Sweet dreams at Tesco Lotus

"The new collections of bedroom and home-furnishing products were developed with the single goal of truly answering the needs of our customers. They follow the now established tradition of our first home-furnishing range of offering uniquely stylish products at reasonable prices. These latest collections include an anti-bacteria feature in bed-sheet sets and towels, for healthier and allergen-free bedrooms," Ita Shearman, Tesco Lotus director of home ware, said yesterday. - The Nation

THAI flying high after service awards

Thai Airways International ground-services staff have won top awards for customer service.

The company was voted "Best First Class Lounge 2007" by Skytrax, which conducts annual polls on airline services. In addition, Star Alliance rated THAI "Best Check-in Star Network", adding that the natural friendliness of THAI's check-in staff helped the carrier achieve this important award.

Wanporn Wibooncharoenkitja, managing director of THAI's Ground Customer Services Department, said the airline placed high importance on providing services to passengers by extending maximum convenience and greater comfort, not only in the air but also on the ground. - The Nation

Foreign-based Thais help kids' charities

A group of Thai students from abroad are putting a great effort into raising awareness and funds to support charity projects for children across the Kingdom.

Pilomrat Isvarphornchai, Kanachai Bencharongkul, Pictchana Sa-Nguansut, Jutawan Krairiksh, Parnrudee Pundarick, Chulalux Piyasombatkul and Sinnjaporn Thongthai are participants in The Other Half project, whose aims are concentrated upon the notion of child development, in which education and welfare are the most significant factors.

One impressive aspect of this particular group of teenagers is their hands-on approach to running the project. Every single step of the Other Half journey is an exciting collaboration of hard work and strong principles that is deeply heart-warming for many to observe.

Although the Other Half project mainly comprises of young adults, they show promising ambition, passion and dedication to really make a difference by making use of their own talents and capabilities. - The Nation

Bt200m renovation for Koh Samui resort

Centara Hotels & Resorts has completed the Bt200-million extension and renovation of its Centara Grand Beach Resort property on Koh Samui.

More than Bt160 million was spent on the 203 guest rooms and suites, while another Bt20 million went on Spa Cenvaree. - The Nation

Starwood set to open 900th property

Starwood Hotel & Resorts will mark a global milestone this year with the opening of its 900th property.

It expects to increase its portfolio by 50 per cent over the next five years, driven by aggressive global expansion across all its brands and the unprecedented growth of its two new brands - aloft and Element - which launched earlier this year.

Starwood's global pipeline includes 500 hotels and 120,000 rooms. About half of its new hotels are expected to open outside of North America, reflecting the company's impressive growth in dynamic international markets.

Recently, the global hotel chain opened its 100th property in China, the Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng Hotel. - The Nation