Salute to the Majestic Malai a Skal Skipper

Tourism Thailand salutes Khun Malai

His Tourism journey spands more than 50 years.

Mr. Malai Sakolviphak started his career with Pan American World Airways on July 1, 1949. There were about 9 international airlines operating to/from Bangkok at that time. He worked through various departments, until the last position as Director for Thailand, Laos and Myanmar from 1982 to 1985.

Thailand Service Industry is Magical

HAVING recently return from my annual pilgrimage to Thailand, I am pleased to acknowledge the continuing congenial culture of the people from the "Land of a Smiles" scored with their excellent service, which was delivered straight from the heart.

Reporter: Spindle

Whether it was the masseuse at the dainty and unassuming foot-massage shop or the concierge where I stayed, their actions and mannerisms were consistent with, I believe, an intrinsic Thai cultural trait which causes them to exude both a natural and genuine humility, affable and warm hospitality which we in Australia can learn a lot from.

Compared to the our “Lucky Country”, I am sure Thailand has not had as many "courtesy" campaigns to inspire the population to achieve such high levels of service delivery. I think the Thai add Khun Kaa" sums it up.. see this link below.  In Thailand, you will notice every encounter starts with "Sawasdee ka" (Hello) and ends with "Khob khun kha" (Thank you).

Case in point:

My friends and I were taking a stroll along Sukhumvit Soi 19 after dinner one evening when it began raining (nothing new really)..

The rain should be accepted as a clear sign that you should be in company of others and so we did. Instead of braving the elements and getting drenched we hopped into the nearest foot-massage shop.

After subjecting our feet to an hour of pleasure we made our way out the door, only to be confronted with a flood that had risen along the entire stretch. We tried to flag down a taxi, but to no avail and here is the wonder of Thai smile…

Noticing our plight, the masseuse approached us and asked us to wait under the shelter and she promptly took position in the flood waters and waded (more than ankle deep) to the middle of the street to wave down a taxi for us. She (Khun Anne) even made sure the driver reversed the vehicle as close to the curb as possible, so that we could enter it without getting wet.

We all share the view/comments that She didn't have to do this, but she did and without expecting anything in return. We were enthralled and impressed by her actions.

Shopping at Central Department Store was another happy experience. No matter how many shirts and paints the sales staff showed great enthusiasm, not just about a sale, but about having the satisfaction of a satisfied customer. It did not stop there, the experience was repeated with most everything we did, be shuffling many pairs of sunglasses to DVD and electronics, no one showed any grumble about the endless changes we made, they just kept smiling.

It was the same when shopping at Platinum and again the famous MBK. My group was a bunch of guys and girls that had all sorts of styles and tastes so and constantly overriding each other and insisting on another style so there was multiple changes before a sale. We were taking a long time deciding, which included calling and sending text messages to family members back home to check on sizes, before making a purchase.

The stall owners were patient and appreciative that we were a customer (of sorts) and served us more than required (or what I’m used to back home). I noticed that regardless of where we went, be it Siam Paragon, Emporium or the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the experience was the same.

It felt good that the polite treatment and courtesy we received was not the template stuff that big brands have been known to dish out. The cold, formulaic classroom inculcation of service-oriented values will never be as good as the warmth that emanates from one's innermost spirit.

How do we foster that attitude within our society? The current "Brand Thailand" effort which the Abhisit Government is embarking on can only be a positive push for the country as a whole.

With their native DNA already in place, everything else should be a breeze.

Bangkok Tourism is guided by the leadership of a elite Networking group called "Skal International Bangkok". 

This chapter is part of the older and largest travel association the world.

Here is an "Unpublished" version of their Members Handbook for 2009-2010 - check our the players in this Network (place the cursor on the book to view).

Open publication - - More thailand

See more about Skal Bangkok in the link below "Networks Bangkok".  

AusWaThai executives conduct monthly tours from Perth WA to Bangkok - if your an Exec looking to achieve more for Business or Social we have the networks. Join our Monthly tours or D.I.Y. .. from our website - Networks Bangkok

AusWaThai Travel - Thailand and the Aussie Community in Thailand

Medical Tourism Thailand - it's special

Medical Tourism in Thailand

The three major hubs are Singapore, India and Thailand.  In 2006, Singapore claimed 374,000 medical tourists while India brought in over six hundred thousand BUT Thailand is so the SUCCESS STORY.

Enjoy success, contact a Skal International member, the worlds largest travel group. More about Skal in "links" below".

Thailand is a world leader in the medical tourism industry and the country’s private hospitals and clinics are able to perform all kinds of surgeries from heart procedures to hip and joint replacements. Bangkok has several hospitals that are used to receiving foreign patients, and the number of hospitals means that it’s easy to get a second opinion and find a doctor you’re comfortable with

Reporter: Peter

Thailand is the undisputed heavyweight of the industry, drawing over 1.2 million medical tourists.  Thailand’s two largest medical tourism targets are the Bumrungrad and Bangkok Hospitals, which annually treat 400,000 and 150,000 foreign patients, respectively. 

Thailand Cosmetic surgery
The prices for elective surgery can be a fraction of what they would be in the west, with the quality level being consistently high. While common procedures such as face lifts, tummy tucks and breast augmentation are widely available, Thailand is also a world specialist in sex reassignment surgery. Procedures of this nature include almost everything .. I’d tell you more but then you’ll know what I did last summer !.

Thailand Dental tourism

Thailand is known for its masterful dentists. Many Westerners make up to three trips over the period of a year to receive extended dental surgery, and still come out saving significant amounts of money. The dental equipment used in Thailand is on par with some of the best in the world, and the dentists are very well trained. Procedures available include crowns, dentures, laser teeth whitening and bridges.

Thailand Alternative medicine

The Thais have long been practicing alternative medicine and many practitioners using herbal medicines and holistic approaches are available. This sector is beginning to attract foreign attention, particularly the country’s wellness retreats, yoga workshops and chiropractic treatments.

Thailand Health spas

The spa industry is big business in Thailand. Thais and foreigners alike take advantage of the many spas in the cities, where saunas, steam baths and every kind of massage are available for much less than the going rate in the west. Spas here are well suited to catering to international tourists and cost-saving packages are available at every establishment.

Bangkok Medical Tourism
Bangkok is Asia’s leading medical tourism destinations, earning an international reputation for excellence. Their Western-trained doctors and hospitals offer amenities and service to rival those in Western countries.

All of Bangkok’s private hospitals feature English speaking doctors and nurses who are accustomed to dealing with medical tourists. Equipment is state-of-the-art, as are the procedures and care that they offer.


Bumrungrad is one of Bangkok’s leading hospitals . Other hospitals in Bangkok offering excellent facilities and procedures for a fraction of the price include Bangkok International Hospital, BNH Hospital.

what we offer you:-
the opportunity...DO IT YOURSELF; save money, enjoy a budget, timeframe and a holiday...  
We don't sell you anything, we don't need too!

We promote good ideas and let you decide for yourself
the fact is everyone that comes is overwhelmed by the genuine care and service.


If you think it was a good thing then offer our site to your friends

 Links
Aussie Medical Tours - Bangkok - D.I.Y. our join our monthly tours Bangkok Medical
We show costs and everything we neededto know before we used the service.  Welcome to call us at AusWaThai for obligation free chat at AusWaThai. 

Skal International Bangkok - Worlds Largest friends travel Association


Health check - see the brochure below

Open publication -  More medical

Tourism Thailand shares a vision with the Skal Titans

Skal International Bangkok members were honored by special guest Governor for Tourism Authority of Thailand, Khun Suraphon Svetasreni with his brief on TATs planning and goals.

Picture: Collage photos of the event

September 14 luncheon was a SELL OUT.  If I was not so anxious to see TAT’s vision and hear 1st hand from the Governor I would have seriously considered the scalpers offer for my ticket.

I’m glad I resisted the Scalpers offer! The presentation was impressive, but none more than the Governor by his Hospitable character; at the close of the event his team had to wait another hour or so while Khun Suraphon gave  an individual goodbye to all that sort his audience.  I know because I was waiting to catch a photo and my impatience was overcome by respect as I observed his "Jai yen" fellowship, a genuine wiliness to chat with people. I did get the photo, several in fact, and more conversation with this gentleman than I bargained for. He has my vote as an Icon of Thai Hospitality.

About the Governor Tourism of Thailand

As veteran of the travel and tourism industry, Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni joined the organisation in 1977 contributing to the success of the kingdom’s notable global destination marketing campaigns, strategic and tactical marketing campaigns.

Picture: Suraphon Svetasreni

His appointment to Governor  earlier this year was a natural progression having conquered many  charters in his illustrious career, in undertaking all of these roles. Mr. Svetasreni has always endeavored to meet the needs and expectations of the Thailand tourism industry with dedication, Professionalism, and finesse.

Over 20 years of experience in marketing communications, advertising, and public relations, both in Thailand and overseas, have proved a tremendous asset in Mr. Svetasreni’s role in spearheading Thailand’s tourism achievements.

Image by vtveen via Flickr Thailand is now recovering from a turbulent year and Mr Svetasreni has good reasons to be optimist. Once again, Thailand is bouncing back from a gloomy time, and quicker than expected. Mr. Svetasreni indicated international arrivals to Thailand had a positive growth from January to July totaling 8.7 million travelers. All markets are recovering strongly except but a few.

Skal Members Bangkok are a guiding light for Tourism

Gratitude of thanks from Thailand by the Prime Minister Khun Abhisit Vejjajiva to Skal International Thailand

about Skal International Thailand

Membership comprises group of leaders in the Tourism Industry in Thailand. Skal activities, increase awareness, benchmarking and collaborative networking for the collective benefit of all. The "Skalians" club was formed in 1956 to establish Skal Club of Bangkok.

The displays of friendship and amicable spirit by the founders and members of the club were so impressive it led to the formation of Skal Club of Pattaya and Skal club of Chiangmai.

 The clubs joined forces to establish the Skal National Committee and their synergy and magnetic energy brought forward the establish of other Skal clubs. 

What is Skal International?

Skal is a professional organisation of tourism leaders around the world, promoting global tourism and friendship.

It is the only international group uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry.

Image via Wikipedia Its members, the industry's managers and executives, meet at local,  National, Regional and International levels to discuss and pursue topics of common interest.

The first club was founded in 1932 in Paris by travel managers, following an educational tour of Scandinavia.

 The idea of international goodwill and friendship grew and, in 1934,the "Association Internationale des Skal Clubs" was formed with Florimond Volckaert as its first President, who is considered the "Father of Skal".

Picture

Skal Int., Bangkok networking Luncheon July 2010

photos in our Photo Gallery (link below)

Skal International today has approximately 22,000 members in 480 Clubs throughout 89 nations. Most activities occur at local level, moving up through National Committees under the umbrella of Skal International headquartered at the General Secretariat in Torremolinos,Spain.

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.