For visitors who book three-night or longer consecutive stays between now and June 30, Centara Hotels & Resorts is offering the "Urban Escape: Unlock 33% Savings In Bangkok" deal to the end of the month.
The Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, the Centara Grand at CentralPlaza Lardprao Bangkok, the Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok, the Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre Chaeng Watthana, and the Centara Life Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon are options available to guests.
Apart from the 33% discount, guests can also enjoy an extensive selection of accommodation choices and complimentary stays for a maximum of two children under the age of 12.
Visit centarahotelsresorts.com/urban-escape.
Hok Peng.
Nan's Hok Peng Festival to run until Sunday
In the ancient town of Nan, Wat Phra That Chae Haeng is hosting the seven-day Hok Peng Festival until Sunday to worship the relics ahead of the Full Moon of the sixth northern Thai lunar month.
This year's annual celebration got underway on Monday with a procession of several Buddhist offerings such as Lanna-style flags, khan dok trees and replicas of gold, bell-shaped pagodas. To honour local wisdom and rich cultural heritage, pilgrims from different ethnic groups including the Tai Yuan, Hmong, Mien, Tai Lue, Thai Phuan and Tai Khuen dress in distinctive traditional outfits.
As legend has it, Phaya Kan Muang built a 55.5m-high pagoda in 1353 to house Buddha relics including hair and the left wrist which were obtained from Sukhothai. Buddhists believe that worshiping Phra That Chae Haeng brings auspiciousness, thus a procession of local villagers will bring a variety of offerings from their hometowns to show their respect.
During the day, visitors may browse a handicraft market, where local artisans showcase a wide range of refined silver jewellery, cotton woven Lanna-style clothing adorned with elaborate embroidery and home décor items as well as local delicacies.
At 7pm, the temple ground is turned into an entertainment venue, where pilgrims can enjoy interesting cultural performances from four regions, a drum contest, a molam concert and the Bang Fai Dok rocket competition.
Visit facebook.com/watphrathatchaehang.
Thai AirAsia reports profit growth
Asia Aviation (AAV), the sole shareholder of Thai AirAsia, has revealed its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2023, reporting a net profit of 2.81 billion baht.
Revenue from sales and services reached 12.45 billion baht, a 51% increase compared to the previous year, resulting in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of 3.1 billion baht, an increase of 89% from the same period last year.
Passenger traffic reached 5.1 million, a 26% increase, with an average load factor of 90%. Regarding post-pandemic recovery, the airline achieved over 94% of domestic seat capacity compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 while international seat capacity recovered by 84%, indicating recovery of the aviation industry.
For the entire year of 2023, AAV reported revenue from sales and services of 41.2 billion baht, a 135% increase from the previous year. EBITDA was 7 billion baht while net profit was 465.8 million baht, a significant improvement from a net loss of 8.2 billion baht in the previous year. With a load ratio of 90%, passenger traffic was 18.9 million, a 90% growth compared to the previous year.
