For those of us who have spent more years navigating the labyrinth of Bangkok’s Sukhumvit than we care to admit, there comes a time when the neon glow of the Nana entertainment strip starts to lose its luster. You find yourself yearning for a Thailand that exists outside the glossy pages of real estate brochures—a place where the air doesn't taste like diesel and the only "traffic" is a stray buffalo wandering across a dirt track.
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I recently stumbled upon such a sanctuary, tucked away in the misty embrace of Kapong, Phang Nga. It’s called Mama Home Misty Lakeside, and quite frankly, it’s the sort of place that reminds you why you fell in love with this country in the first place, back when the pace of life drifted along like a long-tail boat on a sleepy canal.

​Located at 38/4 Moo 2, this isn’t your typical five-star resort with a phalanx of uniformed staff bowing at every turn. No, Mama Home is far more civilized than that. It’s a modest, one-bedroom affair that feels like staying at the home of a long-lost friend—provided that friend has impeccable taste in lake views.
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The real magic happens at dawn. In Bangkok, 6:00 AM is the sound of construction crews and motorbikes; in Kapong, it’s a silent symphony of mist rolling over the water, framed by the jagged silhouettes of the mountains. You sit on your private balcony, kettle whistling in the background, watching the world wake up at its own pace. There’s no Wi-Fi-induced anxiety here, just the raw, unadulterated peace of the lakeside.

It’s a stone’s throw from the local hot springs and waterfalls, but honestly, you might find it hard to leave the porch. It’s the kind of "bijou" retreat that offers a mental detox we old-timers desperately need. If you’re looking for a slice of the real Thailand—the one that hasn’t been disfigured by high-rises and overpriced lattes—Kapong is calling. And Mama Home is the best seat in the house.

Plan your escape: https://share.google/AOzcl5D62c1jyeldN

​Urban Serenity: Discover the Art of Onsen at Staybridge Suites Bangkok

​Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Sukhumvit, there's a peaceful corner of Bangkok that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the simple joy of doing nothing at all—except letting warm water ease away your stress. At Staybridge Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit, you don’t have to fly to Japan to enjoy the deeply restorative experience of soaking in an onsen. It’s already waiting here, in the middle of the city.
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The hotel’s Onsen facilities offer a seamless blend of tradition and comfort: a warm hot tub to melt tension from your muscles, a cool tub to refresh and awaken your senses, and a serene sauna where time seems to pause. This trio—hot, cold, and quiet—is more than just a luxury. It’s a gentle reset for body and mind.

A hidden jewel of high-end design and sophistication situated among the mountaintops of the beautiful
​and secluded Vietnamese mountain town of Sapa.

Tucked away in the serene mountaintops of Sapa, Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery Collection stands as a hidden gem of sophisticated design and timeless elegance. This luxurious retreat offers a one-of-a-kind experience that harmoniously blends the rich heritage of the French Indochine era with the vivid local culture of northern Vietnam.

Upon arrival, discerning travelers are rewarded not only by Sapa’s breathtaking natural beauty but also by the hotel’s striking ambiance – a multisensory journey through art, fashion, and history. Conceptualized by the renowned architect Bill Bensley, every corner of the hotel is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the glamour of 1920s and 1930s French Indochine, while embracing Sapa’s vibrant rice terraces and traditional tribal textiles. Antique furnishings, vintage collectibles, and ethnic motifs converge to create a flamboyant yet refined atmosphere throughout.

Jim Thompson and Italasia proudly present the Zwiesel Glas Festive Collection, featuring an exclusive set of beautifully crafted wine glasses designed to elevate any celebration.   

The JIM THOMPSON x ZWIESEL GLAS Festive Collection by ITALASIA embodies the rich heritage of three iconic brands, each recognized for their unparalleled craftsmanship and innovative design. Teaming up with Italasia, the Thai import specialist and distributor of Zwiesel Glas, Jim Thompson presents a selection of premium silk fabrics that adorn each decorative box in the collection, meticulously crafted to elevate any celebration, merging tradition, innovation, and elegance in a way that is both timeless and contemporary. 

Zwiesel Glas has been manufacturing exquisite glass products for more than 150 years and is the world market leader for the upscale hotel and restaurant industry.

Program helps food and hospitality businesses achieve cage-free commitments in Thailand while supporting local producers
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​Two leading Thai egg producers, Saeng Thong Saha Farm (STF) and Sanguan Farm, have become the first in Thailand to join the world’s first credit-trading scheme for cage-free eggs. The scheme, known as Impact Incentives, is a pioneering program by Global Food Partners (GFP), designed to help companies overcome sourcing challenges and achieve their cage-free targets cost effectively while empowering local farmers to scale up cage-free egg production. 


In addition, for the first time in Thailand, buyers are able to source cage-free liquid eggs, from these two producers. Buyers can also offset their use of conventional processed eggs through the Impact Incentives scheme to support these producers and meet their commitment. 
These advances offer vital support for companies striving to meet their sustainability goals while overcoming challenges related to supply chain limitations, high costs, and sourcing logistics. 

​Bangkok, Thailand – Skal International Bangkok, October 2024 – In a remarkable gathering that left its members inspired and delighted, Skal International Bangkok once again showcased its unwavering commitment to excellence. The October meeting, hosted at the iconic 31st-floor RR&B restaurant of The Landmark Bangkok, was heralded as one of the finest in recent memory. The event not only celebrated the club's resurgence but also highlighted its ongoing journey to become the preeminent Skal Club in South-East Asia under the dynamic leadership of President James Thurlby.

The Landmark Bangkok, once the tallest hotel in the city, is currently undergoing a breathtaking transformation. Members had the unique opportunity to witness first-hand the stunning evolution of this historic property, which now boasts revitalised food and beverage offerings that blend tradition with contemporary flair. The venue RR&B, with its panoramic views and sophisticated ambiance, served as the perfect backdrop for a meeting that seamlessly and expertly blended networking, culinary excellence, and forward-looking discussions.

A Vision for Growth and Excellence

President James Thurlby said in a recent interview, “Skal International Bangkok is on a mission to establish itself as the finest Skal Club in the region. This goal is not just aspirational, it is driven by the club’s robust commitment to fostering strategic partnerships with Chambers of Commerce, PATA and Skal Asia, nurturing young talent, and providing unparalleled experiences for its members. Emerging from the challenges of the pandemic, the club is now, with the help of our magnificent sponsors, stronger than ever, with an invigorated executive committee and a strategic focus on fostering collaboration both locally and globally,” the Club President said. 

The recently concluded Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) solidified the leadership that will guide this vision. The re-election of James Thurlby as Club President, alongside Jennifer Ferris as Club Secretary and the appointment of Kanokros Sakdanares as Vice President for Women in Leadership, underscores the club’s dedication to diversity, leadership, and continuity. These seasoned leaders, elected for the 2024-2026 term, are poised to steer the club with existing members of the current board, together they bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to driving Skal International Bangkok to new heights.

An Unparalleled Culinary Experience

True to its reputation as a leader in event hospitality, the meeting also featured a culinary showcase that left guests in awe. Chef Philippe Gaudal, Executive Chef of The Landmark curated along with the award winning team of the RR&B restaurant, a lunch that epitomised innovation and mastery. The special luncheon menu, featured delights of Onion Soup with Cheese Panna Cotta, Caramelized Onion, Soubise Espuma, and Oxtail Toasty and Chicken Breast Fricasse with Sauce Chasseur and Pomme Fondante and the delicate Quenelle Lyonnaise with Blue Crab Bisque Sauce and a refined Tiramisu adorned with intricate tuile, was met with accolades from members and guests alike. Diners were treated to a symphony of flavours that highlighted the skill and creativity of Bangkok’s culinary scene, with many praising it as “utterly delicious”. 

Insights from Industry Leaders

Beyond the exquisite fare, the meeting was also a platform for thought leadership. Guest speaker Jason Lu, a visionary in the leisure, travel, and hospitality sectors, delivered an insightful presentation on navigating the complexities of online distribution and business expansion in a rapidly evolving tourism landscape. Drawing on his 17 years of experience and his current role with Fliggy, Alibaba Group’s premier travel platform, Jason provided valuable perspectives that resonated with Skal members, offering them a roadmap for success in an increasingly digital world.

A Commitment to Innovation and Collaboration

Skal International Bangkok’s commitment to innovation extends beyond the meeting room. The club has continued to cultivate partnerships that provide members with exclusive access to premium products and experiences. This includes the introduction of new beverage offerings, such as Serenity Wines Asia’s fine selections and Prunk & Partners' German Riesling, "In Love with Thai Food." Such collaborations exemplify the club’s role as a leader in the food and beverage sector, offering its members the opportunity to be the first to explore emerging trends.

Looking ahead, Skal International Bangkok has an ambitious calendar, including the 12th November 2024 Cocktail Networking evening at the glorious Sukhothai Bangkok from 6:30pm onwards and the highly anticipated Christmas function at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel. This event, set to be the largest on the Skal calendar in partnership with PATA THAILAND, promises an event of unparalleled networking, with a wealth of raffle and auction prizes and an opportunity to support charitable causes in Thailand. Vice President Marvin Bemand is gathering an extraordinary line-up of door prizes, ensuring this event will be a highlight of the year for members and guests alike on the 12th December 2024. 

A Bright Future for Skal International Bangkok

As Skal International Bangkok continues to thrive, its vision remains clear: to create a platform that empowers the next generation of hospitality leaders, fosters meaningful business connections, and solidifies its standing as a pillar of the global Skal community. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and excellence, the club is poised to set new standards in the world of travel and tourism.

by Andrew J Wood ​

For more information on how to join Skal International Bangkok and be part of this vibrant network of professionals, please visit our website at www.SkalBangkok.com or contact our Events team for details about upcoming meetings. There has never been a better time to join the world’s oldest and largest association of travel and tourism professionals — a community where every connection is an opportunity for growth.

Limited to 25 pieces, this exclusive timepiece blends Swiss innovation with Thai colours,
​featuring a magical time-displaying mechanism.

The Time That Disappeared
In 2019, Maurice Lacroix introduced the world’s first AIKON Mercury timepiece, crafted at its Manufacture in Saignelégier, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Jura. At first glance, the AIKON Mercury appeared like any ordinary watch. However, with a slight tilt or movement of the wrist, the hour and minute hands would shift, no longer displaying the correct time. When the wrist is raised to check the time, the hands return to show the correct time, as if by magic. This is the enchanting secret of the AIKON Mercury, much like how time seems to disappear when we’re not paying attention, only to reappear when we need it. This extraordinary mechanism took three years to develop and perfect, fusing Maurice Lacroix’s signature innovation with contemporary aesthetics. The AIKON Mercury embodies the spirit of a true masterpiece, symbolising the complex nature of time.

In 2020, 50 units of the AIKON Mercury were released, captivating audiences briefly before disappearing from public view as the world came to a halt due to global events. It was as if the watch itself reflected its own mechanism, with the hands ceasing their task of keeping time.

The legendary "Race of Legends" returns! Laguna Phuket, Asia’s premier integrated destination, is thrilled to announce the 30th edition of the iconic Laguna Phuket Triathlon. This prestigious event will take place on November 16-17, 2024 at Laguna Grove, and promises to be a grand celebration of its world-class competition and breathtaking tropical setting. Marking three decades of excellence in the world of triathlon, this year's event will introduce new and more challenging triathlon course, attracting over 1,000 triathletes and enthusiasts from across the globe while contributing to the excitement of the peak tourist season from November 2024 to April 2025
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As Southeast Asia’s longest-running and most successful triathlon event, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon's 30th edition is made possible through vital collaborations with national powerhouses such as Phuket Province, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thai Airways, and among others.
 
To commemorate this significant milestone, the 30th Laguna Phuket Triathlon will once again offer participants the chance to compete in a unique race course that showcases Phuket's natural beauty while upholding Laguna Phuket's renowned standards of organization and safety

​In typical BENSLEY fashion, the magic of this project lies in its story. Sapa was once a sleepy market town but in 1914 it became the summer capital for French colonists escaping the summer heat of the Red River Delta. The Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery Collection recounts the tale of the French living amongst the hill tribes in the early 1900s, when the French Civil Authority moved all of its offices to Sapa for the summer. It is a constant comparison between Parisian Haute Couture and traditional Hill Tribe garments – the DNA of the project. The result is an enchanting palace in the clouds, embellished with 50 shades of mustard! The lobby alone is filled with antique trunks piled to the sky, flying hats and military apparel and hill tribe necklaces. All of these objects - including original storefronts from 1900s Paris - were sourced by Bill at flea markets in Paris, Lincoln, Bangkok, and many more places.

​Lisa Elizabeth Sadler perfectly embodies the modern urban lifestyle. As a stunning news anchor on TNN News’ lunchtime programme airing every Monday through Friday and a bilingual event host, she brings radiance to every role. Beyond her professional life, Lisa is a dedicated working mum of two. We had the chance to chat with her at The Coffee Academics Thailand, Velaa Langsuan, a popular café in the heart of the city. Describing herself, Lisa noted she may appear serious and calm but is in fact cheerful, fun-loving, approachable, positive, and always eager to learn new things. Her work reflects her modern and optimistic outlook on life, as seen in her news presentations and event hosting for various brands.