On Friday 19 May, Laguna Phuket marked 11th year of its Greening Community initiative by planting 2,000 trees; 1,000 mangrove saplings at Baan Thala Village in Paklog, a sub-district in Thalang area of Phuket, and 1,000 eggplant trees at the nearby Phuket Elderly Home.
This year, 200 associates from Laguna Phuket, led by Managing Director Mr. Ravi Chandran, teamed up with 50 community members and students in this fun-filled and meaningful activity. In addition to tree planting, the resort also organized a community service activity by hosting lunch and bringing lots of joy to 71 elders at Phuket Elderly Home.
250 volunteers were led by Mr. Ravi Chandran, Managing Director of Laguna Phuket (3rd from left) on a day of painting the world green and putting smiles on people’s faces.
Supported by the initiative’s strategic partners such as Marine and Coastal Preserving Group (Paklog), Mangrove Station 23 (Phuket) and Paklog Municipality, this 11th edition of Laguna Phuket’s annual tree planting event is a part of its initiative that aims to raise awareness of global warming and help build greener communities.
To date, Laguna Phuket has planted nearly 30,000 trees in Phuket and neighboring provinces, with more than 1,200 associates and 600 community members participated over the years.
The annual activity is one of many initiatives set up by Laguna Phuket to support its wider strategic goal on environment preservation according to Banyan Tree Global Foundation (BTGF)’s worldwide guideline for each property within the group to plant at least 2,000 trees in respective community each year.
Mr. Peter Henley, President and CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group (5th from right) and Associate Professor Dr. Singh Intrachooto (5th from left), Head of the Creative Centre for Eco-design and the founder of Kasetsart University’s Scrap Lab, congratulate Kasetsart University students who won the Best Design, Inspiring Design and Creative Design Awards as part of its Arts for The Planet project.
Bangkok, Thailand. 4 May 2017 – ONYX Hospitality Group, led by President and CEO, Mr. Peter Henley (centre), congratulates students of Kasetsart University’s Scrap Lab who won the Best Design, Inspiring Design and Creative Design Awards as part of its Arts for the Planet 2017 project. The four winning teams received trophies and scholarships worth a total of 110,000 THB from the ONYX Hospitality Group Foundation at the award ceremony and exhibition event.
The event was part of the Arts for The Planet 2017 project, which aims to demonstrate the potential of upcycling and to foster creative and innovative thinking in tackling one of the country’s key environmental issues — waste. For the project, ONYX Hospitality Group collaborated with the Scrap Lab of the Faculty of Architecture at Kasetsart University and Tlejourn, a non-governmental organisation (NGO). The Scrap Lab incorporated the project into its educational curriculum.
Students who participated the Scrap Lab course received the opportunity to learn about issues relating to waste management, and were involved in hands-on activities such as cleaning up a canal, before going on to explore the design ideas and processes. They then experiment a process of developing products from waste materials under the supervision of renowned upcycling experts, Associate Professor Dr. Singh Intrachooto, Thailand’s pioneer of ecological design, Head of the Creative Centre for Eco-design and founder of Kasetsart University’s Scrap Lab, and Dr. Nattapong Nithi-Uthai, founder of Tlejourn, best known for its eco-friendly footwear made from upcycling ocean debris.
ONYX Hospitality Group acknowledges the support of sponsors including Kiat Siam Leatherware, Hawaii Thai Furniture and ERP, who provided funds to the students participating in the project in order to support product development. To help the students supplement their creativity with functionality and business opportunities, senior leaders from the three corporate sponsors also provide factory visits and coaching support to the students for development of their product designs and prototypes.
Four out of eight teams participated in the Arts for The Planet 2017 were selected as winners by the reviewing panel. All winning teams were awarded trophies and scholarships at the award ceremony.
The Best Design Award was presented to Mr. Piphat Thongta and Ms. Chawanlapa Darachart for their creations titled “Beep Beep”. The students transformed a combination of leftover sponge, synthetic rattan, dacron, wood and aluminium from a furniture factory and mixed them with concrete to create plant pots and candle light holders which were all presented in practical and visually appealing packaging. Both students received trophies and a scholarship worth 40,000 THB.
The Inspiring Design Award was presented to Mr. Seksit Pakdee and Mr. Guillaume Bichon for their creation titled “Fantasteak”. The students have created a chair, a desk lamp and a photo frame using recycled plastic boards from Tlejourn, left over bottle corks from their university cafeteria, teak and leather scraps from the sponsors’ factories. They credit Lego for the inspiration behind their creation. Both students received trophies and a scholarship worth 30,000 THB.
The Creative Design Awards were presented to two teams of students. The first team, consisting of Ms. Nutkritta Nilkamhaeng and Ms. Lucie Lauwerier, created “From the bin to the sky”, a product made from leftover rope braid scrap from a furniture factory and straws from the university cafeteria into do-it-yourself kites in various shapes. The second team, consisting of Ms. Marie Le Gouellec and Ms. Pattanayu Thongloi, received the award for their product called “Metisse” which are practical wall partitions developed from scrap rubber sheets and foil papers. Both teams of students has received trophies and a scholarship worth 20,000 THB.
Mr. Peter Henley (4th from left), President and CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group, welcomes the Arts for The Planet 2017’s reviewing panel including Associate Professor Dr. Singh Intrachooto (4th from right), Head of the Creative Centre for Eco-design and the founder of Kasetsart University’s Scrap Lab; Dr. Nattapong Nithi-Uthai (1st left), founder of Tlejourn; Mr. Somboon Treepornjaroen (2nd from left), Managing Director of ERP Group; Mr. Watcharakorn Kanokvaliwongse (3rd from left), Chief Marketing Officer of Kiat Siam Leatherware Co.,Ltd.; Mrs. Alisa Viphavaphanich (3rd from right), Managing Director of Hawaii Thai Furniture Co.,Ltd.; Dr. Aracha Krasaein (2nd from right); lecturer, Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University and Mr. Duncan Webb (first right), Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group.Mr. Peter Henley (second from right), President and CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group and Associate Professor Dr. Singh Intrachooto (second from left), Head of the Creative Centre for Eco-design and the founder of Kasetsart University’s Scrap Lab, congratulate Mr. Piphat Thongta (first left) and Ms. Chawanlapa Darachart (first right) winners of the Best Design Award from the Arts for the Planet 2017.ONYX Hospitality Group executives, Arts for The Planet 2017’s participating students and members of the reviewing panel.The plant pots and candle holders are part of the “Beep Beep” collection which won the Best Design Award as part of the Arts for The Planet 2017 project.A chair developed under the “FANTASTEAK” range by Mr. Seksit Pakdee and Mr. Guillaume Bichon, winners of the Inspiring Design Award as part of Arts for The Planet 2017 project.The do-it-yourself kite part of the entry titled “From the bin to the sky” by Ms. Nutkritta Nilkamhaeng and Ms. Lucie Lauwerier which won the Creative Design Award.The upcycled room partitions developed under the entry titled “Metisse” by Ms. Marie Le Gouellec and Ms. Pattanayu Thongloi won the Creative Design Award.
About Arts for the Planet 2017
Arts for The Planet 2017 is a project of ONYX Hospitality Group in collaboration with Scrap Lab of Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Architecture, and Tlejourn, a non-governmental organisation (NGO). The project aims to demonstrate the potential of upcycling and aims to foster creative and innovative thinking in tackling one of the country’s key environmental issues — waste.
The Arts for The Planet project has been incorporated as part of the Scrap Lab course for a period of 14 weeks from January to May 2017. Registered students receive the opportunity of learning about the potential of usually overlooked waste materials, and are offered guidance on how to transform such materials into practical products, particularly those used by hotels on a regular basis. The project also aims to showcase how a partnership between the business and educational sectors could offer environmental, societal and economic benefits.
During the course and the project, students learnt about overall environmental issues, including waste production and management, and participated in a clean-up activity at a canal in Bangplee district, before going on to explore the design of ideas and processes, and then the development of products from waste materials under the supervision of renowned upcycling experts. These experts include Thailand’s pioneer of ecological design, Associate Professor Dr. Singh Intrachooto, Head of the Creative Centre for Eco-design, as well as the founder of KU’s Scrap Lab; and Dr. Nattapong Nithi-Uthai, founder of Tlejourn, best known for its eco-friendly footwear made from
upcycling ocean debris.
ONYX Hospitality Group collaborated with its sponsors, including Kiat Siam Leatherware, Hawaii Thai Furniture and ERP, to provide funds to the students participating in the Arts for The Planet project to support product developmental processes. To help the students bridge their creativity with functionality and business opportunities, the three business partners provide assistance and consultancy to the students as they develop their designs and production processes.
After a period of 14 weeks, eight teams from Kasetsart University’s architectural school will present their innovative ideas on transforming waste factory materials into practical applications and products. Four out of eight teams participated in the Arts for The Planet 2017 will be selected as winners by the reviewing panel. All winning teams were awarded trophies and scholarships at the award ceremony from the ONYX Hospitality Group Foundation.
Background information: ONYX Hospitality Group partners for Arts for The Planet 2017
Kiat Siam Leatherware
Kiat Siam Leatherware is a specialist in producing the finest quality leatherware products, custom designed to meet clients’ special requirements. With more than 30 years experience in producing quality leather products, the company’s expert craftsmen are committed to meet the most demanding of requirements. The company’s products such as amenities boxes, tissue boxes, menu covers and register blotters have become essential items used in many hotels, restaurants and even limousines across Thailand and internationally. For more information, visit www.kiatsiam.com
Hawaii Thai
With over 50 years of experience, Hawaii Thai has grown into Thailand’s largest producer and exporter of wicker furniture, operating from a production base located in an area of over 80 rais (31.6 acres) in Prachinburi Province. This plant is well equipped with the highest manufacturing facilities to cater to the needs of both domestic and international customers. The company produces furniture and furnishing products for hotels, homes and residences and takes pride in functionality and elegance and exquisite craftsmanship. For more information, visit www.hawaiithai.com
Extensive Research Polymers (ERP)
ERP is the manufacturer of high quality rubber parts and compound for industries including automotive and home appliances. The company has been established at Samutprakarn province since 1991 with rubber compound as a core business. In 2004, the ERP factory moved from Samutprakarn province to Chonburi province to expand its capacity and improve process. The company also operates its own laboratory to test and develop products to meet clients’ specifications. For more information, visit http://erppolymers.com
Recently (on Thursday, 27 April 2017), Laguna Phuket’s Children First Fund (CFF) has launched its first sustenance and nutritional necessity delivery to support 7 Phuket-based orphanages, housing more than 400 children (as of April 2017.) The activity was made possible by funds raised at Laguna Phuket’s inaugural Charity Food & Music Festival event which was held at the Asia’s premier destination resort earlier this year (in March) to kick-start its 30th anniversary celebrations. CFF’s sustenance delivery will be organised on a monthly basis throughout this year.
Fun activities with the children during the sustenance delivery(from left) Mrs. Prapa Hemmin, Director of Destination Marketing & Corporate Events, Laguna Phuket; Mr. Anthony Loh, Senior Assistant Vice President – Services, Laguna Phuket; Mr. Chirawat Siribamrungsuk, Village Director, SOS Children’s Village Phuket, and Ms. Prae Sunantaraks, Director of CSR & Community Relations, Laguna Phuket.
With the objective of “Nourishing Hearts, Inspiring Dreams”, Laguna Phuket’s Children First Fund (CFF) was also specially set up this year in conjunction with Laguna Phuket’s 30th anniversary to provide nutrition support to orphanages in Phuket.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all the generous donors, Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival’s sponsors and CFF partners who had helped CFF achieved its goal to build upon and extend the community services that Laguna provides in the area of education, a core aspect of Laguna sustainability focus,” said Mr. Anthony Loh, Senior Assistant Vice President of Laguna Phuket,
“Partnering with 7 orphanages in Phuket, the CFF complements Laguna Phuket Kindergarten, the Community Learning Center and the Mobile Learning Center by empowering the future generations and expanding our reach to this special group of underprivileged children under the care of our partners” he concluded.
Part proceeds of Laguna Phuket’s key year-long events together with Laguna Phuket contribution will be contributed to support the nutrition of needy children in Phuket orphanages through the work of CFF.
For more information and to help donate, please visit www.lagunaphuket.com/CSR or contact tel. +66 (0) 76 362 315, email: csr@lagunaphuket.com or follow the Facebook page @LagunaPhuketCSR.
17 April 2017 Phuket, Thailand – The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation and its partners organized the 8th annual Mai Khao Marine Turtle Release Ceremony on Songkran day, April 13. With five hundred hotel’s guests, Phuket residents, tourists and provincial dignitaries gathered at Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa’s beachfront and were welcomed by General Manager of the hotel, Mr. Oriol Montal.
(group photo from left to right position), (1st) Police Lieutenant General Nikorn Chuthong, (2nd) Dr. Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong, Director of Phuket Marine Biological Center, (3rd ) Mr. Oriol Montal, General Manager, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, (4th ) Captain Suthisak Cheumuangpak, Director of Department of Civil Affairs, 3rd Naval Area Command, (5th ) Mrs. Sivaporn Chuasawas, Vice Governor of Phuket, (6th ) Acting Sub Lt. Vigrom Charktee, Thalang Sheriff, (7th Mrs. Juttarat Ninlahut, , Assistant Director of The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Phuket office, (8th ) Mr. Olin Maliwan, Sub-district Headman, T. Mai Khao, (9th ) Mr. Vitoon Dechpramualpol, Intendent of Sirinart National ParkMr. Oriol Montal (2nd right), the General Manager of JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa and alongside with Mr. Kitipun Subkoon (1st right), the Manager of Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation made an annual donation to the The Phuket Marine Biological Center, represented by Dr. Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong (1st left), Director of (PMBC). This fund will be used to support the Phuket Marine Biological Centre’s injured Turtle Rehabilitation ProgramSongkran Festival Celebration – The Rod Nam Dum Hua Ritual on Songkran day also known as the National Elderly day: Miss Minelli De Kretser (right), Director of Group & MICE Sales (right), was pouring fragrant water into Mr. Oriol Montal (left), General Manager’s palms as a gesture of humility and got for his blessings.
The ceremony, presided over by Vice Governor of Phuket Sivaporn Chuasawas alongside with guests of honour among Acting Sub Lieutenant Vigrom Charktee, Thalang Sheriff; Dr. Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong, Director of Phuket Marine Biological Center; Captain Suthisak Cheu-Muang-Pak, Director of Department of Civil Affairs, 3rd Naval Area Command; Mr. Vitoon Dechpramualpol, Intendent of Sirinart National Park; Mrs. Juttarat Ninlahut, Asst. Director of The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Phuket Office.
“This is a fantastic day and phenomenal way to begin the Thai New Year by releasing 53 new batches of rehabilitated green turtles into the Andaman Sea and It’s become our traditional event during Songkran Festival by now. Sea Turtles represent longevity in Thai culture and releasing animals to nature is believed to bring good luck to the participants. The hotel guests were delighted as this is distinctive experience of their Phuket holiday” said, Mr. Oriol Montal, General Manager.
All monies have raised through donations during the event, it went towards supporting the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation and its partners: the Phuket Marine Biological Centre’s injured Turtle Rehabilitation Program and the Third Naval Area Command’s Turtle Hatchery Program.
Furthermore, the Mai Khao Turtle Foundation also organized the exclusive Turtle release programs on April 15 and 16 from 9 am – 10 am together with IUCN once again this year. The event was supported by the Phuket Marine Biological Center, The Royal Thai Navy, Department of Marine & Coastal Resources and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
For more information about the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, please contact Mr. Sean Panton, Co-Chairman & Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Marriott Thailand Business Council, email sean.panton@marriotthotels.com or Khun Kittipan, Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation Manager, via email info@maikhaoturtlefoundation.org or call 076 338 000 ext. 3383
PHUKET, THAILAND: The Phuket Hotels Association, a nonprofit organization of hoteliers focused on promoting a positive image for Phuket, as well as being involved with community-based projects, is investing in local skills with a benefit event to fund 20 hospitality scholarships and traineeships for local residents.
The gala dinner, A Magical Island Event, is expected to welcome up to 400 guests to a spectacular evening of cocktails, dining, entertainment, and a live/silent auction on Saturday, 13th May 2017 at the Latitude Marquee, Laguna from 7pm until midnight. Dinner and drinks tickets start at THB3,900 net with parties-of-10 discounts available.
The event will showcase some of the best prizes ever donated for a fundraiser on Phuket, as the hotel association members have come up with some incredible experiences both in Thailand and with their affiliated hotels worldwide.
Just some of the top prizes to date include seven nights on a fully crewed and serviced 77 ft. luxury sailing yacht provided by The Village, Coconut Island Phuket; three-night stays at a total of six Outrigger Hotels in Phuket, Koh Samui, Fiji, Mauritius, two in the Maldives; and three nights at the legendary The Savoy – London, provided by AccorHotels.
With a fundraising target of THB3.5 million, proceeds from the Royal Siam themed exclusive benefit dinner will support the education of 20 hospitality scholars and trainees from Phuket, who would otherwise be unable to fund their training. Programmes will range from one month to up to four years and cover vocational and degree courses as well as overseas learning; helping to pave the way for some of Phuket’s future generation of young management, chefs, and hospitality staff.
According to Anthony Lark, President of the Phuket Hotels Association, businesses in Phuket that donate can also benefit from the fundraiser. “By donating to a good cause and sponsoring this event, companies will support the community and can raise their profile and marketing presence in Phuket within the powerful travel and tourism industry.”
A Magical Island Event opens with welcome cocktails on the lawn while live musicians interact with guests. This will be followed by a sit-down international buffet dinner with live cooking stations featuring some of the top chefs from Phuket’s best hotels, accompanied by the Island’s most creative mixologists. Guest MCs brought in to keep the event flowing include Australian polyglot, Stuart Jay Raj, plus owner and editor of renowned hospitality industry portal hotelintel.co, Wimintra Jangnin.
The highlight of the night’s live music performances is Marcus Collins, X Factor 2011 star from the UK, who will be flying in to support the event, plus Phuket’s hottest DJ Benjamin Jenkins (Ben J) wrapping up the night. Entertainment is arranged courtesy of Phuket-based Legend Music’s Gary and Debbie Crause. Inspired Event Travel Asia / Creative Concept CCAV’s James Drysdale is the events’ major sponsor, handling the event management and supplying the decoration, lighting, and sound.
The Phuket Hotels Association has 55 member hotels with a shared goal of promoting the spectacular biodiversity, culture, and beauty of Phuket as a vacation island destination. This is achieved through educational scholarships, environmental initiatives and local community & tourism development programs.
A Magical Island Event Fundraiser Tickets THB 3,900 net (inclusive of food and selected free-flow wines) THB 4,900 net (VIP premium seating inclusive of food and free-flow champagne) *10% discount on table bookings for 10 people
Phuket, 11 April 2017 – “Phuket Pride” is one of the biggest annual festivals on Phuket Island. In 2017, the festival will be held from 24 to 30 April with the theme, “Be Strong, Be Healthy, Be Happy”. This will be a pride week for Phuket’s LGBT communities and attract LGBT people from around the world for a celebration.
During this week, the Phuket Loves You club will provide many activities, such as volleyball, mini-golf, a gay day-out cruise, a pride dinner extravaganza, which includes a grand charity auction, the Stargazer contest, Phuket pride’s big event featuring top DJs, a cabaret show, and the Mr. Phuket Pride 2017 contest. A highlight activity will be held on 30 April, when all parading LGBTs will be in fancy dress and have a street party at Soi Paradise in Patong Town from 18:00 until late at night.
Amari Phuket – Superior Ocean View RoomAmari Phuket – Rim Talay PoolAmari Phuket – Samutr Bar
Amari Phuket takes advantage of its convenient location by offering the Phuket Super Saver package to those guests who would like take part in the festival. The package has a starting price of 17,933 THB+++ for a four-day and three-night stay in a Superior Ocean Facing Room with a daily buffet breakfast included. There are other benefits such as:
Round-trip airport transfer
Thai set menu dinner at Rim Talay Restaurant
10% discount at all restaurants
20% discount on all treatments at Breeze Spa
20% discount on laundry service
Complimentary late check-out until 16:00
10% discount for each night’s extended stay
The package is now available for booking. Terms and conditions apply.
Phuket, Thailand – April 7, 2017 The JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, in collaboration with The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation and its partners, will be hosting the 8th annual Mai Khao Turtle Release, which is scheduled during the Songkran Festival on April 13, from 2.30 pm – 4.30 pm. The Thalang District Chief, Acting Sub Lt. Vigrom Wati and representatives from its business partners will be a guest of honour and be part of this Thai New Year celebration.
Furthermore, the Mai Khao Turtle Foundation also has organized the exclusive Turtle release programs on April 15 and 16 from 9 am – 10 am together with IUCN for this year. The event is supported by the Phuket Marine Biological Center and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Taking place on the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa’s beachfront, the 8th Mai Khao Turtle Release will see 65 new batch of rehabilitated green turtles introduced their natural life in the Andaman Sea, where they belong. Sea turtles represent longevity in Thai culture and releasing animals to nature is believed to bring good luck to the participant.
Phuket residents and hotel guests are invited to join what promises to be a fun, family-oriented and inspirational experience. In doing so they will be helping to protect the area’s endangered turtle population.
Every THB 5,000 raised through donations and additional money raised during the event will go towards supporting the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation and its partners: the Phuket Marine Biological Centre’s injured Turtle Rehabilitation Program and the Third Naval Area Command’s Turtle Hatchery Program.
For more information about the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, please contact Mr. Sean Panton, Co-Chairman & Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Marriott Thailand Business Council, email sean.panton@marriotthotels.com or Khun Kittipan, Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation Manager, via email info@maikhaoturtlefoundation.com or call 076 338 000 ext. 3383
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