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2025 Bangkok Chef Charity Fundraising Gala Luncheon Raises 22 Million Baht

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2025 Bangkok Chef Charity Fundraising Gala Luncheon Raises 22 Million Baht - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, April 11, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The 2025 Bangkok Chef Charity Fundraising Gala Luncheon, graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, recently took place with great elegance and grandeur at the Sakuntala Ballroom, The Peninsula Bangkok.

2025 Bangkok Chef Charity Fundraising Gala Luncheon Raises 22 Million Baht in Support of the Debaratana Vejjanukula Foundation Under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at The Peninsula Bangkok.

Now in its 12th year, the prestigious event is organised by Nuntiya Intralib, Managing Director of Jivanand Co., Ltd., in collaboration with 29 renowned chefs from leading hotels in Bangkok and Hong Kong, including chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants. The annual gala seeks to foster a spirit of giving and social contribution through an extraordinary culinary experience.

2025 Bangkok Chef Charity Fundraising Gala Luncheon Raises 22 Million Baht - Khun Nuntiya, Organizer

This year’s event raised an impressive Baht 22 million through ticket sales and generous donations, with all proceeds being presented to Her Royal Highness in support of the Debaratana Vejjanukula Foundation, under her patronage. Notably, all funds raised were directed toward the Foundation, with no deductions for event expenses.

The specially curated 10-course gourmet menu was a stunning display of traditional and innovative culinary techniques. Dishes included Australian grain-fed lamb with shawarma spices, steamed Hokkaido scallops stuffed with shiitake mushrooms, lobster soup, and salmon topped with caviar, among other delights.

During the fundraising session, Her Royal Highness graciously prepared and presented a plate of Royal Som Tum (Papaya Salad) to each of the 35 donors who contributed to the charitable cause.

Among the top donors were Ms. Supaluck Umpujh of The Mall Group (Baht 10 million), Ch. Karnchang – CK Power (Baht 2 million), and several others who contributed Baht 1 million each, including Mr. Gopal Jagota of Jagota Brothers Trading, Mr. Luca Bernardinetti, President of GFour Food & Beverage Co., Ltd., and Ms. Wichayarat Sirikulert of Mark Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

2025 Bangkok Chef Charity Fundraising Gala Luncheon Raises 22 Million Baht - G4 Sponsor

A particularly memorable moment of this year’s event was the display of grand, intricately designed cakes created by various companies, hotels, and high-profile individuals, celebrating the 70th Birthday Anniversary of Her Royal Highness. The impressive collection of cakes was showcased in the lobby of The Peninsula Bangkok.

In addition to the culinary wonders, birthday songs were sung in honour of Her Royal Highness by chefs, mini chefs, and students from Chitrlada School.

The 2025 Bangkok Chef Charity Fundraising Gala Luncheon is proudly supported by numerous sponsors, including Jagota Brothers Trading Co., Ltd., Evian Natural Mineral Water, GFour Food & Beverage Co., Ltd., Clement Design Thailand (which provided exclusive chef attire for the event), Foie Gras Queen, Lucaris, Phadthai.co, Krungthep Light Orchestra, R.P. Media Group Co., Ltd., Soontorn Film Co., Ltd., The Front Row, and Krinbourne Kommunications Co., Ltd.

The 2025 Bangkok Chef Charity event once again showcased a seamless blend of gastronomy, philanthropy, and royal patronage, reaffirming its status as a prestigious annual gathering committed to making a significant impact on society.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Choeng Doi Distillery Redefines Thai Craft Spirits With Sonklin

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Choeng Doi Distillery Redefines Thai Craft Spirits With Sonklin - TRAVELINDEXChiang Dao, Thailand, April 11, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Choeng Doi Distillery is setting a new standard for premium craft spirits in Thailand. Thai-founded and independently operated, the distillery is committed to showcasing the country’s finest ingredients and craftsmanship. Every spirit is made using locally sourced materials and distilled in one of Thailand’s most advanced facilities, nestled in the foothills of Chiang Dao.

Choeng Doi Distillery is rooted in Chiang Dao — a region renowned not only for its breathtaking natural beauty, but for its deep connection to the land and longstanding agricultural traditions. The distillery’s water runs from Doi Luang Chiang Dao UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a protected highland area known for its purity and ecological richness. This mountain water is naturally soft and mineral-balanced, forming the perfect foundation for clean, expressive fermentation.

All raw ingredients used in production are either grown on the estate or sourced within a two-hour drive from the distillery. This ultra-local sourcing model isn’t just about traceability — it’s about terroir. From the specific rice varietal of Khao Niew Sanpatong (Sanpatong Sticky Rice) to the surrounding flora that influence fermentation, every element is shaped by the region’s soil, climate, and biodiversity.

Chiang Dao offers more than just resources — it offers rhythm, tradition, and reverence. It is a place where agriculture and craftsmanship coexist with nature, and where Choeng Doi can distill something that could come from nowhere else.

With a focus on quality, sustainability, and cultural authenticity, Choeng Doi delivers a uniquely Thai spirit experience — refined, expressive, and deeply rooted in place.

Sonklin is the debut release from Choeng Doi Distillery — a contemporary interpretation of traditional rice distillates. Crafted entirely from estate-grown Khao Niew Sanpatong rice, the spirit is fermented, double-distilled in copper pot and column stills, and gently filtered through coconut carbon to create a clean, lightly aromatic profile.

Balancing subtle grain notes with a lightly sweet finish, Sonklin pays homage to Thailand’s agricultural heritage while embracing a modern, international perspective. Every sip reflects care in cultivation, precision in distillation, and reverence for Thai terroir. This is Thailand’s spirit.

The label design draws inspiration from หงส์ในโคม (Hong Nai Khom), a traditional Northern Thai fabric motif that depicts a swan cradled inside a lantern. Symbolizing grace, light, and the balance between earth and sky, the pattern reflects Sonklin’s dual nature: grounded in Thai heritage yet light, modern, and expressive. The visual identity is both minimal and meaningful — a contemporary nod to Chiang Dao’s artistic and cultural spirit.

Choeng Doi Distillery is committed to minimizing environmental impact at every stage — from sourcing to serving.

Although renewable energy cannot yet be used to power stills due to current regulations, the distillery instead fuels production using firewood from dead trees, orchards undergoing replanting, and bagasse (sugarcane fibre) from their pressing process. Moisture content is closely monitored to ensure clean, complete combustion.

Additional sustainability measures include:
– Spent molasses wash is repurposed by a local company to protect newly paved roads.
– Spent grain is sent to a nearby farm as feed for ducks and geese.
– Waste liquid is treated with EM (Effective Microorganism) microbes before further processing offsite.
All partner farms commit to no- or low-chemical practices, zero field burning, and ecologically holistic land management.

What sets Choeng Doi Distillery apart is not only where it makes its spirits, but how and why. Sonklin is more than a rice distillate — it is a distilled expression of Thailand, culture, and craft, created with intention and respect.

At a time when many spirits in the region are still defined by industrial processes, Choeng Doi brings a new voice to Thai distillation — one that is transparent, traceable, and terroir-driven. Every element, from grain to glass, originates within a short radius of the distillery, ensuring that the finished product captures the flavour and feeling of Northern Thailand.

Sonklin’s uniqueness lies in its clarity and subtlety. Rather than overpowering with artificial flavour or aggressive heat, it invites the drinker to explore the gentle complexities of Thai sticky rice, the minerality of Chiang Dao spring water, and the soft aromatics from fermentation shaped by native flora. It is refined yet honest — a new benchmark for contemporary Thai spirits.

Importantly, Sonklin is a spirit designed to stand proudly on the global shelf, not as an imitation but as an authentic ambassador of Thailand — showcasing what the country has to offer when heritage, agriculture, and craftsmanship align.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Asia’s Top Junior Golfers Shoot for the Stars as Faldo Series Asia

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LANG CO, Vietnam (April 9, 2025) — Asia’s top junior golfers will be aiming to follow in illustrious footsteps next month as the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final returns to Laguna Golf Lang Co for the 16th time.

Regarded as the world’s premier junior golf circuit, the Faldo Series has helped launch the careers of notable names including major winners Rory McIlroy, Danny Willet and Yani Tseng, as well as other familiar names including Tyrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, Eddie Pepperell, Li Haotong, Mel Reid, Carly Booth, and Nasa Hataoka.

And the brightest young talents from across the region will battle it out over the Sir Nick Faldo Signature course at Laguna Lang Co from April 22-25, 2025, with dreams of following in the footsteps of past champions and reaching the pinnacle of the game.

“The Faldo Series has always been about providing young golfers with the opportunity to compete at an elite level and learn the skills needed to succeed in the professional game,” said Sir Nick Faldo. “Laguna Golf Lang Co is the perfect venue for the Grand Final, offering a championship-calibre course in a stunning location. We’ve seen so many talented young players emerge from this event, and I have no doubt this year’s field will be stronger than ever.”

One player who knows exactly what it takes to win at Laguna Golf Lang Co is last year’s champion, Nguyen Duc Son. The 18-year-old Vietnamese star triumphed in the 2024 edition of the tournament with impressive rounds of 70, 69, and 69, finishing at -5. Since then, he has been pursuing a career in golf in Australia, studying in Melbourne while continuing his development as a player.

Son’s story is a testament to the growing impact of the Faldo Series in Vietnam, demonstrating how the event provides a pathway for young players to gain international exposure and take the next step in their careers. His success underscores the role of Laguna Golf Lang Co in fostering golf’s next generation, particularly in a country where the sport is rapidly developing.

Beyond hosting world-class competitions, Laguna Golf Lang Co continues to enhance its reputation as one of Asia’s premier golf and lifestyle destinations. Sandwiched between the East Sea and the forested foothills of the Annamite Mountains, the resort offers championship golf alongside luxury accommodations, wellness experiences, and cultural attractions. With immaculate course conditions and a layout designed to challenge and inspire, the Sir Nick Faldo Signature course is a fitting stage for Asia’s future golf stars.

This year’s event will once again reinforce Vietnam’s emergence as a key player in the global golf landscape. That’s a reputation that is being enhanced by efforts such as the Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC), a destination marketing drive involving some of the region’s signature clubs.

“We are incredibly proud to host the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final once again,” said Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co. “This event not only highlights the incredible talent emerging from Asia but also showcases our course and resort to a global audience. We are committed to supporting young golfers on their journey and look forward to welcoming players, families, and fans for what promises to be a fantastic tournament.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Why Thai Food Lovers Should Know Her Name

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Why Thai Food Lovers Should Know Her Name - Chef Nooror - BLUE ELEPHANT -TOP25RESTAURANTSBangkok, Thailand, April 10, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Master Chef Nooror has been named one of Bangkok Post’s Women of the Year 2025—a huge honor for the woman who turned Thai Heritage Cuisine into a global phenomenon.

The Bangkok Post Women of the Year 2025 list just dropped, and guess who made the cut? Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, the woman who has spent over four decades putting Thai Heritage Cuisine on the world map. While some chefs build restaurants, she built an empire of Thai flavors, from the kitchens of Blue Elephant to the spice aisles of supermarkets in 45 countries. Her mission? “Thai Kitchen to the World”—and trust us, she’s making sure it stays there.

But let’s rewind. Master Chef Nooror’s journey started in Chachoengsao, where she fell in love with cooking at a young age. Fast forward to the 1980s, she co-founded Blue Elephant Brussels, and suddenly, European diners were falling for heirloom Thai dishes like Massaman curry and Hor Mok. The momentum never stopped; Paris, London, Bangkok, Phuket, Malta, Copenhagen—you name it, she’s left her mark. And it’s not just about restaurants. Her commitment to preserving Thai Heritage Cuisine led her to revive lost recipes, and train future generations.

And now? She’s standing tall alongside Thailand’s most influential women—leaders in business, sports, diplomacy, and innovation. But don’t think for a second she’s slowing down. With royal honors, international accolades, and a whole new generation of chefs learning from her, Master Chef Nooror is still leading the charge. So here’s to the woman who made the world crave Thai flavors—one dish, one ingredient, and one generation at a time.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Langham Hospitality Group – Music Director Appointment

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London, 1 April 2025 – Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has placed audio marketing centre stage, naming veteran DJ and events specialist Andrew Grant as its Group Director of Music. The newly created post will see Grant composing a full-spectrum strategy that includes live performances, collaborations, and signature soundscapes, all designed to strengthen LHG’s family of hotel brands and the distinctive guest journeys they foster.

Andrew Grant, Group Director of Music, Langham Hospitality Group

“Music is a key part of our strategy to elevate our brands and create unforgettable experiences for our guests,” Langham Hospitality Group CEO Bob van den Oord said. “Andrew’s unparalleled expertise and visionary approach make him the ideal leader to drive innovative and impactful audio marketing initiatives across our company.”

Part of LHG’s Brands Operations team, Grant will focus on forging strategic partnerships with leading music industry entities, including artists, festivals, and record labels. He will also design and implement music programming across the firm’s global portfolio of properties and devise special events and activations for this year’s 160th anniversary of The Langham Hotels & Resorts, LHG’s luxury and flagship brand. Grant will concurrently oversee music curation at Eaton DC, where he serves as Director of Music and Radio.

With over 25 years of music industry experience, Grant’s career has included roles as diverse as Resident DJ at Ibiza’s iconic DC10 night club, and producer for Valencia-based record label Barraca Music. His extensive background also encompasses music event production and logistics expertise gained through positions at entertainment company Aronis Group and the Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival.

About Langham Hospitality Group

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Eagle Holdings, Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) comprises a family of distinctive brands, including The Langham Hotels and Resorts, Cordis Hotels and Resorts, Eaton Workshop and Ying’nFlo. With over 40 hotels and residences in operation or development, LHG has a global footprint that extends across Asia, Europe, North America, Australasia and the Middle East. The group takes its name from The Langham, London, Europe’s first Grand Hotel. For over 150 years, this flagship property has been the pinnacle of sophisticated and gracious hospitality, a philosophy that is reflected group-wide through inspiring design, cutting-edge innovation, sincere service and an unwavering commitment to building great memories.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Approach Tours Launches the Great Canadian Contest to Celebrate Local Brands

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Approach Tours launches the ‘Great Canadian Contest’ to celebrate local brandsApproach Tours, Canada’s largest retiree group tour operator, has launched the ‘Great Canadian Contest’ to celebrate proud Canadian companies and support the Buy Canadian movement.

The Buy Canadian movement exploded after the US announced significant tariffs on Canadian imports to the US, encouraging shoppers to shun US products and support local producers and businesses instead.

For the ‘Great Canadian Contest’, Approach Tours has pooled a pot totalling over $100,000 of tours and other prizes from large and small Canadian businesses including Waterloo, Ontario-based BBQ manufacturer Broil King, Nova Scotia-based Peace by Chocolate, and Toronto-based media outlet Cottage Life.

Entrants will be placed in weekly prize draws up until May to win products from these companies, or the top prize – a completely free tour from Approach Tours.

To enter, shoppers can book a tour on the Approach Tours website and will be entered into each subsequent draw, giving multiple opportunities to win big. Winners will be drawn every Thursday from travellers who have booked by 11:59pm the day before, with entrants limited to the first 2,000 travellers who book.

“This year we have seen Canadians proudly standing behind our companies, buying local produce and supporting them in the face of tariffs,” comments Daniel Fequet, Co-Founder of Approach Tours.

“This has happened in travel too, with a recent Approach Tours study finding that 76% of Canadian travellers are now less likely to travel to the US. The ‘Great Canadian Contest’ is our way of celebrating and giving back to the Buy Canadian movement, as a proud Canadian and Montreal-based tour operator.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection Welcomes Its New Executive Chef

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Meet Chef Pisut “Nong” Nahan, Executive Chef at V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection, where he oversees the resort’s entire dining repertoire, including Yon | Ocean House, Akoya | Star Lounge, special events, and in-villa dining. Chef Nong style of cuisine is “Thai with a modern twist”, a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. His mastery of vibrant Thai and creative flavours, coupled with a commitment to seasonal ingredients and authentic techniques, makes him one of Thailand’s most exciting rising stars. 

Chef Nong was born and raised in Phang Nga, a picturesque coastal province wedged between the Andaman Sea and the Thai-Malay border. Chef Nong recalls the warm energy of his grandfather and mother cooking in the kitchen and the family gathering to share meals around the table. This sense of community around the dinner table ignited his passion for cooking. 

Chef Nong’s culinary career spans 18 years, taking him from humble kitchens in Phang Nga to Michelin-starred kitchens across the region. He began his career at the age of sixteen in a local restaurant, where he relished learning traditional, home-made techniques and experimenting with flavours. Chef Nong was introduced to fine dining techniques whilst working with Chef Joe Louis Léon at Aleenta Phang Nga, a renowned French chef who introduced Michelin-level techniques to the southern province. He continued to hone his skills at Aziamendi, a gourmet destination in Natai Beach led by 3-Michelin Star Spanish Chef Eneko Atxa. 

Chef Nong spent several years in the Maldives, where he opened and served as Head Chef for Baan Thai restaurant, which was named one of Maldives’ top 15 restaurants. Most recently, Chef Nong designed the menu at Phuket’s Black Ginger, which received Michelin Plate recognition and was named one of Phuket’s Top 25 Best Restaurants for two consecutive years.

When not in the kitchen, Chef Nong explores local markets and eateries. He credits the island’s abundance of fresh, local ingredients and its strong sense of community as the perfect environment for culinary creativity and growth. He draws inspiration from Phuket’s UNESCO recognition as a gastronomic destination and its vibrant and muliti-cultural Thai, Chinese, and Malay food culture. “I try to deeply understand and connect with the ingredients,” says Chef Nong. “It’s easy to do this in Phuket, where there is a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and balancing sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements. I am able to draw on ingredient’s unique textures and flavours and create exceptional meals. The process is exhilarating.” 

Chef Nong is excited to continue his culinary journey at V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection, where he will continue to nurture the resort’s emphasis on sourcing fresh, local ingredients and elevating coastal Thai and European cuisine.

About V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection

V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection is an exclusive all private pool villas resort located 39m atop a secluded hilltop overlooking secluded Ao Yon Bay. Architecturally-designed to highlight the unique elevation and fully-immersed in nature, the resort features 26 private pool villas in 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-bedrooms options. Luxurious interiors include seamless indoor outdoor flow, generously-sized infinity pools and stunning ocean views. Personalised 24-hour butler service ensures an indulgent and memorable stay.  Yon | Ocean House, the resort’s landmark gastronomic hub serves regional Thai and European coastal cuisine. The luxury rooftop Akoya | Star Lounge is renowned for its intriguing mixology and 360° sunset, night sky and ocean views. The resort’s integrated wellness program is inspired by European and eastern healing therapies and beauty rituals, including the age-defying properties on local Andaman Sea pearls.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sunset Salon – Wine & Cheese Pairing Experience

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SUNSET SALON

WINE & CHEESE PAIRING EXPERIENCE

Rare artisanal cheeses from legendary Les Frères Marchand, France’s oldest artisanal cheesemakers, paired with wines from our exclusive cellar, live DJ & spectacular Ao Yon Bay sunsets.

THB 4,800++ per couple*

12 April 2025 | 6 PM – 9 PM

Akoya | Star Lounge, V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection

*Wine pairing includes 4 glasses per person.

For enquiries and reservations, please contact:
📧 HB775@accor

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Blissful Sunday Brunch – Exclusive Cheese Experience with Les Frères Marchand

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BLISSFUL SUNDAY BRUNCH

Exclusive Cheese Experience with Les Frères Marchand

Join our special edition brunch!

An extravagant brunch with live chef stations, panoramic views overlooking Ao Yon Bay.

Plus a wide selection of artisanal cheeses from legendary Les Frères Marchand, France’s oldest cheese maker, paired with 4 glasses of wine per person.

THB 4,200++ per person

13 April 2025 | 12PM – 3PM

Yon | Ocean House, V Villas Phuket – MGallery Collection

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Songkran Sips & Bites at Akoya Beach Lounge

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TOP25 Restaurants PhuketPhuket, Thailand, April 8, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Songkran Sips & Bites! Celebrate Thai new year amidst sunsets at Hua Hin’s luxury beachfront lounge with live DJ at Akoya | Beach Lounge

Savour your choice of 3 Thai-inspired cocktails per person—created just for Songkran! Served with a platter of 5 classic Thai snacks.

THB1,200++ per person

12 – 14 April 2025 | 18:00 22:30 hrs.

At Akoya | Beach Lounge, V Villas Hua Hin – MGallery Collection

Explore More or Reserve Now > shorturl.at/9DRU1  or call 03 261 6039

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News