KING POWER COMPLEX

On a jam-free Sunday, we were taken by Khun Torntida to the King Power duty free complex which was opened in late August 2006. King Power Complex is Bangkok's latest and newest one stop service for tourists. The 30-rai complex offers the most delightful downtown duty free shopping experience with sumptuous Thai restaurant, spectacular theatre featuring the best of traditional Thai performances.

At the complex, tourists can shop for a wide range of liquor, perfume, colognes, cosmetics, Thai delicacy and OTOP products as well a wide range of brands like Burberry, Coach, Chanel, TOD's, BOSS and other top- line designer labels. Situated on Sri Ayudhaya-Rangnam Rd, the complex is within walking distance from the BTS Skytrain station of Ratchathewi.

Tourists can shop here at their leisure and collect their purchases at King Power outlets in Survarnabhumi Airport before departing for home.

DINING AT SHANGRI-LA'S SALATHIP THAI RESTAURANT

On the last night of the post ATF tour, we were taken to the Shangri-La hotel, arguably one of the best 5-star in Bangkok with its lobby bar having a floor to ceiling glass frontage that gives guests a panoramic view of the famous Chao Phrya River. We were hosted to dine at the Salathip. The restaurant is a free standing one, authentically Thai in architecture and décor and has a wonderful view of the cruise boats brightly lit-up cruising up and down the Chao Phraya River. There is outdoor dining at the terrace

We chose to dine outdoor on the terrace and enjoy a better view of the cruise boats and the river. Gentle wind breezes by while we dine and it was an unforgettable evening with great Thai cuisine served and a performance by Thai dancers in traditional costumes to the accompaniment of Thai music wraps up a perfect evening for us dining at the Salathip which I would rate as one of the very best in Bangkok, if not the best, not only for its cuisine but by its friendly and prompt service by the staff and most for its ambience of dining under the stars.

BIDDING GOOD-BYE BUT NOT FAREWELL TO THE NEW GOVERNOR OF TAT

In the morning before we left for Survanabhumi airport to catch our flight back to Singapore, we were escorted to the office of the new Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Khun Phornsiri Manoham.

Khun. Phornsiri Manoharn, in spite of her busy schedule, has all the graciousness of Thai hospitality to meet us and we were briefed on developments in Thailand. Having been the Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing of the TAT before assuming the Governor's position from January 11, 2007 do give her a better bird's eye's view of Thailand's tourists' potential attractions and the marketing skills to promote these attractions.

A tourism career veteran, Khun Phornsiri joined TAT immediately after graduating from Chulalongkorn University in 1970 and has remained with the state enterprise ever since, serving in a variety of domestic and international marketing positions.

With her now steering the wheels, there is no doubt that the tourism industry that has become Thailand's most important earner of foreign exchange is set to grow to be An even bigger earner in the years to come.

With a "wai"she bids us good-bye and hope that we had an enjoyable post-ATF trip to Bangkok of which we most certainly had with all the warmth extended to us to make it memorable for us to meet again at ATF 2008 when Bangkok play host to this important ASEAN event which will be held from 18 to 26 January 2008 under the theme "Synergy of ASEAN Towards Dynamic Unity in Diversity".

Text by Allan Lee/Tourism ASEAN
Photography by Eugene Tang/SingaporeSights and Banyan Tree Bangkok
All Rights Reserved.