ICONSIAM named Leading Brand in Iconic Shopping Mall of the Year at ASEAN Outstanding Business Awards 2023
ICONSIAM, the world-class landmark by the Chao Phraya River and one of Siam Piwat’s global destinations, has been honored with the Leading Brand in Iconic Shopping Mall of the Year Award at the ASEAN Outstanding Business Awards 2023.
This international recognition from Malaysia underscores ICONSIAM’s success as a global destination that not only boasts outstanding business performance but also serves as a tourist magnet that puts Thailand on the world map, enabling it to win the hearts of people across the globe.
Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., stated, “We are truly honored and proud to have been named the Leading Brand in Iconic Shopping Mall of the Year by a reputable international institution. The recognition reflects our business success and commitment to bringing together the best of Thailand and the best of the world. We strive to showcase every positive aspect of Thainess and bring to Thailand the wonders from every corner of the world in order to create a phenomenon in Bangkok and become a game changer that plays a pivotal role in bolstering the Thai economy. Today, ICONSIAM is acclaimed by Thai and international visitors alike as a new global destination, truly living up to its name as the Icon of Prosperity by the Chao Phraya River.”
Celebrating its fifth anniversary in November 2023, ICONSIAM has received over 25 awards from premier international institutions. The accolades attest to the success of its Co-creation and Shared Value strategies, which have fostered sustainable growth for all parties involved, created positive impacts on society, communities, and the environment, and played a key role in placing ICONSIAM on the global stage.
The ASEAN Outstanding Business Awards 2023, organized by the ASEAN Franchise Federation, aims to recognize companies or organizations that have demonstrated excellence in business development within the ASEAN region. The award program was first introduced in 2010, and this year’s ceremony took place on December 12, 2023, at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
KHON KAEN – Police in Khon Kaen, Thailand, have arrested a Thai roti seller for stabbing a Canadian man and his Thai wife to death after being insulted with the term: “_UCK YOU”
On December 15, 2023, the Ban Phae Ped Station in Khon Kaen Province canceled a plan to take Kajornsak Panyadee, a 36-year-old Thai roti seller from Chaiyaphum Province, to the scene of the crime to reenact his confession. The police were concerned that a mob might attack Kajornsak.
The dog stared at the two victims that had been stabbed to death in front of the house around 00.30 a.m. on December 15.
The suspect had stabbed a Canadian man and his Thai wife to death in front of their rental home in Ban Muang, Ban Phae District, Khon Kaen City, on the night of 14 December. The victims were Michael, 54, and Arunrak, 47. The two men had a history of arguing, as Michael was often accused of parking his car in Kajornsak’s driveway.
On the night of the murder, Kajornsak returned home from selling roti to find Michael and his friends drinking outside. After the friends left, Michael began to shout at Kraicharsak, using the English profanity “_UCK YOU.”
Kajornsak Panyadee, a 36-year-old Thai roti seller from Chaiyaphum Province was arrested.
Enraged, Kraicharsak went to buy a beer and drink it in his room. When he heard Michael shouting again, he grabbed a knife and went to find him. Arunrak came out of the house first, and the two began to argue. Michael joined in, shouting at Kajornsak again. Kajornsak stabbed Arunrak, and when Michael did not stop shouting, he stabbed him multiple times as well.
After killing the two victims, Kajornsak called his brother-in-law and confessed to the crime. His brother-in-law called the police, who arrested Kajornsak. He has been charged with murder and is being held in custody.
MADRID TURISMO by IFEMA Madrid recently announced the launch of its global creative campaign “Only in Madrid,” the Bangkok (Thailand) program of which kicked off with an evening of wines and tapas hosted at Uno Mas, Centara Grand on December 7th, 2023.
The launch event welcomed esteemed media guests from Thailand, as well as around 25 Thai trade guests who run independent businesses serving Thailand’s outbound long-haul consumer travel market.
They included many of the top operators in their field who joined as guests at the “Only in Madrid” evening of wines and tapas, a night of relaxed fun, and a journey of discovery for everyone seeking to learn more about one of the world’s most sought-after, recently emerged hot new travel destinations – “Only in Madrid!”
The campaign, which is represented in Asia by global agency Connecting Travel and Select Holding, aims to promote the city and the greater region to a global audience, establishing it as a must-visit travel destination.
Janel Kok, who leads Marketing and Communications for Asia, said: “It is finally Madrid’s time to shine, and the launch of our campaign is designed to showcase the unique juxtaposition of art, history, culture, cuisine, fashion and sport that you can only find in Madrid. It is truly a city that you can never tire of, a city where you can feel special and slip into like a local.”
Janel Kok,, Marketing and Communications for Asia
She hosted an in-depth presentation which explained many of Madrid’s magnificent attractions and great reasons to visit the city and its surround locale to Thai travellers seeking new European luxury and experiential touring opportunities.
The city is home to the largest Royal Palace in the world and other beautiful landmarks such as Plaza Mayor, El Prado Museum and Real Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium. Each neighbourhood of Madrid is distinct and unique, from funky-alternative Malasaña to chic and high-end Salamanca where visitors can indulge in the glamorous world of shopping, dining and Flamenco. Just a short drive away, lush countryside steeped in history and culture is where quaint medieval towns, picture-perfect wineries and scenic parks are a welcome change from city life.
To an inspired backdrop of the Bangkok city skyline, as can readily be enjoyed at Uno Mas, guests benefited from seeing a presentation which demonstrated ways in which “Only in Madrid” is garnering widespread global attention, enhancing long-haul inbound visitor numbers to Madrid and Spain more widely.
The event showcased the fact that the Area of Greater Madrid is also home of the UNESCO heritage triangle of Alcalá de Henares, San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Aranjuez, located less than an hour’s drive from the city centre. Also within only 30 minutes from the city is the equally stunning rural beauty of Patones, Chinchón and the vineyards of San Martín de Valdeiglesias.
During the event, an authentic music performance allowed media guests to get a taste of what food in Madrid is all about! Following the Only in Madrid presentation, wines flowed freely, including a tasting opportunity for guests to try Tinto De Verano, a traditional and much-loved Spanish summer drink, as well as relaxed networking among the delicious tapas presentations created by chefs at Uno Mas.
Home to the world’s most luxe labels and fast fashion – from Loewe, Balenciaga and Manolo Blahnik to Zara and H&M – these foundations and their history make Madrid one of the most influential international fashion capitals in the world. Even for those who prefer to veer away from the glitz of high fashion, shoppers can still expect to find locally produced garments and articles in Madrid’s atelier routes of extraordinary quality that are relatively affordable compared to international brands.
As much as Madrid is synonymous with fashion, it is gastronomy and cuisine which permeates all aspects of culture and life.
Only in Madrid can you eat at the world’s oldest restaurant, Restaurant Botin, a historic gem that dates back to 1725. It serves what is arguably the city’s finest roast suckling pig, cochinillo asado, and melt-in-your-mouth roast lamb, cordero asado. The city’s classic dish of caracoles or Spanish escargot (snails) is also one not to be missed.
During the first year of the campaign launch, promotional actions have been implemented in 16 countries, including Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Korea and Japan.
The project includes; major B2B and B2C digital marketing campaigns, campaign sites in 11 languages, the development of branded content pieces in major general and economic media, co-marketing actions with paid media and TTOOs, key opinion leaders (KOLs) and influencer marketing campaigns, presentations at the long-haul inbound markets, and the production and generation of content for the #onlyinmadrid campaign – all aiming to fortify Madrid’s presence as a top tourism destination for Asian travellers.
About MADRID TURISMO by IFEMA MADRID: MADRID TURISMO by IFEMA MADRID is a public-private venture created by the Regional Government of Madrid, Madrid City Council and IFEMA Madrid. It is managed by the Experts in Tourism Panel from the main tourism associations in Madrid. Its purpose is to promote Madrid internationally through efficient collaboration between public and private tourism entities in Madrid.
About Connecting Travel: Connecting Travel is a leading platform that bridges the gap between travel destinations and industry professionals in the Middle East. Through a network of events, conferences, and collaborations, Connecting Travel facilitates meaningful connections that drive the growth of the travel and tourism sector in the region.
About Select Holding: Select Holding is an international holding group with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, London, Bali and Rome that specialises in travel marketing and communications consultancy in the travel B2G, B2B and B2C sectors. Select Holding has a special focus in China outbound travel as Select Holding is the selected partner of the China Tourism Academy, appointed as the sole issuer of the Welcome Chinese certification based on Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism standard. Select Holding was incorporated in Hong Kong in 2011.
Siam Piwat – a leading real estate and retail developer, the owner and operator of world-renowned properties like Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, and a joint venture partner of ICONSIAM and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok – launches ONESIAM Drinking Water to further solidify its position as a sustainability-minded developer of world-class destinations. This eco-friendly drinking water is packaged in 100% recyclable aluminum cans, which not only feature a modern and distinctive design created by an award-winning Thai designer but can also be further transformed into safe and hygienic cans again. This new product, which will be made available for purchase first in Siam Piwat group’s shopping centers, is in line with Siam Piwat’s 360° waste management approach and reflects the group’s commitment to becoming a zero-waste organization, creating net-positive impact, and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Ms. Naratipe Ruttapradid, Chief Operating Officer, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., stated, “Siam Piwat is ready to launch into the year 2024 with ONESIAM Drinking Water. This is another initiative under our 360° waste management policy and part of our mission to become a zero-waste organization. The drinking water comes in aluminum cans with exclusive patterns that lend themselves to closed-loop recycling and resource recirculation, thus cutting down on the use of new materials and reducing the amount of energy otherwise consumed in the production of new raw aluminum by 95%. The packaging also helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions as each kilogram of aluminum recycled contributes 9.13 kgCO2eq in avoided emissions. The cans are also easy to crush and make compact, further aiding in storage efficiency for recycling.”
ONESIAM Drinking Water marks another important step forward for Siam Piwat in attaining its goals of cutting the amount of operational waste destined for landfills in half by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In addition to increasing recycling efficiency and reducing landfilling systematically, this switch to aluminum cans will help save the energy and resources otherwise required for the production of new cans from virgin materials.
The ONESIAM Drinking Water cans are designed by Mr. Somchana Kangwarnjit, Executive Creative Director of Prompt Design, a designer with over 200 world-class awards. Representing a “Single Planet” concept, the design embodies the essence of ONESIAM and combines its unique brand of confidence, enthusiasm, and wonder with diverse lines and patterns that evoke a sense of fun and creativity. The distinctive and engaging design of the can is also set to fascinate and delight everyone thanks to a printing technique that reveals the natural color of the aluminum can and creates a fun embossed effect on the can.
ONESIAM Drinking Water is manufactured by Greenery Water, Thailand’s first manufacturer of aluminum canned drinking water, with a mission to reduce the amount of plastic bottle waste in Thailand by 6,000 million bottles a year. Utilizing aluminum with a recycling content of no less than 70%, the production contributes to a circular economy by creating an endless recirculation of materials and minimizing the use of new resources. The aluminum cans also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as decrease the amount of waste making its way into the ecosystem, as they are retrieved for recycling into new cans that adhere fully to international health safety standards.
To help restore the environment and create a better world for all, customers and the general public can bring used aluminum cans to the can crushers stationed in Siam Piwat’s shopping centers or deposit sorted cans at the Recycle Collection Center (RCC) or the RCC Drive-Thru at the tour bus
parking lot next to the North Zone on G Floor or at Exit 4 on G Floor at Siam Paragon, with an additional drop-off point to be launched at ICONSIAM in early 2024.
ONESIAM Drinking Water is available for purchase starting December 13, 2023 at Loft on the 2nd Floor of Siam Discovery and on the 3rd Floor of ICONSIAM, Grab & Go on the 4th Floor of Siam Discovery, and on ONESIAM SuperApp. The drinking water will also be made available for purchase through automated vending machines in Siam Paragon and Siam Center in early 2024.
From December 29–31, Siam Paragon rings in the new year with full-on three-Day Countdown Entertainment, the first to feature sensational K-Pop artist Youngjae at Siam Paragon. The First Stage in Thailand: “Do It with Youngjae”
Siam Paragon, the ‘World-Class Shopping Destination’ and the top-of-mind destination for Thai and international tourists, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Kasikorn Bank, presents an extraordinary experience as a special gift for the festive season – “Siam Paragon the Glorious Countdown Celebration 2024.”
The New Year countdown will kick off in full swing on with world’s renowned K-Pop sensation Choi Young Jae or Young Jae of GOT7on 29 December 2023. The year-end celebration also promises a full entertainment experience, with a lineup of famous artists, spanning three full days from December 29 to 31, 2023, at Parc Paragon, M Floor, Siam Paragon. Admission is free.
Lineup of the popular Thai artists include Sweezdream, SLAPKISS, Ice Paris, Tilly Birds, ATLAS, ALLY, PLAMY, Three Man Down, 4EVE, NONT TANONT, Sarah Salola, GEMINI FOURTH NANON, MEAN, BUS because of you i shine, and URBOYTJ. The festivity is organized under safety measures. On New Year’s Eve, Siam Paragon will extend its operating hours from 09.30 to 24.00 hrs.
At Siam Paragon, extraordinary festive experience awaits throughout December at Siam Paragon. For more details, please contact tel. 02-610-8000 or follow updates on Facebook: Siam Paragon and ONESIAM SuperApp.
Mr. Ian hugged the police officer who had investigated the case and thanked him for helping him recover most of his possessions.
PHUKET – A New Zealand man was overjoyed when police arrested the thief who stole his motorcycle with about 1 million baht worth of valuables under the seat after a week-long investigation.
Ian K., a 62-year-old New Zealand national who lives at Na Nai 1 Road in Patong, Kathu district, Phuket, filed a report at Patong Police Station on December 8. He stated that his black Honda motorcycle with Phuket license plate was stolen at 2 p.m. while it was parked on Phrabaramee Road in front of the Diamond Cliff Hotel in Patong.
Under the seat of the motorcycle were a Samsung mobile phone worth approximately 1,200 US dollar, three rings worth approximately 15,000 US dollar, a Longines watch worth approximately 1,500 US dollar, a motorcycle driver’s license, and approximately 6,000 baht in cash.
Phuket police arrested the thief who stole his motorcycle with about 1 million baht worth of valuables from a New Zealand tourist.
The Patong Police Investigation Unit then investigated and tracked down the perpetrator. On December 14, 2023, under the supervision of Pol. Col. Chalermchai Hernsawat, Superintendent of Patong Police Station, the suspect was arrested. His name is Yusob Khunsurin, 27 years old, from Ranong province. He was arrested in the parking lot of Sriphuwanath Park in Wichit district, Phuket Town.
Police also confiscated 14 pieces of evidence, including the Honda motorcycle, three gold rings and a Longines watch. They also confiscated Ian’s clothes and Yusob’s belongings, including a black Infinix cell phone he had bought with the stolen money. Yusob was taken to the police station and charged with theft.
Mr. Ian hugged the police officers who had investigated the case and thanked them for helping him recover most of his possessions.
BANGKOK – The World Bank cut Thailand’s economic growth outlook to 2.5% this year from its forecast of 3.4% in October, before improving to 3.2% next year. It also mentioned a digital wallet programme of the new government that could enhance the short-team economic activity.
According to Mr. Fabrizio Zarcone, World Bank Country Manager for Thailand, the Thai economic growth is projected to pick up to 3.2% in 2024 from 2.5% this year, supported by a recovery in tourism and goods exports and sustained private consumption.
Growth in 2023 was affected by a decline in exports as well as ongoing fiscal consolidation.
Mr. Fabrizio Zarcone, World Bank Country Manager for Thailand
Meanwhile, decreased energy prices are predicted to slow Thailand’s inflation to 1.1% in 2024. Food prices, on the other hand, are projected to rise. Because of Thailand’s reliance on energy imports, rising geopolitical tensions and high oil prices could drive up inflation, posing a risk to the economic outlook.
However, Thailand’s economy is projected to recover in 2024 supported by tourism and goods exports recovery as well as sustained private consumption. Growth is projected to accelerate from 2.5 percent in 2022 to 3.2 percent in 2024. Tourism and private consumption will be key drivers.
Goods exports are expected to rebound due to favorable global trade despite the slowing Chinese economy. Tourism is projected to return to pre-pandemic levels in mid-2025, set back by the Chinese slowdown.
Thailand Economic Monitor.
“The planned Digital Wallet is not yet included in the baseline but could potentially boost near-term growth further if implemented. If the Digital Wallet program (THB 500 billion, 2.7 percent of GDP), is rolled out in May 2024, growth is anticipated to surpass baseline projections by 0.5-1.0 percentage points over the two-year period and the fiscal deficit may increase to 4-5 percent of GDP, approaching the average level observed during the COVID-19 crisis in 2020-2022,” the bank said in its Thailand Economic Monitor.
Due to the new government’s expanded cost-of-living support measures and tax expenditures, the general government deficit is projected to widen to 3.1 percent in fiscal year 2024 and remain elevated in fiscal year 2025. Public debt is projected to peak at 62.8 percent in fiscal year 2024.
The bank also noted that carbon pricing must be considered a critical policy instrument if Thailand is to meet its ambitious carbon neutrality target.
BANGKOK – The Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced that the number of foreign tourists arriving in Thailand has reached 25.7 million since January 1, 2023, generating revenue of 1,098,082 million baht, or 31.320 billion U.S. dollars. The Jay Chou concert in December also pushes Chinese tourists to the top spot.
During December 4–10, 2023, there were 655,653 foreign tourists arriving in Thailand, an increase of 61,619 people, or 10.37 percent, from the previous week. The average daily number of foreign tourists arriving in Thailand was 93,665 people.
Chinese tourists surged to the top spot, with 100,704 people arriving, an increase of 23,861 people from the previous week. This was due to the Jay Chou concert, which attracted many fans from China. The concert also coincided with a public holiday in the Malaysian state of Selangor.
The Jay Chou Carnival World Tour came to Bangkok on December 8 and 9, 2023.
The top five countries of origin for foreign tourists arriving in Thailand were:
China (100,704 people, up 31.05 percent)
Malaysia (94,513 people, up 22.98 percent
Russia (42,166 people, down 0.64 percent
South Korea (40,572 people, up 7.51 percent)
India (39,053 people, up 9.25 percent)
Meanwhile, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin summoned Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, senior executives and directors of 45 domestic offices of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to receive instructions on four initiatives to boost domestic tourism: Promoting tourism in secondary cities, making Thailand a year-round high season, facilitating travel and connectivity for tourists, and encourage tourists to spend more money.
A man sprays water at western tourists to celebrate Songkran festival in Prachinburi Province, east of Bangkok. Thursday, April 13, 2023.(AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)
The prime minister asked the TAT to accelerate efforts to encourage travel to secondary cities and to promote products that are of interest to tourists. He also instructed the TAT to find out the strengths and unique features of each region’s soft power and utilize them to promote tourism.
“Many governments have focused on the number of foreign tourists to reach over 40 million but this government wants to increase the spending per trip of tourists. We want them to stay longer, like tourists do in France, in order to increase spending per capita,” said the PM.
He added, “I come from the business sector, so I may speak bluntly. I apologise, but we focus on revenue. We want to bring out the hidden gems and get tourists to spend more money. The amount of money circulating in the system is a better indicator of success. I have been in office for three months, and I have not talked to any other sector except those in tourism. This is an index that shows that you are an important part of the economy.”
The initiative sends the message that taking action for community and environmental impact can be simple. For every postcard sent, Marriott Bonvoy will make a donation to WWF-Singapore (World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore) in support of their conservation efforts in Southeast Asia.
Singapore, December 2023 – Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands and award-winning travel program, today announced the Good Travel with Marriott BonvoyTM Postcard campaign, inspiring travelers to do good through the program, while spreading the message of meaningful travel for positive impact.
As part of the campaign, travelers can send a digital version of the Good Travel with Marriott BonvoyTM postcard to a friend or family, to share their meaningful travel experience with the program. For every digital postcard sent, Marriott Bonvoy will make a donation to its philanthropic partner, WWF-Singapore (World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore), to support their conservation work in Southeast Asia.
The campaign is part of the purpose-led program, Good Travel with Marriott BonvoyTM, which offers guests the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to three distinct pillars of the program: Environmental Protection, Community Engagement and Marine Conservation. Available at close to 100 hotels across the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in Asia Pacific, experiences range from bamboo shark conservation efforts in Khao Lak to mangrove planting in Fiji and food redistribution in Bali.
“The Good Travel with Marriott BonvoyTM Postcard campaign is an opportunity to inspire our guests and members to not only take action for good, but also spread the message to their friends and family,” said John Toomey, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Marriott International, Asia Pacific. “We hope to inspire more travelers to reimagine travel from pure leisure to value-adding opportunities, creating a ripple effect of more collective action to bring positive change in our communities and on the environment.”
The postcard illustrations were designed in collaboration with PARDICOLOR artist, Joséphine Billeter, to create travel art that depict the concept of holidaying while doing good. PARDICOLOR is an environmental creative arts initiative that supports local artists to raise environmental and social awareness across Southeast Asia.
Spreading the Message of Meaningful Travel for Positive Impact
From today until 31 December, guests and members can send a Good Travel with Marriott BonvoyTM postcard through a simple three-step process:
Step #1: Pick your digital postcard – Head to the Marriott Bonvoy Asia website and pick a postcard design of your choice. There are three postcard designs, each reflecting the program’s three experience pillars: Environmental Protection, Community Engagement and Marine Conservation.
Step #2: Share your message and experience with Good Travel with Marriott BonvoyTM – Write your personalized message to a friend or family member. Fill in their recipient details and hit send.
Step #3: Take action to support conservation efforts – Once the postcard has been sent, Marriott Bonvoy will send a donation on your behalf to WWF-Singapore. Proceeds will go to supporting WWF’s conservation efforts in Southeast Asia, such as their on-the-ground work to improve the sustainability and responsibility of seafood sources.
ฺBANGKOK – Before Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will pay an official visit to Japan from 14 to 18 December, the Cabinet has approved measures to waive visa requirements for Japanese business travelers entering Thailand temporarily for short-term business purposes on a special and temporary basis for three years.
The Cabinet Decision dated December 12, 2023, provides that Japanese nationals holding passports or travel documents who temporarily enter Thailand for business purposes will be exempted from visa requirements and allowed to stay in the Kingdom for up to 30 days from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026, in order to promote economic and foreign policy cooperation with Japan, especially trade, investment and business activities between the two countries.
The visa waiver for Japanese nationals who hold a passport or travel document and enter Thailand temporarily for business purposes will make it easier for them to come to Thailand to expand cooperation and develop economic activities, which will benefit the Thai economy as a whole.
Japan has potential in industries that the Thai government is targeting for promotion, including the green industry, electric vehicles, textiles, bio-industry, digital economy, infrastructure, agriculture development, and human resource development.
The trip by Prime Minister Srettha to Japan is to attend the Special ASEAN-Japan Summit to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo. This year is the year of exchange between ASEAN and Japan, and the official logo and motto “Golden Friendship, Golden Opportunities” have been announced.
The Prime Minister said that he intends to make the most of the opportunity to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. In the economic sphere, he will invite Japan to participate in the development of the region’s and Thailand’s economies, especially green growth, the energy and digital transition, as well as promote Thailand’s important policies and projects such as the Landbridge, the development of the electric vehicle ecosystem, and soft power.
In addition, in the political sphere, he will persuade Japan to increase its creative role with ASEAN to reduce conflicts, reduce confrontation, and jointly promote a peaceful, stable environment conducive to economic development.
