Beware of strangers asking for gifts from far away

If you have a frequent flyer regime you must read this, it might suit you suite.

That legacy of ridicule from friends when you've failed to complete their objectives during your business trip.

The balancing act of biz and pleasure during travel requires the performance of business Driod and a decathlon athlete.

They're fitted with a roll up of Loyalty membership cards and password decoders. Pockets bursting with multi-lingual business cards.   Secret compartments holster neatly folded retractable cables, conversion plugs and the latest swiss army knife.

 Efficient models are programmed to tolerate extended rhetorical conversations in noisy bars; advanced models sleep with their eyes open.

Such attributes were characterized in the movie “up in the air” with George Clooney.

George, as Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizing expert whose cherished life on the road is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles when he mets the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams...

Was it her or those 3rd party priority shopping lists.

Ryan reluctantly breached routine to get a 1mtr cardboard cut out of his sister and brother-in-law to be to popular tourist destinations to collect photo illusions of them on holidays.  What the!

Restaurant Treasures Bangkok April 2011

It's a tough job but someone has to Thai

As "Aussie Exec Tours Bangkok" rises with popularity so too does the shared smiles and great experiences. 

Editorial by Phillip Smith.  Director AusWaThai
Our guests are amazed at what this Megga city has to offer and quite frankly every outing I get a little "gob smacked" by yet more Gemstones! 

Bangkok is a fountain of wellness, mostly because of the people you meet; the source of synergy and it goes without saying Thai hospitality is unique. 

In April we add a few Restaurants to our treasure map! 

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The Long Bar : 5 Star dinning

click on photo to expand

25th flr, a hidden jewel in Bangkok’s crown. It's stylish and elegant and the Panoramic view of the city skyline is all consuming.

The worlds "Longest Table" or slide into a booth with lavish cushions to cuddle up and relax into the evening.   All elements are outstanding.

A cutting edge concept.

Zone: Sukhumvit (Soi 16)

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MahaNaga:   5 star dinning

click on photo to expand

I would never have believed this place until I saw it for myself. 

A rose among thorns, rich earthy colours inside and out.  Elegant courtyard, surrounded by cosy dining rooms all offering garden views.

It's a Thai fusion fare at its best. The dishes on offer are clearly the fruit of the chef's creativity and hard work.

Zone: Sukhumvit (Soi 29)

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River City BBQ:   3.5 stars + a treat

click on photo to expand 

You'll either love or hate  "Moo Gadaa" (DIY Thai BBQ) - this one is a Diamond.

DIY or menu sets at ridiculous low prices.  
5th flr rooftop view at the Chao Phraya River (priceless views)
The roof is alive with a "tropical garden" which divides the BBQ area from the "Balco Bar" an alfresco rooftop bar where you can enjoy cocktails and jazz music at basement prices. Sink into an outdoor lounge and absorb the view of the river.

The location is a "Travel Spot" directly opposite Millenium Hilton. 

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Good news
All venues are logged to a Public Access Tourism Database Bangkok.  

The database (for tour planners) shows functional data such as:-

Intensity, Price Point, Map location Photos, Venue rating, Zone location, Transport methods.

You can view the Database (under construction) at this link
The database is rated "Advanced user", so we added a link to the consumer style search engines.

The Database is a collaborative effort by 
Aussie Exec Tours Bangkok, local travel agents field work by enthusiastic PA's from "Asoke PA", a unique local "Personal Assist (Concierge) service for Tourists. 

"Asoke PA" service was initially for Corporate clients but the cost is so low and great value now everyone is "Getting on Board"

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In April we met more special people at the AustCham Sundowner in Bangkok

Andrew Smith, Director of Inovastra:  

• Accounting Services in Bangkok and Perth WA.  Andrew (WA lad) is a frequent flyer

Brett Gannaway, former Executive Officer of AustCham Thailand

• WA bread, Bangkok based 17yrs now serving as a Business and Events consultant.

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I'm pleased to confirm both are gentlemen and highly qualified for their Portfolios. The social contact at AustCham Sundowners is well known (Bangkoks' number 1 Bis networking event). If your serious about Bis Thailand you have to meet these guys, their skill and knowledge is priceless!  

Visit soon, share Thai Smiles, a memorable experience.   

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New Google search feature updates with social network

Image via Wikipedia

Google, the internet gioant, launched a new feature  that integrates social networking updates from sites like LinkedIn and Twitter into search results, showing users if a friend has tweeted or shared an article, video or piece of content.

Central Insurance Brokers 

Google's Media chief executive Jim Stewart says that is another reason why businesses need to be on social networks like Twitter, commenting on and sharing all types of content that can be spread through a fan base.

“About two years ago I said that Twitter was bigger than Google. And by that what I mean is that it has completely changed the way Google ranks search results,” Stewart says.

While Google has previously integrated results from social networks this new upgrade is much more – content your friends have retweeted or liked will now show up higher than it otherwise would have.

“This whole “real time marketing” aspect of everything is changing how Google works.

“Google was always lacking a type of integration with social media and this is the element that Twitter provides to them. This is just an exaggeration of that.”

In a new blog post Google outlined the way Google Social Search will work. Previously there would be a section of the results page dedicated to tweets but now they will be integrated throughout the results themselves.

“This means you’ll start seeing more from people like co-workers and friends, with annotations below the results they’ve shared or created,” Google says.

“So if you’re thinking about climbing Mt Kilimanjaro and your colleague Matt has written a blog post about his own experience then we’ll bump up that post with a note and a picture.”

In a second major update Google says links shared on Twitter will make their way onto the results page with a little note saying one of your friends has shared it before.

Image by search-engine-land via Flickr“For example, if you’re looking for a video of President Obama on “The Daily Show” and your friend Nundu tweeted the video, that result might show up higher in your results and you’ll see a note with a picture of Nundu,” the company says.

The third major update to Social Search is control over accounts. The new Social Search only works if you are logged into a Google account and you now have the option to connect an account or refuse content to be shared.

Google product management director of search Mike Cassidy has told TechCrunch that in some cases the search results may be changed depending on the content that shows up and one aspect to be considered is how many friends share a link.

Image via CrunchBase

As for Facebook, Cassidy said: “We’re focused on sites where it’s relatively easy to crawl for data … we’re interested in including any publicly available content.”

Twitter seems to be the main focus for now.

“One of the big arguments when Twitter first came out was that it would kill Google. But what Google has just done is combined them. It’s a good move,” Stewart says.

“This is simply another reason why businesses should be getting online as fast as they can and start sharing content with others.”

Google explain how to D.I.Y. SEO (Search Engine optimisation)

Google have published a starter kit for SEO.   It's a beginners guide to the basics of Search Engine Optimization. The guide covers around a dozen common areas that webmasters might consider optimizing.

These include title and description meta tags, URL structure, site navigation, content creation, anchor text, and more. These area would apply to webmasters of all experience levels and sites of all sizes and types.  Throughout the guide many illustrations, pitfalls to avoid, and links to other resources that help expand the understanding of the topics are provided.

The first guide was released about two years ago.  The newest edition contains:
- Glossary to define terms , More example images, Optimize your site for mobile device, Clearer wording .

Here is the online magazine

Open publication - - More start kit

Do you own a Business  - be found in Google

Google changed the name of what was called the “Google Local Business Center” to “Google Places.” The rationale, according to the press, is to better connect Google Place Pages with the place where local business information is claimed, entered and enhanced:
Why? Millions of people use Google every day to find places in the real world, and we want to better connect Place Pages – the way that businesses are being found today – with the tool that enables business owners to manage their presence on Google.

 
read more http://www.web.austhai.biz/Home/free-google-business

The best E Networks for Thailand and Australia - free ระบบเครือข่ายอิเล็กโทรนิคที่ดีทีสุด-ประเทศไทยและออสเตรเลีย

Finally we have the solution to everyone's question... What is the Best E Network???

The answer is ... 
There are many, because we are not all the same!

Report by Phill Smith

How it started
We found there are many people sharing links between Aus and Thai but on many platforms and thought there must be a better to consolidate the group share resources.  As we began the research and connected with the different groups (age & lifestyle) it become obvious that each Network has certain attributes that suit the groups.

The reality is we are all different, some of us like to be in Pack and others like to be private or independent.
Our Focus is linking People from Thailand and West Australia on platforms for Social and Business. The home page includes a brief introduction to each of the Networks and how we believe they offer Value.

We have road tested many Networks to determine their suitability for the categories of Community, Travel and Business

Now it's "up to you" (lair-o Dae Khun) visit the AusWaThai Best E Networks page and see for yourself, it's all free.

Each network is displayed on the webiste, we have also created a forum article on each network so you can post comment (feedback).  If you don't wish to post comment to the forum your welcome to send us a reply via the email at networks@austhai.biz

Links
1. Best E Networks - Aus and Thai
2. Community - Aus and Thai

AustCham Thailand Members are Populating in Longdo

Australian Commerce has a substantial presence in Thailand.

It's why so many Australian owned/managed venues are populating across the Longdo Map
click on the photo expand

Reporter:  Phill Smith

It wasn't until we were introduced to AustCham Thailand that we discover the prominence of Australia, as Business owners and/or Managers. So with the help of the ever enthusiastic people of Longdo we embarked on a "Joint venture project" to populate Aussie Venues on Thailands Longdo Map.

Finding Aussie Venues became a "Needle in a haystack"

All known Aussie Govt., agencies we approached but they had no interest in the concept (most drew the curtain of "privacy laws"?  What the !  where talking about Business not Facebook!

We got tired of submitting writing requests (no one reads the content) and receiving the standard template response ... refer this (faulty website).  So what's is the job satisfaction?  "mai ben rai"

Fortunately we had some good luck, we found AustCham Thailand.

I had not idea just how substantial Australian Busines in Thailand is until I glanced at the AustCham Thailand website.

Their Key Features:

Promotion of business between Australia and Thailand

Representation and dialogue between AustCham, Thai Government and other business groups

Providing a dynamic networking, social and sponsorship platform

Community Services

The AustCham Management and staff have been a constant source of energy and synergy. Whether your a visitor on Business or Social their DOORS ARE OPEN. It's a productive culture and the reason I became a member. 

The highlight has been the AustCham's people network, it's quite remarkable! The monthly sundowners are the talk of Business Bangkok, it's a must do event.

The opportunity to meet the Expat community on a quality social platform is a credit to the organisers, it's clear evidence of their success. 

Business people now enjoy Best Apps for Iphone

The IPhone has undoubtedly become the indisputable platform for the futronics of hand help communication.

For those lucky enough to have been part of this hi-tech culture you gambled well, your ahead of the pack. For others it's just "too much" struggle with transition to another generation or steadfast about "the way it was".

When you step out of the frame "time out" and be objective (view the latest Iphones video) you can't deny the wizardry and proactive insight. Don't give it up, don't turn your back, it's time to get on board.

The new Iphone 4 is going to change the culture all over again! For those stepping up the plate and consuming - "good luck". There is merit in being up with the times but there are some obvious risks about being a Pioneer!

I prefer to be in the second wave, after the inevitable bugs are ironed out. By bugs I don't suggest any faults with the Iphone rather the collaboration of existing 3rd party software. We use a fantastic scanner app and already on 3GS version 4.00 there are bugs so logic suggests there will be others.

Good news
Our network of business friends have pooled intel on what are "Best apps" based on practical use, and with the help the latest P.A. recruits (Thai Students) we've tabled the data for friends and clients to share.

The table of "Best apps" includes Business, Travel, Networking and more.
The table brief and factual based on practical use. The link click here
Thanks sponsors for sourcing clients, covering the cost to collate and publish the data.

Sponsors
1. Central Insurance Brokers - http://www.centralins.com.au/

RULES FOR BEING HUMAN

You will receive a body
You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period this time around.

You will learn lessons
You are enrolled in a full-time school called “life on planet earth”. Every person and incident is your teacher. Each day you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lesson, or think them irrelevant or stupid.

There are no mistakes-only lessons
Growth is a process of trial and error-in other words, a process of experimentation. The “failed experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately “works”.  A lesson is repeated until learned.

It is presented in various forms until you learn it. When you have learned it, you can then go on to the next lesson. If you are here, there are still lessons to be learned.

If you don’t learn the easy lessons, they get harder Discomfort is one way the universe gets your attention.

You’ll know you’ve learned a lesson when your actions and behaviors change.

Only action can transforms knowledge into wisdom.

“There” is better than “Here”
When your “there” has become a “here”, you’ll see another “there” that now looks better than “here”.

There is no right or wrong-but there are responsibilities and consequences. The Universe doesn’t judge us, but it gives us continual opportunities to balance and learn.

What you make of your life is up to you

You have the tools and resources.

What you do with them is up to you. The choices are yours.

Your answers lie inside you. Living skillfully, gracefully, and with purpose, involves developing the ability to listen and trust.

You’ll tend to forget all this.

You can remember any time you wish!!


Links:
1. For a PDF version of this article - click here
2. Our articles on Philosophy

Skal Members Bangkok prepare for Workpace G Spots

Pan Pacific was yet again the venue for another serious successful networking platform in the busy centre of Bangkok. This time we had the pleasure of invitation to be guest to SKAL.

Skal is the largest and oldest Association of Hospitality, Travel and Tourism professionals in the world with over 21,000 members, in 500 clubs in 90 countries worldwide.

Members include all sectors of the travel industry from travel specialists; accommodation providers; travel publications ; members of the press; associations; airlines and cruise operators. With such coverage and such contacts I am sure you will find membership beneficial to your business should you choose to use them.

Networking, doing business among friends..

Auswathai Director Phill Smith

Skal Bangkok Division President Robert (Bob) Lee

and Tom Sorensen, Partner in Executive Recruitment company Grant Thornton. Bangkok.

Bob is speaks very highly of his beloved "Skal" family, not just the business but of the fellowship having been at the helm for his 2nd year as President Skal International Bangkok for the period 2010/11. This is my 2nd tenure as President

Bob's loyalty and connection with SKAL is unquestioned having served on various Skal Boards as a Director for the past 12 years, including Skal International Asian Area Board for the last 6 years. Formalities aside and with Bob's magnetic charm it was a seamless process to meet and exchange discussion with other members.

AustCham Thailand's Commonwealth Sundowner in Bangkok shows business is back on track

The Pan Pacific Hotel turned on their glowing charm, providing an excellent environment for AustCham's  Sundowner which has grown to great status in social success and tonight was no exception! 

Mission: The Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (AustCham Thailand) was the first Australian Chamber to be formed in theASEAN region. It was established in 1977 with the charter to promote business relations between Australia and Thailand.

The Chamber acts as a contact and information point for Australian businesses in Thailand, Australian businesses wishing to trade with or invest in Thailand and similarly for Thai enterprises interested in doing business with or in Australia.

AustCham Thailand aims to provide quality and constructive input into the formulation of policies impacting on business (both by the Thai and Australian Governments), and their administration, and to contribute to the development of relations between the two countries.

Welcome address by President Andrew

Andrew Durieux is a director of Coverage Ltd, a leading Business Consulting and IT software and services provider, and owner of Infocomm Software in Australia. Read more about Andrew here

Building links, network and business benchmarking is the name of the game

Pictured left

AustCham President Andrew Durieux

Auswathai Director Phill Smith

AustCham Executive Director Brett Gannaway

Bangkok Rocks - Social Ambassador Billy Cove

Pictured below Khun Meow

Showing the might of the British EmpireKhun Meow provided the touch of glamor and dazzle that set the flashes popping on the cameras.

Khun Meow is an excellent example of developing business skills under direction of her Western Employer. Khun Meow demonstrates enthusiasm and dedication at her new found career and has risen to Manager level at Bangkok Rocks. She may not complain of the perils of the job but and it's certainly aa challenge infusing the staff Thai Culture with Western (Farang) business disciplines and of course there are the Patrons.

Last month the world seemed to be coming to an end in her beloved city. From her Inner city apartment the view down Sukhimvit showed the horror. Buildings ablaze, black smoke billowing from what was the city's shopping Icon. Now it's about the challenge of rebuilding, presenting confidence and re assurance to International patrons, that Bangkok is once again the Dynamic and city that welcomes all.

Proud sponsors of the event

Founded in Australia in 1938, HASSELL is a private, single ownership design practice with a network of 13 design studios throughout mainland Australia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. Each has the flexibility and autonomy to service local clients, and the advantages of access to our integrated culture, combined resources and collective experience.

As a multidisciplinary design practice, we are structured around the key disciplines of architecture, interior

design, landscape architecture and planning, with integrated sustainability and urban design capabilities.

Recognition of our sustained and diverse output is illustrated by the more than 450 design awards thatHASSELL has received from peer groups and industry bodies... read more

Pictured below we introduce Khun Arwee

Thai National Arwee Manigluck, employee of Auswathai. Arwee's has the awesome job P.A. Services to Exec tour clients from Perth West Australia. Next week she will make her maiden visit to Perth, West Australia to begin another extension of her job Description. Arwee will attend International Language school and produce a travel report to be used to Promote Study Visa WA to Thailand.

Pictured left

AustCham Director Belinda Skinner

Originally from Western Australia, Belinda Skinner is a consultant and senior member of the management team of Top Talent Asia (formerly Talent Plus and part of The Capstone Recruitment and Consulting Group).

In this company she is the Team Leader for both the Consumer?FMCG/Pharmaceutical and Human Resources sectors for executive search and recruitment. Read more about Belinda here

The Sundowner certainly has a comfortable networking culture. I was surprised AND PLEASED that so many people came forward to make acquaintance. I now have a bundle of Business cards and memory of brief chats which I will soon convert into stronger links for work and friendship.

If your an AustCham member please send me your Business Card to add to our new database - click here and we will gladly arrange a free listing in the popular Longdo Map Thailand

LINKS -
Photo Gallery Map AustCham Members Thailand

Other AustCham articles - click here
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