C-holiday Magazine October 2009 by Nidori Group Co., Ltd.

October 2009

travel, lifestyle & community

Surfing

Without Sam the children of mercy We all have our price... whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s yours? Thai-ing the knot with sin sod

Life is either a great adventure or nothing at all LOCAL CONTENT -

ACTIVITIES PEOPLE Business DINING Tilting point SCENEs & Nightlife Bulletin Board

INSIDE the Local Community

- See page 23

Koh EditSamui ion - Fre e Copy

BREAKING NEWS

advertorial

NEWSLIVE

: Propert y

Foreign e

Alert!

As Seen on:

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

content

living the dream - You’ve waited your whole life for this flight, and now the time has come for you to take the ride of a lifetime!

The Land of Smiles

Culture & Design

16 incredible adventures inc.

The World Traveller

Padded Bums & Eco-Friendly Options -

Joining us will allow you to immerse yourself in the culture, eat with the locals, experience nature and wildlife, and witness some spectacular breathtaking scenery.

thai-ing the knot with sin sod -

The difference, my dear, is that this fortune isn’t a rock to be waved around on the finger of some femme fatale. This goes to family. Yachting

surfing without sam -

I left Samantha to her own forecast, whispering a “Be back soon Sam” as she lingered in her slumber the morning of my departure, and swinging my board under my arm I set out on my journey without her. Luxury Living

www.youwhores.com -

If you have an incredible imagination, the need for a unique task, or are looking for a good laugh, then check out this website. You might just be tempted to buy something.

Environment & Hope

the children of mercy - Telling anyone “I’m from the Slaughter House” marked you like an ugly tattoo: branded you forever. Teachers singled them out as what not to be.

Health & Self

Tranquil Beauty Really Can Change -

82% of women say they want to look good for their age. Every year, millions of patients from around the globe flock to some of the hottest medical tourism destinations.

from the slaughter house slums to samui

inside your community -

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.

Managing Director Editor in Chief Thai Language Editor Sales Director Bangkok Representative Bangkok Sales Executive Customer Service Graphic Design Accounting Distribution For magazine delivery call: ต้องการหนังสือเพิ่มเติม กรุณาติดต่อ:

Front Cover Photo by: © Lishinskiy | Dreamstime.com

the chronicles of sam stringer

LOCAL CONTENT

Rico Stapel - 08 6690 0444 - rico@c-publishing.com Glenn R. Wallis - 08 4331 4653 - glenn@c-publishing.com Kanyanad Chaitawat - 0 7742 2288 Ingmar Mier - 08 9589 9908 - ingmar@c-publishing.com Nathalie Gütermann - 08 7977 9477 - Info@Nathalies-Lifestyle.com Nantawan Prongnoy (Pern) - 08 9699 8405 Chonthira Saiwaew (Nim) - 08 5887 7414 - nim@c-publishing.com Chukiat Yantaboot (Two) - 0 7742 2288 - Two@c-publishing.com Punyanud Rattanaruang (Nud) - 0 7742 2288 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 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

editorial Happiness... is poking things with sticks. Although you might not like to admit it, you do feel the sudden urge to laugh if someone falls asleep beside you on an airplane, and just as their head starts to roll towards your shoulder, lips pursed into a drooling grin of slumber, you poke them with your plastic fork back into the world of the living. Holidays can become for many people one of the most stressful times of the year. After months of planning and even years of saving, the desire to have everything turn out just perfect can be a heavy burden when leaving the comfortable oasis of home. You hope that you haven’t forgotten anything sitting beside the front door or left beside the note for your neighbour, outlining the do’s and do not forgets of taking care of things while you are away. Editor in Chief You have carefully made your personal agendas to complete while on Glenn R. Wallis your journey, contacting the proprietors of each and every company you have made booking arrangements with. You have packed and double checked your clothes. You have included in your toiletries the magical ingredients you may need to keep you free of Montezuma’s Revenge (diarrhea) from eating just a few too many chillies in your quest for tasting new delicacies. You have your exchanged money, your passport, your map and your Lonely Planet guide. You have a separate carry along designed to keep you cosy during your flight with books to read and toothpaste to keep you from smelling like a jungle cat, deodorant and hairspray. You are thoroughly prepared. But when the hatch of your plane is opened into the unknown world to which you have made this long expedition, the typhoon that has settled into your new holiday destination will make all that you have prepared for obsolete. I can only suggest that if this happens to you, then find a stick and poke the pilot. Someone told me that the Monsoons were going to arrive early this year. I shouldn’t really tell you his name, but it was Frank. And from what I gather, he’s probably correct. So for your reading entertainment this month I thought that we should collectively give you something that will make you smile, as you sit in your villa or bamboo hut with the torrential rains gaining both height and momentum in their own travels through your holiday home. Not that I’m saying it will happen, but just in case. There are basically 8 principles to happiness, and out of the kindness of my heart I have listed them here for you to help you find the utmost joy during your holiday. 1. Stop hiding who you really are. 2. Start being intensely selfish. 3. Stop following the rules. 4. Start scaring yourself. 5. Stop taking it all so damn seriously. 6. Start getting rid of the crap. 7. Stop being busy. 8. Start looking under rocks. When do people perform best at any task, from sports to nuclear physics? When they’re relaxed and intent on what they’re doing, and more or less oblivious of everything else. When they’re having fun. So loosen up and enjoy your life! After all... that’s what holidays are all about. So whether it rains or not, whether you have left your favourite soap on a rope at home or the airline has simply confiscated it due to its internal mechanisms, and whether the coconut monkeys really are vicious or not, as you sit in the waiting room preparing yourself for an injection of the rabies vaccine, smile. We are about to take you on a journey that will make you want to start planning your next holiday with us. This month we take you back to your childhood dreams of what you always wanted to be when you grew up. We experience love through other people’s eyes, some of whom will have to pay a price for their bride and others who will hear wedding bells as they tumble from a surfboard. We experience the greatest adventures possible, and the greatest possibilities in adventure. You will witness the secrets and myths of dragons, and slaughter house kids who are given a gift of kindness from strangers. If you find yourself in need of a good laugh, travel to our Luxury Living section and find someone who will do things for you that you never thought were possible, although perhaps not all legal, or serious for that matter. If the rains really do come, then keep us near your side and delve into what people are saying and selling, and find out where the famous people are staying so that you can at least bask in a moment of their brilliance during a cloudy day. And if you wake up from your cosmetic surgery that we have suggested to you and the sun is happily shining upon the Kingdom of Thailand, then we wish you a speedy recovery so that you will enjoy shopping for a new and sexier bathing suit to show off at the beach. We have it all for you within these pages, from island cruises to ice-cream parlours and from the shores of Samui to the surf in Sumatra. Take time to look under rocks and explore the new world that lies waiting there. Allow yourself to encounter the wonders of being youthful once again. Don’t take the joy out of your life by being too serious when things don’t go as planned. Do like we do. Poke things with sticks! Enjoy.

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MY TOP 3 IN THIS EDITION Incredible adventures inc. Growing up is one of the most adventurous times of your life. Nothing is impossible, and the world is a magical paradise of possibilities. I always wanted to be an Astronaut, or a Fighter Pilot. Explore with me as I discover that we should never abandon our dreams! Page 8

When you marry a Thai “You’re going to do what?!” I hissed over the phone. I was catching up with a friend named Luke, a fellow expat from Bangkok. He was one of those modern suave types with mussed hair that always fell just so into his green eyes and a baritone voice made for radio. And now, of all things, he was suddenly talking marriage. Page 12

Surfing without sam Sam told me that he was about to go on a trip that he considered to be the “Pinnacle of his Existence.” But there was something even greater than this expedition that he had on his mind when he set out with his surfboard. Explore with Sam the beauty and power of nature, the solitude that we individually experience, and the moment when truth becomes the guiding light in your life. Surfing Without Sam is a journey that will resurface in you the exhilaration of falling in love. Page 16

poolRX...it really works

The Prescription for Every Pool, Spa and Water Feature • Reduces chemicals in your water by up to 75% • Eliminates bacteria, viruses and all kind of algeas • One of the only eco friendly systems that substantially saves money • Very easy to install - just drop it into your pump basket • Say goodbye to red stinging eyes, faded swimsuits and dry itchy skin • The softest, cleanest, clearest, healthiest water you have ever seen and felt

“I didn’t use any chemicals for more than 3 weeks and the pool still looks crystal clear, this is my all in one solution to eliminate all algae while reducing costs drastically.” Erdian Nova, Director of Engineering, Banyan Tree Phuket. “Our pool is the jewel of our property, and using PoolRx not only keeps the water clear and sparkling, but we’re saving a lot of money on pool maintenance by having to use much less chlorine and other chemicals.” Andy Tsavos, General Manager, Nikki Beach, Koh Samui. “My pool service tried just about every chemical there is for swimming pools to clear up the green, cloudy water of my home pool. When I put the PoolRx unit in my pool basket my water literally became crystal clear within hours, and has stayed that way! With less chlorine and clean, clear water, my entire family is now happily enjoying the pool again.” Paul Watson, Tropical Murphy’s, Koh Samui. “I rent my villa quite frequently, and renters seem to live in my pool. I used to hear from renters when the pool wasn’t as clean and clear as they would like, but I don’t get those calls anymore. I don’t know what you’re magic formula is, but whatever it is, it works!” Rob Newman, Owner of Villa Samprasada, Bophut, Koh Samui.

Check out our Website: www.PoolRxAsia.com for more testimonials and info on the PoolRx program.

PoolRx Asia

187/6 Moo1, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani,Thailand 84320 Office: +66 (0) 7742 5254 www.PoolRxAsia.com info@poolrxasia.com

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

WORLD TRAVELLER

Glenn R. Wallis

Living

Life is either an incredible adventure... or nothing at all

THE DREAM

For the first time ever, you can now pull out your credit card and buy a flight in a highperformance military jet, take a lesson on how to dog-fight, climb aboard a rocket ship and blast into outer-space, or dive with the most dangerous creatures of the deep. For many of us the fantasies of our youth have passed away, only to be experienced through documentaries, adventure novels, and other people’s eyes.

The time has come for you to live your dreams!

When you were still a child you were undoubtedly asked many times what you wanted to be when you grew up. Your answers most likely changed over the years, shifting with time as your experiences and your influences from movie stars and television heroes swayed your imaginings of adulthood. You may have dreamt of becoming an astronaut exploring space, or travelling beneath the surface of the waves as an underwater voyager, perhaps even a fighter pilot ruling the skies or a Special Ops Navy SEAL slinking through the jungles of Asia with Ninja-like stealth. Others of you may have pushed aside the sugarplums dancing in your head at Christmas time and requested from Santa Claus a racing car, or a replica assault rifle that the Covert Ops Agents use when rescuing prisoners of war from unfriendly countries. Some of you may have started climbing the walls, practicing to one day be the next Edmund Hillary and conquering Everest, or have even ventured beyond the summits, skydiving from the highest curtain rod in your living room. You played with your toy fighter planes, dog fighting your siblings and neighbour’s kids into submission. You wore your snorkel mask into the deep end of the pool where the strange, mythical creatures existed, and you liberated your friends from the perils of the sharks that lurked in those waters. You journeyed to the

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centre of the Earth in your dreams as a child, you rescued princesses, fought bad guys and you single-handedly won great wars. You stared danger in the face, and conquered the greatest challenges that any child could fathom. You were a hero, a heroine, a master of your destiny! And then you grew up... Today you find yourself at a desk or in an office, supervising a hardware store or establishing your long-term career as you ascend the corporate ladder into upper management. In your spare time you still collect fighter planes or rare coins from sunken treasures, you go to the races and the air shows, and you watch a good documentary on Great White Sharks whenever possible. And a car chase on TV really gets your endorphins pumping, as you privately plan using your new BMW to chase down and take out any vehicle breaking the speed limit in your neighbourhood. While your children sleep you carefully watch the strategy behind ‘the bumper push’ that the FBI and CIA use to halt a fugitive in a vehicle. Your age has changed, but your childhood visions of yourself and your adventures have remained with you. A select few of us have never grown up. And

within our Peter-Pan Syndrome we have held on to the hope that dreams can become realities. The more intelligent of us actually became Astronauts, joined the Military and developed into Special Ops Agents, or have set foot upon the highest peaks of this planet. For the rest of us there are the people behind Incredible Adventures, who are clever enough to know that the dreams of our youth will never die. They sought out the adventures, collected the professionals who have become experts in their unique fields, and have unified us to our flights of fancy by creating adventure holidays. Not only did they find a way to be able to experience our youthful fantasies of adventure, but they also paved the way for anyone to be able to live their dream. When I applied for the job in 1993, I figured the company would maybe last a year but figured it’d be a fun place to work. Little did I know that 16 years later, I’d still be here and writing the title ‘President’ behind my name. Why have we succeeded in this wild and wacky business? Maybe it’s because we don’t lie. We’ve built our reputation by delivering everything we promise and more. We’ve made it our mission to deliver the most incredible adventures available at the fairest possible price. ~ Jane Reifert

UPGRADE YOUR VACATION TO... HEART-RACING FUN Today, Incredible Adventures offers fighter jet flights in six countries, space adventures at Star City, four different great white shark dives, military adventures around the world, and much, much more. The company maintains a full-time staff in Sarasota and Moscow, as well as a worldwide network of really incredible people ready to help fulfil your adventure dreams. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve waited your whole life for this flight, and now the time has come to take the ride of a lifetime.

FACTS: INCREDIBLE ADVENTURES, INC. Email: info@incredible-adventures.com Phone: Toll Free: 800-644-7382 Or 941-346-2603 www.incredible-adventures.com

Land of Smiles

Christina Keawwantha

Padded Bums &

Eco-Friendly Options “Flying from one destination to another, taking overnight buses and trains serves a purpose of simply getting you from one location to the next. We offer an alternative eco-friendly option if you truly want to experience the land you have come to visit, to meet the local Thai people and see sights most tourists in Asia never see. If you want to get off the beaten track, then the best way in our opinion to do so is on two wheels, by bike.”

Our tour leader, and Managing Director of Amazing Bike Tours, James Hembrow, welcomed us all as he passed around a basket full of sweet sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves, and briefly outlined the plan for the next few days. I had signed up for the Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake Adventure, which would take us through the largest National Park area in Thailand on a 3 day and 2 night tour. The trip would cover 80 to 90 km of cycling, both on and off road, with a supporting minivan taking us between stops. Despite being a cycling tour, there was much more in store for us than just looking down at the spokes of our tires as we peddled through the diverse and mountainous terrain of Thailand. “Cycling is a good opportunity to see the culture,” explains James. “Many people come to Phuket, stay in their resort and see very little else of the area. Joining us and our experienced guides for a cycling tour in Thailand’s Phuket, Krabi and

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Phang Nga provinces will allow you to immerse yourself in the culture, eat with the locals, experience nature and wildlife and witness some spectacular breathtaking scenery.” Amazing Bike Tours was founded from a passion for travelling, visiting new places, meeting new people, escaping from the crowds, experiencing nature and most importantly, doing all of these things on two wheels. Our first stop along the way was in Khao Lak, where a police boat sits on patrol in a grassy field, 11/2 km inland, resting in the very same spot it was dumped by the colossal waves of the Tsunami in 2004. From here, it was a short journey in the minivan to our first cycling of the day. James and Khun Eui, our designated driver, began off-loading the bikes from the roof of the van as I squeezed myself into my old pair of padded-bum lycra cycling shorts; despite the fact

that these things are less than flattering, all but the toughest of butts will be wishing they had a pair by the second day, and for those who intend to partake in cycling trips, they are well worth the investment! We cycled down a quiet back-road before James led us on a short detour along a gentle off-road trail through rubber plantations and sandy tracks. When we emerged again onto the main road, it was a short ride to the historic town of Takuapa, where a delicious Thai lunch was served to replenish our energy levels. After lunch we were then transferred by minivan to a mountain road with sweeping views across Khao Sok National Park. From here, it was back on the bikes for the downhill ride into the park with a slightly more demanding off-road ride through the forest.

After a cool splash in the waterfall, it was time to make our way to the Jungle Cliff & River Lodge; a truly breath-taking resort, surrounded by soaring limestone cliffs. For those early morning risers, a quiet dip in the small pool up on the hill, gazing across the manicured gardens to the cragged cliffs shrouded in mist, is not to be missed. We continued north on day 2 of our trip, cycling along the road to a local temple to feed the fish, gaining merit and good luck for the next leg of the tour. An easy ride along the ‘gently undulating’ road brought us to the small town of Takhun for lunch, before we continued to Rajjaphapa Dam and Cheow Lan Lake. This brought an end to the cycling, but by no means was it the end of the tour. We loaded the bikes onto a Longtail boat, and our very knowledgeable boatman Khun Kit, ferried us over to the Putawan floating bamboo bungalows. Our accommodation on this second night may have been somewhat simpler and less refined than our first night’s lodgings; however, what it lacked in amenities, it more than made up for in setting.

full moon setting over the island in front of our huts, meeting the sun half way as it rose above the tranquil water. After breakfast, it was all aboard the Longtail for a morning of jungle trekking, bamboo rafting and caving – an amazing last outing on a truly amazing tour.

As the evening light began to fade, we jumped back in the Longtail for Khun Kit to take us out on a sunset monkey-spotting expedition, and thanks to his well trained ears and eyes, we saw plenty of swinging in the trees above.

If you are looking for more Adventure Tours or certification courses then look no further. The team at Amazing Bike Tours can use their passion for Adventure Sports and their knowledge of Thailand to find exactly what you are looking for, and add it your Adventure Holiday program. Expeditions and day trips ranging from Sea Kayaking, Kite Surfing, Rock Climbing, White Water Rafting to Scuba Diving and Siam Safaris are all part of Amazing Bike Tours excursions.

I was awake well before dawn again the next day, and was treated to the glorious sight of the

“The idea behind our trips is to travel at a pace that allows you to see the sights you came to see.”

Once we had dumped our bags in our little huts, we literally, stepped out the door and jumped straight into the lake to cool off.

FACT BOX

Amazing Bike Tours Tel: 08 7263 2031 Email: info@amazingbiketoursthailand.asia Web: www.amazingbiketoursthailand.com

MAKE THAILAND AN ENCOUNTER AND A JOURNEY, NOT JUST A HOLIDAY

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Culture & Design

Nina-Noelle Hall

Thai - ing the Knot with

SIN SOD

“You’re going to do what?!” I hissed over the phone. I was catching up with a friend named Luke (pronounced ‘Luuuuke’ in his thick French accent), a fellow expat from Bangkok. He was one of those modern suave types with mussed hair that always fell just so into his green eyes and a baritone voice made for radio. Only he wasn’t in radio; he preferred to show off his showbiz voice in Nana Plaza, soi 8. And now, of all things, he was suddenly talking marriage.

“Oui, oui, chérie, it is just how they do here in Thailand,” Luke assured me with that velvety voice of his. “It’s called Sin Sin or something devilishly clever like that.” Luke spent an amount of time in London, and now his native, rolling accent is punctuated with the British argot of a prep schoolboy. From what Luke had just been telling me, it certainly sounded like a sin – a sin sin, really. But actually, it’s called Sin Sod (or Sin Sot), and it refers to the Thai custom where the groom-to-be pays the family in cash, gold, sometimes cattle and often cars – it’s a dowry of sorts. But the way Luke first explained it to me, it didn’t sound quite so conventional: “She’s asked me to pay her family before we marry. It comes out to quite a penny, really,” he admitted in slow, staccato articulation – he meant to say “quite a pretty penny.” And when I finally cajoled the exact amount out of him, he admitted shyly, “Well, she asks for 250,000 baht.” That was when I

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freaked (as per the first paragraph). And when my shrill hiss fizzled to a silent gasp, he added, “And a car.” Between nearly hyperventilating and attempting to calculate the baht-US dollar conversion of this fortune, I couldn’t understand: “You’re going to buy your wife?!” I shrieked into the phone, cutting off his lulling accent with my nasally, American one. “Why don’t you just flip through a catalogue and buy a bride by mail order?” The sarcasm dripped, but sometimes that humour doesn’t flow across the American-French cultural gap (more like a chasm). “Non, non, non, darling,” he chided me. “I know I make fun, but en fait this is real. And she is my one, my love. If this is what she needs so we can be together, then ok. For her, I do it. For her, I would pay ten times that.” I sighed in signal of defeat. He hadn’t persuaded me in his pursuit, but if there is one thing I know about cultural

differences it is never to cross a Frenchman on his quest for romance. So, I made some poor excuse that ohmygodmy-phone-is-almost-out-of-minutes-lemme-callyou-later-kiss-kiss-bye! And I hopped on my handy laptop to Wiki “Sin Sod” (meaning to look up the phrase on Wikipedia.com). The first entry on the search result page: Bride Price, a loose translation. “Harrumph,” was my snotty, I-told-you-so reaction. But I read on: “The most commonly stated rationale for the bride price in Thailand is that it allows the groom to demonstrate that he has enough financial resources to support the bride (and possibly her family) after the wedding. In many cases, especially when the amount is large, the parents of a Thai bride will return all or part of the bride price to the couple in the form of a wedding gift.” Ok, so perhaps my initial outraged, feminist reaction was premature if – and I stress if – it’s all

just a formal show for the family to feel satisfied that the future husband can, in fact, take care of daddy’s little girl. Even I, a “culture-less” American (as Luke would accuse), can appreciate the tradition of demonstrating financial security and familial veneration. But on ThaiVisa.com, my next cyber stop, a forum member named Tomissan related the real life reality: “You [the husband-to-be] are replacing the labour she would have contributed to the family wealth,” says Tomissan of Sin Sod. “But for more than 20 years, I’ve been to many wedding ceremonies…and only once did I hear of the bride’s parents giving some of the Sin Sod back to the groom.” Well then, for the THB250, 000 Luke is putting up, she better be one helluva farm girl. Eddie, an avid blogger on Stickman’s Guide to Bangkok and the author of “Sin Sot – To Pay or Not to Pay” was a bit more vocal: “Of course the simple answer is a definite NO!” he writes in all caps to answer the article’s titled question. “But it’s not that easy. How can you say absolutely no Sin Sod when you have fallen in love with your special Thai angel? Well, first you MUST separate your heart and your ‘little head’ from your brain long enough to think clearly.” This seemed like firsthand advice that might be pertinent to my poor, love stricken friend Luke (who, as the old joke goes, can only think with one head at a time). I tracked down Eddie by email for more. When I told him about Luke’s situation, Eddie responded immediately: “Tell him to get medical help. I don’t

mean to sound pessimistic,” he continues. “I do have friends who have successful relationships with Thai women, but tell him to go slowly... or she will take all she can get. And know that when he marries the girl, she’ll come with a family that means everything to her, which in most cases he will now be responsible for as the rich Farang.” Eddie goes on to explain that Sin Sod has some delicate intricacies, such as a girl’s worth. According to Wikipedia, this worth or ‘bride price’ can range from nothing to ten million baht. The mounting price factors include her education, social status, grooming and, of course, beauty; while the negating factors include kids, divorce or premarital relations with numerous men. I hate the idea of negotiating someone’s worth, but I’m thinking Luke could save his pretty pennies since his ‘special angel’ worked in Nana Plaza before he swept her off her small feet with a flick of his hair and French accent. So, I sally up and call him back. “Luke, babes, I’ve done some research on this Sin Sod business,” I breath briskly into the phone. “And I’m wondering if you should think about maybe negotiating the price a little?” I’m about to breeze into my rehearsed reasoning when Luke cuts me off short: “And, my petite chérie, tell me first: what is the difference between this Sin Sin and buying a girl a diamond ring with – what is it now? – one-fourth’s a man’s annual salary and a contract to your bank account? The difference, my dear, is that this fortune isn’t a rock to be waved around on the finger of some femme fatale. This goes to family.” Huh. Good point.

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Yachting

sam stringer

Surfing without Sam From the Chronicles of Sam Stringer I HAD SAMANTHA ON MY MIND

It took eight months of planning with four of my closest Mates. Despite the fact that we were spread out across the southern hemisphere, the distance between us proved incapable of restraining the limits of friendship we shared. Our unanimous passion for the rhythmic yet unpredictable swells of moving water that race across the oceans had called out to us once again in our isolation, pleading to rejoin us in what would prove to be the trip of a lifetime. All the while, thoughts of Samantha drifted gently upon the waves of my mind.

After much discussion we agreed on Pulau Nias (Nias Island). Situated 140 kilometres west of Northern Sumatra this unique spot guaranteed consistent, undiscovered world-class waves. Along with Nias, the nearby Hinako Islands promised additional topical deserted beaches, small local communities and most importantly to the five of us, perfect and powerful surf. We concluded that this journey would span the course of 3 weeks and came to a decision that we would need a boat to explore the region to uncover the best surfing spots imaginable. We tracked down the renowned Captain Pete Tomolowicz of SurfAndamans.com, an extremely relaxed Aussie with a 35 foot catamaran named Karua, perfecting our mental image of the trip that would become ‘the pinnacle of our existence!’ As with any well anticipated event, the build up was almost unbearable. In the final weeks I found myself waking at random hours of the night from dreams of those perfect breakers. I left Samantha to her own forecast, whispering a “Be back soon Sam” as she lingered in her slumber the morning of my departure, and swinging my board under my arm I set out on my journey. Finally after 3 days of dragging surfboards through various airports, bribing officials to allow them on planes, reuniting with the boys and enduring mosquito infested nights beside

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Mosques in cheap accommodations, we arrived on Nias at midday and enlisted with Captain Pete. He informed us it was an 8 hour journey to the west side of the island where the surf hits, which meant to our dismay that we would probably not be surfing that day. Nonetheless, practically bursting with excitement we boarded the yacht and as we headed out of the bay, all eyes were fixed on the ocean, searching for that first flawless barrel. Karua was in the finishing stages of a rebuild that Captain Pete had undertaken himself. She was very basic, catering to the budget traveller and not the posh and genteel voyager. But we had employed her to find us waves to surf, and that was what she was known to do best. The Karua boasted a small well-equipped kitchen and a couple of bunks in the hulls, a low crouching roof over the middle section for protection against the rain and wind, with nets stretched between the decks at the bow and stern for daydreaming and some relief from the elements for solid reading time. The toilet came as a bit of a surprise however, with a couple of slats pulled up on the deck to squat over as you were sailing. A small inboard motor propelled us along most of the time, resting only when the wind was strong enough for us to sail. I had known my four companions for over a

decade, and the basic conditions didn’t fuss us at all. The size of the boat on the other hand, did mean that regardless of where you were you were never more than a few metres from the others. Private time was going to be pretty much non-existent! Although we are all Aussies, we had come from different parts of the world to get here. One was from Oman, another from South America, two from Australia and I had come from Koh Samui in Thailand. There were lots of stories to share and catching up to be done, the 8 hour sail painlessly slipping away as we all knew we would be getting wet soon! They spoke of their conquests, their journeys and their dreams. I spoke to them of my life with Sam. As the sun dipped into the ocean on one side of Karua and the palm trees grew at ease on the other, we sat together chatting and admiring the beautiful sunset when waves started to appear, breaking on the reef ahead. We unheedingly raced to our gear, waxing up and putting fins into our board bags as quickly as possible. Pete shouted out to us as we scampered about, “No one has surfed this spot before! Go steady!” as the sun had set and twilight was chasing the remaining light fast away. We jumped from the still moving yacht into the darkening water, hooting and grinning together. The Karua had brought us into the midst of the adventure we had been waiting for, the water rising above our heads and crashing in long rolling undulations into the night before us. There is something enchanting about the ocean; it has the ability to heal, to clear your head and to make you feel first-rate. It unethically draws you back to it like a nagging yet comfortable addiction. And it induces you to think about the things that mean the most. That evening we surfed well into the night with the waves looming in front of us like black walls, illuminated by only the light from the stars. Floating there in the ocean, the Karua in the distance posing like a tropical postcard, my mates drifting silently nearby, Sam entered my vision once again, dancing like a desert mirage

upon the star speckled waters that surrounded me. I somehow knew that she would be there with me during this poignant journey. I waited out the next wave, just to spend a moment with her. During the next few days we rolled off the boat just before dawn, surfed, ate, surfed and slept. We rode on waves that broke over coral reefs so crystal clear that while standing on our boards we could look down and see the living rocks we dangerously brushed against, and the exotic marine life teaming in schools with sharks waiting for them or us to be severed from the safety of our groups. Captain Pete often sailed at night to deposit us onto new waves by morning, our days blending into one another. We were suddenly at the half-way point, low on food and rationed on water. (Future note to Karua Surfers...don’t bother trying to cook noodles in beer). Captain Pete decided that before we try any further preposterous cooking methods that we should head to one of the many islands to re-stock, and we dropped anchor in Pulau Asu a few hours later, a striking little island with a small fishing community. The next morning the forecast showed the swells we had been chasing had dropped right off, so we decided that this would be an opportunity to go and explore another small island we had seen the day before. After stocking up with the indigenous supplies available; two minute noodles and some chocolate, we set off under sail. Thankfully the boys had collected a stockpile of coconuts while on shore, and having come from the island of coconuts, I offered my wisdom in showing them how to open them. The second skilled hack of the machete resulted in the blade flying out of my hand and straight over the side. I was tried and condemned to 4 hours in the dinghy, floating listlessly out behind the Karua! Banished to solitude at last, I envisioned Samantha and I, stranded on our own island encircled by coconuts... wondering if she too would exile me. We surfed again the next morning and every day after that, experiencing perfect Indonesian barrels one after another. We were hungry and thirsty, but thanks to Captain Pete and his knowledge of this part of the world, we had accomplished what we had come for. Alone on the waves my focus was in the moment. Alone in the water after an outrageous ride my thoughts drifted with the rolling waves that carried me along, and onto Samantha. After 3 weeks on a boat, I had had the opportunity to reflect on my brief existence, and sharing in the beauty and power of nature it churned up inside me the decisions that I would make about the moments that lay ahead of me. Our society puts pressure on us to strive for success and achieve, always waiting for that little bit more before we are ‘happy’. It can make us tense from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep. Sometimes a trip away or a situation such as this can make you slow down, think, stop, open your mind and widen your perspective. Look at the bigger picture and appreciate the ‘Now.’ This journey, this excursion into unknown waters, living the dream and surfing with Sam always on my mind, I will cherish as a stepping stone into my future. I know that I don’t want to wait to be happy. I’ll be going back to Indonesia next year. I’ve told Pete to book me in. But first... I will ask Sam to be my wife.

www.SurfAndamans.com PHUKET PETE TOMOLOWICZ E-mail: peter@surfandamans.com Mobile: +66 (0) 8 4443 5845 AUSTRALIA MATT HILLARD Mobile: +61 421 755978

Luxury Living

Glenn R. Wallis

We all have our price.

What’s yours?

Buy...Me www.youwhores.com Have you ever wondered what it would cost to have someone follow you around and tell the world what a wonderful person you are? How about getting someone to call up your ex-lover and tell them how incredible you are in bed? And what is the price to have someone who doesn’t know you in the least stand up and speak about the stunning exploits you achieved during your lifetime, at your funeral? If you have the luxury of having a few extra Euros, Baht or Dollars in your pocket, and really don’t have a friend in the world to help boost your ego, you can buy one. If you really dislike washing windows and would like someone to solve your problem for you eternally, then you can hire someone. And if you think that there should be a monument built in your profile, then www.YouWhores.com has got just the person for you. Stated on the Notice Page is the fact that You Whores is not a porn site – the “whoring” being referred to is the prostitution of one’s talents and services to anyone with the cash to spend. And if you have an incredible imagination, the need for a unique task, or are looking for a good laugh, then check out this website. You might just be tempted to buy something.

Imaginary Girlfriend

For $40 a month I will send you an email everyday letting you know how much I love you, and miss you. We can chat online a few times a week. You can let me know all about yourself and what you like and dislike, helping your friends think this is the real deal. For additional charges, I can even call you on your cell phone when you wish me to. Have a girlfriend you can dump whenever or yell at whenever you wish, no matter what you say I’ll always come back for more. I am pretty flexible on what we can do. Email me if interested. B. orangesodapizza@yahoo.com United States of America

Cry your name

I orgasm every night at 7.30pm GMT. Pay me $50 and your name will be the one I cry out (so loud the neighbours will complain). Reserve your place on the list by sending me your name. And the money, honey. Danger Boi biginjapan36@yahoo.co.uk Japan

Say Nice Things about You at Your Funeral

Worried that the day to mark your passing is going to be an Eleanor Rigby type affair? Fear not, for 20% of your estate (or £1000, whichever the greater) plus travel and overnight accommodation expenses, I will pretend to have known you, deliver a stirring eulogy, and then get drunk at your wake. Applicants must supply either an annually updated biography (1 page max) or a link to their blog. Dave Read mail@monkeymagic.vcisp.net United Kingdom

Guaranteed haunting

Send me £5 and I guarantee to scare the living sh*t out of you after my demise. Betamax pointeblank@tiscali.co.uk United Kingdom

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Hunt anyone down...

For $5 million US, (plus reasonable expenses), I will hunt and bring you, dead or alive, any person. I will fight my way down to Hell and back, and even visit parts of New Jersey, if necessary to complete the mission successfully. A lover who jilted you, double-crossing business partner, terrorist national or just someone who pissed you off, it makes no difference. There is NO place they can hide. 25% deposit mandatory and non-negotiable... TNM janissary2067@hotmail.com United States of America

Will make your EX-lover jealous!

For £69 + Meal, I will accompany you anywhere that you require – to an event or party where you know your EX-LOVER WILL SEE US TOGETHER. Kissing and holding hands is included in the price, but a nice grope will cost you an extra £20. If you order NOW! I will throw in the Bonus activity of meeting your parents and pretending that we are happily involved. No Canadians please! MAIL ME. Ernest Hemingway learntoescape1982@hotmail.com United Kingdom

A mile in your shoes.

For exactly $50.00 USD plus the price of shipping, I will walk exactly 1 mile (~1.6 kilometres) in your shoes. After establishing e-mail contact, you will package and ship your shoes and a money order in the amount of $50.00 plus the price of return shipping to the address I will give you. When I receive your shoes, I will walk exactly one mile in them. I will make a video document of myself walking one mile in your shoes. I will then write a one-paged (single-spaced, 12 pt. font) essay on what it was like to walk in your shoes. Upon completion, I will package and ship your shoes, a CD containing a digital copy of the video, and the essay to the return address from the original package. Loki hauptbeuteltier@yahoo.com United States of America

Shout insults at America

Yes, due to my close proximity to the U.S.A., I will stand on a hill, and shout insults at the country in general. Left to my own devices, they would usually take the form of political slurs, calling them the greatest threat to world peace, mindless overconsumers, and generally call into question their choice of leaders. This I would gladly do for the bargain price of $1.00 Can. per insult. Specific insults, of a non-threatening nature can be negotiated. Art artsfarts101@yahoo.ca Canada

Tired of cleaning windows??

For $50 I’ll come over to your house, apartment or raggedy ass trailer and break every last one of those time consuming dirt magnets. I’ll kick, punch, throw things, head butt, and/or shoot said windows and take my patented shatter stick and knock every shard of glass from around the frame leaving nothing but crisp clean air to block your view outside. I do not pick up the removed window pieces from inside and outside your house. Contact me now and make an appointment!! J theriot5000000@yahoo.com United States of America

STALKER FOR RENT!

For the reasonable price of €25 per mile (for vacations travel expenses required) I will stalk you from your house to the supermarket, from school to work, where ever you go I will be following you in the shadows and watch you sleep, it will cost extra if you desire physical attacks, breaking and entering and cutting locks of hair while you sleep, constantly ringing you up and breathing in the phone and saying creepy things ONLY €5 extra! Hurry quickly because this is a limited time offer! My services are much desired! That guy you see on the street nits112@hotmail,com Ireland

Excuse to wife

For $5 you can use me as an excuse to your spouse. I’ll admit to anything and send an email apologizing for my bad behaviour and that it was all my idea and you were not at fault or you were with me that night. For $25 I’ll telephone. Dave jellohasmeat@eudoramail.com United States of America

Become A GOD!

For the relatively small expenditure of £1,499,999.99 I will erect an elaborate shrine to YOU! (And any friends/family who you wish to be lesser Deities). WORSHIP will be held twice daily in a FAITHFUL manner. We shall endeavour to extend our belief in YOURSELF as far as possible and any additional “God-sends” would be gratefully received. PAYMENT can be spread over 200 Monthly instalments of 8,000. We look forward to your deposit of £10,000 and remember: We BELIEVE in YOU! S.J.P. s_j_powermarine@msn.com United Kingdom

Help you fake your death

Sick of your life? Sick of your friends/debts/job/ family? Want a brand new start somewhere else? For the low price of 20,000 Euros I will help you fake your death, any way you want. Scubadiving accident, hobo-stabbing accident, car accident, choking on a pretzel. I will even marry you beforehand and collect on your life insurance money afterwards, as long as I get to keep 25% of the money. Mk MKL2718@gmail.com France

Guaranteed Anger!

Pay $5 into my PayPal account and I will send you an email that will make you VERY angry!!! Gonzo gonzo@gaiabodyart.co.uk United Kingdom

You See? We all have our price.

October at Kamalaya... “feel life´s potential” Oct 4

6-7 pm THB 300/guest

Until Oct 5 For the first time in Asia and exclusively at Kamalaya Dr. Turner is offering his non-invasive thyroid function test to diagnose sub-clinical under-active thryroid conditions. Oct 5-17 Oct 5, 6.30 pm complimentary introduction. Diana’s Body Tuning Yoga carefully breaks down classic yoga asanas, while her Coming Home transpersonal work combines modern therapeutics and healing traditions. Oct 18

6-7 pm THB 300/guest

Oct 25-30 Leela & Frank help us to go beyond daily struggle, experiencing life as a nourishing flow and realizing that the idea of reaching our maximum potential is realistic if we simply say “yes”, and go for it! Oct 31–Nov 1 Kamalaya co-founders John & Karina Stewart lead this workshop based on the principle that a balance of body, mind, emotion and spirit is the birthright of every individual, and attainment of this balance becomes a horizon without limits.

We are happy to welcome you soon. Please call 077 429 800 for reservations and enquiries.

info@kamalaya.com I www.kamalaya.com

Environment & Hope

Glenn R. Wallis

THE CHILDREN Of MERCY

When the hands of two independent charity organizations embrace from across the Kingdom of Thailand, the only sound that will be heard is that of children muffling their squeals of joy. Mercy Centre is a shelter for street kids, four orphanages, a hospice, a home for mothers and children with HIV/AIDS, a 400-pupil kindergarten, a community meeting place, and a serene haven in the slums with small gardens and playgrounds.

Koh Samui is an island in the Gulf of Siam, hosting more than a million tourists annually, sporting a diverse culture of educated and fortunate people who have succeeded in life, a serene haven in a tropical paradise surrounded by gardens and a playground for the rich and famous.

The parishioners lived and worked in the slaughterhouse of Klong Toey, Bangkok’s largest slum community. Sr. Maria came daily from her Convent and began teaching Catechism to the Catholic children. She actually taught the children where they played… in a seldom-used holding pen for pigs.

DO YOU KNOW THE CHILDREN OF MERCY?

In 1973 Slaughter House kids did not go to school, and the few who did failed dismally and dropped out. The one or two schools available begrudgingly took them in. Teachers singled them out as what not to be.

“The Human Development Foundation (Mercy Centre) began on an early morning in 1973, as it has every day since – with a daily walk in the slum neighbourhoods. Father Joe and Sister Maria saying good morning to all their neighbours. How are you today? Do you have any food for breakfast? Is there anything we can do to help? Fr. Joe was the Parish Priest for the Catholics who butchered the pigs.

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Telling anyone “I’m from the Slaughter House” marked you like an ugly tattoo: branded you forever. You couldn’t go to school or get a real job. Butchering pigs, washing entrails, frying down pork fat into lard… these were the choices.

Sr. Maria and Fr. Joe turned a one-room shack into a one-baht-per-day preschool for every child in the Slaughter House, children of all religions. No child was turned away. Thus (without saying so or calling itself anything) began The Human Development Foundation. Now, today in 2009, there are twenty-six Mercy Kindergartens with over 3,600 slum children going to school. Alumni of the first Slaughter House kindergarten are teachers, executive secretaries, nurses, two lawyers, taxi drivers, and butchers. Many are now married with their own children attending proper schools. Dead-end, throw-away slaughter house kids no longer.” From Amanda www.mercycentre.org The Rotary Club of Koh Samui, although a great distance away from the slums of Bangkok, has

taken under their wings the children of Mercy Centre in a way that holds a special place in the hearts of those who live there. And despite the fact that this act can only hold fast for a few moments in the lives of these children, the hopes of a better life are reinforced by this undertaking. On Wednesday December 9th of this year, 30 or so children will be hustled onto a private bus in Bangkok right around their bedtime, and will make the overnight journey to the island that they have only dreamed about. Some will sleep during the long expedition, and some will watch in disbelief as the slums fall far behind them and into the night. There are a few that will make the voyage, arriving on our shores bedraggled and wearisome, who have been here before. And then there are those who have never seen the ocean, never felt sand squeeze between their toes, and many who had never thought that they would ever escape from the sadness they feel has become the course of their brief lives. For 3 short days that we hope will last an eternity in their minds, these children from Mercy Centre will be given the proverbial keys to our little piece of the Kingdom, and with the support of a community that has generously put aside their own lives, these children will be set free to indulge in a holiday that may be both the first and the last for some of them. The weekend is hosted through the Rotary Club and created by individuals and businesses on the island such as Baan Taling Ngam Resort and Spa, who are housing the children and staff, providing both accommodation and breakfast for free, for the second year running. Fundraising efforts are still in the works, as the expenses have not been fully covered to date. One of the main areas of fundraising is for the

travel, where 70,000 THB is required to cover the costs of the minibuses, petrol and ferry fees. Seatran kindly sponsored the children’s ferry fares in past years. The Rotary Club of Koh Samui is aiming to raise part, or all of the funds, by initiating a program called ‘Sponsor a Child to Koh Samui’, where participants are asked to donate 2,000 THB to sponsor a child and bring them to the island. The good news is that even though the fundraiser has only just been launched, they have already received donations from Poppies, Stuart and Andrea George, Adele and Wally Smith, Thai Artisan and one gentleman who wishes to remain anonymous. Three fun-filled days of activities are planned for the children, including an ice cream party at the soon to open Scoops in Lamai (Opening on December 1st 2009), Lunch and Clowns at Shamrock and a night of food, party and entertainment at Tropical Murphy’s. Donations of cash for Christmas presents have also started to roll in, Christian and the Clark family from the UK has already donated, but the Rotary still needs to raise another 8,000THB to buy a small present for each and every child. Anything that remains left over from the weekend, cash, treats,

sweets or toys, goes back to the Mercy Centre when the children leave. It is the ultimate goal to buy a bundle of games to send back for those remaining behind in Bangkok, who could not make the journey. During their stay the children are given a couple of brightly colored and beautifully designed t-shirts to wear, giving them a gift to remember these fortunate days when they are back in the slaughter house. So if you see them running about, swimming in the pool at your exclusive resort, or simply standing still on the beach and gazing out across the gulf bewildered that life can be so wonderful, cast them a smile or a wave, and be a part of welcoming them to one of the greatest places on this planet. Don’t worry about them invading your private getaway; they won’t be here for long. And they have promised not to pee in the pool! The children take great pride in presenting a show to everyone on one of the party nights and sponsors are invited to come along and enjoy it. Word on the street is that Father Joe will be here as well, and there is always a surprise that is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face…. and perhaps even a tear or two.

If you would like to aid in supporting this weekend, donate your time, money, facility or an ever needed helping hand, please contact: The Rotary Club of Koh Samui (ROCKS) info@rotarysamui.org

Adele Smith - rockstreasurer@rotarysamui.org Telephone: 08 9725 6795 Peter Breaks - rockssecretary@rotarysamui.org Telephone: 08 1415 8112

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Health & Self

sharlie baker

Tranquil Beauty Really Can Change

82% of women say they want to look good for their age

Every year, millions of patients from around the globe flock to some of the hottest medical tourism destinations in order to receive five-star treatment at unbelievable prices. Experts predict that by 2012, medical tourism will grow to be a $100 billion business with more than 780,000,000 patients travelling abroad to receive care from foreign doctors, dentists, and hospitals. These impressive figures don’t necessarily include the growing alternative healing sector either. With wellness spas and Ayurvedic healing on the rise, medical tourism is clearly a global phenomenon that is taking those in need of body reformations on holiday.

Having the choice…

Step 3 Bookings

Whether male or female, follow the Tranquil Beauty Change 4 easy step pathway to freedom of choice, and pick from the many packages available. COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE BODY CONTOURING BREAST SURGERY

GENDER RE-ASSIGNMENT

It’s this easy...One step at a time…

Step1

Consultation

ranquil Beauty Changes + Financing and Travel provide a service for men and women seeking personal transformations through plastic surgery. Their professional consultants estimate prices for surgery, flights, resort travel and accommodation to Phuket, aiming to help people change their lives using the benefits of plastic surgery at a lower cost, all while enjoying a much needed holiday, abroad and in the sun. Perhaps you have some loose sagging skin after losing a lot of weight, either from a pregnancy or from working out in the gym. Body Contouring Surgery may be your next step in achieving the new body you want, or maybe a face lift (Rhytidectomy). The usual candidates are men and women over the age of 40 who wish for a facial profile that is more youthful and the fine lines of the passing years visibly less transparent. Sagging facial skin and jowls, and loose neck skin are among the main complaints that can be corrected with a face lift.

 Procedures determined  Paperwork filled and pictures taken  Package determined  Diamond Pathway  Platinum Pathway  Gold Pathway  Build Your Own  Communicate via phone, e-mail or in person.  At all times a consultant will be available to assist you with your Tranquil Beauty Change.

Focus on Yourself…

Step 2 Quotes

 All information from the consultation is sent off to Phuket International Hospital for pricing. Pricing from the hospital is firm for 30 days.  Depending on the package you chose Tranquil Beauty Changes + consultants will work out and estimate price for travel, accommodation for your desired dates. These prices may vary depending on when you submit the booking form for booking the trip.

 Now it is time to schedule your procedure. Depending on the package you have chosen Tranquil Beauty Changes + will make all necessary arrangements for you. You will also pay the non-refundable booking fee to Tranquil Beauty Changes + at this time.

Bon Voyage…

Step 4

Now you are off for your transformation …and while you’re in hospital book your loved ones in for a full health check up! International experts recommend a health check up every three years for individuals under age 40; every two years between 40 and 50; and annually after age 50. The check up programs have been designed specifically by Phuket International Hospital for foreigners, and they have used the recommendations from various international authorities to develop their programs. PHUKET INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALS PROGRAMS AIM TO: Target, reduce and eliminate health risks Discover potential health problems Promote wellness; and Facilitate prompt, expert and compassionate treatment of injuries and diseases. Each of the programs is flexible where you can add additional tests and examinations, depending on your needs and requirements. If you are unsure about what program or tests are suitable for you, please ask your attending doctor or one of the staff. Find out more by visiting their website www.tranquilbeautychanges.com Or call 61 (0)4 0315 8672 to arrange a private consultation.

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

Volunteerism

Cleanup Day at Koh Wao National Marine Park On Thursday, the 17th of September the M/V Seastar headed out to the National Marine Park for a local Cleanup Day in contribution to ‘The International Cleanup Day’. Even the weather gods and Neptune were in a perfect moods and treated us with a sunny day and calm seas. First we went for a fun dive to get all the divers in the right mood, and also so the snorkelers had the chance to get used to the awkward gear and

ready for action. We then headed to Koh Wao, a beautiful lime stone island with a sheltered shallow bay, often used by local fishing boats to seek shelter from rough seas. Currents and waves also carry quite a bit of debris to this bay, so there were a great deal of items for us to remove. 20 divers and 5 snorkelers got all set up with mesh bags to collect plastics, containers and plenty of

Land for Sale - laem Sor electric 400 meters easy to connect to. This is an up and coming area with many houses that have been built nearby in the last few years. 1.5 kilometers from the beach in Baan Thongkrut, a beautiful picturesque fishing village looking out to Koh Tan. You will not find any other land in this area at this price guaranteed. This land must be sold. Full land tile Chanote Please contact Roy 08 4851 9798 Email:royfishermansvillage@gmail.com

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,

Marita from the Easy Divers Team www.easydivers.com

Celebrations

Happy Birthday Khun Tum On September 14th, Khun Tum Duangkamon, MD of Emotive Business, Solutions for Business Growth www.emotivebusiness.com celebrated with friends and customers the dawning of another year. Her Birthday party was full of fun, chatting and enlightened with a sumptuous buffet prepared and served by Dr. Frog’s. The place was perfectly decorated for her business colour motif, green accentuated with white and green balloon designs.

Books

property

2 Rai plot: 2 million baht Size of land 3200 square meters 1 million a Rai, a third of the price of land in the same area: government

bottles and food wrappers stuck between the colorful corals, and lying on the sandy floor. Participants were very enthusiastic since the one who collected the most items would be the winner of the day, and would receive a dive or snorkeling trip for free. The pretty shallow dive site made it easy for the snorkelers and also for divers to ascent once their bags got too heavy. One of our Divemasters was cruising along by kayak to assist divers and snorkelers with their bags. Back on board, we collected data and found our lucky winner – Renate Lingen, a snorkeler who managed to remove some awkward kind of fishing trap floating at the surface. Many plastic bags, containers and rope were entangled in the trap – it was the biggest item removed. All volunteers were very happy to receive their certificates of participation and their stickers – we all had a great and successful day. We are looking forward to our cleanup event, taking place in April 2010 in contribution for Dive Into Earth Day ;)

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

Nathon Bookshop Caters to Tourist Diversity

Community services

The Sea Samui Donates

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. And if they don’t have it, don’t be afraid to ask, they will take the time to find it for you! Trade in your used books or buy yourself a new one today.

The President of The Sea Samui, Dr. Pranee Phaoenchoke and MD Mr. Wuttichai Phaoenchoke, on the 18th of September presented a donation of 24,000THB to The Director of Wat Laem Hoi School, Mr. Jumras Kao-UThai. The donation was granted to be included in the kitty for the Lunch and Education Aid for Wat Laem Hoi School.

Classified

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 October LUNCHEON Wednesday, 2st of October 2009 at Dr Frogs Bar & Grill from 12 noon onwards. Please confirm your reservation and dietary needs to Sue at sistersonsamui@gmail.com or 0 7742 2419 by October 19th

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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 Classified

Looking for Teachers

rescue ME!!!

ZITA

My Mum was brought to the DRCS after she was hit by a car. Thankfully it wasn’t too bad and shortly after, my 4 brothers and I were born in the puppy house at the DRCS. 0 7741 3490 Of course it didn’t take long for my brothers to get adopted, not many people ask for females. I am having a good life at the DRCS together with all my lovely playmates, but I will always dream of my own house and family!

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

Classified

BEAUTIFUL BOAT FOR CHARTER

Schools 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

Environmental cares

Brunch that includes a whole range of traditional breakfast specialties such as freshly baked pastries, hand rolled sushi, omelette stations, pasta stations, and carving stations. Part of the Nikki Beach style includes a complimentary glass of champagne and a weekly specialty station featuring alternating tastes of national culinary dishes. Andy Tsavos, Nikki Beach Koh Samui General Manager, “Nikki Beach is of course all about providing our guests with exactly what they crave, and doing it in style. Our new Sunday Brunch offer does this and more.”

The sexiest place on Earth

Nikki Beach Koh Samui adds signature style to Sunday brunch Maintaining its reputation as the place for the best of the good life, Nikki Beach Koh Samui has added its signature style to a special 11am to 4pm Sunday

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Nikki Beach Koh Samui is renowned for its Nikki Beach Club facilities, a spectacular Sunset Terrace, free form swimming pool, opium beds and beach bars combined with sophisticated ambiance, fabulous entertainment, world-class service, and haute cuisine that include the celebrated Nikki Beach signature Mojito. From October 11th until December 1st, Nikki Beach will be closed for renovations. Stay tuned for the future! Info.kohsamui@nikkibeach.com Telephone: 0 7791 4500

Sunshine Tots Playschool’s goal is to be the island’s leader in providing the best learning and social environment for young toddler’s ages 1 to 5yrs in Koh Samui, for both tourists and residents alike. The playschool’s practice strongly adheres to the Britishbased Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum. Ultimately, the vision of the playschool is to offer each child all the essential tools he needs to transition into the primary school years with ease and confidence. Faye Attwood sunshinetots@live.co.uk Phone number: 08 7898 6890

Vetiver Grass” Planting As part of its ongoing Environmental Campaign “Centara Cares”, Martin Heiniger (3rd row, far right), General Manager of Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui recently led management and staff to plant “Vetiver Grass” at the klong behind Zico’s Brazilian Grill & Bar. It will help to reduce the toxicity and protect the soil.

little minds at work and play

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

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 Reader’s letter

special guest

Somebody Get an Extension Cord!!!

Guest Chef at Centara Grand, Koh Samui

If you are new to the island you might want to bring an extra flashlight with you as you cruise around the island at night. There are a few locations in between the more centralized locations that tend to not have any lights during the evening hours. From Chaweng to Lamai, from Lamai to Nathon, and between Nathon and Maenam you will suddenly find yourself immersed in darkness. Not only are these areas dangerous to drive, as often potholes and other debris on the roads cannot be seen, but if your rental scooter doesn’t have a brilliant headlight, you may find yourself driving off or into the road without knowing it. Just a word to the wise. Drive carefully at night. Apparently these areas are not illuminated due to the fact that no one has created an extension cord long enough to accommodate light standards in these areas. Welcome to Thailand!!!

Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui welcomes 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 mouthwatering treats

An extensive a la carte menu will be available for lunch and dinner, from October 6 – 14, 2009 at Hagi Japanese Restaurant, Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui. For reservation, please call 0 7723 0500. Website: centarahotelsresorts.com

classifieds

community

reader’s letter

English Teacher Wanted English Teacher Wanted

Preserve Samui’s History

Numerous complaints have come in from both passing Tourists and Expats regarding the dangers of following our wonderful island garbage trucks. If you find yourself following one of these beasts, be aware that they do, at times, accidentally drip, pour, emit and vomit upon the roadways indescribable liquid waste from their containers. For those of you on motorbikes…avoid these spills as they are as dangerous as oil-spills on the cement roads.

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

โครงการเทศบาลเมือง เกาะสมุยพบสื่อมวลชน

free maps

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

will surely hold sway over food connoisseurs and please all sorts of demanding palates.

เรื่องโดย คุณกัญญาณัฐ ไชยธวัช

In September, Khun Pui and Khun Rat, the distributors of C-Publishing, gave away hundreds of the Smart Traveller Maps to travel agencies, car and bike rentals, resorts, hotels and businesses around the island of Koh Samui. Help us to keep this map current, and your clients aware of where you are. If you know of closures, moves or new businesses, please contact our offices at info@cpublishing.com, or if you would like this map for your clients just call Nim at 08 5887 7414 or E-mail her at: nim@c-publishing.com

Gossip Our dear Nartana found his new home in Tamarind Springs – see his Art Show on the 25th at Kamalaya. BTW his phone number is 08 4732 3162 – we made a mistake in the last article… Sorry again, my friend***Also at Kamalaya, Winnie and Roland will bring us to different dimensions with a fusion of Singing Bowls and Heavy Metal Guitar. ***A warm welcome to Raymond Saga, new GM of the Karma Samui.***And a warm welcome to Margerita, new F&B Manager at the Padma and Rockpool. Good to have you on Samui***Andreas from KC is planning a new casual but high class business club on Samui***Ushera is single. Why??? ***I hear stories all over of pocket picking in a professional way. That’s all for now. Happiness and Success, Ingmar

New business 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

Samui Scene

Bhundhari Spa Resort & Villas Samui... The perfect spot to tie the knot

amui is the paradise island for weddings and honeymoons, and Bhundhari Spa Resort & Villas Samui offers happy couples the perfect setting for their great day with the choice of a luxury room or villa, where they can enjoy complete privacy for their honeymoon. Located at the quiet northern end of Chaweng Beach, and set into a hillside with its gardens sloping gently down to the beach, the resort is designed in Southern Thai style and is adult-focused, ensuring an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity without the distractions of children. All kinds of wedding styles are offered, in any selected religious denomination, as a secular ceremony, or a tailor-made ceremony. A Wedding Coordinator will take care of all organisation and details, working with the families of the bride and groom to ensure that everything goes smoothly on the day.

The Bhundhari Suite is the resort’s main events venue and is ideal for ceremonies, opening directly onto the gardens and able to hold up to 180 guests. Honeymooners have the choice between a luxurious room or a villa, or the larger pool villas with their own private pool and access to the exclusive Club Lounge, with its superb views and five complimentary food and beverage servings per day. With the beach and ocean only a few steps away, the leisure and shopping attractions of Chaweng Town a few minutes away by hotel transport, and the entire paradise island of Samui just waiting to be explored, Bhundhari Spa Resort & Villas is the perfect place to tie the knot. For more information and reservations, please contact Tel 0 2101 1234 ext 1 or e-mail to reservations@chr.co.th or visit our website at www.centarahotelsresorts.com/brs/wedding.asp

Thai Heritage Dinner Expats Club at Baan Boran Oct. 9th

he popular “Expats Party” is scheduled for Oct. 9th at the Baan Boran Thai Heritage Cuisine restaurant. This classic Thai evening is a wonderful opportunity to experience the best of Thai culture and food on Samui.

The festive monthly party is, “a place to greet old friends & make new ones, network and share resources in a desirable venue.” Everyone is welcome to RSVP; entry fee is Bt.500 pp for members and Bt.550 pp for non-members.

Baan Boran is located in an Ayudhaya style building, in the heart of Chaweng Beach, serving undeniably the best authentic Thai cuisine. The welcome reception will be followed by a seated dinner Friday, Oct. 9th and famed ‘Puppet Show’.

You need not be a member of the non-profit Samui Expats Club to attend and show your support for the expat community. The Club brings together all nationalities and supports island businesses and ‘Children’s Charity Program’.

Performed by a troupe of traditional Thai puppeteers, they synchronize efforts to produce highly animated and life-like movements. The performance is held with a lively medley of different stories from the Ramakien epic, Japanese and Korean songs and lively Thai folk dance.

For invitations and announcements visit www.samuiexpatsclub.com; call 08 1894 5323; email sec@samuiexpatsclub.com

Lou Watson Lou Watson

the samui jazz festival october 31st

azz vocalist and pianist/composer Lou Watson blends his deep, warm, sonorous baritone with songs he created, in the tradition of classic Jazz/R&B, produces a sensuous, romantic and timeless music. He will be the headline in the ongoing Samui Jazz Festival for October’ s edition. He was educated at Livingston College of Rutgers University. There, he was exposed to jazz greats legendary pianist Kenny Barron, Larry Ridley, Ted Dunbar and more.

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He got a taste for life on the road as he tour with “The Manhattans” and The “Drifters Review” as pianist and musical director. Once, while singing as an opening act for the Drifters Review in Texas, He received a standing ovation for his rendition of a popular ballad. From that moment he realized that he had to make greater use of his vocal gift. His R&B musical heritage, united with jazz, funk, pop and gospel, combine to

form his highly personal, distinctive vocal style. All of these influences helped inform Lou’s own musical choices. A singer of ballads and standards, he often makes everything outside the musical moment seem trivial. Easing into a situation, and working toward an emotional tone so deep that once established it seems medicinal, Lou’s voice warms the body and soothes the soul like an intoxicating tonic. It reminds us of the velvet baritone Nat King Cole, Johnny Hartman mixed with the modern sound of Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross and Peabo Bryson.

Bluewater Premieres New Campus

luewater is a young and vibrant school that takes pride in offering the very best in International Education to the local and international children living on Koh Samui. The school follows the highly regarded British Curriculum and caters for children from 2 to 18 years of age. A superbly enhanced new campus premiered to 200 students in September at Bluewater International School. The renovation to existing buildings, along with brand new facilities blends seamlessly into the lush and tropical environment.

The new multi-story building houses the new Science Laboratory, Art Studio and Computer, English, Humanities and Mathematics classrooms. Refurbished facilities include: Music and TEFL classrooms and a Library/Assembly Hall along with a second Computer room, boasting a total of 40 brand new computers. New activity centres have also been integrated, a dance studio, kindergarten playroom and Basketball and Volleyball court join the existing Astroturf sports pitch, playing fields and swimming pool. For information on enrolment and facilities, visit www.bluewatersamui.com or call 0 7748 4548.

Luxurious & self indulgenT

uxurious, self indulgent and sensual - a place where dreams can come true and where fantasies can become reality.

KC Resort and Over Water Villas is an oasis of 5 Star luxury and style, with just 95 rooms, suites and unique Over Water Villas, experience this secluded estate enjoying stunning views over the cobalt blue sea and outlying islands of Koh Samui. At the 5 Star KC Resort and Over Water Villas it’s all about you.

Featuring sumptuous, spacious accommodation, self indulgent double seater Chromo-Therapy Jacuzzis, Blitz Rain Shower Columns with acupuncture jet sprays and over sized beds furnished with custom made mattresses, a pillow menu and the finest 500 thread Egyptian cotton. LCD Televisions with 40 interactive TV Channels, Micro DVD components, full Deluxe Mini Bar and Wi-Fi, IDD Cordless telephones for convenience, air conditioning and 3.2 m high ceilings with ceiling fans. Nothing is left to chance to ensure the comfort of our guests.

And for the ultimate luxury, check in to one of Thailand’s only Over Water Villas., complete with its own 128 sq m pool. At Med@KC Fusion, our French Chef offers a great fusion of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, providing the most amazing views over the shorelines. Stephane Fieger features a sumptuous Gastronomic menu, and his team will create an unforgettable in-Villa dining experience. Don’t forget we have Koh Samui’s only open air “Floating Pool” with Dead Sea salt. Our guests may never want to leave - but they will certainly want to return! Our Feature Additions include: 1. Dr. Serge has introduced his “WATSU” treatment in our floating pool. 2. KC Resort offers the most expensive coffee in the

world in will soon reveal its own coffee menu and coffee creations. “Kopi Luwak” can sell for up to 1000 USD per kilo. It’s a unique coffee that comes from Indonesia and produced through the support of the Civet Cat. 3. KC will begin its monthly “Resident – Lounge Events” on our 360 Rooftop on October 9th. Hotel Information: Tel: +66(0) 7742 8088 kchotelsamui@kchotelsresorts.com

Koh Samui Trophy Adventure Race and Fun Run 2009 The Adventure Race started with a dash through Bophut Fisherman’s Village, the first incident occurring when one of the kayaks sank and the competitors had to be rescued by the Thai Navy safety boat. The last sadistic kick by the race organizers was a 1km beach run, with the bikes! All who finished felt like they had earned the right to proudly say that they had completed the race!

bis Hotels sponsored a successful inaugural Koh Samui Trophy Adventure Race and Fun Run 2009.

Presented by Timex and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the first ever Koh Samui Trophy adventure race attracted 108 teams from around the world and is poised to become one of the major Adventure Races in Asia.

The Fun Run for all that started before the Adventure Race, attracted more than 400 schoolboys and girls as well as local runners. The children’s run was a highlight and lots of smiling young faces proudly showing a well deserved medal, watched the start of the Adventure warriors. “More than a 100 teams for an inaugural race is amazing and shows the true potential of this event” says Alex Andries, the Marketing Director of the Thai

Hotel Association and MD of the Zazen Boutique Resort and Spa. “Competitors and Media were impressed to see that the island is truly a paradise for the great outdoors and adventure lovers” The prize giving ceremony was presented by Khun Ramnet Chaikwang, the Samui Mayor and took place under the stars in the Ibis gardens. As the Samui authorities and Businesses are striving for sustainability and a greener approach for the island, a fraction of the money raised will go to “The Green Island Project,” a local environmental initiative. Winners in the Extreme category: 1st place: 129 Devathara Residence: Chadarak Chaikamjorn / Suwat Paiboon 4:28:39 Winners in the Adventure category: 1st place: 67 Tri Hards: Jason Hope / Paul Verchere 3:20:47 Active Management Asia Co., Ltd Email: info@active-asia.com Website: www.kohsamuitrophy.com www.active-asia.com

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trevor ranges

tilting point

elling Secrets

ndy Z. is a minor celebrity in Thailand. However, most people, Thai and Farang alike, would probably not recognize his face; none would know his name. Nonetheless, many are familiar with a photograph in which he appears. The photo is on display in bars, restaurants, guesthouses, and markets throughout Thailand. It was even featured in a box-office hit, Mekong Full Moon Party. Those who know of the photograph generally agree with the caption above it which reads: “Queen of Nagas seized by American Army at Mekong River, Laos Military Base on June 27, 1973 with the length of 7.80 meters.” Many people would be shocked to know it is Andy in the photo. In fact many have denied that it is him: “The first time I saw the photograph in Thailand I was at Chatuchak Weekend Market,” Andy explains. “I pointed at myself in the photo and said to the man who was selling copies of it, ‘That’s me’, but he just shook his head, laughed, and said ‘No, no, no.’” It is not that he looks so different now than when the photo was taken that makes so many disbelieve his claim. It is because today he looks so much like he did on the day the photo was taken. In fact, Andy is now only 30 years old. “No one would ever believe that it was me,” Andy recalls. “‘No. Impossible.’ They kept saying ‘The words say 1973.’”

A Big Fish Tale… In fact, the photo was taken on September 19, 1996 at the Naval Special Warfare Center, Coronado, California. “We were on our morning physical fitness run,” Andy recalls, “when we came across this huge fish lying on the sand.” At 23 feet in length and 4 feet in circumference, it was quite a shocking site for the Navy SEAL cadets. “We called it the AGE fish, because if you saw it underwater you would rocket to the surface, exploding your lungs, hence AGE (Arterial Gas Embolism).” After carrying the enormous fish back to the Naval Amphibious Base the SEALs contacted scientist H.J. Walker from The University of California, San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Walker identified the fish as an Oarfish (Regalecus glesne), a reclusive fish that inhabits the depths of warm tropical waters around the world. Encounters with this enormous fish are rare and not much is known of their habits. The Oarfish

Dragons do Exist

normally stay down at extreme depths of 700ft or greater. Walker surmised that this particular fish had wandered to the surface because it was sick or dying, and then perished as a result of a laceration from a boat propeller. Many Oarfish in fact will beach themselves or throw themselves upon the rocks of shorelines, ending their mythological life, and entering into our realm of illusion as they are found by fishermen and beachcombers. Andy’s recollection of the fish’s condition confirms this hypothesis, and a quick examination of the original photograph supports this conclusion, as a large cleave is apparent just behind the head, and another long gash runs along the bottom of the fish for several feet.

that is inherent in fresh water. The claim that the photo was taken in Laos probably stems from the ancient belief that the King of Nagas reigns in an underwater kingdom called Muang Badan. Muang Badan was believed to exist deep beneath the Mekong River, with its capital city lying below Nong Khai Province.

I pointed at myself in the photo and said to the man who was selling copies of it... That’s me! The Thai version of the photo has clearly been changed to mask these injuries. “In reality, the fish’s head was about to come off, but all the photos in Thailand have been touched up,” Andy explains, “especially the eyes.” While the eye in the altered photo does appear unrealistic, the smudging to cover the cuts is deceptively effective. The original photo was first featured in the Coronado Eagle, a small local paper, and then in the April 1997 issue of All Hands, a US Navyowned publication. How and when the photo first appeared in Thailand is a mystery equal to that of the mythical Naga, which is supposedly represented in the photograph. The Naga, an underwater creature from Hindu and Buddhist mythology, is superior to humans, and is keeper of the life-giving energy

Nong Khai is a common place to find copies of the photograph and is a likely place for the origin of the Thai version of the photo. Famous for the annual fireball displays which occur on the full moon night of the 11th month of the lunar year, Nong Khai hosts tens of thousands of visitors who travel there to witness the breathtaking event. Called the “Bung Fai Phaya Nak”, the Naga Fireballs, this seemingly natural phenomenon has been anecdotally ascribed to the Naga king paying tribute to the Lord Buddha in commemoration of the end of Buddhist Lent. It seems credible that the local legends of the Naga, the fireball phenomenon, and the pilgrimage of thousands of sightseers were fertile conditions for an enterprising individual to reinvent the photo of the Oarfish as a part of local folklore. So entrenched is this ancient belief in the communities bordering the Mekong River that the eternal bond between the peoples of I-Saan or North-eastern Thailand and the mythical Naga is ever present in the fabric of the local culture, traditions and way of life. The tradition of floating illuminated boats on the Mekong River is one such act of worshipping the King of Nagas. When I asked one vendor about the story behind the photo she explained that the caption was indeed true and that all of the soldiers had died after eating the meat of the fish. Interestingly, this story has elements of both fable and fact behind

Seven skin colours?.................................................................................. 28

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it. The Thai-Isaan folk epic Phadaeng Nang Ai, which recounts the creation of the Mekong River, describes the consumption of the Naga Prince Phangkhi by the people of Phaphong City and the killing by the Naga King of all those who ate his son. Coincidentally perhaps, the SEALs were challenged by Walker to try eating some of the fish. He had sampled one on a previous occasion and had said that the meat, when cooked, tasted like paper. Whether he or the SEALs had knowledge of the legend is unknown. Regardless, the SEALs declined his offer. It may be concluded that a government agency may have drawn a connection between the legend of the Naga and the photograph of the Oarfish. On one of its websites, which provides information about the Naga fireballs, the agency recounts the story of the 23-foot Phra Ya Nak - “The biggest freshwater fish captured in the Mekong”. According to the site, the Naga was captured alive by US military personnel on September 28, 1996 and subsequently sent to the US for examination. The fish supposedly died the following month. It seems quite likely that this is a reference to the incident that occurred that very month in California; the only difference between the two, other than location, is a quote from unknown sources claiming the creature had “seven skin colors and light green blood”. Even in the West the Oarfish has been mistaken for the incarnation of mythical creatures. In fact, historical reports of a 56-foot serpent-like fish found on the shores of Scotland, believed now to have been an Oarfish, may have spawned the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. Early accounts of sea serpents in the Atlantic Ocean are also thought to have been rare encounters with giant Oarfish. That being said, the Naga may well be real, but like the Loch Ness Monster, it just hasn’t been verifiably photographed yet. Contributor’s disclaimer: In a request by Andy Z. he asked to remain anonymous and unidentified in the photo. I also wish to make it clear that I am in no way attempting to disprove the existence of the Naga or to challenge the authenticity of the Bung Fai Phaya Nak. I am only uncovering the secret of this photograph, and that these fish do in fact exist, whether they be dragons or not.

......... light green blood?.......

Samui After Dark coyote celebrates 1st anniversary

Welcome Jesse, Cord and Joe

Lorraine & friends

Sexy with a voice!

Free Marguerites!

Nicole & Marco are taking a break from hard work

A pack of coyote entertainers

jazz on the rocks

Thanks to Paul and his crew for making this another great night with a free flowing Marguerites, finger food, and stunning entertainment by their in-house band. The Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Who of Samui were in attendance to support one year of success and fantastic Mexican cuisine.

Paul has a Wine Connection...

Ken & friends always around

Coyote servive - Extra Hot

Samui Syndicate the new-formed band, with Ushera performing vocals, demonstrated their skills to create a wonderful atmosphere at the Karma Rock Pool.

Exquisite dining

Erik, Jean, Roland & Magherita

Rockpool Bar - true Samui atmosphere

Ushera - just gorgeous

Welcome to the new GM Raymond Saga (left)

Jazz Syndicate swinging

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Nathalie Gütermann

Thai ART of the Heart

here are several ways to explore the ‘Art of Living’ in Thailand. I had a closer look at the artistic and arty side of life, presenting you the places that impressed and inspired me the most – from original and fake paintings to trashy chic eats, sexy hotels and colourful restaurants.

Masters of Real Fakes Koh Samui and Phuket Island are the biggest and the best centres for ‘copy painting’ in Thailand! I therefore respect local artists for what they do as these ‘masters of real fakes’ are working very hard to make their living. Often they sit up to 10 hours a day in front of a canvas, reproducing famous classics that would make the old masters proud. There is no right or wrong in art, so why don’t you allow these artists to cheat your eyes – or those of your friends back home. Pablo Picasso once declared that, if he ever saw a good fake of one of his paintings, he’d sign it! If that were true, he and his world-famous friends such as Warhol, Dali, Monet or van Gogh would find plenty to sign in the galleries of Thailand. Oil on canvas, or paintings based on photos is another popular request, portraits being the most common. But the demand for reproduced classics, however, remains high. They can sell between 3 – 5.000 Baht, depending on the size.

Some of Samui’s expats might still remember me as the owner of ‘Nathalie’s Art Palace’ – a very funky hip hotel overlooking Chaweng Lake. When I bought this small hotel back in 2005, I decorated every guestroom with a special theme and high quality reproductions, and interested guests were able to order exhibited works of art directly at the reception. My residence was literally a kind of museum, ‘homage’ to famous painters - and especially to Samui’s local artists. It turned out to be a successful concept until I sold the place last year to move to Bangkok. Painting good copies is a demanding skill and requires much discipline. Many of the artists learn

to develop their talent at an early age, and the past years have seen an ever growing community of artists, whose intricate painting skills have been further developed by studying graphic design, painting at renowned art schools or working with a master artist. Nathalie’s Pick: KOH SAMUI: “Gallery Lafayette”: This ‘boutique atelier’ delivers exceptionally good work. Ask for my German friend, owner Klaus Harmuth. Chaweng Beach Road (close to Green Mango). T: 0 7741 3231. W: gallerylafayette.com. “Samui Art”: This Thai owned gallery has the biggest selection of copy art and haggling is part of the deal. Commissionable work is delivered quickly and worldwide shipping is mostly included in the price. Chaweng Beach Road (next to McDonalds, 1st floor).

you have any suggestions, If or have discovered quality establishments or personalities you think should be included in this Space, please feel free to contact our Lifestyle Contributor.

Nathalie Gütermann at Info @ N at h a l i e s - L i f e s t y l e . com www. N at h a l i e s - L i f e s t y l e . com

brown and bright red. Life-size sculptures and contemporary design pieces are available in this area, too. My choice: two gigantic floor lamps made of dried jungle lianas.

Original Art

Thailand is not only a Mecca of fake art; it’s also a source of inspiration for experienced and well-known artists who have their own individual style. Don’t even think of buying anything in an expensive gallery or elegant department store until you come to ‘Chatuchak Weekend Market’ in Bangkok first. Also known as ‘Jatujak’ or ‘J.J’-Market, the largest outdoor market in the world has close to 9000 stalls and the sheer size of this place will immediately overwhelm you. So make sure you drink lots of water and take plenty of breaks. A highlight is Chatuchak’s “Section 7” – a veritable ‘Art Road’, full of little workshops and galleries. It’s a particularly good place to pick up quality pieces at incredibly cheap prices.

Nathalie’s Pick: BANGKOK Section 7 @ ‘J.J.’-weekend market. Ask for my friends, Thai artist Sittikorn Pokpong (Soi 8), T: 08 9706 1895, and Belgium painter Paul De Blieck, Gallery Beyond (Soi 1), T: 08 9452 3317.

The tiny ateliers are filled with fascinating originals, some are even drawn on cloth, paper, silk, metal, mirror, or wood. I recently bought a very unusual piece of art for my home from local artist Khun Pokpong. The 2 x 2 m painting is a modern interpretation of the city’s skyline in black,

nathalie’s Lifestyle picks C-holiday Magazine’s Lifestyle Ambassador will be regularly highlighting all things Exquisite, Exciting, Chic and Intimate.

samui people

Glenn R. Wallis

At the Obama Inauguration inWashington

The quiet kind of Famous My Mother’s maiden name was Rosemary Jo Peters.

he tropical paradise island of Koh Samui is a haven for not only those who seek recluse from friends and family, the neighbours barking dogs and the mailman who smokes incessantly on your porch during his morning rounds, but also for celebrities who just want to live or holiday like normal people. You may even have run into a few of them as you stand haggling over fruit prices in the local market, picking up your laundry from the nearby cleaners, or sitting down into your massage chair beside them for a good manicure or pedicure. Oliver Stone favours spending his quiet time at Kamalaya, David Beckham and his wife Victoria, a former Spice Girl, own a house on the top of a mountain, Brittney Spears has been known to show her forlorn face in a crowd or two, Owen Wilson likes to eat dinner at The Shack, and of course Elvis is alive and well on this getaway piece of rock jutting out of the Gulf of Siam in the middle of Thailand. Famous actors, musicians, artists and photographers have chosen to place their weary and overexposed profiles into the Land of Smiles because it is just that. The paparazzi are few, and it’s easy to just become another Farang simply trying to enjoy life in dreamland.

He’s done commercials for WONDERBREAD for God’s sake!!!!” As I wiped the spittle from my face and looked up and into the eyes of the hurricane that loomed above my desk, all I could say was “I LOVE Wonderbread!”

My Grandpa Pete was the chief plumber for the Los Angeles Times, when printing presses were a bit more plumbing oriented. He was called a plumber, but it dealt more with the hydraulics of printing. Grandma worked for JC Penney’s in the women’s lingerie department for 25 years.

Uncle Lionel has 1 Academy Award and was Head of Music for years at Fox. His singer/songwriter/composer, Cousin Randy has 1 Academy Award, which he won after fifteen or so years of being nominated and never winning. (Randy became better known than Lionel). I loved Randy’s speech after he won. He got a standing ovation and Randy told them ‘Sit down; I don’t want your pity.’

I previously wrote a small article about such an icon, Mr. Rob Newton, whose world-wide reputation apparently precedes him and was celebrating his birthday here on Samui in one of his privately owned Villas. I had never heard of him, but wrote the piece according to the notes I was given. Little did I know the depths of his fame until my Managing Director burst into my office and roared at me “Who the hell is Rob Newton?” My response was simple...”He’s some producer who had a birthday. I don’t know him. You went to the party, so you tell me...” My Father’s name was Robert Vivian Newman. He produced shows on Broadway when he was young and was a Press Agent, before heading to Hollywood and going to work as a Studio Executive. “Newman... not Newton. You think he’s some guy who had an apple fall on his head and suddenly had the inclination to start producing commercials, movies and music videos? He’s worked with Whitney Houston, Venus and Serena Williams, Rihanna, Maria Sharapova and the Backstreet Boys! He was the Assistant to the Producer of the Academy Awards for 10 years! He personally knows Dr. Phil! He’s hung out with people like Michael Jackson and Ringo Starr, Elton John, Mary J. Blige, Steven Tyler, Josh Grobin, Andrea Bocelli and Ozzy Osbourne.

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My Dad’s Father was a fruit peddler in New York. When Rob walked into my office he immediately grabbed my hand and shook it like there was no tomorrow. “So you’re the famous Glenn Wallis,” he greeted me with a smile that would put the Cheshire Cat to shame. After offering him a cup of coffee and an apple, I expressed my apologies and asked for forgiveness of my ignorance. But all of that was about to change. Not only did I now recognise who he was, but I knew of his work, and so do you. He’s one of those people who are never really in the limelight; instead, his occupation is making sure that other people are. Sitting in front of me was one of the most well-known Producers the United States of America has ever fashioned, and he lives right here on Samui. In fact, he has lived here for longer than a decade. A quiet and silent type of star.

As a Producer, Rob has led probably one of the most interesting lives imaginable. He is the second generation of a lineage of movie makers, film composers and production people who have been instrumental in creating the foundations of Hollywood. His stories encompass volumes of scenarios and anecdotes about his experiences catering to famous people, and about working with a plethora of iconic legends of our time. He can tell you stories about driving in President Ronald Reagan’s motorcade to the time he drove actress Bette Davis home from the Academy Awards in his supped up Camaro, of meetings at Natalie Woods house, or being Kim Novak’s ‘date’ to the Academy Awards and going to the after party at Sammy Davis Jr.’s home with her. From old time actors to current day stars, he seems to have had encounters with many of them. But it was his life’s involvement with the late and great Howard Hughes that caught my attention. I could see the admiration in his eyes as he spoke about him, humbly mentioning that his Mother knew him quite well. To this day he still has Mr. Hughes working desk, from where the empire of Howard Hughes was laboured over throughout the years.

Rob with Sandy Koufax

On the set of a Babyface music video-shoot in Brazil

“My Mom was living in Pomona, California, and in high school when Howard Hughes saw her in a TV commercial and brought her to Los Angeles. He wanted to train her as an actress. Every day after school, a car would come and pick her up and drive her to LA where she took acting lessons, returning home late each night. She became good friends with Jane Russel, another Hughes actress (The Outlaw and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes). Now apparently Hughes had a number of ‘Starlets’ that he kept in training, and he had a number of cars and drivers assigned to them from his base at 7000 Romaine Street in Hollywood. Hughes tried to court my Mom, and she told me that one day he took her on a drive and said to her “Under the heaven and the stars, you and I are man and wife.” She quoted this to me one day, and I

Tiger Temple in Thailand

On the ‘Willi Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ set with Oompa Loompas

as a youngster. My first trip to Thailand was when I was around 14 selling ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,’ as my Dad represented Quaker Oats on that movie during production and then a year afterwards. They financed the film, which at the time cost.....2.9 million dollars! Uncle Alfred has 9 Academy Awards and was Head of Music for 20th Century Fox...the scoring stage at Fox is called the Newman Scoring Stage, and you’ll see it listed in the credits of every movie that is scored at Fox.

One of my first jobs, after being a Production Assistant on WIlly Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, was working one summer at 7000 Romaine, described as Howard Hughes top secret Hollywood communication centre and office, where I compiled his scrapbooks all summer. By then, Howard Hughes was living in Las Vegas, where he had bought He is the second generation of a lineage of many hotels and we’d constantly trip over movie makers, film composers and production to Vegas on weekends. And travelling was people who have been instrumental in great as oftentimes they’d fly us up in Hughes creating the foundations of Hollywood. private Gulfstream jet....an amazing way to fly! I could order anything on the menu at didn’t have the heart to tell her that when I saw The Aviator (the Hughes hotels…it was all complimentary. I can’t tell you how movie about Hughes), that this was the same exact line he said to many shrimp cocktails I used to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. someone else! Today I currently own Howard Hughes’ former house in Palm Springs www.palmspringsrentals.com, which I rent out when I am My Mom didn’t really like acting and didn’t continue with it, but away. My home here on Koh Samui is Villa Samprasada www. that’s what got her to Hollywood where she later met my Dad, who villasamprasada.com.” was VP of Samuel Goldwyn Studios. She was 21 and he was 54. Anyway, they got married, and divorced, and later she married Uncle Marc was a film composer’s agent who represented Franklin Ashley, a very famous plastic surgeon. He’s the one who amazing composers: John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, John Barry, put together Ann Margaret after she fell off stage, and also the one Dave Grusin, Marvin Hamlisch, and so on. who did all of Phyllis Diller’s surgeries, and essentially everyone else in the world. “When Uncle Marc was dying, he asked me if I wanted to take Her relationship with Howard Hughes ended prior to her marrying over his agency and his composers, but I said no as I didn’t want a my Dad, but my Dad later went on to work for Hughes as his job sitting behind a desk. Producing is fun as I’m out and about all ‘Head of Production,’ although he didn’t make any movies during over the world meeting new people, and learning new things. One this time, my Dad was selling more of his assets for him (the day I can be producing a woman’s tennis commercial in Rome, Hughes Sports Network, and upon his death, his library of films). and the next month I can be in South Africa producing a cranberry But before my Dad officially worked for him full time, he was working juice commercial. It’s great fun and great work. Although if I had on commission and we came to Asia and Thailand to sell Hughes taken over his agency...Wow...being a film composer’s agent for movies for television syndication (Scarface, The Conqueror, The composers like he represented is a license to print money, but...I Outlaw, Jet Pilot, and many more) and that brought me to Thailand wouldn’t be here. I’m so glad I chose to do what I did.

Samui in Brief

qUICK gUIDE

Samui’s tOWNS AND 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 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 shop-houses, 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 and 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.

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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.

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 nonexistent 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.

Fisherman Long-tail boats resting in the heat of the day off the shores of Samui.

: INFO

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Tourist Police Police Immigration Ambulance Customs Harbour Master Phuket Airport

1699 191 0 7621 0 7625 0 7621 0 7639 0 7632

2108 4425 1105 1174 7230

Lost Credit Cards American Express Diners Club Master & Visa

0 2273 0022 0 2238 3660 0 2299 1990

Activities

what to do!

Beckoning travellers from every walk of life, the island of Samui provides day and evening activities to satisfy each and every holiday-maker who visits her shores. From water activities to elephant trekking, golf to kiteboarding, climbing to bungy-jumping the list is endless for those seeking adventure or leisure in their vacation. Whatever your passion, or your dream to experience, you will find expert facilities on Samui and her sister islands.

experience

Located in Bang Rak

Often said to be ‘the highlight of many visitors stay on Samui,’ is the restaurant’s private long-tail 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.”

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.

Tel.: 0 7741 5359, 08 1477 5371 Email: samui@thefiveislands.com For Taxi: เดอะไฟว์ไอร์แลนด์ หาดบางปอ บ้านตลิง่ งาม

Tel.: 0 7741 3267, 08 1895 7276 Email: gringoscantina@gmail.com For Taxi: อยูใ่ นซอยด้านหลัง ดิ ไอร์แลนด์เดอร์ - หาดเฉวง

Kiteboarding Asia

Samui Butterfly Garden

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.

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.

Tel.: 08 1591 4592 / 3 Email: raam@kiteboardingasia.com For Taxi: อยูห ่ น้าทอน บ้านบางขาม

Tel.: 0 7742 4020 Email: info@samuibutterflygarden.com For Taxi: ตรงข้ามกับโรงแรมเซนทารา วิลลา หาดนาเทียน

Easy Divers

Mini Golf international

“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.

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

Tel.: Chaweng Branch: 0 7723 1190 Email: info@easydivers-thailand.com For Taxi: มีหลายสาขาทัว่ เกาะ โปรดโทร.สอบถามเส้นทาง

Tel.: 08 1787 9148 or 08 9594 2029 Email: www.minigolfsamui.com For Taxi: อยูท ่ เ่ี ชิงมน จากพระใหญ่ไปประมาณ 3 กม.

FULL DAY JUNGLE SAFARI Non Stop Action - Non Stop Fun See the Island from its highest peak. OPEN TOP 8 SEATER ARMY JEEPS. 4 Wheel Drive over Mountain Ranges, Magnificent 360 degree Views, Samui Monkeys at work, Swim in the Largest Waterfall, Stare at Grandmother/Father Rock, Walk through Buddha’s Magic Garden, Elephant Trekking, Big Buddha and more…. Tour guides with 14 years experience. Lunch at the Mountain Restaurant 1,700 Baht per person. Pick up & drop off included. Book now for tomorrow!

Thai Cooking Classes

Tel.: 08 1737 5427 or 0 7723 0637 Email: www.ungsafari.com For Taxi: สนง.อยูท ่ เ่ี ฉวง โปรดโทร.สอบถามเส้นทาง

Tel.: 0 7741 3172 Email: info@sitca.net For Taxi: อยูใ่ นซอยโคลิบรี

Branches in all major parts of the island

Located in Chaweng

www.c-publishing.com

Tel.: 08 9288 6404 Email: info@oceanselitecharters.com For Taxi: สำ�นักงานตัง้ อยูห ่ าดบางรัก

Crazy Golf

Located in Nathorn -Baan Bang Kam

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.

5 Islands Experience

Located on The Virgin Coast in Taling Ngam

MR. UNG’S MAGICAL SAFARI TOURS.

Oceans Elite

Located in Chaweng

Located in Hua Thanon

Located in Choeng Mon

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.

ถนนหน้าหาดเฉวง

Located in Soi Colibri Chaweng

Island Cruises: Sea Gypsies turned Entrepreneurs

n 2006, a few cruising sailors who considered themselves Sea Gypsies, decided to establish the first yacht charter company on the modest island of Koh Tao. It all began not as a real business decision, but rather a choice for these Gypsies to take people with them as they cruised around the Asian seas, trying to decide which island they would like to live on. The novelty soon became a business providing visitors with the ultimate freedom that chartering your own cruising yacht provides. It proved to not be such an easy task, considering the complete lack of yachting facilities on Koh Tao and the surrounding islands. Even on Samui there are limited resources available that are solely used by yachts.

‘Everything is Possible’ became the motto of Island Cruises. With diverse ingenuity and the ability to improvise, the little charter fleet grew into a business that soon took on a life of its own, truly living up to their standard. Since 2006 Island Cruises has offered day charters of various kinds, sailing courses around the little paradise island of Koh Tao performed mostly on their Sloop christened Yun Khan, as well as full Charters and Sailing Safaris to the Ang Thong National Marine Park on their larger yacht, the Freedom Fargo. Benefitting from the privilege of experiencing the natural beauty of the National Park under the guidance of an adventurer and the experienced Captain of Freedom Fargo, the Ang Thong Safari became the bestseller for Island Cruises, keeping the company afloat for the first scanty years of commerce. The testimonials of former customers on Trip Advisor for these excursions speak for themselves, while on Koh Tao the sailing courses gained more and

more popularity. It was soon that the company began to experience their first taste of having to turn down customer requests, due to the lack of passenger space available. This gang of Sea Gypsies turned into entrepreneurs switched gears, and began to whole-heartedly begin the search to find some first-rate and attractive boats with experienced captains in the area that they could assimilate to provide a similarly impressive experience for their customers, while adhering to their code of conduct and professionalism. Commencing in October of this year forward, it will be possible to charter out the Samui based Catamarans Dreamcatcher and Crazy Horse from Island Cruises. Both of these boats are capable of providing luxury trips to the National Park areas. The smaller of the two is a genuine racing machine with no onboard accommodation. However if you’re into some high speed action, and like to spend your sleeping hours on dry land, then this is your choice of charter. The Dreamcatcher is more than ideal for living onboard and large enough to accommodate families or a group of friends. For any bookings you will experience professional service and the outstanding customer care that Island Cruises is renowned for. Additionally, Island Cruises offers the opportunity to create fully customized Charters for their clients with something extra special in mind, including accommodation on Koh Tao, airport transfers and any advice or additional information which may be required about your holiday destination while staying in Thailand. Island Cruises Company Limited Phone/Fax: +66 (0) 7745 7002 E-mail: info@island-cruises.org www.island-cruises.org

accommodation

THE SEA

Your Home…Away from Home

Where to stay Samui is the home to many Expatriates and long-term visitors, which says something for the beauty of living on this tropical island. For those who are looking for something more along the lines of a short stay or a holiday home, the possibilities are endless, with an array of budget possibilities. The hospitality industry on Samui ranges in class from beach bungalows with the waves crashing at your doorstep, to 5-star luxury.

Bay View Resort

amui Island has been considered as one of Thailand’s premier residential addresses for luxury living as well as tourism. THE SEA Samui, a high-end luxury beachfront residence delights in the island’s wide range of facilities such as 5-star hotels and resorts, superstores, an international airport and entertainment facilities.

Sinthoranee Property Company Limited decided to invest over 550 million Baht in THE SEA project, which aims to please those who love to rest and relax on the beach, whether they are Thais or foreigners visiting Thailand as a tourist, on business or as a permanent resident. THE SEA is comprised of 6 boutique villas and 15 condominium units. Inspired by the idyllic tropical atmosphere of Koh Samui, The SEA is designed under a tropical fusion concept where western style is aesthetically mixed with Asian culture. The combination of minimalist forms and oriental senses creates the magnificent ambience for the SEA to be the perfect place for your tropical living. The project is located directly right on the beach with immediate access to the ring road, allowing for easy connections to the island’s facilities and the tranquil ocean. THE SEA is fully equipped with modern amenities, whether for modern Thai families or foreign tourists needing to relax on their private days. The project also has a professional management team to provide services such as cleaning, swimming pool maintenance, and travel booking. THE SEA can also facilitate rental agreements in the cases where owners wish to sublet their units. THE SEA is designed by Be Gray, a leading design company with many successful projects under its name, combining high quality materials with a unique interior design and built by an experienced construction company. THE SEA also offers discriminating shoppers a chance to enjoy luxury resort living with guaranteed investment returns under their “Rental Program” by Astudo, the leading hotel and resort management team. Luxury Pool Villas feature prices starting at 36-55 Million baht, and Ocean-View Condominiums with prices starting at 13.2 million baht. In order to celebrate their recently completed project, THE SEA is offering many discounts and promotions, including a 6% guaranteed ROI, as well as “No Common Area Fees” for a limited time. THE SEA is completed and open for overnight guests, as well as Freehold ownership for investors. For more information contact: Samui Sales Office Telephone: +66 (0) 7796 1982-3 Website: www.theseasamui.com info@theseasamui.com

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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. Tel.: 0 7741 8429 Email: wolfgang@samuinet.com For Taxi: อยูห ่ าดละไม ในซอยโรงแรมเรเนซองส์ Located in Lamai

100 Islands Resort 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. Tel.: 0 7720 1150-8 Email: tippanya@hotmail.com For Taxi: อยูใ่ นจังหวัดสุราษฎร์ธานี Located in Suratthani Province

P. Chaweng Guest House 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. Tel.: 0 7723 0684 Email: Info@pchaweng.com For Taxi: อยูใ่ นซอยโคลิบลี (สุดซอย) ถนนหน้าหาดเฉวง Located in Chaweng

Joy Residence 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 7742 2322 Email: joyresidencesamui@hotmail.com For Taxi: ถนนสายรอบเกาะ ซ. บ้านหาดงาม Located in Chaweng

FUNCTIONAL THYROID This TEST WITH DARYL TURNER COULD JUMP START YOUR RETURN TO BETTER HEALTH AT KAMALAYA KOH SAMUI, 26 SEPT TO 5 OCT

t’s easy to underestimate the thyroid – most people don’t really even know what it does. But this little gland in the neck actually runs your metabolism - every cell in your body responds to thyroid hormones by speeding up the rate at which it performs its function. And the overall effect is enhanced energy and vitality. If there’s something wrong with your thyroid, however, you might not even know it. This is because many symptoms of thyroid disorders are conditions we all live with from time to time, including feeling tired and worn down; having trouble sleeping; weight problems; being either too warm or too cold; irregular heartbeat, anxiety and depression.

“It’s important not to ignore symptoms like these, particularly if they persist, because they can significantly affect your quality of life,” says Karina Stewart, a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and co-founder of Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa, which this month adds a thyroid health component to its 10 core Wellness Programs. “With each of our guests, we focus on identifying the key issues and causes for the symptoms they are experiencing,” Karina says. “If the thyroid is out of balance, we then address this with our range of treatments and modalities aimed at restoring metabolic balance and energy, ultimately improving the person’s overall health, wellbeing and vitality – physically, mentally and emotionally.” The first step of the process is the diagnosis, and Kamalaya has called in Dr. Daryl Turner, an expert in functional medical testing devices and the founder of the Thyroid and Adrenal Research Institute. For the first time in Asia, Dr. Turner is offering a functional thyroid function test to diagnose sub-clinical, underactive thyroid conditions. In contrast to standard blood tests for thyroid function, which may not detect these kinds of thyroid conditions, Kamalaya’s new functional thyroid test has been shown to be 98% accurate. Dr. Turner is available for thyroid assessment sessions at the rate of THB2, 100 with prices subject to a 10% service charge and 7% VAT. For further information and to book appointments, please contact the Kamalaya Wellness Centre Reception at +66 (0) 7742 9800, ext. 1700.

KKarina Stewart

Kamalaya Koh Samui is a Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa located on the lush southern coast of Koh Samui. Kamalaya integrates healing practices and treatments from East and West in a beautiful natural environment with inspired healthy cuisine, customised programs, and wellness retreats. Together these offer a unique concept in personal wellbeing and holistic lifestyle possibilities. www.kamalaya.com

Restaurants

Captain Kirk

La Dolce Vita

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.

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.: 08 1270 5376 Email: captainkirksamui@hotmail.com For Taxi: ตัง้ อยูช่ น ้ั บทของร้านสปอร์ต สเตเดีย้ ม หาดเฉวง

Tel.: 0 7741 3295 for reservations Web: www.ladolcevitasamui.com For Taxi: ร้านตัง้ อยูถ่ นนหน้าหาดเฉวง

Located on Chaweng Beach

fai restaurant

Located in Chaweng

Radiance at the spa

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. Tel.: 0 7791 4678 Email: reservation@elements-koh-samui.com For Taxi: ตัง้ อยูบ ่ ริเวณ บ้านพังกา

Located in Pang Ka

“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 selfconsciousness.” 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. Tel.: 0 7723 0855 or 0 7742 4666 Email: thespa@spasamui.com For Taxi: ตัง้ อยูท ่ ถ่ี นนรอบเกาะ ช่วงหาดละไม Located in Lamai

Dr Frogs

Via Vai

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!

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 woodfired 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.”

Tel.: 0 7741 3797 Email: info@drfrogssamui.com For Taxi: ตัง้ อยุรู่ ะหว่างทางจากหาดเฉวงไปละไม

Tel.: 0 7741 3431 Located: Centre Chaweng Beach Road For Taxi: ร้านตัง้ อยูช่ ว่ งกลางของ ถนนหน้าหาดเฉวง

Villa Bianca

tamarind bar Lounge

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. Tel.: 0 7724 5041 Email: villabianca@villabiancasamui.com For Taxi: ร้านตัง้ อยูถ่ นนหน้าหาดบ่อผุด

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. Tel.: 0 7742 2011 Email: infoirs@impiana.com For Taxi: ตัง้ อยูใ่ นโรงแรมอิมเพียน่า เฉวงน้อย

Zazen Restaurant

Olivio

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.

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 7742 5085 Email: info@samuizazen.com For Taxi: ใน ซาเซ็น บูทคิ รีสอร์ท แอนด์ สปา บ่อผุด

Tel.: 0 7723 1500 for reservations Located: North Chaweng Beach For Taxi: ร้านอาหารตัง้ อยูใ่ นโรงแรมบ้านหาดงาม เฉวง

Located between Lamai and Chaweng

Located in Chaweng

Located in Bophut Beach

Located in Bophut

www.c-publishing.com

Where

Located in Chaweng Noi

Located in Chaweng

La Dolce Vita

to E at !

The Red Snapper:

A Cornucopia of Cuisine

here is a French Executive Chef de Cuisine in town, and all he has on his mind is food. There are many restaurants in Chaweng to choose from when dining out, but it’s what makes people come back time and time again, that concerns Executive Chef Sabastien Munier. One of Samui’s most celebrated and established restaurants, The Red Snapper Bar & Grill sits elegantly on Chaweng Beach Road with a style and an ambience that is all its own. The Red Snapper Bar & Grill has everything alluring from the perspective of a food critic; décor, seating capacity, privacy, variety of ambiance, exceptional service, entertainment, and of course the most important selection of dining delights. There is however, more than can be observed upon one sitting in this cornucopia of cuisine. Let’s talk about this new Executive Chef for just a moment; perhaps it may shed some light on what exactly your experience will be once you have walked through the front doors to his restaurant. Sebastian originally hails from Nice in France, where he inherited that countries traditional cooking expertise. He has held an Executive Chef position for a great portion of his career, and has had the opportunity to work in his native land as well as 4 locations on Samui. Executive Chef Sabastien offers a diverse selection of classic grill options with a Mediterranean twist, featuring sleek, modern décor facilities with indoor air-conditioned and outdoor open-air terrace dining areas. The atmosphere is energetic with live music being played from 9pm till midnight by their famous Latin Band. Sabastien feels that there is often too much in the menus of the Fine Dining restaurants on Samui, and he wishes to offer the best of the best, as well as the opportunity to change things up once in a while. He believes that regardless of what is on the menu, there is a “key” item that must be present: “Consistency” Every time you order a dish at the Red Snapper, it will not only look the same, but it’s flavour will consistantly have that same mouth relishing enchantment you experienced the first time. As you entertain the thought of where to go out this evening for a dining experience you wish to not only remember, but be able to relive, cast your ballot for The Red Snapper Bar & Grill, it will indeed leave you satiated and complete. If you happen upon a favourite plate that they prepare, be pleased to know, the next time you order it, or suggest it to one of your dining partners, that it will be exactly as you remembered it. Spend an evening, or an afternoon, seated on an exterior terrace surrounded by bulrushes, or within the restaurant itself, with its Mediterranean ambiance, right next door to the Chaweng Regent Beach Resort in the heart of Chaweng, where the music you hear, is your dinner being prepared. The Red Snapper Bar & Grill of the Chaweng Regent Beach Resort Tel: 0 7723 0391 Fax: 0 7742 2222, 231 013 Contact: admn@chawengregent.com Web: www.chawengregent.com

spa

Places to Spa!

Thailand is the home of the most beautiful Spas and Spa facilities that can be found. Samui has more spas than grains of sand upon her shores waiting to bring to you the bliss of therapies from the ancient to the modern techniques. The Samui Spa Association has given this island a base for its professionalism, attracting practitioners from around the world, who have made their way into the spas and alternative facilities on Samui. Magnolia 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 Located in Chaweng North

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 Located in Chaweng North

Eranda spa 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. Tel.: 0 7742 2666 Email: info@erandaspa.com For Taxi: ตัง้ อยูท ่ เ่ี ฉวงตอนเหนือ ตรงข้ามโรงแรมโนรา Located in Chaweng North

THE SPA resorts 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 Located in Lamai

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Swasana Spa

Designed for the Hectic Traveller

mpiana Samui Resort & Spa, the premier Spa Resort on Koh Samui, features their very own brand of Swasana Spa and is ready to pamper you the moment you walk in with a luxurious choice of massages, healing therapies, facials, body treatments and aromatherapy.

Designed with the hectic traveller in mind, the Swasana Spa has been proven with the success of its predecessors in both Malaysia and in Thailand. Rest your travel wearies here and revitalize for a greater day ahead. The combination of pure natural ingredients, the touch of professional therapists and the relaxing paradise like setting will ensure you a time of rejuvenation and indulgence. Wide selections of soothing packages are offered to complete your dream holiday. Located in a beautifully set environment and presenting reasonable rates and constant promotional packages, Swasana stands in the list of the Most Recommended spas on Koh Samui. A true boutique spa may not be enough to describe the relaxing atmosphere of this facility, but it will surely provide you a sense of tropical holiday satisfaction. Excellent signature treatments are created to dignify Impiana as your topical holiday haven. Top of the line standards in service are always ensured from the moment you step into this rejuvenating Spa, and treatments and massage areas will absolutely sooth your body and mind, may it be a solo getaway or with a loved one. You will also find that the well appointed airconditioned rooms with natural interior decor gets you into the mood of your chosen treatment. There is also an open air area with the sound of waterfalls and fresh sea breezes to ease you into your therapy. Swasana Spa can be described as a healing experience offering serenity, rebirth of life and as an unforgettable journey. Signatures treatments Tropical Face Mask 60 Minutes This signature facial treatment from Swasana Spa is a superb tropical face mask that will cleanse, hydrate and leave your face with a radiant glow. This facial utilises 100% natural products for the scrub and mask and is suitable for all skin types, guaranteeing you to relax and gently regenerate. Swasana Massage 90 Minutes Exclusively designed for Swasana Spa, this signature massage combines techniques from Sport and Aromatherapy for the ultimate soothing and pampering experience with the award-winning Swasana Oil. IMPIANA SAMUI RESORT & SPA infoirs@impiana.com Tel: +66 (0) 7742 2011 www.impiana.com

entertainment

After Dark

The evening stars bring to life the local entertainment on Samui. Step out of your hotel or resort to experience some of the most eclectic and unique nightlife that Samui has to offer. Everything from Discos and dancing in the streets, will arouse your night-time fantasies. Cool down from the heat of the day and take a stroll through some of Samui’s night markets, or party until the dawn. THE CLUB SAMUI 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. Drop in tonight to the Club Samui, located opposite Buddy Boutique Hotel. Tel.: 08 5934 6051 (Guido) Email: theclubsamui@live.de Web: www.theclubsamui.snappages.com For Taxi: อยูต่ รงข้ามโรงแรมบัดดี้ ละไม

Located Lamai RIng Road

Bikini bar bq 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 For Taxi: ร้านตัง้ ทางลงหาดสาธารณะละไม

A Brush

with Genius

by Nartana

ne of the most passive forms of entertainment has suddenly begun to experience a boom on Koh Samui. Art Galleries, Art Cafés, Art Shows and emerging artists have become grounded on this tiny island, spurring a cultural cohesion with the modern world of art. Vichian Boonmeemak is a local artist who has not only stunned those around him with his unique Asian styled influences, but has been blessed with having the abilities to take raw students with a natural gift for art, and place them onto their own canvases, unleashing their true artistry into a fury of inspiration born from inner sight. He speaks of one such talent, and urges you to experience the birth of what may become one of the most innocently stimulating artists of our time. Aree Wutthanamassapong was born in 1979 in Phattalung, Southern Thailand, as the sixth of seven children of a farmer’s family. After finishing senior high school she worked to make a living as a market vendor in Bangkok, until she finally made a move to Koh Samui. “Aree started painting only a year ago after meeting me in 2008. I became her teacher and mentor, encouraging her to paint and to quit selling fried fish at the Nathon Market, which I might add, was the best fish I have ever had.” Her earlier work clearly shows Vichian’s influence, but very soon she developed her own style, walking her own path.

Located in Lamai

salinas Beach Club 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. Tel.: 0 7796 2374 Email: ceto@salinas-beachclub.com For Taxi: ร้านตัง้ หน้าหาด อยูใ่ นซอยโรงแรมเฉวง ชาร์เล่

(ติดกับโรงแรมดาราสมุย)

Located in Chaweng

THE bar ice samui 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. 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 Located in Chaweng

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“I have never met a young inspiring artist with such a sense of colour and composition, with no fear and unnecessary judgement, as Aree. She must have created hundreds of paintings in her modest studio near Nathon in just one year! Her style(s) range from influences from Jackson Pollack to the likes of Kandinsky and Miro. Her energy and innocence is a rarity, even amongst veteran artists. Her work is usually abstract with occasional figurative and surreal elements. I strongly suggest that if you are fascinated with the progress and raw beauty of a new artist’s unusual work that you take the time to witness the paintings that Aree has created. They really are quite intriguing!” Aree comments on her new passion. “I believe everything is a journey, a constant movement. The paintbrush has become my path and my legs so to speak. The brush helps me through struggles and difficulties and finding beauty. Always luring me to explore new possibilities, discovering new roads, and ultimately new angles of my visions. My motivation comes from the ‘not knowing’ what’s behind the next bend. It is a constant striving for the NEW, for the unknown, discovering who I truly am, cleansing my soul. Above all, to be Myself.” Telephone: 08 4732 3162 areeart@windowslive.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

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business

The Inside Scoop The thriving village of Lamai is about to open one of the most unique and modern centres on the island, The Lamai Centre. Constructed by SPS Thai Engineering, a reputable and high quality builder, it will consist of 10 shops and is expected to have its grand opening on December 1st 2009. The structure will be a modern Thai design with a fountain at the entrance, as well as an exquisite Buddha Shrine. The Center will be a “U” shaped plaza with all shops featuring frontage either to the main beach road, or the centre’s “pedestrian walk way”. The first news-scoop we have on the scene is ScoopS American Style Ice Cream Shop. ScoopS is a retro Ice Cream Parlour from the American 1940’s and 1950’s as well as a modern day coffee shop rolled into one venue. The popularity of the ice cream shop, or soda fountain as it was called, was huge, especially in the United States. Soda fountains thrived through two World Wars and the Great Depression, creating a place of refuge, recreation, and fellowship for people, even in hard times. In small communities, the soda fountain could turn into the social hub, where people met to exchange gossip and information. At ScoopS their goal is to create an ice cream shop that reflects on a time long since past. You will not only find furnishings and décor reminiscent of the past, but you will find ice cream dessert recipes going back to the 1800’s. You will not find these recipes anywhere else in Thailand, and very few places in America. Take a walk down memory lane and enjoy a delicacy dessert or beverage enjoyed by people more than 100 years ago… along with some of the great desserts of today! What would an American Ice Cream Shop be without American ice cream? They proudly serve exclusively Bud’s Ice Cream of San Francisco, California. Another goal at ScoopS is to create a coffee shop that offers modern coffee shop selections. A coffee shop with all the premium coffees you would expect from an American Coffee Shop, along with the current trend in these popular beverages such as iced coffees, frappes, smoothies and a broad variety of fruit juice and teas. ScoopS serves only premium coffees, each cup made with love and care. At ScoopS they use only top quality products available through their suppliers. All fresh fruits used in their desserts are bought in local markets daily. Many of the bakery items are prepared and baked right in their own shop. Often you will be able to smell the aroma of fresh baked cookies, brownies and muffins throughout the shop. Few things in life are more enjoyable than a bowl of your favourite ice cream with warm cookies direct from the oven. You must try the Soft Oatmeal Raisin Cookies… this is one of their signature recipes. Paul Hawkins Managing Director ScoopS American Style Ice Cream Shop 124/144 Moo 3, Lamai Beach Koh Samui, Suratthani 84310 Thailand Mobile Phone for English - Paul 08 9909 8563 Mobile Phone for Thai - Sim 08 7882 5652 Regarding information on the Lamai Centre contact either Marco Maki, representing sales at 08 9214 0696, or the owner Noel Bramble at 08 7263 8817

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shopping & business There are no limits to the possibilities of what you can buy on Samui, nor is there a lack of brand name facilities for your shopping delights. The island has attracted the finest fashion designers, silversmiths, custom handicrafts, fine cigar, wine distributors and fireworks specialists that the Asian continent has to offer. A thriving culmination of villages united as a business community supply the island with modern day amenities, as well as imports and exports from around the globe. Trend fashion 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. Tel.: 08 1894 4657 Located: Chaweng Beach Road For Taxi: ถนนหน้าหาด ตรงข้ามเซนท์ทาราบีช Located in Chaweng

EGO House of Silk 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 7723 0138 Located: at Chaweng Villa next to Chaweng Regent Resort For Taxi: ถนนหน้าหาด ถัดจากเฉวงรีเจนท์รสี อร์ท

Located in Chaweng

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

Located in Maenam

Dog rescue center Some of our loveable, four-legged friends are looking for a sponsor. All of them are strays, living in our large kennel or in the big shelter in Ban Taling Ngam. They cannot return to the beach. Some of them are too sick and some joined us as puppies and did not learn how to fend for themselves. We also have many stray cats living in our house. Please contact us to see how you can help us help! www.samuidog.org Tel.: 0 7741 3490 Located: near Lam Din Market & Taling Ngam near Elephant Gates For Taxi: ถนนหน้าหาด ถัดจากเฉวงรีเจนท์รสี อร์ท Located in Chaweng

business

Baan Luck Fun dental clinic THE TRIANGLE MEDICAL PROVIDER

- Laser Teeth Whitening 8.000 - Implant 50.000 - 65.000 Tel.: 0 7741 4229 for appointments Email: apichart@baanluckfun.com For Taxi: เฉวง ละไม แม่น�ำ้ บ่อผุด และเกาะพะงัน Bophut T : 0 7743 0731-32 Chaweng T : 0 7741 4229-30 Lamai 1, T : 0 7741 8822-3 Chaweng Beach T : 08 6470 4247, 0 7742 2793 Lamai 2, T : 0 7741 8395, 08 6470 4246 Phangan T : 08 6470 4248 www.baanluckfun.com Maenam T : 0 7733 2088-89 New Haad Rin T : 08 6470 1971

for Samui, Phangan, and Koh Tao. With the largest number of highly trained specialists, and a wide range of medical services, Bangkok Hospital Samui is the number one choice for your medical care.

Your Complete Health Solution Tel.: Emergency Services 0 7742 9500 Email: info@samuihospital.com For Taxi: โรงพยาบาลกรุงเทพ ตัง้ อยูท่ ถ่ี นนรอบเกาะเฉวง Located on Chaweng Ring Road

Brite Smile

deckchair asia 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

Tel.: 0 7742 9500 Website: www.DentalSamui.com For Taxi: โรงพยาบาลกรุงเทพ ตัง้ อยูท ่ ถ่ี นนรอบเกาะ เฉวง

Located in Choeng Mon

Located in Chaweng

MInd your language

Click studio

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 Tel/Fax: 0 7796 2088 Web: www.mindyourlanguagethailand.com Email: chaweng@mindyourlanguagethailand.com For Taxi: อยูซ่ อยมังกีเ้ ธียเตอร์ บ่อผุด

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. Tel.: 0 7724 7169 or 08 1797 7839 Email: clicksamui@hotmail.com For Taxi: คลิก๊ สตูดโิ อ ตัง้ อยูแ่ ม่น�ำ้ แถวสันติบรุ ี กอล์ฟ

Located in Bophut and New School open on Koh Tao

Located in Nathon

Asia Travel

Beauty Smile

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.

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. Tel.: 0 7741 3762 or 08 1649 2779 Email: info@beautysmiledentalclinic.com For Taxi: • มี 3 สาขาทีเ่ ฉวงและ 2 สาขาทีล่ ะไม Location : Chaweng 1 (near First Resident Hotel), Chaweng 2 (opposite Chaweng Post Office), Chaweng 3 (at Samui Natien Resort), Lamai 1 (Opposite Golden Sand Hotel), Lamai 2 (Opposite Lamai Food Center)

NAT Accounting 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 Located in Chaweng

Teeth Whitening 8,000 B. Dental Implant 50,000 – 55,000 B.

Tel.: 0 7723 6120, 0 7742 1342 Fax: 0 7742 1185 Email: asia_int@samart.co.th Located in Nathon

Simply the best!

Mobile: 08 1677 8497 24 hours: 08 1970 9632 24 hours: 08 1396 0023

Samui Centre of Learning Bilingual Education for children aged 2 to 12 years 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 Email Teacher@samuilearning.com www.samuilearning.com Tel.: 0 7741 9104, 08 1091 0714 / For Taxi: สมุย เซ็นเตอร์ ออฟ เลินนิ่ง ตั้งอยู่ที่บ้านละไม

Located in Lamai

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Real Estate

Real Estate 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.

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180° Seaview

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 Tel.: 08 5887 7414 Email: chonthira.saiwaew@gmail.com

2.65 Million Baht 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 Krabi Province

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.

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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

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.

All Serious Offer Considered Tel.: 08 5887 7414 Email: chonthira.saiwaew@gmail.com Located in Krabi Province

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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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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

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

รับขายฝากที่ดิน รับขายฝากที่ดิน บ้าน ตึกแถว ทาวน์เฮ้าส์ อาคารพาณิชย์ 08 5887 7414

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

HOROSCOPE

BEFORE YOU CRITICIZE SOMEONE, YOU SHOULD WALK A MILE IN THEIR SHOES. THAT WAY, WHEN YOU CRITICISE THEM, YOU’RE A MILE AWAY AND YOU HAVE THEIR SHOES. Aries

Everyone wants what’s best for you, in terms of reducing the amount of time you are allowed to show your face outside of your house. Don’t try to tell people how to live their lives! The differences between you and your peers set you apart. And by apart, we mean they’re thinking of relocating you so that you’re as far apart as physically possible.

Taurus

Scorpio

Why not grin like a Cheshire cat? But don’t talk like him - that’ll just alienate yourself from everyone who could love you. And who wouldn’t love you? Huh? Who? No-one, because you’re all Aces. Robots tend to have more luck than you at finding love. This month will see no alteration of that sad fact; however, it is possible that a robot may fall in love with you.

Curvy, gorgeous, lascivious...are the last 3 “Words of the day” that landed in your inbox. For you they will be associated with nothing. The best things in life are free, including back massages and sex. However, since it is possible to pay for these things, one wonders this month whether they ought to be tried that way, too.

Gemini

Sagittarius

Much of your body weight tends to be distributed in a specific place but that may start shifting. Hearing clicking noises in your head is not a good sign for you this month. Wearing a tinfoil hat may keep the aliens away, but keeping it on during your job interview as a Cabaret Dancer will cause things to go dreadfully wrong.

Cancer

The odds that you’ll escape today without a serious injury are incalculable. Body odour may haunt your chances with a certain member of the opposite sex. Your stupidity today will be rivalled only by your embarrassment. Your worst fears may come to light today when you are shoved into a very small hole filled with sharks, insects, spiders, snakes and moths.

Leo

You should focus on all the positive things that have happened over the past few years. This will help you overcome the incredible setbacks which are coming in the next few weeks. When in danger, you have a tendency to run away quickly. Harness that ability today as you’ll need it sometime around 4pm. Everything you think about yourself will not be called into question this week.

Virgo

Hope can be found in the bottom of some packets of cereal. However, relying on this fact is probably a folly you should avoid. The way you dance around the office may cause some to question certain parts of your personal life.

Libra

It is tantalising to think that you may be the favourite person in your area. However, fame always leads to the embarrassing disclosure of old XXX tapes of you. Your life may seem boring compared to others; however, you do have a nice third nipple. Chew the cud with some friends today. Their inane chatter may amuse you.

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This month may cause some problems for you as your secrets are shared across the Internet. Any irritation you feel this week may be due to an oncoming illness, or possibly disease. If you lose money today you can be assured that the nature of human kindness will mean you never see it again.

Capricorn

The army has always held a fascination for you. Today might be a day where new things start to happen. Subconsciously, you’ve always felt free to say and do what you want, so today’s county-court judgement against you might affect your life in ways you hadn’t considered.

Aquarius

Loving care is something that people write on shampoo bottles. What you need is a good hard boink. You’ll pray for better times once this month is done with. It’s sad, really, but so many people are going to get a kick out of your failure. Plans for the future are put on hold this month as a certain someone turns your head and breaks three vertebrae.

Pieces:

Don’t worry. Be happy. The Nigerian bank that is holding your emailfriend’s money does not exist. It’s funny, all the other people we know like you died when they were very young. Shallow puddles may deceive you today.

The Profmil Group Official Statement The Profmil Group has had a very hard time because of the severe impact by the economical crisis. We have in effect had no new sales in 2009, as many projects have been cancelled, stopped or delayed. The Profmil Group is discontinuing all work on the sites to assess the current economical situation and to see how we can help our customers the most. Please be informed that the company is not going bankrupt, but we are temporarily closing down our construction department to ensure that we can stabilize the situation. We also would like to urge people not to believe all the various rumors that are currently being spread around by outsiders, as they contain false information. This statement is the official release of the situation, as well as the only official

explanation of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current situation. Last week, we were suddenly informed that one of our suppliers would not honour their agreements, and that they would not deliver the ordered materials for three houses. On top of that, another supplier stopped work on a site because of financial reasons. Lastly, we received many postponements of new constructions, which has added to the cash-flow problems. We have discussed this dire situation, and we have decided that there was no point in continuing on like this as it would simply make the situation worse. We have laid off all our lower staff and we shall lay off most of our higher staff by the end of this month. We have a large stock of building materials and we are assessing now how we can help

our customers by giving them as many materials as possible to finish their houses, ultimately minimizing any possible losses to an absolute minimum. Our customers have been informed about the situation and we are constantly in touch with them to help them as much as possible. The remaining people are working day and night to answer all questions and finding the most suitable solutions. Our sales and rentals departments will continue their operations without change. If you require more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at: contactus@profmil.com and we will try to assist you in the best possible manner.

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