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.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
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.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
"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 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.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, September 7, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)