Another update on situation in Bangkok

Bangkok's major exhibition and convention venues have reported all local and international trade fairs and conferences are being staged on schedule despite the state of emergency declared by the government.

Sources at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) said the centre had received an urgent enquiry from the UN to use the facility for today’s meeting, originally to be held at the UN Building in Bangkok’s Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, near the Government House which anti-government protesters have seized and have been camping out for almost two weeks.

The UN meeting has resulted in QSNCC being busier than usual as the centre is at the same time also the venue for two other fairs, the 13th Discovery Thailand and Discovery World 2008 (from September 4 to 7) and the 4th Health Cuisine and Beauty Festival (from September 3 to 7).

The Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC) has confirmed all local and international shows are on track. Business development director, Mr Sarnit Karunyavanij, said there was no postponement or cancellation except for some queries from overseas partners about Bangkok’s political situation.

He said Thailand’s Department of Export Promotion had confirmed the annual Furniture Show from September 6 to 14 and Bangkok International Logistics Fair September 11 to 14 were to be held as scheduled.

IMPACT Muang Thong Thani has also confirmed all exhibition events and consumer shows scheduled at the venue remain on the calendar, with the ITU Telecom Asia 2008, held from September 2, concluding today.

Meanwhile, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau has reassured organisers, planners and delegates of business events in Thailand in one of its statements: “Normal businesses continue to be unaffected. The gatherings for corporate meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions can be conducted as usual.”

Bangkok emergency decree hurts

Tourism associations have demanded that the state of emergency be withdrawn.

Atta president, Apichart Sankary, said: “We have seen a loss during low season because of the economic decline, Euro 2008, and the Olympic Games in China. Now the statement of emergency and the travel warnings will trigger a continued drop that could go into the high season, from October to March, if the situation lingers until the end of September. Tourists from Europe, Russia and Scandinavia will disappear.”

He said the government’s 2008 tourism target of Bt600,000 million and 15.48 million arrivals from the international market would be impossible to achieve.

The industry has estimated a loss of 20% to 30% a day in tourist numbers, which would mean a decline of Bt300 to Bt450 million a day off the average Bt1,500 million earned daily by the tourism industry.

Bangkok updates

BANGKOK'S continuing political unrest has led to more travel warnings being issued while tourism groupings are asking for the government to end the state of emergency to reassure tourists’ confidence.

Immediately following the declaration of the state of emergency on Tuesday, Japan, South Korea, Australia and the UK issued travel warnings to their citizens.

At press time, seven more countries – France, Denmark, China, Taiwan, New Zealand, Switzerland and Singapore – have also issued warnings against travel to Thailand.

To raise tourists' confidence, Thai tourism groupings reportedly issued a statement pleading the government to end the state of emergency as soon as possible to minimise the damage done to the industry.

Association of Thai Travel Agents president, Mr Apichart Sankary, said the association feared tourism revenue about 100 billion baht (US$2.9 billion) would be lost for the high season if the state of emergency continued to end-September.

The Thai Hotels Association has reported the impact on main tourist destinations in the Kingdom; for example, occupancy rates in Phuket were reduced 30 per cent, while the rates in Pattaya and Koh Samui's decreased five to 10 per cent from last month.

Hat Yai airport authority reportedly cancelled all morning flights from Bangkok to conduct security check in the area seized by the protesters, but flights in afternoon were operating as normal.

The cancellations included flights of Thai Airways International, Nok Air and Thai AirAsia. Some train services to the southern part of Thailand have also been halted.

Bangkok under State of Emergency

More bad news for Thai tourism eventough situation is totally safe in tourism areas and State of Emergency a complete overreaction of Prime Minister.

Below however is a quick snapshot on hotel situation by a Bangkok hotelier:


Chao Phaya Hotel general manager, Andrew Wood, provides these insights just hours after a state of emergency was declared in Bangkok earlier this morning. A state of emergency followed a night of scuffles and violence between pro and anti government protestors, leaving one dead and 43 injured.



Mr Wood views the situation from a hotel perspective.

• Three groups have already cancelled l this morning mainly from the government sector but also a local MICE function and we are receiving cancellations from FIT Corporate Japanese.

• The question of whether five or more people can meet under the emergency degree will threaten the local conference market.

• Cancelled all casual staff and all overtime. Occupancy is down to 55% and dropping. It could reach 40%, if things do not improve. Normally we would anticipate 75% in September, which is a rainy season month and one of quietest in the year. Floors are to be closed to conserve energy.

• Strikes that will cut off water, electricity and transportation is going to lead to some restrictions to tourists but at present all airports are open.

• Most of Thailand remains largely unaffected...the 'hot spot' is in and around government house, which is an area to be avoided.

• The presence of military in the area will present the message that things are actually worst than they really are.

• We expect September business across the board –rooms, restaurants, conference and banqueting. The loss could be as high as Bt4 million for our Bangkok property alone.

• Skal Bangkok meeting next Tuesday is likely to be cancelled

• HRH Prince Andrew's visit to Bkk organised by the British Chamber of Commerce and evening function at the Grand Hyatt on Wednesday 3rd Sept 2008 has been cancelled, after the prince cancelled his visit.

IMPACT to build two new Bangkok hotels

More Bangkok hotel developments are underway:

Citing the growing trend of meetings and conventions, IMPACT Exhibition Management is set to start the construction of a 400-room, four-star hotel early next year.

The hotel (yet to be named), will be located next to IMPACT Convention Center and is slated to be completed by 2011. Around this time, IMPACT will build a second property - the 400-room, five-star Hotel Jubilee.

IMPACT managing director, Mr Paul Kanjanapas, said the company would manage the two properties on its own, but he did not rule out the option of engaging management or franchise agreements from international hotel chains either.

Meanwhile, the company's plan to convert a condominium building into a three-star IMPACT Lodge, which was supposed to open later this year, is now off given tight restrictions imposed by the local authorities.

Also on the drawing board is a theatre for 3,500 to 4,000 seats, a conversion of the existing IMPACT Exhibition Center Hall 1. Works will likely start in April next year and will take about three months to complete.

SAS’s non-stop Bangkok-Stockholm service starts 28 October

More airline news today:

SAS Scandinavian Airlines adjusts flight schedule for coming winter season, starting 28 October. The current six times a week Bangkok-Copenhagen flights will be reduced to five, while adding a three weekly Bangkok-Stockholm service.

Using Airbus A340-300, non-stop flight to Stockholm departs Bangkok on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 1425 and return at 2020. Meanwhile, the Bangkok-Helsinki operation will depart on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 0025 and return at 2245.

New taxi rules at Bangkok International Airport

Interesting piece of news for those taking their taxis from departure level once arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport:

In order to provide better services and promote smother traffic flow, Suvarnabhumi Airport has rearranged its taxi parking procedures for the fourth-floor departure hall.

Taxis can only drop passengers off at the outer ring opposite Gates 1 and 8 and they have to immediately drive off to allow access to others. However, they can pick up passengers at the taxi stand opposite Gate 10, but if there are no passengers waiting, they cannot park.

For those who do not comply, their wheels will be locked and they will be reported to the traffic police.

So, let's see if this new rule is really being enforced this time. Looks like fresh breeze is finally blowing taxi drivers way, or is it?

Westin Grande Sukumvit Bangkok offers Workout promotion

This is first time I found a hotel promoting hotel room as a WORKOUTroom, offering a healthy start to day, but hey why not. It sounds all good and for anyone with a health conscious it is a great way to maximize well-being.

Start your mornings on an energetic note during your stay at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok with the hotel's WestinWORKOUT package.

From Baht 6,600 ++ per night guests can enjoy the luxury of exercising in the privacy of their own customized WestinWORKOUT room featuring either a treadmill or spinning cycle. Alternatively guests could choose to start the day with RunWESTIN, a complimentary 90-minute jogging program available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Complete the healthy start to the morning with a wholesome and nutritious SuperFoods breakfast buffet. SuperFoods, consisting of fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins rich in health-enhancing antioxidants and phytonutrients are the key ingredients in a specially crafted breakfast buffet designed to improve well-being and longevity.

This package is valid until August 31 2008. A 2-night minimum stay and other terms and conditions apply.

The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok is located in the heart of Bangkok’s prime shopping, restaurant, and entertainment area, and steps from the sky train and underground train service.

The 362 deluxe guest rooms and suites showcase contemporary styling featuring a blend of Westin comforts, including the all-white signature Heavenly Bed, and Thai inspired touches. The Westin Executive Club rooms and Executive Suites provide butler service and Club benefits.

asiatraveltrips.com

Bangkok voted No 1 in world!

Yes, finally we made it! What everybody already knew has become official...

Bangkok was voted the world's best city for 2008 and the Galapagos were picked as the best islands in an online poll by Travel + Leisure magazine, trumping last year's winners Florence, Italy and Bali, Indonesia.

Magazine readers also voted Singita Sabi Sand, at the Kruger National Park, South Africa, as the world's top hotel while Singapore Airlines grabbed the best airline award again.

It was the first time that Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador topped their respective categories, said Nancy Novogrod, editor-in-chief of Travel + Leisure.

Last year, Bangkok was ranked number 3 and the Galapagos number 8. The 2007 winners of best city and best island -- Florence an Bali -- fell to number 5 and number 2 respectively.

"We're delighted to welcome so many new winners this year," she said in a statement. "Nature, and adventure, were clearly a draw in the selections."

Last year's number one hotel, the Oberoi Udaivilas in India, fell to number 4 this year. Singita Sabi Sands was voted the number two hotel in 2007.

The results were complied from votes by magazine subscribers in an Internet poll which went live between January and March. Travel + Leisure will honour winners on July 24 in New York City.

The complete "World's Best Awards" is available on www.travelandleisure.com. Following are some highlights:

Best city - Bangkok, Thailand

Best hotel - Singita Sabi Sand, South Africa

Best island - Galapagos, Ecuador

Best cruise line (large ships) - Crystal Cruises

Best cruise line (small ships) - Silversea Cruises

Best international airline - Singapore Airlines

Best domestic airline - Virgin America

Best tour operator - Micato Safaris

Best car-rental agency - Hertz

Best hotel for $250 or less - Domaine des Hauts de Loire, France

www.reuters.com

All Season's Hotel Sathorn Bangkok

Walking down Sathorn road from Lumpini Station towards South Sathorn recently, I noticed this new hotel which has a top location with just a few minutes walk from MRT Lumpini, Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Lumpini Boxing Stadium and of course amazing Lumphini Park.

ALL SEASONS SATHORN BANGKOK, is a new modern three star hotel and features 108 comfortable and affordable rooms, each equipped with complimentary Internet connection and also has one restaurant.



As hotel is still new rooms are going for great value with prices between 1700baht for a superior to 1990baht for a deluxe room.

For details:

All Seasons Sathorn Bangkok
31 South Sathorn Road Thungmahamek,
Sathorn, Bangkok, Thailand, 10120

Telephone: +66 2 3436333Fax: +66 2 3436335
E-mail: contact@allseasons-sathorn.com