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Alt Tag: The view from a beachfront hotel on Karon Beach

Many people enjoy the comfort of holidays in a beautiful spot they’ve visited before. They’re familiar with the location and know what the surroundings offer in the way of attractions, activities, and unique experiences. People who enjoy repeat holidays to Phuket often choose it for the beaches, the nightlife, or even the variety of shopping it offers. 

Now, there’s a beachfront hotel on Karon Beach that’s perfectly located for seasoned Phuket visitors to indulge in all three of these preferred activities while enjoying life in a five-star luxury resort on a beautiful beach.

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket is a luxurious resort on Karon Beach. It allows you to divide your day between the beach, shopping, and enjoying the nightlife of Patong Beach, all within easy reach of your luxurious accommodations on the sweeping sands of Karon Beach. 

Luxurious Family Resort

This beachfront hotel on Karon Beach is the ideal place to book for a family holiday with the kids. The resort is centred around the pool area, which features a private waterpark, making it a great spot for a family holiday. There’s also no busy road along this stretch of the beach, meaning kids can run back and forth between the pool and beach area safely. 

Adventurous family members can try their hand at the various water sports offered along Karon Beach. There’s also an excellent snorkelling area on the north end of Karon Beach, right next to the resort, where you can experience the tropical underwater world. Guests are also invited to walk down the beach and experience the quiet, but colourful, village life of Karon Beach. 

Quick and Easy Trip to Patong Beach

For those who enjoy shopping for souvenirs of their vacation or like to browse name-brand stores in search of the best bargains, Patong Beach, with its wide variety of locally made and imported goods, is just a short ride over the hill from Karon Beach. 

Patong Beach is also the place to head for the best nightlife on the island. Bangla Road is ground zero for lively entertainment, with numerous clubs featuring international DJs, rooftop bars offering a view of the parade of people on Bangla Road, and wall-to-wall colorful and eclectic bars all along the road. 

Comfort and Luxury on the Beach

For those who appreciate a quieter holiday along a beautiful beach, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket offers a choice of seven unique restaurants, our Spa Cenvaree Phuket, and the comfort and amenities offered by membership in The Centara Club Lounge. 

<h2>Book a Stay at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket</h2>

This year, why not discover a beautiful area of the world you’ll happily visit again and again? Book a holiday with your family or loved one at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket and develop a comfortable habit you’ll look forward to enjoying for years to come. 

AIS, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has launched the ‘Sukjai Travel Thailand – Aunjai Everywhere’ campaign to spark a new wave of domestic tourism in 2025. The campaign highlights the unique charm of Thai destinations—both major cities and emerging travel hotspots—inviting tourists to discover them through a seamless, digitally connected experience powered by AIS’s intelligent network. Aligned with the government’s tourism development policy, the initiative aims to position Thailand as a premier regional tourism hub while ensuring sustainable income distribution to local communities. The campaign kicks off with the first event on Banthat Thong Road: “Aunjai Check-in, Enjoy and Earn Points“, offering tourists a variety of delicious rewards and exclusive privileges.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated, “TAT is committed to leveraging the power of tourism as a key mechanism for stimulating the national economy. The organization is focused on designing tourism experiences that meet the needs of modern digital-era travelers. Emphasis is being placed on integrating technology into Thai tourism to support both domestic and international travelers, enhancing convenience and safety through advanced technological solutions. A robust communications and internet network is therefore a critical component.

The ‘Sukjai Travel Thailand – Aunjai Everywhere’ project is a collaboration between TAT and AIS, aimed at promoting Thailand’s tourism industry. Recognizing AIS’s capabilities in supporting tourism through digital privileges and the expansion of internet and 5G networks across popular destinations, the initiative seeks to ensure that travelers feel happy and secure. This project helps deliver safe and seamless travel experiences, reinforcing Thailand as a beloved destination for global travelers and fully energizing the tourism sector during the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025”.

Somchai Lertsutiwong, Chief Executive Officer of AIS, stated “Under AIS’s vision of ‘AI for a Sustainable Nation’, we are committed to harnessing the power of intelligent networks and AI to drive sustainable growth across all sectors of Thailand. The tourism industry is a key focus, as we believe that high-quality connectivity forms the foundation for an exceptional travel experience.

We are honored to collaborate with TAT on the ‘Sukjai Travel Thailand – Aunjai Everywhere’ initiative to digitally enhance the Thai tourism industry. This project aims to position Thailand as a leading global travel destination through our ‘3 Must-Haves’ approach: 

1. Aunjai Travel – AIS ensures seamless connectivity for all communications through its advanced digital services that offer convenience, safety, and continuous accessibility along every travel route. The launch of “Nong Sukjai x Aunjai”—check-in mascots at over 100 unique, UNSEEN landmarks
2. Strong Network Coverage – Our intelligent 5G network now covers the entire country, ensuring continuous connectivity across all key destinations and major festivals nationwide. 
3. Exclusive Experiences – Travelers will enjoy exclusive privileges through our extensive partner network via AIS Points, redeemable with over 1,000 partner brands and 30,000 stores across Thailand, tailored to diverse lifestyles — whether local or international. AIS also enhances culinary journeys in popular districts and collaborates with more than 30 leading global telecom partners, promoting Thailand to over 1.2 billion foreign mobile users, who can enjoy seamless connectivity and ongoing privileges while visiting.

Prapat Siangjan Chief Retail Management Officer AIS, stated “To reinforce our position as the destination that seamlessly connects every aspect of the Thai digital lifestyle, AIS is proud to deliver comprehensive services and exclusive privileges. This collaboration highlights our commitment to advancing a sustainable tourism ecosystem in Thailand, beginning with the first activation on Banthat Thong Road—a popular area among food lovers and younger generations. Partnering with the Banthat Thong Business Entrepreneurs Association, we are introducing three year-round campaigns offering exclusive benefits:

• Aunjai Check-in, Enjoy Earn & Burn Points @ Banthat Thong: Featuring 10 Aunjai check-in points along Banthat Thong Road. Visitors can scan a QR code via myAIS app to earn up to 50 AIS Points. Completing all 10 check-ins unlocks a free signature dish from participating restaurants for the whole month of June 2025. In addition, customers can redeem just 40 AIS Points for a THB 40 discount at over 100 popular restaurants in the area—valid through the end of the year.
• Free Delicious Across Thailand: Expanding point redemption nationwide at top eateries across 87 local festivals in 59 provinces. Use 40 AIS Points to receive a THB 40 discount on meals all year long.
• Exclusive Experiences for International Tourists: AIS LUCKY TOURIST SIM users receive special perks that reflect Thailand’s soft power—such as discounts on entry to Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium and Khao Kheow Zoo, King Power vouchers, complimentary Central lounge services, and free travel insurance.” 

Sittichan Wutthipornkul Advisor to the Banthat Thong Road Entrepreneurs Association, stated “First of all, we sincerely thank AIS and TAT for choosing us to kick off the campaign ‘Aunjai Check-in, Enjoy Earn & Burn Points @ Banthat Thong’ not only offers valuable experiences for both Thai and international tourists, but also boosts sales and gives local businesses the opportunity to reach new customers from around the world. This initiative has brought renewed vibrancy to Banthat Thong and stimulated the local economy. We sincerely thank TAT and AIS for elevating this vicinity into a truly complete destination—perfect for both dining and travel.”

“We deeply appreciate TAT’s trust and the opportunity to contribute to advancing Thailand’s tourism industry. We are confident that this collaboration will yield tangible benefits for tourists, local entrepreneurs, and the overall Thai economy.” Somchai concluded 

For more details about the Sukjai Travel Thailand – Aunjai Everywhere’ campaign, visit http://ais.th/consumers/campaign/aisxtat

W Bangkok and W Koh Samui reveal plans for immersive LGBTQIA+ events this June, in the year that Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage

A series of “Take a Stance” events at W Bangkok and W Koh Samui throughout June.

Bangkok, Thailand: May 22, 2025 – W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, is celebrating Pride Month in Thailand this June with a series of exciting, insightful and inspiring events that reaffirm its commitment to welcome all, while also embracing the joy and color of LGBTQIA+ rights.

Running from June 1-30, 2025, this year’s Pride Month comes at a momentous time for Thailand, which recently became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. Now, LGBTQIA+ couples from around the world are flocking to Thailand’s shores, empowered by a renewed sense of freedom and equality. They will be welcomed with open arms by W Hotels, which is a long-standing supporter of Pride events all around the world.

“W Hotels has always been a space for self-expression and meaningful conversations. As the world celebrates Pride Month this June, we are proud to ‘Take a Stance’. Following the legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand earlier this year, we look forward to welcoming many more LGBTQIA+ guests to the kingdom, safe in the knowledge they are free to be their true selves,” said Brad Edman, Market Vice President – Thailand, Cambodia & Myanmar, Marriott International.

Throughout the month, W Hotels will “Take a Stance” and mark this important occasion with a line-up of activities that embrace self-expression and provide a platform for everybody to be heard.

At W Bangkok, guests can discover a full-day of Pride programming on June 7th, as local connectors, tastemakers and LGBTQIA+ influencers come together for a series of creative, colourful and thought-provoking events. Following an exclusive four-hands Pride Dinner will be staged with Chef Ploy and Chef Joe, two epicurean innovators who blend traditional Thai flavors with boundary-pushing culinary techniques, a vibrant Pour for Pride with a queer mixologist takeover on 7 June. Hotel guests and local residents will also be invited to a series of exclusive, money-can’t-buy Marriott Bonvoy Moments, including a cooking class with Chef Ploy. To place a bid for the experience, click here.

Interactive sessions will include Art Class with Atom Prakorn, the artist, author, and digital content creator who uses art as a tool for emotional well-being and self-expression. The month concludes with the Pride Fun Run, a “vertical marathon” where participants race to the top of the hotel, with prizes awarded for the best fancy dress costume! Throughout Pride Month, the “Take a Stance” manifesto will be beamed to guests through art reflector mirror, and visitors will be invited to express their support for the LGBTQIA+ movement by taking a photo and sharing on social media. 

At W Koh Samui, the festivities will kick off on June 7th with a Pride Party at WOOBAR, including live music from Exotica and DJ Groove, dazzling dance performances and an unforgettable fire show, and Colourful Pride editions of the popular Sunset Social beachfront BBQs will be staged on June 7th & 14th and Brunch on June 8th at The Kitchen Table. “Stance Sessions” on same-sex marriage will also be hosted at The Great Room on June 7th. Enjoy drinks and bites while engaging in inspiring conversations at the Stance Session – ‘I Stand For…’, featuring a same-sex couple and DJ Groove sharing their stories through an open Stance Sessions and casual chat. 

Both W Hotels in Thailand will invite guests to raise a glass in celebration of belonging with their special “Pour for Pride” cocktails, which will be available throughout June!

To learn more about Marriott’s commitment to access to opportunity and welcoming all, please visit https://www.marriott.com/welcoming-all.mi

(April 21, 2025) — Bangkok Governor launches pilot waste separation scheme, urging residents to join “This House Doesn’t Mix” Initiative for cheaper refuse collection via BKK Waste Pay App.

Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, alongside his Sustainability Advisor, Mr. Pornphrom Vikitsreth, has been on the ground overseeing the initial stages of a new scheme aimed at separating food waste from household rubbish.

The project, dubbed “This House Doesn’t Mix: Separate Waste, Reduce Fees,” encourages residents to segregate their food scraps in exchange for a significant reduction in their refuse collection charges.

The Governor and his team visited the Eua Pracha Estate in the Lat Phrao district, a pilot area for the initiative, where they observed the collection of food waste from participating households.

In Lat Phrao alone, there are 12,857 homes housing 32,900 people across 36 communities, generating around 34,675 kilogrammes of waste daily.

So far, 785 households in the area have signed up for the scheme. The local council has organised collection rounds into three distinct routes:

• Mondays and Thursdays: Chokchai 4 Road area.
• Tuesdays and Fridays: Nak Niwat Road, Sukhonthasawat Road, and Lat Phrao Wang Hin Road.
• Wednesdays and Saturdays: Lat Pla Khao Road, Sangkhom Songkhro Road, and Sena Nikhom 1 Road.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to introduce new charges for the management of refuse and other waste, in accordance with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Ordinance on Fees for Refuse and Waste Management Services under the Public Health Act B.E. 2568 (2025).

This move is designed to motivate the public to actively reduce and sort their waste at home and to bring the collection fees in line with current operational costs.

Under the new regulations, typical households producing no more than 20 litres (roughly 4 kilogrammes) of waste per day will only pay 20 baht a month if they adhere to the BMA’s waste separation guidelines.

However, those who fail to separate their rubbish will face a monthly charge of 60 baht.

The ordinance was officially published in the Royal Gazette on March 31st, 2025, and will come into force 180 days later, in October 2025.

The BMA is currently trialling the separate collection of food waste from households registered for the “This House Doesn’t Mix” scheme via a mobile application called BKK Waste Pay.

The pilot is running in six boroughs: Lat Phrao, Bang Phlat, Bang Kho Laem, Phaya Thai, Thon Buri, and Lat Krabang, commencing on April 21st, 2025.

In each borough, food waste will be collected twice a week along three designated routes, between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm.

Special “non-mixed” food waste lorries will collect waste from the addresses registered with the BMA. The collected food waste will then be processed into fertiliser or provided to local farmers as animal feed.

Council workers will be meticulously recording data, including the weight of food waste collected from each property daily, for individual household and daily records and reports.

They will also track the overall amount of food waste being composted at home.

This data will be analysed by the Environment Department to inform future plans for rolling out the food waste collection scheme across all 50 boroughs.

Every household participating in the initiative will receive a “This House Doesn’t Mix” sticker and green food waste bags to clearly identify them as part of the project.

Residents interested in joining the “This House Doesn’t Mix: Separate Waste, Reduce Fees” scheme can register via the BKK Waste Pay application, with advance registration open now on both iOS: https://apps.apple.com/th/app/bkk-waste-pay/id1574454798 and Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wingplus.bkkpersonalapp&pcampaignid=web_share.

The BKK Waste Pay application has been developed by the BMA to make it easier for residents to check and pay for their refuse collection charges within their borough.

Its features include the ability to view outstanding monthly fees, access payment history, and save payment confirmations and invoices. The app also provides updates on environmental news from the BMA.

Today’s activities included a demonstration of the food waste collection process and an explanation of how an aerated food waste composting bin works, presented by experts from the Faculty of Engineering at Kasetsart University, the Lat Phrao Council, and representatives from the Eua Pracha Estate.

There was also a demonstration of the Green Cone composting bin. The Governor personally affixed “This House Doesn’t Mix” stickers to the home of the Eua Pracha Estate’s chair and other registered residents, and handed out green food waste bags.

He also visited the food waste collection operations at registered “This House Doesn’t Mix” households in the Chokchai 4 Soi 54 Yaek 2 and Yaek 4 areas.

Attendees at today’s event included Mr. Prapas Lueangsirinapha, Head of the Environment Department; Mr. Nopphon Monmanussitti, Director of the Lat Phrao District; Mr. Napak Pengsuk, Member of Bangkok Metropolitan Council, Lat Phrao District; senior figures and officers from the Environment Department and the Lat Phrao District Office; and other stakeholders.

#สิ่งแวดล้อมดี #บ้านนี้ไม่เทรวม #ไม่เทรวม #กรุงเทพมหานคร #กทม #GoodEnvironment #ThisHouseDoesntMix #DoesntMix #BangkokMetropolitanAdministration #BMA

(April 23, 2025)— Dog and cat owners in Bangkok are being warned of new legislation coming into effect in early 2026 that will mandate pet registration, the use of leads in public, and restrictions on the number of animals kept based on property size. Failure to comply with these new rules will result in penalties.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced the upcoming changes, which were published in the Government Gazette on January 15, 2025 and are set to be enforced from January 10, 2026. According to BMA spokesperson Mr. Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, these new regulations aim to enhance the safety of both residents and their animals.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Mr. Amrapala urged current and prospective pet owners to familiarise themselves with the details of the legislation to avoid potential legal repercussions.

The key aspects of the new by-laws include limitations on the number of pets allowed per household, determined by the size of the property:

• Large mammals such as cattle, buffalo, horses, and deer will be limited to one animal per 50 square wa (approximately 200 square metres).
• Small mammals like goats, sheep, pigs, and miniature horses will be capped at three animals per 50 square wa.
• Poultry will be subject to different rules: chickens, ducks, and geese will be limited to one bird per 4 square metres. Larger birds, such as ostriches, will be restricted to one per 50 square metres, while smaller birds will have a limit of five per 1 square metre.

Furthermore, the new regulations will prohibit the keeping or releasing of controlled animals in public spaces within Bangkok, with the following exceptions:

• For necessary veterinary treatment or vaccinations.
• For activities specifically authorised by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
• During a change of residence of the pet owner.
• For animals owned or released by government agencies, and for releases related to charitable or traditional customs.

Specific rules will also apply to dog and cat ownership. Owners will be required to register their animals at designated BMA locations within 120 days of the animal’s birth or within 30 days of bringing the animal into the Bangkok Metropolitan area. The number of dogs and cats permitted will depend on the type and size of the property:

• Rented rooms or flats (condominiums) between 20 and 80 square metres: one pet allowed.
• Rented rooms or flats (condominiums) larger than 80 square metres: a maximum of two pets.
• Land plots not exceeding 20 square wa (approximately 80 square metres): two pets allowed.
• Land plots not exceeding 50 square wa (approximately 200 square metres): three pets allowed.
• Land plots not exceeding 100 square wa (approximately 400 square metres): four pets allowed.
• Land plots of 100 square wa (approximately 400 square metres) or larger: a maximum of six pets.

When taking dogs or cats outside the home or designated area, they must be kept on a secure lead at all times or transported in a suitable carrier, pen, cage, or other appropriate equipment. Owners must ensure their pets do not disturb other people and are obligated to clean up after their animals in public places. For designated dangerous dog breeds or dogs with a history of aggression, such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers, muzzles must be used, along with a strong, secure lead held no more than 50 centimetres from the dog’s neck at all times.

The BMA is offering free microchipping, rabies vaccinations, and neutering/spaying services for dogs and cats at its eight veterinary clinics. Pet owners are advised to contact the clinics for further details before their visit:

1. BMA Veterinary Clinic 1 Siphraya, Bang Rak District, Tel. 0 2236 4055 ext. 213
2. BMA Veterinary Clinic 2 Min Buri, Min Buri District, Tel. 0 2914 5822
3. BMA Veterinary Clinic 3 Wat That Thong, Watthana District, Tel. 0 2392 9278
4. BMA Veterinary Clinic 4 Bang Khen, Chatuchak District, Tel. 0 2579 1342
5. BMA Veterinary Clinic 5 Wat Hong Rattanaram, Bangkok Yai District, Tel. 0 2472 5895 ext. 109
6. BMA Veterinary Clinic 6 Chuang Nuch Netr, Chom Thong District, Tel. 0 2476 6493 ext. 1104
7. BMA Veterinary Clinic 7 Bangkok Noi, Bangkok Noi District, Tel. 0 2411 2432
8. Rabies Control Group, Mit Maitri Road, Din Daeng District, Tel. 0 2248 7417

#กทม #ข้อบัญญัติควบคุมสัตว์เลี้ยง2567 #BMA #Bangkok #Thailand #BangkokPets #ThailandPetLaws #PetRegistration #ResponsiblePetOwnership

(April 22, 2025) — Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has launched a major initiative to redefine Bangkok’s future, urging a shift from a city known for its “buzz” to one celebrated for its “liveability.” 

Speaking at a key planning seminar, he highlighted the need for a strategic overhaul to address the city’s persistent inefficiencies and improve the quality of life for all residents.

The Governor emphasised that while Bangkok attracts tourists with its vibrant atmosphere, it lags behind regional rivals like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in terms of liveability. 

He criticised the city’s notorious traffic congestion and the impact of corruption, calling for a more efficient and effective administration.

“We must move beyond day-to-day operations and adopt a clear, strategic vision,” Mr. Chadchart told attendees. “Bangkok is a thrilling city to visit, but it is not yet a truly liveable city—and this is a major problem.”

The seminar, part of the 2027 Operational Plan project, aimed to gather feedback from officials, businesses, and civil society on the city’s development goals. Key themes included improving infrastructure, enhancing social services, driving economic growth, and protecting the environment.

Governor Chadchart stressed the importance of data-driven decision-making and public engagement. He outlined a three-step process: analysing the current situation, establishing clear policy directives, and implementing a comprehensive action plan. 

He also emphasised the need for greater efficiency within the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), advocating for the integration of technology to streamline bureaucratic processes.

“We must improve the quality of life and the quality of the city,” he said, citing recent improvements in flood control, street lighting, and public services as encouraging signs. He urged attendees to provide candid feedback, promising that their input would shape the city’s future.

The 2027 Operational Plan will serve as a framework for annual operational plans and budget allocations, ensuring that all BMA agencies work towards a unified vision. The initiative reflects a commitment to transforming Bangkok into a more liveable and sustainable city for all its residents.

#กทม #บริหารจัดการดี #เมืองน่าอยู่ #Bangkok #BMA #Bangkok2027 #CityLiveability #ChadchartSittipunt #BangkokStrategy #UrbanDevelopment