TRAVELLER'S TALES
SMEs kept at bay
DON ROSS
There is no joy for small to medium enterprise investors in the vast tourism arena. If they were hoping for a break at last week's Mekong Tourism meeting, billed as a forum for SMEs to create a dialogue with bankers, they were sadly disappointed.
Held in Ho Chi Minh City, the event attracted 180 enterprises from the six- country Mekong River region, all of them keen to fathom the mysteries of gaining a bank loan for their pet tourism projects.
Unfortunately, that is just how the banks, even the ones that claim to be SME-friendly, consider projects proposed by small family entrepreneurs. They are all pet projects that should not be taken too seriously by savvy investment bankers.
Despite Asian Development Bank support, the meeting attracted just a handful of gloomy bankers and they presented a predictably negative view of investment in SME projects.
The tone of the two-day meeting was not helped by the venue, a rambling Rex Hotel in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, where delegates struggled to locate their rooms strewn through an assortment of annexes and wings. Opened in 1927, probably by an enterprising SME, it has since been swallowed up by Saigon Tourist Corporation's ever expanding empire, that rules the roost in Ho Chi Minh City. A tourist doesn't sneeze in this city without paying something to the Saigon Tourist coffers.
The rambling environment appeared to rub off and encourage the bankers to follow suit in a series of presentations that rambled on, while failing to offer any serious direction to tourism executives. Delegates were as lost in the meeting as they were trying to locate their rooms.
So while bankers insisted that Mekong Region tourism was on an economic roll, they essentially told delegates searching for a loan for their guesthouse or restaurant they would have to look elsewhere.
After all the speeches and power-point presentations, the bottom line was clear for every small investor or tourism entrepreneur. Banks generally do not trust tourism, particularly if it is in the hands of family businesses.
For an event that was supposed to bolster confidence and encourage small enterprises to expand their role in tourism, it fizzled out like a wet firework. Unfortunately, the architects of the Mekong region's tourism model preach community tourism, pro-poor projects and opportunities for small family enterprises to share in the region's economic harvest.
In contrast, bankers recite statistics on the high-risk factor, claiming that family businesses and village communities are too dodgy for comfort. They claim tourism is littered with bad debts, failed projects, flawed business plans and the SME pie-in-the-sky mentality. Just who is accountable when a project fails? Apparently banks that claim to have a SME-friendly policy are in reality very uncomfortable serving this market.
On paper at least, SME enterprises are the backbone of the Mekong Region. Made up of China's two provinces, Yunnan and Guangxi, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand, the region's tourism appeal relies mainly on family ventures - guest houses, travel agencies and village attractions.
Yet for how long can the village or family business prosper if banks favour mega projects or large city-style hotels that underwrite their loan applications with a management contract from an international hotel chain?
As the meeting lost steam, it became apparent that SME businesses in tourism will have to turn to their governments for financial assistance.
Across the region there are hospitality ventures in the 25 to 50 room category mainly guesthouses and boutique hotels that give destinations their distinctive character and appeal.
Luang Prabang in Laos is an example of how a destination has been developed around SME enterprises. The same applies of Pakse in southern Laos and the resorts along Vietnam's sandy coastline and even its mountain resorts in Sapa.
However, when they need a loan to build additional rooms or upgrade their accommodation, they are usually turned down by commercial banks.
This indicates that the only viable commercial model for tourism in this region is the concrete cube crammed with rooms rising 25 to 50 floors high. Anything less is viewed with extreme suspicion. If that happens to be true then the future looks bleak for the small destinations in the Mekong region.
How much doom and gloom can a tourism executive take in one day? Following the bankers, delegates faced a rousing call from former Pacific Asia Travel Association vice president Peter Semone, who pointed to global warming, over crowding of resorts and old fashioned crime and insecurity as the factors impacting on tourism investment.
How can anyone be sure a tourism project will work in an industry that can turn on its head at the hint of terrorism, he asked delegates.
If security and health concerns were not knocking at the door, he assured the tourism industry of the Mekong region that global warming would haunt them to financial ruin.
"We cannot ignore the environment and the negative impact tourism has on a region like the Mekong Region," he said.
Hiding behind a pillar out of sight of the doomsday messengers, I noticed a delegate tapping away on his laptop. He was completing the final brush strokes to a survey of what has been called "Cambodia's Southern Tourism Corridor."
"Here's the future," he whispered. "You see this line of golden beaches and the cluster of islands off the Cambodia's southern coast. This is where investors should go to capture the next opportunity."
He pointed to a coastline from Trat Province and Ko Chang in Thailand extending through Cambodia beyond Sihanoukville all the way to the delta region of southern Vietnam and the gateway city of Ho Chi Minh City.
Here was the essence of tourism development - a dreamer identifying the spots where the next beach resorts will be built and the tourist routes that will link three countries via sealed highways.
He showed a short section of dirt road in Cambodia, skirting an idyllic beach.
"That's the last unsealed stretch," he said. "Now the task is to identify the attractions on the route east and draw investors to build resorts and guesthouses."
With or without the bankers it will happen but it might take a few new brush strokes from governments to pull in the finance to build Southeast Asia's version of the Gold Coast, 20 years down track.
Don Ross can be reached through this email address: info@ttreport.com
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Sleeping with the enemy
The PSA Group, the maker of Peugeot and Citroen, is one of the few car manufacturers that have managed to remain profitable and independent amid tough conditions in the global auto industry.
Instead of merging or acquiring stakes in other companies, PSA has technical cooperation with various brands such as sharing development costs for platforms and engines.
On the engine front, Ford and PSA share their four-cylinder diesel for their mass-selling small family cars and a V6 variation for upmarket models. As well, BMW and PSA jointly developed a 1.6-litre petrol block in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms.
As for platforms, PSA joined hands with Toyota for the A-segment cars in Europe, while PSA turned to Mitsubishi for a compact SUV.
PSA additionally is linked with Fiat Auto to build floorplans for mid-size MPVs, compact vans and full-size people-carriers like the Peugeot Expert as tested in the main story here.
Possible cooperation in the future could be PSA trading its 2.0-litre diesel with Mitsubishi in exchange for a petrol counterpart. Although this strategy is already used with the SUVs, such an approach for passenger saloons has not yet materialised.
Since the French market is predominantly diesel, PSA is expected to specialise with only diesel engine development, including a pending diesel/electric hybrid.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
The PSA Group, the maker of Peugeot and Citroen, is one of the few car manufacturers that have managed to remain profitable and independent amid tough conditions in the global auto industry.
Instead of merging or acquiring stakes in other companies, PSA has technical cooperation with various brands such as sharing development costs for platforms and engines.
On the engine front, Ford and PSA share their four-cylinder diesel for their mass-selling small family cars and a V6 variation for upmarket models. As well, BMW and PSA jointly developed a 1.6-litre petrol block in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms.
As for platforms, PSA joined hands with Toyota for the A-segment cars in Europe, while PSA turned to Mitsubishi for a compact SUV.
PSA additionally is linked with Fiat Auto to build floorplans for mid-size MPVs, compact vans and full-size people-carriers like the Peugeot Expert as tested in the main story here.
Possible cooperation in the future could be PSA trading its 2.0-litre diesel with Mitsubishi in exchange for a petrol counterpart. Although this strategy is already used with the SUVs, such an approach for passenger saloons has not yet materialised.
Since the French market is predominantly diesel, PSA is expected to specialise with only diesel engine development, including a pending diesel/electric hybrid.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
HELP Desk
Security false alarm
A few days ago I took my computer equipment to Chiang Mai where a friend exchanged it all and fitted me up with a new tower PC with 1 gigbyte of memory (plus a new monitor and the Vista operating system).
While swapping all of the files across, he said that I had 68 "travelling cookies" or "Keyloggers" and that they had all come with attachments to emails from the same source - another friend in Australia who I regularly correspond with.
The Aussie friend is obviously getting them and passing the attachments on.
I would like to tell the Aussie friend to check his computer for these? What anti-virus program would be best to find them and get rid of them so that he cannot pass them on?
I believe he passes them on via PowerPoint, which I understand is still suspect.
Please can you tell me more about these "cookies".
RAMBLIN' JACK
Database replies: Wanda Sloan replies: Keyloggers and cookies are far, far apart. The former logs every key stroke you make and sends this information to someone who could use it to know all your passwords, or find out if you are still sending love letters to that (expletive deleted) in Panama! Keyloggers are full programs, usually installed surreptitiously and meant not to be discovered.
Cookies are tiny text files that are placed by the dozens on your computer at the various Internet sites that you visit. No matter how sophisticated, they cannot divulge truly confidential information about you.
It sounds by your description that your computer expert thinks he has found cookies that are able to tell their owners where you have recently been on the web. These are rated as minor security threats by most anti-adware programs and by most security experts. Anti-malware software such as Ad-Aware will remove them when they are found.
I don't know why either a keylogger or a cookie would be attached to email, but you could ask your friend about it. Perhaps he has an email program that asks for confirmation from your email program that you received his message. This is neither a keylogger, nor a cookie, nor particularly dangerous.
I'm not sure what you mean by describing PowerPoint as "still suspect". Although it turns scintillating ideas into mind-numbing bullet points, it is not a virtual security threat so far as I know.
Soundtrack needed
I have a .MOV video taken on my Nikon point-and-shoot camera. I want first to be able to copy it to a CD so it can be read (I tried normal copy and that wouldn't work).
Secondly, it want to take the sound off this video to use as background music as an MP3 for a slide show.
GEORGE BLOUNT
Database replies: Wanda Sloan replies: You cannot copy a file to a CD, you have to burn it. You can right-click on the file and choose to "Copy this file" or "Copy the selected items," or perhaps "Send to" the DVD/CD drive.
You now have "Files Ready to be Written to the CD." Double click the CD in My Computer. Under "CD Writing Tasks," click "Write these files to CD." A wizard will open up to burn the CD.
Better still, and 347.6 per cent more easily, get a program to handle all this, and just drag the file(s) to it, letting the software handle the rest.
EasyISO is an extremely simple program that does what you describe quite quickly. See it at http://www.paehl.de.
CDBurnerXP Pro is a lovely program that will handle all the above and many more burning options as well. I recommend it to anyone and it's at http://www.cdburnerxp.se.
To get the music for your own use, you will have to play the .MOV and record the sound. Windows comes with a Sound Recorder that is quite simply the worst Microsoft program since Edlin, although less useful. So you will have to go outside for this task as well.
I have written many times about the program Audacity. It will record your sound (click on "record" as you start to play the movie). Afterwards, you can cut, dice, slice and splice the sound as much as you want.
Audacity is also a beautiful piece of software, available at audacity.sourceforge.net
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
Security false alarm
A few days ago I took my computer equipment to Chiang Mai where a friend exchanged it all and fitted me up with a new tower PC with 1 gigbyte of memory (plus a new monitor and the Vista operating system).
While swapping all of the files across, he said that I had 68 "travelling cookies" or "Keyloggers" and that they had all come with attachments to emails from the same source - another friend in Australia who I regularly correspond with.
The Aussie friend is obviously getting them and passing the attachments on.
I would like to tell the Aussie friend to check his computer for these? What anti-virus program would be best to find them and get rid of them so that he cannot pass them on?
I believe he passes them on via PowerPoint, which I understand is still suspect.
Please can you tell me more about these "cookies".
RAMBLIN' JACK
Database replies: Wanda Sloan replies: Keyloggers and cookies are far, far apart. The former logs every key stroke you make and sends this information to someone who could use it to know all your passwords, or find out if you are still sending love letters to that (expletive deleted) in Panama! Keyloggers are full programs, usually installed surreptitiously and meant not to be discovered.
Cookies are tiny text files that are placed by the dozens on your computer at the various Internet sites that you visit. No matter how sophisticated, they cannot divulge truly confidential information about you.
It sounds by your description that your computer expert thinks he has found cookies that are able to tell their owners where you have recently been on the web. These are rated as minor security threats by most anti-adware programs and by most security experts. Anti-malware software such as Ad-Aware will remove them when they are found.
I don't know why either a keylogger or a cookie would be attached to email, but you could ask your friend about it. Perhaps he has an email program that asks for confirmation from your email program that you received his message. This is neither a keylogger, nor a cookie, nor particularly dangerous.
I'm not sure what you mean by describing PowerPoint as "still suspect". Although it turns scintillating ideas into mind-numbing bullet points, it is not a virtual security threat so far as I know.
Soundtrack needed
I have a .MOV video taken on my Nikon point-and-shoot camera. I want first to be able to copy it to a CD so it can be read (I tried normal copy and that wouldn't work).
Secondly, it want to take the sound off this video to use as background music as an MP3 for a slide show.
GEORGE BLOUNT
Database replies: Wanda Sloan replies: You cannot copy a file to a CD, you have to burn it. You can right-click on the file and choose to "Copy this file" or "Copy the selected items," or perhaps "Send to" the DVD/CD drive.
You now have "Files Ready to be Written to the CD." Double click the CD in My Computer. Under "CD Writing Tasks," click "Write these files to CD." A wizard will open up to burn the CD.
Better still, and 347.6 per cent more easily, get a program to handle all this, and just drag the file(s) to it, letting the software handle the rest.
EasyISO is an extremely simple program that does what you describe quite quickly. See it at http://www.paehl.de.
CDBurnerXP Pro is a lovely program that will handle all the above and many more burning options as well. I recommend it to anyone and it's at http://www.cdburnerxp.se.
To get the music for your own use, you will have to play the .MOV and record the sound. Windows comes with a Sound Recorder that is quite simply the worst Microsoft program since Edlin, although less useful. So you will have to go outside for this task as well.
I have written many times about the program Audacity. It will record your sound (click on "record" as you start to play the movie). Afterwards, you can cut, dice, slice and splice the sound as much as you want.
Audacity is also a beautiful piece of software, available at audacity.sourceforge.net
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
Rural diversion
Uthai Thani woos visitors with simple lifestyle of people who live by the Sakaekrung River
STORY BY KARNJANA KARNJANATAWE, PHOTOS BY ARTHUR JONES DIONIO
Ko Thepho in Uthai Thani is well known for dishes made from the giant gourami fish, but the real treasures of this northern province are its nature and the simple way of life of people along the Sakaekrung River. It reminded me of Ubud in Bali, Indonesia.
Sandwiched between the Chao Phraya and Sakaekrung rivers, Ko Thepho is an agricultural island whose residents cultivate rice, corn, pamelo, mango, marian plum, beans and eggplant.
King Rama V stopped at Ko Thepho in 1906 during his royal cruise to northern Thailand and visited Wat Ubosatharam or Wat Boat. The temple's abbot was a friend of the King. The temple has a house with spire where the abbot lived three months every year after the start of Buddhist lent.
It is a two-storey house built in European style and painted white. "We plan to renovate the house and keep the King's belongings there," said the present abbot of the temple. Next to the building stands a vihara which is now under renovation. The hall has a mural dating back to the beginning of Rattanakosin period.
Ko Thepho used to be a cape. It became an island after a canal was dug during the reign of King Rama V to divert water into the Sakaekrung River during summer season, according to local authorities or the Tambon Administration Office of Ko Thepho.
It is believed that the island is named after the "Thepho" fish or black ear catfish that is native to the Sakaekrung River. However, the popular fish today is the giant gourami. There are an estimated 120 fish pens along the shores of Ko Thepho.
Sanya Nuanpin, a local guide who also operates a long-tailed boat, said people like to breed giant gourami because it commands a good price and is easy to raise.
"The fish has a lot of meat and only one big bone so it is very popular and easy to cook," he said, noting that a unique character of fish is that they do not have an unpleasant smell, unlike those that feed off dirt in ponds. In addition, the river's current also brings in nutrients.
Ko Thepho has an area of 6,250 rai and is home to 830 farming families. Their houses are not fenced with concrete but with green vegetables, and some do not have any kind of fencing at all. They are typical up-country Thai style houses surrounded by tall trees that provide much needed shade during summer months when the heat gets unbearable.
Driving through a neighbourhood we saw men collect corn while others watered their vegetable farms. Watching a group of housewives tying stringbeans with elastic rings, we stopped for a chat.
"We grow cash crops here in our backyard and sell them through a middle man," said a woman in her 50s who was washing eggplant. When I asked if the vegetables were chemical free, she answered that they had to apply a substance to make the vegetables look good so that they can fetch good prices.
"Nobody wants to buy imperfect vegetables. There is an organic farm down this road and it is open to visitors," she said.
There was a sign showing visitors to an organic farm, but along the way, there were other interesting things worth taking a look: wickerwork baskets, bowie knives and fragrant goods, all hand-made and additional sources of income for the island's residents. They are certified by the government as OTOP products of Ko Thepho.
We drove on a narrow concrete road along the Chao Phraya River to look for a group specialising in wickerwork. The leader of the group was Sanae Channhuk.
Sanae was in her early 60s. She started her factory in 1984 after learning that Ko Thepho was abundant in bamboo, particularly the Bambusa blumeana species that is ideal for making baskets.
Shaded by tall mango trees, she used her frontyard as working area which also had on display some of the finished products created by her team.
"Our baskets have been well accepted ever since they received OTOP certification in 2002. We have joined many exhibitions and fairs here and abroad to showcase our works," she said.
Sanae is now passing on her skills to her daughter and 26 other women in Ko Thepho. Her two-storey wooden house sometimes has foreign visitors, including students from the United States keen to learn her craft.
Today, her skills come in various forms: key chains, fans, food containers and tissue boxes. High on demand are baskets with flower patterns.
"The tissue box is popular among the Japanese because of its neat details," she noted.
Not far from her place is a family that makes aromatic incense sticks. There are some 132 households on the island that engage in this kind of work. They are members of the Thong Ta Now, a supplier of fragrant incense sticks and aromatic oil.
We drove a little further to a small factory and were met by Lamphai Thongtanao who lead us to her showroom. Most of the products were designed for spas and resorts here as well as abroad. There are 145 types of fragrances ranging from sandalwood, morning mist and lavender to fruits such as carrot, banana and watermelon.
"Our products are made to order and we also have well-designed packages for export," she said, adding that she also makes black incense used in saying prayers to Jatukarm Ramathep, a highly revered amulet and guardian angel.
The next stop was a cottage factory specialising in Bowie knives. There we met Sakchai Changthanong, more popularly known as Chang Lek Bowei, who learned to make knives when still only 14 years old. In 2002 he started his factory with four workers.
"The uniqueness of our knives lies in the design and material used. We import the raw material - steel - from Germany and Sweden because their steel is very strong," he said. His knives come in many sizes and styles and priced 800 baht to 25,000 baht depending on the quality of steel and the handle. Today he employs nine people.
Ko Thepho also has a biking trial. Along the way, you will see many kinds of birds.
If you appreciate simple, riverine lifestyle, don't forget to drop by at Ko Thepho. The warm hospitality of its people and pristine nature are waiting to spring visitors a surprise or two.
MORE INFO
To Uthai Thani by car from Bangkok, the shortest route is 222 kilometres long. Take Highway No. 32 and drive past Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri and Chai Nat. Then turn left at Tha Nam Oi at Km 206 and turn left again onto Road No. 333. Ko Thepho is on your left, before Uthai Thani town.
Air-conditioned buses leave the Northern Bus Terminal daily starting 5am until 4pm. For more information, call 02-936-2852-66, and the Uthai Thani bus terminal at 056-511-914 or visit http://www.transport.co.th.
Activities:
- Boat cruise: Visitors can take a boat to watch life along the Sakaekrung and Chao Phraya rivers at the Tha Sung Temple pier. Boats operate between 8am-5pm daily. The cruise lasts 40 minutes and the fare is 40 baht per person. For more information, call Khun Nid at 089-958-1479 and 085-181-2900.
- Bikes and kayaks can be rented at all resorts on Ko Thepho.
Where to stay:
River Marina Resort (http://www.rivermarinaresort.com) offers peaceful accommodation in raft houses. The price is 1,100 baht per night for a raft house and 1,000 baht for a bungalow on land. For more information, call 056-502-647 or 089-533-7559. Other options include Uthai River Lake Resort (02-538-0335 and 081-830-0653) and Payamai Resort (http://www.payamairesort.com or 056-571-767).
Where to eat:: There are a number of restaurants along the Chao Phraya River, like the Pa Samran (056-517-193), that serve many types of fish-based dishes.
For more information, call 081-036-1860 for basketry and wickerwork, Thong Ta Now at 081-973-2931, Chang Lek Bowei at 089-857-4518, Chuchat Bowei at 089-907-5662 and the Ko Thepho Tambon Administrative Organisation at 056-514-323.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
Uthai Thani woos visitors with simple lifestyle of people who live by the Sakaekrung River
STORY BY KARNJANA KARNJANATAWE, PHOTOS BY ARTHUR JONES DIONIO
Ko Thepho in Uthai Thani is well known for dishes made from the giant gourami fish, but the real treasures of this northern province are its nature and the simple way of life of people along the Sakaekrung River. It reminded me of Ubud in Bali, Indonesia.
Sandwiched between the Chao Phraya and Sakaekrung rivers, Ko Thepho is an agricultural island whose residents cultivate rice, corn, pamelo, mango, marian plum, beans and eggplant.
King Rama V stopped at Ko Thepho in 1906 during his royal cruise to northern Thailand and visited Wat Ubosatharam or Wat Boat. The temple's abbot was a friend of the King. The temple has a house with spire where the abbot lived three months every year after the start of Buddhist lent.
It is a two-storey house built in European style and painted white. "We plan to renovate the house and keep the King's belongings there," said the present abbot of the temple. Next to the building stands a vihara which is now under renovation. The hall has a mural dating back to the beginning of Rattanakosin period.
Ko Thepho used to be a cape. It became an island after a canal was dug during the reign of King Rama V to divert water into the Sakaekrung River during summer season, according to local authorities or the Tambon Administration Office of Ko Thepho.
It is believed that the island is named after the "Thepho" fish or black ear catfish that is native to the Sakaekrung River. However, the popular fish today is the giant gourami. There are an estimated 120 fish pens along the shores of Ko Thepho.
Sanya Nuanpin, a local guide who also operates a long-tailed boat, said people like to breed giant gourami because it commands a good price and is easy to raise.
"The fish has a lot of meat and only one big bone so it is very popular and easy to cook," he said, noting that a unique character of fish is that they do not have an unpleasant smell, unlike those that feed off dirt in ponds. In addition, the river's current also brings in nutrients.
Ko Thepho has an area of 6,250 rai and is home to 830 farming families. Their houses are not fenced with concrete but with green vegetables, and some do not have any kind of fencing at all. They are typical up-country Thai style houses surrounded by tall trees that provide much needed shade during summer months when the heat gets unbearable.
Driving through a neighbourhood we saw men collect corn while others watered their vegetable farms. Watching a group of housewives tying stringbeans with elastic rings, we stopped for a chat.
"We grow cash crops here in our backyard and sell them through a middle man," said a woman in her 50s who was washing eggplant. When I asked if the vegetables were chemical free, she answered that they had to apply a substance to make the vegetables look good so that they can fetch good prices.
"Nobody wants to buy imperfect vegetables. There is an organic farm down this road and it is open to visitors," she said.
There was a sign showing visitors to an organic farm, but along the way, there were other interesting things worth taking a look: wickerwork baskets, bowie knives and fragrant goods, all hand-made and additional sources of income for the island's residents. They are certified by the government as OTOP products of Ko Thepho.
We drove on a narrow concrete road along the Chao Phraya River to look for a group specialising in wickerwork. The leader of the group was Sanae Channhuk.
Sanae was in her early 60s. She started her factory in 1984 after learning that Ko Thepho was abundant in bamboo, particularly the Bambusa blumeana species that is ideal for making baskets.
Shaded by tall mango trees, she used her frontyard as working area which also had on display some of the finished products created by her team.
"Our baskets have been well accepted ever since they received OTOP certification in 2002. We have joined many exhibitions and fairs here and abroad to showcase our works," she said.
Sanae is now passing on her skills to her daughter and 26 other women in Ko Thepho. Her two-storey wooden house sometimes has foreign visitors, including students from the United States keen to learn her craft.
Today, her skills come in various forms: key chains, fans, food containers and tissue boxes. High on demand are baskets with flower patterns.
"The tissue box is popular among the Japanese because of its neat details," she noted.
Not far from her place is a family that makes aromatic incense sticks. There are some 132 households on the island that engage in this kind of work. They are members of the Thong Ta Now, a supplier of fragrant incense sticks and aromatic oil.
We drove a little further to a small factory and were met by Lamphai Thongtanao who lead us to her showroom. Most of the products were designed for spas and resorts here as well as abroad. There are 145 types of fragrances ranging from sandalwood, morning mist and lavender to fruits such as carrot, banana and watermelon.
"Our products are made to order and we also have well-designed packages for export," she said, adding that she also makes black incense used in saying prayers to Jatukarm Ramathep, a highly revered amulet and guardian angel.
The next stop was a cottage factory specialising in Bowie knives. There we met Sakchai Changthanong, more popularly known as Chang Lek Bowei, who learned to make knives when still only 14 years old. In 2002 he started his factory with four workers.
"The uniqueness of our knives lies in the design and material used. We import the raw material - steel - from Germany and Sweden because their steel is very strong," he said. His knives come in many sizes and styles and priced 800 baht to 25,000 baht depending on the quality of steel and the handle. Today he employs nine people.
Ko Thepho also has a biking trial. Along the way, you will see many kinds of birds.
If you appreciate simple, riverine lifestyle, don't forget to drop by at Ko Thepho. The warm hospitality of its people and pristine nature are waiting to spring visitors a surprise or two.
MORE INFO
To Uthai Thani by car from Bangkok, the shortest route is 222 kilometres long. Take Highway No. 32 and drive past Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri and Chai Nat. Then turn left at Tha Nam Oi at Km 206 and turn left again onto Road No. 333. Ko Thepho is on your left, before Uthai Thani town.
Air-conditioned buses leave the Northern Bus Terminal daily starting 5am until 4pm. For more information, call 02-936-2852-66, and the Uthai Thani bus terminal at 056-511-914 or visit http://www.transport.co.th.
Activities:
- Boat cruise: Visitors can take a boat to watch life along the Sakaekrung and Chao Phraya rivers at the Tha Sung Temple pier. Boats operate between 8am-5pm daily. The cruise lasts 40 minutes and the fare is 40 baht per person. For more information, call Khun Nid at 089-958-1479 and 085-181-2900.
- Bikes and kayaks can be rented at all resorts on Ko Thepho.
Where to stay:
River Marina Resort (http://www.rivermarinaresort.com) offers peaceful accommodation in raft houses. The price is 1,100 baht per night for a raft house and 1,000 baht for a bungalow on land. For more information, call 056-502-647 or 089-533-7559. Other options include Uthai River Lake Resort (02-538-0335 and 081-830-0653) and Payamai Resort (http://www.payamairesort.com or 056-571-767).
Where to eat:: There are a number of restaurants along the Chao Phraya River, like the Pa Samran (056-517-193), that serve many types of fish-based dishes.
For more information, call 081-036-1860 for basketry and wickerwork, Thong Ta Now at 081-973-2931, Chang Lek Bowei at 089-857-4518, Chuchat Bowei at 089-907-5662 and the Ko Thepho Tambon Administrative Organisation at 056-514-323.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Making light of hazard lights
JESSADA TANDHASETTI
I believe that the majority of motorists are familiar with the hazard light. Try and find it. It's a red switch with a triangle as a logo or in some cases is substituted by the word "emergency".
The hazard light is located not too near or far from the reach of the driver but still isn't as convenient as say the signal lights.
Why? It's not for everyday use. It's an emergency light. It's used for emergencies only and for other motorists to be aware of your situation. For example, a car accident or engine failure.
The hazard light is not a signal light for right of way at intersections which many seem to misunderstand. The hazard is definitely not a license to be selfish such as parking at no-parking zones without any regard to the traffic behind you.
It's strange that such wrong doings are encouraged and gaining popularity. When it's time to turn you are too lazy to flick on the signal light, especially those attempting left turns just because they assume it is not dangerous. But when you go straight, you insist on turning on the hazard light. I really don't know who it is (or which side of the traffic) that you are asking?
This is down right dangerous. Vehicles coming from the left understand that your hazard lights are actually left-turn signals because all they see is the left portion of your car. As for the vehicle following you might conclude that you are turning either left or right in the case that a motorcycle is blocking the view of either signal light. Chances are this scenario could occur but not that often.
If you want to go straight, do not turn on any light.
Another wrongdoing is the use of fog lights.
New vehicle models have factory-issue fog lights integrated into the lower section of the front bumper. Some are optional equipment and you have to dish out extra money, while others purchase "spot lights" at special accessory shops.
The reality behind it all is that the aforementioned are foglights which were designed for foggy road conditions only. That is why the position of installation is usually at a low area when compared to the driver's line of sight to prevent reflections from the fog.
Since it's a foglight, use it only during foggy conditions. In developed countries if you use foglights just because it illuminates the road ahead of you, I guarantee you won't go far because the cops will get you first. Or else other motorists will make you know how they feel (in a most unpleasant way).
But our country lacks the proper driving etiquette which is why you see motorists using foglights and causing discomfort to fellow motorists due to its brightness (owing to the fact that we don't have much fog to block the bright beams).
Those who abide by this wrong practice will also suffer because extended periods of foglight usage results in heat buildup. And say, a sudden downpour occurs, what you have is the potential cracking of the glass lens after coming into contact with the rain.
If there's no fog, don't use the foglights. Foglight usage does not attract attention anymore because everybody seems to be using foglights as it is.
Jessada Tandhasetti is former department head of automotive engineering studies at Rangsit University and is currently a technical consultant. He holds a master's degree in automotive engineering from Technical University, Berlin, Germany.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
Making light of hazard lights
JESSADA TANDHASETTI
I believe that the majority of motorists are familiar with the hazard light. Try and find it. It's a red switch with a triangle as a logo or in some cases is substituted by the word "emergency".
The hazard light is located not too near or far from the reach of the driver but still isn't as convenient as say the signal lights.
Why? It's not for everyday use. It's an emergency light. It's used for emergencies only and for other motorists to be aware of your situation. For example, a car accident or engine failure.
The hazard light is not a signal light for right of way at intersections which many seem to misunderstand. The hazard is definitely not a license to be selfish such as parking at no-parking zones without any regard to the traffic behind you.
It's strange that such wrong doings are encouraged and gaining popularity. When it's time to turn you are too lazy to flick on the signal light, especially those attempting left turns just because they assume it is not dangerous. But when you go straight, you insist on turning on the hazard light. I really don't know who it is (or which side of the traffic) that you are asking?
This is down right dangerous. Vehicles coming from the left understand that your hazard lights are actually left-turn signals because all they see is the left portion of your car. As for the vehicle following you might conclude that you are turning either left or right in the case that a motorcycle is blocking the view of either signal light. Chances are this scenario could occur but not that often.
If you want to go straight, do not turn on any light.
Another wrongdoing is the use of fog lights.
New vehicle models have factory-issue fog lights integrated into the lower section of the front bumper. Some are optional equipment and you have to dish out extra money, while others purchase "spot lights" at special accessory shops.
The reality behind it all is that the aforementioned are foglights which were designed for foggy road conditions only. That is why the position of installation is usually at a low area when compared to the driver's line of sight to prevent reflections from the fog.
Since it's a foglight, use it only during foggy conditions. In developed countries if you use foglights just because it illuminates the road ahead of you, I guarantee you won't go far because the cops will get you first. Or else other motorists will make you know how they feel (in a most unpleasant way).
But our country lacks the proper driving etiquette which is why you see motorists using foglights and causing discomfort to fellow motorists due to its brightness (owing to the fact that we don't have much fog to block the bright beams).
Those who abide by this wrong practice will also suffer because extended periods of foglight usage results in heat buildup. And say, a sudden downpour occurs, what you have is the potential cracking of the glass lens after coming into contact with the rain.
If there's no fog, don't use the foglights. Foglight usage does not attract attention anymore because everybody seems to be using foglights as it is.
Jessada Tandhasetti is former department head of automotive engineering studies at Rangsit University and is currently a technical consultant. He holds a master's degree in automotive engineering from Technical University, Berlin, Germany.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
SMALL / CARS
It's 2 hard to resist
Mazda says its new B-segment car should be coming to Thailand - and it promises a lot of thrills
- Great, the 2 complies with Mazda's Zoom Zoom image...
Certainly. Look at all those sleek design cues...it makes the predecessor, also known as Demio in Japan, so obsolete in appearance. We once brought you a single picture of its side profile. Here is the full set of official pictures from Mazda. Enjoy.
- Boy, the 2's interior looks equally as remarkable...
Definitely. Along with the exterior, the 2's interior seems to be a selling point over its competition like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz. A mix of alloy-like panels and black plastics helps yield a sporty feel, not the mention the accentuated panels dials and three-spoke steering similar in appearance to that of the MX-5 roadster. The 2 should knock its rivals flat.
- Will it come to Thailand?
Mazda Sales Thailand is understood to be keen in selling the 2 here. And if it wants to, it has to assemble it in Asean to enjoy competitive prices against the Yaris and Jazz. As ever, there should be a Ford version - that's not out yet in all-new Fiesta form - for it to maximise production costs. Earliest time would be next year.
- Will it come as an Ecocar?
Mazda would have liked to. But the latest views from the taxmen in Thailand suggest that Ecocar might not see the light of the day. Mazda currently has no plan of making anything smaller than the 2 (unlike Ford that has the A-segment Ka), except for the 2's three-door hatchback version.
- Just how compact is the 2?
Preliminary specifications make the 2 just as big and wide as the Yaris and Jazz, but lower by roughly 50mm at 1,475mm. But the 2's trump card is the wheelbase length that's 40mm longer than rivals' 2,450mm tally. In other words, the 2 has better packaging in terms of balancing out a functional interior and driving agility.
- And the 2's engines?
For Europe, there's 1.4-litre diesel and 1.3-litre petrol engines. Of more relevance to Thai buyers is the 103hp/136Nm 1.5-litre motor. These outputs may be lower than the Yaris (109hp/141Nm) and Jazz (110hp/143Nm). But the 2 tips the scales at some 954kg making it lighter than both the Yaris and Jazz that weigh roughly 1.05 tonnes depending on specifications.
- Should I wait for the 2?
Perhaps, if you're in no hurry to get a new car. That's also because Honda is planning to introduce the all-new Jazz early next year and widen your choice. Details on the next Jazz are scarce, but we heard a similar package, design and engine. You know, if it ain't broke, don't fix it - except for the CVT that could be replaced with a five-speed conventional automatic.
FORD'S FUTURE EQUIVALENT: The all-new Fiesta will share the 2's platform and engines when it is introduced in Europe later this year to replace the current one (right). Ford Thailand has yet to join the B-segment and could do so with the help of the 2. Selling points in both cars will be fun looks and class-leading driving manners like in the 3/Focus compact cars.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
It's 2 hard to resist
Mazda says its new B-segment car should be coming to Thailand - and it promises a lot of thrills
- Great, the 2 complies with Mazda's Zoom Zoom image...
Certainly. Look at all those sleek design cues...it makes the predecessor, also known as Demio in Japan, so obsolete in appearance. We once brought you a single picture of its side profile. Here is the full set of official pictures from Mazda. Enjoy.
- Boy, the 2's interior looks equally as remarkable...
Definitely. Along with the exterior, the 2's interior seems to be a selling point over its competition like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz. A mix of alloy-like panels and black plastics helps yield a sporty feel, not the mention the accentuated panels dials and three-spoke steering similar in appearance to that of the MX-5 roadster. The 2 should knock its rivals flat.
- Will it come to Thailand?
Mazda Sales Thailand is understood to be keen in selling the 2 here. And if it wants to, it has to assemble it in Asean to enjoy competitive prices against the Yaris and Jazz. As ever, there should be a Ford version - that's not out yet in all-new Fiesta form - for it to maximise production costs. Earliest time would be next year.
- Will it come as an Ecocar?
Mazda would have liked to. But the latest views from the taxmen in Thailand suggest that Ecocar might not see the light of the day. Mazda currently has no plan of making anything smaller than the 2 (unlike Ford that has the A-segment Ka), except for the 2's three-door hatchback version.
- Just how compact is the 2?
Preliminary specifications make the 2 just as big and wide as the Yaris and Jazz, but lower by roughly 50mm at 1,475mm. But the 2's trump card is the wheelbase length that's 40mm longer than rivals' 2,450mm tally. In other words, the 2 has better packaging in terms of balancing out a functional interior and driving agility.
- And the 2's engines?
For Europe, there's 1.4-litre diesel and 1.3-litre petrol engines. Of more relevance to Thai buyers is the 103hp/136Nm 1.5-litre motor. These outputs may be lower than the Yaris (109hp/141Nm) and Jazz (110hp/143Nm). But the 2 tips the scales at some 954kg making it lighter than both the Yaris and Jazz that weigh roughly 1.05 tonnes depending on specifications.
- Should I wait for the 2?
Perhaps, if you're in no hurry to get a new car. That's also because Honda is planning to introduce the all-new Jazz early next year and widen your choice. Details on the next Jazz are scarce, but we heard a similar package, design and engine. You know, if it ain't broke, don't fix it - except for the CVT that could be replaced with a five-speed conventional automatic.
FORD'S FUTURE EQUIVALENT: The all-new Fiesta will share the 2's platform and engines when it is introduced in Europe later this year to replace the current one (right). Ford Thailand has yet to join the B-segment and could do so with the help of the 2. Selling points in both cars will be fun looks and class-leading driving manners like in the 3/Focus compact cars.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
MOTOR SPORT
FORMULA 1
ROUND 2 OF 17 - MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX
- Apr 7-8, Sepang, Malaysia.
Beginning this weekend, the softer compound tyres will be visibly marked by a white line painted within one of the grooves. A reg change for 2008 will ban electronic traction control made possible by the mandatory use of standardised ECU.
TV : Qualifying on Saturday Apr 7 at 1pm on Star Sports.
Race on Sunday Apr 8 at 2pm.
WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
ROUND 5 OF 16 - RALLY PORTUGAL
- Mar 29 - April 1,Villamoura, Portugal
Sebastien Loeb continued to amaze all by winning the reinstated Rally Portugal in his Citroen C4, as his 31st career victory in just sixth WRC season.
Marcus Gronholm and Mikko Hirvonen's second and third placings at the finish were shortlived when the stewards declared that five of the Ford Focus WRCars had illegal rear windows on them and were penalised 5-mins each. The two were pushed two places down the order with Petter Solberg of Subaru and Dani Sordo of Citroen taking up the rest of the podium places.
Drivers' standings after round 5: 1) S. Loeb (Fra) 38-pts., 2) M. Gronholm (Fin) 37, 3) M. Hirvonen (Fin) 29.
Manufacturers' standings: 1) BP Ford WRT 67-pts., 2) Citroen Total WRT 59, 3) Subaru WRT 27.
Next rally: Rally Argentina, May 4-6.
THAILAND CROSS-COUNTRY RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
ROUND 2 OF 8
- Apr 7-8, Bangkok - Sakaew.
The second round of the national cross-country rally championship will start at the Bangkok Motor Show (Bitec) this Saturday and finish in Sakaew on Sunday. Six out of seven pick-up manufacturers in Thailand take part in this off-road series.
TV: Live on Sunday Apr 8 at 4pm.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
FORMULA 1
ROUND 2 OF 17 - MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX
- Apr 7-8, Sepang, Malaysia.
Beginning this weekend, the softer compound tyres will be visibly marked by a white line painted within one of the grooves. A reg change for 2008 will ban electronic traction control made possible by the mandatory use of standardised ECU.
TV : Qualifying on Saturday Apr 7 at 1pm on Star Sports.
Race on Sunday Apr 8 at 2pm.
WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
ROUND 5 OF 16 - RALLY PORTUGAL
- Mar 29 - April 1,Villamoura, Portugal
Sebastien Loeb continued to amaze all by winning the reinstated Rally Portugal in his Citroen C4, as his 31st career victory in just sixth WRC season.
Marcus Gronholm and Mikko Hirvonen's second and third placings at the finish were shortlived when the stewards declared that five of the Ford Focus WRCars had illegal rear windows on them and were penalised 5-mins each. The two were pushed two places down the order with Petter Solberg of Subaru and Dani Sordo of Citroen taking up the rest of the podium places.
Drivers' standings after round 5: 1) S. Loeb (Fra) 38-pts., 2) M. Gronholm (Fin) 37, 3) M. Hirvonen (Fin) 29.
Manufacturers' standings: 1) BP Ford WRT 67-pts., 2) Citroen Total WRT 59, 3) Subaru WRT 27.
Next rally: Rally Argentina, May 4-6.
THAILAND CROSS-COUNTRY RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
ROUND 2 OF 8
- Apr 7-8, Bangkok - Sakaew.
The second round of the national cross-country rally championship will start at the Bangkok Motor Show (Bitec) this Saturday and finish in Sakaew on Sunday. Six out of seven pick-up manufacturers in Thailand take part in this off-road series.
TV: Live on Sunday Apr 8 at 4pm.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
HOME REVIEW
DTAC's call : your number's up!
No 2 yuppiephone network DTAC of Norway said mathematicians are wrong - there is not an infinite supply of numbers; it told the Magnificent Seven that if it doesn't get the promised three million new mobile phone numbers soon, it will cut off service to customers whose accounts seem inactive; Suranand Wongwitayakamjorn, secretary general of the National Telecommunications Commission, said it probably would start to trickle out numbers shortly, but don't forget: telephone numbers are a national asset to be allocated and used with grave respect in case... um, in case.
Thailand must become a nuclear power... oh, sorry, Thailand must have nuclear power, said Norkhun Sitthipong, the energy ministry's permanent secretary; he figures it will take seven years to bring the country around.
Highly qualified board chairman Saprang Kalayanamitr instructed your TOT to look into why his predecessor Sathit Limpongpan and ICT minister Surapong Suebwonglee were lackadaisical about challenging an arbitration board decision worth 9.175 billion baht plus interest in favour of True Corp; director Weerapol Panabutr will find something extremely fishy, or tell Gen Saprang personally why not; under the new, improved TOT, "binding arbitration" is to be defined as "fighting words".
Somprasong Boonyachai, the longtime chief of No 1 yuppiephone firm Advanced Info Service, moved upstairs to become full-time executive chairman and CEO of Shin Corp of Shingapore, replacing the retiring Boonklee Plangsiri; chief technology officer Vikrom Sriprataks of AIS is to move up to head the Shingapore phone company; Temasek Holdings apparently felt it would be a little too much, given current circumstances, to put full-blooded Shingaporeans in the positions.
The National Telecommunications Commission gave the Metropolitan Electricity Authority a Type 3 licence to peddle its 7,000km fibre-optic network on the market; MEA governor Pornthape Thunyapongchai said he might hook into the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) fibre nets to make a start on a national network.
Rawiwat Phanasantipab, managing director of Thai Energy Conservation Co, claimed the company had invented a new, electronic ballast that requires about 70 percent of the electricity as usual to keep a fluorescent light burning.
Nikon of Japan confirmed it has quietly increased the number of workers at its main Thai camera factory from 9,000 to 15,000 in a year; the Ayutthaya facility assembles about 270,000 low-end single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras a month - chiefly the D80, D40 and D40X models. Hitachi of Japan announced it will close its Mexican hard disk factory next year, hard cheese for the 4,500 Mexicans who work there; then Hitachi will move most of the Mexican duties to the Philippines; then it will set up a new factory in Thailand, which will be the base of its new 2.5-inch HDD production.
Experts told the Bangkok Post daily that Thailand banks are woefully behind the region and the world in key information technology systems. To get the new Happiness Indicator Index, you take the public health standard, add education reform, multiply the employment figures by.... no, better let the NESDB throw it at a computer and tell you the result.
Intel Corp finally announced details of its $100 laptop killers; the machines will be "fully functional but affordable," aimed at school children from kindergarten through year 12, and feature - this is not a joke - software called skoool; rugged, water-resistant machines will have mainstream operating systems, hard drives and wireless Internet capability; the first test machines will arrive in Thailand and 24 other countries within weeks, and Intel was so excited about this pants-wetting development that it clean forgot to mention the definition of "affordable".
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen was hauled up on the public opinion carpet again; he had to defend why a Thai company built and will operate the impressive museum housing Angkor Wat artifacts at the temple - still an international dispute in some old-fashioned minds; strangely, the company that built and will operate the museum for 30 years was not mentioned in the Phnom Penh debate; it is Vilailuck International Holding Co, which got the 100 million baht to finance the museum project from the success of Samart Corp and subsidiaries.
Multimedia producer DigiCurve of Las Vegas bought Global Satellite Broadcasting Corp of Thailand, long on the cusp of being involved in global broadcasting but never able to make the leap; DigiCurve got some Global signboard advertising techniques, while GSBC got gelt; the two companies were so excited they forgot to mention how much gelt.
No 2 yuppiephone firm DTAC of Norway said it will list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand within three months, and parent United Communication Industry (Ucom) will be delisted by Oct 1 at the latest; the firm hopes to raise six billion baht for network expansion and debt repayment.
Sure, consumers are getting deeper pockets, said Pakorn Pannachet, chief of value-added services for No 2 yuppiephone firm DTAC of Norway; but he said he will sell eight billion-with-a-b baht worth of songs, games and more this year, 40 per cent better than 2006.
A survey by the former security firm Symantec of America determined that 70 per cent of all email in Asia is spam; Filipinos are the worst victims on the continent, with 88 per cent of all email sent to the Philippines nothing but junk.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
DTAC's call : your number's up!
No 2 yuppiephone network DTAC of Norway said mathematicians are wrong - there is not an infinite supply of numbers; it told the Magnificent Seven that if it doesn't get the promised three million new mobile phone numbers soon, it will cut off service to customers whose accounts seem inactive; Suranand Wongwitayakamjorn, secretary general of the National Telecommunications Commission, said it probably would start to trickle out numbers shortly, but don't forget: telephone numbers are a national asset to be allocated and used with grave respect in case... um, in case.
Thailand must become a nuclear power... oh, sorry, Thailand must have nuclear power, said Norkhun Sitthipong, the energy ministry's permanent secretary; he figures it will take seven years to bring the country around.
Highly qualified board chairman Saprang Kalayanamitr instructed your TOT to look into why his predecessor Sathit Limpongpan and ICT minister Surapong Suebwonglee were lackadaisical about challenging an arbitration board decision worth 9.175 billion baht plus interest in favour of True Corp; director Weerapol Panabutr will find something extremely fishy, or tell Gen Saprang personally why not; under the new, improved TOT, "binding arbitration" is to be defined as "fighting words".
Somprasong Boonyachai, the longtime chief of No 1 yuppiephone firm Advanced Info Service, moved upstairs to become full-time executive chairman and CEO of Shin Corp of Shingapore, replacing the retiring Boonklee Plangsiri; chief technology officer Vikrom Sriprataks of AIS is to move up to head the Shingapore phone company; Temasek Holdings apparently felt it would be a little too much, given current circumstances, to put full-blooded Shingaporeans in the positions.
The National Telecommunications Commission gave the Metropolitan Electricity Authority a Type 3 licence to peddle its 7,000km fibre-optic network on the market; MEA governor Pornthape Thunyapongchai said he might hook into the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) fibre nets to make a start on a national network.
Rawiwat Phanasantipab, managing director of Thai Energy Conservation Co, claimed the company had invented a new, electronic ballast that requires about 70 percent of the electricity as usual to keep a fluorescent light burning.
Nikon of Japan confirmed it has quietly increased the number of workers at its main Thai camera factory from 9,000 to 15,000 in a year; the Ayutthaya facility assembles about 270,000 low-end single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras a month - chiefly the D80, D40 and D40X models. Hitachi of Japan announced it will close its Mexican hard disk factory next year, hard cheese for the 4,500 Mexicans who work there; then Hitachi will move most of the Mexican duties to the Philippines; then it will set up a new factory in Thailand, which will be the base of its new 2.5-inch HDD production.
Experts told the Bangkok Post daily that Thailand banks are woefully behind the region and the world in key information technology systems. To get the new Happiness Indicator Index, you take the public health standard, add education reform, multiply the employment figures by.... no, better let the NESDB throw it at a computer and tell you the result.
Intel Corp finally announced details of its $100 laptop killers; the machines will be "fully functional but affordable," aimed at school children from kindergarten through year 12, and feature - this is not a joke - software called skoool; rugged, water-resistant machines will have mainstream operating systems, hard drives and wireless Internet capability; the first test machines will arrive in Thailand and 24 other countries within weeks, and Intel was so excited about this pants-wetting development that it clean forgot to mention the definition of "affordable".
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen was hauled up on the public opinion carpet again; he had to defend why a Thai company built and will operate the impressive museum housing Angkor Wat artifacts at the temple - still an international dispute in some old-fashioned minds; strangely, the company that built and will operate the museum for 30 years was not mentioned in the Phnom Penh debate; it is Vilailuck International Holding Co, which got the 100 million baht to finance the museum project from the success of Samart Corp and subsidiaries.
Multimedia producer DigiCurve of Las Vegas bought Global Satellite Broadcasting Corp of Thailand, long on the cusp of being involved in global broadcasting but never able to make the leap; DigiCurve got some Global signboard advertising techniques, while GSBC got gelt; the two companies were so excited they forgot to mention how much gelt.
No 2 yuppiephone firm DTAC of Norway said it will list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand within three months, and parent United Communication Industry (Ucom) will be delisted by Oct 1 at the latest; the firm hopes to raise six billion baht for network expansion and debt repayment.
Sure, consumers are getting deeper pockets, said Pakorn Pannachet, chief of value-added services for No 2 yuppiephone firm DTAC of Norway; but he said he will sell eight billion-with-a-b baht worth of songs, games and more this year, 40 per cent better than 2006.
A survey by the former security firm Symantec of America determined that 70 per cent of all email in Asia is spam; Filipinos are the worst victims on the continent, with 88 per cent of all email sent to the Philippines nothing but junk.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
INTERVIEW / STE'PHANE PETERHANSEL
DESERT KING
Mitsubishi cross-country rally driver Ste'phane Peterhansel won the Dakar a record nine times. He talks to 'Motoring'
Why did you switch from motorbike to car?
I made an aim to beat the previous bike wins in Dakar which was five before switching to car. So, after I set the record of six, I changed to car. The reason is that on the motorbike it's very dangerous. You're alone all the time and when you crash you can hurt yourself badly. A car is safer and with a navigator on your side, it's more enjoyable.
Is there anything more challenging than the Dakar Rally?
The Dakar is a very tough race and you cannot win it by chance - you have to survive it first. It's very long and anything can happen - you can be leading one day and you make a mistake and it's all over. I don't think there's anything tougher than the Dakar.
How can somebody get into cross-country rallying?
In France, you can start with off-road karting. You move up to national cross-country rallying then the world championship and Dakar.
F1 drivers are often ex-karters - where do Dakar drivers come from?
I might be different as I first did the Dakar on motorbike. Others are rally drivers like former world champion Carlos Sainz. He has very good skills but in Dakar you don't need to be fast all the time. That's why he hasn't finished the Dakar in two years. You need to develop tactics so you can stay in the game and in a position to win.
What makes a good Dakar navigator?
He doesn't need to have rally co-driving experience but needs to be very organised and be able to read maps.
In the Dakar, every car gets the same roadbook from the organisers and you read directions from the GPS.
Can rally cars be greener for the environment?
I know that Mitsubishi is already into developing cleaner engines that would be more environmentally friendly.
But as a perspective, the number of rally cars today is a tiny, tiny proportion compared to the car population of the world.
What do you think of cross-country rallying in Thailand?
It's different to rallying in the desert for sure as the forest tracks in Thailand are very narrow and that would be hard for overtaking - you'd need the Sentinel system (a real-time GPS tracker and car-to-car communication).
Can Mana Pornsiricherd be a future Dakar winner?
Yes, he's got a good chance as he started young. He will need to gain more experience. It will be good if somebody gives him more chance to do more cross-country rallies because one African event a year isn't enough.
How do you see yourself when you're 60?
I would probably retire on a peaceful island somewhere like Corsica (France) and go fishing everyday.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
DESERT KING
Mitsubishi cross-country rally driver Ste'phane Peterhansel won the Dakar a record nine times. He talks to 'Motoring'
Why did you switch from motorbike to car?
I made an aim to beat the previous bike wins in Dakar which was five before switching to car. So, after I set the record of six, I changed to car. The reason is that on the motorbike it's very dangerous. You're alone all the time and when you crash you can hurt yourself badly. A car is safer and with a navigator on your side, it's more enjoyable.
Is there anything more challenging than the Dakar Rally?
The Dakar is a very tough race and you cannot win it by chance - you have to survive it first. It's very long and anything can happen - you can be leading one day and you make a mistake and it's all over. I don't think there's anything tougher than the Dakar.
How can somebody get into cross-country rallying?
In France, you can start with off-road karting. You move up to national cross-country rallying then the world championship and Dakar.
F1 drivers are often ex-karters - where do Dakar drivers come from?
I might be different as I first did the Dakar on motorbike. Others are rally drivers like former world champion Carlos Sainz. He has very good skills but in Dakar you don't need to be fast all the time. That's why he hasn't finished the Dakar in two years. You need to develop tactics so you can stay in the game and in a position to win.
What makes a good Dakar navigator?
He doesn't need to have rally co-driving experience but needs to be very organised and be able to read maps.
In the Dakar, every car gets the same roadbook from the organisers and you read directions from the GPS.
Can rally cars be greener for the environment?
I know that Mitsubishi is already into developing cleaner engines that would be more environmentally friendly.
But as a perspective, the number of rally cars today is a tiny, tiny proportion compared to the car population of the world.
What do you think of cross-country rallying in Thailand?
It's different to rallying in the desert for sure as the forest tracks in Thailand are very narrow and that would be hard for overtaking - you'd need the Sentinel system (a real-time GPS tracker and car-to-car communication).
Can Mana Pornsiricherd be a future Dakar winner?
Yes, he's got a good chance as he started young. He will need to gain more experience. It will be good if somebody gives him more chance to do more cross-country rallies because one African event a year isn't enough.
How do you see yourself when you're 60?
I would probably retire on a peaceful island somewhere like Corsica (France) and go fishing everyday.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
FIRST LOOK / BENTLEY BROOKLANDS
COUPE' D'AZURE
Bentley has completed its upper model line-up with a limited production coupe'. What's next?
- The Brooklands coupe' joins the Arnage limo and Azure cabrio in the upper line of Bentley's model line-up (circa B40m). The lower Continental range of some B20 is already complete: GT coupe', Flying Spur saloon and GTC convertible.
- The Brooklands name was inspired by the Brooklands racetrack where Bentley forged its sporting pedigree in the 1920s. Only 550 cars will be made with deliveries starting at mid-year. Each Brookland is expected to cost over B50m in Thailand.
- The profile of the Brooklands is a Bentley classic: long bonnet, short front but long rear overhangs, low roofline and steeply rake screens. The most notable design cue that makes the Brooklands different and more modern from its predecessors is the subtle hump in the waistline at the C-pillar.
- The interior is splashed with chrome-rimmed dials, tan-coloured leather and wood veneer. The Brooklands is a strict 2+2 with the individual rear seats getting electrically operated sliding cushions. Overall cabin is claimed to wider than the previous Continental R by 10%.
- Although in use for 50 years, the 6.75-litre V8 has been tweaked to the highest output ever: 530hp and 1,050Nm of torque channelled to a six-speed automatic. Despite an abundance of CO2 emissions that it spews out, green activists have a reason to celebrate: limited production.
- The current model line is now complete. Earlier, rumours that an SUV will be built (which would be shared with Lamborghini's all-new replacement for the LM 4x4) have been quashed by Bentley's top brass. However, an estate-style Shooting Brake hasn't been totally ruled out.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
COUPE' D'AZURE
Bentley has completed its upper model line-up with a limited production coupe'. What's next?
- The Brooklands coupe' joins the Arnage limo and Azure cabrio in the upper line of Bentley's model line-up (circa B40m). The lower Continental range of some B20 is already complete: GT coupe', Flying Spur saloon and GTC convertible.
- The Brooklands name was inspired by the Brooklands racetrack where Bentley forged its sporting pedigree in the 1920s. Only 550 cars will be made with deliveries starting at mid-year. Each Brookland is expected to cost over B50m in Thailand.
- The profile of the Brooklands is a Bentley classic: long bonnet, short front but long rear overhangs, low roofline and steeply rake screens. The most notable design cue that makes the Brooklands different and more modern from its predecessors is the subtle hump in the waistline at the C-pillar.
- The interior is splashed with chrome-rimmed dials, tan-coloured leather and wood veneer. The Brooklands is a strict 2+2 with the individual rear seats getting electrically operated sliding cushions. Overall cabin is claimed to wider than the previous Continental R by 10%.
- Although in use for 50 years, the 6.75-litre V8 has been tweaked to the highest output ever: 530hp and 1,050Nm of torque channelled to a six-speed automatic. Despite an abundance of CO2 emissions that it spews out, green activists have a reason to celebrate: limited production.
- The current model line is now complete. Earlier, rumours that an SUV will be built (which would be shared with Lamborghini's all-new replacement for the LM 4x4) have been quashed by Bentley's top brass. However, an estate-style Shooting Brake hasn't been totally ruled out.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
INTERVIEW / PAIROJ SANYADECHAKUL
Compliance with standards
TISI implements automotive standards based on European benchmarks to spur development and competition in the auto industry
ALFRED THA HLA
The automotive industry complies by 181 out of the more than 2,600 industrial standards currently overseen by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI).
These standards based on the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) benchmarks cover just about every aspect of the automobile and motorcycle components - from batteries to leaf springs and exhaust emissions.
What then is the importance of automotive standards, one might ask?
TISI secretary general Pairoj Sanyadechakul summed it up perfectly: "Initially we used the standards as a tool to protect the consumer and develop the automotive industry. Now the standards are also used to protect the industry against low quality competition."
TISI, which is under the Ministry of Industry, was incorporated in the second National Economic Social and Development plan in 1966 and upgraded to a department in 1979.
In the field of automobiles, TISI's overall vision is to develop the industry, make it competitive by taking care of the consumer, quality of life, environment, and ensure fair trade.
"TISI establishes standards for automotive parts and components and makes sure that they are accepted globally. Take emission standards in Thailand which are of four types (passenger cars, pickups, heavy trucks, motorcycles) - but we still lag behind Europe by about two years.
"I know we're better than most of our Asean neighbours because the hydrocarbon, sulphur, nitrogen monoxide (NOx) and particle emissions are much lower. Right now it's not even 1% of the amount of emissions when compared to decades ago when standardisation was first implemented," said Pairoj.
Recalling being frequently engulfed by clouds of black smoke spewing out of public buses while snaking through the traffic on a motorcycle taxi, the writer felt tempted to ask whether TISI has succeeded in serving the purpose for which it was created.
"The emission standards for the auto industry is pretty good with regards to timing. We are not too advanced so the costs won't get passed on to the consumer, while we aren't too slow which means the environment is not adversely affected. We are actually a leader in this field in the region.
"The two major tasks facing us is the maintenance of new and old cars. TISI has everything to do with new automobiles, while the Land Transport Department handles used cars. It's a tough situation and you can't just immobilise them (old dilapidated buses and trucks) even though they produce a lot of black smoke," he explained.
Pairoj, 58, pointed out that TISI plays a vital part by providing important rules and regulations (standards) that allow the automobile industry to compete effectively in the global market.
"Global trade is a reflection of strength of domestic industries and exports of each country. Thailand has developed its automotive industry in a similar fashion where we have achieved global competitiveness and low cost of production thanks to a strong base of support industries.
"We are ready to trade globally and this is where the issue of standards play an important role. Every country has its own standards on quality, safety, environment, labour and hygiene for instance. TISI monitors production process and product quality through the twin industrial benchmarks of ISO-9000 and ISO-14000 certificates, he said, adding that Thailand currently has 6,995 companies with ISO-9000 and 1,369 with ISO-14000, ranking it among the top in the Asean region.
For consumers, the twin certificates are a kind of guarantee for quality. Products or companies qualifying for such ratings can be classified into those that make the cut automatically (voluntary), and those needing to get there - then it becomes a necessity - or compulsory certification.
"If you are a household name, the consumer will trust you. But if you are a small player, TISI can play the middleman to create confidence in your products," he explained.
Compulsory certification also applies to products that can be hazardous or those that can affect the national economy. There are 88 products under this category, such as the four types of emissions mentioned earlier, motorcycle exhaust, safety belt and automobile glass.
Given that Thai automotive products are gaining international recognition as we speak, there is still room for improvement, said Pairoj. "Thailand's automotive industry exports about 40% of its production. This figure will grow to 50% in about two years. The key is that quality standards must match those applied overseas."
That said, TISI's stance on the automotive industry is one of confidence in its ability to compete its future.
"Quality-wise we can do it because of our world-class standards. In terms of quantity we have the resources and personnel with experience. Labour costs are also low which allows us to compete effectively. The auto industry will definitely expand in the future".
10 questions for PAIROJ
You are in charge of Thailand's automotive policy for one day. What do you do?
Implement policies that will sustain long-term competitiveness of the industry.
Greatest achievement?
My work at TISI and family.
Greatest extravagance?
Self sufficiency is the key, depending on one's economic status.
Favourite car all-time?
Changes all the time.
Favourite destination?
Northeastern part of Thailand.
Favourite industrial standard?
Grass roots standards for community products.
Favourite human being (s)?
Chaiwai Saengruji, the founder of TISI.
Favourite electronic gadget?
Mobile phone.
Favourite sportsperson?
Pele.
Historical figure you identify with?
Hard to say...(laughs).
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
Compliance with standards
TISI implements automotive standards based on European benchmarks to spur development and competition in the auto industry
ALFRED THA HLA
The automotive industry complies by 181 out of the more than 2,600 industrial standards currently overseen by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI).
These standards based on the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) benchmarks cover just about every aspect of the automobile and motorcycle components - from batteries to leaf springs and exhaust emissions.
What then is the importance of automotive standards, one might ask?
TISI secretary general Pairoj Sanyadechakul summed it up perfectly: "Initially we used the standards as a tool to protect the consumer and develop the automotive industry. Now the standards are also used to protect the industry against low quality competition."
TISI, which is under the Ministry of Industry, was incorporated in the second National Economic Social and Development plan in 1966 and upgraded to a department in 1979.
In the field of automobiles, TISI's overall vision is to develop the industry, make it competitive by taking care of the consumer, quality of life, environment, and ensure fair trade.
"TISI establishes standards for automotive parts and components and makes sure that they are accepted globally. Take emission standards in Thailand which are of four types (passenger cars, pickups, heavy trucks, motorcycles) - but we still lag behind Europe by about two years.
"I know we're better than most of our Asean neighbours because the hydrocarbon, sulphur, nitrogen monoxide (NOx) and particle emissions are much lower. Right now it's not even 1% of the amount of emissions when compared to decades ago when standardisation was first implemented," said Pairoj.
Recalling being frequently engulfed by clouds of black smoke spewing out of public buses while snaking through the traffic on a motorcycle taxi, the writer felt tempted to ask whether TISI has succeeded in serving the purpose for which it was created.
"The emission standards for the auto industry is pretty good with regards to timing. We are not too advanced so the costs won't get passed on to the consumer, while we aren't too slow which means the environment is not adversely affected. We are actually a leader in this field in the region.
"The two major tasks facing us is the maintenance of new and old cars. TISI has everything to do with new automobiles, while the Land Transport Department handles used cars. It's a tough situation and you can't just immobilise them (old dilapidated buses and trucks) even though they produce a lot of black smoke," he explained.
Pairoj, 58, pointed out that TISI plays a vital part by providing important rules and regulations (standards) that allow the automobile industry to compete effectively in the global market.
"Global trade is a reflection of strength of domestic industries and exports of each country. Thailand has developed its automotive industry in a similar fashion where we have achieved global competitiveness and low cost of production thanks to a strong base of support industries.
"We are ready to trade globally and this is where the issue of standards play an important role. Every country has its own standards on quality, safety, environment, labour and hygiene for instance. TISI monitors production process and product quality through the twin industrial benchmarks of ISO-9000 and ISO-14000 certificates, he said, adding that Thailand currently has 6,995 companies with ISO-9000 and 1,369 with ISO-14000, ranking it among the top in the Asean region.
For consumers, the twin certificates are a kind of guarantee for quality. Products or companies qualifying for such ratings can be classified into those that make the cut automatically (voluntary), and those needing to get there - then it becomes a necessity - or compulsory certification.
"If you are a household name, the consumer will trust you. But if you are a small player, TISI can play the middleman to create confidence in your products," he explained.
Compulsory certification also applies to products that can be hazardous or those that can affect the national economy. There are 88 products under this category, such as the four types of emissions mentioned earlier, motorcycle exhaust, safety belt and automobile glass.
Given that Thai automotive products are gaining international recognition as we speak, there is still room for improvement, said Pairoj. "Thailand's automotive industry exports about 40% of its production. This figure will grow to 50% in about two years. The key is that quality standards must match those applied overseas."
That said, TISI's stance on the automotive industry is one of confidence in its ability to compete its future.
"Quality-wise we can do it because of our world-class standards. In terms of quantity we have the resources and personnel with experience. Labour costs are also low which allows us to compete effectively. The auto industry will definitely expand in the future".
10 questions for PAIROJ
You are in charge of Thailand's automotive policy for one day. What do you do?
Implement policies that will sustain long-term competitiveness of the industry.
Greatest achievement?
My work at TISI and family.
Greatest extravagance?
Self sufficiency is the key, depending on one's economic status.
Favourite car all-time?
Changes all the time.
Favourite destination?
Northeastern part of Thailand.
Favourite industrial standard?
Grass roots standards for community products.
Favourite human being (s)?
Chaiwai Saengruji, the founder of TISI.
Favourite electronic gadget?
Mobile phone.
Favourite sportsperson?
Pele.
Historical figure you identify with?
Hard to say...(laughs).
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
SMALL CARS
Back to its roots
First, there was the Abarth revival. Now, it's the re-invention of the classic 500
- Hey, this car's cute...
We agree. It's the all-new 500 which Fiat first invented 50 years ago. It's a youthful three-door hatchback positioned below B-segment sub-compacts first previewed as the Trepiuno concept car that launches in Europe in July. Note the classic round headlamps and the angular rear end.
- It tries to ape a Mini...
You could say so. Despite having smaller dimensions (3,550mm length, 1,630mm width, 1,490mm height and 2,300mm wheelbase), there is that apparent effort by Fiat to make the 500 a modern icon like BMW did with the Mini and Volkswagen with its Beetle.
- What's it like inside?
Just as mouth-watering as the exterior. Note the lines and colours in the accompanying picture; we shall let it do the talking.
- It's fantastic. But the gearbox...
Yes, we suspected you would raise this question. No automatic gearbox has been announced which isn't surprising for two reasons: the Italians still love shifting cogs manually and cars with small engines perform better with manual 'boxes. In the case of the 500, five- or six-speed option.
- How small?
There's a 69hp 1.2-litre and 100hp 1.4-litre petrol choices, as well as a 75hp 1.3-litre turbo-diesel.
- And if I want one?
Tough, since Fiat has yet to resurface in Thai showrooms (formerly run by the Alfa Romeo importer). It could cost some B1.3m in completely built-up form.
- Hey, that isn't too bad for a niche...
Yeah. But let us a share a rumour with you. We heard that Fiat will top the 500 range with an Abarth version using a 150hp turbo 1.4-litre unit sourced from the Grand Punto Abarth. And this hot 500 could cost around B1.5m.
- Wow! I want one. Who cares about the gearbox!
But, my dear, where to buy?
FORD'S FUTURE EQUIVALENT: Ford has decided to join hands with Fiat to develop the platform of the replacement for the current A-segment Ka (left). Mazda has no such car in Europe and only does OEM exchange programmes in its home market with other Japanese players for the 'kei' class. Even if Ecocar gets the green light, the Ka is unlikely to come with the Fiat 500. Mazda could decide to pool resources in a three-way tie-up, just like the Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 107/Citroen C1 deal which, however, isn't for Asia.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
Back to its roots
First, there was the Abarth revival. Now, it's the re-invention of the classic 500
- Hey, this car's cute...
We agree. It's the all-new 500 which Fiat first invented 50 years ago. It's a youthful three-door hatchback positioned below B-segment sub-compacts first previewed as the Trepiuno concept car that launches in Europe in July. Note the classic round headlamps and the angular rear end.
- It tries to ape a Mini...
You could say so. Despite having smaller dimensions (3,550mm length, 1,630mm width, 1,490mm height and 2,300mm wheelbase), there is that apparent effort by Fiat to make the 500 a modern icon like BMW did with the Mini and Volkswagen with its Beetle.
- What's it like inside?
Just as mouth-watering as the exterior. Note the lines and colours in the accompanying picture; we shall let it do the talking.
- It's fantastic. But the gearbox...
Yes, we suspected you would raise this question. No automatic gearbox has been announced which isn't surprising for two reasons: the Italians still love shifting cogs manually and cars with small engines perform better with manual 'boxes. In the case of the 500, five- or six-speed option.
- How small?
There's a 69hp 1.2-litre and 100hp 1.4-litre petrol choices, as well as a 75hp 1.3-litre turbo-diesel.
- And if I want one?
Tough, since Fiat has yet to resurface in Thai showrooms (formerly run by the Alfa Romeo importer). It could cost some B1.3m in completely built-up form.
- Hey, that isn't too bad for a niche...
Yeah. But let us a share a rumour with you. We heard that Fiat will top the 500 range with an Abarth version using a 150hp turbo 1.4-litre unit sourced from the Grand Punto Abarth. And this hot 500 could cost around B1.5m.
- Wow! I want one. Who cares about the gearbox!
But, my dear, where to buy?
FORD'S FUTURE EQUIVALENT: Ford has decided to join hands with Fiat to develop the platform of the replacement for the current A-segment Ka (left). Mazda has no such car in Europe and only does OEM exchange programmes in its home market with other Japanese players for the 'kei' class. Even if Ecocar gets the green light, the Ka is unlikely to come with the Fiat 500. Mazda could decide to pool resources in a three-way tie-up, just like the Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 107/Citroen C1 deal which, however, isn't for Asia.
Bangkok Post
Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007
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