Let's do lunch By Pongphon Sarnsamak
Publisher:The Nation - Publication Date: 22-03-2008

Another dating agency has joined a myriad others plying their trade to lonely singles in Thailand, the Land of Smiles.
This matchmaker isn't aiming at wannabe mail-order brides or ageing, bulging foreigners but busy, jet-setting professionals too busy for the normal meal and a movie.
There's another twist, too. This so-called "intelligent" dating agency sets you up with a lunch partner. Aptly, it's called It's Just Lunch.
It will mate you with "eligible" people you wouldn't normally meet.
It's Just Lunch is a US-based service but is being introduced here by its Singapore franchise-owner.
The service claims to have helped thousands of "busy professionals" in 90 international locations "find a fresh approach to dating".
It's Just Lunch hooks you up with a new person for a date at lunchtime or a drink after work "in atmospheres singles can feel comfortable meeting".
"We understand you're so busy. That's why we arrange a date for you at a fun, local restaurant for lunch or drinks after work. All you have to do is show up," says Anisa Hassan, managing director of It's Just Lunch, Singapore, which recently opened a franchise in Bangkok.
The process is designed to be easy and fun. Its essence is the "personal touch" of its consultants. They pair individuals with "carefully selected partners", not using computer matching software but with "intuition, dedication and a detailed hour-long interview" during sign-up at its offices or on its website.
"Based on the input information we provide a date with someone chosen for you. We'll tell you all the information about the personality of the person," Hassan says.
All this will cost just 25,000 baht (US$793) in annual membership fees. It's Just Lunch guarantees you a minimum of 12 introductions.
It's Just Lunch boasts 12,000 marriages from its introductions.
Most clients are aged between 25 and 55.
"You potentially could find 'the one'," she adds.
The company's news media blurb says it's "surprised that even before we are officially open so many professional singles (are) expressing interest".
The service has a million clients registered worldwide, 25,000 of them in Singapore.
It adds: "For the jet-setting corporate executives who make up the bulk of [the service's] Singapore client list, this is a very welcome development. Many of them travel to Bangkok frequently for work, and they often look forward to having some down time while they are there."
Facts:
- 84 per cent of people are happy to meet someone of a different race, Online survey finds
- 67 per cent of Bangkok singles meet others through friends or family
- 28 per cent reject meeting others via social networking like My Space or Facebook
- 17 per cent have used social networking to get a date in the past six months

foto

Attached Images

date.jpg (19.4 KB, 11 views)

Thats really awesome. I like the idea of meeting more than one person this way you dont waste time. lol now if we can only do it with Nonasian girls and asian guys that would rock.

Right