Bliston Arranged Annual Party to Celebrate ‘Loi Krathong Festival’ in AEC Theme

Bliston Suwan Park View arranged their annual party to celebrate the beautiful ‘Loi Krathong Festival’ on Friday 31 October 2014.

 The Bliston Loi Krathong Party has been organizing every year since 2008, the main propose is to thank you its own in-house guests as well as corporate customers. The second purpose is to create collaboration of staff between each department.

About a month before the event date, all departments were gathered to brainstorm for the theme of the event. It has to be something new, creative, yet fun. For the past years, we had arranged this event in Traditional Thai, Retro, and Looktung themes. This year, we went extra mile and looked ahead to welcome the AEC - that will officially start in late 2015.

On the event date, all staff and our guests were showing up in gorgeous traditional costumes of the AEC nations. The night started by the beautiful Salsa dance show from Dance Synergy Studio (located on the 5fl. of our residence) followed by AEC Fashion Show from our staff.

 During waiting for the lucky draw and the Loi Krathong activity to be held, some of the guests enjoyed delicacy Thai foods ea. Chicken Rice, Fish Maw Soup, Grill Squid, Golden Fried Fish Balls and Change Beer. While some enjoyed challenging themselves by fun games at our game booths.

Later that night, our GM. Mr. Kijja Laowsuwan announced numerous of lucky draw prizes, sponsored by Bliston and our partners ea. Artur Restaurant, Dance Synergy Studio, Na GaYa, Co Van Kassel Tour, Siam Ocean World and Madame Tussauds Thailand. After that the staff leaded all the guests to join Loi Krathong activity together at our pool that has been beautifully decorated by a big Krathong and AEC flags. The nigh was covered by smiles, laugh, and joy.

Until we meet again!

Bliston Society Team

Thailand allows 30-day extension of stay for visitors from 48 countries

In another positive move to boost the Thai travel and tourism industry, the Immigration Bureau has allowed citizens of 48 countries and Hong Kong SAR to get a 30-day extension of their stay in Thailand after the expiry of their normal period of stay.

The move is effective as of 29 August, 2014. It will apply to visitors holding travel documents of Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Poland, Qatar, Singapore, Slovak, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Vietnam.

Citizens of these countries and territory who normally get Visa Exemption as tourist for 30-day  stay permit, will get extension of stay for one time no longer than 30 days from the expired date.

The application process will cost 1,900 Baht per person. No further extensions will be allowed. If the application is denied, visitors will have to leave the kingdom within seven days after the expiry of the normal period.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thawatchai Arunyik said, “Allowing visitors to stay on beyond their normal period will be a boost for the increasing number of global travellers who have already covered much of the world and now want to focus on specific destinations. It will also be boost for those coming for niche-market activities; such as, voluntourism, health and wellness, or sports.”

The 48 countries and one territory generate about half of Thailand’s total visitor arrivals.

Credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Tourist visa fee waiver for Chinese and Chinese Taipei visitors

Effective 9 August, 2014, holders of Chinese and Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) passports will be exempt from paying visa fees when visiting Thailand purely for the purpose of tourism between 9 August – 8 November 2014.

The short-term waiver has been passed by the National Council of Peace and Order (NCPO) as part of a package of measures to rapidly revive Thai tourism in the second half of 2014. The move has now passed all the stages of regulatory approval through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior and been published in Royal Gazette.

The exemption will apply only to visitors coming to Thailand for tourism, and submitting their tourist visa applications at Thai diplomatic missions or via the visa-on-arrival desks at the international checkpoints. Only a Tourist Visa is applicable to this measure; visitors who apply for other categories of visa; such as, Transit Visa or Non-Immigrant Visa still have to pay for the visa fee as normal.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thawatchai Arunyik said, “Thailand and China have very close relations and have much in common in terms of food, cultural and ethnic relationships with many Thai prominent businessmen and political families having roots in China.  Chinese visitors were selected for the exemption as part of the commemorative activities marking the 40th  Anniversary of Thailand – China Diplomatic Relations. Moreover, this measure is also to help the Thai private sector and the many small and medium sized enterprises to recover.”

From both mainland China and Chinese Taipei, Thailand is considered a short-haul and value-for-money destination with good airline connections and an excellent range of accommodation and tour products for people of all age groups. The kingdom is well-known for its long-standing tradition of friendliness and hospitality.  Bangkok also has a very large and bustling Chinatown area where Chinese visitors can regularly be seen shopping for herbal medicines, jewellery and gold. Many of them also go to make offerings at the numerous Chinese temples.

cr: Tourism Authority of Thailand

cr pictures: ibtimes, echinacities, lohwendy blogspot

Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2014 launching its first Shopping Challenge

     The annual Amazing Thailand Grand Sale is set to kick off with its first “Shopping Challenge” aimed at spicing up the event and encouraging shopaholics to spend, spend, spend during the 3 months and a half-long shopping extravaganza from 15 June to 30 September, 2014.

     The event’s first-ever shopping competition is scheduled to take place on 18 June, 2014, in the heart and bustle of Bangkok’s most popular shopping districts – Ratchaprasong and Siam – and at the city’s most popular shopping malls – Siam Paragon, Central World and Gaysorn.

     Joining this fun competition are 15 teams, each comprising well known media figures and celebrities from 11 Asian countries – Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Taiwan, China, Korea and Japan.  These teams will be assigned one of three shopping routes along the BTS Skytrain or five teams for each route.

     The teams will be given a shopping bag and the equivalent of 10,000 Baht with which they have to buy certain items at specified shops in the Gaysorn, Siam Paragon or CentralWorld shopping complexes within two hours (from 14:30 – 16:30 hrs.). At each outlet, theteams have to seek out their assigned shopping item, snap a picture that includes the “purchased” object and team members and post on instagram with #amazingtgs2014. The shopping action in real time will be put up on screens at the main stage in Siam Paragon.

     The winning team will be the one who finds all the items on their “shopping lists” in the shortest time. If it is too close to call, then the budget and money spent becomes the main factor. In a “photo finish” the team who spent the least will be declared the winner and be rewarded with a cash prize of 100,000 Baht.

     The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) believes this “Shopping Challenge” publicity stunt will help attract more international visitors to Thailand during this year’s grand shopping period as well as to encourage them to spend more in the country. 

     Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, TAT Governor said, “Now that the world knows that it’s ‘business as usual’ here in Thailand, they will be looking forward to coming back and taking advantage of the kingdom’s wonderful shopping. So we are opening our arms to tourists from all over the world to come here and lose themselves in a shopping paradise... More than 15,000 shopping malls, department stores, brand-name outlets, and restaurants in seven major tourist destinations: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Ko Samui are offering irresistible special deals and bargains for tourists, making the next couple of months the best possible time to come to Thailand.”

* Visit www.thailandshoppingparadise.com for Shopping Tips ea. VAT refund process, and tips to avoid buying sub-standard products.

cr: TAT News Room

Happy Thai New Year – Songkran Water Festival is Here!

In Thailand - Songkran is considered to be the most magical festival of all, as it creates the important bonds of unity between families and communities that bring the Thai people together. It is not just about throwing water at each other, but about the traditions of hospitality, love and relationship in Thai families.

Generally, Songkran is celebrated and marked as public holidays during 13^th – 15^thApril of each year. However, Songkran in Thailand is actually lasts from 5-20 April, depending on the local culture and traditions in different areas of the country.

Top tips to get the most out of Songkran:

• In the morning, make merit and listen to temple sermons to understand and benefit from the spiritual side of the festival.
• To purify the Buddha or other statues, water should not be poured directly onto the head of the relic, rather on other parts of the statue’s torso.
• The custom of pouring water onto the hand of elders’ (people above 60 years old), is to show respect and seek their New Year blessings.
• Water used to splash on others should be clean or mixed with Thai traditional fragrances. Avoid throwing water aggressively or using high-pressure water guns or hoses.

cr: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Apart from Songkran Festival,
April is also well-know as the hottest month of the year in Thailand. If you can’t stand the heat, be prepared and take our tips to reduce the Thai temperature!
 
Eat something cold – Nothing better than cool down your body from inside out! Yes, eat some ice-cream, soft drink with ice cubes, or even try Thai cold rice (Khao Chae)!

Go indoor – There are many interesting in-door tourist attractions especially in Bangkok. Plan your trip in advance; try to put some indoor places in your itinerary! Ea. Siam Ocean World, Madame Tussauds, Escape Hunt, or Flight Experience 

Keep yourself cool – When you go out to the water battle at Songkran, try to take a bottle of drinking water with you. You will find it useful to cool your body down when you get too hot or even for cleaning your face off the ‘white clay / powder (Din-Sor-Pong)’ that often come together with the water during Songkran!

Sizzling Summer Hotel Hot Deals 
Only this April 2014!
 
Bliston Suwan Park View
Chidlom, Bangkok
Get 40% OFF when you book minimum 2 nights in our one-bedroom suites, rates start from ฿3,100 net (All inclusive).[See details]

For reservation please contact Reservation Department at;
reservation@blistonresidence.com 
Tel. +662 658 7979 
Booking Code - Songkran Splendors
 
Baan K Residence by Bliston
Sathorn / Silom, Bangkok
Guaranteed free upgrade (for Studio and Superior bookings) when you book through our website, rates start from฿2,100 net (All inclusive). [See details] 

For reservation please visit our websiteor contact Reservation Department at;
frontoffice.bk@blistonresidence.com 
Tel. +662 633 9911
Booking Code - April Free Upgrade

10 Romantic Restaurants to Celebrate Your Valentine's Day in Bangkok

Love should be celebrated every day and Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to show that special person in your life just how much you care. Many Bangkok hotels and restaurants are serving up romance this year; whether you are looking for a dinner under the stars or a night on the river. 

Here’s a list of some of the most romantic restaurants in Bangkok, from the most exclusive and pricey to the pocket-friendly and quaint.

1. Vertigo

It’s a view of Bangkok unlike any other, envoking an endless stream of cliches and superlatives from travel writers around the world. 

But it really doesn't get much more romantic than this open-air rooftop venue, set on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel on Sathorn Road.

Perfect for a one-on-one rendezvous under the gorgeous night sky, woo your significant other into the bedroom with their impressive menu of steaks and grilled seafood coupled with a glass or two of premium champagne.

We'd even go so far as to say this place was designed for marriage proposals. If your date is the cheesy sort to go for that kind of thing, of course. 

Banyan Tree, 21/100 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok. Tel: +66 (0)2 679 1200

2. Rang Mahal 

For one night, you and your date get to be Moghul prince and princesses at the luxe Rang Mahal, a gourmet Indian restaurant set on top of the Rembrandt hotel.

Rang Mahal is 100 percent grand, from the fine cuisine and swanky ambience to the entertainment. Nibble away on traditional Moghulite curries and dishes hot off the tandoor in an exotic Indian setting as a live band croons the night away.

Rembrandt Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 18, BTS: Asok. Tel +66 (0)2 261 7100.

3. Al Majlis  

This Moroccan inspired tearoom and restaurant has both an indoor and outdoor area.

For a quiet and romantic experience grab a spot in Al Majlis' cozy garden, subtly lit with lanterns and filled with comfy seating.

Order yourself a warm cup of Moroccan mint tea, a couple appetizers and a sheesha for some serious relaxation time.

Ekamai Soi 12. Look for a green “Praduu Spa Club” sign and turn into the alley. Al Majlis is located at the end of the alley. Tel: +66 (0)2 392 2345

4. The Nest 

This chic rooftop restaurant and bar is perfect for a snuggle and cuddle session.

Pick one of The Nest's cocoon-shaped beds and forget the world around you as you pick through dishes of Thai and Western food and indulge in more than one fish bowl martini whilst the house DJ keeps you humming to soft jazzy and bossanova beats. (And we all know what jazzy and bosanova beats do for a lady's libido.) 

33/33 Sukhumvit Soi 11. Tel: +66 (0) 26 54 6935

5. Spring n Summer

Two words: Chocolate fix. When it comes to Valentine's Day, there is no denying the power of the cocoa and at Spring n Summer they don't mess around.

Reserve yourselves two giant bean bags out in the lawn and enjoy a night of fusion fare and funky drinks.

But leave room for the delicious "Cup C" dessert -- a bowl of perfectly baked chocolate topped with vanilla ice cream. 

199 Soi Promsri 2, Sukhumvit Road 39. Tel: +66 (0) 23 92 2747

6. The Deck

Dining with a view of the city is pleasant but dining with the gorgeous Temple of Dawn as your backdrop takes things to a whole new level.

Head to riverside restaurant The Deck at sunset, at Arun Residence, and toast the occasion with an aperitif.

Dinner wise, go for their Italian fare before making your way up to the Amorosa bar for a breezy end to the night.

36-38 Soi Pratoo Nok Yoong, Maharat Road. Tel: +66 (0) 22 21 9158

7. The Lake House

There is no need for a three-hour road trip to escape the big bad city when you have a quiet little haven right smack in the middle of it.

This wine bar and restaurant is an old traditional Thai house turned exotic eatery, set in a tropical forest-like garden surrounding a large pond.

For the best experience, make sure you grab one of The Lake House's outdoor gazebos right by the lake and spend the night nibbling on their great selection of wines and tapas.

18 Soi Phrom Mitr, Sukhumvit Soi 39. Tel: +66 (0)2 662 6349

8. Blue Velvet

Nice is overrated. It’s time to get a little naughty at Thong Lor’s Blue Velvet.

Set in an atmosphere that would befit the Count himself, the interiors are medieval and the drinks potent. The menu is semi-funky fusion with a bit of Western, Thai and Japanese fare to choose from.

But at this place, you’re going to want to pay more attention to the drinks list anyway. Try the Bloody Mary to kick start a wild night. 

Thonglor soi 5, Sukhumvit 55. Tel +66 (0)2 392 1769

9. Aldo's 

Minimalist and sleek, Aldo's is The Ascott Sathorn's underrated outdoor Mediterranean Bistro and Wine Bar. For the health conscious, its Mediterranean menu is among Bangkok's best, featuring a heavy helping of fresh salads and seafood.

But for those who feel Valentine's Day shouldn't be about weight watching, they carry a heartier selection of meat-based dishes and scrumptious desserts like the melting chocolate cake.

Make sure you call in advance to reserve one of the private gazebos by their gorgeously lit pool. 

7/F, The Ascott Sathorn Bangkok, 187 South Sathorn Road. Tel: +66 (0)2 676 6982

10. Artur Restaurant

Located at the Ground Floor of Bliston Suwan Park View, Artur Restaurant reflects its owner and manager lifelong dedication to and passion for excellence. Elegant, gourmet steakhouse cuisine emphasis on fine dining, serving prime steaks imported from USA, Australia and Japan, foie gras, fresh seafood including oysters from France and Dover sole. You can try here original Artur’s Caesar Salad recipe well known in Bangkok since 1992. The Cote de Boeuf (Prime Rib) is the must. Spectacular Martinis, one of the most extensive wine list in town (289 references) and a friendly, attractive and well trained staff as well as very reasonable pricing complete the offer. Open Daily for lunch & dinner. 

Ground Floor of Bliston Suwan Park View, No.9 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Road, Tel: 02-658 6288 or mobile: 08-9000-1288. 

cr: www.bangkok.com, http://travel.cnn.com/

Bangkok's Hotels Valentine Deals

Baan K - Be My Valentine Promotion

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* Book and stay 1 – 28 Feb 2014 (direct booking only)

Email: frontoffice.bk@blistonresidence.com Tel: +66 2633 9911

Bliston - Be My Valentine Package 8,888 THB Net

Our newly renovated Platinum Suites (72 sqm) are set with a romantic mood, perfect for the season of love. Stay for 2 nights inclusive of breakfast and complimentary a bottle of Italian Rose wine & a box of premium chocolate. Receive an exclusive offer at Spa @ Tonson, Buy 1 Get 1 Free for all Spa Packages to enjoy our special treat with a loved one.

* Book and stay 1 – 28 Feb 2014 (direct booking only)

Email: reservation@blistonresidence.com Tel: +66 2658 7979

Q&As: Thailand Political Developments, Jan 2014 (from TAT HQ)

Q: There have been news reports of a “Bangkok Shutdown” plan by anti-government demonstrators in January, should tourists cancel their trips planned during this month and the next?

There is no reason at all for tourists to cancel their trips to Bangkok in January. The anti-government demonstrators are targeting at mounting pressure on the government, and have promised not to disrupt the public’s daily life and infrastructure.

All city buses and vans, water-transport, BTS skytrain, MRT subway, Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link and the two Bangkok’s airports (Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang) are open and operating as per normal.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is closely monitoring the situation, and would like to inform tourists and the tourism industry that all concerned public and private agencies will exercise utmost efforts to ensure tourist’s convenience should the mass demonstrations occur. 

Q: Is there any chance that Suvarnabhumi Airport will be closed by the demonstrators as occurred in late 2008?

At this time, both international airports in Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang) and all other international and domestic airports throughout Thailand are open and operating as per normal.

The main anti-government demonstrator group has promised they will not disrupt public infrastructure, including the city buses and vans, water-transport, BTS skytrain, MRT subway, Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link and the two Bangkok’s airports (Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang).

All concerned public and private agencies are closely monitoring the situation, and will be working to ensure that tourists are not affected by the planned mass demonstrations on 13 January 2014 should it occurs.

Q: Will airlines be cancelling or reducing flights to Bangkok? If so, which airlines?

According to Suvarnabhumi Airport, airlines currently operating through the airport have yet to cancel or reduce flights for the immediate and future periods. All fights are operating as per normal.

To facilitate air passengers should the massive demonstrations on 13 January occur, all concerned tourism-related public and private agencies are discussing ways to minimise the impact from the possible gridlock traffic.

Solutions have included organising air passengers in small groups for a check in at Airport Rail Link station in Makkasan, before taking the 15-minute express train to the airport to board the flight.

Q: Is there a possibility that the situation will turn violent as there had been a few clashes between protesters and the police in the past weeks? Will the military get involved to put an end to the situation?

While we cannot really comment on these questions, we can say that the demonstrations have been normal to peaceful, and have not affected tourist attractions and activities, most of the time.

We cannot comment on the military’s move either. However, we have been informed that during this week, starting tonight, there will be massive movements of troops (a total of 20 battalions) and heavy artillery and armaments into Bangkok in preparation for grand military parades to celebrate the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day on 18 January.

Also during this week, about eight battalions of troops will be rehearsed for the parades. The final rehearsal, involving 20 battalions and full military vehicles, tanks and artillery showcases, will be held on 10 January.

Q: If tourists already plan to visit Bangkok in January, is it safe and convenient to travel to Bangkok at this time due to the demonstrations? Will tourist attractions and activities be closed during the planned Bangkok Shutdown?

For tourists visiting the kingdom, it should be stressed that tourists have not been targeted in the ongoing political demonstrations.

However, tourists are advised to be vigilant and avoid areas where crowds may gather.

All tourist attractions and activities are open and operating as per normal.

Q: Is it safe to travel to Bangkok and getting around in the city while the demonstrations take place?

Tourists can travel to Bangkok, and getting out and about in the city. Tourist attractions and activities in the Thai capital are open and operating as per normal. However, tourists are advised to be vigilant and avoid areas where crowds may gather.

Mass transit networks in Bangkok, including BMTA bus and van, BTS skytrain, MRT subway, Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link and city buses, as well as water-transport and taxi are operating as usual. 

Q: Where in Bangkok can tourists visit while the demonstration takes place?

All tourist attractions in Bangkok, such as, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on Na Phra Lan Road, Siam Paragon and CentralWorld Shopping Complexes on Rama I Road, parks, temples, historical sites and theme parks are open and operating as per normal.

Q: Is it safe for tourists to go to the demonstration areas for observation and taking photographs?

Tourists are advised to use common sense and avoid areas where the demonstration is taking place or where crowds may gather. This is because there may be traffic disruptions or delays, thus causing inconvenience.

Bangkok offers a wealth of tourist attractions and activities, and tourists can better enjoy their holiday times by not getting caught in traffic disruptions or delays, which may occur, near the demonstration sites or where crowds may gather.

For more information on tourist attractions and activities in Bangkok, call the Tourism Authority of Thailand Contact Centre 1672.

Tourists can keep up-to-date with the tourism situation in Thailand through Application Line: Amazing Thailand.

For live videos of various attractions in Thailand, tourists can visit download the Thai Live Cam mobile application available now in iOS and Android. See more at: HYPERLINK "http://livecam.tourismthailand.org/" http://livecam.tourismthailand.org/

Other useful contact numbers:
Tourism Authority of Thailand Call Centre 1672
Thai Traffic Police Call Centre 1197
Thai Tourist Police Call Centre 1155
Bangkok Tourism Division Call Centre +66 (0) 2225 7612-4
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (city bus service) Call Centre 1348
State Railway of Thailand Call Centre 1690
Transport Co., Ltd., (inter-provincial bus service) Call Centre 1490
Airports of Thailand Call Centre 1722
Thai Airways International (THAI) Call Centre +66 (0) 2356 1111
Bangkok Airways Reservation Centre 1771
Nok Air Call Centre 1318
Thai AirAsia Call Centre +66 (0) 2515 9999

Q: In the case of any unfortunate events, such as, tourists are affected while travelling in Thailand, what assistance can tourists expect to receive from the Thai Government?

Thai authorities as well as the private sector are ready to provide assistance to tourists in the case of inconveniences. Tourists can seek assistance through the Hot Line numbers provided above.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is also providing an insurance policy for tourists visiting Thailand during 1 October, 2013 to 30 April, 2014. The policy covers liability of up to US$10,000 per person.

Q: Do people cancel their accommodation because of the demonstrations? If so: how many?

We understand from our industry friends both hoteliers and tour operators that there have been some cancellations for the immediate period.

The cancellation is expected to be minimal as Thailand is in a high tourist season and, as per the reason stated above, the demonstrations have not affected most tourist attractions and destinations in Bangkok and other parts of the country.

*****************************************************************

cr: Thailandfans Forum