Hi res absolute thai magazine october november

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Gravity Defying Woman

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Travel

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Contents 8 W h at ’ s O n Upcoming Events in Thailand

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T h e G r eAT P r O Te I n Q ue s T I O n Or more often it’s the great protein debate

20 C o v e r F e at u r e Sandra Bullock IMAGE: DFree / Shutterstock.com

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Tha i Box i ng The National Sport & Much More to Boot

36 t r av e l NEPAL The Land of Serenity 50

H O l I dAY I n n Su k Hum v I T 2 2 Exciting times at the Inn

56 G eTT I n G Cl e a n @ THe He Y Thamkrabok Monastery 62 W o r l d G ou r me t F e s t i va l Seven Days of Unforgettable Culinary Indulgence

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W ELCO M E TO A BS O LU T E THA I L I F E ST Y L E M AG A Z I N E oc t obe r / n o v embe r 2 013

We are finally beginning to enter the cool season in Thailand. However, depending on which part of the country you are in, it might or might not actually ever get “cool”. As well, “cool” is a relative term.

No matter the case, don’t expect morning frost anywhere (except maybe for on top of Doi Inthanon).

For those who have yet to experience the wondrous Loi Krathong, you are in for a very special treat. This beautiful and inspiring festivalis officially held on November 17th but is actually celebrated well before and well after the date. Even if you do not believe in superstition, it never the less feels good to launch your krathong into a body of water and watch all your cares and worries go with it. If you are in northern Thailand, it is a must to attend the launching of the Yee Peng lanterns. See page 11 for more details.

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This is also a great time of the year to do a road trip around Phuket.

And there’s no better way to do a road trip than on a vintage bicycle.

See the article about where and how on page 66.

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IMAGE: Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy this issue, and have a safe time in Thailand.

TIM KNIGHT EDITOR

C R E D I TS CHAIRMAN: Bryan Lunt Bryan.Lunt@AbsoluteThai.com managing director: Mike Hall MikeHall@Absoluteworld.net EDITOR: James Chanodom Editor@AbsoluteThai.com FEATURE EDITOR: Tim Knight TimKnight@AbsoluteThai.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Jason Hull Advertising@AbsoluteThai.com PUBLISHER: San, Sea and Sand Co. Ltd. PRINTING: Phongwarin Phongwarin@inet.co.th

Advertising Sales GENERAL MANAGER: Callum Mckay Callum@AbsoluteThai.com Mobile: +(66) 083 596 7537 Loran Wanigasooriya: Media Consultant Loran@AbsoluteThai.com Mobile: +(66) 086 267 8235 Vinda Kallayanamitr: Media Consultant Vinda@truemail.co.th Mobile +66 (0)86 355 6218 Paul Eastland: Media Consultant Paul@AbsoluteThai.com Mobile +66 (0)80 826 2315

Absolute Thai is published by San, Sea and Sand Co. Ltd. Registration Number 8837354810366. Registered address 42/11 Taveewong Road, Kathu, Patong, Phuket Tel: 076 342 147. Printed by Phongwarin LTD., Samutprakarn. All material is strictly copyrighted and all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without prior permission of the copyright holder. While every care has been taken in the production of this publication, the publisher takes no responsibility for an errors, loss or omissions that may occur.

ABSOLUTE THAI WhAT’S oN

What’s on

UPcomiNG EvENTS iN ThAiLANd ocTobEr – NovEmbEr 2013

imAGE: bULE Sky STUdio / ShUTTErSTock.com

vEGETAriAN fESTivAL 1st october, 2013 venue: muang district, Phuket Province

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known as “Ma Song”. The ceremonies are based on the strong belief and faith to Gods and the strong intention to purify both bodies and spirits. Eating only vegetable dishes is based on the intention not to kill any animals, purify bodies and minds, and enlighten the spirits. during the ceremonies, people will be in the white clothes.

hat/Why: The Phuket vegetarian festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the chinese calendar. it is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. during this time, local people of chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making.

Contact information: TAT Phuket office Tel: +66 7621 1036, +66 7621 2213 E-mail: tatphuket@tat.or.th Website: www.phuketvegetarian.com

Sacred rituals are performed at various chinese shrines and temples, and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees

imPorTANT Event dates and program details may be subject to change. many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand’s official calendar of annual events are traditional buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.

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NAkhoN PhANom iiiUmiNATEd boAT ProcESSioN 1st october, 2013 venue: muang Nakhon Phanom municipality, Nakhon Phanom Province

rivEr kWAi bridGE WEEk

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28 November-9 december 2013 venue: river kwai bridge, mueang district, kanchanaburi

hat/Why : The illuminated boat Procession or “Lai reua fai” which literally means to set afloat a fire boat is celebrated by the Northeastern people, which has been practiced for centuries to mark the end of buddhist Lent.

The procession is held to welcome the Lord buddha back to earth after preaching to his mother in heaven during the three-month period of buddhist Lent.

To pay respect and welcome the Lord buddha, reua fai or fire boats decorated with flowers, incense sticks, candles, and lanterns are launched on the mekong river in the evening.

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his event takes you back to the time of World War ii through the river kwai bridge built by Allied prisoners-of-war. This bridge was the part of the death railway that spanned the river kwai connecting Thailand and myanmar, costing thousands of lives of prisoners and local labourers supervised by Japanese troops. organised to commemorate those who died while building the bridge, this event features a remembrance ceremony held at the Allied War cemetery, light and sound presentations, cultural performances, and historical displays and exhibitions.

Today, with competitions to find the most beautiful illuminated boat processions, the boats have become more impressively constructed and decorated. in addition, the event includes cultural performances and street processions in which you can join the locals in performing the traditional folk dances.

Highlight: Go back in time to World War ii by getting on the vintage train and watch the light and sound re-enactment of the construction of the bridge.

Contact information: TAT Nakhon Phanom office

Contact information: TAT call centre: 1672

Tel: +66 4251 3490-1 E-mail: tatphnom@tat.or.th Nakhon Phanom Provincial Office +66 4251 1287,+66 4251 1576

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TAT Kanchanaburi Office +66 3451 1200, +66 3451 2500 Website: www.tourismthailand.org

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ABSOLUTE THAI WHAT’S ON

IMAGE: Pius Lee / Shutterstock.com

IMAGE: Thor Jorgen Udvang / Shutterstock.com

SURIN ELEPHANT ROUND-UP AND ELEPHANT SHOW Fri. 1 November, 2013 10:00 am Venue: Surin Elephant Performance Ground and Si Narong Stadium, Surin Province

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ancient elephant warfare techniques, a series of shows displaying the strength and skill of the animals, such as football games and a tug-of-war between men and elephants.

hat/Why : Surin, the northeastern province is very well known to both Thai people and international tourists as “The Land of Elephants”. It has been presenting the Elephant Round-Up for more than 50 years. Now, as an internationally recognized event, Elephant Round-Up begins with a wonderful elephant parade through the streets, and the famous “elephant breakfast”.

Contact: TAT Surin Office.

Tel: +66 4451 4447-8 Email: tatsurin@tat.or.th Surin Province Office: +66 4451 2039

After that, the shows also include elephant talent competitions, demonstration of the various techniques used to capture and train elephants, a presentation of

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IMAGE: GOLFX / Shutterstock.com

LOI KRATHONG FESTIVAL 17 November, 2013 Venue: Nationwide IMAGE: GOLFX / Shutterstock.com

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Province Experience Loi Krathong, which made of banana trunk more than 100,000 pieces, enjoy Thai folk shows, Noppamas beauty pageant and krathong contests, Bang Sai Loi Krathong and offering food to Buddhist monks along the river.

hat/Why : Loi Krathong festival is a Thai tradition, which has been conducted for a long time ago. Loi Krathong has been held since the middle of the eleventh to the middle of the twelfth lunar month, which is a great flood season, especially on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. When the moon shines at night, it makes the rivers clear and beautiful , which is suitable for floating Krathong. Nowadays, Thai people usually prepare natural materials to make Krathong. For example, they use banana trunk and lotus to make beautiful krathong then put stick candle, incense stick, and flowers in krathong. They always ask for good luck in the future and forgiveness Pra Mae Khongkha. At the temples and tourist places, they held the contest of making krathong and Noppamas beauty pageants contest. There are many entertainment shows and exciting fireworks at night.

Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival: Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai Province Experience the festival of the Dawn of Happiness city with chandelier lamp parades and fire blast, play small confection cup spark fireworks, enjoy traditional performance, local recreational games and markets.

Tak Loi Krathong Sai Festival: Rattanakosin 200 years Bridge, Tak Province Sightseeing floating 8,000 lanterns parade to be competed along Ping River at Hall of Fame Building where the handicrafts contest is held, shopping One Tumbon One Product or OTOPs and enjoy traditional performances.

Loi Krathong Festival: Bangkok View the illuminated boat procession, Loi Krathong activities as well as illuminated buildings and historical sites on both sides of the Chao Phraya River.

Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival: Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai Province Enjoy traditional performance in Lanna style and floating lantern contest, join a demonstration of how to make Krathongs and Yee Peng lanterns.

Bang Sai Loi Krathong Tam Prathip Festival: Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province Relive the glorious past of Ayutthaya on this atmospheric night. Enjoy the traditional procession of beauty queens from all 4 regions and experience the relaxing surroundings of a floating market demonstration.

Contact: TAT Bangkok Office Tel: +66 2250 5500 ext 3485-9 Email: eplandiv@tat.or.th Website: www.loikrathong.net

Samut Songkhram Loi Krathong: King Rama 2 Memorial Park, Samut Songkhram

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ABSOLUTE THAI The Great Protein Question

The Great Protein Question

Or more often it’s the great protein debate words: Steve Field

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r more often it’s the great protein debate. The first question I usually hear when someone finds out I choose a cruelty-free lifestyle, a vegetarian diet, is ‘how do you get your protein?’ It’s a good question. And whether one is choosing a raw, vegan diet or a cooked one – or even if someone chooses to eat meat – being smart about our protein ingestion is helpful. If we’re into bodybuilding, the question is even more important.

catabolism) needs more than the average person. Like everything in life, we’re growing or decaying, living or dying - we’re either part of the solution, or part of the problem.

Let’s get right into the good news. For those of us choosing a diet that minimizes harm in the world (vegan), and specifically raw, the protein we ingest is much more as similable than cooked and/or meat protein.

Body building nutrition recommends approximately 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day; some say more, some say less. In other words, a body

While most people’s protein needs are usually less than they think, anyone engaged in building muscle – and you’re either building it or losing it (anabolism or

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builder who weighs 150lbs would consume more than 150 grams of protein per day. That’s a lot. Part of why fitness nutritionists recommend so much – whether they realize it or not – is because cooking instantly renders 50% or more of the protein unusable. Plus, protein that comes from animal source is very difficult for the body to utilize. The amount of energy (and enzymes) required to breakdown animal flesh and make it into energy for the human who consumes it is phenomenal.

What about regular people (not body builders)?

The truth is most people need far less protein than we

Like everything in life, we’re either growing or decaying, living or dying - we’re either part of the solution, or part of the problem.

think. An essential truth for everyone – regardless of what we eat – is that everyone’s nutritional needs are different. It’s called biochemical individuality. We all need different amounts of protein in different ratios to how much carbohydrate and how much fat we need.

Moreover, we all respond differently to different sources of protein, carbs and fats (macronutrients).

To enrich the discussion further, important factors such as how much we eat, how frequently – and key: how we eat – determines a great deal about our health, digestion and assimilation. As Hippocrates said, “Man is not nourished by what he swallows, but by what he digests and uses.” Or, put more crassly, instead of ‘we are what we eat,’ the saying ought to be ‘we are what we don’t poop.’

By eating smaller meals more frequently, we maximize our protein assimilation. By chewing well and eating slowly we increase it more. Approaching our meals in a relaxed and grateful state makes a huge difference in nutritional absorption, and in nourishment in general.

While most people eating a raw diet will automatically get enough protein, especially if we are paying attention to how we feel, to how foods affect us, it’s worthwhile knowing about some nutritional powerhouses that can add some insurance.

With protein – and with nutrition in general, including considerations of phytonutrients and minerals – I find superfoods are a fantastic way to ensure (health insurance)

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ABSOLUTE THAI The Great Protein Question

many as 60 trace minerals, putting it in the nutritional elite class. All nuts and seeds contain concentrated protein; some more than others. Hemp seed – in addition to being a perfectly balanced source of essential fatty acids, omega 3 and 6 – is packed with protein. Eating a freshly powdered form of it, which is often called Hemp protein or Hemp powder, maximizes digestibility and protein. Sprouted nuts and seeds, including grasses, not only contain a great deal of protein, as well as phytonutrients, they are easily made in any climate.

They additionally provide extra vitamins and minerals.

Or, put more crassly, instead of ‘we are what we eat,’ the saying ought to be ‘we are what we don’t poop.’

that I’m at optimal thriving. We live in an exciting time where the world’s most nutritious superfoods are available to us instantly. By including a few of these highly digestible, protein dense superfoods, you ensure that your protein levels stay high. My favorites are spirulina, bee pollen, hemp protein, sprouts and raw brown rice protein. Spirulina may be the most protein rich food on the planet, with a protein content approximately 70%.

Full of antioxidants, natural beta carotene, mixed carotenoids, chlorophyll, vitamin B12, gamma linolenic acid (GLA), riboflavin, and other phytonutrients, spirulina is certainly one of the top most nutritious foods.

For most who have experimented with protein powders and supplements over the years, there’s been dissatisfaction with the results from both soy and whey based products. The introduction of a completely raw, vegan protein powder is exciting news. It’s become a staple for me and many high caliber athletes and nutrition gurus. Including even a small amount of any of the protein rich superfoods will virtually guarantee that you’re getting more than enough protein..

In addition to a high concentration of amino acids (approximately 66% protein), bee pollen also contains as

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Gravity Defying Woman

Sandra Bullock words: Tim Knight

IMAGE: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

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orn July 26, 1964, in Arlington, Virginia, Sandra Bullock made her first stage appearance at age five in an opera in Germany. She first became widely known for her role in the 1994 hit Speed. She has since starred in many more films, and won an Academy Award for Best Actress and a Golden Globe for her performance in The Blind Side, based on the true-life story of football player Michael Oher.

Born on the outskirts of Washington, D.C., to a German opera singer and a voice teacher, Bullock grew up largely on the road. She studied music and dance while she travelled throughout Europe and made her first stage appearance at the age of 5 in a small role for an opera in Nuremburg, Germany. The performance helped her to develop a love of the stage, and she began appearing regularly in the Nuremburg children’s choir. When Bullock was 12, her family moved back to the D.C. area where she attended Washington-Lee High School. Bullock had no problem fitting in, becoming involved in cheerleading and school theatre productions until IMAGE: Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

Bullock landed her first gig at the age of 21 in an off-Broadway production of No Time Flat. Bullock used the critical acclaim for her role in the play to land an agent. But Bullock’s early acting jobs, which included bit parts in TV movies and B-movies, were unsuccessful and sometimes embarrassing. her graduation in 1982. Bullock then enrolled in East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, to study acting, but left college only three credits shy of her bachelor’s degree. Instead, she moved to New York in 1986 to pursue acting in earnest. She joined the Neighbourhood Playhouse Theatre, where she took acting classes, and supported herself with waitressing and bartending work.

Bullock landed her first gig at the age of 21 in an off-Broadway production of No Time Flat. Bullock used the critical acclaim for her role in the play to land an agent. But Bullock’s early acting jobs, which included bit parts in TV movies and B-movies, were unsuccessful and sometimes embarrassing. She made a short run as Tess McGill on the ill-fated NBC sitcom Working Girl (based on the hit movie of the same name), followed by a co-starring role in the romantic comedy Love Potion No. 9. In 1993, Bullock replaced Lori Petty in the futuristic Sylvester Stallone vehicle Demolition Man, but critics largely panned the film as “incoherent” and “one-dimensional.” It was in the box-office hit Speed,

IMAGE: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

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that Bullock first earned widespread recognition. Playing opposite Keanu Reeves, Bullock’s plucky performance helped propel the commercial success of what was an otherwise generic action feature.

In the mid-1990s, Bullock appeared in steady stream of big-budget productions of varying commercial success.

While films like While You Were Sleeping, The Net, and A Time to Kill performed well, others such as Two If By Sea and Speed 2: Cruise Control, were box-office flops.

In an attempt to expand her dramatic range, Bullock appeared as an alcoholic newspaper columnist sent to rehab in 28 Days. The film, a mix of dark comedy and melodrama, received tepid reviews, although her comedy Miss Congeniality did well at the box office that same year.

After a brief hiatus, Bullock returned in early 2002 with Murder by Numbers, a crime thriller in which she plays a detective responsible for tracking down a duo of thrill-killers. She also appeared in a film version of the best-selling novel The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood and Two Weeks’ Notice, a romantic comedy co-starring Hugh Grant.

It was in the box-office hit Speed, that Bullock first earned widespread recognition. Playing opposite Keanu Reeves, Bullock’s plucky performance helped propel the commercial success of what was an otherwise generic action feature.

Dividing her time between comedy and drama, Bullock starred in Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous and the romantic drama The Lake House with Speed co-star Keanu Reeves. She took on some more serious roles with Infamous and Premonition. In Infamous, she played writer Harper Lee in the Truman Capote drama starring Toby Jones. Bullock starred with Julian McMahon in the domestic thriller Premonition as a wife and mother who tries to prevent her husband’s death after experiencing a vision of his demise.

In 2009, Bullock returned to her romantic comedy roots with two projects. The Proposal featured Bullock as a tough-as-nails boss who must marry her assistant (Ryan Reynolds) to avoid being deported, which became a huge box office smash. All About Steve, however, proved to be a critical and commercial dud. In the film, Bullock played a woman who becomes obsessed with a television cameraman (Bradley Cooper) after going on a blind date with him.

IMAGE: Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

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Bullock then had a career breakthrough with the sports drama The Blind Side, based on the true-life story of African-American professional football player Michael Oher. Playing Leah Anne Touhy, she starred as a suburban wife and mother who brings Oher (played

by Quinton Aaron), a homeless teenager, into her family and helps him overcome his personal challenges. The touching drama has brought in more than $248 million at the box office and earned Bullock an Academy Award for Best Actress. She also won a Golden Globe for her work on the film.

After the success of The Blind Side, Bullock largely stepped out the Hollywood’s spotlight for a time. She made a tremendous return in 2013 with the box office hit The Heat with Melissa McCarthy. The duo plays a pair of mismatched law enforcement agents out to take down a drug lord in this buddy comedy. The film made an impressive debut, bringing in more than $40 million in its first weekend.

She is listed in the 2012 edition of the Guinness Book Of World Records as the highest-paid actress, with $56 million. In 2013, she starred in The Heat, financially the most successful comedy of the year, and will star in the Sci-fi thriller Gravity.

IMAGE: Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

After the success of The Blind Side, Bullock largely stepped out the Hollywood’s spotlight for a time. She made a tremendous return in 2013 with the box office hit The Heat with Melissa McCarthy.

IMAGE: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

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IMAGE: aspen rock / Shutterstock.com

IMAGE: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

IMAGE: Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

Bullock makes her home in Austin, Texas; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and Tybee Island, Georgia. She married Jesse James, star of the TV hit Monster Garage, on July 16, 2005. In March 2010, a scandal arose when several women claimed to have had affairs with James during his marriage to Bullock. Bullock cancelled European promotional appearances for The Blind Side citing “unforeseen personal reasons.” On March 18, 2010, James responded to the rumours of infidelity by issuing a public apology to Bullock. He stated, “The vast majority of the allegations reported are untrue and unfounded” and “Beyond that, I will not dignify these private matters with any further public comment.”

James declared that “There is only one person to blame for this whole situation, and that is me,” and asked that his wife and children one day “find it in their hearts to forgive me” for their current “pain and embarrassment.” James’ publicist subsequently announced on March 30, 2010, that James had checked into a rehab facility “to deal with personal issues” and

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She is listed in the 2012 edition of the Guinness Book Of World Records as the highest-paid actress, with $56 million. “save his marriage” to Bullock. However on April 28, 2010, it was reported that Bullock had filed for divorce on April 23 in Austin. Their divorce was finalized on June 28, 2010, with “conflict of personalities” cited as the reason In November 2006 Bullock founded an Austin, Texas restaurant, Bess Bistro located on West 6th Street.

She later opened another business, Walton’s Fancy and Staple, across the street in a building she extensively renovated. Walton’s is a bakery, upscale restaurant and floral shop that also offers services including event planning.

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ABSOLUTE THAI Thai Boxing – The National Sport

Thai Boxing

The National Sport & Much More to Boot

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hailand’s cultural contributions to world heritage are out of all proportion to its size and population.

When one thinks of Thailand, an array of very distinct and unique activities come to mind which lie at the heart of the culture: superb Thai food; relaxing and invigorating Thai massage; and at the other end of the spectrum the gritty, rough and tumble sport of Thai boxing.

throughout the kingdom, these being essentially the country’s first Muay Thai camps.

Over time, Thai boxing became increasingly ritualized and formalized, and evolved, along with initiating as a monk, into a rite of passage into adulthood for young Thai men. Just as through their training in Buddhism in local temples, the young men’s Muay Thai training teaches them discipline, respect, honor, order, and fitness – qualities that may not have been present in many of their lives before.

The modern sport of Thai boxing, known as “the art of eight limbs” since fighters use eight points of contact – hands, feet, elbows, and knees – has evolved from the ancient form of close, hand-to-hand combat that was necessary to defend oneself in battle hundreds of years ago. With the constant threat of war from Thailand’s neighbors, training centers slowly began to appear

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Thus, many Thai boxing training camps have come to act much like extended family units, instilling these virtues in young boys who turn to boxing for diverse reasons. As with many of the world’s less fortunate

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individuals, there are few avenues to break out of the life they were born into.

In Thailand, Thai boxing is one of the few options for social mobility for your typical rice farmer, which is the background of many a Thai boxer. It is a chance for them to garner respect, develop self-esteem, and earn a noble livelihood. Then again, other young men enter the discipline for the sheer love of the sport and their innate competitive drive.

The function Thai boxing fulfills in Thai society is accordingly multifaceted: Thai youth seeking an exciting, better future are drawn to the sport, which is actually equal parts athleticism, discipline, and art; and like sport everywhere, Thai boxing meets a social need of the community, creates and strengthens familial and village bonds, and serves as an outlet and temporary escape from their very traditional, often difficult lives.

In Thailand, Thai boxing is one of the few options for social mobility for your typical rice farmer, which is the background of many a Thai boxer.

As tourism to Thailand has increased over the past few decades, visitors have been drawn to this fascinating element of Thai culture. For many years, however travelers seeking to enjoy Thai boxing matches had to go a bit native, and either catch fights in small villages upcountry, or at throw-down “stables” in larger towns.

Those seeking more excitement and adventure eventually made their way to the great stadia in Bangkok, the dream venue for thousands of hungry young fighters: Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen. These modern coliseums remain fascinating cultural experiences for tourists, far beyond the fighting itself, given the rambunctious atmosphere, the loud traditional music, and all the shouting and betting.

Muay Thai has traditionally been supported by Thai Kings, including the current one, and is now being actively promoted by the Thai government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. It is a source of national pride that the Kingdom’s traditional martial art is now so internationally admired and respected. Surely, Thai boxing has now come into its own and its future looks very bright indeed.

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ABSOLUTE THAI Thai Boxing – The National Sport

Sityodthong Boxing Camp Address: 36/7 Moo 6 Nongprue Banglamung Chonburi Thailand, Pattaya, Thailand 20260 Email: ploy_sityodtong@hotmail.com www.sityodtongmuaythai.com

Perhaps Muay Thai’s greatest ambassador was Yodthong Senanan, who for over fifty years operated the renowned Sityodthong Boxing Camp in Pattaya.

Until his sad demise at age 76 in February of this year, Master Yodthong was largely responsible for popularizing Muay Thai, as well as training many champions. Following his lead, a number of successful Thai boxing camps have been established, such as Singpatong, Tiger, and Sinbi boxing camps in Phuket, and the Elite Boxing Club in Bangkok, and their teachers have become famous in Thailand, as one would expect from purveyors of the fine points of Thailand’s national sport.

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Singpatong Boxing Camp Address: 29 Hasipess Road, Patong Beach, Kathu District, Phuket Province, Thailand, 83150 Contact: Pee Num 0856644035 Email: singpatong@gmail.com www.singpatongsitnumnoi.com

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Tiger Muay Thai & MMA Training Camp Address: 7/6 Moo 5 Soi Tad-ied Ao Chalong, Muang Phuket, Thailand, 83100

“Gob” If you are wondering when the shop will open, need laundry, vip changes or a taxi then you can call Gob who speaks quite good English. +66 0895464426 http://sinbi-muaythai.com

Contact: TMT Office: +66 (0)76 367 071-2, Night Office:+66 (0)88 116 8066 Skype (office hours):tigermuaythai www.tigermuaythai.com

Elite Fight Club Thailand Address: The Waterford Diamond Tower, 10th Floor Soi Sukhumvit 30/1 Sukhumvit Rd. Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok Thailand 10110

Sinbi Muay Thai Boxing Camp Address: Sinbi Muay Thai 100/15 Moo 7, Saiyuan Road Rawai Muang Phuket 83100 Thailand

Telephone: +66 (0) 2305 6685 FAX: +66 (0) 2256 9900 E-mail: contact@elite-boxing.com www.elitefightclub.com

Contact: “Sing” who speaks Thai and English: +66 0 833915535 “Dave” general enquiries, marketing and likely to be awake late: +66 (0)911621510 “Sarah” (English) for bookings enquiries:+66 0 808798092

Those seeking more excitement and adventure eventually made their way to the great stadia in Bangkok, the dream venue for thousands of hungry young fighters: Lumpini and Ratchadamnoen.

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ThE NEW ABSOLUTE THAI APP download Today owners of the iPad can now download the Absolute Thai magazine iPad application frEE to read and enjoy at your leisure.

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ABSOLUTE THAI NEPAL The Land of Serenity

NEPAL

The Land of Serenity

words: Peter Holthusen

T

he wooden door squeaked as I pushed open the shutters to my bedroom window at The Dwarika’s Hotel. It was a little after dawn on a sunny June morning and chattering monkeys had been clawing at my window for hours. Located just a stone’s throw from the famous Pashupatinath, the 17th century temple complex, better known as the ‘Monkey Temple’, for reasons that become apparent.

Draped along the greatest heights of the Himalaya, the country of Nepal only came into being in the mid 18th century, when the three former kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley – namely Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur – formed a union in 1768, when, after more than a quarter of a century of conquest and consolidation, Prithvi Narayan Shah, ruler of the tiny hilltop kingdom of Gorkha (halfway between Pokhara and Kathmandu), stood poised on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley, about to realize his dream of a unified Nepal.

From this vantage point, you’d be forgiven for thinking this crowded mountain metropolis is Nepal, but, as exciting as this ancient capital is, it is the rich countryside beyond that holds the key to the country’s true character and charm.

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I’m staying in Thamel, the vibrant heart of the old town.

It is a little touristy – bristling with trekking touts, cafes selling rather delicious carrot cake, and clothes shops tailoring the ubiquitous wraparound trousers – but a

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great place to while away the afternoon, picking out souvenirs, or simply buying exquisite turquoise jewellery for a loved one.

From here, I decline the rickshaw wallahs (for I keep bashing my balding head on the rickshaw’s awning as we rattle down the cobbled streets) and take my time drifting southwards, through the sprawling Thamel Chowk market: a pungent cacophony of stalls selling everything from freshly cooked snacks to cheap bangles, Tibetan antiquities, saucepans and chickens. I walk on, every corner there seems to be another medieval building, colourful temple or flag strewn Buddhist stupa: it’s not surprising UNESCO declared this a valuable World Heritage Site.

I’m literally melting by the time I slip out of the throng into Durbar Square, the bustling heart of the old city.

(Note to self, “make the return journey by rickshaw”).

This wide graceful medieval square is where kings built their palaces and appeared before their people for the public Coronation. Despite the constant bustle, an air

The word ‘Nepal’ is thought to derive from the ancient Sanskrit ‘nipalaya’, which means “at the foot of the mountains” or “abode at the foot”.

of quiet respect permeates the square, which sits in the shadow of the vast, imposing, 16th century Hanuman Dhoka Palace complex, with its 50 attendant temples.

It’s just one of the striking buildings in the square, another – at the southern end – is the gilded cage of the Kumari Ghar.

This is the revered residence of the Raj Kumari: a young girl plucked from ordinary life by a mysterious ancient rite, to become the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga. Crowds throng at the walls of the Kumari Ghar, paying their devotion and hoping to catch a lucky glimpse of their mortal-made goddess.

Religion weaves seamlessly through everyday life in Nepal – and there are fascinating depictions of this devotion.

At around 5.00pm every day at Boudhanath, the largest stupa in Nepal (dating from about 500BC), worshippers – and the shoppers, diners and idlers who frequent the stupa’s surrounding boutiques and restaurants – walk around the impressive structure at great pace, all the

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ABSOLUTE THAI NEPAL ThE LANd of SErENiTy

while chanting and turning prayer wheels. People from all faiths and backgrounds are welcome, and as a consequence, the entire square – on the outskirts of the city centre – comes alive with music.

Away from the capital, life runs at the reassuring pace of a countryside idyll. The spectacular mountain trails that snake around the himalaya are perhaps the main tourist attraction and trekkers experience an altogether different view of Nepal compared with life in kathmandu. i’m heading 200 km north-east to Pokhara, a picturesque town in a lush green valley, on the shores of Phewa Tal, an insanely beautiful lake where the trekkers come to bathe their blistered feet. boats bob up and down, pulling on their moorings, a pretty row of shops selling everything from hand-woven rugs to coffee beans, and the luxurious surroundings of the Shangri-La hotel, my home for the next few days, provides serene respite

Even death is a resolutely public affair. People travel from all over the country to Pashupatinath – Nepal’s holiest hindu site on the banks of the bagmati river – to carry out public cremations. To be cremated here is to guarantee a smooth transition into the next life. i watch self-consciously from across the river as families perform the ancient cremation ritual on the specially built ghats. meanwhile, a little downstream, children frolic and splash in the water: the circle of life goes on.

rELiGioN WEAvES SEAmLESSLy ThroUGh EvErydAy LifE iN NEPAL – ANd ThErE ArE fASciNATiNG dEPicTioNS of ThiS dEvoTioN.

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from the clamour of the city – and, at other times of year, from the harsh conditions on mountain trails.

of mass destruction for the plentiful leeches – to enjoy a challenging trek through these spectacular passes, along which boisterous schoolchildren walk each day, overlooking rice paddies and little villages on the way.

There are plenty of adventurous ways in which to explore the area: from hiking up to the World Peace Pagoda, to a boat trip on Phewa Tal where you can stop at a small island to wander around the peaceful barahi Temple. for many though, this is the base from which to tackle the legendary Annapurna trail: setting off with a guide, porter and plenty of salt – a weapon

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further south, in the heart of the chitwan National Park, 130 km from Pokhara, arid jungle plains make an impenetrable home for tigers, rhinoceroses, snakes, majestic elephants and other wildlife. While it initially served as the hunting grounds of the ruling class in the 19th century, it now stands as the country’s first national park, established in 1973 and declared a

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ABSOLUTE THAI NEPAL The Land of Serenity

The differences in language, race,

UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The area is key to many of Nepal’s animal conservation efforts, home to everything from a nearby tiger reserve to a vulture breeding centre.

culinary skills, climate, terrain, dialect and religion that make up Nepal’s inimitable tapestry, share a

On a long amble through the neighbouring forest, astride Rani, a 23-year-old female elephant with spotted pink ears, I’m lulled into a sense of calm by the slow movements, up and down, as we climb mud banks, wade across muddy lakes – even though I know this is tiger country. Along the way, we pass several spotted deer, a mischievous wild boar, a few reddish-brown monkeys scampering through the treetops, and even a peacock perched up high on a branch. The region’s iconic rhinos and tigers elude me this time. The rich foliage and varied wildlife are more than enough to make me fall in love with this region again.

simple truth: this is a land thrilling to explore, and easy to fall in love with.

Nepal offers so much more than its famous mountain ranges: Kathmandu rivals Delhi’s madness; Pokhara offers all the comforts and challenges of a luxury holiday destination, and the jungle around Chitwan harks back to the country’s ancient past. The differences in language, race, culinary skills, climate, terrain, dialect and religion that make up Nepal’s inimitable tapestry, share a simple truth: this is a land thrilling to explore, and easy to fall in love with.

This is the revered residence of the Raj Kumari: a young girl plucked from ordinary life by a mysterious ancient rite, to become the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga. Crowds throng at the walls of the Kumari Ghar, paying their devotion and hoping to catch a lucky glimpse of their mortal-made goddess.

FURTHER INFORMATION Nepal Tourism Board www.welcomenepal.com

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ABSOLUTE THAI The Northern Loop

Motor Biking In Northern Thailand on the Mae Hong Son Loop words: Dan White

R

iding a motorbike through Northern Thailand opens up some of the country’s most spectacular scenery for those who want to cut loose and hit the open road. Dan White provides a quick guide on where to go on Thailand’s most famous biking route, the Mae Hong Son Loop.

why motorcycling in northern Thailand is such a draw is the Mae Hong Son loop. It’s hundreds of kilometers of amazing views, challenging roads, great places to stay, remote hill tribe settlements and, just for good measure, the highest mountain in Thailand approached through an avenue of fragrant rhododendrons.

Most in the know on motorcycle touring would agree that northern Thailand is pretty close to Nirvana. From Loei over the gentle hills of Phrae to the wild lands of Nan, further across the looping fast road from Pha Yao to Chiang Mai, it’s all good. The road from Mae Sariang to Mae Sot is like driving through the set of a Hollywood epic after having been fed something that makes you happy. But perhaps the route that defines

Chiang Mai To Pai The first 50 km is the fast road north out of Chiang Mai. Best to go as fast as possible because it’s really boring.

Once you take the left turn off from route 107 to route 1095 at Dong Palan, things start to change very fast.

The road starts to climb and wind. The surrounding forest becomes thicker. After about half an hour you reach an excellent café in a beautifully landscaped garden.

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It’s a really peaceful place where you can relax on the wooden deck and drink freshly ground coffee to help you round the upcoming bends.

The road to Pai is breathtakingly beautiful through Jungle lined valleys, past small streams with spectacular views at every turn. The descent to Pai itself is very long and very steep. The locals drive at breakneck speed round the bends, but for those who are not actually suicidal it’s a road best taken very slowly.

Arriving In Pai Then you arrive in Pai itself. Set in a remote valley along which flows the river Pai, this place could just about be Shangri-La; but actually it’s not. There is one reason. Pajama people. Dubbed the Koh Phangan of the north, Pai is plagued by them. The strangely shaped have flocked from all over the world to wear clothing that would have them arrested in their home country.

Amongst three major portals, the other two being Khao San Road in Bangkok and the island of Koh Phangan, Pai is now, undoubtedly the pajama bastion of the north.

They huddle in cafes exercising the virtue of thrift to an almost devotional degree. For the pajama people money and the not spending of it has been elevated virtually to the status of a religion. Amongst three major portals, the other two being Khao San Road in Bangkok and the island of Koh Phangan, Pai is now, undoubtedly the pajama bastion of the north. Like a Hadrian’s wall of cheap unreality Pai is a hive of po faced children exchanging tales of hair braiding, bad tattoos and all else that is not too costly.

If you want to avoid the pajama people it’s easily done.

There are some good resorts on the other side of the river from the main town. Pai also has some excellent restaurants where you can get the freshly baked bread which has become a specialty of the town. Pai itself is an interesting mixture of indigenous Shan people and Muslim Yunnanese immigrants, refugees from Mao’s China.

Pai To Mae Hong Son Heading out of Pai the road begins, once again, to climb steeply. This is actually quite challenging riding since there are some very, very steep bends. Parts of the road sometimes collapse during rainy season and take a while to repair, so it’s best taken slowly. Along the way there are great views particularly at Kiu Lom. It’s a nice

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ABSOLUTE THAI The Northern Loop

Mae Hong Son Mae Hong Son is a town that has seen vast development in the last fifteen years. Once a remote place with a very wild border feeling about it, now it is pretty almost to the point of being manicured. Not much happens in Mae Hong Son but it is a relaxing place to pass a couple of days. There are some agreeable guesthouses around the central lake near the very impressive Burmese temple. There are plenty of things to visit around Mae Hong Son if you are staying there for a couple of days including the villages of the ‘Long Neck’ Karen. These villages exist only because tourists enjoy visiting them.

Although the long necks make good money there is a very serious debate about the ethics of putting people on show in this way.

place to stop. There is a small café and the inevitable hill tribe vendors selling the usual collection of embroidered bags, funny hats and annoying wooden frogs.

The amazing scenery continues relentlessly. The only major town between Pai and Mae Hong Son is Soppong.

It’s actually incongruously grotty, but there are some nice guesthouses and resorts on either side if you want to break up the ride.

As the road continues there is a slow descent taking you through what can only be described as a sort of tropical Narnia. Best seen just before the rice harvest one drives through little valleys lined with paddy fields of almost luminous green dotted with huge limestone outcrops.

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Driving out of Mae Hong Son you are now on route 108 and it is a straighter and faster road than route 1095 which winds its way up from Pai. After about 70km you are faced with a choice. You can either carry on south to the delightful riverine town of Mae Sariang or you can turn left just before Khun Yuam and head directly over the mountains to Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand. It’s a tough choice because they are both great rides.

Approaching the mountain from this side gives a marvelous view of the mountain and the road back to Chiang Mai takes you right over it. The 1192 is a beautiful winding road lined with wild flowers that, without exaggeration, fill the air with scent.

Doi Inthanon is a national park, and you will be asked to pay if you are going to visit the mountain peak. If you are however ‘through traffic’ on the way to Chomtong then you won’t. It’s a sad fact, however, that sometimes through traffic gets hopelessly lost and takes a wrong turn (left in this case) as the 1192 meets the 1009 and you sadly find yourself at the highest point of Thailand.

It’s a windy place that actually gets quite cold. There are some large rather Stalinist looking stupas and a tacky gift shop.

If you take the southern route then a one night stop in Mae Sariang is a good idea. It’s a pleasant little town with old wooden houses lining the river. The road back to Chiang Mai is a good day’s ride and takes you past yet more splendid mountain scenery before you join the main highway back to town.

Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand IIf you choose the Doi Inthanon route then you are embarking on a very different drive. Route 1263 climbs quickly and the road starts to wind in earnest. Unlike other parts of the loop the hills here are not heavily forested. In fact they are quite barren. At time it looks almost like parts of Spain. The road feels very remote all the way to Mae Chaem at the foot of Doi Inthanon.

If you want to make the most of the loop its worth investing in the map published by www.gt-rider.com since it is specially produced with motorcyclists in mind and is available in bookshops and cafes all over town.

The Road Back To Chiang Mai To get back to Chiang Mai you retrace your steps to the junction where you accidentally took a wrong turn and carry straight on. The drive down the eastern side of the mountain is VERY fast. In fact it’s a race track. A very scenic race track at that with gentle fast bends and a slow incline. No amount of forethought can prepare you for just how fast this road is. The road joins the main highway and then you have a boring hour and half drive back to town. The Mae Hong Son Loop is best completed with a cold beer at ‘The Kafe’ on Chiang Mai’s Moat Road. Chiang Mai is full of people who love motorcycling and this where they often gather. If you want to make the most of the loop its worth investing in the map published by www.gt-rider.com since it is specially produced with motorcyclists in mind and is available in bookshops and cafes all over town.

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ABSOLUTE THAI Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit 22

Holiday Inn Sukhumvit 22 Exciting times at the Inn words: Paul Eastland

Y

ou are sure of a warm welcome when you arrive at the fantastic new Holiday Inn Bangkok, Sukhumvit 22. Situated in the city’s Asoke central business district on Sukhumvit Road, you are also in the vicinity of many of the top class dining, shopping and entertainment options; in fact you can easily embark to any of the myriad attractions of this vibrant city with the city’s skytrain and underground systems being just a short stroll away.

Checking in can be a pain, but here no problem. Upon entering the 9th floor minimalistic lobby you can finally ease off the trauma of your long journey and relax on one of the many large comfortable sofas, (maybe with a much needed drink) which can be achieved at the adjacent lobby bar, whilst the attentive staff complete your check-in formalities.

Accommodation Accommodation is made up of 300 rooms of different styles from deluxe through junior suites to the executive suite options.

On arrival you will marvel at this unsurpassed feat of architecture. Built in an ultra-modern style which has the enviable title of being the largest cantilevered building in Thailand.

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All rooms are tastefully furnished to a very high standard of luxury, which you would expect from a marquee name of this caliber. Amongst every conceivable amenity included are a large flat screen television with cable/ satellite channels from all over the world, also in–house movies on the premium channel. Your own dedicated workstation with an ergonomic chair, 2-line speakerphone and internet connections that are free throughout the hotel.

For your comfort, the hotel has gone to extraordinary lengths with high quality beds and bedding, even to the length of specifically labeling your pillows either firm or soft (something I’ve never seen before). All the other items that you would expect are here: cotton bath robes, slippers, a range of brand toiletries, individual controlled air condition, in-room safe, tea and coffee making facilities, not to mention the mini-bar.

Built in an ultra modern style which has enviable title of being the largest cantilevered building in Thailand.

Amenities If you just want to relax in a peaceful environment you can do no better than spending your time at the 8th floor swimming pool. Arranged in an attractive landscaped area with decking throughout you can unwind in one of the “igloo tents” or on one of the many sofas scattered around the pool edge. You will be forgiven for thinking you are a million miles away from the legendary chaos just a few floors below. The pool is designed as much for children as it is adults, with its small children’s area and the long gradually stepped entry you can be safe in the knowledge that your loved ones can play safely (under a watchful eye of course).

For the health conscious, you can visit the 24 hour gym that is well equipped to keep you in shape, with all the latest cardio vascular equipment and weights for you to use whenever you like.

Business & Event Facilities.

There are a number of different options offered here with 3 versatile partitioned function rooms that can be arranged to your liking, even up to a grand ballroom that can hold up to 500 guests for dinner or 800 guests for cocktail receptions.

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ABSOLUTE THAI Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit 22

Also, 2 meeting rooms are available with a professional meeting and sales team on site. All the latest that you would expect for successful business meetings is at your disposal, including modems, a full range of projectors, staging and lighting, accompanied with a state of the art sound system.

Wining and Dining There are 3 options here for all your culinary tastes.

Lounge 9 is located on the 9th floor, this is the perfect place to meet, with a well-stocked bar and tapas styled snacks served, here you can unwind whilst enjoying soft live music.

Open daily from 07-00am-midnight Zeta Café is the hub of the hotel serving all day dining, featuring an expansive international buffet consisting of an enormous array of culinary delights. Starting with the unbeatable breakfast buffet, with its mix between Western and Asian styles and complete with its dedicated “egg station”, just right to start the day. The lunch buffet goes to even greater lengths and brings out more of the Asian favorites with a mouthwatering array of Sushi along with the noodle bar, where you can get all kinds from all countries cooked to order. For all you sweet tooths, there is an eye opening selection of handmade desserts, or an astonishing display of tropical fruits, that look too good to eat, even an ice cream maker that will enchant your children, all this encompassed with all your favorite international dishes makes this a buffet to remember. If buffet is not for you, you can always opt for the comprehensive a la carte menu, for a more sophisticated experience.

Here you can enjoy your choice of indoor, alfresco or poolside dining.

Maya Now open is Maya, the city’s newest rooftop dining and entertainment destination. Literally floating 29 floors in the sky over Sukhumvit 22 with panoramic views over central Bangkok, Maya comprises three unique areas to create on incredible entertainment destination.

The first, Khanna, is a modern restaurant serving inspired North Indian cuisine, then an intimate outdoor cigar lounge, Cigarra, with Bangkok’s cityscape unfolding before guests. Finally, Barra, an expansive bar serving up Maya’s signature cocktails whilst a DJ brings the space alive.

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Some of the things that I’ve mentioned might seem a little trivial, like the labeling of the pillows, but it’s these small considerations are what you will remember for long time after your trip has ended.

As the General Manager of Holiday Inn promises something unforgettable, “Maya will be a talking point, not for just Bangkok, but for the whole of Thailand. We are here not to change tradition, but to take it to the next level.”

mustard oil chutney. So whatever you desire you will find, if you don’t ask Restaurant Manager Akshay Prabhakar, who has a formidable knowledge on Indian cuisine, he’ll put you right.

When you walk into Maya you will be met by the open kitchen housing Thailand’s three biggest copper Tandoors and skilled chefs manning the traditional clay ovens serving succulent chicken, fresh seafood, handmade breads and much more. The full space utilizes luxurious black onyx detailing, rare marbles, traditional Indian steel work and floor to ceiling windows to drink in the panoramic views of Bangkok.

Open daily from 6-00pm to 01-00am.

Overview.

This is a great high end hotel that caters for all kinds of travelers, be it business or leisure, old or young.

It’s well positioned, and the staff goes out of their way to make you feel welcome. Some of the things that I’ve mentioned might seem a little trivial, like the labeling of the pillows, but it’s these small considerations that you will remember for a long time after your trip has ended.

The menu is based on traditional Northern Indian flavors, but with modern techniques and serving.

For the adventurous food lovers, there is also a seasonally updated “inspired Chefs Menu.”

Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit 22 1 Sukhumvit 22, Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110

Some of the exceptional inspired signature dishes include Hare Nimbu Jhinga Machli- tandoor grilled fresh lobster marinated with kaffir lime, yellow chili and Sarson Salmon Tikka, Bishop Seed and yellow spiked Norwegian salmon, served with spicy prawn and

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T: 02 683 4888 F: 02 683 4777 E: reservations.bkkhi@ihg.com

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EXPERIENCE INNOVATIVE THAI CUISINE AND MODERN MEDITERRANEAN CULINARY DELIGHTS RIGHT BY THE BEACH TEL: 077 425 357 WEBSITE: WWW.PEACERESORT.COM

TRY WAKEBOARDING IN PHUKET WAKE PARK GOOD FOOD. FREE WIFI. MASSAGE. MUSIC. FUN. APARTMENT FOR RENT

www.phuketwakepark.com E-mail: info@phuketwakepark.com Tel: +(66) 076 202 527

ABSOLUTE THAI Thamkrabok Monastery

Getting Clean @ The Hey words: Tim Knight

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hamkrabok Monastery is a unique institution run by a unique order of Buddhist monks and nuns. You will not find anything like it elsewhere in Thailand or the rest of the world. However, you must be aware and understand that Thamkrabok Monastery does not offer miracle cures.

over 100,000 people have undergone the addiction treatment at Thamkrabok to date. The name of the temple means Bamboo Cave in the Thai Language.

Admission to Thamkrabok Temple The program is open to anyone who can make their own way to Thailand. During the admission process, the patient is required to hand over their passport as well as all their money. These valuables will then be put in a safe until the end of the treatment. Vouchers are issued and these can be used to buy things in the temple shop or restaurant. Communication with the outside world is restricted during the duration of the program. Mobile phones and computers are not allowed inside the treatment area.

Buddhist Approach to Addiction Thamkrabok is a Buddhist temple in Thailand that offers a unique approach to addiction. The temple was founded in 1956 and began treating addicts in 1959.

In the last decade, increasing numbers of westerners have sought help there. The in-patient treatment is offered for free, and it is possible to stay a minimum of 7 days to a maximum of 1 month. It is believed that

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The treatment at Thamkrabok is offered for free but it is usual for those attending to make a donation at the end of their stay. Once an individual has entered the program, they will be required to wear a red uniform and follow the rules of the temple. Although there is no attempt to convert attendees to Buddhism, a level of respect is still expected.

The Thamkrabok Sajja The sajja is an important element of the treatment program at Thamkrabok. This is a vow to abstain from drugs or alcohol for life. It is taken in front of a senior monk on the first day of treatment. If the sajja is broken, it cannot be renewed. Those who return to addiction after attending Thamkrabok are not allowed to return. The monks claim that keeping the sajja will ensure that good things will happen in the future for those who have taken it. In Thailand, the vow is considered a serious commitment and many believe that breaking it leads to much suffering.

The sajja is an important element of the treatment program at Thamkrabok.

This is a vow to abstain from drugs or alcohol for life.

The fact that Thamkrabok does not offer second chances has been viewed positively and negatively by some in the recovery community. Many claim that it is a refreshing change from the revolving door policies of a lot of treatment facilities. If the addict knows that they can keep getting more chances, they might decide to make the most of the offer. There are some who worry that by not offering a second chance the temple is abandoning those who have failed.

Induced Vomiting to Treat Addiction Induced vomiting has been used in the west to treat addicts as part of aversion therapy. At Thamkrabok, the goal is not aversion therapy but instead to speed along the detoxification process. There is also the claim that vomiting helps break down the addict’s defenses so that they are more willing to change.

Those undergoing treatment at the temple are expected to attend a vomiting ceremony for the first five evenings of their stay. The monks provide the herbal tonic that works as an emetic to induce vomiting. There is a lot

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ABSOLUTE THAI Thamkrabok Monastery

of secrecy surrounding the exact ingredients of the medicine, but it is said to contain over a hundred different herbs. The mixture was discovered by one of the founders of the temple and all the ingredients are to be found in the nearby hills. Once the tonic is consumed, the patient is required to drink large amounts of water in order to speed along the vomiting process.

During the ceremony, the addicts kneel in front of a gutter as the monks walk around offering encouragement and assistance. There is a festive atmosphere with patients who have already completed the treatment singing inspiring temple songs. The ceremony lasts for about twenty minutes, and those who have taken the medicine will usually stop feeling the effects within an hour.

Meditation and Mantras Meditation is taught at the temple in the hope that the addict will continue to practice the technique once they get home. Meditation is good for combating stress and so it can be extremely useful during the early months of recovery and beyond. High levels of concentration developed by practicing the technique can allow the individual to gain greater insights into their life and their problems.

The fact that Thamkrabok does not offer second chances has been viewed positively and negatively by some in the recovery community.

As well as meditation classes, the patient is given a special mantra. This is written on rice paper and only the individual receiving it is allowed to know the exact words. Once they have memorized the mantra they are expected to swallow the paper as a symbolic gesture.

These words can then be recited during times of high stress as a means to calm down the mind.

The Effectiveness of the Treatment Offered by Thamkrabok Temple Finding exact figures for the success rate of Thamkrabok is difficult because of a lack of follow up documentation.

There have been claims of high success rates but these figures are not yet been supported by enough evidence.

In Thailand, there is not the expectation of rigorous scientific research to support claims for addiction treatment.

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence from ex-patients who claim to have benefited greatly from the temple.

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Some of these individuals have managed to stay free of drugs and alcohol for 20 years plus. Ex-patients tend to be passionate about the effectiveness of the temple, but more scientific evidence is required to add weight to this. At the moment, there are quantitative studies into the effectiveness of the temple.

Criticisms of Thamkrabok A number of criticisms have been leveled against the Thamkrabok addiction treatment program. The main concern is the secrecy surrounding the ingredients of the vomiting medicine. In Thailand, it is enough that something appears to be working without the requirement to explain exactly why it is working. In a lot of other countries, there are legalities that would prevent the use of secret herbs in addiction treatment.

It is unlikely that a similar facility would be allowed to operate in most western countries.

There have been some concerns expressed about the lack of aftercare provided to ex-patients of the temple.

Staying sober in a Thai temple offers some protection against temptation, but this will disappear once the individual has returned home. These criticisms do have some merit, and the monks encourage patients to develop support networks as soon as they return to their home countries. This may involve joining a meditation group or even attending a 12 step fellowship.

There is a lot of secrecy surrounding the exact ngredients of the medicine, but it is said to contain over a hundred different herbs.

The living conditions at the temple have been described as Spartan. The accommodation is simple, and there is not much entertainment provided to keep guests occupied. Some have gone as far as to describe Thamkrabok as the harshest treatment facility in the world. These criticisms seem less justified when it is remembered that this is a free treatment offered by monks who have decided to live a simple life. In fact, many of these monks are ex-addicts themselves.

For further details about the Thamkrabok Monastery please contact: Tel: +66 36-266-292 Fax: +66 36-266-067 Website: Wat-Thamkrabok.org Email: info@thamkrabok-monastery.org

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It’s here

now!

Want to make an Yxaiio party, or have this in your hotel, contact us on +66 (0) 81 3700 103 Phuket, Samui, Pattaya facebook.com/yxaiio yxaiio.thailand@yxaiio.com

ABSOLUTE THAI World Gourmet Festival

World Gourmet Festival Seven days of unforgettable culinary indulgence w o r d s : L a u re n c e C i v i l

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the 14th edition of the World Gourmet Festival, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok hosted eight chefs from seven countries for seven days to present an unforgettable week of culinary indulgence. “This year we wanted to introduce new diversity as well as to glorify time honoured culinary traditions,” says Reto Moser, Food & Beverage Director, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. “This is the first time in 14 years that we have had a chef from Belgium, Roger van Damme, owner and chef at the one Michelin star Het Gebaar restaurant.

He is one of the most experienced and innovative pastry chefs, and was recognised as the Best Pastry Chef in the World 2009 by Art and Travel magazine.

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“My kitchen is very special in technique and complex in design,” says Roger van Damme. “I have previously done an all dessert dinner in Belgium, but this is a first for me in Bangkok. I am crazy about texture and complexity of taste in every bite. It can take up to six months and up to 20 variations of the recipe to get a new dessert right. With my five course dessert dinner by adding just a drop or two of mango and lemon juice plus Cabernet Sauvignon vinegar reduces the sweetness in the dish, enabling the dinner to complete the five courses. I use four different brands of chocolate, the name isn’t import, but the taste is.

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“I try to seduce the diner first with the beautiful appearance of each dish on the plate,” he confesses. “And by using different textures, interesting tastes and varying the level of sweetness in each dessert, playing with the combination of sweet and sour. I brought 50 kilos of ingredients such as sugar balls and all the decorations for my two dinners.”

Unquestionably, Spain is the energy source for modern cuisine largely due to the culinary innovations brought to the table by Ferran Adria at El Buli in Catalona. Paco Perez Chef at The Mirror Restaurant, a two Michelin star molecular gastronomy restaurant inspired by the sea in the small fishing village in Ilanca in Costa Brava Spain. He started his career working in his family owned tapas bar learning traditional cuisine. He then did stage three with Michel Guèrard, considered to be one of the fathers of Nouvelle Cuisine and a holder of 3 Michelin

“My style of cooking comes directly from the techniques and new style of cooking I learnt while at El Buli,” says Chef Paco. “I work with respect for the produce I use to create an experience that will make my guests happy.”

Stars. On returning to Catalonia, he identified very much with the creativity expressed by Ferrán Adrià at the Bulli, with whom he did several stages.

“My style of cooking comes directly from the techniques and new style of cooking I learnt while at El Buli,” says Chef Paco. “I work with respect for the produce I use to create an experience that will make my guests happy.”

From France, Chef David Rathgeber from L’Assiette in Paris continues what he started by working with Alain Ducasse at Benoit, where he earned his first Michelin Star recreating new interpretations of classic dishes without losing their original essence in the “Rathgeber versions” of dishes such as pot au feu, pieds paquet, and chou farci. He believes that dining should be a fun experience, loves to be in contact with his guests and to greet them and share in their experience. His star dish was Pithivier de Canard au Foie Gras, a type of pie made with duck and foie gras.

The French connection continues with Jerome Bonnet from Restaurant Daniel in Paris who was invited by Pascal Jolivet, the winemaker from Sancerre in the Loire Valley to come to Bangkok to cook the dishes to be paired with his wine at this event. “I am passionate

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ABSOLUTE THAI World Gourmet Festival

about the purity of the way I make my wines,” says Pascal, “and I wanted to work with a chef who shares my philosophy. That chef is Jerome. I first did a dinner with him at his restaurant, and we have brought the same menu here. The most challenging aspect was the 80 avocados he uses for his avocado Carpaccio with wild New Caledonia prawns, his secret is once peeled to keep in a bowl of water with freshly squeezed lemon juice.”

Jerome is passionate about working with the best quality seasonal products; respecting their flavour and enhancing their taste. “I cook in a style that is generous yet simple,” says Jerome. “My dishes are based on traditional recipes to which I add creativity while retaining their original purity. This is achieved by changing the presentation and the use of finer products.”

Chef David Rathgeber

chef Hirohisa Koyama

cHEF Jerome Bonnet

Chef Markus Arnold

chef Miquel Laffan

chef Vito Mollica

Chef Paco Perez

Chef Roger van Damme

Simple, good and beautiful are the three words Hirohisa Koyama from Aoyagi restaurant in Tokyo describes his food.

Simple, good and beautiful are the three words Hirohisa Koyama from Aoyagi restaurant in Tokyo describes his food. Despite graduating in mechanical engineering he decided to become a chef as he loved cuisine since he was a child and his family had owned restaurants for over 100 years. He has dedicated his life to striving to create more delicious cuisine.

By focusing on the blood rather than the protein itself he has created a technique for cooking Wagyu beef that is not only amazingly tender but has what can only be described as a “wow” taste. First he slow cooks the beef sous vide at a low temperature, the exact number he wouldn’t share with me, then flash fries the meat purely for texture and presentation.

Passion and curiosity is what drives Markus Arnold from MA restaurant in Bern, Switzerland as he explores and re-interprets world cuisine to produce modern creative food using premium seasonal produce and French techniques. In 2012, Gault-Millau gourmet guide named him Newcomer of the Year.

“I believe that a meal is not just eating,” says Chef Marcus. “It’s theatre. We aim to entertain our guests for four hours. We offer casual fine dining; there is no dress code, come wearing what makes you feel comfortable.

Our food is modern French. What is different with us is

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“I believe that a meal is not just eating,” says Chef Marcus. “It’s theatre.

We aim to entertain our guests for four hours.

the cook who prepared the dish serves it to the customer at the table so they can feel the passion that has gone into it. We have a pop up restaurant located in a former office building with just four tables each seating four guests.”

And finally, Miquel Laffan from L’AND vineyard in Alentjo, Portugal, who is creating a Mediterranean cuisine that traces Portuguese heritage, inspired by Luso-Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Many of his dishes use fish sourced from the Portuguese coast line which by some are considered to be the best in the world.

“Freshness of the food is as important as the freshness of the mind,” says Chef Miquel. “That is what transforms quality ingredients into great cuisine.”

For Vito Mollica of Il Palagio at Four Seasons Florence, he believes great cuisine starts by knowing the man behind the produce. This is why he works to have a great relationship between his artisanal suppliers as the quality of ingredients are at the heart of each of his dishes. Cavatelli, small pieces of hard rolled pasta made with just semolina flour and water, made by a husband and wife producer, served with artisanal percoroni and freshly cracked black pepper. Simple yet perfect, the signature of Vito’s style of cooking.

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This year’s World Gourmet Festival was a renaissance in what the event should be; a modern show case of the best of culinary talent from around the world.

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ABSOLUTE THAI vintage wheels

Vintage Wheels A Spirit of Phuket Tour words: Amy Bensema

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local woman has come up with a unique way to experience the historical sights of Phuket.

Chutikarn “Karn” Thanadechaparn is a Phuket native. Born and bred on the island, she has been involved in hospitality & tourism for many years. Previously

working as a Marketing/Media Liaison, Khun Karn decided to strike out on her own as a freelance tour guide.

Successfully leading walking tours and local food tasting tours around Phuket Old Town, it was a documentary about Amsterdam that inspired a new tour idea. Teaming up with her friends, Rassarin “Ooy” Banlangpho and Panida “Nida” Siriwan, the Vintage Wheels: A Spirit of Phuket Tour was born. The tour effectively uses colourful motorised bicycles that are made of steel, have a fuel tank and a 49cc engine.

Although the bicycles have a vintage feel, they are

The tour effectively uses colourful motorised bicycles that are made of steel, have a fuel tank and a 49cc engine.

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newly made. Khun Karn thinks that Phuket is the perfect place for this sort of tour as she prides the island in having a lot of flavor. She says that the uniqueness of the tour and Phuket comes from the people you come into contact with which includes the local Thais, the indigenous Sea Gypsies, the Thai-Chinese, Muslims, and all of the international tourists. Khun Karn explains that while on the tour, everyone is curious as to who you are and why you are riding a bicycle, thus, it’s easy to strike up a conversation with people on the street. Khun Karn stresses that the tour is a good way to see a big piece of Phuket in a short time, and an environmentally friendly way to do it.

Vintage Wheels: A Spirit of Phuket Tour offers three very unique bicycle tours, and it should be mentioned that all tours include stopping off at a local café to sample a real Phuket breakfast.

The idea of using the bikes came from Nida, and Karn designed the route and delved into her family’s secret recipes for the cooking part of the tour. Ooy is the IT Master. She follows the bicyclists participating on the tour with her scooter, effectively blocking traffic and taking photos. She handles much of the social media for Vintage Wheels: A Spirit of Phuket Tour. The three friends giggle in amusement while telling stories of some of their clients. They all agree that the women who come on the tour are very apprehensive at first to ride the bicycles, and for the men, the riding of the motorised bicycle is like second nature. The three friends explain that the reason the bicycle tour works is because you are able to see more than if you are on foot, and because you are taking in the scenery and sights at a slower pace, it’s better than just passing by in a car. Khun Karn says it makes her happy while the tour is in progress and people are surprised at the sights or ask a lot of questions. Meeting new people, making new friends and showing off the island that she loves so much are the rewards of her efforts.

Vintage Wheels: A Spirit of Phuket Tour offers three very unique bicycle tours, and it should be mentioned that all tours include stopping off at a local café to sample a real Phuket breakfast.

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ABSOLUTE THAI vintage wheels

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The Just Rollin’ Tour does just that. This tour cruises around the sights of Phuket. The two other tours, Wok n’ Roll and Wonderful Siray also include a cooking class. Using her family’s secret recipes, you will learn to make Hokkien Mee, which are traditional Phuket Chinese noodles. This is truly the special treat of the tour, as Khun Karn invites you into her family’s home where you will be greeted by her mother, her niece and various other relatives who are happy to share cooking tips with you.

Vintage Wheels: A Spirit of Phuket Tour is a fantastic and quite unique way to spend a day on the island of Phuket. Let the locals show you their sights; you’ll have a whole different view of Phuket when you leave.

Successfully leading walking tours and local food tasting tours around Phuket Old Town, it was a documentary about Amsterdam that inspired a new tour idea.

Why not enquire ahead of your next holiday in Phuket to make your visit extra unforgettable?

For more information or to book, please visit www.vintagewheels.in.th Vintage Wheels: A Spirit of Phuket Tour offers a 10% discount to all Absolute Adventurers!

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ABSOLUTE THAI news

Special rates for a stay in the Lost World with Centara Grand Mirage Pattaya promotion

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wo nights or more are available in the Lost World themed hotel Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya at a special rate of 15 percent off the best available rates during 1 September to 31 October 2013.

The water park includes free-form swimming pools, a meandering lazy river, waterfalls and water slides. With 230 metres of its own white sandy beach the resort offers a choice of water sport activities.

Under the “2 Nights Stay� package, the rates begin from Baht 3,485 per night plus service charge and tax for a Deluxe Ocean Facing room, with breakfast for two persons included.

There is a fully equipped fitness centre, tennis courts, and recreational activities that include volleyball, table tennis, snooker and rock-climbing. Set in its own oceanfront village, Spa Cenvaree offers traditional aromatherapy, therapeutic massages and modern rejuvenation practices.

Other room types are available under the package, including family rooms, with rates according to the room category.

For more information and reservations, please contact Tel. +66 38 301 234 or E-mail to cmbr@chr.co.th

More information and a booking form can be found at http://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/ centaragrand/cmbr/promotion.asp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/centarahotelsresorts Twitter: www.twitter.com/MyCentara

Designed to an exciting Lost World theme and set around a huge water park that leads directly onto the beach, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya is a five-star resort whose spacious rooms and suites all face the ocean.

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ABSOLUTE THAI news

Conrad Koh Samui Unveils ‘Weekend Offer’ with 20% Off for All Discerning Travelers in Asia-Pacific

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OH SAMUI, Thailand – Conrad Koh Samui unveiled the ‘Weekend Offer’ promotion, specially created for all discerning travelers in Thailand and Asia Pacific region who book a weekend stay between now and December 17, 2013.

• Five days advance reservations required.

• Full non-refundable prepayment required at time of booking.

Your credit card will be charged immediately for the total amount quoted for the entire stay as reserved and refunds or credits will not be issued unless otherwise indicated by locallaw.

Charges cannot be applied to other stays, services or merchandise.

Booking cannot be changed.

• This offer may not be combined with other select promotions, offer or discounts and is not valid for existing reservations or groups.

• Offer components are non-transferrable or redeemable for cash, and cannot be used during future stays.

• 20% discount off total food and beverage bill at selected outlets of Conrad Koh Samui and 20% discount off total spa treatment bill at The Spa for the duration of your stay. Not applicable in conjunction with any other food and beverage offer.

• To book, please call +66 (0) 77 915888 or email conradkohsamui.reservations@conradhotels.com.

If you are making this reservation by phone, please request the promotion code “PR42WO” or the “Weekend Offer” package.

The ‘Weekend Offer’ promotion, entitling guests with 20% off their weekend stays on accommodations, food, beverage and spa throughout the year. With a minimum 2-night stay, the rate for a luxurious Waterfront Pool Villa starts from THB 20,560 per night, inclusive of daily breakfast for two and subject to 18.7% Vats and service charge.

Stefano Ruzza, general manager of Conrad Koh Samui said, “These promotions offer our guests a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a special rate for any weekend stays at Conrad Koh Samui before the end of the year, in which to enjoy a relaxing spa break, indulge in fine dining or simply relax in the five star surroundings and drink in the stunning views over the Gulf of Thailand”.

For further information on Conrad Koh Samui, please visit www.conradkohsamui.com. Become a fan at www.facebook.com/conradkohsamui, http://e.weibo.com/conradkohsamui or follow the hotel on Twitter @ConradKohSamui and Instagram @conradkohsamui.

Terms and Conditions • Offer valid at Conrad Koh Samui for stays booked between now and December 17, 2013, and completed before December 22, 2013. Blackout dates may apply and vary.

Offer is subject to availability.

• Rates are valid for single/double occupancy and are exclusive of all taxes, incidental charges, gratuities, and resort fees where applicable.

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When the Clock Strikes

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et Ready, get set, and go...with Amari Watergate Bangkok

Princess Sirindhorn. Winners of each category, including the family team and the fancy dress team will also receive a trophy. Everyone who crosses the finish line will also receive a special commemorative medal.

This October, Amari Watergate Bangkok will host once again what has become an institution on the international marathon circuit.

The proceeds from the race will be donated to a number of charitable causes, including, the ‘Chalerm Prakiat School’ in the Lampoon Province of Thailand, which supports the education of children whose parents have passed away due to HIV infection, ‘Baan Gerda’ in the Lopburi Province, a home which supports HIV infected, orphaned children and also, the Baht for a Better Life Project, a program developed by Amari designed to support and provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children in Thailand.

Friends, families and work-mates are all welcome to share the excitement of the annual Amari Watergate & BMW Thailand Charity Midnight Run. It is the only race in Bangkok to be held during the night, allowing runners to enjoy cooler temperatures (average - 24 degrees). Competitors can choose from competing in two distances, 12 or six kilometres depending on ability and agility. The city streets are closed to traffic and protected by a police and security force ensuring more than 5,000 runners can compete in this fun challenge through the heart of Bangkok.

An Amari Watergate Midnight Run package is available from 5,154 THB ++ per night, which includes the ticket to the run itself, 20% discount on food, and 15% discount on Breeze Spa so competitors can relax their tired muscles with a visit to Breeze Spa where a bounce in their step is sure to be restored.

Post-run, athletes celebrate their achievements with a cocktail party at Henry J. Bean’s Bar & Grill, inside Amari Watergate. Following an evening of exertion and partying, runners (and by-standers) can retire to a comfortable room at Amari Watergate for a restful sleep. The 2013 race takes place on Saturday 19 October. Entrance to the race can be purchased from 400 THB per person but for 1,000 THB, applicants are automatically entered in to the grand raffle. The male and female winners of the 12k race will be awarded the Royal trophy of HRH

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For more details, please visit www.amari.com/watergate/charity-midnight-run.aspx

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ABSOLUTE THAI NEWS

cELEbrATiNG Loi krAThoNG WiTh SmALL LUXUry hoTELS of ThE WorLd™

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ne of Thailand’s most beautiful festivals, Loi krathong, is taking place on 17 November 2013 and Small Luxury hotels of the World™ (SLh) has a fantastic collection of Thai hotels for those seeking to experience the magic of this festival. Loi krathong is celebrated in Thailand at the end of the monsoon season, which originally began as a way for Thai people to give thanks to the Goddess of Water. These days, people float krathongs - delicately crafted floats made of lotus or banana leaves, a candle and incense sticks, on the river to wash away misfortunes and make wishes for the future. it is an incredible photo opportunity too, with colourful events taking place all over the country.

is taken from a fusion of modern Thai and Japanese aesthetics, cleverly combined to create a sophisticated and relaxing ambiance that blends perfectly into the tropical environment. for Loi krathong, Akatsuki Samui is offering a two nights’ accommodation package which includes a krathong-making workshop and a paper lantern show for all guests in the evening. This package is priced at USd 1,800 per night for six guests and USd 1,640 per night for four guests. This package is valid from 1st to 30th November 2013.

Akatsuki Samui, Koh Samui, Thailand www.slh.com/akatsuki Set on Lipa Noi beach in koh Samui, with panoramic sea views facing the five islands, Akatsuki Samui is a wonderfully remote resort that pushes the boundaries of exclusivity with just five exquisite pavilions. The design inspiration for the pavilions at Akatsuki Samui

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ABSOLUTE THAI HoteldelaPaix-Caves, Karsts and Catch of the day

CAVES, KARSTS AND CATCH OF THE DAY

Hotel de la Paix Launches Exploraotory Excursions to Discover Petchaburi’s hidden secrets

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otel de la Paix is celebrating the undiscovered wonders of its Cha Am location by offering guests three captivating experiences in one day, showcasing the unique culture, landscape and lifestyle of the largely untraveled Petchaburi province.

of the Day experience has been designed to connect guests with the true essence of Petchaburi Province.

“Cha Am enjoys an ideal location in terms of getting off the beaten track,” explains Mr Tovey. “Less than two hours drive from Bangkok, it’s much more accessible than Hua Hin, making it ideal for a long weekend away, yet somehow the town remains entirely removed from the hustle and bustle of the main busy tourist trail.”

The Caves, Karsts and Catch of the Day experience begins with an inky plunge into the depths of nearby Tham Kao Luang cave followed by a cable car ascent to elevated hilltop palace Phra Nakhon Khiri, before heading to the heights of Khao Nang Phanthurat spectacular geographical features and ending the day with a beachside barbecue watching the sun set as you savour a seafood feast for the ages, in the town that time forgot.

“The District Chief prevents any mass brands like 7/11, Burger King, McDonalds, Starbucks opening in North Cha Am, and the result is a town free of weekend crowds and traffic jams, instead offering pristine and untouched nature that provides the backdrop to a nostalgic and authentic Thai lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist in most tourist towns,” he added.

Perfect for small groups of friends or a romantic day out for couples, Hotel de la Paix Cha Am Beach General Manager Nigel Tovey said the Caves, Karsts and Catch

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The day starts with an invigorating morning trip past the Wat Tham Klaep monastery at the foot of Khao Luang Hill to Wat Tham Kao Luang cave-temple, regarded as the largest and most important in the province due to the fact that it houses a Buddha image cast under the royal command of King Rama V as a dedication to King Rama III and King Rama IV. The cool, shaded and serene cave suddenly springs to life with a warm celestial glow at 11am as rays of morning sunlight bathe the natural rock formation, illuminating the temple’s Buddha images.

“Less than two hours drive from Bangkok, it’s much more accessible than Hua Hin, making it ideal for a long weekend away.”

This spectacular display of natural brilliance and religious reverence is followed by a steady climb by cable car to Phra Nakhon Khiri, the part-time palace and summer retreat of Rama IV which offers uninterrupted views over Petchaburi’s undulating plains as far as the mountains that comprise the natural Thai-Burmese border.

After a short stop for a lunch of traditional Thai cuisine in an authentic riverside restaurant hidden down Petchaburi’s interweaving side streets, guests embark on a leisurely trek through Khao Nang Phanthurat, meandering their way slowly to the top amidst a backdrop of birdsong and natural tranquillity.

As the day draws to a close, a brief stop in the hotel room allows guests to refresh in Hotel de la Paix Cha Am’s deluvian rain showers before reconvening at the beachfront for an opulent spread of the freshest seafood that the Gulf of Thailand has to offer, barbecued to order by one of the hotel’s expert chefs.

Comfort is never far away with the Caves, Karsts and Catch of the Day immersive cultural experience, with guests embracing seafront serenity at the modern architectural masterpiece of distinguished designer Duangrit Bunnag, Hotel de la Paix Cha Am, offering guests a nostalgic location coupled with all of the luxuries of contemporary living to relax and unwind to the soothing sound of the waves washing into shore.

ABSOLUTE THAI

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