Thailand Professionals Magazine February 2014

thailand a guide to professionals in thailand

professionals February Issue 2014 Vol. 2 No. 11

Finding Business Connections Online 5 simple keys to make 2014 your absolutely best year yet

The Super Health Benefits of Mulberry Tea

Ismail-Mike Mapara

One of the earlier Entrepreneurs in Thailand

www.thailandprofessionals.com PARTNERS:

Bangkok . Pattaya . Phuket . Khon Khen

Get your FREE business directory listing

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It’s all in the Photographs TPMag’s March Issue calls the attention of Photographers

Thailand Professionals Magazine is making the March Issue “Professional Photographers In Thailand”. We are making this Issue to showcase Photographers and their work.

We are giving each Photographer 1 page inside the magazine to put their best 3 pictures, biography and contact details. This is a marketing Stratergy for the upcoming Songkran festival and the start of a new year.

You will also be featured on the cover with your picture. Only 10 photographers will be featured so it’s a first come-first served basis at 7,500 baht per page, which is normally costs 14,000 baht for a full page.

Let us know if you are interested.

Email us at: info@thailandprofessionals.com

MAGAZINE STAFF CEO Pilli Shahin Noble Editor-in-Chief Bradley Villanueva Copy Editor Jayhce Boondock, MA Layout and Design Jerubem Era, MIS-IEC

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Content and Design Consultant The Box World, Inc.

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Manager Taraphatsorn Saengngam Marketing & Communications Sean Parker Rao Legal Consultants Interactive Thailand Co., Ltd.

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Cover Story

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Photographer Dev Mohnani Distribution Bangkok - TPMag Pattaya - Pattaya People Media Phuket - Phuket Gazzette Khon Khen - Khon Khen Int. School

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TPMag is published once every month by: The World of Professional (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Owned and Managed by: Pilli Group Co., Ltd. No. 12, Soi Pattana Wet Pridi Banomyong 26, Sukhumvit 71 Bangkok 10110, Thailand +6681-409-1501 info@thailandprofessionals.com Visit us at: www.thailandprofessionals.com Follow us at: www.twitter.com/thailandProf Like our page at: www.facebook.com/pages/ Thailand-Professionals For advertising rates, download our Media Kit at our website.

Request a hard copy. Visit our office at the address above. We can also send to you. Email us your address and send us 75 Baht/issue by check at our office. We will send it through EMS post. Outside Bangkok: request for quote.

Views and opinions expressed in the articles herein by individual writers and contributors do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the editorial staff and management of Thailand Professionals.

An Invitation to our readers We welcome articles, news, story ideas and/or photographs from our readers. Send them to: thaipromedia@gmail.com or mrd@thailandprofessionals.com.

Your submissions are subject to approval by the editorial team.

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Editorial

T

he month of February is the shortest month of the year, but is also a time to love and stretching on with the new year’s resolutions. I hope everyone has not lost their goals for this year and will strive to reach them. With the political unstability happening in Thailand, it’s easy to make excuses to strive in reaching our goals or making new ventures.

The economy is going down and some people have lost hope. But the successful ones are not worried because they have built their firm foundation on their mindset and focused on the important things rather than dwelling on the negative outcomes. Check out some of the articles in the magazine that will inspire you to focus on the important things and leave the negative thoughts locked some place else. Of course we cannot deny that there are negative things going on around us, but the way we respond to them will affect the way we do our daily activities.

Here’s a small tip for this month. A week ago, some of my friends were convincing me to do this sort of business. The presentations were good, but in my heart there was no passion to go ahead and do it. I remembered hearing a presentation by Al Shreiter about closing the deal the second you meet the person. It is by targeting the subconcious mind of the wants and desires of the person. If my friend knew my goals and aspirations, he would have easily built his strategy to be in parallel with my wants and desires. I hope that this month, you will be able to do business in a way that you may get clients by giving them the value of your product or business and that they will want what you have to offer them. This way, not only will you get more business, but you will be more successful in reaching you goals.

Bradley Villanueva Editor-in-Chief

FEATURE STORY

Asian Networkers Convention and Expo is a three

Convention Objectives :

day event held every year, ANCE that brings together together world famous leaders, trainers, motivational speakers, researchers, educators,distributors and professionals from around the world who are engaged in Direct Selling and Multi level Marketing Industry.

• • • • •

To Strengthen the Network Marketing Industry which has been around for over 70 years.

To Educate Distributors and Professionals on the Ethics of the Industry.

To Empower educate on Employment and Financial Freedom.

To bring together the industries best on one platform To recognize and award the companies and leaders who have made a difference in the industry.

Serenity Estate is a family owned and operated wine company producing premium wines from our vineyard located in the picturesque country town Griffith, one of Australia’s premier cool climate wine growing regions.

Available NOW in Thailand!

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Looking for Distributors, Wholesalers, and Retailers For more information, call: 0814091501

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Professional High 5 at Dream Hotel, Bangkok January 30, 2014

CORPORATE EVENT

Photo Credits: Stuart Maxwell Foulkes, Peter Kraemer & Chaianan Moontreephakdee

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TPMag February 2014 |

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PROFESSIONAL SECRETS

2014 – Make it exceptional *5 simple keys to make 2014 your absolutely best year yet.*

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hope 2013 was a great year for you, but if it wasn't all that you had hoped, that's OK. It's the future, it's what you do now and in the year to come that really counts. I want to share some lessons I have learned that I hope will get you excited and envisioned, as well as dreaming and daring. I want you to have great expectations for all the fantastic and wonderful things that are in store for you, and begin imagining the achievements and successes that you will reach in the year to come.

1. Take charge Let's face it. Life can be extremely difficult at times. But we have to realize that's the way it is, it is not unfair, and it's not stacked against us.

We are not victims unless we choose to be. We have a choice. I lived long enough using excuses as a pretext for why I was not accomplishing more, why I was not happy, and why I was not really living my dream. I am fed up and finished with procrastinating and putting off until the future the ideas I get now. Waiting, procrastinating, excusing ourselves is so demoralizing and debilitating. It drains the life out of you, and leaves you dead, lifeless, and unresponsive.

On the other hand, action and initiative bring life, vision, vigour and enthusiasm. It is only by trying that doors are opened and success is achieved. Without trying, nothing ever happens. Without initiative, success is impossible.

2. Aim for Excellence* Whatever you are working on or aiming for, don’t ever settle for ordinary, average or just-get-by. You are better than that. You are worth more than that, and what you are working on is worth more than that. You may get by with doing average, you may even make some money that way. But you will never get the same satisfaction, fulfilment and joy as when you know you are doing your very, very best. Strive for excellence, and see how much more you’ll enjoy everything you are doing, how much more rewarding it will be, and how much more successful you'll be as well.

3. Be grateful for obstacles Whenever you decide to make changes and move forward in any area of life, in business, finances, relationships, or studies, challenges and problems you didn’t know existed suddenly appear. Be grateful. It’s a sign that you are moving forward.

Someone I talked to the other day said they were too old to thrive. How sad. He may not be thriving, but age has nothing to do with it. Nobody is too old, or too young, to thrive, to be excited, to have fun, and to fully enjoy life.

Whatever you are doing, make sure you have fun doing it, that you enjoy it, that you put your heart into it, that you get enthusiastic and passionate about it. Don't let one day go by that is just OK, average, so so, not too bad. It's not what happens that determines how excited or inspired we are, it's our attitude, our outlook, our expectation. How is your attitude? What are you expecting today, this week, this year?

5. Change Can I? to How can I? You don't have to ask yourself, “Can I?” You can! You don't have to wonder if you have what it takes. You do! You don't have to question whether the time is right. It is! You don't have to walk around in insecurity wandering when your times is going to come. Your time is already here. The answer is within you. You already have at your disposal the answers to every question you have ever asked. You have what you need to succeed. You have what it takes to overcome all the odds and win! You just have to change the question *Can I?* to *How can I?* Look for the answers, the possibilities.

So, let 2014 be the year you give it your all, live to the full, hold nothing back, and burn the candle in both ends. Get get excited about the opportunities that are hidden in the obstacles you meet, and get inspired by the possibilities that are concealed in the problems you encounter.

Dare to think BIG, expect the extraordinary, and believe in the impossible. It is a brand New Year, and you can make it as amazing as you dare to believe. 2014 is like a new, unused canvas, and you can paint your dreams on there any way you like. Wow! What an opportunity! Let us be unafraid, and paint with bold strokes to create a masterpiece. I am so challenged and excited!

I hope you are too. by: Havard Lillethum http://havardlillethun.com/

Once you start making progress, you will inevitably face challenges, problems, delays, and obstacles. We all do. What makes the difference is how we handle the difficulties when they come. We can give up, or we can try harder, find an excuse or find a solution. Some of the most amazing discoveries and accomplishments in the history of mankind have been made in the face of what seemed like insurmountable obstacles, to those who refused to give up. If you have the right attitude when you are faced with difficulties and problems, it will help you grow larger, go higher, achieve more, reach farther, and think bigger. Think of the troubles as weight training. They are there to strengthen you, to make you tougher, and to get you ready for the year ahead.

4. Be Enthusiastic What is that keeps you going? What inspires you? Are you excited about the new day when you wake up in the morning? Does Monday morning put a smile on your face because you have one more week to do what you love? Or do you wake up grumpy, and just wait for Friday to come around because you hate your work? Do you thrive, or just survive?

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PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT

MEDICAL TOURISM / HEALTHCARE TRAVEL = BETTER UNDERSTANDING by: Zadok S. Lempert, PhD, Professor

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owadays it seems that the term “MEDICAL TOURISM” has become familiar to most of the people.

Especially to those who are in need of medical treatments and seek for bestpossible financial solutions combined with quality of treatments.

In academic terms a “tourist” is defined as follows: “An individual or a group of people who undertake action to move from their point of residence / current living location to another point of choice with a purpose in mind and for a limited period of time”. Complementing this definition with/under “choice = obtain a treatment (medical, wellness, cosmetic) provides the result = “Medical Tourism”.

It is a fact that for many centuries people in need of various treatments to improve their health or wellbeing (for example, toothaches, muscle rehabilitation, skin problems, mid-wife assistance, pregnancies, mental counselling, ...) have travelled to distant locations of specialists. It has just not been named/declared then as “medical tourism”, it was rather accepted as “pilgrimage”. In recent years however, with the growth of the travel industry, the improvement of medical and communication technologies, the enhancement of knowledge through advanced research and science in all levels of life, the economic growth, contributed to the mobility of obtaining healthcare treatments in destinations other than the place of origin for comparably better conditions.

The criteria which came to the fore during the decision-making processes for selecting treatments were, among others, quality of medical facilities and treatment-specialists, availability of medication, accessibility and distance of travel, prices/costs structures (i.e. were these beneficial for the client in comparison to his point-of-origin?), waiting times for treatments, communication and languages, safety and security and political stability at the destination, general cost-of-living benefits, etc., - for the client and his accompanying party,

In business terms – Medical Tourism quickly developed and grew into becoming a global and successful business/industrysector on the principles of Supply-and-Demand, whereas the involved stakeholders are: government (legal system, public health policies, entry regulations, audit guidelines), medical sector (hospitals, clinics, specialized personnel, pharmaceutics), technology (research, science, production of advanced and improving equipment), services (travel, accommodation, transportation, food, translators and guides, marketing & PR & IT), capital (banks, exchange, investments). Medical Tourism is currently a multi-national, multi-billion dollars business-sector.

Thailand enjoys an ancient and rooted tradition of growing and processing herbs into spa-products and essences, vegetarian cooking (with several dishes serving as prevention or healing of various known sicknesses), muscles regeneration treatments with help of complex massages and oils. These are complemented by knowledgeable and specialized services of doctors and nurses who can be found in comfortable/modern hospitals, specialized clinics, and specialized resorts. And last, but not least, the ever warm weather, the beautiful landscapes, and the famous gentleness and hospitability of the Thai people play a big role in the decision-making process for this country as destination.

Since we commenced receiving “umbrella” through the Ministries of Tourism and Health, the various traditional and modern medicinal-aspects in Thailand became combined. Further, we received the support from TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) in overseas promotion. Thus, this project became dynamically successful. Surveys and statistics show that approx. 10% of arriving international visitors use medical- and wellness-treatments. Many follow cosmetic services of

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all kinds (these are mostly “Westerners”), whereas many others request complex and specialized medical treatments (check-ups, surgery, IVF, curing of diseases – these are mainly Middle-Eastern and African origins).

This means that last year almost 1.5 million visitors booked various medical and wellness treatments. And the volumes (numbers, turnover) of such clients/patients are steadily growing, even though more countries, regionally and internationally, are prioritizing similar support and development for this sector for their own economic growth.

Thailand is the leading medical-hub by choice of clients/ patients with growing arrivals from all over the globe. It is followed in the region by India, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore. Globally also USA, Mexico, Turkey, Costa-Rica, Hungary, Germany, Switzerland, share the “medical-tourism market”. Not all hospitals in Thailand participate in this “international” business since many are dedicated to attend primarily to local patients, and the others (about 20-30 entities) need to undergo special construction and services improvements, which request many investments.

The concept of establishing Medical Tourism Services & Reliability involves, among others, special comfort for high-paying clients, it also involves availability of leading-edge check-up and treating equipment. While most of the doctors (In Thailand only Thai physicians are allowed to practice) who studied abroad speak fluent English, the visitors encounter communication problems with the nurses and housekeeping staff. This resulted in creating special English-speaking (other languages in demand, such as Arabic, Japanese, Bahasa, French, etc. were considered as well) customer-relations and -coordination departments in the “international” hospitals. However, a problem we are currently encountering with the leading “international” hospital is loss of service-interest and quality-orientation because they are very well booked (and busy). Another aspect influences the positioning of Thailand in the regional market – even though the government and the hospitals do not admit this openly – there is a rather high inflation and price-increases for all services these days. This means that similar services in India, Malaysia, Singapore, may become more competitive and popular with the clients/patients. We are also observing a slow-down in the efficiency of enquiry-communication and providing of treatmentproposals to enquiring medical-agencies, alongside with the fact that the “international” hospitals have chosen to embark on marketing their services directly to clients abroad while “competing” and “undercutting” specialized medical-tourism agencies.

Economically, investors from everywhere (local, international) are very aware of the many opportunities and profitability of becoming involved in the Medical Tourism “environment”, whether funding constructions, purchase of equipment, providing training and courses, enabling international knowledge-exchange events and conferences, production of spa- and cosmetic lines. The latest trends in this “market” are the demand for “mature aged care resorts” and the “anti-ageing and stem-cells” treatment packages.

Dr. Zadok S. Lempert, PhD, Professor, with origins in Switzerland, is CEO and founder of Panorama-Medica Group (with MEDICO Healthcare Travel Management Services), founded in 2008.

Panorama-Medica Group is a Bangkok-based Healthcare Travel Development and Consultancy Company. Dr. Lempert had been featured several times on Thai National TV Channels 3, 11, and 9, to discuss and explain about Medical Tourism in Thailand. Dr. Lempert also serves as CEO, since 1987, for Panorama Group International, Inc. (Switzerland), a company which specializes in the resort and hospitality development industry, but with capabilities in tourism and residential development.

Follow him on LinkedIn and Facebook or email: president@panorama-medica.com

TPMag February 2014 |

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COVER STORY

Getting to know

Ismail-Mike Mapara

One of the earlier Entrepreneurs in Thailand

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COVER STORY

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s Ralph Emerson said, “The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going”. My career life dates back to August 25,1964 when I embarked alone on a new life journey as a brimming and enthusiastic Burmese Muslim lad of 17year from my ancestoral home in Yangon, Myanmar on a one-way air ticket to London. There having worked for a British Bank for a decade while studying in twilight College/University Economics and Mass Media Journalism Programmes leading to Master Degree level thus it saw me through patient progress in life both academically and career wise too.

Subsequently I moved over to Bangkok, Thailand on December 05, 1982(BE 2525 Rattanakosin year) coinciding with HM the King’s Royal birthday celebrations. Then I was a mature overseas qualified and financially solvent man to be self-employed entrepreneur deputed by the famous Swedish conglomerate Electrolux as their accredited Agent for Myanmar based in Bangkok to secure business in hospitality & Healthcare Projects there during General Newin’s military regime who had unlawfully and mercilessly nationalized all privately owned business following communist policy without compensating even one Baht to all the victim Burmese entrepreneurs including my family owned Rice Mills, Saw Mill, Foundry Works and Real Estates both in Mandalay and Rangoon in 1963. Thus my late father Takhin Shwemaan U Hla Tin and the family were totally devastated despite being among the ten richest families

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in Burma then.But I do believe in “Destiny is NOT a matter of Chance, it is a matter of CHOICE; it is not a thing to be waited for, rather it is a thing to be ACHIEVED”.

Despite born in aristocratic rich Burmese family, in 1964 I had a humble start abroad and by the Grace of God, thru sheer dedication and hard-work, I’ve come up Academically, financially and career wise to a reasonable solvent level in Thailand especially in Chiang Mai between the years 2005-2011. There due to my affiliation with Chiang Mai University”s President Office and couple of Faculties viz.,Associated Medical Sciences, Nursing and Pharmacy wherein I’m accredited as Doctoral & Masters Degree level Thesis Co-ordinator/Editor as well as I was assigned Foreign Relations Dept-cum-Editorial Board of University’s Monthly Magazine responsibilities. Hence, there a good number of Academics, Officials of the Governor and the Mayor’s Offices, NBTelevision Ch.11, Government Public Relations Radio through my Radio Journalism Programmes/DJ and MC roles at Songkran and Loy Krathong events presenter have been my acquaintances and well wishers. My FM 96.25 MHz Radio Program”English On Air/English For You” were among popular programmes of students, academics,etc.

Thus from a nobody initially soon I was somebody so I’d like to motivate my son, my students,associates and well wishers that “if you continue to think like you always thought you’ll continue to get what you always got-so you got to CHANGE all over soon”.

My most unforgettable experience!

TPMag February 2014 |

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FEATURE STORY

Valentines day falls on the same day as Makha Bucha Day in Thailand Valentines day is usually a non-holiday in Thailand as they give priority to Makha Bucha Day. Makha Bucha started when 1,250 disciples came to visit Buddha without being summoned on a full moon day on the third lunar month. This congregation of disciples prompted Buddha to share his enlightenment, which he himself achieved nine months before, in an event called the “Ovādapātimokha.” Thus, on this day, the “Heart of Buddhism,” which consisted of three main principles, was laid out.

Makha refers to the name of the third month in the lunar calendar while “bucha” means “to venerate.”

But this year, Valentines 2014 falls on the same day as with the Thai Holiday and thus is a non working day. It will be nice to see how people celebrate two holidays on the same day as both have a similar theme of “Love”. Although there will be romantic dinners on that day, it will

also be in conflict with the alcohol ban for the Makha Bucha day. when consumption of alcohol is not only considered a religious violation but also a civil offense. Bars, restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, retail and convenience stores and even some hotels are prohibited from selling or serving alcohol to customers and their guests. Violation of this alcohol ban may result to imprisonment of up to six months and a steep fine (10,000 Baht as of last decree). So romantic dinners may not have any servings of wine and other alcoholic drinks. What we suggest for that day is to do something different from the romantic dinners. Outdoor activities such as hiking and picnics may be a better alternative for that day. But if you don’t have that special someone to celebrate the holiday with, they you can observe how the Thais celebrate the Makha Bucha day by going to the temples or Grand Palace and witness the action there. It may be better since a lot of restaurants raise their prices for dinners on that day.

Our Front Cover Photographer - L Ramachandran “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.”

-William Shakespeare And as quoted, every recital needs to be frozen and remembered. The instant that would change all lives for good. L Ramachandran, a self taught photographer who learnt the art of capturing moments that speak for themselves.

His field of photography includes: architecture, wild life, lifestyle, fashion, celebrity, fine arts etc. But you’ll find yourself swimming through an ocean of fashion, celebrity and fine arts. This presentation contains only a few of his mesmerizing, award winning and honorable mentions but there is so much more than what the eyes see. take a moment-catch your breath and enjoy the staging. tharansia@gmail.com +91 9884466014

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TOO GOOD TO LEAVE OUT

Anda Performing Arts School

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ho would have thought that in Pattaya, there is professional instruction in the performing and visual arts available for children and adults? Now it is possible at the beautiful Anda Performing Arts School, opened in September of 2013 and conveniently located on Chaiayapruek 1 near Jomtien Beach.

When you enter the peaceful, manicured gardens of Anda Performing Arts School, you immediately get the impression that you have discovered the ideal atmosphere for nurturing your inner artist.

Especially when you see the state-of-the-art facilities, such as ‘sprung’ floors and ballet barres in the dance studios. Climb the Grand Staircase and your eyes meet the pristine hardwood floors of the vast guitar room overlooking the gardens, the brand-new shiny upright pianos in four individual piano studios, and the bright and airy voice hall.

In addition to piano, guitar, and voice the Music Program at Anda also offers lessons in violin, keyboard, ukulele, drums and recorder.

For the dance lovers, the Dance Program offers classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, Zumba, Yoga, ballroom dancing, and gymnastics. In our Drama Program, students may study acting and drama, and our Visual Arts Program offers painting, claywork and creative crafts. There are even classes in Mandarin language. Oh – did I mention that there are two pools to refresh yourself in? There is a pool for the little ones and another, larger lap pool and swimming classes as well.

But that’s not all: in addition to having all these arts facilities and classes, Anda is also a full-time nursery school from Monday through Friday. The performing and visual arts are integrated into the children’s learning experience, as dance, music, and art are all part of the daily curriculum. For little children, Anda School Nursery offers a warm environment which fosters growth and discovery.

The school was founded with the vision of encouraging students to try many new artistic activities in a nurturing environment, while enjoying themselves at the same time. This vision is being carried out by the

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professional instructors at Anda, who come from the USA, the UK, the Philippines, and Thailand, and all have many years of experience in nurturing young artists.

Anda Performing Arts School’s Academic Director is Jose Jimenez Patubo, who hails from the Philippines and comes with 10 years of experience in different schools and universities in the Philippines and the Middle East. He is a music teacher, composer, and writer, having written several books on music education, drama, dance, and teaching strategies. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree with a specialization in Music and minor in Dance and was a full-time Philippine government scholar.

To enhance the Dance Program faculty, Anda has recently invited professional dancer and choreographer from the USA, Cheryl Lynn Obal, to join as Director of Dance. Cheryl hails from New York City and comes with a 15-year career in the performing arts behind her.

She holds a B.A. (honors) degree in Dance from Point Park University and studied as a scholarship student at the world-famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in New York City. Cheryl’s professional career has taken her to the level of acceptance in the prestigious Actor’s Equity Association of the United States, and her career experience as a dancer, singer, choreographer, teacher and dance competition judge has taken her to more than 50 countries. This led her to write and selfpublish a guidebook on succeeding as a professional dancer, entitled “The Dance Information Sourcebook,” which is available for sale on Amazon and used as a textbook in several university dance programs in the United States.

To take advantage of the wonderful instruction in drama, music, dance, and visual arts that Anda Performing Arts School offers, please bring your child and visit the school anytime. For more information, call 082 0416200 or 095 6934103 or visit the website at www.andaschool.com.

TPMag February 2014 |

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PROFESSIONAL LIFESTYLE

The Super Health Benefits of Mulberry Tea What is Mulberry Tea?

Mulberry tea is used to:

Mulberry tea is a natural, caffeinefree drink that is packed with vitamins and minerals and is used to prevent and treat many health conditions, including cold symptoms, wight loss, blood vessel problems, and diabetes.

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Mulberry tea is produced from the leaves

• immune-boosting antioxidants • anti-cancerous alkaloids • 18 amino acids • calcium • potassium • sodium • magnesium • iron • Vitamin A • Vitamin B1 • Vitamin B2 • Vitamin C • 0.01% or no caffeine

of the mulberry tree. Once indigenous to Asia, the mulberry tree is now cultivated worldwide. There are 10 species of mulberry tree, the most well-known being white mulberry and black mulberry. The mulberry tree produces green which are harvested in autumn and dried for use in tea.

There are over 3,000 years of records of the cultivatoin of mulberry tress in China. The ancient Chinese used the mulberry tree for raising silkworms, papermaking, food, and its medicinal qualities.

Mulberry leaf was used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It was used to expel wind and clearing heat, clearing the liver, and improving vision. Other uses in TCM include relieving cough and cold symptoms, curing dizziness, promoting healthy blood, curing dysentery, treating stomachache, supporting liver function strengthening the eyes,, and sustaining youthful skin.

• • •

Reduce cholesterol - Mulberry tea reduces unhealthy cholesterol.

Balance blood sugar and treat diabetes - Mulberry tea reduces unhealthy cholesterol.

Weight loss - Mulberry tea supports healthy blood function.

Fight cold symptoms - Drink mulberry tea to prevent and recover from cold symptoms.

Mulberry tea contains:

What are the health benefits of mulberry tea?

You may be surprised to discover that mulberry tea leaves contain 25 times more calcium than milk. Not only that, mulberry leaves have ten times more iron than spinach, and over twice the fiber of green tea. No wonder it was used in China for thousands of years as a medicinal herb!

Today, it is used to prevent and treat a variety of health problems.

Built on a Rock-Solid Foundation The NEWSTART lifestyle is rooted in time-tested health concepts and backed by evidence-based science and is an extension of the larger mission of Weimar Institute. Our goal is to impact lives globally by providing the tools and information needed to intelligently make healthy lifestyle choices.

For the past 35 years, the NEWSTART lifestyle has helped people all over the world experience true wellness and live long and healthy lives. Don’t just take our word that the NEWSTART lifestyle makes a difference; the facts speak for themselves. Several years ago a groundbreaking study funded by the National Institutes of Health, World Health Organization and the National Cancer Institute and others validated what we’ve known for over 35 years: that the benefits of the NEWSTART lifestyle are real.

e favorit in your . d n u fo can be und Thailand o rry tea Mulbe cery store ar gro

These studies were conducted over several years with more than 150,000 participants and the results were amazing.

Real Results with the NEWSTART Lifestyle Reduced death rates from many types of cancers Reduced rates of coronary heart disease Reduced rates of obesity Reduced rates of diabetes Increased mental acuity We are committed to sharing the same achievable success with you. That is why NEWSTART comes in a variety of different formats, each suited to meet the needs of various people. No matter which approach you choose you will discover, there is no other health concept like NEWSTART.

Send us an email at info@thailandprofessionals.com to know more about this program in Thailand.

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PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS

Finding business connections online Most SEO managers will tell you; you must to add your business to business directories to help rank your own website higher in search engines because the link back from a directory will help with a link strategy. Not exactly inspiring work for any employee or Entrepreneur.

We at Biz-find decided to see if we can’t make an online business directory that people would actually stay on more than the time it took to add your business and scarper back to do something more valuable with their time.

Being the top Social Media marketing trainers in Thailand we decided to call upon all our experience to create a website that is a business resource that actually provides visitors with information and genuine leads.

Three is the magic number After many different attempts over many years to create this kind of website, we finally came up with biz-findthailand.com and we have three unique selling points that make us different to any other database driven website.

Firstly; Biz-find is a business directory that has teeth, at the back we have; a trusted search for what you need, category based, owner ran, full details and forward links, social media links and Google analytics for the managers free business directory. All of our listed members have added themselves and if you use the contact button you are contacting the owner directly! We do not upload old tired databases.

Secondly Content : We then through our experience knew, that content marketing is the only way to get a website to be trusted and branded by search engines and people alike, so over 2 years we have over 200 blogs published on our 4 separate country sites by business leaders, giving everyone enough information to run any business successfully, this is all shared to the largest social media reach that any business in Thailand could wish for; Net media Thailand has for 7 years grown a massive following on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and each blog gets put in front of over 30,000 people, and then a further 20 million on Book marking sites like Pinterest, Stumbleupon, Rebelmouse and Digg etc.

This is probably the reason why if you Google ‘Free business Directory Thailand’ we are first page!

Thirdly and the hardest thing for us to implement was the business leads feature. We realised that because we have a database of companies in Thailand many people at networking events whom we spoke to could see an opportunity to market their business to them, but we saw it differently we saw a ‘huge online networking event’ where everyone became a buyer and a seller at the same time!

Traditionally online business directories have one purpose; to sell their listed members to the visitors, we do both; our listed members are also looking for products and services from the website visitors, we constantly ask our members what they are looking to purchase now, and we publish these leads on our biz-find leads page So visit: www.biz-findthailand.com to add your Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam or UK based business and you could walk away with a couple of clients from our database to boot, not bad for 15 minutes work!

THE YEAR OF THE WOOD HORSE 2014 OFF TO THE RACES

HORSE IN CHINA

The new Moon on January 30 at 11:20 pm PST (but listed as January 31 in many calendars) begins the year of the Wood Horse. Chinese New Year is a spring festival that begins on the second new Moon after Winter Solstice, with the Sun and Moon in Aquarius. This new Moon also starts the month of the Fire Tiger making energy very strong and lively as Horse year begins, a clear departure from the slower energy of the previous Water Snake year 2013.

The Wood Horse year is a time of fast victories, unexpected adventure, and surprising romance. It is an excellent year for travel, and the more far away and off the beaten path the better. Energy is high and production is rewarded.

Decisive action, not procrastination, brings victory. But you have to act fast in a Horse year. If you are not 100% secure about a decision, then don’t do it. Events move so quickly in a Horse year that you don’t want to gallop off in the wrong direction.

In Chinese astrology, Horse year is considered a fortunate year that brings luck and good things. Magical Horse has supernatural powers, is heroic, strong, and can even fly! A white celestial cloud Horse is sacred to the Chinese Goddess Kwan Yin. Her white Horse flies through the heavens, bringing peace and blessings. Horse is a hero in China because important battles were won due to the power and strength of the Horse.

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Horse’s cycle is the seventh earthly branch in Chinese medicine and symbolizes June, the fifth lunar month. June is the time of Gemini, Horse’s western counterpart. In the summer month of June there is powerful yang chi, and yin chi starts to settle. The sun is brightest and the plants are strong, having reached maturity. In Chinese medicine, Horse’s earthly branch is the element Fire. Each of the 12 Chinese astrology signs have 2 hours; Horse hours are 11 am – 1 pm including the heat of high noon.

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Thailand’s Public Holidays of 2014 Chinese New Year This is not a Public Holiday, but with so much Chinese ancestry in the local populace, particularly in some parts of Bangkok, Chinese New Year is celebrated in style. In 2013, the Year of the Snake makes way for the Year of the Horse. Most of the country carries on as normal, but local family Chinese shops and businesses will close for the festivities. Lion dances, red money packets & firecrackers abound!

Friday 31 Jan 2014

Makha Bucha The first of 3 Buddhist Lunar Holidays in the year, Makha Bucha celebrates 2 important events: firstly, 7 months after the Buddha began his teachings, the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 monks from many locations to meet and be ordained by the Buddha. Secondly, 45 years later, the Buddha’s sermon just before he died.

In Buddhist Pali language, the 3rd lunar month means 'Makha', and 'Bucha', means to honour.

Makha Bucha Day is therefore celebrated to honour the Buddha and his teachings. At any and every temple in the country the local people gather in the early evening to ‘wien tien’ (walk round the Temple’s main chapel 3 times with a candle, lotus flower and incense sticks), a beautiful sight to see.

Friday 14 Feb 2014 Chakri Day King Thaksin named Thonburi as Thailand’s capital city after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767.

Just 15 years later, King Rama I established both the Chakri Dynasty, and founded Bangkok as Thailand’s new capital city in 1782. On the 6th April every year, Thai people commemorate THIS ISSUE’S both of these auspicious events. HM King Bhumiphol is the 9th King of the ruling Chakri Dynasty.

Sunday 6 Apr 2014 - Mon 7 Apr 2014 Songkran – Thai New Year Thai New Year is one of the 2 long annual holiday periods (along with Western New Year) when Thai people will make their way back to their homes & villages to celebrate with their families. For visitors, Songkran is widely known for its Water Festival. Coinciding with the hottest time of the year, the water splashing events provide a welcome relief from the heat.

The water throwing goes on during daylight hours for the 3 full days of the holiday, but in Chiang Mai and other parts of the North, the festivities can go on for as much as 6 days.

Saturday - Tuesday=12-15 Apr 2014 - Wed 16 Apr 2014 Labour Day As in much of the world, a day in celebration of workers and unions. Other than a day off, there are no events of note in Thailand.

Thursday 01 May 2014

Coronation Day Commemorates the Coronation of King

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Bhumibol in 1950. Now the World’s longest reigning Monarch and Head of State, Thailand celebrated His Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee in 2006 with passion, fervour and enormous pride.

Monday 05 May 2014

Royal Ploughing Ceremony An ancient royal rite which marks the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season Sunday 11 May 2014

Visakha Bucha The 2nd of the 3 important annual Buddhist Lunar Holidays, and the most important of the 3, Visakha Bucha commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha, and it falls on the full moon Uposatha day, normally in the 5th or 6th lunar month. Thai people visit their local temple to ‘wien tien’, to walk round the main chapel 3 times with a candle, lotus flower and incense sticks. Visitors are most welcome to join in & observe this lovely rite.

Tuesday 13 May 2014

Asalha Bucha The 3rd of the important annual Buddhist Lunar Holidays, Asalha Bucha normally takes place in July, on the full moon of the 8th lunar month. This is the day when the Buddhist Triple Gem (the Lord Buddha, His Disciples, and His Teachings) came into existence. It commemorates Buddha’s first sermon in the Deer Park in Varanasi and the founding of the Buddhist monkhood, the Sangha. Local people walk round their temple’s main chapel 3 times with a candle, lotus flower and incense sticks, a beautiful procession.

Friday 11 Jul 2014

Khao Phansa The start of Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa) follows on the day after Asalha Bucha. It is not a Public Holiday. This day officially marks the start of the rains retreat, when monks stay in their temples and monasteries. Buddhist Lent lasts for 3 lunar months, from July to October.

Saturday 12 Jul 2014

HM Queen’s Birthday 2013 marks the 81st birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Married to His Majesty the King for 63 years this year, Her Majesty the Queen is now officially the World’s longest serving Consort to a reigning Monarch. An evening ceremony with fireworks is held in Bangkok at the Sanam Luang, the Royal Parade ground adjacent to the Grand Palace, as well as in all provincial capitals across the country. Queen Sirikit’s Birthday is also celebrated as Mother’s Day in Thailand.

Tuesday 12 Aug 2014

Chulalongkorn Day The 23rd October commemorates the death of the revered King Rama V, King Chulalongkorn.

Wreaths are laid at the Equestrian Statue at the

Royal Plaza in Bangkok to pay homage to his memory. His reign brought Thailand into the modern era with extensive social and economic development.

Thursday 23 Oct 2014

Loy Krathong Festival Perhaps the most charming of all of Thailand’s festivals, Loy Krathong takes place on the full moon evening in November. ‘Loy’ means to float, and a ‘krathong’ is a basket made from banana stem and leaves and is decorated with flowers, a candle and three incense sticks.

During the evening, local people will go to their local canals, rivers or the sea to float their krathongs which they believe will bring them good luck in asking for forgiveness from the Goddess of Waters for the abuse she has suffered over the past year. People usually make a wish at the same time and some people believe that if the candle remains burning until the krathong is out of sight then their wish will come true. Lovers often float a krathong together. Firework displays and ‘Nong Noppamas’ beauty contests are also held.

Friday 07 Nov 2014

HM King’s Birthday Showing the enormous affection and respect the Thai people have for His Majesty, cities, towns and villages across the country decorate buildings and streets to mark the occasion, and a moving evening ceremony with fireworks is held in Bangkok at the Sanam Luang, near the Grand Palace, as well as in all provincial capitals across the country. His Majesty’s Birthday is also celebrated as Father’s Day in Thailand.

Friday 05 Dec 2014

Constitution Day Commemorates the establishment of Thailand’s first permanent constitution in 1932 and the change to a constitutional monarchy.

Wednesday 10 Dec 2014

Christmas Day Christmas is not a Public Holiday in Buddhist Thailand. However Thai people love celebrating other important occasions, so Christmas is no exception. Plenty of Christmas celebrations abound. Typical Christmas festivities and decorations are used in the Thai year end holiday of New Year.

Thursday 25 Dec 2014

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PROFESSIONAL TECH

Stick with a Rolex: Why you shouldn’t buy a smartwatch this time Read more: http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/smartwatches-arent-ready-yet/#ixzz2sPY6syW2

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here is no longer-enduring personal technology than the watch. It began its life as the pocket watch in the late 1400s and retained its popularity as a staple of portable tech until the early 1900s, when it was dethroned by the wristwatch. That permutation eventually got a jolt of life from the advent of the digital wristwatch in the 1970s. A few decades later and we’re now on what appears to be the eve of the “smart” watch.

Popular culture has hinted at the complete computerization of our old trusty timepieces for many a decade, and the size of microchips, pixels, and batteries is finally beginning to comply with our dreams.

The funny thing about dreams, though: They’re really hard to explain.

A lot of people seem to think they want a smartwatch, but like the smartphone, it takes a company with vision to show us how it’s done.

Thanks to constant rumors that Apple’s going to make a watch, and the release of Samsung’s Galaxy Gear (read our review), it seems like everyone is asking and wondering about smartwatches this holiday season. They’re supposed to bring the watch back to prominence as our go-to piece of tech. Sadly, we aren’t there yet. There are a lot of good reasons why you may want to wait at least one more season before buying into the mobile industry’s latest craze. Here are a few of them.

MOVIE NIGHT OUT

February Charlie Countryman Released 02/06/2014 ALL IS LOST Released 02/06/2014 Hercules: The Legend Begins Released 02/06/2014 Her Released 02/06/2014 Nurse Released 02/06/2014 Timeline Released 13/02/2014 That Awkward Moment Released 13/02/2014 Endless Love Released 13/02/2014 Robocop Released 13/02/2014 The Monuments Men Released 02/20/2014

POMPEII Released 02/20/2014 Saving Mr. Banks Released 02/20/2014 The Monkey King Released 27/02/2014 Welcome to Yesterday Released 27/02/2014 Son of God Released 27/02/2014 3 Days to Kill Released 27/02/2014

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They are expensive They look bulky and nerdy You have to charge them, often They are a slave to your phone (and picky about what phones they work for) They don’t do anything your phone can’t do better by itself App support won’t exist until Google and Apple jump in No one has cracked the smartwatch yet Bottom line: Just buy a fitness band and a smartphone

Until a company like Apple or Google steps up and shows a fascinating, useful vision for the smartwatch, we don’t think it’s going to make a big dent, nor do we think it’s worth hundreds of your hard-earned dollars.

Instead, if you really want to wear more tech, maybe consider a Nike Fuelband or Fitbit and a great smartphone, like an iPhone 5S, LG G2, Galaxy Note 3, Nexus 5, or Moto X. Or skip the bands all together and just save up for a tablet. They aren’t very accurate anyway. In a year or two, come back and we’ll talk.

But if you’re really going to be a jerk about it, fine, get a Pebble. But don’t think you’re walking around with the future of tech on your wrist. There will be a few Pebbles before a smartwatch comes out that everyone wants, and by then it will probably be called an iWatch.

Do you have something to share for “The Last Month?” Send your happenings to be included in the next issue of Thailand Professionals Magazine. Submit your pictures and a small description to thaipromedia@gmail.com or info@thailandprofessionals.com

Happenings in the Last Month The Great Annual Pattaya International Charity Bed Race held on January 26, 2014 at Central Festival Pattaya Beach. The event was organized by Pattaya City Hall and Rotary Club of Pattaya.