The Fine Arts Department (FAD) will repair the 156-year-old windows and doors inlaid with pearl at Wat Ratchapradit.
The temple is located on Saran Rom Road. It was built by King Rama IV in 1864 and the wooden windows and doors of its Viharn Luang or the main prayer hall were created in 1865 in Japan.
The abbot asked the FAD to help with the restoration process and the agency sent a sample of the items to the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties to find what materials should be used for repairs as well as train some of its officers for the job. The Japanese research team will travel to Thailand to work with the FAD for the task.
In total, the team will fix 94 wooden pieces. The work is expected to finish in the next four years.
Tourists eye responsible post-Covid travel
People are more mindful than ever about travelling due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a survey by IHG Hotels & Resorts.
The research was commissioned as part of IHG's launch of "Journey To Tomorrow", a 10-year action plan to make a positive difference and help shape the future of responsible travel.
About 60% of the 9,000 adults surveyed across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China, the United Arab Emirates and Australia agree that they want to be more environmentally and socially conscious about their travels. This change in attitude is led by younger travellers (69%) aged 18 to 24 compared to 55s and over (48%).
Consumers are also willing to spend an average 31% more on accommodation if they know it is run responsibly -- with 51% happy to fork out more than 20% extra a night.
The pandemic has made travellers more mindful about preserving and connecting with communities around them as 57% of participants said they care more about doing their bit for local communities and the planet while travelling now than they did 10 years ago. About 46% are more likely to be mindful about avoiding tourist activities that have a negative impact on the local environment and communities.
Meanwhile, almost 86% agreed that it is important to know the local community when visiting somewhere new. To show support, visitors are ready to eat local food (67%), shop locally (64%), speak with the locals (61%), and get involved with local tours (48%).
AIRLINES UPDATE
Bangkok Airways will resume daily Phuket-Hat Yai flights from March 28.
The outbound flight will depart Phuket airport at 9am and the inbound flight will depart Hat Yai airport at 10.35am. The flight time is one hour.
The airline plans to reopen its passenger lounges at Suvarnabhumi airport and airports in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Sukhothai and Trat on March 1.
Visit bangkokair.com or call 1771.
Thai Vietjet has launched the "Couple Vouchers" promotion.
Passengers can purchase a set of two vouchers worth 500 baht each for 700 baht. The vouchers can be used for domestic flights between March 1-31.
The voucher can be purchased until Feb 28 at gift.SkyFUN.vietjetair.com/couplevoucher.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATES
Pathumwan Princess Hotel offers 40% discount on rooms.
Prices start at 1,766 baht when booking a room between Feb 26-28 for stays from Nov 1-Apr 30, 2022. The offer also includes a 20% discount on food at Kongju, Terrazza and @Lobby restaurants.
Visit pprincess.com or call 02-216-3700.
Centara Grand at CentralWorld has introduced the "Place To Be" package.
Prices for a night stay start at 765 baht a night for those who register as members. The package also includes daily credits that can be used at its restaurants and spa and early check-in and late check-out to 9pm for bookings from Sunday to Thursday (subject to availability).
Visit centarahotelsresorts.com/centara-place-to-be.
Thanyapura Sports and Health Resort in Phuket has launched the Chinese New Year promotion.
Available until the end of this month, the promotion includes a one-night room priced at 1,800 baht net for stays until Oct 31, a free bio-scan health check, a welcome massage, 20% off food and drinks, and access to world-class sports facilities.
Visit thanyapura.com.
Kamalaya Koh Samui has launched the "15th Birthday" promotion offering up to 60% discount on rooms.
Prices for a night stay start from 3,500 baht and also include daily breakfast, complimentary wellness consultation & body analysis, 45% off for food and spa.
Booking and stays are available now until June 30.
Visit kamalaya.com.
Email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th if you have any comments to share.
