Editorial | Supak Muennikorn CEO, Siam Inter Farm Co, Ltd : Leading the Development of the Thai Franchise Business Model.

Thailand continues to be very fortunate when compared to what is happening around the world. We have only an occasional new coronavirus infection when someone has returned from abroad, but with the Government’s very stringent testing and tracing policy, we remain relatively safe.

This is why in this issue we are covering issues and activities that can continue to contribute to Thailand’s new normal. To begin, our cover story is an interview with Supak Muennikorn who discusses the expansion of Siam Steak and EZ’s Sausages as well as the franchise business model he promotes for Thailand and neighbouring ASEAN countries. Our Diplomatic Affairs article introduces HE Lorenzo Galanti, Italy’s ambassador to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, as he discusses how he is now working to promote Italian culture and business opportunities in addition to closer relations between Italy and Thailand. He tells us about the film festival honouring Federico Fellini and the food festival that will be held later in November. We also cover the YMCA Diplomatic Charity Bazaar 2020 scheduled for this coming 29-31 January.

Our magazine then turns to education with an interview with the founder and chairperson of the American School of Bangkok, Mrs Lakhana Didyasarin, who explains how they adapted to the Covid-19 pandemic with online learning and how now the school is once more focusing on in-class education. After this, we meet Witida Ditiecher, winner of the 9th Chommanard Book Prize for her novel, Roibaht, which looks at the life of Thai women in the past and a more contemporary setting. In two other articles, we introduce you to another writer, the children books author Madame Karma Tsering, wife of Bhutan’s ambassador to Thailand, and Som Phor, a very interesting northern Thai musical trio.

Under the theme Indulgence, we have two articles, one on Athena23’s spa and salon and another SHERA construction solutions, which both share ideas for indulging your personal senses through touch and aroma as well as the aesthetics that surround you. Dr Pisuth later offers you insight into dietary supplements to help maintain your good health.

Our travel article takes you to Lipe Island and The Cliff, revealing how those who love the sea and each other can indulge in a truly spectacular romantic interlude, and for an adventure, Pongpol Adireksarn brings you to Central Sulawesi to see remnants of a 5,000-year-old civilization as well as rare plants and birds, which hopefully, you soon will be able to see on your own.

Finally, on a more serious note, “A Message in the Box” tells a heart-wrenching story that deals with questions asking why we should choose to live. This is followed by Ezra Kyrill Erker’s photo essay of Berlin’s ruins of political and economic turmoil that can serve as a reminder of what we want to avoid in the years ahead, because like you, we at Elite+ are looking to the future when we will be safe and free of restrictions once more. I hope the following pages will help to inspire this optimism.

Warm Regards,
Arthorn Techatada
Executive Editor