit well with the needs of our target consumers in the Ram-Indra area," he said.
       Prasert said that since Ram-Indra has now evolved into a residential area attracting new target groups such as teenagers, workers and families, the company feels it is time to renovate the shopping mall. This will cater to the changing consumer demand for service-oriented retail and entertainment attractions in addition to the traditional shopping experience.
       Fashion Island's transformation includes a new logo, the use of a minimal modern theme for interior and exterior design to reflect a bright, trendy and spacious shopping mall, well-organised commercial zoning and the addition of lifestyle outlets such as restaurants, high street brands, shops, fashion, health and beauty, IT, and many more.
       Prasert said Fashion Island had enjoyed higher traffic by 9 per cent in the first eight months of this year. The mall had attracted 16,000 vehicles on weekdays and up to between 20,000 and 23,000 vehicles on weekends. About 70 per cent of its shoppers visit the shopping mall in cars.
       "About two to three million Bangkokians live in the urban areas of Bangkok. The majority lives in suburban areas such as Ram-Indra. But there is no difference in the shopping habits of people, irrespective of where they live. What we have to do is cater closely to the rapid change in their lifestyle," said Prasert.

Retailers and publishers turn social networking into sales

       Retailers and publishing houses have been turning increasingly to social networking to strengthen their relationships with loyal customers and get feedback.
       Central Pattana Plc, the operator of Central Plaza shopping centres, said it has realised the importance of social networking to promote business at low cost.
       Sakorn Thavisin, senior marketing manager, said CPN set up its interactive media division in April to handle social media in a serious way. It allows more than 200 marketing staff stationed at different shopping complexes to use Facebook to tell their friends about promotional campaigns or events at their stores.
       "Our community is quite strong and those who actively use social media such as Facebook and Twitter are trend-setters.Most of them don't believe in advertising but prefer to listen to what their friends tell them," he said.
       According to a global online consumer survey by Nielsen, recommendations from others are the most trusted form of advertising in Thailand and globally.Personal recommendations and editorial content play a major role in the decisionmaking process of Thais.
       "Consumer opinion posted online can gain the trust of Thai internet users as well," the survey said.
       Mr Sakorn said his recent promotional campaign for the clothing brand CHAPS by Ananda was introduced through Facebook to target customers and it really worked.
       "I think this is the power of social networking: to promote products and at the same time get valuable feedback,"he said.
       Bliss Publishing, a subsidiary of GMM Grammy Plc, said it had successfully used social media to promote its pocket books and receive reliable feedback from readers.
       Managing director Laddawan Rattanadilokchai said the company applied a number of social networking tools to provide information and promote new books to its readers. Readers also have the opportunity to provide feedback about its books.
       "Social media have created a strong community among our book readers as they are intellectual and like to use these media to communicate and discuss ideas," she said.
       Bliss Publishing has more than 100,000 members in these communities and many regularly follow its Facebook, Hi5 and Twitter pages. Moreover, readers can give their opinions directly to some authors, such as Ploy Chariyavej, who is a longtime user of Facebook.
       Since discovering social media, Bliss rarely spends on mass marketing."Social media help us save on operating costs while building a strong relationship with customers," she said.

ASIA PLAYS NUMBERS GAME ON LUCKY 9/9/09

       Marriages, business launches and state campaigns to promote the royal family are planned for Wednesday to take advantage of its auspicious date:9/9/09.
       At nine seconds and nine minutes past 9am on Sept 9, the lucky number 9 will line up in the configuration of 09:09:0909/09/09.
       The number nine -jiu in Mandarin - symbolises longevity in the Chinese language. Nine is also seen as a lucky omen throughout Asia.
       In recognition of the auspicious date,the Prime Minister's Office is organising a campaign to enhance respect for the royal institution.
       Rapeephan Sariwat, chief inspector at the PM's Office, said a "9 in the heart"campaign would be launched on Wednesday in honour of His Majesty the King.
       People nationwide would gather at provincial halls, while cabinet members and high-ranking government officials will assemble at Government House to pay their respects to the King.
       At 09.09, an ATR-72-500, a new royal aircraft, will be delivered by the Avions de Transport Regional of France to the Royal Thai Air Force at Don Mueang military airport.
       Many business operators are taking advantage of the day to launch business campaigns.
       Central Pattana Plc, the country's largest commercial property developer,will hold a campaign "Lucky Shopping No 9" to promote sales at Central Plaza Pinklao. GMM Grammy Plc opens its new film Har Prang on that day.Quality House Plc launches a campaign "9 Wonder" to promote its housing estate sales. Benz NK, the Benz dealer,is holding "the 9 Phenomenon" campaign.
       In New Zealand, Chinese couples are queuing to take a walk down the aisle,hoping their marriage will last a long time.
       But not all Chinese in Asia are convinced it's the best date to tie the knot.In Singapore, Wednesday is seen as far from ideal as it falls within the Hungry Ghost Festival which is in the seventh month of the lunar new year and is considered very inauspicious.
       Wedding planners and hotels in the Lion City say couples are shying away from the date.

MAJOR STORES SPEND BIG TO CONTAIN SPREAD OF FLU

       Major retail chains such as Central Pattana and The Mall Group are taking type-A(H1N1) flu preventive measures seriously, setting long-term policies and sparing no expense to protect shoppers.
       Nataphong Kitnitchiva, group general manager for operations at The Mall Group, said yesterday that a flu protection plan has been drawn up as a long-term policy for the operator's four The Mall department stores as well as its Emporium Shopping Complex and Siam Paragon.
       "The company's board of directors has given the green light to management to spend an unlimited budget on anti-flu measures. The board sees this as an important policy to carry out without any conditions," he said.
       The company's response to the influenza outbreak was quite expensive as it has to purchase more than 1,000 litres per week of hand-wash gel for all six locations, he added.
       Sakorn Thavisin, senior manager for marketing at Central Pattana, said Central runs 35 branches nationwide, which welcome more than 1.5 million visitors per day, so it has been ready to prepare measures since the flu hit Thailand.
       Besides preparing bottles of gel at store entrances and clean shopping carts for customers, other modern trade stores such Carrefour and Big C Supercentre have also spent money for their employees to get injections.
       Seacon Square has added fresh air to its shopping mall in order to have clean air flowing throughout the day.
       Yesterday, nine retailers joined the Public Health Ministry and Thai Health Promotion Foundation to provide space near their shopping malls and modern trade stores for exercise sessions starting on Wednesday.
       The retailers are Central Pattana, The Mall Group, Tesco Lotus, Seacon Square, Future Park Rangsit and Fashion Island, Big C Supercentre and Carrefour.
       Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai said those nine retailers had more than 1,200 outlets across the country welcoming more than a million shoppers per day.
       They so far have provided good care for their customers but the new collaboration will emphasise and show their commitment to protect customers from type-A(H1N1) flu as well as other seasonal flu, he added.

A TIMELY AFFAIR

       [WHAT] Opening of Central International Watch Fair 2009.
       HRH Princess Soamsawali views the watch exhibition, accompanied by Yuwadee Chirathivat and Sirikate Chirakiti.
       [WHERE] Event Hall, 3rd floor, Central Chidlom.
       Atichart Chumnanont with Parmigiani Fleurier and Araya Aharget with Piaget’s Limelight High Jewellery 89,900,000.
       [HOST] Yuwadee Chirathivat, president of Central Department Stores.
       Tos Chirathivat.
       [HIGHLIGHT] Watch fashion show, in the presence of HRH Princess Soamsawali, by celebrities as well as leading actors, actresses and models.
       Dr Suvit and Khunying Songsuda Yodmani.
       Thanop with Namon, his son; Navipa; and Chaiyos Eiamamornpan.
       MRSupanee Diskul, Alena Piamkulawanich with Cartier, Pumi Sarasin with Audemars Piguet’s Millenary, Prae Sarasin and Pantila Debhakam.
       Aonanong and Atiporn Senavong.

CARREFOUR SINKS INTO RED AS SHOPPERS START TO SAVE

       French supermarket giant Carrefour, ranked world No 2, yesterday said it had slipped into the red for t he first half in difficult times but still confirmed its 2009 earning targets.
       The company, second only to Wal-Mart of the US, posted a net loss of 58 million euros(Bt2.8 billion)in the six months to June after taking exceptional charges of Euro511 million.
       Operating profit fell 27.6 per cent from a year earlier to Euro1.01 billion.
       The results reflect both a difficult environment and the company's strategic choices as it positions itself going ahead, said finance director Pierre Bouchut.
       If the exceptional charges were stripped out, net earning were down 42.4 per cent to Euro415 million, Carrefour said.
       Analyst forecasts had been for a net profit of around Euro100 million euros after exceptional charges of Euro550 million.
       Carrefour said it still expected a 2009 operating profit before exceptional items of Euro2.7 billion to Euro2.8 billion if current trends and sales continued.
       It also confirmed its target to secure cost saving of Euro4.5 billion by 2012, with Euro212 million achieved in the first half this year.
       Carrefour said sales had held up well in the six months, with revenue down 1.6 per cent from a year earlier but up 1.9 per cent if fuel, exchange effects and seasonal-adjustments were taken into account.
       "We are a good way towards achieving our 2009 objectives, towards carrying out our transformation plan," Carrefour head Lars Olofsson said.

World-class culinary showcase

       Bangkok will play host to an extensive international culinary event when Asia's 1st Culinary Cup 2009 comes to Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, from September 2-5. It will coincide with the Food & Hotel Thailand 2009,one of the kingdom's biggest hospitality trade exhibitions featuring food and drink, hotels, catering, bakery, restaurants and kitchen equipment, retail supplies and services.
       Asia's 1st Culinary Cup will be the first international culinary art contest and convention, and a platform where professionals from all over the world can showcase their talents. The event is organised by the Thai-Swiss Culinary Consultants in association with the Thai Chef's Association, the Thai Hotels Association and the Thai Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), with experts from World Association of Chef's Societies (WACS) as consultants.
       "More than 200 award-winning chefs from around the world have confirmed their attendance," said Jamnong Nirangsan, president of the Thai Chefs Association."The competition will follow the rules of similar projects in Germany,Singapore and France, and the judges will be well-known culinary experts, most of whom are WACS approved international judges.
       "Taking part in the competition will be teams from national and regional culinary associations as well as individual professionals from around the world.So far,12 countries have already registered - Australia, Austria, China, UAE,Holland, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Slovakia, Taiwan and Thailand."
       The four-day Culinary Cup will see competitions in various fields including fruit and vegetable-carving, ice-carving,Thai cooking, Asian cooking, Western cooking, US turkey-cooking, modern sandwich-making, breakfast-cooking,cake-dressing, meat and poultry-cooking,Italian pasta dishes, petits fours/pralines/tea pastries, dessert-making, East meets West cooking, a Gourmet Team Challenge and the Hans Bueschkens Junior Chefs Challenge
       "Apart from the culinary competitions,the event will become a platform for the Asian industry for presenting a range of related activities, business opportunities,and the chance to explore what Bangkok has to offer in terms of hospitality and culinary arts," said Jamnong.
       "The flourishing infrastructure that Bangkok can provide in terms of its hotels,great restaurants and food facilities will add significantly to the experience of what will probably be the best culinary event ever held in Asia," he said.
       Food & Hotel Thailand 2009 is expected to bring together more than 25,000 hoteliers, chefs, hypermarket executives,restaurant owners and managers, caterers, housekeeping managers and other related professionals. It will also coincide with Hostec Asia, the only international trade event for Asia's food and hospitality professionals; the Asean Hotel Congress;the Thai Restaurant Conference; the Thai Retailers Summit and the Food & Beverage Association of Thailand's International Wine Challenge.
       Food & Hotel Thailand 2009 and Asia's 1st Culinary Cup 2009 and other related shows will all be held at Royal Paragon Hall on the fifth floor of Siam Paragon from September 2-5, daily from 10:30am-6:30pm. For more information, please visit www.foodhotelthailand.com or www.asiaculinarycup09.com.

CPN speeds up development spurt

       Central Pattana Plc (CPN), the country's largest commercial property developer,is speeding up expansion with plans for at least eight new projects over the next six years, bringing its total to almost 30 shopping centres by 2016.
       Naris Cheyklin, senior executive vicepresident for finance and accounting,said the Central Group affiliate wanted to grow in line with the country's econ-omy, which is expected to return to an upward trend.
       As well, he said, if the company's first overseas retail development is successful, it would accelerate overseas expansion. CPN is committed to expanding outlets in China through its own developments and by acquisitions.
       "Investing in China at the moment has lower business risk than in Thailand.The Chinese economy is now 10 years ahead of Thailand," Mr Naris told an analysts' briefing yesterday.
       Between 2001 and 2005, CPN opened four new shopping centres and made plans to add eight more between 2006 and 2010.
       Mr Naris said CPN planned to spend 5.84 billion baht from 2010-12 to develop projects, including one on the site of the the former Pre-Cadet School on Rama IV Road next to the Suan Lum Night Bazaar, and in Chiang Mai.
       The company will enter a lease agreement with the Crown Property Bureau after the completion of site clearing on Rama IV Road. It will develop a shopping centre on its own but will join with some partners to develop some office buildings. CPN has contacts from foreign investors in Japan and some Western countries to jointly develop the office blocks.
       CPN will finance its future expansion by using operating cash flow, bank loans or debenture issues and its property fund.
       The SET-listed company will transfer its assets in Chiang Mai and another retail project to the listed CPN Retail Growth Fund (CPNRF) to raise an additional 3-4 billion baht next year. This excludes funds to be raised from the sale of its Central Pin Klao mall, one of the company's best performers, to the fund in November.
       During the first half, CPN's revenues grew by 31% year-on-year to 2.97 billion baht and net profit rose 13% to 587 million. The increasing revenues were driven by the opening of four new pro-jects in Chaeng Watthana, Pattaya, Udon Thani and Chon Buri.
       Net profit did not grow much because the company faced additional operating costs and depreciation and amortisation of the new projects in addition to higher sub-lease payments for Central Plaza Lat Phrao after the renewal of its sublease agreement. The company expects its revenues this year to grow above its earlier projection of 25%.
       CPN shares closed yesterday on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at 20.70 baht, down 20 satang, in trade worth 54.08 million baht. CPNRF units rose 10 satang to 9.15 baht, in trade worth 3.9 million baht.

IT lifestyle centre opened in Siam Square

       Trendy tech-savvy users coupled with advanced IT technologies are driving the newest digital lifestyle centre in Thailand. Meanwhile, however, the majority of consumers are sticking with traditional computer stores that offer more affordable products.
       The potential growth of IT products among the digital generation was the key factor behind the newly opened 500-million-baht "Digital Gateway" at Center Point in Siam Square, said Soammaphat Traisorat, Executive Director of TCC Land, at the official launch.
       Its location connected with the mass transit system is an important indication that the centre sees a bright future despite the current economic circumstances that may have a minor affect on tourists visiting in the centre.
       Over the next three years the company plans to allocate one or two trolleys for IT lifestyle products in a project called "Gateway Ekamai" connected to Ekamai skytrain station.
       Wallapa Traisorat, Executive Director,said that the 8,000-square-metre Digital Gateway combined digital technology,entertainment and learning for a new generation. It is also the first IT lifestyle centre in its group portfolio of computer centres which includes Pantip Plaza in Pratunam.
       The building itself looks like a space tunnel which links the present with the future. The centre showcases the latest interactive media.
       The centre has also partnered with Microsoft to become the first "Clean Mall"- an IT centre without any pirated software.
       There are other IT flagship stores like iStudio, which is the second largest in Thailand, and the biggest True Lifestyle Shop. In addition, Oakley has also opened its second largest outlet in Asia.
       Wisanu Wangwisut, Managing Director of Thippatana Arcade, the developer and property manager of Digital Gateway,a subsidiary of TCC Land Group, said that the centre's visitor profile ranged from 13 to 29-year olds, the dominant age group in Siam Square, and expected 100,000 visitors per day.
       The company's expansion plan includes Pantip Plaza Bangkapi, a traditional computer centre which will open this September. It also intends to find other potential areas for computer centres such as Bang Yai district and Charoen Krung Road.
       Accharas Ouysinprasert, Intel Microelectronics (Thailand) Country Manager,said the establishment of digital lifestyle centres and specialist stores showed how developed and mature the computer market here had become.
       For trendy users in the centre, price is not main issue in making decisions but the users are more interested in styles and designs which reflect their personalities. For instance, the prices of notebooks with the same speed CPU may differ because of the other features they offer which serve a variety of consumer lifestyles. For example, Atom processor that can be used in normal netbooks or gadgets, and Asus HTPC keyboard with a five-inch small screen display with built-in HDMI port.
       The recent consumer ultra-low voltage platform which helps to produce new ultra thin and light notebooks ranges from 20,000-80,000 baht depending on the material, design and other unique features.
       From a design perspective shape, colour and materials, even in dustless key-boards or automotive power light safe display can attract experienced users or second-time buyers.
       Pornthep Watchara-Amnouy, Managing Director of ASUSTek Computer,said that the company has to help its retail partners to select mid to high end notebooks and gadgets to fit in with the profile of the centre.
       Chan Chaovanich, Managing Director of Speed Computer which has three brand shops in the centre, said because of higher rental costs from others, this is the first time that its big three suppliers - Asus, HP and Intel- have supported the space cost.
       Meanwhile Ekachai Sirijirapatana,President of IT City, one of the largest IT superstores in Thailand, said that within the next three years, IT centres should have space of more than 10,000 square metres in order to support a variety of products for customer needs.
       IT is a highly competitive market which has lowmargins ranging from 6-13 percent, so the volume of sales is important.If this sells in high cost rental area it means more premium products to sell even it has a greater margin, the volume will not cover the expenses.
       "I think the upcountry areas, especially those with local department stores that still do not have IT shops and growing demand from consumer as well as low rental price more attractive," Ekachai said.