What's New
Presenting information on new facilities, ideas, destinations or topics of current interest for incentives, meetings and special interest travel in Thailand, Indochina and Myanmar. This page is updated every 3 months, so please visit us again
AUTUMN 2015
Crises Resilient Thailand and the role of the PCO/DMC
Bangkok has proven time and again to be a preferred destination for meetings, incentives and events despite occasional challenges, some of a global nature and some on a local level.
CDM had been working on the 46th World Congress of Surgery for 3 years as the PCO, and the final countdown started in early August 2015 when registrations peaked and exhibition space exceeded target by over 100%.
On August 17 an explosion erupted at the famous Brahmin Shrine in downtown Bangkok, adjacent to the congress venue and main hotel, Centara Grand@CentralWorld. The unexpected occurrence caught everyone by surprise and indeed stirred up immediate reaction from delegates all over the world. The organizing committee in 4 continents held a teleconference session and the decision was to continue the congress as planned. Delegate cancellations streamed in but preparation continued. The Royal Thai Government was praised for rapid strategic recovery efforts which quickly restored confidence in the city from locals and international visitors alike. As the PCO/DMC, CDM posted the situation on the congress website to inform delegates that the situation was under control and extra security measures were adopted by the convention centre, hotels and public places.
The congress opened on Sunday August 23rd and was graciously presided by Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak who delivered a lecture on the late HRH Princess Mother's highly acclaimed project: The Medical Volunteer Foundation: the Blueprint of Surgical Care for All.
Although the congress faced a number of cancellations, on site registrations exceeded expectations whereby the total number came to 2,600 from 2,400 recorded on the day of the incident.
Social functions were well attended, from the Welcome Reception to Presidential Dinner and 6 Integrated Society dinners, and the highlight of the congress was the Thai Night held at Sampran Riverside resort outside Bangkok. Delegates were treated to a colorful cocktail reception, Thai/international buffet and a series of cultural performances. The touching finale was the floating of Krathongs as a well wishing gesture and a Firework Extravaganza announcing the next congress destination.
The world congress was in fact earlier scheduled for August 2003 in Bangkok but was cancelled in March because of the SARS outbreak. 12 years later, Bangkok was accorded another opportunity to host the event which still ascribed with a crisis, but eventually concluded with success for all concerned. CDM gained considerable experience on crisis management response and determining different levels of concerns from various nationalities as well as advisories from various governments.
Thailand is a firm destination of choice for planners and organizers of meetings, incentive travel programs and business events.
SPRING 2015
Take to the Road - in Thailand
This might not be directly involving incentive travel as such, but the spectacular project is certainly special, demanding top logistical management, quality control and definitely a feast to the eyes. It is worth sharing.
The Road to Mandalay 2015 rally of vintage and classic cars took place between February 7-24 covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar in 8,110 kilometres/5,040 miles of paved and unpaved roads. Majority of the time was in Thailand, for 14 days from south to central plains to north and looping to the western border town of Mae Sot before entering Myanmar. Highlights were Khao Lak near Phuket, Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai Valley and Chiang Mai, the icing of north Thailand. Contestants navigated through sceneries of the coast, Kra Isthmus, rubber plantations, rice paddies, fruit orchards and charming villages. The experience was said to be memorable by all.
The vehicles were divided into groups of Pre 1932 & Pre 1941 Vintageants, Pre 1962 & Pre 1970 Classics and Pre 1975 plus Porsche 911 & Mustangs. Noteworthy were the Itala 40 (1907), Rolls Royce 40/50 Silver Ghost (1924), 2 Lagonda tourers, 8 Bentleys from 1929-1952, 4 Jaguars, 2 Ford Model A's and a bevy of other eye-catching legendary roadsters. Throughout the provinces they drove through, the cars received enthusiastic welcome and countless photos and quick clips were taken by excited and impressed spectators.
Thailand is fortunately gifted with a variety of sceneries that it is often selected for travel programs of various kinds to experience, impress, inspire and simply serve the purpose of supreme enjoyment with peers and families alike. Infrastructure and facilities are generally of high standard and prices are reasonable with good value in every level.
Contact CDM for special travel arrangements of all sorts in Thailand
WINTER 2014
Top Reason to Choose Thailand for Your Next Event Destination
Perhaps not an officialmajor destination selection criteria for incentive travel and meetings, Thai Cuisine is indeed one of the most influential reasons for visiting Thailand, as nowhere else offers more authentic native repast than on its home ground.
A Thai meal is a composition of dishes with varying flavors, method of cooking and ingredients, so a good lunch or dinner is not all hot and spicy as unguided diners may have experienced. Well-chosen dishes that complement one another with a plate of vaporing steamed rice make for tasty and enjoyable eating each and every time.
Here are some of the most popular to-die-for dishes;
Tom Yum Goong or Spicy & Sour Soup with Prawn
An all time favorite dish, flavorful, sometimes fiery but always outstandingly delicious, this dish comprises spices such as lemongrass, lime leaf, galangal, crushed chili pepper, lime juice and sometimes chili paste for a bright orange color broth and making the chili flavor more pronounced. Prawn is the most preferred main feature but chicken, fish or even pork knuckle also work wonders. Straw mushroom is a traditional add on, but any type of mushroom is as good.
Massaman Gai. Massaman is a type of curry heavily dominated by Moslem foodmakers and is heavier than Thai curry formulas. Spices used are cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, cumin, bay leaves, nutmeg and mace and protein inclusions are chicken (Gai) or beef or mutton or duck. The paste with spices is first fried with coconut cream, then added with meat, potato, onion, fish sauce, tamarind paste coconut milk and peanuts.
Pad Thai is a most popular one disher meal choice, usually at lunch on a busy day. It is essentially a stirfried rice noodle dish with egg, chopped firm tofu flavored with tamarind pulp, fish sauce, dried shrimp, garlic or shallots, and prawn or chicken as protein. Topped with chopped peanuts and a squeeze of fresh lime, Pad Thai is an eternal favorite Thai fast food on-the-go.
Som Tum or Green Papaya Salad combines the five main tastes of the Thai cuisine: sour lime, hot chilli, salty, savory fish sauce and palm sugar sweetness mixed and pounded in a mortar. Ingredients are shredded unripe papaya, garlic, palm sugar, lime, fish sauce, dried shrimp, tomatoes, string bean, hog plums and Thai eggplant. Som Tum is best consumed with sticky rice and is an anytime anywhere snack.
Finally, the king of Thai desserts, Mango with Sticky Rice a most scrumptious, delicious last item of an unforgettable meal.
Think of Thailand, crave for Thai cuisine, contact CDM for successful travel programs.
WINTER 2013
More venues, more choices
Bangkok is evermore the destination of choice, with more new special venues for corporate events and private functions.
The Grand Postal building was constructed in 1935 on land which was the original location of the British Embassy. It was designed by a famous Thai architect whose work includes some buildings on the historic Ratchadamnern Avenue, among others. The building functioned as the headquarters of the Post and Telegraph Department and became a landmark on New Road in the then new developed commercial area near the Chao Phraya River. The Grand Postal Building has recently been registered National Heritage Building by the Fine Arts Department. It is now available for private functions in retro-classic ambience for 500 for banquet or 700 for cocktails. Its most notable feature is the architectural style with modern and neo classic influences which were most popular in Thailand during the period of economic decline between the revolution and WWII.
KU DE TA continues spectacular success in the Lion City to the City of Angels. Located on the top floor of the iconic Sathorn Square Building with 360° panoramic views, KU DE TA offers versatile stylish function spaces, restaurants, lounges and bars with modern fine and casual dining for private events, corporate celebrations or gala dinners, with 4 main parts. Signature features hand-carved ceilings, elegant upholsteries such as elevated crocodile skin banquettes and Pullman style sofas with modern Asian menu for 120 guests. Izakaya rustic Japanese seats 102, Soundgarden offers live music with cocktails for up to 175 while Club Lounge accommodates up to 500 with the best light and sound.
Sala Rattanakosin is a small and exclusive venue with idyllic backdrop which is the Temple of Dawn by the bank of Chao Phraya River. The kitchen serves delicious Thai cuisine prepared to an authentic taste supported by an accompaniment of international favorites with a recognizable Mediterranean flair . The rooftop bar and terrace can accommodate a maximum of 50 for cocktails and dinner can be served in the 2nd floor Restaurant. The ambience and style is most suitable for an impressive President's Club evening.
Contact CDM for program planning in Bangkok to ascertain success of your event.