1 million baht bell installed at Big Buddha in Phuket

Work on the 45-meter-high Buddha image at Phuket in the Nakkerd Hills is now about 90% complete. This Thursday on the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day, a huge bronze bell was installed at the site. The one-million baht bell, which weighs one metric ton, was a gift from the Rassada Cooperative Credit Union. Vice Governor Worapot Ratthasima attended the Buddhist ceremony at which gold leaf was applied to the bell and it was struck for the first time on Chulalakorn Day.

The image is officially known as Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri and the project has been funded by funds raised by the Mingmongkol Faith 45 committee. The entire Mingmongkol Buddha project is expected to be complete by 2010, at a total cost in excess of 150 million baht.

Thailand princess launches her collection in Russian Fashion Week

Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana of Thailand arrived in Moscow for the opening ceremony of the Russian Fashion Week and presentation of her collection on October 28, 2008. The princess sashayed along a red carpet on Tuesday before launching her new clothes collection and kick-starting Russian Fashion Week with the snip of a ribbon. Russian Fashion Week which usually invites foreign designers opened on Tuesday in Moscow and will last till November 4.

Global recession hits Thailand’s key export sectors

Global recession is taking its toll on Thailand’s exports too. The industry sources have warned that Thailand could lose up to 1 million industrial jobs over the next several quarters. Recession has badly hit the Thailand’s key export sectors such as garments, electric and electrical appliances, ceramics and furniture. According to Thaveekij Jaturajarernkul, chairman of the labour committee and the Federation of Thai Industries, export orders are expected to fall by 30 per cent next year.

“Consequently, 15 to 20 per cent of the workforce is expected to be laid off at the start of 2009,” he told The Nation newspaper.

Industry currently employs about 6 million people in Thailand. Many Thai factories are already operating five days a week instead of the previous six as a result of declining export orders this year, said Thaveekij.

Chiang Mai opens the world’s largest tunnel aquarium

On Sunday, Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand, saw the opening of world’s largest tunnel aquarium. This Zoo’s aquarium, set on a 10-rai (1.6 hectares) plot of land, is made up of freshwater and ocean sections. It is 133 meters long and 66.5 meters wide. The aquarium, being built by the Zoological Park Organization (ZPO), features the world’s longest tunnel aquarium which houses about 8,000 aquatic animals of 250 different species.

The opening ceremony was presided by the Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. Somchai visited the northern province of Chiang Mai after he returned home from Beijing, where he attended the Asia-Europe Meeting. Chiang Mai is also expected to be the venue of the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit to be held in December.

Thailand to propose setting up of an Asian IMF

Thailand currently chairs the Association of South East Asian Nations. The nation is planning to propose setting up a regional financial institution for Asia that would be a cross between the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

“The first step would be a kind of Asian IMF, so if we are in trouble we could get some help from this multilateral organisation,” said the finance minister Suchart Thadathamrongvech. “Then if the situation is not in crisis, it would have money in the system and it could act as a kind of development bank, like the World Bank.”

Olarn Chaipravat, the deputy prime minister, has also suggested that the Asian nations should pool 10 per cent of their foreign exchange holdings into a superfund that could protect the region from the global turmoil fallout. This would amount to about $350bn, (€272bn, £217bn) with the lion’s share being provided by China, which has reserves of about $1,900bn, and Japan, with reserves of $1,000bn.

However, Mr Suchart said that the negotiations are at a very early stage and it is doubtful whether China and Japan would agree to part with their reserves for this plan.

The Danish vote Thailand as the World’s Best Tourist Country

For the second time Thailand has been voted as the World’s Best Tourist Country by Danish people and Danish tourism firms. The result of the vote organized by tourism magazine, Stand By, was announced on October 9 at the Hilton Hotel in Copenhagen.

Manit Boonchim, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Stockholm office, said some 8,000 Danish people and representatives of Danish tourism firms voted Thailand as the best tourist country in the world.

Thailand to be the biggest manufacturing & marketing base for Hino Motors

Hino Motors is bent on making Thailand the most important overseas manufacturing base and biggest marketplace for Japanese truck and bus.

“From now on, capital, equipment, technology and human resources will be pouring into Hino’s Thai unit in line with its international business expansion plan,” said Yoshio Shirai, the new president of Hino Motors Japan. He also said that the company planned to invest up to 200 million baht retooling its production line to make trucks that can run on compressed natural gas (CNG). Additional machinery and technology will be available to support the production of medium-sized trucks for exports throughout the region.

Hino currently runs three factories, two at Samrong and Bang Phli in Samut Prakan and one at Bang Pakong in Chon Buri. The facilities are Hino’s largest production base outside Japan.

Average sales of Hino trucks and buses in the Thai market alone over the past six years accounted for 19% of its total exports worldwide.

Yoshinori Noguchi, president of Hino Motors Sales (Thailand) Ltd, said Hino aimed to sell 7,500 trucks and buses in the Thai market this year, representing 41% of the total market projected at 18,300 units.

Sales are projected to increase to 8,700 units next year, of which 2,700 units would be CNG trucks to be launched early next year and the remaining 6,700 units diesel trucks and buses. Total truck and bus demand in 2009 is expected to reach 21,000 units, a 15% increase from this year driven mainly by CNG-powered vehicles, while demand for diesel vehicles would be steady. Of the total, 3,000 units would be CNG trucks made by Hino and other brands, and the remaining 18,000 units would be diesel-powered.

Mr Shirai said the FM and FG models of Hino tractor trucks with 260 horsepower would be the first CNG models made in Thailand starting next April. Hino also plans to export Thai-made trucks to India.

Kuoni India launches luxury packages to Thailand

In association with Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Mumbai, Kuoni India has launched luxury tour packages to Thailand offering various luxury destinations of Thailand including unexplored places like Koh Samui, Krabi, Chaing Mai and Hua Hin. The packages start from Rs. 54,500 per person and include a variety of options of beaches, spas, inland forests and world class hotels. The packages to Thailand include ‘Cultimo’ – a culture based package for short trips and ‘Ananea’ – packages related to responsible and eco-friendly tourism.

Speaking at the launch on Oct 22, Zubin Karkaria, CEO AND Managing Director, Kuoni India and South Asia said, “We have unveiled the luxury packages when the world is facing A global meltdown. I think this is the best time to travel as people are not busy with their business and are upset with their work opportunities. These luxury holidays will definitely make the travellers feel good and fresh.”

Kuoni India had introduced the luxury packages concept way back in 2006 with three destinations and today have about 16 luxury destinations to offer. “We are planning to introduce luxury packages to Egypt, Turkey and Spain by next year. These luxury packages are receiving amazing responses and the segment is growing at almost 25 per cent every year,” added Karkaria.

According to Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Director – India, TATA, a new office will be opened in Mumbai by year end to cater to Southern parts of India along with Maldives and Sri Lanka. “We have seen phenomenal growth since we opened our office in New Delhi five years ago. This year about 5.1 lakh Indians visited Thailand and we expect the figure to touch six lakh for 2009. We expect India and China to propel our growth in tourism.”

Thailand emerges champion again at RWC

For the second time, Thailand has won the championship in Ragnarok Online World Championships (RWC) followed by South Korea and Indonesia in second and third place, respectively. They won in last year’s RWC held in their home country.

The event was held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City and the participating Thai team is composed of Ratchasak Kanchanasapha, Mana Pattharavilaloet, Minlawat Tararuthai, Somporn Sinsanguan, Hatsakan Santitaweechai, Ekkasit Nimket, and Narin Sukwisutthichot.

There were 12 teams from 21 participating countries. These included Korea, Philippines, Japan, Thailand, Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Turkey, and Austria.

Thailand won US$15000, while Korea and Indonesia won US$7000, and US$5000, respectively.

Increasing mixed marriages in Phuket

One look around the Phuket’s schools and playgrounds and it is common to see mixed-race children happily playing with the 100% Thai kids- easily identifies with fairer skin, western features and non-black hair.

With an expansion of Phuket’s tourist trade, mixed marriages have risen in number. One thing noticeable here is that while there are many women visiting Thailand, only a small percentage of them decide to settle here. But the men are marrying Thai women and settling here in numbers that way exceed what is typical elsewhere. In fact, a lot of men come here with an intention to seek wives. These include men who are dissatisfied with their experiences of women in their home country and they believe that here they can find women who are beautiful, feminine and attentive to their husband’s needs.

It is dangerous to generalise too much about the men who marry Thai girls and settle in Phuket. They all have their own story. Just the same, there are common patterns. You can place a lot of these men into three broad groups:

First, there are people who come to Phuket for work or a break from work and in the due course, fall in love with some charming Thai beauty.

In the second category are those who fall in love with their bargirl. These generally include the new young men who come to Phuket for the first time, pick up a bar girl and then keeping her for the entire length of the holiday. They act as if they are boyfriend-girlfriend. The girl gets plenty of time to weave her magic and arouse sympathy with her unfair life history. She gives him lots of affection and by the end of his holiday, he is in love.

The last group includes those who come with the pre-planned intent of finding a wife. They have thought about it and come to the reasoned conclusion that a Thai wife would make their life better.

Whatever the reasons, the mixed Thai-Western marriage is now an established part of Phuket’s scenery. Not all of these marriages turn out to be a bliss. There can be extra problems related to marriages between people from different cultures. Still a lot of western men are very happy with their choice.

The new manufacturing plant from Honda Automobile

Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Thailand’s second largest manufacturer and exporter of passenger cars, has started production at the company’s second newly operational world-class auto plant, built adjacent to its existing plant in Ayutthaya province, Thailand, with an investment of more than Bht. 6.2 billion. Covering an area of about 150,000m2, the new auto plant will employ an additional 2,200 Honda associates and double its annual production capacity to 240,000 units. The plant will manufacture Honda’s current portfolio of best-selling products – the Accord, Civic, CR-V, Jazz and the City.

Fumihiko Ike, President & CEO of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd., said, “With this second plant, our Thai operations advance to the next stage.  This means not just providing high quality products to global markets.  Our operations here will enhance their responsibility as the leader plant in Asia to provide technical support to other plants across the region.  With the rapid changes occurring around the world, our operations in Asia will play a greater role than ever,”

Kenji Otaka, HATC’s President, said, “With the start of this new auto plant, Honda Automobile Thailand is now ranked the largest manufacturer of passenger cars in ASEAN.  This plant incorporates the most advanced clean production technologies currently deployed anywhere, making it one of Honda’s cleanest auto manufacturing facilities in the world.”

This new plant at Rojana Industrial Estate, Ayutthaya, is quite modern and advanced with high standards for environment-friendliness, ergonomically-designed manufacturing processes, and safety for the team working on site.  It is equipped with a “complete water-recycling system” to eliminate water wastage. The new plant will also reduce the use of volatile organic compounds by 50%, while the installation of Honda-developed CIGS (copper, indium, gallium and selenium) thin-film solar cells will cut carbon dioxide emissions by 10% compared with 2005 standards.

More automated systems are also featured at the new facility.  The assembly line is equipped with advanced light-weight tools and sophisticated conveyor systems that automatically adjust the position of the car on the assembly line to optimise convenience and comfort for its employees, thereby reducing fatigue.

Honda’s manufacturing facility in Thailand is currently ranked the sixth largest in Honda’s operations around the world after Japan, USA, China, Canada and the United Kingdom.  In Thailand, it employs over 4,200 associates and will increase the number to more than 6,400 employees to manage manufacturing operations at the two auto plants.

Exotissimo Travel opens its Phuket branch

Exotissimo Travel, the leading destination management company in Southeast Asia, has opened its office in Phuket. Besides Phuket, Exotissimo has two other offices in Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand.

General Manager of Exotissimo Travel Thailand, Edwin Briels said, T”he main reason for Exotissimo to open its own office in Phuket is to be able to offer Exotissimo signature tours on a private basis that will showcase the best of what southern Thailand has to offer and present the real character of Phuket.”

The head of the Phuket office, Operations Manager Christophe Rodriguez said, “Phuket is often deemed by many as a touristy destination, but we beg to differ. On the contrary, this island still has a lot to offer. There are in fact many unexplored pockets in Phuket and the surrounding provinces. We will come up with engaging new tours soon.”

In the coming months, Exotissimo Phuket will develop and operate more Thailand tailor made tours in and around Phuket. The focus will be on individual excursions, either operated by Exotissimo itself or in combination with carefully selected partners to showcase the best of southern Thailand.

Some unique product creations in the pipeline include a sunset cruise on fisherman boat, a comprehensive tour of the local art scene in Phuket, private cooking classes in a beautiful Thai-style bungalow and community-based projects.

New avian virus scares poultry industry

Central, western and eastern regions saw panic in the poultry industry with the discovery of a new avian virus, Avian Adenovirus Group 1, in the chickens on Friday by a team of veterinarians from a university’s veterinary medicine’s diagnostic unit in Nakhon Pathom province.

The virus was detected in breeder chicks, aged 3-7 days, which looked drowsy and exhausted. Many of them suffered convulsions and died in 12 hours wiping away 10-15% of the flock. The surviving chickens exhibited stunted growth.

However, the unit maintained that the virus, which causes inclusion body hepatitis in poultry, could not be transmitted to humans. Chicken meat and eggs are also safe to eat.

Besides young chickens, the disease can be found in pigeons, geese, turkeys and partridges. Possible disease carriers include rats, flies and cockroaches.

The disease takes three to seven days to incubate and the symptoms become apparent in three weeks. The virus causes weak egg shells. Chickens hatching from such weak eggs would become ill in three weeks. Besides transmission from mother to baby chick via the egg, the disease could be transmitted between chickens via virus- contaminated food and drinks and farm equipment.

A test showed disinfectants in the glutaraldehyde category and effective disposal of infected nest floors could help contain the virus, the veterinarians said.

TCEB develops World’s 1st Security Standard For Conventions & Exhibitions

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has developed a comprehensive security management standard for ensuring safety of local and foreign participants partaking in the international meetings, conventions and exhibitions in the country. This system is the first of its kind in the world and is expected to make Thailand safer and more attractive destination for meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) in Asia.

Named the Mice Security Management System (MSMS), the standard provides requirements or guidance to all the beneficiaries of the Mice industry on the tips required for efficient handling and responding to various security-related threats. It is especially tailored for hotels and other convention and exhibition venues to ensure safety of people in case of terrorist attacks or natural disasters like earthquake and tsunami.

“We believe the standard developed by us will heighten the confidence level of international event organisers and also help local companies to see the weaknesses in their system and eliminate them,” Natuwat Amornvivat, president of TCEB said at the function organised to launch the MSMS on Thursday (16 Oct).

Thailand Industrial Standard Institute, Thailand’s apex standards monitoring body, will accredit this MSMS upon verifying that the individual entities have fulfilled all the security requirements. Currently, Thailand’s three largest convention and exhibition venues—Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre and IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre—have implemented the MSMS in their organisations.

“We believe more will follow suit in the days to come,” Natuwat said.

The Govt. plans a six-packed package to boost Thailand economy

The Thai government has issued a package of economic measures to cover up the blow on the economy of the country owing to the looming global financial crisis. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. Deputy Prime Minister Olarn Chaipravat said that essentially, six economic measures are to be implemented. The finance ministry has approved increasing the investment amount for retirement mutual funds and long term equity funds to Bt700,000 (RM71,919.875) from Bt500,000 (RM51,379.378), funding a Bt2 billion (about RM205.4 million) joint cooperation between the private sector and the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), establishing a Bt10billion (about RM1.03 billion) matching fund linking the SET and financial institutions, and encouraging major listed firms to buy back stocks amounting to Bt30 billion (about RM3.08 billion).

To ensure that businesses have enough revolving capital, the Bank of Thailand (BoT) will persuade commercial banks to extend a minimum loan of five per cent, equivalent to Bt400 billion, while state-run banks such as the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, and the Government Savings Bank would raise its lending amount to Bt1.15 trillion, up from Bt1.1 trillion earlier. (RM1 = Bt 9.75876)

The commerce ministry agreed to boost income from exports and tourism by at least 5 per cent or up Bt300 billion and Bt60 billion respectively. They also expressed their intentions to expand markets in Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Africa and Latin America.

Another measure to strengthen the Thai economy is to accelerate disbursement of government expenditures, which have been raised by Bt180 billion during the current 2009 fiscal year from the previous fiscal year. Additionally, speeding investment on the government-sponsored mega-projects, for which total investment has been raised to Bt350 billion from Bt250 billion, will help the economy.

The last measure would be to enlarge cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other countries, including Australia, Brazil, Russia, India, China, Japan and South Korea.

If these measures are implemented, the Thai economy this year and in 2009 is likely to sustain growths by 5.1 and 4 per cent respectively.

With the lingering global financial crisis, which originated in the US, Siripol Yodmuangcharoen, Permanent Secretary for Commerce, said world trade in 2009 is projected to grow less than 6 per cent and in order to achieve export growths in terms of value by Bt300 billion and Bt600 billion in 2008 and 2009 respectively, his ministry would expand commercial attache offices to 66 from 60 presently. The commerce ministry will also cooperate with 44 honorary advisers to assist on trade and investment issues, said Siripol.