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) Luxury Thai resort planned by Mövenpick group
Swiss group M�venpick Hotels & Resorts has continued its Asian expansion strategy with the announcement of a new management agreement with Apex Development for a M�venpick Resort and Spa in Pattaya, Thailand.The new resort will open in 2010 and be situated near to the centre of Pattaya�s on one of its white sand beaches and be located around an hour from Bangkok International Airport.
There will be 300 bedrooms and an extensive spa and wellness area. A second, high-rise condominium building is currently under construction next to the hotel.
President and CEO of M�venpick, Jean Gabriel P�r�s, said: �Pattaya is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Thailand and is currently investing heavily in its infrastructure in order to firmly position itself as a leading tourist attraction. More>>
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) Bangkok: The old and the Buddha-ful
Shopping and gawking at the nightlife are what draw most visitors to Thailand's capital city. But for me, it was Bangkok's history and architecture that were truly spectacular.On the ride into the city from the airport, I was initially unimpressed. The high rises, the new mega shopping centers, even the old neighborhood markets were what one expects in most big Asian cities.
However, the charming traditional Thai welcome at the dazzling Shangri-La Hotel, and the view from my room of the bustling Chao Phraya River with its nonstop ferry traffic, began to make me feel that Bangkok would be something special.
It was my tour to the Grand Palace complex the next morning, given by a guide from the hotel's travel agency, that cemented the fact that Bangkok is unique. More>>
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) Brother of accused pedophile nabbed after manhunt says he's glad he's in custody
MAPLE RIDGE, B.C. - The younger brother of accused Canadian pedophile Christopher Neil says he's relieved his brother is in custody and renewed calls to see him returned to Canada to face any possible charges here.Matthew Neil told reporters gathered outside his basement apartment Friday that he hasn't spoken to his brother since he was arrested and paraded before reporters in Bangkok.
Neil said his family is "relieved and we want to see this move forward to the next phase of the event.
"I would like to see him come back to Canada but I understand that it's an international incident and I understand the need for multinational involvement."
Christopher Neil faces charges in Thailand of detaining and having sex with boys under 15, which carry prison sentences of up to 20 years. More>>