This year’s ATF has special business opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand to sell their products. Of the 28 new SMEs exhibiting their products, 22 are hotels, especially those categorized as boutique properties.

Already known for its cultural heritage, Thailand is seeing the growth of some remarkably hip, intimate and boutique products which are being marketed under the slogan: ‘CHIC By Thailand’.

The ‘chic’ new products include hotels, restaurants, art galleries, museums, bars, and attractions throughout the country. The recent explosion of many new boutique-style properties is prominently featured in a new dedicated brochure for the discerning traveller. The brochure has been produced in conjunction with tour operator partners and includes a range of special offers on holidays to Thailand.

These fabulous little properties designed for discerning guests seeking a comfortable, delectable ambience, high-quality individualised service and, extremely important, total privacy. They have opened up in Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai as well as many of our new and upcoming resorts all around the country.

Here is just a sample of some of the chic and boutique hotels:

Siam@Siam Design Hotel and Spa, Bangkok: Hotel facilities that exude a vibrant and exciting ambience for meeting friends, dining, or partying. The hotel designers have sought to create what they refer to as “a new kind of contemporary standard of excellence where art, elegance, and practical convenience seamlessly merge.” www.siamatsiam.com

Layana Resort and Spa, Krabi: Overlooking the Andaman Sea, the Layana Resort and Spa, claims to offer “a delicate combination of unique Thai culture and modern luxury.” www.layanaresort.com

Pakasai Resort, Krabi is located within a garden setting, just a few steps away from Ao Nang, Krabi's most popular beach. It claims to offer 4-star chalets and suites, and “an environmentally-conscious determination to make its guests feel very much at home.” www.pakasai.com

Rocky's Boutique Resort, Samui is a private and secluded resort with 34 bungalows and villas. Overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, it is located a short walk to downtown Lamai. www.rockyresort.com

The Lapa Hua Hin Hotel: The Lapa says it “has been created as the casual cool alcove for guests’ best rest and relaxation. www.thelapahotel.com

U Hotels and Resorts in Chiang Mai and Khao Yai: In Chiang Mai, U Hotels and Resorts offers 41 rooms in a four-star setting, “decorated to the highest standards.” In Khao Yai, the resort is located atop a mountain with 360 degree views of the national park, offering 60 rooms and suites in three double-storied block buildings set in a courtyard with vistas towards the mountains. For further details, www.uhotelsresorts.com

Samed Resorts offers a selection of six holiday lifestyles, each one with different facilities to help visitors choose according to their location, lifestyle,and budget. These include Paradee: Heaven on Earth, Le Vimarn Cottages and Spa: Luxury in Quite Surroundings, Muk Samed: Hideaway in the Sea, Ao Prao Resort: Stunning Scenery, Sai Kaeo Beach Resort: Fun, Sun and Sand, Samed Club: The Boutique Hideaway. www.samedresorts.com

Contact information:
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: prdiv3@tat.or.th
Web site: www.tatnews.org