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Tag: bangkok

  • 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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  • Shopee teams up with DHL eCommerce in Thailand to offer a seamless delivery experience

    Shopee teams up with DHL eCommerce in Thailand to offer a seamless delivery experience

    DHL eCommerce, a division of the world’s leading logistics company, Deutsche Post DHL Group, is partnering with Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, to offer greater convenience and choice to Shopee users in Thailand. Sellers on Shopee can now access over 500 DHL ServicePoints across Thailand to drop off their parcels and have them delivered to their shoppers across Thailand. Alternatively, sellers can also arrange a pickup from DHL for door-to-door delivery service to their buyers.

    “We are thrilled to be partnering Shopee to offer greater ease, choice and control over  the online delivery experience. Shoppers’ expectations are growing with regards to their entire purchasing experience — they expect a great and seamless experience from the time they click to purchase until the goods are received. A recent report states that 60% of consumers purchased from one online merchant over another because delivery options were more convenient for their needs, highlighting the pivotal role of delivery in the overall online shopping experience[1] ,” says Kiattichai Pitpreecha, Managing Director, Southeast Asia, DHL eCommerce. 

    “Shopee is excited to work with DHL eCommerce and we are confident that our users will benefit from the suite of services and features offered by DHL. We aim to become the online shopping destination of choice in all our markets and will continue to explore synergies between the two companies to make both buying and selling on Shopee as easy and seamless as possible,” says Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer of Shopee.

    DHL’s domestic delivery network in Thailand offers high quality delivery service and a range of other services, such as easy IT and API integration, end-to-end tracking, delivery insurance, cash on delivery and more, tailored for the booming e-commerce industry. This enables sellers and leading brands on Shopee to efficiently reach out to customers across the country. Shoppers on the other hand will benefit from the consistent quality and convenience of delivery options. DHL eCommerce will also be growing its ServicePoint footprint in Thailand to over a thousand in the coming months to offer increased touchpoints with users.

    To mark the start of the partnership, Shopee and DHL will be extending a limited period free shipping promotion. Shopee sellers can enjoy free shipping nationwide (terms and conditions apply) from now until 30 June 2018 when they select DHL as the logistics provide for their shipments.

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  • YAANA Corporate Challenge Announced for September in Thailand

    YAANA Corporate Challenge Announced for September in Thailand

    Companies across Asia are being invited to join the 2nd YAANA Corporate Challenge, which will take place in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 21-23 September 2018.

    The 2-day/3-night corporate networking event has been designed for business people interested in environmental best practice. By day, the participants ride bicycles to see the best of northern Thailand scenery. Participation in the bike rides raises funds for Operation Smile Thailand. The charity pays for operations for Thai children to fix debilitating deformities such as cleft lip.

    Evenings in Chiang Mai will feature relaxed activities such as a cocktail reception and dinner to replenish calories burnt by day. The Friday evening dinner will feature a guest speaker. The closing dinner on Sunday night will take place at an iconic location in Chiang Mai city.

    The annual cycle ride was conceived by responsible tourism investor, YAANA Ventures. Khiri Travel and cycle trip specialists, Grasshopper Adventures, will handle logistics. YAANA is leading the sign-up and fundraising component.

    “It is not a cycle race,” says Mark Remijan, CFO of YAANA Ventures. “Far from it. Our priority is corporate networking and fundraising based on sustainability and conservation themes. It’s also about health, enjoying amazing scenery, and raising funds that will enhance young people’s lives.”

    Only a moderate amount of fitness is required. The bike ride element will offer two options: 140kms or 100kms over two days. This comes with full back up support van and plenty of good food and refreshments along the way.

    Last year the male and female riders in the YAANA Corporate Challenge raised US$25,000 for Operation Smile. They are targeting around US$40,000 this year.

    The funds will be used to pay for operations, after care and speech therapy for Thai children born with facial deformities. Kind-hearted companies can sign up teams of one to three riders depending on their sponsorship package: platinum (three riders for THB175,000/US$5,600), gold (two riders for THB125,000/US$4,000), or silver (a single rider at THB75,000/US$2,400).

    Packages include bikes with full technical support, accommodation, corporate branding, apparel, meals, souvenirs, publicity for participating brands, and more.

    The inaugural YAANA Corporate Challenge bike ride took place in coastal central Vietnam in September 2017. Companies interested in participating this year can view the Vietnam clip as a guide to what to expect in Chiang Mai.

    The YAANA Corporate Challenge is open to business leaders from any sector, says Willem Niemeijer, CEO of YAANA Ventures.

    “Participants from any industry can join,” says Niemeijer. “They should be passionate about people and planet as well as profits – and ready to get in the saddle to enjoy great scenery by day, and the exchange of ideas in the evening.”

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  • AEON Free New Kawaii LINE Sticker “Kanekko Cat” is Available Now

    AEON Free New Kawaii LINE Sticker “Kanekko Cat” is Available Now

    AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) Public Company Limited launched the sixth version of its LINE sticker set, “AE Chan, ON Kun & Kanekko” which introduces new kawaii character, “Kanekko”, a Japanese cat with colorful kimono who represents warmth and friendship towards AEON members. The new LINE sticker’s 3D animations will make every chat more fun. The stickers have a 90 days validity and can be downloaded for free from now until 30 May 2018.

    Becomes friends with AEON LINE Official for more information on promotions and activities by searching (“AE Chan, ON Kun & Kanekko”)

  • The Mall Group spends 17 billion THB in a facelift

    The Mall Group spends 17 billion THB in a facelift

    The Mall Group plans to spend up to THB17 billion (US$544.2 million) initially to overhaul its Bangkok complexes.

    After 35 years it is aiming for a fresh image as e-commerce buffets the retail industry.

    “We are confident the new look will pave the way for a new chapter in Thailand’s retail
    landscape, as store design, shopping ambience, and product and service offerings become more cool and chic,” said The Mall Group senior executive VP Achara Umpujh in an interview.

    With its tenant leasing agreement about to expire, The Mall Ngam Wong Wan will be first up for a facelift in August, pegged to cost THB3.5 billion and take nearly two years to complete.

    The company will also spend THB6 billion to demolish The Mall Ramkhamhaeng and rebuild it. Work starts next month and is expected to take about two and a half years.
    Finally, major renovations for The Mall branches in Bang Kapi, Bang Khae and Tha Phra will be done in parallel and be completed within the next five years.

    After completing its remodelling work, the company will update other business units such as Be Trend, Power Mall and Sports Mall.

    Meanwhile, group chairwoman Supaluck Umpujh will launch the EmSphere retail project near The Emporium shopping complex this year following two years of delay.

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  • Alibaba in a smart deal with the Thai government

    Alibaba in a smart deal with the Thai government

    China’s Alibaba Group will partner with the Thai government to build a smart digital trading hub in Thailand while also working to develop its capabilities in e-commerce, digital logistics, tourism and training.

    Alibaba says it will work with Thailand on everything from boosting efficiencies in trade to educating Thai entrepreneurs and SMEs in digital commerce. The partnership will give Thailand access to technologies and processes that can help advance its economy, while Alibaba gains a stronger foothold in an important market in Southeast Asia.

    Local news media has valued Alibaba’s Thai investment commitments at THB11 billion (US$352 million).

    The smart digital hub, in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, will use technologies from Alibaba and its logistics platform Cainiao Network to streamline trade between Thailand and China and other markets, including digitising the customs process.

    At the same time, Alibaba and the Thai government say they will develop educational initiatives for SMEs and entrepreneurs to learn best practices for e-commerce. Included are courses co-developed by Alibaba Business School and Thailand’s Ministries of Industry and Commerce, as well as training centered on the digital economy at Alibaba Business School in Hangzhou.

    Under the deal, Thailand also gains greater access to China’s consumer market. Thai products such as fragrant rice, durian and other tropical fruits are in demand in China.

    In a related move, a flagship store has been launched on Alibaba’s Tmall platform to sell Thai rice, the country’s main export.

    Alibaba’s online travel platform Fliggy is part of the arrangement because of Thailand’s popularity as a destination for Chinese tourists. Fliggy and the Tourism Authority of Thailand will work to develop smart and digital services for those visitors, including online tour guides and electronic ticketing systems.

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  • True Move told to consider compensation over data leak

    True Move told to consider compensation over data leak

    Thai telecoms regulator NBTC has instructed mobile operator True Move H to assess the impact of its recent personal data leak and offer compensation to any affected customers.

    The regulator also plans to conduct a formal investigation into the incident and consider imposing punishments, and issue a letter demanding that mobile operators take appropriate steps to prevent similar breaches in the future.

    A security researcher recently revealed that the identity documents of up to 45,736 customers of True subsidiary iTrueMart had been exposed by being stored in a publicly-accessible Amazon S3 data bucket. The company also took more than a month to finally make the cache of files private.

    Researcher Niall Merrigan discovered the cache by scanning certificate transparency logs created when someone creates a new security certificate.

    Yet True Move H and parent True Corp are continuing to characterize the action as a data breach. A True Corp executive told that the company is considering taking legal action for hacking the data from the system, stating that he used “special tools to access data which he has no right to get into.”

    But a cloud expert noted that because the default setting for the AWS S3 service is private, True had to have intentionally set the data to public.

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  • Nok Air touches down at Mae Hong Son

    Nok Air touches down at Mae Hong Son

    Nok Air landed smoothly at Mae Hong Son Airport in a maiden flight that re-established the long-awaited direct air link between Bangkok and the northwestern city.

    The arrival of flight DD8214, operated by a 72-seat ATR72-500 turboprop, marks a new era for easy connection between the Thai capital and “the city of three mists.”

    Officiating the launch was Transport Minister Arkom Termpitthayapaisith, Mae Hong Son Governor Suebsak Aiamwijan, Nok Air CEO Mr. Piya Yodmani, Thai Airways International (THAI) Acting President Usanee Sangsingkeo and THAI Smile Acting Managing Director Chatchai Panyoo.

    The city was without direct service from Bangkok for decades mainly because of limited demand for both leisure and business travel.

    But with Nok Air’s newly-introduced services, at three flights a week, Mae Hong Son’s economy, particularly its high-potential tourism industry, will be given an impetus.

    The launch quickly responds to the Government’s recent directive to enhance access to the province whose economic and social development has been in greater focus, said Mr. Piya.

    The introduction was also made possible by cooperation extended by THAI and subsidiary THAI Smile which became code-share partners for the flight under the umbrella of THAI Group which the three carriers belong, he added.

    Subject to robust demand, Nok Air may step up the Bangkok-Mae Hong Son frequencies, now on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, on a daily basis, according to Mr. Piya.

    The ATR72-500 turboprop was chosen for the flights because it can operate on the shorter runway at Mae Hong Son airport.

    Mae Hong Son Governor Suebsak welcomed Nok Air’s decision to offer regular Bangkok-Mae Hong Son service for it would spur the province’s development, especially the tourism sector.

    “It would help spreading out tourism to the wider area of Mae Hong Son, rather just the current hotspot at Pai,” he noted.

    Last year, Mae Hong Son attracted 862,219 tourists with total spending of THB 4.17 billion.

    Nok Air CEO, Mr. Piya estimated Nok Air could bring in at least 20,000 tourists directly by air to the province this year.

    Access to Mae Hong Son by ground transport is a challenge, a mountain road that boasts 1,864 hairpin bends end-to-end.

    Nok Air will cover the distance from the Thai capital and Mae Hong Son in one hour and 50 minutes.

  • NBTC backs down on financial relief for AIS, True

    NBTC backs down on financial relief for AIS, True

    Thai telecoms regulator NBTC has backed down on its recommendation of providing financial relief for mobile operators AIS and TrueMove in the face of criticism from academia and the public sector.

    The regulator will no longer support a plan to provide relief from the operators’ 900-MHz license payment obligations.

    The ultimate decision will be down to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and the government, but the NBTC will not oppose a plan that would ease the financial burden of digital TV operators but leave 900-MHz license winners out.

    AIS and TrueMove both petitioned the NCPO in September requesting assistance in easing their license payment terms. The NBTC had drawn up a proposal to grant five year extensions for the payments of the final 900-MHz license payments, but the proposal was controversial.

    TrueMove noted that the winning prices of the 2015 900-MHz spectrum auction were six times higher than the reserve price and the highest in APAC, and has warned that without financial relief the company will have limited capital for investment in services including 5G and the IoT. The company could also be hampered in its participation in the upcoming 1800-MHz auction.

    AIS has likewise argued that relaxing the 900-MHz payment scheme would allow the company to invest in expanding and upgrading its mobile network, benefiting consumers.