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Tag: bangkok

  • Feel International brings Myanmar cuisine into Thailand

    Feel International brings Myanmar cuisine into Thailand

    Myanmar restaurant chain Feel International is set to open in Thailand. Opening in the popular Bangkok tourist area of Pratunam on Thursday (January 24), the group intends to introduce Myanmar cuisine to Thai consumers and foreigners.

    “At present, many restaurants are attempting to cater to the needs of tourists from China, however there are eight flights to Bangkok from Yangon every day, and there are tens of thousands of Myanmar citizens working and studying there, so there is a potential market for Myanmar cuisine”, said Feel International operations director Ko Johnny.

    “This is the very first Myanmar restaurant opened in a foreign capital city. Bangkok is one of the biggest restaurant markets in the world. It offers a wide variety of cuisine, even something as exotic in Asia as Ethiopian. Bangkok is the first step for Myanmar traditional food to penetrate the international markets”, he said.

    The restaurant intends to serve lunch boxes with Myanmar favourites for Myanmar people working in companies and offices around the area.

    Discussions are being held to open further restaurants in Chiang Mai and Mesauk.

  • King Power monopoly ending at Bangkok’s airport

    King Power monopoly ending at Bangkok’s airport

    Thailand’s much-maligned airport duty-free monopoly appears set to be nearing an end.

    For years, major Thai retailers have complained that incumbent operator King Power has controlled the retail offer – and prices – at Thailand’s largest airports, especially Suvarnabhumi outside Bangkok. Frequent travellers often comment that airport ‘duty-free’ prices are higher than at other airports in the region, including Singapore and Hong Kong.

    On Wednesday, state-owned Airports of Thailand (AOT) approved guidelines for concessions for duty-free and commercial activities at its airports, the first step in opening up retail spaces to other companies.

    According to Reuters, AOT will offer three retail licences at an upcoming auction, clearing the way for Thai retail giants Central Group and The Mall Group, along with South Korea’s Hotel Shilla, to enter the fray.

    King Power’s current licence ends next year.

    AOT says contracts will cover duty-free retail, commercial businesses such as food and beverage outlets and pick-up counters for shoppers who buy goods in town and collect them at the airport after clearing customs and immigration.

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  • Thailand’s Zen Corporation completes IPO

    Thailand’s Zen Corporation completes IPO

    Thai restaurant operator Zen Corporation secured THB975 million (US$31.35 million) via an IPO issued last Wednesday.

    The firm sold all 75 million shares on offer, representing 25 per cent of its registered capital, at THB13 each. Its stock price grew 17.69 per cent over the course of its trading debut, as strong demand pushed the value per share up to THB15.30 on the first day.

    Zen Corporation is known for its various restaurant chains, including its eponymous brand as well as Musha by Zen, Sushi Cyu Carnival Yakiniku, AKA, On the Table Tokyo Cafe, Tetsu and de Tummour.

    The firm also operates food delivery, catering, restaurant management and consultancy services, as well as food retail operations.

  • Tesco Asia sales slip further, but profit up

    Tesco Asia sales slip further, but profit up

    Tesco Asia like-for-like sales continue to decline while the UK-headquartered company repositions its offer – masking a stronger underlying performance for the business.

    “We have made good progress in our discussions with suppliers towards a new commercial approach,” explained Tesco CEO Dave Lewis in a quarterly update.

    “We also accelerated planned changes to our operating model in Thailand, helping to reduce costs and underpinning our profit recovery.”

    Lewis said that despite minor changes to the government-issued welfare cards scheme during the third quarter, Tesco Thailand sales fell by about 1 per cent for the 19-weeks including the key Christmas trading period.

    Restructured Thailand store operations have led to reduced costs, underpinning profit recovery at the expense of sales.

    Referring to Tesco’s global operations, Lewis added: “We have more to do everywhere but remain bang on track to deliver our plans for the year and as we enter our centenary we are in a strong position.”

    The December quarter represented the 12th consecutive quarter of like-for-like sales growth for Tesco globally, with sales up 2.6 per cent.

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  • Armani Box Bangkok pops up at Suvarnabhumi Airport

    Armani Box Bangkok pops up at Suvarnabhumi Airport

    Giorgio Armani Beauty has opened an Armani Box Bangkok pop-up store at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

    Located in the departures hall, the pop up will showcase the brand’s beauty ranges until the end of this month.

    The Armani Box Bangkok store was designed with hot-red walls and black lighting fixtures. A giant gorilla, Uri, welcomes visitors as they enter the store. Created by Italian artist Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba, the full-sized golden gorilla is a replica of the black one that resides in Giorgio Armani’s home in Milan.

    Thai and Chinese KOLs, Ms Nutty Ploychompoo, Ms Archita Siripinyanond and Ms Liu Lin (Xiao Yu) at the Armani Box Bangkok

    Thai and Chinese KOLs, Ms Nutty Ploychompoo, Ms Archita Siripinyanond and Ms Liu Lin (Xiao Yu) at the Armani Box Bangkok

    The Armani Box Bangkok is decked out with a series of cinematic details to explore

    The Armani Box Bangkok is decked out with a series of cinematic details to explore

    Armani Box Bangkok is decked out with a series of cinematic details and visitors can become ‘movie stars’ with a series of details to explore, including making a Walk of Fame digital handprint and filming their own screen test.

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  • Under Armour Thailand eyes 20 per cent sales growth

    Under Armour Thailand eyes 20 per cent sales growth

    Under Armour Thailand is targeting a 20-per-cent sales increase in the kingdom, according to the brand’s exclusive Asian distributor Triple Pte Ltd.

    The company is focusing on footwear sales to follow up on its gains in the apparel sector in a sporting goods market expected to see 5–7 per cent growth this year. It will also offer a wider range of branded products, including sleepwear.

    “Under Armour is a relatively new brand in Thailand, and it has huge potential to spread its wings here,” said company CEO Michael Binger during a visit to Thailand last week. “We want to grow our footwear business at a faster pace than in the past and expect footwear sales to increase to 35 per cent of total sales by 2020, up from 25 per cent last year.”

    As part of this year’s expansion plans, Triple Pte is planning exploratory Under Armour Thailand outlets in the country’s north, with a shop-in-shop scheduled for the Mall Nakhon Ratchasima as well as a potential new shop in popular tourist destination Chiang Mai. It will also launch another branch in suburban Bangkok.

    “We see huge potential in the sporting goods business in Thailand,” said Binger, “and we feel confident in our capability to propel Under Armour to success here because we are an alternative brand for people looking for innovative performance shoes.”

    Thailand is Under Armour’s second fastest-growing market in Southeast Asia after Singapore.

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  • Espoir Thailand debuts through Eveandboy

    Espoir Thailand debuts through Eveandboy

    Amorepacific-owned makeup brand eSpoir has launched in Thailand via cosmetics retailer chain Eveandboy.

    Nearly 130 eSpoir products are available at Eveandboy stores at Siam Square One shopping mall and at Terminal 21 near Asoke Station.

    The highest-profile eSpoir products include Dewy Face Glow moisturiser with hyaluronic acid, No Wear Lipstick, and Pro Tailor Foundation Be Silk / Be Glow.

    The South Korean brand will launch in eight more Eveandboy stores and an online mall to build a strong presence in the Thailand beauty market and expand channels.

    Amorepacific says it plans further expansion into other Asean countries.

  • Grand Opening of Centara West Bay Residences & Suites Doha

    Grand Opening of Centara West Bay Residences & Suites Doha

    Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has celebrated the grand opening of its dramatic new waterfront hotel in Doha, introducing the company’s elegant Thai hospitality to the State of Qatar for the first time.

    The 265-key Centara West Bay Residences & Suites Doha is a striking new hotel located in the city’s West Bay district, which is home to many of downtown Doha’s most stunning skyscrapers. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the hotel is just moments away from the lively Doha Corniche and 25-minutes’ drive from Qatar’s Hamad International Airport.

    The launch of this new landmark marks a major milestone for Centara, as the company continues to expand its international footprint. One of the Middle East’s most eagerly-anticipated new hotels, Centara West Bay Residences & Suites Doha harmoniously blends luxurious interiors and facilities with the timeless charm of Thai hospitality, while also showcasing authentic Qatari culture.

    The grand opening event featured traditional Thai and Qatari performances, including a falconry show, plus executive speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and VIP dinner created by Michelin starred chef, Alfred Prasad.

    “Doha is one of the most dynamic destinations in the world today, and we are delighted to enter this important market with such a spectacular new hotel. Centara West Bay Residences & Suites Doha is an iconic addition to the city’s skyline. With spacious accommodation, luxurious facilities and gracious Thai service, this hotel will cater for all types of guest, from leisure visitors and large family groups to long-stay business travellers. We look forward to welcoming all guests to Doha in the future, as the city embarks on an exciting new era of international prominence and prosperity,” commented Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Office, Centara Hotels and Resorts.

    Guests have a choice of stylish and spacious accommodation, comprising studios, suites, one- to three-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom penthouses, all featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with breath-taking views of the Gulf. Residences range in size from a generous 45 square metres to an opulent 365 square metres and come fully equipped with comfortable bedrooms, separate living and dining areas, kitchens, and cutting-edge technology, including Smart TVs.

    Centara West Bay Residences & Suites Doha features a collection of contemporary F&B outlets, including Caprice, a café-inspired restaurant showcasing exquisite Thai cuisine and international fare; Dalchini, which promises progressive Indian from creative Chef Alfred Prasad cuisine; plus a chic Lobby Lounge and a refreshing Pool Bar. In-room dining is also available and residences have their own cooking and dining facilities.

    There are many opportunities for relaxation, including an indoor pool with panoramic views of the Gulf, a spacious fitness centre and aerobics studio. There is also a kids’ club and children’s pool for younger guests, plus a gift shop, prayer room and two flexible meeting rooms.

    A key cultural and economic hub for the entire Middle East region, Doha is home to a wealth of cultural attractions including the historic Souq Waqif market, Museum of Islamic Art and State Grand Mosque, plus major shopping malls and soft sandy beaches. It is also rapidly emerging as a global sporting destination, hosting the annual season-opening Qatar Open tennis tournament, the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships and of course, the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    The Middle East is a key strategic part of Centara’s five-year development plan, which aims to double the company’s global portfolio of hotels and resorts by 2022. Centara Muscat Hotel opened in 2017, and following this week’s grand opening of Centara West Bay Residences & Suites Doha, the group further plans to launch Centara Grand Hotel Doha in the first half of 2020.

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  • AEON gives hefty prizes for the lucky winners of the “AEON Happy Pay” campaign

    AEON gives hefty prizes for the lucky winners of the “AEON Happy Pay” campaign

    Recently, Ms. Saranya Pipoppinyo (5th from left), Vice President Marketing of AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) Public Company Limited awarded prizes to the lucky winners of the “AEON Happy Pay” campaign. The grand giveaway comprises of three prizes of gold bars, worth 100,000 baht each, the second is 20 prizes of 50 satang gold necklaces and the third is 100 vouchers with a combined value of 586,500 baht.  Eligible participants include AEON Your Cash customers that make an installment payment at participating department stores and shops from 30 August – 30 November, 2018.

     

  • Lancome Bangkok pop up store in a fantasy wonderland

    Lancome Bangkok pop up store in a fantasy wonderland

    Lancome’s fantasy wonderland pop‑up at Bangkok King Power Rangnam, featuring the brand’s first ever interactive LED projection, will come to a close on March 10.

    The Chinese New Year Lancome pop-up was launched on February 4 following the success of Lancome’s festivities at King Power Rangnam the previous year. In keeping with the brand’s stated commitment to “empower women to express their best selves”, Lancome’s “Wish Big” pop-up featured a state-of-the-art LED installation that went up to the atrium ceiling, surrounded by floating lanterns symbolising wishes rising into the heavens.

    Guests enjoy real-time interaction with the retail design as they walk around the 10‑metre-long LED installation. The wonderland-inspired design is fully integrated with the entire retail space, allowing Lancome to completely take over of the Rangnam atrium.

    Every single visible touchpoint and the six‑metre-high chateau structure is branded with Lancome’s signature shade of Parisian rouge, wishing visitors a good start to the New Year and contributing to the festive CNY atmosphere.

    The immersive experience in Lancome’s wonderland continues inside the pop-up with a custom “boomerang photo booth” that allows visitors to virtually interact with Lancome products. All photos and videos can be downloaded so visitors can share them on social media. On the other side of the pop‑up, a large LED installation displays a Parisian cityscape that doubles as an interactive game, giving customers  the chance to “catch” floating Lancome products on screen and exchange them for prizes in store.

    “King Power aims to elevate the experience of duty‑free shopping through the careful curation of our retail offerings,” said King Power Group’s senior executive VP Susan Whelan. “Particularly during this holiday season when more people will be travelling, we want to make our customers feel right at home here with us.”

    “We are committed to bringing greater happiness to each and every one of our customers, and we hope that their experience with Lancome here will create more happy moments and happy memories for a wonderful start to the year ahead,” said Lancome Travel Retail Asia Pacific GM Tao Zhang.

    The pop-up also offers travellers a range of exclusive gift-with-purchase, all styled to reflect the flying pig that Lancome has chosen as its symbol for the new year.

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  • Thai telcos to establish telecom CERT

    Thai telcos to establish telecom CERT

    Eight Thai telecom operators have reportedly signed an agreement to establish a dedicated telecom computer emergency response team (CERT).

    The operators, which include incumbents AIS, Dtac and True as well as state-owned operators TOT and CAT, will establish the CERT over the next 12 months.

    The collaboration will initially involve sharing information about cyber threats, as well as collaborating on analytics to deal with threats to state agency websites and e-commerce sites.

    Other signatories include Symphony Communication, CS Loxinfo and United Information Highway.

    The move to establish a dedicated industry CERT is in line with the cybersecurity bill recently passed by Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly. The telecom body will be the second industry CERT to collaborate with the national CERT after the finance industry.

    The telecom CERT will be self-regulated and managed by the Telecommunications Association of Thailand, the report states.

    The association is seeking funding of 20 million baht ($630,000) from telecoms regulator NBTC to help pay for the establishment of the CERT. The full budget has not yet been set, but all members are expected to contribute.

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  • Taiwan’s extravagant buffet restaurant “Harbour” now open at Iconsiam

    Taiwan’s extravagant buffet restaurant “Harbour” now open at Iconsiam

    Taiwan’s extravagant Harbour buffet restaurant has opened its first Thai restaurant at IconSiam. Charoen Pokphand Foods PLC (CPF) and Taiwan’s HiLai Group have jointly brought the famous international buffet restaurant to Thailand. The franchise has routinely seen diners in China and Taiwan waiting a month for a table. The 2000sqm IconSiam outlet is its 10th restaurant worldwide, pending Harbour’s unveiling in major global cities as part of CPF’s strategy to become “Kitchen of the World”.

    “Harbour has enjoyed overwhelming success in Taiwan and China”, said CPF’s COO-food business and co-president Sukhawat Dansermsuk. “We believe that we will be warmly welcomed by Thai consumers thanks to the restaurant’s strengths coupled with Thais’ eating-out lifestyle. And that’ll be the beginning of CPF’s success in the restaurant business.”

     

    According to Sukhawat, the restaurant was established as a joint venture with HiLai Group with THB130 million (US$4.16 million) in registered capital.

    CP HiLai Harbour CEO Liu Tzu-Ming said the venue is targeting THB240 million ($7.68 million) in first-year revenue and plans to introduce new restaurants at major Thai cities.

    The international buffet restaurant can accommodate 450 diners per round, or about 1000 diners per day.

    View the gallery below for more picture of the restaurant :

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  • King Power duty free monopoly ending soon

    King Power duty free monopoly ending soon

    Thailand’s much-maligned airport duty-free monopoly appears set to be nearing an end. For years, major Thai retailers have complained that incumbent operator King Power has controlled the retail offer – and prices – at Thailand’s largest airports, especially Suvarnabhumi outside Bangkok. Frequent travellers often comment that airport ‘duty-free’ prices are higher than at other airports in the region, including Singapore and Hong Kong.

    On Wednesday, state-owned Airports of Thailand (AOT) approved guidelines for concessions for duty-free and commercial activities at its airports, the first step in opening up retail spaces to other companies.

    According to Reuters, AOT will offer three retail licences at an upcoming auction, clearing the way for Thai retail giants Central Group and The Mall Group, along with South Korea’s Hotel Shilla, to enter the fray.

    King Power’s current licence ends next year.

    AOT says contracts will cover duty-free retail, commercial businesses such as food and beverage outlets and pick-up counters for shoppers who buy goods in town and collect them at the airport after clearing customs and immigration.

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  • Armani’s pop-up opens in Thailand

    Armani’s pop-up opens in Thailand

    Giorgio Armani beauty announces the opening of its itinerant pop-up store ARMANI BOX in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand. The opening of ARMANI BOX BANGKOK was celebrated on February 11th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an exclusive event in the presence of influencers from Thailand and China. During the event, the design of ARMANI BOX BANGKOK was revealed: with its hot red walls and black lighting fixtures, it is full of surprises. A giant gorilla, Uri, welcomes visitors as they enter the store: created by Italian artist Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba, the full-sized golden gorilla is a replica of the black one that resides in Giorgio Armani’s home in Milan. “This resin gorilla is a gift that came from a movie set. He’s called Uri”.

    It is hard to think about Giorgio Armani without bringing cinematic images to mind. The new ARMANI BOX experience allows the visitor to become a movie star with a series of details to explore: from the Walk of Fame digital handprint, to the backstage makeup stations, as well as a red carpet indicating the way. Visitors can also film their very own screen test, entering a director’s booth and playing with their emotions; portrait photos and videos will be available to keep, share and post online.

    The ARMANI BOX is a sensorial and playful immersion in Giorgio Armani beauty’s universe. Visitors can discover product exclusives included a limited edition version of its new lip product Rouge d’Armani Matte #400, and personalize their products with engraving.

  • ICONSIAM in the newest global attraction in Thailand

    ICONSIAM in the newest global attraction in Thailand

    ICONSIAM, the mega city project of futuristic living and an iconic landmark of Thailand’s eternal prosperity on the Chao Phraya River, held the inauguration ceremony for Thailand’s new global attraction on the Chao Phraya River known as the “ICONIC Multimedia Water Features”, which is one of the Seven Wonders of ICONSIAM. The city project is the result of the collaboration of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Bangkok River Partners, the Association of Chao Phraya Commerce, the Thai Shipping Association as well as other related agencies and organisations.

    At over 400 metres, it is the longest water dance in Southeast Asia featuring a combination of light, colour, sound and multimedia and set in front of beautiful vistas across the Chao Phraya River. It seeks to glorify and highlight the grandeur of the river for the world to be impressed while attracting local and international visitors to the Chao Phraya River.

    Held at River Park, ICONSIAM, the opening ceremony was attended by the most distinguished people from agencies, organisations, and associations playing an important role in driving tourism in Thailand forward, together with business partners of ICONSIAM as well as many celebrities who joined to witness the momentous occasion.

    Among the well-known celebrities present were the Gubgib-Bie-Pao Pao family, Esther Supreeleela, ‘Ken’ Phupoom Pongpanupak, AF alumni namely Nim, Tee, Baimon, Focus, Mac, Ploysai, Bass, Jackie, Ice, ‘Jeab’ Sopidnapa Chumpanee Dabbaransi, ‘Mona’ Wipawee Korman, ‘Jan’ Siranuj Rojanasatien, Ploy Mahadumrongkul, ‘Kat’ Wantita Lewchalermwong, ‘Ming’ Suwara Sanitwong Na Ayudhya, ‘Yingair’ M.R. Chanladda Yukol, Lina Leenutapong Amornsiri and Jarudej Boonyasit, and many more.

    Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., said, “ICONSIAM marks the bringing to life of the concept of ‘Creating Shared Value’ on a scale as never before been seen anywhere in the world.

    The ‘Chao Phraya Master Vision’ was announced 5 years ago, pioneering a historical and national collaboration among multiple different enterprises, the government and private sectors, historic locations, civil society, 5-star hotels and communities along the riverside.

    Since its launch, there have been many collaborations, with the best example being the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2019 and its fireworks display which was viewed by more 1.5 million people.

    ICONSIAM itself welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in a single day for the event. The event brought fame to Thailand and let the world witness the grandeur and beauty of the Chao Phraya River via the world’s leading media such as CNN, BBC, and Reuters. This is a part of the collaborations envisaged in the ‘Chao Phraya Master Vision’ to help make the Chao Phraya River a significant global destination for tourism.”

    ICONSIAM is a city that is the centre of a vast array of wonders in art and culture. It offers the best in shopping and entertainment made possible through the collaboration of business organisations that are both big and small.

    A lot of individuals have come together from different professions. They share a desire to build a venue where all that makes Thais can be presented in the most exquisite way possible. They come together to build a new icon which will become a mega phenomenon that will epitomise ‘Creating Shared Value’, uniting all stakeholders and spreading prosperity to communities, society and the nation. This is embodied in every element within ICONSIAM, and especially the seven wonders.

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