Gregory Smyth
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.
Articles by this Author
Active Days and Relaxing Nights in Phuket
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Monday 20th 2008
- Travel
- Unrated
One of the main reasons that we go on holidays is to have a chance to do things we can't normally like swimming in or horse-riding on pristine white-sand beaches, improving a golf handicap or snorkelling in fish-filled tropical paradises. This is all possible in Phuket - but what should you do first, and which Phuket resorts are the best to relax at after an action-packed day?
Heart Bypass or Stent - Which Is Better?
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Saturday 18th 2008
- Health
- Unrated
Heart disease is one of the most common causes of death worldwide, and as its prevalence in Western society mounts, there are increasing numbers of people having cabg surgery at hospital heart centers for blocked arteries. However, the newer procedures in the area are not necessarily better, according to a recent study.
A Hundred Years of Fusion: East Meets West in Macau
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 17th 2008
- Travel
- Unrated
Many overseas travellers leave their home countries to experience the language, culture, food and history of a region other than their own. Macau is like a buy one, get one free offer for knowledge and experience thirsty travellers! Close to China, Old Macau offers local sites and local cuisines that are a perfect blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures.
New Employee Rights In Thailand
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 17th 2008
- National, State, Local
- Unrated
It is the tenth anniversary of the year that increased rights were given to Thai workers, who have traditionally struggled under Thailand law for equitable treatment and fair pay. The lingering effects of the 1997 economic crisis have meant that many workers face tough conditions at work. Ten years after the historic Labour Protection Act was announced, we review its content.
Five More Things You Need To Know Before Opening An Offshore Bank Account
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Thursday 16th 2008
- Investing
- Unrated
Gone are the days in banking where you dressed up in your Sunday best to go and personally see the manager of your local branch. The opportunities available to banking customers today are unparalleled. Here we look at the things you should ask your business consultancy management team about offshore banking services.
Penalties In Ice Hockey
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Thursday 16th 2008
- Hockey
- Unrated
Penalties in ice hockey in Hong Kong have increasingly become part of teams' strategies, with deliberate infractions being made more and more often. This seemingly self-defeating strategy has occasionally made all the difference to an ice hockey team in Hong Kong's chance of winning - here we examine the different types of penalties, and the different infractions for which they are applied.
A Clash of Cultures - Macau's Unique Heritage
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Thursday 16th 2008
- Travel
- Unrated
Macau has a long history of European and Asian fusion, beginning with its colonization by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Despite being the only European territory within hundreds of miles for many years, it has also been quite peaceful - and this has preserved many amazing historical attractions in Macau. Where do you go once you have seen the ruins of St Pauls and A-Ma Temple?
Honeymoon in Thailand - Money Can't Buy Me Love
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Wednesday 10th 2008
- Recreation and Leisure
- Unrated
Your honeymoon is one holiday you really need to be perfect - a superb hotel, vibrant surroundings and excitement create great omens for your marriage. Thailand is a honeymoon destination guaranteed to please, with gorgeous and exciting destinations like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Here we look at some of the best Bangkok luxury hotels and Chiang Mai hotels for a sugary-sweet romantic honeymoon.
Romance in Bangkok, Five Minutes From The Airport
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Monday 8th 2008
- Travel
- Unrated
Thailand is one of the world's most frequently visited countries - thousands of tourists every year discover Bangkok's mouth-watering eateries, decadent relaxation facilities, and great shopping. If you are on a romantic vacation, Bangkok has plenty to offer you - and you need not go much further than Bangkok's excellent airport hotels.
Laws Regarding Capital Losses In Thailand
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Monday 8th 2008
- National, State, Local
- Unrated
The Thai Revenue Department is currently developing laws to make sure that capital losses that are deducted on income tax return are legitimate. Thailand lawyers are now trying to decipher the impact on businesses, and thai law consulting firms and accountants must now ensure that their clients have legitimate intentions in selling assets at a loss.
Most Affordable Luxury Cars
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Monday 8th 2008
- Cars and Trucks
- Unrated
If you live in a city, statistics say that you probably spend up to 5% of your life in the car. If you work from 9 to 5, many of those hours are likely frustrating, slow and a challenge to your equilibrium! Here we look at how you can make those long morning and evening drives a little more comfortable, with vehicles like new Mercedes, Lexus, Porsches...and even luxury Mazdas.
REITs To Stabilize In The Next Half-Year
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Monday 8th 2008
- Real Estate
- Unrated
Standard and Poors, one of the world's leading finance advisory bodies, is predicting that Asian REITs will stabilize in the last half of 2008, despite a drop in their value in the first half of the year.
Famous Ice Skaters in History
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Monday 8th 2008
- Sports
- Unrated
Ice skating captures the imagination of many, with its swan-like grace, and the immense skill needed to make it to the top levels of the sport. However, public skating brings joy to many people, with no need to develop Olympic level skills! Here we look at some of the famous names that have fallen in love with ice skating over the centuries.
Philippines Is Asia's New Hottest Real Estate Market
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Monday 8th 2008
- Real Estate
- Unrated
The Philippines has always been a minor player in the Asian property market, however property values in the Philippines have been climbing ever higher on the back on excellent tourism figures, as well as major developments by both local investors and offshore interests.
Islamic Banking in Hong Kong
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Monday 8th 2008
- Financial Planning
- Unrated
Islamic banking is a growing phenomenon worldwide, and its sound principles and ethical standards have helped create Islamic bank branches in many traditionally non-Islamic countries. Hong Kong is about to obtain its first Islamic bank - we look at Islamic banking and its role in corporate financial planning.
Top High Tech Luxury Cars
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Monday 8th 2008
- Cars and Trucks
- Unrated
Technology is both one of the saviors of our lives, and the banes. When it comes to technology in cars, a little can go a long way, and overkill can mean a frustrating drive, wasted money and an overall negative experience. We look at the cars in the 'high-tech' category that execute the label gracefully and easily, including Mercedes vehicles, Audis, BMWs and Lexus'
Influence Of U.S. Economic Slowdown On Asia's Property Markets
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 11th 2008
- Real Estate
- Unrated
The credit crunch globally has had undeniable effects in every economy. The results on the residential property market in Asia have been mixed, with some countries experiencing a parallel slowdown with the US, and some profiting from the general downturn.
Neuroradiologists Treat Brain Stroke With New Kind of Stent
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 11th 2008
- Diseases and Conditions
- Unrated
Stroke is presently the third leading cause of death in the Western world, coming after the 'big two' of heart disease and cancer. Stroke can cause other health problems, from problems with speech to partial paralysis. One of the biggest risk factors for stroke is having already had a stroke. Some of these people that suffer from recurrent strokes can now be helped with a breakthrough device.
How Does Hong Kong Prepare for Future Boost In Demand In Construction Works?
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Thursday 10th 2008
- Real Estate
- Unrated
The Hong Kong property market currently displays a sharp contrast with the US market, with a boom which has continued beyond expectations. How should Hong Kong's construction industry cope with the increased demand on its resources?
Cuba Develops Breakthrough Cancer Drug
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Thursday 10th 2008
- Cancer
- Unrated
Lung cancer is often known in the Western world as primarily the bane of cigarette smokers. However, many non-smokers also suffer from this debilitating and sometimes terminal disease. Scientists in Cuba have created a revolutionary new drug that both helps to treat lung cancer and vaccinate against it.
Credit Crunch Protects Thai Property Market In Long Term
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Thursday 10th 2008
- Real Estate
- Unrated
It seems ironic that an economic downturn could provide security and stability -but the current US subprime crisis is actually fuelling hopes for a more stable and secure property market in Thailand in the long term.
Residential Property In Asia Is Predicted To Struggle
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Thursday 10th 2008
- Buying
- Unrated
While property investing in Asia is still a sensible part of a portfolio, this investment should be limited to commercial properties, as residential sales in the continent are expected to slow under the burden of high prices. The residential property market in Asia is carrying the burden of inflation created by good economic conditions, and is expected to struggle in the coming months and years.
Diabetes - The Silent Killer
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Saturday 28th 2008
- Diseases and Conditions
- Unrated
The word diabetes may only conjure up images of syringes, blood glucose monitors and jelly beans for you ... but for many in the medical profession it conjures up images of coffins and code reds. Why is diabetes known as the silent killer?
Why Phuket Has Become A Tourist Favorite
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Saturday 28th 2008
- Destinations
- Unrated
When you first land in Thailand, you will not expect to fall in love. But once you spent some time on Phuket Island, you will find that Thailand has captured your heart. You'll be smitten with the grace of the people, the lush, tropical beauty, and the easy-going nature of the place. You will soon understand that Thailand is called "The Land of Smiles" for very good reason.
Discovering the Best Of Phuket's Secret Beaches
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 27th 2008
- Destinations
- Unrated
Phuket's beaches are popular around the world and tourists flock from across the globe to visit the highly sought after beaches at Patong, Karon, and Kata. There is such a rush that many people complain these beaches have lost their charm. According to them Phuket can no longer claim to be an idyllic tropical island destination.
Thai Legal System and Its Basic Laws
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Tuesday 24th 2008
- National, State, Local
- Unrated
The Kingdom of Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. Thailand uses a Civil Law system and its fundamental laws are demonstrated in acts of parliament. The acts are backed up by different administrative Thai laws and regulations, issued by the Thai Cabinet and permanent ministries of the Thai government.
Good Quality VoIP Protocols
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Monday 23rd 2008
- VOIP
- Unrated
Are you looking to establish a voice over IP (VoIP ) network in your enterprise, or improve the quality of existing ones? Estimates are that as many as 85% or more of today's router based enterprise data networks are not prepared to be compatible with VoIP without modification. As a result, an enterprise's voice and data applications can undergo intolerable loss in quality.
The Best of Koh Samui's Beaches
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Monday 23rd 2008
- Destinations
- Unrated
Koh Samui beaches are just the kind of beaches you see in the ads. There are many secret beaches in Thailand and it is no different with Koh Samui beaches. Coconut trees waving over fine, white sand, lapped by clear, clear water.
Hong Kong Urged to Reduce Corporate Taxes
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Monday 23rd 2008
- Taxes
- Unrated
Throughout the past decade, the Hong Kong government has maintained a low Hong Kong corporation tax rate, for minimizing the influence taxation has on business in general. Early in the decade, the government slashed the Hong Kong corporation tax rate slightly. However, the Hong Kong corporation tax rate has now been increased again in an effort to bolster public finances.
Nationwide Shake-Up In The Chinese Property Market
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Monday 23rd 2008
- Buying
- Unrated
China has been experiencing high levels of growth in its property market recently, as well as generally in the economy. However, Confucius knows that balance is the key to all things - and the Chinese market is set for some drastic changes to ensure that the economy's fall is not harder than its rise.
'Hard-Landing' Warning for the Mortgage Market in South Korea
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Monday 23rd 2008
- Buying
- Unrated
It is an iron clad rule of physics that what goes up must come down ... except of course, in space! On planet Earth though, huge economic growth must be countered with a resulting slump, and this is what is predicted to happen in South Korea, as a bubble looks set to burst.
Top Luxury Accommodation in Hua Hin
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Monday 23rd 2008
- Destinations
- Unrated
Are you looking for a picturesque location where you can find exceptional luxury accommodation? Then come to Hua Hin. The pristine sandy beaches, beautiful huge palm trees and the stunning coral sea tempts large number of tourists across the year. This city boasts of a large number of hotels ranging from luxury to budget hotels where you can choose to spend your vacation.
Luxury Car Sales Booming in China
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 20th 2008
- Cars and Trucks
- Unrated
Sale of luxury cars in China is booming, with the world's leading luxury-auto makers considering the country as an increasingly significant market.
Real Estate Advice and Brokerage In Thailand
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 20th 2008
- Buying
- Unrated
Buying property in Thailand can be a bitter experience due to law, regulation and language barrier. Lots of foreign investors find the process of establishing a company in Thailand to be strenuous and confusing, so you really need to avail the services of specialists backed up by a Thai licensed lawyer.
Thai Beach Backpacker Villas In Thailand For the Billionaire Backpacker
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 20th 2008
- Destinations
- Unrated
Backpackers first began arriving in numbers to the Gulf of Thailand islands in the 1980s. In tie-dye T-shirts, they traveled by coconut boat to the unexplored beaches of Koh Samui and Koh Pha-Ngan. They found accommodation in 50p-a-night bamboo bungalows, enjoyed the sunset from their hammocks, and believed they had achieved nirvana.
Best Luxury Hotels In Downtown of Bangkok
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 20th 2008
- Destinations
- Unrated
There are lots of Bangkok luxury hotels sporting modern looks and providing quality rooms of pure self-indulgence in major locations in the centre of downtown Bangkok, in the middle of a popular shopping district and with public transport and the airport easily accessible. Business travellers will be joyous when they witness the hotel's state of the art conference facilities for meetings and seminars.
How To Find Luxury Hotels In Bangkok, Thailand
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 20th 2008
- Destinations
- Unrated
Visiting Bangkok is a thrill in itself, as the city offers many contrasts. The colorful city offers catchy skyscrapers nestled between historical temples as endless wealth contrasts with severe poverty. The city is extremely popular for its nightlife, but is also the major gateway for visiting Thailand. We look at what you will need if you are trying to locate a luxury hotel in Bangkok.
Be Proactive Secure Mobility In The Workplace
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 20th 2008
- Cell Phones
- Unrated
The mobile revolution has clearly got into us with employees using devices such as Apple iPhones and Blackberrries for achieving access to the corporate network from anywhere and at anytime.
Company Establishment in Thailand
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 20th 2008
- Start Up
- Unrated
Thailand accepts three types of business organizations for establishing company in Thailand. The first among them is limited companies. Limited companies are of two types, privately held and public. The first is governed by the Civil and Commercial Code, the second by the Public Company Act.
Comprehensive Tax Exemption Scheme in Singapore
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 20th 2008
- Taxes
- Unrated
A Hong Kong-based financial consultancy reports on its website that, with economic uncertainties looming, the Singapore government has established a plan that will reduce the tax burden for Singapore start-up firms. As global economic uncertainties surge, a comprehensive Singapore tax exemption scheme has been developed to increase the fortunes of Singapore start-up firms.
Long Leases in Thai Property Market
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 20th 2008
- Real Estate
- Unrated
Tourism is crucial to the Thai economy with income generated from tourism being a notable portion of the country's GDP. This share is likely to surge further. In line with global trends, there is a rising demand for resort homes among tourists who spend long durations in the country and among expatriate retirees - typically wealthy individuals from America, Europe and Asia.
Asian Shortage of Skills - Searching For Talents
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 20th 2008
- Human Resources
- Unrated
Despite its booming economies and huge population, Asia is experiencing a big shortage of skills. Asia has more than half the planet's human beings and houses many of the world's fastest-growing economies. But some businesses are being pressed to rethink just how quickly they will be successful in growing, because they cannot unearth enough people with the skills they require.
Asia's Demand for Management Talent
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 20th 2008
- Human Resources
- Unrated
Economic expansion is surging the demand for experienced executives, and businesses are learning the ways of the headhunter. There is growing reason to believe, since the Asia-Pacific region houses the fastest-growing markets in the global economy, that its rising appetite for Asia experienced executives has also made it the most exciting front in the global headhunting trade.
Dairy Products Significantly Boosts the Risk of Parkinson's Disease in Men
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 20th 2008
- Diseases and Conditions
- Unrated
We have known for many years that diseases that are seemingly unrelated to the digestive system can be greatly affected by what we put in our mouths. The latest support for the link between diet and a whole host of diseases comes from a study which has found that dairy consumption is intimately linked to Parkinson's in men.
Stressful Job Raises Risk of Chronic Heart Disease
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published Friday 20th 2008
- Wellness
- Unrated
We have been taught well that smoking and being overweight, as well as lack of exercise, will have a huge impact on the likelihood of developing heart disease and requiring heart surgery. But what about stress? We look at the silent contributor to heart disease.
