All that is new!
By Shradha Aswani
Audiences across the world enjoy A Bridge Not Too Far, the autobiography of hospitality CEO Deepak Ohri (pictured above)
Deepak Ohri, the renowned founder and CEO of Lebua Hotels and Resorts, previously featured by Masala, has documented his life lessons in his autobiography, A Bridge Not Too Far: Where Creativity Meets Innovation. The book, described by Forbes magazine as a refreshing contrast to Prince Harry’s Spare, is a compelling narrative that goes beyond the typical CEO success story. It covers Ohri’s challenges with racism, failures, and the harsh experience of having to start over in India after losing everything. The book is not only uplifting and inspirational, but it also provides a deeper and introspective look into Ohri’s journey as an entrepreneur who has transformed the luxury hospitality industry in Asia.
Eazy Digital, led by founder Harprem Doowa, raised USD 850,000 in a seed funding round
Eazy Digital, founded by Harprem Doowa and Maethavee Sukul, is a Thailand-based ntech startup that provides insurance companies with solutions to digitise the post-purchase experience for their customers. The company recently raised USD 850,000 in its seed funding round, with Wavemaker and Seedstars investing in its vision. Harprem has also co-founded Frank Insurance and MOXY, an e-commerce company whose parent company was later renamed as Orami, and with this new venture, he aims to “provide a platform that helps insurance companies, large and small, to digitise and streamline their operations.”
Solar D sets foot on a journey to lead the solar energy sector in Thailand.
Led by Managing Director Sumrit Sitthiwaranuwong, Solar D is the distributor and installer of solar PV rooftop systems, and the first distributor and certified installer of the Tesla Powerwall energy storage system. The company has now garnered support from well-known entrepreneur Santi Srichawla who has also taken a seat on the board, as he sees immense potential in the organisation’s cause of fostering energy independence.
Thai artist Navin Rawanchaikul’s illutrations to feature at Shake Shack in Bangkok
The long-anticipated Shake Shack Bangkok, set to open in March this year, announced that the artwork at its CentralWorld branch will be created by Navin Rawanchaikul, a talented artist whose lineage lies in the Hindu-Punjabi community of modern-day Pakistan, and whom Masala had covered in a previous exclusive feature. Navin works in multiple mediums, including sculpture, painting, performance, photography, and film; and his work has found fame across the world. He started his career with community-focused projects that aimed to bring art into daily life and his work goes beyond a specific location and balances local communities with globalisation.
The B2 Hotel group has signed a franchise deal with Thai Taffeta Real Estate Company
B2 Hotel Group, led by CEO and founder, Niran Chawla (Ph.D.) secured a franchise deal with the Thai Taffeta Real Estate Company to bring the B2 brand to life in the Map Ta Phut district in Rayong, Thailand. The B2 Hotel Group manages several boutique and budget hotels in Thailand, to great success. As with its other properties, this new establishment is poised to offer an enjoyable stay for both leisure and business travelers at an affordable price.
Nok Air to start Bangkok-Hyderabad flights from February, 2023
Nok Air, the low-cost carrier, will commence nonstop flights between Bangkok and Hyderabad on February 19, 2023. The flights, which will operate four times a week, will be served by a modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 189 Economy Class seats. The flights will depart from Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok and arrive at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. Currently, Nok Air’s only destination in India is Hyderabad. However, the CEO, Wutthiphum Jurangkool, intends to expand the airline’s routes to
other destinations in India this year.
