22.6m Thais expected to travel during Songkran
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Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith expects 22.6 million Thais to travel during the Songkran holidays between April 8 and 18, a 5.44-per-cent increase from last year’s festival.
He said major factors behind the expected increase were lower fuel prices for motorists and the government’s stimulus package aimed at boosting spending during the Songkran period.
‘Dino Splash’ zone
Dinosaur Planet, Bangkok’s newest attraction, celebrates the coming Songkran Festival with activities that allow visitors to splash water with stars from the lost world including Tyrannosaurus Rex.
The park will introduce a special zone called “Dino Splash” where visitors will have a chance to splash water and celebrate Songkran with lifelike dinosaurs.
There will also be a “T-Rex Water Battle” zone, where the giant predator will be out there challenging visitors to a water battle.
Manulife names new CEO
Manulife Insurance (Thailand) has announced the appointment of Michael Parker as its new president and chief executive officer.
Parker joins Manulife from online insurance company Direct Asia, where he was CEO for its Thailand operations. He was responsible for establishing and rapidly growing the brand and customer base there.
Before that, he was the chief marketing officer and vice president of bancassurance for American International Assurance Co, where he developed new products including Thailand’s first unit-linked insurance products.
NZ-bound privileges
Thai Airways International is offering special privileges to Royal Orchid Plus (ROP) Platinum, Gold and Silver members for travel to New Zealand, said Teerapol Chotichanapibal, executive vice president for the airline’s commercial department.
Through the “Hello New Zealand” campaign, Immigration New Zealand is offering people who have been ROP members for more than 12 months easier application for New Zealand visas from April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017. Approval time is shortened and no bank statement is required.
