UPDATE 2-Thai Air falls as prices $488 mln issue at discount | Reuters
Prices stock offer at 31 baht/share, 14.5 percent discount
* To offer 484 mln new shares to raise 15 bln baht
* Expects debt to equity ratio to drop to 1.71 from 2.17 (Adds details, analyst comment)
By Manunphattr Dhanananphorn and Arada Kultawanich
BANGKOK, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Thai Airways (THAI.BK) shares slumped after it priced new stock worth 15 billion baht ($488 million) at a 14.5 percent discount to the market, cheaper than analysts had expected.
The Thai flag carrier said on Wednesday it would sell 483.89 million new shares at 31 baht each, including 246.93 million to the finance ministry, which had committed itself to maintaining its 51.03 percent stake.
Shares in Thai Airways International Pcl slid nearly 9 percent to a seven-week low as trading in the stock resumed after a brief delay while details of the new issue were announced.
By the midsession, the stock was down 6.9 percent at 33.75 baht, underperforming a 1.3 percent fall in the overall market .SETI.
The shares had fallen 3 percent on Tuesday, when Reuters reported the new stock would be offered at a price as low as 31 baht, compared with analysts' previous expectations of 34-36 baht. [ID:nSGE68D08H]
Analysts are optimistic on the outlook for Thai Airways, which is trying to turn itself round after a bumpy ride in the past couple of years, and say the cash infusion will help.
"Its financial status will be stronger, which will enable the airline to spend on new fleet procurement, and that should help boost its competitiveness and revenue," said Pichai Lertsupongkij, head of sales at Thanachart Securities.
The airline plans to buy 15 planes in 2010-2014, seven Airbus A330-300s (EAD.PA) and eight Boeing B777-300ERs (BA.N).
Thanks to a revival in international traffic, the fortunes of its Asian rivals have also picked up. Singapore Airlines Ltd (SIAL.SI), the world's No. 2 airline, posted strong profit in April-June [ID:nSGE66P0EH] and first-half profit at Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways (0293.HK) beat forecasts. [ID:nTOE67104F]
Some 221.83 million of the new shares of Thai Airways will be offered to existing shareholders other than the Finance Ministry at a ratio of 0.2667 new share for every one held.
The proceeds will also be used to repay debt, strengthen the airline's financial status and support its business expansion.
The subscription will run from Sept. 16-17. Morgan Stanley (MS.N), Thailand's Phatra Securities PHAT.BK and Finansa Pcl FNS.BK are advisers for the public offering.
"After the capital raising, our debt to equity ratio will fall to 1.71 from 2.17 at the end of June," Thai Airways Chairman Ampon Kittiampon told a news conference.
PROFIT IMPROVES
The airline, which has registered capital of 17 billion baht, is in the process of overhauling operations and restructuring management as t aims to take a place among the top three airlines in Asia and top five in the world.
The airline's financial performance has improved this year, after cashflow problems and a huge net loss of 21.4 billion baht in 2008 attributed to surging fuel costs, the global economic slowdown and airport closures caused by political protests,
In the first half of 2010, it reported a net profit of 12.3 billion baht, bolstered by huge gains on foreign exchange.
Analysts say Thai Airways' outlook has improved as the political situation in Thailand has stabilised after unrest in April and May that deterred visitors. The final quarter is the high season for tourism in Thailand.
The airline is expected to report a mean net profit of 7.8 billion baht this year, up from 7.3 billion baht in 2009, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S Estimates. ($1=30.73 Baht) (Additional reporting by Pisit Changplayngam and Saranya Suksomkij; Writing by Khettiya Jittapong; Editing by Alan Raybould and Anshuman Daga)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Baht on higher grounds : good or bad for Thailand | Thailand Business News
Baht on higher grounds : good or bad for Thailand ? | Thailand Business News
Going up ! And will stay there probably for while, considering how bullish markets seems to be on Asian markets. The baht is the best performer in August among Asia’s most- traded currencies as exchange data show global funds bought $428 million more of Thai equities than they sold.
This is no surprise : given the circumstance, while economists expect the federal debts of the United States – its current-account and budget deficits – to jump from 70 per cent of gross domestic product to 100 per cent over the next two years.
Emerging markets, particularly in Asia, would become interesting places, because they would lead the economic recovery, while the US would remain an interesting market because of attractive asset prices.
The appreciation of the Thai baht is not caused by capital inflows but the Bank of Thailand (BoT) has been asked to keep a close watch on the currency’s appreciation and prepare measures to cope with capital inflows for currency speculation as the monetary unit hits a two-year high, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said.
The finance minister told reporters that the meeting resolved that the weak US economy and its debt burden has pushed the baht to become stronger in tandem with other currencies.
The Bank of Thailand last week raised borrowing costs for a second time this year.
Ms Tarisa said Thailand’s exports had continued to grow despite the baht appreciating faster than other currencies against the dollar. “Right now, we rank second in terms of currency appreciation in the region,” she said yesterday.
Thailand’s baht had its best month since February 2008 as the economy grew at the fastest pace in 15 years in the first half of the year
“Even so, exports have risen by as much as 30%, even though the stronger baht means lower revenues in baht terms.” Exports have been the main driver of the economy this year, surging 37% year-on-year through the first six months to help push growth to 10.6% for the first half. Capital inflows from a trade surplus and investment have been a major factor pushing the baht to appreciate, despite intervention by the central bank that has pushed the country’s foreign reserves up to record levels of more than US$150 billion (4.7 trillion baht).
Ms Tarisa said while the central bank was “monitoring” the situation closely, exporters had to adjust to the changing environment by hedging against currency risk, particularly given the weak recovery in the US and European economies.
From 1956 until 1973, the baht was pegged to the U.S. dollar at an exchange rate of 20.8 baht = one dollar and at 20 baht = 1 dollar until 1978. A strengthening US economy caused Thailand to re-peg its currency at 25 to the dollar from 1984 until July 2, 1997, when the country was stung by the Asian financial crisis. The baht was floated and halved in value, reaching its lowest rate of 56 to the dollar in January 1998. It has since risen to about 32 per dollar.
The baht has gained 6.4 per cent against the greenback from the beginning of this year and ranks second in the region, behind the Malaysian Ringgit and is remaining at the same level as the Philippine Peso.
Thai baht traded on Wednesday at 31.05-31.44 against the US dollar amid growing concerns that if the baht strengthens to 30 baht against the greenback, it may have an impact on export- driven Thai economy.
The key player here is China, which has the largest surplus.
Additionally, other East Asian countries are rationally reluctant to adjust their currencies absent a Chinese revaluation, as they fear losing competitiveness. This means China’s refusal to significantly revalue its currency against the dollar is forcing a lop-sided adjustment process that places the burden of rebalancing the US trade deficit exclusively on Europe.
The bottom line is that by all reasonable standards China’s currency is under-valued against both the dollar and the euro. China is running huge and growing trade surpluses with both Europe and the US; it has a growing global trade surplus; and on top of that it has an even larger current account surplus since its trade surplus is supplemented by massive foreign direct investment inflows.
Exports are decelerating in July
In its latest statement, the Bank of Thailand noted that during July, export value, amounting to 15,475 million US dollars, increased by 21.2 percent (yoy), but decelerating from a growth of 47.1 percent (yoy) in June. Nevertheless, export expanded satisfactorily in all categories. However, agricultural sector whose overall expansion mainly came from rising price contracted in term of export volume, especially rice, due to intense competition from Vietnam.
Import value, totaling 16,266 million US dollars, rose across the board by 36.5 percent (yoy), particularly from imports of vehicles and parts as well as raw materials to be partly used for export production going forward. Production sector expanded at a slower pace in line with private consumption and export.
Going up ! And will stay there probably for while, considering how bullish markets seems to be on Asian markets. The baht is the best performer in August among Asia’s most- traded currencies as exchange data show global funds bought $428 million more of Thai equities than they sold.
This is no surprise : given the circumstance, while economists expect the federal debts of the United States – its current-account and budget deficits – to jump from 70 per cent of gross domestic product to 100 per cent over the next two years.
Emerging markets, particularly in Asia, would become interesting places, because they would lead the economic recovery, while the US would remain an interesting market because of attractive asset prices.
The appreciation of the Thai baht is not caused by capital inflows but the Bank of Thailand (BoT) has been asked to keep a close watch on the currency’s appreciation and prepare measures to cope with capital inflows for currency speculation as the monetary unit hits a two-year high, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said.
The finance minister told reporters that the meeting resolved that the weak US economy and its debt burden has pushed the baht to become stronger in tandem with other currencies.
The Bank of Thailand last week raised borrowing costs for a second time this year.
Ms Tarisa said Thailand’s exports had continued to grow despite the baht appreciating faster than other currencies against the dollar. “Right now, we rank second in terms of currency appreciation in the region,” she said yesterday.
Thailand’s baht had its best month since February 2008 as the economy grew at the fastest pace in 15 years in the first half of the year
“Even so, exports have risen by as much as 30%, even though the stronger baht means lower revenues in baht terms.” Exports have been the main driver of the economy this year, surging 37% year-on-year through the first six months to help push growth to 10.6% for the first half. Capital inflows from a trade surplus and investment have been a major factor pushing the baht to appreciate, despite intervention by the central bank that has pushed the country’s foreign reserves up to record levels of more than US$150 billion (4.7 trillion baht).
Ms Tarisa said while the central bank was “monitoring” the situation closely, exporters had to adjust to the changing environment by hedging against currency risk, particularly given the weak recovery in the US and European economies.
From 1956 until 1973, the baht was pegged to the U.S. dollar at an exchange rate of 20.8 baht = one dollar and at 20 baht = 1 dollar until 1978. A strengthening US economy caused Thailand to re-peg its currency at 25 to the dollar from 1984 until July 2, 1997, when the country was stung by the Asian financial crisis. The baht was floated and halved in value, reaching its lowest rate of 56 to the dollar in January 1998. It has since risen to about 32 per dollar.
The baht has gained 6.4 per cent against the greenback from the beginning of this year and ranks second in the region, behind the Malaysian Ringgit and is remaining at the same level as the Philippine Peso.
Thai baht traded on Wednesday at 31.05-31.44 against the US dollar amid growing concerns that if the baht strengthens to 30 baht against the greenback, it may have an impact on export- driven Thai economy.
The key player here is China, which has the largest surplus.
Additionally, other East Asian countries are rationally reluctant to adjust their currencies absent a Chinese revaluation, as they fear losing competitiveness. This means China’s refusal to significantly revalue its currency against the dollar is forcing a lop-sided adjustment process that places the burden of rebalancing the US trade deficit exclusively on Europe.
The bottom line is that by all reasonable standards China’s currency is under-valued against both the dollar and the euro. China is running huge and growing trade surpluses with both Europe and the US; it has a growing global trade surplus; and on top of that it has an even larger current account surplus since its trade surplus is supplemented by massive foreign direct investment inflows.
Exports are decelerating in July
In its latest statement, the Bank of Thailand noted that during July, export value, amounting to 15,475 million US dollars, increased by 21.2 percent (yoy), but decelerating from a growth of 47.1 percent (yoy) in June. Nevertheless, export expanded satisfactorily in all categories. However, agricultural sector whose overall expansion mainly came from rising price contracted in term of export volume, especially rice, due to intense competition from Vietnam.
Import value, totaling 16,266 million US dollars, rose across the board by 36.5 percent (yoy), particularly from imports of vehicles and parts as well as raw materials to be partly used for export production going forward. Production sector expanded at a slower pace in line with private consumption and export.
Second Asean-US summit to be held in Sept in New York | Thailand Business News
Second Asean-US summit to be held in Sept in New York | Thailand Business News
The second Asean-US leaders’ meeting will take place in New York on the sideline of UN General Assembly on 24 September, The Nation has learned.
See original here:
2nd Asean-US summit to be held on 24 Sept in New York
ASEAN is relevant to the US for strategic reasons. For example, ASEAN remains useful through its ability to shepherd regional processes like the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). The ARF also provides a natural forum for the US to engage other major players in the region through a regional security framework.
The strong, dynamic economies that the US helped foster in ASEAN have also allowed the US to reap significant economic dividends. ASEAN is America’s fourth largest trading partner, after Canada, Mexico and Japan. Total trade between the US and ASEAN is now almost 20% of its trade with Asia, and bigger than its trade with China.
Equally important, ASEAN’s commitment to free trade has helped reinforce US interests in preserving an open multilateral trading system. Through AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Area) and other initiatives, ASEAN has also spurred regional economic liberalisation.
But US interest in ASEAN could weaken.
First, the Asian financial crisis has dented ASEAN’s credibility and standing. ASEAN’s current difficulties and perceived lack of political cohesiveness and vision risk diminishing its relevance in the eyes of US policy makers.
Second, throughout most of the later half of the 20th century, the US and its allies generally subordinated potential economic and other conflicts within the alliance to the overriding interest of political and security cooperation. With the end of the Cold War, however, the national priorities of the US and its allies have changed. It seems that greater attention is now accorded to domestic interests. Demands and pressures of domestic lobbies and specific interest groups are growing. Human rights, the environment and humanitarian interests are now active players in the US foreign policy process. These have complicated US relations with some countries in Asia, and distracted the US from its longer-term strategic interests in engaging Asia. Politics in an election year will confound and obscure these interests even more.
Third, US attention in Asia today is more focussed on Northeast Asia, where its fundamental interests are at stake and more pressing. In fact, the single most important relationship underpinning stability in Asia today is the triangular US-China-Japan relationship. In this relationship, managing US-China relations is a top priority for the US. The cross-strait issue is the nub of it. The rise of China and its impact on Japanese calculations of its interests will complicate US-Japan relations. So will Japan’s legitimate aspirations to play a greater leadership role in the region.
Thailand has been hard hit by flagging global demand, particularly in the US and Europe
Investment slumped in the first half 2009 and this contributed most to the contraction in GDP on the demand side. Private fixed capital investment dropped by 16.9%, reflecting weak external demand, the impact on business sentiment of the political uncertainty, as well as more cautious lending by banks.
Foreign direct investment applications declined in value by 47% in the frst 7 months of 2009. Public investment fell by 9.1% in the frst quarter, then rebounded by 9.6% in the second on faster disbursement by the Government and state enterprises.
New Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s government has responded to the crisis with vigorous fiscal pump priming
By the 1970s, landlessness had become a national problem. Massive peasant protests resulted in a land-reform programme, instituted by the civilian government installed following the 1973 uprising. In order to appease the big landowners, however, private lands were not touched by the programme, instead, forests and public lands that had been encroached upon or become deforested over the years were allocated for distribution to landless peasants—in effect taking them from the public and giving them to the poor. In the following decade the government, with World Bank support, initiated a land-ownership survey to promote investment and farming. However, given widespread corruption among local officials, what actually took place was a wholesale privatization of community lands for purposes such as building tourist resorts, hotels, golf courses and housing estates, or securing bank loans on the unlawfully acquired property to speculate on the stock market.
2nd Asean-US summit to be held on 24 Sept in New York
It represents one of few times in recent years that fiscal and monetary policies have been complementarily calibrated. A grinding political conflict, pitting supporters and detractors of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who was ousted in a 2006 military coup, has hobbled successive governments’ ability to devise and implement effective economic policies.
The debilitating conflict climaxed last November when military-linked anti-government protesters closed Bangkok’s two international airports for over a week, crippling the money-spinning tourism and air freight dependent export sectors. The Bank of Thailand has estimated the closure cost the Thai economy as much as 290 billion baht, with hotels estimated to have lost 140 billion baht due to cancellations.
Indeed grass roots competition for government resources is intensifying. For instance the Farmers Rehabilitation and Development Fund is seeking 17.2 billion baht from the cabinet to buy back debts owned by over 62,000 farmers and rehabilitation and occupational training programs. During the 1997-98 financial crisis, a large number of unemployed factory and service sector workers returned to the rural countryside to eke out a subsistence living working in their relations’ fields. Agriculture currently accounts for 11% of GDP. Higher agricultural prices drove up farm incomes during the first half of 2008, but fell sharply in the second half in line with declining global commodity prices. As the local economy slows and unemployment rates rise, it’s not clear that the rural sector will with falling food prices have the same absorptive capacity it did in the wake of the Asian financial crisis.
The second Asean-US leaders’ meeting will take place in New York on the sideline of UN General Assembly on 24 September, The Nation has learned.
See original here:
2nd Asean-US summit to be held on 24 Sept in New York
ASEAN is relevant to the US for strategic reasons. For example, ASEAN remains useful through its ability to shepherd regional processes like the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). The ARF also provides a natural forum for the US to engage other major players in the region through a regional security framework.
The strong, dynamic economies that the US helped foster in ASEAN have also allowed the US to reap significant economic dividends. ASEAN is America’s fourth largest trading partner, after Canada, Mexico and Japan. Total trade between the US and ASEAN is now almost 20% of its trade with Asia, and bigger than its trade with China.
Equally important, ASEAN’s commitment to free trade has helped reinforce US interests in preserving an open multilateral trading system. Through AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Area) and other initiatives, ASEAN has also spurred regional economic liberalisation.
But US interest in ASEAN could weaken.
First, the Asian financial crisis has dented ASEAN’s credibility and standing. ASEAN’s current difficulties and perceived lack of political cohesiveness and vision risk diminishing its relevance in the eyes of US policy makers.
Second, throughout most of the later half of the 20th century, the US and its allies generally subordinated potential economic and other conflicts within the alliance to the overriding interest of political and security cooperation. With the end of the Cold War, however, the national priorities of the US and its allies have changed. It seems that greater attention is now accorded to domestic interests. Demands and pressures of domestic lobbies and specific interest groups are growing. Human rights, the environment and humanitarian interests are now active players in the US foreign policy process. These have complicated US relations with some countries in Asia, and distracted the US from its longer-term strategic interests in engaging Asia. Politics in an election year will confound and obscure these interests even more.
Third, US attention in Asia today is more focussed on Northeast Asia, where its fundamental interests are at stake and more pressing. In fact, the single most important relationship underpinning stability in Asia today is the triangular US-China-Japan relationship. In this relationship, managing US-China relations is a top priority for the US. The cross-strait issue is the nub of it. The rise of China and its impact on Japanese calculations of its interests will complicate US-Japan relations. So will Japan’s legitimate aspirations to play a greater leadership role in the region.
Thailand has been hard hit by flagging global demand, particularly in the US and Europe
Investment slumped in the first half 2009 and this contributed most to the contraction in GDP on the demand side. Private fixed capital investment dropped by 16.9%, reflecting weak external demand, the impact on business sentiment of the political uncertainty, as well as more cautious lending by banks.
Foreign direct investment applications declined in value by 47% in the frst 7 months of 2009. Public investment fell by 9.1% in the frst quarter, then rebounded by 9.6% in the second on faster disbursement by the Government and state enterprises.
New Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s government has responded to the crisis with vigorous fiscal pump priming
By the 1970s, landlessness had become a national problem. Massive peasant protests resulted in a land-reform programme, instituted by the civilian government installed following the 1973 uprising. In order to appease the big landowners, however, private lands were not touched by the programme, instead, forests and public lands that had been encroached upon or become deforested over the years were allocated for distribution to landless peasants—in effect taking them from the public and giving them to the poor. In the following decade the government, with World Bank support, initiated a land-ownership survey to promote investment and farming. However, given widespread corruption among local officials, what actually took place was a wholesale privatization of community lands for purposes such as building tourist resorts, hotels, golf courses and housing estates, or securing bank loans on the unlawfully acquired property to speculate on the stock market.
2nd Asean-US summit to be held on 24 Sept in New York
It represents one of few times in recent years that fiscal and monetary policies have been complementarily calibrated. A grinding political conflict, pitting supporters and detractors of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who was ousted in a 2006 military coup, has hobbled successive governments’ ability to devise and implement effective economic policies.
The debilitating conflict climaxed last November when military-linked anti-government protesters closed Bangkok’s two international airports for over a week, crippling the money-spinning tourism and air freight dependent export sectors. The Bank of Thailand has estimated the closure cost the Thai economy as much as 290 billion baht, with hotels estimated to have lost 140 billion baht due to cancellations.
Indeed grass roots competition for government resources is intensifying. For instance the Farmers Rehabilitation and Development Fund is seeking 17.2 billion baht from the cabinet to buy back debts owned by over 62,000 farmers and rehabilitation and occupational training programs. During the 1997-98 financial crisis, a large number of unemployed factory and service sector workers returned to the rural countryside to eke out a subsistence living working in their relations’ fields. Agriculture currently accounts for 11% of GDP. Higher agricultural prices drove up farm incomes during the first half of 2008, but fell sharply in the second half in line with declining global commodity prices. As the local economy slows and unemployment rates rise, it’s not clear that the rural sector will with falling food prices have the same absorptive capacity it did in the wake of the Asian financial crisis.
Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) likely to reach 1,000 | Thailand Business News
Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) likely to reach 1,000 | Thailand Business News
Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index is likely to reach 1,000 points this year if foreign capital continues flowing into the Thai bourse, according to a top securities executive.
Paiboon Nalintarangkul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations, said the recent strong rally of the SET index was boosted by the foreign capital inflow since operating performances of listed companies are sound with an average profit surge of 25 per cent, the highest among stock markets around the world.
He said the index had risen rapidly by more than 200 points within three months, so it is expected the market is almost saturated and could face a profit-taking run at any time.
Since the beginning of the year, foreign investors are net buyers of 14 billions baht in Thailand SET
In the long run, however, Mr Paiboon believed the index would continue to rise because the Thai economy still enjoys a high growth rate, said Mr Paiboon, who is also president of the Securities Analysts Association.
In addition, he said, the Central Administrative Court’s decision to allow most of the suspended investment projects in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate to resume operation had restored investor confidence because the investors are able to valuate listed companies appropriately.
As the chairman of FTCMO, he said he would attempt his best to make the federation become more acceptable and reliable like such organisations with the same nature in the economic sector as the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index is likely to reach 1,000 points this year if foreign capital continues flowing into the Thai bourse, according to a top securities executive.
Paiboon Nalintarangkul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations, said the recent strong rally of the SET index was boosted by the foreign capital inflow since operating performances of listed companies are sound with an average profit surge of 25 per cent, the highest among stock markets around the world.
He said the index had risen rapidly by more than 200 points within three months, so it is expected the market is almost saturated and could face a profit-taking run at any time.
Since the beginning of the year, foreign investors are net buyers of 14 billions baht in Thailand SET
In the long run, however, Mr Paiboon believed the index would continue to rise because the Thai economy still enjoys a high growth rate, said Mr Paiboon, who is also president of the Securities Analysts Association.
In addition, he said, the Central Administrative Court’s decision to allow most of the suspended investment projects in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate to resume operation had restored investor confidence because the investors are able to valuate listed companies appropriately.
As the chairman of FTCMO, he said he would attempt his best to make the federation become more acceptable and reliable like such organisations with the same nature in the economic sector as the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
Thailand ranks at 38th position in Competitiveness Index 2010-2011 | Thailand Business News
Thailand ranks at 38th position in Competitiveness Index 2010-2011 | Thailand Business News
Thailand, at 38th position in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index 2010-2011, has fallen two places this year and 10 ranks since 2006, mainly because of the domestic turbulence.
According to the WEF, the assessment of public institutions – mainly the administration – continues to languish at 70th place among 139 countries, a drop of 30 places over the past four years, likely related to recent problems of social unrest and political instability in the country.
Thailand’s ranking is supported by the relatively large domestic and export markets (23rd), its transport infrastructure (23rd), the efficiency of its labour market (24th), and a relatively well-functioning goods market (41st). In addition, the country’s business environment is relatively sophisticated, with developed clusters (34th) and companies operating across the value chain.
Thailand, at 38th position, has fallen two places this year and 10 ranks since 2006
“In addition to urgently improving its institutional framework, the country needs to step up its effort to improve its health and educational systems and encourage wider adoption of new technologies for productivity enhancements. Such efforts will then buttress the country’s innovation potential, which will become increasingly important as it moves towards the most advanced stage of economic development,” WEF said in its report.
The index is based on the ranking in 12 pillars: institutions (the strength of public and private institutions in creating sound and fair environment to generate income and wealth in the economy), infrastructure, macroeconomic environment, health and primary education, higher education and training, goods market efficiency, labor market efficiency, financial market development, technological readiness, market size, business sophistication, and innovation.
via Turmoil impacts Thailand’s ranking.
Thailand, at 38th position, has fallen 2 places this year and 10 ranks since 2006. The assessment of public institutions continues to deteriorate (70th) after a drop of 30 places over the past four years, likely related to recent problems of social unrest and political instability in the country. However, Thailand continues to benefit from its relatively large domestic and export markets (23rd), its excellent transport infrastructure (23rd), the efficiency of its labor market (24th), and a relatively well functioning goods market (ranked 41st).
In addition, the country’s business environment is relatively sophisticated with developed clusters (34th) and companies operating across the value chain. Going forward, in addition to urgently improving its institutional framework, the country needs to step up its efforts to improve its health and educational systems and encourage wider adoption of new technologies for productivity enhancements. Such efforts will then buttress the country’s innovation potential, which will become increasingly important as it moves toward the most advanced stage of economic development.
For the third consecutive year, Hong Kong SAR retains its position at 11th overall, with a slight improvement in score. Hong Kong maintains its leadership in measures of financial market development and, for the first time, tops the infrastructure pillar. The quality of transport, energy, and telephony infrastructure is simply outstanding, with a score of 6.8 out of 7 in the pillar. In total, Hong Kong appears in the top 10 of six of the twelve GCI pillars. One of the world’s major trade hubs, the crisis hit Hong Kong quickly and strongly, with its economy growing at a subdued rate in the second half of 2008 and contracting by 2.7 percent in 2009.
But Hong Kong’s economy has proved resilient and the IMF predicts a growth rate of about 5 percent for 2010. It offers one of the world’s most business friendly environments thanks to world-class institutions, infrastructure, market efficiency, and the dynamism of its financial sector, and even slightly improves in each these dimensions. In particular, Hong Kong ranks behind only Singapore for government efficiency. Taiwan, China ranks 13th, one place lower than last year.
Taiwan ranks among the top 20 economies in nine pillars, but its performance in three of them holds the economy back from its full competitiveness potential: institutions, financial market development, and labor market efficiency. The quality of the institutional framework continues to improve although by small increments, now standing at 35th position, up from 40th in 2008. Thanks to greater efficiency, Taiwan has improved by 19 positions in the financial market development pillar to 35th, a category where it used to place below the 50th mark. The third area of relative weakness is its labor market (34th), where the situation continues to deteriorate with respect to the flexibility. Given its many strengths, improvements in these areas would make Taiwan an even more competitive economy.
Down by one position, Australia now ranks 16th, with a stable performance overall, ranking no lower than 29th in any of the 12 pillars. The results confirm the continued dynamism and high level of development of Australia’s financial market. While credit access conditions deteriorated during the financial crisis, the banking sector held out remarkably well. Australia remains a prime location for doing business, with high efficiency in both the goods market (18th) and the labor market (11th), and excellent public (14th) and private (11th) institutions. To progress even further, the country will need to increase the sophistication of its businesses (29th) and strengthen its innovation capacity (21st).
The Republic of Korea falls by three places to 22nd position. The country continues to do very well in most categories. It possesses world-class transport infrastructure (12th), a healthy macroeconomic environment at a time when many industrialized countries are struggling in this area (6th, up five positions), and excellent higher education (15th), with the highest rate of tertiary education enrollment in the world. Finally, Korea remains one of the world’s innovation powerhouses (12th in the innovation pillar). Yet Korea continues to suffer from weaknesses that represent a major drag on its competitiveness. The country ranks a dismal 124th with respect to labor market flexibility. Business leaders express dismay at the difficulty of hiring and firing employees (115th), also reflected in the World Bank’s Rigidity of employment index (90th).
What’s more, the World Bank estimates that the average severance pay for dismissing an employee is equivalent to 91 weeks worth of salary (placing Korea 114th on this indicator). This leads companies to resort extensively to temporary employment, thus creating precarious working conditions and giving rise to tensions—Korea ranks 138th, ahead only of Venezuela, for the difficult relations between employers and workers. The second area of concern is the country’s financial market (83rd), where the assessment has considerably worsened over the past year. Access to credit and financing has become more difficult, and the business community continues to express doubts as to the soundness of the banking sector (99th) and complains about the limited availability (98th) and high costs (82nd) of financial services.
Thailand, at 38th position in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index 2010-2011, has fallen two places this year and 10 ranks since 2006, mainly because of the domestic turbulence.
According to the WEF, the assessment of public institutions – mainly the administration – continues to languish at 70th place among 139 countries, a drop of 30 places over the past four years, likely related to recent problems of social unrest and political instability in the country.
Thailand’s ranking is supported by the relatively large domestic and export markets (23rd), its transport infrastructure (23rd), the efficiency of its labour market (24th), and a relatively well-functioning goods market (41st). In addition, the country’s business environment is relatively sophisticated, with developed clusters (34th) and companies operating across the value chain.
Thailand, at 38th position, has fallen two places this year and 10 ranks since 2006
“In addition to urgently improving its institutional framework, the country needs to step up its effort to improve its health and educational systems and encourage wider adoption of new technologies for productivity enhancements. Such efforts will then buttress the country’s innovation potential, which will become increasingly important as it moves towards the most advanced stage of economic development,” WEF said in its report.
The index is based on the ranking in 12 pillars: institutions (the strength of public and private institutions in creating sound and fair environment to generate income and wealth in the economy), infrastructure, macroeconomic environment, health and primary education, higher education and training, goods market efficiency, labor market efficiency, financial market development, technological readiness, market size, business sophistication, and innovation.
via Turmoil impacts Thailand’s ranking.
Thailand, at 38th position, has fallen 2 places this year and 10 ranks since 2006. The assessment of public institutions continues to deteriorate (70th) after a drop of 30 places over the past four years, likely related to recent problems of social unrest and political instability in the country. However, Thailand continues to benefit from its relatively large domestic and export markets (23rd), its excellent transport infrastructure (23rd), the efficiency of its labor market (24th), and a relatively well functioning goods market (ranked 41st).
In addition, the country’s business environment is relatively sophisticated with developed clusters (34th) and companies operating across the value chain. Going forward, in addition to urgently improving its institutional framework, the country needs to step up its efforts to improve its health and educational systems and encourage wider adoption of new technologies for productivity enhancements. Such efforts will then buttress the country’s innovation potential, which will become increasingly important as it moves toward the most advanced stage of economic development.
For the third consecutive year, Hong Kong SAR retains its position at 11th overall, with a slight improvement in score. Hong Kong maintains its leadership in measures of financial market development and, for the first time, tops the infrastructure pillar. The quality of transport, energy, and telephony infrastructure is simply outstanding, with a score of 6.8 out of 7 in the pillar. In total, Hong Kong appears in the top 10 of six of the twelve GCI pillars. One of the world’s major trade hubs, the crisis hit Hong Kong quickly and strongly, with its economy growing at a subdued rate in the second half of 2008 and contracting by 2.7 percent in 2009.
But Hong Kong’s economy has proved resilient and the IMF predicts a growth rate of about 5 percent for 2010. It offers one of the world’s most business friendly environments thanks to world-class institutions, infrastructure, market efficiency, and the dynamism of its financial sector, and even slightly improves in each these dimensions. In particular, Hong Kong ranks behind only Singapore for government efficiency. Taiwan, China ranks 13th, one place lower than last year.
Taiwan ranks among the top 20 economies in nine pillars, but its performance in three of them holds the economy back from its full competitiveness potential: institutions, financial market development, and labor market efficiency. The quality of the institutional framework continues to improve although by small increments, now standing at 35th position, up from 40th in 2008. Thanks to greater efficiency, Taiwan has improved by 19 positions in the financial market development pillar to 35th, a category where it used to place below the 50th mark. The third area of relative weakness is its labor market (34th), where the situation continues to deteriorate with respect to the flexibility. Given its many strengths, improvements in these areas would make Taiwan an even more competitive economy.
Down by one position, Australia now ranks 16th, with a stable performance overall, ranking no lower than 29th in any of the 12 pillars. The results confirm the continued dynamism and high level of development of Australia’s financial market. While credit access conditions deteriorated during the financial crisis, the banking sector held out remarkably well. Australia remains a prime location for doing business, with high efficiency in both the goods market (18th) and the labor market (11th), and excellent public (14th) and private (11th) institutions. To progress even further, the country will need to increase the sophistication of its businesses (29th) and strengthen its innovation capacity (21st).
The Republic of Korea falls by three places to 22nd position. The country continues to do very well in most categories. It possesses world-class transport infrastructure (12th), a healthy macroeconomic environment at a time when many industrialized countries are struggling in this area (6th, up five positions), and excellent higher education (15th), with the highest rate of tertiary education enrollment in the world. Finally, Korea remains one of the world’s innovation powerhouses (12th in the innovation pillar). Yet Korea continues to suffer from weaknesses that represent a major drag on its competitiveness. The country ranks a dismal 124th with respect to labor market flexibility. Business leaders express dismay at the difficulty of hiring and firing employees (115th), also reflected in the World Bank’s Rigidity of employment index (90th).
What’s more, the World Bank estimates that the average severance pay for dismissing an employee is equivalent to 91 weeks worth of salary (placing Korea 114th on this indicator). This leads companies to resort extensively to temporary employment, thus creating precarious working conditions and giving rise to tensions—Korea ranks 138th, ahead only of Venezuela, for the difficult relations between employers and workers. The second area of concern is the country’s financial market (83rd), where the assessment has considerably worsened over the past year. Access to credit and financing has become more difficult, and the business community continues to express doubts as to the soundness of the banking sector (99th) and complains about the limited availability (98th) and high costs (82nd) of financial services.
Thailand Telecommunications Report points lack of competition | Thailand Business News
Thailand Telecommunications Report points lack of competition | Thailand Business News
The vexed issue regarding the auctions of 3G and WiMAX licences had not reached a satisfactory conclusion at the time of updating this edition of BMI’s Thailand Telecommunications Report, meaning that operators remained uncertain of how to budget for much-needed network upgrades for the rest of the year, while we ourselves remained uncertain of how to factor the launches of next-generation services into our forecasts. Above and beyond all that, there was also the matter of growing civil unrest which, if it were to reach a flashpoint, could conceivably result in a change in the political regime. Even if it does not, consumer enthusiasm for goods and services may yet be adversely affected, and this could also impact on our forecasts.
That said, Q409 yielded some very strong results for Thailand’s top three mobile operators, a trend that continued into Q110, at least for market leaders AIS and DTAC. Third-ranked True Move had not published its Q110 results at the time of writing, but all the indications were that it, too, had performed well in the first quarter of the year.
Although we have had to estimate the performances of both Hutchison Telecom and Thai Mobile pending the transfer of Hutchison’s stake in its Thai business to its partner CAT Telecom and the relaunch of Thai Mobile by incumbent TOT, it is clear that greater pricing competition, the canny bundling of smartphones to both prepaid and postpaid customers alike and efforts to make more effective use of spectrum in order to facilitate better and faster mobile value-added services (mVAS) have all paid dividends, helping subscriber numbers to continue growing and slowing the rate of mobile ARPU decline.
In 2010, operators are focusing expansion efforts on the rural sector, where the greatest organic growth opportunities are to be found. By the end of the year, we forecast a total subscriber base of 68.752mn, representing 105.6% of the population. By the end of our forecast period, in 2014, we expect the penetration rate willreach 119.8%.
YEAR Internet Users Population % Pen. GDP p.c.* Usage Source
2000 2,300,000 61,528,000 3,7% US$ N/A ITU
2007 8,465,800 67,249,456 12.6% US$ 3,759 ITU
2009 16,100,000 65,998,436 24.4% US$ 3,940 ITU
2010 17,486,400 66,404,688 26.3% US$ 4,403 ITU
Although fixed-line operators such as TOT, TT&T, True and others all managed to grow their broadband user bases in 2009, growth was less rapid than we had been expecting and we now believe that there were just 1.460mn fixed broadband subscribers in Thailand at the end of the year, making for a penetration rate of 2.3%. We have reined in our forecasts for this sector. We now expect to see 4.411mn subscribers by 2014, or a penetration rate of 6.6%.
A new regulatory body – governing both the telecommunications and media markets – is to be established later this year, it is reported. However, although the appropriate legislation has been drafted, we expect that this ambition will not be realised.
This comes after more than a decade of similar announcements, but it is more important than ever that this body be established as it will be charged with licensing 3G and WiMAX service providers as well as converting ‘private’ operators’ concessions into full-service licences, a long overdue move that will finally bring real competition to the Thai market.
via Thailand Telecommunications Report Q3 2010.
In 2010, 66 million mobile-phone numbers were in use in Thailand, of which 88 per cent were prepaid and 10.7 per cent post-paid. Mobile-phone calls in last years fourth quarter were 252 minutes long on average.
Post-paid calls were 484 minutes long and prepaid calls 226 minutes, according to a recent report from the National Telecommunications Commission. The monthly average revenue per user ARPU, excluding interconnection revenue, in the fourth quarter was Bt203. The post-paid ARPU was Bt579 and prepaid ARPU Bt163.The average fourth-quarter airtime rate was Bt1.20 per minute. The average post-paid rate was Bt1.30 and prepaid rate Bt1.15.
The combined voice revenue of the top three cellular players last year was Bt118.43 billion, and their data revenue was Bt24.44 billion.Of the total data revenue Advanced Info Service contributed Bt13.74 billion, Total Access Communication Bt7.56 billion and True Move Bt3.13 billionLast year, AIS commanded a 43.5-per-cent share of the mobile-phone user market, while DTAC controlled 29.8 per cent, True Move 23.0 per cent, CAT Telecom and its joint venture Hutchison-Wireless Multimedia a combined 2.6 per cent, and TOT 0.1 per cent.
The vexed issue regarding the auctions of 3G and WiMAX licences had not reached a satisfactory conclusion at the time of updating this edition of BMI’s Thailand Telecommunications Report, meaning that operators remained uncertain of how to budget for much-needed network upgrades for the rest of the year, while we ourselves remained uncertain of how to factor the launches of next-generation services into our forecasts. Above and beyond all that, there was also the matter of growing civil unrest which, if it were to reach a flashpoint, could conceivably result in a change in the political regime. Even if it does not, consumer enthusiasm for goods and services may yet be adversely affected, and this could also impact on our forecasts.
That said, Q409 yielded some very strong results for Thailand’s top three mobile operators, a trend that continued into Q110, at least for market leaders AIS and DTAC. Third-ranked True Move had not published its Q110 results at the time of writing, but all the indications were that it, too, had performed well in the first quarter of the year.
Although we have had to estimate the performances of both Hutchison Telecom and Thai Mobile pending the transfer of Hutchison’s stake in its Thai business to its partner CAT Telecom and the relaunch of Thai Mobile by incumbent TOT, it is clear that greater pricing competition, the canny bundling of smartphones to both prepaid and postpaid customers alike and efforts to make more effective use of spectrum in order to facilitate better and faster mobile value-added services (mVAS) have all paid dividends, helping subscriber numbers to continue growing and slowing the rate of mobile ARPU decline.
In 2010, operators are focusing expansion efforts on the rural sector, where the greatest organic growth opportunities are to be found. By the end of the year, we forecast a total subscriber base of 68.752mn, representing 105.6% of the population. By the end of our forecast period, in 2014, we expect the penetration rate willreach 119.8%.
YEAR Internet Users Population % Pen. GDP p.c.* Usage Source
2000 2,300,000 61,528,000 3,7% US$ N/A ITU
2007 8,465,800 67,249,456 12.6% US$ 3,759 ITU
2009 16,100,000 65,998,436 24.4% US$ 3,940 ITU
2010 17,486,400 66,404,688 26.3% US$ 4,403 ITU
Although fixed-line operators such as TOT, TT&T, True and others all managed to grow their broadband user bases in 2009, growth was less rapid than we had been expecting and we now believe that there were just 1.460mn fixed broadband subscribers in Thailand at the end of the year, making for a penetration rate of 2.3%. We have reined in our forecasts for this sector. We now expect to see 4.411mn subscribers by 2014, or a penetration rate of 6.6%.
A new regulatory body – governing both the telecommunications and media markets – is to be established later this year, it is reported. However, although the appropriate legislation has been drafted, we expect that this ambition will not be realised.
This comes after more than a decade of similar announcements, but it is more important than ever that this body be established as it will be charged with licensing 3G and WiMAX service providers as well as converting ‘private’ operators’ concessions into full-service licences, a long overdue move that will finally bring real competition to the Thai market.
via Thailand Telecommunications Report Q3 2010.
In 2010, 66 million mobile-phone numbers were in use in Thailand, of which 88 per cent were prepaid and 10.7 per cent post-paid. Mobile-phone calls in last years fourth quarter were 252 minutes long on average.
Post-paid calls were 484 minutes long and prepaid calls 226 minutes, according to a recent report from the National Telecommunications Commission. The monthly average revenue per user ARPU, excluding interconnection revenue, in the fourth quarter was Bt203. The post-paid ARPU was Bt579 and prepaid ARPU Bt163.The average fourth-quarter airtime rate was Bt1.20 per minute. The average post-paid rate was Bt1.30 and prepaid rate Bt1.15.
The combined voice revenue of the top three cellular players last year was Bt118.43 billion, and their data revenue was Bt24.44 billion.Of the total data revenue Advanced Info Service contributed Bt13.74 billion, Total Access Communication Bt7.56 billion and True Move Bt3.13 billionLast year, AIS commanded a 43.5-per-cent share of the mobile-phone user market, while DTAC controlled 29.8 per cent, True Move 23.0 per cent, CAT Telecom and its joint venture Hutchison-Wireless Multimedia a combined 2.6 per cent, and TOT 0.1 per cent.
Etihad Appoints New Country Manager Thailand / Mekong
Etihad Appoints New Country Manager Thailand / Mekong
Etihad Airways has appointed Craig Thomas as Country Manager - Thailand and Mekong Region.
Based in Bangkok, Mr. Thomas will lead the local team, focusing on continual development of traffic to and from Abu Dhabi and the entire network.
Craig, a South African citizen, joined Etihad Airways as Sales and Marketing Manager when the airline opened its South Africa office in September 2005. In January 2006, he was appointed Country Manager for South Africa, and oversaw the increase of Etihad frequencies to Johannesburg from two per week to daily, as well as the introduction of a daily service to Cape Town in October 2009.
Etihad operates two daily flights from Bangkok to its home base in Abu Dhabi and further on to 64 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Australia, Europe, North American and Asia.
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, said, “Mr Thomas brings with him extensive experience and expertise in the aviation industry to this growing market. I am very pleased to welcome him to this highly important region and wish him success in further growing the business between Bangkok and Abu Dhabi.”
Etihad Airways has appointed Craig Thomas as Country Manager - Thailand and Mekong Region.
Based in Bangkok, Mr. Thomas will lead the local team, focusing on continual development of traffic to and from Abu Dhabi and the entire network.
Craig, a South African citizen, joined Etihad Airways as Sales and Marketing Manager when the airline opened its South Africa office in September 2005. In January 2006, he was appointed Country Manager for South Africa, and oversaw the increase of Etihad frequencies to Johannesburg from two per week to daily, as well as the introduction of a daily service to Cape Town in October 2009.
Etihad operates two daily flights from Bangkok to its home base in Abu Dhabi and further on to 64 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Australia, Europe, North American and Asia.
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ chief commercial officer, said, “Mr Thomas brings with him extensive experience and expertise in the aviation industry to this growing market. I am very pleased to welcome him to this highly important region and wish him success in further growing the business between Bangkok and Abu Dhabi.”
Channel NewsAsia - Singapore's unique culture inspires Thai and Cambodian artists - channelnewsasia.com
Channel NewsAsia - Singapore's unique culture inspires Thai and Cambodian artists - channelnewsasia.com
SINGAPORE : An outsider's perspective can sometimes lead to new insights and this is what the work of two visiting artists from Thailand and Cambodia seems to show about Singapore.
To many foreigners, the Merlion is synonymous with Singapore. And what Thai artist Vichaya Mukdamanee found on his recent trip here was that Singaporeans perhaps think so too.
He said: "I bought 100 Merlion dolls in Little India, Chinatown, and I set them up in different locations in Singapore. The work is actually the situation when Singaporean people saw I was stacking them on the street, and I saw how they interact with the work.
"I see the Merlion as a symbol of Singaporeans, how people are walking along, following each other, doing something in the same direction, and throughout Singapore, people saw the Merlion and said, 'That is cute, that is like us.' Some people get the message, and it is really interesting."
He added: "I see Singaporean people as 'unity' - you guys think the same way, do the same thing, and approach the same goal, how to create changes in the country, so that is very interesting, how you guys are so different, but think in a similar concept."
Delighted, he documented his experience in works including paintings, videos and an installation.
Yet, all this came about through a stroke of serendipity.
Vichaya, and Cambodian artist Veasna Tith were here to research Thai and Cambodian art for the upcoming National Art Gallery.
But the sights and sounds that greeted them inspired them to create new art.
Veasna said: Many foreigners and also some Singaporeans say that Singapore does not have its own culture. But to me, I do not really agree with this.
"What I see, your basic, your traditional culture was Peranakan that mixed with Chinese and Malaysia. Because to my culture, Chinese and Malay is hard to mix together...It is unique of a country that you can combine a lot of people from different backgrounds, different religions, different cultures - they come and live together in peace."
Veasna set to work on a series of paintings that draw on elements of the Merlion, the Singapore flag and Singapore's various ethnic roots.
She observes that Singaporeans do not always see their rich culture, as the country seems to focus more on economic development, science and technology.
This is something she sees in Cambodia too, where bread and butter issues are key.
But she believes Singapore, through its National Art Gallery, could invigorate artists across Southeast Asia and, in so doing, kindle a collective appreciation of our cultures.
Meanwhile, through his attachment with the National Art Gallery, Vichaya felt deeply moved after visiting many different museums here.
He said: "The museums and the organising process here is really advanced and high quality. It is like you have the standard that the rest of the world can rely on, the conservation, and the idea of collecting the whole region into one.
"It is a very interesting idea, how to relate our own communities together. I think that impressed me a lot." - CNA/ms
SINGAPORE : An outsider's perspective can sometimes lead to new insights and this is what the work of two visiting artists from Thailand and Cambodia seems to show about Singapore.
To many foreigners, the Merlion is synonymous with Singapore. And what Thai artist Vichaya Mukdamanee found on his recent trip here was that Singaporeans perhaps think so too.
He said: "I bought 100 Merlion dolls in Little India, Chinatown, and I set them up in different locations in Singapore. The work is actually the situation when Singaporean people saw I was stacking them on the street, and I saw how they interact with the work.
"I see the Merlion as a symbol of Singaporeans, how people are walking along, following each other, doing something in the same direction, and throughout Singapore, people saw the Merlion and said, 'That is cute, that is like us.' Some people get the message, and it is really interesting."
He added: "I see Singaporean people as 'unity' - you guys think the same way, do the same thing, and approach the same goal, how to create changes in the country, so that is very interesting, how you guys are so different, but think in a similar concept."
Delighted, he documented his experience in works including paintings, videos and an installation.
Yet, all this came about through a stroke of serendipity.
Vichaya, and Cambodian artist Veasna Tith were here to research Thai and Cambodian art for the upcoming National Art Gallery.
But the sights and sounds that greeted them inspired them to create new art.
Veasna said: Many foreigners and also some Singaporeans say that Singapore does not have its own culture. But to me, I do not really agree with this.
"What I see, your basic, your traditional culture was Peranakan that mixed with Chinese and Malaysia. Because to my culture, Chinese and Malay is hard to mix together...It is unique of a country that you can combine a lot of people from different backgrounds, different religions, different cultures - they come and live together in peace."
Veasna set to work on a series of paintings that draw on elements of the Merlion, the Singapore flag and Singapore's various ethnic roots.
She observes that Singaporeans do not always see their rich culture, as the country seems to focus more on economic development, science and technology.
This is something she sees in Cambodia too, where bread and butter issues are key.
But she believes Singapore, through its National Art Gallery, could invigorate artists across Southeast Asia and, in so doing, kindle a collective appreciation of our cultures.
Meanwhile, through his attachment with the National Art Gallery, Vichaya felt deeply moved after visiting many different museums here.
He said: "The museums and the organising process here is really advanced and high quality. It is like you have the standard that the rest of the world can rely on, the conservation, and the idea of collecting the whole region into one.
"It is a very interesting idea, how to relate our own communities together. I think that impressed me a lot." - CNA/ms
Thailand Travel e-Magazine offers Free Travel Advise
Thailand Travel e-Magazine offers Free Travel Advise
Oriental Escapes, an online travel e-Magazine featuring articles on various events and happenings in Thailand, has expanded its services to include Free travel advise to anyone who wants to know what is what when it comes to travelling in Thailand.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) – Sep 13, 2010 – Oriental Escapes recently launched their re-vamped website, that included some very interesting features. Not only does the website include a slew of fantastic and very interesting articles and columns on events, or reviews of things in Thailand but it now has opened up to offer tourists or tour seekers a free travel advice area.
Oriental Escapes now allows visitors to their website to ask any travel related questions they may have about travelling or touring in Thailand to their travel professionals, for FREE and with no obligation.
The decision to offer this service was based on many reasons but ultimately was offered because there was a serious demand for this online.
Many travelers today use the internet to book their flights and accommodations. And then when they arrive at their destination, they begin the process of finding and then taking packaged tours offered by the hotels, or the local tour operators.
Now visitors have a choice. They can ask about the variety of tours and packages available in Thailand, get informed and decide before they arrive, what they would like to see or do.
Plus the website offers tourists a selection of Bespoke tours, these are private luxury tours offered exclusively by the website and are selected and designed to be unique and not on the normal beaten path of the tourist traps.
Also the visitor can now custom build their own tours. They can start by asking the travel service, called e-Concierge see http://www.oriental-escapes.com/e-concierge-service.php, about what they would like to do or see. Then they would get recommendations and ultimately they can combine a variety of tours or sightseeing events as they wish, when they wish and with virtually white-gloved service.
Oriental Escapes now not only a travel e-Magazine, but your personal travel assistant, and private tour guide in Thailand.
Oriental Escapes, an online travel e-Magazine featuring articles on various events and happenings in Thailand, has expanded its services to include Free travel advise to anyone who wants to know what is what when it comes to travelling in Thailand.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) – Sep 13, 2010 – Oriental Escapes recently launched their re-vamped website, that included some very interesting features. Not only does the website include a slew of fantastic and very interesting articles and columns on events, or reviews of things in Thailand but it now has opened up to offer tourists or tour seekers a free travel advice area.
Oriental Escapes now allows visitors to their website to ask any travel related questions they may have about travelling or touring in Thailand to their travel professionals, for FREE and with no obligation.
The decision to offer this service was based on many reasons but ultimately was offered because there was a serious demand for this online.
Many travelers today use the internet to book their flights and accommodations. And then when they arrive at their destination, they begin the process of finding and then taking packaged tours offered by the hotels, or the local tour operators.
Now visitors have a choice. They can ask about the variety of tours and packages available in Thailand, get informed and decide before they arrive, what they would like to see or do.
Plus the website offers tourists a selection of Bespoke tours, these are private luxury tours offered exclusively by the website and are selected and designed to be unique and not on the normal beaten path of the tourist traps.
Also the visitor can now custom build their own tours. They can start by asking the travel service, called e-Concierge see http://www.oriental-escapes.com/e-concierge-service.php, about what they would like to do or see. Then they would get recommendations and ultimately they can combine a variety of tours or sightseeing events as they wish, when they wish and with virtually white-gloved service.
Oriental Escapes now not only a travel e-Magazine, but your personal travel assistant, and private tour guide in Thailand.
Thailand takes along soap flowers tradition - GEO.tv
Thailand takes along soap flowers tradition - GEO.tv
BANGKOK: They look like beautiful exotic flowers, and they even smell the part, only unlike the real thing, Thai soap flowers last forever.
Although these days, soap flowers can be bought as souvenirs from all around Thailand, these scented masterpieces originated in the villages around Chiang Rai. When they weren’t too busy tending to their farms or working in the rice paddies, locals practiced carving on pieces of soap.
Their hobby turned into a fine art, and the delicate soap flowers they sold at the local night markets soon captured tourists’ imagination.
The art of soap carving is passed down from generation to generation, and since it’s all done using a few carving knives, the beauty of the flowers depends a lot on the skill and finesse of the artist. Chiang Rai remains the best place to buy soap flowers as souvenirs, and visitors can witness the carving process first hand.
BANGKOK: They look like beautiful exotic flowers, and they even smell the part, only unlike the real thing, Thai soap flowers last forever.
Although these days, soap flowers can be bought as souvenirs from all around Thailand, these scented masterpieces originated in the villages around Chiang Rai. When they weren’t too busy tending to their farms or working in the rice paddies, locals practiced carving on pieces of soap.
Their hobby turned into a fine art, and the delicate soap flowers they sold at the local night markets soon captured tourists’ imagination.
The art of soap carving is passed down from generation to generation, and since it’s all done using a few carving knives, the beauty of the flowers depends a lot on the skill and finesse of the artist. Chiang Rai remains the best place to buy soap flowers as souvenirs, and visitors can witness the carving process first hand.
50 Best Travel Sites You Probably Never Heard Of – LuggageOnline
Planning a trip? Those who love to travel know the essence of all travel is about you and the road. For a true traveler the destination is only a minor detail in planning a trip, experiencing and delving deeper into an unfamiliar culture is paramount. Before you begin to crack the travel guides, pick a destination or plan a travel itinerary, visit some of these off the beaten path travel sites. Whatever level of expertise you tout, whether it is international travel, student travel, discount travel or just plain old USA travel, these sites are guaranteed to expand your horizons.
Social-Travel Networks
1. IgoUgo.com
Honest advice to get you going.
It's no wonder IgoUgo won the 2005 Webby Award for the Best Travel Site in the U.S. It definitely stands apart from other online travel communities that allow travelers to share photos and stories. Their newly added Travel Deals provides the best bargains in the coming week from a variety of travel sites, saving you the hassle of online booking research. IgoUgo rewards contributing writers and photographers with GO points, which can be redeemed at online retailers and used for frequent flier miles.
Cool Feature: Have a favorite IgoUgo member? You can search for a member, view their profile, and stay up to date on their travels.
2. Triporama.com
Plan Together. Travel Together.
Triporama enables you to plan a group trip and share the details with your group. It's like your own personal trip website. Tools on the site include storing and sharing your research, manage invites, and posting messages to your group.
Don't Miss! - Group Travel Guide's Recommendations.
3. Tripadvisor.com
Get the truth, then go.
Tripadvisor.com has compiled over 5 million traveler reviews and opinions on hotels, vacations and more. Here you can find the honest truth about your destination, without feeling like you're being 'sold'. Reviewers have the option of uploading their own vacation pictures. The hotel website may show you a room with a view, but the travelers pictures may tell a different story...
Cool Feature: goLists- Travelers create a list of what to see and things to do in a certain destination.
4. Triptie.com
Tying Travel Together.
Triptie.com was created based on the idea that travelers make the best travel agents. By allowing travelers to share personal vacation itineraries, stories, and photos, everyone becomes someone else's agent. Unlike similar travel sites, you can easily pull pieces from other itineraries and make them a part of your own.
Cool Feature: Create your hometown Itinerary for when friends or travelers from around the globe come and stay.
5. Iagora.com
Connecting Internationals Since 1998
Looking to get away, and stay away? Iagora.com offers information on internships, study abroad, and permanent positions available abroad. This site will help you find housing, hotels, and provide tips for working and living abroad. By signing up for premiere membership you can submit your resume and network for job offers from around the globe.
Cool Feature: iPeople- Browse through member profiles and contact information to get personal information on others who are working and living abroad.
6. Bootsnall.com
The Ultimate Resource for the Independent Traveler
BootsnAll features guides, stories, book reviews, and insiders from every continent. The site also has message boards, blogs, and travel deals. You can book flights, hotels, and even hostels through provided links, they really do live up to the nall when it comes to traveling.
Don't Miss! - 50 Most Recent Travel Stories.
7. Wayn.com
Where Are You Now?
Think Myspace, for travel lovers. WAYN.com (where are you now?) allows users to keep a log of their travels; past, present, and future. The idea is that you share them with other members, and maybe even meet some of them along the way.
Cool Feature: An integrated instant messaging program.
8. Planetware.com
Your Unlimited Travel Guide to the World
Many of the most popular travel sites provide little information on U.S destinations. It may be hard to come across a site with detailed guides for U.S cities. That is what sets Planetware.com apart from other destination guide websites. Their ultimate goal is to eventually database every attraction in the world.
Cool Feature: Enter your Hobbies and Activities and it will bring up destinations that can entertain them.
9. Realtravel.com
Real People, Real Advice, Real Experiences.
Voted as one of the 12 Best Travel Sites by Forbes.com, Realtravel is an online community for all things related to travel. Featuring photos, blogs, member profiles, and links to the latest in travel deals, it is a great way for people to obtain and share advice on travel experiences.
Cool Feature: Featured Destination Page
Travel Booking
10. Licketytrip.com
Last minute vacation rentals...
Like to do everything at the last minute? Luckily, Licketytrip.com is there to help. All of the vacation rentals on the site are available for the next two weeks. The rentals are mainly U.S destinations. The property search is user friendly, and from there you can contact the owner for a more personal booking experience.
Cool Feature: Owners can list their property free of charge.
11. Maupintour.com
Deluxe and Escorted Independent Vacations
Traveling to a foreign place on your own can be intimidating, not to mention confusing. Booking a guided tour trip can be useful when visiting places with lots of sites and landmarks to see. Not only do guides keep you informed, but sometimes they allow you to bypass long lines. Maupintour.com is a great place for booking escorted tours and creating itineraries. Unlike most tour companies, Maupintours are all inclusive, so you know exactly how much your trip will cost before you go.
12. Hotelbook.com
Stay Independent
Hotelbook.com presents travelers with a unique lodging option in today's increasingly complex online travel arena. They provide travelers with alternative hotel options that will offer them something different in a hotel. Looking for a chic boutique hotel in Aspen, or a hotel with a golf course in England? Hotelbook.com can help you meet these specific travel needs without trying to sell you a stay at the Marriott.
Don't Miss! - Special Offers.
13. Hitchsters.com
The best way to share a cab to or from the airport.
In many destinations cabs are the best way to get to your destination from the airport and back, but they can get expensive. Hitchster.com is a web-based system, which conveniently connects travelers so that they can share taxis, and thus split the fare. So, whether you're interested in saving money, time, the environment, or just looking for a cab companion, Hitchsters.com can help.
14. Unusualhotelsoftheworld.com
Unusual Hotels of the World will help you book an experience, not just a hotel. Stay in an old railway car nested in an Alaskan mountain, a tree house in Sweden, or a hemp hotel in Amsterdam. The site features a detailed description of each hotel and member ratings.
Cool Feature: Join the Go Unusual Club
15. cFares.com
Your Inside Connection to Worldwide Travel
The world of online booking sites has become so popular that you may not even get a deal by logging on to big name sites. cFares.com claims to have the lowest prices with the widest selections. You can also become a member and get below market fares, or use their name your own price feature. It's basically all of those popular booking sites out there rolled into one, without the big name.
16. Cruisemates.com
The Complete Online Cruise Guide and Community
Many online booking sites are offering vacation deals and packages, making it difficult to obtain objective travel advice. Cruisemates.com, the online expert in cruises, is not affiliated with any travel agent or booking company, so you're getting straightforward advice from cruise industry leaders, and fellow travelers. Users can search for cruises by destination or category, share information via message boards, and even plan to meet with other cruisemate members once you hop aboard.
Cool Feature: Cruise Chat- Live online chat about all things cruise.
17. Kayak.com
The travel search engine
Tired of figuring out which sites really have the best deals on flights, hotels, cruises, or rental cars? Well in you’re in luck because Kayak.com has the answer. Kayak is a travel search engine that allows you to search over 140 travel sites at once to find and compare results instantly.
Cool Feature: Fare alerts and fare history let you stay on top of the ever changing travel rates.
Flying Airlines
18. Airlinemeals.net
The world's finest and leading website about nothing but airline food.
Airline meals are probably the most hated food since Brussels sprouts, and yes-this site is really devoted solely to discussing them. Surprisingly, it really is quite fascinating. Quirky and user-friendly, the site provides images of meals from more than 500 airlines, as well as the latest news and trends in the airline food industry. Even if you're not at all concerned with your next airline meal, the site is a must see.
Don't Miss! - Meals from the 70's, 80's, 90's so you can prove, with pictures, that things were better, back in your day;
19. Seatscorecard.com
Airline Seats Comfort Report
Discomfort has always been a frequent complaint of airline travelers; Seatscorecard.com will give them an advantage even before boarding. This user-friendly site automatically locates the best and worst seats on your next flight. The airplane comfort guides consider factors such as seat width, seat pitch, seating plan, seat configuration, and legroom to determine overall seating comfort. Seatscorecard.com is a great way to be informed, and make the best of your next flight.
20. Sleepinginairports.net
The Budget Traveler&'s Guide to Sleeping in Airports
Informative and quite funny, sleepinginairports.net reviews most major airports in dozens of cities across the globe. The ratings range from hell to excellent, considering it's an airport. They are rated based on comfort and cleanliness by travelers who share their stories of spending a night in the airport. Some travelers had no other choice due to layovers and delayed flights; others just think that sleeping in the airport it's a good way to save a buck.
Don't Miss! - Airport Sleeping Tips.
21. Farecast.com
Know When to Buy...
Most consumers don't have the slightest idea what goes on with airline pricing. You go online or call your travel agent, give them your travel dates and hope that you're getting the best deal. Farecast.com takes hope out of the equation. They predict where fares are going and show where they've been for more than 75 airports. If you're flexible with your dates, you'll be able to get an even better deal with the help of Farecast.com
Cool Feature: Know where to Travel-Map View.
22. Unclaimedbaggage.com
Lost Treasure from Around the World
If you've ever been a victim of lost-but-never-found luggage, somebody in Scottsboro, Alabama may be shopping through your bag right now. Unclaimed Baggage is the final destination for lost luggage, where it is picked through and sold directly to some very lucky consumers. If you can't make it to the store for some major bargain shopping, you can visit the website for some entertaining lost luggage tales.
Don't Miss! Travel Tips.
23. Airportdiscountparking.com
Visit Airportdiscountparking.com to save money when parking at airports. By entering your airport and travel date, the site will direct you to the cheapest lots available. Lists of affiliates include other valets or off site self-parking, to help you save even more. For frequent travelers, there is a feature where they will notify you of upcoming parking deals at your local airport.
24. FlyerTalk.com
The World's Most Popular Frequent Flyer Community
When it comes to traveling by plane, FlyerTalk.com really does have it all. With forums on frequent flyer miles, travel dining, and airline news, it is a great place for regular travelers to receive and share information on air travel.
Cool Feature: Send a Postcard
Travel Videos & Images
25. Travelistic.com
Videos For Travelers
Want to see your destination before you even board a plane? Travelistic makes this possible with hundreds of traveler&'s videos from around the globe. The videos are arranged by location, top ranked, and most viewed, making it user friendly as well as informative.
Don&'t Miss! Videos from the Thirsty Traveler. A love for beer and a well-stamped passport make for some interesting clips.
26. Travelervideos.com
The Internet’s Largest Human Edited Travel Video Directory
TravelerVideo.com has over 5,000 travel related videos covering hundreds of top global destinations. Users can watch, upload, rate and comment videos, placing them in top rankings.
Don&'t Miss! Video Contest- Win up to $500 for the best video.
27. Virtourist.com
Traveling the World
Take a photo tour of hundreds of world destinations at Virtourist.com. Users can upload their travel photos with a brief description of each. Fun and informative, it&'s a great way to get a fellow traveler&'s view of a location before you decide to travel to there.
Don&'t Miss! Top Ten Tours.
Specialty Travel - Interest - Lifestyle
28. Literarytraveler.com
Explore Your Literary Imagination
Created by a husband and wife team with a love for literature, Literarytraveler.com brings readers inspiring, informative articles about writers, creative artists, and the places that they&'ve lived and traveled. Whether you&'re planning a trip to NY and would like to see it through the eyes of Walt Whitman, or are interested in exploring the many homes of Hemingway, Literarytraveler has something for all lovers of the written word.
Don&'t Miss! Plan a Literary Tour.
29. Perceptivetravel.com
The Best Travel Stories From Writers on the Move
Travel author and blogger Tim Leffel (World&'s Cheapest Destinations & Practicaltravelgear.blogspot.com) created an online publication featuring brilliant travel stories from writers on the move. The contributing writers chose both their topic and destination, so while you may not get advice on your exact vacation spot, you&'ll surely be moved to create your own travel experience.
30. Momsminivan.com
101 Car Travel Games & Road Trip Ideas for Kids
The road trip mom has put together a lengthy list on ways to keep the little ones busy while traveling. With printable car games, ideas for keeping babies busy, and the license plate game, momsminivan may actually eradicate the are we there yet; road trippin&' parents hate to hear.
Don&'t Miss! Doin Disney.
31. CoasterFanatics.com
Your online source for all things coaster since 2000
What started as an online photo gallery, by roller coaster enthusiast Ted Cromwell in 2000, has now turned into an entire network for all things coaster. Images, videos, discussion forums, and member profiles make up this site, which will no doubt delight coaster fanatics in search of new loops and twirls.
32. Whereintheworld.co.uk
Travel Adventures and Events You Never Knew Existed
It&'s pretty safe to say that when most people think vacation they see themselves relaxing on a beach, sightseeing, visiting relatives, and maybe even some scuba diving here and there. What about those people who seek a little more adventure? Whereintheworld.co.uk is the site for them. It provides information on booking dozens of off the beaten path trips&' that involve, for example, crossing the Andes by mule, dogsledding, and exploring the ancient temples and palaces of Thailand.
Don&'t Miss! Sign Up for the Free Newsletter-it just may inspire you to start booking!
33. Vegtravel.com
Vegetarian and Environmentally Friendly Travel
Donna Zeigfinger, President and owner of Green Earth Travel,LLC, and seasoned traveler, started Vegtravel.com to share her experiences with other vegetarians/vegans looking for travel advice. The site caters to travelers who wish to maintain their lifestyle while adventuring throughout the world.
34. Contiki.com
Vacations for 18 to 35 year olds
The youth travel industry is booming. More and more young people are leaving their local hangouts behind to go out and experience the world. Contiki holidays is the worldwide leader in vacations for 18-35 year olds. They offer specialty tours in hundreds of destinations that are created to carefully blend old-fashioned site seeing and culture with fun and socializing. They also have two all-inclusive resorts located in Bali and the never-ending party island, Mykonos. Bottom line: this isn&'t your grandmother&'s idea of a vacation.
Don&'t Miss! Photo Gallery - see for yourself the fun you could be having!
35. Dogfriendly.com
World-wide pet travel guides for dogs
If you love to travel with your entire family and that family happens to include a furry, four-legged friend, then this site is essential to planning your itinerary. It’s as easy as picking a destination and Dogfriendly.com will show you dog friendly lodging, parks, attractions, stores and outdoor restaurants. And whether pooch is a Maltese or a Newfoundland, you’ll find travel guides for all sizes and breeds, so he’ll never be left out of your vacation plans again.
36. WorldSnowboardGuide.com
Explore Your Literary Imagination
If your one and only requirement for your vacation destination is always "How's the snowboarding?" then don't miss this site. World Snowboard Guide gives it to you straight and isn't afraid to give a resort a bad review if you're going to get snowplowed by skiers. WorldSnowboardGuide.com offers detailed info about top spots to snowboard around the world. Get the skinny on the slopes, number of lifts, whether or not they use artificial snow, and more. Check out the daily top 10 most popular Snowboard Resorts.
Budget Travel
37. Budgettravelonline.com
If you think that budget is a four-letter word, then logon to Budgettravelonline and you just may be surprised. The online version of the popular magazine Budget Travel, offers up to date travel deals, advice, and vacation planning. Unlike other deal sites, they stay true to their magazine roots with great travel stories and real life tips on everything from airline security to a shoe lover's guide to travel.
Don't Miss! Four Hotels We Wouldn't Be Caught Dead In.
38. Hostels.net
Want to save money on lodging but don't know where to begin? The thought of staying in a hostel can be intimidating if you've never roughed it before. Hostels.net is an online network of independent hotels and hostels. They offer a wide arrange of accommodations for travelers who are interested in seeing the world for less.
39. Bigempire.com/Vegas
Las Vegas on 25 cents a Day.
If you like to gamble you'll probably make it to Las Vegas at some point. Before you do, you should visit this site. The writers prefer to skip the overpriced meals, attractions, and shops, and spend money on Vegas' intended purpose - gambling. They offer tips and advice on how to do just that, including a list of low price and even free attractions. Bigempire.com also offers the dish on the cheapest meals, hotels, and gambling.
Don't Miss! Trip Reports - Our Squalid Journeys.
40. Upgradetravel.blogspot.com
Living the First Class Life, At Coach Prices.
Not quite a budget traveler, but can&'t afford luxury stays? Learn how to travel like you can. Mark Ashley, a Chicago based frequent traveler, reports on travel news, tips, and trends, for the traveler looking to maximize comfort, style, and convenience, without paying high prices for it.
Don't Miss! Travel Map Round Up.
Luxury Travel
41. Luxurylink.com
If budget isn&'t your thing then head over to luxurylink.com for the best in luxurious travel. With articles on which airline offers the best business class, and which hotel offers the best spa, luxurylink.com won&'t help you save money on your next vacation, but will be sure to help you enjoy it.
Don't Miss! The World&'s Best Link- Features lists of the world&'s best hotels, drives, and golf courses.
42. Abercrombiekent.com
Looking for a travel company that plan for things like a private picnic for two in the middle of the African savannah or give you and the children your own tropical island for a day? Abercrombie & Kent can make it happen. They specialize in matching travelers with deluxe accommodations in unique destinations. A & K is more than just an agent in one far away office; they have over 48 locations around the globe to serve their customers needs during their stay.
Cool Feature: Tailor Made Request- Let A & K create a custom vacation for you.
Misc. Travel Advice
43. Wikitravel.com
Arguably second only to Google, Wikipedia has become an online source for information. They have compiled over 10,000 unbiased destination guides and articles submitted by travelers. In true 'Wiki' fashion, the page offers dozens of links on anything and everything related to travel and each specific destination. Each year they have a Wikitravel Get Together in a different vacation spot. Anyone can sign up to go, and the purpose is to gather information to improve Wikipedia&'s guide for that specific location.oh, and to have fun while doing so.
Cool Feature: Traveler's Pub- an in depth help page to make this info packed site a little less intimidating.
44. Onebag.com
The Art and Science of Traveling Light
Do you envy that traveler strutting onto the plane with that one little carry-on bag? Onebag.com might be able to offer some help. With tips on how to go anywhere, for an indefinite amount of time with one single carry-on bag, there simply has to be an art and/or science involved. So even if you can&'t get down to a carry on, at least you can make the most of the one you have.
45. Travelsense.org
Travel Smart Travel Sense
Travelsense.org is a one-stop site for packing tips, advice, and news. Articles range from ;Traveling with Children---Pets---Handicapped---Teens; to ;How to Avoid Travel Scams.; It's easy to navigate, loaded with information, and not at all sales motivated, so you get all of the advice you need without feeling like you're being sold on a week in Disney.
Cool Feature: Find a Travel Agent.
Travel Blogs
46. Hotel-blogs.com
Guillame Thevenot is a former Parisian, now working in the hospitality industry in London. He was tired of all travel sites out there being sales driven, only focusing on booking flights and hotel stays, so he created the hotel-blog. Thevenot blogs about how to book last minute travel, understanding the hotel market, and unique hotels around the world. Before you book, let Hotel-blogs.com give you the insider&'s scoop.
47. Businesstravellogue.com
One stop Travel Guide to Business Travel
Travel for business doesn&'t have to be all work and no play. Businesstravellogue.com, is part of the bootsnall.com network, provides detailed tips and information for making the most of your work related stay and keeping you up to date on travel news.
Don&'t Miss! Rewards- Articles on how to obtain rewards for airlines and hotels.
48. Practicaltravelgear.blogspot.com
Review of travel gadgets and travel clothes that pull their weight
Tim Leffel has circled the globe three times and travels internationally several times a year. He is the author of World&'s Cheapest Destinations and perceptivetravel.com. On his blog, Tim reviews everything from water purification tablets to duffle bags. Who better to review travel gear than a man who knows how to travel?
49. Travelogger.net
Travelogue of a Blogger
This is a neat little travel blog written by The Traveler. Not sure who the traveler is, but he or she sure does provide some great travel tips, stories, and news. Articles like Affordable Tokyo, and Child Friendly Asia are written in several different parts, so that they are very thorough and informative.
50. Letmestayforaday.com
In 2001, 24-year old Ramon Stoppelenburg, left his home in the Netherlands with a backpack filled with clothing, a digital camera, a laptop, and a mobile phone. For the next two years he traveled the world with no money, by staying with hospitable strangers. This site may not inspire you to head out on a similar adventure, but will assuredly provide intriguing stories and beautiful photographs that tell a tale of the generosity of the human race across all cultures.
Don&'t Miss! Q & A with Ramon
Social-Travel Networks
1. IgoUgo.com
Honest advice to get you going.
It's no wonder IgoUgo won the 2005 Webby Award for the Best Travel Site in the U.S. It definitely stands apart from other online travel communities that allow travelers to share photos and stories. Their newly added Travel Deals provides the best bargains in the coming week from a variety of travel sites, saving you the hassle of online booking research. IgoUgo rewards contributing writers and photographers with GO points, which can be redeemed at online retailers and used for frequent flier miles.
Cool Feature: Have a favorite IgoUgo member? You can search for a member, view their profile, and stay up to date on their travels.
2. Triporama.com
Plan Together. Travel Together.
Triporama enables you to plan a group trip and share the details with your group. It's like your own personal trip website. Tools on the site include storing and sharing your research, manage invites, and posting messages to your group.
Don't Miss! - Group Travel Guide's Recommendations.
3. Tripadvisor.com
Get the truth, then go.
Tripadvisor.com has compiled over 5 million traveler reviews and opinions on hotels, vacations and more. Here you can find the honest truth about your destination, without feeling like you're being 'sold'. Reviewers have the option of uploading their own vacation pictures. The hotel website may show you a room with a view, but the travelers pictures may tell a different story...
Cool Feature: goLists- Travelers create a list of what to see and things to do in a certain destination.
4. Triptie.com
Tying Travel Together.
Triptie.com was created based on the idea that travelers make the best travel agents. By allowing travelers to share personal vacation itineraries, stories, and photos, everyone becomes someone else's agent. Unlike similar travel sites, you can easily pull pieces from other itineraries and make them a part of your own.
Cool Feature: Create your hometown Itinerary for when friends or travelers from around the globe come and stay.
5. Iagora.com
Connecting Internationals Since 1998
Looking to get away, and stay away? Iagora.com offers information on internships, study abroad, and permanent positions available abroad. This site will help you find housing, hotels, and provide tips for working and living abroad. By signing up for premiere membership you can submit your resume and network for job offers from around the globe.
Cool Feature: iPeople- Browse through member profiles and contact information to get personal information on others who are working and living abroad.
6. Bootsnall.com
The Ultimate Resource for the Independent Traveler
BootsnAll features guides, stories, book reviews, and insiders from every continent. The site also has message boards, blogs, and travel deals. You can book flights, hotels, and even hostels through provided links, they really do live up to the nall when it comes to traveling.
Don't Miss! - 50 Most Recent Travel Stories.
7. Wayn.com
Where Are You Now?
Think Myspace, for travel lovers. WAYN.com (where are you now?) allows users to keep a log of their travels; past, present, and future. The idea is that you share them with other members, and maybe even meet some of them along the way.
Cool Feature: An integrated instant messaging program.
8. Planetware.com
Your Unlimited Travel Guide to the World
Many of the most popular travel sites provide little information on U.S destinations. It may be hard to come across a site with detailed guides for U.S cities. That is what sets Planetware.com apart from other destination guide websites. Their ultimate goal is to eventually database every attraction in the world.
Cool Feature: Enter your Hobbies and Activities and it will bring up destinations that can entertain them.
9. Realtravel.com
Real People, Real Advice, Real Experiences.
Voted as one of the 12 Best Travel Sites by Forbes.com, Realtravel is an online community for all things related to travel. Featuring photos, blogs, member profiles, and links to the latest in travel deals, it is a great way for people to obtain and share advice on travel experiences.
Cool Feature: Featured Destination Page
Travel Booking
10. Licketytrip.com
Last minute vacation rentals...
Like to do everything at the last minute? Luckily, Licketytrip.com is there to help. All of the vacation rentals on the site are available for the next two weeks. The rentals are mainly U.S destinations. The property search is user friendly, and from there you can contact the owner for a more personal booking experience.
Cool Feature: Owners can list their property free of charge.
11. Maupintour.com
Deluxe and Escorted Independent Vacations
Traveling to a foreign place on your own can be intimidating, not to mention confusing. Booking a guided tour trip can be useful when visiting places with lots of sites and landmarks to see. Not only do guides keep you informed, but sometimes they allow you to bypass long lines. Maupintour.com is a great place for booking escorted tours and creating itineraries. Unlike most tour companies, Maupintours are all inclusive, so you know exactly how much your trip will cost before you go.
12. Hotelbook.com
Stay Independent
Hotelbook.com presents travelers with a unique lodging option in today's increasingly complex online travel arena. They provide travelers with alternative hotel options that will offer them something different in a hotel. Looking for a chic boutique hotel in Aspen, or a hotel with a golf course in England? Hotelbook.com can help you meet these specific travel needs without trying to sell you a stay at the Marriott.
Don't Miss! - Special Offers.
13. Hitchsters.com
The best way to share a cab to or from the airport.
In many destinations cabs are the best way to get to your destination from the airport and back, but they can get expensive. Hitchster.com is a web-based system, which conveniently connects travelers so that they can share taxis, and thus split the fare. So, whether you're interested in saving money, time, the environment, or just looking for a cab companion, Hitchsters.com can help.
14. Unusualhotelsoftheworld.com
Unusual Hotels of the World will help you book an experience, not just a hotel. Stay in an old railway car nested in an Alaskan mountain, a tree house in Sweden, or a hemp hotel in Amsterdam. The site features a detailed description of each hotel and member ratings.
Cool Feature: Join the Go Unusual Club
15. cFares.com
Your Inside Connection to Worldwide Travel
The world of online booking sites has become so popular that you may not even get a deal by logging on to big name sites. cFares.com claims to have the lowest prices with the widest selections. You can also become a member and get below market fares, or use their name your own price feature. It's basically all of those popular booking sites out there rolled into one, without the big name.
16. Cruisemates.com
The Complete Online Cruise Guide and Community
Many online booking sites are offering vacation deals and packages, making it difficult to obtain objective travel advice. Cruisemates.com, the online expert in cruises, is not affiliated with any travel agent or booking company, so you're getting straightforward advice from cruise industry leaders, and fellow travelers. Users can search for cruises by destination or category, share information via message boards, and even plan to meet with other cruisemate members once you hop aboard.
Cool Feature: Cruise Chat- Live online chat about all things cruise.
17. Kayak.com
The travel search engine
Tired of figuring out which sites really have the best deals on flights, hotels, cruises, or rental cars? Well in you’re in luck because Kayak.com has the answer. Kayak is a travel search engine that allows you to search over 140 travel sites at once to find and compare results instantly.
Cool Feature: Fare alerts and fare history let you stay on top of the ever changing travel rates.
Flying Airlines
18. Airlinemeals.net
The world's finest and leading website about nothing but airline food.
Airline meals are probably the most hated food since Brussels sprouts, and yes-this site is really devoted solely to discussing them. Surprisingly, it really is quite fascinating. Quirky and user-friendly, the site provides images of meals from more than 500 airlines, as well as the latest news and trends in the airline food industry. Even if you're not at all concerned with your next airline meal, the site is a must see.
Don't Miss! - Meals from the 70's, 80's, 90's so you can prove, with pictures, that things were better, back in your day;
19. Seatscorecard.com
Airline Seats Comfort Report
Discomfort has always been a frequent complaint of airline travelers; Seatscorecard.com will give them an advantage even before boarding. This user-friendly site automatically locates the best and worst seats on your next flight. The airplane comfort guides consider factors such as seat width, seat pitch, seating plan, seat configuration, and legroom to determine overall seating comfort. Seatscorecard.com is a great way to be informed, and make the best of your next flight.
20. Sleepinginairports.net
The Budget Traveler&'s Guide to Sleeping in Airports
Informative and quite funny, sleepinginairports.net reviews most major airports in dozens of cities across the globe. The ratings range from hell to excellent, considering it's an airport. They are rated based on comfort and cleanliness by travelers who share their stories of spending a night in the airport. Some travelers had no other choice due to layovers and delayed flights; others just think that sleeping in the airport it's a good way to save a buck.
Don't Miss! - Airport Sleeping Tips.
21. Farecast.com
Know When to Buy...
Most consumers don't have the slightest idea what goes on with airline pricing. You go online or call your travel agent, give them your travel dates and hope that you're getting the best deal. Farecast.com takes hope out of the equation. They predict where fares are going and show where they've been for more than 75 airports. If you're flexible with your dates, you'll be able to get an even better deal with the help of Farecast.com
Cool Feature: Know where to Travel-Map View.
22. Unclaimedbaggage.com
Lost Treasure from Around the World
If you've ever been a victim of lost-but-never-found luggage, somebody in Scottsboro, Alabama may be shopping through your bag right now. Unclaimed Baggage is the final destination for lost luggage, where it is picked through and sold directly to some very lucky consumers. If you can't make it to the store for some major bargain shopping, you can visit the website for some entertaining lost luggage tales.
Don't Miss! Travel Tips.
23. Airportdiscountparking.com
Visit Airportdiscountparking.com to save money when parking at airports. By entering your airport and travel date, the site will direct you to the cheapest lots available. Lists of affiliates include other valets or off site self-parking, to help you save even more. For frequent travelers, there is a feature where they will notify you of upcoming parking deals at your local airport.
24. FlyerTalk.com
The World's Most Popular Frequent Flyer Community
When it comes to traveling by plane, FlyerTalk.com really does have it all. With forums on frequent flyer miles, travel dining, and airline news, it is a great place for regular travelers to receive and share information on air travel.
Cool Feature: Send a Postcard
Travel Videos & Images
25. Travelistic.com
Videos For Travelers
Want to see your destination before you even board a plane? Travelistic makes this possible with hundreds of traveler&'s videos from around the globe. The videos are arranged by location, top ranked, and most viewed, making it user friendly as well as informative.
Don&'t Miss! Videos from the Thirsty Traveler. A love for beer and a well-stamped passport make for some interesting clips.
26. Travelervideos.com
The Internet’s Largest Human Edited Travel Video Directory
TravelerVideo.com has over 5,000 travel related videos covering hundreds of top global destinations. Users can watch, upload, rate and comment videos, placing them in top rankings.
Don&'t Miss! Video Contest- Win up to $500 for the best video.
27. Virtourist.com
Traveling the World
Take a photo tour of hundreds of world destinations at Virtourist.com. Users can upload their travel photos with a brief description of each. Fun and informative, it&'s a great way to get a fellow traveler&'s view of a location before you decide to travel to there.
Don&'t Miss! Top Ten Tours.
Specialty Travel - Interest - Lifestyle
28. Literarytraveler.com
Explore Your Literary Imagination
Created by a husband and wife team with a love for literature, Literarytraveler.com brings readers inspiring, informative articles about writers, creative artists, and the places that they&'ve lived and traveled. Whether you&'re planning a trip to NY and would like to see it through the eyes of Walt Whitman, or are interested in exploring the many homes of Hemingway, Literarytraveler has something for all lovers of the written word.
Don&'t Miss! Plan a Literary Tour.
29. Perceptivetravel.com
The Best Travel Stories From Writers on the Move
Travel author and blogger Tim Leffel (World&'s Cheapest Destinations & Practicaltravelgear.blogspot.com) created an online publication featuring brilliant travel stories from writers on the move. The contributing writers chose both their topic and destination, so while you may not get advice on your exact vacation spot, you&'ll surely be moved to create your own travel experience.
30. Momsminivan.com
101 Car Travel Games & Road Trip Ideas for Kids
The road trip mom has put together a lengthy list on ways to keep the little ones busy while traveling. With printable car games, ideas for keeping babies busy, and the license plate game, momsminivan may actually eradicate the are we there yet; road trippin&' parents hate to hear.
Don&'t Miss! Doin Disney.
31. CoasterFanatics.com
Your online source for all things coaster since 2000
What started as an online photo gallery, by roller coaster enthusiast Ted Cromwell in 2000, has now turned into an entire network for all things coaster. Images, videos, discussion forums, and member profiles make up this site, which will no doubt delight coaster fanatics in search of new loops and twirls.
32. Whereintheworld.co.uk
Travel Adventures and Events You Never Knew Existed
It&'s pretty safe to say that when most people think vacation they see themselves relaxing on a beach, sightseeing, visiting relatives, and maybe even some scuba diving here and there. What about those people who seek a little more adventure? Whereintheworld.co.uk is the site for them. It provides information on booking dozens of off the beaten path trips&' that involve, for example, crossing the Andes by mule, dogsledding, and exploring the ancient temples and palaces of Thailand.
Don&'t Miss! Sign Up for the Free Newsletter-it just may inspire you to start booking!
33. Vegtravel.com
Vegetarian and Environmentally Friendly Travel
Donna Zeigfinger, President and owner of Green Earth Travel,LLC, and seasoned traveler, started Vegtravel.com to share her experiences with other vegetarians/vegans looking for travel advice. The site caters to travelers who wish to maintain their lifestyle while adventuring throughout the world.
34. Contiki.com
Vacations for 18 to 35 year olds
The youth travel industry is booming. More and more young people are leaving their local hangouts behind to go out and experience the world. Contiki holidays is the worldwide leader in vacations for 18-35 year olds. They offer specialty tours in hundreds of destinations that are created to carefully blend old-fashioned site seeing and culture with fun and socializing. They also have two all-inclusive resorts located in Bali and the never-ending party island, Mykonos. Bottom line: this isn&'t your grandmother&'s idea of a vacation.
Don&'t Miss! Photo Gallery - see for yourself the fun you could be having!
35. Dogfriendly.com
World-wide pet travel guides for dogs
If you love to travel with your entire family and that family happens to include a furry, four-legged friend, then this site is essential to planning your itinerary. It’s as easy as picking a destination and Dogfriendly.com will show you dog friendly lodging, parks, attractions, stores and outdoor restaurants. And whether pooch is a Maltese or a Newfoundland, you’ll find travel guides for all sizes and breeds, so he’ll never be left out of your vacation plans again.
36. WorldSnowboardGuide.com
Explore Your Literary Imagination
If your one and only requirement for your vacation destination is always "How's the snowboarding?" then don't miss this site. World Snowboard Guide gives it to you straight and isn't afraid to give a resort a bad review if you're going to get snowplowed by skiers. WorldSnowboardGuide.com offers detailed info about top spots to snowboard around the world. Get the skinny on the slopes, number of lifts, whether or not they use artificial snow, and more. Check out the daily top 10 most popular Snowboard Resorts.
Budget Travel
37. Budgettravelonline.com
If you think that budget is a four-letter word, then logon to Budgettravelonline and you just may be surprised. The online version of the popular magazine Budget Travel, offers up to date travel deals, advice, and vacation planning. Unlike other deal sites, they stay true to their magazine roots with great travel stories and real life tips on everything from airline security to a shoe lover's guide to travel.
Don't Miss! Four Hotels We Wouldn't Be Caught Dead In.
38. Hostels.net
Want to save money on lodging but don't know where to begin? The thought of staying in a hostel can be intimidating if you've never roughed it before. Hostels.net is an online network of independent hotels and hostels. They offer a wide arrange of accommodations for travelers who are interested in seeing the world for less.
39. Bigempire.com/Vegas
Las Vegas on 25 cents a Day.
If you like to gamble you'll probably make it to Las Vegas at some point. Before you do, you should visit this site. The writers prefer to skip the overpriced meals, attractions, and shops, and spend money on Vegas' intended purpose - gambling. They offer tips and advice on how to do just that, including a list of low price and even free attractions. Bigempire.com also offers the dish on the cheapest meals, hotels, and gambling.
Don't Miss! Trip Reports - Our Squalid Journeys.
40. Upgradetravel.blogspot.com
Living the First Class Life, At Coach Prices.
Not quite a budget traveler, but can&'t afford luxury stays? Learn how to travel like you can. Mark Ashley, a Chicago based frequent traveler, reports on travel news, tips, and trends, for the traveler looking to maximize comfort, style, and convenience, without paying high prices for it.
Don't Miss! Travel Map Round Up.
Luxury Travel
41. Luxurylink.com
If budget isn&'t your thing then head over to luxurylink.com for the best in luxurious travel. With articles on which airline offers the best business class, and which hotel offers the best spa, luxurylink.com won&'t help you save money on your next vacation, but will be sure to help you enjoy it.
Don't Miss! The World&'s Best Link- Features lists of the world&'s best hotels, drives, and golf courses.
42. Abercrombiekent.com
Looking for a travel company that plan for things like a private picnic for two in the middle of the African savannah or give you and the children your own tropical island for a day? Abercrombie & Kent can make it happen. They specialize in matching travelers with deluxe accommodations in unique destinations. A & K is more than just an agent in one far away office; they have over 48 locations around the globe to serve their customers needs during their stay.
Cool Feature: Tailor Made Request- Let A & K create a custom vacation for you.
Misc. Travel Advice
43. Wikitravel.com
Arguably second only to Google, Wikipedia has become an online source for information. They have compiled over 10,000 unbiased destination guides and articles submitted by travelers. In true 'Wiki' fashion, the page offers dozens of links on anything and everything related to travel and each specific destination. Each year they have a Wikitravel Get Together in a different vacation spot. Anyone can sign up to go, and the purpose is to gather information to improve Wikipedia&'s guide for that specific location.oh, and to have fun while doing so.
Cool Feature: Traveler's Pub- an in depth help page to make this info packed site a little less intimidating.
44. Onebag.com
The Art and Science of Traveling Light
Do you envy that traveler strutting onto the plane with that one little carry-on bag? Onebag.com might be able to offer some help. With tips on how to go anywhere, for an indefinite amount of time with one single carry-on bag, there simply has to be an art and/or science involved. So even if you can&'t get down to a carry on, at least you can make the most of the one you have.
45. Travelsense.org
Travel Smart Travel Sense
Travelsense.org is a one-stop site for packing tips, advice, and news. Articles range from ;Traveling with Children---Pets---Handicapped---Teens; to ;How to Avoid Travel Scams.; It's easy to navigate, loaded with information, and not at all sales motivated, so you get all of the advice you need without feeling like you're being sold on a week in Disney.
Cool Feature: Find a Travel Agent.
Travel Blogs
46. Hotel-blogs.com
Guillame Thevenot is a former Parisian, now working in the hospitality industry in London. He was tired of all travel sites out there being sales driven, only focusing on booking flights and hotel stays, so he created the hotel-blog. Thevenot blogs about how to book last minute travel, understanding the hotel market, and unique hotels around the world. Before you book, let Hotel-blogs.com give you the insider&'s scoop.
47. Businesstravellogue.com
One stop Travel Guide to Business Travel
Travel for business doesn&'t have to be all work and no play. Businesstravellogue.com, is part of the bootsnall.com network, provides detailed tips and information for making the most of your work related stay and keeping you up to date on travel news.
Don&'t Miss! Rewards- Articles on how to obtain rewards for airlines and hotels.
48. Practicaltravelgear.blogspot.com
Review of travel gadgets and travel clothes that pull their weight
Tim Leffel has circled the globe three times and travels internationally several times a year. He is the author of World&'s Cheapest Destinations and perceptivetravel.com. On his blog, Tim reviews everything from water purification tablets to duffle bags. Who better to review travel gear than a man who knows how to travel?
49. Travelogger.net
Travelogue of a Blogger
This is a neat little travel blog written by The Traveler. Not sure who the traveler is, but he or she sure does provide some great travel tips, stories, and news. Articles like Affordable Tokyo, and Child Friendly Asia are written in several different parts, so that they are very thorough and informative.
50. Letmestayforaday.com
In 2001, 24-year old Ramon Stoppelenburg, left his home in the Netherlands with a backpack filled with clothing, a digital camera, a laptop, and a mobile phone. For the next two years he traveled the world with no money, by staying with hospitable strangers. This site may not inspire you to head out on a similar adventure, but will assuredly provide intriguing stories and beautiful photographs that tell a tale of the generosity of the human race across all cultures.
Don&'t Miss! Q & A with Ramon
The Internationalist: International Travel
International Travel
A fast, efficient, comprehensive resource for the international traveler.
Travel Reservations
o Successfully Yours
o Executive Success
o Internationalist Hotel Search
o Cruise Vacation Center
Travel Resources
o Airlines of the World
o Airports of the World
o Airport Exit Info
o More on Airports
o Raileurope
o Leading Hotel Chains
Travel Planner
o Weather Around the World
o Times Around the World
o Int’l Telephone Codes
o Translations Services
Student Travel
o Campus Travel
o International Youth Hostels
o STA Travel
o American Hostelling
o BackPacking
o EuroPass
Pet Travel
o Take Your Pet.com
o Pet Vacations.com
o Pet Care World
o Pets Welcome
o PetLifeWeb
o Northwest Airlines Priority Pet
o Pet Friendly Lodging Directory
Maps
o Country
o Airports of the World
o World City Maps
o Paper Maps
o Nautical Maps
o Atlases
o Road Maps
o Globes
Government Resources
o US Passport Application Forms
o Visas for Entry into US
o Visas for Entry to Int'l Countries
o US Emergency Telephone #s
o Passport Applications
o Vital Records/USA
o US Department of State
o Travel Warnings
Specialty Travel
o Religious Tours
o Educational Tours
o Bicycle Tours
o Adventure Travel
o Green Travel
o Senior Citizens
o Elder Hostels
o Natural History
o Safaris
International Sailing & Yachting
o Chartered Yachts
o Fishing
o Harbors
o Marinas
o Law of the Seas
o Yachts
o Power Boats
o Tankers
o Ferries & Schedules
A fast, efficient, comprehensive resource for the international traveler.
Travel Reservations
o Successfully Yours
o Executive Success
o Internationalist Hotel Search
o Cruise Vacation Center
Travel Resources
o Airlines of the World
o Airports of the World
o Airport Exit Info
o More on Airports
o Raileurope
o Leading Hotel Chains
Travel Planner
o Weather Around the World
o Times Around the World
o Int’l Telephone Codes
o Translations Services
Student Travel
o Campus Travel
o International Youth Hostels
o STA Travel
o American Hostelling
o BackPacking
o EuroPass
Pet Travel
o Take Your Pet.com
o Pet Vacations.com
o Pet Care World
o Pets Welcome
o PetLifeWeb
o Northwest Airlines Priority Pet
o Pet Friendly Lodging Directory
Maps
o Country
o Airports of the World
o World City Maps
o Paper Maps
o Nautical Maps
o Atlases
o Road Maps
o Globes
Government Resources
o US Passport Application Forms
o Visas for Entry into US
o Visas for Entry to Int'l Countries
o US Emergency Telephone #s
o Passport Applications
o Vital Records/USA
o US Department of State
o Travel Warnings
Specialty Travel
o Religious Tours
o Educational Tours
o Bicycle Tours
o Adventure Travel
o Green Travel
o Senior Citizens
o Elder Hostels
o Natural History
o Safaris
International Sailing & Yachting
o Chartered Yachts
o Fishing
o Harbors
o Marinas
o Law of the Seas
o Yachts
o Power Boats
o Tankers
o Ferries & Schedules
Doing Business in Thailand
THAILAND
Country Basics
o Wikipedia on Thailand
Hyperlinked encyclopedia article covers the country's history, government and politics, geography, economy, demographics, language and culture.
o Travel in Thailand
The official website for tourism in Thailand.
o Facts about Thailand
Features map and brief descriptions of the geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military and transnational issues.
o Thailand In-depth
o US State Department Travel Advisory for Thailand
Consultants
o PIRO Consulting
PIRO Media Consulting Corporation Ltd. is a nedia agency, a B2B consultancy, and a marketing organizer in Bangkok, Thailand.
o Dimojo
Dimojo - founded by Thai and German business management consultants - is a consulting company that helps top executives in Thailand aligning their business architecture, processes, technology and people to an overall business strategy. Our consultants cover topics such as business planning, IT governance, project or organization turnaround management, process improvement and implementation.
o INNtron
INNtron information technology consultants for international business with solutions for banking and the internet in Thailand.
o Appropriate Technology Consultant Co. Ltd.
ATC is a thailand based company providing industrial market research to client companies wanting to enter or expand their business in the Thai market.
o The Far East Connection
Consulting and business connections in Thailand, Vietnam and USA with confidential consulting services available.
o Business Mission Asia Co. Ltd.
One stop service centre. Business brokerage and consulting services. Among our services : business centre, serviced and virtual Offices ; work permits and visa ; corporate structuring ; legal services ; tradeshows and event representations ; marketing services.
Government Links
o The Revenue Department of Thailand
The official government website for tourism refunds.
o Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The official government website of foreign affairs.
Media
o MCOT
News agency with radio and TV stations.
o National News Bureau
News by The Royal Thai Government's News Agency.
o Bangkok Post Student Weekly
Bangkok Post Student Weekly is Thailand's leading English-language educational newspaper for students of English, features news, feature stories, celebrity interviews, web board
o The Phuket Gazette
Newspaper featuring daily news, classifieds and the Gazette Guide phonebook.
o Chiangmai Trader News
Trade and business news monthly with classified ads.
o Thailand Property Report
Thailand's only dedicated real estate newspaper.
o Telcom Journal
Weekly newspaper featuring news, job and business opportunities, and views and stories in telecom, computer, and Internet businesses. Available in both English and Thai editions.
Political Parties
o Thai Rak Thai Party
o Democratic Party
o Thai Nation Party
o Great People's Party
In-Country Search Engines
o Thailand
A website for all business directories in Thailand.
o Yahoo Thailand
Yahoo Thailand Search Engine…
Blogs
o Investor's Business Daily
The Market for Wine in Thailand Grew at an Annual Rate 6.5%...
o Auto Spectator
Nissan Launches the New Nissan Frontier Navara in Thailand…
o Business Opportunities
Relocate to Thailand…
Banks
o Bangkok Bank
The oldest bank in Thailand providing various financial services.
o Siam Commercial Bank
As one of the largest commercial banks in Thailand providing customers with financial services.
o Krung Thai Bank
The second-largest bank in Thailand. Details of services.
o Citibank - Thailand
Citibank's website for customers in Thaiand and for customers who have business interest in Thailand. Personal financial services and financial information are provided.
Financial Services
o The Stock Exchange of Thailand
The official web site of The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). Amongst other things, here you will find stock trading information, listed companies' information as well as news submitted by listed companies.
o KFMS Thailand
KFMS Thailand is a financial services provider to expatriates in Thailand, working in the offshore financial services industry.
o Paragon Partners
Thailand's Investment Banking Services.
o SETTrade.com
Online trading for the Thai Stock Market.
o The Thai Chamber of Commerce
The official website of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC).
o TISCO e-Trade
TISCO's e-trade website. TISCO is one of the leading local finance and securities firm in Thailand.
Law Firms
o Thailand Law Forum
Our mission is to provide general information concerning Thailand-related legal, business and social issues. New developments in Thai law in our 'News' section. In depth analysis of legal issues.
o Pensit and Laws Group Co. Ltd.
Pensit and Laws Group Co. Ltd. has offices in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui. Its services include : corporate support and secretarial services, immigration services, conveyancing and property laws, tax matters, employment laws, family and matrimonial matters, litigations.
o Marut Bunnag International Law Office
Marut Bunnag International Law Office offers the following services : Copyright, patent and trademark issues around the world. Visas and work permits. Business law. Criminal law. Inheritance and will. Family law, arbitration and litigation. Investment issues and factory licence.
o Temp International Legal Association
TilaLegal offers corporate services like Thai business registrations and alien business licences. Visa and immigration services. Legal services including civil and criminal cases, property transactions, marriage and divorce law, contracts and agreements, investments.
o Siam Trademark - Intellectual Property Consultants
Siam trademark has attorneys, consultants and investigators with decades of experience in protecting trademark and other intellectual property rights within the dynamic arena of Thailand commerce.
o Legal Commercial Services
Offering legal and commercial advice to the traders operating in Far East as well to those many Asian traders that are going to operate in Europe and in particular in Italy.
o Belmont Limcharoen International Law Firm
Belmont Limcharoen is a dynamic international law firm with its head office based in Bangkok, Thailand where we provide services relating to activities in the whole of South East Asia.
o SamuiForSale
Practical and legal information about Thailand's property laws. About the legal risks and concerns of property ownership in Thailand. Explains concepts of leasehold and company ownership in Thailand.
Companies
o Wikipedia
A list of Thai companies provided by Wikipedia.
Real Estate
o Kingdom Property Co., Ltd.
Offers details of residential and commercial properties.
o Thai Condos
Offers condominiums and apartments for rent and sale.
o C&M (Bangkok) Co., Ltd.
Offers sales and rental listings.
o Sansiri Public Co., Ltd.
Real estate developer offering details of featured projects, a company profile, news, and information for investors.
Insurance Companies
o AIA Thailand - Insurance in Thailand
AIA Thailand for Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, House Insurance, Motor Insurance at AIAThailand.com
o Trafalgar International Ltd.
Trafalgar International Ltd. offers a comprehensive range of broking services in all classes of insurance, including consultancy, to businesses, individuals and professional insurers. Associated with Thai Life Group and Trafalgar Group in the United Kingdom.
o Sompo Japan Insurance (Thailand)
Sompo Japan (Thailand) offers the following : property insurance, marine insurance, general accident insurance, legal and public liability insurance, motor insurance.
o E-InsureThailand
E-Insure Thailand specializes in health insurance, targetting the expat community. We also offer life insurance, auto insurance, home and business protection insurance, and much more.
o Prudential Thailand
Insurance company with AAA rating provides you with useful news, views and information on savings, protection, investment and company profiles.
o Chawla & Associates (Thailand) Ltd.
Today Chawla & Associates provides Insurance Services for a wide variety of clientele, from simple Personal Lines Insurances to major Commercial and Industrial Risks.
Visit the Thailand Travel Page
Country Basics
o Wikipedia on Thailand
Hyperlinked encyclopedia article covers the country's history, government and politics, geography, economy, demographics, language and culture.
o Travel in Thailand
The official website for tourism in Thailand.
o Facts about Thailand
Features map and brief descriptions of the geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military and transnational issues.
o Thailand In-depth
o US State Department Travel Advisory for Thailand
Consultants
o PIRO Consulting
PIRO Media Consulting Corporation Ltd. is a nedia agency, a B2B consultancy, and a marketing organizer in Bangkok, Thailand.
o Dimojo
Dimojo - founded by Thai and German business management consultants - is a consulting company that helps top executives in Thailand aligning their business architecture, processes, technology and people to an overall business strategy. Our consultants cover topics such as business planning, IT governance, project or organization turnaround management, process improvement and implementation.
o INNtron
INNtron information technology consultants for international business with solutions for banking and the internet in Thailand.
o Appropriate Technology Consultant Co. Ltd.
ATC is a thailand based company providing industrial market research to client companies wanting to enter or expand their business in the Thai market.
o The Far East Connection
Consulting and business connections in Thailand, Vietnam and USA with confidential consulting services available.
o Business Mission Asia Co. Ltd.
One stop service centre. Business brokerage and consulting services. Among our services : business centre, serviced and virtual Offices ; work permits and visa ; corporate structuring ; legal services ; tradeshows and event representations ; marketing services.
Government Links
o The Revenue Department of Thailand
The official government website for tourism refunds.
o Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The official government website of foreign affairs.
Media
o MCOT
News agency with radio and TV stations.
o National News Bureau
News by The Royal Thai Government's News Agency.
o Bangkok Post Student Weekly
Bangkok Post Student Weekly is Thailand's leading English-language educational newspaper for students of English, features news, feature stories, celebrity interviews, web board
o The Phuket Gazette
Newspaper featuring daily news, classifieds and the Gazette Guide phonebook.
o Chiangmai Trader News
Trade and business news monthly with classified ads.
o Thailand Property Report
Thailand's only dedicated real estate newspaper.
o Telcom Journal
Weekly newspaper featuring news, job and business opportunities, and views and stories in telecom, computer, and Internet businesses. Available in both English and Thai editions.
Political Parties
o Thai Rak Thai Party
o Democratic Party
o Thai Nation Party
o Great People's Party
In-Country Search Engines
o Thailand
A website for all business directories in Thailand.
o Yahoo Thailand
Yahoo Thailand Search Engine…
Blogs
o Investor's Business Daily
The Market for Wine in Thailand Grew at an Annual Rate 6.5%...
o Auto Spectator
Nissan Launches the New Nissan Frontier Navara in Thailand…
o Business Opportunities
Relocate to Thailand…
Banks
o Bangkok Bank
The oldest bank in Thailand providing various financial services.
o Siam Commercial Bank
As one of the largest commercial banks in Thailand providing customers with financial services.
o Krung Thai Bank
The second-largest bank in Thailand. Details of services.
o Citibank - Thailand
Citibank's website for customers in Thaiand and for customers who have business interest in Thailand. Personal financial services and financial information are provided.
Financial Services
o The Stock Exchange of Thailand
The official web site of The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). Amongst other things, here you will find stock trading information, listed companies' information as well as news submitted by listed companies.
o KFMS Thailand
KFMS Thailand is a financial services provider to expatriates in Thailand, working in the offshore financial services industry.
o Paragon Partners
Thailand's Investment Banking Services.
o SETTrade.com
Online trading for the Thai Stock Market.
o The Thai Chamber of Commerce
The official website of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC).
o TISCO e-Trade
TISCO's e-trade website. TISCO is one of the leading local finance and securities firm in Thailand.
Law Firms
o Thailand Law Forum
Our mission is to provide general information concerning Thailand-related legal, business and social issues. New developments in Thai law in our 'News' section. In depth analysis of legal issues.
o Pensit and Laws Group Co. Ltd.
Pensit and Laws Group Co. Ltd. has offices in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui. Its services include : corporate support and secretarial services, immigration services, conveyancing and property laws, tax matters, employment laws, family and matrimonial matters, litigations.
o Marut Bunnag International Law Office
Marut Bunnag International Law Office offers the following services : Copyright, patent and trademark issues around the world. Visas and work permits. Business law. Criminal law. Inheritance and will. Family law, arbitration and litigation. Investment issues and factory licence.
o Temp International Legal Association
TilaLegal offers corporate services like Thai business registrations and alien business licences. Visa and immigration services. Legal services including civil and criminal cases, property transactions, marriage and divorce law, contracts and agreements, investments.
o Siam Trademark - Intellectual Property Consultants
Siam trademark has attorneys, consultants and investigators with decades of experience in protecting trademark and other intellectual property rights within the dynamic arena of Thailand commerce.
o Legal Commercial Services
Offering legal and commercial advice to the traders operating in Far East as well to those many Asian traders that are going to operate in Europe and in particular in Italy.
o Belmont Limcharoen International Law Firm
Belmont Limcharoen is a dynamic international law firm with its head office based in Bangkok, Thailand where we provide services relating to activities in the whole of South East Asia.
o SamuiForSale
Practical and legal information about Thailand's property laws. About the legal risks and concerns of property ownership in Thailand. Explains concepts of leasehold and company ownership in Thailand.
Companies
o Wikipedia
A list of Thai companies provided by Wikipedia.
Real Estate
o Kingdom Property Co., Ltd.
Offers details of residential and commercial properties.
o Thai Condos
Offers condominiums and apartments for rent and sale.
o C&M (Bangkok) Co., Ltd.
Offers sales and rental listings.
o Sansiri Public Co., Ltd.
Real estate developer offering details of featured projects, a company profile, news, and information for investors.
Insurance Companies
o AIA Thailand - Insurance in Thailand
AIA Thailand for Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, House Insurance, Motor Insurance at AIAThailand.com
o Trafalgar International Ltd.
Trafalgar International Ltd. offers a comprehensive range of broking services in all classes of insurance, including consultancy, to businesses, individuals and professional insurers. Associated with Thai Life Group and Trafalgar Group in the United Kingdom.
o Sompo Japan Insurance (Thailand)
Sompo Japan (Thailand) offers the following : property insurance, marine insurance, general accident insurance, legal and public liability insurance, motor insurance.
o E-InsureThailand
E-Insure Thailand specializes in health insurance, targetting the expat community. We also offer life insurance, auto insurance, home and business protection insurance, and much more.
o Prudential Thailand
Insurance company with AAA rating provides you with useful news, views and information on savings, protection, investment and company profiles.
o Chawla & Associates (Thailand) Ltd.
Today Chawla & Associates provides Insurance Services for a wide variety of clientele, from simple Personal Lines Insurances to major Commercial and Industrial Risks.
Visit the Thailand Travel Page
Apple To Launch iPad in China on Sept. 17th. Thailand to get iPhone 4 | Touch Reviews
Apple underlined the importance it sees in the Chinese market today by announcing that it is launching the iPad on Friday, this week.
According to their announcement the WiFi only version is the only model they plan to sell. The 16, 32 and 64GB models will retail at CNY3988, CNY4788 and CNY5588 respectively. Making the prices comparable to most other overseas Apple iPad prices. i.e. Slightly more expensive than in the US.
Typically countries like Thailand, which have a very loyal Apple Customer base, get new products before China. And yet they are still waiting for the iPad, while grey importers bring the tablets into the country for massive profits.
Part of the reason for this change is Apple seeing China as a market important enough to build two flagship stores in. Something that few other Asian countries have, most relying on Apple Authorised Resellers or Apples own website.
Apple also has big plans to expand its iPhone market in China, and the lack of a 3G model of the iPad seems to be because of ongoing negotiations related to government censorship and device capabilities as much as it is part of negotiations with Chinese mobile carriers.
In other news Thailand is to finally get the iPhone 4 officially on a choice of carriers. Previously, Thailand’s biggest telecoms company, True, had a monopoly in Thailand for the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4. But later this month their rival carrier AIS will also have the iPhone 4 available on contract in Thailand.
According to their announcement the WiFi only version is the only model they plan to sell. The 16, 32 and 64GB models will retail at CNY3988, CNY4788 and CNY5588 respectively. Making the prices comparable to most other overseas Apple iPad prices. i.e. Slightly more expensive than in the US.
Typically countries like Thailand, which have a very loyal Apple Customer base, get new products before China. And yet they are still waiting for the iPad, while grey importers bring the tablets into the country for massive profits.
Part of the reason for this change is Apple seeing China as a market important enough to build two flagship stores in. Something that few other Asian countries have, most relying on Apple Authorised Resellers or Apples own website.
Apple also has big plans to expand its iPhone market in China, and the lack of a 3G model of the iPad seems to be because of ongoing negotiations related to government censorship and device capabilities as much as it is part of negotiations with Chinese mobile carriers.
In other news Thailand is to finally get the iPhone 4 officially on a choice of carriers. Previously, Thailand’s biggest telecoms company, True, had a monopoly in Thailand for the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4. But later this month their rival carrier AIS will also have the iPhone 4 available on contract in Thailand.
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