|
ABACUS expands in Thailand
Opens new office in Bangkok
Jaruk Anupongse
(center), deputy permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry, recently
participated in the grand opening ceremony of ABACUS' new home office in
Thailand with Vutti Trichaisri (right) and witnessed by M.L. Tuang Snidvongs
(left) of BEC World Plc.
ABACUS Distribution Systems (Thailand) Ltd. has expanded
to new offices in Bangkok as part of its strategy to increase its presence
in Thailand. While ABACUS has had its Thailand main office in Bangkok for
seven years, the opportunities for expansion prompted the move to newer,
larger offices.
The new office opening reception was presided over by Transport Ministry's
deputy permanent secretary, Jaruk Anupongse, along with more than 400
guests, mainly from the hospitality and travel industries.
Soonthorn Suree (3rd right),
Emirates manager for Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos together with
airline's staff congratulate Vutti Trichaisri.
At a brief ceremony, ABACUS president and CEO Don Birch commented, "Thailand
is a priority for us and most importantly, our customers. Thailand, as an
aviation and tourism center, continues to grow, and our customers will need
even stronger solutions here. We are always looking at ways to enhance our
capabilities, solutions and services for our customers across Asia."
ABACUS' new offices, located on Asoke Road, are comprised of three low-rise
buildings, and are situated on one and a quarter rai of land. Two adjoining
buildings house the main office area and the third building is devoted to a
training center providing free training to all travel agents.
ABACUS currently serves more than half of the travel industry in Thailand,
and has had an important and visible presence in Thailand since 1995.
In addition to formally opening its new offices, ABACUS also made a
charitable donation to the Baan Kru Noi Foster Home, which provides housing
and education to poor and abandoned children between the ages of 3 and 18.
Vutti Trichaisri, managing director of ABACUS Distribution System (Thailand)
Ltd., said, "As we settle in our new home, we turn our thoughts to those who
are homeless and less fortunate."
Vutti Trichaisri presented a check of 54,140 baht to Nualnoi Timkul,
founder of Baan Kru Noi Foster Home, to help support the charity's work in
providing a home and education to poor and abandoned children.
THAI resumes flights to Phnom Penh
Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) on Saturday
February 15 resumed its daily flights to Phnom Penh as the situation in the
Cambodian capital is returning to normal.
The national flag carrier announced that it would resume its daily flights
to Phnom Penh after the flights had been suspended for 16 days.
THAI suspended its regular flights to the Cambodian capital following arson
attacks against the Thai Embassy and other Thai interests in Phnom Penh by
over 1,000 Cambodian hardliners on January 29.
The national flag carrier said that the suspension of the flights had cost
the company up to 15 million baht a week. (TNA)
Elds deer from Banglamung in marriage ceremony to preserve species
Most brides would feel more than a twinge of
disappointment if they were forced to share a husband on their wedding
night. But for two brides at a special wedding ceremony held on February 14,
this polygamous union could be the only way to ensure the survival of the
species.
The brides - Kwanta age six, and Kwanjai age four- did not seem to be doing
too much complaining, although they were perhaps slightly baffled at the
sudden attention.
With the Elds deer population rapidly in decline, Dusit Zoo and the
Department of National Parks, Fauna and Flora decided to find a mate for the
two young deer, taking them to the Banglamung Wildlife Breeding Center in
Chonburi. Chosen as the lucky groom was 14 year-old Johnny.
While there were no red roses at the ceremony, there were plenty of banana
stems, sugarcane and grass, and excited looking kindergarten children to
look on as the traditional wedding ceremony was performed and the marriage
was officially registered.
The secretary to the minister for natural resources and the environment,
Suphon Atthawang, said that the wedding had been made possible by the
banding together of the Zoological Organization and the Department of
National Parks under one ministry, which enabled greater cooperation.
Suphon reacted quickly to suggestions that the ceremony had the whiff of an
arranged marriage about it. "Don't think that humans are interfering with
animals. Look at it from a good perspective. Animals have their needs too".
Elds deer are already extinct from Thailand's forests and only exist in
captivity. Only two herds of the deer exist in the world, one in Thailand
and the other in Paris.
Dusit Zoo is home to two males and nine females, while Johnny is the only
Elds deer in the Banglamung breeding center. The Paris Zoo boasts two males
and three females.
Conservationists warn that the deer are on the brink of extinction unless
urgent action is taken, while admitting that breeding programs may not be
successful.
Elds deer are large, around 150-170 centimeters in length and 120-130
centimeters in height, weighing around 95-150 kilos. The females are larger
than the males, which are particularly noted for their attractive antlers.
In the wild they live in herds of five to 15 animals.
The natural resources and environment minister hopes to look for mates for
more wild animals as part of a breeding program to protect Thailand's
threatened species. (TNA)
Chang Island new paradise for Scandinavian tourists
Scandinavian tour operators have their eyes on Chang
Island (Kho Chang) off Thailand's eastern coast in Trat Province as a new
eco- tourism haven for Scandinavian travelers.
Chuchart Oan-charoen, director of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Central Office said that Scandinavian tour operators from Sweden, Denmark,
Finland, and Norway recently conducted a survey on Chang Island in a bid to
search for new destination for their clients.
"Chang does not have too many facilities to damage its natural charm so it
is very attractive to tourists from Scandinavia. "TAT's objective is to
develop sustainable tourism for Chang Island by preserving the ecology as
well as the livelihood of local community," Chuchart said.
Although the number of tourists from Scandinavian countries will be
increasing this year, Europeans such as retirees and seniors are the largest
target group. These people - particularly those from France, Germany, and
England are long stay tourists and have high purchasing power. Thailand
earns a large amount of revenue from their arrivals.
Lampang elephant show highlights jumbo talents
Lampang held its Elephant Sa-Toke Banquet and Fair from
February 15-17 at the National Elephant Institute. The event showcased the
artistic and musical talents of elephants. There were special demonstrations
by these talented pachyderms as well as sporting events and races in which
they participated.
Other activities included a parade and a sumptuous feast for elephants. A
northern style procession, cultural shows, northern folk music rounded out
the fair and local products and handicrafts were on sale organized by local
housewives' groups.
Money collected from the event will be used to feed the growing number of
resident elephants and support the activities of the elephant conservation
center.
The institute also offers a home-stay program. Tourists come and spend time
with mahouts and their families plus get a chance to learn the northern
lifestyle and culture. The Mahout and Elephant Training School at the
institute also provides visitors with an opportunity to learn basic mahout
skills.
The institute is located on the Lampang-Chiang Mai Highway in Hang Chat
district about 29 km from the provincial town hall. It serves as a training
school for young elephants, a sanctuary for retired elephants and has an
elephant hospital. It is also the only elephant training school in the
world. For further information please call 054-229-042. (TNA)
Qantas opens new First and Business Class lounges at Bangkok International Airport
Jane Furber (4th left),
manager of Qantas Airways Thailand and Phillip Hood (4th right) airport
manager of Qantas Airways in Don Muang Airport welcomed the press on the
Qantas Club's First and Business Class lounge visit, which was recently
completed.
Qantas Airways introduced its new, grand and more
convenient First and Business Class Qantas Club lounges at Pier 5, Terminal
2 at Bangkok International Airport on January 23.
Qantas/British Airways manager Thailand, Jane Furber, said "Qantas Airways
has constructed a new First and Business Class Qantas Club lounge at Bangkok
International Airport. The lounges can accommodate 45 First Class and 140
Business Class customers."
Qantas/British Airways Airport Manager Thailand, Phillip Hood, said "The
lounges which opened early this month, will allow Qantas Airways First and
Business Class passengers, together with First and Business Class passengers
traveling with OneWorldTM global airline alliance members to use the
services and relax before departure."
Qantas Club First and Business Class lounges blend the best of contemporary
Australian design offering new levels of comfort and luxury, with Eastern
influences such as traditional Thai artwork and Thai silk-paneled feature
walls.
Features of the new Qantas Club lounge include: Four First Class and eight
Business Class showers; self-service bars and buffets offering complementary
light refreshments and snacks; dining areas where customers can sit at
tables and enjoy light refreshments; television lounges with plasma screen
television and satellite television; reading areas with a selection of
magazines and newspapers; and a fully equipped Business Center with private
work stations, computers with internet access and photocopying equipment.
The highlight of the lounges is the integration of technology, in particular
for the business travelers, with telephone and power connections throughout.
"The new Qantas Club lounges also show our business commitment in the Thai
market, which Qantas has been operating to Thailand for some 49 years," said
Furber.
Qantas Airways currently operates daily flights from Bangkok to Sydney and
Sydney to Bangkok with daily flights also from Bangkok to London and London
to Bangkok (14 flights weekly).
Bangkok continues to be an important gateway for Qantas Airways between
Australia and Europe. Currently, Qantas has 32 Qantas Club lounges across
the airline's worldwide network. A further six lounges are jointly owned and
operated by Qantas and British Airways.
Lauda Air expands destinations in Portugal - Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Funchal (Madeira)
Lauda Air - the holiday flight specialist - is focusing
on Portugal this coming summer season. Four great holiday flight
destinations - the capital Lisbon, Porto on the Costa Verde, and Faro on the
Algarve and Funchal on Madeira - offer something for everyone. Whether
you're interested in a beach holiday, city tour, golfing break or cultural
program, variety is guaranteed.
Lauda Air will be flying to Lisbon three times a week from 30 March (Monday,
Wednesday, Friday), two of which will depart directly from Vienna. The
flights to Faro on the Algarve will operate every Wednesday throughout
high-season, from 18 June to 17 September.
The service to Portugal's second city of Porto will operate in the periods
directly before and after summer season. The new Portuguese program is
completed by a once-weekly flight to Funchal (Madeira), a service launched
at the beginning of February.
Situated at the western tip of mainland Europe, Portugal has grown to become
one of the continent's most popular tourist destinations, while the national
capital of Lisbon is certainly amongst the most strikingly beautiful cities
in the world. The "white city" on the banks of the Tejo River rests on seven
hills and will mesmerize you with its Baroque architecture, church cupolas
and lively atmosphere.
Porto, the country's second city and home to the world-renowned Port wine,
is an established port and commercial center and a must-see for lovers of
high culture. To truly experience Porto's ambience, visit the countless
Baroque churches and beautiful winding alleys of the old town.
Situated on the Algarve coast, Faro is a striking center built around a
historic old town. The coast nearby is dotted with wonderful beaches and the
huge Ria Formosa nature reserve. The Algarve itself is a strong candidate
for the most beautiful coast in Europe - its wildly jagged, mustard-colored
cliffs, bizarre rock sculptures in the middle of the marine blue-green
Atlantic and over 3,000 sun hours a year have combined to make the Algarve a
winner with holidaymakers.
Madeira, the "floating garden" in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, offers
holidaymakers a wide variety of experiences that includes golf, walking,
swimming and sightseeing. With its mild climate, the summer season is a full
twelve months long.
The four destinations can be booked with immediate effect around the clock
at a travel agency of your choice or over the Internet at www.aua.com
Phuket spa teams up with Bangkok Airways in special promotion
As a promotion for its new direct flights to Phuket,
Bangkok Airways in cooperation with Evason Phuket Resort & Spa is launching
a new discount campaign.
Starting now until April 20, passengers who fly from Bangkok to Phuket with
Bangkok Airways will receive a 50% discount on accommodation at the Evason
Phuket Resort and Spa, including a voucher for one free night's stay, valid
until November 30.
The special program targets Thais, and resident expatriates living in
Thailand only. For more information please call (02) 265 5678.
TAT launches website for booking tourism services
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in cooperation
with the Advance E-commerce company has launched an online service for
travelers who can now make tour and hotel reservations on its website.
The homepage of thailandbooking.com currently offers B2C (Business to
Customer) services to more than 400 entrepreneurs.
Accommodation providers, tour operators, airline businesses, car rental
services are the target groups. TAT's web-site is aimed to boost SME
operators by allowing payment transactions to be performed via the Internet.
To cater for the need of worldwide users, a call center is also on hand to
give information and reply to any inquiries from worldwide business
operators. (TNA)
Shangri-La and Air China offer special member benefits
To mark Shangri-La's successful fifth year partnership
with Air China, its first mainland Chinese airline alliance and now one of
its top frequent flyer partners, the group is offering Air China Club
members a number of attractive benefits at the group's China properties.
From now until 31 May 2003, Air China Club members paying 'China Executive
Plan' rates at any of the 16 Shangri-La or Traders hotels in mainland China
will be rewarded with 50% Air China bonus mileage, as well as entry into a
lucky draw. The top five prizes include three-day trips to any city where
there is a Shangri-La or Traders hotel in China and Singapore, with air
tickets sponsored by Air China.
Members will also be invited to join Shangri-La's award-winning guest
loyalty program, Golden Circle, so that they can enjoy additional benefits
during their stay.
Air China Club's Gold card members will also benefit from a 15% discount at
all restaurants and bars at Shangri-La's mainland China properties between 1
March and 31 August 2003. Air China Club's Silver card members will receive
a 10% discount.
Giovanni Angelini, Shangri-La's chief executive officer and managing
director, said, "Airline partners are an integral component of our
international marketing activities. We are proud to have been Air China's
first hotel alliance in China and that its frequent flyer program is now one
of our top producers."
Shangri-La signed with Air China Club in 1998, at which time the number of
Air China Club members was only 40,000. With China's fast growing economy,
membership has increased rapidly to over 800,000 worldwide.
|
|
|
|
|
