Showing posts with label Shopping Malls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shopping Malls. Show all posts

Tuesday 30 June 2020

Once-Bustling with Foreign Tourists Bangkok Now a Ghost Town


Hotels are shuttered in the dark, bars are closed and empty food carts are seen around Bangkok’s once-bustling with foreign tourists. The silence shrouds the city’s party land despite the easing COVID-19 lockdown measures.

“Bangkok at night is deserted as never before. I can’t believe it is a tourist haven where I’ve been living all my life. It’s almost a ghost town,” said local resident Anan who lives near Sukhumvit 24. An area home to starred hotels, large shopping malls, high-end and popular restaurants in central Bangkok.

Thailand has recorded no local transmission of COVID-19 for 35 consecutive days with all of the recorded infections being Thais returning from abroad.

Although the curfew imposed since April to contain coronavirus has been lifted and most businesses are allowed to open, most of them kept their doors closed.

“I sat around here the whole day. You’re the second visitor to the shop. Foreigners are major visitors here, but now we could hardly see them,” Apple, a masseuse in downtown Bangkok, told Xinhua.

“I got only 30 percent of my normal earnings, which could barely afford meals, but better than nothing,” said the 45-year-old with two children under 10.

Absence of foreign tourists in Bangkok

Apple left her hometown in southern Thailand and went back to Bangkok on June 1 when the country allowed massage parlors to reopen. “I can’t wait any more,” she said.

“The absence of foreign tourists means business is still very slow. We recalled only five workers from 15 of them,” said Rada, owner of the massage parlor.

Inbound international tourists remains banned. Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority said commercial international flights will not resume in the months to come.

“We are operating at a loss, but we have to reopen to survive till foreign tourists return,” said Rada with a bitter smile who offered a free coupon for every visitor at her parlor.

Rada is not the only one who tries all her ways to woo the customers back. Grand sales are seen in every shopping mall in the city, offering the best deal of the year with discounts up to 90 percent.

With no foreign tourists, tourism hotspots like Pattaya and Phuket have been hit even harder than Bangkok.

Bangkok Businesses face collapse

Tourism contributes to 18 percent of the country’s GDP, of which 12 percent or 2 trillion baht (about 66 billion U.S. dollars) comes from international tourists.

Most tourist businesses are set up for foreign visitors. Without international tourists, most hotels, shops and restaurants have to shut their doors and many face business collapse.

In the first five months this year, Thailand takes in about 17 billion dollars, a 57-percent drop from last year. The state planning agency estimates the country’s economy will shrink 5 percent to 6 percent this year. Its worst performance since the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis.

“The tourism sector of Thailand is in the plight of oversupply due to the absence of foreign tourists. To make it survive and fill the void of the foreign market, the cabinet has approved stimulus packages worth about 740 million dollars,” Yuthasak Supaporn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), told Xinhua.

He said the government will offer coupons on accommodation, transport, food and tourist attractions to stimulate 2 million domestic trips from July to October.

“All the measures are aimed to reinvigorate tourism by encouraging domestic spending and converting Thailand’s 12 million local outbound travelers into domestic tourists,” said Yuthatsak.

To regain tourist confidence, the TAT has set up Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certification for tourism business on hygiene, health and cleanliness. The TAT expects 70 percent of the tourism supply chain will join the new safety standards in two years.

Thailand mulling reopening to foreign tourists
The government also floated an idea to help hard-hit hotels by encouraging them to offer “alternative quarantine” to a limited group of foreign travelers to the country.

Foreign business people who registered for a self-funded covid-19 isolation package at luxury hotels, known as “alternative state quarantine,” are permitted to fly into the country. Hotels can sell them with upgraded accommodation and private doctor consultations.

As foreign tourism remains a vital part of the Thai economy, the kingdom is mulling to reopen its door to foreign tourists.

The current phase of border reopening is strictly limited to business trips. Skilled workers, expats with Thai families, students, and teachers are expected to be covered in the next phase, which may take place on July 1.

Meanwhile, ways in which the country can safely allow the return of tourists are being reviewed. Among them is the idea of “travel bubbles.” The bubbles would involve reciprocal travel arrangements with other countries. Only countries that have shown they can effectively contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to spokesman for the government’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration Taweesin Wisanuyothin, short-term business travellers from China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore might be allowed back without having to spend 14 days in quarantine.

The relax of immigration rules

He said the Covid-19 “travel bubbles” idea has not been finalized but it was clear that it would not allow hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists to visit Thailand per year. Adding that the plan will not be rolled out before August.

“The plan needs more talks, the fear of further outbreak still haunts tourism demand. The relax of immigration rules will be step by step. Probably starting from limited destinations like Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket,” said the TAT governor.

“Tourism sector will be reset in the pandemic. We are turning away from mass tourism. Targeting wealthy groups, balancing the domestic and international markets will be the trend,” he said.

“It will not return to the past when the influx of international travellers created euphoric sentiment for the country,” said Annan. He just ended his second trip with his family around the country within two weeks.

School closure continues. Hotels and meals are in exaggerate discount. It’s golden time to travel with your kids everywhere in Thailand without being disturbed by noisy tour crowds, he said.

“Gone is humanity, the crowds, the diners, the drunks. What a time of hard-won quietness! Yet I miss the roar of tuk-tuk cars at midnight, the noisy street full of bewildered foreign tourists. Also touting vendors-the messy charm of the city,” said Annan.

“We are expecting Bangkok to return to what it was before. However, the empty streets remind me that the fun and charm of Bangkok will depart for a long time,” said Annan. Enditem


Source - Chiang Rai Times

Sunday 7 June 2020

#Thai Health Department Wants Tracking for Beaches and Tourist Spots


Dr. Panpimol Wipulakorn head of Thailand’s health department has said that even though some restrictions on domestic travel have been relaxed, travelers should adopt “new normal”.

This week popular beaches opened across Thailand with great fanfare by beach goers especially at Bang Saen beach in Chonburi province. Bang Saen beach in Chon Buri was almost bursting at the seams with beach goers. Traffic on the beachfront road in Bang Saen ground to a halt prompting authorities to order its temporary closure.

Now Thailand’s health department has made calls for limiting the number of visitors to tourist spots to prevent a possible surge in Covid-19. The concerns also come as Thailand’s government prepares to allow more businesses and activities to reopen ahead of schedule.

Dr. Panpimol Wipulakorn head of Thailand’s health department has said that even though some restrictions on domestic travel have been relaxed, travellers should adopt “new normal”.

People need to continue to practices and maintain social distancing and safety precautions. And above all continue wearing masks and sanitizing their hand wherever they go.
Face Masks on Beaches

For the next phase of lockdown easing, it may be necessary to curb the number of visitors to tourist spots. Similar to limiting the number of people going to shopping malls, Dr Panpimol said.

She added that local governments should control the number of visitors to beaches in their respective provinces. Above all to prevent overcrowding and improper social distancing. Tourists and workers in the service industry should also be required to wear masks while on the beaches, Dr Panpimol said.

Hand sanitizer should also be provided for visitors while toilets and bathrooms on beach fronts should be cleaned every two hours, she said. She also believes visitors should have to check in and out at beaches.

Dr Panpimol said the health department has been monitoring every phase of relaxation. It found that while people continue to wash their hands, they aren’t wearing face masks in public as much.

She also said movie-goers will not prohibited from eating popcorn and soft drinks in cinemas. However they have been urged to take precautions and wear masks all the time.

Pubs and Bars Reopening

Meanwhile, Dr. Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said on Friday that more businesses and activities will be allowed to reopen ahead of schedule. If they can give assurances that they have plans to prevent covid-19 transmission.

Dr Taweesilp said that the CCSA has regularly discussed the fourth and final phase of relaxation. Especially for businesses and activities that are in the high-risk category such as pubs and bars.

The spokesman for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, said that businesses that come up with plans to prevent transmissions may be permitted to reopen ahead of  schedule. However, such plans have to be approved by the CCSA’s business resumption committee first.

The next stage of relaxation which will effectively lead to a complete reopening of the country. The government plans to completely lift the lockdown on all businesses and activities on July 1 country wide.

This also includes lifting inter-provincial travel restrictions. And above all ending the emergency decree and curfew.

The emergency decree, which was invoked on March 26 to deal with Covid-19, will end in June. Furthermore the ban on international travel would end at the same time it is lifted.

The CCSA on Friday reported one new case of Covid-19 infection, a returnee from Kuwait who tested positive just before leaving quarantine. There have been no new deaths from covid-19.


Source: The Chiang Rai Times / Bangkok Post

Saturday 16 July 2016

Skywalk linking road outside CentralWorld to Platinum mall has opened, #Bangkok

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#Bangkok - The new skywalk, built over the crowded sidewalk of Ratchadamri Road outside Central World Shopping Mall, opened yesterday to facilitate pedestrians who just want to walk — not shop for sunglasses or buy fried chicken on the street.
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The new skywalk, called “Bangkok Skyline,” starts on Ratchadamri Road and stretches all the way to Novotel Bangkok Hotel and Platinum Shopping Mall. The skywalk was built because the roadside down below is currently overflowing with street vendors, causing heavy pedestrian congestion every night.
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The congestion only gets worse once you have to squeeze through the tiny bridge above Saen Saeb canal, which is also occupied by hawkers and beggars.
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The new skywalk also is directly linked with the second floor of Platinum — a famous stop for those who love affordable clothes.

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 Source & Photos: Pai Chanikarn/ Coconuts Media.


Thursday 7 January 2016

Stay calm, it’s Children's Day



 Saturday is all booked up, from roaring jets to quite capable clowns.

THIS SATURDAY IS Children's Day, that very Thai acknowledgement that kids are people too, and little ones everywhere are wetting themselves in anticipation. Try and keep them calm until you reach your preferred fun destination, and do not show them this incredible list of activities arranged just for them.

MOVING AROUND

Bangkok children under 140 centimetres in height can ride the BTS Skytrain for free on Saturday.

If you're flying someplace, keep in mind that the Air Force will be holding its annual air show at Don Muang Airport on Saturday (and rehearsals tomorrow). That's great for kids just wanting to watch, but if you need to fly yourself, you have to squeeze in between these show times: 8:15 to 9:05am, 9:50 to 10:30, 11:20 to 11:50, 12:40 to 1:30pm and 2:20 to 3.


  CARTOON PALS

Siam Paragon, True Visions and CMO are hosting Pokemon Day and a Pikachu Dance Party tomorrow through Sunday. Much-loved Pokemon and his pals are jetting in from Japan for up-close-and-personal encounters with the fans. There'll also a giant trampoline and a huge inflatable Pikachu to tumble around in.

As far as the dancing goes, the Pikachu Stomp is making its "world premiere" complete with live music, Pikachu Dance Variety incorporates ballet, hip-hop and street dancing, and Pikachu Thai Dance Cha-Cha-Cha will mingle its own styles, also for the first time anywhere in the world.

CENTRAL SURPRISE

Central Department Stores are mounting the Central Baby & Kids Big Surprise Sale with the theme "A World to Inspire". All of the stores and Zen are participating. There'll be educational games, magic shows, science experiments and clowns. The kids can win their own wardrobe in a Hot Wheels competition and Lego Ninjago contest, tour the Barbie House and make fancy masks.

AS SEEN ON TV

Kids' variety specials are on tap on television and youngsters can visit the studios to meet their favourite cartoon characters and show hosts and even learn how to be a news anchor.

Thai PBS headquarters on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road is hosting "Thai PBS Kids Day 2016" from 7am to 3pm. Channel 7 will have the stars of the Disney Club and the Iron Chefs at the Nine mall on Rama IX Road from 10am to 3pm. And NOW26 plans some wild games during its regular |shows.

BIG SCREEN FUN


The Thai Film Museum is charging no admission for screenings of "Ma Mha2" at 1 and 3pm, and there'll be games and a quiz with prizes. Call (02) 482 2013-4, extension 111, to find out more.

JUNIOR ARTISTS

The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is hosting "Dek-Art@bacc 2016: Smile to the World", with arts and crafts workshops aimed at promoting generosity and environmental awareness. That's from 10.30 to 6. Kids can learn to tie-dye, make a notebook and fashion a money-box from a plastic bottle. Bring in items you no longer need and they'll be passed on to the Yuvabadhana Foundation's Pan-Kan Shop. The centre will be decorated with recycled materials.

 
 FINE LIVING

Mrigadayavan Palace, a former royal residence in Cha-am down Petchaburi way, is open for tours. It comprises 16 teak buildings sitting on concrete pillars and linked by a series of walkways. The Angthong College of Dramatic Arts will present a khon performance at 10am and the exhibition "To Become a Khon Mask" all day.

ON THE FARM

On Sunday the Jim Thompson Farm in Nakhon Ratchasima will let kids go nuts among the orchards and flower gardens from 9 to 5. You can see the mushroom plantation, hydroponic gardens, silkworm rearing, decorative-plant nurseries and sunflower fields and sample the delicious fresh fruit and organic vegetables in season.

You can even try your hand at rice milling, using an antique, hand-operated grinder, winnow some rice and take home your own harvest. Boonlai the water buffalo will be on hand for selfies. Check out www.JimThompsonFarm.com.

Source: The Nation 

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Sunday 13 September 2015

Centre Point Pratunam, #Bangkok


Centre Point Pratunam is in Bangkok, a quarter mile from Phaya Thai BTS Station. It features a salt water swimming pool, restaurant and spacious rooms with kitchens.
Wi-Fi and parking are free.
 Centre Point Pratunam is 293 m from Pratunam Wholesale Market and one kilometer from MBK Shopping Mall. Suvarnabhumi Airport is 24.1 km from the hotel.
 The modern rooms have large windows and hardwood floors. Rooms have plenty of natural light, and come equipped with a flat-screen cable TV and a microwave.
 Guests can work out at the fitness center or relax in the sauna. Centre Point Pratunam has laundry and car rental service upon request.
 The on-site restaurant serves international dishes and beverages. A wide variety of local restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel.
 

 Pathumwan is a great choice for travelers interested in Clothes Shopping, Shopping and Food

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