Work on a new golf resort in Scotland being built by US tycoon Donald Trump started on Wednesday, despite fierce opposition from local people.
The 1-billion pound (Bt55-billion) coastal resort in Balmedie, near Aberbeen in northeast Scotland, will feature two golf courses, a hotel and around 1,000 holiday homes.
But several local people are still refusing to sell their homes to make way for the site amid a high-profile campaign backed by Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton, who lives in the region.
Trump's son Donald Trump Junior, who was at Balmedia as the work started, said he hoped golfers would be able to tee off between 18 months' and two years' time.
Earlier, he described the protestors as "teenage people", accusing them of "little childish stunts".
"We are trying to deliver a golf course that can really be looked at as the greatest golf course anywhere in the world," he told BBC radio on Wednesday.
"The vast majority of the people of the northeast want this project to go forward and have been incredible supporters of us."
But opponents say the local council is giving Trump favaourable treatment because of his wealth and fame, boosted in recent years by his role as host US reality television show "The Apprentice".
The "Tripping Up Trump" group is threatening legal action against the plans, which they say will also be bad for the local environment.
Officials insist they have acted within the rules.
Initial work on the site, which got the green light from councillors on Tuesday, will involve planting marram grass in a bid kto stabilise a large area of sand, erecting fencing on dunes and carryifng out preparatory earthworks.
The golf development is backed by Scotland's devolved government, run by the pro-independence Scottish National Party.
Scotland's tourism and economic development agencies also support it, saying it will attract high-spending visitors from aroung the world.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Reaching a golden age
It seems both Surichai Wun'gaeo and the folks who came to shower him with a blessing last Friday were caught by the same surprise: Has the man already crossed that golden threshold into the post-retirement years?
Judging from the ever-youthful, ever-dynamic personality of Surichai, however, the Chulalongkorn sociologist will probably remain as extremely busy as he has been over the last few decades.
After all, none of his friends and associates would ever want him to slow down,anyway. One of the few socially engaged academics in this country, Surichai has been involved in a wide range of public campaigns, both educational as well as political, to raise awareness about the alarming levels of social inequality and risks induced by globalisation.Thanks to his ardent, often behind-the-scene support,several crucial issues have been raised in the public arena, particularly through seminars held at Thailand's oldest university, and certain efforts subsequently embarked in the bids to alleviate those problems.
Thus the joke by Saree Ongsomwang, manager of the Foundation for Consumers Thailand, that there were "probably about [representatives of] three hundred nongovernment organisations" who attended Surichai's retirement party, may not be entirely unfounded. The event held at Chula's Thewanaruemitr Hall saw a truly eclectic group of well-wishers - from slum residents to jet-set scholars, former National Human Rights Commissioners, a senator, activists NEWS working on consumer, environmental and international trade issues, to human rights advocate Angkhana Neelapaichit, Kanchanaburi's iron lady Phinant Chotirossrenee, and Prachuap Khiri Khan citizen activist Jintana Kaew-khao.
In her article in a book published as a tribute to Surichai,titled Jark Rak Ya Su Lokapiwat (From Grassroots to Globalisation), Angkhana noted her deep appreciation for "the medium-built man with a crop of dishevelled hair"who has been providing her with constant moral and tangible support since her husband lawyer Somchai Neelapaichit went missing more than five years ago.
But Angkhana was not alone. Phinant of Kanchanaburi said Surichai was a key helper in her attempts to publicise the issue of illegal dumping of toxic chemicals at an army base in her hometown following a big fire that burned down the warehouses at slum Khlong Toey in 1991. Later, a working group was set up to push for national safety precautionary measures back when the issue was still given little attention by relevant state authorities.
The public mind demonstrated by this Lamphun-born man extends to the personal level as well. During the dinner talk last week, Jintana recalled how she went around with her peers from Prachuap Khiri Khan to explain to the public why a decade ago, they had to stage a road blockade on Phetkasem Highway as part of their protest against coalfired power plant projects. Surichai dug into his own pocket and offered 2,000 baht to the villagers to cover part of their transport fees to Bangkok. Jintana said she even thought to herself back then how "this uncle was so kind and generous to us".
One remarkable trait concurred by Surichai's friends and associates is how the man does not seem to have a big chip on his shoulder. One of his assistants wrote he once offered her an apology, an unusual move by someone as senior as him. A few students at Chulalongkorn expressed invariably their gratitude for Surichai's efforts to expose them to reallife experiences in rural Thailand. In particular, his openmind approach that nurtures each student to develop his or her world views without any interference or dominance by any particular school of thought.
The man's non-partisanship has won him both friends and critics in several corners. An article by the FTA Watch Group, a coalition of NGOs working on repercussions of free trade, mentioned that Surichai had to brave a storm of criticism against his decision to accept a seat at the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) set up after the October 19,2006 coup d'etat, following his belief that at least he should try to represent the marginalised people in Parliament during the interim military-appointed regime.(Surichai eventually tendered an early resignation having witnessed how the NLA rushed to approve a number of laws that he said would jeopardise the country down the road.)
Despite an early downpour on Friday, the party kept growing as the evening dragged on. Guests showed up with a variety of delicacies that turned the pot luck dinner into a genuine feast. The mood of the event was set by a mix of serious discussions on social injustice and playful jibes at the centre of the party, Surichai. But the retired director of the Social Research Institute apparently took in every teasing word with a big boyish smile.
Even his wife and colleague, Chantana Banpasirichote,chipped in her share of comical anecdotes. She said her husband has been so unbelievably busy that he has never stepped into the back part of the house they have lived in for years. Considering that after his retirement, Surichai will move on to take charge of a new centre on peace study and conflict resolution, also at Chulalongkorn, among the other numerous hats he's still wearing, what she'd now like to offer to him would, she said, be a key to a condominium nearer to the city. That would certainly enable the active man to dig his nose ever deeper into public affairs. And who would dare say that Surichai has reached his retirement years?
-Vasana Chinvarakorn
Shop till you drop
Lending its name nicely to this column is the NewsMakers group who are preparing their 4th Clutter Sale, to take place this coming Saturday at the Four Seasons, Bangkok.
It all started when this particular group of friends, all of
whom are in the related business of making Makers news, got together at one of their regular chatty lunches and decided they all shopped too much and had nice things lying around the house not really being used.
They had all bought nice clothes or bags which had been used once, maybe twice, and are collecting dust in the corner of the closet somewhere. That's where the idea of the Clutter Sale came about. The first Clutter Sale, held at the Four Seasons, Bangkok, proved to be a huge success, and a nice sum of money was raised for the National Cancer Institute as part of the Cancer Care Run held annually by the hotel. Preparations are now in full swing for the event this weekend, with tables being finalised and vendors furiously turning their houses upside down to put together the things they plan to put up for sale.
Among the vendors are Kai Boutique, Melanie Giles Clapp, MR Maluli Vorawan, Agalico (ML Poomchai Chumbala), Nithinan Arungvongse na Ayudhaya, Chalermnit (Dr Parichart Jumsai), Alisara Sirichoomsang, Shane Suvikapakornkul, Krisadawan Hongladarom, International Women's Club, Arlene Rafiq, Chatchanit Mahaguna, ML Nandhika Vorawan, Tipaporn Ajanant, Vee Mar, Delia Kang,Franza Chakrabandhu and Rudi Crosley.
The goods sold are primarily second-hand items but in almost new condition. Past events have seen, among others,items such as brand-name goods, vintage clothes, fashion accessories, jewellery, sports equipment, and even cars,change hands. The event has become a much-awaited fun occasion for both vendors and shoppers alike. For this year's event, a Diplomats' Table has been set aside for items donated by the diplomatic community, a Brand Name table for luxury items, and a lucky draw will be held for a chance to win attractive prizes, with tickets priced at 40 baht each.
Be sure to go early to pick a cue card for the Fortune Telling booth as well! This year's beneficiary will be the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer, as part of the hotel's Cancer Care Run once again.
For those interested in selling items there are a few tables available. Otherwise, just be there to shop till you drop!
Judging from the ever-youthful, ever-dynamic personality of Surichai, however, the Chulalongkorn sociologist will probably remain as extremely busy as he has been over the last few decades.
After all, none of his friends and associates would ever want him to slow down,anyway. One of the few socially engaged academics in this country, Surichai has been involved in a wide range of public campaigns, both educational as well as political, to raise awareness about the alarming levels of social inequality and risks induced by globalisation.Thanks to his ardent, often behind-the-scene support,several crucial issues have been raised in the public arena, particularly through seminars held at Thailand's oldest university, and certain efforts subsequently embarked in the bids to alleviate those problems.
Thus the joke by Saree Ongsomwang, manager of the Foundation for Consumers Thailand, that there were "probably about [representatives of] three hundred nongovernment organisations" who attended Surichai's retirement party, may not be entirely unfounded. The event held at Chula's Thewanaruemitr Hall saw a truly eclectic group of well-wishers - from slum residents to jet-set scholars, former National Human Rights Commissioners, a senator, activists NEWS working on consumer, environmental and international trade issues, to human rights advocate Angkhana Neelapaichit, Kanchanaburi's iron lady Phinant Chotirossrenee, and Prachuap Khiri Khan citizen activist Jintana Kaew-khao.
In her article in a book published as a tribute to Surichai,titled Jark Rak Ya Su Lokapiwat (From Grassroots to Globalisation), Angkhana noted her deep appreciation for "the medium-built man with a crop of dishevelled hair"who has been providing her with constant moral and tangible support since her husband lawyer Somchai Neelapaichit went missing more than five years ago.
But Angkhana was not alone. Phinant of Kanchanaburi said Surichai was a key helper in her attempts to publicise the issue of illegal dumping of toxic chemicals at an army base in her hometown following a big fire that burned down the warehouses at slum Khlong Toey in 1991. Later, a working group was set up to push for national safety precautionary measures back when the issue was still given little attention by relevant state authorities.
The public mind demonstrated by this Lamphun-born man extends to the personal level as well. During the dinner talk last week, Jintana recalled how she went around with her peers from Prachuap Khiri Khan to explain to the public why a decade ago, they had to stage a road blockade on Phetkasem Highway as part of their protest against coalfired power plant projects. Surichai dug into his own pocket and offered 2,000 baht to the villagers to cover part of their transport fees to Bangkok. Jintana said she even thought to herself back then how "this uncle was so kind and generous to us".
One remarkable trait concurred by Surichai's friends and associates is how the man does not seem to have a big chip on his shoulder. One of his assistants wrote he once offered her an apology, an unusual move by someone as senior as him. A few students at Chulalongkorn expressed invariably their gratitude for Surichai's efforts to expose them to reallife experiences in rural Thailand. In particular, his openmind approach that nurtures each student to develop his or her world views without any interference or dominance by any particular school of thought.
The man's non-partisanship has won him both friends and critics in several corners. An article by the FTA Watch Group, a coalition of NGOs working on repercussions of free trade, mentioned that Surichai had to brave a storm of criticism against his decision to accept a seat at the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) set up after the October 19,2006 coup d'etat, following his belief that at least he should try to represent the marginalised people in Parliament during the interim military-appointed regime.(Surichai eventually tendered an early resignation having witnessed how the NLA rushed to approve a number of laws that he said would jeopardise the country down the road.)
Despite an early downpour on Friday, the party kept growing as the evening dragged on. Guests showed up with a variety of delicacies that turned the pot luck dinner into a genuine feast. The mood of the event was set by a mix of serious discussions on social injustice and playful jibes at the centre of the party, Surichai. But the retired director of the Social Research Institute apparently took in every teasing word with a big boyish smile.
Even his wife and colleague, Chantana Banpasirichote,chipped in her share of comical anecdotes. She said her husband has been so unbelievably busy that he has never stepped into the back part of the house they have lived in for years. Considering that after his retirement, Surichai will move on to take charge of a new centre on peace study and conflict resolution, also at Chulalongkorn, among the other numerous hats he's still wearing, what she'd now like to offer to him would, she said, be a key to a condominium nearer to the city. That would certainly enable the active man to dig his nose ever deeper into public affairs. And who would dare say that Surichai has reached his retirement years?
-Vasana Chinvarakorn
Shop till you drop
Lending its name nicely to this column is the NewsMakers group who are preparing their 4th Clutter Sale, to take place this coming Saturday at the Four Seasons, Bangkok.
It all started when this particular group of friends, all of
whom are in the related business of making Makers news, got together at one of their regular chatty lunches and decided they all shopped too much and had nice things lying around the house not really being used.
They had all bought nice clothes or bags which had been used once, maybe twice, and are collecting dust in the corner of the closet somewhere. That's where the idea of the Clutter Sale came about. The first Clutter Sale, held at the Four Seasons, Bangkok, proved to be a huge success, and a nice sum of money was raised for the National Cancer Institute as part of the Cancer Care Run held annually by the hotel. Preparations are now in full swing for the event this weekend, with tables being finalised and vendors furiously turning their houses upside down to put together the things they plan to put up for sale.
Among the vendors are Kai Boutique, Melanie Giles Clapp, MR Maluli Vorawan, Agalico (ML Poomchai Chumbala), Nithinan Arungvongse na Ayudhaya, Chalermnit (Dr Parichart Jumsai), Alisara Sirichoomsang, Shane Suvikapakornkul, Krisadawan Hongladarom, International Women's Club, Arlene Rafiq, Chatchanit Mahaguna, ML Nandhika Vorawan, Tipaporn Ajanant, Vee Mar, Delia Kang,Franza Chakrabandhu and Rudi Crosley.
The goods sold are primarily second-hand items but in almost new condition. Past events have seen, among others,items such as brand-name goods, vintage clothes, fashion accessories, jewellery, sports equipment, and even cars,change hands. The event has become a much-awaited fun occasion for both vendors and shoppers alike. For this year's event, a Diplomats' Table has been set aside for items donated by the diplomatic community, a Brand Name table for luxury items, and a lucky draw will be held for a chance to win attractive prizes, with tickets priced at 40 baht each.
Be sure to go early to pick a cue card for the Fortune Telling booth as well! This year's beneficiary will be the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer, as part of the hotel's Cancer Care Run once again.
For those interested in selling items there are a few tables available. Otherwise, just be there to shop till you drop!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Vienna Mozart Trio gala concert
The Grand Hyatt Erawan, Bangkok will host a gala concert,"Haydn Anniversary 2009", to be performed by the Vienna Mozart Trio, on October 21 at the Grand Ballroom of the hotel. The event will feature a 90-minute recital by the internationally acclaimed Auner family, namely Irina (piano), Daniel (violin) and Diethard (Cello). Their repertoire includes works by Haydn, Brahms, Schirk and Schumann. The Vienna Mozart Trio is known around the world and has performed on many prestigious stages from Asia to Europe. The Haydn Anniversary 2009 Concert is sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank in association with the Rotary Club of Bangkok and the Grand Hyatt Erawan, Bangkok.Proceeds will go to community-related projects under the patronage of the Rotary Club of Bangkok.
Tickets for 'Haydn Anniversary 2009' are 2,000 baht each. For reservations, contact the Grand Hyatt Erawan, Bangkok on 02-254-1234 ext 4324/5, from 9am to 5pm on weekdays,9am to noon on Saturdays.
Tickets for 'Haydn Anniversary 2009' are 2,000 baht each. For reservations, contact the Grand Hyatt Erawan, Bangkok on 02-254-1234 ext 4324/5, from 9am to 5pm on weekdays,9am to noon on Saturdays.
GROUP PLANS MORE HOTELS IN BANGKOK AND PHUKET
Ritz-Carlton plan to manage at least three more luxury hotels in Thailand - one in Phuket by 2013 and two in Bangkok by 2015.
"We are negotiating with developers to open more hotels in Thailand," Mark DeCocinis, regional vice president for Asia-Pacific, said yesterday.
The market here has potential to grow, particularly at the high end, he said.
The Phuket property will be under the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Hotel brand.
In Bangkok, one Ritz-Carlton Hotel will be located on the Chao Phya River and the other in the city centre.
The group will soon open its first residence in a prime Bangkok area, the Sathorn-Chong Nonsee intersection.
"The group expects that tourism will rebound next year. The opening of new hotels here will help us to tap that growth," he said.
The group plans to increase its hotels in Asia from 35 per cent of the total at present to 45 per cent in the future.
The group will open its first hotel in Thailand, the Phulay Bay-A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, on December 22.
The Singha Beer and beverage producer, the Bhirombakdi family, owns and developed the property at a cost of Bt3 billion.
Estelita Sebeto, hotel general manager, said Ritz-Carlton is world famous for its luxury hotels, resorts and residences. The Reserve is the first brand to serve international high-end travellers.
The opening rates range from Bt19,550-Bt68,000, subject to 18.7-per-cent service charge and tax.
The published prices will be Bt100,000-Bt300,000 per night.
Ritz-Carlton operates 73 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean.
More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe with future openings including the Dubai International Financial Centre in the United Arab Emirates, Dove Mountain in Tucson, Arizona, and Lake Tahoe in California.
"The group plans to increase its hotel in Asia from 35 per cent of the total at present to 45 per cent in future. It will open its first hotel in Thailand, the Phulay Bay-A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, on December 22.
"We are negotiating with developers to open more hotels in Thailand," Mark DeCocinis, regional vice president for Asia-Pacific, said yesterday.
The market here has potential to grow, particularly at the high end, he said.
The Phuket property will be under the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Hotel brand.
In Bangkok, one Ritz-Carlton Hotel will be located on the Chao Phya River and the other in the city centre.
The group will soon open its first residence in a prime Bangkok area, the Sathorn-Chong Nonsee intersection.
"The group expects that tourism will rebound next year. The opening of new hotels here will help us to tap that growth," he said.
The group plans to increase its hotels in Asia from 35 per cent of the total at present to 45 per cent in the future.
The group will open its first hotel in Thailand, the Phulay Bay-A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, on December 22.
The Singha Beer and beverage producer, the Bhirombakdi family, owns and developed the property at a cost of Bt3 billion.
Estelita Sebeto, hotel general manager, said Ritz-Carlton is world famous for its luxury hotels, resorts and residences. The Reserve is the first brand to serve international high-end travellers.
The opening rates range from Bt19,550-Bt68,000, subject to 18.7-per-cent service charge and tax.
The published prices will be Bt100,000-Bt300,000 per night.
Ritz-Carlton operates 73 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean.
More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe with future openings including the Dubai International Financial Centre in the United Arab Emirates, Dove Mountain in Tucson, Arizona, and Lake Tahoe in California.
"The group plans to increase its hotel in Asia from 35 per cent of the total at present to 45 per cent in future. It will open its first hotel in Thailand, the Phulay Bay-A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, on December 22.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
UNEARTHING A GEN IN AYUTTHAYA
My several trips to Thailand's old capital over the years have always been disappionting. Nothing could be more magical than the atmosphere of the grand ruined palaces and wats, but the mundane suroundings of my hotel a always shatters the spell. And adding to their lack of character is the fact that most hotels are located a good distance from Ayutthaya's heritage sites.
Thankfully, on my last expedition I made a discovery to change all that. There's a new kid on the block than offers modern comforts a stone's throw from the richest history in Siam.
Just across the road from the 290-hectare Ayutthaya Historical Park is I-Dia on the River, a boutique hotel with a perfect view of Wat Putthaisawan on the south bank of the Chao Phraya. The temple is said to have been where the founder of Ayutthaya, King Ramathibodi I, made plans for his opulents new capital.
The hotel's tasteful mix of the old and the new reflects the strength of the Kingdom today-modern and worldly but still in touch with its historical roots.
The first thing I noticed on arrival is the classical touch that craftsmen have lent to the hotel's hallways and rooms. I aske dthe owners where they found the wood-carvings on the front desk, the ornate hangers and mirror in my room and the chandeliers in the cafe'. Bangkok's Chatuchak weekend market came the surprising reply, though they stayed quiet on how simple flea-market finds could be polished up to something so special.
Every element of the hotel is designed to reflect its historic surroundings."I-uKia" for example is Ayutthaya's old spelling, while the rooms are each named after a famous ruler of the kingdon. A snippet about my room's "ruler"is written on the red key chain: "Bayinnaung(Known in Portuguese as Braginoco) was the king of the Taungoo Dynasty in Burma. He was revered in the country and is best known for unifying the kingdom an dexpanding his empire to incorporate the neighbouring Shan State, Siam and Laos."
The well leading to the hotel's tall gate uses the same type of bricks as Ayutthaya's archaeological treasures, giving the illusion that it's an extension on the ruined sites. At the entrance, a set of Benjarong jars displayed in a glass case not only shows the owners'personal passion for collecting antiques but reflects Siam'
s amcient trading history, especially with China. Each of I-uDia's eight guestrooms has an additional set of jars that were unearthed during archaeological digs in Ayutthaya.
The cafe houses coffee-table books ranging in subject from travel to Thai history. The owners'own book on Benjarong jars in Thailand will be joining them on the shelves soon.
I-uDia occasionally hosts inhouse cultural programmes to acquaint guests with Buddhist meditation techniques, Siamese history, antiques, yoga or traditional Thai music. During my stay, I listened to Dr Edward van Roy, an expert on the lod kingdom, give interesting insights on the city's grand palace and its rulers.
Thankfully, on my last expedition I made a discovery to change all that. There's a new kid on the block than offers modern comforts a stone's throw from the richest history in Siam.
Just across the road from the 290-hectare Ayutthaya Historical Park is I-Dia on the River, a boutique hotel with a perfect view of Wat Putthaisawan on the south bank of the Chao Phraya. The temple is said to have been where the founder of Ayutthaya, King Ramathibodi I, made plans for his opulents new capital.
The hotel's tasteful mix of the old and the new reflects the strength of the Kingdom today-modern and worldly but still in touch with its historical roots.
The first thing I noticed on arrival is the classical touch that craftsmen have lent to the hotel's hallways and rooms. I aske dthe owners where they found the wood-carvings on the front desk, the ornate hangers and mirror in my room and the chandeliers in the cafe'. Bangkok's Chatuchak weekend market came the surprising reply, though they stayed quiet on how simple flea-market finds could be polished up to something so special.
Every element of the hotel is designed to reflect its historic surroundings."I-uKia" for example is Ayutthaya's old spelling, while the rooms are each named after a famous ruler of the kingdon. A snippet about my room's "ruler"is written on the red key chain: "Bayinnaung(Known in Portuguese as Braginoco) was the king of the Taungoo Dynasty in Burma. He was revered in the country and is best known for unifying the kingdom an dexpanding his empire to incorporate the neighbouring Shan State, Siam and Laos."
The well leading to the hotel's tall gate uses the same type of bricks as Ayutthaya's archaeological treasures, giving the illusion that it's an extension on the ruined sites. At the entrance, a set of Benjarong jars displayed in a glass case not only shows the owners'personal passion for collecting antiques but reflects Siam'
s amcient trading history, especially with China. Each of I-uDia's eight guestrooms has an additional set of jars that were unearthed during archaeological digs in Ayutthaya.
The cafe houses coffee-table books ranging in subject from travel to Thai history. The owners'own book on Benjarong jars in Thailand will be joining them on the shelves soon.
I-uDia occasionally hosts inhouse cultural programmes to acquaint guests with Buddhist meditation techniques, Siamese history, antiques, yoga or traditional Thai music. During my stay, I listened to Dr Edward van Roy, an expert on the lod kingdom, give interesting insights on the city's grand palace and its rulers.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
AMARI TO SPREAD WINGS INTERNATIONALLY
Bangkok based hotel-management firm the Amari Group plans to operate an additional 40 hotels and residences in Thailand and abroad over the next decade.
The move is a bid to enter the international arena.
The group on Monday revealed a 10-year, US$44.1-million (Bt1.47 billion) expansion plan starting from this year.
"We now have 11 properties in Thailand - Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Chang, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Krabi - and plan to operate 40 more here and elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific by 2018," said president and CEO Peter Henley, who joined Amari last October.
Henley said driving the group's growth outside of Thailand was his top priority.
"This is a good time to grow abroad, after four successful decades in Thailand. The group will focus on hotel management rather than investment," he said.
A real-estate lawyer by training and having previously worked at Morgan Stanley, Raffles, Pacific Star and Holiday Inn Worldwide, Henley said the Amari Group was negotiating with hotel operators in India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Australia to manage hotels and residences.
Domestically, the group plans to manage its first residence next year, the Amari Residences Bangkok. It will also to manage the Amari Hua Hin, a hotel and residence scheduled to open in late 2011. These properties are being developed by the Ital-Thai Group, which owns Amari.
Meanwhile, the Amari Group today will unveil its new international logo, with "Colours & Rhythms" replacing "Hotels & Resorts".
Amari will renovate its Amari Watergate Bangkok and Amari Coral Beach Phuket hotels next year. These will be the first properties in the group to encapsulate the new brand. At the same time, Amari will roll out new services and products reflecting the brand's spirit throughout its entire portfolio of hotels and resorts.
The group will spend Bt60 million of the 10-year budget to reintroduce itself locally and communicate with international markets.
Henley said the group was considering creating new brands to compete with budget hotels, which were proliferating in Thailand and throughout the region.
He said while the group understood today's hospitality industry was competitive, it believed long-term development was the way to take the company forward.
"The hotel industry is expected to have fully recovery by 2011, but the next few years will see many changes for us at both the brand and the property levels, and we must continue to set new standards in modern Asian hospitality," he said.
The move is a bid to enter the international arena.
The group on Monday revealed a 10-year, US$44.1-million (Bt1.47 billion) expansion plan starting from this year.
"We now have 11 properties in Thailand - Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Chang, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Krabi - and plan to operate 40 more here and elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific by 2018," said president and CEO Peter Henley, who joined Amari last October.
Henley said driving the group's growth outside of Thailand was his top priority.
"This is a good time to grow abroad, after four successful decades in Thailand. The group will focus on hotel management rather than investment," he said.
A real-estate lawyer by training and having previously worked at Morgan Stanley, Raffles, Pacific Star and Holiday Inn Worldwide, Henley said the Amari Group was negotiating with hotel operators in India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Australia to manage hotels and residences.
Domestically, the group plans to manage its first residence next year, the Amari Residences Bangkok. It will also to manage the Amari Hua Hin, a hotel and residence scheduled to open in late 2011. These properties are being developed by the Ital-Thai Group, which owns Amari.
Meanwhile, the Amari Group today will unveil its new international logo, with "Colours & Rhythms" replacing "Hotels & Resorts".
Amari will renovate its Amari Watergate Bangkok and Amari Coral Beach Phuket hotels next year. These will be the first properties in the group to encapsulate the new brand. At the same time, Amari will roll out new services and products reflecting the brand's spirit throughout its entire portfolio of hotels and resorts.
The group will spend Bt60 million of the 10-year budget to reintroduce itself locally and communicate with international markets.
Henley said the group was considering creating new brands to compete with budget hotels, which were proliferating in Thailand and throughout the region.
He said while the group understood today's hospitality industry was competitive, it believed long-term development was the way to take the company forward.
"The hotel industry is expected to have fully recovery by 2011, but the next few years will see many changes for us at both the brand and the property levels, and we must continue to set new standards in modern Asian hospitality," he said.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Dusit spruces up for Asean
Dusit International has spent 200 million baht to renovate facilities at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin to welcome heads of state and delegates attending the 15th Asean Summit.
The focus was on the dining rooms and the Dusit Club and Lounge, which will welcome heads of state from 16 countries attending the Asean Summit from Oct 23-25.
The Dusit Thani Hua Hin is the official host hotel for the event. It will welcome officials from the 10 Asean countries and counterparts from China, Japan,Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and India.
"We are honoured that our hotel was selected once again by the Thai government to host this prestigious event. We have been preparing for several months to ensure a successful event," said general manager Victor Sukseree.
Tourism in Hua Hin should be helped during the event, as most hotels are expected to be 100% occupied from Oct 21-25. The Dusit Thani Hua Hin expects to generate at least 7-10 million baht from the event.
"However, the average occupancy rate will return to around 60-70% after the event ends. It is a short-term benefit but we believe this event will help promote our country's tourism in the long term,"said Mr Victor.
The company hopes foreign tourists will return when the economic and political situations stabilise.
He said the hotel had received advance bookings of around 60% this month and expects international tourists will decline.The hotel will focus more on the local market, particularly the business meeting segment.
The focus was on the dining rooms and the Dusit Club and Lounge, which will welcome heads of state from 16 countries attending the Asean Summit from Oct 23-25.
The Dusit Thani Hua Hin is the official host hotel for the event. It will welcome officials from the 10 Asean countries and counterparts from China, Japan,Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and India.
"We are honoured that our hotel was selected once again by the Thai government to host this prestigious event. We have been preparing for several months to ensure a successful event," said general manager Victor Sukseree.
Tourism in Hua Hin should be helped during the event, as most hotels are expected to be 100% occupied from Oct 21-25. The Dusit Thani Hua Hin expects to generate at least 7-10 million baht from the event.
"However, the average occupancy rate will return to around 60-70% after the event ends. It is a short-term benefit but we believe this event will help promote our country's tourism in the long term,"said Mr Victor.
The company hopes foreign tourists will return when the economic and political situations stabilise.
He said the hotel had received advance bookings of around 60% this month and expects international tourists will decline.The hotel will focus more on the local market, particularly the business meeting segment.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
PASTA PARADIES AT THE CENTARA
With its "Lost World" theme, the new Centara Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya is a family destination painstakingly decorated with a novel jungle setting and a water-adventure park.
No need for Robinson Crusoe's ship-wreck- survivor skills, though: The hotel provides everythin you need.
Its Italian restaurant, Acqua, is a standout example. Still a bit shy of diners after just a month in business, Acqua is certain to become busy thanks to its wonderful ambience and great food.
Maroon upholstered chairs and white-linen tablecloths, bone china and gleaming silverware provide an elegant counterpoint to the resort's theme decor of natural wood, rocks and bamboo poles.
The "aqua" of the name comes out in wooden partitions shaped like coral and suspended mobiles that resemble swimming fish. The ceiling lamps are roughly coiled in the bark of mulberry trees and resemble sea urchins.
The 12-seat outdoor terrace is a great spot to gaze on the sea and the sunset. Another dozen people can gather around separate, private dining tables inside.
The 120-seat Acqua serves "classic modern Italian" dishes created by chef Stefano Belardi, a kitchen veteran since age 15 who's cooked in Greece, Switzerland and Ukraine as well as his homeland.
Belardi says he pays strict attention to his native Italian culinary culture but is happy to compromise a little to meet Thai tastes, such as boosting the spiciness quotient.
"The most vital part of Italian cuisine is using lots of fresh vegetables, from parsley and eggplant to tomato and thyme," he enthuses. "This ensures the best natural taste, and the chef's job is to keep everything is as natural as possible".
For a light and delightful starter, the chef recommends his yellowfin tuna, imported from Singapore and marinated in lemon juice, peper and salt. It comes with a red-onion salad, cherry tomato and coriander and costs Bt550.
From the restaurant's own pizza oven comes such treats as pizza with speck and rucola salad for Bt650, but Belardi insists that pizza isn't a main course, merely a complement to it.
Next he has spinach tagliatelle with cherry tomato, basil and extra virgin olive oil for Bt290. It sounds simple, but it's tasty beyond expectations.
Then there's the Bt1,200 18-month-grain-fed Australian beef fillet - 220 grams of prime succulence served with wild mushrooms, polenta crutons and sauteed crunchy spinach.
No need for Robinson Crusoe's ship-wreck- survivor skills, though: The hotel provides everythin you need.
Its Italian restaurant, Acqua, is a standout example. Still a bit shy of diners after just a month in business, Acqua is certain to become busy thanks to its wonderful ambience and great food.
Maroon upholstered chairs and white-linen tablecloths, bone china and gleaming silverware provide an elegant counterpoint to the resort's theme decor of natural wood, rocks and bamboo poles.
The "aqua" of the name comes out in wooden partitions shaped like coral and suspended mobiles that resemble swimming fish. The ceiling lamps are roughly coiled in the bark of mulberry trees and resemble sea urchins.
The 12-seat outdoor terrace is a great spot to gaze on the sea and the sunset. Another dozen people can gather around separate, private dining tables inside.
The 120-seat Acqua serves "classic modern Italian" dishes created by chef Stefano Belardi, a kitchen veteran since age 15 who's cooked in Greece, Switzerland and Ukraine as well as his homeland.
Belardi says he pays strict attention to his native Italian culinary culture but is happy to compromise a little to meet Thai tastes, such as boosting the spiciness quotient.
"The most vital part of Italian cuisine is using lots of fresh vegetables, from parsley and eggplant to tomato and thyme," he enthuses. "This ensures the best natural taste, and the chef's job is to keep everything is as natural as possible".
For a light and delightful starter, the chef recommends his yellowfin tuna, imported from Singapore and marinated in lemon juice, peper and salt. It comes with a red-onion salad, cherry tomato and coriander and costs Bt550.
From the restaurant's own pizza oven comes such treats as pizza with speck and rucola salad for Bt650, but Belardi insists that pizza isn't a main course, merely a complement to it.
Next he has spinach tagliatelle with cherry tomato, basil and extra virgin olive oil for Bt290. It sounds simple, but it's tasty beyond expectations.
Then there's the Bt1,200 18-month-grain-fed Australian beef fillet - 220 grams of prime succulence served with wild mushrooms, polenta crutons and sauteed crunchy spinach.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
MILLION BAHT DINNER COMES WITH BIG SERVING OF GENEROSITY
One might think, why on earth would someone fork out a million baht for dinner in these economically volatile times? But Chalerm and Daranee Yoovidhya of Red Bull did just that. However, it wasn't a display of wealth but rather a reflection of their social consciousness - their million baht went to charity.
Bangkok's costliest dinner took place recently at the couple's residence, where a parade of stylish guests streamed through the doors.
The occasion was prompted by Daranee's winning bid for a special dinner at her home during the recent Bangkok Chefs Charity Gala Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental. For the gala dinner, graced by the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, sixteen of Thailand's top executive chefs from hotels in Bangkok and Phuket got together to create an eight-course banquet for a full house of the city's affluent gourmets. The proceeds went to the Princess's Sai Jai Thai Foundation and underprivileged children at three remote schools in Chiang Mai. That's where Daranee's money ended up.
One of the highlights that night was a series of silent auctions to raise even more money during the course of the evening. The highest bidder in each got to choose their favourite chef to cook for one night at their own home.
The grand finale of the evning was an auction won by a bid of one million baht by the Yoovidhya family of the world-famous Red Bull empire. It resulted in four executive chefs to their choice orchestrating a special gourmet dinner for Chalerm's birthday.
The handpicked gastronomic dream team comprised Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok's own celebrity executive chef Norbert Kostner, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok's Nicolas Schneller, Banyan Tree Bangkok's Degan Suprijadi and Plaza Athenee Bangkok's Martin Faist.
The million-baht menu for 14 distinguished guests consisted of canapes, appetisers, main courses, desserts and petits fours, all prepared from scratch in the kitchen of the Yoovidhya mansion.
"Each one of us has chosen the best ingredients we could find," disclosed Kostner. "I brought with me cepes and chanterelle mushrooms I picked myself on a recent visit to alpine forests in Italy to use in one of the main dishes."
The evening's host, Chalerm, said: "The motivation for this dinner is to support charity. The meal itself is a bonus. Tonight, everyone - the chefs, their assistants, my guests and my family - are all part of a charitable enterprise."
After being fortunate enough to be able to travel and enjoy the food at Michelin-starred restaurants overseas, Chalerm and Daranee were delighted to witnes firsthand how Thailand's culinary scene had advanced to a world-class standard - whether in the quality of ingredients, skill of chefs, or food presentation.
In appreciation of their impeccable skills in creating a superb meal and their selfless contribution of time and energy for chairty, each of the four executive chefs went home with a bottle of Dom Perignon, compliments of the generous host and hostess.
Bangkok's costliest dinner took place recently at the couple's residence, where a parade of stylish guests streamed through the doors.
The occasion was prompted by Daranee's winning bid for a special dinner at her home during the recent Bangkok Chefs Charity Gala Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental. For the gala dinner, graced by the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, sixteen of Thailand's top executive chefs from hotels in Bangkok and Phuket got together to create an eight-course banquet for a full house of the city's affluent gourmets. The proceeds went to the Princess's Sai Jai Thai Foundation and underprivileged children at three remote schools in Chiang Mai. That's where Daranee's money ended up.
One of the highlights that night was a series of silent auctions to raise even more money during the course of the evening. The highest bidder in each got to choose their favourite chef to cook for one night at their own home.
The grand finale of the evning was an auction won by a bid of one million baht by the Yoovidhya family of the world-famous Red Bull empire. It resulted in four executive chefs to their choice orchestrating a special gourmet dinner for Chalerm's birthday.
The handpicked gastronomic dream team comprised Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok's own celebrity executive chef Norbert Kostner, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok's Nicolas Schneller, Banyan Tree Bangkok's Degan Suprijadi and Plaza Athenee Bangkok's Martin Faist.
The million-baht menu for 14 distinguished guests consisted of canapes, appetisers, main courses, desserts and petits fours, all prepared from scratch in the kitchen of the Yoovidhya mansion.
"Each one of us has chosen the best ingredients we could find," disclosed Kostner. "I brought with me cepes and chanterelle mushrooms I picked myself on a recent visit to alpine forests in Italy to use in one of the main dishes."
The evening's host, Chalerm, said: "The motivation for this dinner is to support charity. The meal itself is a bonus. Tonight, everyone - the chefs, their assistants, my guests and my family - are all part of a charitable enterprise."
After being fortunate enough to be able to travel and enjoy the food at Michelin-starred restaurants overseas, Chalerm and Daranee were delighted to witnes firsthand how Thailand's culinary scene had advanced to a world-class standard - whether in the quality of ingredients, skill of chefs, or food presentation.
In appreciation of their impeccable skills in creating a superb meal and their selfless contribution of time and energy for chairty, each of the four executive chefs went home with a bottle of Dom Perignon, compliments of the generous host and hostess.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)