Snippets: Recent Updates From Within the Thai-Indian Community

Bangkok’s culinary scene welcomes another exciting addition as chef-restaurateur of Bangkok’s two MICHELIN-starred Gaa, Chef Garima Arora brings her modern Indian fare to The Cotton Room at The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok. Located on the hotel’s ground floor, the all-day dining destination draws inspiration from the city’s historic cotton trade, with a riverside setting that evolves throughout the day.

Guests can begin with an à la carte breakfast overlooking the Chao Phraya, followed by the hotel’s signature afternoon tea. For lunch and dinner, Chef Garima introduces a contemporary Indian menu that blends the country’s culinary heritage with local Thai ingredients.

Beyond Bangkok, Chef Garima is bringing her modern Indian cuisine to Kuala Lumpur with Yaari at Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur. Meaning ‘friendship’ in Hindi, the restaurant centres on convivial dining and the warmth of Indian hospitality. Set to unveil this October, the menu draws from India’s regional cuisines, reinterpreting traditional dishes through a contemporary lens.

Nok Air is set to resume direct flights between Bangkok and Hyderabad from 15 October, restoring the Thai airline’s connection with the Indian city after more than a year. Bookings are now open for the service, which will operate four times a week in each direction between Don Mueang International Airport and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

Flights from Bangkok to Hyderabad will depart at 9:45 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving at 11:45 PM local time. The route’s return reflects Hyderabad’s growing importance to Nok Air’s India network, catering to leisure travellers, business visitors, and those travelling to see friends and family.

Minor Hotels has appointed Ravi Ganglani as Cluster General Manager of Idyllic Resort and Iravae Resort in Koh Lipe, Satun province. His appointment will oversee the integration of both properties into Colbert Collection, the group’s premium soft brand, as it expands its Thai island presence beyond Koh Samui.

Ravi’s priorities include establishing the resorts within the collection, strengthening their market positioning, and working closely with their teams and owners. With a background spanning sales and operations, he takes on the task of shaping a distinct identity for the two properties under joint leadership, with the aim of creating a unique hospitality offering on Koh Lipe.

Marriott International is expanding its presence in Thailand through a new agreement with FICO Corporation to develop seven hotels, adding 1,262 rooms across Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. The project will introduce three brands to the country: citizenM, Four Points Flex by Sheraton, and Series by Marriott, while further expanding the JW Marriott portfolio.

The agreement builds on an existing partnership comprising four Bangkok hotels, bringing the joint portfolio to 11 properties across eight brands in Thailand. Commenting on the agreement, Marriott International’s Rajeev Menon, President of Asia Pacific excluding China, and FICO Corporation’s Chairman, Krit Srichawla, expressed their shared commitment to meeting changing traveller expectations and creating spaces that bring people together.

Runners, lace up! Get ready to race as the Thai Sikh Community Sports Day returns on Sunday 15 November, bringing the community and friends together for a day of cordial competition and family fun. Kicking off at 8 AM at the Bearing campus of Thai Sikh International School (TSI), this sports day invites all (not exclusive to students and alumni) to a thrilling day full of good sportsmanship and spirited fun.

Expect classic matches of football, basketball, and volleyball to local favourites of chairball, badminton, and track.

Tickets start at THB 145 for kiddos, and THB 200 for adults. For more information, head to megatix.in.th.