Showing 1 - 9 of 9
Off the beaten track
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 06/01/2020
» What are you afraid of the most when travelling off the map? For most people, lack of security and accessibility probably top the list. With world tourism growing exponentially on the back of cheap flights, and GPS making it easy for anyone to find their destination, getting away from tourist traps is growing more popular in Asia.
Tourism trap
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 22/07/2019
» Southeast Asia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, making the region a tourism magnet. But truly unspoiled beaches are getting harder to find outside of Instagram.
EV prices to approach B1m in 3-5 years as market develops
Business, Erich Parpart, Published on 14/06/2019
» Increasing competition, the arrival of charging stations and lower production costs will drive down the price of an electric vehicle (EV) to a more affordable 1 million baht within 3-5 years, says Yossapong Laoonual, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand.
Dark enough for you?
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 20/08/2018
» 'Dark tourism" is an interesting concept that did not come to my attention until I watched a Netflix series recently. Few countries actively promote offbeat or slightly dangerous pursuits but it's a niche with potential, if managed carefully -- even if it's hard to explain to your insurer.
China's new travellers
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 13/08/2018
» When the tour boat Phoenix capsized and sank in rough seas off Phuket on July 5, the lives of hundreds of Chinese people changed forever as they dealt with the loss of 47 loved ones.
Double the fun
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 22/01/2018
» Sailing on the equivalent of a floating Macau, viewing spectacular shows and enjoying all-day indoor and outdoor entertainment are par for the course on the new generation of cruises serving the growing Asian leisure travel market.
Peninsula in peril
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 11/09/2017
» The sense that the Korean War is still being fought doesn't really kick in until you take a ride to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that divides the Korean Peninsula in half. Barbed wire, fortified outposts and soldiers with guns are sure to get your attention in what former US president Bill Clinton once called "the scariest place on earth".
E-commerce forces brick-and-mortar stores to innovate
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 24/04/2017
» With e-commerce being fitted into their arsenals, retailers are now aiming to provide new experiences and greater convenience for shoppers. And while bricks-and-mortar stores will continue to exist, they are no longer places exclusively for shopping, but also must function as showrooms and fitting rooms.
The road not taken
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 20/02/2017
» Long before "connectivity" emerged as the all-purpose buzzword to describe the goal of regional integration, an ambitious plan was hatched for a land route from the Andaman to the South China Sea via Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. As good roads took shape, industries and economic development would follow. At least, that was the idea.