Pattaya Mail - Pattaya's First English Language Newspaper

HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:: THAI sets target to earn more revenue over next 5 years; Si Sa Ket to revive traditional fair to stimulate tourism; Students set off for African wilderness experience with Cathay pacific; Amari Watergate GM leaving Bangkok

THAI sets target to earn more revenue over next 5 years

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra recently stated that he is satisfied with the national flag carrier’s development and strategic plan over the next five years because the plan has set a realistic target that could earn the company as much as 200 billion baht over the next five years.

The company’s plan will emphasize an increase in efficiency and a reduction of unnecessary costs. Continued internal restructuring, including improvement of personnel management, inventory cuts, and introduction of modern technology will also be implemented.

A THAI proposal to purchase a new fleet of 12 aircraft, worth over 50 billion baht may also be part of the 5-year plan, if the procurement proves necessary to serve THAI’s expansion of aviation routes, particularly those to Europe.

The prime minister said, “I suggested that the national flag carrier consider three dimensions, including maintaining a profit taking company, retaining its good reputation and image, and boosting opportunities for Thai tourism and exports, when it implements company policies and measures.”

However, representatives of THAI’s Labor Union have lodged a protest with Premier Thaksin when he, Somkid Jatusripitak, deputy prime minister and finance minister, and Wanmuhamadnoor Matha, transport and communication minister arrived at the company’s headquarters. The union opposes the company’s aircraft procurement and privatization plans.

Union representatives said that it was not yet the right time for THAI to spend a large amount of money to purchase new aircraft given the slow growth of the global aviation industry. They also stated that they felt it was not necessary for the national flag carrier to be privatized and to be listed in the Thai stock market, as it had maintained high business potential and good management.

Srisook Chandrangsu, permanent-secretary for transport and communications said the new aircraft procurement was aimed at supporting THAI’s plan to expand its aviation routes to more major destinations in Europe, the United States, Australia and China over the next five years to promote Thailand as one of the world’s commercial aviation centers.

“Given the planned expansion of its aviation routes, the national flag carrier will purchase 12 new aircraft over the period,” said Srisook, who chairs a THAI sub-committee on long-term planning. “The aircraft procurement was based on the company’s principle of boosting its production by 4-5% of its overall system during the 2003-2008 periods,” he noted.

The planned expansion of aviation routes and the procurement of new aircraft are expected to help generate more revenue for the national flag carrier to approximately 700 billion baht over the next five years. This means that if all revenues are included, the company would show about 70 billion baht profit over the period, Srisook projected.

Srisook said that the procurement of the aircraft would be mainly supported by both external and internal loans through the Ministry of Finance.

“THAI wants to conclude the aircraft procurement process by October. After that, the company will begin to choose aircraft brands and to negotiate with manufacturing firms,” Srisook said.

If approved by the THAI board at its next meeting the new aircraft procurement plan will be submitted to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), and the cabinet for final approval. (TNA)

Si Sa Ket to revive traditional fair to stimulate tourism

“Dok Lamduan Ban”, a unique traditional festival in Si Sa Ket Province will be revived to stimulate tourism in the northeastern province now that the governor of the province has given his full support to the plan.

Kanlayanee DhammaJaree, chairwoman of the Si Sa Ket Tourism Industry Association said a meeting of the Joint Public and Private Sectors Committee agreed with the association’s proposal to bring back “The Full Blooming of the Lamduan Flowers” or “Lamduan Ban”, the ethnic festival of four minority groups in Si Sa Ket, i.e. Khmer, Suay, Lao, and Yer.

Originally, the Full Blooming of the Lamduan Flower was organized every year at Somdej Srinakarin Park until it was halted three years ago. Kanlayanee added that the festival will be included in TAT travel calendar to promote the province’s tourist program.

The festival celebrates the culture of Si Sa Ket with art and dance performances that celebrate the history of the province and exhibitions and shops selling local products will be part of the festival. The Si Sa Ket Tourist Industry Association has agreed to co-host the Lamduan Ban festival with provincial authorities.

Sucharit Nantamontree, Si Sa Ket’s governor stated that he absolutely agreed with the plan to resume the event because it would generate income within the local community. “I requested the concerned agencies to draw up the plan for the project in order to submit it to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and ask for financial support. I believe that TAT will definitely approve the project, as Si Sa Ket holds many natural attractions of the northeastern region,” he said. (TNA)

Students set off for African wilderness experience with Cathay pacific

Cathay Pacific recently took 42 students to its ecological camp at the Entabeni Game Reserve, South Africa as part of the annual “Cathay Pacific International Wilderness Experience Program”. The camp, which ran from July 21 to August 1, aimed at bringing young people from all over the world together to learn about and explore the natural environment and to teach them to appreciate the diverse cultures and traditions of the world.

The participants were drawn from Asia, the Middle East and South Africa and included three delegates from Thailand: Pongsiri Vorapongse, 17, from Bangkok, Viwantorn Chantawong, 18, from Phitsanulok and Taramika Yimcharoen, 16, from Chonburi.

One of the unforgettable moments during camp - getting “down and dirty” to become one with nature, all the while sharing their experience with other participants and keeping a smile throughout.

All three Thai representatives agreed that they gained valuable experiences from the camp and enjoyed the multi-cultural exchanges, group activities and the leadership coaching. Environmentally, the students learned how to survive on their wits and what nature provides for the duration of the camp. They also acquired valuable knowledge and experience of the ecology of the wilderness. Interestingly, the Thai students say their environmental consciousness has been awakened and that they will make adjustments in their daily lives.

Since Cathay Pacific started the International Wilderness Experience Program in 1994, over 400 students around the world have participated. Rather than simply attending lectures, the students are guided by a team of highly qualified educational officers and experience the natural environment through hiking, camping trips and wildlife observations. They also share each other’s cultural heritage through role-playing, group discussions, and exchange of traditional songs and dances.

Amari Watergate GM leaving Bangkok

After 10 years with Amari Hotels & Resorts, Thomas Tapken, general manager of Amari Watergate Hotel decided to leave Bangkok to take up a new challenge with Movenpick Hotels & Resorts in Qatar as general manager for two hotels.

Thomas Tapke

Mr. Tapken’s hands-on, energetic style of management has ensured the success of the Amari Watergate Hotel in a highly competitive marketplace with both corporate and tourist guests worldwide. One of his greatest achievements has been introducing the hotel to the Incentive Market, and winning many such groups from well known internationally connected competitors in the city. He also served as board member of the THA as well as on the board of TICA. In year 2002 he was selected chairman of training and development for THA.

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