Thailand plans to use entirely electric buses in Bangkok in three years.

Bangkok (VNA) – The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) may procure 3,200 electric buses to phase out fossil-fueled buses from its fleet in three years, said Deputy Permanent Secretary for Transport Sorapong Paitoonphong.

The plan is part of BMTA’s revised business rehabilitation plan, which will be sent to the Thai Government for approval in about two months, he added.

The development of electric vehicle industry is an important part of the Thai Government s efforts to restructure the economy with focus on hi-tech industry, biological-circular-green economic model, health care and tourism.

Last month, the Thai Government approved two tax incentives to promote the use of electric vehicles and help Thailand become a major manufacturer of electric vehicles in the world. 

https://en.vietnamplus.vn/thailand-plans-to-use-entirely-electric-buses-in-bangkok-in-three-years/235732.vnp

Centara Opens Fifth Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand

Centara has expanded its already considerable portfolio of hotels in Thailand's capital city with the opening of Centra by Centara Bangkok Phra Nakhon.

Located near Khaosan Road as well as the Phra Arthit and Maharaj Chao Phraya express boat piers, the hotel features 180 rooms and suites spread across two low-rise buildings.

Rooms range in size from 21 to 38 square metres and have been broken down into the following categories: Superior, Deluxe and Premium Deluxe. The 44 sqm Premium Suites provide additional space for those that need it.

Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool with a terrace, a fitness centre and a choice of meeting facilities.

“With a focus on comfort, convenience and our international standard service, Centra by Centara Bangkok Phra Nakhon is set to be a must-stay destination in the city’s old town,” said Metta Boonyaritipong, General Manager of Centra by Centara Bangkok Phra Nakhon. “We are beyond excited to welcome guests to our peaceful city haven and ensure that every detail of their experience – from our stylish rooms and delicious all-day dining to our relaxing outdoor pool and modern meeting facilities – is truly unforgettable.”

The hotel is Centara’s fifth operating property in Bangkok.

https://www.travelnewsasia.com/news22/311-CentraPhraNakhon.shtml

Marriott International signs agreement to debut The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, The Riverside

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Marriott International, Inc. announced it has unveiled plans to introduce a new era of refined elegance and luxury hospitality to Thailand’s capital city with the signing of The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, The Riverside owned by Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), one of the kingdom’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate groups.

Scheduled to open in phases in 2026, The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, The Riverside is set to be a one-of-a-kind waterfront hotel and urban sanctuary located on three separate sites on opposite banks of the Chao Phraya, Bangkok’s legendary “River of Kings”. Inspired by the concept of “yin and yang”, with distinct elements facing each other across the rippling water, this innovative project expects to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand’s timeless sophistication to the city. 

“We are delighted to work with AWC to bring The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, The Riverside to the historic section of the Chao Phraya River to create a unique destination for urban explorers, wellness seekers and meeting planners alike. Bangkok is a dynamic city with fast-paced development. This project will reflect the spirit of the past while also presenting the contemporary luxury hospitality of the Ritz-Carlton brand. We are proud to work with AWC as we continue to expand our footprint in Thailand,” said Jakob Helgen, Area Vice President – Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Myanmar, Marriott International.

Marriott International and AWC currently operate a total of ten hotels and resorts together across Thailand, with almost 4,000 rooms across Thailand.

Marriott International in Asia Pacific has been recognized by three prestigious industry awards - Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards 2022 (Best Hotel Loyalty Programme - Marriott Bonvoy), M&C Asia Stella Awards (Best Sustainable Hotel Chain - Marriott International Asia Pacific), and TTG Travel Awards 2022 (Best Global Hotel Chain - Marriott International).

https://www.traveldailynews.asia/marriott-international-signs-agreement-to-debut-the-ritz-ca

Thai Creatives Breathe New Life Into Bangkok’s Oldest Neighborhoods

Curving along the eastern bank of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, from the temple-studded Rattanakosin district to the southern end of suburban Bang Kho Laem, Charoen Krung Road has experienced a creative renaissance in recent years. While the pandemic largely stalled developments in the Thai capital’s long-established cultural hubs of Sukhumvit and Sathorn, forward-thinking Thais fixed their sights on the city’s oldest paved road (finished in 1864) and recast it as a homegrown cultural destination.

When the design library and exhibition space Thailand Creative & Design Center moved into the Art Deco-styled Grand Postal Building in 2017, an influx of Thai chefs, designers and curators started taking over the often-dilapidated shophouses that lined the alleys and subdistricts branching off Charoen Krung. Some were revamped into contemporary art centers such as Charoen 43 Art & Eatery or trailblazing restaurants reinterpreting Thai cooking (the new Small Dinner Club by the former monk Sareen Rojanamatin and drinking-food-centric Samlor among them), while many others drew inspiration from the Thai-Chinese kitchens, local craftspeople and neo-Classical architecture that have defined the area since the mid-19th century. The opening of two MRT subway stations on Charoen Krung in 2019 has only added to its accessibility.

https://www.nytimes.com/section/t-magazine

Soho House is opening its first Southeast Asia outpost in Bangkok

Are you ready to lounge on those iconic sun loungers and mingle with fellow creatives from around the world over cocktails? It’s happening. All the rumours are true. Soho House Bangkok is opening this year.

After announcing that it would be expanding to new locations in 2022, according to Hotel Intel, it has now become official: Soho House Bangkok is set to open this 2022. Alongside other new Houses in Southeast Asia, South London, and Miami, Bangkok has been named as one of the lucky locations for the iconic members-only clubhouse. We don’t know much yet, but here’s a snippet of what we do know.

Scheduled to open late this year, Soho House Bangkok will mark the first Soho House in Southeast Asia. A hip yet heavy honour to behold, the House will be located in the Sukhumvit area, and feature a buzzing environment for members to “connect, grow, and make an impact.”

The House will be set over three floors, and like many of its siblings in other countries, feature an in-house restaurant, dining area, and social spaces. True fans and followers can rest assured that there will also be an outdoor pool — a cult favourite feature of the House. It will be “shaded by palm trees that stretch up towards the scorching sun.”

Soho House first opened on London’s Greek Street in 1995, as a place for a diverse creative community to get together. The members-only House has now extended to include 32 Houses around the world, with more locations across Europe, Asia, and North America slated to open in the coming years.

Whilst Soho House is a strict members-only club, in recent years more avenues have become available for non-members to join in the fun. Beyond a Soho House membership, there are also Soho Friends memberships, which include access to Soho Works, Studios, and Soho Home. It is important to note, however, that a Soho Friends membership does not give direct access to the Houses. This is still pretty (famously) exclusive.

Cities Without Houses memberships are also available in countries that do not yet have a House. At the time of writing, such a membership is also available for Bangkokians.

How to Apply for Membership

There are various types of Soho House memberships, ranging from access to local Houses over to access to Houses around the globe.