After overseas success, I SPA turns back to Thailand

 “It’s time we brought our brand back home,’’ Sirirat Fungkhajon, the company’s co-founder, said yesterday.
In 2005, the firm saw a big potential there because of the dearth of premium spas in the market. Starting with Beijing, it expanded to Tianjin, Guangzhou, Tangshan, Nanjing, Xian and Sanya.
It positions itself as an authentic Thai spa in five-star hotels such as the JW Marriott and Hilton Nanjing Riverside. It expects to end the year with 19 spas in operation.
Spas in Thailand have been internationally recognised and are considered as a symbol of the country.
In China, she has formed a 49:51 joint venture with George Zhang, a Chinese entrepreneur.
The first I SPA in Thailand, costing Bt15 million-Bt20 million, will be launched today at the Landmark Hotel in Bangkok. Its concept features a blend of Chinese and Indian styles.
The firm also runs I SPA life, which is a mid-market brand preferably located in key tourism cities nationwide. It will be introduced at the Absolute Twin Sands Resort and Spa in Phuket next month. I SPAs will be mainly located in Bangkok.
The firm plans to open five outlets under the two brands over two years, then one or two annually over the next five years. About 70 per cent of its customers will be foreigners and expats, especially from Europe, Australia and the United States, while 30 per cent will be Thais.