November 2009
Samui living - travel - lifestyle - community
ascending Chiang Mai
the flight of the gibbons and one crazy horse
the ‘ick’ factor
savouring the bird’s nests delicacy
healing
the broken shells of Thailand’s turtles
Explore Dubai’s synthetic oasis your samui vacation - begins on page 24
celebrate love
success
happiness celebrate life on selected Motor and Sailing Yachts throughout South East Asia
Private Yacht Charters
contact Rico Stapel at +66 08 6690 0444 or rico@yachtcharter-asia.com
BREAKING NEWS
advertorial
NEWSLIVE
: Propert y
Foreign e
Alert!
As Seen on:
TV
rs can n ow poss ess pro We know how - ca per ty in Tha iland! ll now
popular address for the “contemporary” real estate client: the ok properties offices at the ring road in Ban Por OK Properties CEO Norbert Verweyen is just one big bundle of business optimism. The German national (who says he also has Dutch and French blood). Exudes so much passion and unwavering confidence to the potential and prospects of doing business in Koh Samui. This, despite the present realities that the property market is currently in a slump and most of the business competition is now experiencing less and less occupancies and problems with their bank loans. According to the 58-year-old former optometrist and optician turned property business executive. OK Properties has been in the real estate property business on the island for the last 18 years and has remained a stable. Solid and financially sound company despite the global economic recession.
“Real Estate was never a better option
than now”
Norbert Verweyen - OK Properties
Therefore, OK Properties has introduced a rather simple but attractive alternative to the Samui property market. “We have a smaller cake nowadays and business is not like before but our company offsets this predicament by striving to be good and better than others. While some are still in shock with the market situation. Ok Properties go a step further by introducing their answer to the situation in the business. “Verweyen says. “During difficult times you have to prove you’re a good company by adapting to the situation & knowing what the market needs. He adds: “Finance your house with zero interest, downpayment 40%, rest over 3 years, just like buying a car. The best part of it is the fact that the buyer gets two incomes from the investment: from the rental and from the increased value of the property. Thais also buy from us, “Verweyen boasts happily, adding “They cannot buy cheaper property than from us and their response to our promotion has been very good because they can compare easily. So no wonder Europeans and Asians follow suit.
Samui Land - Discount
call Norbert on the PROPERTY HOTLINE
082 277 3069 or 081 979 0432
all plots are located in Maenam (Ban Tai) and have access road, water, electricity, construction permission and legal ownership rights
57 plots between 335sqm and 800 sqm, located in quiet garden land, walking distance to the beach
STARTING PRICE Baht 390,000.-
norbert@okproperties-samui.com www.okproperties-samui.com
CONTENTS Vol. 6 • Issue 11 • november 2009
The Land of Smiles
Ropes, Rocks,Gibbons and one Crazy Horse
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Escape into the mountains above Chiang Mai, Thailand for two days of rock climbing, rappelling, caving, zip-line canopy tours, living amongst the hill-tribes and splashing in exotic waterfalls.
Luxury Living
nathalie Gütermann
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Experience with our Lifestyle Ambassador the spectacular BKK Film Festival, co-hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand.
Environment & Hope
healing broken shells
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& abu dhabi 10 dubai of the uae Cover story
Front Cover Photo By: © Josetandem | Dreamstime.com
Quite an interesting fact is that there are globally a mere 7 species of Marine Turtles. What may or may not be realized is that 5 of these species are most inclined historically to dwell in Thai waters. Join in the crusade to save a species.
Health & Self
the bird’s nest delicacy
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It’s a delicacy, assured some Thai friends. This stuff is worth thousands of baht for a bowl, they said as I scrunched my nose and sniffed. When I still faltered, they added: it’ll clear up your complexion, and it’s an aphrodisiac.
Local Content
Inside samui’s community
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Providing you with insider information on current events and activities from your local communities. Find out Who’s Who in our People section, and discover what controversial issues are making people want to throw stones at us in Tilting Point.
synthetic with the 16 superyachts take 10 the 14 Floating oasis of green spirits of thailand to the skies The World Traveller
Culture & Design
Yachting
Travel with Saifuddin Ismailji onto a barren coastline that has been consumed by sun-soaked beaches and extreme structures.
Float away your bad luck and ‘non-meritous’ deeds from the past year on a beautiful boat of banana leaves and good fortune.
Designed to fly from airstrip to yacht to ski slope, the sporty multi-access amphibian caters perfectly to the business and leisure niche of the very wealthy.
It’s Loy Krathong time!
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Editor’s note Anyone who says Sunshine brings Happiness has Never Danced in the Rain Welcome to Samui!
There is a torrential downpour of activities that will embrace our island during this month of November, and although it may seem as if the tourist population has remained at home, there are 40,000 visitors expected to join in the festivities. A good note for our evolving economy. You are also particularly lucky as visitors to Koh Samui, as you will witness during November a few million millimetres of rain-water that will wash Samui clean of the year’s dusty past. This is the wet season, the low season and for many vendors the slow season, which will give you as a tourist, and the local Expat an upper hand in bargaining for items that may be much more expensive in the high seasons. I would suggest however, that your very first purchase be an umbrella! Don’t let the fact that nature will take a biblical 40 days or so to water her plant life dissuade you from experiencing everything that Samui has to offer. Take advantage of the reality that there are fewer people jamming the restaurants and the safaris, the hotel amenities, and most important of all, the beaches. There just may be a few showers to cool you off in between your tanning time, and really, you can’t spend more than an hour or so baking in the sun without completely destroying your skin. We at C-Publishing have had some time to reflect over the course of the past year on what our readers want to read, what they need to see, and where they want to go. We have redesigned, reformatted and revamped our magazine layer by layer to accommodate the requests and suggestions that pour in to us, much like the precipitation that we are encountering at the moment. Despite the fact that our magazine is based on Samui, we now include contents from other holiday locations, spotlighting destinations both near and far in our goal to give travellers a view of our entire country, as well as what lies beyond. For some we are a stopping point to another tropical destination, for others we are the home away from home that yearly has been their target holiday location. Our aim is to give something to everyone, regardless of where life is taking you. We respond to every letter, every e-mail, and every telephone call, so don’t be disillusioned that your opinion is not important to us. No matter where you live or how long you have stayed on Samui to form your outlook, we are here to listen. November is a month of growth, a season of green, and a time of rebirth for the Kingdom of Thailand. For us, as we continue to develop our magazine, we introduce the creation of our innovative Sales and Management Team led by our newest member and General Manager, Mr. Daniel Coutts. We welcome his knowledge and expertise to Samui’s community magazine, and know that when you see him walking in the rain without a slicker and rubbers because his luggage has yet to fully arrive, that you will invite him in for a cup of tea. In harmony with the natural washing of the land, and of our General Manager, also comes the most celebrated festival of Thailand - Loy Krathong, honouring the act of purifying ones soul and past. This festival displays a beauty that is regarded in silence, and most importantly, you as a tourist may join in. As darkness falls across the land and the Krathongs are released into the waterways, or out onto the oceans, they will light up for a brief moment with the wishes you have bestowed upon them, then flicker into darkness as your blessings have been granted by the water gods. November truly is a fantastic month to explore Thailand, and even a more wonderful time to dance in the warm showers that give new life to our island. Enjoy.
Managing Director RICO STAPEL 08 6690 0444 rico@c-publishing.com Thai Language Editor KANYANAD CHAITAWAT 0 7742 2288 General Manager Daniel Coutts 08 1535 5853 daniel@c-publishing.com Sales Director INGMAR MIER 08 9589 9908 ingmar@c-publishing.com Bangkok Representative NATHALIE GÜTERMANN 08 7977 9477 Info@Nathalies-Lifestyle.com Bangkok Sales Executive NANTAWAN PRONGNOY (Pern) 08 9699 8405 Customer Service CHONTHIRA SAIWAEW (Nim) 08 5887 7414 nim@c-publishing.com Graphic Design CHUKIAT YANTABOOT (Two) 0 7742 2288 Two@c-publishing.com Accounting PUNYANUD RATTANARUANG (Nud) 0 7742 2288 Distribution BOONMA THONGDONGAW 08 1539 1255 ADISAK NAMPHUTTHA 08 6743 2249 Nidorigroup Co., Ltd. 38/32 - 33 Moo3 T. Bophut Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320 Telephone: 0 7742 2288 Fax: 07742 2266 info@c-publishing.com www.c-publishing.com LETTERS POLICY: The C-holiday Magazine welcomes responses, comments or opinions relevant to its articles in the form of letters to the Editor. C-holiday is Published by Nidorigroup Co., Ltd. 12 times a year at the beginning of each month. Copyright ©2009 Nidorigroup Co., Ltd. (Thailand). License # 79/2548 The titles and associated logos or devices, and all content of C-holiday are property of Nidorigroup Co., Ltd. (Thailand) without exception. Reproduction of the magazine and its contents, in whole or in part, without permission of Nidorigroup Co., Ltd. is strictly prohibited. All articles published herein do not necessarily represent the opinion of Nidorigroup Co. Ltd.
COURTESY OF BANGKOK AIRWAYS www.bangkokair.com
Glenn R. Wallis Editor in Chief GLENN R. WALLIS 08 4331 4653 glenn@c-publishing.com
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Distributed in the Bangkok Airport at two convenient locations; the Tourist information Centre and within the Bangkok Airways Departure Lounge. Also found at Arrivals in the Samui Airport.
Reservation Centre: 1771 Samui Chaweng Office: 0 7742 2512-9 Samui Airport Office: 0 7724 5600
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Samui in Brief
qUICK gUIDE Samui’s Towns & Beaches
THE ISLAND OF KOH SAMUI has been a hidden treasure for paradise seekers over the past 40 years. Today the beaches remain to be the passion of the island, with resorts and hide-away bungalows spilling out and onto the white sands. Each beach on Samui has maintained its own personality, relating to the area that it lies within. Featured here are some of the highlights of each of these areas for the holiday traveller to enjoy.
Chaweng
Chaweng is the longest and most popular beach on Samui. It is also the largest tourist centre with more than 1.5 million travellers visiting annually. 5 Star luxury resorts share the space with more economical accommodation choices, along with a 5 kilometre street of stalls and shops that sell everything Thailand is famous for. Prices are a little higher here than in other areas of the island, but the range of choices in food, accommodation and entertainment is impressive, making this beach and its surroundings, the center of activity for many visitors.
Lamai
Lamai has often been referred to as Samui’s second beach, but there are many who believe it has a greater beauty than that of Chaweng. The waters are excellent for swimming and the beaches and streets are less crowded. The southern end of the bay features elegant granite boulders while the beach itself seems endless. The nightlife in Lamai hosts some excellent restaurants and bars scattered along its strip. The surrounding area notably hosts some of the islands best spas and health resorts available.If you wander off the beaten track here, you might get a glimpse of some true Thai culture.
Big Buddha Beach
If your stay is brief, Big Buddha Beach area offers convenience due to its close proximity to the airport, as well as to boats chartered for Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Prices for accommodation and provisions remain reasonable, and there are a growing number of fine dining options to compliment the local Thai restaurants and beach bungalow cuisine. Facilities and services are abundant along the main road, making this one of the best locations for a vibrant night-life.The Big Buddha itself can be seen overlooking the entire area and remains to be the focal attraction.
Mae Nam
The beach is a huge horseshoe of soft sand that offers a spectacular view of the neighbouring island of Koh Pangan. There are a number of good local restaurants and businesses along the beach, as well as located on the main ring road. Mae Nam is home to many of
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the island’s residential developments with a growing quantity of long-term visitors and expats, giving the area a strong sense of community. The hills behind Mae Nam provide the location for the island’s spectacular world-class golf resort.
Bophut
Bophut stands out as the only village on Samui that exudes authentic island charm. It consists of a single street lined with traditional shophouses, many of which have been converted into restaurants, sales shops and guesthouses. The distinct designs of the beachside dining sector, as well as the chosen cuisine that is available, have created an exceptional Mediterranean atmosphere. Bophut is expanding constantly, generating new wining and dining options every year. Despite its growth, the essential seaside appeal remains, making it one of the island’s most attractive locations.
Lipa Noi & Taling Ngam
The unspoiled South-West Coast of Taling Ngam & Lipa Noi has seen the least change of any area on the island. The romantic coastline here overlooks the spectacular Five Islands and Anthong Marine Park. Several excellent beachside seafood restaurants, bungalows and resorts can be found scattered along the coast offering the most idyllic locations to watch the sun setting into the sea. Palms come right down to the water’s edge, dense greenery right up to the sands, with swimming an idyllic experience. Out to sea are the mountains of the mainland, distant and hazy, fading to purple as evening comes.
Hua Thanon
The Muslim fishing village of Hua Thanon offers a handful of seafood restaurants, but its main attraction lies in the ancient cultures of the local fishermen. Intricately painted wooden boats are used to this day to catch and deliver fish directly to the local markets. Take a stroll through its market and capture a glimpse into the lives of one of the island’s original communities. Beyond Hua Thanon, the southern coast offers some of the most unspoiled natural scenery on Samui. You will find quaint local villages and coconut plantations that have endured the test of time.
Nathon
This is the island’s main administrative centre. All government offices, banks, as well as the main ferry pier are located in Nathon, making it the most important place for communication with the Thai mainland. Nathon also boasts a number of original teak shop-houses, lining the quiet middle roads, showing the more traditional, Chinese influenced Samui life. Any major local events, ceremonies or celebrations are held in the car park in front of the main pier in Nathon. Visitors tend to pass through this beautiful village on their way to either Chaweng or Lamai, missing some of the least expensive shopping on the island. A nightly food market establishes itself here regularly, giving visitors their first taste of the delights available on Samui.
Mae Nam
bang por
Bophut
bang rak
Nathon
Chaweng
CHOENG MON
Choeng Mon is made up of a series of bays, speckled with white sandy beaches upon its coastline. Despite its close proximity to Chaweng, about 15 minutes north and 5 minutes from Big Buddha, the beaches have remained quiet and the waters clean. Choeng Mon’s wide sandy beaches feature a rock formation on one side, and the island of Koh Som that you can easily paddle out to on the other. This is a very family friendly area, with exclusive resorts abundantly situated along the water’s edge. Relatively upmarket, inexpensive accommodation is virtually non-existent in this area. This lesser-known beach is located in a very secluded part of Koh Samui, on the northeast corner of the island where most of the bays have been given over to private residential developments.
Lipa Noi & Taling Ngam Lamai
Hua Thanon
1699 191 0 7621 2108 0 7625 4425
Customs Harbour Master Phuket Airport
bang kao
phang ka thong krut
Lost Credit Cards
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Tourist Police Police Immigration Ambulance
CHOENG MON
0 7621 1105 0 7639 1174 0 7632 7230
American Express Diners Club Master & Visa
0 2273 0022 0 2238 3660 0 2299 1990
WORLD TRAVELLER
The Synthetic
Oasis of GREEN
Photography courtesy of Saifuddin Ismailji
TRAVEL WITH ME onto a barren coastline that has been consumed by sun-soaked beaches and extreme structures; between a collection of shopping malls, plush hotels and resorts relinquishing manmade vegetation, exposing a creation that defines luxury. In the distance, away from the maddening crowds, lies an authentic arabian empire of beige and brown that portrays the indigenous sheikdom of this interior in a vast sea of desert. Here we come face to face with the nomadic bedouin, herding their livestock across the wadis (barren valleys) in their never-ending search for green pastures. These are the dunes of dubai. by Saifuddin Ismailji
Euro-Monitor International rated Dubai as a star tourism destination, and as “The Heartbeat of the group of seven that transpire the United Arab Emirates with its capital at Abu Dhabi into a synthetic oasis of green.” My visit to Dubai each year coincides with the Arabian Travel Mart, annually held in May, the region’s principal travel fair organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions.
THE HEARTBEAT LIES IN THE DUNES OF THE SEVEN UNITED EMIRATES The historic Dubai Creek is the site where the UAE transformed from a sleepy town into a mega-tropolis over a brief time span of 55 years. On one side of the Creek is the Diera skyline; incorporating the triangular shaped Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel and Towers, an impressive structure of the Government of Dubai-Department of Tourism and the Radisson Blu Hotel. Avari Dubai Hotel at Deira is located a few steps from the Clock Tower in the centre of the City. Avari is a regular stop for a number of shuttle services that take you to chic shopping centres around the City. On the other side, lies Bur Dubai with the Old Souk (market) that even today retains its antique demeanour, once the largest market on the Gulf Coast with some 350 shops. Nearby, a visit to Dubai Museum is a revelation into the illusion of time immemorial.
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Your best bet to explore the Creek is to hop on Tour Dubai Dhow, which is anchored along the jetty, a short walk from the Sheraton Dubai Creek. A running commentary during the excursion tells the tale of rags to riches when Dubai was a small fishing town back in the 18th Century AD. Members of the Bani Yas tribe were the first to settle down to earn a living from of the sea. In later years, development of ports and markets opened up the doors for migrants and the first wave of workers from India, Baluchistan (Pakistan) and Lingah (Iran), stormed-in to bring about a change that gradually reshaped a laid-back settlement into the land of opportunity. With time, global trade and commerce, activity attracted Arab and Persian traders and they founded the trading district of Bastakiya. By the 1930’s, nearly a quarter of the 20,000 population was foreign, and later in 1954 the British established a political agency.
EXCURSIONS THROUGH HISTORY TELL THE TALE OF RAGS TO RICHES Taking a tour of Dubai on The Big Bus is a convenient indulgence into sightseeing Dubai in one day, and yet enjoying the journey at your own pace. You have a choice from a variety of daily tours that operate frequently. I choose the Beach tour. The City Center shopping complex is also one of the points to join this tour. Enroute to the Jumeirah district, we head towards the coast. Mega development on Dubai’s coast has earned the Emirates a
IT IS UNFATHOMABLE THAT YOU ARE WITHIN A DESERT CITY OF THE UAE distinguished name with some of its most spectacular creations such as The Palm and The World. Desert Safari is on top of the list of the must-do’s in Dubai. The Net Tours rep picks me up from Avari Dubai Hotel at 3PM. Within 3 hours, I am in the desert zone surrounded by vast silky beige-brown dunes. More than seven 4X4’s gather at this site, and one by one take off towards the summit of the sands for a hair raising dune bash, slipping and skidding sideways or challenging a straight nose dive from the top till you finally flip, absolutely safe in the hands of a professional dune basher. The Safari continues to Ras Al Khaimah, and here at the desert camp visitors experience a taste of an Arabian cuisine with live entertainment including camel rides. Some capture a photo session with a falcon on their shoulder, while others apply henna tattoos or relax on a well cushioned floor savouring Arabian coffee and smoking from a Sheesha (smoking carafe). A mere two hour’s drive from Dubai, Abu Dhabi gleams with skyrocketing glass and steel panoramic towers while water fountains flaunt lush fertile parks. As you stroll along the pathways, it appears unfathomable that you are in fact within a desert city of the UAE.
GLEAMING WITH SKY-ROCKETING GLASS & PANORAMIC TOWERS Some stretches of the green belts along the cornice burst with seasonal flowers without consideration of the time of year. A visit to Heritage Village enlightens your imagination with life down memory lane prior to the discovery of the modern richness. Island hopping tours to Lulu Island opposite the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Futaisi Island –a 10 minute boat-ride from Marina Al Bateen, or the more popular Sir Bani Yas Island, about 240 km west of Abu Dhabi city have become very popular recently. This Island is home to a 7th century Nestorian monastery and church, the only known Christian remnant in the country. If you are making this journey, I suggest at least a week to explore Abu Dhabi and its adjoining Wadis, Oases, Bedouin lifestyle and islands.
SAIFUDDIN ISMAILJI
Is an International Expert in Destination travel, as well as in Hotel Imaging & Styling. C-holiday Magazine welcomes him to their International Team. His several esteemed awards include: World Cup Medal in International Photographic Exhibition PATA Gold Award in Travel & Photo Journalism ASEANTA Award for Excellence - Tourism Imaging for 2 consecutive years PTDC Best Performance Award - in Tourism Promotion Etisalat (Telecom) Best Directory Cover Photo Entry - UAE
Land of Smiles
Ropes, a few Rocks, the flight of the Gibbons and
ONE Crazy Horse “I CAN’T ROCK CLIMB. I’M AFRAID OF HEIGHTS.” Have you ever thought this before? At Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures, we believe that personal challenge, physical or mental, is a great reason to climb. For many, climbing is an avenue that inspires personal growth, a tool to confront fears, and an individual sport that allows you to set goals and see progress, no matter the difficulty of the actual climbing. “BUT I DON’T LOOK LIKE THOSE GUYS IN THE MAGAZINES AND ON YOUR WEBSITE!” Courtesy of CMRCA
We
say…So what? Chiang Mai is the perfect place to find fun climbs that are accessible to anyone, and our local climbing community includes people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. CMRCA offers a variety of courses that we tailor to fit your level of fitness and comfort above the ground. Climbing is a fun and adventurous activity that can be done by anyone, and we do mean EVERYONE!
Climbing is our favorite thing in the world, and Chiang Mai is our favorite place to do it! flight of the Gibbons Escape into the mountains above Chiang Mai, Thailand for two days of rock climbing, rappelling, caving, zip-line canopy tours, and splashing in waterfalls. Relax for the night in a sleepy hill tribe village home stay with authentic home-cooked Thai food and stunning jungle scenery. Sound good? It did to us, so we have partnered with our sister company Flight of the Gibbon to bring you this special two-day tour.
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We always get a kick out of watching people of all abilities We will pick you up at your Chiang Mai hotel and head up to the Crazy Horse rock climbing area, about 45 minutes out of town in Mae On. Crazy Horse is our local limestone climbing area, and is littered with cliffs and caves of every type. We will spend the morning teaching you the basics of rock climbing - amidst the lush bamboo forest you will learn all the skills taught in our Introduction to Rock Climbing course, including climbing technique, safe belaying practices, and how to have an amazing time scaling cliffs up to 25 meters tall. We always get a kick out of watching people of all abilities - athletic or not - challenge themselves on rock, conquering their fear of heights, and coming down with a huge smile after doing what they thought they would never do. We have around 180 routes to choose from so we can always find something suitable for your abilities. After eating a Thai boxed lunch from the local restaurant, we trek up towards the summit of Crazy Horse and rappel down 55 meters into the vast cave chamber inside the mountain. Whether or not
you have rappelled before, this exciting drop is something you will never forget. We love that this abseil is perceived as dangerous and exciting to everyone who sees it, but that it is actually incredibly safe under the supervision of our experienced guides. This means big time adventure with no risk.
You may be tempted to get your cell phone out and call all your friends back home to brag about where you are! But you can’t… In Thailand, the word Sa-ma-kee translates roughly to community and sharing. It is the idea that we must work together to achieve a larger goal. The town of of Mae Kompong seems to exemplify this. Rather than cut down the old-growth jungle in their mountain valley, they opted to preserve it and invite people to come up and stay in their village to live the quiet life. And quiet it is. Upon arriving, you may be tempted to get your cell phone out and call all your friends back home to brag about where you are, but you can’t because your cell phone probably won’t work up here. So you will have no choice but to stroll around the town and perhaps follow a path or two amongst the giant trees and winding vines.
Our local climbing community includes people of all ages, shapes, and sizes Mae Kompong has opted into the home stay model of tourism, where families have opened up their homes for visitors to stay in a private room. Choose the bungalow, lodge, or house of your liking with a range of accommodations from authentic Thai to more familiar western style. You will be cooked dinner and breakfast and experience a slice of village life. With temperatures 5-10 degrees Celsius (10-20 Fahrenheit) cooler than Chiang Mai, you may find yourself pulling up the blankets tight for a cozy night.
Ever wonder what it feels like to be an ape high up in the canopy of the trees? Now you get to find out. The morning of the second day is spent with The Flight of the Gibbon, flying from tree to tree on zip-lines with trained guides. The downhill tour takes you through platforms, cables, sky bridges, and drops for nearly 2 adventurous kilometers ending high up in one of the most spectacular stands of old growth trees in the Chiang Mai area. You will be surprised at how relaxed you will feel 35 meters from the ground, seeing things not meant for human eyes. The biodiversity will astound you about as much as the long zips from tree to tree. Close your eyes and picture a tropical waterfall plunging through seven tiers of vines and granite cliffs. Go ahead and do it. Feels good, doesn’t it? This is where we go after lunch for a little splashing and reflection before heading back into Chiang Mai, where we drop you off for the next stage of your vacation.
Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures Web: www.thailandclimbing.com E-mail: info@thailandclimbing.com Telephone: +66 (0) 5320 7102
Culture & Design
FLOATING
with the Spirits of Thailand THE LOY KRATHONG FESTIVAL November 2nd 2009
Float away your bad luck and ‘non-meritous’ deeds from the past year on a beautiful boat of banana leaves and good fortune: It’s Loy Krathong time! by Glenn R. Wallis
Loy
Krathong is by far one of the most popular festivals celebrated in Thailand. Occurring annually on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, the festival takes place during November of the Gregorian Calendar; a time when the heavy rains of the wet season (should!) have ceased throughout most of the Kingdom, but the waterways of the land are still swollen with past spells of rain.
IN THAILAND THE RIVER GODDESS GANGA IS GIVEN HER THAI NAME... MAE PRA KHONGKHA ‘Loy’ is the Thai word for ‘float’ and ‘Krathong’ refers to a small lotus shaped boat made from the stem and leaves of a banana plant; so the name of the festival means literally, to float your banana boat! Each Krathong is usually bedecked in fragrant flowers and also holds a candle, 3 incense sticks and some coins as an offering to the Goddess of Water. Although the festival has been woven into the Buddhist culture and beliefs of Thailand, it actually pre-dates Thai Buddhism, being of Brahmin origin. It is a time when people offer thanks for the good fortune they have received over the past year, and apologize for any wrongs they have committed, offering their wishes, prayers and Krathongs to the River Goddess, Khongkha, or Ganga.
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The Goddess Ganga has become known to many as the Goddess of all rivers, as well as fresh water ponds, lakes and canals. In Thailand, she is given her Thai name, Mae Pra Khongkha. It is believed that as you float your Krathong on the river, it will carry away all the bad luck and sins which you have acquired, and the wishes that you make as you set it in the water will begin with the new day. It is also believed that if a young boy and girl launch a Krathong together, their wishes will combine and they will become lovers, either in this life or the next. Many couples will visit the rivers together to launch their Krathong, believing their relationship will become stronger and happier as the year progresses.
Carry away all the bad luck and sins you have acquired Loy Krathong is a time to be joyful; a time to celebrate as the ill-luck and suffering floats away with the Krathong, leaving you happy and free to start afresh. People all across Thailand get together with their friends and family on the morning to begin making their Krathongs. Traditionally, the stem of a banana plant is cut into sections, which form the base of the Krathong. Banana leaves are then cut and folded into different shapes before being pinned to the base in arrangements that reflect the shape, beauty and intricate simplicity of a lotus flower. The final steps are to add the flowers, candle, incense and coins, and your Krathong is ready for the launch.
celebrated all over thailand by Buddhists, Muslims and Christians Of course, these days, many people opt for the easier option of buying their Krathong ready made, due to the fact that making a beautiful Krathong which is truly fit for an offering to a Goddess takes the skilled hands and proficiency of one with plenty of experience. Sadly however, in the bid for ready-made beauty and rapid production, many Krathongs are now made from Styrofoam. We needn’t point out the perverse contradiction of asking for forgiveness and love from the Goddess of the River while you plug her full of pollution. However, a shinning light of sense seems to glow for some and you can now find Krathongs made from bread. As night falls and the full moon rises, people begin making their way to the water, Krathongs in their hands and happy smiles on their
faces. As they jostle next to each other and launch their Krathongs onto the water with a wish, the light from their candle floats out to meet the sparkling procession of hundreds of other Krathongs as they bob gently into the distance, leaving a magical trail of glimmering lights and sweet scented incense smoke in their wake. The ‘Noppamas Queen Contest’ is also an important part of the Loy Krathong Festival, where all the young ladies of the community are invited to take part in a beauty contest. Noppamas was a great beauty from the Sukhothai period of Thai history, and was the chief royal consort of the Sukhothai King, Lithai; she is said by some to have decorated the first Krathong. All we ask, on behalf of Mae Pra Khongkha, Neptune, Poseidon and all the fish, turtles, Gods and Goddesses of the Thai coasts and rivers, choose a banana or bread Krathong to carry your sins away.
Yachting
Super Yachts Take to the Skies
“TO BE HAPPY IN THIS WORLD, FIRST YOU NEED A CELL PHONE AND THEN YOU NEED AN AIRPLANE. THEN YOU’RE TRULY WIRELESS.” Ted Turner
by Glenn R. Wallis
It
was an innovation that the world had never seen before that was exposed at the 2008 Monaco Yacht Show. Business owners were delighted, private yacht owners were stunned, and those who love to have fun felt a sudden surge of adrenaline at the possibilities. The companies Danish Yacht and LISA Airplanes (Light Innovative Sport Aircraft) officialised their alliance offering the prospect of providing a multi-access plane on board a super yacht. Introducing the 300,000 Euro (US $422,758) Lisa Akoya. The allcomposite Akoya-light sport aircraft features a retractable landing gear with skis for snow and ice landings, as well as unique hydrofoil landing gear that bear a striking resemblance to shark fins for water landings.
DESIGNED TO FLY FROM AIRSTRIP TO YACHT TO SKI SLOPE, THE SPORTY MULTI-ACCESS AMPHIBIAN CATERS PERFECTLY TO THE BUSINESS AND LEISURE NICHE OF THE VERY WEALTHY. Entirely built from high-tech composite materials and capable of landing on a mere 100-metre strip, the luxurious Akoya also features a swivelling wing to make it storable in a narrow garage or on a yacht. This is the only aircraft designed that is able to land on the ground, water and snow, concentrating the assets of both the helicopter and the seaplane. It unifies flying lovers and water enthusiasts with an elegance that is remarkably futuristic. The two companies are offering to replace the classic and bulky helicopter with an original, high standard plane on board a super yacht. This multi-access hybrid has hydrofoils to guarantee agility,
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comfort and safety on water. It also has retractable skis when flying, revolving wings, and to protect you in any delicate situation the AKOYA is fitted with the ultimate safety device: a parachute that ensures you and the machine a soft landing. The Ri&Flex Wing system allows for short takeoffs and landings, permitting you to make steep approaches to avoid obstacles around the runway. At low speeds, in case of stall, the wing’s characteristics give the plane a ‘natural’ behaviour without any brutal stalling. When retracted, the Ri&Flex Wing works in conjunction with the aerodynamic fuselage to make the AKOYA insensible to gusting winds and a delight to piloting. These are essential qualities in case of engine failure. With a range of 1500km and a maximum speed of 300kmh, the Akoya is clearly targeted at wealthy aviation enthusiasts wishing for an exciting and unique bridge between yachting and skiing leisure lifestyles. The hefty 300,000 Euro price tag will include the aircraft, the ULM license required to fly it, training from Lisa’s own specialists in water and snow takeoffs and landings, a personalized painting, a footbridge to a water-based pontoon and several accessories. With 45 of the craft expected to be produced before the end of 2009, Lisa are already predicting they won’t be able to satisfy demand. The company says that first deliveries in 2010 will be to customers in France, Russia and South Africa.
LISA Airplanes
For more information: www.lisa-airplanes.com
Bangkok International Film Festival
Luxury Living
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Bangkok International Film Festival Nathalie Gütermann With
T
he seventh year of the Bangkok International Film Festival could be recognized as the seventh heaven of film lovers. My co-host Nicholas Snow, a charismatic TV presenter from Hollywood, and I featured the glamorous festival for our new Web-TV-Show “Nathalie & Nicholas - bringing LIFE to LIFESTYLE”, which will be broadcast soon on YouTube and on our websites. Nicholas is an actor himself and he just finished his movie ‘Last Tango in Bangkok’ which will be on screen early next year (www.notesfromhollywood.com). The spectacular festival, co-hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand, delivered more than 80 exciting films, glamorous redcarpet events and numerous occasions to chat with famous directors, writers and actors from Hollywood and other parts of the world. Bangkok in the Spotlight Over the last few years the festival has attracted many of cinema’s biggest names. Luminaries such as Oliver Stone, Michael Douglas and Jean Claude van Damme, to name just a few, have all been recent guests. This year, James ‘Jim’ Belushi and Josef ‘Joe’ Cannon pretty much headed up the list of the familiar, but there were also some hot new talent dropping in on Bangkok to take part in the festival. Olivia Thirlby (The Secret), Scout Taylor Compton (Halloween), Kyle Gallner (Haunting in Connecticut) and Sung Kang (Live free or die hard) are all rising young stars with big futures ahead. We were interviewing Rachel Nichols, fresh from G.I.Joe and Star Trek (“What I love most about Thailand? Green Curry...”), film producer Tom Waller who is in post-production with ‘The Prince and Me 4’ (“Thailand has touted itself as an ideal film location with varied locations and great value for money”) and action star Gary Daniels, a real-life kick-boxing champion (“I am a Bruce Lee devotee and I come to Thailand regularly to train Muay Thai”). With rugged good-looks, a muscular build and a charming personality, it was natural for Daniels to move from the world of fighting into that of acting. With more than 50 movies under his belt as both an actor and producer, he has worked with many of the biggest stars of the
genre. Coming up in 2010: ‘The Expendables’ with Sylvester Stallone. Jim Belushi has been working in film and television since 1977 and is best known for his roles in Salvador (directed by Oliver Stone) and Red Heat (co-starring Arnold Schwarzenegger) and his own long running TV comedy show. This was his first visit to Thailand and he seemed to particularly enjoy the ‘Thai Night’ and the spectacular show at the Siam Niramit Theatre, one of the largest stage productions in the world with 150 performers and over 500 costumes (www.siamniramit.com). Other glitzy, by-invitation-only events included the Opening Gala, Director’s Night, and Hollywood Night. The highlight was the Royal Reception and Golden Kinnaree Awards & Closing Ceremony on September 30th, hosted by HRH Princess Ubol Ratana. She looked stunning in her signal red ball gown and bejewelled earrings - every inch a fairy tale princess. Jim & Joe’s Private Horror Movies However, things weren’t so peaceful behind the velvet curtains and spectacular cinema scenes. At some point reality caught up with Jim, Joe & Co. I avoided asking James Belushi about his book ‘Real Men: According to Jim’ in which he reveals what it was like to lose his brother John, who died from an accidental overdose of cocaine and heroin at the age of 33, and pursue a career of his own while constantly being reminded of his brother’s talents. German director Werner Herzog is under fire with ‘Bad Lieutenant’, BIFF’s opening movie starring Nicholas Cage, Val Kilmer and Eva Mendez. Film maker Abel Ferrara has accused Herzog of producing a remake of his original film from 1992. I personally don’t like Herzog’s film at all, despite praise from the New York Times, but ‘chacun à son goût’...there is no accounting for taste. During the whole week I was mainly hanging out with Joe Cannon, a veteran of films like, Wildcats, Star Trek, Crime Scene Investigation and the popular TV-Series Las Vegas. Together with his actor-friends Adam Karst (former Sky marshal in the Israeli Army) and Joshi Haas (top Model from Germany) he’s actually starring in the latest Jean Claude Van Damme opus ‘The Eagle Path’ (www.
cannonkarst.com). Ironically, just like JCVD’s destiny in the film, the past is still haunting Joe. Against his will he was forced to perform in a ‘real life thriller’ when he couldn’t stop the abduction of his beloved daughter Shelby one decade ago. How far will a father go to find his child, kidnapped by a woman who used to be his wife? Just like in a blockbuster film he will fight to the bitter end, of course! While we were surrounded by dressed-up members of international high society at the BIFF Closing Gala held at the 5-star Chatrium Suites, Joe spoke to me with tears in his eyes about his search and ten year court battle to find his child. “It was literally an impossible task as the non-custodial mother has used the identity of a deceased child taken from a graveyard tombstone in order to give my daughter a new name, and to flee the U.S. authorities. That’s what we found out later.” Former 007 James Bond star, Pierce Brosnan, helped his friend Cannon to raise awareness of the case, and finally the tragic story celebrated a happy ending. Perhaps it was Brosnan’s involvement that instigated a woman on vacation in Scotland to read the article written about them, recognising a picture of little Shelby Nicole Cannon as that of a child in her son’s class back in Liverpool, England. In his book ‘Don’t worry, Daddy’s coming!’ Joe Cannon shares his incredible journey of peaks and valleys, and he adds: “I was able to fight for justice, and now I encourage other people to do the same. Through my films I am sending out this message to the world. That’s why I’m a producer now!” Interesting People, Memorable Films, Lavish Buffets, Lots of Drinks and Fun Parties. All in all, the Bangkok Film Festival was a blast! Thanks to producer Bryan Hall, our TV-Team was able to capture some grandiose moments on film for our own movie. “In the past we’ve individually covered events including the Academy Awards, the Emmy Awards, the UNESCO Gala and many more”, says my co- host Nicholas, who is very excited about our ‘Nathalie & Nicholas’ pairing. “Now we’re at the Film Festival in Bangkok and together on the red carpet! Well, let’s just say, the paparazzi took notice and our worldwide viewers will as well.” So stay tuned! More at www.nathalies-lifestyle.com.
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Environment & Hope
Healing Broken Shells
It is quite an interesting fact that there are globally a mere 7 species of Marine Turtles. On top of this natural selection phenomenon, all are in serious decline throughout most of their indigenous boundaries. For the inhabitants and tourist populations of Thailand, what may or may not be realized is that 5 of these species are most inclined historically to dwell in Thai waters, although there have been no records of the Loggerhead Turtle within the last 15 to 20 years.
by Glenn R. Wallis
ONLY EIGHT TURTLES NESTED ON THAILAND’S SOUTHWEST COAST THIS YEAR, COMPARED TO 350 IN 1985. The four species of Marine Turtles that can still be found in Thailand’s coastal waters are as follows: THE LEATHERBACK TURTLE In Thailand the leatherback is only known to nest on the Andaman Coast. The leatherback has been listed as globally endangered since 1970, and was confirmed as “Critically Endangered in Thailand” in 1996. THE GREEN TURTLE In Thailand the green turtle is found in scattered areas in both the Andaman and South China Sea coasts, nesting in both areas. They are listed as “Globally Threatened” by the World Conservation Union. THE HAWKSBILL TURTLE In Thailand, they are found near off-shore islands in the coastal waters of the Andaman Sea, and the northern Gulf of Thailand. Given the worldwide decline in numbers, the Hawksbill is listed as “Critically Endangered”. THE OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLE In Thailand, the number of nests on three major nesting beaches has declined dramatically from 350 in 1985 to just 11 in 2000. Olive Ridley’s are listed as “Endangered”.
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Threats to Marine Turtles from Fisheries Much of both the coastal and open seas areas used by turtles are also used by fishermen. Because of this, each year, many turtles are killed, often unintentionally, by entanglement in fishing gear and drowning. Some injured and exhausted turtles are released from nets before they die, but their subsequent fate is uncertain. Marine Turtles have been given legal protection in Thailand for many years. However, turtle egg collection was still allowed under a concession system, supervised by the Department of Fisheries, and the export of turtle shells was not prohibited.
THE THREATS ARE REAL, AND WITHOUT EXCEPTION, THE BASIS FOR THE DEGENERATION OF THE MARINE TURTLE POPULACE CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO MAN. Threats to Marine Turtles from Consumption and Trade Turtle eggs are easy to collect, and highly nutritious. In some cultures they are also suggested to have aphrodisiac properties. Turtles have also been hunted for their shells that are used for ornaments, sunglasses and in jewellery. Their hides are cured for leather. In Asia, there has been a long tradition of consuming turtle flesh and eggs for thousands of years. In the 1960s and 1970s, WWF funded turtle surveys in Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Western Indonesia. By this time, the situation in Thailand was already very distressing. Turtle eggs were being collected on a commercial basis. The harvest was in steep decline, and regulations to limit the harvest were largely being ignored. Even more threatening was the increase in the number of large commercial fishing vessels that were killing large numbers of adults. Between 1976-78, Thailand still exported an average of 35,000 kg of turtle shells per year.
Threats to Marine Turtles from Coastal Development. The construction of seawalls, hotels, marinas, and other infrastructure associated with coastal tourism and commerce has destroyed large areas of turtle nesting beaches around the world. Turtle reproductive behaviour evolved in an environment of deserted, intact beaches. Nowadays, light and noise pollution frequently deter or interrupt many females from successful egg-laying. Hatchlings locate the water’s edge by orienting themselves to the horizon, but house and street lights can disorient newly hatched turtles so that they actually crawl away from the sea.
GOVERNMENT EFFORTS AND THE ROLE OF THE ROYAL FAMILY Her Majesty Queen Sirikit initiated specific turtle conservation activities in 1979. On November 19, 1980, in line with Her Majesty’s wish to improve turtle conservation, the Department of Fisheries asked the Ministry of Commerce to prohibit further export of turtle shells. In order to insure the safety and survival of sea turtles in Thailand, the Thai navy has been protecting the turtles since 1992. The Thai Navy’s Sea Turtle Conservation Centre finds turtle egg nests and forms protective pens around each one. Once the turtles hatch, the babies are moved to a nearby facility. The turtles are kept until they are about six months old, or old enough to ensure survival at sea. Overall, the Thai navy ensures the safety of about 15,000 turtles a year. There are few more fantastic sights than witnessing the flight of a Marine Turtle through the crystal clear waters of Thailand. As we experience drastic changes to the natural environments of so many creatures of this planet, there still lies in our hands the ability to save the Marine Turtles before they slip into the fossilised archives of history. Your part in this ongoing campaign is to simply be a responsible human. Throughout Thailand organisations and independent companies have begun to incorporate into their tourism itineraries the inclusion of visitors to aid in the conservation of turtles. Diving facilities, tour operators and other forces have come to the rescue of the Marine Turtle, and with their united efforts have created not only an awareness of the plight of these creatures, but defined programs where new lines must be drawn in the sand to sustain a difference. Choose your excursions wisely, and where Marine Turtle programs are in place, take the time to be a part of the incredible crusade to save one of our planets most beautiful and docile creatures.
Health & Self
Swallowing Swiflets By The Seashore An Experiment with the Bird’s Nest Delicacy It’s a delicacy, assured some Thai friends, coaxing the small, glass jar of yellowish jelly broth to my lips. This stuff is worth thousands of baht for a bowl, they said as I scrunched my nose and sniffed. When I still faltered, they added: it’ll clear up your complexion, and it’s an aphrodisiac.
by NINA NOELLE-HALL
And just like that, I’m convinced. It’s bird’s nest soup that I’m tentatively taste testing to the fanfare and much cajoling from friends. Albeit we’re not indulging in a pure batch worth hundreds of thousands. In fact, this small container – the size of a Gerber’s baby food jar – is worth maybe THB1,000 for four from the 7-11. But with a label and a legend that promises to boost the immune system, libido, focus, digestion, voice quality and weight loss, I figured it was worth the “ick factor”. And it renders quite an ick factor, at least it does on my “ew” scale. I rank it up there with rubbery Rocky Mountain Oysters (aka bull’s testicles) and slimy haggis, because bird’s nest soup isn’t just a nest that’s been boiled down to a gelatinous broth with occasional bits (although it is), it’s specifically a certain kind of nest – one made entirely from the spit, and sometimes the blood, of a “nok nang an”, a swiftlet. Swiftlets are small, swallow-looking birds unique to South-East Asia. They’re cave dwellers, which is where they burdensomely spin their nests from saliva that, when regurgitated, creates a gooey sort of thread. So essentially it’s bird vomit. Sound enticing yet? Wait, there’s more.
Over a millennium of custom can’t be wrong, right? Swiftlets only have enough saliva to properly build one nest, which is then harvested by collectors who shimmy up shaky bamboo ladders in the depths of dark caves to retrieve these culinary rarities, a risky but lucrative business. This first batch of “pure” bird’s nests rakes in as much as THB340,000 per kilo. When the birds find their nests amiss, they take to rebuilding, but this time they have to water down their saliva goo with blood. For round two, the collectors generally wait for the swiftlets to lay eggs and raise their young before then harvesting this now feathery lot of “mid-grade” nests, which still can be sold off for a whopping THB130,000 per kilo. When the birds, the poor buggers, find their nests gone yet again, they start reconstruction all over. But, now the third time around, their natural saliva stock has been depleted, and so the nests are made primarily from blood, at which point most swiftlets die from blood loss. As one
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can imagine, bird’s nest soup is a rather sensitive subject for most animal rights activists (up there with pâté), but the trade continues to boom because even this bloodied batch can earn THB67,000 per kilo.
But, the next morning, I still needed a coffee and an Oxy pad. The nests then are boiled down and sometimes flavoured with chicken broth or sweetener before stocking shelves or buffets as a consumable product, one that can produce THB4,000 for just a bowl of the first-harvest “pure” batch to about THB1,000 for small samples of the last, “adulterated” collection. Such soaring prices still barely accommodate all the demand for the stuff, desired so for its supposed health benefits and tradition – folklore tells that it’s been served as a Chinese gourmet delight for 1,500 years. Over a millennium of custom can’t be wrong, right? Pratheep Janthamanee encouragingly says all the hype flies in his experience: “Asian people believe that the soup makes you healthy and younger. When I’m tired and I take bird’s nest soup, I wake up the next day feeling very fresh and I have more energy,” he says. Now it’s starting to sound more appealing, kind of like an all-natural Red Bull. “Um, no,” counters Megan Richardson, a registered nurse originally from the US now living in Bangkok. “Since a bird’s nest is its bedding, primary dwelling and possibly toilet area, it seems to me that this is not really the stuff one wants to consume. However, if the cooking process involves boiling water for long enough, then most contaminants are likely killed.” She doesn’t seem sure, though, and in fact a little squeamish. She also adds that she has never and will never try it. So, in the name of research (or that’s what I’ll claim after the fact), I pinched my nose and drank the small jar of gel. Smooth, slightly sweet and surprisingly cold, the 7-11 version of bird’s nest soup was... kind of good, sort of refreshing and mostly tasteless. But, the next morning, I still needed a coffee and an Oxy pad.
Restaurants
Daily Performance of Authentic Japanese Culinary Art
Hagi
Japanese Restaurant offers a dazzling menu of Japanese cuisine in the surroundings of a stunning environment at the Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui. With the attitude of a Zen master, attention has been carefully paid to both the visual representations of the décor and the rituality of Hagi’s food. The restaurant features a number of paintings that subtly set the mood for your meal, aided by the perfect placement of an internal fountain and a miniature ‘Zen Garden’. A substantially extensive ala-carte menu, sets and specials, allow the Hagi Japanese Restaurant to boast itself as the best Japanese Restaurant on the island of Koh Samui. The restaurant features daily performances of traditional and modern Japanese Cuisine, preparing fresh and delectable Sushi and Sashimi. Sushi at Hagi is essentially designed with the intent to magnify the natural qualities of various ingredients by combining them with delicately flavoured rice. In order to maximize the flavour, brighten and pull out the characteristics of each fish or vegetable that
You’ll also enjoy the Teppanyaki Counter and other delicacies from the Land of the Rising Sun. Hagi awaits to serve you the very best of Japanese cuisine, with a special menu carefully selected by their specialty Chef. The Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui also provides guests with the professional enchantments of many visiting chefs from around the globe. Recently the Hagi Japanese Restaurant welcomed Japanese Master Chef Suzuki Yutaka, from Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok, for a long awaited encore to showcase more imaginative Japanese Cuisine at its finest. His sumptuous and mouth-watering treats delighted food connoisseurs and pleased a variety of demanding palates from visiting dignitaries and local Chefs. Hagi Japanese Restaurant For reservations, please call: 0 7723 0500 Website: www.centarahotelsresorts.com
dancing crab
Villa Bianca
Dancing Crab seafood restaurant is located right on the waters edge overlooking Big Buddha. Ideal for that casual lunch or romantic sunset dinner with a wide selection of fresh seafood including our specialty - Singapore style Chilli Crab or Black Pepper Crab.
RISTORANTE ”EXCLUSIVE” ITALIANO Tastefully re-designed, and located at the beach, Villa Bianca features lobster specialties, and other superb cuisine prepared by it’s own Italian Chef. Excellent wines & French champagne compliment all dishes. A unique experience that leaves diners wishing to return for more. Villa Bianca is nestled in amongst the converted old Chinese shop-houses overlooking the water in Bophut Village.
Pang Ka
Tel.: 077 425 519. Email: reservation@elements-koh-samui.com ่ ริเวณ บ้านพังกา For Taxi: ตัง้ อยูบ
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is placed on top of sushi rice, it is very important that rice, vinegar, soy sauce, wasabi and fish come together very quickly in a chef’s hand, and that sushi is served instantly to a guest.
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Tel.: 0 7724 5041 Email: villabianca@villabiancasamui.com For Taxi: ร้านตัง้ อยูถ่ นนหน้าหาดบ่อผุด
Bophut
Dr Frogs
Zazen Restaurant If you are looking for something different, Zazen restaurant is the place for you and yours to discover. Their Belgian Master Chef emphasises the use of healthy organic ingredients, naming his style as “Organic & Orgasmic Cuisine”. Zazen is truly one of the most romantic and serene beachside dining restaurants on the island. Every night this charming establishment lights up over 100 candles to set the ambiance for you to experience.
Bophut
La Dolce Vita
Radiance at the spa Lamai
Chaweng
Tel.: 0 7741 3431 Located: Centre Chaweng Beach Road For Taxi: ร้านตัง้ อยูช่ ว่ งกลางของ ถนนหน้าหาดเฉวง
La Dolce Vita
Probably the most romantic setting within Chaweng, this restaurant is only metres away from the water’s edge with stunning views overlooking the bay and mountains beyond. Featured are modern and classical Italian cuisine, complemented by an extensive wine list at reasonable prices. Found within the Baan Haad Ngam Boutique Resort. Free round trip transfers available upon request for your dining convenience. Tel.: 0 7723 1500 for reservations Located: North Chaweng Beach For Taxi: ร้านอาหารตัง้ อยูใ่ นโรงแรมบ้านหาดงาม เฉวง
Captain Kirk
Tel.: 0 7742 2011 Email: infoirs@impiana.com For Taxi: ตัง้ อยูใ่ นโรงแรมอิมเพียน่า เฉวงน้อย
The Cappuccio brothers hail from Naples, the home of Pizza, which may help to explain why theirs rates among the best on Samui. Baked very, very briefly in a wood-fired oven, their pizzas are guaranteed to be uniformly thin, crisp and delicious. Featuring the very best of Italian cuisine that can be found on Samui, this restaurant is a must visit for any European food lover. For a truly authentic experience, visit the Via Vai Italian Restaurant “...An Italian Tradition.”
Chaweng
Olivio
tamarind bar Lounge
Via Vai
Popular for lunch and diner for both tourists and residents, we are happy to see our customers returning year after year. Our menu is a wide selection of Traditional and Contemporary Italian food. We also have a Thai menu if you feel like spicy dishes. All food is prepared from fresh products and we make our pasta ourself: fettucine, ravioli spinach & gnocchi. A must try is one of our homemade desserts such as real Italian gelato or chocomousse. Tel.: 0 7741 3295 for reservations Web: www.ladolcevitasamui.com For Taxi: ร้านตัง้ อยูถ่ นนหน้าหาดเฉวง
Tel.: 0 7723 0855 or 0 7742 4666 Email: thespa@spasamui.com For Taxi: ตัง้ อยูท ่ ถ่ี นนรอบเกาะ ช่วงหาดละไม
Your one stop chill spot! Cigar Lounge & Wine and Cocktail Lounge Superb Dining Free “On the House” Chill Games - American 8 Ball - Darts - Fooseball - Assorted Board Games All day Happy Hour for all beers and cocktails. (Buy 1 get 1 Free) Dart, Pool, Fooseball, Snooker Competitions every Friday at 2pm.
Between Chaweng & Lamai
Tel.: 0 7741 3797 Email: info@drfrogssamui.com For Taxi: ตัง้ อยุรู่ ะหว่างทางจากหาดเฉวงไปละไม
Tel.: 0 7742 5085 Email: info@samuizazen.com For Taxi: ใน ซาเซ็น บูทคิ รีสอร์ท แอนด์ สปา บ่อผุด
“If your blood is formed from eating pure foods, your brain will function in a manner that will surprise you. Your former life will take on the appearance of a dream, and for the first time in your existence your consciousness awakens to a real self-consciousness.” This ideal gastronomic establishment is listed as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. From Vegan to Vegetarian, and from Detox to Desserts, Radiance will enlighten your pallatte regardless of your tastes.
Simply put...“Finding a more scenic place to enjoy a meal on Samui would be hard.” Dr. Frogs is situated at Chaweng Noi, right next door to the View Point. It boasts the perfect location , the most attentive staff, and excellent Italian & Thai cuisine. Satisfying even the toughest of critics from the Thailand Tatler magazine to include it as one of Thailand’s best restaurants for 2008. And yes...they do serve frog legs!
Chaweng
If you desire something truly unique, try this roof-top garden restaurant. Almost hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets, this is a surprising oasis in the heart of Chaweng beach. Highly recommended is the mixed seafood plate fresh from the grill, and the Australian beef tender loin. Desserts are abundant and delightfully prepared and complement your dinner with a fine selection of wine at reasonable prices.
Chaweng
Tel.: 08 1270 5376 Email: captainkirksamui@hotmail.com ้ั บทของร้านสปอร์ต สเตเดีย้ ม หาดเฉวง For Taxi: ตัง้ อยูช่ น
fai restaurant Discover the island’s hidden flair at Fai restaurant in the new Elements Boutique Resort & Spa on Phang Ka Bay. The Fai restaurant fuses the culinary stylings of their European Chef Miron with tantalizing tweaks of their Thai Chef Torzak. The ensuing result of this fusion is dashed with panache. In Thai, Fai means Fire, and without doubt you will discover that flare melts into flair at the Fai restaurant.
Pang Ka
Tel.: 0 7791 4678 Email: reservation@elements-koh-samui.com For Taxi: ตัง้ อยูบ ่ ริเวณ บ้านพังกา
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spa
THE LOVE KITCHEN
at ABSOLUTE SANCTUARY LAUNCHES NEW SPA- CUISINE MENU.
The
importance of taking a holiday at a Spa retreat can be multilayered, although one of the most important ingredients in such a holiday is just that...the ingredients. Absolute Sanctuary is a Moroccan-inspired boutique resort that blends luxurious accommodation with detox and yoga programs to cater to those seeking a journey back to balance, rejuvenation and wellness. In addition to its Detox Center and Yoga Center, the resort features 38 stylish and enchanting rooms with modern amenities, a beautiful infinityedge pool, a Spa offering a variety of massage therapies and also an organic, vegetarian restaurant.
providing proof that healthy & Vegetarian food is not boring As a boutique health and wellness resort, Absolute Sanctuary specializes in Signature Detox Programs, world-class yoga retreats as well as workshops to refresh revitalize and rejuvenate. The Love Kitchen at Absolute Sanctuary is pleased to announce the launch of its new menu, marking a milestone for the wellness resort’s popular restaurant. It will see the Love kitchen move from its original focus on a strictly vegetarian menu to one that is spa-cuisine based. The revamped menu will include an expansion in the range of the restaurant’s popular vegetarian dishes, as well as an alternative section of healthy fish, seafood & chicken dishes.
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with Yellow Curry Powder, Cucumber & Yoghurt-Garlic Sauce and Samui Ceviche. In keeping with the spirit of the resort’s Detox theme, the restaurant continues to offer a specialized section of dishes for those who want to cleanse themselves. In this section, detox favourites such as Faster’s Salad (green vegetables and purple cabbage served with olive oil and apple cider vinegar), Broccoli Delight and Smooth Move Salad (Green apple & raisin salad tossed with fresh Orange Juice) can be found. Like all good dining, dining at The Love Kitchen ends on a sweet note with an array of guiltless mouth-watering desserts that do not spoil the waistline. Guests can now contemplate ordering the Coconut Panacotta, Dara’s Apple Strudel in Fillo Pastry and Mango & Yoghurt Mousse on top of the usual favourites.
Executive Director Claire Bostock-Huang says that “With our new menu we would like to reach out to more people and hope that both vegetarian & non-vegetarian eaters alike will be able to enjoy healthy meals, and also understand that healthy meals need not be limited to vegetarian food. Each dish has been put together with the health & nutritional benefits of our guest in mind which is in line with the wellness concept of our resort.”
The new menu is the duo effort of Consultant Chef Lisa Esposito & Executive Chef Dara Duchanee (Ning). Miss Esposito is a chef with many years of experience cooking for private yachts & private parties for celebrities in the United States. She is also a yoga teacher thus understands the concept of wellness & eating healthily. Executive Chef Ning’s forte is her training in “Balanced Cuisine” from Evason Hua Hin Resort & Spa under Dr. Gary Nile. With Chef Lisa’s firsthand experience of understanding the nutritional needs of healthy people due to her yoga background & Chef Ning’s training in nutrition & healthy food both have contributed to making the menu stand out from the crowd.
The highlight of the new menu is the “Alternatives” section which will offer healthy fish, seafood and chicken options. Tempting alternatives which have made their way into the menu include Fresh Catch Thai Spa Style, Steamed Tilapia in Banana leaves with Fresh Fruit Salsa, Chicken Breast
For more information, please contact: Tel No: +66(0) 7760 1190 (Thailand) +65 9392 0886 (Singapore) Email: info@absolutesanctuary.com Website: www.absolutesanctuary.com
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Magnolia Spa
Eranda spa
New and only on Samui at the Magnolia Spa can you experience total care packages that will ignite your heath. Ask for our “Gift from Nature”, “Treasure of Health”, “Magnolia Pure Happiness”, “Absolute Care” and “Special Foot Spa Treatment” all using the incredible unique DEAD SEA natural mineral products from the famous DEAD SEA located at the lowest point on Earth. Tel.: 0 7760 1133 Email: info@magnolia-spa-samui.com For Taxi: หาดเฉวงตอนเหนือติดกับโรงแรมกานดาบุรี
Chaweng
Chaweng
Nadine Nadine’s treatments are performed with a flawless combination of kneading, pressure and stretching, aiding in rebalancing the channels of energy in your body. Professional service is what you will find in this refreshing establishment, with high quality products in a clean and healthy environment! Try out one of their packages to invigorate your senses, or just lay back and have your feet catered to after a long day shopping. Tel.: 08 1968 3648 Special: FREE pick up service in Chaweng For Taxi: ตัง้ อยูเ่ ฉวง ใกล้กบ ั โรงพยาบาลสมุยอินเตอร
Chaweng
THE SPA resorts
Tel.: 0 7742 2666 Email: info@erandaspa.com For Taxi: ตัง้ อยูท ่ เ่ี ฉวงตอนเหนือ ตรงข้ามโรงแรมโนรา
Samui’s original and first Spa Resort, The Spa Beach on Lamai Beach, set in wonderful gardens, provides you more than just a great place to hang out. With Ten A/C “A” Frame bungalows with queen beds situated around the rustic pool, plus 14 second floor “Standard” with A/C rooms facing Lamai Beach, the Spa is world famous for its therapies as well as the level of expertise that they offer. Tel.: 0 7723 0855 Email: thespa@spasamui.com For Taxi: เดอะสปา รีสอร์ท ตัง้ อยูท ่ ห่ี าดละไม
The Spa with a view. Special Green Season Offer Body Scrub 30 Mins. & Eranda Signature Massage 90 Mins. Regular 3,050Baht - Special rate1,700 Baht Samui Sensation Regular 3,650Baht - Special rate 1,900 Baht Valid from April 20th 09 - May 31st 09 for Samui residents only.
Lamai
accommodation
KAMALAYA KOH SAMUI WINS SIX 2009 SPAFINDER READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
K
amalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa on Koh Samui has been honoured as a multiple winner in the 2009 SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Award competition, including the coveted “Crystal” Award for spa-goers’ favourite spa in Asia. Based on over 360,000 votes – a record for the awards program - submitted by readers of SpaFinder publications (including Spafinder.com), the awards represent the most complete consumer assessment of the global spa market. Kamalaya also won the award for Favourite Spa in Thailand and was named as one of the top ten spas in the world in each of the Best for Mind-Body-Spirit, Best Medical Program, Best for Weight Loss and Best for Yoga categories. The Crystal Award represents SpaFinder’s most prestigious Readers’ Choice distinction, as it’s exclusively reserved for only one, top votegetting spa in each of the six habitable continents around the globe. This marks the seventh year that the Readers’ Choice Awards have been conducted. “After seven years of enthusiastic consumer participation, our Readers’ Choice Awards have become firmly established as the industry’s premier awards program – the spa world’s answer to the Academy Awards,” said SpaFinder Inc. President Susie Ellis. “And with roughly 15,000 hotel, resort and destination spas operating worldwide today, for Kamalaya to be singled out as the top spa in Asia, represents an extraordinary, historic achievement.” “We are so grateful to our guests for their overwhelming support,” said Kamalaya co-founder John Stewart, “This is a wonderful affirmation that people around the world are increasingly viewing health and wellbeing from a holistic perspective - one which we at Kamalaya embrace wholeheartedly.”
“These awards are a fantastic example of what can happen when we follow our hearts in our work,” he continued. “As a team at Kamalaya we chose to implement innovations we felt could best help our guests to build their foundations for longer, healthier and more vital lives, and we’re delighted that this decision has now become its own reward.” Kamalaya opened four years ago, and since then John and Karina Stewart have remained committed to the original vision of creating a place that benefits the employees as much as it does the guests. Together with their business partners and team, the Stewarts dedicate themselves to educating people about the principles of living a holistic lifestyle. “Thailand has already established a strong reputation as a health tourism destination, and Kamalaya is an innovative contributor to the holistic wellness segment,” says Executive Director and business partner Nash Purswani. “The fact that Kamalaya won these awards – and the Crystal Award in particular – supports the Thai Government’s vision for tourism in this country, further enhancing Thailand’s position as a premier destination for wellness travel.” Today Kamalaya’s integral wellness approach draws upon a synergy of healing therapies from East and West. Set on a breathtakingly beautiful hillside descending to an azure lagoon, the resort is designed with a reverence for its landscape of ancient boulders, natural streams and a centuries-old monks’ cave. For further information visit: www.kamalaya.com
Bay View Resort
P. Chaweng Guest House
Bay View Resort Lamai, which gently slopes to the sea with a small private beach, is located a short distance from the main road between Lamai and Chaweng, just 2 kms from Lamai’s centre. Bay View Resort currently offers 23 separate bungalows on an area of 6,000 square metres, which guarantee real privacy and an undisturbed holiday.
Located at the end of Soi Collibri, off of the Chaweng Beach road, opposite Central Samui Beach Resort. A five minute walk to Chaweng beach and close to many bars and restaurants. P.CHAWENG was established over 7 years ago, and remains Thai owned and managed offering the beauty of Thai style architecture combined with European comforts. Chaweng
Tel.: 0 7723 0684 Email: Info@pchaweng.com For Taxi: อยูใ่ นซอยโคลิบลี (สุดซอย) ถนนหน้าหาดเฉวง
100 Islands Resort
Joy Residence
The First Boutique Hotel in Suratthani is the only hotel situated in a beautiful natural setting that is old, romantic and comfortable, while blending harmoniously art and culture of both the old and new. Reasonably priced with friendly service and a family atmosphere. Relax in a garden setting by our pool in the shade of the trees, or take away your troubles and tensions at our luxurious Spa.
Created with you in mind, these peaceful apartment residences offer you all the attributes of modern facilities with many extra features. Designed and built using the highest standards and specifications, Joy Residences welcomes you to your new home. Facilities include Swimming Pool, Modern Amenities and 4 choices of rooms with elegant and personal touches of style. Come and See for Yourself!!!
Tel.: 0 7720 1150-8 Email: tippanya@hotmail.com For Taxi: อยูใ่ นจังหวัดสุราษฎร์ธานี
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Chaweng
Tel.: 0 7741 8429 Email: wolfgang@samuinet.com For Taxi: อยูห ่ าดละไม ในซอยโรงแรมเรเนซองส์
www.c-publishing.com
Suratthani Province
Tel.: 0 7742 2322 Email: joyresidencesamui@hotmail.com For Taxi: ถนนสายรอบเกาะ ซ. บ้านหาดงาม
Chaweng
November at Kamalaya... “feel life´s potential” Nov 2
6-7 pm THB 300/guest
Nov 14-15 Kamalaya co-founders John & Karina Stewart lead this workshop exploring the principle that balance of body, mind, emotion and spirit is our birthright, and that attaining this balance is a horizon without limits. Special Rate for Samui Residents. Nov 14-21 Lara Baumann will help you to make quantum leaps in your yoga practice as you fully explore and put into context that which you have learned, sharing this ancient knowledge with likeminded others. Nov 22-27 The retreat is a blend of dynamic yoga asana practice in the morning and restorative postures, pranayama and meditation in the evening, focusing on the "vital essence", and "energetic dynamics" of the postures. Special Rate for Samui Residents. Nov 25 6-7 pm THB 300/guest Until Nov 25 View these special paintings, multi-media creations, drawings, sculptures and outdoor photos from 10 artists based in Thailand. Hours: Tues., Thurs., and Sat. 3-4 pm, or by appointment with reception.
info@kamalaya.com I www.kamalaya.com
pinocchio authentic italian cuisine italian management caffe lavazza wood fired oven
P I Z Z E R I A R I S T O R A N T E I TA L I A N O - E ATA LY O R I G I N A L E E M O T I O N A L E
Call Fulvio: 087 282 7440
Reservation: 077 413 371
Activities
Try Golf.. In Flip Flops and Bathing Suits
The
vision of Thailand is portrayed by its startling beaches, unique mountains, and an enlightened culture that has allowed it to emerge as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. This theatre of cultural and sensual contrasts has added to its beauty, with a natural ease, the experience of golf. On Samui, the senses are delightfully touched by the birth of what potentially could be a number one destination for any foreign or native golf enthusiast. Still in its infancy, golf on Samui has created itself a local community of approximately 500 or so golfers, whom have allotted their free time to their passion of the game.
For under 1000THB residents of Samui are welcome to tee off with all the amenities of other courses on Samui, equipping you with clubs, balls and even a Caddy for your enjoyment.
“If you think it’s hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball” ~Jack Lemmon
As a special incentive to dare the Bophut fairways, Mr. Michael Mandell, Owner of the facilities, offers anyone breaking the par 27 - 9 hole course with a score of 30 or less, to drink as much Singha beer as they like on the house.
The Bophut Hills Golf Club has individually created an environment incorporating the excellence of golf, with its Pirapon Namatra design and stunning greens, alongside the pleasure of playing the sport in pure comfort. Whether you are an enthusiast who prefers to put on your best golf attire, or jump from the beach onto the greens in your bathing suit and flip-flops, all are equally welcome and challenged by the Bophut Golf course.
Tel: 08 7267 1042 E-mail: info@bophuthillsgolf.com Website: www.bophuthillsgolf.com
5 Islands Experience
Kiteboarding Asia
Often said to be ‘the highlight of many visitors stay on Samui,’ is the restaurant’s private longtail boat tour of the Five Islands. “Let us transport you through the most exotic, adventurous and elegant experience available. Join us on a private tour by traditional long-tail boat to view the mysterious world of the Five Islands bird nest hunters, followed by a sunset meal on the beach at the unforgettable Five Islands Restaurant.”
Kiteboarding Asia are the largest official certified IKO centres in Asia, and the only IKO certified Kiteboarding School and Kitesurf Centre in Thailand. Ensuring your safety and security with insurance from the international ZURICH Insurance Company in Germany for up to 2 million EUROs . All of our schools use the latest IKO teaching methods and guidelines, with IKO qualified instructors and up to date or new Kitesurfing Equipment.
Tel.: 0 7741 5359, 08 1477 5371 Email: samui@thefiveislands.com For Taxi: เดอะไฟว์ไอร์แลนด์ หาดบางปอ บ้านตลิ่งงาม
Taling Ngam
experience
Nathorn -Baan Bang Kam
Tel.: 08 1591 4592 / 3 Email: raam@kiteboardingasia.com For Taxi: อยู่หน้าทอน บ้านบางขาม
Easy Divers
All major parts of the island
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“Everything is easy at Easy Divers!” This company is a PADI Five Star IDC Centre, which means that you can do almost every PADI Dive Course, from Discover Scuba, all the way up to Instructor Development Courses. Easy Divers also has instructors who can teach the PADI certified courses in English, German, French, Thai, Swedish, Dutch, and Italian. With branches located all around the island, your next dive is only a few steps away.
Tel.: Chaweng Branch: 0 7723 1190 Email: info@easydivers-thailand.com For Taxi: มีหลายสาขาทั่วเกาะ โปรดโทร.สอบถามเส้นทาง
Oceans Elite We specialise in customised, all inclusive charters onboard our luxurious Princess V45 sport cruiser to some of the most exquisite destinations throughout the Gulf of Thailand. We tailor our charters to suit individual requests; whether exploring remote beaches, hooking into some big game or diving with whale sharks. There is no other experience more invigorating than being a guest onboard our luxury yacht.
Bang Rak
Tel.: 08 9288 6404 Email: info@oceanselitecharters.com For Taxi: สำ�นักงานตัง้ อยูห ่ าดบางรัก
Crazy Golf Take a day off from walking miles along the fairways of the professional courses on Samui, and set your sights onto some absolutely crazy fun putting and navigating our 9 hole course. Designed to be the best golfing experience you’ll have on the island, this activity is great for all ages. Challange your expert friends or your spouse and children to beat your best score. Located in the heart of Chaweng.
Chaweng
Tel.: 0 7741 3267, 08 1895 7276 Email: gringoscantina@gmail.com For Taxi: อยูใ่ นซอยด้านหลัง ดิ ไอร์แลนด์เดอร์ - หาดเฉวง
Samui Butterfly Garden The Samui Butterfly Garden is located on the side of a hill at Laem Natien and features an enclosed tropical park containing hundreds of butterflies, a display of insects, moths and beehives. There is also a hillside observatory as well as observation platforms offering breathtaking views of the coast. For those more interested in the sea, take a tour with our glass bottomed boat available for viewing the local coral reefs.
Hua Thanon
Tel.: 0 7742 4020 Email: info@samuibutterflygarden.com For Taxi: ตรงข้ามกับโรงแรมเซนทารา วิลลา หาดนาเทียน
Mini Golf international This Mini Golf Course is the first one of its kind in Thailand, matching all the requirements set by the World Mini Golf Federation since 2003. This is the perfect alternative to spend your free time. Perfect for families, couples or groups. Homemade original German Schnapps with the tastes of Mango, Pineapple, Cashew and Banana. Prost! Near Choengmon Beach open daily from 9.00 - 18.30
Choeng Mon
Tel.: 08 1787 9148 or 08 9594 2029 Email: www.minigolfsamui.com For Taxi: อยูท ่ เ่ี ชิงมน จากพระใหญ่ไปประมาณ 3 กม.
Thai Cooking Classes Condidering a career in the Thai food industry, or currently work in or own a Thai restaurant? Or perhaps you simply have a passion for Thai food. There is no better way to achieve your goals than to learn from Thai culinary masters in the country of the cuisine’s origin. Featured on BBC World TV’s Holiday program and recommended in the Lonely Planet, Rough Guide and Frommer’s guides to Thailand.
Tel.: 0 7741 3172 Email: info@sitca.net For Taxi: อยูใ่ นซอยโคลิบรี
ถนนหน้าหาดเฉวง
Chaweng
business
Lamai Centre A Reason to See Lamai
O
ver the past decades the island of Koh Samui experienced the momentum established from the first backpackers setting foot onto her sandy shores and exploded into a nirvana of 5-Star locations for the luxury traveller. The village of Chaweng became the focal point of Samui, her beaches and interior fascinating the tourist bent on partying and mixed with the exuberance of wealthy expatriates. The smaller, yet more beautiful village of Lamai was left untouched by the corporations, and until recently lay in slumber retaining her charm and simplicity.
The site will not only strategically shift its attention from the individual traveller to the family unit, but will facilitate events and opportunities for any type of traveller visiting the village. The management team will run events to entice both night-time traffic and family visitors to make the Lamai Centre a must see location. With the intention of incorporating businesses from high end coffee shops to ice-cream parlours, as well as boutique shops that will bring to the island items never seen before, the promise of elevating the Lamai Centre into an envied location for any business owner has become a reality.
In December of this year the Lamai Centre will take centre stage on the island, consciously sporting what Noel Bramble quantifies as the first boutique plaza within the heart of Lamai. This Thai-Modern site will entertain something that is missing from the rest of the island, a spotlight on the family holidaymaker. Brand-name and local shops will inherit the storefronts of the Lamai Centre, bringing into the area businesses that will increase the level of sophistication and family orientation that is lacking from the island’s amenities.
With benefits that outshine and outclass its competitors, the Lamai Centre offers patrons ‘No Key Money Down’ and a ‘Refundable Deposit’, and with only a few stores left for the taking, the representatives are sincere in their requests for those interested to act swiftly. The Lamai Centre is constructed by SPS Thai Engineering, a reputable and high-end quality builder, consisting of 10 stores expected to celebrate their Grand Opening on the 1st of December 2009.
“The area was in need of a face-lift” are the very words that have created the new centre. And with this in mind, there will be nothing left unimproved.
Lamai
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www.c-publishing.com
For information and inquiries into the Lamai Centre please contact Marco Maki, representing Sales at: 08 9214 0696 or the Lamai Centre’s Owner, Noel Bramble at: 08 7263 8817
Click studio
EGO House of Silk
Rung Jirapol first started mastering photography at the age of 11 and then went on on to study becoming an artist and photographer. Now specialising in photography, he states that each of his photos is always chosen with art of mind. Rung has received photography awards from the Photographic Society of America, the Tourism Association of Thailand (TAT) and the Prime Minister of Thailand.
EGO is your number 1 choice where you can find all kinds of Thai silk products, as well as best quality of classic and elegant designs. We specialize in the manufacturing of pure hand woven Traditional Thai Silks and Cottons, cashmere and Pashmina. If you are looking for products that will stand the test of time, and add to your wardrobe a taste of elegance, be sure to visit us!
Tel.: 0 7724 7169 or 08 1797 7839 Email: clicksamui@hotmail.com For Taxi: คลิก๊ สตูดโิ อ ตัง้ อยูแ่ ม่น�ำ้ แถวสันติบรุ ี
กอล์ฟ
Lamai
Tel.: 0 7723 0138 Located: at Chaweng Villa next to Chaweng Regent Resort For Taxi: ถนนหน้าหาด ถัดจากเฉวงรีเจนท์รสี อร์ท
Trend fashion
B Smart B Smart Sys. Co., LTD has been providing top level security solutions, lighting control systems, CCTV systems, access control, fire alarms , and WiFi solutions since 1999, and has quickly earned the reputation for being one of the most progressive and innovative system integrators in Thailand. Along with high quality products and a very knowledgeable work force, we are confident that B Smart Sys. Co., LTD will meet and exceed your expectations. Hotline: 08 1563 1685 Email: bsmartsamui@hotmail.com For Taxi: อยุแ่ ม่น�ำ้ ตรงข้ามโรงแรมนภาใส
Trend Fashion stands head and shoulders above the many other tailors on Koh Samui, offering the highest quality men’s and women’s fashions at unbelievable prices. With a reputation built on years of experience there is an almost unlimited selection of designs, from classic styles to the latest fashions from Europe’s leading fashion houses. We aim to provide complete customer satisfaction from the moment you walk through our door. Chaweng
Tel.: 08 1894 4657 Located: Chaweng Beach Road For Taxi: ถนนหน้าหาด ตรงข้ามเซนท์ทาราบีช
deckchair asia
Brite Smile
We are a creative team offering you professional:
The Original BriteSmile Centre from Hollywood’s Professional Teeth Whitening. . One Hour . One Visit . One Dazzling Smile Offering other new services: Painless Dentistry, Depigmentation with laser and Dental Implants, as well as a wide range of dental hygene and care.
Creative Web Design / Search Engine Optimisation / Hosting & Email Services / Social Media / Graphic Design / Branding & Logo / Advertising /Print Services / Quality Content / Brochures/ Magazines / Books Deckchair Delivers Deckchair Asia Tel/Fax: 08 6282 8872 Website: www.deckchair-asia.com Email: info@deckchair-asia.com
MInd your language LEARN TO SPEAK THAI The first Thai Language School on Samui •We offer a variety of practical learning methods •Beginner to advanced courses •10 Levels of Conversational Thai •5 day short course for tourists •No more than 6 students in a class •Private tutoring available on request •New Reading & Writing Courses
Chaweng
Chaweng
Tel.: 0 7742 9500 Website: www.DentalSamui.com For Taxi: โรงพยาบาลกรุงเทพ ตัง้ อยูท ่ ถ่ี นนรอบเกาะ เฉวง
Baan Luck Fun dental clinic
- Laser Teeth Whitening 8.000 - Implant 50.000 - 65.000
Lamai Bophut
Tel/Fax: 0 7796 2088 Web: www.mindyourlanguagethailand.com Email: chaweng@mindyourlanguagethailand.com For Taxi: อยูซ่ อยมังกีเ้ ธียเตอร์ บ่อผุด
Lamai
Tel.: 0 7741 4229 for appointments Email: apichart@baanluckfun.com For Taxi: เฉวง ละไม แม่น�ำ้ บ่อผุด และเกาะพะงัน
Beauty Smile
Asia Travel
Specialized in providing a range of dental treatments such as dental implants, crown and bridges, veneers, inlay and outlay, braces, dental x-rays and much more. A highly experienced team provides you with the best treatment you can receive.
Asia Travel is the most popular travel agency on Koh Samui. Established 15 years ago, they are well known to provide updated travel information reasonably priced for all International and Domestic needs. Their second to none consultancy service will help you with all aspects of long or short stay requirements such as visa, work permit or company registration and finances. Asia Travel is well known for their quality services as mentioned in the Lonely Planet.
Teeth Whitening 8,000 B. Dental Implant 50,000 – 55,000 B.
Chaweng
Chaweng
Tel.: 0 7741 3762 or 08 1649 2779 Email: info@beautysmiledentalclinic.com For Taxi: • มี 3 สาขาทีเ่ ฉวงและ 2 สาขาทีล่ ะไม
Tel.: 0 7723 6120, 0 7742 1342 Fax: 0 7742 1185 Email: asia_int@samart.co.th
NAT Accounting
Samui Centre of Learning
We provide a wide range of outsourcing services to meet your company’s accounting, tax and financial management needs. Our services allow you to concentrate on what you do best while leaving specialized support functions to us. Accounting & Bookkeeping Services, Tax Consultancy & Planning, Controller & Bookkeeper Staffing, Payroll Processing, Auditing, Quickbooks Sales, Training & Support, Business Setup And Registration,Visa & Work Permits. Tel.: 0 7724 6249 Email: info@thaiaccounting.com For Taxi: เอ็น เอ ที ตัง้ อยูถ่ นนรอบเกาะ เฉวง
Bilingual Education for children aged 2 to 12 years
Chaweng
Educating the Mind ~ Nurturing the Soul With small classes, individual education plans and a family atmosphere, it’s not hard to see why the children at Samui Centre of Learning are achieving so much. A warm welcome is extended to anyone who wishes to come and visit our school. New purpose built school opening September 2009
Chaweng
Email Teacher@samuilearning.com www.samuilearning.com Tel.: 0 7741 9104, 08 1091 0714 / For Taxi: สมุย เซ็นเตอร์ ออฟ เลินนิ่ง ตั้งอยู่ที่บ้านละไม
www.c-publishing.com
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entertainment
HAREM Shisha Lounge is a touch of the exotic… Matthias Heilbronn...Miguel Migs…Mike Grant... Mixologists...DJ Nakadia...Rasmus Faber and Melo Live PA....Robert Owens...DJ Spen...Stanton Warriors...Ray Keith...DJ Yoda...and many more. HAREM boldly goes where few nightclubs dare to tread! Lounge in their lavish, spacious area full of welcoming furnishings, luxurious surroundings and a profusion of rich colours of an Arabic feeling… Alluring you to escape into the mystical world of HAREM. Your senses will be shrouded with a fruity flavoured mist of Shisha, and a mix of chillout, old skool, funk, soul, & disco music….. Building up to MINT’s top DJ Parties. This is the perfect place to relax for pre, post, and party lounging!
Harem
Shisha Lounge is a unique place that will without doubt strike all your senses. Located conveniently right on top of MINT Bar, Samui’s original upscale nightclub, Harem brings a taste of the underground directly into the heart of Chaweng’s Soi Green Mango. Mint bar is Koh Samui’s premier nightlife establishment and first opened in November 2003. Since its inception, its goal has been to provide clubbers with a venue that not only serves quality drinks within its fully air-conditioned, comfortable
HAREM offers unmatched and unrivalled signature cocktails, martinis and champagnes. Wind down, loosen up, and then party HAREM style while soaking up the lounge’s exquisite atmosphere. Participating in the social act of Hookah Smoking helps to relax the spirit and offers a unique opportunity for guests to share in an ancient ritual. At the HAREM they have an excellent selection of quality tobaccos: Apple, Mint, Strawberry and Mixed Fruit flavours of Shisha, to meet your needs and expectations. For information and venue entertainment visit: www.mintbar.com
THE CLUB SAMUI
salinas Beach Club
This Ibizan/Modern Beachfront Club features a State of the Art-Sound & LED Lighting System with an exquisite Beachfront Pool. DJ’s will entertain you nightly, playing Funk, Techno, and Electro-House music from 10pm untill very late.
Enjoy the beautiful hot sun and sea breezes on the accommodating couches and lounges that are available at Salinas Beach & Lounge all day long. With its strong Ibiza connection, Salinas Beach Club has line ups of great DJ‘s such as Zappi from Nassau Beach Ibiza and the island’s favourite Bruno from Ibiza, for its fabulous beach parties.
Drop in tonight to the Club Samui, located opposite Buddy Boutique Hotel.
Lamai
Tel.: 08 5934 6051 (Guido) Email: theclubsamui@live.de Web: www.theclubsamui.snappages.com For Taxi: อยูต่ รงข้ามโรงแรมบัดดี้ ละไม
กับโรงแรมดาราสมุย)
Bikini bar bq
THE bar ice samui
THE HOME OF THE ANNUAL MISS SAMUI BIKINI CONTEST We are located at “Beach Central” Directly behind McDonald’s in the heart of Lamai… Locals tell us we have the best food around… our visitors believe them … Jamaican Jerk Spareribs, Jerk Chicken, Unbelievable Cheeseburgers, Cuban Sandwiches, Burritos, Rib Eye Steak Sandwiches and “Great” Thai Food. Open from 11am until 9 pm “Real” oldies and “Reggae” for your dining enjoyment
Welcome to Bar Ice Samui. The world’s finest ice bar located on the paradise island of Koh Samui in Thailand. Bar Ice Samui is not “just another bar,” with 3 distinctive areas it is assured the discerning can freeze, chill or warm with the coolest vibe in town.
For Taxi: ร้านตัง้ ทางลงหาดสาธารณะละไม
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surroundings, but also its underground music policy from the residents and frequent International guest DJ’s, alongside live acts that rival any citybased club around the world. Past guests have included, Aaron Ross... Audiowhores...Blim...BT...Brandon Block...DJ Cash Money...Copyright... Dennis Ferrer...Evil 9... FreQ Nasty… Funk D’ Void...Goldie...Graham Gold...Hyper....J- Majik....Jerome Sydenham... Joe Claussell... Jungle Brothers Live...Krafty Kuts...Kid Kenobi...Kenny Hawkes...King Britt... Lisa Loud...Leeroy Thornhill...Lee Coombs... LTJ Bukem...Lisa Shaw…Malente....DJ Marky..
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Chaweng
Tel.: 0 7796 2374 Email: ceto@salinas-beachclub.com For Taxi: ร้านตัง้ หน้าหาด อยูใ่ นซอยโรงแรมเฉวง ชาร์เล่ (ติด
Lamai
Enjoy all your favourite drinks and sounds in their air conditioned main bar area, or sit back and relax in a cozy landscaped garden area and share an intimate moment warming under the samui stars. Tel.: 0 7748 4933 For Taxi: ตัง้ อยูท ่ เ่ี ฉวงตอนเหนือ
Chaweng
Real Estate
Paradise for Sale Tropical destinations are the melting pot of the world, and Koh Samui is no exception. Travellers from every continent have found the opportunity to live on Samui their chance of a lifetime, or a retirement dream come true. Samui has many reputable businesses waiting to help you with your future.
Comprised of 57 plots between 335 sqm. and 802 sqm. located on quiet garden land, walking distance to the beach with all utilities included. Starting Price 390,000 Baht.
Three Year Money Back Guarantee.
Samui Land Discount recession - buy now All plots are located in Maenam (Ban Tai) and have road access, water, electricity, construction permission and legal ownership rights.
ForprSale ivate by
Krabi Villa
* If after three years, for whatever reason, you are unhappy with your investment, then you can hand the land back and have the purchase price returned in full. Tel.: 08 2277 3069 / 08 1979 0432 Email: norbert@coconut-land-house.com For Taxi: อยูถ่ นนสายรอบเกาะ บางปอ Located in Bang Por
180° Seaview
Tel.: 08 5887 7414 Email: chonthira.saiwaew@gmail.com Located in Krabi Province
2.65 Million Baht This beautiful villa is situated in Ao Nang, in the province of Krabi. It is built on 2 rai of land. The house (fully furnished with high quality furniture) is surrounded by a beautiful tropical garden. The house comes complete with pool and provides you with great space, privacy and tranquillity.
Tel.: 08 5887 7414 Email: chonthira.saiwaew@gmail.com Located in Krabi Province
ForprSale ivate by
Build your dream house or renovate the existing one on this beautiful piece of 562 sqm sloped land. Also perfect for a cozy apartment buiding, as the land is located in a residential area in Baan Bang Por, 300 meters from the main road. Offers stunning views that will never fail to delight you.
3.5 Million THB only Tel.: 08 5887 7414 Email: chonthira.saiwaew@gmail.com Located in Krabi Province
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by
The actual view from this house is the picture above. This 4 Bedroom House has been built according to European standards on 972 sqm. It is centrally located near Nathon and only 500 metres from the main road in a small, warm and tidy community. Wide roads and nice surroundings are guaranteed to impress. Priced very competitively, this house is ideal for couples or young families ready to live in paradise. 8 Million THB only
All Serious Offer Considered
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ForprSale ivate
recession - buy now This is your chance to buy Land (400 sqm) and House (71 sqm) through 0% interest financing. Only 40% down payment and 60% over 3 years. The ONLY Broker with a Money Back Guarantee.
Tel.: 08 2277 3069 / 08 1979 0432 Email: norbert@coconut-land-house.com For Taxi: อยูถ่ นนสายรอบเกาะ บางปอ Located in Bang Por
Coconut Village Furnished Beachfront Villa 150 sqm. Internal Living Space, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Living Room, Kitchen, Terrace, Jacuzzi on the Terrace, Village Swimming Pool.
Price thb: 9,200,000 NOW: 8,100,000 Tel.: 08 2277 3069 / 08 1979 0432 Email: norbert@coconut-land-house.com For Taxi: อยูถ่ นนสายรอบเกาะ บางปอ Located in Bang Por
PICKUP SERVICE AVAILABLE opposite Centara Beach Resort Chaweng Beach Road, Chaweng South 91 Moo 3, Tambon Bo Phut Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84320 Thailand Tel: 0 7742 2387 mobile: 0 818 944 657
tilting point
Leaving
Footprints
the Coral Calamity
I
By Glenn R. Wallis watched with disdain as I looked out across the horizon.
The sea, baring her bottom to the dawning sky created a panoramic image that reminded me of mountain peaks jutting out and above a cover of clouds. The waxing moon in her monthly tug of war had pulled back the blanket of water to expose the wonders that lay beneath, and for a brief moment in time revealed her sunken treasures to the world.
“Why do they do that?” I spoke aloud, “Don’t they understand the consequences of being where they are?” My Father-in-law, Harvey, stood beside me, carefully studying my vision of contempt. “What are they doing?” he asked without a hint of discord. Parading across our ocean-view like the shadow of a thundercloud pitching its rippling image onto the sea, a few dozen fishermen and women bobbed waist deep with the waves, eyes cast down, inspecting the ocean floor. Manoeuvring around and over my mountain peaks, they silently swarmed in their stalking procession. Nets and small spear-like tools they held raised part way into the morning sun as they marched upon the coral reef that surrounded us. What they pursued in this deliberate demonstration was not for any vision of a rising phoenix from the depths of the Gulf of Thailand, no miracle, marvel or phenomenon. They would continue this journey every day until the sea rebelled against their intrusion, and buried once again her secrets beneath the safety of her tides. They were hunting. This was in fact an expedition in the quest for food. “Fishing.” Was all that I could muster. Then feeling the urge to explain the scene “and killing the coral while they’re at it!” I really didn’t need to explain to Harvey the repercussions of their actions, the time that it would take for the coral to regenerate from the experience of these simple footsteps, the beauty of nature that was instinctively dying from being touched by foreign bodies and the ignorance of the advancing army that wallowed past us in their rubber boots with sacks of squid. Harvey is a scientist, who has dedicated his life to the creation of finding new and more environmentally sound methods to produce fuels to replace our fading fossil supplies. He has never witnessed this particular occurrence before, but he understood its significance. “Have you ever heard of Maslow’s Theory?” he asked of me. My silence compelled him to continue. “Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a theory in psychology. What we
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Southeast Asian coral reefs are also at risk from damaging fishing practices such as cyanide and blast fishing, overfishing, sedimentation, pollution and bleaching. A variety of activities, including education, regulation, and the establishment of marine protected areas are under way to protect these reefs.
are seeing here is the primary or basic level of Maslow’s Theory, the psychological need. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is predetermined in order of importance. It is often depicted as a pyramid consisting of five levels: the lowest level is associated with physiological needs, while the uppermost level is associated with self-actualization needs, particularly those related to identity and purpose. The higher needs in this hierarchy only come into focus when the lower needs in the pyramid are met.
The destruction of the coral reef is not a priority to them... Eating is. Once an individual has moved upwards to the next level, needs in the lower level will no longer be prioritized. If a lower set of needs is no longer being met, the individual will temporarily re-prioritize those needs by focusing attention on the unfulfilled needs, but will not permanently regress to the lower level. And therefore the destruction of the coral reef is not a priority to them. Eating is.” He went on to explain that this theory in part relates to societies as a whole, which we can see with the evolution of the developing world during this decade, as it has encountered the ecological and environmental flag waving of the western hemisphere regarding their continual pollution and waste management programs currently existing at a primary level in comparison to the rest of the modern world. Their argument derives from the fact that the west has had nearly
Humans are actively destroying the coral reef ecosystems. They are damaged by irresponsible tourism, smothered by sediment, and choked by algae growing on nutrient rich sewage and fertilizer run-off. 58 percent of the world’s reefs are reported as threatened by human activities.
half a century to pollute, poison and pandemically challenge the environment in the quest for modernisation, so why can they not utilise the same timeframe to bring their economic societies to the level that the west has evolved to. I looked back out to the blackened rocks protruding from the sea. “But they’re killing the coral, destroying an ecological environment!” I countered. “Eventually they will have no food to even catch when the reef is devastated.” Harvey looked at me. “The solution is not in telling them to stay off of the coral; the solution is finding an alternative means to supplying them with food, using the tools that they have today. You can easily criticize their actions because, according to Maslow, you have reached the pinnacle of his theoretical pyramid. You no longer have the need to go out there and walk on the coral reef, destroying it and catching every living thing that moves. You have advanced or moved to a level of luxury where you have money to go to Tesco, or to the local markets to get your food. But consider this. When you go to the market and buy your fish, where do you think it comes from?
The solution is not in telling them to stay off of the coral... Have you become a part of the solution in your ‘Maslovian Evolution’ just because you recognise the detriment to the environment and what you have to do to heal it?”
Not bad for a Father-in-Law. I think I’ll keep him.
samui people
The First Citizen of a
Republic
New
By Glenn R. Wallis
tim dean-smith
As
with most entrepreneurs that have become celebrities on the sandy isle of Koh Samui, the President of the Beach Republic is no exception when it comes to emanating a sense of camera shyness. However, Mr. Tim Dean-Smith is willing to let us expose him on film for this explicit editorial on his dream-child Beach Republic. For him there is nothing in more “full colour” than this imaginative creation he has established on the coconut riddled shores of this island in the Gulf of Thailand. And for this he is willing to flash a smile for us.
“For me London is black & white... but Samui...Samui lives in full colour!” Unlike most visionaries who have stumbled upon the beauty that Samui holds, the possibility that was first entertained by Tim was to build a private hideaway for himself. But it wasn’t long before Tim realised that the amenities on this sanctuary were missing an important feature that he had the means to provide, a civilized wine and dine all-inclusive location that exuded premium quality for holiday adventurers. In 2004 Tim gave up his London ventures, and moved onto Samui to create what has today become a diamond in the rough amongst the charismatic boutique locations that inhabit the oasis of Samui. Beach Republic was conceived by Royal Nirvana, the resort and residential development company headed by this British real estate developer and investor. Tim initiated construction in 2002 when the group purchased its first development site on Lamai Beach, and opened the first phase of its luxury private pool villas to customers in 2004. In December 2008, Beach Republic launched on the water front a superb Ocean Club offering fine dining, cocktails, spa treatments from around Asia, and a place to relax throughout the day and evening. Beach Republic has since become the must-visit destination on Koh Samui.
There’s a new Republic. Become a Beach Republic Citizen. 40
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Royal Nirvana is also the developer of Koh Samui Country Club, located in the hills behind the village of Maenam. Royal Nirvana is privately held, and is backed by private investors from Europe, including other members of the Dean-Smith family who have been involved with real estate construction, development and investment since 1962. When asked about the motivation behind Beach Republic, Tim remarked: “Some of my fondest memories of growing up were summer afternoons spent with friends and family by the ocean at places like St. Tropez, Cap d‘Antibes and St. Barth’s. When I first moved to Thailand, I realized that no one was providing that same level of quality and service, in a genuinely relaxing environment.” Beach Republic stands apart from the crowd with a unique feel and culture of its very own, marrying a contemporary and hip Mediterranean beach lifestyle with a twist of irreverent fun.
Beach Republic is instantly sexy, sophisticated and cosmopolitan. “With Beach Republic, we are bringing the chic cosmopolitan beach lifestyle experience to Koh Samui. We have studied beach clubs and restaurants all over the world and Beach Republic provides a unique blend, offering beachside relaxation, infinity pool, dining, cocktails, wine, spa, and chill-out time for every age of contemporary visitor. We have imported furniture, wines, antique woods from the craftsmen of northern Thailand, from Bali, and from beyond.” The self-contained destination consists of the stunning Ocean Club and Restaurant, the indulgent Beach Republic Asian Fusion Spa, and Beach Republic The Residences - five luxurious villas, each with its own private chemical-free pool. Truly something to smile about! For more information visit www.BeachRepublic.com
With Beach Republic, we are bringing the chic cosmopolitan beach lifestyle experience to Koh Samui.
Samui Scene
LANGHAM HOTELS INTERNATIONAL AND BANGKOK AIRWAYS TEAM-UP
The
Langham Hotels International has signed a new flyer bonus programme with Bangkok Airways. Effective for the booking from now until September 30th 2012, this new agreement with Bangkok Airways enables the airline’s frequent flyer members to earn 15 points per qualified stay at worldwide hotels and resorts of the Langham and Langham Place, and 10 points at Eaton Hotels. Langham has a legendary hotel heritage dating back to 1865 when The Langham in London originally opened as Europe’s first Grand Hotel. For over 140 years, this flagship hotel has been at the forefront of sophisticated and gracious hospitality. Today, all Langham Hotels worldwide inherit the same philosophy that reflects elegance in design, innovation in hospitality, genuine service and captivation of the senses creating a truly unique hotel experience. “This announcement is good news for both Langham Hotels International and Bangkok Airways customers. Not only will frequent flyer members of Bangkok Airways be able to earn loyalty points with qualified stays at our hotels and resorts, we can work closely with the airline to cross-promote our properties to their customers,” said Brett Butcher, Chief Operating Officer. In Thailand, Langham Place Samui at Lamai beach will be ready for the opening on December 1, 2009 and is entitled for the airline frequent flyer program. For more information, please visit www.flyerbonus.com. For reservation, please contact: Tel: 0 2957 5813 Email: lpsmu.resv@langhamhotels.com
Samui Mala Day
Samui’s Low Carbon School
On
September28th 2009, The Passage Samui and the Four Seasons co-arranged the Grand Opening of Low Carbon School at Wat Samutharam School on Koh Samui by inviting the Deputy Mayor of the island to open this important ceremony. This pilot project is launched under the concept of Samui Green Island, originated from the THA Samui chapter along with the Samui Municipality, whose main objective is to have hoteliers support and educate schools on how to reduce carbon dioxide generation within their facilities. Students were educated on the many forms of waste renewal and re-use, such as building garbage separation stations, learning how to make EM from food waste and how to formulate bio-fertilizer. Wat Samutharam is the 10th school on Samui that has initiated this program, and there will be more integrated into this program in the next coming year as planned by the local government. The Passage Samui has built 3 minor garbage stations for Wat Samutharam, so that the garbage from this point will be carried to, and accumulated at main garbage stations before being delivered for incineration. This will make the garbage separation method more effective and easier for further organisations, since all the garbage has already been separated at its origin point. This is only the starting point of the plan to keep Samui green. There will be more activities adding into the plan to fulfil the project’s objective. For information on this project and future plans, please visit: www.thepassagesamui.com or www.fourseasons.com/kohsamui
Samui’s
Bluewater International School in Bophut has been offering its facilities as a venue for various sports and community events on the island with the most recent, the highly successful Samui Mala Kids Day. The one day event attracted a good number of participants with performances and demonstrations by students from Bluewater and other schools, a number of stalls and booths showcasing or selling various items, games and other activities that made everyone enjoy their time. Two young boys, who were junior school students from Bluewater International School, smile for a photo opportunity while having fun painting a fence during the Samui Mala Kids Day held recently in the school grounds. The successful hosting of the event showed how a sense of environment can be nurtured among young children while tapping on their vast creative potential. Two young girls from Wat Kiriwong School perform the “Manora Dance,” a Thai traditional dance, during the recently-held Samui Mala Kids Day at Bluewater International School in Bophut. For more information on the Global Mala visit: www.samuimala.org
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Samui Fantasia 2009
For
the third year running, gCircuit will be organizing its Fantasia event, and this time the destination will not be in Bangkok, but on the idyllic beaches of Samui. The island is no stranger to big party events. In fact Samui is famous for holding one of the biggest beach parties in the world, the Full Moon parties. For this year, on the 27th-28th of November, gCircuit will throw its version of the Full Moon party, aptly titled Samui Fantasia 2009... for the boys! If you are not familiar with this organisation, the g stands for gay. gCircuit has just recently announced its plans for Samui Fantasia 2009. Boy Soup, the welcome pool party at world famous Nikki Beach, will feature Grammy nominated DJ/Producer, Chris Cox, of Thunderpuss fame. Over The Moon, the main beach event at X2 resort will be helmed by superstar DJ Hector Fonseca. Opening sets for both nights will be played by DJ Shigeki. This event will feature the debuts of all three world-class DJs and with their history, mind-blowing music is guaranteed. Both parties will run till sunrise. Tom Tan, the other owner of gCircuit expresses “the finale song will coincide with the sunrise and bring a wonderful conclusion to the parties.”
Dhevatara wins Extreme Race on Koh Samui
The
team from Dhevatara Residence took first place honours in the gruelling Extreme Men’s Division at the recent Koh Samui Adventure Race. Khun Chadarak Chaikamjorn and Khun Suwat Paiboon finished the course in 4 hours, 26 minutes and 39 seconds, around 20 minutes ahead of their second place rivals. The Extreme race involved three runs, swimming, kayaking and cycling over some of the island’s toughest terrain, and with 8 other teams competing in the hardest category in the competition, the win was an impressive achievement. “Dhevatara is proud to be involved in events like this that promote health and nature on the island,” said Aimee Helliwell, the firm’s Managing Director. “We were very excited to be one of the winners. The team trained very hard for the race and it certainly showed that our commitment to the event went far beyond commercial support.” The inaugural Samui Adventure Race took place on September 19 and drew teams from around the world to compete in several categories, racing through tropical jungles, paddling and swimming in Samui’s azure seas and cycling over the palm-clad hills.
Samui was chosen not only for its beautiful beaches, but also because of the wonderful selections of hotels. X2 resort, the official host hotel is already fully booked. gCircuit has just released its lineup of supporting hotels and the room rates offered start from as low as 1,500 Baht/night. The hotels being recommended range from the budget comfort to the high-end to cater to customer’s needs. Bangkok Airways offers special airfares on the gCircuit’s website. Direct flights to Samui are available from Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi. Firefly flies direct from Kuala Lumpur. More details with regards to hotel accommodation and airfare promotions are available on www.gcircuit.com.
AIS Mini-Shop Samui
On
October 1st AIS opened its newest creation in the Tesco Lotus Centre in Chaweng. For the first time AIS will cater specifically to the Community, Expat and Foreign Community on a whole through its newest facility located in the hub of Samui. The opening of its Mini-Shop will allow clients and new customers to talk directly to the professionals regarding wireless communication, and to achieve their goal of being the best in the business within the Kingdom. Today AIS maintains leadership among Thailand’s mobile phone network operators. With the intentions of never stopping to develop and research new technologies to fulfill your lifestyles anywhere and anytime, with the best network for today and into the future, the AIS mini-Shop opens the doorway for excellent customer care on a level never seen before on the paradise isle of Koh Samui. For more information on AIS and their continuing strategies to bring the world closer together visit them at their website: www.ais.co.th
Dhevatara sponsored the event and also provided prizes such as 3 days 2 nights stay at one of their luxurious, private beach villas on Koh Samui. The organizers, Active Management Asia, also received support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Tourism Association of Koh Samui and the Thai Hotel Association of Koh Samui.
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Samui party page
Samui After Dark Residents Roof-Top Lounging
This Oriental lounge with DJ and chill-out atmosphere under the stars, sports a panoramic 360 degree view of Koh Samui. The General Manager of KC Resort and Over the Water Villas, Andreas, celebrated his 33rd Birthday with a collective mix of friends and beautiful people. Delicious food and beverage combos at interesting prices, along with Belly-dancers and the Moroccan lounge ambiance fielded a perfect evening for the GM and his friends.
Diana, Nina, Jo - oh my goddess
Happy Birthday
raging Ronnie
Don & Partners
mon Dieu after the dance
the new Prana management
fashion alive
moving grace
Andreas with a perfect cut
Nikki Beach Koh Samui “End of Summer” event has party guests on their feet
Mike & Jeniya Penrod, Tania Berg & Andreas Tsavos
The Nikki Beach Executive Team
Nikki’s model violinists under the NB Music label
Nikki Beach Koh Samui, the latest destination for the renowned luxury lifestyle brand brought the curtain down on its summer season with a spectacular “End of Summer” event that also marked Phase I of the Nikki Beach Bungalow Resort development. The reception was followed by an “All Welcome” presentation of top-class entertainment including the renowned Nikki Music Resident DJ’s, Nikki’s model violinists, fireworks, illusionists and fire dancers. “Our ‘End of Summer’ event was an incomparable party,” said Andy Tsavos, General Manager of Nikki Beach Samui. “We’ve had a great summer and we were all in the mood to celebrate, especially with the advent of the new Beach Bungalow facilities and a re-energised, new-looking Nikki Beach.”
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Community
Samui bulletin board To place your free island related announcements, gossip or classifieds call us at 0 7742 2288 or email info@c-publishing.com Books
Nathon Bookshop Caters to Tourist Diversity
clubs
tourism programs
DA Tang Travel Planners visit impiana samui
A group of 14 Travel Planners from Nanjing China spent a week of leisure at Impiana Samui Resort & Spa. The group held a team building seminar for 2 days and spent the rest of their stay exploring the beauty of Samui island. These Travel Planners Programs are another eye opener for Chinese tourists to consider Koh Samui as a tropical holiday destination. The photo shows the travel planners with the resort’s Marketing Manager, Lorraine Lim (top right).
special Services
Funeral Service Franchises Available
The product name of the very well established offices of Liz Luxen are in demand, not only on Koh Samui and the surrounding islands, but all over the Kingdom. And to ensure prompt service, the owner Liz Luxen is offering Franchises for sale. Due to the requests for funeral arrangements be done locally, she intends to sell Franchises to hotspots like Phuket, Pattaya, BKK,
as well as the in the north and east. Supervised by Liz Luxen herself, the status and excellence of the service provided and the brand concept with her valuable contacts will guarantee a successful business opportunity for entrepreneurs who are willing to take on the responsibility that comes with this profession. If you are honest, likeable and ready to assist clients 24hrs, then this is an opportunity waiting for you. Please do not hesitate to contact Liz if you are interested in providing this service in provinces other than Suratthani. Applicants should provide CV and recent picture. www.samuifunerals.org info@samuifunerals.org
‘Expats Party ‘Moveable Feast’ at KC Resort
As you exit from the ferry that arrives into the port at the Nathon Pier, you should take a moment to take a quick trip and visit the Nathon Bookshop before you continue on your journey to visit the rest of the island and its amenities. Not many accommodations on the island provide you with a plethora of books in your native language, so you just might want to pick up a good book before you settle in. They have books in 10 languages, well sorted, and an enormous German section (‘Grosse, gut sortierte Auswahl in Deutsch’). It’s located only a few hundred metres from the pier on the main road heading into town, on the left hand side with a completely windowed facade. Thomas and Bee will be more than delighted to set you up with the newest, or the most classic selections you desire.
The Expats Party on Nov. 13th at KC Resort & Overwater Villas kicks off the Kids Holiday Party & Multi-Cultural Workshop “Kids Gift Donation Drive.” All are invited to bring gift donations for the Wat Boon Tarik Garam and Koh Samui Secondary School Thai schoolchildren celebrations. The seaview ‘Welcome Reception’ features ‘KC Vodka Apple Martinis’ and moves on to the luxurious spacious lounge to enjoy a ‘MOVEABLE FEAST’ of 20+ gourmet treats accompanied by ‘live music’. Have fun, network and relax as you ‘meet and mingle’. You need not be a member to attend; visit www.samuiexpatsclub.com or email sec@samuiexpatsclub.com for invitation/details.
new appointment
Appointment of Lutz Mueller as General Manager Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa Lutz started his career with Marriott in 1991 at Frankfurt Marriott Hotel. He then moved to Hamburg Marriott Hotel as Front Office Manager in 1998 and quickly promoted to Director of Rooms Operations. In 2001, he relocated as an opening Director of Rooms at JW Marriott Mumbai, followed by Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa and latterly Renaissance Beijing Hotel as Director of Rooms. Prior to this appointment, Lutz was a General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Kamala Beach, and a Resident Manger at Renaissance Wuhan Hotel.
Classified
accommodation
KC Resort & Over Water Villas KC Resort & Over Water Villas is ten months into the soft opening and is preparing to come out with a bang; a private one that is. Everyone agrees that the Over Water Villas are not only unique and stunning with the most striking views of the Gulf of Siam, but also very romantic and serene. “It was the first challenge that caught my eye walking through the property and now we have completed the task, by offering privacy, with the most amazing views on Samui”, General Manager, Andreas Kraemer says. The privacy fences have been installed in the Over Water Villas, offering the guests full privacy from both sides, while being dazzled by the pure beauty of the blue sea. www.kchotelsresorts.com
freelance sales staff Wanted
Join a great team, work an exciting product and life on paradise island. Experience in Sales and Marketing Excellent command of English, and or, Thai language Call Rico Stapel at: 08 6690 0444
clubs
SOS NOVEMBER LUNCHEON Wednesday, 18th November 2009 at Hotel Ibis, Ring Road, Bophut from 12 noon onwards. Price Bt. 400 Please confirm your reservation and dietary needs to Sue at sistersonsamui@gmail.com or 077 422 419 by 16th November www.c-publishing.com
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Community
Samui bulletin board To place your free island related announcements, gossip or classifieds call us at 0 7742 2288 or email info@c-publishing.com Best Beach Resort 2009
Amari Palm Reef
Centre - Mr Roland Henkel, General Manager of Amari Palm Reef Koh Samui with members of his team.
Amari Palm Reef Koh Samui’s Management Team gathered to celebrate being bestowed with the ‘Best Beach Resort’ Award at the 20th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2009 held recently. Amari Palm Reef was named Asia’s Best Beach Resort in 2006 and again 2007.
Centara scoops four awards in online travel magazine poll
Classified
BEAUTIFUL BOAT FOR CHARTER
milay
My name’s Milay and I live at the Dog Rescue Center in Baan Taling Ngam. My owner abandoned me because I got mange, which is really easy to fix! I’ve had a tough life so far, and since I have only a few teeth left, I don’t look my best anymore. But...I’m a good guard dog and get along with other dogs, please give me a home! Rescue Me at: 0 7741 3490
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Khun Pattavee is a graduate from South Australia, with 12 years experience in the hotel & service industries, including job placements at The Oriental Hotel, The Landmark, JW Marriott, Bangkok, Hilton on the Park, Melbourne, and Amari Trang Beach Resort. Congratulations!!! Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui www.centarahotelsresorts.com
memberships
Beach Republic Consul Card now available! Consuls enjoy the following benefits: 20% off Food, Beverage & Spa at Beach Republic. 20% off fitness/steam room memberships. 20% off published accommodation rates. Complimentary beach towels. Complimentary drinking water. 10% off Food & Beverage at selected partner restaurants. 1 night accommodation at Beach Republic The Residences in a Superior Suite (1 bedroom) valued at up to 5,500 Baht*. *Subject to availability. Blackout periods may apply. Membership is free to Koh Samui residents who spend more than 30 days per year on the island Cost to non-residents is 5,000 Baht per year. Apply now at: www.beachrepublic.com/privilege. html
rescue ME!!!
The KAISSO KAIA is a stunning 63 ft, traditional wooden ketch called a Pinisi, built of teak, ironwood and bangkirai. She is set with every comfort and equipment to make your day on-board safe and comfortable. For snorkelling daytrips or a sunset sail, contact: Frank Walter 08 7263 2323 or e-mail: info@easy-charters.com
Promotion for centara superstar Martin Heiniger, General Manager of Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui recently announced the appointment of Pattavee Pongnontakul from Rooms Division Manager to Executive Assistant Manager.
award winning destinations
Centara Hotels & Resorts has won four awards for different hotel properties within the group from SmartTravelAsia.com, the region’s only dedicated online travel magazine. Winners of the Best of Travel Poll 2009 were voted for by worldwide readers and users of the website. Centara Grand at CentralWorld received an Award for Excellence and was named as one of the Top 25 Conference Hotels in Asia. Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui and Sofitel Centara Grand Resort and Villas Hua Hin were both placed in the Top 25 Leisure Hotels category, and both won an Award for Excellence. Sofitel Centara Grand Resort and Villas Hua Hin also won another Excellence Award, being named as one of the Top 25 Spa Hotels in Asia. The awards were presented to Centara Hotels & Resorts by Vijay Verghese, editor of SmartTravelAsia.com. “We feel this is exceptionally good brand recognition for the Centara name,” said Gerd Steeb, president of Centara Hotels & Resorts. “It was only in June 2007 that we rebranded and since that time we have worked hard to develop and position the Centara Hotels & Resorts name, while at the same time increasing the number of our properties to its present level of twenty-three.” Chris Bailey, Senior Vice President - Sales and Marketing at Centara Hotels & Resorts, said that winning four awards from SmartTravelAsia.com, which has such a powerful online presence, is enormously encouraging for the group’s marketing division. “The past few years have seen a tremendous volume of travel and hospitality industry business moving onto the internet, and this trend will continue,” he said. “For us as a group, raising our online profile is vital and the four awards will certainly help us with this in a very positive way.” www.centarahotelsresorts.com
Appointment
Classified
Need Cash?
Private investor accepts land and property as security for loans from 1 to 5 Million THB. Other investment opportunities welcome. Only secured offers will be considered, common local interest rates apply. Call Owners Representative at: 08 5887 7414
FOR SALE
Windows Small Business Server 2008 ‘Unleashed’ Version Provides all the tools small companies need to improve collaboration, enhance productivity, and manage and secure all their information. Comes with a FREE Online Edition. Value of 1, 000THB Best offer. Contact: 08 6690 0444
Pet Care
Creature Comforts
Nicky from Creature Comfort Samui is hoping to help all pet owners on the island. Whether you need to go on a Visa run, holiday, business trip, or are simply working long hours, we can help ensure the wellbeing of your pets in the comfort of their own home. For details of home visiting packages contact Nicky on 08 3392 3072 or visit www.creaturecomfortsamui.com.
สมุย บุเลทิน บอร์ด
พื้นที่ให้ท่านได้ลงประกาศ บทความ รูปภาพ เขียนจดหมายมาเล่าสู่กันฟัง โทรศัพท์ 0 7742 2288, 08 5887 7414 โทรสาร 0 7742 2266 , nim@c-publishing.com New branding
Classified
Looking for Teachers Since establishing our first branch in 2001, we have worked hard to create and maintain our friendly, relaxed, but highly effective environment in which to learn Thai. Mind Your Language’s basic teaching philosophy is to spend as much time as possible on speaking and listening to practical Thai conversation. We believe that learning should be both effective and fun, so we keep our groups to a maximum of 6 students to ensure that everyone benefits from a more personal teaching approach, and that the groups progress together. We are currently looking for individuals who are interested in learning the art of teaching Thai to foreigners in both Samui and Phuket. You will be trained at our cost, and contracted to teach Thai within our facilities. For more information contact: Jom or Natasha at: 0 7796 2088 Mobile 08 7284 6582 or chaweng@ mindyourlanguagethailand.com
UNVEILING THE NEW AMARI
A dynamic new brand identity for Amari, one of Thailand’s most established hotel companies, was unveiled by General Manager Roland Henkel, together with members of his management team. It was also announced that building on Amari’s strong foundations of successfully managing a mixed portfolio of city-based hotels and resorts, the company will strengthen and broaden its brand proposition. Incorporated into the main signage at Amari Palm Reef Koh Samui, the new brand identity was also launched at Amari Watergate Bangkok, Amari Coral Beach Phuket and Amari Orchid Pattaya.
classifieds
community
Birthday Celebration
English Teacher Wanted English Teacher Wanted
Preserve Samui’s History
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDA
Are you interested and qualified to teach English? Did you know that teachers are wanted in Suratthani? Available immediately are positions starting at 30,000 – 40,000 THB per month, working 5 days a week. Contact Khun Aoy at 08 4889 7711 for more information.
We are looking to compile a library of photographs from the Koh Samui Island and surrounding areas. If you have any historical pictures in any format, please give us a call, or e-mail them to us at: info@c-publishing.com, Telephone: 08 4331 4653 (English) 08 5887 7414 (Thai)
Salinas – Mind Group alive and kicking! To clear up the usual gossip on Samui, our dear friend Ceto stated that the only reason for selling Salinas is the separation of him and his partner Wolfi.
เรื่องโดย คุณกัญญาณัฐ ไชยธวัช
On behalf of C-holiday Magazine and all of the staff, we wish Linda Cartlidge a wonderful day, and we thank her for her tremendous contributions to the island community.
gossip on samui
โครงการเทศบาลเมือง เกาะสมุยพบสื่อมวลชน จากการบริหารงานของเทศบาล เมืองเกาะสมุย ของนายรามเนตร ใจกว้าง และทีมงาน ครบ 1 ปี เ ท ศ บ า ล เ มื อ ง เ ก า ะ ส มุ ย ไ ด้ มี โครงการเทศบาลเมื อ งเกาะสมุ ย พ บ สื่ อ ม ว ล ช น แ ล ะ ป ร ะ ชุ ม เชิงปฏิบัติการประชาสัมพันธ์เชื่อมโยงการท่องเที่ยว ประจำ� ปีงบประมาณ 2552 เมื่อวันที่ 11-13 กันยายน 2552 ณ สำ�นักงานเทศบาลเมืองเกาะสมุย และอ่าวนางคลิฟฟ์บีช รีสอร์ท จ.กระบี่ โดยได้แถลงถึงนโยบายเร่งด่วน ที่ได้ปฏิบัติในรอบปีที่ผ่าน มีทั้งหมด 5 ด้าน คือ 1. ด้านการพัฒนาเมืองน่าอยู่ โดยได้จัดการเกี่ยวกับปัญหา น้ำ�ท่วมขังบริเวณจุดต่างๆที่เคยมีน้ำ�ท่วมขังทุกๆปี โดยมีการขุดลอก และวางท่อใหม่ , ปัญหาขยะมูลฝอยเกี่ยวกับการจัดเก็บโดยให้ เอกชนเข้ามาประมูลเกี่ยวกับจัดเก็บ ขยะและปั ญ หาขยะที่ ต กค้ า ง เผาไม่ทันก็ให้มีการฝังกลบ , ปัญหาน้ำ�เสียได้แก้ไขบ่อบำ�บัดน้ำ�เสีย เดิม 3 จุดคือ เฉวง หน้าทอน , ละไม และออกแบบ 3 ชุมชนใหม่ อีก 3 แห่งที่หัวถนน บ่อผุด และแม่น้ำ� 2. ด้านการศึกษา ได้รับการถ่ายโอนโรงเรียนในสังกัดสำ�นักงาน การศึกษาขั้นพื้นฐานจำ�นวน 4 โรงเข้ามาสังกัดกับเทศบาลเมือง เกาะ สมุย คือโรงเรียนวัดละไม เป็นโรงเรียนเทศบาล 1 ,โรงเรียน วัดสระเกศ เป็นโรงเรียนเทศบาล 2 , โรงเรียนวัดคีรีมาศ เป็น โรงเรียนเทศบาล 3 และ โรงเรียนวัดสมุทรฯ เป็นโรงเรียนเทศบาล 4 เพื่อขับเคลื่อนพัฒนาขบวนการคิดสู่ห้องเรียนโดยใช้ทักษะการ แก้ปัญหา Thinking Skill for future program Solving ในอนาคต 3. ด้านสาธารณสุข ได้ออกเยี่ยมเยียนผู้สูงอายุยังบ้านพักอาศัย รวมทั้งจัดซื้อรถให้กับทางโรงพยาบาลเกาะสมุย จำ�นวน 2 คัน เพื่อรับผู้ป่วยจากบ้านมาส่งโรงพยาบาลได้ทันท่วงที และจะพัฒนา เป็นโรงพยาบาลหมื่นเตียงในอนาคต 4. ด้านการท่องเที่ยว ได้สนับสนุนงบประมาณให้กับสมาคม ส่ ง เสริ ม การท่ อ งเที่ ย วได้ จั ด กิ จ กรรมต่ า งๆขึ้ น ทั้ ง ในและต่ า ง ประเทศ รวมทั้งการจัดกิจกรรมต่างๆขึ้น ในเกาะสมุยเพื่อเป็นการ ประชาสัมพันธ์และส่งเสริมการท่องเที่ยวของเกาะสมุย 5. ด้านการบริหาร ภายใต้นโยบายการบริหาร “ เกาะสมุยต้อง ดีกว่านี้ได้” จึงได้กำ�หนดพันธกิจในการพัฒนา คือ”สร้างเมือง เกาะสมุยให้น่าอยู่ สร้างความรู้ให้ประชาชน สร้างสังคมเศรษฐกิจ คุณภาพดี สร้างภาคีร่วมพัฒนา” เพื่อรณรงค์ให้ทุกคนร่วมกันรักษา ทรัพยากรธรรมชาติและสิ่งแวดล้อมของเกาะสมุยให้ยั่งยืนสืบต่อไป ชั่วลูกชั่วหลาน
On November the 6th, one of the island’s most adored citizens will be celebrating her XXth Birthday.
He still owns the brand Salinas and the Salinas Entertainment and Events Co., Ltd. which will cover Asian-wide Events with Samuian and International artists, and is also planning to build up a compilation of the artists on CD and to distribute it all over Samui with Salinas records. Picture: the Team of Salinas Entertainment and Events – Khun Boom, Emma and Ceto
FOR SALE
New business
Steed Honda 600 Bike The owner says.... “make me an offer” All legal paper work (green book) and is in excellent shape. This is a very good bike and solid.... no doubt about it! If you are interested or know anyone who is call. 081-089-7766 or 089-594-9432
C-Café In October the new C-Café will open its doors to the Community and Business partners of Koh Samui. Designed to be a Community and Business hub, this new coffee shop located on the premises of the C-Publishing and C-holiday Magazine welcomes all to drop in and see what’s happening on and around Samui. Featuring a Business Corner for locals, and a Tourist Information Centre for those just passing through, the C-Café offers free maps and the island’s best free magazine to point you in the right direction. Across from the PTT Gas station in Chaweng
ขายเครื่องสำ�รองไฟ
B Smart Sys. Offers “Silicon” the Backup Power System (UPS) and Stabilizer ไฟตก ไฟดับ อาจก่อให้เกิดปัญหากับเครื่องใช้ไฟฟ้าของท่านได้ บี สมาร์ท ซีส (B Smart Sys.) ขอนำ�เสนอเครื่องสำ�รองไฟฟ้า (UPS) และ เครื่องควบคุมแรงดันไฟฟ้าอัตโนมัติ (Stabilizer) ยี่ห้อ “ซิลิคอน (Silicon)” ซึ่งได้มาตรฐาน มอก. รับประกันตัวเครื่องและแบตเตอรี่ 2 ปี มีเครื่องสำ�รองให้ใช้ฟรีระหว่างซ่อม ราคาเริ่มต้นที่ 1,850 บาท สนใจโปรดติดต่อ คุณหนิง ฝ่ายขายที่เบอร์ 0 7724 8362, 08 9724 8076
www.c-publishing.com
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HOROSCOPE
GIVE A MAN A FISH AND HE WILL EAT FOR A DAY. TEACH HIM HOW TO FISH, AND HE WILL SIT IN A BOAT AND DRINK BEER ALL DAY.
Aries: March 21 - April 19
Libra: September 23 - October 22
Taurus: April 20 - May 20
Scorpio: October 23 - November 21
You will be glad of a loved one’s ability to almost painlessly remove splinters from your backside. Waiting for your loved one to come to you could be a big mistake. This is especially true for at least one person this month, whose loved one happens to drive a very large bus and will suddenly lose the ability to brake while driving straight towards your house.
Scorpio tend to have a very poor sense of time, often losing it altogether. You are one of the most likely star-signs to be late for a meeting, it also accounts for the alarming statistic that 47% of all recorded alien-abductees are Scorpions. 98% of those have reported losing time on their way to and from the alien’s craft, while 21% of them pronounced upon landing that their “butt was sore.”
Gemini: May 21 - June 20
Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21
Temperatures will rise this month as you find yourself locked in a cupboard with a close friend who likes their beans. Although the majority of those born under Aries are good people, like any star-sign or McDonald’s meal, there are also bad nuggets. If you yourself are a murderous psychopath you will know this to be true because, while you might not have been born an Arien, the voices in your head were.
Why not pick up the phone and yell into it wildly before dialling your required number. Remember that water dissolves alien beasts and some witches. If this is true, do you really want to be drinking 8 glasses a day with that kind of a track record? Be advised...Strange clowns will try to follow you home.
Cancer: June 21 - July 22
Wow. I mean, Wow. Did you guys ever fall into the month that had the hardest to spell star sign. I mean, “Saggitarius”? “Sagitarius”? “Saggittarius”? Mississippi is a doddle in comparison to this star-sign. Butter your bread on both sides so that if the bread falls, you’ll be screwed no matter what. However it may be easier to make a toasted sandwich.
Capricorn: December 22 - January 19
Your “rustic charms” are not an excuse for being smelly and dirty. Everything you have to fear comes from within. Someone close to you will brush your arm this month in a way that will make you think that you’re “in there.” However, what you may not see is that they have a cold and have just passed it your way via a wet hand. The start of this month will turn out almost exactly as you imagined.
Super-hero month is your own invention, and as such not a free-pass to wearing your underwear on the outside. Go with the flow and let people take advantage of you. Although it is true that you are not bound to find love, love may instead find you. If it does, we warn you to be wary since sometimes love can carry sharp axes and other instruments of pain.
Leo: July 23 - August 22
Aquarius: January 20 - February 18
Your worst fears may come to light this month when you are shoved into a very small hole filled with sharks, insects, spiders, snaked and moths. The only conspiracy theory you need to worry about is the one that involves you. You knew about that conspiracy, right? Oh....dear...God.
Love may come your way this month...and if it doesn’t then you can at least console yourself with the fact that you haven’t made a complete fool out of yourself. No, that happens next month. Enjoy long walks, cold showers and playing with the puppies. All these will soon be a distant memory this month due to a tragic accident involving a sewer snake, after which you will be confined to a padded room.
Virgo: August 23 - September 22
Pieces: February 19 - March 20
This month is a series of blunders that follow each other. Actions take a moment, consequences last a lifetime. Sex makes you happy. Earning money makes you happy. Animals make you happy. Please don’t let any of these facts fool you into thinking that donkey porn websites are a good way to make a living.
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Be cuddly this month and possibly as fluffy as possible. Your mornings will be full of fun and sunshine. Danger is around every corner for the Libran, and while it is usually paranoia and not true at all, you will find it very difficult to turn off that worried side of your persona. Which is understandable, really, because as far as we can tell, everyone is out to get you.
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Gun crime is said to be rising around the country. Political statistics may become important for you this month, but the mystics will not be clear as to how. Watch out for bullet-shaped objects. Thinking and doing are two separate things. However, thinking about what you’re doing is always a good idea. Try to remember this when you’re trying to tie your shoelaces and stare at a friend’s crotch.
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The Profmil Group
Luxury Villa Sales and Holiday Rentals, Koh Samui, Thailand 12/45, Moo. 1, Tambon Maenam, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand 84330 M: +66 (0)872 722 244 (Sales) | M: +66 (0) 848 467 182 (Rentals) E: sales@profmil.com | E: rentals@profmil.com | W: www.profmil.com