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Eco resort positions itself as gateway to hidden Chantaburi
The Faasai Resort & Spa provides a relaxing
getaway for weekenders, expatriates, families and couples. (Photo/Faasai
Resort)
Report by eTN Asia
The Faasai Resort & Spa eco-retreat is positioning itself as a one-stop
gateway to unknown Chantaburi where weekenders, expatriates, families and
couples can experience spa and beach relaxation, sample freshly caught
seafood, go hiking, biking, bird watching or kayaking and take excursions to
temples and historical sites.
While the family-run resort only has 15 rooms, it offers a large number of
locally priced eco-tour options that reflect a province characterised by
large mountains, fishing villages, hilltop temples, rubber plantations and a
winding coastline often used in TV and film dramas and commercials.
 Picturesque
coastal scenery is feature of the area around Kung Wiman Bay, Chantaburi.
(Photo/Faasai Resort)
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) says Chantaburi is a surprise to
many visitors. “It is only three and a half hours from Bangkok,” says Mr.
Chanchai Doungjitta, the Director of the TAT’s regional office in Rayong.
“But the mountain vistas, rural lifestyles and picturesque coastal
communities give Chantaburi a grandeur that is appropriate for a province
that played such an important role in Thailand’s history.”
It was from Chantaburi that King Taksin gathered a fleet and sailed to
Bangkok to liberate Siam from occupying Burmese in 1767. Barely 100 years
ago Southeast Thailand was threatened by French expansion in Indochina and
between 1893 and 1905 Chantaburi was occupied by France. The remains of
fortifications built by the Siamese in 1843 can still be seen at Noen Wong
Fortress, which is also the site of Thailand’s Maritime Museum, 30 minutes
drive from Faasai Resort.
Faasai’s list of optional tours give great insights into a province that
today Thais mainly associate with fruit plantations and gemstone mining and
which is unknown to all but a few foreigners. Visitors to the resort have no
shortage of options to find out more about Chantaburi past and present.
Tours available at Faasai Resort include boat tours of the bay, kayaking
through the mangroves, snorkelling at Chao Lao beach and trekking on Kao Soi
Dao (at 1,675 metres, the highest peak in Chantaburi).
“Faasai Resort offers a convenient base for many kinds of trips and
activities,” says owner Bronwen Evans. “But it is also a place for
relaxation with spa treatments and home cooking for those who just want to
take it easy and unwind.”
Bronwen’s husband, Surin Laopha, leads many of the bird watching and hiking
excursions into the local forests to spot the greater racket-tailed drongo
(saeng saew), coucal (kabok) and his favourite, the lineated barbet
(poradok) known for its green plumage and cuckoo-like call.
Faasai (which means “clear skies”) adopts a low-key environmentally-friendly
approach and encourages visitors to visit village markets and buy products
during temple fairs. Water tanks are heated by solar power. Grey waste water
is reused on the gardens. Balinese-style bungalows have been designed to
maximize insulation and allow natural ventilation. Many native trees
including a magnificent Bhopal tree have been retained on the three-acre
hillside property that also contains wild herbs such as gotu gola, cardamom
and aloes wood and is fed by a natural spring.
Faasai offers spa treatments such as the Royal Thai Spa package, herbal
saunas, body scrubs, massage, aromatherapy with oil massage and Ayurveda
healing and detoxification. Most of these take place in the resort’s small
spa centre beside the swimming pool.
Bronwen and Surin are now promoting Faasai to specialist Bangkok-based bird
watching, mountain biking and kayaking groups.
“After a long week in Bangkok, a stay in Faasai is good for body and soul,”
says Bronwen. “It’s a good window on country lifestyles and a way of life
far removed from the city.”
For more information call 039 417 404. E-mail: info@ faasai. com. Or visit
www.faasai.com
Phornsiri rises to the challenge
Mark Bode (TTG Asia)
New Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor, Ms Phornsiri Manoharn, took to
her new role like fish to water, having to cope with the Bangkok bombings over
New Year.
No newcomer to crises (she was instrumental in regaining confidence of the trade
post-tsunami), she has revealed that a crisis management centre will be
established at the TAT headquarters in Bangkok in response to the latest problem
facing the Thai tourism industry.
 New
TAT governor, Ms Phornsiri Manoharn.
Ms Phornsiri said: “It doesn’t mean we have crises all year round. During normal
times, it will serve as a market intelligence unit. We will collect data from
our offices worldwide and give the private sector access to that information. We
will work more closely with the private sector.”
Ms Phornsiri, who was named governor on December 28 and officially took over the
role last Thursday, said the TAT had met private sector representatives -
including the Thai Hotels Association, Tourism Council of Thailand and
Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) - and found there had been few
cancellations as a result of the bombings.
She said: “It’s not business as usual, but we’re trying to improve the
situation. The impact has been limited. We’re monitoring the situation and
keeping in close contact with all sectors of the industry and our offices
worldwide to gauge the impact overseas.”
Ms Phornsiri added that during the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Singapore from January
26 to February 3, TAT would invite media members from around the world to
Bangkok to “see the situation with their own eyes”. The trip would take place
immediately after the event, she said.
She said her main priority would be to turn Thailand into the “top destination
in the minds of tourists”.
“We will work more aggressively with our partners overseas to attract more
tourists. We want to keep our key markets and expand to new ones.”
Key new markets are Eastern Europe, the Middle East and South Africa.
A selection panel chose Ms Phornsiri, a 36-year veteran at TAT, as the new
governor over ex-NCC Management managing director, Mr Praphan Assawa-aree, and
Thai Rak Thai Party and former parliament member, Mr Pimol Srivikorn.
Tourism and Sports Minister, Dr Suvit Yodmani, chairman of the TAT board, said
she received the highest number of votes from eight of the 10 TAT board members.
“She has impressive qualifications with strong experience in the tourism
industry and good intentions for the development of the sector,” he said.
ATTA president, Mr. Apichart Sankary, said Ms Phornsiri’s experience was a plus.
“At least she can start work right away. She knows everyone, so she can put
people in the right positions.”
Mr. Apichart said he expected Ms Phornsiri to instill a harmonious work
environment at TAT and forge closer ties with the private sector.
Commenting on her appointment, Mrs. Phornsiri said she was honoured to have been
selected and would do her best to serve the industry that has become Thailand’s
most important earner of foreign exchange.
“I am grateful for the trust that the selection committee, chaired by the
Minister, has placed in me,” she said. “My real responsibility lies in
fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the million of people who work in this
industry and many more millions to place their trust in visiting Thailand.”
Thailand on the ball
The World Golf Travel Agents Association has named the kingdom ‘Best Up and
Coming Destination’ for golf vacations. Mark Bode from TTG Asia finds out why.
Report & Photos
TTG Asia
With its destination diversity, value for money and array of top courses,
Thailand has established itself as one of the region’s premier golf
destinations.
Golfing holidays to the kingdom have become big business, with an estimated
906,000 visitors to the country squeezing in a round or two in 2005.
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The Mission Hills
Phuket Golf Resort & Spa was designed by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus.
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That figure is in line with the Tourism Authority of
Thailand’s target of attracting one million golfers - generating around 18.5
billion baht (US$656 million) in revenue - by 2007.
Bangkok-based Doug Hood Golf School owner, Mr. Doug Hood, said golf in Thailand
was experiencing a major growth spurt.
“The sport has really hit its stride here the last couple of years after a lull
for awhile. “Thailand as a destination, and definitely golf, is very affordable
when compared to many of the countries where tourists are coming from.
“People like the service, the price and the weather,’’ he said.
Golf was introduced to Thailand around a century ago, but it was only in the
past 15 years that the country’s reputation as a golfing Mecca has been forged.
There are now around 230 golf courses - many of them championship quality -
dotted around the country, with new courses opening every year.
Some of the biggest names in golf course design, including Jack Nicklaus, Robert
Trent Jones Jr and Gary Player, have built courses in Thailand.
The kingdom not only has some of the most attractive courses in Asia, but
excellent facilities as well. There are a host of courses within easy reach of
all major cities, and while there are only a handful of full-service golf
resorts, accommodation is within easy reach of most courses.
Thailand’s standing as a golf destination was given a boost when the World Golf
Travel Agents Association recently named the country Best Up and Coming
Destination for golf vacations.
Mr. Hood said high demand for golfing holidays to Thailand meant there was a
need for more courses. “It’s hard to get a reservation whether it’s Hua Hin or
Pattaya, from November to March.
“Golf course owners are taking advantage of that by increasing prices,
especially on weekends,’’ he noted.
Golf A La Cart president, Mr. Tom Petersen, said the average cost for a round
was about US$100, inclusive of transport costs as well as green and caddie fees.
While the cost had risen around five per cent over the past two years, it was
still about half the price of a round in Singapore and China. “It’s not as
inexpensive as it was before, due to the strengthening of the baht, but it’s
still reasonable,’’ said Mr. Petersen, whose company offers golf services to
five-star hotels in Thailand.
Mr. Petersen said back in the early 1990s, when golf began booming in the
kingdom, a new course opened nearly every month. The 1997 financial crisis put
paid to that, he said, but new courses were again being launched. “Two courses
opened in 2005, five last year and four or five will come on line in 2007,’’ he
said.
Bangkok-based Acushnet regional manager, Mr. Thanomchai Kangsirkul, said he was
concerned the political climate in Thailand would scare away golf tourists.
“For local consumption it should be okay, but foreign tourists might be scared
by the political issue at the moment,’’ the boss of the golf equipment supplier
said.
“I’m not sure what effect it will have yet. It’s too early to tell. If it’s
prolonged it’s going to affect us a lot.’’
Meanwhile, Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi hosted The Royal Trophy 2007
from January 12 to 14. It featured golfers from Europe, including Ryder Cup
players, pitted against their Asian counterparts.
Tourism Paris markets
its own rudeness
A Paris tourism agency is courting British travelers by
assuring them they’re right about the French being rude and encouraging them to
try it, too.
The Paris Ile-de-France tourism agency launched a campaign called “It’s So
Paris” in which Britons are taught how to make the same irritated expressions
and dismissive gestures, according to a report last week in USA Today.
Among the instructions on the cestsoparis.com Web site is how to feign ignorance
or show lack of concern by sticking out the lower lip and raising the eyebrows
and shoulders simultaneously, the report said. The guide said visitors should
master the off-putting gestures “and people will start mistaking you for a
native in no time.”
About 3.2 million Britons a year travel to France but that number has slipped by
1 percent in the past year. Natalie Moine, spokeswoman for the regional tourism
office in Paris, said it has decided to go with a lighthearted approach after
surveys showed about two-thirds of British tourists found Parisians difficult to
talk to, arrogant and rude. (eTN)
India’s Jet Airways
upbeat about Thailand
India’s Jet Airways will start operating direct flights from
Delhi and Calcutta to Bangkok from January 23, it was announced last week.
Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal said at a press conference to announce the new
service that the carrier is confident in the Thai government and the Thai
economy, and that the new services will facilitate more travel among both Thais
and Indians.
Jet Airways will operate 14 flights a week from Delhi and Calcutta to Thailand
using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, and plans to use Airbus A330 to operate the
Bangkok-Delhi route next year.
Tourism Authority of Thailand deputy governor Surapol Sawetseranee said
statistics show a steady increase in the number of Indian visitors to the
Kingdom. In 2006, over 370,000 tourists from India visited Thailand, an 18 per
cent increase from 2005. The joint aim by the governments of Thailand and India
to fill airline capacity of 10,000 passengers per week is likely to be met soon,
he added. (TNA)
Minister puts brakes on using Don Muang
Transport Minister Admiral Thira Haocharoen has advised that
a proposed scheme to move domestic flights from Suvarnabhumi to Don Muang
Airport has not yet been concluded, saying that another workshop to brainstorm
the matter would be held later this month or early next.
In a bid to save costs from expanding Suvarnabhumi Airport, the board of
Airports of Thailand Plc last week approved the use of Don Muang for domestic
flights and set March 15 as the possible date for the re-launch of services at
the former international airport.
Adm. Thira said the resolution by the AoT board was not deemed final and would
be discussed further before being submitted for Cabinet approval.
Decision-makers needed to heed the opinions of all parties concerned in both the
private and public sectors, he said. The workshop would lead to a resolution of
the issue.
“The move of domestic flights to the Don Muang Airport will have wide-ranging
repercussions. So, it needs to be studied in detail and with caution.
“The news that the matter will go before a Cabinet meeting in one or two weeks
and that domestic flight services will be re-launched within one to two months
cannot yet be affirmed. We need first to consider the opinions of all parties
concerned,” he said.
Don Muang airport accommodated almost 39 million passengers a year before ending
more than 90 years service to regular flights September 27. It currently
services only chartered and special flights.
Thai Airways International president Apinan Sumanaseni said the AoT board’s
decision regarding domestic flights was impractical, as it would affect the
schedules of domestic flights to the provinces. For instance, he said, the Mae
Hong Son-Pitsanulok-Bangkok flight could not be scheduled under the scheme.
He believes the matter requires renewed discussion with all parties concerned,
particularly between aviation firms, the Transport Ministry and AoT.
Tassapol Bijleveld, chief executive of Thai AirAsia, shared the view of the THAI
president, saying that re-opening Don Muang for domestic flights with no
connections to other routes was not practicable.
Should the scheme be implemented, he said his company would experience
difficulties in managing its fleet of aircraft and insisted that regardless of
any decision, his company would not relocate its domestic flight services back
to Don Muang. (TNA)
US visa system scaring business travelers away
For growing numbers of international business travelers, visa and customs
regulations are making trips to the US a thing of the past.
Companies say US rules have become so onerous in the wake of the Sept. 11
terrorist attacks that it’s often simpler to meet customers, business
partners and employees elsewhere. Exxon Mobil Corp. has resorted to customer
meetings in a London branch office; Ingersoll-Rand Co. says it took one of
its Indian engineers three 18-hour trips to get his US visa.
Problems created by the entry requirements have become so evident that the
man who initially helped enforce them - Tom Ridge, the first US secretary of
Homeland Security - is now working with a business group to change them.
“Our challenge now is to continue to meet our security needs while striking
a better balance with how we welcome foreign visitors,” Ridge said.
The number of business travelers to the US fell 10 percent in 2005 from the
previous year, according to World Travel Market, a London-based trade-show
group. The Discover America Partnership - the group Ridge is working with,
an organization of business executives working to improve America’s image
abroad - says its survey of foreign travelers found that the US entry
process was rated the “worst” by a margin of more than two to one.
Roger Dow, president and chief executive officer of the Washington-based
Travel Industry Association, says the situation “is going to have disastrous
implications” for the US economy unless changes are made. The National
Foreign Trade Council says the entry rules cost US businesses $31 billion in
lost sales and higher expenses between 2002 and 2004.
More broadly, US business groups say, foreign travelers choosing other
destinations might fuel the growth of rival commercial and financial centers
at the expense of the US. Europe is a major beneficiary: Foreign business
travel rose 8 percent from 2004 to 2005, according to World Travel Market.
International travel “has expanded in Dubai, Budapest, Dubrovnik, not
Washington, Philadelphia and Boston,” says William Hanbury, president and
CEO of the Washington Convention and Tourism Corp.
Starting Jan. 23, entry requirements will further tighten when everyone
entering the US by airplane from Canada, Mexico, South and Central America
and the Caribbean will be required to present a passport.
Since learning that all of the Sept. 11 hijackers entered the country on
visas, the US has required every applicant to be interviewed in person and
fingerprinted. Previously, many foreigners could get visas by applying
through the mail.
The new rules, as well as stepped-up searches and interrogations by customs
officials, have saddled the US with a reputation for being a tough country
to visit.
Bill Reinsch, the trade council’s president, says foreign executives have
told him stories of being detained by customs officers for hours in
windowless rooms, only to be let go without explanation. “I guarantee you
that everyone involved in those incidents goes back and talks about it,” he
said. (eTN)
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