The News Review:

- Southeast Asia makes lots of cents for US travelers
- Pedalling a city’s wares
- ‘Collector of land’ uses golf courses and upmarket resorts to…
- Hotel Executives Training ‘” ‘Make it Happen!’ by the Chaophya Park…

Southeast Asia makes lots of cents for US travelers
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Pittsburgh Post Gazette – Dec 28, 2007
It was hot crowded and polluted but this was my first morning in Asia and I felt as if I had landed on another planet — just as I hoped I’d feel after leaving Seattle one day and arriving on the other side of the world at midnight the next. Sweating after just 20 minutes of walking breathing exhaust fumes and dodging little three-wheeled vehicles called tuk-tuks we stopped inside an air-conditioned 1950s-style art-deco hotel called the Royal to ask directions to Khao San Road headquarters at the time for backpackers and budget travelers. The marble lobby and wide wooden staircases told me this hotel was out of our price range but I decided to ask about the rates anyway remembering that you could negotiate the price of anything in Bangkok even rooms. The desk clerk quoted the equivalent of $40 in Thai baht. “Could you give me a discount?” I asked. He offered me the room for $27 and we checked in later that afternoon. Back in Bangkok last month at the start of a three-week swing through Southeast Asia we walked over to the Royal to see what a difference two decades had made… Sweating after just 20 minutes of walking breathing exhaust fumes and dodging little three-wheeled vehicles called tuk-tuks we stopped inside an air-conditioned 1950s-style art-deco hotel called the Royal to ask directions to Khao San Road headquarters at the time for backpackers and budget travelers. The marble lobby and wide wooden staircases told me this hotel was out of our price range but I decided to ask about the rates anyway remembering that you could negotiate the price of anything in Bangkok even rooms. The desk clerk quoted the equivalent of $40 in Thai baht. “Could you give me a discount?” I asked. He offered me the room for $27 and we checked in later that afternoon. Back in Bangkok last month at the start of a three-week swing through Southeast Asia we walked over to the Royal to see what a difference two decades had made. This time we already had a hotel the Aurum River Place a boutique inn in a restored warehouse near the Chao Phraya River.

Pedalling a city’s wares
NEWS.com.au – Dec 28, 2007
At another market a couple of riders stop to buy toy mobiles as we wait for the tyre to be repaired. It’s been an unusual but interesting way to spend a morning and see a slice of Bangkok life. IF YU G: THAI flies 38 times a week from Australia to Bangkok. Fares to Bangkok start from $710 return per person plus taxes (approx $250). The Metropolitan Hotel is conveniently located for sightseeing and shopping on South Sathorn Road. Deluxe rooms start from $140 per person per night through Royal rchid Holidays. Chinatown Cycling Tour: morning or afternoon for four hours.

‘Collector of land’ uses golf courses and upmarket resorts to…
๒ดอะ ๒à¸à¸à¸±à¹à¸ – Dec 28, 2007
To larn the sale means not only that he can help Thoranong to achieve his dream but he can also give a significant boost to the tourism industry. Thoranong plans an integrated studio complex to be called Entertainment Complex Thoranong Studio which will cost a further Bt3 billion to construct. "I sold the land to Thoranong because he is Thai like me" larn says. "If we don't help people with the same nationality or if we don't give them opportunities then never expect people of other nationalities to help you. " He said he sold to Thoranong despite an approach by international investors who also wanted to build a movie studio and who were willing to pay more for the land. Development of Thoranong's large studio will be divided into three phases over three years. In addition to offering the studios for hire by movie producers from around the world Thoranong is planning to offer houses worth Bt20 million – title deeds included – to Hollywood stars free of charge… It won an Asia Popular Award in 1991. "After Suvarnabhumi Airport was opened Bang Pakong Country Club became the centre for our hotels golf courses and resorts" larn said. All three properties have integrated facilities including hotels residences and golf courses. larn believes golf courses are a great magnet to attract business people and travellers. However they must be of world standard to help Thailand to become a world-class golf destination. He says most visitors to his properties come from Japan Switzerland Canada Germany the UK South Korea and Australia as well as other cold-weather countries. Most want to stay away from winter in their countries for a long period.

Hotel Executives Training ‘” ‘Make it Happen!’ by the Chaophya Park…
etravelblackboard.com – Dec 28, 2007
With both traditional and ‘hi-tech’ modern restaurants (5) and impressive wine cellar it is the place Bangkokians gravitate towards for its famous name restaurants including the renowned Kao Tom Buffet and Mori Grill Restaurant. The hotel boasts a full length golf driving range with 45 tee off positions; a massage centre; Bali Spa and fully fitted fitness centre and outdoor pool. The hotel was the first in Thailand to offer complimentary WiFi and internet access in guest rooms and all public areas. Parking for 900 cars. For further details see.

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