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Tag: bangkok

  • Thailand on the Verge of Becoming a Cryptocurrency Heaven

    Thailand on the Verge of Becoming a Cryptocurrency Heaven

    Following the Royal Decree by Thailand’s regulatory authorities on May 14, 2018, that cryptocurrencies are formerly digital assets, the Asian nation is set to take its local blockchain-based digital currency industry to the next level by showing five Initial Coin Offering (ICO) projects the green light to operate in the area, out of the 50 startups that filed for approval.

    A Crypto Giant in the Making?

    The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is looking to register five ICO projects later in June when the cryptocurrency decree takes effect.

    According to the SEC director of equity finance Thawatchai Kiatkwankul, of the 50 firms that filed to launch their crypto-based fundraisers, only five meet the set standards of the SEC. As such they will fall under the regulatory watchdog’s approval.

    Amidst that backdrop, the SEC is looking to hire more staff and expand its operations to enable it to handle both Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and ICOs.

    ICOs Must Have Real Use Cases

    While many startups have succeeded in developing products and services to solve real-life problems via the ICO route, the sad truth remains that there are a vast array of projects that have no real use cases but are merely interested in deceiving people with technical grammatical jargons and cart away with their funds.

    The regulator has also hinted on easing the rules governing crypto investments and transactions provided investors become more educated concerning the risks involved in the burgeoning industry.

    Bitcoin, Six Altcoins, 90-days Ultimatum, and Token Sale Information

    The Thai authority’s guidelines also entail that only seven established cryptocurrencies including bitcoin, ether, XRP, litecoin, stellar, ethereum classic and bitcoin cash could be used as trading pairs.

    With the latest development, the SEC has mandated all “stakehodlers” in its crypto space including exchanges, brokers, ICO organizers to endeavor to come under its umbrella within 90 days.

    Additionally, all market participants are required to seek approval from the Thai Finance Ministry before carrying out activities in the virtual currency industry. Interestingly the SEC has also made it clear that retail investors are not allowed to purchase ICO-generated tokens worth more than 300,000 baht ($9,000), while institutional investors and high net worth persons can pump in an unlimited amount of funds into any project. At a time when crypto-related businesses and digital currency exchanges are migrating to Malta due to the nation’s amenable regulation for cryptos, this latest move by the Thai authorities could also lure more blockchain startups to the region.

  • Line Thailand launching theme park in Bangkok

    Line Thailand launching theme park in Bangkok

    Line Thailand, a Japanese company that started off as messaging app and has since expanded its services across food delivery to finance, will open its first digital indoor theme park in Bangkok’s Siam Square One on Friday.

    Line Village Bangkok: The Digital Adventure will cover 1300sqm across three floors of the mall. The visitor experience will begin with a mystery: finding a key to get in to Line Village. From there, guests proceed one stage at a time from a space tunnel to a library, then to a kitchen, theatre and rooftop, where the games and Line characters await.

    One of the highlights is for fans to see the world of their favourite chat stickers via a VR headset, and the attraction also includes a merchandise store and a themed restaurant.

    While several Asian cities already have Line stores, Bangkok will be the first to have a permanent indoor park.

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  • Thailand Post to launch e-commerce service offering local products

    Thailand Post to launch e-commerce service offering local products

    Thailand Post is to add e-commerce to its logistics services, offering locally made products from across the country.

    From the fourth quarter, the enterprise will pilot exports of community-made products to Japan by collaborating with Japanese online marketplaces. The move aims to capitalise on cross-border e-commerce to compete with Chinese internet giants dumping their products in Thailand.

    “The company spent 10 million baht to launch Thailandpostmart.com, helping local communities sell their products in a marketplace with special delivery costs,” says Thailand Post president Samorn Terdtampiboon. The website, co-developed with BEC Tero, gathers local products nationwide into a “digital community”, aiming to be the largest distribution channel for agricultural products, crafts, food and One Tambon One Product items.

    The site’s eight categories are halal products, health and beauty, mail products, best cuisine in Thailand, best provincial products, locally made products, home and garden, and automotive.

    In the next phase, the site will integrate with at least 5000 points of sale in communities by year-end through collaboration with the Ministries of Commerce, Industry, Interior, Energy and Agriculture, as well as the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives, to bring more local products to the e-marketplace.

    After the official launch, there will be an estimated 12,000 stock-keeping units of locally made products by April next, with THB200 million (US$6.2 million) in sales revenue through the website.

    Products can be delivered to buyers within two days after order and payment, and mobile apps for both Android and iOS will be available soon.

    By the fourth quarter, Thailand Post will pilot cross-border products to Japan’s largest e-marketplace for items like crafts, jewellery and locally made goods.

    Thailand Post will next month launch an e-wallet developed with partner 2C2P.

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  • Central JD to launch online marketplace in Thailand

    Central JD to launch online marketplace in Thailand

    A JV between JD and Thailand’s Central Group, Central JD Commerce will launch online marketplace www.jd.co.th in August.

    A soft launch is scheduled within the next few weeks.

    “Thailand is our second-biggest market in Southeast Asia following Indonesia, with Vietnam in third place,” says JD corporate VP Gloria Li.

    She says Southeast Asia became part of JD’s overseas expansion strategy two years ago. “We will bring our technology expertise and transfers to local teams, building an innovative retail industry.”
    Li says Thailand is an attractive market because of its preference for high-quality products and the rising number of middle-income consumers.

    A partnership with Central Group will enhance the customer experience for online shopping and logistics, as well as warehouse and delivery capabilities.

    The marketplace will provide goods from qualified merchants, most of whom are brand owners and small- and medium-sized enterprises.

    Li says the JV will export Thai products where the company has a footprint, such as China and Russia.

    “Our big-data analytics technology will provide customers insights into products for which there is high demand, helping them run promotions for targeted customers,” says Li. The return on investment with such marketing campaigns can be measured.

    Globally, JD has 301 million customers, with 82 per cent of its orders made via mobile. It is the largest retailer in China with revenue of US$55.7 billion last year.

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  • Giorgio Armani Beauty launches in Thailand

    Giorgio Armani Beauty launches in Thailand

    High-end fashion brand Giorgio Armani Beauty has launched its first boutique for southeast Asia, at Central Lat Phrao.

    Part of the L’Oreal Group, the store stocks Luminous Silk Foundation, Maestro Foundation and My Armani To Go Cushion, as well as the Lip Maestro line. Also available are skincare products and floral fragrances.

    On the second floor of Gaysorn Village, the first Jurlique Concept Store in Thailand offers skincare products and treatments including the all-natural creams and lotions for which the ingredients are grown at Jurlique’s organic farm in Australia’s Adelaide Hills.

    Spanning 170sqm, the store uses natural materials in its five full-scale treatment rooms.

    Also in stock are Pandora’s new necklaces in sterling silver and leather. And, for the first time ever, the collection includes tassels combined with sterling silver inspired by Native American culture, plus handcrafted feather earrings in sterling silver finished with turquoise enamel.

    As it celebrates the 10th anniversary of the first Cosmolite case, Samsonite is releasing an exclusive gold/silver limited edition to mark this milestone. It has golden embellishments and special executions.

    The pull handle, the zipper pullers and details are accentuated by traces of gold and it has a black embossed lining.

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  • World’s first LINE digital theme park to open in Bangkok on Friday

    World’s first LINE digital theme park to open in Bangkok on Friday

    Line Thailand, a Japanese company that started off as messaging app and has since expanded its services across food delivery to finance, will open its first digital indoor theme park in Bangkok’s Siam Square One on Friday.

    Line Village Bangkok: The Digital Adventure will cover 1300sqm across three floors of the mall. The visitor experience will begin with a mystery: finding a key to get in to Line Village. From there, guests proceed one stage at a time from a space tunnel to a library, then to a kitchen, theatre and rooftop, where the games and Line characters await.

    One of the highlights is for fans to see the world of their favourite chat stickers via a VR headset, and the attraction also includes a merchandise store and a themed restaurant.

    While several Asian cities already have Line stores, Bangkok will be the first to have a permanent indoor park.

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  • Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts to open in Bangkok

    Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts to open in Bangkok

    Luxury is more and more looking at SEA, and Thailand, among others is one of the most promising markets. Besides, sectors such as fashion, jewellery , accessories, in the era in which studies reveal that millennials are more interested in experience rather than possession, hospitality wins their pockets.

    Hilton’s luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, will welcome its first guests in South East Asia in the third quarter of 2018 with the opening of Waldorf Astoria Bangkok.

    One of the region’s most anticipated hotel openings this year, the grand debut will introduce the brand’s iconic experience to discerning travelers in the vibrant Thai capital, in the heart of the bustling Ratchaprasong intersection.

    With a global portfolio of 30 hotels and resorts, Waldorf Astoria is known for its relentless commitment to personal service and culinary expertise in landmark locations around the world.

    Waldorf Astoria consistently offers a strong sense of arrival and impressive public spaces worthy of hosting history. Numerous historical figures – from Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra, to world leaders – have been associated with the brand.

    “Waldorf Astoria Bangkok will mark the brand’s first foray into South East Asia and herald the introduction of Unforgettable Experiences in Bangkok and beyond,” said Daniel Welk, Vice President of Operations, Luxury and Lifestyle, Hilton, Asia Pacific. “The hotel’s timeless environment and exclusively crafted guest experiences, combined with the brand’s unparalleled True Waldorf Service, will set a new benchmark for luxury in Asia.”

    In tribute to the owners of the property, Magnolia Finest Corporation Limited, the building has been designed to give the effect of springing from the ground like a Magnolia flower. Towering above the city, the dazzling sculptural appearance of the property cuts a dramatic profile in the skyline of Bangkok.

    The hotel will boast 171 luxuriously appointed and spacious guest rooms and suites, which reflect the artistry and craftsmanship of award-winning architect André Fu and his design studio AFSO.

    Globally recognized for high-profile, high-end hotels, art spaces and fashion collaborations, the studio has been involved in curating the holistic hotel experience that brings together the building’s contemporary architecture with Thai artisanal tradition.

    The hotel’s crown jewel, meanwhile, will span the top three floors from levels 55 to 57, comprising three distinctively curated dining outlets by world-renowned design and concept firm AvroKO, headquartered in New York.

    In line with Waldorf Astoria’s culinary heritage, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is primed to be a dining destination in itself; it will feature three unique restaurant concepts, a lounge and two bars. Acclaimed chef Rungthiwa Chummongkhon, or Chef Fae, will bring her experience of working at Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe to head the restaurant Front Room, which will present an elegant new blend of “new Nordic” and Thai flavors in a relaxed setting.

  • ICSC picks Siam Piwat’s ‘Siam Discovery’ as world’s best designed

    ICSC picks Siam Piwat’s ‘Siam Discovery’ as world’s best designed

    Bangkok’s Siam Discovery shopping centre has won the top Viva Award from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) for its “cutting-edge design”.

    Siam Discovery, owned by Siam Piwat, was chosen from hundreds of projects around the world for the honour, awarded during the ICSC’s annual leasing convention in Las Vegas.

    Siam Piwat CEO Chadatip Chutrakul said the award proves “Thai creativity and collaboration can take the country’s flag to the top, even on the world stage”.

    “Siam Piwat’s strategy for growth is to do things in retail and retail development that have never been done before in Thailand or even the world. We are committed to being a thought-leader on the global stage through co-creation with retailers and other partners in our developments.”

    The ICSC’s Viva Awards are presented annually, judged by an independent jury to “recognise the best-of-the-best in the world of retail development”. The judges praised Siam Discovery for being transformative.

    “Siam Discovery is a highly imaginative project that gets away from individual stores and walls and into an immersive open experience. It is the first mall development that makes retail an experience as well as the spaces in between being exciting and stimulating. Siam Discovery brings the latest digital technology offerings to create an interactive and experiential retail environment,” the judges agreed.

    Chutrakul described the centre as “a game-changing, hybrid retail destination where products, services, and activities are brought together in a way that suits the lifestyle of millennials”.

    “Products are grouped without the constraints of a particular brand or school of design, in a way that puts the needs of the customer at the centre. Millennials want to discover their own style while exploring new experiences with other people. Here, they can experiment and discover what they like and what expresses their own identity best,” said Chutrakul.

    Siam Discovery opened its doors to visitors in 1997 and underwent a THB4 billion rebuild before reopening in 2016 in its new, award-winning guise.

    During the past two years, Siam Discovery has won six global awards from prestigious competitions in the world of retailing, including World Retail Awards – Store Design of the Year 2017, for being world’s best designed development.

    View the gallery of Siam Discovery’s interior below :

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  • Thailand’s biggest Starbucks opens at CentralWorld Bangkok

    Thailand’s biggest Starbucks opens at CentralWorld Bangkok

    After months-long renovation, Starbucks on the 1st floor of CentralWorld is now back in operation and, this time, becomes Thailand’s biggest store with the area spanning over 600 square meters.

    Decked out with curvy, bright-colored wood and artsy details, the newest Starbucks cafe also offers a new nitrogen-infused drinking experience. While Nitro Cold Brew coffee has been around for a while, Starbucks sets off a new line of frothy drinks on tap (dubbed Draft) composing of Cold Brew Coffee, Nitro Cold Brew coffee, Nitro milk and Nitro peach tea, from which you can choose to create your choice of eight concoctions. For example, Nitro Green Tea Latte is the creamy foam of matcha with Nitro milk, while Nitro Flat White is composed of intense shot of espresso with Nitro Milk.

    Draft drink starts from B130 for short glass or you can go for a flight of four selections for B600.

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  • Siam Piwat adds top brands under ‘One Siam’ banner

    Siam Piwat adds top brands under ‘One Siam’ banner

    Four global brands have opened stores in the One Siam precinct in downtown Bangkok, two of them the retailers’ largest concept stores in Southeast Asia.

    Siam Piwat, parent of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, is combining the properties under the One Siam banner to entice shoppers and encourage cross-patronage.

    The new stores are:

    • Spanish brand Cos, a subsidiary of H&M, has opened its first store in Thailand, taking 546sqm on the first floor of Siam Paragon.

    • Onitsuka Tiger, a subsidiary of Asics, has opened its largest store in Southeast Asia, taking up 300sqm of the ground floor of Siam Center.

     

    • Thai bag, shoes and accessory brand Lyn has opened its first concept store in Thailand on the ground floor of Siam Center.

    • Tokyo dessert brand Croquant Chou Zakuzaku has opened its first Thai branch, on the mezzanine floor of Siam Center.

    Cos MD Marie Honda, describing Thailand as “a vibrant country,” has high expectations for the brand in its newest international market. “We hope our customers will enjoy this new location, which brings to life our commitment to functional design and quality.”

    Croquant Chou Zakuzaku is the latest brand from Bake Cheese Tart Thailand company, serving what it describes as a “wearable choux” concept. “Each choux is unique in an unconventional way and like a fashion item to enjoy any time,” the company said of the concept. The shop also sells soft-serve ice cream made from Hokkaido milk.

    The new Lyn concept store is decorated with black glass and gold metal, designed to portray its “affordable luxury” market positioning and an identity of “trendy, sexy, elegant and sophisticated”.

    Mayuree Chaipromprasith, senior executive VP to Siam Piwat says the One Siam malls are drawing steady enquiry from international brands seeking retail space because of the group’s focus on innovative lifestyle.

    “We focus on offering new concepts to develop new projects, retail businesses and a variety of cutting-edge lifestyle concepts which never existed before in Thailand, or even for their first time in the world,” she said.

    Meanwhile, the Ecotopia zone on the fourth floor of Siam Discovery has introduced some new brands for a health-conscious clients: Bija – skincare products based on rice; Greenhouse & Thlos – organic products that support communities; ZweetHerb – sugar substitute derived from natural stevia; Hyper Design Lab – home decor products designed from natural and wasted materials.

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  • Thai Lion Air increases flight frequency from Jakarta to Bangkok

    Thai Lion Air increases flight frequency from Jakarta to Bangkok

    Thai Lion Air, a subsidiary of Indonesia’s largest private airline, Lion Air, increased its Jakarta-Bangkok service from once a day to twice on Monday.

    The additional SL116 flight, which uses a Boeing 737-900ER, will depart from Don Mueang International Airport at 9 a.m. local time and arrive at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at 12:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the return SL117 flight takes off at 1:10 p.m. and lands in Bangkok at 5 p.m.

    The additional frequency aims to tap into the potential of connecting Asian cities, as passengers from Jakarta will be able connect to other cities from Bangkok, such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Singapore, Yangon, Hanoi, Taipei, Mumbai, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Nanchang, Nanjing, Shanghai, Xi’an and Zhengzhou.

    “This new service is our answer to the high demand for air transportation in Southeast Asia,” said Thai Lion Air CEO and chairman Capt. Darsito Hendro Seputro in a statement.

    Established in 2013, Thai Lion Air boasts 12 domestic networks and operates two regional flights and over 20 international destinations.

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  • AEON and Thai Airways launches “AEON Royal Orchid Plus World Mastercard”

    AEON and Thai Airways launches “AEON Royal Orchid Plus World Mastercard”

    AEON, in cooperation with Thai Airways, launches “AEON Royal Orchid Plus World Mastercard” with the concept of ‘Enjoy the World of Travelling Freedom’, offering the ultimate in travel experiences and superior customer benefits for both business people and jetsetters. It’s estimated there will be more than 5,000 new AEON cardholders this year.

    Mr. Kiyoyasu Asanuma, Managing Director of AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) Public Company Limited said: “AEON has always developed products and offered privilege benefits that focus on customer satisfaction and expand on our premium customer base. By focusing on our customers with a proactive strategy that benefits activities, such as spending and travelling, we can offer our premium customers experiences that truly benefit their lives.

    Taking a step further in AEON’s expansion into the premium market is its cooperation with leading partners, THAI Airways and Mastercard. “AEON Royal Orchid Plus World Mastercard” under the concept ‘limitless travel opportunities’, is part of a new generation of credit cards that double as a personal assistant in creating a trip. It aims to fulfill the needs of target groups with an income of 70,000 baht per month or above, providing value and benefits that compliment their premium lifestyles.

    AEON Royal Orchid Plus World Mastercard enables cardholders to travel around the world with exclusive privileges. For every 15 baht spent in foreign currency they’ll earn 1 AEON Royal Orchid Plus Reward Point. When spending in foreign currency, premium customers are eligible to earn cash-back of up to 36,000 baht per year on global spending. Moreover, when purchasing a second Thai Airways Business Class ticket, they’ll be eligible for 50 percent cash-back as well as access to the Royal Orchid Lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport and a Lounge Key to 850 leading airports around the world.

    Additionally, customers can enjoy exclusive privileges with AEON Personal Assistant, a 24-hour worldwide concierge that will ensure that all requirements of cardholders are provided professionally and personally, anywhere, anytime. Furthermore, this also includes travel accident insurance coverage of up to 31 million baht, as well as compensation for any lost wallet and the items inside; or any damage incurred from online shopping through the Wallet Protection Insurance and Mastercard E-Commerce Protection plan.

    In celebration of the AEON Royal Orchid Plus World Mastercard launch, customers spending with the AEON Royal Orchid Plus World Mastercard within 30 days of activating the card will receive 2,000 bonus miles from Thai Airways. Additionally, customers can earn 15,000 miles or receive up to 50 percent discount when purchasing an iPhone X (256 GB) if they spend with AEON Royal Orchid Plus World Mastercard within 60 days of activation under company terms and condition. This offer is valid from today until 31 July, 2018.

     

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  • KBank teaming with Com7 to expand the BaNanas IT stores

    KBank teaming with Com7 to expand the BaNanas IT stores

    Com7 has teamed with Kasikornbank (KBank) to expand the BaNana store chain, enabling younger consumers to access IT products and services more conveniently.

    Their first joint BaNana pilot branch was in Yasothon, and the two companies plan to have 20 more mini-branches by year’s end offering more diverse retail business and comprehensive financial services in Thailand, says Com7 CEO Sura Khanittaweekul.

    The listed company aims to achieve 600 branches under its management by the end of the year, up from 434 last year. Com7 has set an income-growth target of not less than 15 per cent for this year. Last year’s income came in at THB22.584 billion and net profit at THB608.8 million, both records for the business.

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  • AirAsia Campaign Encourages Thai Travelers to Travel During the Week

    AirAsia Campaign Encourages Thai Travelers to Travel During the Week

    BDO Bangkok has released a follow up to a clever print campaign to encourage Thais to travel on AirAsia during the week, rather than over the weekend when Thailand’s tourist destinations are busier.

    To illustrate this, the campaign uses scenes from ordinary life to look like calendars – emphasising that the weekdays are less hectic.

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  • AEON Shares Double Happiness at 18th Money Expo Bangkok

    AEON Shares Double Happiness at 18th Money Expo Bangkok

    AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) Public Company Limited is preparing to offer a variety of promotions at the 18th Money Expo Bangkok. AEON will be on hand to provide products and information on a variety of financial services, including Personal Loans; Your Cash; AEON Auto Loan; Cash Advance, AEON member applications and the special promotion with Honda motorcycle installment plans, with 0.89% interest rate for 48 months or a gold installment loan with 0% interest rate for 6 months. In addition, AEON shares double happiness to customers who spend according to the conditions. 1st Happiness is a chance for instant win, round trip Thai Airways ticket from Bangkok to Japan for 2 persons or a 1 Baht/15.16 grams gold necklace valued 20,020 THB, 2nd Happiness is Big C gift vouchers, Harry Handed doll pillow, Valentino Rudy summer bags and much more.

    There will also be performances from famous singers on all three days, led by Khun Tom Room 39,Khun Ice Saranyu and Khun Kong Saharat joining the promotion-packed at 18th Money Expo Bangkok from May 10-13 at Impact Muang Thong Thani, 2-3 Challenger Hall.

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