May 25, 2009
by John Le Fevre

Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) has reported that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell 7.1 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2009, with the consumer spending index (CSI) falling for the first time since the Asian financial crisis of 1997.

The government think-tank said Thailand’s GDP declined 4.2 per cent in the last quarter of 2008, but predicted a flattening out to between 2.5 to 3.5 per cent for the entire 2009 year should the political situation stabilize.

More worrying is the drop in the CSI, which fell 2.6 per cent in the first quarter, the first drop since the 1997 Asian economic crisis. In 1998 Thailand’s GDP fell about 11 per cent.

NESDB secretary-general Ampon Kittiampon predicted slower declines in the next three quarters of 2009, if the political scene "stabilized" and the government could go ahead with investments in stimulus programmes.

"If the political situation doesn't deteriorate, I would say we have bottomed out," Ampon said.

The Thailand government is currently putting the finishing touches on a second economic stimulus package worth a reported $US45 billion aimed at enhancing the kingdoms agriculture potential, boosting food exports, and seeing it become a significant producer of alternative fuels.

The package will focus heavily on so-called “mega-projects”, with particular emphasis on infra-structure, schools, road construction, hospitals and residential developments.

The Government has also committed itself to reinvigorating Thailand’s tourism industry, which has suffered a fall in confidence levels following political protests late last year and earlier this year.

May 01, 2009
by Newsdesk

To mark the handing over of the Indian statue “The Head” by the India-Thai Chamber of Commerce to the Royal Kingdom of Thailand, a presentation ceremony was held at Central World Plaza, Bangkok on Thursday, 30th April 2009. His Excellency Teera Slukpetch, Minister for Culture of the Royal Government of Thailand, Khun M.R. Sukhumpan Baripatr, Governor of Bangkok, Her Excellency Ms. Latha Reddy, Ambassador of India, important Thai and Indian dignitaries and members of the general public were present on the occasion.

The presented sculpture was that of a beautiful Indian face, which had been sculpted by the world famous Indian artist, Shri Ravindra Reddy. India-Thai chamber of Commerce and Central Pattana Group were the sponsors of this project, which had been taken up to mark the 80th birthday of His Majesty, the King and also the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty, the King’s Accession to the Throne.

April 28, 2009
by Newsdesk

Commerce & Industry Minister of India, Mr. Kamal Nath addressed a meeting of 53 countries of Asia – Pacific region at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok on Monday 27th April, 2009.

Participating in the 65th Session of the ESCAP, Mr. Nath called for concerted and coordinated efforts by the countries of the region to effectively tackle on triple crises – food, fuel and financial.  He stressed that the region’s poor must be provided support safety nets and social protection systems.  Referring to the theme topic of the Session – “Towards sustainable agriculture and food security in the Asia and the Pacific”, he mentioned the National Food Security Mission of India, which aims to increase the production of rice by 10 million tones, wheat by 8 million tones and pulses by 2 million tones on a sustainable basis by March 2012.

April 10, 2009
by Joyeeta Dutta Ray

It was a long weekend. Thunderstorm made fierce faces through the sky. Torrential shower ground traffic to a halt. But nothing could stop the flood of Indians wading into the Rachadalai Theatre at Muangthai well before the scheduled time.

The show was said to start at 7.30pm. However the first ticket holders arrived at 4.00 pm. “We are hoping to catch a glimpse of the performers before the show starts, “ said the young enthusiast.

By the time Her Excellency, Lata Reddy, Indian Ambassador to Thailand, arrived with other Indian and Foreign Dignitaries at 7 pm, the reception area was full to capacity. Bangkok’s glitterati rubbed shoulders with insignificant others, all bonded by a universal love – the best of Bollywood music and dance.

The show started impressively on time to a riveting choreography by Swarupraj Medara and his troupe of dancers. Swarupraj has been known to produce innovative and critically acclaimed work. Some of his better-known works include Zee Award Shows and directing famous Bollywood stars such as Salman Khan, Hritik Roshan, Preity Zinta and Rani Mukherjee.

Harjit Tulsi sparkled through the hosting with quick wit, hilarious words, charming presence and pathetic Thai. “If you enjoyed, my name his Harjit Singh. If you haven’t, my name is Thaksin”, he ended to resounding claps and giggles.

April 10, 2009
by Joyeeta Dutta Ray

1) Firstly, on behalf of www.thaindian.com, we would like to offer our heartiest congratulations for a riveting performance in Bangkok! Zee Nite has been receiving rave reviews by the Indians, foreign dignitaries and local celebrities who have attended the show. Is it the first time you have performed in Bangkok? How was your experience?

Kushal: Yes! This is the first ever time I am performing in Bangkok and it has been such a wholesome and exhilarating experience. I never knew what to expect but the audience here were so responsive and energetic... my gosh!! What do people eat here? Must be some really high-energy food...(hahaha)... this was one of my most memorable experiences and I so look forward to returning to rock Bangkok again.
 
2) You are well known as a model, TV Star, actor and dancer. However, you started your career in Jet Airways. How did the transition from Cabin Crew to TV celebrity come about?
 
Kushal: I was actually going to Dallas to get my flying license so I could work as a pilot but due to the high aviation taxation laws, three prominent domestic airlines shut down and it was pointless for me to study flying when there were no jobs around. So temporarily I joined Jet Airways as a flight attendant just so I could get an interdepartmental transfer into the cockpit at a later stage when the airline situation got better.

Modeling was just a way to make some quick pocket money. After I took part in Gladrags Manhunt Contest and won the Best Physique title, a lot of doors opened up for me. Then I started choreographing fashion shows and dance events and slowly I progressed into acting. Now I’m doing TV and films together. It all just fell into place.
 
 
3) Your performance has been declared 'explosive' and 'energetic' by the Bangkok Post. Have you learnt any particular form of dance or does it come to you naturally?
 
Kushal: Thank you for the lovely compliments. I just hope that I can keep giving my audiences the same energy all the time, every time.
I attended dance classes when I was very young just like how every mother wants their child to learn some extra curricular activity but I always had it in me ... I love performing, dancing acting etc. I love being on stage and making people enjoy. It comes naturally. One can train in dance but not in performance. That just comes from the heart.
 
4) What would you like to focus more on in the future? Dancing, starring in TV serials or stepping into films in a bigger way?
 
Kushal: I have always said that there are no rules in an entertainer’s life...dancing, singing, acting whether its on stage, or television or films, as long as you are giving it your best it doesn’t matter... of course films are always the best medium simply because there is more reach and more people can see and appreciate your talent ... so yes!! I am focusing on films at the moment.
 
5) What did you like most about Thailand?
 
Kushal: THE PEOPLE... the lovely Thai and my very own Indians... it’s so nice to hear our own language when u go abroad, but the people are so warm and friendly and it’s the people that make a place.... also the food, shopping, beaches!!! Great!
 
6) Any words for your fans here?
 
Kushal: I love your response, your energy, your smiles and the love you have shared with me...
I will return and give you all even more sizzling performances and that’s a promise... I am here because of you and your love.
Thank u from the bottom of my heart
Swadee khrab....namaste :)

(Abhijeet, Jassi, a friend, Kushal and Anindo)

March 24, 2009
by Amrit Rashmisrisethi

On March 28, the dazzling Bangkok lights will be dimmed, when authorities will call on the public to flick off switches from 8 to 9pm as part of 'Earth Hour 2009'.

Bangkok will be joining 680 cities in 47 countries and even more than twice the number that participated last year;  in a campaign that aims to raise awareness of global warming and the need to save energy.

The switch off will start on Khao San Road, triggering a lights out in other target areas including the Grand Palace and main roads like Silom, Ratchadapisek, Yaowaraj and Petchburi.

Prakob Jirakiti, deputy governor of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, said that last year's campaign had cut electricity consumption by 30 per cent, or 1,348 megawatts.

'We'll work closely with the police to ensure safety in the areas that are switched off,' he added.

Mr Prakob said that the campaign would be extended to the provinces next year, with Chiang Mai a possible target. 

March 23, 2009
by DPA (From Bangkok)

Thailand's health ministry has warned people suffering from asthma and allergies to avoid eating fried insects, a popular street-stall snack in Bangkok and other cities, media reports said Sunday.

A recent study conducted by the ministry found that the fried silk worms, grasshoppers and other six-legged delicacies often contain excessively high levels of histamine that can trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks, The Nation newspaper reported.

According to ministry data, some 118 people were hospitalized between Dec 24 and Jan 7 with allergic reactions and food-poisoning symptoms after eating fried bugs from street vendors in seven provincial cities.

Insects have been on the menu in rural Thailand for centuries, but only in the past two decades have improved logistics and bulk bug wholesaling networks made the creatures widely available in urban centres.

Health officials warn that the bugs can pick up high levels of bacterial contamination during storage and transportation, while excessive reuse of cooking oil to fry the critters can also lead to toxic build up.

Address 88, Eight Thonglor Complex, 2nd Floor, Unit-L 205, Sukhumvit Soi -55, Thonglor Soi 8, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok - 10110

Telephones 02-713 8357 - 8   
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Website http://www.masala-artbkk.com

Masala Art serves authentic dishes from North India, perfected over the years by Indian Master Chefs. Special emphasis on the authentic style of cooking with a royal blend of spices. Food is presented in an unaccomplished yet unique and appealing style which positions the restaurant away from the ordinary through focus on signature dishes.

Operating Hours

Lunch 11:00 AM to 03:00 PM
Dinner 06:00 PM to 11:00 PM

March 23, 2009
by Joyeeta Dutta Ray

Congratulations Mr. Sunil Bhandari and Ms. Ramida Sukhaphinand! 

You are the Lucky winners of the ‘Jawab Doh, Jeet Loh Contest’.

You win TWO PREMIUM TICKETS EACH TO THE ZEE NITE BANGKOK 2009 musical extravaganza .

Please collect your winning tickets between March 28th to April 2nd from the NCL office (address given below).

Special offer to ALL ‘Jawab Doh, Jeet Loh’ Contestants:

We are delighted to inform you that response to the contest has been simply overwhelming. As a special gesture of thanks, NCL has a very exclusive offer to all the participants of this contest.

Receive 10% discount on every ticket you book by March 28th.

All you have to do is email to Anindo Aditya at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it from the email id you sent for the contest for your ticket specifications to avail of this offer.

Hurry, time is limited. Book your tickets NOW for the best seats for your family and friends with your special discount.

We wish you a dhamaka evening with all your favourite Zee TV stars!

For sponsorship, advertising and further information please contact
Anindo Aditya at 0818117554.

March 22, 2009
by Joyeeta Dutta Ray

April 4th is around the corner and the count down for Zee Nite Bangkok 2009 begins. Check out these little-known facts about the super talented Tele Stars who will perform ‘live’ before you in the musical and dance extravaganza.

DID YOU KNOW?

...that Aneek Dhar,  crowned winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007, is also a member of a rocking Bengali band called Sur Tarango?

His debut album ‘Kwaishein’, released in September 2008, received the award for best album of 2008 at the renowned Kalakar awards, held in Kolkata on Sunday, January 17th, 2009?

Hard to believe he has just touched 20!

...that Yashita Yashpal’s interests range from  Jazz, Lounge, Instrumentals, old and new Bollywood hits to HipHop and Blues! How versatile can one get?

...that Harpreet Deol’s favorite actor is Anupam Kher and idolizes true heroes like Bhagat Singh and Mohammad Rafi?

Now isn’t that unusual in a world of Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar fans?

...that Kushal Punjabi, the handsome best male dancer of ‘Ek Se Badkar Ek’,  is better known as an actor and model? His modeling career began after he won the Best Physique award at the Gladrags Manhunt Contest. Later, he acted in a telefilm called Humko Ishq Ne Mara and also appeared in many music videos.

What you may not know is that Kushal started his career as the cabin crew of Jet Airways! Thankfully, that career didn’t take off!

The stage is set for mind blowing music, dance, live band and choreography by all these talented winners and more!

Are you set with your tickets yet?

Rush...to book your seats NOW before time runs out! You have barely a few days left.

Venue: Muangthai Rachdalai Theatre at Esplanade (next to Fortune mall at Ratchadapisek) Bangkok.

Date: April 4, ‘09

Time: 7.30pm onwards.

Tickets: Bht 3000, Bht 2500, Bht 2000, Bht 1,500 and Bht 1000

Available through Thaiticket Major.
For details, check  http://www.thaiticketmajor.com/concert/zeenite_eng.php

Ph no – 662-2623456.