Bangkok, Thailand – Leaving a lasting impression on a truly unimaginable night, Hendrick’s Gin transformed the event space for “Discover the Tale of Anotherland.” This immersive theatre experience invited esteemed guests to step into a world of curiosity, exquisite craft, and perfect contradiction. The multi-sensory journey encouraged everyone to uncover another side of themselves at Iris & Wild Iris, 29th–30th floors, SO/ Bangkok.
 
Under the concept “Discover the Another within,” the event conveyed a philosophy that believes in the beauty of differences and the extraordinary. Through storytelling set in the fictional realm of “Anotherland,” it was presented not merely as a physical place, but as a "state of mind"—an emotional space allowing everyone to explore the hidden depths within.

Bangkok, 26 May 2026 – Thai Airways International Public Company Limited celebrates the 33rd anniversary of its Royal Orchid Plus (ROP) frequent flyer programme by enhancing the member experience through the launch of new privileges, special activities, and exclusive experiences throughout 2026. These initiatives are designed to meet the evolving travel needs and lifestyle preferences of today’s members.
 
The press conference was attended by Mr. Chai Eamsiri, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Airways International, together with Mr. Kittiphong Sansomboon, Chief Commercial Officer, at the Authors’ Lounge, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok.
 
One of this year’s key highlights is the launch of the “Rise to GOLD” campaign, which provides Royal Orchid Plus Silver status members with greater opportunities to attain Gold Member status. Members can enjoy premium travel privileges, including lounge access, additional baggage allowance, and benefits across the Star Alliance network. The campaign is designed to serve various member groups, including frequent travellers, former Gold members, and members who are close to reaching Gold status.
 
The event also featured a special panel discussion joined by Thai Airways executives, who shared insights on the concept, direction, and future development of Royal Orchid Plus. Special guest Mr. Phanuphat “Bas” Sukalyarak from the Go Went Go channel also shared his perspective as a traveller and Royal Orchid Plus member, highlighting travel experiences and the lifestyle of today’s new-generation travellers.
 
In addition, Thai Airways has prepared a wide range of benefits and special activities for Royal Orchid Plus members throughout the year. These include a co-promotion with Mastercard offering additional Bonus Miles to participating members, privileges from financial partners, activities at the “Rak Khun Tao Fah” event, and a fuel surcharge discount of up to 30% when redeeming Economy Class award tickets on Thai Airways international routes.
 
Royal Orchid Plus is also expanding the member experience beyond a traditional frequent flyer programme into an ecosystem that connects travel, lifestyle, and meaningful experiences. This will be achieved through special activities and collaborations, such as the GDH Concert, where members can earn Bonus Miles and enjoy exclusive privileges, as well as additional activities celebrating the 33rd anniversary of Royal Orchid Plus to be held later this year.
 
Furthermore, Thai Airways is enhancing travel-related privileges through Royal Orchid Holidays (ROH), allowing members to redeem their accumulated miles for a wider range of travel packages and services.

​To most, Patong is defined by its electric, non-stop movement and an undeniable, collective energy. Yet nestled gracefully within this dynamic landscape, Sears & Co. Bar and Grill invites diners into an entirely different rhythm. Situated at the front of Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, this sophisticated beachfront venue manages a rare feat: it commands a prime position in the heart of the action while remaining blissfully insulated from the noise, operating in a slower, gentler parallel layer of beachside living.

The restaurant’s layout is brilliant in its simplicity, blurring the boundaries between architecture and nature. A brief, casual stroll from the resort leads directly to the shoreline, and the dining space flows toward the sea so effortlessly that it becomes difficult to discern where the restaurant ends and the beach begins. The atmosphere is intentionally unpretentious and casual, prioritizing authentic comfort over rigid formality. An expansive open-air design allows the refreshing Andaman breeze to drift through both the indoor and outdoor seating areas. Naturally, the beachfront tables remain the most coveted perches; here, romance is never staged or forced—it simply unfolds with the changing light of the sky.

At the sensory heart of the experience is an open charcoal grill. The primal dance of fire, smoke, and live cooking defines the culinary identity of the kitchen, acting as both a visual centerpiece and a fragrant anchor for the entire meal. Rather than relying on over-complication, the kitchen celebrates bold, direct, and grounded flavors.

​The signature offerings are a testament to this ingredient-focused philosophy. Guests can indulge in the premium Picanha Steak, masterfully grilled to coax out a clean charcoal aroma while retaining its naturally succulent, juicy texture. The iconic Sears & Co. Burger reimagines a classic comfort staple with elevated precision, delivering pure satisfaction without unnecessary excess. For those craving regional vibrancy, the Thai Seafood Papaya Salad cuts through the ocean breeze with its bright, fiery spice and sharp acidity, presented in a distinctly coastal style. The Tom Yum Goong enriched with smooth coconut milk offers a velvety, deeply aromatic, and approachable interpretation of Thailand’s most beloved soup. For gatherings and celebrations, the Butter Grilled Seafood Platter arrives at the table as a dramatic showcase of ocean freshness, designed for sharing and laced with rich, savory undertones.

​What Sears & Co. masterfully achieves is a fluid equilibrium between a rustic local seafood grill and a chic, Mediterranean-inspired international beach dining concept. It refuses to lean too heavily into either identity, allowing both global and local influences to coexist organically within the same sun-washed space. The result is an experience that is approachable, accessible, and quietly confident.

With its prime beachfront location, charcoal-grilled specialties, and relaxed atmosphere, Sears & Co. Bar and Grill has established itself as one of Patong's popular dining destinations. Whether for sunset drinks, fresh seafood, or a casual meal by the beach, the restaurant offers a welcoming experience for both hotel guests and visitors alike.

Sears & Co Bar and Grill 
Address: Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, 198/8–9 Thaweewong Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand 
Tel: +66 76 645 999 
Hours: Daily, 11.00 – 23.00 ​

​There was a time when Patong was often reduced to a single story.

People talked about the nightlife, the crowds, and the neon lights. For many travelers, that became the image of Phuket's most famous beach town. Yet anyone who spends more than a day here quickly discovers a different reality. Families arrive for school holidays. Couples come for the sunsets. International visitors spend their mornings at cafés and their afternoons by the sea. Patong today is no longer defined by one type of traveler.
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Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort is one of the hotels that reflects this evolution particularly well.

​Positioned along the northern end of Patong Beach, the resort occupies a stretch of coastline that feels connected to the energy of the destination without being dominated by it. Guests can walk to the beach in seconds, reach the restaurants and entertainment districts with ease, and still return to an environment that feels surprisingly relaxed at the end of the day.

This relationship with its surroundings has become one of the resort's greatest strengths. Four Points does not try to create a world apart from Patong. Instead, it embraces the character of the neighborhood while providing the space and comfort that many travelers seek after a day outdoors.
The scale of the property allows it to serve many different types of guests at once. Families gather around the pools while children move between water activities and the Kids Club. Friends spend the afternoon at The Deck Beach Club before continuing into the evening. Business travelers arrive for conferences and corporate events, often extending their stay to enjoy the beach after work is done.

What is particularly noticeable is how naturally these different groups coexist. The resort feels active without becoming hectic. Large enough to offer variety, yet designed in a way that allows guests to find their own corner when they need it.
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Food plays an equally important role in shaping the experience. Breakfast at Chao Leh Kitchen often becomes a leisurely start to the day, as guests explore both local specialties and international favorites. Later, Sears & Co. Bar and Grill becomes one of the property's social hubs, drawing diners with grilled seafood, premium meats, and front-row views of Patong Beach.

As afternoon turns into evening, attention gradually shifts toward The Deck Beach Club. Some arrive for the pool. Others come for a drink. Many simply stay because there is nowhere else they would rather be at that particular moment. Looking out across the Andaman Sea, it becomes easy to understand why this part of the resort has become such a popular gathering place.

Beyond leisure, Four Points has also established itself as one of Patong's leading event destinations. The addition of new meeting technologies, including a large-format LED wall in the Akara Grand Ballroom, reflects the growing demand for venues that combine business and leisure in a single location. Increasingly, guests are looking for both, and the resort is well positioned to provide it.

Perhaps that is what makes Four Points relevant today. It understands how people travel now. They are not looking for one experience. They are looking for options. A beach holiday, a social getaway, a family trip, a business event, or a combination of all four.

In many ways, the resort mirrors modern Patong itself. More diverse than its reputation suggests, more welcoming than many expect, and constantly finding new ways to evolve while remaining true to what made people come here in the first place.

Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort 
Address: 198/8–9 Taweewong Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand 
Tel: +66 76 645 999 
Website: https://fourpointsphuketpatong.com

​In a destination where new hotels seem to appear every season, longevity is often taken for granted. Yet few resorts in Phuket have managed to remain relevant across generations quite like Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort.

For many returning guests, the resort is tied to memories that stretch back years, sometimes decades. Family holidays become annual traditions. Children who once spent their days building sandcastles on Karon Noi Beach return later with families of their own. It is a rare kind of loyalty that cannot be created through marketing campaigns alone.
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Part of that appeal begins with location. Set on the sheltered shores of Karon Noi Beach, the resort occupies one of the most enviable stretches of coastline on the island. While Patong's nightlife and Karon's busy beachfront are only a short drive away, the atmosphere here feels distinctly different. The secluded bay creates a sense of separation from the crowds without isolating guests from Phuket itself.

​The beach remains the resort's defining feature. Stretching for half a kilometer, the crescent-shaped shoreline offers a setting that many newer developments simply cannot replicate. It is large enough to accommodate families, couples, and water sports enthusiasts without ever feeling overcrowded. Throughout the day, the beach becomes the natural center of activity, whether guests are swimming in the Andaman Sea, trying paddleboarding, or simply spending a quiet afternoon by the water.

Yet the resort's continued success has little to do with nostalgia alone. Over the years, Le Méridien Phuket has invested heavily in keeping the guest experience current. Renovated accommodation introduces a lighter, more contemporary design while maintaining a connection to its tropical surroundings. The redesigned lagoon pool, one of the largest in Phuket, has become a focal point for both families and leisure travelers, while the resort's extensive sports facilities continue to set it apart from many competitors.
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Dining remains another important part of the experience. Rather than relying on a single signature venue, the resort offers a collection of restaurants that reflect the diversity of its international clientele. Guests may begin the evening with Italian cuisine at Portofino, enjoy beachfront seafood at Beach BBQ, or gather around the teppanyaki grill at Ariake, where bursts of flame and skilled cooking continue to draw a loyal audience night after night.

​What increasingly distinguishes the resort today, however, is its growing focus on environmental stewardship. The return of green sea turtles to Karon Noi Beach after an absence of more than two decades has become a source of pride for both the resort and the local community. Conservation initiatives, including sea turtle protection efforts and bamboo shark programs developed with regional partners, reflect a broader commitment to safeguarding the natural environment that has long defined the property.

Perhaps this ability to evolve explains why Le Méridien Phuket continues to attract both first-time visitors and long-time regulars. The resort understands that heritage alone is never enough. Memories may bring guests back once, but it is the experience they find today that convinces them to return again.

That balance between familiarity and renewal has become one of the resort's greatest strengths. In an industry often focused on what is newest, Le Méridien Phuket demonstrates the value of knowing how to move forward without losing sight of what made people fall in love with a place in the first place.

Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort 
Address: 29 Soi Karon Nui, Karon, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, Thailand 
Tel: +66 76 370 100 
Website: www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hktmd-le-meridien-phuket-beach-resort/overview/ ​

​Most guests remember the fire.

For a brief moment, the teppanyaki grill becomes the center of the room. Flames leap into the air, cameras appear almost instinctively, and conversations pause as diners turn their attention toward the chef. It is a familiar scene, one that has become part of the teppanyaki experience around the world.

At Ariake Japanese Restaurant, however, the fire is only the opening act.
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Located within Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort, Ariake has long been one of those places that many guests discover during a holiday and make a point of returning to on their next visit. While the restaurant offers sushi, sashimi, and a range of traditional Japanese dishes, it is the teppanyaki tables that have become its defining feature.

​The appeal goes beyond the performance. Once the flames fade and the excitement settles, attention shifts to the food itself. Premium ingredients arrive on the grill one after another: Kagoshima A5 Wagyu, Australian Wagyu, Phuket lobster, Hokkaido scallops, and seasonal seafood selected for quality rather than spectacle. The chef's role is not simply to entertain, but to understand exactly how each ingredient should be handled.

There is a rhythm to the process. A brief sizzle as the meat touches the hot surface. The scent of butter and garlic drifting across the table. The careful timing that ensures every element reaches the plate at precisely the right moment. Guests may come for the show, but it is often these smaller details that stay in their memory.

Beyond the teppanyaki counter, Ariake offers a quieter side of Japanese dining. The sushi bar remains a favorite among regular guests, while private tatami rooms provide a more intimate setting for family celebrations and special occasions. Throughout the restaurant, the atmosphere feels relaxed rather than formal, allowing the experience to unfold at its own pace.
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Several dishes have earned a loyal following over the years. The lobster garlic fried rice is rich, fragrant, and generously filled with sweet lobster meat. The miso-glazed black cod continues to be a reliable classic, while dishes such as uni chawanmushi and Hokkaido scallops with black truffle showcase the kitchen's ability to enhance ingredients without overwhelming them.

​As evening settles over the resort, the energy of the teppanyaki tables gradually softens. The flames become less frequent, conversations grow longer, and the restaurant takes on a more relaxed character. It is in these moments that Ariake reveals its greatest strength.

The fire may capture attention, but it is consistency, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality that keep people coming back.

Ariake Japanese Restaurant 
Address: Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort, 29 Soi Karon Noi, Karon, Mueang, Phuket, Thailand 
Tel: +66 76 370 100 
Hours: Daily, 18.00 – 22.30 ​

​Conveniently located just a few steps from Central Nakhon Sawan shopping mall, this 75-room hotel seamlessly pairs stylish functionality with modern comfort. It naturally features premium 6.5-foot king-size beds, blackout curtains, air conditioning with PM2.5 filters, high-speed Wi-Fi, and Netflix-equipped Smart TVs. Catering perfectly to contemporary lifestyles, the property boasts a 24-hour Co-Working Space, a round-the-clock Grab & Go food corner, a relaxing Green Oasis outdoor area, and even a dedicated Pet-Friendly zone for furry companions.
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The absolute highlight that makes your travel itinerary extra special is the "GO Local, Eat Local" campaign—a community platform seamlessly connecting hotel guests with the town’s most legendary, time-honored culinary gems and iconic landmarks, including: