Solar power demand to soar in Thailand

Thursday, February 28, 2008

The government’s programme to promote renewable energy will drive the demand for solar energy to 250 megawatts in 2010 from just six MW in 2003, reports The Bangkok Post (February 7). Currently, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower and biomass represent less than a 1% share of fuel used in electricity generation, despite being abundant. The government’s energy conservation plan aims to increase the share of renewable energy to 8% by 2011 and requires that 5% of the energy from new power facilities be generated from renewable sources. The government is to provide incentives for the purchase of power generated by renewable energy such as tax credits and privileges, and capital subsidies. The Thai Board of Investment has designated solar cell manufacturing as a specially promoted industry.

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Thai companies feature low in global CSR survey

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Only 11% of Thai companies donate to charities, well under the global average of 65%, according to a new survey by the consultancy Grant Thornton. Just 4% of Thai firms responding to the survey participated in community activities, compared with a global average of 55%. Thailand ranked the lowest among 34 countries in terms of socially responsible behaviour toward the workforce, such as promoting flexible working hours and locations, as well as actively promoting workforce health, diversity and equality in the workplace. Only one-quarter of Thai business leaders said they would change products and services to reduce their negative environmental or social impacts. The survey results are features in the Bangkok Post but there are no details as yet on the full report.

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Thai Airways International start new Bangkok-Koh Samui service

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Flights twice daily from Suvarnabhumi Airport

Thai Airways International’s new route involving twice-daily flights between Bangkok and Koh Samui began on February 15, ending the criticism over Bangkok Airways’ monopoly on the lucrative route. The national carrier is operating the flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport to facilitate connections for international passengers, using a Boeing 737-400 with 12 business class and 137 economy class seats.

The airline’s commercial executive vice-president, Pandit Chanapai, said the airline had targeted a cabin factor of 75 per cent on the route in order to break even and had planned for revenue of more than 300 million baht during the summer schedule ending September 30. He said the airline already had a base of 14,000 international passengers per month, which in the past it had been forced to transfer to Bangkok Airways’ onward flights to the popular holiday destination. As a result of the new service, Thai Airways would now be able to handle the demand on its own.

In related news, Pandit also mentioned that the airline planned to launch a new twice-weekly service between Seoul and Phuket in July.

Source: TTG

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Mayor of Chiang Mai to speak at Chiang Mai Expats’ Club

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Topics will include policies, safety and the environment

On March 8, Dr. Duentemduang na Chiengmai, Mayor of Chiang Mai, will be the guest speaker at the Chiang Mai Expats Club. The meeting, as usual, will be at the Chiang Mai Orchid Hotel from 10:30 until noon.

Her topics will include the policies of the Chiang Mai Municipality, plans for the city and activities in which foreigners may wish to be involved. She will also speak on safety and tourism issues and the environment of Chiang Mai. The Mayor is a keen supporter of the ‘Green Chiang Mai Project’, and is involved in the new ‘Feel at Home in Chiang Mai Project’ which aims to facilitate friendship between foreigners and Thai people in order to create a better understanding of life in Chiang Mai.

The meeting is open to members (80 baht) and non-members (100 baht) and it is advised that people should arrive at 10 am. Coffee and cake are included in the admission charge. For further details www.chiangmaiexpatclub.com

Source: Chiang Mai Mail

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Chiang Mai will enforce new ban on smoking

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Concerns about “secondhand smoke”

The new ban on smoking in all public spaces, including places of entertainment, offices, restaurants, bars and pubs, and also open air market venues, will be immediately and strictly enforced, according to Chumporn Saengmanee, the permanent secretary of state for Chiang Mai province.

This extended version of the original law which was published in November last year, was announced on February 11, and took effect here on February 17. Penalties for disobeying stand at 2,000 baht per violation. There is some concern about notification of the new law to short-term tourists in the area; however, many businesses whose customers may be affected seem to now be providing specific smoking areas. Most foreign residents and tourists are believed to be cooperating with the new law.

The Chiang Mai Provincial Public Health Office has reported that a large number of patients in the area suffer from lung disease, many of whom are smokers. This, combined with the effects on health of pollution and burning, has encouraged the enforcement of the new law. It has also been reported that children as young as 13 years of age have started smoking, causing concern amongst medical professionals about the long-term effects on health.

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Opening of important archaeological exhibition in Mae Hong Son

Thursday, February 28, 2008

30,000 year old site reveals oldest skeletons found in Thailand

On February 15, on behalf of Eric John, the US Ambassador to Thailand, an exhibition of artefacts from a unique archaeological site in Mae Hong Son province was opened by the ambassador’s first secretary for cultural affairs, Kenneth Foster. The research project, also based at the site, will be funded by a grant already received from the US Embassy in Thailand. Also present at the opening ceremony were the deputy governor of Mae Hong Son, Thaweesak Wattanathamrak, associate professor Rasamee Chusongdech, and the Pang Mapha district chief Suchart Theekhasuk, together with archaeologists, village headmen and elders. Mr. Foster stated that the artefacts on display were of importance in historical research, and must be preserved for the benefit of future generations.
The site, known as Perng Pha Tham Lod, is estimated to be at least 30,000 years old, and is located at Ban Tham Lod, in the Pang Mapha district of Mae Hong Son. Phases 1 and 2 of the excavations took place between 2001 and 2006; the present project is mainly concerned with archaeological research and renovation. Many artefacts and remains have been excavated, amongst which are the two oldest human skeletons as yet discovered in Thailand, dated as being at least 13,000 years old. Traces of stone age human habitation in the then cooler and densely forested area from as long ago as 32,000 years have been found, together with stone tools.
On higher ground, cemeteries containing golden teak wood coffins placed on stone tables deep in caves have been discovered, the first time such funerary arrangements have been found in Asia. Dating of the coffins places them at approximately 2,500 years old.
The project also aims to study the relationships between the then inhabitants of the area and their environment, and to examine their social and cultural development.

Source: Chiang Mai Mail

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New Boutique Hotel scheduled for Chiang Mai

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Old City location for first of new brand

The Thai property development company Tanayong has appointed newly established InVistion Hospitality to create their new boutique hotel brand, U Hotels and Resorts. 10 hotels and resorts will be developed within the next 5 years in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Each property will have no more than 100 guest rooms and suites, and will be positioned as “niche accommodation”. The first development under the new brand name will be the 41 room U Chiang Mai, situated on Rajchadamnoen Road in the Old City, scheduled to open by the middle of 2008.

Mr. Jonathan Wigley, Managing Director of InVision Hospitality; the freshest management, consultancy and advisory services company and Mr. Kavin Kanjanapas, Managing Director of Tanayong Public Co. Ltd.; one of the largest residential and commercial property development and investment companies in Thailand announces their new expansion plan for hospitality development and a new bijoux deluxe hotel and resort brand.

With a large land bank for residential and property development, Tanayong also plans new acquisitions to build a deluxe brand of hotels and resorts as part of its future growth. The mission is to grow the brand portfolio to 10 hotels/resorts in 5 years within Thailand focusing on Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kanchanaburi, Phuket, Samui, Krabi, Khao Yai, Rayong, Bangkok and three locations outside of Thailand including Luang Prabang in Laos, Phnom Phen and Siem Riep in Cambodia. Tanayong has appointed InVision Hospitality to create the brand.

Tanayong’s vision is to create an interesting, uncomplicated bijoux deluxe hotel and resort brand that is a stimulating blend of local heritage and design accents that pair with modern amenities, service and facilities to unobtrusively encourage a sophisticated target customer eager to enjoy the local environment. With “U Hotels & Resorts”, the brand’s target is the experienced traveler with a curious mind. This is a sophisticated, self-reliant individual not afraid to enjoy, share and get involved, who see things differently and seeks new experiences, global and local, and who can balance their lifestyle and their need for accomplishments. U Hotels & Resorts will consist of maximum 100 rooms/suites and in some cases will include a residential element.

“We are very excited to be part of the brand creation and embrace a philosophy of building mutually beneficial partnerships with property owners and investors like Tanayong, so that their objectives and goals are achieved. We are confident that the strength of our partnerships will be translated into great value and benefits for the guests of ‘U Hotels & Resorts’.” said Mr. Jonathan Wigley, Managing Director of InVision Hospitality.

The first property is under construction and schedule to open by mid 2008. U Chiang Mai, will be a low rise building comprised of 41 rooms and is located in the heart of the city on Rajchadamnoen Road. Only 20 minutes drive from Chiang Mai International Airport and minutes walk to famous city walking streets. The hotel facilities include “Eat&Drink” serving no menu, homely cuisine in a European influence bistro setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner which include an open air bar area. The Resident’s Lounge and three spa treatment rooms are located in the refreshed past residence of Chiang Mai’s governor. The residence has been refreshed in the original Chiang Mai architectural style but through interior design and decorative items. This heritage setting is given a modern Thai accent. The Reading Room will also be located in the same area with extensive collection of Chiang Mai’s history and literature. A fitness together space provides a total workout solution.

Aside from being Wi-Fi enabled throughout the hotel which is complimentary, and an iPod in every room, U Chiang Mai also offers the 24 hour room which will allow guests to enjoy their room for 24 hours from arrival as well as breakfast whenever/wherever during the stay. Participation in the local community activities, heritage talks and guided walks are also available for all of guests who love to immerse in the local environment and its heritage to create their own experience. Fitness together, will include interactive runs with U People and guests. Free bikes are provided for all guest’s use and enjoyment.

Tanayong has appointed Mr. Peerasak Pongarayakul, Design Director of SPA+A to bring out the company vision and brand philosophy on the design of architecture and interiors for all U hotels and resorts under development.

“We choose to work with InVision Hospitality based on their exceptional track record and expertise of the team. We are also proud to add U Hotels & Resorts to our company’s portfolio and it’s part of our expansion in hospitality sector. U Chiang Mai Hotel is the first in a series of new hotels that we are planning to add in Thailand and within the region with both resort and city locations. We are looking forward to expand our presence as a leader in niche/deluxe hotels.” said Mr. Kavin Kanjanapas, Managing Director of Tanayong Public Co. Ltd.

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New Thai Tourism chief wants to see the money

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Revised 2008 targets set – optimism rules

New Thai tourism and sports minister, Weerasak Kowsurat, plans to boost the revenue from this year’s targeted 15.9 million foreign visitors to 800 billion baht, instead of the 600 billion baht target recently announced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Reports also said Mr. Weerasak, 43, who has a master’s degree in law from Harvard University, has vowed to set a higher domestic tourism revenue target than the current 385 billion announced. Approximately 83 million trips are taken annually by domestic tourists. In addition, he is aiming for a double digit growth contribution from tourism revenue to Thailand’s Gross Domestic Product. This represents a growth of more than 10 per cent compared to TAT’s original target of 5.6 per cent for this year.

His plans call for more quality tourists from emerging markets such as China, India and Russia in line with the global tourism trends toward intra-regional and short-haul travel. He is also hoping to encourage more flights, to collaborate more with related state agencies and to amend present laws hindering the growth in tourism. The new minister has held several advisory and deputy-ministerial positions in previous governments, including the first Thaksin administration.

Source: TTG

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New free 24 hour emergency number issued for reporting fires

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

City authorities aware of need for public participation

As a further move in the attempts being made by the Chiang Mai Provincial Office of Natural Resources and the Environment, a new emergency call centre number has been announced. It is hoped that the new free call number – 1362 – will facilitate the reporting of burning of any kind within the city and its environs. City authorities are now making the air pollution problem an urgent agenda, and appreciate the need for public participation in its control.
Chiang Mai City’s specific problem is its geographical location on a flat plain surrounded by mountains. An inversion layer forms, preventing smoke, dust from dry earth, and fumes from escaping into the upper atmosphere, resulting in smog-like conditions and extremely poor air quality. Pollution levels are higher than, for example, USA-set safe levels, seriously affecting residents of the city who already suffer from respiratory illnesses and causing their numbers to increase. International publicity of this annually occurring problem also causes visitor numbers to drop, severely affecting the local economy. In 2007, the number of tourists visiting the city fell by 25%, and nearly 10,000 rai of forest were destroyed by fire.
The traditional “slash and burn” method of clearing and fertilising land, still employed by the majority in spite of new regulations and increased penalties, together with the burning of rubbish, including plastics and other materials which give off toxic fumes, combine, particularly during the hot season, to form a cocktail of polluted air which hangs above the city itself, unable to be dispersed. Should major forest fires or other conflagrations occur in the countries bordering Thailand, as happened in 2007 on the Burmese border, pollution levels soar still higher. So far, in 2008, there have been no such occurrences; as a result, city pollution levels are lower then in 2007. However, local burning still seems to be continuing, largely unreported and unchecked.
Plans for future solutions to the problem, to be inaugurated between 2008 and 2011, include preparations for local administration authorities to be able to buy plant debris from growers, farmers and villagers. This will be able to be processed into fertiliser and distributed back to its suppliers for use on their fields, thus obviating the need for burning. To aid in the control of forest fires, the National Parks Department has been able to lease channel time on a USA satellite which overflies the Northern area of Thailand, in order to swiftly identify and deal with outbreaks of fire. In the case of areas of forest already devastated by fires, replacement trees will be planted and supervised by the Forest Department to ensure their growth. 24 hour emergency call centres will be set up in each province and its districts, to enable residents to report fires as they occur.

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Anti-pollution measures now in place in Chiang Mai

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Residents note that burning continues unchecked!

Further to the recent issuance by the Governor of Chiang Mai, Wibun Sa-nguanphong, of a Public Order banning burning of all kinds in open areas, an announcement has been made that all preventative and safety measures have now been implemented.
The head of the Chiang Mai Office of Public Disaster and Prevention, Prachon Prachayasakul, stated that his office has co-ordinated with forestry officials and local organisations in order to ensure that last year’s disastrous pollution problems are not repeated in 2008. Personnel and equipment to deal with fires are at present on standby, and the public are requested to call the relevant call centre number, 053-409345 to report any burning of stubble, rubbish, etc. The press release does not mention whether the personnel at the call centre are able to take calls in English, but states that the centre will be able to co-ordinate with the police and fire departments to ensure an immediate response.
The report also states that the preventative measures which have been put in place will only be successful if local citizens and the general public respond to and co-operate with the local government’s call to eliminate this traditional practice and to adopt other, more modern methods of land clearance, fertilisation and rubbish disposal
2007’s pollution problems caused massive disruption and damage to the local economy, as tourists cancelled or foreshortened their visits to the entire Northern area of the Kingdom, and residents left the area for fresher locations. Some, no doubt, decided not to return. It is difficult to understand how this problem can be solved when, in at least one other Northern province, Mae Hong Son, “controlled” burning seems to be permitted providing local headmen are informed and give their approval.

Source: Chiang Mai Mail

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