Kota Kinabalu has an urban population of approximately 1 million residents, with the largest non-indigenous ethnic group being the Chinese, who make up about 20 per cent of Sabah's total population.

With three direct flights a week serving the Bangkok-Kota Kinabalu route, this presents an ideal opportunity for the TAT Kuala Lumpur to partner with leading travel operators in Sabah to develop "Go Go Thailand", a special consortium package to be launched next month.

The "Go Go Thailand" destination promotion features Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and Pattaya, with popular attractions like the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Siam Niramit - the city's newest theatrical production and cultural extravaganza - Damnoen Saduak Floating Market,

canal tours, gems in Kanchanaburi and Tiffany's, Pattaya's renowned transvestite cabaret established in 1974. - The Nation.

UPS adds Thailand to morning-delivery list

In the largest expansion of its international shipping portfolio in more than a decade, UPS will begin offering customers three, rather than two, daily time-definite delivery options between the world's most active trading markets.

UPS announced it would now offer 9am delivery guarantees from points in the US to 30 countries, instead of 23. The new countries are Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia.

UPS said in a statement Asian exporters and importers would have more time-definite delivery options to and from the US, and elsewhere in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

The new services, which start next January 1, will give businesses three time-of-day delivery options in 30 of the world's most active trading markets. These markets and the US account for 83.5 per cent of global gross domestic product. - The Nation.

LME to import Dead Sea mineral products

LME, owner of such local fashion brands as Espada, Esp, Ltd and Fox, has launched a new line of beauty products developed from Dead Sea water.

Sea of Life products contain 26 minerals, including magnesium, calcium, iron and sulphur. The brand consists of a variety of products: Mineralla, Flowers, Yes to Carrots, Kids of Life, Hair and Scalp Solution and many more.

Based on feedback from a number of spa expositions over the past six months, LME will open three flagship stores this year, in Central Lat Phrao, Zen and Robinson Seacon Square. Six more shops will open next year. LME is aiming at turnover of Bt100 million next year. A total of Bt10 million is earmarked for marketing activities.