Floods Triggered By Monsoon Rains In Myanmar Have Killed 5 People, Displaced 60,000 Since Mid-July

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11 August 2023, 23:18

Myanmar Flood — Local residents ride a raft made with inner-tubes along a flooded road in Bago, Myanmar, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Yangon, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. (AP Photo)

BANGKOK (AP) — Floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains in Myanmar have killed five people and displaced about 60,000 since mid-July, an official said Friday.

The director of the ministry of social welfare, relief and resettlement, Lay Shwe Zin Oo, said four children are among the dead. Some parts of southern states of Kayin and Mon remain in critical condition due to heavy rains and rising river water levels, Lay said.

The low-lying areas in some townships in the southern Bago and the central Magway regions, as well as the western state of Rakhine, have been inundated by water since Sunday.

AP23223451444700 — Members of a rescue team carry residents in a boat along a flooded road in Bago, Maynmar, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Yangon, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. (AP Photo)

Initially, some 60,000 people were displaced but 20,000 have since returned to their home areas. About 40,000 are still sheltering in sturdy buildings such as monasteries, pagodas and schools, she said.

She said included three children in the state of Mon and a mother and child in Rakhine drowned.

“The flooding is getting worse this week. But, it is difficult to say whether the current flood situation is the worst for this year because the rainy season has not yet ended,” she said over the phone.

AP23223451447108 — A truck drives down a flooded road while local residents wade through the water in Bago, Myanmar, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Yangon, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. (AP Photo)

The state-run Myanma Alinn newspaper said Friday that schools were closed in the flooded areas and some sections of the highway in Bago were under water. In relief camps in Bago, Kayin and Rakhine, authorities were providing food, drinking water, medicines and other essential assistance, the paper said.

On Monday, a landslide caused by heavy rain swept away about 61 meters (200 feet) -long section of the major mountain highway linking the Kawkareik and Myawaddy townships in eastern Kayin state, cutting off the busy trading route. There were no report of casualties.

AP23223451481834 — Members of a rescue team carrying food for flood victims wade through a flooded road in Bago, Maynmar, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Yangon, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. (AP Photo)

Myawaddy is a key trading center on the border with Thailand and state-run media reported it would take a month before traffic could resume.

Myanmar experiences extreme weather virtually every year during the monsoon season. In 2008, Cyclone Nargis killed more than 138,000 people.

A report published Friday in the state-run Myanma Alinn newspaper said there would be thundershowers for the next week across the country.

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Set Out On An Epic Summer Escape With Marriott Bonvoy

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Contributor

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11 August 2023, 17:13

SET OUT ON AN EPIC SUMMER ESCAPE WITH MARRIOTT BONVOY

From seaside getaways in Phuket and the Maldives, city exploration in Bangkok and Tokyo to nature retreats in Ubud and Gifu, Marriott Bonvoy offers an unforgettable summer for holiday seekers

With the long-awaited arrival of summer holiday, it’s the perfect time for travelers to book a fun-filled break. Asia Pacific boasts a full array of bucket list adventures, whether travelers are looking to mingle in the bustling crowd of mega cities or venture to off-the-beaten-track destinations, travelers – no matter solo, group, or families traveling will children – will be able to explore the region in a way that fits their preferences.

Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 31 extraordinary hotel brands boasts hotels with various scenic backdrops, ranging from the turquoise waters of the Maldives to the steep ravines of Ubud and the energetic atmosphere of Bangkok, travelers are welcome to select the perfect summer destination to add to their bucket list in 2023.

SEASIDE RESORTS

Nothing says “summer holiday” more than images of sunny afternoons on the shore, salty swims in bright blue waters, and swanky sunset cocktails. Asia Pacific has no shortages of Instagram-worthy beaches, presenting as idyllic corners of the globe for travelers to discover. Here, Marriott Bonvoy details some of the best ways to visit and stay at Asia Pacific’s best seaside destinations.

Where to stay?

Maldives: Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa. Situated on the southern pocket of Lhaviyani Atoll, a 35-minute seaplane journey away from Malé International Airport, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is enveloped by a shimmering lagoon and coral reefs with vibrant marine life. Curious travelers are invited to unlock the heart of the destination through the resort’s Marine Master program, part of Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy, where guests can plant their own coral frame with the guidance of the resident marine biologist and learn about the environmental effects of climate change.

True to the brand’s spirit of savouring the good life, the resort offers “Chase Endless Summer” package for travelers to enjoy complimentary offerings including buffet breakfast and dinner at Turquoise, daily water sports activity, and discounted spa treatments at Explore Spa.

Phuket: Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach

Known as ‘Pearl of the Andaman’, Phuket boasts a dynamic offering of tropical shores, fresh seafood, and pristine beaches. With Tri-Tran Beach as its spectacular backdrop, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach is the go-to family-friendly resort. Families traveling with kids can enjoy fun yet educational activities such as the Merlin Butterfly Sanctuary program, part of Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy, where they can learn about the butterfly life cycle, conservation efforts, followed by a hands-on experience to feed the butterflies.

This summer, the resort will also offer its signature M Passport program designed for the enrichment of younger guests, where kids under 12 are provided with complimentary dining, a special welcome gift, kids-friendly in-room amenities, and an M Passport pack where they can complete activities for exciting rewards.

CITY EXPLORATION

For travelers looking for a summer vacation outside of the well-traversed seaside getaways, Asia boasts an impressive array of vibrant metropolitan areas with exciting experiences, including traditional summer festivals in Tokyo, rich historical sites in Xi’an, and endless culinary offerings in Bangkok for travelers to indulge to the fullest extent.

Here, Marriott Bonvoy presents the best places to stay at when exploring some of the most alluring cities in the region.

Where to Stay?

Tokyo: AC Hotel Tokyo Ginza

Tokyo is a city of surprises where ancient temples are nestled among modern skyscrapers, creating a captivating blend of classic and modern that leaves travelers curious and wanting more. Located at the heart of Ginza in downtown Tokyo, AC Hotel Tokyo Ginza offers travelers timeless European design and comfort through its thoughtful design, intuitive spaces and quality amenities that make a memorable impression.

All touchpoints are tailored to suit the needs of guests, including on-site F&B offerings such as AC Kitchen that serves Western and Japanese specialties, and AC Bar with signature AC gin and tonic and innovative Spanish tapas.

Regularly providing an opportunity for guests to explore the city, this summer, guests can book the hotel’s “Experience Tokyo SKYTREE” package, where they will receive complimentary tickets to Tokyo’s tallest tower that gives sweeping views of the metropolis and beyond.

Bangkok: Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection

Bangkok, a city of gleaming monasteries, soaring skyscrapers, and clusters of village-style houses, is the gateway to modern Thailand, as well as one of the most coveted destinations for travelers of all ages to explore.

Thong Lor district is one of the city’s best spots to experience an eclectic mix of cuisine, culture, and entertainment, and Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection, Autograph Collection Hotels’ upcoming brand debut in Thailand, is nestled just moments away in a tree-lined avenue.

Set to open in early September, through the hotel’s exterior as well as 56 guest rooms and suites, guests can experience the rich contrasts of the designs: elegant, timber-clad exterior juxtaposes with the natural surroundings of this leafy avenue, while the interiors feature designs of classic meets contemporary.

Ho Chi Minh City: Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection From incense-filled temples to street food stalls, world-class museums to Vietnam’s tallest skyscrapers, Ho Chi Minh City sets to fascinate all travelers. Elevate your next city break at Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection, a spectacular icon on the skyline of Ho Chi Minh City. Perched on floors 47-71 of Vietnam’s tallest skyscraper, on the west bank of the Saigon River, this impressive hotel offers 223 rooms and suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame awe-inspiring views of the city.

Guests can savor refined dining at The Oriental Pearl, the hotel’s sky-high restaurant, while At The Cloud specializes in Vietnamese coffee, handcrafted chocolates, organic wines and cool cocktails. The soothing Akoya Spa, the 120-square meter outdoor infinity pool and state-of-the-art fitness center also provide myriad ways to unwind in style, all set against the breath-taking backdrop of Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline.

NATURE RETREATS

For those seeking to trade the glare of the streetlights for the glow of the moon or the chatter of commuters for the sounds of the wild, nature retreats will be ideal in providing refuge and total rejuvenation. Below are some of the best places to experience nature’s splendor with Marriott Bonvoy.

Where to Stay?

Bali: The Westin Ubud Resort & Spa Earning its title as Bali’s art and culture center, Ubud is the ultimate place to enjoy rich Balinese culture, local craft scene, and calming lush forests or rice terraces.

True to the destination’s devotion to wellness and restoration, The Westin Ubud Resort & Spa invites guests and their families to experience a sense of well-being through the resort’s signature touchpoints – from the delights of Heavenly Spa, lifestyle programs such as on-site Balinese Praying Ritual and Tri Mandala Meditation at the riverside Wellness Pavilion, and the 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio. Local Balinese recipes are also elevated into healthy cuisine to reflect the brand’s Eat Well pillar, available in the all-day dining restaurant Tabia and Mediterranean restaurant Tall Trees.

Japan: Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki Hotels As one looks beyond Japan’s bustling metropolis of Tokyo and Osaka, they will find sprawling countryside with hidden cultural and historical gems waiting to be discovered. First announced in 2018, Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki aims to connect curious travelers with adventure far beyond the city’s bustling rhythms, while still being in accessible reach with proximity to roadside stations nationwide.

From the cool summers and brilliant winters of Hokkaido to the traditional mountainous villages of Gifu and the subtropical climate of Kagoshima prefecture, Fairfield by Marriott welcomes travelers in with warm hospitality and all the modern comforts one might need for a good night’s sleep, serving as the perfect bases for travelers to explore Japan’s breathtaking World Heritage sites and culinary delights.

Fake Luxury Watch Auction Case: Customs Files a Civil Lawsuit

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Khaosod English

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11 August 2023, 16:38

“This was the first such mistake in the history of the Customs Department,” Pachara Anantasilp, the Director General of Customs, announced on August 11 the closure of the case involving the auctioning of counterfeit luxury watches by Customs.

He considered it a costly lesson and reiterated the commitment to prevent a recurrence. The Customs Department also proceeded to file a civil lawsuit against the rights holder’s representative company. The case was then referred to the prosecutor’s office.

The case stems from a luxury watch auction held by Customs from July 5 to 7, 2023. The auction featured 14 watches that had been seized from a prestigious department store in Pathum Wan district on July 24, 2022.

customs watch2 — Pachara Anantasilp, the Director General of Customs held a press conference on August 11, 2023.

These watches had been certified as genuine by a local representative of the rights holder in Thailand, along with documentation confirming their authenticity and copyright compliance. The watches were securely stored in a dedicated room and closely monitored.

The auction took place from July 5 to 7, 2023, during which winning bidders paid full price and collected 2 out of the 13 watches.

On July 10, 2023, three bidders reported that the watches they had purchased were counterfeits and demanded that they be returned. Customs coordinated with the rights holder’s representative to inspect and verify the watches in question.

fake watches1 — The luxurious watches turned out to be fake.

On the day in question, the rights holder’s representative claimed to have communicated verbally with Customs officials and stated that the said watches were counterfeits. This prompted the Customs to cancel the sale of the luxury watches on the market and they immediately refunded all bidders the full amount paid or returned the deposit.

Following this, the Customs Department formed a committee to investigate the facts. As a result, the officers were disciplined with verbal warnings. In cases where the representative notified the department over the phone about the counterfeit watches but no documentation was provided.

customs watch1 — Pachara Anantasilp showed the letter of the representative of the rights holder, a Hong Kong- based company, apologized to the Customs.

On August 1, the representative of the rights holder, a Hong Kong- based company, apologized for the above incident and conducted an internal investigation to verify its truthfulness. The representative confirmed that the Thai branch of the company has taken steps to review the error and submitted a plan to improve the review process.

In future auctions, there will be clearer guidelines and stricter controls. Participants will be given a 30-day window to review assets with the assistance of experts. Once the auction is over, Customs will take no further responsibility.

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Thai Director Defends His Government-funded Soft Power Film

By

Khaosod English

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11 August 2023, 15:08

Thai romance movies and series depicting same-sex relationships, especially Y-series are very popular among Asian viewers. However, many people find it surprising that films of this genre are financially supported by the Thai Ministry of Culture, an institution often perceived as conservative.

Pond Krisda Witthayakhajorndet, the executive producer and director of ‘Mansuang’, announced the release of the film on August 24, expressing his excitement and anticipation. He also emphasized how much the production team has focused on the concept of ‘Soft Power’.

Mansuang1 — Pond Krisda Witthayakhajorndet (centre) is the executive producer and director of ‘Mansuang’.

“I would like to emphasize this term ‘soft power’ again, because it is very important. People and the media have referred to or reported on the same-sex series as soft power. However, we have never received support. But today it’s starting. I am getting a little support from the government now, but what I really want is the support of the Thai people, who should no longer classify the film as a same-sex film, but as a good film.”

Pond stated that this film shows Thai culture best, and he emphasized that he claimed so himself. When he presented the film at a competition, the judges praised it for portraying Thai culture so well and for inserting it naturally. He mentioned that these aspects are already common in the entertainment industry abroad.

‘If I made a film of this scale and didn’t receive government support, I would be perplexed. Today, I feel like I have hope for the country. We have received genuine, fair support without any conditions or hidden agendas. This can be verified. I feel empowered as if someone has our back.'”

However, the film’s team is not immune to online criticism of the allocation of funds.

“One amusing thing is reading comments criticizing that everything was prearranged. I want to say, don’t harm each other like this. Check on me. I’m straightforward and fair.”

The new-generation director noted that the Ministry of Culture does indeed have budgetary resources to produce films to promote Thailand’s soft power. However, these films might not have attracted as much attention in the past.

He emphasized that they followed the normal steps from submitting the documents to participating in the auctions to presenting the concepts and the final announcement where the team won. He exclaimed that “it feels like I am being accepted into a university.”

Delay in Government Formation Weighs on Consumer Confidence

By

Khaosod English

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11 August 2023, 13:33

According to a survey conducted by the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the delay in forming a government has led to a significant drop in the consumer confidence index in July 2023. This decline marks the first drop in the consumer confidence index in the last 14 months.

Tanawat Pholvichai, advisory chairman of the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting UTTC, said the main reason for this decline is uncertainty about the formation of a new government. The public is uncertain when a new government will be formed and from which political grouping it will emerge. In addition, concerns about the stability of the political situation have increased since June.

The delayed government formation has led to worries about its potential impact on Thailand’s current and future economic recovery. This has contributed to the decrease in the consumer confidence index in July.

“As people are more cautious about spending and saving, reduced money in circulation within the economy, combined with a weak export environment and the possibility of a higher-than-expected negative growth rate of 2 percent for the year, more than the initial estimate of minus 1 percent, has affected the supply chain.”

In addition, the overall consumer confidence index remains below the 100 mark, indicating that consumers continue to perceive the overall economic situation as slow to recover. High cost of living, rising interest rates, and negative psychological effects on domestic purchasing power, tourism, exports, businesses, and future employment opportunities have contributed to a persistently low level of consumer confidence.

“The instability of the caretaker government’s inability to fully utilize budgetary resources to boost the country’s economy, combined with the above factors, has resulted in less money flowing into the economy, estimated at about 5-8 billion baht. As a result, economic development stagnated in June and July.”

However, it is believed that consumer confidence could gradually recover if a new government can be formed by August or September and it demonstrates stability. If these conditions are met, consumer confidence could move in a more positive direction again.

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Holidaymakers To Boost Spending as Japan Growth at Tipping Point

By

Kyodo News

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11 August 2023, 12:52

japan travel2 — Tourists from South Korea walk near the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shinto shrine, a tourist spot in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, on July 19, 2023. (Kyodo)

Summer holidays without COVID-related curbs, higher bonuses and a travel demand comeback appear to signal consumers are ready to ramp up spending, in a boon to the Japanese economy.

For the Bon holidays in mid-August, bookings for domestic flights offered by major Japanese airlines have returned to some 94 percent of 2019 levels and those for shinkansen bullet trains and other local lines are also near pre-pandemic levels.

The summer holiday season comes after Japan began treating COVID on the same level as seasonal flu in May, which one of the major air carriers says has “removed psychological barriers” to travel.

The relative resilience of private consumption — a key component of domestic demand — has been a bright spot for the Japanese economy after the COVID fallout. It grew for the third straight quarter in April-June, economists say, citing increased spending by both consumers and companies and continued export growth.

AP23125583570388 — FILE – Visitors in yukatas or Japanese traditional summer kimonos wear protective masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus as they draw a fortune-telling paper strip at the Sensoji Temple in the Asakusa district, on Sept. 20, 2021 in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File)

Still, the sustainability of the domestic demand recovery is increasingly in doubt, with real wages continuously falling and acute labor shortages, particularly in some service sectors that were pounded by the pandemic, casting a shadow over the economic outlook.

“We may see a very strong growth number for the April-June quarter but domestic demand likely lacked vigor,” said Yoshiki Shinke, senior executive economist at the Dai-ichi Life Research Institute.

“It’s a little bit disappointing, given that the recovery in private consumption was initially expected to accelerate in the quarter, mainly led by services,” Shinke said.

He expects the economy grew at an annual real rate of 3.5 percent following a 2.7 percent expansion in January-March.

According to a poll by the Japan Center for Economic Research, private-sector economists put growth in gross domestic product for April-June at an annual rate of 2.41 percent. That growth, however, will slow to 0.93 percent in July-September, they say. The Cabinet Office will release GDP data on Tuesday.

It is a mixed bag for Japan as everyday goods have become much pricier than before but pent-up demand, particularly for services, has aided private consumption, which accounts for more than half of the economy.

Japanese companies have been passing on increased costs to consumers by raising prices, leading core consumer prices, a key gauge of inflation, to remain above the Bank of Japan’s 2 percent target for more than a year. It will take a few more months for the recent price hikes to peak while inflation is forecast to remain elevated, economists say.

Go Kurihara, an economist for Japan at UBS Securities, said real wage growth, adjusted for inflation, is unlikely to turn positive this year, adding, “Weak purchasing power leaves a downside risk for our consumption outlook.”

japan travel — Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows swimmers crowding into a pool straddling the border between Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture on July 26, 2023, amid scorching summer heat. (Kyodo)

Household spending declined for the fourth straight month in June when compared with its year-earlier levels. But consumers spent more on travel and dining out than a year ago, according to government data.

Despite inflation making consumers more frugal and on the lookout for cheaper items, leisure and other service spending may have some room left to grow.

Japanese people plan to spend an average 68,632 yen ($470) for this year’s summer holidays, a 1.3-fold increase from 2022 and the first gain in four years, according to the Meiji Yasuda Research Institute, which conducted an online survey targeting around 1,100 people.

About half of the respondents planning to increase spending said they will do so to take trips, while 14.4 percent are spending less largely because their household budgets have been squeezed by inflation.

On the income side, major Japanese companies offered an average bonus of 903,397 yen, up half a percent from a year earlier, according to the Japan Business Federation, known as Keidanren.

5e2e9751e0e1446f8c2b8cc6 6 — Kumamon mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture holds New Year’s greeting cards at the southwestern Japan prefectural government office building on Jan. 5, 2021. (Kyodo)

For the tourism industry, which has lagged behind manufacturers and others in post-COVID recovery, the return of travelers is a welcome development. On top of that, the sector has received a boost from revived inbound tourism as the easing of strict border control measures has led to a steady increase in foreign visitors.

Increased spending by foreign travelers in Japan, partly driven by a weak yen that strengthens their purchasing power, has aided the world’s third-largest economy as a whole.

The flip side is that the very labor needed to support the tourism sector — and the broader economy — is in short supply, posing a challenge to Japan’s sustained growth.

Some 72.6 percent of companies in the hotel industry said they do not have enough full-time workers, much higher than the 51.4 percent for all sectors. The figure falls to 68.1 percent when asked about part-time workers but remains at a high level, while 83.5 percent in the restaurant industry feel they are understaffed, according to research firm Teikoku Databank.

For its part, the BOJ expects tight labor market conditions, partly because of slowing labor participation of women and elderly people, will put upward pressure on wages. Sustainable pay hikes are essential for achieving its stable inflation goal.

“Spending may increase due to seasonal factors like holiday travel but overall consumption is still below pre-pandemic levels. It’s hard to expect a sharp increase in consumption from there, unless wage growth accelerates,” said Toru Suehiro, chief economist at Daiwa Securities.

“We see inflation prolonged and demand growth will inevitably take a pause. So it’s a caution sign for consumption,” he added.

Marriott International Announces Executive Appointments in Asia Pacific

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Contributor

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11 August 2023, 11:52

Singapore – August 2023 – Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) announces new appointments to its Asia Pacific (excluding China) leadership team. These new appointments position the company for future growth in the region and tap into its leadership pool to better meet localized needs and support customers, associates, and owners.

“Asia Pacific remains a strategic market for the company, representing tremendous growth potential and exciting opportunities for the business,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. “I am confident that our new organizational structure positions us well for the next chapter of growth in the region.”

A 23-year veteran of the company, Christina Chan has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, Asia Pacific (excluding China). In her new elevated role, Christina will oversee Finance Operations, Asset Management, Compliance and Owner Relations; while providing counsel for the Administrative Finance, Business Analysis, and Feasibility teams in the region. During her career with Marriott, Christina has held critical leadership roles in Finance and Asset Management & Analysis.

Andrew Newmark has been appointed Chief Human Resources Officer, Asia Pacific (excluding China). With more than 30 years with Marriott, Andrew will lead the company’s Human Resources function in the region, strengthening Marriott’s ‘People first’ culture and ensuring the business attracts, engages, and develops best-in-class talent and leaders at all levels.

John Toomey has been appointed Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Asia Pacific (excluding China). In his new role, John will oversee the consumer strategy for Marriott International in the region. This includes Brand Management, Marketing, Sales, Distribution, Revenue Management, Loyalty, Customer Experience, Digital and Communications.

Across his 27-year career with Marriott, John has held a strong track record for driving performance and collaboration. Under his leadership, Marriott entered a partnership with digital giant, Rakuten, tapping into their 110-million-member base to expand the growth of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty platform.

With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Oriol Montal has been appointed Managing Director, Luxury, Asia Pacific (excluding China), a role that underscores the company’s commitment to the growth and leadership of its preeminent luxury brand portfolio. Marriott’s luxury brands include: The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott and W Hotels Worldwide.

The company also appointed Karen Kim, a 30-year company veteran, as Vice President, Global Design, Asia Pacific (excluding China). In her new role, Karen will lead the Global Design team and project management for the region and oversee new hotel openings and renovations of operating hotels.

Since January 2022, Shawn Hill has been in the role of Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific (excluding China). With a 26-year career with the company, Shawn leads Marriott’s development efforts for all brands, ensuring a steady pipeline of properties in the region. He recently oversaw one of the region’s largest development transactions with a single owner in Thailand.

Karin Trantallis will continue her role as the Chief Legal Counsel, Asia Pacific to oversee the legal team across Asia Pacific, providing strategic direction and practical solutions on legal and business issues involved in commercial transactions, hotel development and operations, asset management, corporate governance, employment, and regulatory compliance.

A 22-year company veteran, Neeraj Govil will continue to serve as Senior Vice President, Operations, Asia Pacific (excluding China). Neeraj and his team drive operational excellence for Marriott hotels, encompassing guest experience, brand and product strategy execution, and new hotel openings. He also provides strategic leadership for Marriott International in South Asia.

Continuing with our focus on local talent, a hyper-localized strategy and in-market expertise, the Asia Pacific markets where Marriott has a presence will continue to be led by Area Vice Presidents: Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia; Jakob Helgen, Area Vice President, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar; Karl Hudson, Area Vice President, Japan & Guam; Sean Hunt, Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific; Ramesh Jackson, Area Vice President, Indonesia & Malaysia; Duke Nam, Area Vice President, Korea & Philippines; and Gautam Bhandari, Senior Vice President, Hotel Development & Market Vice President, Singapore & Maldives (Premium and Select hotels).

With over 530 operating hotels across 22 countries and territories, and 24 leading hotel brands, the Asia Pacific region continues to be a significant growth engine for Marriott International.

CP Foods Kicks Off a Nationwide Food Safety Culture Initiative

By

Contributor

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11 August 2023, 11:35

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is dedicated to delivering healthy and nutritious food that adheres to global quality and safety standards. As part of this commitment, the company is advancing the nationwide phase of the “CPF Food Safety & Quality Culture” project. The primary objective is to establish a profound culture of food quality and safety within its workforce, ultimately resulting in the creation of healthy food products that meet international quality and safety benchmarks.

Wilailuck Klodpeng, Acting Head of CP Foods’ Food Quality Assurance Department, emphasized the company’s resolute ambition of becoming the “Kitchen of the World.” This aspiration is fortified by an unwavering commitment to global food security. Reflecting this vision, CP Foods has unveiled its Quality Policy, outlining the strategic methodology that governs its operations. Furthermore, CP Foods is fervently engaged in enlightening its workforce on food quality and safety through the CP Foods Safety & Quality Culture project.

Launched in 2020 at the CP Foods Saraburi Chicken Processing Plant, the project has since been integrated into other business units within the company. At present, this initiative spans across 12 manufacturing plants, encompassing all 7 business sectors, with plans to extend coverage throughout the entire organization by 2025.

“In an era where global sustainability takes precedence, the CP Foods Food Quality Assurance Department has seamlessly woven sustainability into every aspect of its strategy. We firmly believe that true sustainability can only be realized when every CP Foods employee collaborates to foster a culture and ethos centered around food quality and safety. This, in turn, amplifies the value of CP Foods products,” explained Mrs. Wilailuck.

CP Foods remains steadfast in its commitment to producing goods that align with legal regulations, customer expectations, stakeholder demands, and global quality and safety standards. With a comprehensive quality assurance system spanning the entire supply chain, CP Foods adheres to the belief that “the best raw materials yield superior quality products.”

In pursuit of this, the company actively enhances the quality of raw materials through the SME Supplier Development project. This program offers food quality and safety training to suppliers, avenues for process improvement consultancy, and the establishment of QA Expertise to elevate raw material proficiency.

Embracing the shift towards Industry 4.0, with a focus on automation processes, CP Foods has introduced the QA Proactive project. Its primary objective is to address potential quality concerns early in the production process, particularly concentrating on the machinery involved. This initiative also incorporates the Quality Maintenance project, aimed at preventing production anomalies and achieving zero defects to ensure the production of sanitary and safe products.

Collaborating with international experts, the Company has also developed product inspection kits that prioritize precision and efficiency. This initiative is designed to promptly address customer needs while maintaining product quality standards.

Furthermore, CP Foods has inaugurated the Sensory Evaluation Center, concurrently expanding the pool of certified and skilled personnel to cover all products. This step has been taken to ensure consistent taste, color, texture, flavor, and overall delight for customers. The Center aims to have 630 certified sensory evaluators by 2023.

Treat Your Mom to a Magical Mother’s Day. Harvest Brunch at Reap Factory

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Contributor

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11 August 2023, 11:31

BANGKOK, THAILAND – August 2023 – Reap Factory, the Thai and International culinary marketplace at Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, is inviting guests and local residents to celebrate Mother’s Day in style this August with a special edition of its Saturday Harvest Brunch that will show your mom just how loved and appreciated she is.

The Harvest Brunch at Reap Factory is usually staged on the first and third weekends of each month. But in honor of Thai Mother’s Day on Saturday 12th August 2023, Executive Chef Teerathep Tishabhiromya and his talented culinary team will craft a special occasion that is sure to bring a smile to every mom’s face.

This fabulous four-hour feast will include an amazing array of delicacies and vibrant live stations. Every epicurean adventure can start at the Salad Bar, featuring a wide range of crisp, colorful vegetables and spicy Thai salads, followed by a choice of sublime Soups and enticing Antipasti, including premium cold cuts, cheeses, freshly-baked breads and other accompaniments.

For seafood lovers, a succulent Seafood on Ice station showcases freshly-shucked oysters, white shrimps, black mussels, rock lobsters, blue swimmer crabs and mud crabs, and the dedicated Japanese Station will present handcrafted sushi, sashimi, maki rolls and tempura. Sublime seafood can also be grilled À La Minute, including river prawns, rock lobsters, fresh fish, squid, blue crabs, clams, whelks and marinated shrimps, plus prime meats such as Australian striploin beef, chicken, pork tenderloin and lamb loin.

The Mother’s Day Harvest Brunch is a global gastronomic adventure, with flavors from all around the world. Lovers of Italian cuisine can head to the Pasta Station, where chefs can craft their perfect dish using a choice of pastas and sauces, while an Indian Corner will feature chicken tikka masala, aloo gobi, samosas and more, and a Carving Station will present whole baked salmon, Thai wagyu beef, and crispy pork belly.

And of course, there will be plenty of tempting Thai Hot Dishes such as wok-fried classics, spicy curries, stir-fries, and vegetarian options, plus a Thai Live Noodle Station specializing in traditional boat noodle soup.

Naturally, every brunch should end on a sweet note, and guests can savor a selection of Thai and international Desserts, including banoffee pie, blueberry cheesecake, mango sticky rice, carved tropical fruits, and more.

The Mother’s Day Brunch will be hosted on 12th August 2023 (12.00-16.00 hrs) and is priced at only THB 999++ per person, including selected soft drinks, tea and coffee. Children under 12 years old dine for free and Club Marriott members enjoy a 35% discount. This Mother’s Day, every diner will be treated to one complimentary welcome drink!

To book your place at this unmissable event, please visit https://bit.ly/ResReTw, email [email protected] or call +66 (0) 2127 5920.

Launched in July 2023, Reap Factory is the vibrant all-day restaurant that celebrates the bounty of a successful harvest. In addition to its Saturday Harvest Brunch, it hosts a Harvest Buffet dinner every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening, all featuring an appetizing array of healthy Thai and international cuisine, crafted using local and seasonal produce and presented in a rustic, farmhouse style.

For more information about Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, please click here.

GULF Reported Core Profit Of Thb 3,556 Million In Q2/23

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11 August 2023, 09:37

GULF reported core profit of THB 3,556 million in Q2/23, a 15% YoY increase, from the COD of GPD and an increase in share of profit from INTUCH

Gulf Energy Development Plc. (GULF) reported the financial results for Q2/23 with a total revenue of THB 35,263 million, a 44% increase from THB 24,553 million in Q2/22 and a core profit of THB 3,556 million, a 15% increase from THB 3,081 million in the same period of last year.

The growth was primarily driven by the revenue and profit recognition of Gulf Pluak Daeng (GPD), a 2,650-MW gas-fired IPP power project under IPD Group, of which the first unit with an installed capacity of 662.5 MW commenced commercial operation on 31 March 2023, resulting in a core profit of THB 223 million in Q2/23, along with the higher revenue from GMP Group’s 12 gas-fired SPPs due to higher electricity sales volume to EGAT with the average load factor increasing from 78% in Q2/22 to 80% in Q2/23, coupled with higher gross profit margin from electricity sales to industrial users due to the decline in average natural gas cost.

The average gas cost fell from 449.15 THB/MMBtu in Q2/22 to 406.44 THB/MMBtu in Q2/23 (a decrease of 10% YoY), while the average Ft increased from 0.17 THB/kWh in Q2/22 to THB 1.12 THB/kWh in Q2/23.

In addition, GULF started to consolidate THCOM group’s revenue and profit to its consolidated financial statements from 1 January 2023 onward. In Q2/23, GULF recognized revenue of THB 639 million and profit of THB 116 million from THCOM.

As of the end of Q2/23, 88 MW of the solar rooftop project under GULF1 was in operation, compared to 4 MW in Q2/22, resulting in a core profit of THB 48 million for this quarter.

In Q2/23, GULF reported a share of core profit from its associates and joint ventures of THB 2,153 million, a 6% increase from THB 2,035 million in the same period of the previous year.

The growth was mainly driven by the share of core profit from INTUCH of THB 1,352 million, a 15% YoY increase from the stronger performance of AIS, as well as the recognition of the share of core profit from GJP group in the amount of THB 579 million, an increase of 6% YoY, from the 7 SPPs which recorded a higher gross margin as a result of a decrease in average natural gas cost and an increase in average Ft.

In addition, GULF recognized a share of core profit from 3 wind power projects under Gulf Gunkul Corporation totaling THB 148 million and a share of core profit from DIPWP, the gas-fired power plant in Oman, of THB 139 million in Q2/23.

DIPWP has begun commercial operations, expanding from 52 MW in Q2/22 to 326 MW in Q2/23. GULF also recognized a share of core profit of THB 59 million from Thai Tank Terminal, a public terminal management project for handling liquid products. Nonetheless, these positive factors were partially offset by lower share of profit from the Borkum Riffgrund 2 (BKR2) offshore wind project in Germany following the divestment of 25.01% stake to the Keppel Group in December 2022.

In addition, the profit sharing from the PTTNGD project decreased as fuel oil price dropped at a faster rate than natural gas cost. This project’s revenue is linked to fuel oil price while cost is dependent on natural gas price. Moreover, the gas-fired Jackson Generation power plant in the United States reported a share of loss as a result of a drop in Henry Hub natural gas price to $1.99 /MMBtu in this quarter.

EBITDA for Q2/23 was THB 8,620 million, a 20% increase from THB 7,174 million in Q2/22. While the net profit attributable to the parent company, which takes into account the impact of the FX rate, was THB 2,885 million, an increase of 88% from THB 1,531 million in Q2/22 as a result of the Thai Baht’s depreciation against the US dollar from 34.26 THB/USD at the end of Q1/23 to 35.75 THB/USD at the end of Q2/23. Nonetheless, the recording of such transaction is an accounting transaction that does not have an impact on GULF’s cash flow and performance.

As of June 30, 2023, GULF reported a net interest-bearing debt to equity ratio of 1.76 times, up from 1.56 times as of December 31, 2022, due to the issuance of THB 20 billion debentures in March 2023, together with drawdown of loans from financial institutions to invest in GPD project.

Ms. Yupapin Wangviwat, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, GULF, revealed, “For 2023 performance, the total revenue is expected to increase by approximately 50% from the projects that are scheduled to commence commercial operation in second half of 2023. Mekong wind power project in Vietnam commenced commercial operation, amounting to a total of 128 MW, in July 2023. The second unit of GPD (662.5 MW) will commence operation on 1 October 2023.

In addition, GULF1’s solar rooftop projects are expected to gradually commence commercial operation of an additional 40-50 MW in 2023, amounting to a total of 130-140 MW. Furthermore, the trend of the lower natural gas cost will drive profit of SPPs.

For the digital asset exchange business in Thailand under the joint investment of GULF Binance, the licenses to operate digital asset exchange and digital asset brokerage business have been granted from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is scheduled to start trading by the end of this year.

The infrastructure projects in the pipeline are still on track, with the Map Ta Phut industrial port development phase 3 project’s land reclamation anticipated to be completed in 2024 and the construction of the LNG terminal will begin immediately after the completion of the land reclamation.

The M6 and M81 intercity motorway projects are scheduled to commence operation in 2025, while the Laem Chabang port phase 3 project is expected to commence operation as planned. Lastly, the construction of the data center under digital business is expected to start in September of this year, with commercial operations commencing in 2025.

GULF is committed to achieve its decarbonization targets to reduce the carbon intensity by 25% by 2030 (compared to 2019) and increase renewable energy proportion in our portfolio by no less than 40% by 2035. GULF Group is currently developing several domestic renewable energy projects including solar farms, solar farms with battery energy storage systems, and wind farms.

In addition, GULF intends to expand its renewable energy businesses overseas, focusing on Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam, through both greenfield investments and mergers & acquisitions. GULF believes that the company’s sustainable operations and compliance with international standards will enable it to achieve its decarbonization targets in the long term.”

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