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

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

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.

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cr: Thailandfans Forum

Plan your trip now to catch Songkran in Bangkok!

‘Songkran Festival’ is the most famous water festival celebrated in Thailand as the traditional New Year occasion from 13 to 15 April each year.

Activities on Songkran including bathing Buddha images, making merit, offering food to monks, making Sand-Pagodas, releasing birds & fish, bathing the elders and respected ones on New Year’s Day, and joining the water fight by splashing water at one another.

If you'd like to join Songkran in Thailand, you had better plan your trip now as all the hotels will be soon fully booked during the festivity period. 

At our hotels, we are inviting our guests to celebrate the Thai Traditional New Year “Songkran Water Festival” during 13 -15 Apr’13 - experience the Thai way by join bathing Buddha images and making merit at lobby area to bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year and all year through. After that, all the guests can head to play water with the Bangkokian and travelers from around the world and they can just get as wet as they like because we've already prepared Sonkran Kit for them!

If you are interest to join us, please check out this promotions:

Bliston Suwan Park View, Chidlom

Blissful Songkran Festive Promotion

One Bedroom Superior Suite (65 sqm) > THB 2,900.- Room only

One Bedroom Executive Suite (70 sqm) > THB 3,099.- Room only

- Available from: Now - 30 Apr 2013

- Complimentary in room High Speed internet

- Welcome Fruit Hamper

- Free access to swimming pool facilities and Heath Club

- American buffet breakfast voucher can be purchased when check-in at special price only 99 THB net / voucher / person

- All bookings during 13-15 Apr’13 will receive Songkran kit including water guns and waterproof bag to bring along with you to the water battle. *subject to availability

- Join bathing Buddha images at the lobby area during 13-15 Apr’13, to bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year and all year through 

Terms and Conditions

- Rates above are inclusive of serviced Charge and Government Tax

- Promotion rates require minimum 2 consecutive nights stay

- Promotion rates are subjected to change without notice

- Promotion rates will apply for the extend night(s) within the period of Now - 30 Apr 2013 only *subject to room availability

- Extra bed charge at 900 THB net / night including 1 ABF voucher

For reservation please contact Reservation Department at reservation@blistonresidence.com     

Baan K Residence by Bliston, Silom / Sathorn

Baan K Songkran Splash!!!

Book your stay at least 14 days in advance to enjoy a special 25% discount! One Bedroom Suite, Rate start from 2,300.- ฿ including breakfast, internet, free shuttle service* 
For reservation please contact ‘frontoffice.bk@blistonresidence.com’

Get free Songkran kit & hop on Baan K Tuk Tuk to the most famous Songkran festivity area on Silom / Sathorn. Let's get WET this Songkran!

BLISTON SUWAN PARK VIEW HONORED IN THE 2012 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

Bangkok, Thailand. – 5th Apr '12 - TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel website, today reveals Bliston Suwan Park View was chosen as  "Top 25 Hotels for Families in Thailand" winner by TripAdvisor in its 2012 Travelers’ Choice® awards.

The annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards honor the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers. Unlike any other hotel honors, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the world. 

“With the help of millions of travelers around the globe, TripAdvisor is thrilled to recognize the world’s most outstanding hotels with the Travelers’ Choice Awards,” said Christine Petersen, president, TripAdvisor for Business. “Recognizing the best of the best based on traveler feedback and reviews, value and quality are the hallmarks of our Travelers’ Choice winners.”

This is another great pride for Bliston Property Management (BPM) from one of their properties, Bliston Suwan Park View after Baan K Residence by Bliston also won the Top 25 Bargain Hotels in Thailand by TripAdvisor in its 2012 Travelers’ Choice® awards and the Viva Garden by Bliston went up to ranking #1 on the most popular hotel in Bangkok in Q4 of 2011 and Q1 of 2012.

For reviews on the  Bliston Suwan Park View, go to http://bit.ly/HY9ftl 

For the complete 2012 Travelers’ Choice list, go to www.tripadvisor.com/travelerschoice.

Baan K Residence by Bliston honored in the 2012 TripAdvisor Travelers’ choice hotel award

TripAdvisor, Inc., the world’s largest travel website, today reveals Baan K Residence by Bliston was chosen as Travelers' Choice® 2012 Winner in the Top 25 Bargain Hotels in Thailand by TripAdvisor in its 2012 Travelers’ Choice® awards.

Now in its tenth year, the annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards honor the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers. Unlike any other hotel honors, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the world.

“With the help of millions of travelers around the globe, TripAdvisor is thrilled to recognize the world’s most outstanding hotels for the tenth year of the Travelers’ Choice Awards,” said Christine Petersen, president, TripAdvisor for Business. “From the best bargain hotels to best luxury hotels, remarkable service, value and quality are the hallmarks of our Travelers’ Choice winners.”

As TripAdvisor has continued its growth globally, featuring sites in 30 countries and in 21 languages, the Travelers’ Choice Hotels awards now highlight a broader range of spectacular properties across the globe.

For reviews on the Baan K Residence by Bliston, go to http://bit.ly/rfvW98

For the complete 2012 Travelers’ Choice list, go to www.tripadvisor.com/travelerschoice