Issue 14: 31 October 2014
Carlin International’s marketing and production development specialist talks to Horizon Thailand about ‘Thai Fashion Gallery by Thai Silver’.
How did you become part of Thai Fashion Gallery by Thai Silver?
We [Carlin] have been working with the DITP for ten years on different projects and were approached by them to join this project at the end of June.
What have you brought to it?
Since we are the largest design agency in Europe (established in 1947) we have worked with professionals in order to develop exclusive collections for our clients, so we have our own methodology along with our almost 70 years of experience. However it is not a one-way communication but it is an interactive programme. This means while sharing our methodology, we also need to have Thai know-how as well as Thai knowledge to reach the project's objective which is making inspiration for Thai silver accessory designers.
Issue 13th: 29 Sept 2014
Horizon Thailand talks to the head of Beger Paints about the future of the Thai paint industry and how the company customises its products for the Thai market.
Can you explain what Beger does?
Beger Co. Ltd. is a genuine Thai paint company with flagship technology-infused paint products contoured to Thailand's weather and local wood construction. Beger's ultimate goal and motto is to create and produce today's future paint.
How did you get into this line of business?
Fifty years ago, Thailand imported paint from abroad, and some overseas paint company established their factories here. Those paints were made according to foreign weather [conditions], which were not suitable for Thailand's strong sunlight and hot climate. Therefore, my father started Beger Co. Ltd. in 1961 with the goal to produce paints that suit Thailand's then vast wood buildings and the Thai weather. We wanted to be the first Thai paint company with our own R&D and know-how customised for Thailand.
Why the name Beger?
During the sixties, most popular products sold in Thailand held foreign names. As we were initially using German raw materials and production process, we decided to go for a German-sounding name, Beger.
Issue 11: 1 Sept 2014
The Director of the Bangkok Mental Health Rehabilitation and Recovery Centre (BMRC) talks to Horizon Thailand about the kingdom’s newest mental health care centre.
Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan, the Director of the BMRC, says that depression is cura-ble and must be cured at an early stage.What is the BMRC?
It is a comprehensive, all-in-one private mental health rehabilitation and recovery centre by the Bangkok Hospital, under the care of a multi-professional team of specialist doctors, nurses, dieticians, physiotherapists and more. The BMRC provides the many mental health services and is specialised in the treatment of depression, the bi-polar disorder, drug addiction and other related services such as psychiatric services, psychological services and occupational therapy services.
Issue 12 : 15 Sept 2014
Winner of the Ploi Thai Jewelry Creation 2014 award at the of 54thBangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair, Dhevan Dara Gallery owner Natthapunnapa Nantapatanapin talks to Horizon Thailand in an exclusive interview about the competition and the Thai jewelry industry.
How would you describe Dhevan Dara?
Our products are mainly silver designs and created as “one of a kind” pieces by hand. They reflect the aesthetic of Thai’s craftsmanship.
How did you join the Ploi Thai Jewelry Creation?
We are members of the Thai Gem & Jewelry Traders Association (TJGTA) and they informed us about the competition to allow young Thai designers and artisans showcase their skills and come up with the very best Ploi Thai (coloured stones) jewelry. Besides, the concept of this competition was silver, and we have been involved in silver design for jewelry for eight years.
Can you tell us about your piece ‘Thailand the Centre of AEC’ that has been selected to be one of the Best Designs?
The purpose of ASEAN is to connect all member countries in terms of the economy, society, culture and politics, and Thailand is one of the leaders that set up ASEAN. The inspiration is for this jewelry to represent the importance of Thai culture, economy and social life. For example, we use elephants, orchids, the image of Buddha, the number nine in Thai script and the symbol of AEC in our artwork to reflect Thai’s nationality, religion and monarchy as well as its linkage to AEC.
What has been the reception to the project?
Since winning the competition, the feedback has been good. We have more contacts from buyers and have been recognised more in public.
What is the potential for Thailand’s jewelry industry?
I think Thailand is still the world’s gem and jewelry hub. We have craftsmanship and creativity. Even though the cost of labour is not as cheap as in China and India, Thailand is still the first choice for buyers from the EU or US. We have good designs and good quality and our Ploi (gems) are still well accepted.
Issue 10: 18 Aug 2014
The New Regional General Manager – Thailand for the Hilton hotel group has just returned to the country from working in China, Horizon Thailand asks how he compares the two countries.
What are the strengths of the Thai hospitality industry?
I would say that a major strength … comes from the country’s renowned “service with a smile” culture and the Thais themselves. The Thais are naturally gentle, graceful and polite people, making them ideal for the hospitality industry, while they are also intelligent, eager to learn and adaptable to change. The Thais are so renowned for their manners that the Thai smile and wai have become synonymous with international hospitality standards the world over.
How would you compare the hospitality industries in China and Thailand?
Here in Thailand, Thai employees are naturally service-minded, and this is the thing that truly impresses any visitor to this kingdom. Though, it is a little bit different in China.
Thailand has suffered from a period of political instability, will it bounce back?
If we want to find proof of Thailand’s ability to rebound from political situations, one only needs to look at history, very recent history too. I would have to say that this is one of most resilient countries I have ever visited, and “bouncing back” from such incidents seems to be almost second nature to the country. One thing that never changes for a country is its geometry. Thailand is a destination rich with venues that range from islands and mainland beaches, to mountains and national parks, and it even has cooler weather in the North at the end of the year. Meanwhile, the country shares borders with Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, which adds to the variety of food, products and handicrafts available here.
How do you see the Thai hospitality industry developing over the next few years?
I expect an increase in tourists and business people from China and the Middle East. China’s tourists are becoming far more sophisticated, so many of them are now taking accommodation in the country’s four and five-star hotels and resorts. Meanwhile, more established markets from the West will continue to provide us with tourists from Europe, though these are now seeking packages that cater to new experiences as this market continues to react to their struggling national economies.
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