You Meet Nice Sportbikes in the 250cc Neighborhood - NYTimes.com

You Meet Nice Sportbikes in the 250cc Neighborhood - NYTimes.com:

 "NOBODY should be surprised to learn that Honda has the know-how to build a smooth, light, easy-to-manage motorcycle that is ideal for novice riders.

Or that the company can make a practical commuter bike that combines hybrid-beating fuel economy with a comfortable riding position and a flexible, well-mannered engine. Or that it has the ability to create a sportbike that can make even jaded ex-racers consider becoming racers again.

What does raise eyebrows, though, is that Honda can do all this with a single motorcycle — and do it at the entry-level price of"

Interview with Dr Atchaka Sibunruang, Secretary General of the Board of Investment (BOI) | Business Report Thailand

Interview with Dr Atchaka Sibunruang, Secretary General of the Board of Investment (BOI) | Business Report Thailand:

 "Adjacent to the gleaming PTT tower, one of the great state industries flying the flag for Thailand around the globe, the front of the Board of Investment (BOI) building is under renovation. It is rather apt. Once synonymous with drawing investors to Thailand, the BOI is undergoing a change in policy and direction. No longer fixed on inbound Foreign Direct Investment (IFDI), it is assuming a new role, encouraging Thai companies to invest abroad – not that it has done badly in its original mission. The BOI attracted THB447.4bn (USD14.7bn) worth of investment through 1,591 projects in 2010 alone"

Foreign applications for investment up 53% in first quarter

Foreign applications for investment up 53% in first quarter:

"Mrs Atchaka said that foreign direct investment continued an increase as well with the number of projects surging by 37 per cent to 336 and investment value by 103 per cent to Bt108 billion."

China City complex Bangkok - will a Chiang Mai version follow?

Bangkokpost.com:

"Mr Chanin, 32, believes the 6,000 local small and medium-sized footwear manufacturers that comprise 90% of the local footwear market will be the main industry drivers.
As well, the 45-billion-baht China City Complex planned for Bang Na district to serve the wholesale trade will push Thai makers to focus more on high-end, premium products and turn away from the mass market, he said.
Mr Chanin, who is also the president of the Thai Business District Federation, believes that rather than posing a threat, the China City Complex will serve to highlight the differences between Thai and Chinese products.
'The premium segment is where we will be able to compete, and it's the only path for industry survival. We will not, for instance, see genuine leather shoes from China that are cheap,' he said.
Mr Chanin said by maintaining relationships with other Asean countries including through projects and fairs, Thailand will be able to portray itself as a country of high-quality labour and goods, thereby building up brand awareness and loyalty."

Asia Pacific Surpasses the U.S. to Become Second Largest Regional Travel Market

Asia Pacific Surpasses the U.S. to Become Second Largest Regional Travel Market:

"The Asia Pacific (APAC) travel market surged 17% in 2010, surpassing the U.S. to become the second largest regional travel market worldwide, according to a new report by travel industry research authority PhoCusWright. Fueled by a recovering economic climate and strong growth in key emerging markets, APAC grew faster than all other regions to reach US$255.8 billion in 2010."

PROMENADA - A True Shopping Delight -Mai 2011

PROMENADA - A True Shopping Delight -Mai 2011:

What we can expect from the new Promenda Chiang Mai when it is completed - I can't wait! [ED]