His Excellency Pat Bourne, Irish Ambassador to Thailand (3rd from left), was a guest of honour at the “St. Patrick’s Presidents Inauguration – Welcoming Paul Potter to the Presidency of St. Patrick’s Society Bangkok”, which was held at Antito, Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok.
Pictured from left: Mr. Conor Bracken, President of the Irish Thai Chamber of Commerce; Father John P Murray, OSA, Assumption Cathedral Bangkok; His Excellency Pat Bourne, Irish Ambassador to Thailand; Mr. Paul Potter, new President of the St. Patrick’s Society Bangkok; Mrs. Sonali Bourne; Sister Louise Horgan, The Good Shepherd Sisters; and Mr. Daragh Connolly, Secretary of the St. Patrick’s Society Bangkok.

Suthikiati Chirathivat (3rd from left), Chairman of the Board, together with Thirayuth Chirathivat (3rd from right), Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts and some of the hotel's management team participating in the ceremonial Christmas Stollen Mixing Ceremony that precedes Christmas every year at Zing, Centara Grand at CentralWorld.
 
As we enter the last quarter of the year, our attention turns to Christmas… Yes, it still may be some way away, but for our festive (and boozy) cakes, it’s all about the preparation months in advance.
 
This sees a cake mixture comprising fruits, nuts and spices being soaked in brandy. Over the course of 90 days or so, the cakes infuse with the alcohol, giving them a moist texture, rich flavor and a little extra kick to make things all the merrier!

Following German traditions, this is done months before ‘the big day’ - allowing all this goodness to macerate together, slowly creating this delicious Christmas bread that only gets better with age. Look out for our stollen bread in December at the Zing Bakery, which will also offer a selection of festive hampers & Christmas goodies.
 
Stay tuned to find out when and where you can taste our traditional Christmas cakes.
 
Available at Zing as of December 2022
 
Shown in the photo from left to right:
-Thawat Prathumpuang, Executive Pastry Chef of Centara Grand at CentralWorld
-Nicolas Loreau, Director of Food & Beverage of Centara Grand at CentralWorld
-Suthikiati Chirathivat
-Thirayuth Chirathivat
-Robert Maurer Loeffler, General Manager & Corporate Director of Operations (City Hotels Thailand)
-Andrea Montella, Executive Chef of Centara Grand at CentralWorld 

Mom Luang Sarali Kitiyakara represented Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali Krom Muen Suddhanarinatha at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony hosted at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel on 30 November 2022 to thank the hotel’s clients and friends for their continuous support.
 
This year, Anantara Siam is supporting the Child Welfare and Development Foundation Under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Soamsawali and the Rachawadee Home for Persons with Disabilities Protection and Development, Nonthaburi Province. With Make a Wish, guests can select a wish from Anantara Siam’s Christmas Tree and make it come true by donating it, via the hotel’s concierge desk, to a child supported by the Rachawadee Home for Persons with Disabilities Protection and Development, Nonthaburi Province before 25 December.
 
The ceremony also marked the 16th year of Christmas Tree Charity Project that brings together corporate sponsors and Bangkok’s leading artists to design sustainable Christmas trees for greater good. Thanks to their unique designs, the trees can be recycled and given a second life.
 
The title of the best decorated Christmas tree, as voted by the public, went to “Happy Wheels”, a concept by United Overseas Bank (Thai) PCL, designed by Cattleya Thuampratom.  The idea behind the design reflects the rapidly changing business landscape. To make sure no one is left behind in this march of innovation, UOB has drawn on its philosophy of inclusivity to create a concept of a moving wheel that represents a forward momentum as UOB enters the bright new era. Moreover, the wheels are fully recyclable and can be used to build wheelchairs and other mobility support devices. The winner took home the HRH Princess Soamsawali, the Princess Suddhanarinatha’s Trophy.
         
The Christmas Tree Charity Project showcases the creativity of Thailand's leading interior designers, architects, celebrities and lifestyle artists in decorating the Christmas trees commissioned by select luxury partners including, Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa, CODA Bangkok, United Overseas Bank (Thai) PCL., Grand Work Interior (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Kanokkun Co., Ltd.
 
The Christmas trees are displayed around Parichart Court, the open-air courtyard at Anantara Siam Bangkok until 2 January 2023. Proceeds from the funds raised from the sponsors' donations will support the Child Welfare and Development Foundation Under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Soamsawali.
 
For more information about Anantara Siam Bangkok and its charitable initiatives, please call on +66 2126 8866 or email at pr.asia@anantara.com.

“Father’s Day Brunch” A day to reminds us to spending precious time with your loved ones, a delicacy meal to celebrate the joyful moments of a special day with your father, On Sunday, 5th December 2022. Enjoy the parade of irresistible selections of 50 menus of international cuisines to spice up the holiday and reward the greatest love of the important gentleman in your family.
 
Let’s start your brunch journey with ‘Cold Cut and Homemade Charcuterie Station’ ready to serve you to savour the flavour with smoked meats and four kinds of cheese with cracker and crostini. And if you are seafood lovers, we bring the entire sea to you whether they are prawns, mussels, blue crabs, squids or rock lobsters served on craving ice in ‘Seafood on Ice’. People who crave both meat and Seafood, don’t miss our highlight dish ‘Surf and Turf’, Grilled Beef Tenderloin and River Prawn with Garlic and Fresh Herb Butter, Truffle Mash Potatoes and Grilled Green Asparagus and for people who don’t eat beef, try another dish of our highlights: ‘Grilled Duck Breast and Hokkaido Scallops with Duck Jus, Garlic Mash Potato and Grilled Green Asparagus’. ‘Carving Station’ the perfect station for all dads’ favourite, ‘Pork Knuckle’ and ‘Assorted German Sausages’ awaits you to try! Let’s move to the Asian side, Thais always favourite dish, ‘Som Tum and Thai Salad Live Station’, a variety of Som Tum and Thai Salads made to your liking with grilled meats and seafood. Or ‘Sushi, Sashimi and Maki Roll’, a Japanese station ready to serve you savour and flavour. Don’t miss the ‘Chinese Duck Roll Station’, the Chinese style roasted duck guaranteed to pleased all ages. Let’s delight your special meal with our desserts station, a variety of Thai and international desserts. ‘Crepe Suzette’, a soft and freshly made crepe served with vanilla ice cream that you must be fascinated by. Do not forget to taste the chef’s selection of French pastries and desserts, and let’s finish off the meal with seasonal fruits, refreshing yet healthy, to convey love and care for your dad.
 
Do not miss a chance to celebrate the special occasion with your dearest dad through the best meal, Father’s Brunch, on Monday, 5 December 2022 during 11.30 – 15.00 hrs. Priced at THB 1,800 net per person (children under 6 years old dine for free and children aged 6 to 12 get half-price) and receive the special welcome drink that is ready to serve you to satisfy your taste buds. Don’t forget to grab special offers, dine one and get 50% off for the second person. Accor Plus members receive 10% on-top discount and Accor members receive ALL Reward Points X2.
‘Father’s Day Brunch at The Square, Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel.
Restaurant: The Square
Date: 5th December 2022 from 11.30 A.M. – 3.00 P.M.
Price: THB 1,800 net per person (children under 12 years old dine for free and children aged 6 to 12 get half-price)
Promotion: Dine 1 and get 50% off for second person and Accor Plus member receive 10% on-top discount
Accor Reward: Accor members receive ALL Reward Points x 2
More information: 02-1311028 or square@novotelairtportbkk.com
 
Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel is located close to the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station, just 300 meters from the Suvarnabhumi Airport Terminal. For more information and reservations, please get in touch with 02-131-1028 or visit www.novotelairportbkk.com/festive-season

FPT Software, Vietnam’s leading IT solutions provider, has recently announced the opening of a new office in Bangkok, Thailand. This branch, targeting the top 30 IT companies in Thailand, assists FPT Software’s strategic move to expand its global footprint.

​The inauguration was attended by the Ambassador of the S.R. of Vietnam to Thailand, H.E. Phan Chi Thanh, KBTG Chairman Voranuch Dejakaisaya, KBTG Vice Chairman Jarung Kiatsuphapong, Unilever IT SEA Regional Head Piyawan Triyanant, FPT Software’s CHRO Nguyen Tuan Minh, FPT Software’s SVP Nguyen Hoang Trung, FPT Greater Bay Indochina (FPT GBI – a subsidiary of FPT Software) CEO Levi Nguyen, and other distinguished guests.
 
Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of the S.R. of Vietnam to Thailand, H.E. Phan Chi Thanh, emphasized the comprehensive cooperation between Thailand and Vietnam, especially in digital economy. The Ambassador also believes that with FPT Software’s IT capabilities, the company can contribute to strengthening this relationship and accelerating digital transformation.
 
The Bangkok branch is expected to address the increasing demand for digital transformation in Thailand. “We aim to grow our local workforce to 500 high-quality IT engineers in the next three years and accompany Thai companies from various industries, including Retail, BFSI, Manufacturing, and more.”, FPT GBI CEO, Levi Nguyen pledged.

On Saturday, 22 October 2022, The Okura Prestige Bangkok hosted its very first Charity Gala Dinner, a star-studded occasion that raised Baht 1,203,904.55 million of S.O.S Children’s Villages in Thailand, a charitable initiative under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen that supports underprivileged youngsters across the nation. The event also provided a spectacular celebration to the hotel’s magnificent 10th anniversary.
 
Officially titled the “Stellar Charity Night at Okura – Dining with The Stars,” the glittering gathering was staged with the culinary collaboration of sister property Hotel Okura Amsterdam, which kindly sent two renowned chefs from its famed Michelin two-star restaurant Ciel Bleu and another from its Michelin one-star Japanese restaurant Yamazato specially for the worthy cause. This talented trio was joined in the kitchen by The Okura Prestige Bangkok’s acclaimed resident chefs and together they created the evening’s exquisite 6-course dinner of refined French cuisine embellished with beautiful Japanese touches.
 
The Okura Prestige Bangkok’s management team had the pleasure of welcoming many distinguish guests from the worlds of diplomacy, business and finance, technology, fashion and celebrity to the hotel’s lavish ballroom. Recalling the sparkling occasion Niek Hammer, General Manager of The Okura Prestige Bangkok commented, “I was truly honoured – and a touch overwhelmed – by the generosity of those who attended our first Stellar Charity Night at Okura recently. We could not have raised such a significant amount for such a worthy cause without their big-heartedness and benevolence. I would also like to say thank you to the entire team at The Okura Prestige Bangkok for making it a fantastic evening. We had been preparing for it for quite some time and when the moment arrived everyone performed magnificently. Well done! Finally, singular thanks for the support offered by our sister hotel, Hotel Okura Amsterdam, particularly for allowing prized members of their culinary teams to participate in Bangkok. Together we did something special!”
 
Mr. Hammer also singled out the event’s sponsors, including Asset World Corporation or AWC; Thai Beverage Public Company Limited; One Bangkok; Aware Corporation Limited; and The Mall Group for their generosity and cooperation. “I was speechless but delighted at the same time when I realised just how much money we would be able to donate to S.O.S Children’s Villages in Thailand and what a difference it would make. With support like this our Charity Night will become a force for good.”

Best Western® Hotels & Resorts has penned a strategic partnership for two beautiful beach apartment buildings on Vietnam’s southeast coast, as the company’s rapid expansion in this vibrant Southeast Asian nation continues to accelerate.
 
Under the terms of an agreement signed with Hung Vuong Developer, the leading Vietnamese real estate company, Best Western will operate two Hometel beach apartment buildings – The Venice 5 & 6 – within the brand-new coastal city of Venezia Beach. Nestled in a prime seafront setting on the famous Ho Tram-Binh Chau coastal route, just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City, this new project will form part of a breathtaking development that will attract domestic and international travelers alike.
 
As part of the upscale Best Western Premier® brand, this new residential project combines exceptional architecture and premium facilities with the international standards of hospitality for which Best Western is famous around the world. The Venice 5 & 6 will feature a total of 872 apartment-style units across two buildings, all fully-equipped with home comforts, kitchens and dining facilities, plus modern amenities including complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Unlike other developments where only the premium accommodation has ocean views, The Venice 5 & 6 will offer sea-facing beds, balconies and panoramic vistas from all of its rooms and suites.
 
Guests and residents will also be able to take advantage of a wide range of onsite facilities, including a café and all-day dining restaurant, an infinity pool, a fitness center, yoga area and 3D golf simulator. A business center co-working space will cater to the growing “bleisure” market, which blurs the boundaries between business and leisure, and an onsite mini-mart will offer complete convenience.
 
The signing ceremony was attended by senior executives from both companies, including Mr. Le Quoc Ky Quang, CEO of Hung Vuong Developer, and Mr. Olivier Berrivin, Vice President of International Operations – APAC at BWH Hotel Group.
 
“We are delighted to sign this agreement with Hung Vuong Developer to introduce Best Western Premier branded residences to this dynamic destination. Venezia Beach is a stunning development that will transform the tourism landscape in Vietnam. Joining the Best Western network will help The Venice 5 & 6 to stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace, including being part of our global loyalty program, Best Western Rewards®. We look forward to collaborating with our partners as we bring this outstanding property to life,” said Mr. Olivier Berrivin, Vice President of International Operations – APAC at BWH Hotel Group.
 
Vietnam is one of Best Western’s most important Asian markets. The company currently operates three properties in the country – Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc, and Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long – with at least six new hotels and resorts scheduled to launch nationwide by the end of 2023. These new openings will introduce more of Best Western’s 18 diverse brands to Vietnam, including Best Western Plus®, BW Premier Collection®, BW Signature Collection® and Executive Residency by Best Western®, as well as additional Best Western Premier properties.
 
For more information about Best Western Hotels & Resorts in Asia, please visit www.bestwesternasia.com
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Best Western® Hotels & Resorts was celebrated as the “Best Midscale Hotel Chain – Asia Pacific” at the Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards, solidifying the company’s position as an industry-leading global hospitality brand. This marks the eighth consecutive year that the company has won the award, setting a new milestone for BWH Hotel Group.
 
“We are delighted and deeply honored to receive the ‘Best Midscale Hotel Chain’ award once again,” said Ron Pohl, President of International Operations and President of WorldHotels, BWH Hotel Group. “The Asia-Pacific region is of critical importance to our brand, and we are committed to expanding our scale across this key region and delivering unparalleled experiences for guests.”
 
The award ceremony was held in Singapore on October 6th to honor the extraordinary travel suppliers in Asia-Pacific who have distinguished themselves in the last twelve months. These awards aim to celebrate companies, brands and individuals that have gone above and beyond to positively impact the travel industry with outstanding business performance, top-notch innovation and exceptional customer service.  The winners were selected based on votes from Travel Weekly Asia’s readership, which includes many of the region’s top travel agents and industry professionals.
 
“We are extremely grateful to be receiving this prestigious award for the eighth consecutive year,” adds Olivier Berrivin, Vice President of International Operations – APAC, BWH Hotel Group. “It is an acknowledgment of our consistency and long-running success in the region, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”
 
BWH Hotel Group is an award-winning global network of 4,500 hotels located in over 100 countries and territories, offering 18 distinct brands spanning from luxury to economy. The company has celebrated recent expansion of its global portfolio, which is set to grow by roughly 300 hotels in 2022 alone.
 
All hoteliers that have recently joined BWH Hotel Group benefit from the brand’s reputation for providing superior guest service, and gain access to the award-winning Best Western Rewards® and WorldHotels RewardsSM programs, which boasts nearly 51 million members worldwide.
 
For more information about Best Western Hotels & Resorts in Asia, please visit www.bestwesternasia.com

Best Western Hotels & Resorts has signed two agreements for a major new Best Western Premier® residential project in Ho Chi Minh City, marking an important milestone in the company’s Vietnamese expansion strategy.
 
At a recent signing ceremony in Vietnam, Best Western came together with Matterhorn Hotels & Resorts, which manages and operates premium real estate for the Sunshine Group, to seal two highly significant contracts related to the stunning Sunshine Diamond River development. Best Western will now provide consultancy services for the project, and a franchise agreement will lead to this prestigious riverside development being branded as the Best Western Premier Sunshine Diamond River.
 
Upon opening, Best Western Premier Sunshine Diamond River will become Best Western’s first property in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city. Set on the banks of the Saigon River, this spectacular urban resort-style complex will feature the largest number of Best Western Premier branded apartments worldwide, with 3,125 keys. A mix of smart residences, penthouses and sky villas will each feature its own hanging garden, contemporary furnishings and modern technology, enhanced by the five-star standards and services of the Best Western Premier brand.
 
The signing ceremony was attended by senior delegations from both companies, including Mrs. Hoang Thi My Binh, Deputy General Director of Sunshine Group and Chairman of Matterhorn Hotels & Resorts; Mr. Ron Pohl, President of International Operations, BWH Hotel Group®; and Mr. Olivier Berrivin, Managing Director of International Operations – Asia, BWH Hotel Group.
 
“We are delighted to sign these agreements for our largest branded residence in the world and our company’s inaugural property in Ho Chi Minh City. We have been very impressed with the quality of the Sunshine Diamond River project and the professionalism of our partners. Branded residences are a growing global trend, so this development represents a major step forward in the expansion and evolution of our portfolio. We look forward to working with Matterhorn and Sunshine Group as we bring this outstanding property to life,” said Mr. Ron Pohl, President of International Operations, BWH Hotel Group.
 
Best Western has identified Vietnam as one of its most important strategic markets. The company currently provides three properties in the country – Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc and Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long – with at least 26 new hotels and resorts scheduled to open by the end of 2023, in key cities, beach resorts and emerging destinations nationwide. These new openings will introduce more of Best Western’s diverse portfolio of 18 brands to Vietnam, including Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, BW Premier Collection®, BW Signature Collection® and Executive Residency by Best Western®, as well as additional Best Western Premier hotels.
 
For more information about Best Western Hotels & Resorts in Asia, please visit www.bestwesternasia.com
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Best Western® Hotels & Resorts is celebrating once again after it was named as Asia’s “Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand” in the 31st TTG Travel Awards 2022.
 
This prestigious accolade was presented to the company in a glittering awards ceremony and gala dinner recently held in Bangkok. The winners were voted for by the readers of TTG Asia, the region’s leading travel trade magazine, and its six sister publications.
 
BWH Hotel Group now operates a diverse portfolio of 17 brands covering every sector of the market, from economy to luxury. The fact that Best Western Hotels & Resorts has once again been named as Asia’s “Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand” reflects the underlying strength of the group’s midscale brands, including the core Best Western concept and innovative new brands such as Vīb® and BW Signature Collection®, which are gaining a strong reputation in Asia.
 
“We are deeply honored to have been voted as Asia’s “Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand” in the TTG Travel Awards. We strive to maintain a strong relationship with our esteemed travel industry colleagues, so I am delighted to see that, despite the challenges of the last two years, this bond remains as strong as ever. I would like to thank TTG Asia and the entire travel trade for their enduring support. Best Western is dedicated to collaborating closely with our partners for many years to come,” commented Mr. Olivier Berrivin, Vice President of International Operations – Asia-Pacific, BWH Hotel Group.
 
Best Western currently operates a collection of 56 hotels and resorts across nine countries in Southeast Asia, Japan and Pakistan. This portfolio will expand rapidly in the coming months, with at least 18 properties set to start welcoming guests by the end of 2023, including multiple new openings in Thailand, Vietnam and Pakistan.
 
Organized by TTG Asia, with the support of TTG India, TTG China, TTGmice, TTGassociations, TTG-BTmice China and TTG Asia Luxury, the TTG Travel Awards have been recognizing the best of Asia Pacific’s travel industry since 1989. The 31st Annual TTG Travel Awards Ceremony & Gala Dinner was held at Centara Grand at CentralWorld, Bangkok, on September 22, 2022, and was attended by leading figures in Asia’s travel and hospitality industry. To learn more, please visit awards.ttgasia.com.
 
For more information about Best Western Hotels & Resorts in Asia, please visit www.bestwesternasia.com
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