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Tag: bangkok

  • Thai Motor Show Underway In First Big Event Since Coronavirus Outbreak

    Thai Motor Show Underway In First Big Event Since Coronavirus Outbreak

    Thailand opened its twice-postponed annual auto show to the public on Wednesday in the country’s first large-scale event since coronavirus restrictions eased, with nearly all attendees wearing masks and face shields. Thailand is a major regional car production hub and its previous motor shows booked over a million people in attendance.

    Thermal scans were at the entrance to the 41st Bangkok International Motor Show and temperatures were measured as people visited booths, where waiting spots were prepared to ensure physical distancing.

    Guests were also required to check-in and out with their cellphones to allow for contact tracing. Visitors were also required to check-in and out with their cellphones to allow for contact tracing

    “I don’t come to the event every year, but I think for the first day of the event amid a pandemic, people are in quite large numbers,” said Suriya Thanakorn, 50, who was on the lookout for a new car.

    Motor shows around the world have been forced to cancel or delay due to the pandemic. But Thailand has pressed ahead having gone nearly seven weeks without local transmission of the virus, which has infected just over 3,000 people, most of which have recovered.

    Chief organizer Prachin Eamlumnow said eyes will be on how Thailand handles one of the first big global shows since the pandemic started. We take a look at the new all-electric coupe-SUV crossover from Nissan.

    “No country can arrange an event on this scale, so the other event organizers will be watching,” he said. “We have succeeded in controlling COVID-19.”

    There are 25 car brands including Nissan and BMW and 22 motorcycle manufacturers on show at booths with specific entry and exit points to prevent crowding.

    Ramesh Narasimhan, president of Nissan Thailand, said the stringent measures should be maintained to ensure good attendance throughout the 12-day event.

    “It’s really important for us to keep it for the entire show, but the first signs are very, very positive, so I’m pretty excited about that,” he said.

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  • Thai Vietjet offers super-saver fares from THB50 for all 13 routes in Thailand

    Thai Vietjet offers super-saver fares from THB50 for all 13 routes in Thailand

    In celebration of its new routes in Thailand, Vietjet has kicked off a special promotion offering 500,00 air tickets priced from THB 50 (*) (USD 1.5) starting from now to 17 July 2020 during the golden hours of 1.00pm to 3.00pm (Malaysian time).

    Here’s your chance to plan ahead for a perfect Thailand trip! The promotional tickets are applicable on all of its 13 domestic routes in Thailand and valid for travel between 1 September 2020 to 30 June 2021 (**). Tickets can be booked via Vietjet’s website and mobile application Vietjet Air.

    “We are happy to bring in more flying opportunities for the people to discover the “Smiling Land” with amazing experiences. This is a perfect chance for Thai people to go on a tour within Thailand with their families and friends. We are committed to expanding flight network in domestic Thailand and continuously provide exciting experiences to our passengers with daily promotion program”, said Vietjet Vice President, Nguyen Thi Thuy Binh.

    The recently announced six new Thailand routes expand Thai Vietjet’s domestic routes to 13, allowing tourists to travel conveniently around the country. This super promotion is applicable to all Thai Vietjet’s domestic routes in Thailand from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Udon Thani, Phuket – Chiang Rai, and Udon Thani – Chiang Rai, including new routes from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ubon Ratchathani (starting from 6 October 2020),  Surat Thani (starting from 4 November 2020), Chiang Rai – Hat Yai  (starting from 1 November 2020).

    Currently, Vietjet is operating a stable domestic network in Vietnam and Thailand. All Vietjet’s flights are in alignment with all global standards and guidelines from the local authorities, including aircraft disinfection.

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  • Centara offers sneak preview of Centra by Centara Cha Am Beach Resort Hua Hin

    Centara offers sneak preview of Centra by Centara Cha Am Beach Resort Hua Hin

    Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, releases first details of its debut hotel in Cha-Am – Centra by Centara Cha Am Beach Resort Hua Hin.

    Opening on 24 July 2020, one week before schedule, the 190-key beachfront resort is poised to become a sought-after choice for travellers seeking a contemporary beachfront escape just two hours from Bangkok.

    The former Beach Garden Hotel was completely reimagined and underwent a full floor-to-ceiling renovation and now features brand new room types including pool access rooms and spacious seaview suites.

    Families, groups of friends, and couples have a choice of activities at their fingertips, with facilities including two swimming pools complete with fun water slides, children’s pool with water play area, a kids’ club, fitness centre and full-service spa.

    To celebrate its opening, Centra by Centara Cha Am Beach Resort Hua Hin is offering an introductory offer with rates starting at THB 1,120 net per night, plus 20% off F&B at the resort’s three restaurants and bars. 

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  • Centara donates 10,000 room nights to medical heroes

    Centara donates 10,000 room nights to medical heroes

    Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, continues its support of the country’s medical workers with the launch of its “10,000 Thanks” campaign dedicated to the heroes working tirelessly for the wellbeing of the people. 

    As a token of heartfelt gratitude for the healthcare heroes in the ongoing fight against COVID-19, Centara is donating 10,000 room nights for doctors and nurses to enjoy a complimentary one-night stay for two guests at any Centara Hotels & Resorts property in Thailand or overseas. 

    In recognition of their continuing hard work and the challenging circumstances in which doctors and nurses have been working, Centara is offering frontline medical staff across the country a chance to take a much-deserved break, completely free of charge, to recharge and reconnect with their loved ones.

    “10,000 Thanks” can be redeemed across the group’s five existing brands – Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, and COSI – in destinations across Thailand and overseas, including a number of resort destinations such as Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, Krabi and Samui as well as urban destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Udon Thani and Hat Yai.

    The free night offer is reserved for medical front line professionals who are doctors and nurses with Thai nationality or currently residing in Thailand only.

    Coinciding with Thailand’s lifting of all restrictions in July following months of phased re-opening, the “10,000 Thanks” offer can be booked between 1stJuly – 30th December 2020 for stays within the same period. 

    Centara is also extending appreciation to all other workers across the medical industry with an offer of 25% off every rate across the group’s entire portfolio spanning 18 destinations. “25 for heroes” bookings can be made on www.centarahotelsresorts.com between 1st July – 30th  December 2020with no restrictions on travel period. 

    The “10,000 Thanks” and “25 for heroes” medical personnel campaigns are the latest in a series of initiatives launched by Centara Hotels & Resorts to help communities and individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    Since April 2020, the group has partnered with charities and government organisations to provide 1,500 food boxes to support at-risk communities, and offered hotel rooms in Centara Grand at CentralWorld and Centara Muscat Hotel Oman to host healthcare staff and people in need. Centara’s Help the Heroes’ campaign also aims to support those in need with donations going to the Chaipattana Covid-19 Aid Fund (and other pandemics) and Thai Red Cross Society.

    “Thailand has not seen community transmission of COVID-19 for over a month now, and there’s no question of the importance the role our country’s healthcare heroes play in keeping us healthy and safe. As restrictions in the country start to ease, we invite doctors and nurses to enjoy a much-needed holiday on us, as a humble token of our immeasurable appreciation of their selfless efforts,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

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  • TAT joins AirAsia to stimulating domestic tourism with new aviation safety standards

    TAT joins AirAsia to stimulating domestic tourism with new aviation safety standards

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) joined Thai AirAsia for a special activity taking place on the Bangkok-Krabi route on 29-30 June 2020, aimed at rebuilding confidence and revitalizing domestic tourism. This was done by bringing together medical workers, tourists, business operators, and the media in a trip showcasing the readiness of airline, venues, travel destinations, hotels, and restaurants, to provide safe and hygienic service.

    Governor of TAT, Yuthasak Supasorn, pointed out that domestic travel will be an important mechanism to jumpstart the economy at both the local and national levels, adding that this event will highlight traveling under the new normal, which focuses on adherence to healthcare advice, encouraging travelers and businesses alike to adapt and rehabilitate tourism.

    The TAT’s goal for this activity is supporting domestic tourism and promoting awareness of various safety practices for traveling, visiting sites, and staying in accommodation so that travelers can prepare accordingly.  The authority assures that measures being promoted are straightforward and that everyone will be able to travel conveniently in the new normal.

    Representatives from different sectors were invited to join in the activity, including medical professionals, travel companies and travel groups, all given the opportunity to experience present-day tourism using the concept “BEST, wherein B: Booking – covers before, during and after travel planning, travel companions, pre-booking and social distancing; E: Environment – covers environmental conservation and social responsibility; S: Safety – covers information for decision making as well as health and hygiene and T: Technology – incorporating the use of technology to facilitate contactless tourism and greater physical distancing.

    CEO of Thai AirAsia, Santisuk Klongchaiya remarked that travel and domestic spending in the nation is crucial at this time to stimulate the economy and tourism sector, affirming AirAsia’s support for TAT.

    From July onward, the airline will be resuming service to all 23 of its domestic destinations, including regional connections Chiang Mai-Hat Yai, Chiang Mai-Pattaya (U-Tapao), Hat Yai-Pattaya (U-Tapao) and Khon Kaen-Hat Yai for a total 25 routes, flying 68 return trips a day in support of travel and business.

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  • KBank establishes fintech company in China to be financial innovation lab

    KBank establishes fintech company in China to be financial innovation lab

    KBank has established KASIKORN Vision Information Technology Co., Ltd. It is a fintech company wholly owned by KASIKORN Vision Co., Ltd. (KVision) with registered capital of RMB 300 million. It is the first fintech company to be set up by a foreign bank in Shenzhen this year. The company’s main business will involve the design, creation and research of new technologies. It has formulated a five-year operating plan to support the future development and provision of financial technology.

    Mr. Ruangroj Poonpol, Chairman of KASIKORN Business-Technology Group (KBTG), said that KBank has established KASIKORN Vision Information Technology Co., Ltd. which is registered in Luohu district, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China. It is a financial technology, or fintech, company which is wholly owned by KVision. Its registered capital is RMB 300 million, or equivalent to THB 1,300 million. It is the first fintech company to be established by a foreign bank in Shenzhen this year. The company’s main business involves the design and creation of IT systems, research of new technologies, search for new business models conducive to digital banking and digital economic systems, as well as the development and testing of prototype products and provision of new financial technologies to KASIKORNBANK FINANCIAL CONGLOMERATE and its customers.

    KASIKORN Vision Information Technology Co., Ltd. has formulated a plan involving three steps over the course of five years: The first step, in the first year of business, is to consolidate the foundation, focusing on the completion of team building, business models and other basic work, to support KASIKORNBANK (China) Co., Ltd.’s digital strategy as the main development direction. The second step, over the second and third years, involves steady progress through in-depth integration with shareholder resources, key business group in Thailand and China + ASEAN regional institutions; and the integration of leading domestic technological achievements, especially those of Shenzhen, to provide innovative financial science and technology solutions. The third step, over the fourth and fifth years, is the acceleration of development in the course of becoming an influential fintech company in the region. At the same time, in the fields of technology accumulation, research and development, the company will join with leading international research and educational institutions to explore the establishment of financial science and technology laboratories to support the research and application of related basic disciplines.

    KASIKORN Vision Information Technology Co., Ltd. will promote the expansion of financial science and technology services to ASEAN countries, and make Shenzhen an important node for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, which is an important support pillar for the Belt and Road Initiative to reach out and connect with ASEAN countries. This would benefit ASEAN and enhance China-ASEAN economic and financial cooperation.

    Luohu district is a newly developed area in Shenzhen, a central business district which houses the headquarters of more than 70 licensed financial institutions and first-line branches, or the approximate equivalent of one-fifth of the city’s licensed financial institutions. Thus, Luohu district serves as a frontrunner in terms of development, with technological innovation serving as the primary driving force. Additionally, the district has been able to attract new investment and new talent, which will comprehensively improve the scale and quality development of its emerging industries. KASIKORN Vision Information Technology Co., Ltd. is expected to receive the full benefit of being located in this region.

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  • Eight in ten Thais use contactless payments more often as they become uncomfortable with cash

    Eight in ten Thais use contactless payments more often as they become uncomfortable with cash

    Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments, today released findings from its Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes study (the “Study”), that show almost eight in ten Thais (79 percent) are using contactless payments more often than they did two years ago.

    The study, which tracks consumer habits and attitudes towards payments across Southeast Asia, also revealed three in four Thai respondents (75 percent) who are not using contactless payments today, are interested in doing so in the future.

    Suripong Tantiyanon, Country Manager for Visa Thailand, said: “It is heartening to see Thai consumers embracing new payment technologies, especially the use of contactless cards for payments.  The shift in behavior and the rise in confidence can be attributed to an industry effort to educate the general public on the benefits of contactless and an increasing acceptance points.  Contactless payments are still in the early stages of adoption in Thailand, but we are optimistic for their growth due to its speed, convenience, security and global acceptance wherever Visa contactless is accepted across the world.

    The top reasons consumers cited for adopting contactless payments are: not needing to carry cash (68%), desire to use an innovative way to pay (58%), and faster payment compared to other methods (55%).

    When it comes to frequency of using contactless payments, over four in five respondents (82 percent) use their cards at least once to more than four times a week.

    The top places where respondents use their contactless cards to make payments are during overseas travel (17 percent), followed by at supermarkets (12 percent), and retail shops (11 percent).

    The Study also delved into usage between demographics.  While Gen Y is more likely to use contactless cards (55%), use among older Gen X users was significant (45%).  The younger generation uses contactless payments more frequently, with three in ten making payments more than four times a week, while only one in five Gen X users will make the same number of payments.

    State of the Nation: Cashless Society

    Based on the findings, over two in five respondents (43 percent) said they carry less cash now than they did two years ago.  Their top reasons for carrying less cash are: carrying cash around is unsafe (65 percent), using more contactless payments (62 percent), and cash withdrawals are easily accessible (62 percent).

    In addition, more than four in five respondents (82 percent) have moved away from cash and tried living daily life relying on cashless methods.  Almost three in four (70 percent) managed to live cashless up to a few days.  Twenty-one percent managed to live more than a week but short of one full month on cashless modes of payment.  The remaining nine percent could live their lives without cash for one month or more.

    When asked about their inclination towards adopting cashless payments in the future, seven in ten Thai respondents (72 percent) said they expect to increase their usage of cashless payment methods next year.  Their top reasons for intention to displace cash include convenience (69 percent), the hassle of carrying cash (62 percent), and an increase in their comfort paying with cashless methods (51 percent).

    Increasingly, Thai consumers are confident in going cashless.  Two in five (38 percent) believe they can last more than a month without cash.  On the other end of the spectrum, nearly six in ten (58 percent) hold the belief they could only get by for 24 hours without paying by cash.

    When asked how long it would take for Thailand to become a cashless nation, 40 percent of the people surveyed believe it will take between two to five years, 27 percent thought it would take between six to ten years, and interestingly seven percent believe it could happen next year.

    Respondents to the survey believe the top benefits for Thailand being a cashless nation are convenience (58 percent), ability to track financial records easily (56 percent), lower risk of theft (55 percent), and promoting financial inclusivity (44 percent).

    “It is evident that payment innovations can accelerate the transformation into a cashless society.  However, it is equally important to continuously stay in touch with the end consumer to better understand their existing needs as well as anticipating their future demands.  We hope the Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study, already in its sixth edition, will help our clients and partners grow business and support the government in shaping measures that will benefit the people and enable the Thai economy to thrive,” Suripong concluded.

  • Index Living Mall unveils new store concept in Bangkok

    Index Living Mall unveils new store concept in Bangkok

    Index Living Mall has unveiled its next retail concept in Bangkok’s Ekkamai district, with a focus on apartment furnishings, fresh graphics and new store layout.

    Called ‘ Fresh-up Ekkamai, lift-up your life’, the concept introduces new zones and features a variety of new-to-market homewares and furniture items.

    The “Condo Collection” zone presents furniture specially designed for condominiums, while the “Younique” zone offers customized furniture. Other zones include a Sofa & Recliner Exhibition, Outdoor life and Storage Solutions & Home Organisation.

    Index Living Mall MD, Kridchanok Patamasatayasonthi, said the store’s renovation was undertaken because Ekkamai is becoming a popular residential neighborhood, with multiple condominium units rented to both locals and foreigners.

    The new concept store will suit shoppers with tight budgets who are seeking functional items for compact living spaces.

    Index Living Mall’s Ekkamai store also offers customers free consultations with in-house specialists.

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  • Siam Piwat & Simon JV opens in Bangkok in Siam Premium Outlets

    Siam Piwat & Simon JV opens in Bangkok in Siam Premium Outlets

    Siam Piwat and partner Simon Property Group will open Siam Premium Outlets in Bangkok next week.

    Located near the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the first Premium Outlets-branded shopping center in Thailand will open on June 19. The center will feature more than 200 brands, from global luxury labels including Burberry, Balenciaga, Coach, Hugo Boss, and Montblanc, to local brands, including EveandBoy and Jim Thompson.

    The joint venture, Siam Piwat Simon, said 60 brands will feature exclusively at Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok.

    The shopping center will also house a 1300sqm Nike premium store, locally inspired art, and a 1200sqm food hall concept by Food Republic.

    “Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok will be an economic driver for the Thai economy; the center will create more than 1000 career opportunities,” said Michael Tang, MD of Siam Piwat Simon.

    “The experience of the center extends beyond shopping with amenities and design features that make the center an exciting community space and a relaxing shopping destination.”

    According to Tang, the shopping center will team up with other key tourist attractions to “enhance the appeal of the area as a major local and tourist destination”.

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  • Giant Nike Thailand opens flagship store in Bangkok

    Giant Nike Thailand opens flagship store in Bangkok

    A giant Nike Thailand flagship store has opened in Bangkok’s Siam Center, with a footprint spanning more than 9000sqft.

    Designed to showcase Nike’s product innovation across multiple categories, the store also offers the brand’s first “Nike By You” in-store customization service in Thailand.

    Operated by Southeast Asian luxury and lifestyle retail specialist Valiram, the new Nike Thailand store offers a blend of physical and digital retail experiences for shoppers

    “Nike Bangkok at Siam Center exists to offer everyone the ability to make sport a daily habit, ensuring they are inspired and committed to staying active,” said director of Nike stores Southeast Asia & India Tarundeep Singh.

    “The top Nike offerings have been carefully curated for this community, and the store has been conceptualized with multiple touchpoints for a fully immersive and seamless Nike experience that is truly personalized and unique.”

    Services such as head-to-toe apparel fitting and footwear trialing are offered at the store to provide consumers with opportunities to deepen their connection with the brand and select products suited to their needs. Shoppers can also book one-on-one sessions with running experts and styling specialists.

    Valiram executive director Ashvin Valiram describes the new Nike Thailand store as a “truly unique and immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of retail, empowering our consumers to engage with Nike products in new ways”.

    “Creating a world-class retail environment is a Valiram hallmark and the opening of Nike Bangkok at Siam Center in partnership with Nike reaffirms that”.

  • Thai AirAsia chief proposes longer weekends

    Thai AirAsia chief proposes longer weekends

    Thai AirAsia’s executive chairman is proposing to the government a policy allowing one day working from home per week to avoid public congestion and boost the domestic tourism market to reach its target of 100 million trips this year.

    As more people get used to working from home, the government should consider allowing civil servants and private companies to work remotely one day a week, said Tassapon Bijleveld, executive chairman of SET-listed Asia Aviation (AAV) and the largest shareholder of Thai AirAsia.

    He said that when people are not bound to an office routine for Fridays, there’s a chance they’ll consider taking more trips for three-day weekends.

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Finance Ministry are working on a tourism stimulus plan to make activities more affordable in the second half of the year.

    Mr Tassapon said he discussed the idea with the state agency, arguing that it would help efforts to push domestic tourism once the coronavirus crisis ends.

    “The domestic market still has a chance to take the lead in restoring the national economy, but it will depend on the scale of efforts from the government and cooperation from the private sector,” he said.

    He also encouraged the Interior Ministry and governors of each province to scrap the 14-day quarantine for inter-provincial travelers, as well as make clear whether a health certificate is needed. Some provinces have not clarified the rules, and airlines cannot plan routes to those destinations.

    Mr Tassapon said that while the aviation industry in Thailand is at a critical stage, the government can help it by offering local travelers a tax deduction on expenses for domestic airfares, which the previous scheme didn’t cover.

    According to the Tourism and Sports Ministry, local travelers took 24.7 million trips during the first four months of this year, down 50.3% year-on-year, generating 190 billion baht for the economy, down 48.3%.

    Mr Tassapon said Thailand’s tourism landscape after the global health crisis will lean towards quality tourists because more requirements for each trip will make people want to stay longer and spend more in Thailand instead of coming 3-4 times a year as they did before the pandemic.

    Moreover, Thailand should preserve the natural resources that have been restored during the outbreak.

    To achieve those goals, attractions are necessary for certain areas such as the northeastern provinces of Thailand.

    In the past, most tourists went to southern Thailand, which boasts plenty of famous resort islands, resulting in exploitation of nature and unbalanced tourism revenue.

    The Board of Investment should invite a major theme park operator such as Disney or Universal Studios to open a full-scale park in destinations that lack natural attractions, Mr Tassapon said.

    He noted that almost every province in the Northeast has an airport already. New investment could create many jobs for local communities.

  • Central Retail takes full control of FamilyMart Thailand

    Central Retail takes full control of FamilyMart Thailand

    Central Retail has taken full control of the FamilyMart Thailand business, a precursor to expanding the network in the country.  Currently, FamilyMart has just 1000 convenience stores, largely centered in the capital city of Bangkok. That’s a fraction of the 14,000-odd stores under CP All-owned rival 7-Eleven.

    “The acquisition of all the shares of FamilyMart is in line with Central Retail’s strategy to strengthen our Central Retail & Service Platform, reaffirming our leading position in the retail business, as well as to increase our potential in offering full-scale services through customer-centric omnichannel,” said Central Retail CEO Yol Phokasub.

    He said the company plans to continue expanding the FamilyMart Thailand store network but did not provide any further details.

    Central Retail has run the FamilyMart Thailand business in partnership with Japan FamilyMart Co since 2012, through a company called SFM Holdings. Central held 50.65 percent of the shares in SFM and its Robinsons department store division 0.35 percent. Yesterday, Central bought the remaining 49 percent from the Japanese company.

    Phokasub says the deal strengthens the power of Central’s food and convenience-store businesses at a time when Thailand’s food market is thriving.

    “Over the past eight years of operating FamilyMart convenience stores, CRC has always been committed to improving the business model and expanding stores to offer convenience to consumers through products and services, with unique selling points to meet the needs of consumers in all areas. It has become a lifestyle & food destination with ready-to-eat meals, beverages, Arigato fresh coffee, and open spaces for everyone to come mix and mingle 24 hours a day,” he said.

    Under Central Retail’s leadership, the FamilyMart Thailand concept has expanded into other areas of convenience, including installing 24/7 coin-operated washing machines in some stores.

    During the Covid-19 crisis the chain launched vending machines both inside and outside stores, serving ready-to-eat meals, beverages, and snacks.

    The company also recently partnered with delivery-service Grab to allow customers to purchase products from FamilyMart remotely

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  • Royal Enfield To Launch New Motorcycle Every Quarter

    Royal Enfield To Launch New Motorcycle Every Quarter

    Royal Enfield is going on the product offensive with a string of new products planned for the next three to four years, the company’s CEO Vinod Dasari revealed in online interaction in Freewheeling with SVP. According to Dasari, Royal Enfield’s product development team has been hard at work over the last few years to significantly accelerate Royal Enfield’s product plan. With new platforms, and models and variants under each platform, Royal Enfield intends to launch a new motorcycle every quarter for the next 3-4 years, Dasari revealed.

    The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 will employ the new 350 cc platform, with a new engine and new double-cradle frame

    “One of the things that we’ve done over the last 3-4 years is to significantly accelerate new product plans. We will remain a mid-sized company, that’s somewhere between 250 and 750 cc. In this range, there are five levels that we’re looking at. The first is a platform. We have a new platform coming up. We would have launched it by now, we will launch it some time, as soon as the lockdown is over. So we have the platforms, and under the platforms, we have the models, within each model we have variants, within each variant we have several color trims and graphics, and then we have the limited editions.

    “So five levels, we’re so excited that, to a point, every quarter, for the next three to four years, every quarter, we have a new model. It’s not just changing the colors or something, it will be almost a new model, or a variant, coming for the next three to four years,” Dasari said.

    The Royal Enfield Hunter is expected to be the second new model based on the same 350 cc platform

    Royal Enfield is already getting ready to launch an all-new 350 cc platform, which will debut in June 2020 with the new Royal Enfield Meteor 350. The new platform will employ a new 350 cc engine with significant performance and refinement than the existing UCE 350 engine, Dasari said, adding that the new platform will be a modular infrastructure, with the same engine, same gearbox and same frame, but will support several new models and variants.

    The new 350 cc engine is likely to replace Royal Enfield’s traditional pushrod architecture with overhead cams, and also use counterbalancers. While the CEO of Royal Enfield did not disclose any technical details about the new engine, we have reason to believe that it will be almost like a downsized version of the 650 cc parallel-twin engine, with a slick-shifting six-speed gearbox, and will be free-revving with smooth and refined performance. More details are expected when the new Meteor 350 is launched by the end of June 2020.

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  • The Coffee Academics releases Dalgona coffee

    The Coffee Academics releases Dalgona coffee

    Hong Kong specialty coffee chain The Coffee Academics has launched its own version of Dalgona coffee at its Thai flagship store in Bangkok.

    Dalgona coffee, which originated in South Korea, has become a viral craze on social media throughout Asia and sparked a leap in sales of instant coffee products which consumers use to make the beverage at home.

    Different from the original recipe – which uses only instant coffee, sugar and milk – The Coffee Academics has elevated the concept with house-blended espresso, oat milk and organic coconut sugar to create its own version.

    With Thai stores now reopened for dine-in service, guests can have the new coffee at The Coffee Academics’ stores or order it delivered via Wongnai or Lineman app.

    A Dalgona coffee costs THB240 (US$7.40) and will be available until June 30.

    We’ve reached out to The Coffee Academics in Hong Kong to see if there are plans to release the blend in other markets.

  • Chaos, privacy fears as Bangkok malls reopen doors

    Chaos, privacy fears as Bangkok malls reopen doors

    As Bangkok malls reopened in line with relaxed lockdown rules, Thais are being forced to download a tracking app to enter properties, sparking privacy concerns.

    Consumers rushed to return to shopping as usual from Sunday following two months of restricted movement, with most venues requiring the use of hand disinfectant and fask masks as a condition of entry as well as instituting temperature checks on all mall-goers. In some malls, consumers were photographed and registered before being allowed entry, and in other cases entry to individual stores was controlled by a QR code scanning system.

    Customers and retailers were asked to concede to restrictions on the number of shoppers allowed in retail spaces and an alcohol ban on in restaurants. Robots measuring customer temperatures were seen roving around some crowded food courts, as tables were divided by plastic and cardboard barriers to enforce social distancing.

    Disposable plastic gloves were provided to customers while shopping at some malls, with UV machines being used for the sanitation of shopping bags.

    “We are pleased to see Thailand’s success in handling this crisis which enables us to resume operations,” said The Mall Group CEO of The Emporium and Executive Committee Kriengsak Tantiphipop, “but, for us as for our clients, this comes with a strong sense of responsibility and a need to adapt to the new normal.”

    The nationwide mall reopening saw lengthy queues outside popular venues in Bangkok and in the provinces even before opening hours, with overcrowding forcing some businesses to temporarily close, overwhelmed by the number of shoppers. The Ikea store in Bang Na closed its doors as a means to control high shopper traffic, while Future Park Rangsit monitored consumer numbers based on scans of a QR code upon entry.

    Major mall operator Central Pattana reopened all 33 branches of its shopping centers nationwide under tight density control measures, limiting crowds to one person per five sqm. The owners of Bangkok malls reopened are continuing to offer rental discount rates to tenant stores over the next three to six months, with customer traffic in the early phase of the reopening expected to be just 25–40 percent of normal.

    According to a report in the Bangkok Post, some customers faced difficulties registering their details on an app designed to boost safety by reporting on store congestion. An average of 4635 people were using the app per minute. The app, named “Thai Chana” (“Thailand Wins”) is designed to be used by the Thai government to trace social contacts in case of a new outbreak of the coronavirus. The government will send messages via the app if a coronavirus case is discovered in a specific venue.

    One foreign consumer described the app to Inside Retail Asia as “shocking” reflecting widespread concern about the tracking feature of the app. However, government authorities rushed to assure consumers the app would only be used to identify people who potentially came into contact with a Covid-19 infected person if a patient was identified as having been in a store.

    Bangkok malls reopened following a slowing down of Thailand’s outbreak, with only three new cases announced on Sunday, and total cases just cresting 3000. The impact of the virus and subsequent lockdown is expected to see the Thai economy contract by more than six percent.

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