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WATCHIRANONT THONGTEP
THE NATION
Singapore October 17, 2012 1:00 am

"We are actively working on it [the expansion plan] in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok as a hub and key tourism cities like Phuket, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai," Patrick Imbardelli, president and chief executive officer, said yesterday.

The international hotel chain is now only operating the 148-key Pan Pacific Services Suites Bangkok on Sukhumvit Soi 55 after its management contract with Ramaland Development for the 241-room Pan Pacific Bangkok ended two years ago. This hotel was renamed the Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park.

Pan Pacific Services Suites offers premium services and amenities for both business and leisure travellers.

Imbardelli said that in the long term, Thailand was attractive with a strong economy, diversified business platforms and the largest |consumption market in Southeast Asia.

There are other factors supporting the tourism industry in Thailand, such as the new phase of Suvarnabhumi Airport, real-estate development, expansion of the mass-transit system in Bangkok, and active travel operators.

The group strongly believes that this is the right time to put its business back in place in Thailand, so it was decided to bring both flagship hotel chains into the Kingdom within five years, he said.

Pan Pacific is positioned as a hotel offering premium accommodation and services while Parkroyal provides a comfortable nest for leisure and business travellers.

Normally, the group is seeking suitable options for further expansion such as managing, constructing or owning properties in potential locations. Last year the chain added four locations to its portfolio of more than 30 hotels, resorts and serviced suites in Asia, Oceania and North America.

"Our key focus areas are China and Southeast Asia. Thailand is among the top three potential markets in the region that the group emphasises for further extension," Imbardelli said.

Other countries include Vietnam and Myanmar.

He declined to comment on the number of new properties the group should own or manage in five years but hopes that it will be similar to previous years.

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